Golden K chairperson Lois Outcelt introduces Monday’s guest speaker Tim McCauley, Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority program coordinator. (Joanne Lindholm photo)

KINGSFORD — Monday morning brought gray skies and fog. It wasn’t long before the atmosphere changed inside the building as Golden K seniors did their best to brighten things up.

Chairperson Lois Outcelt rang her bell and brought members together to begin opening ceremonies. With the Fourth of July a few days away, “Pledging Allegiance to the Flag” took on a special meaning. Singing “God Bless America” emphasized the importance of the upcoming holiday. It’s a time for fun and games as we all ring in America’s 250th anniversary.

Welcome was sung for Tim McCauley, program coordinator for the Downtown Development Association — DDA — of Iron Mountain. Birthday wishes went to Gilbert Engel and Clay Lepola. Happy anniversary wishes rang for Kirk and Carol Olson. Kathy Jo Anderson happily picked up winnings from the 50-50 drawing and the Happy Dollar thought from Bill Roberts remembered a great time in Minnesota and Wisconsin at a grandson’s wedding .

Members should mark their calendars for the July 20 annual membership picnic. This year will be a different venue, with members to meet at the Imagination Factory Community Center Gus Macker Cafeteria. Members and volunteers may contact Richard Ochoa to RSVP.

Outcelt’s thought for the day was “The first step in changing the world around us is believing it is possible.”

DDA Program Coordinator Tim McCauley was warmly welcomed to Monday’s meeting. As a transplant from North Carolina, he brought years of experience to this local area. Under a revised 2018 plan for Iron Mountain, the Downtown Development Authority covers a large downtown business area. Their goals for city growth and development are extensive and varied. They work with property values, tax issues, economic growth, and preservation. They enhance and revitalize with programs like flower and tree planting.

Their visions require hours of planning, goal setting and funding acquisition.

The DDA welcomes feedback and ideas from citizens.

They are in the process of setting up an advisory board. If you are interested in participating, contact McCauley at City Hall. Longtime locals have seen many downtown changes over the years. Do you remember walking store to store, and maybe stopping to visit people on the sidewalk? How about going into Kresge’s for a cup of coffee and piece of pie? Along came malls and the internet. Shopping has changed and so has the face of downtown. There are some new businesses in the downtown area. Take a walk from store to store and revisit that type of shopping experience.

The DDA would appreciate hearing from you. What are your likes, dislikes and what would you want to see in your town? Consider joining their advisory team and add your voice and ideas. Supporting the DDA enables Iron Mountain to become a better place to work and live.

The Golden K will not meet Monday, giving members time to enjoy festivities over the holiday. The next meeting will be at 10 a.m. Monday, July 13, at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. Coffee will be ready and all are welcome.