October 2, 2024

Watching Our Cybersecurity in Sumner

...October is a month of many celebrations, one of which doesn’t get a lot of attention. It’s National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Please don’t think I’m just “geeking out” here because I actually can’t. When it comes to technology, I am challenged, to put it mildly. Give me a pen and paper any day. But, I do know enough to appreciate how important this topic is and what a difficult job our IT staff have to keep the City and its systems safe. We’ve all seen multiple news reports lately of schools, businesses and even airports losing the ability to function due to cybersecurity issues. If you lose your technology, critical systems can’t function. That’s scary for all of us, most of all for our IT professionals here at the City. Now, they don’t want me to give away their secrets for how they keep us and our systems safe. Apparently, that would be like issuing a challenge to the hackers out there. Instead, I’m just going to tell you to trust me. They work hard, they work smart, and they care so deeply about keeping all of us safe in the digital world.

 ...They also want you to think for a moment about your own cybersecurity. For many of you, you’re banking, booking, shopping and chatting online. In your interactions with us, many of you are online now to pay your utility bill, apply for a permit, apply for a job, request a record and so much more. Please join us in assessing your own security online. A few links at the bottom are sources to help you get started. And again, help me thank our IT staff. They don’t operate very visibly. They’re usually hiding under a pile of wires and machines, but they’re doing heroic work to keep all the rest of us up and running to serve you every day, and we can’t thank them enough. 

Mayor Kathy Hayden

...October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the City of Sumner stands united in raising awareness about this critical issue. Domestic violence impacts individuals and families across every community, and Sumner is committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all.

...Join us at the City Council meeting on October 7, when the council will officially declare October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Let’s come together to support survivors, stand against violence, and continue building a safer community for everyone.

...If you or anyone you know is in a domestic violence situation, please share the resources listed at the link below. Together, we can help prevent violence and offer hope.

...Last week, we shared the story of a generous donation from Bonney Lake Bicycle Shop to replace a stolen bike for a 5th grader. Unfortunately, we did not include the images of the suspect at that time, but they are now available. If you recognize the individual pictured or have any information, please contact our TIP line at 253-299-5678.

...They're here! After months of planning and coordination, the new wayfinding signs have finally arrived and are set to make navigating Sumner easier for everyone. These signs will help both residents and visitors easily locate public parking lots, understand parking time limits, and find key landmarks like City Hall, parks, and downtown attractions. Featuring clear, bold graphics for better visibility and readability, installation will begin soon. We’re excited to see how these signs enhance accessibility and improve the overall experience of exploring Sumner!

...Last call! Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? The City of Sumner is still looking for someone to fill a vacant City Council seat, but the deadline is fast approaching! If you've lived within city limits for at least a year and are a registered voter, submit your application by October 8, 2024, at 5:00 PM.

Click the link for more details and apply today!

...October in Sumner is a month filled with rich cultural celebrations and significant holidays, offering a chance for the community to come together and learn from diverse traditions. Hispanic Heritage Month continues until October 15th, celebrating the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans across the country. Filipino American Heritage Month, Italian American Heritage Month, German American Heritage Month, and Hindu Heritage Month are recognized throughout the entire month, highlighting the cultural pride, traditions, and legacies of these vibrant communities. These observances allow Sumner residents to reflect on the diverse identities that enrich our community.

...Rosh Hashanah, observed on October 2nd, marks the Jewish New Year and is a time for reflection, renewal, and celebration. This solemn holiday encourages the Jewish community to look back on the past year, seek forgiveness, and look forward with hope. Following that is Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, on October 11th, a day dedicated to atonement, prayer, and fasting.

...Indigenous Peoples' Day on October 14th acknowledges and honors the history, culture, and contributions of Native American communities. It’s a day for reflection and learning, as we recognize the resilience and significance of Indigenous peoples throughout history.

...Finally, we wrap up the month with Halloween on October 31st, a fun-filled day of costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky celebrations that bring the community together in a playful spirit.

...In Sumner, these holidays and heritage months provide an opportunity for everyone to come together, celebrate, and deepen their understanding of the diverse cultural fabric that makes our city so special.