Herndon, Reston Viewpoints: What Are You Grateful For on Thanksgiving 2020?
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Herndon, Reston Viewpoints: What Are You Grateful For on Thanksgiving 2020?

By Mercia Hobson

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

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“In 2020 I’m grateful for the residents of Fairfax County, who have shown so much compassion and empathy during these difficult times. We are lucky to live in Fairfax County and part of that is because of the people who live here. A lot has changed since I first took office at the beginning of year, but care for the community wasn’t one of those changes. Residents stepped up to support their neighbors and so many volunteered their time this year. 2020 has been challenging, but I have so much hope for the future.” – Jeff McKay, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

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“I am particularly grateful for the big hearts of our Hunter Mill District residents during this challenging year. Since the pandemic began, the county and our nonprofits have asked our residents and businesses to donate food, clothes, and face masks, as well as volunteer their time. The response has been overwhelming at food drives, the Coat Closet and many other requests that have been listed on my webpage How to Help Your Neighbors in Hunter Mill District (fairfaxcounty.gov/huntermill). Thank you very much to everyone who has helped our vulnerable neighbors – it is a privilege to represent you on the Board of Supervisors.” – Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill)

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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

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I am thankful for our FCPS principals and admin staff. They are providing incredible leadership in their schools. They are working on issues including COVID mitigation measures, staffing in-person and virtual classrooms, and staff and student mental health. They are solution-oriented and are working around the clock to bring the best education possible to our students and families in 2020. – Elaine Tholen, Fairfax County School Board Member Dranesville District

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I am grateful for the privilege to serve and do good for Fairfax and for the trust of our community. I am grateful for family and love that are too often taken for granted, for health and sustenance that God provides without due praise, and for the chance to try again with every new day. – Abrar Omeish, Fairfax County School Board Member-at-Large

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Grateful to be part of a Reston community where neighbors have gone the extra mile for each other during this pandemic. Filled with gratitude for Reston Association staff working diligently to keep residents safe and informed during COVID. Thankful to our RA volunteers who make Reston the best place to LIVE, WORK and PLAY. – Julie Bitzer of Reston, Reston Association President

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For sure our medical, health, and safety personnel, but the front line goes beyond that. Thanks also to our grocery store personnel, our sanitation and construction workers, landscapers, plumbers and electricians, those supporting our local business neighbors, and so many others at risk who keep us moving forward. – Robert Goudie, Executive Director of Reston Town Center Association

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For my family and my community of friends and neighbors in Herndon. They have made the isolation of this year bearable. Our potluck dinners changed to bring your own dinner and pretend life is normal. Even at a distance, I am so thankful for the people in my life. – Sheila Olem, Vice Mayor/Mayor-Elect of the Town of Herndon

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Photo by Mercia Hobson

I'm grateful to be here in the United States from Colombia to visit with my family. – Omar Mendoza of Herndon

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I'm just happy to be alive. – Manuel Antonio of Herndon

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Everyone that has come here is grateful to be here. I've been here 30 years in Herndon. From here, I'm able to maintain and help my family. Thank God for this opportunity, the people who have helped us, particularly the church and volunteers... during the pandemic. They help as we try to get status here, get work here, to have stability. The help that we get from local groups and other volunteers gives us continued hope. – Names withheld upon request. The spokesperson for the group from Herndon is in a red shirt.

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Photo by Mercia Hobson

Overall, I am grateful for family and friends, family especially during this time. – Ghadeer Rantisi of Herndon and son, Nedal, 20 months, at the Reston Farmers Market

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Photo by Mercia Hobson

Health and family – Eiman Ziraknejad. I'm grateful for having a family and being alive – Layli Ziraknejad, 11. I'm happy to have my mom. – Amin Ziraknejad, 8. The Ziraknejad family is from Reston.

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Photo by Mercia Hobson

In the market context, I'm grateful we've been able to open the market this year, provide a safe place and safe environment outdoors for people to buy great local food, local produce, and support the farmers and small businesses from the area. It's just central for them to have this sales venue. – Keith Strange of Reston, Co-market Manager for Nov.-Dec

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Photo by Mercia Hobson

I'm grateful for having my son being home. I know he's not happy about missing college, but I've been able to see him every day...I feel close to all the people at the market because we've been through so much. They were all here for me during the summer when my father died of COVID. He was on a ventilator... My son took me on hikes. Let's get your mind off what's going on (he'd say). – Susan Ellis of Chantilly, Reston Farmers Market Team 2020

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I'm thankful that Dave and I are raising our family in downtown Herndon – such a warm and welcoming community – and that we are healthy during this awful pandemic. I'm also grateful for the trust Herndon residents have placed in me as your mayor. I'm truly the luckiest girl alive. – Lisa Merkel, Mayor, Town of Herndon, with her family (left to right) Zachary, 16, Minute, the puppy, 17 months, Lila 12, Lisa and her husband, Dave

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COVID-19 has cost over 250,000 American lives. Not only that, one in five small businesses in the United States has closed; some of these businesses have been in families for generations. In the midst of this carnage, I am grateful that my loved ones are healthy and that my business is still afloat. God bless us all. – Radhika Murari of Reston, founder and creator of OmMade Peanut Butter with her son Karan, 13

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