In this Issue
January 2006

THE FOLDING CORNER
Could folding become a task of the past?
By Philip Peirce

Phil Peirce

The title of this column is fast approaching antiquity, along with its author. The real folding occurred during the early few years of our project, and we had a considerably larger crew, thankfully. In those days, our postal directive was to fold the entire issue to a 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 inch package, and then tab the folded packet securely. That procedure on a 12- or 16-page issue was hard on the hands, and required many hands. We were doing it on a Tuesday evening in the hall of the Congregational Church, and it was not unusual for 12 to 15 people to show up, some with goodies to revitalize lagging spirits.

Eventually, the folding requirement was relaxed during a change in postal requirements, and the job immediately became more manageable at a time when the volunteer efforts started to wane. While looking for a more central place to do the assembly, the Town Hall was suggested, and we immediately requested the space. Prior to the selectmen moving their evening meetings to the Banquet Hall, we were firmly ensconced there at the end of each month. By now, folding was relegated to the 50 or so issues that were mailed out of town. The rest of the work was an assembly job and flyer insertion.

We are now ushering in a “new, improved” Citizen. As you read in last month’s issue, Progressive Graphics retired their inkpads, and we began the search for a replacement. I must say, at this point, that whenever we have been at a crossroads of any sort, God has always provided a direction. “Ask and you shall receive” has been re-enforced in my thinking over the years by the circumstances, people, and opportunities that have sprung to the fore each time we needed some specific help. Look, for instance, at the wonderful changes that have been made in the design of the Citizen by our talented friends, Tim and Danielle Kane. They both showed up to volunteer at a time when we needed, and were ready to accept, their innovative help; from the creation of the Citizen Website, to the new layout.

And now, Tim has been instrumental in securing the services of Turley Publications in producing our newsletter. When I met Keith, who, with his father and uncle, produces quite a plethora of school newsletters in New England, as well as a considerable amount of other printing projects, I knew that we were “receiving” again. Tim has been working for Turley and arranged a meeting and plant tour, and the warmth of the occasion was palpable. I do believe we have been blessed again, and I am looking forward to a Citizen on newsprint.

So, our next “Folding Party” will be a new experience for all of us, and I’ll be sure to report back to you in the next issue, just how fortunate the new experience has been.

Read previous columns by Philip Peirce