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Market Place
Things to be thankful for during times of war, fear
By Michelle C. Crowe
As Thanksgiving arrives and "wars and rumors of war" still surround us, it's wise to recognize that past holidays were often fraught with similarly explosive situations. While most Campbell schoolchildren know that the Pilgrims celebrated the first American Thanksgiving, and President Abraham Lincoln made it a national holiday in 1863 during the Civil War, it was a tireless campaign from 1846 through 1863 by Godey's Ladies Book editor Sarah Josepha Hale who helped motivate Lincoln to make the historic holiday an official one.
Similarly, Campbell's own Jan Pitcher lobbied the Pruneyard Shopping Center to reinstall the beloved "Peace on Earth" signs atop Pruneyard Tower I. Fortunately The Pruneyard's owner, Equity Office Properties, and the firm's general manager, Jill Collins, were more responsive--it didn't take 17 years to get the job done. After the lighting ceremony Nov. 20, Bay Area commuters now once again see a beacon of hope in Campbell's night sky.
Marsha Smith, general manager of Mio Vicino and president of the Downtown Campbell Business Association, is encouraging business owners throughout downtown to demonstrate their shared spirit of unity by stringing lights, preferably white, in their windows in preparation for the annual Carol of Lights and Tree-Lighting Dec. 1.
Volunteers are also sought to rehang the tree lights along Campbell Avenue that were removed during this summer's energy crisis. "We'll be restringing them at the major intersections first and work inward," Smith says. She directs interested participants to contact Dana Smith at The Stone Griffin, 408.374.5210.
"This year the Kiwanis Club will be selling hot dogs instead of us, and it looks like the DCBA will be selling popcorn, pretzels and bottled water," Smith says. The Home Church Children's Choir and other local talent will be performing streetside throughout the event.
The Carol of Lights is a great way to start off the holiday season and support local business, so caravan with friends and park at the Campbell Community Center at 1 W. Campbell Ave. for the tree-lighting ceremony on the lawn, then enjoy an old-fashioned stroll along pedestrian-friendly Campbell Avenue. Plan to bring a wish list, purchase snacks from the street vendors (remember, it's for a good cause), shop at new (and old favorite) merchants and dine out.
Got a local business news tip? We'd love to hear it. Call us at 408.364.2640 ext.200, or email us at campbellreporter@svcn.com.
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Campbell, California
