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Cook speaks at Golden K meeting

Gilbert Engel, Golden K program chairman, with Dickinson County Clerk Dolly Cook.

Changes seem to be part of everyday life and Mother Nature is not about to be left out. Just a few days ago, the flower bed appeared and so did some bright green stems of potential daffodils. As of this day, the flower bed has disappeared under a blanket of snow that has covered the area. The birds have found cover elsewhere for now.

The Golden K seniors gathered as usual Monday morning in the fellowship hall at the First Presbyterian Church, the aroma of fresh coffee wafting through the room as an invitation to come in, sit down and talk about the Easter weekend.

As the group sang “Happy Birthday” to Tom Bugni for April 1, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the winning ticket for the 50-50 drawing. Last seen, he was still smiling.

Sharon Scholke is chairwoman for April. Those putting in “happy dollars” this week included Jim Verrette, happy to be here; Gilbert Engel, glad to have Dickinson County Clerk Dolly Cook for the day; Bill Roberts, sending warm greetings from California; and Orice Walters, with a brand-new, great-grandson born on Easter morning.

Program chairman Engel introduced Cook, who also is Dickinson County’s Register of Deeds. Cook has had the county clerk role for 20 years and always provides a wealth of information on upcoming elections and the newest procedures. With changes coming in the future elections and new technology entering into the picture, voters need to ready to make their choices confidently.

Information on ballots, registration, issues, millages, bonds, who is running and for what office, can be found at any time at the clerk’s office. Cook is available to answer any questions or concerns. If she does not have the answer, she can recommend the right person or place to help.

Sample ballots are made available close to voting dates and allow voter to read what’s at issue, ask questions and become familiar with the process.

This year will have several elections, so voters need to watch the newspapers for listings of the various dates, offices and issues.

The Norway School District will have a bond issue. The circuit, district and probate judges will be on the ballot, along with Senate and House seats and Michigan governor. Each has its own importance and none to be taken casually. The more knowledgeable the voter, the better the working government is on all levels. The fall ballots will be larger than usual and will require extra time to process.

Voters need to be sure to have proper Identification. State IDs or driver’s license will be swiped upon entering the voting area. Michigan holds to very strict rules to ensure voters are properly registered and identified.

Before elections get into full swing, voters should check to make sure they are qualified and registered.

Learn how, when and where absentee ballots can be picked up. If voting on the election day, find out the proper polling site in advance and have ID handy. Encourage others to get out to vote.

Talk to the candidates running at all level of government. They will make many decisions on behalf of voters and taxpayers.

Cook has a sign in her office, “Kindness Matters.” She welcomes anyone at any time to come in and talk. She might even have a cup of coffee ready.

Cook also spoke on the transition process involved in Bellin Health’s planned acquisition of Dickinson County Healthcare System. This will keep quality care in the area, the people who work there employed and provide a positive impact on the local economy, Cook said.

The Golden Throats will sing at 2 p.m. Wednesday at ManorCare in Kingsford. The group sometimes can’t make its monthly appearances as scheduled because of illness and this past week had to miss its Victorian Pines visit but hope to fulfill the rest of the month’s schedule.

Monday’s meeting will have Bill Bertoldi, a science teacher at Kingsford High School, as guest speaker. All are welcome to attend.

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