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As we are living in the time of Christopher Nolan’s “Odyssey”, I am tempted to follow the path of Homer and dedicate 12,104 lines of dactylic hexameter to trace the exploits of Trevor Meek, our dearly departed (but not dead) Local News Editor.
But much as Trevor mercilessly limited me to 650 words weekly during his too brief tenure, I too will try to be brief, making my message less Homerific… and more Homer Simpson.
First of all, I regret not attending his farewell soiree in person. A previous commitment placed me that evening at the Left Bank Restaurant in Weston, Vermont, where I dined with a kid I grew up with in Ipswich. But here is what I planned to say:
Trevor, the lengths I go to dredge up new material for you and The Local News! I would much rather be with you and our esteemed colleagues – but as my childhood friend is only furloughed from prison for this single evening, I needed to seize the opportunity.
Much as you seized the opportunity by moving from the wilds of Potsdam, New York, to Massachusetts and, in 2023, to The Local News.
I’m not sure how many people know this, but Trevor graduated from the State University of New York at Potsdam in 2010. With a degree in creative writing. Which, I’m guessing, led to his infatuation with John Updike.
But it also led to his never being heard from again until 2023. At least according to his LinkedIn profile. This happens to many creative writing majors.
SUNY – Potsdam, by the way, is world famous not for writers, but for music, including opera singers Renee Fleming, Stephanie Blythe, and singer-songwriter Loudon Wainwright III. Apparently, everyone who attends SUNY – Potsdam has great musical – and most especially – vocal ability.
Therefore, as a surprise, I am told that Trevor this evening plans to entertain you all with his version of Verdi’s “La Donna e Mobile”. In Italian. Please post the video on Instagram.
My understanding, Trevor, is that you and your lovely wife Krystal want to return to the place you grew up. As one who failed to do so myself, I understand. Escape while you can, young man, before Sirens lure you onto Crane Beach. Or into one of Ipswich’s many watering holes.
Now some may pooh-pooh upstate New York. This illustrates a bias perpetrated on us by Manhattan-based media. Need I remind you that Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants, hails from upstate?
When I first met Trevor back in 2023 as a fledgling reporter I thought I saw a lot of me at that same age, back when I was working for Bill Wasserman at the Chronicle.
Fortunately for John Muldoon and Eric Gedstad, I was wrong. Whereas I was young and foolish, given to shouting matches, frequent trips to the PLAV bar, and all manner of journalistic shenanigans, Trevor proven to be diligent, relentless, all while staying sober of mind and pure of heart.
He has also proven to be, well, meek. Now I don’t mean this in the English sense of that word – defined as quiet, gentle, and submissive.
If I can return to Homer – and ancient Greek – it is important to understand that the origin of the word meek gives us something quite different.
The ancient Greek root word – praus – describes meekness not as raw weakness, but as power or strength kept under control—much like a powerful well-trained horse.
It has been Trevor’s strength as a reporter and editor that has powered Ipswich Local News forward, making it a strong, clear civic voice in a town that needs…and deserves…probing, quality journalism.
Trevor, I will miss you. Your colleagues will miss you. This community will miss you. You have provided a great service…and a great example to your successor.
All the best to you and Krystal. Just don’t take 20 years to return!
(Bob says he tried Sirens and lotus flowers in an attempt to get Trevor to stay. Trevor tied himself to the masthead. Bob can be reached at robert@waiteandcompany.com.)
