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By JOAN JOUPPI
For The Daily News
KINGSFORD -- The meeting schedule was packed for this weeks Golden K gathering. Lois Outcelt wasted no time in ringing the bell to bring the Golden K seniors to their feet.
She wore two hats today as the piano player and acting chairperson. Outcelt enlisted the aid of Al Calcari to lead the group with morning start to the meeting. They two then led the group through some wonderful old songs. Outcelt removed her piano hat and proceeded with the business of the day.
Dorleen Uhazie happily picked up winnings from the 50-50 drawing. Gary Proudfit read Happy Dollar Thoughts. Sarah Gospodarek summed things up eloquently with her words: "We enjoy the privilege we have each morning -- to breathe, to see, to hear, to taste, and to love." In tandem with today's speaker and the sentiment of Memorial Day, we applauded those who serve, have served and given their all to keep this country free.
Happy Birthday to Shirley Winters on June 1, Paul Ward on June 2, and John Aune on June 4. Happy Anniversary wishes on June 4 for Larry and Joanne Lindholm.
The Golden K gives out two annual scholarships to local students. This year Angelina Riley of Kingsford High School and Santino Carollo of Iron Mountain High School were awarded scholarships of $400 each. They will both be attending Bay College before moving on to further their education. Riley is planning to attend Lake Superior Collage and Carollo has chosen Northern Michigan University.
The Golden K group and the community extend congratulations and best wishes for their futures. Riley's father, Joel and Carollo's father Jim thanked the group for the scholarship. Tamara Juul, Executive Director of the Dickinson Area Community Foundation along with two committee members Sharon Scholke and Ben Determan awarded the recipients with their scholarship funds.
Monday's featured speaker was Mary Stolze, a nurse during the Vietnam War. She met her husband, Steve in the service. He was a helicopter pilot when they met, fell in love and got married. Their first year was spent in Vietnam in two different locations. As you can imagine, this was not an ideal arrangement, but they made it work.
Stolze narrated a touching slideshow presentation describing the challenges faced working in less than sterile, hot, pest infected facilities. Pictures of her living space and working areas shocked and surprised the Golden K group.
Stolze and the MASH Unit would travel from village to village helping where they were able. They made due with medical supplies that were not always in pristine condition. Her personal photos showed countrysides, temples, and homes that had been bombed and destroyed. Weather was intense, transitioning from hot and humid to mud and rain, then cold and damp. Mold grew quickly on everything. Deadly bugs and snakes made life difficult. Sirens were the alert to hide wherever possible. Even through these conditions, the nurses main concern was the safety and care of patients.
The Vietnam War was controversial and extremely hard on the young men and women who fulfilled their duty there. The war was unpopular, but the bravery and caring of those heroes deserves to be remembered and honored. The Vietnam Tribute Wall is a heart rendering memento of the many young people who fought for our peace and freedom. Every day is a day to be thankful for them.
Golden K will not meet June 13, to attend memorial services for former member Al Galeazzi.
The next general meeting will be June 20, at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. Meetings begin at 10 a.m. with the program beginning at 10:30 a.m. Health worker Karen Burritt, daughter of Golden K member Bill Roberts, will be the guest speaker. All are welcome.