By Mary Jane

Nelson

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — It was a beautiful day… sun shining, light covering of snow on the ground, piano music, and singing of favorite Christmas carols wafted from the meeting room at First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. Great way to start the day and week.

Joan Jouppi, chairperson for the month of December, presided at the meeting which began with the pledge to the flag and singing “God Bless America.” Guest song welcomed Diane Luczak and Joan Recla.

Songs for the birthdays of Phyllis Galeazzi and Eileen Machus, and a wedding anniversary for Gilbert Engle and Louise Swope were sung with the usual gusto.

Happy Dollars recognized Joan Jouppi for her efforts with articles in The Daily News. One member who is a good sport said she was not happy because of having to shovel snow, but contributed anyway. Walter Jensen held the winning ticket for 50/50.

Upcoming events for Golden K members are: The Iron Mountain Jazz Band under the direction of Craig Recla, will entertain at the club meeting on Monday, Dec. 12.

Members Christmas Party at Recreation Lanes Monday, Dec. 12

Golden Throats will sing at Children’s Christmas party on Dec. 19.

Golden Throats will sing at ManorCare on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.

Mike Werner, program chairperson, offered the prayer of thanksgiving before coffee and refreshments. Before introducing speakers Diane Luczak and Joan Recla from the Almost Home Animal Shelter, Mike gave an appropriate quote from Mahatma Gandhi “The goodness of a nation and it’s moral progress can be judged by the way it treats its animals.”

Werner gave a brief rundown of the present financial needs of the animal shelter noting that when he became involved in the organization seven years ago, the country supplied 20 percent of operational needs, today because of county financial constraints, it has been greatly reduced with the balance of funding coming from adoption fees and donations. He also noted that presently fund raising events and donations are the most important source of income. He said the community support has been wonderful.

Diane Luczak, manager of Almost Home has been there 27 years stated the shelter, in addition to serving Dickinson, extends its services to surrounding counties in Michigan and Wisconsin. The shelter is a haven for all kinds of animals, rabbits, pot bellied pigs, goats, chickens and more.

Joan Recla has also been with the shelter for 15 years and is an animal technician/volunteer coordinator there. She spoke on the value of “behind the scenes” volunteers cleaning cages, feeding animals, walking dogs, just to name a few of the jobs needed to keep the shelter running. A recent addition to the facility is an obedience training center in the lower level of the facility.

The enthusiasm of these two women about the shelter, their concern and love for animals was definitely evidenced in their message.

Donations such as kitty litter, cleaning supplies (paper towels, dish detergent) are always needed and appreciated. Questions regarding donations, volunteering may call 906-774-1005.

Paul Jacobs Photo
Mike Werner, introDUCES Golden K guests, Diane Luczak, left, and Joan Recla. Luczak, manager of the Almost Home Animal Shelter, spoke to the members on the operation as well as their needs.