Today is a day for counting our blessings — and they are plentiful for those of us who are fortunate enough to call Eastern Ohio home.

For many of us, our greatest blessings are our friends and family members. And here in our region, we are able to live a lifestyle that allows us to be truly close to those loved ones. Our communities are places where children of a certain age can safely walk from their homes to their friends’ houses or maybe over to grandma’s. Parents can be sure that other people in the neighborhood will be looking out for them if anything goes awry.

We are blessed with beautiful scenery, abundant natural resources, a convenient and effective transportation network of roads and highways and — as all the “now hiring” signs attest — opportunities for employment.

We have dedicated law enforcement and first responders, as well as elected officials who, like the rest of us, consider this place their true home. So, of course they are going to work to make it even better.

All in all, we are lucky to be Americans and especially to live in our local area. Remember that today — as you enjoy a holiday feast and watch local students marching in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — and all year round.