Golden K chair Joan Jouppi, center, introduces special guests Iron Mountain Public Schools Communications Coordinator Maryssa Gussert and Vicar Sarah Sleeter. (Joanne Lindholm photo)

KINGSFORD — Amid extreme heat and humidity, the Golden K gathered in the cool of the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford for their weekly Monday morning meeting.

Joan Jouppi led the group in the opening ceremonies, with Alyce Derwinski on the piano.

They welcomed several guests, including the program leaders, Iron Mountain High School Communications Coordinator Maryssa Gussert, Vicar Sarah Sleeter and Michigan State Police Trooper Geno Basanese, who was unfortunately called out. Other guests included Jodi and Travis Christopher of Texas, Shirley Beaudry and grandchildren Leo and Ava and Sally Harris.

The welcome song was song. The group sang three songs together.

Brett Calcari gave an update on his parents’ and sister’s illnesses. The “thought for the day” included Einstein’s reminder to Live one day at a time.

The Pot of Gold 50-50 was won by Jo Lindholm.

Happy Dollars included: Sarah Sleeter was happy for company from Texas, Iron Mountain school, trooper Geno Basanese and happy her son is engaged to be married. Maryssa Gussert was happy to be sharing good news from the Mountaineers.

Brett Calcari loves the heat and looking forward to son’ s engagement party on Sunday.

Kirk Olson will be moving and is looking for someone to take over as treasurer.

Last week’ s Golden K members picnic had good attendance and was enjoyed by all.

This week’s program presented by Gussert was titled “Every 15 Minutes.” She is the communications coordinator at Iron Mountain Public Schools. Her duties include social media, website and local news.

She was also delighted to tell of new “Snuffy the Mountaineer” mascot costume.

“Every 15 Minutes” is a program many schools use to help students understand the dangers of drunken driving. Gussert helped to coordinate a mock crash with student participation. They made a video of the experience that has been viewed 4,600 times on YouTube. The goal to create a lasting impact on students with many local agencies, business and donations the project was possible. The local newspaper had a nice article and photos and the Golden K viewed the clip TV 6 news showed on the event.

This was a two-day event. The first day, someone dressed as the grim reaper went every 15 minutes from classroom to classroom taking one student from that class to represent a death. There was an obit of the student read and the students were removed from public for 24 hours to feel the impact of that person not being there anymore. Families were notified by Basanese and Vicar Sleeter that their child had died. Counseling was also offered.

The day of the mock crash, a student who had been driving drunk caused the crash, with one student killed and several others injured.

The driver was handcuffed and taken to jail to be fingerprinted and put in a cell, while many were taken by ambulance to the hospital.

The driver was later taken to court in inmate scrubs, charged with the death and injuries and could serve up to 25 years.

Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home donated a casket that was presented in the school auditorium to represent a real funeral.

The video is a powerful and emotional reminder of the dangers and severe consequences of drunken driving — and how very many lives are affected by this poor choice.

The event will be done every four years so that every high school student gets the experience. The program is also presented at other local schools.

The Golden K meets from 10 to 11 a.m. every Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. All are welcome.

The group is also looking for anyone who can help with their peanut sale Labor Day weekend, even those who can give an hour of their time at a local store. Volunteers do not need to be a member.

These funds help pay for events for children with special needs and high school scholarships.