Olympic gold medalist speaks at Golden K meeting
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By JOAN JOUPPI
For The Daily News
KINGSFORD -- We have to concede that not everyday has clear blue skies and sunshine. Monday was a bit gloomy, yet it didn't dampen the spirits of the Golden K seniors. As everyone found places at the tables, coffee and doughnuts disappeared amid excited chatter.
Chair Ben Determan wasted no time gathering the group for opening ceremonies. With Alyce Derwinski on piano and Lois Outcelt leading singers, music filled the fellowship hall. Beginning with "Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'," continuing into "The Old Piano Roll Blues," and finishing with "My Country 'Tis of Thee" left everyone feeling that this is a great place to live.
"Auld Lang Syne" was sung in memory of Walter Jensen. Walter "Whitey" Jensen was a longtime member of the Golden K who was always ready to share a story. He was active in community events and was a prolific historian of the area.
Happy Dollars noted joy in family sharing Octoberfest. Bob Bowman was extremely happy to have family at the Golden K. These included his son Bill, grandson Alec and granddaughter Maddie. Bowman's longtime friend and coworker, Don Quick, was also a Golden K guest. Dan Pedo thoroughly enjoyed a trip to Escanaba to hear the Barbershop-style rendition of harmonious songs acapella. Pedo won the 50-50 drawing and went home a happy man.
Golden K member Bob Bowman couldn't contain a giant smile as his granddaughter, Maddie Bowman, took the podium and began to tell her story. Maddie and her brother Alec were ski buddies from a very early age. The Bowman family were avid skiers; however, Maddie took her skiing to the next level. Her interest developed into a love of the sport. She challenged herself throughout her skiing career without letting it dominate her life. She relished opportunities to spend time with family and friends when skiing took her to new places. She became a tourist and guide, sharing and learning about other cultures and countries. Skiing was her passion, yet everyday life was equally important.
Her apex arrived when she won the freestyle ski halfpipe gold medal at the 2014 Olympics. She describes a surge of simultaneous emotions that included shock, happiness, sadness, tears and relief. All the training, traveling, and competitions resulted in wearing a gold medal. The fact that others had worked and trained just as hard gave her a bittersweet respect for the journey. The feeling was indescribable.
Maddie has since retired from competitive skiing but still stays connected through coaching. She maintains her competitive spirit and has been featured on "The Today Show." She competed in the X Games as well, where she won five out of eight events.
She embraces the sport with her whole being and never forgets to thank her family for their encouragement and support.
Maddie captured the heart of the Golden K members with her humor and delightful personality. Her father, Bill Bowman, proudly shared Maddie's scrapbook detailing her many adventures. She answered questions and finished by allowing the Golden K members to hold her gold medal. When we share each other's joy, we are all winners.
Golden K will meet Monday, with Amber Butterfield from the Dickinson County Conservation District as guest speaker. All are welcome at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford.