Beyond the South End

 

By Ted Sylvester

Excerpts from Ted’s column circa December 1987

Tis the season to be jolly and merry

 

There were many topics that could be addressed in a column this week. But tis the season to be jolly and merry.

For instance, there was no end to news out of City Hall. The continuing battle over Barter Road, for one. Then there was the endless budget-review sessions with its parade of department heads coming before town fathers with their wish lists. Fire Chief Ernest Daye grabbed top honors in this category.

Then there was the attempt by City Manager Cathy Smith to convince the council that setting up a separate and independent self-supporting ambulance service was a mistake. The manager wanted to put the operation back into the city’s operating budget and place all revenue from ambulance calls into the general fund. But trying to convince councilors to revert to the former system after the new procedures not only supported the ambulance service, but also made a profit of $19,000 toward the purchase of new ambulances in the future, was like trying to drum up support for the tooth fairy.

But I don’t want to get into those subjects this week. Tis the season for merriment and good cheer. While we might have our problems and controversies, there is no better place to live and work. The people make that so. The thanks from all of us should go out to those who serve on all the boards and commissions, many of them without a penny of salary and hardly ever any sign of appreciation.

Personally, it has been a great and productive year, especially the addition of a new grandson, Jacob, who joins Matthew and Brian as the nucleus of another generation. (Jacob is now married and has two girls of his own). The family, of course, is always uppermost in our love. Special Merry Christmas and Love to Natalie, Stuart, Scott and Donna, Steven and Barb, the grandsons of course, Mom and Dad, brother Harlan and family, sister Sara and family, and sister Sandra.

The many friends, associates, competitors, and the many who work at the various agencies and departments we deal with on a daily basis hold special meaning. Topping the list with love and gratitude are Emmet, Cynthia, Susan, Griff and Mark.

Special greetings to the competition, Larry, Steve, Maureen, Michael, Steve, Steve, Dick, Ray, Bob, Wayne, John, Ivy, Terry, Jeff, Diana and Sharon.

The hours of enjoyment outside the office with friends is held dear. Merry Christmas to Maxine, Mike, Bob, Lucille, Dot, Elmer, Checker, Marion, Roger, Joan, Bill, Ruth, Charles, Yvonne, Dan, Mae, Louise, Tom, Fay, Leo, Joan, Jim, John, Don, Cora and Tink.

The Coffee Shop crowd always provides a welcome relief from the daily rounds. There is even a legitimate news tip coming from the wags once or twice a year. Seasons greetings to Sam, Joe, John, Gert, Earl, Meredith, John, Jerry, Paul, Garner, Hank, Ted, Ed, Howie, Howard, Steve, Ham, Ben, Richard, Allen, Mel. Special thanks and appreciation for putting up with all of us throughout the year go to Roland, Rose, Coral and Marie.

To those who provide us with the real legitimate news of the day, many thanks and appreciation. Merry Christmas to Susan, Shirley, Dawn, Priscilla, Cindy, Snooky, Penelope, Susan, Linda, Ruth, Bena, Carol, Linwood, Bob, Richard, Fern, Chipper, Jack, Doc, Noel, Rick, Bert, Skip, Forrest, Ernie, Lou, Susan, Sis, Carol, Al, Dave, Bill, Jerry, Sharon, Leo, Wanda.

Merry Christmas everyone.

(Did you see your name listed here?)