NIAGARA, Wis. — Today’s title is borrowed from Charles Dicken’s 1859 novel, “A Tale of Two Cities.” It is the opening thought, which begins a list of contradictions that goes on for nearly a full paragraph, and an attempt to describe the complexities of this period of history.

The novel is set in the late 18th century during the French Revolution. The story takes place in both London and Paris, and several characters, caught in the fervor of the fight, must make difficult decisions and choices that affect both themselves and their loved ones. The story also serves as a warning that such a time could be repeated. And we certainly know this is true, as the world has seen much strife since Dickens wrote this famous line.

It has been said that if you want to know what was happening during any given time in history — to appreciate what life was really like — read the books that were written during that time or see the movies that were produced. Writers and filmmakers have the wonderful ability to show us ourselves at our best and worst; always with the hope that we will learn from our past mistakes so as not to repeat them. Given our track record throughout history, there will always be a story to tell and a lesson to learn, for we seem forever doomed to repeat our mistakes.

My husband and I recently watched two movies that are examples of this unfortunate fact — one historical and the other futuristic. We both like to view movies we think will be up for an Academy Award, as well as those that have serious commentary about our world. We always check IMDB — Internet Movie Data Base — for commentary and the score — from one to 10 — it received from people who have already watched it. Our “rule” is we will not invest our time in a movie that does not score at least a six. Each of the two movies we were considering had received scores above a seven so we were initially pleased.

The oldest movie had been mentioned at this year’s Academy Awards several times, and it won an Oscar for Best International Feature Film. It never came to our local theater so we were pleased when we were able to see it on HBO Max. My goodness was it difficult to watch; we had to break it up into three different viewing times as it was so intense. It told the story of a real-life German SS Commandant, Rudolf Hoss, and his wife, Hedvig, along with their two young children. He was in charge of the operations at Auschwitz, and he and his family lived a very ordinary life right outside the walls of the concentration camp. Their mundane existence, in a lovely home complete with swimming pool and vegetable gardens, was in stark contrast to what was happening just on the other side of the wall. The furnaces burned constantly, and smoke could be seen billowing continuously. Intermittent gunshots and screams were also common. We saw the piles of discarded shoes and clothing, luggage, and concentration camp garb on display behind plate-glass windows that were being calmly cleaned by custodial staff. People were going about their ordinary lives, doing their assigned jobs as though it was like any other factory. The complete lack of emotion demonstrated the total disconnect between the crime and the perpetrators and was the most difficult aspect of this movie to watch.

Yet, it must be watched. We have to be appalled. For we must come to some understanding of both why and how such an atrocity happened — and continues to happen — if we are ever able to recognize the warning signs… if we are ever able to stop history in its tracks.

The second movie we wanted to see was just released this year and is currently playing locally. Titled “Civil War,” it is a futuristic film. It takes place in a very divided America and traces the journey of a small group of photojournalists across the eastern third of the country as they try to make their way to Washington D.C. to interview the president in the middle of a Civil War. The country has divided itself into a number of political factions, and it is filled with one violent scene after another. It is a commentary on today’s journalism and the mentality that seeks to file a story ahead of anyone else. It also very violently shows a divided America. We went with another couple. They and my husband stayed for the entire movie, but I had to leave after only 45 minutes. I jumped at every gunshot — and there were a lot of them — and I could no longer watch the horrific visual violence and the displays of the very worst of humanity. In short, it was a terrible movie.

We have one historically accurate movie portraying a terrible time in our shared past and one movie equally disturbing predicting a future none of us would want to ever experience. Both are being shown to us in our present time. It really doesn’t take a genius to understand that the writers and filmmakers are trying to tell us something about the times in which we are living. One gives us a painful reminder of just how much evil people are actually capable of creating, and the other warns that the evil is still lurking in the weeds … waiting for an opportunity to take over once again. So, yes Charles Dickens, these may become the worst of times.

But, can we still find — or create — the best of times? What must be done to push that pendulum in the other direction? Specific words come to mind: respect, appreciation, acceptance, empathy. Respect for the legacy of our forefathers, for the dream that was an America so united that it could not fall and would stand as an example to the rest of the world. Appreciation for all the good that is America. Have we had our personal freedoms so long that we are now taking them for granted? Acceptance that what is good comes from our diversity. And empathy for those who need our help and understanding — not our disdain and blame.

I do not know about you, but I have to admit that I have been personally struggling to keep a positive outlook this year. At first, I thought it was my usual seasonal depression — too much gray sky, too few sunny days, too much time indoors. I generally feel this way through the month of March into April as I get impatient for green and flowers and sunshine. But I recently realized that this year — weather-wise, at least — was one of our milder years. No, this year it is a different culprit. It is a dread of the future … of what the nightly news is going to tell me tonight, of what horror story I have yet to read in the daily newspaper, of the starving in Gaza, of the next bombing in Ukraine, of the latest fight between political opponents. It goes on and on.

We cannot continue down this road upon which we are currently travelling — each in our own lane, wearing our righteous blinders, believing we are right and all other viewpoints, as well as the people who have them, are wrong. Not one of us has all of the answers. Not one political party is right. Not one group of people is to blame for our challenges. We are all in this life, at this time, together. We have only now to make it be the best life it can be … so let’s stop wasting time arguing and start pulling together in the same direction once again to be the America we know we can be.

——

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: Breakfast fun, 7:45 a.m.; resident choice, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; card club, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Breakfast fun, 7:45 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; music on YouTube, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Breakfast fun, 7:45 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; movie time, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Breakfast fun, 7:45 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Morning perks, 10 a.m.; cooking club, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Resident choice — have fun with the weekend packet.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; “Name That Tune,” 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; high rollers, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee social/just friends, 9:30 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; senior bball, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Community breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; “Animal Kingdom,” 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 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.; senior center, 10:30 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with music, 2 p.m.

Friday: Getting pretty, 9:30 a.m.; men’s club, 10:15 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Mother’s Day party, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: “Price Is Right”/how do you feel? 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: File and style, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Cinco de Mayo crafting, 1 p.m.

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

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

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Mother’s Day crafting, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; who’s that? 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Jim Edberg, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Men’s social, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; po-ke-no, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Sunday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; macho nachos social, 2 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Hedbanz, 10:15 a.m.; music with Bob Larson, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; baking, M&M chocolate chip pudding cookies, 10:15 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; mugs and muffins, 10 a.m.; “Family Feud,” 2 p.m.

Friday: Men’s breakfast; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; lunch bunch, A&W root beer stand, 11 a.m.; C&R happy hour, Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

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

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Music and memories, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.

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

Wednesday: Chair yoga, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

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

Friday: Catholic communion, 10 a.m.; movies, 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; Bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia and coffee, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; coloring pages; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; pondering prompts, 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 2 p.m.; men’s groups, race cars, dominoes 4 p.m.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; what would you do? 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; trivia-outdoor rhythm time, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, ever changing bouquet, 2 p.m.; bologna, 4 p.m.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation, open room, 9:30 a.m.; lunch outing, 10:30 a.m.; pondering prompts, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; sensory, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11 a.m.; off to the races, 2 p.m.; travel brief, 4 p.m.; bunco, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 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 and spaghetti, green beans, breadstick.

Wednesday: Deluxe hamburger, seasoned potato wedges, corn on the cob, pudding.

Thursday: Pulled pork sandwich, potato wedges, coleslaw, 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: Chicken and spaghetti, green beans, breadstick.

Tuesday: Boiled dinner, biscuit, applesauce.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour pork, white rice, Oriental vegetables, egg roll, fortune cookie.

Thursday: Beef ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, sliced Italian sausage, garlic bread.

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

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: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy.

Tuesday: Chicken Alfredo, garlic bread.

Wednesday: Cheesy cod, parsley boiled potatoes.

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

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

Tuesday: Tater tot casserole, candied carrots, biscuit, Jell-O with fruit.

Wednesday: Chicken soft tacos, Spanish rice, corn.

Thursday: Garlic parmesan tilapia, tartar sauce, mashed potatoes, steamed carrots, biscuit, pudding.

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

Tuesday: Tater tot casserole, candied carrots, biscuit, Jell-O with fruit.

Wednesday: Chicken soft tacos, Spanish rice, corn.

Thursday: Garlic parmesan tilapia, tartar sauce, mashed potatoes, steamed carrots, biscuit, pudding.

Friday: Cheese tortellini with meat sauce, broccoli, garlic bread, yogurt.

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

Call for dine-in serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

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

Tuesday: Deluxe chef salad, ham and cheese slider, cottage cheese, pineapple.

Wednesday: Cheese omelet, sausage, oven browned potatoes, spiced pears, toast.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

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

Tuesday: Tater tot casserole, candied carrots, biscuit, Jell-O with fruit.

Wednesday: Chicken soft tacos, Spanish rice, corn.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Beef stew, biscuits, fruit.

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

Wednesday: Mother’s Day meal — baked turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, strawberry rhubarb pie.

Thursday: Sloppy Joes, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, cucumber salad, fruit, birthday cake.

Friday: Philly cheese steak casserole, candied carrots, 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

Served 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: Cheeseburger, hamburger bun, hash browns, corn, fruit cup.

Tuesday: Beef stew, biscuit, sweet potato wedges, scalloped apples, milk.

Wednesday: Mother’s Day meal — chicken cordon bleu, twice-baked potatoes, cook’s choice vegetable, whole wheat bread, pineapple pistachio dessert.

Thursday: Taco salad with meat, salsa, lettuce, tomato, olives, onions, sour cream, and tortilla chips, fruit cup.

Friday: Bratwurst, hot dog bun, boiled potato, corn, fruit Jell-O.

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: Taco salad, fiesta corn, tortilla chips, salsa and sour cream.

Tuesday: Cheesy tuna casserole, steamed carrots, croissant.

Wednesday: Shredded barbecue chicken on a bun, sweet potato with buttered peas, yogurt parfait.

Thursday: Liver and onions, roasted garlic potatoes, asparagus, biscuit.

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: Teriyaki chicken breast, stir-fry vegetables, brown rice, orange Jell-O salad, romaine lettuce salad.

Wednesday: Mother’s Day dinner — meatballs and gravy, mashed potatoes, carrots, wheat bread, apple pie.

Thursday: Hamburger on a wheat bun, lettuce and tomatoes, baked beans, tropical fruit salad.

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: Lasagna, breadstick, vegetables.

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

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetables.

Thursday: Philly cheesesteak, wedges, vegetables.

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: Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, broccoli bake, biscuit, pudding.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour pork, white rice, egg roll, Oriental vegetables, fortune cookie.

Thursday: Pepper steak, rice, green beans, pudding cup.

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

Home-delivered meals —

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

Tuesday: Tater tot casserole, candied carrots, biscuit, Jell-O with fruit.

Wednesday: Chicken soft tacos, Spanish rice, corn.