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As we rapidly approach year-end, I've been looking in the rearview mirror and reflecting. There's always much to appreciate -- the city staff who make things run, the women in leadership who surround me, a balanced biennial budget (thank you city council and staff for toughing it out through those hours-long meetings).
Each week, I sit down to tell you how my life has been and what I'm looking forward to. It's a ritual I cherish and one I don't take for granted -- not every mayor is as blessed as I to have the platform to share through.
But for today and this short work week, I wanted to delegate the duties to our incredible city council. I asked each of them to submit a brief write-up on what they're thankful for.
Have a happy, wonderful Thanksgiving everyone.
Deputy Mayor James Jeyaraj, Position No. 3
 This season of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for so many things. Mainly I am thankful for the wonderful community who call Auburn home.
I am also thankful to be part of a council that is cohesive and works well together, we are thoughtful with our decisions to do the right thing for our city, we may not agree on everything, but we are respectful of each other’s opinions.
Finally, I cannot describe how grateful I am for your continued trust and support in me to do the right thing for our city.
Councilmember Yolanda Trout-Manuel, Position No. 4
 I’m thankful for waking up every morning with my health to do my job as a City Councilmember. I’m thankful for the love of family, friends and my city! I’m thankful to have one more day to doing what I love to do!
Councilmember Bob Baggett, Position No. 7
 I am thankful for a loving wife of 38 years, four healthy adult children, nine healthy adult grandchildren, two healthy great-grandchildren, and I’m very thankful for living in our wonderful City of Auburn. I am also thankful for the residents of our city who have placed their trust in me as their City Councilmember to be one of seven stewards to assure that their best interests are placed first on my priority list. Blessings to all this Thanksgiving!!
Councilmember Larry Brown, Position No. 6
I am very thankful to live in Auburn where our residents support their city and schools. I am proud to live in a diverse community that’s willing to strive for greater acceptance of each other. Lastly, I am most thankful to live in a democracy.
Councilmember Chris Stearns, Position No. 1
 I am grateful for the beauty of the Green and White Rivers that run through Auburn. My wife and I get to walk our dogs along the Green River and wonder at the gifts that nature provides us - the sunsets, the rush of the river, the birds and their songs, and the gorgeous colors -- each and every day.
Councilmember Robyn Mulenga, Position No. 5
I’m thankful for my family, friends and the great city of Auburn. I am grateful to be a part of such a wonderful community. I wish everyone a happy holiday!
Councilmember Kate Baldwin, Position No. 2
 I am grateful for simple moments this Thanksgiving. I am grateful for the opportunity to slow down, to log off from daily demands and make time to be present with loved ones. I am grateful to step outside, breath deep the fresh, crisp air of autumn and find my way to the warmth of home. I delight in the new laughter of my small nieces and share in the suspense and excitement of my elders as the smell of familiar recipes roll out of the kitchen.
I am grateful for the blessings of a full table and a full heart.
Not snow, not rain, not even a fire will stop Athens Pizza and Pasta from giving out free Thanksgiving meals. Tomorrow -- for the 11th year in a row -- the Auburn gem is handing out traditional Thanksgiving meals, packaged and ready to go. No reservations are needed -- all you have to do is show up!
📅 Thursday, Nov. 23
🕐 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
📍 Athens Pizza & Pasta, 959 East Main Street, Auburn
Image courtesy of Getty Images
Our Blue Ribbon Committee has been hard at work organizing a free COVID-19 booster and flu-shot event next week at Auburn City Seventh Day Adventist Church. No insurance is required and neither is an appointment -- just come as you are.
There will also be health experts on-hand who can help answer questions and get you signed up for the best health insurance plan for you and your family. They'll be there to help you fill out paperwork and answer any questions you may have.
And there will also be free frozen chickens for those who attend.
📅 Friday, Dec. 2
🕐 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
📍 Auburn City Seventh Day Adventist Church, 402 79th Street SE, Auburn
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