We seek connections in our lives. We love discovering our similarities and exploring the differences to see where we can make more connections.

We seek pathways to understanding each others’ lives, be it through schools, religious institutions, clubs and organizations, or even just over the fence. We want to connect in meaningful ways. But these connections are some of the most difficult to make and maintain.

While we work to make these heartfelt connections, we have the chance now to make some less heady but worthy kinds of connections: those of creating bike paths and trails that will have the ability to physically connect the far reaching corners of Newtown.

First Selectman Dan Rosenthal has proposed a Newtown Bike and Trail Committee, which could become a permanent group and which would work now to increase the network of pathways through our town. To this purpose, he is seeking just five residents willing to serve on this committee, along with members of the Parks and Recreation and Conservation Commissions.

It has been clear for years that open space and outdoor recreation opportunities are important to residents. An outcry against allowing residential apartments at Fairfield Hills in favor of a more parklike atmosphere there has been ongoing, even in the face of proof that, economically, apartments there could be a boon to the town.

When Cherry Grove Farm was sold and the new owner sought to sell to an entity that could retain the historic fields there, the community leapt to assist the Newtown Forest Association in raising nearly $600,000 dollars to purchase acreage there this past spring. Already, trails through the wooded sections of that historic farm have been created, allowing hikers and horseback riders new spaces to explore.

On October 9, a section of sidewalk near the flagpole was officially dedicated, and a brand new stretch of cement walkway borders the still-in-progress bridge work at the intersection of Main Street and Route 302. They are tiny bits in a town this spread out, but they add to other sidewalks that extend into the center of town and down into Sandy Hook center. Plans to build more sidewalks that will make walking along South Main Street and Wasserman Way possible remain in the works.

If this new commission can work with private land owners and with our neighboring towns to extend existing trails and sidewalks for pedestrians, equestrians, and bicyclists, we will become a community connected — in a very healthy way — for this charge to the Bike and Trail Commission supports Newtown’s Healthy Community initiative.

Adding and maintaining urban and rural trails is a positive move and deserves support. It would be surprising if Mr Rosenthal is not swamped with requests to be a part of this proactive commission (he continues to accept letters of interest and in-person applications at the first selectman’s office or at susan.marcinek@newtown-ct.gov through the end of the business day, Friday, October 26).

Perhaps being connected physically will enhance our social-emotional connections, as well. It is a win, no matter how you come at it.