In Michigan we don’t need a groundhog to tell us how long winter will be. We just check the depth of the snow, the lack of sunshine, and how close to zero the thermometer reads. Just to be safe, keep plenty of gas for the snowblower.

On this particular Monday, things were a bit different for the Golden K.

Members were gathered earlier than usual to begin preparing for some special guests. Monday was the Valentine party for a wonderful group of young people with special needs. The room was set up to sparkle with decorations of red, pink, and white. Colorful plates and cups adorned the tables. A corner was set aside for creative kids to make their own Valentine’s.

The Golden Kers were able to sit back and enjoy a sip of coffee and a moment of respite. Soon afterwards, the buses began arriving and everyone was called into action.

Musician Jim Janofski with students Harley Sturm Jones and Trinity Sanders from Norway Middle School at Golden K’s annual Valentine’s party for special needs children.

The Kool-Aid was chilled and the cookies were waiting. Guest musician Jim Janofski began with some tunes as the youths found seats.

Janofski brings a variety of instruments and lots of songs to get the group in a singing and dancing mode. These kids know how to engage and have fun.

One group of students gifted handmade, brightly colored bookmarks to the Golden K members. Another group of students made a very big card of thanks with all their names on it. That one will adorn our photo bulletin board. Happiness is a two-way street.

Fun and joy was shared by the kids and seniors alike. Friends and relatives came to volunteer and were a big help to the club. This year’s Valentine celebration came early and helped provide a boost of energy to lift the doldrums of winter.

A special thank you goes to the parents, caretakers and teachers, who facilitated the travel and care.

Thanks also to RSVP Coordinator Kendra Trulock and all those volunteers who rolled up their sleeves and helped with the clean-up. Invited schools included Niagara, Florence County Elementary, Forest Park Elementary and Secondary, Willis, Norway Elementary and High School.

Thank you to Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District Special Education Supervisor Jayci McInnis for helping coordinate the event. The Golden K group were privileged to share a small part of the day with some very special students.

Golden K will meet at 10 a.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford.

Golden K hosted its annual Valentine’s party for a group of special guests on Monday. Members, from left, are Gary Proudfit, Ron Jouppi, Sarah Gospodarek, Bill Roberts, Dorleen Uhazie, Patricia Menza, Marian Hiatt and Leon Gospodarek; in back are Gilbert Engel, Dave Sieloff, Charlie Yonts, Judy Sieloff, Alice Derwinski, Tim Johnson and Monica Fineberg.