Golden K chairwoman Sharon Scholke, right, introduces guest speaker Beth Bray, a member of the board of directors of the Imagination Factory Children’s Museum in Iron Mountain. Bray gave members an update on the museum’s progress.

IRON MOUNTAIN — One never knows what to expect when the Golden K seniors stroll into the fellowship hall of the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford.

As chairwoman, Sharon Scholke raised her gavel and quickly brought the meeting to order. Opening with the pledge to the flag and singing “God Bless America,” everyone found their places. When a teacher says sit, we sit.

Alyce Derwinski already had the piano warmed up, Al Calcari took up his director’s position and the group let loose with “Yes Sir, That’s My Baby” and “I’m A Yankee Doodle Dandy.”

Beth Bray, member of the Imagination Factory Children’s Museum board of directors, was welcomed as the guest and speaker for the day. Diane Aune picked up her 50-50 winnings, as Scholke read her “Thoughts For the Day.” Happy dollars included Orice Walters sharing a Happy Birthday with family all joining in the Harry Potter theme. Ron Jouppi got one more shot at water skiing thanks to his grandson, any time spent with family is treasured today.

Sign-up sheets for the Golden K peanut fundraiser in September were passed around while coffee and doughnuts were set out and conversation took over. No problem multi-tasking for this group. All things in order, Scholke introduced guest speaker Bray.

Bray, along with her other board members, have been diligently working on organizing a hands-on children’s museum. First with finding a suitable building, researching various other museums for ideas, applying for grants, and setting up a non-profit status with the help from the Kiwanis. Then overcoming COVID-19 delays, renovating their building to codes and ensuring safety for all, has been challenging. However, with dedicated people and volunteers, their mission is reaching fruition.

They plan to host a grand opening from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, and noon to 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 6. There will be more information announced as the date gets closer.

There has been close attention paid to all aspects within this museum, located on the second floor of the old Central School building in Iron Mountain. The gym and lunch room areas are on the first floor.

The walkway has been lit at night to accommodate the hydroponic growing area — where there are some vegetables growing. The museum also features a media room, fully equipped area for painting, drawing and designing — a place to explore their interest in these arts.

Visitors will also discover an environmental room with wigwam, cabin, ice fishing and virtual sand box; an industrial room that explains local businesses; a mining exhibit with rocks to learn; and health room which deals with eyes, ears, brain and see-through shirt showing what your organs look like. Everyone will find the decor, planning interaction facility astounding.

The museum board has plans for future exhibits as time, money and volunteers allow. A wall mural will be established and, as of today, 25 exhibits are ready for viewing and exploring.

Volunteers play a big part in the success of this community project. There will be training sessions for volunteers to ensure safety guidelines.

A $7 entrance fee is being proposed. Plans for availability for membership is to be determined.

The next Golden K meeting at 10 a.m. Monday will feature Nancy DeKoster talking about information on Lake Antoine.