Now that the Halloween decorations are coming down, join me in looking forward to the two November days where we celebrate the many blessings we have and to take time to be thankful. Naturally, Thanksgiving is Nov. 24, but there is also Veterans Day Nov. 11.

Rightfully so, we take pause to reflect on both of these occasions. One to recognize and give thanks for all the blessing we share and too often take for granted. One to recognize and thank the many selfless men and women who served in our nation’s military.

With that in mind, I’d like to start by inviting you to the Veterans Day celebration at our Memorial Park at 14th Street and Washington Avenue. I will be joining our local veterans from the Catholic War Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion 11 a.m. Nov. 11 to recognize the service and sacrifices so many have given. Please take the time to join us for this poignant event where “thank you for your service” will be the theme throughout the day.

With Thanksgiving on the horizon, please consider sharing the many gifts and blessings you have by making a monetary or food donation to our borough food bank. Every contribution would certainly help the group exceed the holiday demands, ensuring all of our citizens a bounteous Thanksgiving dinner.

With that in mind, I am also happy to announce Northampton County is budgeting $300,000 to construct a food hub at our local food bank. The hub will aid in overcoming the logistical challenge of getting food to those needy in this western portion of the county.

The plan promises to maximize food storage capacity, adds cold-food storage units and provides a mobile unit for just-in-time deliveries. With the upgraded storage, Second Harvest Food Bank will now be able to more readily store and distribute high-quality protein items like milk, dairy and meat products that need the controlled temperature.

This endeavor brings much-needed upgrades to an overtaxed facility where, thankfully, we are blessed to have a very dedicated group of volunteers tending to those in need.

Also, as you may know, in an effort to increase borough council transparency, I’ve been advocating for the use of livestreaming at borough council meetings for the past two years. Thanks to a recent 5-3 vote, the initiative has passed and will be implemented in the next few months.

There will be no online access to the meeting for questions, so you will have to attend a meeting in person with your questions or comments to council, as tradition always dictated.

I hope you take full advantage of the broadcasts to look into meetings and ensure you’re getting the government you voted for. I will keep you updated as we roll out this exciting initiative.

As mayor, I encourage you take time and thank our many veterans for their selfless service, and I extend best wishes to you and your family for a very joyful, enjoyable Thanksgiving Day.