To the Editor:
For almost 20 years, my wife Judi and I have been “permanent transplants” to Maine’s beautiful Midcoast area in Newcastle. For 17 of these years I have worked Wednesdays at The Lincoln County News. In fact, they refer to me as “Wednesday Ernie.”
My official title on my resume might as well read, “Special Part Time Assistant to the Publisher,” but to get to the nitty gritty, this is what I did, and remember it’s all about the paper: I count ’em, tag ’em, stack ’em, strap ’em, dump ’em, lump ’em, flip ’em and ship ’em. Then I make bulk deliveries to the Newcastle and Damariscotta post offices.
At this point I take a well-deserved snack break with my co-workers then spend the rest of the work day “bumping barrels:” taking out the trash, old news print and recyclable paper products.
I tell everyone I work for pocket change and social intercourse but believe me it’s much more than that and this is what I want our loyal customers to know.
I was hired on with a handshake and from that day forward the entire Roberts family have gone out of their way to make me feel valued and appreciated and I am deeply honored that they have that sort of commitment to the staff.
The same goes for my esteemed co-workers on all three floors of the shop. We might joke and rib one another but when the press bell rings, you can be sure it’s 15 or so workers teaming up to get out the paper with as little or no mishaps as possible.
Due to a recent and totally unexpected negative medical diagnosis, which was like getting struck by a huge bolt of lightning out of a clear blue sky, it seems that my workday Wednesdays are over.
While discussing my leaving the shop with my wife, I must say it brought tears to my 75-year-old eyes, but a positive outlook is required for my future so I’ll let it go at that. God bless you all!
