I recently had the pleasure of spending a few days in Alpena and wanted to share some of my good feelings toward your town. I’m recently retired and taking a seven month retirement trip across the lower 48. Spending time in Michigan was an important part of my trip, since I grew up in Flint and spent a lot of time at Hubbard Lake, as a child. Alpena was the “big town” when we were at the lake. Although I only intended to spend a couple days there, I ended up spending more, due in part to the warm feeling I got from your Senior Center, where I ate most of my meals while there. What a nice place you have for your seniors, providing healthy/tasty meals and activities. I found it to be a happy place with lots of smiles and warm feelings from both the staff and seniors. The nutritional and social benefits of spending time together are really important. I also had the good fortune to participate in a Euchre tournament the first day I was there — having barely played the game since leaving Michigan almost 50 years ago. Looks to me like a nice place to grow old with friends. I spent several hours walking the great trails around the cemetery with my dog. I also enjoyed spending a day at Habitat for Humanity, with Colin and Ernie, I appreciate their direction, as well as the crew at R Automotive for taking care of my truck and getting me safely back on the road.

Hoping Alpena continues to be such a friendly place.

Ed Hays

Haines, Alaska