Dear Readers,

The only thing on the news for weeks now, understandably, is the coronavirus and its effects, which fortunately has not plagued us as it has many communities. There are, however, other things happening here in town, and we’re committed to delivering you news of them, as well as sources for other pertinent information.

Since some residents really enjoyed our April Fools issue last year (while others were merely confused) we’ve decided to spread some humor throughout this edition as well, relying on the belief that laughter really is the very best medicine (at least until a vaccine is developed). Through communal efforts, this issue offers information on many timely topics, some “prescriptions” for dealing with the coronavirus from a local physician, suggestions for activities to occupy us from the Recreation Commission, and a recipe that takes into consideration the current shortage of flour. From the sagacious Auntie Mac, we have advice for spring chickens, gardening recommendations in the season of planting, and in preparation for Easter, a charming story about bunnies to share with children (a blessed relief after what probably constituted a lifetime supply of “April Fools” for parents subjected to what teachers normally endure on their most dreaded of school holidays).

“Coming to Hampton” reports on the impressions of a young person who’s temporarily very far from home in these troubling times; and our series continues with a brief history of one of our barns and a tribute to a neighbor who beautifully preserved “Our Rural Heritage”.

Stay well, friends. We hope our town newspaper helps to keep us connected with one another during this distancing. Please submit to us any information that would be useful, humorous, inspirational for next month’s publication. This too shall pass, and will be long remembered as something else that we (as individuals and as a community) have survived.

The Hampton Gazette