Judy Sielaff photo From left, Golden K April Chairwoman Orice Walters; Jonathan Ringel and Barb Reisner, representing the Imagination Factory Children’s Museum; and Sharon Scholke of Golden K. A $300 donation from the Jim Verrette family was presented to Ringel and Reisner.

By Joan Jouppi

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — Just when it looked like one could hang up the winter coat, the once-green ground turned white again.

Making their way through the spring snow showers, the Golden K seniors congregated at the First Presbyterian Church, spurred on by the aroma of coffee wafting through the hallway. Whatever goes on outside does not dampen their determination to get to the Monday meeting.

Orice Walters, as chair for April, raised the gavel, Alyce Derwinski was poised and ready to bring the piano to its musical life, while Bill Roberts took on the directors roll and the group was ready to sing. “You Are My Sunshine” had this club rocking the rafters. After a few more oldies, the group was ready for the day.

Gary Proudfit shared the Happy Dollar thoughts from many who spent the Easter weekend with family. Maxine Vaccarello pocketed her winnings from the 50-50 drawing and Vance Uhazie would be celebrating his birthday April 19. The Golden K sang the Welcome Song for guests Barbara Reisner and Jonathan Ringel.

Sharon Scholke introduced her guest speakers, Ringel and Reisner. They are just two representatives of a 14-member board of directors at the Imagination Factory Children’s Museum. They have enough energy to light a campfire in a downpour.

They work together, complementing one another as they diligently worked on making this museum a reality. Their enthusiasm for this project engulfed the entire room. It didn’t take them long to transfer that excitement to the Golden K. As an organization “all about children” as well, Golden K can relate to their excitement about doing great things with and for children.

Imagination Factory Children’s Museum opened its doors in September 2021. Implementing a community center where everyone is welcomed, opportunities for children to experience creativity, new learning methods enabling them to improve social and emotional health, critical-thinking skills, self-confidence, early literacy and leadership skills by interacting with volunteers of all ages in hands-on learning situation. The programs are set up for age-related activities and volunteer mentors guide the child along. The museum has 6,000 square feet featuring eight rooms, with a multitude of activities in each area to make learning a world of fun. Each area has been specifically designed for the child to develop confidence in their abilities and learn the necessary skills that will carry them throughout their lifetime.

Check out the game-art-media room, tiny town, book and reading nook, the many exhibits as well as the community room when you need that quiet space.

The museum is open four days a week: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Hours may vary — go to their website at www.ourplacecc.org for information. They are a non-profit organization and rely on community support. Counting children only, attendance averages 25 to 75 each day. Each child is accompanied with one or more adults. There is a by-day cost or annual membership available. An intergenerational place to be comfortable, safe and where everyone belongs.

As a non-profit organization, they have been blessed with community and local business helping bring this museum to reality. A fundraiser is in the planning, with all proceeds going to the museum.

Look for more details on the upcoming Gus Macker fundraiser launch at Solberg’s on Tuesday. Volunteers are always welcomed at the museum — just stop by during open hours. Teamwork, volunteers and community support makes this a gift to the community and from the community, benefiting children of all ages and their families.

Monday’s Golden K meeting will have a mystery speaker bringing a mystery program. Visitors are always welcome. Come along with the seniors next week as the mystery unfolds.