Wasting no time, Alyce Derwinski sat down at the piano and Margaret Trudell gathered the group in a circle to begin the singing. With many “oldies” echoing through the fellowship hall at the First Presbyterian Church, one song stood out.

A long-time member, Bruce Stuart, requests this song often: “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” Everyone belted this song out, shouting for their favorite team. Remember the Seventh Inning Stretch –the crowd singing — the hot dogs and cold beverages? Of course, there was the game also. Whether it is T-Ball, Little League or the pros, everyone enjoys a good ball game.

The welcome was sung for guests, Barbara Kramer on the Dickinson County Board and Kathy Arnold, director of the Dickinson Iron Community Services Agency, or DICSA. Joining them was Fran Gundlach, along with Mary Gagala, representing St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.

Winning the 50-50 drawing two Mondays in a row was Kirk Olson. Happy Dollars were all about gladness to have our guests and many members able to return after a lengthy absence. John Corson was especially glad to have the Michigan Wolverines in the finals of baseball’s College World Series.

Ben Determan photos Barb Kramer with Vance Uhazie. Kramer spoke on the progress of the rehabilitation program at Lake Antoine.

Happy birthday to Gilbert Engel on June 25, Ginny Determan on June 26, Ben Determan on June 30 and Sue Proudfit on July 1.

Kramer spoke on the improvements happening at Lake Antoine. With summer getting into full swing, Kramer encouraged members to check out what’s happening at the lake. With the help of local business and their equipment, plus volunteers, donations and grant monies, Lake Antoine is undergoing a major transformation. There is landscaping and beautification projects, along with the beach area being completely overhauled. They are meeting all code safety measures and making areas accessible for children, adults and even those with walkers, canes and other mobility challenges. Anyone will be able to reach the waterfront and tickle your toes in the cool waters.

This entire project has taken some time to bring to fruition. Dedicated, persistent people are giving their time, expertise, equipment and know-how to bring this park back to a safe place for all to enjoy. There are camping experiences just waiting to be used; areas for picnics,with new tables in the process of being installed; and special events such as movies on Saturday evenings.

An informational kiosk is available at the entrance. Frisbee golf waits to be tried out and many benches are available for relaxing. The new wall going up is 370 feet long and 2 1/2 feet high, with a clean, sandy beach alongside, inviting one to spread out a blanket and watch the kids play in the sand. Thanks to a gentleman from Bark River giving his time, equipment and knowledge to this project, it is beginning to take shape nicely, they said.

The Lake Antoine Park Partners are a non-profit organization that depends on donations, grants and local businesses who offer their time and machinery wherever they may be needed.

Kramer has forms for anyone wishing to become a donor for the Lake Antoine Park Beach and Picnic Area Rehab Project.

While driving around the lake, visitors also can notice improvement to the artisan well, just off the highway and across from the lake. Water flows there yearround and has tested safe to drink.

More ongoing projects are planned and will be completed as money becomes available.

This is a county park and services are free except for camping fees.

Mary Gagala, working with Fran Gunlach at the food pantry across the parking lot from the St. Vincent Store, provide qualified residents with services dealing with necessary food items; help with utilities, such as gas; home visits; and some furnishings for the home, just to name a few things they can provide.

They work with 30 to 35 volunteers who handle phone calls, interviews and answer questions, working with DICSA and the Feed America mobile food bank truck. They always are in need of volunteers and paper bags for food distribution. They are open 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, with the exception of Tuesday, when only phone calls are taken.

The Golden K will not meet Monday but will resume meeting July 8.

The member picnic will be Monday, July 15, at City Park Pavilion, near the animal pens. Members will begin to gather about 10 a.m. Don Pedo will collect money at the July 8 meeting.

The Golden Throats will sing Wednesday at Victorian Pines.