GOLDEN K CHAIRPERSON Sharon Scholke, right, introduces guest speaker Carol Schultz, a local author and illustrator.

By Joan Jouppi

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — Looking out at the flower garden, the wind is gently blowing the long-stemmed phlox. Flowers are perched atop 7-foot stems in full blossom. These are the last summer flowers to bloom. Soon the garden will need tending to ready the beds for the next sequence of progressing seasons. This year, as in the past, flowers popped up, bloomed and admirably showed their beauty.

However, it was Monday morning and first things must come first. Opening the doors to the fellowship hall at the First Presbyterian Church sends a feeling of happiness into the space. Lights on, tables set, with doughnuts and songbooks as garnish. This is the greeting that catches each Golden K member as they walk through the doors.

Anticipation builds and soon Chair Sharon Scholke signals everyone to their feet. As usual, the group has a rousing rendition of “God Bless America.”

Eyes gleaming, Lois Outcelt passionately leads the group in singing. Pianist Alyce Derwinski keeps the members in tune as they belt out the “oldies.” “Singing in the Rain” was followed by “Smiles” and some wishful thinking. Rain might be nice.

Guests included Sharon Neubauer, author Carol Schultz and Anne Swanson Chritz, the daughter of former member Donnell Swanson. Happy birthday went to Dave Sielaff and Steve Mulka, both celebrating on Aug. 8. John and Diane Aune celebrated their anniversary on Aug 7. Diane was doubly happy as she picked up her winnings from the 50-50 drawing. Golden K also wishes to express condolences to the Bill Roberts family on the passing of his beloved wife, Ellen.

Kirk Olson gave the club members a heads-up for the annual peanut fundraiser scheduled for Sept. 1. Sign-up sheets were passed around and members picked their slots. The Golden K members will be offering peanuts for donation at six locations. This event is the major fundraiser for the group. Golden K facilitates three yearly celebrations for children with special needs. They also donate to several charities and offer scholarships for local students.

Sharon introduced guest speaker Carol Schultz. She is local graduate and was a familiar face to many Golden K members. She is author of several children’s books. Schultz shared the focus and inspiration for her books. Her love of animals shines in her writing.

Some proceeds from her work benefit the local animal shelter in Quinnesec. She writes about a small dog named Charlie who thought he was a much bigger dog and ready to tackle the world. A blind dog named Cindy was inspired by her mother’s challenges of living without sight.

The tale of a local celebrity owl is found in her book titled “The Story of Journey.”

This special owl was injured and rescued in the Quinnesec cemetery more than 20 years ago. The history has been told to many classrooms and organizations by his rehabilitator, Phyllis Carlson. Schultz offered to write the story with help from Carlson.

Schultz is working on a new story about a Canada goose who could no longer fly. The goose has been named “Amazing” and when you read this book you will discover how she got her name.

Writing sounds so simple: Get an idea, an inspiration, or real-life experience and put it into print.

Schultz explained how much more there is to the process. She does her own writing, illustrations and research to find the best way to publish. Along with the story, there are illustrations, layout, set up, copyrights and publishers. She found a way to get her material assembled locally and published in the United States. Self-publishing was her door to preserve her story and illustrations. She has direct control of royalties which she enjoys sharing with worthy causes.

Next Monday, Golden K will feature guest speaker Dr. Dane Baker, an optometrist who surely has envisioned some good information for the group. Save the date and keep an eye open Monday. Meetings begin at 10 a.m. and all are welcome.