I'm a fan of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. I tape the shows and watch episodes whenever I get some free time. If you're familiar with the show, you know that Jimmy Fallon has a weekly bit called "Thank-you Notes." He "thanks" all kinds of people and objects for silly reasons. Here's a recent example: "Thank-you,turkeys for being so fat and well fed this time of year. You're probably thinking, 'Wow, November is the best month ever!'"

 On a more serious note, Thankfulness was the theme of many of the Center's arts and craft projects in November. Everyone was delighted with the three dimensional cornucopia that Deb, Mika and the guests created on the large bulletin board. I was equally intrigued by the William Blake quote: "The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest."

 At first glance, it seems the quote should refer to "Thankful Givers" not Receivers. Isn't that what we're taught? "It's better to give than to receive." But seeing this every day caused me to reflect a bit deeper. I realized that as I find more to be thankful for, my blessings seem to increase. That seems true here at Still Waters as well. We keep saying "thank-you" and keep receiving more.

 In keeping with the theme of Thank-you Notes and Thankfulness, I want to give a shout-out to some extra special folks for whom I'm thankful. You have certainly contributed to Still Waters' "plentiful harvest". 
 

Thank-you Still Waters volunteers. Collectively, you donated time equivalent to a full-time employee this year. That's right, if we put all of your hours together, it would be like having a staff person here 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year. Thank-you, especially Barbie, Cindy, Paul and Nancy. You volunteer every Wednesday morning so that we can have a staff meeting.

Thank-you Ashleih and GreatCare.  You provide lunch twice a month and donate all of the items for our Christmas Butter-bean auction. You gave us a lovely Thanksgiving dinner and bring all sorts of goodies throughout the year. We look forward to seeing your smiling face.

 Thank-you Diane B. You and your friends made beautiful craft items, sold them at the Castleton Craft Fair and donated all of the proceeds to Still Waters. We couldn't ask for a more generous family caregiver.

  Thank-you Art & Music Therapy Interns,Crystal, Rachel, & Quinn. You have spent hundreds of hours with our guests, bringing them joy, creativity, and friendship. You have planned and carried out dozens of special activities. Your time with us has been a blessing. 

  Thank-you Geist Christian Church. Your first annual Holiday Boutique, the Artisan Table, was a huge success and you chose Still Waters as the recipient for the proceeds.

 My thank-you notes list could go on and on. As we approach the Christmas Season, that list will grow even longer. We have so many special visitors, activities, and celebrations scheduled, most of which will be provided by generous individuals, schools, and businesses. Many of you will make a year-end financial contribution or support our gift-wrap service. You will bring in cookies, candy and gift cards for the staff and guests. We appreciate your thoughtfulness.

 Mostly, I'd like to say thank-you for your support and prayers this past year. All of us who are employees, volunteers, guests, and caregivers at Still Waters are lifted up by the goodwill and faith that surrounds us.

 I wish you a joyful, peaceful, and hopeful Christmas season.