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Health & Fitness

Signs. Signs. Everywhere a Sign......

Welcome signs can say a lot about a city or town in Michigan.

 

During a recent trip around our great state of Michigan I took notice of the different “ Welcome to…” signs at the entrances to the many villages, towns and cities.  Our travels took us from Royal Oak to Alpena to Gaylord , across the bridge to the entire stretch of the Upper Peninsula from Saint Ignace  to Iron Mountain and back.

At many of the towns and villages along the way, the signs are often constructed of logs, planks and metal with a saying or catch phrase for the individual town. Placed around, above or below the name are numerous smaller attached signs announcing the various clubs, organizations, churches and civic groups who are active in that particular locale.

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Almost every welcome sign had a Lions Club, Rotary, Kiwanis and Optimist emblem with others noted for the Chamber of Commerce, the Elks, VFW and more. Some places proudly announced the local Episcopal, Baptist and Catholic churches and on occasion a YMCA or Boys and Girls Club.  The smaller towns had only a few but the larger ones like Escanaba or Gaylord had numerous announcements for the various groups that make up the backbone of their communities.  As a member of the Optimist club I always look for our emblem as I drive  through the different communities.    

As previously mentioned many of cities and towns have slogans or sayings at their entry signs and on their websites.  Here are a few samples :

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“ Escanaba – Soak it Up “  Not sure I like that one. 

“Saint Ignace –    Bridging History “  Obvious  reference.

“ Gladstone – Year Round Playground “ Catchy.

 “ Alpena – Michigan’s  Advenshore”  Not so much.

“ Bay City – A beautiful View of Life”  How sweet .

By the way, does anyone know if Royal Oak has an “official” motto? The best I could find was on the city’s web site that says Royal Oak is sometimes known has the “ City of Trees”.  If not how about some new suggestions. 

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