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OnTheCover: HappyThanksgivingappreciation.This year let’s truly embrace the essenceof Thanksgiving. By giving thanks from the heart, we enrich our lives and the lives of those around us.TBy Sally Kaloshanksgiving is not merely a day offeasting, but a moment to pause,reflect, and express our profound gratitude. In the hustle of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook the countless blessings we enjoy – from the warmth of a shared laugh to the security of a roof over our heads. This Thanksgiving, let’s cultivate a deeper appreciation for both the significant and theBIy Sally Kalosn an age of economic uncertaintiesand global conflicts, it might oftenseem challenging to find reasons to be grateful. However, the silver linings exist, awaiting our discovery if only we adjust our focus and control our sensory perceptions. The essence of gratitude lies in our ability to recognize and manage the thoughts and influences shaping our mind.Carving out just a mere five or tensubtle gifts in our lives.The act of giving thanks strengthensbonds, lifts spirits, and instills a sense of unity. While gathered around the festive table, sharing stories of resilience, love, and hope rekindles connections and fosters a culture of gratitude. As we enjoy the bountiful spread, let’s also serve generous portions of kindness, understanding, andSeeking Gratitude in Trying Timesubmitted By Ruth McCulloughSAminutes daily to disconnect from the tumultuous world news and immerse ourselves in tranquility can dramatically alter our perspective. During these moments of reflection, it becomes evident that there are numerous blessings that we often take for granted: clean water, nourishing food, a secure shelter, reliable fuel, uninterrupted electricity, the unconditional love of pets, the companionship of friends and family,and the invaluable gift of life pulsating through the rhythm of our hearts.By allowing gratitude to mold our mindset, we elevate our spirits and focus on the positives, even in the face of adversity. So, amidst the cacophony of the world, let’s take a moment to appreciate the simple joys and count our blessings. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and a heart brimming with gratitude.Local Veteran Raises Awareness For Women In Militarymanda Saucedo was chatting with her Veteran friends one day in August. One friend lamentedthat she wished they all lived closer so they could do a photo shoot together.“What if we did a Woman VeteranCalendar?” Saucedo suggested, and the small group of 5 women turned into over 600 almost overnight. Their Facebook community, entitled “Woman Veteran Calendar Community” discusses calendar ideas, model requirements, and choosesShow Your Colors & Patriotic SpiritLease An American Flag We Deliver & Pick UpSA Patriot Flags is a local neighborhood business focused on visual recognition of community pride, Veterans, First Responders, and Law Enforcement, and love for our Country. VETERAN OWNED & OPERATEDSix Flag Deployme• President’s Day • Memorial Day • Flag Day • 4th of July • Patriot’s Day • Veteran’s Daynts Per Year:We Do The Work!We display a 3 by 5-foot flag prior to the holiday and remove it after. Flags are temporarily installed at ground level or on a mount on your home.1-Year Flag Subscription: $60Vets, First Responders, Law Enforcement receive discount.Salute Our Vets!Visit www.SAPatriotFlags.com For your flag subscription today!nonprofit organizations to donate proceedsto.“Truly there are no real requirements”Saucedo says “any woman veteran who wants to be in our calendar is welcome! Each month and model shares one woman’s story and it’s her opportunity to share the story of her service, a cause that’s meaningful to her, or anything she’s passionate about. It’s a great opportunity for our models to advertise if they have their own business as well.” To date, the business is filling orders throughout Texas and ten other United States, and it’s only their inaugural year.The Woman Veteran Calendar’s mission is to make Women in Service more visible and give back to nonprofits who support Woman Veterans. They also hope to inspire the next generation of women to serve their country. “We have a mentorship programthat I’m very excited about” Saucedo lights up as she explains. “We pair a Woman Veteran volunteer with a woman on active duty. The Active-duty member chooses her mentor.“What makes this program so great, is we can give these women real, candid advice. We’re not going to filter our opinion or squeeze it through the lens of what the military answer should be.”The Calendar Community chose four nonprofit organizations to donate their 2024 proceeds to: Women Veterans of San Antonio, She’s the Veteran, Military Service Sisters, and the Women’s Memorial at6www.stoneoakhighlights.comNovember 2023