Golden K chairperson Lois Outcelt, left, introduces Tracy Dunn, EMT with the Niagara Area Emergency Unit. (Joanne Lindholm photo)

KINGSFORD — Golden K members enjoyed a week’s vacation while First Presbyterian Church members were busy with their Vacation Bible School.

Getting back into the swing of things, Lois Outcelt was more than ready to chair this meeting. Outcelt, with songbook in hand and Alyce Derwinski ready on the piano, led the club in singing a few oldies.

Welcomed guests included Susan Lucas, director of RSVP, her assistant Kendra Trulock, and the Honorable Municipal Judge Tracy Dunn. Happy Birthday wishes went to Clayton Lepola and Gilbert Engel. Outcelt shared some wise words to live by, “God gave us this day to use as we willed. We can use it for good or waste it away. Whatever we do is important because we are exchanging it for a day in our life. Tomorrow this day will be gone, forever leaving in it’s place the something we traded it for.”

There will be no meeting July 6, giving everyone time to enjoy this country’s celebration of 250 years.

On July 20, the club will have its members picnic.

Happy Dollars reflected on Lynn Lavigne’s recovery from surgery and her feeling better, as she won the 50-50 drawing.

Members took a moment to remember Ray Outcelt, who held the municipal judge position in Niagara for 25 years.

Golden K bids goodbye to Kirk Olson, who has been a longtime Golden K member. He spent many hours keeping the books and running fundraisers. We will miss Kirk and Carol and send best wishes for a long, healthy retirement in Florida.

Niagara Municipal Judge Tracy Dunn has a full schedule. In addition to judicial duties, she works with the rescue squad.

Rescue squad participants receive a small stipend for their efforts, yet mostly volunteer answering emergency calls day and night. Anyone needing help can count on these people to be available and rest assured they will be taken care of.

Medical emergencies require immediate attention, and these responders need to have vital information at hand. Potential patients have to be able to communicate clearly about what is happening. If they are unable to communicate, it is essential to have another person close by to convey information to paramedics or hospital personal.

Important information includes medication list and timing, allergies and reactions. A list placed on the refrigerator or in a visible area for reference help responders act quickly and efficiently.

Dunn also spoke about the importance of one knowing what medications are being taken. Read the labels on the pill bottles and ask your provider if you don’t understand. Some medications can not be combined. It is good to know how, when, and why you take each pill. Anyone taking nitro needs to be confident they understand the importance of using that pill properly. Medications should travel with you along with a list of usage. Making photo copies of your meds will help ambulance and hospitals get the right help quickly.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally. It merits serious consideration. There may be confusing symptoms that make one wonder is it indigestion, or mild discomfort. You might be inclined to wait and see if things settle down. A heart attack can happen slowly or rapidly. The best strategy is to keep a list of phone numbers with you at all times. Be familiar with the nearest hospital that deals with 24 hour emergency cardiac care. If you notice someone showing signs of a heart problem, call for help right away. Watch for chest pains or pains in other parts of the body, shortness of breath tiredness, dizziness or fainting, and nausea. Use this acronym as a starting point — B.E.A.S.T. — balance, eye, arm, speech, time — to call 911.

Sepsis is another life-threatening response to an infection. Watch for a body temperature higher or lower than normal, mental decline, or extreme symptoms. It is best to check out your health issues with your doctor or local provider. Your health and home need to be as safe as you can make them.

Consider things like step-in tubs or a chair for the shower. Limit scatter rugs and install safety bars as necessary. Stay safe and be aware of changes in your daily routine that seem to be unusual. Preventing falling hazards is something you can do for your own sake.

The Golden K will meet at 10 a.m. Monday at First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford, with speaker Kyle Blomquist, who is mayor pro tem for the City of Iron Mountain.