From left are Michigan State Trooper Geno Basanese; Golden K program chairwoman Joan Jouppi, Sarah Sleeter and Lisa Anderson, Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District supervisor.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — Take one piano player, Alyce Derwinski; one music director, Al Calcari; a room full of seniors ready to sing — even dance a little — mix that with chairman Ben Determan and you have a Monday morning with the Golden K. As the music begins to permeate the room, a rather dismal day becomes much brighter in the fellowship hall at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford.

Chairman Determan brought the meeting to order and the “Welcome Song” was sung for Michigan State Trooper Geno Basanese, Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District Supervisor Lisa Anderson, Sarah Sleeter, Charlie Yonts and Pam Liddell from Kansas, spending some quality time with her father, LeRoy Lindstrom. As Lindstrom picked up his winnings from the 50-50 drawing, “Happy Birthday” was sung for Bob Lee.

Gilbert Engel announced the scheduled fall road pick-up was changed to Monday after the general meeting. Members are to meet behind the Pizza Hut building. Those doing the pick-up need to use good judgement when approaching questionable trash.

There is a saying about taking a whole community to raise up a child. In this area, there are many communities that do just that. Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District encompasses two counties with that goal in mind. Anderson, supervisor for DIISD, strives to make that happen.

The agency works with young people from age 6 to 26. With the assistance from her staff, the parents and residents, they aim to provide quality services and resources, allowing all children to have meaningful education experiences, utilizing classrooms, enabling children to interact with other students, and providing opportunities for these young people to grow into their full potential.

Anderson spoke of her responsibilities within the classroom as well as on the field trips. She oversees the special needs picnics and parties provided by the Golden K. Several area schools children must be bused to the location, so staff and aides and even some parents come along to help.

Anderson also participates in the Michigan State Police Torch Run for Special Olympics. Working with Trooper Basanese, they plan the run/walk early in September.

This involves young people with varying impairments to run or walk the approximate 2 miles from the Iron Mountain State Police post to the Iron Mountain Police station, where those officers have set up tables and chairs for a light lunch with refreshments.

These young people came in breathless but happy. Waiting for them are the “cheering teammates” who are unable to walk or run. After lunch, a photo booth is available plus an array of costumes so those who attend can pose and get their picture taken.

Trooper Basanese, Sleeter and Anderson has organized this local event for the past five years.

Setting up a safe route for the event is collaboratively done by all law enforcement — state, city and sheriff clearly marking the route — keeping traffic at a safe distance from runners. Having vehicles riding close by enables personnel to monitor the runners and provide a ride if one becomes over heated or tires.

The Torch Run is a state wide event and representatives follow these events wherever they take place throughout the U.P. and Lower Peninsula. They have a well-marked vehicles that travel with the runners. Should one need to cool down, they can ride the rest of the route in air-conditioned comfort.

The DIISD has an activities fund anyone can donate to at any time. The DIISD office on Pyle Drive is open to the public. Check them out and see what a community working together can do.

The Intermediate School District operates the Early Children Center, tech center and special education community wide. Among the many employed in these areas are three school psychologists. The staff will be learning themselves with an upcoming training in-service program addressing trauma. Wanting to be prepared for any situation that may arise ensures these students will have the best educational basis the DIISD can provide.

The next Golden K will have a representative from the Northland School to talk about some of the changes there.

The Golden Throats will sing Wednesday at ManorCare Health Services in Kingsford.