Odd Times: Val’s No Molly Dooker

A year or two (or three) ago, Donald’s Val Alexander (nee Romeo) lived across Woods Street from the former “Donald Times” Office (now Donald Motorcycles).

As a little girl, she was always willing to help in any way she could, especially in the late afternoon and early evening, as the “Times” went to print.

Last week, as we celebrated our 145th anniversary, Val visited the office to present to the editor a gift bag filled with special items.

Among them was a card, with a handwritten message: “Thanks for the memories, and the ‘Times’, and for the fun a ‘little tacker’ had with you all at the original ‘Donald Times’.” 

Also in the bag were the numbers, 1, 4 and 5, wrapped as if ready to be posted to readers, though actually to be pinned to the anniversary cake.

But wait, there’s more. First, there was a super-sized sheet of shiny paper, printed in blue, green and white stripes.

“I still can’t find striped paint,” Val wrote, “but I got this instead.”

Next from the bag came a packet of assorted wood screws, and a brand new Tek toothbrush.

“I still haven’t been able to find left-handed screws, or left-handed toothbrushes,” she added.

“In fact, when you sent me out to buy things, the only left-handed ones  I could find were golf clubs – my grandson uses them!”

All of which leaves one wondering, “How could anyone have been so cruel to one so young?”

But thanks, Val, you’re a great sport – and thanks also to all other readers who took the time to acknowledge our “145th”.