It’s that time of year where one has the opportunity to pause and give thanks for the many blessings present. Last year I posted my thanks for many people and things, and I want to again take a few moments to do the same as we head toward Thanksgiving Day.
I am thankful for having completed my second year here in the great City of Roanoke! I am thankful for God and for our little church in Southeast Roanoke where we have the opportunity to come together and worship. I am thankful for my wife Ellen and that I get to celebrate life with her.
I am thankful for our Mayor and City Council—for the leadership and support they provide throughout the year and the work they do on behalf of the citizens of Roanoke. I am thankful for so many great workers we have in the City and all they do to provide services for the residents, keeping them safe and happy. I am thankful that we continue to see our local economy succeed and grow. I am thankful for the businesses big and small that bring so much vitality and opportunity to our corner of the World. I am thankful for the many non-profits that work so tirelessly to help those who have not yet been able to fully benefit from the economic success happening throughout Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
I am thankful that I get to work alongside my fellow City employees, the Mayor, and Council, our community partners, and so many dedicated residents to continue to work hard at improving this place we call home. We have accomplished so much in the last year, building upon the successes of the years that came before, and I am confident that our efforts will pay great dividends in the future. I am thankful that we are such a welcoming and inclusive community, always seeking ways to be better at making certain all find a place to succeed in Roanoke.
As we gather with family and friends, let us not forget those who have less than us, who perhaps are alone over the holidays, or who struggle to find much to be thankful for. Let us continue to do all we can to be kind to one another, to help one another, and to always be thankful for all that we are blessed to have and hope for.
May you and your families have a great and wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!
--Bob Cowell