Joanne Lindholm photo Golden K Chairman Vance Uhazie, left, with Dickinson County Commissioner Joe Stevens, who spoke at the Golden K meeting.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — The Golden K meeting brightened up the dreaded Monday morning once again. After a weekend of doing just what you wanted, as much as you wanted and when you wanted, getting back into the grind made Monday a challenge. We retirees always look forward to Golden K Monday meetings.

Chairman Vance Uhazie brought the group together. Alyce Derwinski on piano, handed song recommendations to Lois Outcelt, who lead the members in singing the oldies. The tune “Look for the Silver Lining” seemed appropriate for Judy Sielaff, as she happily picked up winnings from the 50-50 drawing. “It Had To Be You” fit nicely for Ron and Joan Jouppi as they celebrate their 66th anniversary on May 25. The “Welcome Song” greeted speaker Joe Stevens, and “Happy Birthday” was sung for Al Calcari, celebrating on May 24.

“Happy Dollars” were all about special time spent with family and friends. Lois Outcelt recently celebrated her birthday by making pasties with several nephews. Myrna Ward’s husband Paul is happy just for the sake of happiness.

Members were reminded of the picnic for children with special needs set Tuesday, May 30, at City Park in Iron Mountain. Members should arrive by 8:30 a.m. to set up games and begin preparation for the meal.

Uhazie introduced Joe Stevens as speaker for the day. He is originally from Benton Harbor and made his way to the Upper Peninsula, where he and his family reside. He has always been involved in community affairs and is presently an active member of the Dickinson County Board.

The Dickinson County Board is a governing body that makes major decisions on millage issues, budget, labor contracts and policies, and legal compliance for county operations. The board also works with other community boards and agencies.

Here are a few of the projects currently active —

— Lake Antoine renovations continue to move forward.

— A new cancer center is being added to the hospital, as well as an autopsy center with medical examiners on site.

— The local veterans office will move into new offices.

— The airport is being upgraded. This will include hangars, offices, and a new terminal. Take some time to check out Ford Airport as things are completed. You might be surprised what is stored in one of the hangars.

— Township parks are another facet handled by county commissioners. Fume Lake recreation has walking, biking, skiing, and snowshoe trails as well as some very good drinking water.

Dickinson County has a need for affordable housing and several ideas are under consideration. The community is growing and maintaining the county is a large responsibility.

The Dickinson County Board members take this seriously and work diligently for the benefit of the county. They utilize tax revenue in the best interest of all who live, work, and visit the area.

Mr. Ford, Mr. Edison, and Mr. Firestone spent many hours visiting the Upper Peninsula. It’s a calm atmosphere, affording everyone time to enjoy the beauty. Many tourists return to the area for some of the same reasons. With more growth on the horizon, the county board works for us to keep things pleasant.

Their motto goes like this: “We focus on what needs to be done; How to get it done, and When will it be completed.”

There will be no meeting on Monday, Memorial Day. The group will meet at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday for the picnic.

The next regular Golden K Monday meeting will be at 10 a.m. June 5 at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford.