By R.V. Baugus
For many venue managers there is work to be done, even on Thanksgiving. Many open their venues to serve meals to the neighborhood needy.
The George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston is preparing for the 41st Annual Houston Super Feast where more than 100,000 of Houston’s hungry will be served, including plates of food for more than 25,000 families, veterans, and senior citizens on Thanksgiving Day.
Once inside the convention center, thousands are served with not only traditional hot nutritious meals, but also employment opportunities, clothing, household items, shoes, blankets, coats, jackets, flu shots, medical examinations, food baskets, and more.
Stories like this abound all over the country at a time when people not only help people less fortunate, but we 
as individuals count our own blessings.
To that end, I offer my thanks for:
My faith.
My family of wife Charlotte, step-children Brent and Charla, and step-grandchildren Maddie, Austin, Bailee, AJ, and Max.
My wife, Tanya, deceased here but enjoying the fruits and rewards of heaven.
My health.
The men and women in our military services who protect our freedoms in this great country.
IAVM colleagues I am privileged to work with.
IAVM members I so admire for their dedication and friendship.
Fall weather.
Thanksgiving meal tradition of buttered brown-and-serve rolls, fruit salad, and chocolate pie.
Football.
Traditions.
The Nutcracker.
Leading a Grief Share class for the bereaved.
Serving as senior editor of Facility Manager.
Taco Casa.
Getting to participate in that Texas religion by announcing high school football games.
The Eyes of Texas.
VenueConnect and reacquainting with old friends as well as meeting new friends.
Brad Mayne’s dedicated leadership of staff and passion for his beloved industry.
The younger ones on staff and in the industry, who force this geezer to stay relevant. OK, boomer!
My sweet poodle dogs, Trudy and Tia.
Luka magic.
Whataburger.
So many wonderful IAVM members who eagerly sign up to write for our magazine, rather, your magazine.
The great things that I know will happen in 2020, and that is with 2020 foresight.
Getting in a car and driving around this big old state.
Seeing all people equally.
May you find your own list to be lengthy as you contemplate the season!
