Hardly had the seniors settled down to catch their breath than the first busload of students appeared at the door. Excitement and smiling faces began to fill the hallway. Coats, hats and mittens were hung carefully by the doorway and the children filed into their places at the brightly decorated tables. Aides and Staff members were close behind as everyone found a place to sit while Jim Janofski began unpack his bags.

Janofski brought horns, Ukulele, (more than one), banjo, guitar and a concertina or two. Singing and playing as many Christmas songs as he had instruments.

Janofski had the seniors singing and the students dancing in no time. As he played “Here Comes Santa Claus,” Santa appeared much to the delight of the crowd. As Santa greeted the young people the music continued until the food was ready.

Hungry children gobbled up the hot dogs and chips as fast as the seniors could get them on their plates. The Kool-Aid and cookies soon followed. It wasn’t long before it was time to say good-bye and Santa handed out blankets with matching pillows to each child as they filed out the door.

Dorleen Uhazie hugs one of the children at the party as Mary Swope and Lorraine Luba look on.

Many thanks to Willis, Norway, Niagara, Crystal Falls Woodland ISD and Woodland, Florence High School and Florence Grade School. And also to the staff, teachers, bus drivers and all who help these students come to the party.

Janofski for his music, Kirk Olson for emcee duties, Bill Roberts , who organizes the entire day and Kathy Arnold, RSVP Director at DICSA for taking pictures.

The Golden K seniors who may have gone home a bit tired but very thankful to have spread Christmas cheer with some very Special People.

As the Christmas and New Year festivities get into full swing, the Golden K will not meet until Jan. 6. The Kingsford Chorale will bring their music to the general meeting. Golden Throats will sing in Jan. 8, at ManorCare Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Kingsford.

The musical entertainment was Jim Janofski.

Golden K members gather for the annual Christmas party for special needs children. Sitting from left are: Sharon Scholke, Mary Jane Nelson, Mary Swope, Lorraine Luba, Bill Roberts, Louise Swope, Gilbert Engel; standing are: Tom Bugni, Mary Bugni, Gary Proudfit, Ellen Roberts, Sue Proudfit, Diane Aune, Ben Determan, Jeannine Polkinghorne, Walter Jensen, Dan Pedo, Vance Uhazie, Leon Gospoderek, Dorleen Uhazie, John Aune, Joan Jouppi; on the stairs are: John Corson, Jim Benzie, Paul Ward, Dr. Paul Jacobs, Ron Jouppi and Don Pedo.