Even in this age of wars, wildfires, superstorms, terrorism, a deeply divided electorate, corrupt politicians, and frighteningly frequent mass shootings, we find many inspirational actions in our borough communities for which we are abundantly thankful.
We’re thankful for local leaders such as the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic, Stephen Sirgiovanni, and Key Food Howard Beach’s Frank Almonte (picture), who delivered donated turkeys and trimmings, complete with dessert, on Monday to families of domestic violence and congregants at the Calvary Assembly of God Church.
We’re thankful for City Councilman Eric Ulrich for organizing a free Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 22 at Arabella’s Castle in Ozone Park.
“While the holidays are usually happy occasions for many of us, they can be sad or lonely days for others. There are people living in our community who suffer from depression or have nowhere to go on Thursday. I want them to spend Thanksgiving with me,” Ulrich said.
We’re thankful for State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr., and his annual Veterans BBQ, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.
“Every day should be Veterans Day,” Addabbo often says. We couldn’t agree more.
We’re thankful for Assemblyman Mike Miller and his Thanksgiving Drive to benefit local families. Miller collected non-perishable Thanksgiving items at his Woodhaven district office.
“There are many families that need our help and support and I hope we can come together as a community and assist our neighbors,” the assemblyman said.
We’re thankful for Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato and the free holiday party she’s hosting for her constituents on Thursday, Nov. 29, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at her Rockaway district office at 95-16 Rockaway Beach Blvd. RSVP at (718) 945-9550.
“The holiday season is a time to come together and be thankful for our blessings. We have much to be grateful for – our friends, our family, and our community. Let us truly embrace the spirit of the season and look forward to the new year with optimism and determination!” Pheffer Amato said. “As we spend time over the holidays with our loved ones let’s keep in mind those who are unable to do the same—whether they are working to keep us safe over the holidays, or serving our country overseas.”
This Thanksgiving, The Forum family wishes to leave its faithful community with the words of poet James Whitcomb Riley.
Let us be thankful—not only because
Since last our universal thanks were told
We have grown greater in the world’s applause,
And fortune’s newer smiles surpass the old—
But thankful for all things that come as alms
From out the open hand of Providence:—
The winter clouds and storms—the summer calms—
The sleepless dread—the drowse of indolence.
Let us be thankful—thankful for the prayers
Whose gracious answers were long, long delayed,
That they might fall upon us unawares,
And bless us, as in greater need we prayed.
Let us be thankful for the loyal hand
That love held out in welcome to our own,
When love and only love could understand
The need of touches we had never known.
Let us be thankful for the longing eyes
That gave their secret to us as they wept,
Yet in return found, with a sweet surprise,
Love’s touch upon their lids, and, smiling, slept.
And let us, too, be thankful that the tears
Of sorrow have not all been drained away,
That through them still, for all the coming years,
We may look on the dead face of To-day.
