Every November, I write about what I’m thankful for in Maricopa. This year, there’s plenty of gratitude to go around.

Let’s start with three artists from developing countries who now live and work here. They’re thankful to have turned their art into a livelihood and built a better life along the way.

After Maricopa police called on neighborhoods across the city to form Neighborhood Watch programs, Monica D. Spencer met with some of the city’s self-appointed watchmen. They’re thankful to have a neighbor keeping an eye out.

Monica also takes a ride on Maricopa Express Transit, chatting with regular riders and asking the same question you might: Who pays for this? Someone must — but its passengers are thankful for the $1 fare, which they call a “lifeline.”

Noah Charves, wearing his signature cowboy hat and mirrored sunglasses on this month’s cover, is thankful to be an Arizona state track-and-field champion and perhaps Maricopa’s most decorated high school athlete. Monica captures his portrait. Does she ever sleep?

Here’s another question: Were you around for our October 2023 magazine? I remember it well. We interviewed school administrators who were working to combat students using AI to cheat in the classroom. Now, those same districts are investing big in AI tools that teach students. Teachers are thankful for the help. Students are thankful for the technology. David Iversen tells that story.

David also reports on how schools are protecting athletes from concussions as the nationwide debate over CTE continues. You’ll find that piece in this month’s special section: the InMaricopa Health Guide, back for 2025 and looking better than ever. Don’t miss the cover story on our local hospital, which broke ground five years ago this month in November 2020.

As for me? I’m thankful to be celebrating a third Thanksgiving with InMaricopa, delivering the news to this great city I call home. I’ll see you all after Turkey Day when the December magazine hits the stands.