For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — We know for sure spring has arrived. How do we know? It’s a certainty since the A & W root beer stand on Iron Mountain’s northside has opened.

Monday morning found the Golden K seniors happily chatting their way into the fellowship hall at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. There was a “spring” in their step and excitement to share their weekend adventures.

Alyce Derwinski on piano laid out her musical repertoire. Bill Roberts, on cue, called up the songs. The members in fine voice, began the singing with “I’ve been working on the Railroad.” It was followed by “Music, Music, Music,” “My Happiness,” and finally a rousing “Your a Grand Old Flag.”

Karla Lehman

The guests for the day included Karla Lehman, who is a child advocate and her assistant Shanna Stanley and therapy dog, Maverick. RSVP Director Kathy Arnold, and Kathy Paupore also joined the group.

Anna Vincent happily picked up her winnings from the 50-50 drawing. Happy dollars reflected that good feeling of being with family and friends. Sharon Scholke beamed happiness as her alma mater, University of Connecticut — UConn — made it to the Final Four.

Innocent days when parents and children read stories together have slipped away. As a child advocate, Karla Lehman has listened to stories no one enjoys hearing or remembering.

Lehman worked with the Milwaukee Police Department for 25 years. She developed an interest in giving voice to children, who had become victims of neglect and abuse. Many are caught in today’s world of drug abuse.

She began a Child Advocacy Center in Delta County. As the program grew, Dickinson, Iron, and Florence Counties began developing similar programs to benefit children and their families. These groups help families navigate through the legal system.

Lehman works as a coordinator and forensics interviewer and also assists staff at The Caring House in Iron Mountain. She helps people who find themselves in difficult situations, rediscover their confidence and self-worth. Counseling and education is conducted by a professionally trained staff. The goal is to help people find options to make their life better. The problems faced are personal and extremely sensitive. Privacy and dignity are of foremost concern.

There are many hoops to jump through when dealing with the court system. Each step has to be followed exactly as guidelines stipulate and to the satisfaction of all involved.

Families, friends, relatives, and school personal may be interviewed. Counseling is provided if needed. Children are given an opportunity to tell their story in a safe environment. This incorporates privacy directives and minimal repetitive interviews. Working with law enforcement, counselors, therapists, judges, and the court system can be overwhelming for adults, as well as children.

Interviews are recorded and viewed by law enforcement and a prosecuting attorney. This reduces stress for the victim and speeds up the process.

Stanley is completing child advocate certification as she assists Lehman. She is training her dog, Maverick as a certified therapy dog. He is just a pup, but is already making his way into the hearts of the Caring House staff. He’s an example to us all as his eagerness and greetings creates smiles.

The Golden K will meet Monday with guest speakers, Trisha Peterson and Kristen Mattson of a new non-profit group, The Dementia Warrior. The group will host a fundraising concert next month featuring Jay Allen, a former contestant of “The Voice.” Visitors are always welcome. Meetings begin at 10 a.m. with music and conversation, with program to follow at 10:30 a.m.