NIAGARA, Wis. — There is so much dissention and unrest in our world right now. There seems to be a 50–50 split of opinion on just about every issue we face as a nation. In fact, my husband and I have noticed this in something as simple as The Daily News opinion poll. In too many situations, these differences have erupted in violence with the most tragic of consequences. What we need is an understanding, as well as an acceptance, of our differences and an appreciation of how those differences make us stronger as a family, a community, and a nation.

Like just about everything in life, the acceptance and appreciation for differences begins at home. My husband and I began our relationship with the understanding that we were polar opposites on every personality test we ever completed. I am an introvert, make decisions using logic, plan ahead, and am rather fearful of new experiences, so have a low tolerance for risk. My husband is a very fun extrovert, leads with his heart in most matters, takes each day as it comes, and is excited by the new and different. While dating, none of this mattered much, but after we married and lived every day under the same roof, we realized we definitely had some issues that we needed to resolve. Now, 51 years later, we are happy and relieved that we found a way to travel the road of life together. No matter what we encountered along the way, one of us found a path around or through the obstacle and helped the other navigate the challenge as well.

Our two sons, both very different personalities themselves, witnessed the adjustments we made to each other and learned that there are ways to compromise in life. We also worked at teaching them tolerance of their own differences and hoped that it would lead to both an acceptance of, and an appreciation for, the differences in their friends and people in general.

Both have grown into open-minded, big-hearted men who have passed along a spirit of inclusion to their own children. Maya Angelou says it best in her words, “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity, there is beauty, and there is strength.” And Alain Dehaze adds, “Nurturing an inclusive culture begins in the family. Home is the first place to foster openness and a culture of inclusion.”

The most progressive towns and cities have found a way to capitalize on their diversity. The most effective city councils are comprised of both men and women, young and old, as well as members from the different ethnic groups who live within the community. This kind of diversity brings a much greater mix of viewpoints to the table when decisions need to be made; a community that involves representatives from its full constituency will better serve the needs of everyone.

We all have walked different paths through life so have learned different lessons along the way. Consequently, my neighbor will most likely have a better solution to a problem he has already encountered than I will having never run up against the issue myself. Well known businessman, Malcolm Forbes, defined it quite succinctly; “Diversity: the art of thinking independently together.” And Sundar Pichai explained, “A diverse mix of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone.”

Allowing for diversity and inclusion at the national level will be the single most important factor to moving beyond the unproductive stalemate that currently exists. We must stop thinking in terms of political party and broaden our view to once again include our entire country and all of its people. We need representation from men and women of all ages and origins who have a wide array of life experiences so they can identify with, and work for, all people. We deserve that kind of selfless representation and governance. Martin Luther King, Jr. said it best, “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” And Robert Kennedy added, “Ultimately, America’s answer to the intolerant man is diversity, the very diversity which our heritage of religious freedom has inspired.” Sam Brownback said it most simply, “A democracy thrives on diversity. Tyranny oppresses it.”

My grandmother made “rag rugs” for her farmhouse. They were nothing more than a collection of rags, old clothing, scraps of this and that which were no longer of any use having long outlived their effectiveness individually. But, woven together, they had new life and became a sturdy rug to keep out the draft from the woodshed or to keep dust and dirt at the door and out of the rest of the house. They served a new purpose once woven together. When the diverse talents of people come together, great things can also happen.

Jimmy Carter said it most eloquently when he observed, “We have become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.” And Abdu’l-Baha said, “The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord.”

I like to think of our world like a massive patchwork quilt. Each continent, each country, each village, each person contributes their square to make a whole. Each square is different and individually is barely noticed. Yet stitched together, the quilt becomes a remarkable work of art with tremendous strength and usefulness. Each of us has a set of skills, a unique viewpoint, a spark of an idea that when brought together — when allowed to be heard — can impact all of mankind.

Our world has many problems that are crying to be solved. Our world also has many people who are crying to be heard. We need to come together with open hearts and open minds so the necessary solutions can be found. As Verna Myers explained, “Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.”

Finally, I will leave you with this Islamic proverb to contemplate: “A lot of different flowers make a bouquet.” And made all the more beautiful.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Group activities are ongoing — 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.; resident choice, 2 p.m.; throw darts, 6 p.m.

Monday: Daily report, 10 a.m.; rosary, 10 a.m.; room visits, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; bird talk, 1 p.m.; coffee chatter, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Daily report, 10 a.m.; church with Lisa, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; “Price Is Right,” 1:30 p.m.; reminisce, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Daily report, 10 a.m.; art, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; music with Andy, 2 p.m.; movie and popcorn in the dining room, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Daily report, 10 a.m.; room visits, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; outdoors, 2 p.m.

Friday: Daily report, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Resident choice, 10 a.m.; horse racing with Ann, 2 p.m.; see the new activities board, 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, 9 to 11 a.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Early bird bingo, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2 p.m.; Dan’s songs for seniors, 2 p.m.; bonfire, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee social/book club, 10 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; garden club, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Community breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; travel club, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; just friends, 2:30 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

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

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; concert with Jim Quales, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: “Price Is Right”/Pictionary, 10 a.m.; geri gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

(formerly ManorCare/ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Manicures, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; po-ke-no, 1 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; resident council, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; patio ball toss, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; just jokes, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 1:30 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

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

Saturday: Men’s social, 9:30 a.m.; devotional, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crafting, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Sunday: Coffee and news, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; yard Yahtzee, 10:15 a.m.; sounds of time with Jan and Gino, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; kick ball, 10 a.m.; courtyard campfire — s’mores, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; seated exercise, 10 a.m.; baking cupcakes, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; Music in the Park, 6:30 p.m.

Friday: Monthly birthday coffee clutch, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Morning mingle/“Price Is Right,” 10 a.m.; courtyard cabana — lemonade, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

There are no group activities at the present time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

No information is available at this time.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Historic Centennial Farm open house and craft sale.

Monday: Bus ride, 10:30 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Tea party, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; Scattegories, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Bunco, 2 p.m.; trivia, 3:30 p.m.; concert in the park — Escanaba, 4 p.m.

Thursday: Exercise, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; sensory, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; “Family Feud,” 2 p.m.; king’s corners, 3:30 p.m.

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

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

The center at 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. Saturday and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chef salad, broccoli and cheese and baked potato.

Wednesday: Pork chops with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Thursday: Crunchy cod, cheesy hashbrowns and slaw.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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: Baked chicken, baked potato and broccoli.

Tuesday: Meatballs, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn.

Wednesday: Chili and grilled cheese sandwich.

Thursday: Pasty pie and green beans.

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 serves 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. Menu for the week —

Monday: Brats, tater tots and baked beans.

Tuesday: Ground beef goulash and dinner roll.

Wednesday: Barbecue chicken and rice pilaf.

DISCA home-delivered meals in Crystal Falls —

Monday: Ham and cheese sandwich, coleslaw, yogurt and fruit.

Tuesday: Pancakes, sausage and hash browns.

Wednesday: Tuna bake, fried potatoes and spiced fruit.

Thursday: Cheese tortellini with meat sauce, garlic bread and cauliflower.

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 and cheese sandwich, coleslaw, yogurt and fruit.

Tuesday: Pancakes, sausage and hash browns.

Wednesday: Tuna bake, fried potatoes and spiced fruit.

Thursday: Cheese tortellini with meat sauce, garlic bread and cauliflower.

Friday: Caesar salad, cottage cheese and fruit.

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: 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: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.;

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: Omelet, oven-browned potatoes and sausage.

Tuesday: Philly cheese sandwich, chip and coleslaw.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Ham and cheese sandwich, coleslaw, yogurt and fruit.

Tuesday: Pancakes, sausage and hashbrowns.

Wednesday: Tuna bake, fried potatoes and spiced fruit.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Parmesan chicken, baked sweet potato, three-bean salad and fruit.

Tuesday: Taco salad, cornbread, salsa and fruit.

Wednesday: Country-style ribs, sauerkraut, cheesy potatoes, peas and carrots and brownies.

Thursday: Picnic Day – chili cheese hot dog, potato salad, baked beans, watermelon and s’mores cake.

Friday: Bacon cheeseburger tater tot bake, 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., served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

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, 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: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, peaches and whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Meat lasagna, Brussel sprouts, side salad and scalloped apples.

Wednesday: Baked ham, boiled potato, Prince Charles vegetables, whole wheat bread and fruit cup.

Thursday: Broccoli turkey casserole with cheese, zucchini and fresh fruit.

Friday: Sweet and sour pork, white rice, wax beans, carrots and pineapple tidbits

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

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

Monday: Ham and cheese bun, tuna salad and cottage cheese.

Tuesday: Hamburger gravy, mashed potatoes and chef choice vegetable.

Wednesday: Chicken enchilada, rice and corn.

Thursday: Italian beef on French bread, peach compote and cooked tomatoes.

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 $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, breadstick, fruit and dessert.

Tuesday: Sweet and sour pork, rice, vegetables, chow mein noodles and dessert.

Wednesday: Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots, dinner roll and lemon bar.

Thursday: Chicken salad sandwich, potato salad and fruit dish with topping.

Bingo will be played on Mondays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook: Brian Gutkowski 

906-563-8716

Open for dine-in eating 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: Lasagna, breadstick and vegetable.

Tuesday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, red potatoes and vegetables.

Wednesday: Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy and vegetable.

Thursday: Cod, scalloped potatoes, green beans with bacon.

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

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

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Roast pork, mashed potatoes and peas.

Wednesday: Raviolis with meat sauce, broccoli, garlic bread and fruit.

Thursday: Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce, noodles and California blend vegetables.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Ham and cheese sandwich, coleslaw, yogurt and fruit.

Tuesday: Pancakes, sausage and hash browns.

Wednesday: Tuna bake, fried potatoes and spiced fruit.