Every November, folks reflect on the people and things in their lives for which they are thankful. This Thanksgiving season, we’re thinking specifically about the Milwaukee people and things for which we treasure and which have improved our lives.

Share yours using the Talkback feature below or via Facebook.

Dave Begel
Columnist
I'm thankful for a lot, but our vibrant performing arts scene that's much more diverse and plentiful than most other cities our size stands out. From the giants like the Milwaukee Rep, Milwaukee Symphony and First Stage to the tiny programs like Off The Wall Theatre, Present Music and Alchemist Theatre, Milwaukee has artists who are both accomplished and inventive. New forms get space and treatment in Milwaukee while a reverence for the classics remains a staple. It's a bountiful repast for anyone who loves the performing arts. 

Matt Mueller
Staff writer
So much comes to mind when asked what I'm thankful for: my loving family, my wonderful friends, miraculously having a job coming out of college doing my dream, my even more miraculous good health considering my daily diet of Doritos, Mountain Dew and Skittles. If I'm broadening this out to the entire city, however, I must say that, as an unrepentant movie junkie, I'm incredibly thankful for the Milwaukee Film Festival.

Of course the films are an important part of that; I wouldn't be surprised if my Top 10 list for 2014 is absolutely infested with festival picks. The bigger thing, however, is the experience of a city coming together from all over the place, discussing and uniting under cinema. Milwaukee may not have the film scene of a Chicago, New York, L.A. or even a Portland or Austin, but it's a scene that's growing, and it's a scene, judging by those two joyous weeks in September and October, that we can be proud of. 

Jim Owczarski
Sports editor
This one is pretty simple actually. My lovely wife Michelle has been here nearly a decade, and it's rare in the businesses of radio and journalism that you can live and work in the same city. We didn't for a long while. Which is also to say I'm thankful for OnMilwaukee.com, and the people involved, for bringing me to Milwaukee full-time three years ago this coming March and making me feel welcome and a part of the city. If I had to pick one "thing" about this town, though, I'm thankful that the powers that be decided to keep the shoreline building-free. My drive up and down the lake is one of the favorite parts of every day, and that space should be appreciated and treasured.

Jeff Sherman
President
It's too hard to come up with just a few things that I'm thankful for in Milwaukee. And, saying, "everything" is a cop out. But, to fine tune my thanks a bit I'll say I'm thankful for all the people who care, roll up their sleeves and dive in. Complaining without championing hasn't helped communities like Milwaukee and in the past several years we've seen so many people, community groups, corporations, politicians, organizations and others stand up, make stuff happen and force positive change. For those who believe in a greater Milwaukee, I'm truly thankful for you, your ideas and your hard work.

Molly Snyder
Senior writer
It seems like every day I hear or read about someone's lack of health. This has made me, at times, fearful, but mostly, grateful that my family and I are healthy (knocking on wood now.) I attribute some of this directly to Milwaukee, because although this city (like all cities) has a fair share of unhealthy practices, Milwaukeeans have access to clean water, dependable health care, nourishing food, plenty of green spaces and some of the friendliest, kindest people on the planet. Plus, you know what they say: a beer a day keeps the doctor away – and Milwaukeeans have access to plenty of that, too.

Bobby Tanzilo
Managing editor
As I look learn more and more about schools around the country, I’m more and more thankful for my kids’ MPS school, which earned an "exceeds expectations" on its state report card. It is a caring place where learning is happening all the time. It’s also a diverse community encompassing rich and poor and everything in between. When I see my kids’ school friends -- our soccer team this year looked like a United Nations team -- I see a microcosm of America. Consequently, it’s a place that not only teaches my kids math, reading, science and history, but a place that teaches my kids to be good people and to embrace the richness of our society.

Andy Tarnoff
Publisher
What am I thankful for about Milwaukee? Well, pretty much everything, but to get more specific ... I love the lake. I've never lived more than a few miles west of it, and now, I'm just a four blocks away. I love the grid system: after spending some time on the East Coast, I appreciate the planning that went into our city so getting around is just so easy. I love the Frank Lloyd Wright inspired architecture and the Milwaukee bungalows. I love the Brewers and the fans and tailgating. I love our summers and how residents come outside in shorts the moment the temperature hits 50 degrees. I love that you can drive 10 minutes north and see stars. I love Milwaukee's socialist roots that respect the rights of the blue-collar workers. I love the city's amazing restaurants and corner bars. I love the Domes and the Hoan Bridge and the Violent Femmes. Want me to keep going?

Colton Dunham
Staff writer
I have to admit: When I moved to Milwaukee in the fall of 2012, I was pretty nervous. I hail from a small town, a town which has a Walmart as its main attraction. The idea of living in a larger city was nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time. I'm still trying my best to experience all the great things that the city has to offer. I can say that I'm thankful that Milwaukee is so full of history and culture that I'm constantly learning and experiencing something new about the city that I've grown to love. Also, this year is my last as a student at UW-Milwaukee, and I'm also thankful for the education that I've received. If it wasn't for the classes I've taken, the people I've met and the unique opportunities that I've pursued, I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am now.