McElroy-Denissen speaks to Golden K Club
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KINGSFORD -- Golden K meets in the Fellowship Hall at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. The group is thankful for the hospitality of the church and this week especially grateful for the air conditioning.
Chairperson Joan Jouppi's thought for the day reminded us to fill each day with joy. The meeting always begins with a few of those old tunes sung by the generation that remembers them. The songs help us remember a time when life was slower, simpler and seemed to be more fun.
Golden K is a philanthropic group that raises money for scholarships, local charities, and events for children with special needs. Singing is an optional addition for all who enjoy it.
Welcome was sung for Monica McElroy-Denissen, this meeting's guest speaker, and her husband, Kurt, who came to hear her speak. Monica is an entrepreneur (or as she calls herself a "Womanprenuer") from Norway who shared a story of the journey that is making her a vibrant part of the local community.
McElroy-Denissen spent her younger years in Chicago, Green Bay, Wis., and Milwaukee. Norway and Hamilton Lakes were home away from home and the summer vacation spots she grew to love throughout her life.
She came from hardworking families and strives to honor those traditions in her current endeavors. Early on, she learned the value of good work ethics and planning. Today it serves her in several business ventures in the Norway area, where she also serves on the city's Planning Commission and the Parks Committee.
While on vacation a few years back, she noticed the Viking Motel in Norway lying in wait for new ownership. She envisioned it coming back to life and becoming a hub for guests visiting the area to enjoy all of its beautiful natural resources and adventure. In her words, "I love creating experiences for people!" She had stayed at the motel back in its prime, and now it was for sale. She bought the motel and began planning and dreaming.
The new name of the motel will simply be "The Viking." It will be strong in hospitality, with an updated and comfortable boutique motel feel. "Where Your Adventure Comes to Rest" is the hotel's motto. Progress is just beginning and extra hands and ideas are welcome.
They plan to focus on the community and to be a catalyst for adventure seekers. Families, international and corporate travelers of all kinds will be welcomed.
This adventure may have been enough for most energetic entrepreneurs, but she is more like a bundle of great ideas. She puts ideas into the universe as possibilities just to see what comes back. The rugged learning path we all travel taught her to focus on the things that bring her joy.
Those outdoor activities from her youth were something she wanted to share with others, so she invested in rental kayaks, paddle boards, tubes, bikes and snowshoes. Then she found the vacant ice cream shop, which was once the Norway Hotel, and tanning salon buildings plus a vacant lot on Norway's Main Street. She envisioned Main Street coming to life with new energy.
The lot next door to the old ice cream shop was the perfect space to set up. The rental shop is close to Norway's lakes and bike trails. Lake & Trail Rentals is now open for business at that location on 808 Main St. Renovation continues on the Viking Motel. The two Main Street buildings and the vision are still evolving.
Howard Washington Thurman was an American philosopher, theologian, minister, educator and civil rights leader. He once said, "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it." McElroy-Denissen lives by that advice. She says "yes" to those big opportunities that scare most of us away. Golden K thanks her for her energy and inspiration.
There will be no meeting Monday. The group will celebrate a private event at the Imagination Factory Children's Museum. Regular meetings resume Monday, July 27, at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. Margo Ann Juedes from Real Heal Physical Therapy will be the guest speaker. All are welcome to join the group at 10 a.m.