Twenty months into a pandemic that has turned our lives on its ear, we have emerged, in many ways a changed world. While undoubtably the most devastating global event in our collective lifetime, for those of us who are relatively unscathed, things may feel a bit more precious these days. As we gather, be it to work side-by-side or to share a holiday feast, it is with a new awareness that these small pleasures are not to be taken for granted. Still masked at the Academy, we have for the most part stopped complaining or perhaps even noticing this new addition to our normal routine. As we responsibly head back into public spaces, it is with a deeper appreciation for connection.

Ah community! The cornerstone of the Academy is our strong spirit of belonging to, and ownership of, the program we members and staff create together. Zoom served us well in the thick of it, but we emanate a newfound joy when we gather in person now.

We credit our strong community of members, staff, and administration for our ability to thrive as we have. But make no mistake, we would not be where we are without our supporters. Those who help us bring visibility to our mission, those who have donated or volunteered, and those who provide opportunity for our members to thrive, we are humbled and grateful, and ever aware of our good fortune at having such an amazing community of heroes.

Soon the days will grow longer and warmer, and the world will again shift. Covid-19 will someday be a thing of the past. We will fall back into an ease we once knew. We have our wishes and resolutions for the coming year, but we are all too aware now of how fragile even our best laid plans can be. What we do know is this: our success relies on our willingness to take care of one another and to be of service to that which supports our values. Our incredible community continues to do just that. It is how, and why, we continue to succeed. For this, we are most grateful.

Thanks to the initiative and creativity of Chantel Gingerich, we decorated our reception area with a Gratitude Tree. Members, staff and visitors, throughout Thanksgiving week, identified a personal reason for gratitude by putting a leaf on the tree. We have so much to be thankful for.

“Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirit, and the voice of hope that says all things are possible.” – Rabbi Harold Kushner

Rest assured; our culinary team is already hard at work preparing for a feast. On Thanksgiving Day, several members and staff will deliver Thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings to any member who has requested one. Even in these times when we can’t be together, we make sure that no one feels alone.

From the Academy to you, we wish you good health, peace, and prosperity. May you find the joy in small things and recognize the blessings that surround you.