GRATEFUL LEADERS GIVE THANKS FOR COMMUNITY SPIRIT.

Byline: KAREN THACKER Community Columnist

Thanksgiving is of course an ideal time to reflect on those things that have blessed our lives and the lives of those around us.

Here are a few thoughts from Antelope Valley civic, business and religious leaders asked what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving season.

``I'm thankful there's a strong sense of community here in the Antelope Valley where you can feel the daily events and have an impact on the future of the community. Personally speaking, I'm thankful my wife and I had twin children this past May. It's been an incredible experience.''

- David Alterman, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce chairman of the board and Antelope Valley Bank vice president

``For my family, for my job, which is a great blessing that I can give back to the community I grew up in, and for my friends.''

- Steve Baker, Grace Resource Center executive director

``I think the No. 1 thing I'm thankful for - even though it doesn't seem we have it - we do have stability in the world . . . a time without war and bloodshed. For the local region I'm thankful for the quality-of-life issues, what I believe is from a great region of progressively thinking group of leaders. We have the kind of churchgoing people and type of religious attentiveness that means a high quality of life.''

- Frank Roberts, Lancaster mayor

``I'm thankful that the Wye Plantation accord seems to have brought the peace process in the Middle East back on track. More locally, I'm thankful for the feeling of community here in the Antelope Valley.''

- Rabbi Alan Henkin, Beth Knesset Bamidbar

``God's constant unchanging love for us.''

- The Rev. Ken Heflin, Lancaster United Methodist Church interim pastor

``First of all, I'm thankful for the word of God, loving parishioners in my parish . . . for the cooperation the people have given me.''

- The Rev. Ernest Candelaria, Father Serra Parish pastor

``Personally, I'm thankful for the things most people are thankful for - having a good community to live in, home and family. With the shelter, I'm thankful for all the people who make it possible - people cooking meals, the staff, the volunteers working long hours without pay.''

- Marc Moise, Lancaster Community Homeless Shelter Board of Supporters president.

``At a national-political level I appreciate the freedoms we enjoy in this country . . . the religious liberty. As a Christian, I'm thankful for the season - to rejoice in the Christian message of personal hope and peace that comes from Christ. That's an everyday reason to give thanks.''

- Mel Kleven, Lancaster School District board president

``I'm thankful for the support from the community with the work we do with the children in the valley.''

- Elizabeth Stapleton, Children's Bureau of Southern California community services director

``I am thankful that God's grace is sufficient enough to get me through another year.''

- Capt. San Luschenat, Salvation Army in Lancaster