Golden K program chairman Ben Determan introduces speaker Dolly Cook, Dickinson County clerk, at the Golden K meeting.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — The sun comes up in the east and sets in the west. Whether is shows itself or not, we know that will happen. Arriving at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford, it slowly becomes apparent there will be changes to the usual schedule. However, Golden K members adjust to these changes automatically.

The piano was in place, but no piano player. The music books were on the tables, but no director. With the resiliency that these seniors possess, Lois Outcelt stepped up to lead this group in singing acappella. It may have sounded a bit off — but that did not matter. They want to sing and sing they did. “I Want a Girl,” “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” were just two of the songs. These have extra verses — with a bit of a humorous twist. Not everyone sings, but everyone gets enjoyment from the funny verses. This group knows how to take a topsy turvy morning, turn it around and have things come out as though it was planned that way.

Ben Determan, chairman, opened the business meeting.

Welcomed as guests were Dolly Cook, Dickinson County clerk and Kathy Arnold, RSVP director. Happy birthday wishes went to Doug Machus, Oct. 22; and John Jamar, Oct. 23. Happy anniversary to Marty and Elizabeth Waananen on Oct. 24. Paul Ward received his winnings from the 50-50 drawing to complete the business agenda.

Determan introduced the guest speaker, Dickinson County Clerk Dolly Cook. She has been involved with her duties for about 30 years. She brought the Golden K information on voting.

With Nov. 6 coming quickly, it is important to stay abreast of voting. There will be no straight-party voting, which means voters need to be ready to wait in lines.

Take the time to educate oneself on all issues. There will be many proposals which need to be read carefully.

The list of offices is quite lengthy: governor, secretary of state, attorney general, U.S. senator, U.S. representative, state board of education, University of Michigan Board of Regents, Michigan State Board of Trustees, Wayne State Board of Governors, Michigan Supreme Court Justice, court of appeals and judicial candidates, school board members as well as county commissioners.

If you need information on any of the voting procedures, when and where to get a ballot, whether you are you registered, any questions or problems you may encounter, Cook is ready to help.

She always has made herself available to the public at all times possible.

She will hold training sessions for those people who need to know how to handle the new voting equipment.

Cook firmly states she will see the election is handled efficiently and will solve any problems that may occur immediately.

Elections cost the city approximately $30,000, so things need to run smoothly.

She is confident this will be a big voter turnout year and she plans to be prepared.

Voting is every citizens’ right. It is the voters responsibility to become as informed on all issues and candidates as they can. There are a number of ways for one to register, and vote. Before you vote, you can check VOTE411.org.

It has what’s on the ballot, who are the candidates, what are their views on issues and what do the proposals say. Cook also has all this information just waiting for you to ask her.

No matter who you vote for or how you vote — in person or absentee ballot — it is important every eligible voter puts his/hers mark on a ballot utilizing your freedoms and having your voice heard.

Golden K will meet Monday with the Braumart Theater to be on the program. Many dedicated people have worked tirelessly to open this theater to all residents for some outstanding entertainment.

The Golden Throats do not have a singing engagement for the fifth Wednesdays, so mark your calendars for Nov. 7 at Victorian Pines.