Today’s column was going to be about national politics.
To be specific, it would be about why we should bother with only the two major parties nominating viable candidates for president, when most Americans clearly do not want a Joe Biden-Donald Trump rematch.
But watching it unfold has worn me out, and I need a week-long summer break from this two-track circus, and I’m wondering why we can’t make it a three-track circus, which would scare the Democrats and Republicans, which is exactly what it will take if we hope to see any change in Washington.
All of that temporarily put aside, my mind is now free to wander, which in my case can be a mental challenge.
So what comes first? Summer in Northeast Michigan! Having lived in the East Lansing area for about 15 years in the 1970s and 1980s gave me plenty of time to explore every corner of the state, and for the past 20 years I had my heart set on retiring to the Alpena area.
For those who live here, I don’t have to explain all the reasons, but for those who don’t, it’s easier to ask that you use this column as an invitation to visit Northeast Michigan and find out. for yourselves , as it will save a lot of ink and paper.
I’m pretty sure you too will leave here wanting to come back often, if not permanently.
Having spent my childhood growing up on a lake, I decided to live out what time I had left at beautiful Lake Hubbard, and what a wonderful decision it was.
Like most lakes in Michigan, it’s crystal clear, deep, full of fish, and big enough for all the popular water sports. Of course, that meant buying a boat, a lakefront cottage, and all the paraphernalia needed to keep the grandkids happy.
So everything was ready, life was good, now there is nothing more to do but enjoy.
But it gets better.
I discovered White Pine National Golf Resort at the southern end of Lake Hubbard. If ever there was a hidden gem in Michigan, this is it. It is absolutely beautiful, always in pristine condition thanks to owner Bruce Wolfrom, who built the course 31 years ago. If you’re a golfer, White Pine is also a must-see.
After my first two years of reestablishing roots here, I was asked to join the board of the Hubbard Lake Community Association. It is located in the old cinder block fire truck garage and for the past 20 years the board has been raising money to build a new community center and provide much needed space for the Hubbard Lake branch of the Library of Alcona.
During the association’s fundraising events and accepting grants and donations, the question always comes up: “So when, if ever, are you going to build this new location?”
Well folks, the time has come.
If all permits and inspections go well, they’ll break ground this fall, building in two phases. The first to open would be the new library, then the second phase, the new community center. Congratulations are in order, not only to everyone who served on the board for so many years, but to all the generous donors who stayed by our side.
He will be a fabulous addition to the entire Hubbard Lake community.
Another pleasant surprise followed my move.
Well, it wasn’t a huge surprise, but it was nice.
Northeast Michigan is blessed with incredibly nice people. Maybe it’s our rural location and our sense of community. Maybe it’s our collective love of the outdoors, and nothing more than the love Hubbard Lakers have for the lake. I have asked many people why they settled on Lake Hubbard. Many say they’ve been coming here for years, or their grandparents had a cottage on the lake, or they just wanted to get out of the city, like me.
If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’ve become a Lake Hubbard lover myself. It and all of Northeast Michigan is an easy place to call home. It’s an easy place to occasionally put my addiction to politics aside and enjoy the beauty God created for us.
And this week I do it.
Next week I’ll no doubt be back to my ways, pointing out our problems that Washington won’t fix, because they’re different from Northeast Michiganders, who know how to talk to each other, are willing to help each other, to appreciate America and the whole world. she must offer me and give me hope that we can be a poster of how to bring our whole country together.
As always, I’m curious to hear what you think and why you choose to call Northeast Michigan home. Share with me at Gregawtry@awtry.com.
Greg Awtry is the former publisher of the Scottsbluff (Nebraska) Star-Herald and the York News-Times of Nebraska. He is now retired and lives in Hubbard Lake. Greg can be reached at gregawtry@awtry.com.
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