Hey, we’re 25!

Two and a half decades ago this month, we published our first MethuenLife. Ironically, the first cover was of Methuen folks sledding on a golf course. Sound familiar?

Since that photo in 2001, winter activities were prohibited at the Merrimack Valley Golf Club to preserve the golf grass for swing season. Meanwhile, across town the Hickory Hill entrance continues to offer a popular slope for what’s on this month’s cover.

Frankly, the time has flown by. If you read last month’s column, you’ll know I have junk in my freezer older than 25 years.

The idea for a feel-good publication likely arrived on the same day the local daily newspaper, the Internet and every TV news station delivered its usual payload of bad news: Afghanistan war, corruption, crime and general malfeasance updates guaranteed to make you jump out a window.

I did, forgetting I was on the first floor. All I got for my troubles was entanglement with the garden hose – and an idea for a monthly tab for my hometown.

The Methuen Journal, published by my late friend Blake Varney, ceased operation upon his death. After a respectful period of time had passed, I began getting things in order for MethuenLife to land in early 2001.

The assignment of the monthly newsprint was simple: Start with a colorful, upbeat magazine-style cover followed by upbeat stories and photos in 16-page increments, as mandated by the printer.

Over the last 25 years we’ve had a gardening, food, history, art, library, fishing, antiques, sports, memorabilia, a couple humor columns. And early on we incorporated my mom Sue’s senior-themed “Forever Young” into the pages. Chris Young supplied that gardening column and features. She passed away last fall, and we’re proud to have worked along with her.

Each month, thanks to our dedicated staff, we’re able to bring you a family-friendly, upbeat little publication to take the edge off the world’s unpleasant bad stuff. That’s not even close to possible without the dedication of our managing editor Melissa Fili who pretty much captains the good ship MethuenLife.

An equal heaping of praise and appreciation also goes to my mom Sue who handles much of the advertising and occasionally some nice photos for MethuenLife and the seasonal Whip’s Wheels, which celebrates its 35th year this year.

While I’m at it, I need to highlight the good work of my excellent staff: Scott Yates handles the graphics from a desk, deer stand or hospital bed; our MVP sports writer John Molori, who probably has a fan club by now; the ever-ready photojournalism of Nancy Reardon and Barbie Kiberstis; feature stories by Darrell Halen and Elizabeth Covino; religion and community stories from Yadira Betances Muldoon; metal-detecting adventures from Jonathan Stewart and dad Steve; excellent, well-written history from Ken Doherty; memorabilia from Joe Bella; senior center news from Sue Riccio; art columns from Patricia Bruno; Nevins Memorial Library news and programs from Sarah Sullivan; and excellent distribution from Joe Maloney.

All of this good stuff is supported by the advertisers, whom we appreciate greatly. If not for our loyal advertisers, we wouldn’t be able to publish our little paper.
Speaking of doing good, let’s pour one out for a pair of Methuen legends who passed recently.

Mike Condon was Methuen’s lovable Pillsbury Doughboy who launched each growled sentence with either “Mingya” or “Can I just tell you …” What followed was heartfelt proclamation of what was on his mind, followed by a grin and a sincere, “So, howyoudooin’?”

Mike and his wife Leeann — who died 15 months earlier – hold the distinction of having owned two Methuen landmarks, the Red Tavern and The Sweetheart Inn.

Mike dedicated most of his life to feeding locals good, family-ish food that included his famous chicken pies and prime rib that converted vegetarians.

Salisbury was Mike’s second home. Working with his “brother-from-another-mother” compadre Wayne Capolupo, Mike split his time between managing the Capri Italian restaurant and ensuring that Salisbury Beach once again operated an enchanting carousel similar to the original that spun bobbing horses for decades.

For the past couple beach seasons, Mike was who you did business with when you wanted a ride on the restored carousel. He loved the revival of Salisbury as much as his involvement in Methuen, which included several terms as a city councilor.

Ed Miller was not only active in Methuen zoning decisions, he was also a foodie, first running the Central Coffee Shop in Lawrence and later with his wife Pat, the Wirtshaus German restaurant on Hampstead Street adjacent to the Howe School.

Ed was a tall, imposing fellow who filled most of the space in the Wirtshaus’ small but regally stocked bar. There, in a soft deliberate tone, he’d conduct workshops on proper German beer appreciation.

Starting with a tall unfiltered wheat Tucher, Ed would theatrically pour ¾ of the beer into a glass, then place a slice of lemon on the head. Next, enraptured, thirsty patrons would study Ed’s technique as he rolled the bottle between his palms to stir up any sediment.

Finally, the remaining cloudy beer was poured slowly over the lemon slice, sediment filtering through the lemon before reuniting with the golden brew. All the while, Ed’s hefty class ringing clanging the glass bottle like a dinner bell.

My brother Bruce and I enjoyed many such beers with Ed, who was a wealth of knowledge on most anything or anyone related to Methuen.

Rest easy, Ed and Mike. The world was a better place with y’all in it.

Thanks for being with us these past 25 years, and cheers to the next 25!