So often, when we think of being thankful, especially on a daily basis, we think of the things we are thankful for having. The higher numbers on the thermostat are looking good this time of year, even if the heating bill doesn’t.

I’m thankful for the designated hitter, animal shelters, the Freedom of Information and Open Meetings acts, libraries, museums, spell-check and really thankful for Jim Tressel after last Saturday (go Buckeyes).

I plan to spend this Thanksgiving with family, taking pictures of my little nephew and niece, listening to Alice’s Restaurant (“You can get anything you want at Alice’s Restaurant, excepting Alice.”) by Arlo Guthrie and watching the Detroit Lions do their best Michigan State impersonation

Of course we are all thankful for our family, friends and colleagues, but too often we forget that a little gratitude can have a profound effect, even if only gradually.

And, perhaps out of a sense of embarrassment that we might be admitting we do actually need others, we often forget that a simple little sincere act of telling those who have an impact in our lives we appreciate them actually does mean more than just doing your job.

Sometimes a little pause, a look over your shoulder and a heartfelt “thanks” as you’re walking away makes a difference. Sometimes, you need to do a little more.

I would like to thank the Grand Blanc Heritage Museum (they give us all the Back In The Day photos and other information), the local service organizations, Goodrich and Grand Blanc schools, local government officials, the business community and Chambers of Commerce for their service to the community. These, and other groups, also frequently call us with news tips to bring information to our readers.

I would like to thank my colleagues, who make coming to work a joy more often than a chore, even during a frenzied scramble to meet deadline. They are the faces at evening meetings, weekend functions and other community events, making sure they get the news first-hand. They never ask for praise, even when they deserve it.

VIEW Newspapers’ talented productiongraphics staff builds and puts the final touches on the newspaper, even after our writers finish writing.

Our dedicated advertising executives are out in the community meeting local business and community members to let our readers know about the best products and services they need, and want. I thank them for that.

We have a loyal and thorough team of proofreaders (who don’t rely on spell-check as the final word); several contributing writers and photographers; the most devoted business manager in the business; and a knowledgeable, cheerful support staff — all of whom work to help make the newspaper the best it can be. Thank you.

Without their contributions to put all of the elements of the paper together — mostly behind the scenes — there wouldn’t be a newspaper for our readers to turn to for information, or to let us know when we’ve done something right, or wrong — and how to better serve them. The paper you are holding is the physical manifestation of the dedication, hard work and belief of dozens of people — literally.

Finally, I would like to thank you, dear readers, for your continued support. It’s you who really charts our course.

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