Dear Hardwick Gazette readership:
Growing up in Cabot, the Gazette produced news that hit closest to home for me and my family, offering community insights that larger publications often miss.
When I applied to intern as a reporter at the paper last spring, I was eager to share news that was relevant and useful to locals. This goal guided me as I wrote 10 articles for the Gazette throughout the summer.
It would be an understatement to say that I gained a deeper understanding and respect for Hardwick and the 10 towns the Gazette serves these past few months. I’m also grateful that I got the opportunity to learn from editor Paul Fixx and Gazette staff Dawn Gustafson and Sandy Atkins.
When the floods hit in July, I saw in real-time how friends, neighbors, and strangers came together to support each other. This was no small feat, given that we are still recovering from last year’s disaster in many ways. As waters receded and we once again relied on each other for help mucking out and rebuilding, I was assured of something I’ve always been aware of coming from a small town: local community matters. The same goes for local news.
Publications like the Gazette are the backbone of an informed community. Local news sets the groundwork for reporting up the line to the national level. At the same time, I’d like to think that the Gazette offers a rare break from some divisive and sensationalized news that has become all too common in our country today.
As I complete my senior year at the University of Vermont I’m excited to keep up with Hardwick and the surrounding communities through the Gazette. I want to thank everyone I interviewed, or even just pestered, for articles and anyone who interacted with my work this summer.
Once again, I want to thank the staff of the Gazette. They showed me the true grit and devotion it takes to run a small nonprofit newspaper. You all have contributed to an experience I will always hold dear.
Hope to be in your neck of the woods again soon!
Lucia McCallum
Lucia McCallum interns as the Hardwick Gazette's community resilience reporter with support from the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships. She works with editors at Community News Service, a University of Vermont journalism program.
