Joanne Lindholm photo Golden K chairperson Pat Polzin introduces guest speaker Debbie Polzin, Transportation Security Officer at Ford Airport in Kingsford at Monday’s meeting.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — December takes 11 months to arrive. A turn of the calendar page and December explodes and is filled with places to go and errands to run. Augment that with work and school, the tasks seem endless.

We’re not done yet, though. Throw in time for the long-awaited holiday season, and add a snowfall here and there. Bring out the shovels, snow blowers or plows, because there is shopping to be done. I wouldn’t be surprised if the old cliche “So much to do, so little time to do it” wasn’t inspired by December.

A few inches of Monday morning snow didn’t stand in the way of the Golden K seniors. Chairperson Pat Polzin promptly brought the meeting to order. Picking up the pace with some lively Christmas songs, Alyce Derwinski on piano gave the go-ahead to Richard Ochoa, who lead the singing. “Silver Bells,” “Joy to the World” and “White Christmas” filled the room with music.

Gary Proudfit read the Happy Dollars thoughts with his usual charisma. Candy Buchuski celebrated congratulations as her daughter graduated with a bachelor of science degree in office administration. Bill Roberts enjoyed a trip to Houghton for women’s basketball.

Roberts also reminded members of Monday’s Christmas party for children with special needs. It will be a busy day and all members are asked to meet by 9 a.m. at the church.

Happy Birthday wishes were sung for Judy Sielaff and Leon Gospodarek. Anniversary wishes went to Gilbert Engel and Louise Swope. Debbie Polzin was welcomed as guest speaker.

Polzin worked in various jobs before answering an wanted ad for a transportation security agent. She put in her application and since 2021 has been working with the team at the Ford Airport. Flying is a convenience, sometimes a pleasure, and other times job-related.

All passengers must go through a checkpoint system designed to maintain safety. A TSA agent must be alert to who goes through the checkpoint area and what they are transporting. In the event of an alert or alarm, the TSA agent takes steps to secure the area and resolve the issue.

Hazardous items found in carry-on baggage are removed and disposed of. Sometimes, prohibited items are inadvertently forgotten in carry-on bags. Liquids or gels are often the culprit. More serious offenses include guns, knives, tools, or fireworks. Flammable or dangerous items are given special attention and safely disposed of. In the most extreme cases, carrying prohibited items can result in fines and even jail time.

The TSA agent is there to ensure everyone has a safe and pleasant journey. They submit to on-going training and testing to stay on top of potential problems.

The local airport has two supervisors as well as three full-time and five part-time staff. One morning flights goes to Minnesota and an evening flight goes to Detroit. TSA agents are on the job before, during and after each flight. They enable passengers to pass through the checkpoint system quickly and safely.

Polzin fielded many questions and handed out cards with TSA care and assistance information.

Golden K will meet Monday to facilitate the Christmas party for children with special needs.

The club will also have its Christmas dinner Monday at Recreation Lanes. Music will be provided by Bobbie Jo Riske. Members may gather at 5 p.m., with dinner served at 5:30 p.m.

Regular Golden K meetings will resume Jan. 6. If your resolution is to be involved and informed, join Golden K at 10 a.m. Mondays at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford.

Happy Holidays!