Joanne Lindholm photo From left are Brynn Billings, director of the Family Ties adult day care center, and Joan Jouppi, Golden K chairperson. Billings spoke to the Golden K Club about Family Ties, which offers help for individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s, dementia and other diseases.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — Family. It’s a story unto itself. It’s the team that nurtures and supports. The beautiful U.P. weather and greenery brings families together. Picnics, concerts and backyard barbecues flare up on every street and park.

The Golden K senior group always starts with the buzz of conversation. Weekly stories of the grandkid’s baseball game or the out-of-town member returning to visit.

Happy Dollars are the groups way of expressing gratitude through a donation to the community. Laverne Calcari had two nieces visiting town and two children with her for the meeting. Bill Roberts was also grateful for visiting family members, some of whom are staying into August.

Our music director, Lois Outcelt, glows as she leads the singing. Her Happy Dollar thoughts celebrated the Community Chorus Concert on Sunday at Lake Antoine Park. Happy Birthday song and wishes went to Joanne Lindholm and Jeanine Polkinghorn.

Welcomed guests for the day included Sally Harris, a friend of Lois Outcelt, as well as the speaker for day Brynn Billings, the director for Family Ties Adult Center in Iron Mountain.

Patriotism and unity were expressed though song and pledge. We live in complicated times where togetherness and support are more important than ever.

The Family Ties Adult Center is a community action program operating under Dickinson Iron Community Services Agency.

It is an adult day care center serving individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, dementia, as well as other debilitating diseases. These are conditions that affect many families.

Family Ties provides a structured program with stimulating activities and socialization. The setting enables individuals to gain a feeling of accomplishment and inclusion. With a staff of four and the help of volunteers, they provide a safe, stimulating place for clients to interact. This also gives respite to the family members and caretakers at home.

An average of 41 hours per month of respite care is provided to the primary home caregivers. This is time that can be used to accomplish important daily activities, and replenish the energy care giving requires.

The services that Family Ties provides also gives participants the opportunity to remain in their own home, living in familiar surroundings.

Family Ties began with volunteers in a church basement in 1988.

UPCAP and DICSA standards and program requirements are used to determine eligibility. A telephone screening initiates the intake process. There is a list of criteria to meet for eligibility. Billings and her team will be happy to help you with that process. Partial funding and a sliding scale make the program accessible.

Some of the services provided by Family Ties include:

— Stimulating activities;

— Community engagement;

— Caregiver support;

— Transportation (DICSA transportation);

— Hot noon meal (DICSA Nutritional Program);

— Informational library;

— Regular exercise;

— Personal care.

We are grateful for Brynn Billings and organizations like Family Ties and DICSA. Along with volunteers throughout the community, we strive to make life better for each other. Enjoy the summer, enjoy your family, and do what you can to support this beautiful place we call home.

On Monday, the group will enjoy their annual picnic at City Park in Iron Mountain.

The next regular meeting will be 10 a.m. July 29 at the First Presbyterian Church. Guest speaker will be from the Dickinson County Cancer Unit Loan Closet.