The following is written by Sumner Mayor Dave Enslow:

Ten years ago, MySpace was all the rage.  Now, it’s rarely ever mentioned, if it even still exists.  From Facebook to Twitter, Pinterest to Instagram, people are wondering what the next big social media network will be, and some speculate that it is Main Street.  The theory is that at some point we’ll want to return to real life and real people, in person.

Along the same idea, another recent article bemoaned that so few people are connected socially to their community any more.  The author noted that lots of people don’t know their neighbors, never interact with a real salesperson (versus online shopping) and have few friends outside of Facebook “friends.”  The article suggested that we should start hosting parties to reconnect.

Parties are great, but there are so many ways right now to connect in Sumner.  You really don’t have to look far to find something to do. You can get involved in City events or volunteer on a commission–both the Arts Commission & Forestry Commission currently have openings. You can help out at the Sumner Food Bank or work on the Community Float.  You can join Friends of Sumner Library or become a member of the Sumner Historical Society.  If you have children in school, there’s the various PTAs.  If you don’t already, you can come cheer on teams at sporting events and watch plays and arts performances. You can join Sumner Rotary, Daffodil Valley Kiwanis or the local Masons.  If you served our country, there’s Sumner’s VFW.  About that neighbor thing, Sumner Police have a Block Watch in a Box to help you reconnect or meet new neighbors.  I’m probably missing a bunch more options.

Who knows what the next social media fad will be…and frankly, who cares?  Here in Sumner, let’s prove that the best social network of all remains a strong community.