ALPENA — The Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary Board recently discussed Island Park management and maintenance, pamphlet distribution, and appreciation for outgoing officers.

Lisa Kruse, chairperson, thanked outgoing Chairman Terry Gougeon and outgoing Secretary Judy Kalmanek for their many years of service to the board. She also introduced Kevin Fisher, Alpena’s new Harbormaster, who was visiting to get acquainted with the board’s role in city government.

A report was given by Lucille Bray on the distribution of the pamphlets describing Island Park and the Sanctuary. About 4,000 are distributed annually to eight Welcome Centers throughout Michigan and locally to such organizations as the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce, the Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan, the Alpena Senior Citizens Center, and motels.

Kalmanek, River Center chair, reported that Phase I of the River Center is on track, with bids going out soon.

Kruse reported that the River Center and Sanctuary social media sites have been successfully combined and have updated information andphotos.

Gougeon will email to board members the past year’s Island Park Insect Trapping results.

Board members discussed the value of the outdoor classroom amphitheater on Island Park and recommended that the benches be replaced so the amphitheater is available for educational activities.

Kruse led a discussion on members’ roles and responsibilities. Some of the board groups and leaders are: Island Park maintenance, Terry Gougeon; Social Media, Lisa Kruse and Larry Johns with photo support from Johns and Tom Orth; “Magic in Our Midst,” the winter Island Park event, Boris Gerber; and press releases, Vernie Nethercut. News articles about board meeting actions are sent to The Alpena News, radio stations, TV, and many local groups such as the Association of Lifelong Learners, the senior center, the Downtown Development Authority, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary headquarters at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Cente, and the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The board will continue its present meeting schedule, with meetings at 4 p.m. every third Thursday at Alpena City Hall.