TO PST ORIES FROM LAST WEEK

Our panel of 100 influential leaders discusses the most important issues affecting you.

Sarah Emmons, regional director, Anti-Defamation League Florida. At Thanksgiving, we reflect on gratitude. We are thankful for those who speak out and stand up for justice in these trying times, those who expose bigotry to sunlight, those who force hatred to retreat into the shadows, and those who stand up as allies. Our modern Thanksgiving declaration must be that antisemitism is not a problem for the Jewish community alone. Racism is not a problem for the Black community alone. Islamophobia, homophobia, xenophobia — and all the efforts to marginalize and isolate people — these are all of our problems. Let’s rejoice at our next Thanksgiving that we tackled hate together.

Debbi Hixon, member, Broward County School Board. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, I think it is important for all of us to take a moment to reflect on things we are thankful for this year. Personally, I am so thankful for my family and friends that lift me up and help me to see the good in this crazy world. They remind me every day that together we can accomplish anything! This year has been quite a new adventure, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our county and to make a positive difference for our students and staff in our schools.

Tim Lonergan, former mayor, Oakland Park. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving to be observed throughout the nation on the last Thursday in November. Prior to the proclamation, Thanksgiving had been celebrated on different dates. On Dec. 26, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a resolution changing Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday. In 1621, the pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts, celebrated a harvest with the Wampanoag and Patxuet tribes of Native Americans, who helped Pilgrims get through the previous winter by giving them food in a time of need. I’m thankful for our blessings during Thanksgiving and for the recognition of National Native American Heritage Month.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines. Last year at this time, the struggles and challenges were many. We searched for small reasons to be thankful and hoped change came quickly. Although we’ve come a long way, we’re not out of the woods yet. However, I am extremely thankful that we are on the right path, our residents continue to practice safe measures, and optimism is on the horizon. I am always grateful to be the mayor of an extraordinary city and able to actively work to correct wrongs, make impactful decisions to benefit residents and businesses, and meet the needs of those who require it most.

Mike Ryan, mayor, Sunrise. I am grateful, despite the rancor in the news, our local community aspires to the ideals of compassion, empathy and love for each other. This past year presented uncertain moments as COVID spiked and debates over mitigation strategies were painful to watch. Yet, our Sunrise Compassion Center, city commission, employees, residents and businesses focused on helping those in need. Sometimes direct relief, sometimes advocating to government partners for assistance, and always with a supportive ear to listen even if we couldn’t solve the problem. There is more we can do, but I am grateful for a local community that cares.

John “Jack” P. Seiler, former mayor, Fort Lauderdale. As we celebrate the uniquely American holiday of Thanksgiving with family and friends, I am grateful for so many blessings, especially our pending exit from the pandemic with the likelihood of a full health, economic and social recovery. I am thankful for our health care workers who selflessly serve us, and our first responders and military (past and present) who bravely preserve our quality of life, freedoms, liberties and prosperity. I remain hopeful that Americans move past the partisan bickering, political grandstanding, personal attacks and lack of dignity and respect from and to many in public office, and focus on civility.

Kelly Skidmore, member, Florida House of Representatives. Thanksgiving is a day for gathering with family and friends and giving thanks. Well, at least until the promise of great deals for consumers and big profits for retailers led to Black Friday encroaching hour by hour on this uniquely American holiday. Due to the pandemic, that takeover stopped, and lessons were learned: Time with family is precious and extending Black Friday is, in fact, less profitable. It is exciting to see retailers taking note and allowing for a more traditional Thanksgiving celebration. May everyone enjoy time with loved ones on Thursday and find great deals on Friday! Happy Thanksgiving.

Andy Thomson, member, Boca Raton City Council. Putting together a list of what I’m thankful for is an enormous task, so I brought in some help. I polled our kids — Allie (age 9), Maddie (7), Henry (5), Charley (2) and Joey (11 months), and here’s what the Thomson family is thankful for: God, our lives, each other, our home, our jobs, friends, books, Nana and Pop and Grandma and Granddad, our beautiful city of Boca Raton, the holidays, our neighbors, the opportunity to serve, Spanish River Church ... and cookies. We hope that you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.