12 Years & Counting... | “Much like 12 year old Scotch, the McCarty Metro just keeps getting better with age”, says Metro editor Kelly McCarty.
The McCarty Metro, which will be celebrating its’ 40 year anniversary next year, has been run by Kelly for the last 12 years. “The first edition I printed was in October, 1992. Back then, the writers submitted articles by mail, I would receive them, retype them into my 286 computer that (my brother) Jerry got me, printed it, and sent it out via the mail every month.” Back then, the Metro was pretty non-existent for years and on the verge of bankruptcy. But with a lot of work, support from my family, and help from my brothers in writing articles, the paper made a strong comeback. “The format is basically the same as in the 60’s” says Kelly. “The main cartoon changed from “Sawdust” to “Peanut & Jocko”, but there was still timely news, trivia, and lots of humor.”
When asked why he restarted the Metro in 1992, Kelly responded, “Dad had died the year before. Christmas, Easter & Thanksgiving celebrations were getting smaller and smaller, and the family was scattered all around the country. I was afraid that our tight-knit family was unraveling a bit, and I missed the closeness we all shared in growing up with 10 people in the house. I guess I was a little bit selfish, because The Metro afforded me a chance at regular communications with my brothers, and a chance to let everyone know what was happening with me.”
When asked who his favorite writer is and favorite parts of the Metro, Kelly answered, “DJ was my favorite writer. He was so funny, and wrote about lots of different topics, each with his own unique sense of humor. My favorite parts of the Metro is when I ‘Put it to bed’ for another month. I love “Jerry’s World” and much of Mike’s writings, but the thing that is most gratifying is when I get articles from people not in our immediate family. It shows me that they read the Metro, they like the Metro, and they want to contribute and support the Metro. | 
| | This is actually Kelly’s second stint as Metro Editor. He took over the reins in the late 60’s, but as he put it, “The Banana Splits were my first love”. Kelly left the Metro gig in 1969 to become president of The Banana Splits Club, until its’ unfortunate demise, which was spearheaded by The Sour Grapes. The twelve years haven't been all ups either. In February 1995, Kelly was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Although to this day, he says he has his good day and bad days, he has always done his best. In 1996, the Dan McCarty passed away at the age of 40. Not only a great brother and friend, but an integral part of the writing of the Metro. His memory lives on on all our hearts.
Today, the Metro is on-line, and read by hundreds of people, both family & friends, wondering what the McCarty’s are up to. They clamor for Jerry’s World, wonder what reference to poo will be used in Peanut & Jocko, test their wits with Trivia, and to find out what injury Mike got this month.
In closing, it has been a pleasure in bringing this publication to you. Thank you to everyone who reads, supports, and writes for the McCarty Metro. |
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