— by Matt Golec

1/7/25

Ex-newspaper carrier Penny Yanick is starting her 2025 off by doing something new — she’s trying to sleep through the night. Daybreak readers may remember Yanick’s long, 37-plus-year-long career of getting up in the wee hours to deliver newspapers to Upper Valley subscribers of the Valley News, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. She slowed down a bit last year, going from seven nights a week to six, thanks to the Valley News’ new weekend edition, but on Saturday, Jan. 4th, Yanick officially delivered her last paper. Now, she hopes to catch up on some sleep.

In a post-retirement text message, Yanick says: “I will miss chats with those customers who were up early in the mornings. I will also miss seeing all the critters every night. Over the years I have seen moose, bears, deer, raccoons, owls, possums, turkeys, a few black squirrels, geese, ducks, fox, couple wolves, porcupines, woodchucks, and even chickens!

“I will not miss being out in cold, ice, snow, wind, rain (usually before any salt or plows!). I hope soon I will be able to participate in more events with family that, due to my divided sleep schedule, I wasn't able to attend. I would also like to thank everyone for all their best wishes! Thanks to K.M. and N.P. for everything! Happy New Year to all!”

If you see Yanick in the new year, please wish her pleasant dreams. She’s earned them.

Penny Yanick in action, back in the day. Photos by Matt Golec.

*You’ll find Matt’s profile of Penny here.*

Matt Golec lives in the Upper Valley, where he keeps busy with writing, teaching, board game design, and a bit of light yard work. You can learn more at mattgolec.com.