The many sides of thankfulness

This year, The Courier asked local residents and visitors to share what they are thankful for. Below are their responses; each of them notable in their own way. Equally wonderful was the process of gathering responses. Most of the research occurred in the town's coffee shops and at first, getting responses was slow and awkward. But the tipping point was when some customers overheard others answering and asked to join the conversation. Ultimately, responses and ensuing conversation were full of humble gratitude. Customers came together to share their appreciation and inspire the same in others.

"I'm mostly thankful for my parents because they help me out in so many ways and my partner, my grandma, my roommate – people. But I'm also really grateful for the privileges I get on a daily basis. To live in a safe apartment. To be able to eat what I want. Be able to take care of my cat. Things like that."

- Ellie Arens went to Niwot High School and grew up in Gunbarrel

"I moved to Niwot during the pandemic, before there were any vaccines. I'm grateful for the warm welcome of new neighbors who helped create safe gatherings and are just wonderful new friends. I'm also grateful for the spiritual teachings of Vedanta which are ancient teachings from India. They have brought great peace and joy and have been the greatest blessing of my life."

- Jennifer Catto, Niwot resident and dog owner

"This year, I'm grateful for my friends, my family, my girlfriend and soccer. I'm especially grateful to have a reason to smile."

- Jett Feiner, Niwot High School junior and member of the NHS Boys Soccer Team

"I'm grateful for my boyfriend and my aunt and uncle. They helped me out during a hard time in my life when I didn't have any family. I'm also thankful for all the people here who helped me when I didn't know what I was doing when I first started."

- Elle Lyons, barista at The Old Oak Coffeehouse

"I'm thankful that election season is nearly over. We'll know that whatever happens, happens, and we'll live with it. I'm also thankful for the ability to vote and especially for mail-in ballots because they're so much easier. Another thing I'm thankful for is my family. I adore them. They're my bedrock. They may not know it, but I'm very grateful for them."

- Brian Coppom, Longmont resident who visits Niwot daily

"I'm thankful for this town. There are a lot of good people here. I'm also thankful for my family, good music and good food. They're the things that bind us deeper than most other things. You can have differences with people but find common ground in music and food."

- Scott Jaffee, Niwot resident for 5 years

"I am grateful that I have people around me that support me."

- Jenna Hobson, Niwot High School junior

"I'm grateful for Winot, my favorite coffee shop in the whole world. It's not easy when you come to a new country but coffeeshops help. They build a sense of community and I love the artwork and the atmosphere. I'm from Great Britain and I appreciate how people use everyone's names here – as an outsider it makes me feel like an insider."

- Linda Goodhew, Niwot resident, retired professor

"I am thankful for my therapist, for my friends, my dog Molly, and I am thankful for my thermodynamics professor."

- Sara Oza a CU student visiting for the day