Joanne Lindholm photo Golden K chairperson Richard Jouppi Ochoa introduces Monday’s guest speaker, Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority Event Coordinator Katherine Mentel.

KINGSFORD — The Golden K seniors begin each week with a social get-together that includes coffee and donuts, along with a few songs and a lot of stories.

Happy birthday was sung for Joanne Lindholm. Sally Harris and Katherine Mentel were welcomed guests. Happy dollars celebrated being together and enjoying the lovely summer weather. Bill Roberts was the lucky winner of the 50-50 drawing.

Summer is in full swing. There is plenty to do around the house and throughout the community. Get those chores done so that you can enjoy the variety of events happening in the area. There are farmers markets, concerts, picnics and lakes. The days are already getting shorter — the clock is ticking. This is the time to get out and have fun.

Many of the events that we enjoy in the community are planned and facilitated by the Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority. Monday’s special guest speaker was Katherine Mentel, DDA event coordinator. You’ll see her running around at the Out to Lunch music program every Thursday through Aug. 12.

There are 35 days of vibrant events planned this year. One of the major events is the Farmers & Artisans Market, which can bring hundreds of visitors each week to find local produce, baked goods and crafts. The market is from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday through Oct. 11.

The DDA team also organizes Brewfest, Italian Fest and Octoberfest. These major events come together with a lot of planning, business support and volunteer help. The Fall Pumpkin Walk, which includes Trunk or Treat, is one of the city’s most popular events.

There’s even more happening and you can see it all on the Iron Mountain city website at https://downtownironmountain.com.

The DDA also coordinates the Iron Mountain beautification efforts. The group sets up and cares for those colorful floral baskets and plant boxes lining downtown streets. They’ve also recently planted or replaced many of the trees downtown.

One final objective of the DDA is restoration and upkeep of downtown buildings. This keeps the downtown looking vibrant and attractive. Grants are available to downtown businesses for improvements.

The DDA Board of Directors consists of nine people, including the city manager (under Michigan law), along with business owners, residents and other members of the community who contribute their time and energy to making downtown Iron Mountain a great place for businesses, residents, events and festivals, shopping, dining and celebrating.

The community is fortunate to have this team of young, energetic minds to make the city a vibrant place to live.

Golden K will enjoy its annual member picnic Monday at City Park in Iron Mountain.

Regular meetings will resume at 10 a.m. Monday, July 28, at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford, with Vicar Sarah Sleeter, Iron Mountain Schools Communication Coordinator Maryssa Gussert and Michigan State Police Trooper Geno Basanese presenting a program called “Every 15 Minutes.”