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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

In recent days, many conversations have consisted of comparing notes with friends in other states about just how much has shut down in their area and whether they are still working.

I am fortunate to work in a profession where I can work from just about anywhere. This has included the office, my house, my car and occasionally, when the call of spring fever is especially strong, a picnic table.

At one of the last meetings I covered before all meetings of groups 25 or larger twere canceled, someone asked me what we at the paper were doing.

I assured him that we were still getting a paper out with the goal of having some non-COVID -19 news in addition to the much needed coverage of how the spread of this virus and the subsequent necessary cancelations have impacted the county.

He asked was there anything else going on.

There have indeed been a few other things to write about.

We as a staff are still going strong — albeit while maintaining 6 feet of separation as much as possible or working from home.

Chilton County is still going strong. Schools and the YMCA have found ways to provide pick up lunches for students who may not have otherwise been able to eat. Restaurants are getting creative with how to provide pick up options and still make money during this difficult time.

Some families are having to adjust to eating what’s available versus what they wanted, but they are still going strong.

Local farmers are still monitoring their crops and working to ensure a good harvest as plants fight their usual foes to reach maturity. They are still going strong (and I hope the peaches are, too).

It may take a little more patience now going to the store as people try to stock up to limit exposure to others, but we will make it.

I am glad that Alabama has tried to be pro-active in putting restrictions in place to keep this virus at bay.

Hopefully, this will all be over soon, and we will be stronger because we made it through.

So, follow social distancing guidelines but embrace virtual ways to connect and phone calls.

Stay calm and follow hand washing guidelines.

Above all, keep going strong.