Golden K member Paul Ward, left, with son Michael and wife Mryna. Michael was the guest speaker and played the musical saw at the Golden K meeting Monday. In the bottom photo he demonstrates his skill.

KINGSFORD — Bill Roberts opened the Monday Golden K meeting. With the tributes from Nov. 11 still fresh, Alyce Derwinski on piano alongside Lois Outcelt as she directed gave this group a chance to sing out their tribute to all veterans and service personnel wherever they are serving. “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” are just two of the many songs that reflect feelings for this country where we live.

Guests welcomed for the day included Outcelt’s son, Roy; Paul and Myrna Ward’s son, Michael and his friend Steve; Kathy Arnold, RSVP director; Eleanor Roberts; Carol Olson; and Pauline Werner.

All veterans present were thanked for their service. The lucky winner of the 50-50 drawing was Michael Ward. Happy Birthday was sung for Lorraine Luba, Nov. 16.

Paul Ward introduced his son as guest speaker. Paul and Michael have shared many special days over their years, but the one of the most memorable was the Honor Flight for Paul with his son as his sponsor. Michael shared his work experience as a pediatric therapist for the special needs.

Though he’s also worked in Ann Arbor and University of Wisconsin-Madison, he referred to his younger days at Bay Cliff. As it is with many young people who give time and energy to the individuals at Bay Cliff, it gave him his sense of direction for his career.

Bay Cliff, with its unique quality of care for special needs, developed a desire in Michael to become a therapist, working with pediatrics, rehab programs, trauma situations and brain disorders. Helping people work through their limitations with effort and determination gives Michael a satisfaction he is the right profession for him. Many things most of us take for granted do not come easily to others. Therapists, hospitals, the right equipment and family support opens doors for people to become useful in the society. Some are able to work and manage their disabilities. Every movement, every thought is a process and they deal with it with determination. They face each issue that arises positively. Therapists and the medical field that provide facilities, equipment and trained personnel to guide their patients along are unsung heroes in their own right.

Learning this side of Michael was informative and interesting; however, he did come to play the “saw.”

The musical saw was an American folk music instrument with its roots in the early 19th century. Somewhere in the Appalachian Mountains, an unknown, inquisitive musician took a fiddle bow, bent the blade of his hand saw, clamped it between his knees and thus the singing saw was born.

Michael had a grandfather who played and he got his interest from there. His saw is a bit more flexible and special than a hand saw would be, but the music is phenomenal. He plays with ease and produces music that is almost mesmerizing. Though Michael makes it look easy, it does require a good ear and coordination. He played several pieces that had the group humming along.

Michael demonstrated how he manipulates the saw and the bow to create the sound. He also showed how not to do it, as the sound produced is not nearly as pleasant. He plays for enjoyment, does his therapy professionally and with his personality he excels in both.

The Golden K will meet Monday with Gene Henry. He is relatively new to the area and also to Golden K. He resides in the Pembine area and has a story to tell. All are welcome to come. The Golden Throats sing Wednesday at Freeman’s.