GOLDEN K members enjoy a lunch outdoors at City Park during the club’s annual picnic Monday.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — On Monday, Golden K members celebrated decades of philanthropic service and untold hours of socialization and community support with their annual picnic at City Park.

Members gathered to sing an old tune and reminisce about the good life here in the U.P. It was one of those perfect days that we learn to appreciate in the North Country.

The Golden K began as a branch of Kiwanis International. In about 2004, the Golden K split off from the international organization to specialize in events and activities surrounding the senior community.

In the Spanish language, humanity falls into three groups. The senior group is called La Tecera Edad or The Third Age. It is defined in Wikipedia as “a stage of life in which the human being elaborates a reflection of what he has achieved in his life trajectory, as well as the opportunities that have been missed or have simply been postponed.” There is no more postponing for this vibrant group of third age beings. They use their wisdom, energy, and talents to inform and support the community around them.

Using donations, dues, and fundraisers, the Golden K does a variety of philanthropic work. Their major fundraiser is the peanut sales you will see in front of cooperating businesses around town. Look for that event the last weekend of August.

The Golden K cooperates with the RSVP under the Dickinson Iron Community Services Agency. Volunteer hours contributed individually or through the organization help support the work DICSA does to provide meals, transportation and other services.

Golden K awards monetary contributions to organizations. These organizations present their programs to the group and a board of directors designates funds. Current awardees include The Cancer Closet, Bay Cliff, Caring House and St. Vincent de Paul to mention a few. The group also awards scholarships to local students. There is a scholarship committee that works with Dickinson Area Community Foundation to assist non-traditional students.

The Golden K sponsors three events each year for children with special needs. With food, music, and games, these events are as much fun to organize as they are to participate. Local schools bus kids and caregivers in for a good time celebrating Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and summertime.

Another fun event sponsored by the Golden K is bingo at local senior care centers. Winners are paid in quarters, but the real prize is having fun as a community.

Whatever stage of life you find yourself in, remember to take time to enjoy this beautiful area and community. Reflect on ways each of us can make a difference and help each other.

If you’d like to know more about the Golden K, come to the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford at 10 a.m. Monday. Each week features a community speaker and we’ll share coffee doughnuts and a welcome song. On Monday, the Dickinson County Cancer Unit Loan Closet will present a short program.