Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a perfect time to gather with friends and family, share a traditional meal and reflect on what we are grateful for. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, because, at its core, it is about being thankful for what we have and sharing our gratitude with our family, friends and community.

As a state and as a nation, we have much to be thankful for, despite the negative media we are bombarded with. We can be thankful for our friends and family and for the people in our lives who bring us happiness and joy and those who have influenced our lives but are no longer with us. I am thankful for our community and for the many individuals who work hard to make our town a better, kinder and welcoming place. I am thankful for the first responders who keep us safe, the teachers, whose dedication is expanding our children’s view on the world and for those who I have never met, but who proudly serve our country, both at home and overseas. As we gather with family this Thanksgiving, I urge you to reflect on all you have to be thankful for and join me in commiting to make our town, state and nation more accepting of different points of view.

I am thankful for our community, where I was born and raised, and which I have been privileged to serve for many years, in many capacities. I am thankful for the amazing people who live here and for the many businesses, organizations and community groups that work hard to make East Hartford such a wonderful town. I am thankful for the many attributes that make this town special, including our fabulous riverfront, our trails, parks and waterways, our beautiful, tree lined streets, and our rich history steeped in tradition.

It has been my honor to lead this community as Mayor, and I am very thankful to work shoulder to shoulder with a dedicated team of people, who get up each morning and commit all of their energies to making a difference. They lead dedicated, hardworking staff who keep East Hartford running smoothly and I am very thankful for their devoted efforts.

Most of all, I am thankful for my family and my friends. My loved ones keep me rooted in this community, humbled and appreciative of all that I have. They remind me of the path we have walked together, the experiences we have shared, and make me idealistic for the future. Their love challenges me to work harder for our community and our state.

This year, as we start the holiday season, I encourage you to take time to reflect on that which is most important and to count your blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving to all in East Hartford!