“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.” — Cicero
As we sit at the table on Thanksgiving, many will take time to list all the things for which they are grateful. In what has become an annual tradition at the paper, we dedicate this space today to name all the things for which we — and all Hinsdaleans — can be thankful, one for each day leading up to and including the holiday.
Nov. 1 — the loved ones we’ve lost and remember today, All Saints’ Day
Nov. 2 — anyone who had the compassion to adopt an older dog or cat this month, which is Adopt a Senior Pet Month
Nov. 3 — getting back the hour we lost this spring
Nov. 4 — the teachers, aides, counselors, social workers, coaches and administrators who got an early start today and every weekday in preparation for teaching and supporting our most valuable resource
Nov. 5 — the many individuals who volunteered as election judges in town, helping to keep the wheels of democracy in motion
Nov. 6 — high-quality musical performances close to home, whether at Uniquely Thursdays in the summer or holiday concerts at The Community House and village churches
Nov. 7 — businesses who advertised in today’s paper and residents who read it. Without all of you, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.
Nov. 8 — the eateries in town that keep our appetites coming back for more — sometimes too much!
Nov. 9 — on World Adoption Day, all the families who adopted children who needed a home and all who chose to make a couple’s dreams come true by giving up a child for adoption
Nov. 10 — the Falcon football players and coaches from the 11U and JV Gold D1 teams, who gave fans plenty to celebrate with their Super Bowl wins yesterday and today at Illinois Benedictine University in Lisle
Nov. 11 — the men and women who have made so many sacrifices in order to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. We owe them — and their families — our gratitude and support.
Nov. 12 — the Hinsdale Public Library, serving patrons of all generations with its extensive collection and diverse programming
Nov. 13 — residents who will shop local this holiday season, supporting local merchants and helping to maintain Hinsdale’s vibrant business district
Nov. 14 — Lex Silberberg, whose column appears in today’s paper, and all the contributing columnists who entertain, move and delight us each week — Kelly Abate, Peter Celauro, Gabriela Garcia, Carissa Kapcar and student columnists Milan Bansal and Bhavana Dronamraju
Nov. 15 — the 14 school board members in Community Consolidated Elementary District 181 and Hinsdale High School District 86, who put in countless hours at meetings and preparing for them. We hope they feel the love today, School Board Members Day.
Nov. 16 — a walkable community with charming streetscapes, ubiquitous sidewalks and suburban forest that makes just about any day inviting for a Hinsdale hike.
Nov. 17 — all who signed up to participate in Hinsdale’s snow shoveling program, which matches residents 60 and older and those with disabilities with volunteers who are willing to shovel their driveways when
Nov. 18 — the 20 individuals who filed paperwork to run in the April 1 election for seats on village, library and school boards. Without volunteers willing to put in hours of work each week, local government simply could not function.
Nov. 19 — all who came out to celebrate the dedication of the new Memorial Building Plaza, including organizers and donors.
Nov. 20 — crews from McFarlane Douglass & Companies, who have spent weeks hanging the lights to add brightness and cheer to the downtown and Burlington Park this holiday season
Nov. 21 — waking to a beautiful winter landscape this morning — and knowing the snow would melt within 24 hours
Nov. 22 — the Hinsdale Central National Honor Society volunteers who hosted a stuff the truck food pantry collection drive in partnership with the Downers Grove Area FISH Food Pantry
Nov. 23 — the parents of Hinsdale Central students who work behind the scenes to make productions like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” a success
Nov. 24 — the clergy of Hinsdale’s dozen churches, who help us remember today and every day to remember all the blessings in our lives and the one who provides them
Nov. 25 — first responders, many of whom will spend the holiday this week on duty instead of celebrating with their families
Nov. 26 — all who will donate to area nonprofits a week from today on Giving Tuesday, spreading holiday joy to those in need.
Nov. 27 — merchants in town who are busy this week getting ready for Small Business Saturday Nov. 30.
Nov. 28 — having friends and family around the Thanksgiving table and taking time to focus on all for which we have to be grateful.
Happy Thanksgiving!
