The Editorial Board decided to end our year-long commemoration of the Gazette’s 40th anniversary by celebrating a very important component of our town newspaper — one which isn’t as ubiquitous as other topics and, perhaps, ought to be. Humor!
What a wonderful gift is laughter, and how fortunate we are in those who have shared theirs with us through the years. This month we’re revisiting some of our wittiest moments, and people, those townsfolk we lovingly refer to as “characters”. Columnists have contributed humorous entries, a number of organizations have good-naturedly responded with some measure of ridiculousness, and a few of our affable public officials have allowed us to poke at them, as well. Scattered throughout this issue are examples of, if you will, “fake news”; we trust residents are discerning enough to know the difference. We hope you have enjoyed this year’s journey through the history of our newspaper’s coverage of our town, and that you learned a lot. We know we have. And we hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we’ve enjoyed creating it.
Our solicitation of headlines met with an enthusiastic response and provided several possibilities for the front page listed here:
Recreation Commission to Review Nude Sunbathing Ordinance at Ball Field
“It’s the proximity to third base that bothers me,” Selectman Grindle opined.
Public Works Finds 40-Foot Python in Storm Drain!
Photographer Pete Vertefeuille Recovering after Spring Warbler Attack
“He was feisty–I didn’t stand a chance!”
Gazette Chairman Arriola Publishes Tell-All Memoir: “My Secret Life as a Rodeo Clown”
Selectmen Vote to Bring Back Tar, Feathers
“Public stocks fill up too quickly.”
Agriculture Commission, Desperate for Quorum, Elects Sheep Vice-Chair
Nudist Colony Rises like the Phoenix to Re-Establish Itself on Fringes of Goodwin Forest
Road Crew concentrates their efforts on trimming the area’s trees
‘Dollar General’ Eyes ‘Hampton General’, Citing Minimal Cost to Convert Signage
Selectman Cahill Drains General Fund Declaring “Eminent Domain” for Town Purchase of His Property
Claims town needs to “adopt” his “particular view.”
Impressed with our Walls, POTUS Considers Future “Trump Tower Hampton”