We have had a lot of great news around Sumner lately.  Your past few e-news issues have been filled with happy reports of grants received, parks expanding, and all the wonderful things happening here in Sumner.  However, we can't ignore the recent events in our nation, and even in our city, that are not so happy.  It seems that violence, or the threat of violence, is on the verge of reshaping our lives and our communities, including Sumner. 

      We want to know what we can do to make sure something like Newtown never happens again, here or anywhere else.  Yet, the grim fact is that no matter how much legislation we create, humans are always capable of harming each other with all sorts of weapons, including even words.  My own opinion is that compassion and community are our best defense.  A strong, vocal, active community doesn't guarantee that bad things won't happen, but it sure does reduce the risk. 

      If we can replace all weapons, including sharp words, with an effort to support each other and know each other better, we have a much better chance of knowing when something is amiss. We'll be able to spot and react to the tragedies that come our way, whether caused by nature or by other humans.   

      Let me start this effort by wishing you all the joy and peace of the season.  We need it now more than ever.  Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and may you have a wonderful start to the new year.