Joanne Lindholm photo Golden K chairperson Brett Calcari introduces Monday’s guest speakers from the Dickinson Area Child Advocacy Center — Molly Wahoviak, left, MDT coordinator/forensic interviewer/advocate, and Angela Moreau, forensic interviewer.

KINGSFORD — One good word to describe Monday morning was brrrr. Even a few of the trees got the memo and have begun to show their colors. Not letting a little thing like cold weather slow them down, the Golden K seniors made their way to the First Presbyterian Church fellowship hall in Kingsford full of newsy chatter. It wasn’t long before the room took on a warm, cozy feeling and the cold was forgotten.

Chairman Brett Calcari wields his gavel and the opening ceremonies began. Alyce Derwinski wastes no time getting her piano warmed and ready. Lois Outcelt, with her song list in front of her, calls out the song numbers. Music fills the room and the oldies ring out. “California Here I Come” — probably warmer there, “Five Foot Two” and the “Grand Old Flag” brightened the day. Life doesn’t get any better than that.

The Welcome Song was sung for guests Angela Moreau and Molly Wahoviak. Happy Birthday was sung for Sharon Scholke and Carol Olson. Happy Anniversary wishes went to Leon and Sarah Gospodarek and Happy Dollar thoughts reflected family get-togethers and a 5-year-old shih tzu addition to the Proudfit family.

Brett introduced guests speakers Angela Moreau and Molly Wahoviak. These two work together at the Dickinson Area Child Advocacy Center — Moreau is a forensic interviewer and Wahoviak is an interviewer and advocate.

A forensic interview is a developmentally sensitive, unbiased and truth-seeking interview of a child conducted by a trained forensic interviewer utilizing either the Michigan Forensic Interviewing Protocol or the Wisconsin Forensic Interviewing Guidelines.

The Dickinson Area Child Advocacy Center was established to provide a safe, neutral and child-friendly environment for children and their families to talk about their experiences.

Advocates help families make a plan for safety, set goals for healing, discuss common responses and behaviors related to childhood trauma, and provide crisis intervention and support services to help them find peace after trauma. They provide a network of hope for children who have been abused, mentally or physically.

Based out of the Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson, these two ladies work as team members alongside social services, law enforcement and the county prosecutor’s office. Their work involves teachers, parents and concerned adults who have reason to believe a child is or has been abused. All parties have the child’s well-being as top priority.

There are many dangers that children face every day. Some they can be cautioned about, but abuse may be harder to detect. It is an offense that happens anywhere and in all types of family dynamics. The CAC team members are professionally trained and work together to provide a place where a child feels safe, comfortable and confident when the time comes to tell their story. Steps are carefully taken to determine the extent of the issue and the necessary procedures needed to approach each case.

Child abuse and trauma are painful and difficult processes for anyone to face. When families come to a children’s advocacy center, they come with different life experiences, backgrounds and needs. Having a dedicated trained professional to help them navigate complex systems like the criminal justice system is important. Advocating for their needs throughout the duration of their case can be validating and empowering.

The CAC office at the Iron Mountain Marshfield facility serves Dickinson and Iron counties, as well as Florence and Niagara in Wisconsin. They work with a national network to coordinate services throughout the United States.

The PowerPoint presentation reflected details of the steps taken to bring a case to fruition. There are many signs of child trauma to be aware of. It is advised to notify a professional trained person if action is needed. The CAC team includes well-trained professionals and information is kept confidential. Counseling is offered where needed, and follow up on situations is a priority.

Information about the Dickinson Area Child Advocacy Center organization can be found online at https://dickinsonareacac.org or on Facebook.

The Golden K will conducted the Peanut Fundraiser on Friday. This is the main fundraiser for the three annual events the Golden K facilitates for children with special needs.

There will be no meeting on Monday due to the Labor Day holiday. The regular meetings will resume at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford .