Sharing, celebrating the spirit of community

One wouldn’t know it based on the weather, but the holidays are upon us once again.

Across Rhode Island and the rest of the nation, recent weeks have been a time of hurried preparation – shopping, cooking, making plans, and sending out cards. It is a time of family and faith, of reflection and celebration – a chance to look back upon the year that was, and ahead to the opportunities and challenges of the months to come.

At the Warwick Beacon, Cranston Herald, and Johnston Sun Rise, we have a unique responsibility and privilege – seeking out stories of import and interest to our communities. These include many negative, sad, or troubling events and developments – fires and accidents, arrests and investigations, malfeasance and mismanagement, waste and apathy.

Yet we also have the pleasure of sharing stories of inspiration and hope, of aspiration and achievement.

These can be as simple as a ribbon-cutting ceremony welcoming a new entrepreneur to the local business community, or a class of schoolchildren banding together to collect food for families in need. They can involve a non-profit group working to make a positive difference, a civic leader or organization stepping forward to tackle a critical issue, or a business or philanthropist giving to help better the lives of others.

These are stories of individuals motivated by compassion, respect, and service. They are stories like those of local veterans recognized for their service to the nation through medal presentations and Honor Flight trips to Washington, D.C. They are stories like those of volunteers who lend their efforts to support our libraries, schools, senior centers, and shelters. They are the stories of our friends and neighbors, and of a deep commitment to the idea of community.

The last 12 months have seen countless stories like these appear on our pages, and we are continually humbled to be able to share them. We thank you for reading, and for your continued support.

To all of our readers, and to all in the communities we are proud to serve, we extend wishes for a safe and joyful holiday season.