On Thursdays, The Clanton Advertiser runs our weekly church news instead of the opinion page we have the other four issues per week.

So on today, Wednesday, we would like to say “Happy Thanksgiving” to our readers and hope everyone enjoys, at least part of, the day with family and friends.

We have a lot to be thankful in Chilton County. Sure, we have problems that need to be addressed like any place else, but overall, people enjoy living in our county, feel safe here and are happy to raise their families here.

Specifically, we have several things to be grateful for this year.

We are witnessing several exciting developments in our schools. Jefferson State Community College opened its new location about this time last year and will only continue to grow and prosper. Work on a new school in Jemison is almost complete, as talk of expansion and renovations at other schools heats up.

We have relatively low unemployment, compared to the rest of Alabama and the nation. While more and more people find themselves without a job, Chilton County unemployment numbers are among the best in Alabama. Many counties, include neighboring Dallas, have about a fifth of their workforce out of jobs. Thankfully, our numbers are not that high.

We have generous, good-hearted people. This time of year, charities and other nonprofits really need help, and Chilton County residents answer the call year-after-year.

And we could go on and on. We should all try to find some time Thursday between visiting the table to remember and reflect on what we have been blessed with this past year.

Happy Thanksgiving!