Over the river and through the wood,
to Grandfather’s house we go;
the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
through the white and drifted snow
Over the river, and through the wood,
to Grandfather’s house away!
We would not stop for doll or top,
for ‘tis Thanksgiving Day.
As the chilly days of November settle in, the dry shriveled leaves blowing away on the wind, my mind turns to the opening stanzas of Lydia Maria Child’s poem, “The New-England Boy’s Song about Thanksgiving Day.”
Though I never lived in New England, the poem, set to music, is a song I learned as a schoolboy myself. It evokes all the memories and anticipation of the holiday season ushered in on Thanksgiving.
It was a time for family to gather – the kids shooed outside to play in the cold weather, usually under grey skies. When we were called into dinner – relegated to the “kids table” – there was no disappointment as my plate was filled with turkey and stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, that quintessential green bean casserole, and yams covered in browned marshmallow.
The point of the practice was to lead us to a different place in our thinking – away from self and to see the world from a different perspective. Expressing gratitude helps us do that. It also helps us place everything we experience in life into a broader context.
After everyone had a chance at second helpings of the food, but before we were released from the table to resume playing, everyone would be invited to share something they were thankful for.
The subjects shared ranged from sober to silly, from sentimental to profound. But the point of the practice was to lead us to a different place in our thinking – away from self and to see the world from a different perspective. Expressing gratitude helps us do that. It also helps us place everything we experience in life into a broader context.
This place allows us to see the needs of others, of those around us, and often motivates us to give to others of our time, talents and resources.
It is this “giving back” that is the heartbeat of AAPG and the AAPG Foundation.
For more than a century, AAPG members have been sharing their knowledge and expertise with each other, seeking to advance our science, to mentor the next generation and to assure the continuation of the profession of petroleum geology.
Similarly, the AAPG Foundation has spent the past more-than-50 years focused on strengthening the geosciences. Its mission is to “maintain and grow a permanent non-profit foundation supporting educational and scientific activities in the field of geology,” and accomplishes this mission by:
- Funding the development and deployment of educational materials and programs focused on K-12 education
- Supporting graduate research and undergraduate students and student organizations
- Deploying experienced professionals to share cutting-edge science as well as mentor a new generation of geoscience professionals
- Working with like-minded organizations to fund programs, such as Geoscientists Without Borders
- Recognizing excellence in teaching and educating
The Foundation has been able to provide these benefits, thanks to generous contributions of AAPG members and others who value the support they’ve received in their careers, recognize the value of the geosciences to society and want to see our science and profession continue its beneficial contribution to society.
Leading the Foundation
Its leadership, the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, includes:
- Jim McGhay, Chair
- Larry Jones, Vice-chair
- Valary Schulz, Treasurer
- Mike Wisda, Secretary
- Scott Cameron, Trustee
- Mike Party, Trustee
This group of leaders are working with our staff team to review all of the Foundation’s current programs and evaluate potential new programs to accelerate our progress toward our goals. We expect 2023 to be an exciting year for the AAPG-F.
One specific focus is to grow the roster of the AAPG Foundation Trustee Associates. This dedicated community of Foundation supporters gathers annually – as this issue of EXPLORER hits your mailbox they are wrapping up their meeting in Park City, Utah – to learn about the latest initiatives of the Foundation, provide feedback to our Trustees, and enjoy each other’s company in a spectacular location.
For a limited time, you can join the ranks of the Trustee Associates by making a pledge of $10,000, payable over 10 years. If you have questions or would like more information on becoming a Trustee Associate, please contact Diane Keim ([email protected]).
As you sit down to your Thanksgiving meal, as you reflect on all that you are thankful for, please consider making a gift to the AAPG Foundation.
Over the river and through the wood,
when grandmother sees us come;
she will say, oh dear, the children are here,
bring a pie for every one.
Over the river, and through the wood,
now grandmother’s cap I spy!
Hurra for the fun! Is the pudding done?
Hurra for the pumpkin pie!