Golden K chairwoman Kathy Jo Anderson introduces guest speaker Gino Venditti, beekeeper, and owner of STAG Farms of Iron Mountain.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — October concluded with all kinds of trick-or-treat opportunities. It was time to reset the clocks as a foggy, rainy November rolled in. There was a definite chill in the air. The Golden K seniors made their way to the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford not letting the weather slow them down.

Kathy Jo Anderson came prepared to handle chairmanship duties and signaled opening ceremonies with a rap from her gavel. Alyce Derwinski settled down at the piano and Lois Outcelt lead the group singing. Derwinski challenged the singers with some oldies from way back. “Don’t Fence Me In,” “Blue Skies” and “Doodle-Do” proved to be no problem for this group of seniors.

Guest speaker Gino Venditti was welcomed with song. Sharon Scholke took home winnings from the 50-50 drawing. Happy Dollars included Bill Roberts who was happy about the Michigan Technological University win over Northern Michigan University. Roberts was happy the Detroit Lions won and complemented Jordan Love, who, in spite of his injury, gave his all to the game.

Venditti is a local beekeeping expert who was named the Michigan Beekeeper of the Year in 2022. He manages five areas with hives and coordinates collection and processing of honey.

Beekeeping is a wonderful way to support pollination while earning something sweet for yourself, friends and neighbors.

The honey bees are considered domesticated because their location, housing and food is influenced by the keeper.

Bees are an integral part of the flowering and fruiting process throughout the world. They do the hard work of pollen collection and processing. The process is enhanced by the right environment, climate, foliage, water, and flowers. The hives need a location that offers warmth from the morning sun. Animals like bears and skunks can destroy hives and disrupt the process.

Gathering nectar or pollen is no easy task. The bees find the quickest path from hive to flowers or trees. They have a system of checking the weather each day. One or two will venture out while the rest wait. If they do not return it is a sign the day is good for gathering pollen.

There are three types of bees and each has a specific job. The queen is the largest bee and lays all the eggs. Male bees, called drones, exist only to mate with the queen. Worker bees are all female and they collect all of the pollen.

It is estimated that bees accumulate more than 50,000 miles in trips to and from the hive to produce just one pound of honey.

The beekeeper has to secure the hives for winter by making sure they have sufficient food and warmth to sustain them. A beekeeper checks hives often, looking for possible infestation of mites or diseases. These pests can wipe out an entire hive. As with any hobby or livelihood there are drawbacks and rewards.

Venditti harvested 3,600 pounds of honey this past season. His honey is clear and unfiltered. A beekeeper uses expertise and knowledge to keep healthy communities of bees. This benefits the environment and enables us to share the bounty of the harvest.

His honey is for sale in various stores around the area and at the Iron Mountain Farmers Market. Look for the STAG Farms label.

Golden K will not meet Monday, which is Veterans Day. This gives many of the seniors an opportunity to participate in alternative events taking place around town. We extend thanks to all veterans and their families for their sacrifices and service.

The next meeting for Golden K will be 10 a.m. Nov. 18 at First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford, with a presentation from the organization Walk of Life. All are welcome.