By Brendan Scanland
NEGAUNEE, Mich. — In today’s political climate, where emotions are more intertwined with issues than ever, it can be difficult to have candid and constructive conversations. But respect for one another and a little bit of wisdom can go a long way.
If you pair that wisdom with strong friendships, face-to-face dialogue– and some coffee- it really doesn’t matter what side of the aisle you’re on. Constructive, positive conversations are possible and can be found among a group of locals at a small bakery in Negaunee, Mich.
Coffee at the Midtown Bakery each morning is more than a routine for this group of Negaunee residents.
“I wake up every morning waiting to come here,” said Roland “Foo” Koski.
It’s an opportunity to greet and catch up with old friends at the “Table of Love.”
“There were three arguments going on at the same time. Finally, I said, you know what, we got all done and we still like each other so I said we’ll call it the Table of Love,” said 90-year-old veteran Donald Price.
Price enjoys having candid conversations as well as sharing some tips for longevity to his younger friends.
“I go down to the local bar in the afternoon, I have one glass of wine. I call it the walk-in clinic,” said Price. “I tell everybody to come here and have your glass of wine, you’ll live to be 90.”
Price is one of several veterans at the Table of Love. When asked if the U.S. is doing enough for veterans, some said more needs to be done.
“Because we have too many of them on the streets homeless,” Lonnie St. Ubin.
The conversations at this table cover a wide range of topics including education.
“Kids need to learn about the history of the United States, about the wars and everything, you don’t hear much of that in schools anymore,” said Rodney Guizzetti.
“I’m a former educator,” said James Goloversic, adding that adequate public school funding should be at the top of the list for policymakers. “That should be their number one priority.”
High prescription prices were another top concern among the group.
“What we’re paying for some of our medications is outrageous,” said St. Ubin.
“You could buy it for $10, $15 five years ago and now it’s $500 every three months,” said Roger Meade.
Regardless of what the top issues are for the group and where they stand- “We don’t get in trouble or fight with each other,” said Koski.
Because in Negaunee, it’s people over party.
“I’ve got a Democratic sign in my yard, plus I’ve got a Republican sign in my yard,” said Guizzetti.
And although many things have changed for these locals over the years- “When I was a kid, a pound bag of potato chips was, I don’t know, 39 cents,” said Meade- the friendships and goodwill remain the same.
“If somebody at this table has a project going on and needs help, we’re there,” said St. Ubin.