Community leaders share sentiments of the season

To celebrate Thanksgiving, we asked some of our West Orange leaders to answer one simple question: What are you most thankful for this year?

“I am thankful for all the blessings that the good Lord had provided me. I am thankful for my wife and family. I am thankful I was born in the United States and, in particular, Winter Garden.”

— Winter Garden Mayor JohnRees

“I am thankful this year, and every year, that I was born and live in this great nation and that I, and all of my family, have unlimited opportunities. Living in West Orange, we often take for granted the many blessings we have.”

— Windermere Mayor GaryBruhn

“I am thankful for my beautiful wife, Sandy, our children and their spouses and all of our wonderful grandchildren — including the three that are on the way next year.”

— U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster

“I am thankful for having the opportunity to have been born in a small community that I hope that I have served to help direct the growth, for most of my entire life. Thanks to my family, friends and supporters over the years. Ocoee is truly ‘The Center of Good Living’ and a truly international city that is made up of all the different cultures of the world. Thanks to all and have a happy holiday season.”

— Ocoee Mayor S. Scott Vandergrift

“I am thankful for so many things, a wonderful place to live; I would not trade Oakland for any other place. I am also thankful that I am going to have my family with me this Thanksgiving, including my grandchildren. And a huge thanks to those who serve our country, near and far.”

— Oakland Mayor Kathy Stark

“I am so grateful for the generosity that I witness every year demonstrated by my husband, sons, extended family, friends, fellow community leaders, parents and students from our schools. This Thanksgiving season, I am reminded of one of my favorite quotations from Margaret Mead: ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.’ Happy Thanksgiving!”

— Orange County School Board Member Pam Gould