November thanksgiving

Holiday Spirit

For this we give

THANKS ...

To mark an important day in our country’s history, we contacted several local leaders to ask them to share their thoughts at this special time

Jeff Williams Mayor, Arlington

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am so grateful for our non-profits for working together to make a huge difference in our community! They team to address the challenges of homelessness, hunger, child abuse, education, unemployment and people with disabilities, to name a few.

I am amazed at the great work that is being done all over our community by such organizations as Mission Arlington, Arlington Life Shelter, Alliance for Children, Advocates for Special People, and the Boys and Girls Clubs, to name a few. I am also grateful for our ministers and the faith-based community for working together to meet the many needs of our diverse population in Arlington.

There is an energy and excitement in every meeting. The “can do spirit” is alive and well! So many people are using their talents and resources to make Arlington a better place. I am very appreciative for the hard work of so many.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

Kimberly Fitzpatrick Mayor, Dalworthington Gardens

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s Mayor, I’m thankful to represent the wonderful citizens of Dalworthington Gardens. I’m thankful for all those individuals who volunteer to make our city a better place. I’m grateful for our Department of Public Safety, the representatives of which work every day to help uphold our laws and protect our city. I’m thankful for our active military and veterans, especially those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

I am fortunate to have good health and a family that supports me in the things I enjoy doing. I am grateful for my loving husband, two smart and talented daughters, and supportive friends who feel like family.

Happy Thanksgiving everybody! >>>

For this we give THANKS ...

David L. Cook Mayor, Mansfield

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s I grow older, I find myself most thankful for the things that surround me each day of my life. I’m thankful for my family, especially my loving and understanding wife who gives me strength and encouragement, my children that look to me for guidance, and my parents whose influences have taught me good morals, ethical principals and the value of hard work.

I am thankful for the close relationships I have with the friends who speak life into me and help me to slow down and enjoy my journey in a world that moves so fast.

Most importantly I am thankful for the gift of my faith, the freedom to practice it, and the ability it provides me to make a difference in other people’s lives. It is my faith that enables me to be the spiritual leader in my family, an inspiring leader to those I employ and a servant leader to my community.

Ron Jensen Mayor, Grand Prairie

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t Thanksgiving, I am grateful to gather with family and friends, and honored to be mayor of my hometown. I’m especially thankful for the amazing development our city is experiencing. Not only will our IKEA store open Dec. 13, we are looking forward to the grand openings in late 2017 of Epic Waters, a year-round indoor waterpark and a major addition to North Texas tourism; in early 2018 of The Epic, a mega-lifestyle center that will completely re-imagine health and leisure services in America; and in summer 2018 of PlayGrand Adventures, a playground for people of all abilities. The nearby resulting development will add dozens of new hotels, retail and restaurants to the SH161 corridor. Lastly, I am thankful to work with our award-winning city staff and City Council. They’re some of the most qualified and dedicated people around, and I couldn’t do my job without them.

Patti Diou Executiver Director Levitt Pavilion

VanDella L. Menifee Volunteer and civic leader

Photo: star-telegram.com

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irst, I’d like to speak for all of us at the Levitt Pavilion. We’re thankful for the support from our community. We could not continue to present 50-plus free concerts each year without our sponsors, donors, board of directors, volunteers and music fans. Thank you and happy Thanksgiving from Patti, Cathy, Kathryn, Karen and Rich – the Levitt Pavilion Staff.

Personally, I’d also like to say that Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reflect on the blessings this year has brought us. I’m especially grateful for my incredible staff, board of directors, volunteers, sponsors and donors. 2017 has been a wonderful year, and we are looking forward to celebrating our 10th anniversary of free music under the stars in 2018.

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ARLINGTON TODAY • November 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

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lmost 10 months ago, I was in a serious automobile accident. In approximately 30 seconds, life as I knew it changed “My Why!” God spared my life for a reason. I give thanks for my AMAZING husband, Robert, and our boys, William and Richard, for providing my care so lovingly and unconditionally. I’m thankful for my pastor, Dr. Michael Evans, Sr., and my Bethlehem Church family for prayers, meals, calls and text messages.

I’m also thankful for more compassion – recently, 300-plus guests attended It’s Going to Be OK, Inc.’s inaugural fund-raising gala. The non-profit helps to rescue and restore the lives of human trafficking victims. Also, reading about people posting Arlington’s random acts of kindness gives me great hope for our future. Knowing I will recover and return to what I love, volunteering, makes me so very grateful.