In traversing up and down the U.S.-23 corridor this year, I noted all the roadside work going on in the Oscoda area for foot paths and the downtown Painting Building Art in Alpena. As of late, the movement to include all people in community events in Alcona/Harrisville has also grown.

Our country has been embroiled in so much hate and discontent that the upswing is very encouraging. The Idea of Community in Rural America is the basis of the middle class, the foundation of “We the People” in our Constitution. I especially want to give a shout out to our Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization here in the Alcona County School District.

I had never known of this school-sponsored organization until my husband and I moved here. The sense of pride in duty, honor, and service with the motto of “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.” Their knowledge of Parliamentary Procedure puts a lot of adult organizations to shame. The competitions that the adult sponsors set up with other FFA groups to make them even better in their efforts to be the best citizens they could be…well, is incredible, to say the least. Let me note that they are the founders of Alcona’s Maple Syrup Celebration Days each year! These young people are the true example of America at her best.

Call me corny, but I still get goosebumps when the National Anthem plays, when towns have parades that include the school band (way to go Alcona this year!), and when floats encourage hope in their community’s unity. Our future relies on the wisdom of the elders, and the work and dedicated education of our youth.

MARGARET KUTZERA,

Harrisville