Golden K chairperson Pat Polzin introduces Monday’s guest speaker Aaron Yonke, Breitung Township Schools superintendent. (Joanne Lindholm photo)

KINGSFORD — It’s official, winter is here. It is evidenced by the white stuff that blew in, dumping inches of snow and causing power outages. It meant slippery roads and mandated cautious driving. The Golden K members bundle up, brush off the car and head for their Monday morning meeting.

December Chairperson Pat Polzin rallied the group together for opening ceremonies. Alyce Derwinski takes her cue and warms up the piano. Bill Roberts leads the singing with his list of Christmas carols.

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday behind us, the holiday season has begun.

The welcome song greeted Aaron Yonke, Breitung Township Schools superintendent, as guest speaker. Happy Birthday was sung for Judy Sielaff and wishes for a Happy Anniversary went to Gilbert Engel and Louise Swope, as well as Joseph and Kathy Jo Anderson. Kathy Jo also happened to win the 50-50 drawing.

Happy Dollar thoughts reflected that Candy Buchcuski was excited for the birth of a great-grandson, and Bill Roberts was happy to see the Pine Mountain and Norway ski hills getting their slopes ready for the coming season.

Members were reminded of the children with special needs Christmas party on Monday, Dec. 15.

Polzin introduced guest speaker Yonke, who is superintendent of all three Breitung Township Schools. As a young man with many career options in mind, he felt the call to become a teacher. He taught a variety of classes and even considered transitioning into the field of sports. In the end, he decided the best choice would involve coaching.

Into the mix came marriage, children, and an affinity for the Upper Peninsula. His priorities have always been faith, family, and career. His four children, ranging in age from 3 to 10, helped direct his choice of career.

Yonke focuses tirelessly on students, helping them reach their full potential.

Being part of a community whose main interest is in their school system makes it a winning situation for all.

When the position of superintendent opened up, Yonke was encouraged to “think about it.” It wasn’t long before he was sitting in the superintendent’s chair in his office. With the familiar smell of smoke from Grede foundry wafting through the opened window, he knew this was home.

He remains focused on the best direction for the schools and students. It’s a healthy challenge meeting financial obligations and updating classrooms and facilities, while prioritizing the student’s best interest.

Though he misses teaching, he still visits classrooms and does some coaching.

Faculty, administration and community support enable the local schools to thrive. The local newspapers are filled with the academic and sports achievements of students.

Yonke welcomes interested citizens to join him at a local restaurant for a coffee hour. Conversation, questions, and suggestions are welcomed. Contact him in the staff directory at www.kingsford.org or call the Breiting Township Schools.

Golden K will meet at 10 a.m. Monday at First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford, with Carol Sundstrom of the Jake Menghini Historical Museum board and the museum’s Partners group.

Everyone is welcome.