Dennis Sommers

The term “influencers” is a topic of discussion mentioned these days. Guess I’m just old fashioned. When I hear that word, Bad Bunny (55 million followers) or MrBeast (with 634 million) don’t come to mind. I instead think of those I’m close to — that help create “the good life.” Those that show me the right path to follow and those to avoid.

My own list of influencers is lengthy. You might have read about some of them in this column before… parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers, clergy, classmates, children and grandchildren, close friends, and Rita… most of all. Even more come to mind, related to the community in which we live.

The Andy Griffith Show (season 6, episode 30) focused on a song Aunt Bea and her friend Clara wrote about Mayberry. It triggered memories of my good fortune to raise a family in Minot. Before finishing school 50 years ago, I took a road trip through Nebraska, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri to visit with folks about prospects for locating in cities along the way. Although most offered cordial conversation about prospects for success in their community, one place stood out above all others.

Noticing dentist names on Main Medical building in Minot, I found my way to Dr. Stordal’s office, Minot’s only orthodontist at the time. He invited me in for a visit. I shared my search for a place to work and raise a family. He conveyed a sense of welcome not found elsewhere during the journey. Across the hall, Dr. Vern Reardon took things further saying, “We’d love to have you right here in Minot. Let me know what you need.”

Another influencer was Al Gust, a banker at (then) American Bank and Trust. I shared my business plan to rent space, construct an office, hang out my shingle and hope folks would find me. A spreadsheet explained the loan I needed to make it happen – and that I probably would not be able to pay on the debt for six months. Mr. Gust approved the loan anyway. When I returned six months later to tell him I could not yet pay on the debt, he was as friendly as Mayberry’s Floyd the barber, telling me everything will be all right. “Just don’t you worry about it.”

Other important influencers in our hometown include some we might not know personally, firefighters for example. One winter weekend in the early ’90s a blizzard engulfed Minot – the type that completely shut down all travel. The fireplace was stoked and burning for two full days. Two o’clock Sunday morning, I awoke to a strange odor. A search led to the wall behind the fireplace as the source. It was hot and crackling inside. I made the call. With snow blocking the street, firefighters came trudging through hip-deep drifts with extinguishers. Sizing up the situation, one said, “We have to get a hose in here, or this place is going to the ground.” My heart pounded. Fortunately, emergency dispatch diverted a street cleaning crew our way to move snow. The fire engine arrived and flames were extinguished.

City crews keep streets drivable, sewer, water and electricity flowing while Air Force and police keep us safe. Folks here are polite. They say, “ya sure, you betcha,” refuse to go first at a four-way stop, hold the door open for you to enter and lend a hand when needed. Andy, Aunt Bea, Oppy, Barney and Thelma Lou would love it here. As Aunt Bea might sing it, “Minot’s the only place to be, where worries are small, the kids grow tall, smart and free.” Gomer, on the other hand, would explain,” Gawwwlly, I’m sure sorry Bad Bunny and MrBeast. We have all the influencers we need to make life better — right here in Minot, our hometown!”

Sommers is a retired Minot orthodontist, violinist with the Minot Symphony and author of the book, “Retirement? You Can’t HANDLE the Truth!”