Beginning this week in the Saratoga News, Andrea Dorey will begin writing a monthly column about issues affecting older adults.

Dorey, 65, brings to the task more than 20 years of experience as a medical writer for such companies as Syntex Research and Matrix Pharmaceutical Inc.

She has a degree in creative writing with an emphasis in technical writing from San José State University and two lifetime teaching credentials. She is a licensed vocational nurse.

She has taught a number of adult education classes in nonfiction and fiction writing as well as writing television and film scripts.

She honed her special interest in senior issues through her involvement with AARP, serving for two years as a chapter president. Her column will appear in the first issue of every month.

Upon retirement, teacher offers a fond farewell

As time nears for my retirement, I wish to express my feelings about the 38 years that I have been in the Saratoga Union School District. It has been an incredible and exciting journey. Little did I know when I was hired in 1965 that it would go by so quickly and be so richly rewarding. I could not have hoped for a better place to spend my professional career.

To the school board and administration, I want to thank you for your support and for the opportunities you gave me to grow and branch out into new areas. Your encouragement, advice and friendship have been greatly appreciated.

To my friends and colleagues, you have been great. Our association and friendship have meant a lot to me. It has been fun working with you and knowing you. The opportunity to work with such skilled, talented, professional and caring people has greatly touched and enriched my life.

To the parents of the district, I have been overwhelmed by your dedication, support and friendship. Where we are today could not have happened without your help. It has been a privilege to work for and with you these last 38 years.

To my students, you have been a delight. I have loved my association with the young people of this community. It is wonderful to run into you or hear about you from time to time and to see what fine adults you have become and how successful you have been. Thank you for the memories.

—Milt Grover, District Technology Coordinator


Closing access to park is not a good choice

Almost by accident I learned of the imminent closure of the Knollwood Drive access to our newest city park, located on Goleta Avenue. This beautiful new park is enhanced by having access from several neighborhoods. However, Knollwood Drive does not seem to want to be one of them.

According to Cary Bloomquist, we will be treated to an interesting spectacle on July 14 of a grand park opening ceremony occurring simultaneously with the closure of one of its access points.

What is wrong with this picture? Let me tell you some of the ways. First of all, it will inconvenience park visitors who live to the north. Second, it will eliminate the safe passage now afforded pedestrians and cyclists who commute free of cars. Third, the on-again, off-again policy is confusing to park users and looks silly to disinterested bystanders. Fourth, abandonment of the entrance after construction expenditures is wasteful.

The city council should not close this entrance.

—Kenneth L. Johnson, Puente Court