Summer is almost here.  The Primary Election is behind us and the General Election is months away.  Perhaps we'll have a few months to clear our heads and gather our thoughts.   Nah – I don't think so.

            While trying to remain vigilant of the local municipal scene, we have the State budget and Washington D.C. shenanigans to keep our minds occupied with plenty of "what ifs."

            It is exactly this time of year when our local churches, fire companies, municipalities, and a host of other organizations hold a variety of community events.

            These carnivals, dinners, festivals, picnics, and other fund-raising events help the groups raise money to continue their charitable endeavors while providing a social venue for area residents to come out and meet and socialize with their neighbors.

            Many folks around here remember when these low-cost, fun events were the only show in the area and were the place to be on a specific date.

            The current oil-glut, even in the face of OPEC's cutbacks, is keeping gasoline prices somewhat stable.  This, in turn, is enticing folks to skip the local to-do's in favor of driving off to other locales to spend their money at distant for-profit events instead of local charitable events.

            You can't know the local people unless you talk to the local people; you can't serve the local people unless you know the local people; and you can't do either unless you go to where the local people are.

            If you think it's their duty to come to you – well, that's a bit of arrogance on your part.

            If your reaction is "I have no desire to mingle or know these people" – who happen to be your neighbors, then one might ask "why did you choose to live here?"

            If you're an elected official, a local government administrator, or anybody who is in a position of public trust, look for reasons to get out among those you serve and those whose trust you seek.

            Don't wait to be hit over the head with a "personal invitation."  Those are usually reserved for highfaluting events where people sip drinks with their pinky out and are impressed with the number of forks and spoons that lie at either side of a dinner plate made of fine china.

            Those events are fine but they usually don't include an invite to the common-folk who still prefer funnel-cake instead of crème brulee.

            Invitation-only events tend to guarantee that you'll know most of the attendees and be in some sort of a comfort zone for socializing.

            That's fine.  But every once in a while take a chance and go to an event that's "open to the public."

            And, when you go to public events this summer, make it a point to go home knowing that you met at least a half-dozen new people or renewed at least a half-dozen old acquaintances.

            Then promise yourself that you will work a little harder to keep peace among your friends and in your neighborhood.

            It all starts when you decide that this is your home, you're proud of it, and you will do everything in you power to meet new people, visit with old friends, and bring pride to your hometown.