Did you know that the newton (symbol: N) is the scientific international unit of measurement for force? (It’s named after Isaac Newton, the scientist known for his theory of gravity and three laws of motion. You know, the apple-on-the-head-eureka-moment story.) A fitting name for a community with the ability to be a force for good, don’t you think? The late Coretta Scott King, wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., once said that a community’s greatness is measured by the compassionate actions of its members. Compassion literally means
to suffer together. It’s the feeling you get when faced with another’s suffering and you feel inspired to act to relieve their pain. By Mrs. King’s metric, we’d say the Newton community definitely measures up. We’ve seen our beloved community—as many of you surely have, as well—come together time and again in collective acts of compassion, inspired by concern for others in their time of need and a desire to ease their pain and suffering. There’s no force for good greater than a community filled with kindness and compassion.
Spring is in the air. The days are getting longer and warmer, birds are singing and flowers are blooming. We hope you enjoy this issue and its season, marked by new beginnings, growth and renewal; and we hope that you are uplifted and inspired as you read stories of people—your friends, neighbors and coworkers—being a force for good here in our community. Let’s meet each day with eyes and hearts wide open, practice acts of compassion and together be a force for even greater good.
Thank you, and may God bless you.
Scott and Meredith Tredeau
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