Watching the growing concerns over the coronavirus, members discussed the issue in regards to the Golden Throats meeting at nursing homes to sing. Many members are caregivers for a spouse who is homebound, and with the flu season getting into full swing and the coronavirus knocking on the proverbial door, they decided to forgo visits at the nursing homes through March.

Gilbert Engel, chairman for March, opened the general meeting with the group giving tribute to the flag and this country. Mary Jane Nelson was handed the envelope with the winnings from the 50-50 drawing and guests welcomed for the day included, Mary Paupore and Mary Gagalia representing the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.

Golden K has a Peanut Fundraiser event in the fall and uses those monies to put back into the community through donations for about seven local charities, with St Vincent DePaul being one. The ladies gave the members an overview of the many things the food pantry does for people in this community and some in Wisconsin. All volunteers oversee the many requests from families in need. Handing out food is only one service provided. They have some furniture and clothing, plus can assist with utilities, gift cards, and gas cards. Services are limited and the two Marys do some home visits when necessary and always verify the individual’s needs with medical personnel. They work with the Salvation Army and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services-Dickinson County. The food pantry receives supplies from the local grocery stores and the Feed America Truck, but depends on donations for perishables such as meats.

Engel then introduced the speaker for the day, George Bosley. George and his wife, Rose, as Niagara, Wis., residents have been involved in community affairs for many years. Bosley outlined some of the plans for Niagara in the coming months. Improvements on U.S. 141 means another detour through Norway for several months. Niagara has endured the renovations on the bridge, sewer and water line improvements and some road construction. With 141 being the focus, a grant worked on by Engel, a member of the Marinette County Board, has afforded this project.

FROM LEFT ARE Mary Paupore of St. Vincent de Paul in Iron Mountain, Diane Aune of Golden K and Mary Gagala of St. Vincent.

After spending many hours of discussion between state, federal and counties, this project will become a reality for Niagara and is scheduled for May 1 through September. It will include an area near County Highway N south through Niagara. Part of the highway will be involved as well as the retaining wall, with curbing and sidewalks, new street lights in the plans.

While driving through Niagara after all is said and done, this community will become an attraction tourists may just want to stop and take time for pictures of the beautiful bluffs with the river running alongside. Many years ago it was fun to take the kids to Niagara Falls. At Christmas time, the whole area was ablaze with Christmas lights and invited driving around to see the lights, going home and enjoying a cup of hot chocolate. Niagara residents can look forward to restoring their community to the unique place it is and the detours will become a thing of the past. Weather permitting, the changes will go on as scheduled.

Golden K meets every Monday morning at the First Presbyterian Church. Members gather for some singing of the “oldies,” with a program to follow at 10:30. Monday they will have several Niagara residents with an update on the beautification program in the city. Meetings are opened to all.