Waukee Weighs In: What Are You Thankful For?

There's something about sitting down to a table full of food, conversing with family and friends and watching a football game on Thanksgiving. But the holiday is about more than just a full belly and televised sporting events.

In the early 1600s, Thanksgiving was a time to celebrate a successful harvest and give thanks for the bounty. Today, that celebration means giving thanks for good health, happiness, wealth, successes and meaningful relationships.

In the spirit of the holiday, we at Waukee Patch asked city leaders, business owners, school administrators, bloggers and other notable residents what they were thankful for this year. Here are their responses:

"I'm thankful that my family is in good health, that I get to work with amazing professionals every day in Waukee, and for all God's blessings." —Dave Wilkerson, superintendent, Waukee Schools

"I am so thankful for health, family and COSTCO pumpkin pie!" — Chris McLinden, Waukee businessman and Waukee Patch blogger

"As a resident and city of Waukee employee, I am thankful for all the wonderful people in my life, including family, friends, colleagues, community leaders and residents that I have been able to meet and work with throughout my tenure in Waukee. The experience of both living and working in a progressive, close-knit community is irreplaceable." — McKinlee Gibson, assistant to the Waukee city administrator

"I am thankful for the gifts I have been given, both personally and professionally. I have a beautiful wife and amazing children who are all healthy and happy. My career path has led me to Waukee and I am eternally grateful for this opportunity. I am honored to serve the great students, staff and community of the Waukee Community School District." — Kirk Johnson, Waukee High School principal

"I am thankful for God; for genuine, caring, compassionate people, true friends, incredible family; two amazing, miraculous little boys; a husband who I can honestly call my best friend; all my animals; and having all I need." — Shelly Hughes, Waukee City Councilwoman

"Thanksgiving provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what is really important. I am most thankful for my faith, family, and friends." — Jerry Ripperger, Waukee School Board

"I am thankful to live and work in a community that is truly focused on best meeting the needs of all students." — Terry Hurlburt, principal at Brookview Elementary

"I am thankful for my health and the health of my family (even if my brothers and I may get into a fight at some point over the next week). We so many times take our health and well-being for granted. Sometimes it takes seeing someone with something less, maybe going through a rough time with an illness or disease, before we do. So this Thanksgiving, I challenge everyone who is fortunate to have a healthy family to be thankful and, more importantly, pray for the health and well-being of others whom you may not even know." — Joel Goetsch, program director at the Waukee Family YMCA

"I am most thankful for my wife. Without her, I would absolutely not be where I am today, both professionally and personally." — Shane Blanchard, Waukee City Councilman

"I am thankful for the quality of life that we have living in Waukee. Thankful for the stable/increasing real estate market in Waukee. Thankful to be living in an area with such a bright future. Thankful for my healthy and happy family, including my beautiful wife, 5-month-old son, and two Jack Russell terriers." — Cy Phillips, real estate agent and Waukee Patch blogger

"I'm thankful for my family, friends, talents, peace of mind, and many blessings." — Frank Scaglione, president of Westown Advertising Media

"I am thankful for family to share the holidays with, a wonderful staff at Peoples Trust & Savings Bank, and the Waukee community for being such a great place to work!" — Rod West, current president of the Waukee Chamber of Commerce and Waukee Market vice president at Peoples Trust & Savings Bank

"I'm thankful for being able to spend the last year at home with my kids. I'm very thankful they are both happy and healthy!" — Julia Simpson, frugal living blogger for Confessions of a Frugal Mind and Waukee Patch

"I am thankful for all of the people and experiences that have come into my
life this past year and to the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce membership for their support of the Chamber in 2011.  I am also grateful to enjoy Iowa's beautiful seasons each year and for my family, friends and good health." - Melinda Behn, executive director of the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce