Joanne Lindholm photo Golden K chairman Vance Uhazie, left, introduces guests speaker Jonathan Ringel, executor director of the YMCA at the Monday meeting.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — Everyone loves when the sun shines. Things feel better, look better, and somehow aches and pains aren’t so severe. Several warm days in a row has everyone taking spring seriously. Trees are sprouting, flowers blooming, and yards are being groomed. The Golden K seniors gathered on Monday bright and cheerful.

Chairman Vance Uhazie began the morning meeting. Sue LaDuc played the piano and Joe Santi led the group in singing, doing a medley reflecting U.P. Weather, “Blue Skies” and “Singing in the Rain.” Welcome was sung to guests, Jonathon Ringel, Marge Nelson, Joy Skorich, and Pat Polzin. “Happy Birthday” was sung to Wendy Mulka for the May 5, Ron Jouppi the May 7, and Diane Aune on the May 8. “Happy Anniversary” was sung to Margaret and Bill Trudell for their celebration on May 16.

Sue Proudfit won the 50-50 drawing. Gary Proudfit was happy for his trip on the U.P. Honor Flight. Joanne Hady was grateful for the YMCA taking care of veterans and their families. Ben Determan was happy the orioles are back. Everyone wondered whether he meant the birds or the baseball team?

Gilbert Engel encouraged all able members to meet after the May 15 session for the annual roadside clean-up. Be sure to dress for weather and walking conditions. Members are asked to mark their calendars for the children with special needs picnic taking place Tuesday, May 31 at City Park in Iron Mountain. Golden K members need to begin preparations at 8:30 a.m. Schools able to attend will begin arriving at 10 a.m. with lunch about 11 a.m. There will be food, games, and horse carriage rides for the kids to enjoy.

Uhazie introduced Jonathan Ringel, executive director of the YMCA. Jonathan, his wife Shelly, along with their children, Josiah and Eve, reside in Iron Mountain.

Ringel has degrees in city planning and historic preservation. He moved to Iron Mountain in 2009 to serve as the city of Iron Mountain’s Main Street Downtown Development Authority Manager. He became director of the YMCA in 2014, and was promoted to executive director in 2021.

Somewhere in that busy schedule, Jonathan finds time for running races and backpacking. He is involved with the Kiwanis Club, Community Theater, Imagination Factory Children’s Museum, and the Dickinson-Iron Great Start Collaborative. Ringel is an exemplary community advocate, protector, and promoter.

Ringel also works with the Delta County YMCA. He walked the Golden K seniors through the Northern Lights YMCA annual report. The YMCA offers a myriad of programs, scholarships, and financial assistance for those interested in membership. They focus on veterans, families and other groups in need. The goal is to provide healthy, well-rounded programs to meet the needs of all.

Ringel compliments an outstanding staff that fulfills the mission: “No one is turned away because of inability to pay.” The YMCA is a facility accessible by all.

The YMCA has programs for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Scholarships are available for those who need financial aid.

Whether they are teaching third graders to swim, helping seniors stay active, focusing on programs for Veterans, or providing childcare, this YMCA is here for everyone. Both Delta and Dickinson Centers continue to upgrade and improve services to better serve the community.

The Golden K will meet Monday with Lana Franz as guest speaker. She will present information concerning the “Art For All” event at City Park in Iron Mountain. Meetings begin at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford.