As the holiday season begins, community leaders, business owners

and local artists are reflecting on their year and what they are thankful for:

Ed Augustus Jr., Worcester City Manager

“I am thankful for the sacrifices made and steps taken by everyone in the City of Worcester to get through the COVID-19 pandemic, especially our City employees, who have continued providing critical services throughout the crisis. It has not been easy, and we continue to fight our way through this challenging time, but as we head into the holidays, I know we are all looking forward to gathering safely with friends and family.”

Joe Bradlee, WooSox Vice President of Baseball Operations and Community Relations

“The WooSox are thankful to be a part of such a vibrant community that welcomed us with open arms during our Inaugural Season. We look forward to using the holiday season to give back to the community that has shown us so much love and support during our time in the city.”

Mike Moore, Senator of Second Worcester District

“I’m just thankful that I’m going to have my family to spend time with. Last Thanksgiving, because of the pandemic, we weren’t actually able to get together. So I’m thankful that I’ll be able to spend the holidays with them.”

David Connell, President and CEO of YMCA of Central Massachusetts

“I am most thankful for a loving and supportive family that created an environment to build upon our learnings and our successes. I am thankful for a talented staff, the counsel of volunteers, relationships with peer groups both local and national and when we felt like we were in the clutches of the pandemic, we “leaned” in and we “leaned” on what has always served us best; serving others when they were most vulnerable. For that, I am thankful!”

Jeffery Turgeon, Executive Director of MassHire Central Region

“I am thankful to live in a community with so many passionate and caring people and organizations willing to step up to help each other!  I am thankful to live in a place that offers so many resources for people to learn, to play, to laugh! I am thankful for my family and friends that help me enjoy the good times and get through the tough times.”

David Fithian, President of Clark University

“I’m incredibly grateful for the spirit of mutual care and collaboration that we enjoy and share with our partners in Main South. We are fortunate to have such wonderful neighbors!”

Ed Markey, U.S. Senator

“Thanksgiving is our time to share, to nourish, and to reflect on our values. I’m grateful for a Commonwealth that is committed to science, progress, and democracy. I am thankful for the dedicated medical professionals, researchers, and institutions that have worked to make historic breakthroughs in COVID-19 vaccinations so that many of us can safely join with our families and friends this year. I am grateful for the climate action movement who has led the charge to put Congress on the brink of historic investments in clean energy and justice. And I’m grateful for the leaders, activists, advocates, workers, and families I serve and who fight every day for what is right.”

Dominique Goyette-Connerty, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce Director of Communications

“This year, I’m thankful for all of the businesses and organizations — small and large — which continue to support the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce’s mission and help us advance the region. I’d also like to draw attention to a handful of partners that I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to work with each day, including Bree DiBella’s team at Studio DiBella; Hank Stolz and Ben White at the Radio Worcester Network; Joe Pagano and company at Pagano Media; Shaun Grady at Spectrum News 1; Matt Wright of Wright Photo Studios; Tien Le at Machado consulting; and all the local journalists at the T&G, WBJ, Central Mass Town Square, Spectrum News 1, MassLive, and other outlets. All these hard-working people help make my job easier and more enjoyable, and for that I’m very appreciative! On a more personal note, I’d be remiss not to mention my lovely mother, Nicole, who is always just a phone call away, no matter how old I get. I love you, Mom!”

Ricky Duran, Singer and Finalist of the Voice

“I am so thankful for my family and close friends who have always been there for me. They have helped shape who I am and got me through some tough times. I’m also incredibly grateful for my amazing fans and community who have allowed me to continue to do what I love for a living… I couldn’t do it without them.”

Anderson Huang, Owner of Anytime Fitness Northborough

“Even in challenging times you can find blessings. If you keep your focus on the positives you will find things to be thankful for. For me I’m ever grateful to my family and members who stuck with us through the challenges of this past year. Happy Thanksgiving!”

Madison Ducote, Director of Code Wiz Westborough

“I’m thankful for pumpkin pie! My family and the community for supporting our small business!”

Niki Luparelli, Singer and Comedian

“I’m very grateful to be able to perform live again, to be able to sing with a band, not just backing tracks on streaming. Although I’m going to miss singing barefoot and not having to drive home after lol.”

Artie Ghosh, Photographer

“I’m grateful that we have an online ecosystem of artists of all kinds sharing stories in different mediums. Even though we’ve lost an essential element of in-person connection, I still feel close to people and their experiences thanks to the content and art we all get to see online. I’m also grateful that the pandemic is allowing some people to seek out different forms of employment that suit their lifestyles better. I wish more people got to experience that, but if more people feel more balanced between work and fun, that’s something to celebrate.”

Katherine Aguilar, Founder of KSense

“I am most thankful for my family, my three dogs, and my customers. If it weren’t for my Kommunity K Sense wouldn’t have made it through this year. I would especially like to thank my mom for being so supportive and helpful this past year. She’s been amazing.”

Charisma Nguyen-Lai, Founder of Charied Away and Clark University Student

“I’m grateful for those who keep pushing me to do what I think is impossible. I’ve been able to do so many new things this year that I’ve only dreamed of!”

Timothy Hally, Co-Founder of Munq

“What I’m grateful for this season is my inner circle of friends and family who push me beyond the limits of what I can achieve.”

Haley Cloonan-Lisi, Artist and Founder of Eight Point Five Designs

“I am grateful for my family, my partner, and my cats. Also for my increased patience with myself to grow both artistically, and just generally throughout life.”

Gari Ramos, Founder of Radical in Progress

“There are so many things I am thankful for this year. Be it for having a roof over my head, my family, or my team at Radical in Progress and how far we’ve come, I can’t help but be thankful for it all. Most importantly, however, I am thankful for being a part of a community that truly supports and cares for one another.”

Leilack, Band in Worcester

“We as a band are forever grateful for our community. The love and support is sometimes overwhelming. Also, just proud in general to be from here and represent Central MA.”