If Joanne Beeke ever stops smiling, we'd like to hear about it.
The 11-year-old Observer newspaper carrier was certainly all giggles last Thursday, when she met up with me and the Oberver’s ad rep Sarah Virteau. And why wouldn't she be happy? The two of us were assigned to cover her route for the day. Her 100-plus newspaper route weaves its way through suburban Agassiz.
Beeke was one of dozens and dozens of Black Pres carriers, drivers and supervisors that were surprised with the day off with pay, with invites to lunch, and with presents. Why? Because without the people who deliver the newspaper, we wouldn't be where we are today.
Beeke told us she's been delivering for just about a year, with the support of her mom — and let's face it, a lot of our carriers get a big helping hand from their families. And sure enough, while we were packing up our carrier bags with bundles of newspapers, Beeke's mom was packing up the family's other paper route.
This is a family dedicated to delivering papers on time!
Thankfully for us, last Thursday was a beautiful, sunny fall day. We walked and drove the route with determination to get it just right, double checking the router list and then triple checking, just to be sure.
As I look out the Observer's office window today, and see all the grey clouds and wet roads, I'm thinking about all the carriers who are gearing up for a wet and cold winter season. They'll be tromping through the streets in galoshes, navigating staircases and looking for addresses and mailboxes, often in the dark.
While we couldn't possibly take over every carrier's route, and all the thousands of papers they safely deliver for us each week, we are most grateful for everything you do. Thank you!
And to our readers, this is the perfect time to thank your carrier, not just in words, but by making sure the pathway to your house is clear, your address is visible, and there's a proper container for delivery.
And next time you see your carrier, remember a few words of encouragement go a long way.
You may just get a big smile in return.
news@ahobserver.com