Latest / The SEANC View / Thanksgiving Special: Thankful voices from SEANC

Transcript

Thanksgiving Special: Thankful voices from SEANC · The SEANC View

• 0:00
  Music.
• 0:08
  Hello, welcome to a special edition of the Scenic View podcast.
• 0:11
  It's a special Thanksgiving episode, very special.
• 0:15
  And our esteemed digital communications specialist slash podcast producer,
• 0:22
  Sam Klein, She's got a lot of hats.
• 0:24
  Was very busy this week. She asked all of the Board of Governors and the Executive
• 0:29
  Committee what they are thankful for with this holiday coming up.
• 0:33
  And so I guess at the beginning, we'll just start by, I'll ask Artis,
• 0:37
  who is right here, Artis Watkins, Executive Director. What are you thankful for?
• 0:41
  I think it is safe to say on behalf of myself and the staff here that we really
• 0:48
  are thankful to have jobs that feel like they mean something,
• 0:51
  where the work we do, we can see exactly how it affects people's lives.
• 0:55
  And it feels just like a job you want to get out of bed and go do in the morning.
• 1:00
  And on top of that, as you're getting ready to hear, when you hear from our
• 1:04
  leaders, We're really blessed that we work for leaders who care not just about
• 1:07
  the members they're here to represent, but the staff as well.
• 1:10
  It's a great place here at Scenic.
• 1:12
  And, you know, I'm really thankful for that.
• 1:15
  Yeah, and I really am, too. When I first came to Scenic, I guess about 13 years
• 1:19
  ago, I didn't know what Scenic was. And I quickly learned that it really is
• 1:24
  a very tight-knit community.
• 1:26
  And I appreciate that we are working for something that actually means something.
• 1:31
  And it's a really great place to work, great people to know.
• 1:34
  And I'm very thankful for that as well. Fighting for the good guys.
• 1:38
  Yeah. How about you, Sam? What are you thankful for?
• 1:41
  I think this year I'm really thankful for my family as well as the community
• 1:44
  that I've surrounded myself with.
• 1:46
  I've had a lot of blessings this year, gotten a lot of different opportunities,
• 1:49
  whether it be traveling or going to different concerts that all of my friends have also gone to.
• 1:55
  It's just been absolutely— Taylor Swift. You're thankful for Taylor Swift.
• 1:58
  I'm always thankful for Taylor Swift. Did you make it to a Taylor Swift concert?
• 2:02
  Unfortunately, I did not. I tried every opportunity possible.
• 2:05
  This weekend will be her last three shows of the air.
• 2:09
  Okay, so we know what your New Year's resolution will be. Make it to a Taylor Swift concert.
• 2:14
  Well, we got a surprise for you. Don't get her that excited.
• 2:19
  Well, what did you learn from sitting through, what, 50-some interviews here?
• 2:24
  Yeah, about, it seems like everyone is very grateful for not only their health,
• 2:29
  but the community they sat around themselves with as well.
• 2:32
  Thankful for their scenic families. We've had a lot of members from the West
• 2:37
  who have talked and explained what they are thankful for.
• 2:39
  And it sounds like they're really coming together as a big community out there
• 2:44
  and just working really hard together.
• 2:45
  They are. They are so tight-knit. Yeah.
• 2:48
  But, you know, I think that's true of North Carolina in general.
• 2:52
  I mean, I think the communities, when something happens in the East,
• 2:55
  when something happens around here, people really do come together.
• 2:58
  But listening to our board members today talk about the things their districts
• 3:01
  have done in general, not just having to do with Hurricane Helene relief, but it was astounding.
• 3:08
  There is so much, and it hit me, that should be expected.
• 3:13
  Like, people who go into public service for a career are generally pretty community-minded.
• 3:17
  So I'm not surprised that a lot of people probably voiced thankfulness for their community.
• 3:22
  And I think our board is a pretty good cross-section of the whole state.
• 3:26
  I mean, we have people from all over the state, from the mountains to the coast,
• 3:29
  all races, all political beliefs, socioeconomic levels. You name it, we got it.
• 3:34
  And even those who weren't affected, they were thankful that they were able
• 3:38
  to help those who were affected and be able to donate and help that community out there.
• 3:43
  Well, I'm thankful for you, Sam. Thanks for doing this today.
• 3:45
  That was a lot of work. And thank you for doing it.
• 3:48
  It really was. That's an extensive list of names you have in front of you there.
• 3:52
  Yes, every single one that's highlighted was completed.
• 3:56
  Well, let's get to it. Enjoy Sam's interviews with the Scenic Board and Executive
• 4:01
  Committee, and have a great Thanksgiving.
• 4:03
  First, President Kirk Montgomery is currently recovering from surgery,
• 4:07
  and he was unable to record with us, but he did send along this statement to
• 4:12
  share with us what he is thankful for this year.
• 4:15
  He stated, I want to take a moment to thank God for allowing me to see another
• 4:19
  year of life, for giving me the opportunity to serve as the president of this
• 4:23
  great organization and to be a better leader.
• 4:25
  We want to wish him a full recovery and are thankful for his leadership.
• 4:29
  Next, we have Scenic's first vice president, Wendell Powell,
• 4:32
  who is here to tell us what he is thankful for this year.
• 4:35
  I'm glad to be here. I'm thankful for just having an abundance,
• 4:40
  abundance of family and friends, abundance of resources and to be able to,
• 4:46
  you know, just enjoy my kids and enjoy and just enjoy life.
• 4:50
  Just looking forward to time off,
• 4:52
  just spending time with the family and reflecting on how the years went,
• 4:58
  things that I've accomplished, things that we still need to accomplish,
• 5:02
  and just how I'm going to move forward going into this new year of 2025.
• 5:08
  But I'm definitely thankful for the ability just to be able to have the resources
• 5:13
  to take care of my family.
• 5:15
  Awesome. Next, we have the Piedmont Regional Representative and the District 20 Chair, Cliff Brown.
• 5:20
  The things I'm thankful for right now are being able to help the people that I help.
• 5:26
  I serve a lot of people, and to see the effect you have on people's lives when
• 5:31
  you can reach out and touch someone to help improve their life,
• 5:35
  whether it's state employees,
• 5:37
  retirees, or the homeless I help, or any of the people out here that are in
• 5:41
  need that I work with on a daily basis.
• 5:43
  Seeing change in people, seeing them want to help their sales is what I'm really thankful for.
• 5:50
  Thankful for the family that I have, not only the family that I have at home,
• 5:53
  but my scenic family that I've been with for 40 years.
• 5:57
  And to see people coming and making a difference in others' lives and the opportunity
• 6:01
  we have to better people's lives.
• 6:04
  That's what it's all about, is to give back, to see things better than you found
• 6:09
  them, and to leave them in a positive atmosphere where they can grow and become
• 6:14
  stronger and supportive of their selves.
• 6:17
  Thank you so much. Next, we have the District 5 Chair, Willard Jobe.
• 6:22
  Yeah, I guess what I'm thankful for is I got all my family, everybody safe,
• 6:27
  and had a lot of damage and stuff on the farm, my farm equipment and things
• 6:33
  like that. That's all replaceable.
• 6:35
  Road. We're getting it back. The bridges, we've got some repair work to do on
• 6:40
  them, but I'm just thankful that everybody's safe and all the help that has come from all over.
• 6:47
  You just see people from Virginia's, Florida's, Texas.
• 6:52
  They just come from everywhere. I can't name them all, but it's been just great
• 6:58
  to see all of the help that's come, but it's getting better.
• 7:04
  We're getting there. It's not going to be like it was, of course,
• 7:07
  not in my lifetime, but we'll get back, and you just got to keep going on.
• 7:14
  Thank you very much. Thank you so much for talking to us. Yeah, you're welcome.
• 7:19
  Next, we have Marie Tate, and she is our awards chairwoman. What are you thankful for this year?
• 7:24
  This year, really, really gratefully thankful for being a breast cancer survivor.
• 7:30
  So it was unexpected, and thank God that all is well. So I am so, so, so thankful.
• 7:38
  Thank you so much. Next we have Ms. Linda Colbert, who is the District 13 chairwoman,
• 7:44
  and she is going to share with us what she is thankful for.
• 7:47
  I'm thankful for life, health, strength, for my family, friends, and setting.
• 7:53
  And I wish each and every one of you have a happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas in advance.
• 8:01
  Thank you very much. Thank you so much. Next, we have our District 42 Chairwoman, Ms. Shirley Bell.
• 8:09
  I am truly thankful for being allowed to live to the age that I am,
• 8:14
  to be as in good of health as I am, continue serving my community. Thank you.
• 8:20
  Next, we have our District 45 Chairman, John Williams. I am truly thankful for
• 8:26
  the personnel that we have at Central Prison.
• 8:30
  They worked through COVID and we had bigger problems after COVID with personnel
• 8:37
  and they survived it and they're striving.
• 8:40
  And they're also keeping our citizens safe here in the state of North Carolina.
• 8:45
  So I'm truly thankful for those personnel at Central Prison and for the undying,
• 8:52
  relentless work that they do.
• 8:54
  All right. Thank you so much for sharing. Thank you.
• 8:57
  Next, we have our Eastern Regional Representative and District 67 Chairwoman, Ms. Patricia Moore.
• 9:04
  What are you thankful for this year? I'm thankful for my family and friends
• 9:09
  and everybody in Scenic and our District 67.
• 9:13
  And our prayers are with the western part of the state. Thank you so much. Thank you.
• 9:18
  Next, we have District 68 Chairwoman, Ms. Rita Woods.
• 9:21
  Ms. Rita, what are you thankful for this year? I am thankful for my family,
• 9:26
  my synod family, my church family, and most of all, I'm thankful that we as a district.
• 9:34
  It's helping out the people out West because I know there's a lot of devastation
• 9:39
  out there, and we need everyone to help in that endurance.
• 9:44
  Thank you so much. Thank you. Next, we have Willie Bailey, who is the district chair for District 16.
• 9:51
  Willie, what are you thankful for this year? Well, I'm thankful for a reasonable
• 9:55
  portion of health and strength and thankful for the way our fellow senior members
• 10:00
  are supporting those out West.
• 10:03
  They pulled together in ways that we could never imagine.
• 10:06
  I'm just thankful that God has allowed some of these people to help others in
• 10:11
  such a way that we can watch over those that are less fortunate than we are.
• 10:16
  Next, we have our District 17 Chairwoman, Ms. Doris Day.
• 10:19
  Doris, what are you thankful for this year? I am so thankful and grateful for
• 10:24
  my husband, my family, my church family and friends, my staff, and my job with NCDAC.
• 10:32
  God over all has just been good to me. Great health. I will not complain of
• 10:36
  those out there to know that song.
• 10:37
  And I'm so, so, so very grateful and looking forward to spending time with my
• 10:41
  family and friends this holiday.
• 10:43
  All right. Thank you so much. Next, we have Alicia Warren, who is the Audit Committee Chair.
• 10:49
  Alicia, what are you thankful for this year? I'm thankful for family,
• 10:53
  not just my personal close-knit family, but my scenic family,
• 10:58
  you know, my work family, just been able to have a family circle in general.
• 11:03
  That's really what I'm thankful for. Well, it's definitely nice to have such
• 11:06
  a strong sense of community around the holidays, and we're very grateful that
• 11:10
  you were able to share that with us. Thank you. Thank you.
• 11:13
  Next, we have Ms. Latina Shelley, who is the District 64 Vice Chair.
• 11:17
  Latina, what are you thankful for? So many different things.
• 11:21
  Definitely my family, my job, my relationship with God. But one thing that really
• 11:25
  sticks out is I'm really grateful for being in my right mind.
• 11:29
  Challenges come. There's crazy things going on all around us.
• 11:32
  And I'm just grateful to have peace of mind and be in my right mind to think
• 11:35
  on my own. Thank you so much. Thank you.
• 11:38
  Next, we have the District 66 Chairwoman, Ms. Regina Jackson.
• 11:43
  What are you thankful for this year?
• 11:45
  Thankful for life, health, strength, my family, and my extended family,
• 11:51
  my senior family, who's always there, supportive in the good and the bad.
• 11:55
  And I'm just thankful for that. All right. Thank you so much.
• 11:59
  You're welcome. Next, we have our District 62 Chairwoman, Ms.
• 12:02
  Laura Overstreet. What are you thankful for this year?
• 12:05
  I am most thankful for the help that I have been given. And I'm also thankful
• 12:12
  for the fact that I was able to spend the majority of my life in state government.
• 12:19
  And I appreciate that opportunity.
• 12:22
  Next, we have the District 21 Chairwoman, Ms. Virginia Lindsay.
• 12:27
  What are you thankful for this year? This year for Thanksgiving,
• 12:29
  I am truly grateful for my health.
• 12:32
  You know, I've been through an ordeal, but God is still in the blessing business.
• 12:36
  I'm thankful for the growth of District 21. that people have really started
• 12:41
  coming out and getting involved and becoming active.
• 12:43
  I am thankful for the Scenic family. I'm thankful each and every day that anyone
• 12:49
  is able to wake up and wash their own face. I am truly thankful.
• 12:53
  All right. Thank you so much for sharing.
• 12:56
  Next, we have Tracy Webb, who is our Emerging Leaders Chair,
• 13:00
  and she is also a member of District 42.
• 13:03
  Tracy, what are you thankful for this year? Thank you, Sam.
• 13:06
  Sam, where do I start? I am just so grateful for life in general.
• 13:14
  Last year, I had some challenges.
• 13:17
  I was diagnosed with an illness, and I have overcome the illness,
• 13:24
  and I'm still healing today.
• 13:26
  So that was a major, major diagnosis I had last year in 2023.
• 13:33
  And I had to go through different types of process to get where I am now.
• 13:39
  So I am so grateful, so grateful.
• 13:42
  God has given me a second life.
• 13:45
  God has given me a second life, Sam.
• 13:48
  So I take my special gift of life so seriously today because if it wasn't for
• 13:55
  God, I would not be here today.
• 13:57
  I am grateful for all the basic things in life, like the love,
• 14:02
  family love, love in general, happiness,
• 14:07
  my health, my peace, my joy, just my family, scenic family.
• 14:14
  I am just so grateful.
• 14:17
  My life has a protection around it, Sam. That's what I say all the time.
• 14:21
  My life has a protection from all the harm surrounding it.
• 14:26
  So that makes me grateful every day. I believe in God and I thank God every
• 14:31
  day for my abundant blessings.
• 14:35
  So yes, every day I am grateful to be here.
• 14:38
  All right. Thank you so much. And I know we here at Scenic are very grateful
• 14:42
  to have you as such a passionate emerging leaders chair.
• 14:46
  And we are grateful that you are healing and you are getting healthy no matter
• 14:50
  what challenges you faced.
• 14:52
  Thank you, Sam. Thanks. We have Timothy Morgan, and he is the District 10 Chairman.
• 14:57
  What are you thankful for this year? I am thankful for my health,
• 15:02
  my life, and the strength.
• 15:04
  I'm also thankful for my family and my friends.
• 15:08
  All right. Thank you so much. Next, we have Ms. Sonia Akbar,
• 15:12
  and she is the District 6 Chairwoman.
• 15:15
  Sonia, what are you thankful for this year?
• 15:17
  Today, I am thankful for my family. I thank God for waking me up, first and foremost.
• 15:25
  I think I'm just thankful for every single day.
• 15:29
  I'm thankful that the people, my family, people that I knew personally were
• 15:35
  still alive after the storm.
• 15:38
  And we had one of our family members to lose their house.
• 15:42
  But we're thankful because when that house fell, that tree fell on the house,
• 15:47
  his youngest son was in the bed and he got hit with some branches and little
• 15:53
  scratches. But we thank God that he's okay.
• 15:56
  And so I think with that, even being in the darkness, not being able to use
• 16:02
  my phone, I am thankful that we made it through.
• 16:08
  And it's always very nice whenever there's such a horrible devastation,
• 16:12
  knowing that your family and everyone that you love is still safe?
• 16:16
  Yes, family and friends.
• 16:18
  The community came together very well in that, and I'm thankful for that.
• 16:23
  I'm thankful that we're semi-getting back. We have like several shopping,
• 16:29
  whole shopping area that's wiped out, and it's heartbreaking to see that.
• 16:35
  And it was heartbreaking to, you know, come downtown and see all this standing water.
• 16:42
  And you're like, you can go swimming in it. So, yeah, I'm thankful.
• 16:47
  And I don't think we had any casualties in Morganton. So I'm definitely thankful for that.
• 16:54
  That is a very good thing to be thankful for, and I thank you for sharing with us today.
• 16:58
  Thank you. Next up, we have A.D. Hall, and he is the chair for District 11.
• 17:03
  What are you thankful for this year?
• 17:05
  I truly thank God for my family slash scenic family,
• 17:09
  and I thank God that I have a roof over my head that I'll be able to just come
• 17:15
  in Thanksgiving, that I can be able to feed my family slash other family to give them food.
• 17:21
  Also, I just thank God for what he had done for me down through the years And
• 17:27
  how that he had took care of all of us Even our senior family,
• 17:32
  even the one that's out west, that's in the storm That nevertheless,
• 17:36
  some of them lost their life But we pray to God that we can be able to,
• 17:40
  they will be able to recover That we can be able to send them supplies up there
• 17:45
  to the mountain That whatever, they can be able to have a nice Thanksgiving
• 17:48
  also and where they can mainly,
• 17:51
  most important that we pray that they will have a shelter over their head,
• 17:56
  a roof over their head where they can live in and have some place to stay.
• 18:01
  Thank you so much for sharing. You are. Thank you. Next, we have District 44 Chairman, Mr.
• 18:07
  James Langston. What are you thankful for this year? Most importantly,
• 18:10
  I'm thankful for my family, my wife, my children. They're all in good health.
• 18:15
  They all have good jobs. And I'm proud of what they have accomplished in life
• 18:20
  this far. Thank you so much.
• 18:23
  Next, we have our District 61 Chairwoman, Ms. Cindy Hester.
• 18:27
  What are you thankful for this year? This year, I'm thankful for my family.
• 18:32
  And I'm thankful especially for my very best friend that almost died back in
• 18:38
  July from salmonella poisoning.
• 18:41
  She was knocking on death door. But today,
• 18:45
  thankfully, she is better, and I help her every day, and I'm thankful that she's
• 18:50
  still here with me because she is the sister I never had,
• 18:54
  and I am thankful for my friends and my dog, and I'm especially thankful for
• 19:00
  the things that Scenic has done for the people out west today.
• 19:04
  It means a lot that the family, the scenic family, has come together for those
• 19:10
  people out there. It means a lot.
• 19:13
  That's amazing. And we are also very thankful that your friend was able to have
• 19:16
  a great recovery from such a horrific incident. Thank you so much.
• 19:21
  Next, we have our District 26 Chairman, Mr. Antoine Burton. What are you thankful for this year?
• 19:27
  Well, this year I'm just thankful for life itself. You know,
• 19:31
  in the recent months, you know, we've had a lot of loss, a lot of devastation.
• 19:36
  I am just thankful that the Lord has allowed me to still be here and to utilize
• 19:41
  the time that I have to just be of service to anyone that I can and to be a
• 19:46
  member of this great association.
• 19:48
  Thank you so much. You're welcome. Next, we have our District 43 Chairwoman, Ms. Brenda Johnson.
• 19:54
  What are you thankful for this year? First of all, I'm thankful for the good
• 19:58
  Lord above and all the blessings that He has bestowed upon me and my family and our Scenic family.
• 20:04
  I am thankful for my Scenic family for supporting me and others and all the
• 20:09
  blessings that Scenic has sent up to the western part of the state to assist them.
• 20:15
  I'm just thankful that I'm in good health.
• 20:18
  My family's in good health and just thankful for the good Lord above.
• 20:22
  Amazing. Thank you so much. Thank you. Next, we have our District 46 chairwoman, Ms.
• 20:28
  Yvette Franklin. What are you thankful for this year?
• 20:32
  Thankful for many things. My family, my church family, and just being able to
• 20:37
  wake up each and every day with breath in my body.
• 20:41
  And I'm thankful for my scenic family as well. That's amazing.
• 20:45
  Thank you so much. Thank you.
• 20:48
  Next, we have our District 63 chairwoman, Ms. Shilda Owens. What are you thankful for this year?
• 20:54
  First of all, I'm thankful for my family and my one and only granddaughter, Desphore Rodden.
• 21:03
  I'm thankful for my friends. I'm thankful for the Lord for just letting me live to see 69.
• 21:10
  And I'm thankful for my friends, my dear friends that I've met in the last years
• 21:15
  at my job as being a correctional for Sad Bertie Correctional.
• 21:19
  I met some good people and I enjoy being around them.
• 21:24
  I'm also retired and went back part-time. And I'm thankful for this job, part-time job.
• 21:30
  We are very thankful that you're willing to still continue working and helping
• 21:34
  out in those facilities because we know that there's a critical vacancy rate.
• 21:39
  Yes, it is. And it's amazing that you're still working for them.
• 21:41
  Thank you so much for that. And thank you.
• 21:44
  Next, we have our District 28 Chairman, Mr. DeBoris Peterkin.
• 21:48
  What are you thankful for this year?
• 21:50
  Today, I'm thankful for God allowing me to see another year,
• 21:54
  allowing me to be a part of this great organization.
• 21:57
  And for those that are not part, it'd be a good time for you to join and just
• 22:02
  help us continue to do great things for the state of North Carolina and employees.
• 22:07
  Thank you so much. You're welcome. Next, we have the District 57 chairman,
• 22:12
  Mr. Melvin Chapman. What are you thankful for this year?
• 22:14
  I'm thankful for all my family and friends. I'm thankful that we've had a good year in District 57.
• 22:21
  And I'm very thankful that I got to retire. That's amazing. Yes,
• 22:25
  it is. That's always something to be thankful for.
• 22:28
  Yes. Thank you so much. Thank you.
• 22:30
  Next, we have Miss Tanya Jennings, and she is the District 69 chairwoman.
• 22:35
  What are you thankful for this year? I'm thankful for my family and also my work family that I have.
• 22:42
  Thank you so much. Thank you. Next, we have Ms.
• 22:46
  Kathy Merritt, and she is the DHHS Study Chair, as well as the District 59 Chair.
• 22:54
  I am most thankful for my scenic family, and when disasters happen or bad things
• 23:01
  happen, we come together, and we are truly a family. Thank you so much.
• 23:06
  Next, we have District 56 Chairwoman Ms. Sheila Ely. What are you thankful for
• 23:11
  this year? Good afternoon.
• 23:12
  I am so grateful just to be here. I've had some health challenges and things
• 23:18
  are looking very positive. So I am so grateful and thankful to God for sparing me and healing me.
• 23:25
  And also thankful to be able to help others.
• 23:29
  We were able to donate to the West and our prayers are still with them.
• 23:34
  I'm praying for strength and comfort and just that their needs be met, whatever they may need.
• 23:39
  Thank you so much for sharing. Thank you.
• 23:42
  Next, we have our Retiree Council Chairman and District 9 Chair.
• 23:46
  That is Jamie Robinson. What are you grateful for this year?
• 23:50
  Well, I woke up today and I'm grateful for that, but my family and my grandkids.
• 23:56
  Thank you so much for sharing. Thank you. Next, we have the District 18 Secretary, Ms.
• 24:01
  Alicia Brown. What are you thankful for this year?
• 24:04
  Well, I'm thankful for the 2024 year. District 18 has done a lot of great things.
• 24:11
  We helped our Eastern brothers and sisters during the disaster.
• 24:15
  We reached out. We had several families that had losses.
• 24:19
  So we reached out to them. We lost a member, our Adji Phillips.
• 24:25
  We reached out to the family and showed support to the family.
• 24:29
  We've just tried to work within the community. We're just thankful that we're
• 24:33
  able to, we're in a position that we can offer assistance to those that are in need.
• 24:38
  Now, me personally, I'm grateful for my scenic family.
• 24:42
  I'm grateful for this organization, getting to know the ins and outs and how
• 24:47
  the State Employees Association actually works, you know, how it really helps us, how as a state.
• 24:55
  Fights for our benefits and for our rights and, you know, opens pathways for
• 25:00
  us and looks out for us for the things that we don't know we need to be looked out for.
• 25:04
  I'm thankful for the network of people that I've met.
• 25:08
  I've been a member since I've been with the state, but I've been just recently
• 25:12
  been active with the scenic.
• 25:15
  So it's really new to me. And it's like a child with a piece of candy,
• 25:19
  you give it to me and I'm just feeling, oh my God, oh my, oh,
• 25:22
  this is the best thing since China, right?
• 25:24
  So, you know, I'm just grateful for all the camaraderie, all the people that I've met.
• 25:29
  Thankful for the scenic convention that we just come out of and,
• 25:32
  you know, our leadership here, how they're moving. You know, it's a struggle.
• 25:37
  We've all gone through a struggle, but, you know, we're better together.
• 25:40
  And scenic is thankful to have such a dedicated state employee and members such
• 25:45
  as yourself. Thank you. Yes. Looking forward to greater things.
• 25:48
  Always looking onward and upward. I'm a piece of the puzzle.
• 25:51
  You are just a puzzle. Thank you so much.
• 25:55
  Next, we have the Scenic Treasurer, Ms. Stacey Crabtree.
• 25:59
  What are you thankful for this year? So this year, I'm thankful for the health
• 26:03
  of my family, the safety of my family also traveling,
• 26:07
  and thankful for my Scenic family, everyone coming together and definitely helping
• 26:11
  those out in the West and coming together as a true family should be during these times of need.
• 26:16
  Thank you so much. Thank you. Next, we have the District 38 Chairwoman,
• 26:21
  Ms. Tammy Tompkins. What are you thankful for this year?
• 26:24
  I'm thankful for the wonderful friends my son and I have. We have no more immediate family.
• 26:31
  So we have these friends, and now we spend the holidays together,
• 26:37
  and it's just so nice to have someone and be able to celebrate the holiday and
• 26:42
  feel the spirit, and it's just an awesome feeling.
• 26:45
  It's always amazing to be surrounded by such a nice community.
• 26:48
  Yes, it is. And it's a good thing. Thank you so much. Thank you.
• 26:53
  Next, we have the District 18 Chairman, Mr. Dewey Brower.
• 26:57
  What are you thankful for this year? Well, this year has been a wonderful year, a gorgeous year.
• 27:02
  Thank the Lord for keeping me here for another year because a lot of people
• 27:05
  has come and gone and a lot of things that's happened this year.
• 27:07
  And we just can't stop praying because of God that's going to be with us all
• 27:10
  the way around. But keep in our prayers and remember the ones that's going through
• 27:14
  stuff and people that have lost this year.
• 27:18
  And some people just don't know what to turn to. But without God, it won't be well.
• 27:23
  Because you be with someone, and I'm a prime example.
• 27:27
  I have been around people, and they don't do their talk to me,
• 27:29
  and I'll give them inspiring words.
• 27:32
  And sometimes they ask me to pray, and they call me a preacher.
• 27:34
  We tell them, I'm not a preacher.
• 27:35
  But I always try to be ready when the time comes when somebody comes around
• 27:39
  and talks to them because I love to talk, and I want to just say,
• 27:43
  I want to wish each and everyone a happy Thanksgiving and a fantastic Christmas,
• 27:47
  but just don't forget the ones that less for than we are.
• 27:49
  A couple got a lot of people out there that less for than we are. But keep God first.
• 27:53
  Everything happens for a reason, and it will. He comes when he gets ready. He's an on-time God.
• 27:58
  I want to wish each and everyone a happy Thanksgiving and a fantastic Christmas. Thank you so much.
• 28:04
  Next, we have District 25 Chairman Mr. James Holman. What are you thankful for this year?
• 28:10
  Well, this year, I am thankful that God has blessed me to stay in this world
• 28:15
  for another year. I'm thankful for my family.
• 28:18
  It seems like all are healthy. I'm proud of all of my four daughters.
• 28:23
  And the biggest thing I'm thankful for right now is the work that Scenic is
• 28:29
  doing to take care of state employees.
• 28:32
  I thank God I joined this group. I've met a lot of wonderful people,
• 28:36
  and we're doing the best we can do to help the people out West.
• 28:42
  That's it. And I wish everybody a happy holiday.
• 28:45
  Thank you so much. Next, we have our Connections Committee Chair,
• 28:49
  B.K. Garrett, and he is also a District 38 member.
• 28:53
  Yes, ma'am. So what are you thankful for this year? For the opportunity to go
• 28:57
  out West after the hurricane to help the people in need.
• 29:00
  I was very appreciative and consider myself blessed that I was not affected,
• 29:06
  but the positive attitudes of all the people out west during the hurricane and
• 29:11
  after relief and all the people that went out there to help them,
• 29:14
  it was really nice to see.
• 29:15
  And it's always great to hear from people who have gotten the opportunity to go out and help.
• 29:19
  It's worse than the news portray, much worse. But the amount of people are so
• 29:25
  resilient. It was a blessing.
• 29:26
  They're very proud to live up there and they're very proud of the area.
• 29:30
  They're from, and it's very nice to see how hard they've come together and worked together.
• 29:35
  It was really nice to see everybody and all the resources that were concentrated in the area.
• 29:40
  I got a chance to go to about 10 counties, and it's just nice.
• 29:44
  The people are very positive and productive and optimistic, even though they
• 29:48
  went through this horrific tragedy.
• 29:51
  Thank you so much for sharing. Thank you. Next, we have Nicole Hunter,
• 29:55
  and she is the Scholarship Foundation Chair. She is also a member of District 43.
• 30:01
  What are you thankful for this year? As a state employee in a time where they're
• 30:05
  talking about the vacancy rate, I am very thankful that now I have a full staff.
• 30:10
  I'm only one position short at DMV, that this year that we've already had one
• 30:15
  of our many holiday events, and I was able to feed every member of my staff for $8 a person.
• 30:21
  I did a partnership with somebody so that we could break bread and show appreciation
• 30:26
  to our employees for showing up because we're working long hours to meet the,
• 30:30
  you know, service of state employees or the citizens of North Carolina.
• 30:34
  I mean, we're impacted by the hurricane because my portion of DMV is the one
• 30:39
  that's getting the credentials out to the people from the West.
• 30:42
  So we're working long hours to ensure these credentials are handled properly
• 30:45
  and get to the citizens of North Carolina.
• 30:48
  So I got people who are volunteering, who are stepping up so we can better meet
• 30:52
  the needs or better service the citizens of North Carolina.
• 30:54
  So I'm thankful for the opportunity, the staff and just everything working out.
• 30:59
  So I give God all the glory.
• 31:01
  That's amazing. Thank you so much. Thank you.
• 31:04
  Next, we have Ms. Emily Jones, the Scenic Second Vice President.
• 31:08
  What are you feeling grateful for this year?
• 31:10
  Well, this year I'm feeling grateful for life, health, and strength,
• 31:16
  being able to retire at a young enough age that I can serve the citizens of
• 31:21
  North Carolina as well as Scenic members in the role as second vice president.
• 31:26
  But most of all, I'm thankful for my family, for my faithful friends,
• 31:31
  and for being able to give back to the community the way that scenic always does.
• 31:37
  Perfect. Next, we have immediate past president, Ms. Martha Fowler.
• 31:42
  What are you thankful for this year?
• 31:44
  Well, thank you, Samantha. Very thankful this year that I have a family.
• 31:48
  I'm thankful that not only have my personal family, but my scenic family.
• 31:54
  That's a family that has been a part of my life for the last 40 plus years.
• 31:59
  And I'm so thankful that we are able to see those individuals grow and prosper.
• 32:05
  But I'm thankful too that the hurricane that we got, it affected a portion of our state.
• 32:11
  It didn't affect the entire state. But to those who lost their homes,
• 32:16
  who lost their family members, we're so disheartened about that.
• 32:20
  But we're so thankful that for those of us that remain healthy and wealthy and
• 32:26
  wise, Yes, we're just so thankful that they've been able to secure their blessings.
• 32:33
  Thank you for their family. Thank you for having a dinner, a table to go to,
• 32:38
  when some individuals don't have that.
• 32:41
  Thank you so much. You're quite welcome.
• 32:44
  Our next member we have is Junior Hullen, and he is the incoming impact chair.
• 32:50
  Hello. How y'all doing today? I am very thankful for the fact that Scenic is
• 32:54
  here to represent state employees and that the impact is in the legislate to
• 33:00
  be able to be the voice of state employees.
• 33:03
  And I appreciate them allowing me to be the incoming chair.
• 33:07
  Awesome. Thank you so much. Next, we have the North Central Region Representative,
• 33:12
  Kelly Russell, and she is also our District 41 chair.
• 33:15
  Kelly, what are you thankful for this year? I'm thankful for many things in my life.
• 33:20
  Thankful for my family and my friends.
• 33:24
  Thankful for my husband of 32 years, my two boys, my job that I love.
• 33:31
  I'm thankful for my scenic family, and I'm thankful for my work family.
• 33:37
  There's just so many things to be thankful for.
• 33:40
  Thankful for life itself.
• 33:43
  Thank you so much. Next, we have the Secretary to the President, Ms.
• 33:47
  Betty Gauthier. Then we also have both of our parliamentarians,
• 33:53
  Ms. Kim Martin and Ms. Joyce Shaw.
• 33:55
  I would like to say that I am most thankful for my family. And my family is very extensive.
• 34:02
  It's my immediate family, my extended family, my church family,
• 34:06
  my scenic family, my firefighters family that has really come around and helped me through this year.
• 34:13
  It's been a tough year, but I have to say I've been blessed.
• 34:16
  And I look forward to a new year,
• 34:18
  and I'm so thankful for all the love and support that I've had this year.
• 34:24
  I am so thankful for my family as well.
• 34:27
  Most of mine are family of choice because my biological family is all in Georgia.
• 34:32
  So with being in North Carolina, my friends are my family.
• 34:36
  So I have my scenic family and my work family and all that, my church family.
• 34:41
  And I'm very thankful for my little puppy dogs.
• 34:47
  I am just beyond thankful for the challenges that I've experienced this past
• 34:55
  year and knowing that you have someone in your corner constantly,
• 35:01
  someone who's pushing you to not give up.
• 35:04
  And that has been my immediate family.
• 35:07
  That has been my scenic family. That's been, you know, just the core group of
• 35:13
  people who just without question are always there for you.
• 35:17
  And I am just beyond, beyond thankful for all of them. Thank you so much.
• 35:23
  So next we have Mark Dierman, who is the District 39 chair, as well as the South
• 35:28
  Central Regional Representative.
• 35:30
  I am very thankful to live in a democracy in America and in the state of North
• 35:34
  Carolina, and I'm very hopeful I can say the same thing next year.
• 35:38
  All right. Thank you so much.
• 35:40
  All right. Now we have Cliff Johnson with us. He is the District 2 chairman
• 35:45
  as well as the Western Regional Representative, and he is going to tell us what
• 35:48
  he's thankful for this year.
• 35:49
  Well, what I'm most thankful for is the generosity of the citizens of North
• 35:54
  Carolina and the scenic members in the eastern part of the state for sending
• 35:58
  the very needed relief goods to the western part of the state because we're still devastated.
• 36:05
  The area is still, the recovery is going to be extremely long.
• 36:09
  So that's the most, what I'm most thankful for this year is the help coming
• 36:14
  for the western part of the state. Thank you.
• 36:18
  Music.