NIAGARA, Wis. — I have always admired those who can see unfairness in our world, or a problem that needs fixing, and have the courage to speak out about it. They do not stop there, for these people are also doers and have the ability to gather others together in support of their cause. They inspire the group to take action which brings about the change that is necessary for the world to become a better place for all of us. These folks are known as activists, and they are a special breed of people.

As today’s title points out, to be an activist takes courage, strength and commitment. Courage is needed because generally the problem that needs fixing has not yet been fixed — usually due to the fact that another group of folks does not believe a problem exists. They are happy with the status quo because most of the time, the current situation benefits them. The activist must be courageous enough to bring attention to what will most likely be a contentious topic.

And, as with all contentious topics, there is disagreement and pushback, so the activist must have the strength to persist. The criticism generally begins slowly and increases as soon as it becomes clear that the activist will not change his or her mind and has actually begun to gather support for the change that is necessary. As the pushback becomes stronger, personal attacks may begin. An activist must be strong enough to be able to ignore them in order to continue the fight for needed change.

Commitment is absolutely necessary because the push for change may take a long time. People who are comfortable with the status quo will continue to resist. And the longer the activist continues in his or her pursuit of change, the harder and longer the pushback will continue. And even if the activist manages to change the minds of those in disagreement, it will take a little longer before their hearts follow and real change is achieved.

Clearly, being an activist — an agent for needed change — takes a special kind of person. Thankfully, our collective history has contained many such people, and our world has been the recipient of the fruits of their labors. If not for activists, our very democracy would not exist. Our founding fathers embodied activism when they broke from England and formed this country. And women would not have the right to vote if not for the bravery of the suffragists who did not stop until they shared that privilege with men.

Following is a collection of quotations from well-known activists that gives us an opportunity to understand their personalities.

“Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” — John Lewis

A longtime civil rights activist, John Lewis was one of the 13 original Freedom Riders, and he helped plan the marches from Selma, Alabama, to the state capital of Montgomery in 1965. For years before his death in July 2020, he repeatedly urged the public to engage in “good, necessary” trouble.

“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” — Elie Wiesel

Elie Wiesel was an author, activist, and Holocaust survivor who devoted his life to fighting for individuals and communities persecuted because of their religion, race, or nationality. He was awarded the 1986 Nobel Peace Prize “for being a messenger to mankind: his message is one of peace, atonement, and dignity.”

“I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.” — Malcolm X

Malcolm X was a minister and civil rights activist of the 1950s and 1960s. Assassinated in 1965 while preparing to deliver a speech, this quote comes from his autobiography in which he shares letters written to friends.

“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.” — Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai began her career in activism as an outspoken child fighting for girls’ educational rights after the Taliban banned girls from attending school in her home country of Pakistan. She was shot in the head in a failed assassination attempt when she was only 15 years old for defying the Taliban’s orders. She continues today to advocate for young women’s rights to education.

“Right here, right now is where we draw the line. The world is waking up, and change is coming whether you like it or not.” — Greta Thunberg

In an emotional, impassioned address at the U.N. Climate Action Summit in 2019, a then-16-year-old Thunberg fiercely called out world leaders for their inaction in the face of species-threatening climate change. Her efforts are ongoing.

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring in a folding chair.” — Shirley Chisholm

As a Brooklyn-born human rights activist and seven-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1969 to 1983, Chisholm was the first Black woman in Congress and the first female and Black politician to seek a nomination for the U.S. presidency. She was a trailblazer who advocated for activism and spaces for new ideas to be heard in situations where those spaces didn’t yet exist.

“We can’t just hope for a brighter day, we have to work for a brighter day. Love too often gets buried in a world of hurt and fear.” — Dolly Parton

Award-winning singer-songwriter Dolly Parton has stood by her belief in working for a brighter day throughout her career by funding scholarships, wildlife preserves, educational programs, disaster relief, and more, thus cementing her as a champion for human rights. She made her 75th birthday wish a call for widespread kindness.

“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, but your government only when it deserves it.” — Mark Twain

In this quote, we see Twain’s love of country along with his belief that true patriotism includes maintaining a healthy skepticism of the powers that rule over it. Given the times in which we find ourselves and the upcoming election in November, we all have the opportunity to become activists.

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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 the residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

On the third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. they host a Memory Cafe — a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program is run by donations.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; staff and resident ice cream social, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; room visits, 10 a.m.; dice club, 1:30 p.m.; reminisce, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Hair day, 10 a.m.; no sixes, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” game show, dining room, 10 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Resident council meeting, 10 a.m.; bunny visits, 11 a.m.; roll it to play it, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Bible study, 10:30 a.m.; fun with music, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Word search puzzle, 10 a.m.; family time, 2 p.m.; “Weakest Link” on PBS, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; reminisce, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Cooking, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; DT luncheon, 11:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; “Name That Tune,” 6 p.m.

No additional information available.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Scattergories, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee klatch, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee klatch, 9:30 a.m.; current events, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-O, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee klatch, 9:30 a.m.; name five, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; pokeno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee clutch, 9 a.m.; name five, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; arts and crafts, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

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

Sunday: Coffee and trivia, 10 a.m.; Packers vs. Vikings, noon; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; Packer tailgate party, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; witch’s brew and homemade cookies, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; silly crafters part one, Halloween ghosts, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; silly crafters part two, Halloween ghosts; “Family Feud;” 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Uno, 10 a.m.; C & R happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Scrabble, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Tell a joke, 10 a.m.; room visits, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee and cookie social, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Beach ball kick, 10 a.m.; book club, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason/Bible study, 10 a.m.; memory games, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; Uno, 2:30 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; bean bag toss, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; social circle and treats, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Can you spell misspell? 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 1:45 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles, autumn ride.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; who-what-where, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 1:45 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; name that country singer, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; off to the races, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; bases loaded with laughs, 11 a.m.; Jerry Beauchamp, 1:45 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; Yahtzee, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise group, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; daily chronicles; activity packets.

SENIOR CENTERS

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: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread, dirt cup (pudding).

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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

Monday: Ham and asparagus stuffed potatoes, beets, peaches, biscuit.

Tuesday: Chicken fettuccine Alfredo, broccoli, dinner roll, pudding cup.

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

Thursday: Wet burrito, refried beans, cornbread.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalke and Shannon Stapleton

906-875-6709

The center 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 a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cook’s surprise.

Tuesday: Spaghetti, Italian sausage, garlic bread.

Wednesday: Breaded chicken sandwich, homemade macaroni and cheese.

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

Monday: Chicken strips with waffle, oatmeal, fried apples, syrup cup.

Tuesday: Broccoli cheese soup, bagel with cream cheese, Jell-O with fruit.

Wednesday: Pork roast, cheesy potatoes, glazed carrots, dessert.

Thursday: Sloppy Joe with bun, baked macaroni and cheese, potato wedges.

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: Chicken strips with waffle, oatmeal, fried apples, syrup cup.

Tuesday: Broccoli cheese soup, bagel with cream cheese, Jell-O with fruit.

Wednesday: Pork roast, cheesy potatoes, glazed carrots, dessert.

Thursday: Sloppy Joe with bun, baked macaroni and cheese, potato wedges.

Friday: Deluxe chef salad, cottage cheese with pineapple, egg salad slider.

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: Hot beef sandwich, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn.

Tuesday: Pasty, coleslaw, buttered corn, apple crisp.

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

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Chicken strips with waffle, oatmeal, fried apples, syrup cup.

Tuesday: Broccoli cheese soup, bagel with cream cheese, Jell-O with fruit.

Wednesday: Pork roast, cheesy potatoes, glazed carrots, dessert.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken patty on a bun with lettuce and tomato, ranch potato wedges, baked beans, fruit.

Tuesday: Chicken noodle casserole, biscuits, Brussel sprouts, fruit.

Wednesday: Lasagna rollups, broccoli, bread sticks, apple crumb cake.

Thursday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, fruit.

Friday: Soft shell tacos with lettuce, tomato and salsa, pasta salad, refried beans, 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

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, 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 cutlet, sour cream and chive potatoes, green beans, applesauce, whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Hobo dinner, mixed vegetables, whole wheat breadstick, warm fruit crisp.

Wednesday: Chicken penne casserole, Monte Carlo blend vegetables, diced beets, diced pears.

Thursday: Beef stew, biscuit, sweet potato wedges, warm peaches.

Friday: Taco casserole, fiesta potatoes, Mexicali corn, fruit cup.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar begins at 11 a.m.; meal is served at 11:30 a.m. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken and dressing bake, California blend vegetables, cinnamon applesauce.

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

Wednesday: Cheeseburger, baked fries, baked beans.

Thursday: Hearty beef stew, pickled beets, whole wheat dinner roll.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

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: Boiled dinner with ham, potatoes, carrots and cabbage, mixed fruit, wheat roll.

Wednesday: Beef tips with gravy, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, wheat bread, apple crisp.

Thursday: Tuna noodle casserole, carrots, three bean salad, cherry dump cake.

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

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar is available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Please let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or pick up.

Monday: Baked chicken, fries, asparagus.

Tuesday: Bratwurst, sauerkraut, baked beans, coleslaw.

Wednesday: Tuna noodles casserole, wedges.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, five-way vegetables.

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

Birthdays and bingo on second Thursday.

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 more 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.

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

Wednesday: Mushroom Swiss burger, oven-baked fries, baked beans, pudding cup.

Thursday: Stuffed shells with marinara, side salad, garlic breadstick, dessert.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Chicken strips with waffle, oatmeal, fried apples, syrup cup.

Tuesday: Broccoli cheese soup, bagel with cream cheese, Jell-O with fruit.

Wednesday: Pork roast, cheesy potatoes, glazed carrots, dessert.