NIAGARA, Wis. — Each of us has a personal history — especially by the time we reach this period of our lives. We have a shared family history, as well as the unique individual history that we have built throughout our many years of living. We are shaped by the many events of our lives — those that happened to us and those that we orchestrated ourselves. We also have a broader, shared human history that developed as a result of the times and the locations in which we have lived our lives. It is important for each of us to know and understand those histories — the “whats and whys” of our lives — so we have a better understanding of ourselves and of our broader society.

Most of us know our ancestry. And if we are uncertain, there are different services to which we can submit a snippet of our DNA to find out where our family truly has its roots. We also may possess old family photo albums that give us a glimpse of our past long before we were born or we may have simply learned from stories told to us as we were growing up. These stories — even though they may be about people we have never met — help to define the roots from which we have grown. Whether those stories are good or bad, they help to explain why our grandparents moved to a certain location or why our mother behaves the way she does. We can also learn from mistakes or misjudgments made by those same family members that shaped our own destinies. When we know our past, we better understand our present and the forces that have aligned to shape our present personalities and current situations.

For most of us, our family histories are mixed bags of memories we cherish and events we would just as soon forget. I so enjoyed growing up with maternal grandparents who had a farm. I have many wonderful memories of playing in corn fields, hay mows, and the milk house; of catching toads and of climbing trees. Being the oldest, I also spent a lot of time just sitting and listening to my mother, aunt and grandmother talk about times in their own childhoods on the farm. I heard about one of my grandmother’s brothers who had worked very hard all day building a barn. That night, he was jumping around in his bed and yelling while still asleep, “I have that darn barn stuck in my pocket, and I can’t get it out!” I heard stories of the Great Depression — of tramps and hobos who used to go house to house asking for food — and learned how my grandmother would leave food on the back porch steps when she could spare it for whomever walked by. I paged through photo albums not knowing any of the people who were looking back at me yet we bore similar facial characteristics — the same eyes and cheekbones, the same hair color. It was eerie and comforting at the same time.

I also have a better understanding of my mother because of her history. She had always wanted to go to college, but her family could only afford to send her to business college for an 18-month program. Consequently, the education of her four children was of supreme importance; she was determined to give us what she never had. She lost her husband — my father — after only five years of marriage. We grew up not knowing my dad’s side of the family. Knowing how his loss changed her helped us to better understand her over-protective nature and our own determination to overcome a difficult chapter in our family’s history.

I think each of us can look back to our own family history and draw connections between it and our present lives. We have been shaped by the past, and knowing it helps us to understand our present selves. We can bask in the joyful memories and realize the strength we have gained from conquering hard times.

Now, let’s broaden our vision to include our place in the history of our nation and our nation’s place in the history of the world. Most of us, unless we were very lucky, learned American and world history as a series of battles, presidents and world leaders, and dates that had to be memorized and spit back to pass a test. Such was my experience and the reason I never liked my history classes. Nothing seemed pertinent to me.

As an adult, living through the period of history in which we currently find ourselves with its never-ending turmoil, I understand the importance of paying attention to the forces both past and present that shape our world. I have also come to believe that we do our children a terrible disservice when we shield them from the hard facts of our country’s past. Our country is far from perfect. Yet it has survived as a shining example of democracy for the world. Ken Burns is an American filmmaker known for his documentary films and television series, many of which chronicle American history and culture. He has this to say about the topic of teaching history:

“Being an American means reckoning with a history fraught with violence and injustice. Ignoring that reality in favor of mythology is not only wrong but also dangerous. The dark chapters of American history have just as much to teach us, if not more, than the glorious ones, and often the two are intertwined. As some question how to teach American history to our children — and even question the history itself — I urge us to confront the hard truth, and to trust our children with it. Because a truly great nation is one that can acknowledge its failures.”

Author, Stephen King, has a similar opinion but a very different solution to share. He says:

“When books are run out of school classrooms and libraries, I’m never disturbed. Not as a citizen, not as a writer, not even as a schoolteacher… which I used to be. What I tell kids is, don’t get mad, get even. Don’t spend time waving signs or carrying petitions around the neighborhood. Instead, run, don’t walk, to the nearest non-school library or the local bookstore and get whatever it was that they banned. Read whatever they’re trying to keep out of your eyes and your brain, because that’s exactly what you need to know.”

Just as the events of our personal lives — good, bad, happy or difficult — have made us the people we are today so have the events of our nation’s history shaped our broader world. It is important to see how and why mistakes were made — how the unthinkable happened — so we can learn and appreciate the strength it took to overcome the ugly chapters of our country’s history book. We need to also see that a lot of work still needs to be done. And that knowledge is a good thing because it will help to inspire — to light a fire in our hearts and minds — so the hard work gets done and things improve for everyone.

I end by sharing a recent perspective I received as a Facebook quote: “History is not there for you to like or dislike. It is there for you to learn from. And if it offends you, even better. Because then you are less likely to repeat it. It’s not yours to erase or destroy.”

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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

Sunday: TV church, 9 a.m.; art work, 1 p.m.; “Antiques Roadshow,” 6 p.m.

Monday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11: 45 a.m.; Uno, 1:30 p.m.; room visits, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; baking group, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; Lucky 7, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; happy hour, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Word search, 10 a.m.; coloring, 2 p.m.; ice cream with staff, 3 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

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

Monday: Coffee social/reminisce a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Book Club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass (video), 10 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; garden club/reminisce, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Community breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; current events 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; getting pretty, 1:15 p.m.; Men’s Club, 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.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; happy hour with music, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; grandparents party-music, treats, fun, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: ICMCF word search/room visits, 9 a.m.; puzzle time, 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 your visit.

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

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; Labor Day activity, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Labor Day bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; story telling, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; porch time, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 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.; manicures, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crafting, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Friday: Grandparents Day social, 9 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Swap ideas social, 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.; you be the judge, 10 a.m.; Labor Day bingo, 2 p.m.

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

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; crafts, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

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

Friday: Men’s breakfast, 7 a.m.; rummy, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 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: Labor Day.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; ladder ball, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Thursday: Communion with Deacon Don, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; “Wheel of Fortune,” 2 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m., refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

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

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Phase 10, 10:30 a.m.; sensory, 2 p.m.

Monday: Movie, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee social, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Outside social, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour 2 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; trivia, 6 p.m.

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

Friday: Catholic Mass (multi-purpose room), 10:30 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; reminiscing, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Pictionary, 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: Cheese omelet, hashbrowns, sausage and fruit, milk.

Wednesday: Boiled dinner, yogurt, dinner roll, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Beef stroganoff, noodles, green beans, dinner roll, 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: Closed.

Tuesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes and carrots.

Wednesday: Reuben sandwich, potato wedges and chef choice of vegetable.

Thursday: Fish or chicken sandwich, potatoes and coleslaw.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

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: “Melt in your mouth” pork chops with mashed potatoes.

Wednesday: Baked chicken with rice pilaf.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256 ext. 230 or 235.

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

Monday: Tuna bakes, fried potatoes and cauliflower with cheese.

Tuesday: Broccoli cheese soup, dinner roll and fruit Jell-o.

Wednesday: Sausage pizza, breadstick and green beans.

Thursday: Spaghetti, garlic bread and four-way vegetable.

Friday: Ham and cheese sub sandwiches, carrot salad, fruit cups and treat.

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 to 4 p.m. Card cost is .25 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: Closed for Labor Day — Chef salad, dinner roll, fruit (carry-out).

Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and carrots.

Wednesday: Lasagna, breadsticks and broccoli.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Centers closed for Labor Day.

Tuesday: French toast sticks, breakfast sausage, hash browns, tomato juice and fruit salad.

Wednesday: Liver and onions or chicken breast, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, fruit and birthday cake.

Thursday: Turkey ranch wrap (turkey, lettuce, tomato, cheese in a spinach wrap), baked beans, potato salad and apple crisp.

Friday: Chili, corn bread, cucumbers in sour cream 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

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: Ham and cheese sandwich, chips, granola bar, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Cheese omelet, hashbrowns, sausage, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Boiled dinner, yogurt, dinner roll, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Beef stroganoff, noodles, green beans, dinner roll, dessert and milk.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

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

Monday: Closed for Labor Day.

Tuesday: Grilled chicken with sauce, linguini noodles, Samoa blend vegetables, dinner roll and cookie.

Wednesday: Open-faced turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes with gravy, peas and fruit torte.

Thursday: Green and Gold Day: Brat on a bun, German potato salad, baked beans, fruit and “green and gold” dessert.

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: Closed for Labor Day.

Tuesday: Pizza burger, roasted red potatoes and Italian blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and carrots.

Thursday: Cranberry chicken wrap, sweet potato fries and green beans.

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

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: Chili with beans, cornbread, carrots and tropical fruit.

Wednesday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles, broccoli and pineapple.

Thursday: Sweet and sour pork, rice and stir fry vegetables.

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