2 Thursday, March 29, 2018 brooklintowncrier.com When one evening, dinner was interrupted by solicitors minutes apart, we'd had enough. So I bought a No Soliciting sign and stuck it to the wall by the front porch. There, that should do it. An historical reference: On a soft autumn evening, about a week into my Paris coaching sojourn, the laundry needed to be done. I stuffed it into a pillow case and traipsed over to a nearby laundromat. I fumbled with the strange French coinage (francs in those days) till two young fellows in sparkling white shirts and grey slacks sidled over to help. They were Mormons in the midst of their European proselytization campaign. They told me of the challenges of door-to-door conversion in a foreign land. I sympathised. How many door slams, I asked. Surprisingly, not many, they said. Do you ever feel like you're selling widgets, I asked. Gosh (or was it Golly?) no, they said. They were selling the word of God; that's no widget. Ever since, I've had a soft spot for door-to-door salespeople who, it seems, must be in dire need of a job to resort to this. The soft spot, though, has become edgy over time. I don't need stuff, theirs or anyone else's. I particularly don't need it before, during, or after dinner. Saturdays aren't good either. Sundays? Not a chance. When I want something I'll either go to a store or search online. Grant- "Proud to be a Brooklinite" Founded in 2000 Published 24 times annually Editor, Richard Bercuson 613-769-8629 editorofbtc@gmail.com Locally owned and operated. A publication of Appletree Graphic Design Inc. We accept advertising in good faith but do not endorse advertisers nor advertisements. All editorial submissions are subject to editing. For advertising information, contact: 905-655-7642 Email: mulcahy42@rogers.com Next Issue: Friday, April 13, 2018 Deadline: Friday, April 6, 2018 No soliciting Less than Half the Picture By Richard Bercuson continued on page 5.