Pennsauken Township Has Much To Be Thankful For
By Rick Taylor, Mayor of Pennsauken Township
As we approach Thanksgiving and the official start of the holidays, many of us, myself included, take pause to reflect on the many blessings we have in our life. When you really do think about it, despite all of the challenges we face on a daily basis, any one of us in Pennsauken really do have a lot to be thankful for.
As you look at the enormous hurricane that recently hit Mexico, it makes you thankful that Joaquin went out to sea. And if you’ve seen any photos from last month’s storm and flooding in South Carolina, which tragically killed almost 20 people, it makes you thankful that you only have to worry about just losing power and some water in the basement.
A lot of residents who were looking for work were truly thankful for the second annual Pennsauken Job Fair in September, which connected many job seekers with companies actively looking to hire. We’re also thankful for our many community partners, especially Living Faith Christian Center, who went above and beyond to help host this important event.
We’re also thankful that we have many opportunities throughout the year to celebrate as a community. From the Harvest Festival and Holiday Parade, to Memorial Day wreath layings and the flag placement ceremony at our 9/11 Memorial, Pennsauken is a diverse and vibrant community. Our neighbors come from all walks of life; and for the most part, we all get along. That isn’t always easy, so it’s very important to be grateful for those who willing to both understand and forgive.
It’s not just the big picture though. We only have to look at our own families to see things to be thankful for. Like the daily opportunities to be a better spouse, a more engaged parent, an understanding sibling. Or that a leaky sink means you have running water; a roof that you’re getting repaired shows you have shelter; and that a picky eater is a sign that you can put food on the table for the ones you love. Not everyone can say that. For those who struggle day to day, we as a community should keep them in our thoughts and prayers, and do what we can, whatever small, to lend a helping hand.
So as we prep our Thanksgiving turkey, or start decorating our Christmas tree; as we volunteer to help those less fortunate or raise funds for a worthy cause; as we celebrate school spirit or rally around community pride, let us truly be thankful for all that we have.
On behalf of myself, the entire Township Committee, and all of Pennsauken’s municipal staff, I wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving and a joyous start to the holiday season.
