Reflections on a Journey: Embracing Michigan and Community Journalism

Caption: Greg Awtry

A Polar Vortex Reminder

Just recently, amid another unforgiving Polar Vortex, a Facebook memory nudged me back to my past. The alert redirected me to my first column for the Alpena News, penned seven years ago on March 1, 2019. As I navigate through the inevitabilities of aging—like forgetting cherished thoughts—such digital reminders become lifelines for reconnecting with my nostalgia.

Career Journey and Transition to Michigan

Throughout the majority of my professional life, I resided in the realm of newspaper publishing, primarily in Nebraska. Before that, my career took root in sales in Okemos, Michigan, where my wife Josie and I nurtured our children. When a transfer took us to Virginia, we realized that when retirement loomed, our hearts yearned to return to Michigan, primarily to be close to family—especially our grandchildren.

In 2018, I announced my retirement plans for the following year. Josie, ever the planner, immersed herself in downsizing, with countless trips to Goodwill common practice. However, life has a peculiar way of altering our paths. Tragically, just before my retirement, Josie was taken from me unexpectedly. Her loss left me fractured and unsure. Remaining at the newspaper felt insincere; my heart was elsewhere. Understanding the fragility of life, I felt propelled to pursue our dream of living in Michigan, just as we had once envisioned together.

The Journey to Alpena

On February 1, 2019, I set off from Scottsbluff, Nebraska, heading straight for Michigan. Ironically, the severe winter weather—the very thing I was escaping—conspired against me. I battled through a fierce Polar Vortex, with temperatures plummeting to -20 degrees and snow piling high across the Midwest.

After two long days navigating through this icy expanse, I arrived at my new home in Hubbard Lake, a small abode I had purchased sight unseen. With my belongings stranded in South Dakota due to the weather, I embraced this unexpected downtime by visiting Bill Speer, then publisher of The Alpena News. My years of contributing columns and editorials hadn’t left me, and my passion for community journalism still burned bright. Gratefully, Bill shared my enthusiasm, offering me a platform in the paper.

The Power of Community Journalism

Over the next several years, I churned out approximately 200 columns, consistently inviting feedback via my email. I received responses from countless readers—some in agreement, others expressing dissent. This diverse reception was just what I hoped for; it reflects the essence of community dialogue that opinion pages are designed to foster.

Each column was a chance to connect, to delve into the heart of community matters, and to ensure the voices of Michiganders are heard, echoing the spirit of our shared values.

The Essence of Michigan

Looking back, I can confidently say that Josie and I made the right choice in returning to Michigan. Throughout our lives, we called five different states home, yet always reminisced about the unique character of Michigan. The people here are simply unparalleled in their friendliness and warmth.

Michiganders showcase a deep respect for nature and an unwavering support for one another. The culture is imbued with a spirit of hard work and communal dedication, all amplified here in Northeast Michigan, where local pride for community and country resonates deeply.

Despite our varied tastes—whether you wave the green and white of MSU or the maize and blue of the Wolverines—our differences only serve to enrich our community. As the sun dips below the horizon over our Great Lakes, it reminds us that, at our core, we are all Michiganders. No frigid Polar Vortex can alter this truth.

Grateful Reflections

I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Alpena News for welcoming me into its pages. Being a small part of this narrative has been a privilege. To all the readers who have engaged with my work, your support—whether in agreement or debate—has been invaluable. I cherish the civil discourse we’ve maintained, truly embodying the spirit of Michigan.

As I continue to weave my story in this beautiful state, I invite you to share yours. What makes you proud to call Northeast Michigan home? Feel free to write me at gregawtry@awtry.com—let’s keep the conversation going.