Joanne Lindholm photo Clare Lutgen, left, is welcomed to the Golden K meeting by member Joan Jouppi. Lutgen spoke to the club about the Bay Cliff Health Camp.

By Judy Sielaff

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — “The greatest good is what we do for one another” (Mother Teresa). This mindset is instilled in the Golden K seniors and is evident as they gather on Monday morning.

Joan Jouppi, July chairperson, kicked off the meeting with ringing the bell, signaling the members to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Richard Jouppi lead the singing which was accompanied by Alyce Derwinski on the piano. “Pretty Baby,” “Sentimental Journey,” “Shine on Harvest Moon” and “Side by Side” were sung with enthusiasm.

Birthday celebrations included Sue Proudfit, Kathy Jo Anderson, and Maxine Vaccarello. Anniversary wishes went out to Kirk and Carol Olson and Doug and Iris Machus. The welcome song was sung for the day’s guests: Clare Lutgen, Shirley Winters and her grandson, Leonardo and Kathy Arnold.

Joanne Lindholm was the lucky winner of the Pot of Gold. Prayers continue for members who are under-the-weather. Brett Calcari advised the group of answered prayers, as his sister’s treatments have resulted in her cancer-free diagnosis.

Thought for the day: “The courage to speak must be matched by the wisdom to listen.” Gary Proudfit read the Happy Dollar messages. Notes included a wonderful 90th birthday party for Maxine Vaccarello, Dorleen and Vance Uhazie’s enjoyable 4th of July with their sons and families, Ron and Joan Jouppi’s fantastic weekend with grandkids and great-grandkids, and Brett Calcari’s delight in being back with the Golden K.

Members were reminded of the Golden K members’ picnic on July 24 at City Park. Reservations must be made to Kirk Olson by July 17.

Clare Lutgen, the executive director of Bay Cliff Health Camp was the guest speaker. She has been with Bay Cliff for five years. This is the 89th consecutive summer of the Bay Cliff Health Camp. Even COVID-19 didn’t stop the camp from happening, but alterations had to be made.

Bay Cliff is a year-round, nonprofit therapy and wellness center for children and adults with disabilities. Bay Cliff’s flagship program is a seven-week, summer therapy camp session serving children with disabilities.

The children work toward goals of increased independence and living a fuller life. Bay Cliff also provides a number of programs year-round, including an adult program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, an adaptive paddling workshop, and a number of weekend family camps.

Bay Cliff partners with non-profit organizations and schools interested in conducting programs at camp. These guest programs include health and wellness retreats, youth development camps, science and outdoor recreation programs, and volunteer and leadership trainings for people with & without disabilities.

Lutgen shared that staffing is a challenge and many of the repeat counselors sought work elsewhere when face-to-face camps were changed during Covid. This summer, they have employed all new staff from 18 different states and are working on rebuilding relationships.

Campers must be able to benefit from occupational, physical or speech therapy and be in the age range from 3-17 to qualify. Bay Cliff recognizes the need for campers with sensory issues to attend a summer camp, but this camp is already at capacity and would not be suitable for children with these problems. They do, however, hold family camps for those with other special needs.

“When you accept them for who they are, magical things happen” said Lutgen. She thanked the local communities for their support which allows Bay Cliff to continue their mission at no cost to the families.

Next week’s speaker is Martin Seisher. Golden K meets at 10 a.m. on Monday mornings at the First Presbyterian Church. Everyone is welcome.