Today’s photo is of REI in the new side of Friendly Center. You may wondering why we are featuring retail, especially a chain store on Thanksgiving. Here is the story.  We were in there earlier in the week and helped by a very cheerful and capable associate, who has worked for REI since the 1990s. In the course of our conversation, he mentioned that the store would be closed on Thursday and Friday; that employees would get the two days off with pay. Corporate chooses to opt out of the Black Friday buying frenzy to give employees time to be with their families. They also encourage it to be a time to get outdoors and “camp, climb, cycle, paddle, and travel”; to do all the things they sell equipment for. We found that policy so inspiring. The policy addresses mental, physical, even spiritual health of workers; and for that, we are thankful. 

If you are an essential worker, we thank you for your service today and tomorrow. For all who are working, we hope you carve a little food and fellowship into your day.

Happy Thanksgiving!