Mayor publishes poems in 'Life in a Small Town'
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is credited with saying “It's passionately interesting for me that the things that I learned in a small town, in a very modest home, are just the things that I believe have won the election.”
Butler Mayor Maggie Stock, too, brought to public office the values and wisdom she learned in a small town, and recently she shared some of that inspiration by releasing a volume of poetry inspired by Butler.
“Life in a Small Town” contains 21 poems, a mix of polished drafts long sitting in a drawer, new works and some of her pieces previously published in Butler County Community College's “Facets,” an annual BC3 publication celebrating writing, photography and graphic art.
Stock, who taught English at BC3, said the decision to release the book was prompted by a telephone call she received in May after one of her works was featured in the most recent “Facets.”
“A woman called and said 'I want to buy your book,' and I had to tell her I didn't have one,” Stock said.
“I had waited long enough. I have talked about this forever and the time was right.”
The book is written in three sections.
One focuses on Butler's foundations, such as the Connoquenessing Creek or train tracks running through the city. The second section focuses on memories. Stock said that part was inspired by the former Aland's Toy Land on Main Street.
The book closes with insights into new happenings or places that have changed in the city, such as Pullman Park.
Stock signed copies of her book, printed by Mechling Bookbindery in Chicora, Nov. 24 at Cummings Candy and Coffee in Butler, which served as the inspiration for the poem “The Coffee Shop.”
When it is released in stores, “Life in a Small Town” will sell for $10, from which a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Butler Downtown.
Until then, anyone interested in buying a copy can contact the mayor's office at 724-285-4124, Ext. 206.
