(Joanne Lindholm photo) Joan Jouppi, Golden K chair, left, introduces guest speakers Mary Gagala, center and Frances Gundlach of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Iron Mountain. They addressed the group on the activities and services that the pantry provides.

KINGSFORD — The Carpenters had a hit song, “Rainy Days and Mondays” with the added lyrics, “always get me down.” Rainy days may dampen the mood of the Golden K seniors, but they do not bring them down on Monday mornings as they head out for their weekly meeting. They arrive with smiles on their faces as they greet their fellow club members.

Joan Jouppi chaired the meeting and rang the bell at 10 a.m. Joanne Hady reminded everyone of the significance of this day. Twenty-two years ago, community members met in this very room to donate blood for victims of the 9/11 attack. This serves as a reminder of how fragile life is and what a wonderful area we live in.

Alyce Derwinski played the piano as Lois Outcelt led the group in singing several songs, including “This Land is Your Land” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” These songs were chosen by Derwinski and were so appropriate for the day.

Guests for the day were Kathy Arnold, Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency, and Mary Gagala and Fran Gundlach from St. Vincent de Paul. The group sang the welcome song for them.

Happy Dollars were read by Brett Calcari. The message from Pat Polzin was to smile at everyone you meet today, as it may be the only one they get. Calcari commented on how blessed their family is with birthdays and a wedding this month. Dorleen Uhazie wished their son, Ken, a happy 55th birthday.

Bill Roberts cheerfully picked up his winnings from the Pot of Gold. Birthday wishes were sung for Dorleen Uhazie and anniversary wishes for Wendy and Steve Mulka.

Kirk Olson reminded members their $35 annual dues are to be collected in September. Olson also provided a summary of the peanut sales on Sept. 1. To date, we have made a profit of $4,063.54, which includes several local businesses who have made donations. Golden K members thanked Olson for his continued work on this project.

Mary Gagala and Fran Gundlach addressed the group on the activities of the Iron Mountain St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. The pantry helps community members in need by distributing food and other services. Those who receive aid are interviewed before receiving goods. Assistance with utilities, medications, clothing vouchers and more are also provided on a limited basis.

Local grocery stores, Feeding America and other community groups are very generous to the pantry and provide food through the can-a-thon, food drives and financial donations. They work closely with the Salvation Army, Department of Human Services and DICSA, as well as meeting with other St. Vincent de Paul agencies in the area.

Sixty-four Thanksgiving dinners and 43 Christmas meals were provided last year, as well as gifts for 55 children.

The Iron Mountain SVDP food pantry has 20 volunteers who answer phones, conduct interviews and pack groceries. Additional volunteers are always welcome. From October 2022 through June 2023, they provided food to 952 adults, 588 children, 104 seniors and 48 veterans. Hours are from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and on Tuesdays and Thursdays for phone calls.

Gagala and Gundlach thanked the Golden K for their donation to the food pantry.

The Golden K meets at 10 a.m. every Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. Everyone is welcome.