One of the best-kept secrets of Alpena has been slowly leaking out.

Have you been to our local senior center lately? Well, if you haven’t, I hope that you take the time and stop in soon. In the last two years, the Alpena Senior Center has been the recipient of two Michigan Health Endowment Fund Grants. This has enabled the center to enter a relationship with ACE Academy and Alpena Public Schools to have their students develop skills in gardening, cooking and baking. You will hear new titles, such as Project Student Gourmet and Project Student Entrepreneur. This allowed the Senior Center to erect raised garden beds and a greenhouse. These gardening aides will provide fresh and organic vegetables for our senior congregate meals while training the student the basic elements in developing and operating a successful business. The Center has also become a favorite gathering place to play cards, get help with Medicaid, Medicare and medication assistance, and receive Project Fresh coupons for the purchase of fresh vegetables. The Center offers entertainment and dancing to the Carol Cadarette Band once a month, and a place to just hang out and relax.

PATRICIA A. RONDEAU,

Alpena