The Iron Mountain Jazz Band, under the direction of Craig Recla, performs at the Golden K meeting.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — Green grass, blue skies and lots of sunshine greeted the Monday morning Golden K seniors gathering at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. Six days into November who could ask for a more beautiful fall day.

The ambiance of the room filled with music as Lois Outcelt and Sue LeDuc combined their talents and led the members in singing. “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” fit perfectly and the singing reflected everyone’s feeling. Continuing with “Happy Days Are Here Again” and ending with “America The Beautiful” gave everyone a chance to sing their appreciation for the day.

As chairman for the month of November, Outcelt led the group in the “Pledge of Allegiance” followed by “God Bless America” rounding out the opportunity to express thankfulness through song.

Golden K member Mary Jane Nelson is pictured with Craig Recla.

Craig Recla and the Iron Mountain Jazz Band were welcome as guests. Happy Birthday wishes to Mary Bugni, Nov. 2; Sally Jacobs, Nov. 6; Myrna Ward, Nov. 11 and Mary Tachick, Nov. 12. Happy Anniversary to Jim and Sue Benzing, Nov. 6. Gary Proudfit was the Happy Dollar winner. Even his wife and sister were happy for him. Maybe they had plans.

Happy Dollars included a very happy grandfather whose grandson, Micah, was named All Conference and All U.P. running back, not to out done were those happy sport fans for Spartans, Wolverines, Badgers, Hawkeyes and Sooners and that pretty much took care of the weekend sports for them.

As program chairperson, Mary Jane Nelson gave this “Thought for the Day.” From the Greek philosopher, Aristotle “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”

Since music brings a quietness to the heart it becomes an educational tool that also educates the mind.

As Craig Recla, Iron Mountain’s music director seated the students. The Golden Kers sat back and eagerly awaited the music talent these students were about to share. There are more than 30 students that make up two groups within the band. Jazz Band 2 includes first year musicians with second and third and fourth year students. Some students play more than one instrument.

Recla features many instrumental soloists throughout the performance. The first session includes all students playing together. They selections were “Work Song” and “Pink Panther.” The music is outstanding and you will not hear any difference in their ability to perform, first year or not.

The second session has fewer students, but brings the same professional quality into their music. They played “On The Flip Side,” “Land of Make Believe,” “Moon Dance” and “Caravan” again featuring soloists throughout. The Golden K group knows Recla will present toe-tapping, head-nodding musical previews that will leave one wanting more.

Looking very comfortable and sharp in their uniforms, these students gave a performance that enticed their audience. If you want to see and hear more keep an eye opened for their upcoming concerts. Performances are held in the Iron Mountain auditorium and The Daily News will carry all of the times and dates. Monday will be one of their many scheduled concerts at 7 p.m.

The holiday concert time and date will be in the paper as well as other planned performances. You will be pleasantly entertained by students who get themselves to practices by 7 a.m. That kind of dedication on behalf of these students needs to be recognized by the community through supporting their programs.

The Golden Throats will sing at Freeman’s Nov. 15. The Golden K meetings are held every Monday morning beginning at 10 a.m. and all are welcome. Jonathan Ringel will be guest speaker on Monday.