November has morphed into a month where people go online and share reasons they are thankful.  Back when I was young – when we walked two miles in the snow to catch the school bus – our tradition was to do this around the Thanksgiving table. We talked a lot about family, having a roof over our heads, and the new color TV. Those were the days when we’d have to hop up off the couch to turn the channel and we got to pick between four (the networks stations and PBS).

But this is today, so let’s go through a list of why we should be thankful here and now:

• Cable television and remote controls.
• That the elections are OVER!  (Can we get a hallelujah on that one?)
• That we had five people who honored our city by bravely accepting the challenge of running for office. Congratulations to Mr. Broeker and Mr. Waldron for their wins, but we also hope that Ms. Brown, Ms. Hines, and Mr. Kleber know how much we appreciate them for being a part of the democratic process. We absolutely hope to see more of each of them because anyone who has the cojones to put their reputations on the line has earned their right to serve on committees and has earned our respect.
• That the library today celebrates its 10 year anniversary in the new building. Our economy is still in recovery, so it’s great to know there are MANY free programs offered by the bastion of knowledge. You can bring kids to story time hours, adults can join reading groups, there are CDs and DVDs to check out, you can learn a new language (from you house!), and SO MUCH MORE. Stop by the library today between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. and bring a few cans of food to donate. You receive one entry for every item you bring in for some great drawings (brand new sewing machine, $50 gift card from Toys R Us).  And the best part? THEY HAVE CAKE!!!!
• That our police officers bravely step out on the field to play former professional football players – all to raise money for youth at risk and for National Police Week.  They play alumni of the Tennessee Titans tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the LHS football field. Admission is $10 and there will be hamburgers, chips, and drinks available for purchase. Tickets are available at the gate.  Titans players do sign autographs.  It’s a good time for a great cause!
• That men and women for generations have served our nation to protect our freedoms. Sunday is Veterans Day, so come out and honor these heroes in La Vergne at 1:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park.  If you’ve never heard Taps played live or witnessed a 21-gun salute (via three-gun volley), you MUST go. It’s scheduled after church, after lunch so before you drive home, stop by.  The city is sending a powerful message to our veterans that we love and support them, so plan to be a part of the event.
• That we have wonderful schools in our town. Kids get to join drama clubs, band (champions!), choir, and there are all kinds of activities they can be a part of.
• That this election allowed friendships to bloom. Who met people they would not know otherwise? We are neighbors, we should treat each other with respect and dignity. We ARE LaVergne!

Have a great weekend, LaVergne!