IRON MOUNTAIN — We are extremely fortunate in America where most of us were born into this democracy. As citizens of a democracy, we have a set of inalienable rights guaranteed to us by our Constitution. Our founding forefathers imagined this form of government and willed it into existence where it has stood as a model to the world for nearly 250 years. We learned about the formation of our country and its form of government in school, and have enjoyed various movies about our founding fathers over the years. But, do we truly appreciate how blessed we are to be living under this form of government? Do we fully grasp how much of an advantage we, as American citizens, have when compared to citizens of other countries in which democracy does not exist? And do we realize how fragile our democracy is?

Our Constitution begins as follows: “We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” And it continues with one of the most powerful statements in our country’s history: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

The Bill of Rights comprises the first 10 Amendments to our Constitution. It spells out our rights as citizens in relation to our government. It guarantees civil rights and liberties to the individual and sets rules for due process of law. It reserves all powers not specifically delegated to the federal government as belonging to the people or to the states. And it specifies that “the enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.” In short, if rights are not specifically spelled out, it doesn’t mean we do not have them. Let’s review these rights — consider it a review of your eighth-grade civics class.

The First Amendment protects our right to free speech, to free press, to assemble or gather with a group to protest or for other reasons, and to petition the government to fix problems. It also protects our right to our own religious beliefs and practices and prevents the government from creating or favoring any religion.

The Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms. This guaranteed the early colonists the ability to form local militias in their defense against continued British invasion.

The Third Amendment prevents government from forcing homeowners to allow soldiers to use their homes. Before the Revolutionary War, laws gave British soldiers the right to take over private homes.

The Fourth Amendment bars the government from unreasonable search and seizure of an individual or their private property.

The Fifth Amendment provides several protections for people accused of crimes. It states that serious criminal charges must be started by a grand jury. A person cannot be tried twice for the same offense (double jeopardy) or have property taken away without just compensation. People have the right against self-incrimination and cannot be imprisoned without due process of law (fair procedures and trials).

The Sixth Amendment provides additional protections to people accused of crimes, such as the right to a speedy and public trial, trial by an impartial jury in criminal cases, and to be informed of criminal charges. Witnesses must face the accused, and the accused is allowed his or her own witnesses and to be represented by a lawyer. 

The Seventh Amendment extends the right to a jury trial in federal civil cases.

The Eighth Amendment bars excessive bail and fines and cruel and unusual punishment.

The Ninth Amendment states that listing specific rights in the Constitution does not mean that people do not have other rights that have not been spelled out.

The Tenth Amendment says that the Federal Government only has those powers delegated in the Constitution. If a particular right or power isn’t listed, it belongs to the states or to the people.

I marvel at the wisdom and courage of our founding fathers. They had such vision and daring and paved the way for our young country and fledgling democracy to grow into the envy of the world. They have given us a wonderful gift to be sure and have demonstrated that if mankind can imagine a better world, he can find his way to it.

As with any great gift, comes great responsibility. In order for a gift to last, it must be first appreciated. We need to value the gift we have been given before we even realize we have an obligation to care for it. We also need to appreciate its fragility before we understand that it even needs our care. Our forefathers fully realized the value of a democracy and appreciated the fact that what they had created was truly both unique and fragile. They had lived under repressive British rule and had fought their way out from under it to build a country founded on individual freedom.

Do we have that same conviction today? We find ourselves living in challenging times. Our elected representatives members of the 118th Congress have emerged as being one of the least-functional sessions in history, having passed only 34 pieces of legislation since January of last year. This marks the lowest productivity since the Great Depression. By comparison, the 113th and 114th Congresses, which took place during former President Barack Obama’s second term, passed 196 and 329 bills, respectively. The 115th and 116th Congresses, which took place during former President Donald Trump’s term in office, passed 442 and 344 bills. The 117th Congress, which took place during President Joe Biden’s first term, passed 362 bills, according to data within the Congressional Record.

Disagreement obviously runs high, and the inability to find compromise seems to be the definition of our current Congressional membership. Given the present state of Congress, it becomes more important than ever that we pay attention. That we hold our leaders accountable for their inability to act in our best interests. That we use our vote to send them packing if need be.

In today’s political climate, we cannot afford to take anything for granted. Nor can we assume that action will be taken in our best interests. We cannot forget the monumental fight our founding fathers waged for our benefit. We cannot ignore, or fail to appreciate, our rights as spelled out in the Constitution of our great country. We need to rise to the challenges presented to us and have the courage to continue our forefather’s fight for freedom. For nothing is automatic. Nothing comes without sacrifice.

We deserve the country, and the government, in which we are prepared to participate. Now is not the time for apathy or complacency. It is a time for courage, for action, and for making our collective voices heard once again. In November, we will be given the opportunity to do just that — so let’s raise our voices together. Vote.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV/resident self-activities, 10 a.m.

Monday: Morning perks, 10 a.m.; crafts, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; card club, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Morning perks, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; music on YouTube, 11:45 a.m.; dice club, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Morning perks, 10 a.m.; LRC dice game, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; movie time, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Resident council meeting, 10 a.m.; music on YouTube, 11:45 a.m.; white board, 2 p.m.

Friday: Morning perks, 10 a.m.; Book Club, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Resident choice, color a nice picture, 1 p.m.; CNBC “Undercover Boss,” 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; Easter trivia, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

No additional information available.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: File and style, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Easter craft, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; fools’ facts, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; fools’ bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; name that, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; spring crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.; file and style, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; shop op, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; po-ke-no, 1:30 p.m.

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

Saturday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Sunday: Cross making, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12 p.m.; cottontail bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; Hangman, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; catch a phrase, 10 a.m.; parachute, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; baking cupcakes, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.’ evening prayers, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; birthday social, 10 a.m.; creative art, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Men’s breakfast and Peeps day; red hat social, Peeps s’mores, 10 a.m.; afternoon ride, 1 p.m.; C&R happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Coffee and Twinkies, 10 a.m.; board games, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Happy Easter.

Monday: Two truth and a lie, 10 a.m.; group puzzle, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Coloring for adults, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Exercise/dance, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Bible study with Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; bean bag toss, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Independent activities.

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 and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

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

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

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

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; church service, 10 a.m.; chronicles, 11:30 a.m.; movie, 1:30 p.m.; coloring pages.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; pondering prompts while wetting your whistle, 11 a.m.;

manicures, 2 p.m.; Bologna, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; trivia and coffee, 11 a.m.; hallway bingo, 2 p.m.; tea time, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; rainbow trivia, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, rain drops craft, 2 p.m.; plants, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Hangman, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; sensory, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; lunch outing, 11 a.m.; who-what-where, 11 a.m.; off to the races, 2 p.m.; balloon toss, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; chair exercise, 10:15 a.m.; drinks and trivia, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; daily chronicles; activity packets.

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. Thursdays, 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

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chicken stir fry with vegetables, boiled rice, fortune cookie.

Wednesday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, buttered carrots, dinner roll.

Thursday: French bread pizza, Italian blend vegetables, fruit crumble.

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: Biscuits and sausage gravy, oven-roasted potatoes, spiced pears.

Tuesday: Chicken fettuccine Alfredo, broccoli, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Wet burrito, refried beans, cornbread.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalski and Shannon Stapleton

906-875-6709

The center is now 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 a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Taco casserole with tortilla chips.

Tuesday: Chicken ala king with egg noodles.

Wednesday: Brats, oven-browned potatoes, baked beans.

Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA — independent from above menu) —

Monday: Cheeseburger, baked fries, baked beans.

Tuesday: Broccoli and cheese soup, ham and cheese slider.

Wednesday: Ham dinner, cheesy potatoes, glazed carrots.

Thursday: Chili, cornbread, side salad.

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: Cheeseburger, baked fries, baked beans.

Tuesday: Broccoli and cheese soup, ham and cheese slider.

Wednesday: Ham dinner, cheesy potatoes, glazed carrots .

Thursday: Chili, cornbread, side salad.

Friday: Sack lunch — turkey sandwich, banana, Jell-O, string 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: 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.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

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

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: Grilled salmon, au gratin potatoes, cauliflower.

Tuesday: Pasty, coleslaw, corn.

Wednesday: Layered chicken casserole, cauliflower, croissant.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Cheeseburger, baked fries, baked beans.

Tuesday: Broccoli and cheese soup, ham and cheese slider.

Wednesday: Ham dinner, cheesy potatoes, glazed carrots .

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Hamburger on a bun with lettuce, tomato, onion and cheese, baked beans, fruit.

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

Wednesday: Chicken parmesan with spaghetti, orange-cranberry spinach salad, breadsticks, applesauce salad.

Thursday: Pork chop suey over rice, Oriental vegetables, fruit, brownies.

Friday: Fish tacos with coleslaw, salsa, tomatoes, olives and onions, corn salad, 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

Closed Tuesday for elections.

Open serving at 11:30 a.m., Monday through Thursday.

Reservations for a meal onsite need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

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: Goulash, green beans, apples, whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Chicken parmesan over pasta, cook’s choice vegetable, fruit mix.

Wednesday: Turkey ala king over mashed potatoes, Key Largo blend vegetables, tropical fruit, whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Beef pot pie, roasted broccoli, applesauce, whole wheat breadstick.

Friday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, boiled potato, corn, fruit cocktail, whole wheat bread.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Dine-in meal served at 11 a.m. Salad bar is available. No night meals at this time. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Biscuits and sausage gravy, oven roasted potatoes, spiced pears.

Tuesday: Chicken soft tacos, Spanish rice, corn.

Wednesday: Cheeseburger, baked fries, baked beans.

Thursday: Lasagna, green beans, garlic French bread.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe on a whole wheat hamburger bun, baked beans, fresh carrots, caramel apple dump cake.

Wednesday: Oriental soup bar with chicken, vegetables, brown rice, chow mein noodles, fresh orange.

Thursday: Pork steak and gravy, mashed sweet potatoes, broccoli, whole wheat bread, blueberry bars.

The center will have bingo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook:  Brian Gutkowski

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals 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: Barbecue pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw.

Tuesday: Tuna noodle casserole, vegetables.

Wednesday: Meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables.

Thursday: Chicken pot pie.

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

Dine-in meals served, salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Country-style ribs, macaroni and cheese, corn.

Wednesday: Broccoli and cheese soup, ham and cheese slider, peaches.

Thursday: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, candied carrots.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Cheeseburger, baked fries, baked beans.

Tuesday: Broccoli and cheese soup, ham and cheese slider.

Wednesday: Ham dinner, cheesy potatoes, glazed carrots.