Lois Outcelt, left, Golden K chairperson, with guest speaker Tracy Daun, an EMT and Niagara Municipal Court judge.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — Golden K members brightened up a dreary Monday morning by greeting one another with warm welcomes and stories of their weekend activities. Schools are out and the summer to-do list grows. Golden K seniors strive to enjoy as many activities, family outings and recreational functions as time and energy allow.

Lois Outcelt, as chairperson, gives the bell a ring and the group prepares for the opening ceremonies.

With thoughts of D-Day, saying the Pledge of Allegiance and singing “God Bless America” takes on a more somber meaning, as many of these seniors remember that day. Alyce Derwinski on piano brings her lists of songs that brighten the day.

Lois Outcelt dons one of her many hats and leads the group in singing “Put Your Arms Around Me,” “Side By Side” and “Harvest Moon” — oldies that bring back warm and cozy feelings.

With no birthdays or anniversaries to recognize, the group welcomed guests, Tracy Daun, EMT and honorable municipal court judge from Niagara, Wis., and Sarah Sleeter. Gary Proudfit, the “Happy Dollar” man, read the many notes that included Bill Roberts wishing congratulations to the Norway Knights baseball team, which advanced to the state semifinals. Bill keeps the Golden-Kers up on all sports happenings.

Outcelt took her “thought for the day” from a book she was reading. In ” Huckleberry Finn” style, “If you ain’t makin’ mistakes, you ain’t learnin’.” By that logic, I for one have certainly learned a lot.

Daun brought the Golden K her message about financial and physical health. From central Wisconsin, she has an impressive list of accomplishments. She worked in many varied fields of her chosen career and at present holds the judge’s seat in Niagara and works with Niagara’s Area Emergency Unit.

She was in the U.S. Navy from 1990 to 1996, went to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for bachelor of business administration, worked at a CPA firm in Madison, worked with the IRS in multiple fields, including the FBI, federal agencies and assisting in anything that has a financial aspect.

She also has a master’s from University College Dublin and worked in forensic computing and cybercrime investigation. With this background, her message contained warnings on scams, text messages and emails. The scams range from promises of free gifts and threats of prosecution for unpaid tickets to grandchildren being in trouble in another country. Phishing schemes, fake emails, phone calls, flyers and AI involvement are a few of the scams flooding the tech world.

Her advice for calls and texts is to check and recheck who is calling or texting, don’t click on links, check your bank account, and verify the call or text is real. Daun further advised, as for flyers, check the company online or with the Better Business Bureau for customer comments.

Before agreeing to anything, be sure the call, text, email is authentic. Call the business back at a number you know to be direct to their company.

An AI call may sound like your relative, but do not give out any personal information before checking to see if it is authentic.

There will be many more ways to fool people into giving up information before one realizes it and all law enforcement works constantly to stay ahead of the problems.

She also gave out advice on physical safety. If one needs assistance from an EMT or medical professional, it is helpful to have a written list of all medications-allergies handy for office visits or emergencies at home. Falls are major concern for all especially the elderly.

Keeping all hallways and stairways clear, using handrails, no loose carpets to trip on and lighting day or night helps avoid falls. Michigan recorded 1,379 deaths due to falling in 2021. Head injuries, broken bones and hips are prevalent in an older person who falls. Because one does not lift the foot properly, tripping on almost nothing happens easily.

Daun recommends talking to your doctor about fall risk and prevention. Exercise helps improve balance and strength. Have eyes and feet checked regularly as precautions to prevent falling.

Golden K will not meet Monday due to Vacation Bible School Week at the church. The next scheduled meeting will be June 23.