Reijo's adventure in Äänekoski

"I left Äänekoski behind when I went to Savonlinna to study in 1976. The plan was to spend the rest of my life where there are a touch more neon lights. I worked in advertising, wrote novels, TV and stage scripts, and humorous columns. In my spare time I earned a master’s degree in economics. I taught business at a university of applied sciences. I became a Renaissance person who does all kinds of things.

Now, after more than forty years, I’m making a return to Äänekoski. I have to admit, though, that after so many years Äänekoski is a new acquaintance to me. I haven’t even properly gotten acquainted with this new Äänekoski yet. The city has changed so much. Korona Bar is no longer there. Even Juice doesn’t come to play a gig at Holvihalli anymore.

I’m kind of on a voyage of discovery here. I mostly share everyday things on social media. With childlike faith, I believe that against the gray, even small splashes of color stand out more brightly. I might sometimes go to cultural and sports events. I seek out people. Maybe I’ll even find a new hobby. One thing is certain: I often visit the hardware store and the dump, because the never-ending renovation of the cottage where my father was born on the shore of Pyhäjärvi in Hannus has my wife and me towing a trailer from one place to another." -May 2019

When I was chosen as one of the #hiddenaanekoski ambassadors, I was pleasantly surprised. The idea was to tell a returnee’s story about what one’s home region means to a person and gives—even in one’s later years. 

I joined a group that left this senior amazed. The other ambassadors were full of energy and ideas, which they immediately set about putting into practice. I learned from them so much about Äänekoski that I hadn’t even known existed. The attitude was spot on, both from the client and the ambassadors. 

At the same time, my own contribution kept shrinking as it became clear that the planned return to Äänekoski wouldn’t go according to plan. The reason wasn’t Äänekoski, or even me, but circumstances. During my ambassadorship I did at least put on a few cultural pop-ups and hid gift bags. It was fun, but I also felt guilty.

Now it’s time for the old fox to let go and step back to think about how on earth the move to Äänekoski could be made to happen. Maybe I’ll return as an ambassador then. But now let’s get a new ambassador into the ring right away!

Best regards Reijo

Thank you, Reijo, for being part of our #hiddenaanekoski crew!