By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Thanksgiving is an opportune time to pause and show gratitude to the people and things that play a significant role in one’s life and community.
In Los Alamos, there are many individuals who work to keep the County up and operating and the community enriched and thriving.
Below is a sampling of those individuals and what they have to say during this time of showing thanks and appreciation.
Los Alamos Fire Chief Troy Hughes
In spite of very difficult conditions, COVID, short staffing, and out of control inflation, our firefighters have continued to pick up the slack and deliver “nuclear grade” emergency response service to the citizens of Los Alamos County and the Los Alamos National Laboratory. I am so thankful for the dedication shown by our firefighters. I would ask our community to recognize the efforts of our firefighters and so many others in the service industry who continued to come to work and insure you got your car fixed, had access to groceries, could enjoy a sit-down meal, received routine medical attention, or anything else our service industry workers provide us on a daily basis. Many of them continue to work short staffed, so please make an effort to be nice and let them know you appreciate their work.
Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone
I am thankful for working in a community that supports and partners with the department to sustain very low crime and a high quality of life. And, I’m thankful for the professional and dedicated staff I have the honor of working with. For this upcoming holiday season I would like to remind citizens to plan ahead when traveling and leave enough time to arrive safely. Also, as this time of year can have an impact on mental health, remember to reach out for help if needed. Lastly, take time to reflect upon all we have to be thankful for in this great community!
Los Alamos County Councilor Randall Ryti
Two things come to mind over the last year for me. First, is the unprecedented wildfire season we had this spring and all the people and resources brought to combat and later try to mitigate the impacts of the fires from the Cerro Pelado to the largest fire in the state – Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak. The response of people in Los Alamos County to the needs of our neighbors during wildfire season is another thing for which I give thanks. I have seen this generosity many times this year and every year. I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and a joyous holiday season from me and the rest of your County Council.
Public Works Department Manager Juan Rael
This year I am thankful for our employees who have worked hard to continue providing high-quality services to our residents, even though most of our divisions are experiencing staff shortages. I also want to thank our leadership including County Council and the County Manager for recently recognizing these staff efforts. I would like to say to our community that Public Works will continue to try our best to keep Los Alamos a wonderful place to live.
Community Development Department Director Paul Andrus
I would say that we’re thankful for all of the time that the volunteer members of our department citizen boards give in support of the issues we are tasked to address. Without them we wouldn’t be able to achieve our goals as set out by the County Council. So CDD would like to thank the time and effort contributed by the members of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Historic Preservation Advisory Board, Lodger’s Tax Advisory Board, Tourism Task Force, Community Development Advisory Board and Economic Vitality Advisory Team.
Community Services Department Manager Cory Styron
I am thankful for a community that continues to support diverse amenities, programs and services that enhance the quality of life for everyone! As we end the year this is a great time for reflection on what does our community look like in 5, 10 or 15 years from now. It takes great courage to create a vision and the subsequent action to truly make our community vibrant and diverse for everyone. I am hopeful as we move into the new year that we see a better and vibrant Los Alamos County. I hope we do this through kinder and gentler community conversations that respect those with experience and wisdom to move the community forward.
Los Alamos Public Schools Superintendent Jose Delfin
I am proud to be the superintendent for our Los Alamos students, staff and community! I am thankful that we have been resilient from this year’s wildfires and coming back to school post-COVID. We are truly blessed by the generosity of our county, LANL and local leadership to support our great educational system. Success means all of us working together.
UNM-LA Chancellor Dr. Mike Holtzclaw
I am grateful to be a part of the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos (UNM-LA), and for the role we get to play in student achievement, equity, and social justice. I am thankful to be a part of this community that is invested and engaged with the success of our students here at UNM-LA, and the success of the university as a whole! I have deep gratitude for our continually growing partnerships and collaborations with businesses, non-profits, and industry, and that together we are bettering our community and the well-being of the people of Los Alamos, and of Northern New Mexico. I am grateful I get to serve this community, and that through the service of UNM-LA, we ensure opportunities and success for all students. Thank you, Los Alamos, for your ongoing support, for your interest and investment in the success of our students, and for being an incredible partner!
Los Alamos National Laboratory Director Thom Mason
This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the achievements of our employees. We’re helping keep the nation secure, making discoveries in space, pioneering clean energy developments and refurbishing infrastructure to make Los Alamos National Laboratory an even better place to work. I’m also inspired by the generosity of our staff, who are currently donating and volunteering in our Holiday Giving Campaign to benefit the counties surrounding the Laboratory.