This week marks the introduction an occasional Editorial Ink Drops feature we are calling “Standing O’s And Oh Nos” — because some issues or individuals in our community belong, for good or for ill, right here at the top of our front page.

A deserving Standing O goes to the residents, organizers, and businesses involved in the Salvation Army’s recent Christmas In July bell ringing campaign. The effort, similar to the holiday season program, involved volunteers around town ringing bells and collecting donations in those familiar red kettles. Money collected was earmarked for the Newtown Human Services Department and the Salvation Army “Back-to-School” program — providing school supplies and backpacks for students, and assistance for other friends and neighbors who may need a hand. We were thrilled that nearly $1,000 was raised in just a few hours by the ringers at Bagel Delight, Dunkin, Yankee Wine and Liquor, Bottle Stop, and the General Store.

We rise again with a Standing O for the Newtown Public Works Department and its contractors as the summer’s local road repairs, resurfacing, chip sealing, and patch paving continue. With $4.4 million allocated to improving nearly 50 miles of roadway this fiscal cycle, crews have their work cut out for them, especially with the quirky weather the summer of 2021 has brought. We also applaud local officials who have supported a road restoration program that has been making up for time lost over the years when funds intended for maintaining smooth sailing on our roads were reallocated.

Oh No — It appears that pandemic-related interruptions and effects on businesses are hitting Newtown in several ways. Residents are feeling the pinch from increasing prices across a huge swath of goods. At the same time, a demand for staffing, especially in service businesses, has outpaced the number of workers available to fill local jobs. The result: curtailed hours, slower-than-normal service, and other temporary annoyances. Supply chain issues and escalating costs are also impacting material costs for major projects like the Hawley School HVAC renovation and the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial. For now, all we can do is hang on and hope this trend reverses — or at least evens out soon.

Last but certainly not least, we offer a Standing O to each and every Newtown resident who has stepped up to run for elected office this November. Each major party has confirmed its nominations, and the result will be a ballot packed with the names of our neighbors who are gladly committing themselves to serve our community and make Newtown an even better place to live and work — and, in many cases, to a lot of time away from home and family. No matter the outcome November 3, this community owes you all a debt of gratitude and a deserving round of applause!