Ben Determan photo Golden K speaker Stacey Lantagne and her pet, Thor, with Golden K chair Judy Sielaff. Lantagne spoke about her Coping Crew children’s books that focus on helping kids cope with fears and anxieties.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — As the days pass by, “To Do” lists become a necessary tool. Hopefully decorations are in place and the house is ready for company. Are those cookies baked, cards mailed, and presents bought and wrapped? Check once more to see if anything has been overlooked. Finally things seem to be in order and a calmness eases into the hectic schedule. But wait, there’s one more item on the list: Monday morning with the Golden K.

A warm cup of coffee awaits members as they make their way to the First Presbyterian Church on a very brisk morning. Alyce Derwinski wasted no time getting the piano warmed up and ready for some enthusiastic renditions of Christmas songs. “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Joy to the World,” and ” Silver Bells” echoed through the building.

Stacey Lantagne was welcomed as guest speaker. Joanne Hady was wished a happy birthday for Dec. 22, and Jim Benzing celebrates on Jan. 4, 2023. Happy anniversary wishes to Ben and Ginny Determan completing another year on Dec, 30. Sharon Scholke added winnings from the 50-50 drawing to her Christmas joy.

December chairperson Judy Sielaff introduced the guest speaker, Lantagne. She is a wife, mother of three, and an author of children’s books. She is also a businesswoman and with her husband operates Crafters on Central in Florence, Wis. She has written several books devoted to helping people of all ages who deal with mental health issues.

Her books are focused on children; however, in today’s world mental health issues affect people of all ages and even animals. Lantagne and her “pet partner,” a canine named Thor, travel to schools, museums, organizations, day care facilities. Wherever possible, they share their story.

Her books are in a series format, dealing with fears, phobias and anxieties. The books are done in rhyme and vibrant colors. Each has a predominate character. One character is a bee who is afraid of needles. Upon feeling ill, she visited the doctor, who tells her a shot would make her better. No, no, she did not want a shot. The bee’s journey to overcome this fear is a journey many people face.

Lantagne and Thor are registered as Pet Partners and travel together. Each of them have their own fears, anxieties and phobias. Together they communicate their story. People relate closely when an animal is present. Lantagne has experienced this in nursing homes, colleges and with military listeners.

Almost all of us are affected in some way by health issues. Her main focus is teaching to cope, define and find a comfort area.

Her Coping Crew books target health issues and give the reader possibilities for handling a particular fear.

Crafters on Central is a hands-on art studio offering an assortment of classes for all ages to explore their inner artistic talent. They host workshops and paint-your-own pottery fun.

There’s even a room for splatter paint. Bring your feelings to this room and splatter paint on the walls (or others). Protective clothing is provided as well as some paint.

They feature spin art, where you can design, paint, and spin to create.

Lantagne can be followed on Facebook @ Stacey Lantagne, Author.

Her books are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart. Her website is www.craftersoncentral.com.

Her books are informative and helpful for all ages and cover a wide range of fears, phobias and anxieties that we can all enjoy releasing.

Golden K seniors wish a happy holiday to all. The next meeting will be Jan. 9 of the new year.