Grateful

Life is better when you take time to appreciate what you have instead of focusing on what you want.

Welcome to Near and Afar. A slice of life on Nantucket Island.

When I was editor of The Inquirer and Mirror, from 1985-2023, I began a tradition of taking a break from writing editorials on contentious issues during the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas. It didn’t seem right to take a strong stance that would likely be divisive around those holidays.

During our Christmas edition I always ran a single word in the space where the editorial ran: Peace. During Thanksgiving week, I always listed what I’m grateful for. Here is what comes to mind this year

• Dark skies and starry nights, and new outdoor lighting regulations keeping them that way.

• A third of the island in permanent conservation, connecting us with the peace of nature.

•Three island bakeries – Born and Bread, Nantucket Bake Shop and Something Natural –turning out amazing artisanal bread. We never have to worry that a three-day blow and cancelled boats will leave our bread shelves empty.

• Cobblestone streets that slow us down.

• Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation and their efforts to keep our harbors clean.

• Winterberry, those bright red berries growing on bare branches in the wild, that help us create seasonal decorations for our porches and front stoops.

•Island farms, from big to small, that give us the opportunity to buy locally-grown produce.

•The Preservation Trust and their dedication to the keeping the historic elements in our built environment, inside and out.

• The Boys and Girls Club, as essential to our young people and their families as the public school system.

• Two independent bookstores for browsing and buying and a beautiful library, The Atheneum, for reading for free. The Atheneum is truly the cultural center of our island.

• The Boston Celtics and their winning ways.

• Rookie quarterback Drake Maye and a reason to hope for the future of the New England Patriots.

• Our summer residents who support so many of our non-profits with their generosity.

•Dr. Tim Lepore and his pro bono work with Addiction Solutions which saves lives and gives hope to families for their loved ones battling addiction.

• Scallops and cranberries, indigenous to Nantucket.

• The Tony Sarg exhibit, at the NHA. Do go if you haven’t seen it yet. It’s just spectacular.

• The return of the Main Street Fountain, in exceptionally quick fashion.

• The Nantucket Garden Club, whose members keep the aforementioned fountain beautifully decorated in each season.

• You, my readers, and the opportunity to connect with this column. Happy Thanksgiving!