From the Editor

It sure doesn’t seem as if a year has passed since we elected Barack Obama president and the nation was in the grip of a growing recession. Sometimes the more things change the more they remain the same.

Things haven’t gotten as bad as many predicted and life in New York City continues at its frenetic speed. Yes, unemployment is setting devastating records and shelters are receiving more people with the colder weather. Still, there is plenty to be thankful for as we enter the holiday season.

I started to think of the many things I’m personally grateful for as I read Jenny Stamos Kovacs’ article on the benefits of saying thanks. She details how appreciating what you have and those around you, can make you healthier. You know, as I thought about all my blessings, I actually did start to feel better!

But then I began thinking of what we’re doing on Thanksgiving – all the cleaning and cooking. And my thoughts turned to my favorite part of the holiday – the turkey sandwich with lettuce, mayo and stuffing – I’d make the next day. Then it hit me, we’ll have so much left over as we always do. In these times I certainly don’t want to be wasteful. We’re sure you also want to be economical so we contacted our friends at the National Turkey Federation who gave us some tasty recipes to use up the bird once the guests have gone!

And despite harder economic times, resourceful New Yorkers are always coming up with clever ways to be creative. We found quite a few to focus on this month.

Writer Amy Langdorf met up with the Coen brothers who have a curious take on the world around them (and their own place in it). She talked to them about their new and some say most autobiographical movie, “A Serious Man.”

Meantime, our Managing Editor Jerry Tallmer talks to a “Funny Lady on a Funny Lady.” Reporters Lincoln Anderson and Rita Wu met up with the photographer of a unique compendium, “Front Door Book,” at his recent opening. And, writer Sarah Ferguson remembers the man dubbed “The Mayor of Tompkins Square Park.”

While sadly we see the passing of another New York City institution, Les Desirs Patisserie that brought together a community of senior citizens, another group celebrates becoming a golden oldie as the Cooper Square Committee marks 50 years of housing activism.

We at ThriveNYC gratefully wish you all a stuffed Happy Thanksgiving!

Janel Bladow

Editor