Orice Walters introduces Golden K guest speakers Kristin Mattson, left, and Trisha Peterson from the new group Dementia Warriors. They talked about the new group and their upcoming fundraiser concert featuring Jay Allen on April 22 at the Braumart Theatre in Iron Mountain.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — Traditions are a part of every family’s history. With Easter just around the corner, people are making preparations for the holiday. Gatherings might include ham dinner, coloring eggs and hiding baskets of goodies. With a few feet of snow on the ground in the U.P., activities may have to be planned for indoors. Let’s ask Father Time to push Old Man Winter so that Mother Nature can burst forth as spring.

Monday morning revealed the Golden K group as usual. They did not let a snowstorm stop them. All arrived in great spirits awaiting Chairperson Orice Walter’s gavel on the bell. Pianist Alyce Derwinski handed out the list of songs and Bill Roberts brought the group to their feet.

After singing some favorite old songs, welcome was sung for guests Trisha Peterson and Kristin Mattson. They represent a group called the Dementia Warriors. Kathy Jo Anderson happily picked up her winnings from the 50-50 drawing.

Gary Proudfit read Happy Dollar thoughts. Kathy Jo Anderson was glad it didn’t snow again and is happy to be spending quality time with her grandchildren. Anna Vincent happily shared news of her son, Dylan Bolander, who recently published his third book of the “Heathee Trilogy.” Bolander shared his journey and books with the Golden K at a previous meeting.

We go to our physician to get checked for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and other health-related issues. How often do we think about our brain health? There are tests that can detect memory and cognitive changes. Early screening gives the doctor a base line to monitor changes that may occur.

Trisha Peterson and Kristin Mattson have witnessed dementia and Alzheimer’s within their families. Peterson recognized a lack of certified assistance for patients experiencing memory problems. She was inspired to learn and investigate. She strives to bring the issue to the public forefront.

Peterson and Mattson presented information about an upcoming event at the Braumart Theatre. Jay Allen of Nashville will perform at a benefit to support local dementia and Alzheimer’s organizations. It will be a night to be remembered, with music and story.

There will be a silent auction, raffle tickets and a Memory Lane wall inside of the theater where stories of loved ones story can placed. Information, T-shirts, forms for the memory wall and tickets are available through Peterson, who is the manager at radio station WJNR. She can be contacted at 906-774-5731. Funds raised will be used locally.

The concert will begin at 7 p.m. April 22. Tickets are $75. Doors to the theater open at 6 p.m. Polly’s Underground, next door to the theater, will host a meet-and-greet and photo session with Allen at 5 p.m. Everyone is invited to Polly’s Underground after the concert.

There is a growing need for well-prepared facilities to care for Alzheimer’s patients. Local nursing homes have limited space and sometimes lack sufficient security for those who need 24/7 care. Families and friends help when possible, yet as memory problems increase, the caregiving becomes a challenging.

Becoming aware of the symptoms and affects of Alzheimer’s and dementia is necessary for the care of the individuals diagnosed, their loved ones, and the community caring for them.

The Dementia Warriors have plans for a run/walk benefit, a memory cafe, and other community activities. These events bring awareness to opportunities and challenges for those diagnosed with memory loss.

Golden K will meet on Monday morning with Phyllis Carlson presenting a PowerPoint program on Michigan wildflowers. All are welcome.