SOLON & BEYOND: Taking a peak at past columns

by Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

Good morning, dear friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

This morning I sit here at my contrary computer with crossed fingers and a prayer that it will cooperate with me today! This is Monday, January 6, 2020, and after reading our daily Morning Sentinel paper of January 4, with the headline on the front page saying; “Sentinel to debut digital-only Mondays; Cost-saving measure to preserve newsroom jobs starting March 2.”; I was shocked to say the least! Anyway it had got me thinking of how much many things had changed in all the years I have been writing a column in the many papers over the years. The above information was written by J. Craig Anderson, of the Portland Press Herald…for those who didn’t see it, it goes on to say; “Four daily newspapers in Maine, including the Morning Sentinel, will cease production of their Monday print editions as of March 2 in a cost-cutting move to preserve newsroom jobs, according to their CEO.”

I admit to being, “Old Fashioned,” and believe me I know that many of the values of yester-year are long gone!….but now that I have reached the ripe old age of 90, I find some things beyond my understanding! The thing about that change, is what will some of the older folks do for their news if they don’t have a computer?

History is very important to me, and so I got out some of the old papers I had written for in the past. The following is taken from a Skowhegan Reporter, Skowhegan, Maine, Nov. 3, 1988. My column was headed by lots of hearts, (12) and the words, “The friendliest town in the state” SOLON. Had told a couple of people I’d probably have to leave town after last week’s Reporter came out and one of them commented on Friday that it was well written but he said, ” You know most people probably read it and just laughed.” Oh yes, I’m sure of that (that’s what I’m here for is to give everyone a good laugh). Can’t remember what worthy cause I might have been standing up for at that time.) But this dreamer’s heart can’t help dreaming that maybe a seed of thought was planted in a few minds. This column went on to say, Do you remember last winter when someone sent one of my columns to President Ronald Reagan? Well, the other day I had a letter from him, no mention of the article but it starts out on a real friendly note, Dear Marilyn,” he goes on to tell what his goals were etc., and I quote, “It’s our responsibility, yours and mine, as a beacon of freedom and liberty for the world.”

Another one of the Somerset Reporters, this one Thursday, Nov. 19, 1987, “Somerset County’s paper since 1840,” and below the name it has these words: “Better is the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.” Proverbs 15:16. Across the top of the weekly paper it says: “Hometown news from Skowhegan, Madison, Bingham, Moscow, Athens, Cornville, Madison, Anson, North Anson, Solon, Canaan, Mercer, Norridgewock and more. In the corner it says Somerset County’s Largest Weekly Newspaper.

One of the front page stories in the above paper is as follows: “Today’s the day smokers are urged to “but out.” What started as an upbeat, good natured effort to encourage smokers to give up cigarettes for 24-hours, is now considered a successful campaign to get puffers to quit the habit – for good.

It’s the annual “Great American Smokout Day” today, November 19, in cooperation with the American Cancer Society and hospitals throughout the Central Maine area. (I’m wondering how many of you who are reading the above can remember that day…and did you quit?)

And now for Percy’s memoirs: When things seem hopeless, trust God and do what’s right. First think: God is on my side! He wants to help me. Second say: “I will rejoice and be patient through this hopeless situation.” Next pray: ask God to help you trust in him. Finally obey: patiently wait for God to work things out. God always keeps his promises, so you can depend on him to help you. That little piece of paper has been sitting here for days, don’t know who wrote it.

Also from Percy, to make you laugh, from that little book I was telling you about: …Great Minds Discuss Ideas, Average Minds Discuss Events…Small Minds Discuss People.