Thanksgiving, LES-style

It’s Thanksgiving. Thank you for reading More For LES, on a day that, for many fortunate people, is all about more.

More turkey.
More potatoes.
More gravy.
Less of uncle Stu.
More potatoes. (Yes, again.)
More snoozing.
More football.

At least, that’s how the typical Thanksgiving trope is parlayed. Your Thanksgiving may look totally different.

Today, I want to take a moment to say thank you to the people and places that make the Lower East Side such a wonderful place to live. This post is a small tribute to a handful of them — the corners of this neighborhood, and the individuals within it, that make this community feel uniquely alive.

To the fabulous crossing guards who escort the neighborhood’s kids across the street, and especially the ones that give high-fives — thank you.

To the teachers and administrators at PS 184 who create a dual-language learning environment that keeps my kids on their toes — thank you.

To the lovely Friends of Corlears Park who care for one of my favorite public spaces — thank you.

To the East River porters — Henry, in particular — who keep our buildings clean, all while putting up with more nonsense than anyone should have to — thank you.

To the construction workers powering through the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project — making (but also enduring) noise, and ultimately building something that will keep our community safer in moments of crisis — thank you.

To the guys at the non-stinky dry cleaners on Grand Street — whose sign says they open at 8 but actually open at 9 — thank you.

To the makers of pastries and carbs who keep my waistline round — Elbow Bread, Michaeli Bakery, and Café d’Avignon — thank you.

To the dedicated instructors at Bo Law Kung Fu, who lead by example and teach discipline and respect on top of martial arts — thank you.

To Ms. P…whose first name is still unknown after 6 six years… and her wonderful team at Victoria Children’s Group — thank you.

To Danny and the team at Alphonso’s Pizzeria, thank you for keeping our kids fed on extra-large slices — thank you.

To my wonderful neighbors — thank you for making our community one that I am proud to call home — thank you.

And finally, to you, dear reader — thank you. This effort is one of love and intention, and I’m grateful that you’re here.

If you already live in the neighborhood, I hope you continue to love it.

If you’re thinking of moving here, I hope you reach out so I can help you find your place.

And if you’re just following along from afar, I hope the journey brings you insight, enjoyment, and maybe even a little inspiration.

Wishing you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving.