Golden K chairperson Judy Sielaff introduces Golden K guest speaker Barbara Kramer, community volunteer, author and Lake Antoine Park Partner. Kramer spoke about community involvement and the books she has written. She gave an update on the improvements at Lake Antoine and the community events that are sponsored by the LAPP. (Joanne Lindholm photo)

KINGSFORD — May found winter taking its time to finally evolve into spring. June holds promise of sun and fun ahead. Summer is long awaited in the Upper Peninsula and we use each day to its fullest. May was the time for flowers and foliage to come alive and sprout their beauty. As June cautiously appears, schools close, lawn mowers rev up and swimming gear is readied. Boats are gassed up for pleasure rides and fishing. Get set and go enjoy summer.

The Golden K seniors are preparing for the annual picnic for children with special needs. The event will be Tuesday at City Park in Iron Mountain. The group begins setting up bright and early at 8:30 a.m.

Chairperson Judy Sielaff called the meeting to order with opening ceremonies. Since the regular pianist was injured, the group sang a cappella. Happy Birthday wishes went to Lois Outcelt, Gary Proudfit and Al Calcari. Happy Anniversary is wished to Ron and Joan Jouppi. Guests Lizanne Sielaff and Sharon Stark were welcomed with singing that made the occasion memorable.

Happy Dollars included Charlie Yonts celebrating the birth of his fourth great-grandson, Raphael Charles Salazar. Candy Buchcuski gave thanks for all those who have died to preserve our freedom.

Community leader and activist Barb Kramer updated the Golden K on the Lake Antoine Park Partners Project. Phase One of “Everyone Plays” was completed with grants, donations and volunteers. The organization is fundraising and ready to begin Phase Two.

They are a non-profit 501(c)(3) and depend upon community support. They work in conjunction with the Dickinson County Parks and Recreation Office. The park has been undergoing electrical, and water line improvements. There are new showers and bath house. There have also been improvements on leveling camp site areas and facilitating accessibility for all to enter the water easily at the lakes edge.

The Lake Antoine project is a special passion for Kramer and many in the community who grew up with this treasure.

The projects are ongoing and a plan is set for endowment care in the future. It’s been an enormous project demonstrating the community dedication for its youth and the future. The LAPP organizes year-round events at Lake Antoine that include Kites over Awesome Lake Antoine — KOALA — in January, Music Under the Stars in July, band concerts and more. Go to the LAPP website at https://lakeantoine.org for complete list.

From clean-up days to donations, they can always use your support. What better way to get the family involved in making our community fun for all?

The Golden K will not have regular meeting on Memorial Day. They will meet Tuesday for the picnic for children with special needs.

Extra hands are welcome in City Park, beginning at 8:30 a.m. There will be coffee and doughnuts.