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from the archives

1976: Meg Alexander departs The News

The following excerpts from The Millerton News were compiled by Kathleen Spahn and Rhiannon Leo-Jameson of the North East-Millerton Library.

July 29, 1976

Alexander Leaves News, Garfield Takes Over

Meg Alexander, editor of The News for the past 3 years, has accepted a new job as a reporter on The Charlotte News, an afternoon daily newspaper in the largest city in North Carolina.

This is the last issue of The News in Millerton under her direction. In Charlotte she will be writing on local aspects of national affairs.

Her successor as editor of The News will be Kenneth Garfield, assistant editor for the past year. Mr. Garfield also expects to leave for a new post on a daily newspaper in the near future.

Editorial

Meg Confesses

I love Millerton and its people. This confession comes at the end of my 3 years as editor of The News. My work has been both a challenge and a joy. I wholeheartedly say that it’s been the happiest time of my life.

I admire the fierce pride of the citizens here; their devotion to the community, their love of the land. When they rally around a cause, whether it is saving a state park or celebrating a Centennial, their spirit shines, their strength inspires.

I’ve learned many things since I’ve been here — about truth, integrity, justice and about keeping a sense of humor. I remember the first paper I put out myself back in July, 1973. I worked frantically trying to put it together, to get everything right. I was a mad whirlwind of paper, scissors, and glue.

Well, everything turned out all right, except for one thing. I forgot to change the date from the previous week at the top of the front page. All of the news dealers had to cross it out and write the correct date at the top of every copy. Poor Phil Terni. I hope he forgave me. He was our largest dealer at the time, 350 papers.

There are so many people that make this town special, that make it an appealing place to live. I don’t like to start naming names because I know I will leave some out. But I find I just can’t leave my home here without publicly paying tribute to some of the people who have given me and The News their support and friendship.

Editor’s Note: Meg (Alexander) Downey returned to serve The News in 2024 as a member of the board of directors for LJMN Media, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit which publishes The Millerton News and The Lake­ville Journal.

Millerton News
from the archives
The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Millerton News and The News does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

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