SOLON & BEYOND: Solon to get new town treasurer; Remembering an attempt at producing own paper

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

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

Just stopped in to the Solon Town Office to get an update about the position of treasurer because the present treasurer, Sharon Begin, is moving. The position is for a deputy treasurer, which will lead to the treasurer position. The deadline for applying is May 30.

The Steve and the Good Old Boys Band will be playing at the Embden Community Center from 7 – 11 p.m., on Saturday, May 19.

Received an update about the events that go on at the Embden Community Center. Neighbor to Neighbor Thrift Shop/Lending Library, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m./Wed., Fri. and Sat. Suppers: 5 p.m./ second Saturday each month, except December. Country Sunday: 1 – 4 p.m./second and fourth Sunday. By donation. Sewing class: 10 a.m.- noon/Wednesday.Weight Watchers: 5 – 6 p.m., Wednesday. New members accepted. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) 10:30-11:30 a.m., Wednesdays. Community Center meetings: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, prior to the second Saturday supper. Yoga: 6:30 p.m., (one hour) Bring your mat, Thursday starting September 14; weekly, by donation. If you have any questions, contact Wayne at 474-1065.

In my on-going attempt to organize my writing material, I came across one of the newspapers I had published on February 11, 2005, in the little paper I started when I got through writing for The Town Line for a short time. I am going to dedicate it to my deceased partner who helped me entertain the many friends we made back then.

The front page shows a beautiful picture of my partner, looking very intelligent (which he was!) It states: Perseverance (Percy) Rogers co-owner of SOLON and BEYOND. And continues with a story about how I got him, etc.

“Would like to introduce you to my partner and supporter, Perseverance (alias Percy). On bad days he is right there to cuddle with me, with one paw as far as he can get it around my neck.

Percy started out as a frightened stray kitten and was rescued by a family on Route 43. They called and told me about this sweet little kitten that needed a home, and it was love at first sight. I named her Faith, but as luck would have it, on the first trip to the vet, I found out that a boys name was needed, instead. After a short time this little kitten started his true personality and hence Perseverance, or Percy for short.

Percy has many talents besides being a good cuddler, he is always at the door to welcome me home, loves to sing, (Amazing Grace is his favorite song!) He has become famous and much loved for his good advice in the columns I have written. As you can see from his picture, he is very intelligent and he’s promoting this book of meditations-for-cat-lovers. Oh yes, he thinks he is a mighty hunter and is still looking for the mouse that got away! (For those of you who didn’t get the January 21, 2005, issue of this paper, I told of his letting a live mouse loose at my feet and how upset I got at him.)I must confess, there is a slight power struggle between us as to who is really the ‘Boss!’”

And so it was how Percy got started in the newspaper world! Don’t remember just how long I published my own little paper but it didn’t take long to find out that it was a “full time job!” Now for a few more words from the same paper. ” One day this week someone said to me, ” What are you trying to do? You’re giving this paper away!” True…and had hoped for a miracle of some kind, but when the miracle doesn’t materialize immediately, you compensate. Some times you have to eat your words, as in this case, never say ‘never’! I had tried to sell ads for another paper and failed. I remember saying the words, “I’ll never sell ads again, ever!” Well, you will notice that I have started selling ads again and my many, many thanks for those who responded so graciously. (And you know, I did receive a miracle, never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined your wonderful response to this little paper, my heartfelt thanks.)

A short memoir from Percy; “To love abundantly is to live abundantly, and to love forever is to live forever. Anonymous.