Without tradition, we’d all be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.

Tradition is the bedrock of every culture and religion. Every year, we celebrate Christmas and America's Independence Day, not only during good times but even when faced with unprecedented internal and external challenges. The Thanksgiving tradition is a great opportunity to adopt an attitude of gratitude even when we struggle to find something for which to be thankful.

And so it is this year. Call it what you will – "A Hinge in History" or the classic "Fourth Turning." Inflation, continuing wars in Ukraine and Israel, antisemitism and the globalization of Antifata, Donald Trump’s historic re-election as the 47th President of the United States, and the chaos it may cause, are all troubling signs.

My credo is centered around adopting an attitude of gratitude - first for health, second for family, and then for everything else. I continually focus on the many things I am thankful for, including the privilege of living in the United States of America.

This year, I have a special reason to be thankful. After 45 years of continuous renovation and hard work to turn the dilapidated and abandoned Highland School building into the home of our City Club community, I am finally satisfied with the outcome and feel blessed to have my son Dustin fully in charge. Dustin has the grand vision, technological savvy, and financial resources to bring his global vision to fruition.

As I age, I find the importance of community near the top of my list. I feel blessed to have a network of family, close friends, and a wonderful group of wise colleagues to support me during these times of rapid change. But this year, more than ever, I want to thank you, our members, for your continued moral and financial support of City Club. It is with your support that we can sustain and further strengthen our community.

Happy Holidays to all,

— Sina.