Our Town – December 2024

The Soupster reassures his fans.

“Say it ain’t so,” read the title of the email.

A “Soupie Groupie” and long-time crossword fanatic had emailed the Soupster, having just heard a rumor that the local publication had just come out with its final issue.

“It’s been 26 years and it’s time,” wrote the Soupster. “We now have the internet and people buy and sell things online. I’m ready to move on, travel more, and take on new projects. Thanks for being such a loyal reader.”

The next day, the Soupster was restocking the Grocery Store with the final issue when another “Soupie Groupie” walked up.

“A full color issue?” she asked.

“Indeed,” replied the Soupster. “A bunch of different covers from overthe years.”

“How did it all start?” inquired the devoted fan.

“Well…back when my younger daughter was in California doing a “Semester Abroad in the US,” I heard that Sharon Romine was selling the beloved local publication. I was intrigued. Now feeling like empty nesters, my wife and I discussed it over dinner and in October of 1998, the first Portello / Swagel Sitka Soup was born.”

At his next stop, the Soupster dropped off his overdue library books and Precocious Johnny ran over and tugged on the man’s coat.

“Mr. Soupster! The Kid’s Page is all in color! I didn’t know about Chartreuse, Vermillion and Cielo!”

“Great names for pets?” joked the Soupster.

“Remember, Johnny, you can always download and print old Kid’s Pages from our website.”

“And Mom can read old Our Towns, too?” asked the thoughtful child.

“But of course. And old features like In The Spotlight, Food for Thought and Artist Profiles.”

“Oh phew!” Johnny exclaimed as he scuttled off to tell his mom.

The Soupster then realized he was running late for his favorite community gathering and rushed back to his car. This month’s Grind was being held at the Naa Kahidi and he still had to pick up Zolov and his homemade dessert.

As the Soupster and Zolov walked into the treasured venue, the original “Soupie Groupie” approached.

“Soupter. I had an epiphany. I was tearing up while filling in the last answer on this month’s Crossword and remembered that old ones are still online.”

“That’s right,” consoled the Soupster. “Even those from just a few years ago will feel new – thanks to our old age, of course.”

Zolov and the Soupster took their seats.

As the house lights dimmed, the Soupster mused about all these years of making Soup. The publication was his baby and he had often worried about his human children being “Soup Orphans.”

“You know, Zolov – people say you don’t want to outlive your children, but in this case, I think they’re wrong.”

And then the show began.