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Letters to the Editor

‘Nutcracker’ was enchanting performance

I am writing to express my heartfelt thanks to Christine Giordano, the dance instructor and owner of The Dance Centre, for the exceptional community presentation of “The Nutcracker.” It was a truly magical experience and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to witness such a high-quality production right here in Alpena. I’m not sure how many years she has presented this ballet, but I do know my own daughter was Candy Cane in the very first performance in 1997. This performance was a beautiful showcase of talent, dedication, and the spirit of the holiday season. From the ...

A curious appointment to the library board

Last week, the Alpena County Board of Commissioners had the opportunity to maintain an Alpena County library board that has a unified vision and intent to steer the library in accordance with the policies and laws that regulate library functioning. Instead, and in violation of the Open Meetings Act and transparency in government, behind closed doors commissioners unanimously voted to seat two new library board members prior to public input. One of these new members not only openly harassed library staff and board members over a two-year period, but actively pursued an agenda to shut ...

However you celebrate, may you be joyous

Thanksgiving has passed, all the turkey decorations are put away, along with the Halloween pumpkins and goblins. We Americans love our holidays and show off a wonderful mixture of our ancestor’s traditions. No holiday speaks to those family traditions more than Christmas. Oh, the foods, the music, the pageants, and community events abound us in such quantities that it’s difficult to choose. Polish families start the season on Dec. 6, Day of St. Nicholas, and make pierogi and sauerkraut. German families have potatoes, duck, and the German plate of sweets. Spanish holidays ...

Donald J. Trump has played us Americans

What has just happened? For eight years, Donald J. Trump has raised havoc on American democracy and Donald J. Trump and his GOP have won the presidential election through treacherous acts of power violating all the elements of truth and religion. “I will protect your right and you will protect mine” demands the choice of liberty and American freedom. The freedom of religion. The freedom of the press. The freedom of control over your own health, life, and your own bodies. The freedom of who you are and what you want to be. All of the freedoms that we have enjoyed by living ...

Glad Cam Cavitt is now focused on housing

I was happy to see democracy at work in the 106th state House of Representatives District race between Trina Borenstein and Cam Cavitt. Both showed up at the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum and spoke on what was important to them and what they would do if elected. Both were asked about affordable housing. Trina Borenstein has been a strong advocate for affordable housing in the 106th District. Cam Cavitt was not prepared to answer the question on that subject, or for that matter that it was a big concern for the constituents in the district. I was thrilled to see the article in ...

Stop spreading messages of hate and division

There I was, suffering a cough, unwrapping a lozenge, and in small print on the wrapper were messages … messages to inspire one to feel better: “Get back in the game,” “Don’t give up on yourself,” “You’ll survive” … all little pep talks! Wow! All around us, you can find symbols encouraging us to be our best. The most iconic is the smiley face, catapulted to international fame by French journalist Franklin Loufrani in 1972, from the original Harvey Ball in the 1960s. Then the more subtle notes toward a more cohesive community, such as property owners gracing their ...