Each year, the staff of The Era offers its thanks and provides insight into what enriches our lives as we come upon another Thanksgiving holiday. Of course, we are most thankful for our dedicated readership, both of the hard-copy daily and the online versions. We work hard each day to deliver the news to you in the hopes of providing a little perspective on the issues and personalities that weave a mosaic of our small town. With that said, we hope you enjoy our thoughts as you get ready to mark this day of family and thanksgiving.

I’m thankful for people that might be poor, but are still real and haven’t lost their souls to the pursuit of wealth; for pecan pie; for my favorite season of autumn; for patient people; relaxation; for veterans and those currently serving around the globe to protect us; for those who recognize things that are more important than food and water; for not receiving any spam emails (yeah, right); for the people that work hard to make Bradford great, despite the naysayers; for a vibrant arts scene in a small community; for an incredibly hard working staff that is just plain fun to be around; for DJ John Joseph and the gang; macaroni salad; cheeseburgers and fries; a bunch of good friends that I know I can rely upon no matter what happens; a roof over my head when too many people do not; and, of course, my family, who mean the world to me.

— Mike Schreiber, City Editor

I’m thankful, as always, for those men and women who serve in the military, fire, police and other dangerous occupations to keep us safe and free; for my daughter Emily, who has been through hell and back and still fights on; for my husband Kirk, for being there, listening, calming and showing me how to keep laughing; for my mother, the woman from whom I’ve learned my strength; for my family, who are the foundation from which life is built; for living in McKean County, where even those with very little give freely to help someone in need; for my Kindle and access to thousands of books; for the many wonderful friends I’ve made through the years; for a warm blanket, a warmer beagle and Symphony Hall on Sirius XM; and for the unique and colorful personalities that make up this community.

— Marcie Schellhammer, Associate Editor

This year, I remain grateful for the opportunities offered by our community, which continues to be enhanced through local revitalization efforts. It’s an honor, as a writer, to be able to help to inform area residents and keep the community connected through the news that shapes our lives. I’m also thankful for the many volunteers, charitable organizations and local businesses which help our local region thrive despite the harsh realities of the world. On a more personal note, thank you Grammy for continuing to provide a roof over my head, fresh water and ample heat — I’m lucky to have a cozy home while I keep chipping away at my mountain of student loan debt. And, thanks to George R.R. Martin for giving us the book series A World of Ice and Fire (which spawned the HBO series A Game of Thrones)… without it, I’d not have a gritty and complex universe in which to immerse myself and escape the monotony of daily life. Finally, I am much obliged to our universe for making cats. They’re the best.

— Amanda Nichols, Reporter

I’m thankful, first and foremost, for my wife Samantha, whom I married on Valentine’s Day this year. She is passionate, loving, sweet, caring and a godsend. In addition, I’m grateful for being able to be part of The Era, where I am able to write stories, layout pages, take photographs and coordinate special-section projects. I’m also appreciative of being able to be part of Open Arms Community Church of Bradford; the people are so supportive and nice, the sermons are down to earth and the music is loud but enjoyable. I’m also thankful for awesome family and friends (and a certain Boston terrier named Domino) and for people who randomly say “hi” to me on the street or in stores (unlike New Jersey where I lived for about four years). My ‘thankful’ list also includes being able to read books (particularly those written by James Patterson); snap photos (especially nature scenery); take hikes (particularly in Keating Summit, Potter County); and research old buildings (especially the Bradford Mall in Foster Township).

— Alex Davis, Reporter

I am thankful for all of the opportunities, blessings and experiences that have shaped my life: for the enlightenment that being a poor college student has provided me on the world and endowed me to be an active part of a generation with the capacity to make a difference that begins in close-knit communities like our own; for the opportunity to have published my first book, Spin of Fate, and the time to continue the series, Pawns; for the astonishing fact that my best friend, Ryan, proposed to me this year (I said yes); for the support system that has propelled me to my upcoming graduation from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford—my brothers, two of which have doubled as my classmates over the years, my relatives, with whom I complain about The Walking Dead to, my friends, who suffered with me every step of the way, and my parents, without whom I would never have realized my potential; for all that I’ve learned at the Newsroom of The Era, and all that I’ve been able to contribute to this community; lastly, for God’s grace.

— Amber Turba, Reporter

I am grateful for the changing seasons: for the first day that smells like spring after a hard winter, for summer nights so warm I don’t need a sweater, for the way sunshine accentuates colorful autumn leaves and for giant snowflakes so mesmerizing I forget the hardships of winter. I am thankful to have a family and buddies without whom my life would be very different — and less colorful. I am thankful for small things that bring joy to my daily life, like silly mugs and clean laundry and random songs on the radio that I didn’t even know I wanted to hear. I am thankful for all the people who did something nice for someone today knowing they would not get a thank you in return.

— Ruth Bogdan, Reporter

It seems trite to say, “I’m thankful that I’m not ‘that’ guy,” and yet, when I see parents burying their children, a wife worrying about her soldier on deployment, friends without a home, and families without peace and security — I’m reminded how truly blessed I am. I was raised by parents who love me, and have lived most of my life in McKean and Potter counties, full of nature and beauty. I am surrounded every day with the love of a beautiful woman, intelligent, caring, and fun children, and deep friendships that sustain us. I’m thankful for the hope and freedom I’ve found in my faith in Jesus. We Hatchers are healthy, we are strong, we are safe. My hope is that all of us can all find that hook on which to hang our hat, that place inside where we can not just reflect on gratitude, but live it out day after day.

— Josh Hatcher, Reporter

I am thankful that I have been able to live a life on this wild planet. I am lucky to have a space that I love to call my home in a community that contains so many people that will always love and support me. I am thankful that I can sing and dance every day and I give thanks for all the colors of the rainbow.

— Amanda Caldwell, Page designer