Golden K chairperson Judy Sielaff introduces guest speaker Jana Underwood, a board member for Camp Molinare at Sawyer Lake in Channing. (Joanne Lindholm photo)

KINGSFORD — As spring wind and cold were still upon us, the Golden K group met once again to share friendship and community information along with plans of service.

Chair Judy Sielaff opened the meeting. The room was filled with the singing of several songs, including “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” and “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” Noted this was former member Bruce Stuart’s favorite song.

“Auld Lang Syne” was sung in memory of Myrna Ward, who passed away last week.

The welcome song was sung for Jana Underwood and birthday song for Wendy Mulka.

The Pot of Gold went to Kathy Anderson. Bill Roberts gave a happy dollar for the birth of his twin grandsons, Ellis and Lawrence.

There will be no Golden K meeting on June 15 and July 6.

The picnic for special needs children will be from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, May 26, at City Park in Iron Mountain. Someone still is needed to do face painting. Crafters on Central will supply the paint.

Ron Jouppi thanked everyone who attended his 90th birthday celebration.

Judy Sielaff then introduced Jana Underwood, a social worker who resides on Sawyer Lake in Channing and remained at the lake after her husband passed away. This is partially how she become involved with the restoration of Camp Molinare. The former camper and counselor wanted to have her daughter’s wedding reception at the camp. Although the camp was in very rough shape from years not being used and neglect, they were able to rent the facility, and with family and friends made it nice for the event.

Underwood is now on the Camp Molinare Board, having found others willing to help restore and maintain the camp.

The camp begin in 1946 with tents, swimming, canoes, etc. Groundbreaking for the building took place in 1947 and it was completed in 1949.

The camp can hold about 80 people and still has tables and benches made by Iron Mountain High School students in the 1960s.

Many people have helped with cost and labor, as a local donor gave a large monetary donation to continue with upgrades.

In the early 2000s, the state of Michigan and Dickinson County stopped giving funds to the camp.

The board sells Dickinson County Plat books as a continuous fundraiser. They also have several other fundraiser slated and are in need of more volunteers.

The 501(c)(3) was the recipient of the 100-Plus Women Who Care donation.

The facility can now be rented to be used for family reunions, church functions, weddings, etc. The charge is $600 a night, including full use of the large kitchen, dining area, three separate cabins, canoes and more.

The goal is for the facility to continue to bring joy, friendship and love of nature for generations to come.

Underwood was thanked for sharing her story.

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