NIAGARA, Wis. — We have considered the question of character throughout our lives, whether or not we were completely aware of it. This consideration has been with us since we were children and we chose our first group of friends. It followed us when we selected our life partner. It certainly played a role in our career as we decided whether to stay with a particular job and its leadership or move on to new opportunities. And it most definitely became a part of our own personality as we grew into adulthood and learned to make the hard choices that would help to shape and define us to ourselves and to the world around us. What does it mean to be of good character?

This question has been pondered since the time of the early Greek philosophers, and today I am drawing on some of Aristotle’s wisdom to provide an answer. Aristotle lived in the fourth century BC. He was a student of Plato and eventually became teacher to Alexander the Great. Aristotle did not confine himself to merely the study of philosophy but delved into poetry, drama, comedy, biology, physics, politics and music as well. He was termed “the master of those who know.”

Aristotle believed that humans could learn to be virtuous by making a habit of moral acts. In other words, if man practiced acting like a good person, he would eventually become good. He said, “Men become builders by building and lyre players by playing the lyre; so, too, we become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts.” Consequently, we have learned and accepted that within our society, men are judged by their actions.

Aristotle also saw virtue as a balance between two extremes. The brave person, for example, was one who avoided acting like a coward but was also not rash or foolhardy. He believed that moderation brought out the best in all people and made human society harmonious. In many of his writings, Aristotle discussed the chief virtues that a good and moral person should strive to develop as character traits. Let’s take a look at them.

1. Courage. Courage involves pain and is justly praised because it is harder to face what is painful than to refrain from what is pleasant.

2. Temperance. Showing restraint and moderation in life demonstrated man’s control over his baser instincts. Self-control is important to the development of good character.

3. Liberality. This was synonymous with generosity. Aristotle believed that of all those who are called virtuous, the generous are probably the most liked because they are helpful, and their help consists in giving.

4. Truthfulness. The truth is a fine and praiseworthy thing; falsehood is in itself bad and reprehensible.

5. Friendliness. The best friend is the one who wishes his friends well for the sake of the friend and has no self-interests at heart.

6. Justice. Justice is the “king” of virtues. When present, nothing surpasses its importance.

7. Magnanimity. A person with this trait wishes the best for others and has a generous spirit. Never petty, this person is fair-minded and willingly gives others the benefit of the doubt.

8. Righteousness. A righteous person gets angry at the right things and with the right people, in the right way, at the right time, and for the right length of time. This person will be patient and will not be carried away by feelings.

9. Magnificence. Aristotle believed that a magnificent man was like an artist; he could see what was fitting so justifiably could spend large sums of money in a tasteful manner. He would be the opposite of the ostentatious man; in today’s terms, a show-off.

10. Ambition. For Aristotle, ambition laid somewhere between pride and humility. Man should not pursue glory just for the sake of glory, but should do the work because it needed to be done. Once the job was accomplished, whatever it was, man deserved to be proud of his accomplishment.

11. Wit. This was defined as a healthy disrespect when delivered in an educated manner.

Fast forward a few centuries to the life and times of Edmund Burke. He was a British citizen with an Irish background who served in the British parliament from 1766 to 1794. He was a statesman, a philosopher, and was considered to be the father of conservatism. For Burke, the definition of good character was found in the man who takes action. Consider the following quotations as evidence of this belief.

— “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

— “All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.”

— “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.”

Burke also believed that the man of character could see both the need for improvement and the importance of holding on to the best lessons learned from the past. Burke defines the man of good character in these words: “A disposition to preserve, and an ability to improve, taken together, would be my standard of a statesman.”

Take another leap forward to the present. An internet search brought me to a “CBS Sunday Morning” interview with Mitt Romney, Republican senator from Utah since 2019. He was the recipient of the JFK Library’s “Profiles In Courage” award for his consistent defense of the fundamental principles of democratic governance. As a senator, Romney has earned the reputation for reaching across the aisle to advance major priorities that benefit both the people of Utah and the entire country.

Romney believes that character counts and that the character of our leaders makes a difference and shapes the character of our country. His own father, George Romney, was governor of Michigan. And he remembers the Republican Party as being defined by men like Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and John McCain; whether or not one agreed with their politics, they were all men of character. He is troubled because he doesn’t see it in his party’s current candidate for the presidency. In his words, “Donald Trump represents a failure of character that in many respects is changing the psyche of our nation, and the heart of our nation, that will take a long time — if ever — to repair.”

Throughout history, then, character has mattered and was valued. It was present in our government and was essential in our society. Men and women of character built our country and are needed today to carry on the principles of democracy that built our nation from an upstart group of colonies to the leader of the free world. It is our responsibility to make sure that people of good character continue to lead our nation into the future. We need to remember this come November when we find ourselves casting our ballot in the voting booth.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

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

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

Monday: Art, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; dice club, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Pastor Sam, 10:45 a.m.; skip-bo, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Nails, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; movie, “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Church with Lisa, 10 a.m.; coffee chatter, 11 a.m.; resident choice, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; dining music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Resident choice, 1 to 3 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

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

Monday: Memory books, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; trivia, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; high rollers, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/travel club, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Florence Family Dollar, 12:30 p.m.; current events, 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.; United Lutheran, 2 p.m.; happy hour with music, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; wii fun, 2 p.m.; web browsing, 2:30 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: ICMCF word search/smart shoppers, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Vistors no longer need to call in advance.

Sunday: File and style, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; flip-o, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; dirt cups, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; March fun facts, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; stretch it out, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Spring craft, 2 p.m.

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

Saturday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; po-ke-no, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are now allowed to attend activities and encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Lucky bingo, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; chocolate chip mint ice cream soda, 2 p.m.; church services, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; afternoon ride, 1 p.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Lenten reflections, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; coffee with a side of laughs, 10:15 a.m.; Derby Day, 2 p.m.; Stations of the Cross, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; coffee and recipe sharing, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Uno, 10 a.m.; candy making with Bobbi, 2 p.m.

Friday: Short stories, 10 a.m.; C&R happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities

Monday: Crochet/knit club, 10 a.m.; parachute, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Tell a joke, 10 a.m.; Manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Chair exercise/chair dance, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; fact or fiction, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic communion, 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 services, 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.; who, what or where, 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 2 p.m.; men’s group, 4 p.m.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; reading with North Central Elementary, 10 a.m.; cranium crunch, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; short stories, 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; hair, make-up, dress up for the occasion, Spring Formal with Celtic band, 2 p.m.; coffee social, 4 p.m.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; noodle ball, 4 p.m.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; lunch outing/hangman, 11 a.m.; “Jeopardy,” 2 p.m.; person-centered visits, 4 p.m.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; balloon toss, 10:15 a.m.; drinks and trivia, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; 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: Pork chops, roasted parsley potatoes, wax beans

Wednesday: French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon

Thursday: Chili with beans, cornbread, side salad

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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

Monday: Chicken breast, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans

Tuesday: Spaghetti with meatballs, garlic bread, Italian blend vegetables

Wednesday: Hearty beef stew, biscuit, pudding cup

Thursday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes with gravy, candied carrots

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 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: Spanish rice casserole, tortilla chips

Tuesday: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes

Wednesday: Chicken parmesan, spaghetti, garlic bread

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

Monday: Spaghetti, Italian sausage, garlic bread, Italian blend vegetables

Tuesday: Bacon ranch chicken, wax beans, dinner roll, fresh fruit

Wednesday: Fish, mashed potatoes, corn

Thursday: French bread meat pizza, macaroni and cheese, California blend vegetables

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: Spaghetti, Italian sausage, garlic bread, Italian blend vegetables

Tuesday: Bacon ranch chicken, wax beans, dinner roll, fresh fruit

Wednesday: Fish, mashed potatoes, corn

Thursday: French bread meat pizza, macaroni and cheese, California blend vegetables

Friday: Pancakes, sausage, breakfast potatoes, baked apples

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: Pork chops, fried cabbage, carrots

Tuesday: Creamy tomato soup, grilled cheese sandwich, fresh fruit

Wednesday: Evening meal – Ham dinner, cheesy potatoes, glazed carrots, dessert

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Spaghetti, Italian sausage, garlic bread, Italian blend vegetables

Tuesday: Bacon ranch chicken, wax beans, dinner roll, fresh fruit

Wednesday: Fish, mashed potatoes, corn

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Entrée, vegetable, fruit

Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, fruit

Wednesday: Lasagna roll-ups, dark green salad, bread sticks, fruit cup, pumpkin dump cake

Thursday: Chicken tortellini vegetable soup, egg salad sandwich with lettuce and tomato, and fruit

Friday: Fish sandwich, baked beans, broccoli 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

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

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. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

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: Western egg bake, red oven potatoes, muffin, Mandarin oranges, tomato juice

Tuesday: Swiss steak with stewed tomatoes over rice, Far East vegetable blend, warm fruit crisp

Wednesday: Meat loaf, boiled potatoes, carrots, cook’s choice fruit cup, whole wheat bread

Thursday: Pea soup, egg salad with whole wheat sandwich bread, cottage cheese, peaches

Friday: Tuna noodle casserole, Key West vegetable blend, scalloped apples, breadstick

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Open for dine-in eating, serving at 11 a.m. Salad bar is available. No night meals at this time. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheese omelet, sausage, hashbrown casserole

Tuesday: Beef tips, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans

Wednesday: Liver and onions, parsley potatoes, California blend vegetables

Thursday: Pasty casserole, winter blend vegetables, beets

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 $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Tuesday: Chicken breast with peppers and onions, rice pilaf, broccoli, apple sauce

Wednesday: Sliced turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes, corn and black beans, wheat dinner roll, pears

Thursday: Bacon-wrapped pork, seasoned noodles, caramelized carrots, cookies, fresh orange

The Niagara Senior Center/Café will have bingo on Tuesdays 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 is 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: Liver or burger and onions, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetables

Tuesday: Chicken patty on a bun, tater barrels, vegetables

Wednesday: Two-Meal Day: 11 a.m. — Sloppy Joes, tater barrels, vegetables; and 4 p.m. — Barbecue ribs, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables

Thursday: Lasagna, breadstick, vegetables

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

Board meeting set for Thursday.

Center activity schedule —

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

Monday through Thursday: Card game 101, 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.

The menu for the week —

Tuesday: Tuna melt, sweet potato fries, coleslaw

Wednesday: Cheese tortellini with meat sauce, broccoli, garlic bread

Thursday: Pulled pork sandwich, seasoned potato wedges, creamy coleslaw

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Spaghetti, Italian sausage, garlic bread, Italian blend vegetables

Tuesday: Bacon ranch chicken, wax beans, dinner roll, fresh fruit

Wednesday: Fish, mashed potatoes, corn