By Martha Morgan
– We are in the midst of changes we never dreamed of, yet one thing has remained pretty much the same: the small town weekly.
I can see no difference between the one I remember as a child and those I see now, except that modern pictures are in colour.
In fact, many large dailies that used to cover international events are turning more to local news on their front page. That’s what readers want, for they can get world news on their televisions, even as it’s happening.
Right now, small-town papers carry lots of graduation group shots, and they’re not all from the town where the paper originates.
Many surrounding towns and villages are covered too, and all the photos must have lists of names. The same goes for club activities, a new business starting up, a new doctor or police officer moving to town, or a change in medical or police service. All these are naturally of vital interest to the residents.
Papers reflect small town efforts
Small town people work hard to keep their community going, and the paper often reflects the efforts of volunteers by featuring photographs of them receiving cheques to carry on the work of their organization.
Everyone is interested, too, in events at the seniors’ centre or the retirement home, for everyone in town knows elderly people or has family members involved.
Holidays are celebrated and photographed for the paper, as well as potluck suppers. The amazing thing about potluck suppers (and I’ve been to many) is that there is always plenty of everything.
One would think that sometimes there would be too much meat and no desserts or vice versa but that never happens.
Sports activities are fully covered of course, as are swimming meets in summer, figure skating in winter, and the like, all with full names of everyone participating.
The articles accompanying the photos of smiling faces always make sure to say that everyone had a good time and it certainly looks as though everyone did.
Small-town papers try to report on the sunny side of life. That’s something we need, so let’s hope they’ll always be with us.
