blue water living--final

from the editor
I did it. I finally did it.
Since 2008, when I was first appointed to the McMorran Civic Center Authority
board for McMorran Place, Port Huron’s iconic civic center, I have explored
every crack and crevice of the building. I’ve been in the boiler room. I’ve seen the
compressors, hard at work, keeping two sheets of ice cold. I dug through building
blueprints in a closet filled with nothing but blueprints. I rode the Zamboni. I dusted
off my figure skates in the Main Arena prior to traveling to New York City to skate at
Rockefeller Center. I’ve presented awards to very deserving women on the stage in the
theater. I’ve curled my hair in one of the basement dressing rooms under the theater
stage.
In 2012, I even got married out in front of the
fountain.
But my own personal dirty little secret? I had never
climbed the tower. I resigned from my position on
the authority board in May, but I was determined
to climb the tower sooner, rather than later,
especially since ownership of the tower and the
McMorran Pavilion, to which it is attached, seems
to be hanging in the balance.
So climb it I did. On a sunny Saturday morning in
July, I put on my workout clothing and mentally
prepared myself for the worst. The trek is 188
steps to the top and I am not exactly the Queen
of Aerobic Fitness. I do run (if you call “The
Old Lady Shuffle” running), but climbing 188
steps uses quadriceps in ways that mine are not
accustomed to being used.
content
places
McMorran Tower 4
Marysville on the Move 6
Blue Water Hospice Home 8
St. Clair City Pool 10
cover photo
Sailboats race upwind on Lake Huron.
The Port Huron Yacht Club and the Sarnia
Yacht Club host numerous sailboat races
throughout the spring, summer and fall.
Photo by Patti Samar
blue water living editor
patti samar, taking a selfie at the
top of the McMorran Tower.
See the windows reflected in
other windows and the Blue
Water Bridge behind her.
And so: I made it. And what a fun time! Though I
have to admit that when I saw how dark the tower
was inside -- in spite of more than ample lighting
-- I began to feel a little creeped out and was
wondering why I had decided to tackle this feat
by myself instead of bringing a buddy. But once
I started heading up, I forgot about my fears and
became fascinated with the journey.
volume 1, number 2 summer 2015
Blue Water Living is published quarterly by The Write Company,
511 La Salle Blvd., Port Huron, MI 48060. Circulation 7,500.
Editor & Publisher: Patti Samar, owner, The Write Company
Advertising: Patti Samar at 810-987-1256 or pjsamar@aol.com
The best part? Topping the tower. Wow. Wow. Wow. And wow. What a spectacular
view! Looking to the north toward the Blue Water Bridge, I was wondering who cued
the Great Lakes freighter that magically appeared under the Blue Water Bridge for
my photo-taking opportunity. Clear blue skies. Bright sunshine. And views of one of
the most spectacular waterways in North America. It was a Pure Port Huron moment
I will never forget.
So take the time to Top the Tower yourself sometime soon. It is a great workout with
a great reward at the top. It is just one of the many interesting attractions we have the
privilege of doing here almost every day when others have to wait until they are “on
vacation” to get here.
Sincerely,
News releases can be emailed to pjsamar@aol.com
Questions or comments?
Call Blue Water Living at 810-987-1256
Mission: Blue Water Living is the premiere publication
for people living, working and playing
in the Blue Water Area of Michigan.
Its stories and features are written and designed
to be informational and inspirational.
www.BlueWaterLiving.net
© Blue Water Living is the property
of Patti Samar of The Write Company and is a publication
of Blue Water Publishing LLC.
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Patti Samar
Editor & Publisher
Blue Water Living