This week we offer the latest installment of an occasional Editorial Ink Drops feature we titled “Standing O’s And Oh, Nos!” — because some issues and individuals in the community deserve this kind of heightened focus, for good or for ill, right at the top of our front page.

As we emerge from one of the most divisive and contentious election seasons in recent memory, your Newtown Bee extends a “Standing O” to every citizen who stepped up to run for office, regardless of the outcome. Every year, it seems there are more justifications that would ward even the most passionate political hopefuls away from jumping headfirst into the negativity and criticism that come with campaigning — and yet, each year we are inspired by many of those who do. We remain standing and also issue a heartfelt thank you to all the poll workers, election volunteers, and the staff of the Newtown Registrars of Voters and Town Clerks offices for their efforts leading up to, through, and yes, beyond Election Day.

A related “Standing O” also goes out to every single Newtowner who cast an absentee ballot or turned out to the polls on November 8. Now that the results are in and the fog of political warfare has cleared somewhat, we hope each of those elected officials “hired” by the electorate and heading toward their upcoming period of service harkens the words of California Rabbi David Wolpe, who reminded his congregation ahead of this Election Day: “God has no team. The notion that one party or faction is repository of all virtue is fatuous and dangerous. God is greater than parties. If we catch some of that spirit, perhaps we can begin to heal the deep divisions that beset our nation and our world.”

Looking back a bit further, we reserve a vociferous “Oh No” to individuals who took offense to one particular entry from Newtown Allies for Change into the 2022 Parks & Recreation Scarecrow Competition. We find the attempt to assign some sort of nefarious and personally targeted agenda to the group’s creative contribution unfortunate and, frankly, a bit ridiculous. We are even more disturbed to learn the extent some critics went to to try and stifle — and to even censor and remove this piece of creative expression that was so consistent with NAFC’s efforts since the group’s inception. We extend praise to the officials and others who did not bend to the criticism, and the judges who apparently agreed with the message of the Allies, awarding an Honorable Mention to the display.

Looking ahead, we rise and deliver a “Standing O” to all the local groups already actively working to ensure the growing number of Newtown residents who find themselves financially or otherwise challenged to make ends meet have a happier and more bountiful holiday season. One needs to look no further than this newspaper’s pages, website, and calendar to learn how to support local efforts including Women Involved in Newtown (WIN) and Newtown Human Services Department’s Thanksgiving Basket Program, the local Salvation Army bell ringing campaign, FAITH Food Pantry's stocking stuffer drive, the return on November 19 of the Fill the Fire Trucks food drive outside Big Y and Stop & Shop, and the annual Toys for Tots collection (being hosted in part by The Newtown Bee), to name just a few. If your group is also doing something, please let us know ASAP so we can publicize it as well.

Along the same line, a final “Standing O” goes to the Newtown Board of Education for its unanimous decision to extend its free and reduced lunch program into January. As Superintendent Chris Melillo explained, due to the pandemic the school district has a surplus in its dining fund, which can only be used for the food program. Part of those funds have been earmarked to extend the free and reduced lunch program. He reminded the board recently: “Since we have the funds, we felt that it was in the public’s best interest to assist families during the holiday season.”