KINGSFORD — July has arrived and it came in with a bang. Parades, picnics, family outings and lots of fireworks have now settled into a quieter time. Monday morning found the Golden K members gathering in the fellowship hall at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford, eager to share their Fourth of July stories.

Ben Determan brought the group together with the ringing of the bell. With the festivities of the past week still fresh on the minds of these seniors, reciting the “Pledge to the Flag” and singing “God Bless America” brought forth memories of this country — the freedoms we all enjoy and the privileges we sometimes take for granted.

Linda, daughter of member Bob Bowman, was a welcomed guest for the day. When she visits her father, she also visits the Golden K. Happy birthday wishes go out to Myrna Magni on July 15 and happy anniversary to Kirk and Carol Olson on July 9, as well as Doug and Iris Machus on July 11. Ben Determan won the 50-50 drawing. Happy Dollars reflected a very happy great-grandmother, Sharon Scholke, sharing the newest additions to her family — twin boys; and Al and Phyllis Galeazzi are grateful for the safety of their daughters after the recent earthquakes in the Los Angeles area.

The club’s annual picnic will be Monday at City Park in Iron Mountain at the pavilion near the deer fence. Members are asked to bring their own beverages, with the catered meal served around 11 a.m. For those early-bird arrivals, there will be coffee and doughnuts available. Bring along a lawn chair if that will be more comfortable than the picnic table. Ray Pilon and daughter Mindy will provide the music, so. polish up those dancing shoes and get your vocal cords ready to sing along.

With no program scheduled, Alyce Derwinski rolled out the piano and Don Pedo, using his best director’s voice, got the group singing “oldies.” Next to coffee and doughnuts, this group loves to sing.

Determan encouraged members to look for possible programs for Monday mornings. These seniors are very active people in their communities and interested in keeping up-to-date on any happenings in the area.

Golden Throats will sing at the Strawberry Social at 1 p.m. Sunday at the gazebo on Woodward Avenue in Kingsford. Members are reminded to bring their own chair and dress “patriotic,” if possible.

The Golden Throats also will sing Wednesday at Freeman’s.

The next Golden K meeting at the church will be July 22, beginning at 9:30 a.m., with program at l0:30. Everyone is welcome.