The Enquirer-Journal asked Union County residents from Marshville to Marvin the traditional question at the center of the holiday: What are you thankful for?

Susan Suarez Webster, partnership specialist, U.S. Census Bureau “I’m grateful for my job, my family, and a great community that we live in, the Union County community. There’s so much support in the community right now. People are willing to step up to the plate and get the word out about the Census. Getting an accurate count is so important. In Union County there’s such an outpouring of cooperation.”

Reed Esarove, Stallings councilman

“First and foremost, I’m thankful for the health of my family and the peace that we live in. And I’m thankful for the men and women that serve in the armed forces and the sacrifices they make for my family’s freedom and the freedom of our country.”

Lucy Drake, former Stallings mayor

“I am thankful for my children, grandchildren and husband. And friends, but my family first and foremost. I’m thankful that I have a new career at my age, I love being healthy, and I’m glad that God has afforded me the ability to take on a new career late in life. I love my real estate career, I think I found my calling. I’m so grateful I was guided in that direction. I’m grateful I can choose my own hours and have more flexible time to spend with my family and friends."

Thomas “Pinky” Marsh, Marshville resident and rodeo operator “I’m thankful to be alive. I’m thankful the Lord has let me live this long. I’m really thankful the Lord’s blessed me good enough that I can stand up for what’s right. I’m thankful I got nerves to stand up for what’s right. The pressure that’s been on me and my family for the last two years has been pure hell but without the Lord, we couldn’t make it. The little things you take for granted, I’m thankful for. I’m even thankful more people are standing up now in my fight against the county. This ain’t about Pinky Marsh – that’s what I’ve been trying to tell people. I’m thankful the Lord’s given me the strength to do it. I don’t think many families could go through this. If it weren’t for the Lord, I know we couldn’t go through it. If you knew how bad the county has hurt us financially – I’m just thankful for the people who have actually helped me.

Marleen Traywick. President of Lake Park Homeowners Association

“I’m thankful for my family and health and having a good career. I’m thankful for a great marriage. We had trouble getting a house, so we’re thankful for getting our house. We moved in July 2008. We’re thankful to have a house to live in.”

Johnny Sowell, head football coach at Monroe High “To be blessed and have another opportunity to enjoy another [Thanksgiving]. ... Last year we didn’t have a chance to get past the first round of the playoffs. It would be nice to enjoy a good Thanksgiving meal knowing we just had practice because it still means we’re in playoffs.”



John Crowder, Union County Board of Education member

“I’m thankful to be living in a country where we have the freedoms that we have. I’m thankful for life, health and strength.”

Rachel Clarke, principal of Kensington Elementary School “I’m thankful for my family, my health, my community, my school, my students and staff. I’m thankful I was able to finish my doctorate with the support of my family and school. I’m thankful Kensington continues to get better and better each year with the growth in quality of teaching, and overall atmosphere. I’m thankful my son has made a wonderful transition into middle school.”

Gloria Barrino, executive director of Crisis Assistance Ministry

“I’m thankful for my family and friends. I’m also thankful for the godly principles upon which our nation is built on. I’m thankful for a caring community that responds to people in crisis. The most important thing is my relationship with Jesus Christ. I’m thankful for all the blessings that God has bestowed upon me. Being able to work at a place where you can really impact people’s lives. I’m thankful for my staff and board at Crisis Assistance Ministry. I’m thankful to live in America, in the United States, which is built on those Godly principles where we have freedom of religion. I’m thankful for my family, my parents, the godly heritage that they left. I’m thankful for good health, and to be able to administer to people in need and help those in our community that are less fortunate.”

Judi Abbott, manager of Second Chance Boutique by Turning Point

“First and foremost, I’m thankful for the generosity of people giving donations. The volunteers are awesome for giving of their time and selves. I’m also thankful for my family for helping with the start up of the store.”

Carol Draper, volunteer at Second Chance Boutique by Turning Point

“I’m thankful every day for good health. Also to have found a good volunteer position. I’m also thankful to be in the situation I am in versus the one a lot of other people are in.”

Maria Karas, owner of TrailsEnd in Indian Trail

“I’m thankful for my health. Due to the economy, I’m thankful for the business we’ve had and the supporting customers. Here, there’s been a lot of businesses that have closed down. That was my good luck this year, that we’re still successful here.”

Margaret Pressley, Matthews resident

“With the economy like it is, you’re thankful you still have a job.”

Eddie Suggs, Matthews resident

“I’m thankful we don’t have President Bush anymore. But the one we got might be just as bad, who knows?”

Jamie Beaver, bartender at Shooter’s Corner Grill

“I’m thankful for my family and friends. I’m thankful to have a job because I know a lot of people don’t. And I’m thankful to have just celebrated my one year anniversary with my husband.”

David McHugh, Marshville resident

“I’m thankful for my health, my family, and for my son. He’s doing well and just got his MBA from UNC. And I’m thankful for my grandbabies: two beautiful little girls. My mother-in-law has been ill but she’s done well. She’s had a pretty good year overall.”

Travis Noles, Marshville resident

“I’m thankful to be alive. I’m just glad to be here. And I still have a job.”

Lindsay Willis, Marshville resident

“I got me a job interview at Goodwill. I’ve been looking for a job since February. She said it went well, too. I turned 21 - I’m glad for that.”

Miek Stumpf, Wingate resident

“I’m thankful for the rise in gold prices because we’re in the pawn shop business. I’m definitely thankful for that so we can make more money this year. I’m thankful for my girlfriend – she just showed up [to the bar he was at.]

Betsy O’Donovan, city editor “I am thankful for thrift stores and Coach bags, old friends and very young ones, Facebook and handwritten notes, candlelight and CFL bulbs, Italian wine and street-vendor ice cream, and for the wild diversity of the American experience.”

Tiffany Lane, reporter

“The trip to Alaska that I took with my grandmother this summer, everything I’ve learned in seminary, exactly two weeks until graduation and the end of homework forever. Yay, free time!”

Jim Muldrow, news editor

“Family. If the show Sunday in Buffalo was indeed the finale for Bruce Springsteen with The E Street Band, I’m thankful for the chance that I had to see them seven times. I’ve seen a lot of concerts and never seen a better show. The opportunity, in this economy, to leave a comfortable job and pursue something I’ve wanted to do for some time. Friends, and this year in particular, those friends here at The Enquirer-Journal. Some have been here since before I arrived 29 years ago, others I’ve known for a much shorter time. They’ve watched me grow up, and been with me in some of the happiest times of my life and some of the saddest. They are what’s going to make it tough to say goodbye next week.”

Rick Crider, photographer

“I’m thankful we got our 17-year-old daughter through 12 years of the same school successfully at Lake park and she will be graduating with honors. Also for my mother-in-law and two brothers who have been so supportive in so many ways during these economic hard times over the last few years.”

Elisabeth Arriero, reporter

“I’m thankful to have traveled cross country with my dad this summer and to have seen what life is like on the West coast. For my dog, Phoenix, who was the only familiar face during those months in Arizona. I’m thankful for Chai tea lattes on rainy days and green tea frappuccinos on sunny ones. For music, because there’s a song to fit all occasions and moods. And I’m thankful to have a supportive family I can call on during the good times and the bad.”