Each year during Thanksgiving, millions of Americans share what they are thankful for. Those of us at Essex Media Group are no different. Listed below are some of the things we are grateful for this year.
CEO Mike Shanahan: I’m thankful this year that my 2-year-old granddaughter, Lottie, is growing up in Marblehead and gets to benefit from being raised in a town that cares so much about its children.
News Editor Rachel Barber: I’m thankful for our readers who have made it a ritual to read us weekly, and our readers who occasionally pick up the paper. Without them, there would be no us.
Marblehead Reporter Ryan Vermette: I am thankful that I am in a position where I am using my journalism degree in my field of study, and that I am starting my career with it.
Marblehead and Peabody Reporter Ben Pierce: I’m thankful for all my friends, but especially the ones I don’t get to see as often anymore. Whenever I do get to see them, it’s almost like we just saw each other yesterday. I’m thankful for my parents for still supporting me and putting a roof over my head.
Lynnfield Reporter Vishakha Deshpande: I am thankful for the family that I made in the U.S.A. Even though I am away from home, I have my friends. I am also thankful for this job.
Lynn Reporter James Jennings: I’m thankful that although my wife and I will not be with our four kids over Thanksgiving, they will all be coming to visit for Christmas. I’m also thankful I don’t have to cook Thanksgiving dinner this year.
Swampscott and Nahant Reporter Anthony Cammalleri: I’m thankful for my health, my friends, and my family.
Sports Reporter Mark Aboyoun: I’m thankful for my dog. I moved to a new state with him and he’s been my companion every step of the way.
Opinion Editor Stuart Foster: I’m thankful for finally getting an André 3000 album. Even though it wasn’t a hip-hop album like I’ve been anticipating for my entire life, I was still happy to hear a full album of his music. I’m thankful that my roommate and I were able to find a copy of “Silent Hill 2” for the PlayStation 2 for $90 on eBay — an absolute steal. We are currently playing through it and having a blast. But more than anything else, I’m thankful I get to work from home this Thanksgiving so I can see my grandfather.
Graphic Designer Matteo Valente: I am thankful to spend another Thanksgiving with my 99-year-old grandmother. I am also grateful for an André 3000 album, just like Stuart.
Art Director Sam Deeb: I’m thankful for my family and my girlfriend for pushing me to always do my best.
Senior Graphic Designer Emilia Sun: I wasn’t able to see my parents for three years because of strict COVID-19 protocols. This year, I was able to see both my dad and mom, and they were able to visit me here in the U.S. I am thankful for that. I am also thankful for Cecilia Canales, who takes care of my daughter, Katherine, during the day while I am at work. She is always so kind to Katherine, and I am truly grateful for her support.
Creative Director Spenser Hasak: I’m thankful for an interest in community journalism among the people of Marblehead, because without them we wouldn’t be able to have a paper.
Photographer Emma Fringuelli: I’m thankful for well-kept archives, the friendships I’ve made in 2023, and my collection of tiny Nikolai Gogol books.
Director of Advertising and Business Development Ernie Carpenter Jr.: I’m grateful for having a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food on the table.
Advertising Representative Pat Whalen: I am thankful for the positive relationships and positive friendships in my life, as well as all of the kindness in the world.
Circulation Manager Lisa Mahmoud: I’m thankful for my mother’s health, because that’s what I think about all day long.
Customer Service Representative La’ Mosha Ball: What I’m most grateful for is family, love, support, and employment. Happy holidays!
Controller Susan Conti: I am thankful for the people around me and my family, especially Avery, Logan, and James (and a surprise coming in June!)
Accounts Receivable Specialist Maddy Cassidy: I am thankful for my parents, brother, family and friends, my boss (Susan), neighbors, nature, and the experiences that shaped me into the person I am today.
Assistant to the Publisher Frank Mitchell: I’m thankful that I’m healthy, I’m thankful that my family is healthy, I’m thankful that I have a good job with people that care for me and I care for them, I’m thankful that Mac Jones won’t be starting this weekend.
Publisher Ted Grant: Jansi Chandler Grant.