Joanne Lindholm photo BILL CUMMINGS, local historian, was the guest speaker at Monday’s Golden K meeting. He was introduced by Sue Proudfit, Golden K chairperson.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — The Labor Day holiday gave the Golden K seniors time to relax and enjoy holiday activities. September has moved in and cooling fall temperatures precipitate changes to the usual outdoor events. Yard work needs to be completed and some plants need extra care to get them through winter. As Monday morning rolled around the Golden K set its sights on getting the week started with their usual jovial meeting.

Chairperson Sue Proudfit rang the bell and the members prepared for opening ceremonies. Nothing brightens the morning more than the musical repertoire prepared by pianist Alyce Derwinski and adeptly orchestrated by Lois Outcelt.

Happy Birthday wishes were sung for Candy Buchcuski and Dorleen Uhazie. The Welcome Song greeted new member Paul Larson and guest speaker Bill Cummings.

Sharon Scholke picked up the 50-50 winnings and Gary Proudfit shared the Happy Dollar Thoughts. Good wishes were expressed for the great weather and time to spent with friends. Bill Roberts was happy with most of the football results. County high schools, Michigan Technological University and the Detroit Lions were some of the lucky sports winners. Does life get any better than that?

We were reminded of the annual Torch Run for Special Olympics on Sept. 10. Walking, running or riding, these young people put their heart and soul into this event. Beginning at the Michigan State Police Post, they travel along U.S. 2 to the Iron Mountain City Police Department, anticipating the lunch that awaits. Nothing stops them from pouring all their energy into the challenge, and enjoying the social interaction.

Golden K primary annual fundraiser was at the end of August. Funds raised enable the club to sponsor three yearly events for children with special needs. Along with dues from each member, the club donates to seven local charities and provides local scholarships.

Club members volunteer in many events throughout the community and aim to remain active and give back where they can. It’s wonderful to be part of a community where people and businesses take pride in working together. Golden K would like to thank the many people who gave generously at our storefront peanut sale tables.

These businesses are also appreciated for their contributions to the club: Jacobs Funeral Home, Danielson’s Insurance, Blagec Brothers Inc., Fleury Singler & Co., Era Chevrolet, Erickson- Rochon & Nash Funeral Home, Northern Interstate Bank, Print Boulevard, Edwards Automotive, Iron Mountain-Kingsford Community Federal Credit Union, Town & Country Auto Sales and Bacco Construction. Thank you to everyone who helped make the fundraiser successful.

Does anyone remember the show “Dragnet” with “Sergeant Joe Friday?” During an investigation he would say “just give me the facts ma’am.”

Local historian Bill Cummings did just that as he brought a lot of historical facts to the Golden K on Monday. Pictures, posters and a seal embosser from the local KKK chapter told the story of long ago shady adventures right here in Iron Mountain.

There was a time back in the early 1900s when the KKK made a strong effort to establish themselves and their beliefs in the area. The average citizen needed to be grounded in their way of life to overcome some of the rhetoric that was spreading through out the community.

One needs to be diligent to decipher facts from fiction. Being bombarded with KKK infiltration, some people succumbed and joined in. Lack of knowledge, and information that wasn’t verified is a sure recipe for chaos.

Some Golden K members have personal stories relating to the KKK happenings in Iron Mountain.

Looking back, some of the events from early years were not favorable. They were, however, a catalyst that helped us evolve into better community. We continue to grow with hope for a better tomorrow.

Cummings has a mountain of factual information and he continues to share the good and the not-so-good days in the evolution of this city. Growing wiser and becoming a city to be proud of is always the goal.

The Golden K will meet at 10 a.m. Monday at First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford, with featured speakers Keith and Jean Huotari. All are welcome.