Ben Determan Photo Orice Walters, right, introduces Golden K guest, Crystal Hogan, who entertained the group at Monday’s meeting.

BY JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — Usually the Fourth of July is one big day of celebration. Coming on Wednesday this year, the holiday was split for some. Celebrations began on Friday and continued to Wednesday — with a work day thrown in between. Having a break didn’t deter the Golden K members from their usual Monday morning rendezvous on July 9. Some members came early to set things up and others sauntered in as their schedules dictated.

Mary Jane Nelson, as chairperson for the Month of July, wasted no time getting the members settled in. After being part of the entertainment Sunday at the Northwoods Garden Club Strawberry Social these seniors were more than ready to sing. Sue LeDuc on piano and Orice Walters directing had the group filling the fellowship hall at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford with music. These two ladies also threw in a few “new” songs just to keep the singers on their musical toes.

Crystal Hogan was welcomed as guest for the day. Happy Anniversary was sung for Kirk and Carol Olson, July 9; and Doug and Iris Machus, July 10. Smiling broadly, Jim Benzing took home the winnings from the 50/50 drawing. Happy Dollars included Paul Ward happy for a wonderful Fourth with family. From kids to grandkids to the great-grandkids.

Orice Walters, program chairperson, introduced guest Crystal Hogan. Hogan has entertained the Golden K many times with her choral groups as musical director for the Kingsford School system. Since her retirement, she has found her love for music and the need to share with others inspired her to find new outlets. Not letting the grass grow under her feet nor dust gather on her guitar, she now brings her music to local nursing homes, senior housing areas and the Dickinson County Community Chorus.

Music has always been a part of her life. The piano was the heart of the family home and Hogan has been blessed with a voice that sounds as though it came directly from the angels. As her ventures on her new retirement schedule, she is trying to expand her repertoire with songs that bring back many memories for her targeted audience as well as songs she herself loves to sing. Beginning with a medley of songs from the movie “Sound Of Music,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss” and “These Are a Few of my Favorite Things.” Other songs included “I’m Going to Write Myself a Letter,” “Blue Moon,” “Dream a Little Dream of Me” and one just for fun “Take Me Out To The Ball Game.” She, then, gave the group a choice of three songs and they choose all three. Hogan graciously complied encouraging everyone to sing along which they did.

She left this audience with a warm, heartfelt rendition of “Til We Meet Again.” Orice Walters thought for the day taken from Thomas Carlyle “Music is well said to be the speech of Angels” is more than appropriate for this lady and her music.

The Golden K member picnic is scheduled July 16, at Cowboy Lake. Members are encouraged to bring their own tablecloths and chairs as picnic tables can be difficult to sit at for some people. Coffee and rolls will be provided for early arrivals and Zollner’s will be catering lunch around noon.

The Golden Throats will sing Wednesday, July 18, at Freeman’s. The general meeting on July 23 will have Tony Edelbeck, Kingsford City manager as guest speaker. Golden K has an open invitation to all.