By BARBARA GREEN

“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.”

At the January Bowie Chamber of Commerce Banquet emcee Dr. Arn Anderson drew upon that quote from Alexander Graham Bell to create a prolific stream of discussion asking residents what they would do to “Boost Bowie.”

He encouraged everyone to stop looking at the closed doors and find new ones to open. It hit home with me.

I spend much of my time writing dire and sad news, so I often find it hard to start each day with a happy face.

I try hard not to be a “whiner” because my life is so very blessed amidst with all the turmoil and sadness in the world.

Let’s face it, Bowie is in a funk and really who could blame it.

Our hospital closed down after nearly 50 years, losing about 130 jobs. That tax district election was very nasty and divisive for our community, often pitting neighbor against neighbor.

Then we have the energy downturn that has hit north Texas hard with hundreds of people laid off right here in our own town.

The cost of living goes up, while wages stagnate. It is no wonder a bad mood abounds.

As I began thinking about how we can improve this negative mindset, I recalled the campaign used to get approval for the bonds that funded construction of the City of Bowie Auditorium back in 1925.

The words came from an ad in The Bowie Blade and they jumped off the page at me because it is all applicable for where we are today in 2016.

It reads:

Think well of Bowie. Believe in its possibilities. Feel that your big opportunity is here — among the friends who admire and respect you.

Talk loyally of your community. Grasp every chance to spread the gospel of faithfulness to your hometown.

Act what you think and talk. Give your efforts to anything that means improvement for Bowie.

Buy from your home merchants. Shoulder your share of civic responsibility. Be generous with good cheer.

Help build Bowie bigger and better! Let’s go!

I can’t think of a more perfect mantra for our community 91 years later.

Read the full column in the weekend News.