Tag Archives: Thanksgiving

The Abundance We Share

many hands in the shape of a heartBy Kim E. Jackson, CAPP

‘Tis the season–unfortunately, everyone might not be feeling so jolly right now. Many of us just experienced a Thanksgiving holiday that did not include our normal large family and friends gathering, and we now face the challenge of modest end-of-year holiday celebrations.

Instead of looking inward at this time, I challenge us all to spread some holiday cheer of our own by giving back! Regardless of it’s for family members, community members, or colleagues in need, many of us can do something for others, big or small. I just read a social media post from a friend that made me think about what I can and should do for others. The post read:

“We are now a solid eight months into the pandemic and if you are not working/not getting a paycheck/struggling to make ends meet and run out of food or necessities, please don’t let yourself or your kids or your pets go to sleep with an empty stomach. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to send me a private message. I am more than happy to help. I will drop and go or order for delivery. No one has to know and I will pretend it never happened. What’s understood never has to be explained.”

WOW!

What’s understood is we are all blessed with an abundance to share: time, money, food, toys for kids, clothing, etc. Simply ask yourself, how do I want to end this year? Was I able to give back to those less fortunate?

Let’s all do a something GREAT and ring in 2021 with a renewed spirit!

Kim E. Jackson, CAPP, is director of parking and transportation at Princeton University.

Reflections on Thankfulness in a Turbulent Year

Sign reading Happy Thanksgiving with medical mask hanging from the corner.By Kevin White, AICP

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday by far. Good food, time together with family, reflecting on what we are thankful for, and giving back to others who need a boost. With COVID-19 cases rising again after a turbulent year, this Thanksgiving will take on a new meaning and will look a lot different. Families—mine included—are scaling back celebrations and gatherings.

What a year it’s been. A year of utter upheaval, of devastating loss of human life, loss of jobs and businesses, and a year of racial reckoning. This year has been exhausting and trying for many of us, both mentally and physically.

And yet, as we approach Thanksgiving, I have a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful for the scientists, the public health workers, the doctors, nurses, and health care workers. I am thankful for teachers, and countless other essential workers fighting this crisis, caring for us, teaching us, developing vaccines, and maintaining our society’s essential systems and institutions. I am thankful for those fighting for equity for all.

I am thankful for my family and the slower pace this pandemic has brought, providing an opportunity to reflect on how to improve myself personally and professionally, and providing time to re-connect (virtually) with industry friends and colleagues. The parking and mobility industry is comprised of an amazing set of industry professionals, and I’m thankful this year has afforded me the opportunity through virtual conferences, Shoptalks, virtual happy hours, and other means to connect with new professionals, re-connect with old contacts, learn, and share ideas on how to move our important work into the post-COVID future.

Better days are ahead. May you have a peaceful, safe, and reflective Thanksgiving.

Kevin White, AICP, is a parking and mobility consultant with Walker Consultants.