The Connection

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”In a year when all aspects of our lives have been turned upside down by an invisible virus, I count my blessings. I am thankful to be working with my outstanding colleagues on the Board, some of whom barely had time to settle in, as we lead the County through a pandemic with serious public health and economic consequences. I am grateful to our health care providers, our non-profit and faith-based partners, and our amazing County staff who stepped up to meet the challenges caused by COVID-19. I especially appreciate our police, fire fighters, mental health therapists, and all those County employees who risk their own health by providing services directly to our residents. I celebrate the re-elections of my friends Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton and Senator Mark Warner and the election of President-elect Joe Biden. Finally, I am most grateful for my good health and that of my family and friends, and for the birth of my first grandchild, Jackson Willig Foust.” – Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville)

Photo by Mercia Hobson

I'm grateful for the extra time with my children and family. – Erin White of Great Falls, a government employee with daughter Reagan, 3

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Even in these difficult times, with the pandemic, unemployment, and all the economic challenges, we still have a lot to be thankful for. First and foremost, I am thankful for a loving and supportive wife, daughter, circle of family and friends. I am thankful for a truly caring community; whose members work hard to do their part in maintaining our special village of Great Falls. I am thankful for all of the front liners, who bravely put themselves at risk to keep the rest of us safe, cared for and fed. I am thankful for the educators who are tirelessly and creatively finding ways to teach our children amidst enormous challenges. I am thankful for all the support community members have given to my business and community endeavors over the last 40 years and the staff and volunteers that I have had the privilege of working with. I am thankful for God keeping an eye on me and my family. He has thrown me a few curveballs over the last two years but has given me the privilege to stay in the game! I would like to finish with this: We have to remain strong, with a can-do attitude, like the little train engine pulling all the train cars up the mountain saying, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can,” until finally the train reaches the top with a sigh of relief. We may yet be in for a crazy ride down the other side of the mountain, but holding tight together, I know we can make it. It takes a village and that's what we have! Happy Thanksgiving Everyone. – Mike Kearney of Great Falls

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It might look and feel a bit different this year, but the spirit of Thanksgiving that brings us all together remains the same. I am thankful for my partner's love and support, and inspired by the continued perseverance of our students, parents, teachers, and staff. – Karl Frisch, Fairfax County School Board Member, Providence District

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Gratefulness through the lens of 2020 reveals cloudiness and uncertainty. Immediately, I think of resilience and the power of love that causes us to overcome. I also remember those who have loved me well and who make this difficult journey worthwhile, and of course, the wise words of my mother who believed simply waking up "in her right mind," was praiseworthy enough. – Karen Keys-Gamarra, Fairfax County School Board Member-at-Large