Saratoga News Letters Interfaith service is a Saratoga blessing There is a beautiful custom in Saratoga for people of all faiths to get together on Thanksgiving Day. This Thanksgiving Day service is held in different churches in this area. This year's interfaith service was held at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Saratoga Avenue. Several years ago, the Thanksgiving Day service was held at Congregation Beth David on Prospect Avenue. This was a new experience for me and for many of the worshipers that day. Christians and Jewish people and people of other faiths worshiping together. There we were, crammed into the synagogue side by side, standing room taken up also. And we were all there for the same purpose--just like the ancient folk song from the Netherlands says, "We gather together to ask the Lord's blessings ...." And, to give thanks for those blessings already received. After we had sat together, stood together, prayed together and sung together, there weren't too many dry eyes in the crowd. A rabbi from Los Angeles gave the message that day--an excellent one, touching our souls and making us smile, too. As always, the synagogue, following host-church practice, served coffee and goodies after the service. Giving thanks on this special day had brought the community together. How fortunate we are in this land called America--where we, as free people, can worship as we choose. How fortunate we are in Saratoga that our forbearers set up this beautiful custom on Thanksgiving Day! Ginny Johnson Glen Brae Drive N.D. sisters inform neighbors of plans In December of 1997, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur announced to our neighbors our difficult decision to sell our Bohlman Road property and consolidate our facilities. Let me review why we made this decision. Since our arrival in California in 1851, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur worked in the schools and parishes. The sale of our property for a fair price gives a firm foundation to the community mission of educational services to others, most especially the poor. It will also provide funds for the responsible care of our own frail and elderly sisters. Now let me clarify news that you have read or heard about in the Saratoga News. On Nov. 18, we have reached an agreement in principal with John M. Sobrato, a Saratoga resident, and entered into a purchase agreement with an extensive feasibility period. We are especially pleased to enter into an agreement with someone who has a personal interest in the land, since he and his wife plan to build their own home there. Mr. Sobrato will work to ensure that lot development is conducive to the Saratoga environment and reflective of the quality of the neighborhood. Residents will be able to provide their input throughout the process before the City of Saratoga Planning Commission and City Council. Should neighbors have other questions about the sisters' plans, please contact me at 741-0324. Sister Barbara Theilla, SND Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur California Province If you don't like trees, move out You've probably been inundated with letters regarding the eucalyptus tree issue at Saratoga Elementary. In any case, I'd like to add to the bunch. I'm not a fan of politics. As a matter of fact, I find that most of the items hotly debated in political circles are ludicrous and petty. Case in point, when utilities were put underground on Oak Street many years back, I attended a City Council meeting to address the issue of liability for the costs involved. Without going into a lot of detail, I was fighting the underground utility move since at the time, my neighbors and I were to foot part of the bill. A question posed by one of the councilmembers to me was: "Don't you find that the telephone poles represent a safety hazard?" This pathetic question sticks in my mind as the epitome of political discussion. The eucalyptus tree issue on the Saratoga School campus brings out a similar argument. The primary view of the folks who'd like to cut down these trees seems to be safety. When was the last time anyone was injured by one of these trees? Children in school are not out playing in the playground during windy rainstorms. A properly pruned eucalyptus should not pose any danger. My child will be attending this school in two years, and I'm not concerned for his safety. Bottom line is, cutting down any tree of substantial size should be a criminal offense. We protect oak trees this way. Why not extend the policy to include other varieties? An arborist I know recently told me that he likes trees more than most people. I'm beginning to understand his point. I say, if you don't like the trees, move to the desert. Bob Busse Saratoga Election was win-win, despite vote results I would like to thank the many friends who helped and supported me during my campaign for a seat on the Saratoga City Council. The outpouring of help and support was heartwarming. While, unfortunately, I did not gain a seat on the City Council, I made so many new friends and learned so much more about Saratoga and the kindness and giving of Saratogans that I can only call it a win-win situation, Many new doors have opened for me. I am looking forward to serving Saratoga in several non-elected areas. Erna Jackman Oak Street [ Back to Contents Page | Saratoga News Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Saratoga News, December 2, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.