Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! This is the time of year when we all take a moment to reflect on the many things we’re thankful for. Thanksgiving gives us a rare chance to set aside the daily worries, the frustrations of life, and the differences that often divide us. Instead, we can look around and appreciate the blessings we have, many of which stand right in front of us.

Of course, family is at the top of the list. And the older we get, the more family we seem to have, whether by birth, marriage, or simply by the relationships we build over a lifetime. But beyond family, I don’t have to look far to see what else I’m grateful for, because it’s all around me in our community.

Just consider the many nonprofit and charitable organizations doing tremendous work in the Boothbay region. There are more of them than most of us even realize. Our American Legion Post and Auxiliary provide steady support to veterans, their families and the community. Rotary continues to back countless efforts throughout the area. The Lions Club, the Knights of Pythias, our local churches, the Community Resource Council, the Food Bank, the Community Fridge, and the community lunches at Brady’s all contribute to making life better for our neighbors. And the list goes on.

The Boothbay VETS and Maine Veterans in Need (MVN), organizations dedicated to helping homeless veterans and others struggling, have been lifted up by generous community support. That generosity shows up everywhere this time of year. A great example is the Maine National Guard’s annual Thanksgiving food basket program, which helps ensure Guard families have a full and meaningful holiday meal. This year, donations were so strong that volunteers prepared more than 100 boxes above what they expected. Other Thanksgiving meal programs across the region also stepped up, working to make sure no one goes without during the holiday.

I am, of course, deeply thankful for the men and women currently serving in our military. They have all volunteered to serve, during complicated and uncertain times. Many will spend this holiday away from home, standing watch around the world. Quick research shows that we have roughly 250,000 military personnel stationed in more than 80 countries, with some level of U.S. military presence in well over 100 nations. That level of commitment is something we should all be grateful for.

On a personal note, I am especially thankful for the organizations here in Maine that are genuinely dedicated to helping veterans who are struggling. I am grateful that we work together, as a TEAM, sharing resources, coordinating efforts, and doing our best to meet the needs of those who served. Many members of these veteran-focused groups also served themselves, and they regularly go far beyond any “job description.” They step up because they understand the sacrifice made by those who once raised their hand and offered to defend this nation.

Have a WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING all!