Remember gratitude

I’m often asked and I’ve often wondered, what attracts people to communities the size of Holyoke? What keeps businesses and residents here? Although there are many factors that go into such questions, one thing is paramount: It is the people within a community. Over the past two weeks, many of us were grateful to be with family and friends for Thanksgiving. However, many locals spent the day alone. Indeed, be grateful for family and friends in your life, but don’t forget to extend a hand, an invitation, or simple smile of acknowledgment providing a spirit of gratitude to a lonely visitor or neighbor.

Every month and day, we are thankful for the service of our veterans, men and women who for over 200 years have answered the call to protect us and provide us with freedom. We are thankful with an overwhelming spirit of gratitude. Many others were optimistic with the results of local and national elections. Exercising our right to vote and having a voice on who is elected to govern our democracy is something not to take for granted and admired throughout the world.

Most of us are appreciative and feel blessed individually, but I want to encourage caring and appreciation to the many businesses and individuals throughout our community. It seems, no matter what event is going on in our community, so many area businesses along with so many local individuals can be counted on to support it.

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