Add Sheet distributor offers coupons, eclectic wisdom
Published March 16, 2007
Bundled up to combat the Missouri winter air while sporting his trademark pink "Senior Center Supporter" cap, Bill Easley spends his Wednesdays at Speaker's Circle handing out bright yellow Add Sheets to students walking to and from class.
His outgoing demeanor and distinctive calls of "Add Sheet!" punctuate the dull murmur of scattered conversations and make him a recognizable figure on campus. Many students simply refer to him as "the Add Sheet Guy."
The Add Sheet is an advertising publication with promotional specials and coupons for Columbia residents.
Easley, a native of Hannibal, Mo., who moved to Columbia in 1994, said he values his positions as an Add Sheet distributor and a community activist.
"I like to do things around the community," Easley said. "The other night, I went to a unity meeting at the church to talk about racism. It's amazing how people sit and talk and have different ideas."
Easley has taken part in several community improvement projects.
He attends meetings and open campaigning events for organizations including Grass Roots Organizing and is a frequent attendee of the Daniel Boone Regional Library's "Let's Talk Columbia!" forums.
Among the changes that GRO helped initiate while Easley has been involved is the installation of automatic doors at the local post office on behalf of citizens with physical disabilities.
"We just try to do good," Easley said.
Easley also attended a Columbia City Council meeting to advocate repealing the citywide smoking ban.
"I don't smoke, but I don't think the City Council should be telling people what to do," Easley said.
Easley said he sees his involvement with the Add Sheet as an extension of his involvement and service within the community.
"A friend of mine suggested it, and I like it because it helps out," Easley said. " And it's not that hard of a job. Anyone can do it."
It is Easley's often-vocalized commitment and enthusiasm that makes him one of the most recognizable Add Sheet distributors on campus.
Add Sheet spokesman Larry Grossmann said he admired Easley's work ethic and the commitment expressed in his enthusiasm.
"Bill is one of the first to show up for work, never misses a day and talks to his audience just like the old newspaper salesman on street corners," Grossmann said.
Easley said a newspaper salesman on a radio show in the 1950s inspired his notorious cry of "Add Sheet!"
"It's just something silly and off the wall that gets people's attention," he said.
Easley has worked for the Add Sheet for just more than a year. It is his only current occupation, though he has previously worked as a tire hauler and an Army cook in Germany.
When he is not involved in community projects, Easley spends time at the Oakland Plaza Senior Center, meeting with other senior citizens in the community.
"Sometimes I play cards, I have shot pool, but they don't have too much going on there," he said. "Lots of people just sit around and talk."
Easley said he enjoys his time there, but he would like to see some changes within the center to give patrons more options.
"I'd like to see them do more activities down here," Easley said. "I'd like to see them become more successful."
The senior center offers a donation-based free lunch program, which Easley frequently attends. Oakland Plaza Senior Center Administrator Brenda Woods said the lunch program serves several thousand meals per month at the senior center while several hundred other Columbia seniors are on a similar home-delivered meal plan.
Toby Runyon, Oakland Plaza Senior Center assistant administrator, said there is a strong sense of community among the seniors who frequent the center.
"It's a lot like high school," Runyon said. "Everyone has their group they hang out in. It's a very positive environment."
Easley's clique includes a former co-worker, Carl Hockman.
Hockman said he enjoys Easley's sense of humor, and the seniors who frequent the center enjoy joking with each other.
Upon entering the senior center's dining hall with a head of lettuce, Hockman used the produce as a means to make a joke about his friend.
"When I'm picking out lettuce, I look for one that looks like Bill's head — hard," Hockman said.
Easley said he enjoys the company of the MU students he interacts with while distributing copies of the Add Sheet because he feels they have the same openness and cheerful nature.
"They have a good sense of humor and a warm attitude," Easley said. "They'll give me a nice smile or stop for a conversation just to say something nice. And it's amazing to see because they're all from different walks of life."
Easley said he hopes that his involvement in the community will encourage other Columbia residents, including MU students, to take action and get involved.
"I think it's important for everybody," Easley said. "The more people you bring, you make people notice. You just have to band together."
He said the students he interacts with continue to inspire him to be involved and do good within the community.
"Every day I come home and take some of the good with me," he said.