We are a community.

It’s important to remember that, especially now more than ever in this crazy, divisive time.

Starting with the beginning of the pandemic and its subsequent lockdowns (and even before) and continuing with Black Lives Matter protests and now apparently coming to a head in the waning days before the 2020 election, it has definitely been a wild ride.

Tensions have been on the rise. The fear and uncertainty are palpable. As COVID-19 moves into its eighth month, many have been personally affected by this virus, from losing jobs and income to, in some cases, losing loved ones.

Our children have had to adapt to learning in a virtual environment. Some of us haven’t seen our friends and relations in-person for months, having to satisfy ourselves with phone calls, messages and the occasional FaceTime or Zoom visit. Hugs and handshakes have morphed into elbow bumps. We’ve even had to cover our faces in public, so that we can’t see the reassuring smile of strangers,...