ESCANABA — If you are not from the area, it doesn’t take you very long to understand the pride our residents have in their communities. Very early in life you will understand the natural rivalries of our youth sports teams and local support our citizens provide. But it doesn’t stop there, look at the number of benefit events for citizens that have taken ill or had a catastrophic event change their life. The community as a whole has always stepped up in these situations. The pride in our area also drives many people to search out opportunities to make things better. If it means cleaning up an area of the city, a stretch of highway, a ball field or playground there are groups at the ready.

We have already seen some of that support through clean up programs like the week-long “Esky Clean Up.” Civic organizations, scout groups, students, businesses and families are all pitching in clean up their city to make it look amazing as we move into our summer activities. It is really about making a difference, picking up a piece of trash while on a walk or just taking a few extra steps to throw something away in a garbage can make a difference. We should all want our local areas looking good and if you need help don’t be afraid to ask for it. People love to make a difference!

Another sense of pride comes from our many natural resources and the events that show case them to our citizens and visitors. Events like the Island Resort Championship will showcase the award winning Sweetgrass Golf Club the end of June. Many local and area volunteers will make the event a tremendous success. The feedback from the future LPGA golfers regarding the UP tournament is overwhelmingly positive. They love the interaction with the volunteers and the way they are treated when they visit the area. They all look to comeback and play again in the future. We will also see the many music, art and family festivals at our parks and lake fronts during the summer. They always remind me that this is the best place to live and work.

Another sense of pride comes from when one of our own is recognized with a significant achievement. At a Rotary meeting this week I had a chance to hear Lemmer first grade teacher Nanette Hanson talk about the journey of becoming the Michigan Teacher of the Year. Ms. Hanson become the first Escanaba teacher to receive this lofty honor and is the third teacher in the U.P. to win the award. She will now compete to be the “National Teacher of the Year.” It was very easy to see her passion for her profession and the children she works with every day. Best of Luck Ms. Hanson and thank you and your peers for taking such great care of our students. Know we are very proud of your accomplishments!

We all have an opportunity to volunteer to help someone, some group or organization to really make a difference. Take the chance to make the difference and you will feel the sense of pride of your involvement.

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Ed Legault is director of the Delta County Economic Development Alliance