NIAGARA, Wis. — For me, the scariest news reports deal with the effects of climate change. We see and hear them almost daily: fires out west; flash flooding in the northwest, southwest and even along the eastern seaboard; ever stronger hurricanes and tornadoes that decimate communities across our country. As more and more trees are destroyed, we are less and less able to remove from the air the carbon dioxide that we keep pumping into it. Climate change really should be named “climate changing” for it has arrived, and its progression is a definite. We have the research, the science and the technology that tells us what needs to happen to reclaim our planet yet there remains a hesitancy to act. Why? What is holding us back from doing what needs to be done?

Anyone who owns a home, or even rents one, knows that it is important to maintain it. My husband and I bought a house that was built in 1928, and we have improved it from a major fixer-upper to a lovely home filled with character. It was a gradual, 44-year process that began with interior paint and progressed to a major renovation in 2004. We have replaced electrical, improved plumbing, waterproofed the foundation, replaced windows and doors, added central air conditioning, and we are on our second gas furnace. We are now facing the need for a new roof and retaining wall.

Home maintenance is a never-ending, but very necessary, process. Left unattended, houses deteriorate. Also, necessary repairs and upgrades that are ignored lead to much bigger, and more expensive, issues down the road. Leaky windows lead to rot. Roofs not replaced as soon as needed lead to leaks, water damage and mold. When foundations are not repaired, the integrity of the entire house is compromised. Neglected for too long, and the house degrades to where the only option that makes sense is to tear it down and start over.

We need to begin thinking of our planet as a huge home — one that shelters people, wildlife and plants around the world. We cannot ignore the droughts, floods and storms that are clear warning signs that our planet is in danger and is in need of repair. Science clearly tells us that climate change is advancing much more quickly than initially calculated and that there will be a point of no return coming sooner than initially anticipated. And, while we can move to a new house if our old one falls apart around us, we cannot pick up and move to a new planet to escape the deterioration of Earth – despite what we may see in the movies.

We cannot keep complaining that any efforts to head off climate change are too expensive. By doing nothing, we are allowing the weather to continue to destroy our infrastructure and our homes. Entire communities, in our country and around the world, have been leveled by fires, floods and storms. Certainly, the clean-up and rebuilding as a result of this devastation is expensive too. Also, the cost of insurance protection continues to increase as companies shell out more and more money to fix what Mother Nature has destroyed. So, where does it make the most sense to be spending our money – prevention or clean-up?

Al Gore’s book, published in 2006 titled “An Inconvenient Truth,” is aptly named. Fixing the mess mankind has made of our environment is all of that and more since it involves major change in the way energy is produced and used. It will involve a massive shift in industry as we find ways to produce energy efficient products — everything from cars, to furnaces, to appliances. It will also involve a massive amount of government spending to accomplish, which — as we know — has led to nothing more than partisan bickering while the clock keeps ticking. We are running out of time to make the changes our planet desperately needs us to make.

There seems to be a glimmer of hope on the horizon, and I am cautiously optimistic. President Biden’s administration has been working on a new infrastructure law ever since he won the election in 2020. It was recently announced that Congress passed, by a narrow bi-partisan margin, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It is a multi-pronged initiative designed to take on the forces that are affecting climate change as well as the pollution of our environment. Some of its key initiatives include the following items.

— Investment in water infrastructure to eliminate lead service pipes and help to guarantee safe drinking water.

— Repair and rebuild roads and bridges with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience and safety. This will be the single largest investment in repairing and reconstructing the nation’s bridges since the construction of the interstate highway system under President Eisenhower.

— Reduce greenhouse emissions through the largest investment in public transit in U.S. history. A huge investment in public transit will be made to expand these options across every state and to replace deficient mass transit vehicles with those that produce zero emissions.

— Upgrade the nation’s airports and ports to strengthen supply chains and prevent disruptions that have caused inflation.

— Make the largest investment in passenger rail since Amtrak was created 50 years ago. This will create safe, efficient and climate-friendly alternatives for moving people and freight.

— Build a national network of electric vehicle chargers.

— Upgrade the nation’s power infrastructure to deliver clean, reliable energy across the country and deploy cutting-edge energy technology to achieve a zero-emissions future.

— Make the nation’s infrastructure resilient against the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.

— Invest largely to attack legacy pollutions by cleaning up Superfund and brownfield sites, reclaiming abandoned mines, and capping orphaned oil and gas wells.

I do not doubt that all of this is possible. What I am worried about is whether we will all join in supporting these initiatives. We are living through a period of disruption to everything we find familiar. But we need to let go of our old ways and allow the advancements our planet so desperately needs. We also need to ignore the many distractions that lay in the path to progress. There will always be naysayers who claim that climate change is not real, none of these new initiatives will work or are even needed, or will most definitely cost too much.

To that last objection, I ask: Where do you want to spend your money — fixing or preventing? And, as Mother Nature gets closer and closer to winning the climate change battle, what good will all the money in the world do… if we no longer have a world?

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Freeman’s has resumed small group activities. Visitation is currently being allowed twice weekly with screening and COVID-19 testing required before entering the building. All precautions are still being taken to protect residents. Everyone has adjusted to this new normal; however, they are all looking forward to a great get-together when it is safe to do so.

Sunday: Finish the song title, 10 a.m.; word search, 2 p.m.; “Antiques Roadshow,” 6 p.m.

Monday: Coffee and news, 10 a.m.; lunch trivia, 11:45 a.m.; Uno, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee and news, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; parachute fun, 2 p.m.; find the items, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee and news, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; lucky 7, 2 p.m.; news flash, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Baking group, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; crafts/art, 1:30 p.m.; room visits, 3 p.m.

Friday: Coffee/news, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; goody cart, 2 p.m.; hair day, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Finish the song title, 10 a.m.; word search, 2 p.m.; “Antiques Roadshow,” 6 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with snacks, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Memory books, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; bonfire, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass (video), 10 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; garden club/reminisce, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/community events 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; monthly birthday party, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with music, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Gibson picnic, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; car races, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzle pack/room visits, 9 a.m.; Pictionary, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

ProMedica (formerly Manor Care)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is now open for visitation. There is no longer a need to call in advance of a visit.

Sunday: Yahtzee, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-O, 1 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 2 p.m.

Monday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; manicure, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; craft corner, 2 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; Flip-O, 2 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; porch time, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Friday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; what’s news? 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Sing along, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; porch time, 1 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 2 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Visitation is allowed as long as all infection control guidelines are followed including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Book club, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 9 a.m.; you be the judge, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; devotionals, 10 a.m.; court yard camp fire, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Uno, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 1 p.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Pictionary, 10 a.m.; happy hour/monthly birthday party, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10 a.m.; court yard Yahtzee and lemonade, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. There are no group activities at the present time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; left-center-right, 2 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; games and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Bunco, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 2 p.m.

Monday: Exercise, 10:30 a.m.; crafts, 2 p.m.; karaoke, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Yahtzee, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3 p.m.; bonfire with s’mores, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Lunch outing, 11 a.m.; wine and cheese, 2 p.m.; Sorry, 3:30 p.m.; board games, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Bunco, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; fish fry outing, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday: Rosary, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

This center remains open. The only change is that the Iron River Center will cook and deliver the meals each week.

Tuesday: Chicken Alfredo, zucchini, breadstick, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Club sandwich, chips, spinach side salad, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Pepper steak, cheesy rice, garlic bread, dessert and milk.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Now open for dine-in eating Monday through Thursday — serving at noon. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Liver or sausage, parslied potatoes and mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans.

Wednesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham and chef choice vegetable.

Thursday: Baked fish or meatloaf sandwich, potatoes and coleslaw.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Rocky Scarlassara

906-875-6709

The center is now open and is once again serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place your order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include salad bar, homemade desserts, coffee, tea, or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. — call ahead and leave a message with your phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Grilled brats with tater tots and baked beans.

Wednesday: Hot turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256 ext. 230 or 235.

Home delivered meals only – call to make arrangements. Friday’s meals will be delivered on Wednesdays. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chef salad, tropical fruit and pudding cup.

Tuesday: Salisbury steak, rice and mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Alfredo chicken casserole, broccoli/cheese and roll with butter.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles and carrots.

Friday: Deluxe bologna sandwich, coleslaw, orange and brownie.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week is:

Monday: Spinning spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Les Artistes’ art club, noon to 4 p.m.; wood carvers, noon to 4 p.m.

Tuesday: Cards – Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Card cost is 25 cents per card, 10 games are played.

Thursday: Cards — Pinochle, noon to 4 p.m.

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Now open for dine-in eating – call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Taco bake, corn chips and salad.

Tuesday: Turkey wrap, potato chips and fruit

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy and carrots

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Restrictions have lifted at some centers — see below. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken tater bake, dark green salad and fruit.

Tuesday: Biscuits and sausage gravy, hash browns, corn and fruit.

Wednesday: Stuffed shells, green beans, dark green salad, garlic bread, fruit and brownies.

Thursday: Chicken in mushroom gravy, black beans and rice, squash and fruit.

Friday: Brats on a bun, sweet potato fries, beet salad and fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Open Monday through Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program for those who are homebound.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11 a.m., salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken enchilada, refried beans, corn, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Chicken Alfredo, zucchini, breadstick, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Club sandwich, chips, spinach side salad, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Pepper steak, cheesy rice, garlic bread, dessert and milk.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

The center is open, and dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $4.50 for those older than 60 and $7 for those 60 or younger. Bingo played on Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Brat patty on a bun, Swiss macaroni, spinach/mushroom bake and hot fruit dessert.

Tuesday: Baked fish, potato, baked beans and spice cake.

Wednesday: Sub sandwich with lettuce and tomato, cottage cheese, chips and fruit with topping.

Thursday: Barbecue chicken, German potato salad, baked beans, fruited Jell-O.

Norway Center

Head Cook: Brian Gutkowski. 

906-563-8716

Now open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if you are dining in or picking up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pulled pork, potato wedges and creamed corn.

Tuesday: Ravioli, winter blend vegetables and breadstick.

Wednesday: Liver or burger with onions, mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans.

Thursday: Lasagna, Italian blend vegetables and garlic bread.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Board meets on Thursday at 1 p.m.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Taco bake, cornbread, peas and pears.

Wednesday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables and peaches.

Thursday: Pasta and meat sauce, broccoli and mixed fruit.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.