Name: Tom Auer
Residence: Peninsula Township
Profession: Physician

I am a member of TART Trails because I truly value our trail system. Also, walking and biking are great ways to improve and maintain your health. America’s financial outlook is burdened by excessive health problems and obesity that might cost 1/3 less if everyone exercises a half hour a day.

One of the pleasant opportunities I have as a physician is meeting new doctors to this area who are well-qualified and could have gone anywhere to set up a practice. Many times, I learn from them that one of the reasons they chose Traverse City was for our trail system.

Several of my late physician friends (Drs. VanDalson, Mudgett and Nelson) were big proponents of these trails. Those families honored the trails in their memorials, and their friends were very generous. To me, that reaffirms that TART is on the right course. I hope many more people will follow my example of contributing funds and volunteering for these wonderful trails that benefit everyone in the region.

My favorite trail activity is walking the Boardman Lake Trail including the just-opened new trail and bridge on the north end of the lake.

Tom has been board president for TART since March 2007 and has been a board member since 2001.