From the Editor

By Stephen Sapp

As we move into the holiday season, I am prompted to reflect on the importance and nature of community, and especially how fortunate we are to live in a neighborhood like Lakeport. As relative newcomers (April 2015), Mary and I have enjoyed the natural beauty of Lakeport and Lake Thoreau and our proximity to wonderful cultural venues, fine dining, and recreation and shopping of all kinds. We have also appreciated getting to know neighbors throughout Lakeport and look forward to getting acquainted with those of you whom we have not had the opportunity to meet.

Before moving to Lakeport, I was a faculty member at the University of Miami, and my long-time academic habits prompt me to share the following thoughts on community. The English word “community” derives from the Latin communis, meaning “shared by all or many,” which in turn finds its origin in the prefix cum (“with”) and the root munis (“obligatory service” or “duty”). Thus the original meaning of “community” seems to refer to a group that shares, and in particular one that shares duties and services. For most people our family is our first and most enduring example of such community, something we’re reminded of especially during this holiday time. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could think of our Lakeport community in the same way, as a group of people who are willing to share the responsibilities and tasks that are necessary to have the highest quality of communal life possible?

Interestingly, the word “communication” shares the same Latin roots as “community” and means literally “to make common,” with a similar implication of sharing duties and obligations. And obviously communication is essential to the formation and maintenance of community, further encouragement for us to make a serious effort to get to know one another and share our thoughts and ideas about ways to enhance our community.

We hope you find Ripples, Lakeport’s newsletter, a helpful medium for communication within our community. Toward that goal, we welcome responses to this issue (ssapp@miami.edu).

Have a wonderful holiday season!