What Rhode Islanders are Grateful for in 2018

Governor Gina Raimondo

As we reflect on the spirit of Thanksgiving this week, I’m especially thankful for my wonderful, supportive family—my husband Andy, my mom Josephine, and my kids Ceci and Tommy—and our good health. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of Rhode Island. Every day, I am inspired by the passionate people I meet across the state working to build a better home for the next generation. From my family to yours, I wish all Rhode Islanders a happy Thanksgiving.

Lisa Ranglin

President, RI Black Business Association

This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for the beauty in nature, the changing of the seasons and the love and support of my family and friends. I am thankful for my daughter Shanique who inspires me every day to be a better person, my mom who is my rock, and who celebrated her 90th birthday in October.

I am thankful for the Rhode Island Black Business Association which allows me the opportunity to work with like-minded individuals to promote and influence sustainable growth and development in Rhode Island.

I am grateful to those who continue to give of their time and talent without expecting nothing in return.

During this time of immense uncertainty, I want to take a moment to thank our first responders and those on the battlefield fighting to maintain the freedoms we hold so dear. I want to thank them and their families for their sacrifice.

As I express my own gratitude for the gifts that have been afforded to me, I want to never forget and to continue to fight for those families who have been left out because of inequalities.

Thank you Golocal for giving me the opportunity to use my voice.
Happy Thanksgiving!
 

Iftikhar Ahmad

President and CEO, Rhode Island Airport Corporation

I am thankful for my family, friends and all the blessings in my life. We have a great team at the Airport and I am lucky to have the chance to serve this wonderful community with them.

Mayor Jorge Elorza

City of Providence

I'm thankful for my family, Stephanie and Omar. I'm also honored and grateful to serve the diverse community of Providence as mayor for a second term. Happy Thanksgiving.
 

Speaker of the House Nick Mattiello

I am thankful to have such a loving family, including my wife MaryAnn, my sons Nick and Tony, and my golden retrievers, Duke and Scout. I am also blessed to live in such a wonderful and caring community as Cranston. 

Joseph Molina Flynn

President, RI Latino PAC

Besides being thankful for my health, my family, and my career, I am thankful that Rhode Islanders have taken a stand against the oppressive policies of the 45th President by re-electing Governor Raimondo instead of one of the Trump acolytes running for that seat. 

Mickey Lamantia

Country Music Star

I’m thankful for all my family and friends. I’m thankful for our US Military who fight for our freedoms that I see taken for granted everyday!!.

Dr. Ed Iannuccilli

Columnist GoLocalProv

Good health
Good family
Good friends
Good neighbors: both those of today and of previous days
Opportunities in this Great Country
Lucky me!

 

Carolyne Rafaelian

CEO, Alex and Ani

I’m most grateful for Transformation, the power to change and grow. Nothing should stay the same, the experience of life is always in whatever your Current State is, make it powerful.

Dwayne Keys

Chair, South Providence Neighborhood Association

2018 has been an incredible year for which I’m very thankful this holiday season. I’m thankful for my family & friends, both near & far, for their love & support with my endeavors this year. I’m thankful for the blessings & opportunities accorded to me for advancing, both professionally and within my community advocacy. I’m grateful & thankful to all my fellow neighbors who work just as hard at aiming for Unity in our Community! Thank you to all who dedicate their lives to service & selflessness for the benefit of all Rhode Islanders. I’m thankful for the promise of 2019 & all that it may bring to our lives. For these things, I’m very thankful. Happy Thanksgiving & Happy Holidays to all!
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Rupa Datta

Dance BFF

As a Bollywood dancer and entrepreneur, I am thankful for the opportunities (and challenges) that Dance BFF has received this year. It is amazing how Organizations, businesses, media, and regular Rhode Islanders opened up to embrace a different dance style and even eager to not just watch but participate as well. I am thankful for the success of Incredible Bollywood 2 (thanks to GoLocalProv for having us); for the recognition through Best of RI award which gave us the courage to proceed with a wonderful and challenging year end creation for Diwali, a short musical ballet, Shakti - The Uprising, bringing up the issue of assault and violence against women and the uprise in humanity to bring justice and fairness. Thankful for the Indian as well as the greater community across the state to accept and applaud such an effort. I am so thankful for achieving all that in just one year. 

Thankful for the friends I made through this venture and the ones I have who always supported. Thankful for my family without whose support Dance BFF wouldn't have reached where it is in such a short span. Thankful for my partner, Rutuja Patil, who has taken equal risk at every step, put equal hard work and kept dreaming just like me. With success and awards come real responsibilities. Thankful for future opportunities and challenges that would make us grow as a business and me as a person. Thankful for the love and respect we have received from Rhode Island.

Hamlet Miquel Lopez, Jr.

Political Consultant

I’m thankful for my family and my 6-year-old daughter.  Thanksgiving brings family and friends together. I met so many wonderful people this year when I decided to help out in couple political races. I’m thankful for that. It’s been a great year and I thank God My friends and families are good in health.

Ray Rickman

Stages of Freedom

Riding in an Uber with my sister this morning from the airport we talked about fifty-five plus years of being very happy in each other’s company. All five of my brothers and sisters love each other. Never a major fight. Always a competition to see who my mother loved the best and a lifelong exercise to be loved by every member of the family. No matter that I now live

597 miles from Detroit I am still fully in the mix. We do it with weekly phone calls and a greeting card for every conceivable holiday. My brother Wade made cards to promote the mid-term election. This is the first Thanksgiving that all of us will not be in the same dining room and so everyone called me from Detroit today checking to see if my sister Ann has arrived in Providence. I am grateful to be at the center of the loving Rickman family.

U.S. Congressman David Cicilline

This year, I’m thankful to the millions of Americans who voted in the midterm elections two weeks ago.

Michael Beauregard

Young Democrats of RI

I’m thankful for the many young people who’ve stepped up this year and gotten involved in local politics. We need new energy in our political system now more than ever, and it’s great to see so many young people run and win in 2018. It’s exciting to know this will continue for election cycles to come! 
 

Josh Fenton

CEO and co-founder, GoLocal24

What a year! I am grateful for so much -- great family, friends, and dog (not forgetting two cute cats).  A wonderful wife. Wonderful people to work with and a career that is ever-changing and wonderfully exciting. Lastly, thankful for the opportunity to report on the community, help businesses grow and be a part of a special place.

Rob Horowitz

Democratic Political Consultant, GoLocalProv MINDSETTER™

I am thankful for a free press, a Democratic House of Representatives to check Trump, and most of all, good friends and a loving family.

Senate President Dominick Ruggerio

“I am thankful, first and foremost, for the love of family and friends, and the joy that comes from spending time with my children and grandchildren, particularly during this holiday season. I am grateful for my tremendous colleagues in the Senate who work hard each day to make Rhode Island an even greater place to live and work. As a result of their leadership, we are meeting challenges and building a stronger Rhode Island. And I am thankful for the countless Rhode Islanders who take the time to lend a hand to a neighbor in need. This truly is a special place, and I am very thankful to live here. On behalf of the Senate, I wish all Rhode Islanders a restful Thanksgiving and joyous holiday season.”

Lt. Governor Dan McKee

I am incredibly thankful for my family, especially my wife Susan for her endless support and my mom who, at 90 years old, still keeps me on my toes. 

As Lt. Governor, I am thankful every single day for the opportunity to serve the state where I grew up, raised my family and ran a small business. The people I have met along this journey have been inspiring. Their stories remind me every single day to never stop fighting to unleash opportunity for Rhode Island families across our state.

And I am deeply thankful for the members of our military who put their lives on the line to keep us safe, especially those who will be away from home this holiday season. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.  

Gary Sasse

Hassenfeld Institute at Bryant University 

For God's amazing grace and work in our lives. For a healthy family, the economic bounty we have in America and the freedom we have to enjoy all things. 

When I think of Thanksgiving blessings I always remember a pray by Ralph Waldo Emerson we were required to memorize in the third grade.
"For each new morning with its light.
For rest and shelter of the night
For health and food
For love and friends
For everything thy goodness sends."
Happy Thanksgiving.
 

Allsyen Callery

Folk Music Star

I’m thankful for Hope, which means change is always possible & inevitable! It’s our little state’s motto because we have to fight, be strong and stay positive to not get beaten down. Keep hoping, RI!

Mayor Don Grebien

City of Pawtucket

As the holiday season descends upon us, there is so much to be thankful for, especially for my health and for my lovely family, whose love, support, and understanding have allowed me to get to where I am today.

I am extremely grateful for the residents of Pawtucket, who have given me the opportunity to continue to serve as Mayor of the community I grew up in. I look forward to continuing to move our city forward over the next two years.

I would also like to thank our law enforcement officials, first responders, and military personnel serving our country, especially to those who are not able to enjoy the holidays with their families this year.

I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving and a blessed holiday season.

Mike Stenhouse
CEO, Center for Freedom and Prosperity

"I am grateful for the legacy of Ben Mondor and the Pawtucket Red Sox, and for all of the terrific work of Mike Tamburro and Lou Schweichheimer to incorporate the club into the lifeblood of the Pawtucket and Rhode Island communities. As a former PawSox player and broadcaster, and current fan ... I am forever thankful for the opportunity to be part of the PawSox family."

 

General Treasurer Seth Magaziner

I am thankful for the creativity, work ethic and generosity of the people of Rhode Island. There is no other place I would rather call home.

Pablo Rodriguez

Physician

I am truly thankful for the increased activism and participation in the political process demonstrated in the midterms. There is hope for our democracy!

Attorney General-Elect Peter Neronha

I am thankful first and foremost for my incredible family - my wife and our two terrific sons - and for my parents’ continued good health.  And I am incredibly grateful to Rhode Islanders for placing their confidence in me as their next Attorney General, and giving me an opportunity to continue my public service career.  I learned so much during the campaign, and I am grateful to everyone who was willing to share their views with me.

Jim Vincent

President, NAACP, Providence Chapter

As the, recently, re-elected president of the NAACP Providence Branch, I am thankful, proud and humbled to, once again, have the overwhelming confidence and support of our membership. I want to thank each and every one of them.

Through all the highs and lows, I am grateful to be able to serve a community that although constantly challenged is as resilient, vibrant, welcoming and deserving as any other. Being a community advocate is a privilege and an honor! Something I take very seriously each and every day.

I am thankful for the kindness, support and continuous encouragement of my family, friends and even strangers who constantly inspire me!

Looking forward, I am hopeful, and will be thankful, if we soon see four excellent candidates of color become judges within the Rhode Island Judiciary; the passage of a rent control ordinance in Providence to help stem rampant gentrification; meaningful economic development and employment opportunities for people of color; impactful educational reforms which will help our students of color achieve their potential; significant homeownership opportunities for individuals and families of color; the passage of early voting and other initiatives too numerous to mention!

 

State Representative Patricia Morgan

First, I am so thankful for my family; for my sons and their wives, my mother, who will be 94 years old soon and my sweet granddaughter. I am looking forward to spending more time with them, as I reenter private life.

But reflecting on the past year, I am also so grateful to all the great people I met as I ran for Governor.  I crisscrossed the state and went to so many events. From breakfast in local breakfast diners to sit down dinners at fancy galas, I met some of the most positive, cheerful and supportive people.  They were so welcoming and good-spirited, they made the daily, non-stop schedule easy.  Some have become close friends. I treasure them and the memories of a worthwhile endeavor.  I am thankful for having had the opportunity to meet them and thankful that I had the privilege to serve my State and make a difference over the past 8 years.

I want to take this opportunity to wish all Rhode Islanders, a very Happy Thanksgiving!

U.S. Congressman Jim Langevin

“This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for my family, friends, and this great state that we all call home. Representing my fellow Rhode Islanders in Congress is the greatest honor of my life, and this year, I’m particularly grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to continue serving this community that I love so dearly.

Saul Kaplan

Founder and Chief Catalyst, Business Innovation Factory

I love Thanksgiving. It’s my favorite holiday. What’s not to love? Food, family, and football are three of my favorite things. Thanksgiving spirit warms the soul.

It’s a strange tumultuous time and yet it seems as if there is more to be thankful for than usual. Perhaps it’s during trying times, with so many people suffering around us, that we are grateful for things we otherwise would take for granted. 

I’m grateful for family, friends and the opportunity to do what I love and love what I do. I’m grateful to live in Rhode Island at a time when so much innovation is possible. We are blessed with a unique place for innovation at scale and the tools to leave our community stronger than how we found it. Transformation seems within our reach. 

I’m also grateful for the temperament to thrive on steep learning curves and the confidence to realize how much I have to learn.

Happy Thanksgiving. 
 

Robert Alley

Illustrator of Paddington Bear and GoLocal political cartoonist

Steven Brown
Executive Director, ACLU of Rhode Island

In light of the Trump Administration's unceasing barrage of attacks against a free press, women, immigrants, trans individuals and other vulnerable populations, as well as our civil liberties in general, I am thankful that an outraged public and an independent judiciary have thus far managed to limit a fair amount of the damage.

Damont Combs

Poet

I'm thankful for family, and shelter and protectors of peace. As we huddle around our own families this year I'm thankful for those rare people who brave the cold and leave their homes to go help those less fortunate. I'm thankful for the safety that's provided by the men and women of law enforcement and firefighters. We often take these little things for granted. But I'm thankful this season for the little things... the small individuals who make a big difference in our society

Maribeth Calabro

President of Providence Teacher's Union

I am thankful for the overwhelming support of my membership, a fair contract and the ability for us to teach the most amazing students teachers could possibly ask for!!!

Christopher Maher

Superintendent, Providence Public Schools

"I am thankful for our young people. Their energy, drive and commitment to making positive change in this world give me hope during troubling times."

Rebecca Keister

Author

I'm thankful that there's many more than 100 things to put on my Rhode Island bucket list. It really is a blessing to live and work in a state where there is so much to do, so much to look forward to and so much to explore. And, of course, I am thankful to work every day to help make the lives of homebound RI seniors healthier, safer and happier in my role at Meals on Wheels of RI, as well as for the blessings of a wonderful family.

United States Senator Jack Reed

There is so much to be thankful for.  Family and friends -- including those who came before and whose example inspire and guide us -- are life’s greatest blessing.  I’m also thankful to all who spread kindness, grace, and compassion, and to people whose selfless service makes our community a better place.

Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea

“I am thankful to the people of Rhode Island for the privilege to serve them as Secretary of State for four more years.

I am thankful for my husband, daughters, and family for their love and support. I’m thankful for friends who help me on my journey through life. And I’m also thankful for the dedicated staff at the Department of State who work with me every day to create meaningful change in our state.”

James Montiero

Billy Taylor House

Thankful for my family and wife sticking by me through thick and thin and to everyone who supported me through the ups and downs of this past year. 

Idania Abreu

Stylist

I'm thankful that Rhody as cold and snowy as it is, is currently safe of natural disaster...I'm also thankful for every beautification I touch, I get to make someone more beautiful.

Jo-Ann Schofield
President & CEO, MENTOR Rhode Island

I am thankful for the opportunity to do good work in our community by making a difference for kids through mentoring! Every child is one caring adult relationship away from being a success story. Happy to be contributing by running an organization that provides the structure and standards volunteers need to form high-quality relationships for young people throughout RI. On a personal note, I’m thankful my daughter is getting married on Friday to a wonderful person! Grateful for an expanding family!
 

Pat Ford

Head of the RI Libertarian Party

Rhode Islanders have so much to be thankful for in 2018 -- the blessings of living in one of America's great university communities...and the food...the culture...the great minds that emanate from the same.  Surrounded by astonishing natural beauty, yet largely immune from nature's wrath..the growing recognition that harnessing the power of the free market to overcome our financial challenges, instead of succumbing to the allure of failed corporate welfare schemes, will bring opportunity to ALL Rhode Islanders

Rich Pezzillo 

Executive Director, New England Hemophilia Association

“It’s tough not to say the same things as others, but let’s be honest, the core of what we’re all thankful for in life seems to be the common thread that connects us all: family, friends, and health. But in addition to that, this time of year, happens to also be the three-year anniversary of the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA).  I am beyond thankful to be part of a strong, vibrant, and growing community. My husband and I are incredibly proud to call Providence our home, and we are excited to see the growth of residents, businesses, and visitors, especially in the downtown corridor.

I am especially thankful to our volunteer board (Michael, Christine, Kristin, Anthony, and Peter), who work tirelessly to continue this neighborhood association; to the countless businesses that support our group; and to the other neighborhood groups and community organizations we collaborate with. I am also grateful to the 250+ volunteers, who have unselfishly given their time over the last two years to sand, paint, and restore over a mile and a half of our beautiful Riverwalk from the Hurricane Barrier to Waterplace Park. I look forward to continuing this work to help make our city an even better place for residents, businesses, and visitors.”

Mayor Joseph Solomon

City of Warwick

“I am grateful for my family, particularly my wife Cindy and my son Joseph, who are my biggest supporters and my foundation. Our dog, Buddy, is truly man’s best friend and brings a smile to my face after a long day at work. I am thankful to live in a community where residents and business owners support our community in good times and come together to help those in crisis. At the end of the day, family, faith and community are our biggest blessings and the things for which I am most appreciative to have in my life.”

Geoff Schoos

Attorney and Community Activist

I’m thankful for being able to be of service to others, the opportunity to participate in our on-going public debates, the love of my wife and family, and especially for my two grandsons who make me smile and laugh.

Herb Weiss

City of Pawtucket

Family, friends, my chocolate lab, Molly, being able to promote "God's Country" Pawtucket, and to have a bully pulpit in local newspapers and golocalprov.com to advocate for the nation's seniors, and to be in relatively good health. What more can one be thankful for... --  Herb Weiss, City of Pawtucket and writer on aging and health care issues.