A Thanksgiving Message To East Haven From Mayor Joseph A. Carfora

A Thanksgiving message to the community submitted by East Haven Mayor Joseph A. Carfora:

This special time of year has always been about caring and family. But this year, it is also about reflection. So, as we all prepare for Thanksgiving 2020, I want to reflect on how special our community truly is. Thanksgiving is one of the most relaxing, joyful weekends of the year. But for all of us, this year looks very, very different. Coronavirus presents a new, heartbreaking reality.

Every one of us faces the challenge of having to keep our Thanksgiving celebrations small, and not host the big extended family gatherings that we look forward to all year long. It will be no less a challenge for my family, because we are not able to share it with my beloved father.

But despite the sadness and frustration we all feel because of the pandemic, we must remind ourselves that there are still so many reasons to be grateful for each other.

The sacrifices made by the incredible healthcare professionals who reside in our community, and who work all over Connecticut to care for the sick, infirm, and elderly are incredible. They have placed their lives—and the lives of their loved ones—on the line every day for nearly a year now. There are no words to adequately express our gratitude for their courage and selflessness.

For over nine months, we have witnessed the tireless work of our East Haven First Responders. They have answered the call to aid every single day during this pandemic.

Essential workers in the food services industry face the challenge of COVID-19 every day as they work with the public, but each one of them goes to work to help us get through the day-to day, by making sure that we all have what we need to provide for our families.

Our workers at Town Hall continue to provide services, and our Public Works Department has tackled every weather challenge we’ve faced while in the midst of this devastating pandemic.

And our elected officials, board members, and commissions continue to volunteer their time. They have worked nonstop to ensure that our government business carries on through this unprecedented time.

Our teachers and all school personnel work every day to help our precious school children under extremely difficult circumstances.

I am so very thankful for them all. Each one of these amazing people safeguards our well-being at their own personal risk, and we must never forget that they have their own families to protect and care for. We know that our gratitude, heartfelt though it is, is simply not enough. And that is why this community strives to honor their many sacrifices.

Too many of our neighbors are struggling because of the pandemic; so many people are without the means to feed or clothe their families. But when faced with the unique challenge of coronavirus, our wonderful town did not disappoint. I have seen so many residents work to help each other, especially at our food bank, Farmers to Families, East Haven Food Pantry, CT Mobile Food Bank, CT Food bank, schools and local places of worship, such as JMMS and St. Pio- and so many others.

I am proud to be your mayor every day, but today—as I watch our community work together, for each other—my heart overflows.

This is no doubt an extraordinary—and an extraordinarily challenging—time for us all. But when East Haven is challenged, it responds. It helps people. And I feel so fortunate to be even a small part of that.

Our citizens are the engine that make East Haven the wonderful, strong community that it is. Every holiday season, you dedicate your time, resources, and hearts to others. And this year, you continue to see, and continue to face, even more difficulty than ever before.

For that—and for you all—I will always give my profoundest thanks.

A safe and blessed Thanksgiving to us all.

~Mayor Joseph A. Carfora