The Thanksgiving season is upon us. During this time, we reflect on what we are grateful for. For many, it’s a season of abundance. But, for others it only highlights loneliness, health, financial and other hardships in their lives.

Several Marquette County businesses are working to brighten the lives of everyone in the community, by bringing people together on Thanksgiving.

Smarty’s Friends Helping Friends Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Ishpeming Elks Lodge is a great example of a local business coming together with a non-profit.

In the past they have fed and brought together hundreds of people to break bread on Thanksgiving, this year should be no different.

Last year volunteers prepared 200 pounds of turkey, 100 pounds of real potatoes and all the fixings.

The key to this event, and events like this, is the invitation includes everyone.

According to the flier advertising the dinner, the free meel is provided by the community and is open to everyone.

It is the brainchild of Scott “Smarty” Soeltner, the owner of Smarty’s Saloon in Negaunee. Soeltner partnered with local businesses, the Elks, and, of course , his many friends to get this done.

Another great example of community outreach is Shannon’s Home Cooking in Gwinn.

Although the restaurant is now closed to the public, business owner Shannon Greathouse is still dedicated to putting on a free Thanksgiving dinner for the community.

“It’s our fourth community dinner and we will not hold back.” Greathouse said in a Facebook post earlier this month.

Soeltner and Greathouse are just two examples of how the people in Upper Peninsula communities come together and to help everyone in them.

They have proven themselves to be individuals who are committed to the growth of good things in our little Upper Peninsula towns. We would count gratitude as one of those good things.

We know that these two community dinners are just the tip of the iceberg, that many Upper Peninsula businesses, organizations and even households are coming together on the Thanksgiving holiday.

And in true ‘Yooper’ fashion, they will dismiss any recognition by saying ‘it’s the right thing to do.’

Shannon’s Home Cooking will be serving meals from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. they ask that you call 906-346-2365 or send them a message on their Facebook page to reserve a meal for pick-up or delivery.

Smarty’s dinner will be served at the Ishpeming Elks from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations are encouraged. Call 906-486-6890 between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday or leave a message any time at 906-451-4951. Take out and free delivery are also available in the western Marquette County area.

To paraphrase Deepak Chopra, gratitude opens doors. For Scott Soeltner and Shannon Greathouse, and all others who show their own gratitude by helping the community, we salute you, and we thank you for opening those doors.