Joanne Lindholm photo From left are Golden K chair Bill Roberts, Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District Superintendent Jennifer Huotari and DIISD Career Technical Education Director/Principal Michael Mulligan.

KINGSFORD — The first substantial snowfall last Saturday made roads and sidewalks a little difficult to navigate, but members of Golden K didn’t stay away from the Monday morning meeting. They arrived on time and ready to sing.

Bill Roberts, January’s chairp, rang the bell to bring everyone to their feet. Alyce Derwinski warmed up the piano and Dan Pedo took his place at the podium to lead members as they sang “Heart of My Heart,” “I’ve Got Rhythm” and “It’s a Grand Old Flag.” The “Welcome Song” was sung for guests Jennifer Huotari, Michael Mulligan, Marge Nelson and Joy Skorich. Birthday wishes were extended to Brett Calcari and Jim Benzing.

With New Year’s resolutions being made, Roberts quoted C.S. Lewis, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

Joanne Hady happily picked up her winnings from the 50-50 drawing.

Gary Proudfit read the Happy Dollar messages that a special message from Orice Walters written by her niece, Joy Skorich and sister, Marge Nelson. She thanked the members for the memories, laughs and prayers through the years.

Messages from Bill Roberts and Dan Pedo included excitement over the weekend’s Lions and Packers advancement to the playoffs. Joanne Hady had a wonderful birthday party and Sarah Gospodarek was grateful for good health.

Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District Superintendent Jennifer Huotari and DIISD Career Technical Education Director/Principal Michael Mulligan presented a program on the tech center.

In October 1972, the original millage was passed to support a tech center. The center opened its doors in fall 1976. The graphic arts and networking classrooms were added in 1982 and the construction trades facility opened in 2020.

The tech center offers a variety of career-preparation programs, including: auto mechanics, construction trades, educational careers, graphic arts, health occupations, marketing, mechatronics, networking/cyber security and welding.

Many of the students earn college credits by taking classes at the tech center, which are offered through an early partnership with Bay College and they can achieve a one- or two-year degree. Forty-nine students, to date, have obtained a degree. Many students who have earned these credits enlist in the military, entering into skilled positions.

A total of 23,765 students have been served through the tech center since 1976. Currently, 46% of the juniors and seniors in Dickinson and Iron counties attend the tech center. Students from Florence and Niagara in Wisconsin are also enrolled in classes.

Much of the tech center is from the original build and needs reconfiguration. Security measures, bathrooms, HVAC system, plumbing and more need updating. The staff have worked diligently to redesign areas to accommodate the increasing student population and meet today’s needs.

An open house is scheduled from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, at the DIISD Career and Technical Education Center, 300 North Blvd. in Kingsford. Everyone is invited to attend.

Golden K will meet at 10 a.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. All are welcome.