Gratitude abounds for family, community on ThanksgivingDate: 11/21/2023 Tireless helpers, understanding spouses and inspiring children are a few of the blessings that Agawam and West Springfield’s civic leaders will be counting this Thanksgiving Day.
The Reminder asked elected officials, school administrators and other public figures in Agawam and West Springfield to share what they are thankful for today. Their responses touched on pride in their community and gratitude to voters, but almost all of those who responded mentioned their families first.
“My children, my husband and especially my parents who have always gone above and beyond to make sure I can do everything,” said West Springfield School Committee member Kira Thompson. “I am thankful for my friends who show up and be the ‘bonus moms’ to my kids. They are everything, and I couldn’t do everything without them. I’m thankful for the continued support of the community and the opportunity to work for the families of West Springfield.”
“I am so thankful for so many things,” said Agawam City Councilor Gerald Smith. “I would, however, like to thank my wife for being the supportive person she has been throughout our entire marriage. I can always count on her to always be there by my side.”
Agawam School Committee member Shelley Borgatti-Reed thanked her daughter, son and husband — “They are focused, driven and always do the right thing” — as well as the voters who reelected her earlier this month.
West Springfield Middle School Principal Peter Gillen said, “I’m thankful for my wife and daughters. They’re fun, kind and supportive. They brighten the days of everyone with whom they come in contact.”
“I am thankful for teachers!” said Agawam School Superintendent Sheila Hoffman. “They have been through significant changes in the last few years; the profession overall is suffering, yet we have committed educators, even some new ones who chose education, who continue to grow and learn to serve our students … because they care.”
Agawam Junior High School Principal Norman Robbins thanked his students, families and staff: “The energy, excellence and desire to strive to be their best is infectious and always makes me want to work harder and do better for our community. Agawam is a special town with special people and I am thankful to be a part of it.”
Agawam Public Library Director Nancy Siegel also thanked her staff, “who provide exceptional customer service to all patrons. Their passion for their work shows in everything they do, going the extra mile every day to ensure that Agawam residents have the best public library.”
Mayors’ perspective
Agawam past and future Mayor Christopher Johnson thanked his wife and children, and also “my friends and all those who helped on my mayoral campaign for their hard work and all the wisdom they shared with me. I am thankful to live in a great place and honored to have the trust and support of my community.”
The man he will replace as mayor in January, William Sapelli, said he’ll be reflecting on his 46 years of public service, as a teacher, coach, principal, superintendent and elected official.
“Each role has woven a unique thread into the fabric of my life, and I’m indebted to this community for the unwavering support and trust placed in me,” he said. “Equally, my heartfelt gratitude extends to my family and friends whose unwavering encouragement, love and understanding allowed me to serve with dedication and commitment. I am also immensely thankful for the dedicated staff who stood by my side throughout this journey. … As I step into a new chapter, please know that my gratitude for this community, its incredible staff, and my supportive circle of family and friends will forever burn bright in my heart.”
Another person who knows a thing or two about civic leadership — West Springfield Town Council President and former Mayor Edward Sullivan, who like Sapelli is retiring from elected office this year — continued the theme, stating he is “thankful to my community for providing me the opportunity to serve them for so many years, and thankful for the tremendous volunteers who step forward and work tirelessly to make West Springfield the best place to live in Western Massachusetts.”
Sullivan also said he’s “only as happy as my least happy child; they are happy, so I am very thankful for this.”
Family and friends
For Agawam City Councilor Thomas Hendrickson, it’s the people closest to him, both at work and at home.
“I’m thankful to my constituents, who have recently reelected me to another two-year term on the City Council,” Hendrickson said. “I’m thankful to Justin and Denise Hurst and the entire Hurst campaign team for giving me the opportunity to work with them this year. And most of all, I’m thankful for my family, who have always provided me with an immense amount of support throughout all the highs and lows of my life and my career; none of what I’ve accomplished would be possible without them.”
School Principal Myriam Skolnick said, “I am thankful for my family and friends. I am also so thankful for such a kind, generous and collaborative community that makes our Fausey School family: Caregivers, school staff and the children that we hope to inspire to be the best persons possible.”
Councilors Rosemary Sandlin of Agawam, and Brian Clune and Daniel O’Brien of West Springfield, all said they thank family, friends and the opportunity to be part of the political process in their towns.
God and service
Some officials cast their sights a bit wider.
“I’m thankful for every morning sunrise that I get to see, since no tomorrow is ever promised to us,” said Wendy Rua, Agawam School Committee member. “I’m thankful that my three sons are good humans who I am proud of with every ounce of my being. And I’m thankful that I still have hope in my heart, despite all the challenges in our world today.”
Agawam City Councilor George Bitzas said he is thankful for God and family, and “working and living happily in the best country in the world, without the fear of oppression [and] war like other nations are experiencing right now.”
His colleague on the council, Cecilia Calabrese, thanked her husband and children and added: “I’m thankful that my parents raised me with a strong sense of community service. Through my sense of duty to the people of my community, I am thankful that the people of Agawam elected me to serve them as their city councilor for 18 years. Finally, I am thankful that I live in a country based upon freedom. I’m thankful for the men and women of our military that fight to protect those freedoms.”
A.J. Christopher said he’s thankful that his family’s support allows him to serve on the Agawam School Committee and in the Little League, and “for our first responders and military who protect our freedom and provide a safe living environment for us to enjoy.”
Christopher Lanski, the veterans services director for Agawam and several other towns to the west, also shared a tribute to those who have served.
“We have met many amazing veterans, families and organizations in these communities who share our commitment to helping veterans,” he said. “We are thankful for the opportunities we continue to receive on behalf of these wonderful patriots. Not all heroes wear capes!”
Agawam City Councilor Robert Rossi said he’s become more thankful to God for the memories he carries of loved ones and friends.
“Looking back on my life, I always thought of myself as being very lucky. Lucky in the roads I’ve traveled, lucky in most choices I’ve made. But now? Maybe not. Maybe [I was] guided by a higher power.”
Thankful for thanks
Some said they value the institution of Thanksgiving itself, and the act of giving thanks.
“What keeps me grounded is gratitude,” said West Springfield School Committee member Diana Coyne. She thanked family, friends, colleagues and community: “It’s relationships and connections that make us stronger and give us a sense of togetherness. I see this in our school community, especially with our students and staff who provide caring examples of positivity, resilience, and leadership daily.”
“It’s the day that we are all reminded to be thankful for the things we have,” said West Springfield School Committee member Robert Mancini. “We count our blessings and think about all the people and experiences and things that God has given to us. Remember that being grateful is about appreciating what one has, as opposed to what one wants. Being thankful or thanking someone often implies you are acknowledging your thanks for something that someone has given you.”
Agawam City Councilor Dino Mercadante struck a similar tone.
“I think that Thanksgiving time isn’t the only time we should be thankful,” he said. “It is an opportunity to reflect, for sure, but life is for all 365 days of the year. With that being said, I am thankful for God‘s blessings and his mercy. … It is my belief, that all of my blessings, of which are many, start with the man upstairs.”
|
