Staff at the Whidbey News-Times and South Whidbey Record found much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
And apparently people who work at newspapers like their cats. Six out of the eight reporters and editors in the Whidbey News Group cited cats in their answers, as did a creative artist.
Others had more traditional, less-feline-related responses, though sales rep Eryn Navarro proved to be a canine fan and has a dog with a cool name.
Here’s what we are thankful for this year:
Publisher/Executive Editor Keven Graves: I am grateful for a large, supportive and loving family — which will grow by one in March. I am also thankful that there are people still putting out newspapers that are making a difference in their communities every single day, and readers who understand that information and knowledge is power, and that government works for the people, and not vice versa.
Associate Publisher Kim Winjum: I am thankful for the incredible team I work with.
Production Manager Jennifer Wilkins: I am thankful for my husband Jeremy and our two lively daughters, who are the reason we love stronger, laugh often, and drink more.
Co-Editor Megan Hansen: I am thankful for giving box wine a try and that it’s not drinking alone if you’re with your cat.
Co-Editor Jessie Stensland: I am thankful our cat doesn’t have opposable thumbs and that I’m still somewhat sane after a long, strange year.
Reporter Evan Thompson: I’m thankful for my family, my cozy house and our new kitty Frankie.
Reporter Patricia Guthrie: I’m thankful my furry feline friend spent 18 years keeping me company. But she won’t be around for any turkey scraps this year.
Reporter Laura Guido: I’m thankful for family, friends, food and my feline. Also dogs.
Reporter Kyle Jensen: This year, I’m thankful for past editor Justin Burnett for showing me the journalism ropes. Also, I can’t forget the happy light that keeps me sane, and the friendly neighborhood cat I’ve come to call Carlos. If you’re reading this, I’ll see you later today.
Reporter Jim Waller: I’m thankful for a supportive family and the individual success of each.
Lead creative artist Erin Goodfellow: I am thankful to be a part of a community where we can respectfully discuss controversial topics and still be friends afterward. I am thankful for my husband, Thomas, who meets my stress and frustrations with love and empathy. And I am thankful for the best cat in the world, Figgaro.
Creative artist: Gretchen Bundy: I’m thankful I don’t have to work in retail on Black Friday or Thanksgiving.
Sales rep Nora Durand: I am grateful for the opportunity to live and work on this beautiful island! Oh, and I am grateful for my wonderful family and friends.
Sales rep Eryn Navarro: I am thankful for my husband Angel and our dog Blue.
Sales rep Jocelyn Ialacci: I’m thankful that the Whidbey Island community, especially the South End, has been so welcoming and accepting.
Proofreader and columnist Harry Anderson: I’m thankful for the unconditional love I get every day from my spouse Terry and our two Bassett hounds, Charlotte and Virgie — even when they crowd me so close I almost fall out of bed.
