September 14th is our Portland Anchorman Charlie Frick’s 80th birthday, and we’re celebrating with well-wishes!
Frick joined the Portland Anchor in the early 1970s while working as Program Director for Senior House West where he, in his own words, “provided hot meals, health services, transportation, and a gathering place for seniors in the community.” Frick is described in November 1979’s Portland Anchor as having “given of himself unselfishly” to the job, with “a typical day [finding] him doing the ‘Hokey Pokey’ with the senior group or telling one of his famous ‘great’ jokes.”
Now himself retired from working with retirees, Frick has for years carried that same fun-loving spirit for the Anchor, delivering each month’s issue to over 90 locations in and surrounding Portland. Frick takes great pride and joy in his distribution of the newspaper and has with his dedication to the neighborhood become for many the friendly face of the Anchor. He’s a known regular at The Table restaurant, conversing with diners and handing out that month’s Anchor, and star on karaoke stages citywide.
Due to an unfortunate accident though, Charlie’s time as the Anchor’s only courier have likely come to end. The Anchor staff taking over his deliveries while he’s been recovering have gotten the chance to experience firsthand just how much he is loved by our community. Almost every stop has been punctuated with a “how’s Charlie doing?” and we’re hoping he’ll be back on his feet and able to tell them himself soon. In the meantime, make sure to wish Charlie a happy birthday and a get-well-soon however you can, and read on to see just that from the rest of the Anchor staff and more:
Happy 80th Birthday in September to The Portland Anchor Man, Charles Frick who is currently on medical leave, recovering from a recent automobile accident. Praying for a fast recovery. Thanks for all the prayers.
-Frank & Barbara Frick and Patsy Heitzman
Happy birthday to a true Portland legend. Your service to the venerable Portland Anchor newspaper is deeply appreciated. Everybody knows “the Anchor man” Charlie Frick! Many happy returns Charlie.
-Gordon Brown, Former President Portland Anchor
Happy birthday to the only karaoke legend / lifelong newspaper delivery boy in Louisville, if not the entire world! We’re grateful for you every day, Charlie.
-Danny Seim, Portland Museum/Portland Anchor
Happy Birthday Anchor man, you will forever be our poster boy of the Portland Anchor Newspaper!!
-Katy Delahanty, Portland Museum/Portland Anchor
Happy birthday Charlie! I’m privileged to have gotten to know you and even more proud to call you a friend. We are all helpless to resist your unstoppable positivity and enthusiasm. Your spirit embodies everything that gives Portland its heart.
-Elijah Humble, Portland Museum/Portland Anchor
Happy big 80th Charlie! I speak for everyone on your delivery route when I say thank you for the smile you put on my face with every visit, oh and thanks for the papers too! The eternal Portland Anchorman!
-William Smith IV, Portland Museum/Portland Anchor
