School is back in session, and the rhythm of life in Harvard has resumed its busy pace. The “Current Events” section of our paper will soon be filled to the brim with announcements about plays, concerts, fundraisers, and more. With the hot days of a vacation-filled summer behind us, we can look forward to renewed intensity at meetings of town boards which, with all members present and accounted for after the slow summer months, will be focused on meeting the challenges ahead, challenges that never go on vacation: the threats of Chapter 40B developments, the question of Devens disposition, finding solutions to the structural deficit, finding more funds for education.

One of the biggest challenges before town boards, and indeed, before the town, is communication: how do we work together productively to promote the best interests of the town? How do we set the best example for the children of our town about how to be responsible members of a democratic society, about how to live in community with one another? We hope that, as the year progresses, disagreements between boards or among board members can be handled professionally—that people will take the high road, instead of disagreeing in a way that creates bad feelings and inspires volunteers to resign. We hope that residents will become engaged in what’s happening in town government and will attend board meetings as schedules allow, to stay informed and voice opinions. We hope that, as they remain vigilant to ensure town officials are doing their jobs, residents will also make a point of catching them doing something right and remember to thank them for volunteering. We hope that town officials, volunteers, and residents will keep in mind that we are all in this together.