NIAGARA, Wis. — Last week I wrote about why it is that history keeps repeating itself. I used the book “The Handmaid’s Tale” as an example of why this happens, and discussed the importance of approaching life using both our heads and our hearts to reach a deeper understanding of history and “history in the making” as each day unfolds. I proposed that in order to prevent history from repeating itself, it was necessary to have both the knowledge of the events and empathy for the people who lived through them. So this week I wanted to explore that topic a bit further to learn how we need to teach history and how we can help our children develop empathy for others.

First, let’s acknowledge that raising children is not an easy undertaking. If you decide to become parents, it is truly the most challenging, most rewarding, and most important job you will ever undertake. The second most difficult job is teaching other people’s children. Teachers probably spend as much time with children as parents do, and the responsibilities are similar. Parents and teachers are both concerned with helping children grow into responsible, independent, happy, healthy adults and in keeping them safe throughout the process. Both parents and teachers help to determine society’s future by doing their jobs to the best of their ability.

When I was growing up, the world of school seemed pretty matter-of-fact. My mother made it clear to me and my siblings that our job was to do our best so we could get good grades and be accepted into college. Education was the path to a bright future. Teachers were supported. The last thing we wanted to have happen was for our teacher to give our mother a bad report on our behavior or our report card. My husband went to Catholic school, and his parents approached education in the same manner. Beyond books and grades, school taught us how to get along with other kids. Our parents stressed treating others the same way we would want to be treated and to take responsibility for our own actions. Rules were established at school for a reason, and we were expected to follow them. And, above all, the teacher was to be respected.

When my husband and I became parents of our two sons, we raised them with the same basic principles as we had been raised. Work hard, respect the teacher, follow the rules, and be kind and helpful to those in need. We rarely questioned the school or the teachers and expected our boys to do their work and to behave.

As parents, our natural instinct is to protect our children. When they are toddlers, we accident-proof the house so they do not hurt themselves, and we do not leave them alone outside until they are older and we have taught them to be safe. Look both ways when you cross the street, don’t put stones in your mouth, don’t swat at bees. As they grow and mature, we give them a little more independence and caution them about greater potential dangers. We instill in them the difference between right and wrong, how to treat others, and eventually we give them advice on their futures. Always we try to model the behavior we expect of them.

We do not expect perfection. Children learn from failure, from picking themselves up and dusting themselves off. They become stronger and more resilient when they learn that positive results can be found after messing up the first time. Responsible adults are formed from lessons learned after making mistakes and being held accountable for their errors. Strength of character and resiliency are instilled in children and young adults when they learn that success can, indeed, follow failure.

Empathy is learned from first experiencing their own disappointments when they fall short. They learn, from their own failed first efforts, what it feels like when life does not turn out the way they expect. And, yes, sometimes it is unfair. In fact, the unfairness of life is probably the most bitter pill of all to swallow. But it is far better for children and young adults to learn about this unfairness when we, as their parents, are around to help them understand and deal with it. We can teach them emotional resilience. Once our children experience their own disappointments, they develop empathy for others in similar situations.

We need to teach children that while there is a lot of good in the world and much to celebrate, the bad and the ugly also exist. Children need to learn, at an appropriate age, that evil exists and has always been a part of our history and growth as a nation.

For if they are never exposed to this evil, they become easy targets with little defense against life’s dangers. Knowledge is their best protection. Also, our children are our future, and it is our responsibility to arm them with as much information as possible so they can be prepared not only to protect themselves, but to lead our world to a brighter future.

We need to look at the education of our children in the same way we view maintenance of our home. We practice preventive maintenance on our home: annual furnace tune-ups, cleaning the eaves, repairing roofs and retaining walls, making small repairs before they become big problems. By teaching our children history — with all its warts — we are helping them to prevent our world from making the same mistakes.

The Holocaust happened. Wars happened. Environmental disasters happened. Slavery happened, and racial injustice still exists. Evil exists. As children grow toward adulthood, they need to be taught not only these events but their causes and early warning signs. Armed with this information, they can be better prepared to exercise preventive maintenance on our world.

One of my favorite movies, and one that exemplifies the need for empathy and being an example for our children, is “The Blind Side.” It tells the story of Michael Oher. His story takes place in Memphis, Tenn. Michael was born into a home with problems: an imprisoned and absent father, an addicted mother, and a rough neighborhood full of crime and temptations of all kinds. He had no guidance, no positive example, and no support. Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy take him in, become his legal guardians and raise him alongside their own two children, daughter Collins and son Sean, Jr. I will never forget the scene when Leigh Anne takes him upstairs to show him where he will sleep in the guest room. Michael says, “I have never had one of these before,” to which Leigh Anne asks, “Your own room?” His response is priceless and heart wrenching, “A bed.” At that point I looked over at our 12-year-old granddaughter, who was watching the movie with us, as she wiped away her tears. Empathy was born.

Schools and teachers today need our support more than ever before. We need to remember that while we have two or three children to raise, they have hundreds to teach. We are all on the same side and want the best for our kids. Let’s work together to make our schools safe and nurturing places where they can continue to be positive learning environments. Let’s teach history — real history.

Let’s stop banning books. Let’s continue to provide support for our teachers and schools and stop getting in the way of the learning that will prepare our children for a bright future… and a safer world.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Group activities are ongoing, and doors are unlocked for visits. They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; word search, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; room visits, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; coffee chatters, 2 p.m.; a visit from the Easter Bunny.

Tuesday: Lutheran service with Pastor Steve, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; art/crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Bible study, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; find the right item, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Uno, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; Yahtzee, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass with Father Joe, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Color in spring and crossword puzzle.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; Pictionary, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; Easter bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Memory books, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; Yahtzee, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; travel film, 1 p.m.; Scattegories, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/Animal Kingdom, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; current events, 2:30 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

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

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; throwaway bingo, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzler, reminisce, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

(formerly Manor Care/ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is now open for visitation. Vistors no longer need to call in advance.

Sunday: Easter social, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Easter game, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Leisure cart, 9 a.m.; resident council, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Leisure cart, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Bob Larson, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; “Jeopardy,” 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; balloon ball, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Table talk, 9:30 a.m.; devotional, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Po-ke-no, 1 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: Scattegories, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; Easter bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; tic tac trivia, 10 a.m.; “Price Is Right,” 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.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; Uno, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Scrabble, 10 a.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.; Bible study, 3 p.m.

Friday: Men’s breakfast, 7 a.m.; rummy, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim D., 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 this time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

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

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

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; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; music with Crystal Hogan, 1:30 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Cards, 10:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Lunch outing, 10:30 a.m.; manicures, 2 p.m.; Skip-Bo, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Shopping outing, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; sensory, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social, 10:30 a.m.; Jerry Beauchamp, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Breakfast outing, 8:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; Pictionary, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour with Rosemary and Wayne, 2 p.m.; trivia, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

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

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

The center, 415 Main St., is open four days a week, serving soup and sandwich meal from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturdays and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

The new cook prepares meals on site.

Tuesday: Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy and vegetable.

Wednesday: French toast bake, cheesy hashbrowns and sausage.

Thursday: Cheesy flounder, baked potato and slaw.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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: Beef stir fry, rice and vegetables.

Tuesday: Chicken breast patties, macaroni and cheese and peas.

Wednesday: Ham, scalloped potatoes and vegetables.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Bitsy Peryam

906-875-6709

The center is open on Mondays and is serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, 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 phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only.

On-site meal menu –

Monday: Baked chicken and rice pilaf.

Tuesday: Chili mac and cornbread.

Wednesday: Pork chops and mashed potatoes.

Home-delivered meal menu –

Monday: Ham, sweet potatoes and cranberries.

Tuesday: Hamburger, baked beans, macaroni and cheese.

Wednesday: Chicken pot pie over biscuit, island blend vegetables and fruit.

Thursday: French bread pizza, dill carrots and applesauce.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Ham, sweet potatoes and cranberries.

Tuesday: Chili, corn bread and side salad.

Wednesday: Chicken pot pie over biscuit, island blend vegetables and fruit.

Thursday: French bread pizza, dill carrots and applesauce.

Friday: Hamburger, baked beans, macaroni and cheese.

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:

Monday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Les Artistes’ art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

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

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played; Happy Quilters, 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursday: No activities at this time.

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

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

Monday: Chicken wings, french fries and coleslaw.

Tuesday: Stuffed shells, garlic bread and mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Spanish rice, Mexicorn and cornbread.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Ham, sweet potatoes and cranberries.

Tuesday: Chili, corn bread and side salad.

Wednesday: Chicken pot pie over biscuit, island blend vegetables and fruit.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken Caesar salad (chicken, romaine, tomato, croutons, parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing), breadsticks and cottage cheese with peaches.

Tuesday: Cook’s choice — entree, vegetable and fruit.

Wednesday: Pasty, coleslaw, fruit and frosted brownie.

Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs, spinach orange salad, fruit, pudding and cookies.

Friday: Chicken strips, macaroni and cheese, calico bean salad, tomato juice 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 Wednesdays 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 is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals On Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Pork chop with gravy, sweet potato, mixed vegetables and applesauce.

Tuesday: Country-fried steak with white sauce, mashed potato, Key Largo vegetables and fruit cup.

Wednesday: Swiss steak, baked potato, Brussel sprouts and Mandarin oranges.

Thursday: Chili with crackers, coleslaw, cornbread and apple crisp.

Friday: Breakfast biscuit with egg, cheese and sausage patty, hashbrowns, tomato juice and banana.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

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

Monday: Ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, zucchini, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Ham and scalloped potatoes, broccoli, dinner roll, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Sloppy Joes, baked beans, tater tots, dessert and milk.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

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 $5 for those older than 60 and $7 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, Italian sausage, garlic bread, salad and cookie.

Tuesday: Taco casserole, vegetables, corn bread and brownie.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour pork, rice, Oriental blend vegetables, chow mein noodles and peaches.

Thursday: Baked fish, potatoes, green beans, rye bread and banana.

Come to the center for bingo on Wednesday this week.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

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 planning to dine in or pick up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy and vegetable.

Tuesday: Philly steak sandwich, potato wedges and vegetable.

Wednesday: Spaghetti or polenta, garlic bread and vegetable.

Thursday: Salmon, sweet potato fries and vegetable.

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 906-563-5587 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: Sloppy Joe, fries, green beans and mixed fruit.

Wednesday: Chicken parmesan, egg noodles and broccoli.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn and pears.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Ham, sweet potatoes and cranberries.

Tuesday: Chili, corn bread and side salad.

Wednesday: Chicken pot pie over biscuit, island blend vegetables and fruit.