Thanksgiving is here. Next it will be Christmas and then 2010 will be history.

At all levels – from families to local businesses to City Hall – we’ve all felt the effects of the recession this year. Beyond economics, there was a natural disaster far away in Haiti but felt locally in Somerville and tragic incidents in the city where people lost their lives.

There is still much to be thankful for, however. A robust economic recovery might not be in the cards this year but money isn’t everything.

If city leaders can rebuild the East Somerville Community School, at least one symbol of community will return to this city.