LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Florida Evacuees thank Albany for hospitality

To the wonderful people of Albany:

Escaping Hurricane Irma from Naples, Fla., brought us to your town. We were frazzled, scared for our homes, and were greeted with warmth and graciousness by Lisa, Georgia, Tammy, Joe, Joel, Fay and all the staff at the Merry Acres Inn. Rooms were filled from the Florida-Georgia line through Atlanta. Fortunately for us, we found your town.

All the Merry Acres Inn staff went out of their way to not only accommodate us, but make us feel like part of their family. For seven days, they bent over backwards — calming us, joking with us and providing anything that we needed. Not only was the Merry Acres Inn so welcoming, but also all the Albany residents with whom we came in contact offered to help and pray.

Thank you to the Merry Acres Inn staff, the schoolchildren who wrote notes to us, Kim at the Flint River golf course, Austin and Beth at Henry’s Fine Edibles, the members of the City Club who came to cook out for us, the local church that opened their doors for dinner and lunch, and the many residents who were so kind.

In a country where the media tells we Americans that we are unsettled and angry, we are happy that our time in your town has proven that America is great.

By the way, we do have one question, however: How did Slappey Boulevard get its name? Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your hospitality and kindness.

KAREY STEWART

CHRISTY SCHWALBE

SARAH MEADOR

Naples, Fla.