From left are Golden K members Brett Calcari, Chairman Ben Determan, cheerleader Jeannine Polkinghorne and Gary Proudfit.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — Mondays may not be a favorite day of the week for everyone, however, Golden K members look forward to getting their week started by meeting with friends and sharing weekend activities over coffee.

Chairman Ben Determan opened the meeting. The standard opening reminds us what a great country we live in and how much we have been blessed. The music Alyce Derwinski picked out echoed this nostalgic feeling. Lois Outcelt had the group singing “This Land is Your Land” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”

The Golden K organization began as a spinoff of the Kiwanis Club. It evolved into a club for older members. After going through the necessary formalities, Golden K officially began to set goals. Today the Golden K is a balance of both men and women. It has a board of 12 elected members. Each board member picks a month of the year to serve as chairman for the general meeting. Programs are determined by club members and coordinated with the chairman.

A 50-50 drawing brings smiles, as weekly winner Sue Proudfit can attest to. Happy Dollars read by Gary Proudfit always bring a chuckle to the group. Monday’s meeting brought a surprise from Maxine Vaccarello, who filled her bucket list by riding a horse! One is never too old to try new things. Bill Roberts happily packed up the summer toys at the cottage. He and Brett Calcari were grateful for their respective team wins in sports. Today’s meeting was dedicated to analyzing the clubs direction and goals. Determan challenged the group to come up with new ideas.

Golden K is a service club. They facilitate bingo for Freeman’s and Optalis nursing homes. They work with Dickinson Area Community Foundation to provide one or more scholarships for a local non-traditional student of any age attending college. They also work with the RSVP volunteer program and donate to seven additional charities. Dues, and a peanut fundraiser near the Labor Day weekend are their primary sources of income.

The most rewarding service comes three times a year as they sponsor events for children living with disabilities. Christmas, Valentine’s and summer picnic parties for the kids brings laughter, singing and dancing. It can be tiring for the members but is well worth the effort.

Meetings are open to everyone. Visit as a guest or become a member and show up whenever you like. Membership is open to those 55 and older. It’s a low-key organization that is all about socializing and enjoying life. Programs include speakers from various communities and local businesses.

This group is active, informed, and ready to meet the challenges life brings. Come for a meeting and enjoy the music or the coffee and donuts. Monday morning meetings are one hour exactly and begin at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. You are always welcomed at the Golden K.

At the Monday’s meeting, a representative of The Salvation Army is the scheduled speaker. All are welcomed.