Greetings and salutations, my friends. Welcome to November, where it’s dark by 5 p.m. and the thoughts of tediously scraping frost off car windows in the morning becomes more of a reality.

I have three big events I’m going to discuss, but first, I want to start by looking back a few days to send out a big “thank you” to each of our residents who made Saturday’s trick-or-treat night the fun, enjoyable event it was for our youngsters.

As I joined Officer Matt Jungbaer for a safety patrol, traveling through neighborhoods all across town, we witnessed many thoughtfully costumed youngsters with their friends or parents simply enjoying your generosity and the fun of Halloween. From eerily decorated porches to spooky yards throughout town, I couldn’t be more impressed with the outpouring of your thoughtfulness in making that night a fun and memorable one for our youth.

Now let’s move ahead to see what’s ahead for the month — a month of both reflection and celebration. First and foremost is Veterans Day Nov. 11, where we honor our military veterans. In your travels throughout town, you may have witnessed the more than 500 Hometown Heroes banners that have served as a reminder of our love and respect for our veterans, past and present.

Let’s continue to show that love and respect by thanking any of our local veterans as you come in contact with them in your day. I’m sure we all have a friend, neighbor or family member who served, so I implore you to take some time out of your day to reach out and add your thanks and appreciation for their selfless service.

As I attend the several Veterans Day events across town, I find these events the easiest to orate simply because my words come straight from my heart, no notes needed. I start with a big “thank you,” add my profound appreciation and respect, reflect on their selflessness and sacrifices, then end with a few hundred more “thank yous.” Feel free to use this pattern when you talk to your veteran. It only takes a minute, and it’s certainly appreciated by the veterans. I know — I can see it in their eyes when they receive the compliment. It’ll do your heart good, too.

Mark your calendar for Nov. 21 for the second annual Northampton Hometown Holidays event. With the overwhelming success of last year’s event, we’re back for an even bigger and better gathering. The event is located in the Northampton Recreation Center parking lot on Lerchenmiller Drive and runs 1-7 p.m. The Christmas tree-lighting program will start 5:30 p.m., with the lighting 7 p.m.

If you didn’t have the chance to make it to this outing last year, you can make up for your grievous oversight by joining in all of the revelry this year. Expect plenty of activity, from local craft and food vendors offering seasonal treats, to great music, young singers and performative dancers. There’ll be a plethora of fun activities for the kids, too, from face painting, balloon animals, the Mini Moos, bounce houses and much more! If you’d like to relax, we’ll have cozy firepits to sit around, enjoying the day’s crisp air and overall scope of this event. Of course, Santa will be on hand at his village near the Christmas tree. Be sure to stop by and get your children’s photo with him!

All in all, our borough staff, led by Meaghan and Bernadette, have done a phenomenal job in organizing and building this into a truly seasonal, traditional borough event. I’m proud of their efforts to bring us together, getting this year’s holiday season underway.

What November article is complete without reflecting on Thanksgiving Day? I don’t know about you, but now, more than ever, I find myself thinking about all the good I have in my life, then saying “thank you” to my Lord for these blessings. Every day, some good comes into my life. There are days that are blue, and I’d need to look harder and deeper for that good, but it’s always there.

Yes, the world we live in looks dark and bleary, with one problem here and another dire situation there, but we still have a great town and even greater residents giving their best to be wonderful neighbors and an essential part of this community. I get to see it in both a macro and micro view, proud to live and work in a town that offers so much to its citizens, along with those souls who work to give back to Northampton.

We all have much to be thankful for, and I know you’ll have days where it’s a treasure hunt to find the good. But don’t stop looking — it’s there.

As we join our families for this year’s Thanksgiving Day feasts, I wish you all the best. Know that I’m also thankful for every one of you who has made my term as mayor all the more fun and enjoyable. From joining with me in my initiatives to “Build a Better Northampton,” to allowing me to help you with what troubles you’ve encountered or just acknowledging the already completed initiatives, I thank you.

Now, take time to say “thank you” for all the gifts and blessings bestowed on you and your family, sharing your love and appreciation. Have a very enjoyable and blessed Thanksgiving Day, for we truly have so much to be thankful for.