×

Bill Rice speaks at Golden K meeting

Ben Determan, right, Golden K October chairman, introduces guest speaker Bill Rice of the Dickinson Conservation District.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — Although daily life obligations keep us all busy, you must have noticed or at least felt the effects of the weather changing. Fall is here and the landscape is bursting with color. A couple of rather cool nights reminds us to be ready, as winter is “chomping at the bit” to present its appearance.

A small bit of sunshine accompanied the Golden K members as they made their way to the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford on Monday morning. Shaking off the chill was Al Calcari, preparing to gather the group together — getting the singing started. Alyce Derwinski flexed her nimble fingers, ready to play, and the music floated throughout the building.

Guests welcomed with song included Bill Rice, vice chairman on the Dickinson Conservation District Board; and Duane Barnard of the Iron Mountain area, artist and teacher in oils.

Happy birthday to Sarah Gospodarek on Oct. 5 and congratulations to Henry and Joyce London on their 71st wedding anniversary, also Oct. 5. Leon Gospodarek won the 50-50 drawing, just in time to get his wife her present.

“Auld Lang Syne” was sung in memory of Golden K member Mae Arlene Lindstrom.

The fall road pick-up was scheduled for Monday after the general meeting. All members wanting to help are to meet behind the Pizza Hut building for assignments. Remember to be cautious of picking up things that look questionable. Dress accordingly for the weather — gloves are also very important.

Ben Determan, chairman for October, introduced speaker Rice. He brought along an informational display board with two of his passionate interests posted. One is the license plates he collects from everywhere and has experiences to tell about them. His other passion is the Dickinson Conservation District.

The DCD is a local unit of state government helping Dickinson County residents solve natural resource issues for 68 years. The DCD is self-funded and governed by a locally elected and very dedicated board of directors. When started in October 1948, they received some government funding. That is not the case today. The Dickinson Conservation District’s principle source of funds come from their tree sales in the spring. Wildflower and fall tree sales add small amounts of funding for operations.

Some grant monies are available on a “maybe” basis and they may be one year or two –renewals are not guaranteed. No money is allocated for administration costs and most grants require reimbursement by the district. District must provide start-up money for several months. Any program needs people to operate its business from the office and on-site projects and administrative costs need to somehow be met.

DCD has a Forestry Assistance Program, Wild Rivers Species Coalition, Michigan Agricultural Environmental Awareness Program and Natural Resource Conservation Service. They work with private landowners, plus provide education and outreach programs for youth and adults.

The office on Hooper Street is open to the public and the staff stands ready to answer any questions one may have. Identification, monitoring and management of local and regional invasive species. Monitoring lake and stream water quality are issues every resident will be dealing with.

Traveling through this county, one can readily see there are invasive species popping up on road sides and in the forests as well as homeowners’ properties. We all need to be wisely informed and ready to support programs for environmental stewardship and be willing to follow sound agricultural practices in any way we are able.

The next meeting will feature Lisa Anderson from Intermediate School District. She will bring the Golden K members up-to-date on the ISD. Working with the special needs children and the Torch Run for Special Olympics are just two of her many responsibilities. All welcome to the Golden K any Monday morning. Come along for the coffee, conversation, singing and program. Members gather by 9:30 a.m., with the program to begin at 10:30.

The Golden Throats will sing Wednesday at ManorCare.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today