Monfredo: Fond Memories of the Happy Time Page

Saturday, August 17, 2019

John Monfredo, GoLocalWorcester MINDSETTER

John Monfredo

As the saying goes … Nothing last forever! That statement can apply to the demise of the Happy Time Page section of the Telegram and Gazette. Recently reporter Cyrus Moulton of the Telegram wrote about the end of “Happy Time Page” section. After decades of students writing on topics selected by the newspaper that included essays, poems, and drawings the Happy Time Page will no longer exist. How sad!

I along with my wife Anne-Marie grew up being a Happy Timer and looked forward to seeing our names in the points column for our work. I would cut out the points column and underline my name and when my saved points reached 100 my dad brought me to 20 Franklin Street to claim my prize… a book. My very first book from the Happy Time Page was a dictionary that I cherished and used in school and used in writing other stories to the newspaper.

In addition, the newspaper encouraged hobbies and I remember having my picture taken at my house for a collection of “Look and See” cards of famous people. My wife also had her picture taken with her collection of “dolls.” Those were memorable times growing up and ones that I remember so vividly.

Thus, when I became a teacher, I had my students write to the Happy Time Page and when they earned a prize for some it was the first book that they ever owned. Many of my students were so excited and a few of them I personally brought to 20 Franklin Street the home of the Telegram and Gazette to claim their prize.

Thus, I reached out to a few of my former students now adults to see what they remembered about the Happy Time Page. Patricia Hobbs stated, “As a child, there was nothing more exciting than to open up the newspaper and see your name on the Happy Time Page. It brought with it such an exhilarating feeling of anticipation and happiness. Thus, the name “Happy Time Page” itself was so apropos because the entire creative process of writing, editing, asking for review/feedback up to that moment of submission was thrilling and a very happy time. Nothing makes a child feel happier than being proud of being published. What an amazing learning experience it was.” She went on to say that the Happy Time Page was more than just a fond memory for it developed her love of writing and reading and help and I quote, “to imbue a strong creative spark within me which has lasted my entire lifetime.”

Another former student, Laura Gleason acknowledged, “I remember the excited feeling on Sunday mornings when the thick newspaper would arrive. I'd search for the comics and go directly to the Happy Times page. I'd say a silent prayer that my story or a classmates story was picked to be published. I also thought it was fun to keep track of my points so I could receive a free book!”

Later, as a principal, my students again had the opportunity to write to the Happy Time Page and I encouraged parents to be part of the process. My life with the Happy Time Page didn’t stop there for it continued into my years as a School Committee member.

Believing in the importance of reading and writing in the life of a child, when I became a School Committee member I wrote to all students in the Worcester Public Schools who had their stories, poems and drawings published. I wanted them to know that a School Committee member was paying attention to their work and complimented them on having their published piece appear in the newspaper. To my surprise, many parents would stop me at various places to let me know how excited their child was in receiving a letter from me. My answer was always …keep them writing and reading each day!

The elementary schools in Worcester throughout the years have had many schools participate in the Happy Time Page. One student, going into the fifth grade at May Street School this year named Jordyn Johnson has had over 20 drawings published in the paper during the past few years for I have written to her that many times. Many other students across the city have had several stories and poems published and have shown growth in their writing.

It’s too bad that this positive learning activity has come to an end for in this world of ours there needs to be more fun and learning activities to take place such as looking for your name published in the Happy Time Page and being proud of your ability to write and draw well. Goodbye, Happy Time Page and thanks for the memories!