White stuff appeared on the ground and frigid temperatures announce that fall has given way to winter. Ready or not, deer season is on the horizon.

As Thanksgiving plans are being formulated, the Golden K began preparations for the Christmas party in December for youth with special needs. Bill Roberts was ready with his list of “things to do” before for the Dec. 12 event. It is a month away; however, Roberts’ list seemed to be a lot like Santa’s. Long! Under his gentle guidance, Roberts was able to formulate a schedule the Golden K members could voluntarily handle. The party plans are moving forward.

Alyce Derwinski, on piano, signaled the Golden Throat singers to grab their music and join volunteer director Judy Sielaff in practicing Christmas carols and patriotic songs. Plans are in process for the group to sing at the local nursing facilities in December. Hopeful the flu and pandemic minions will stay their visit through the holidays.

Chairperson Kathy Jo Anderson opened the business meeting.

Bill Roberts, Golden K chairman for the Christmas party for special needs children, talks about the upcoming event at the recent Golden K meeting. Seated from left are Kathy Jo Anderson, Juul and Sue Proudfit. (Judy Sielaff photo)

Birthday wishes go out to longtime GK member Lorraine Luba. Judy Sielaff gladly picked up her winnings from the 50-50 drawing and Gary Proudfit shared the Happy Dollar thoughts, which reflected great visits from family, happy just to be, and the “Packers win.”

Anderson’s thought for the day was: “Silence and smiles are two powerful tools. Smiles are the way to solve many problems. Silence is the way to avoid them.”

Anderson introduced the guest speaker, Tamara Juul, executive director of the Dickinson Area Community Foundation. Juul is a familiar face at the Golden K and always brings the club up to date on DACF programs and funding.

This Monday, Juul brought a check to the Golden K to be used for events for children with special needs. Golden K plans and executes these parties for area schools three times a year. Cooperation between the schools, teachers, aides, bus drivers and Golden K seniors brings happiness to these very special students that goes beyond description. It needs to be experienced.

The DACF was founded in 1995. The foundation currently includes Crystal Falls and Norway Community Foundations. A Youth Advisory Committee program involves young people from local schools. There are three YAC active groups. High school students from Iron Mountain-Kingsford, Crystal Falls and Norway are currently involved, with two members of the YAC serving on the foundation board.

Their mission statement is “To enhance the quality of life for all residents of Dickinson County, adjacent Michigan and Wisconsin communities, and the Forest Park/Crystal Falls communities. The Foundation will provide leadership by attracting resources, managing endowments, serving donors and distributing funds to meet changing community needs, now and in the future.”

It is a big responsibility that Juul and her staff fulfill with expertise.

Endowment funds, community funds, agency grants, mini-grants, and scholarships are some of the ways Juul provides information and assistance.

Golden K has been the recipient of some funds and has also contributed to a scholarship fund for local high school graduates.

There is an unwritten code in the Upper Peninsula — our communities are all about helping their own and others. Juul brings people together for the common good of the community. The mission is to help people grow, especially youth in leadership to improve the community where we live.

The list of endowments, grants and scholarships managed by the Dickinson Area Community Foundation is staggering. The amount of funding that has been channeled throughout the communities is impressive. The programs are made available through the DACF office at 220 E. Hughitt St., Iron Mountain.

The Golden K will meet Monday, with Renee Lindow speaking on the Care Companion program at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain. The Golden Throats will practice singing at 9:30 a.m., with a business meeting at 10 a.m. and the program to begin at 10:30 a.m.

Anyone interested in joining in on the singing or attending the program are welcome to the Monday meetings.