On This Thanksgiving, What are You Thankful For?

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit overlooking the true meaning of the holiday. This Thanksgiving, we asked Sayville residents what they are thankful for.

What are you thankful for?

Dr. Walter Schartner, Sayville Superintendent of Schools

I am thankful for the privilege to work in a community for the past 33 years where teachers, parents, and support staff are all dedicated to the success of the students in academics, the arts, and athletics.

Ronald Hoffer, Sayville High School principal

As the principal of Sayville High School during this holiday season, I am thankful for the opportunity to be an educator in such a wonderful, supportive community with a tremendous staff and faculty. 

Thomas Murray, Sayville Middle School principal

I am thankful for the wonderful children of Sayville Middle School and for the true blessing that the Sayville community has been to me and my family.

Kelly Barnes, West Sayville Fire Department Chief

I am thankful for the volunteers that day after day, month after month and year after year continue to answer the call when our neighbors call for help. Often that call pulls the volunteers out of their homes during dinner with the family, during their child's birthday party, when they were just preparing to leave on a family outing or at 4 a.m. when temperatures are close to zero. The volunteers are leaving their homes and families during a major snow storm to standby at the firehouse for a quicker response to protect our neighbors when they have emergencies and feeding needy families in our community every Thanksgiving and adopting a group of families every holiday season so a child can have a gift from Santa or a coat to keep them warm when they are standing on a cold winter morning waiting for the school bus. The department as a whole is very thankful for the continued support that we receive from the community that we protect.

Larry Sesso, Sayville Fire Department Chief

I am thankful for our dedicated membership and the support of their loved ones, who stand behind their desire to train for and respond to our neighbors emergencies 24 hours a day/7 days a week. I am thankful to the members who volunteer to run our strong fire prevention program. I am also thankful for the support of our community.

Wendy Liu, Sayville Fire Department

I am thankful for the privilege of being able to volunteer my time to several organizations including the Sayville Fire Department. Volunteering has brought me more happiness, pride and friendship than I could have ever hoped for. I am thankful for the patience and support of my family. There have been many occasions when a lot has been expected of my family because I am fulfilling some of my volunteer responsibilities.

Constance Currie, President Sayville Historial Society

I am Thankful that some of old Sayville is still here to visit. The Edwards House, MeadowCroft and the LI Maritime Museum help me step back into the Sayville of the 1890s.

Senator-Elect Lee Zeldin

During this time of Thanksgiving, I am very thankful for the time I get to spend with my family. I am also thankful of our veterans and current service members who have served, and who continue to serve at home and abroad.

Assemblyman-elect Al Graf

I am thankful for my family, friends and my community.

Amanda Rizzo, Sayville Class of 2010 valedictorian

As a college freshman, I have something new to be thankful for this year. I am so thankful that I have a place to which I cannot wait to come home, friends I cannot wait to be reunited with, and a family eagerly awaiting my arrival.

Phil Nolan, Town of Islip Supervisor

I am thankful for the health of my family and for living in such a wonderful community. I grew up in Islip, and have raised my family here, and I continue to be amazed by the kindness and generosity displayed by my neighbors. Even in these difficult economic times, everywhere I turn, people are giving back to their communities. I wish everyone a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving spent with loved ones.

John Edwards, Town of Islip Councilman

I am thankful for my loving wife and two beautiful, healthy daughters. I am also thankful for all of our town residents, young and old, who give their time, energy and enthusiasm to causes which help others in need within our community. It is amazing how blessed we are to live among those who are willing to do so much to benefit their neighbors.

Gene Parrington, Town of Islip Councilman

I am thankful for all who volunteer without looking for recognition; you may think you go unnoticed, but you do not. Your deeds are seen by everyone in the town and we are lucky to have you all. I am also thankful for all who serve in our military, and hope they return to MacArthur Airport with a nice Hometown Hero's Welcome. God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving.

Nancy Cochran, Executive Director of Keep Islip Clean

I'm thankful for all the wonderful Keep Islip Clean volunteers who work so hard for the good of their community. I'm thankful for a clean, green and beautiful Islip Township.

Denise Nash, Editor Sayville Patch

I am thankful for my family, especially my husband and our two beautiful children, and the many blessings that we have. I am also thankful to have the opportunity to cover a community as great as Sayville. I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving.