EDITORIAL | It’s Thanksgiving Day and across our little pork chop-shaped county and people are gathered to celebrate with family, friends, and loved ones. As such, I thought I’d take a moment to talk about seven specific things I , for one, am grateful about this year. This editorial isn’t intended to be an exhaustive list. Surely, there’s someone deserving that I’ve forgotten to mention. But gratitude is never a bad idea, and sometimes it’s good to show your appreciation out loud.

Here’s a list of just some of the Lynchburg things I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving.

1 | The Moore County Resource Center | This organization quietly does good for those in our community who need just a little help. The hard-working, big-hearted folks who work and volunteer there attempt to be a one-stop-site for anyone in our tiny community who needs a boost. Whether its food, clothing, household items, help with a utility bill, or a little fuel for your car, they’ve got all of us covered. Knowing they exist gives me tremendous peace of mind. To learn more about them, click here.

2 | The Friends of Animals Rescue & Adoption Center | I may be a little biased since I sit on their Board of Directors, but the past year’s opened my eyes to just how much this non-profit does for our furry friends here in Lynchburg. It’s run by a dedicated director, Christy Oakes, as well as a staff of hard-working volunteers. Moore County doesn’t have an animal control department and our rural roads make tiny Lynchburg a targeted dumping ground for unwanted and abandoned pets. Without these folks, innocent animals would suffer. To learn more about them, click here.

3 | Woodard’s Market | I think most of us take Woodard’s Market and the Woodard family for granted. Just today, their staff came in on a holiday just so we’d have a backup plan when we realized we’d forgotten the cranberry sauce or needed an extra gallon of milk. Not only that, but they support more student organizations, sports teams, non-profits, churches, and community groups than I can count, and they don’t seem all that interested in getting any credit. Not only that, but they offer the best meat in five counties. I wouldn’t buy mine anywhere else.

4 | Tims Ford State Park & Tims Ford Lake | We’re all running 24/7, so it’s important to have a place to unwind, put your toes in the grass, and enjoy nature. With portions of the lake sitting in Moore County and the state park located just outside the county line, the Tims Ford area offers a respite from our busy lives. Whether it’s lake life in summer or hiking in the fall, it’s a true gem. Plus, they have a great little gift shop.

5 | Drs. Wendy and Bryant Morton and the Lynchburg Veterinary Hospital | Our fur babies are our world, and having a local vet who cares about them as much as we do is such a blessing. Not only do this dynamic duo volunteer to raise money for the local animal rescue, they also make a rock star brisket. Plus knowing you can reach out, even on weekends, gives locals peace of mind. To learn more about them, click here, and be sure to check out their profession barbecue team, The Barking Pig BBQ on Facebook.

6 | The Moore County Library | Listen, as a writer and journalist, it’s probably no surprise that I spent a large portion of my childhood in the local library. And it’s as peaceful and comforting now as it was back then. Their staff is so stinking creative and they use that power to come up with kid’s events, events for teens, book club reads, and summer reading programs. Plus if you are a fan of audiobooks, check out the Libby app using your library card. If you know, you know. To learn more about their programs and events, click here.

7 | The Jack Daniel Distillery | Before it became a clever catch phrase, Lynchburg’s biggest employer paid a living wage. In fact, you might be surprised to know that among Tennessee’s 95 counties, tiny Moore County ranks seventh per capita in income with an median household income of $44,433. I’ll give you one guess why. Also, they do a million good deeds in this community – some known and some unknown – and their global notoriety affords us lots of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to meet cool people and do cool stuff that you don’t find in other small towns.

Whether it’s the folks on this list or someone I’ve yet to think about, be sure to say “thank you” to all the people in your life that make it special … today and every day.

Happy Thanksgiving y’all. Love you. Mean it. •

{The Lynchburg Times is a locally-owned and locally-operated community newspaper in Lynchburg, Tennessee and one of the few women-owned newspapers in the state. It’s owned by a Tulane University-educated journalist with over 20 years of experience. We’re supported by both readers and community partners who believe in independent journalism for the common good. You can support us by clicking here. }