Letters to the editor from Nov. 22

<p>Thankful for Petaluma</p><p>EDITOR: I am thankful to live in Petaluma! I've lived in various cities and states throughout my life and feel so blessed that providence brought me to Petaluma and back again. I spent my last couple years of high school here and moved the moment I graduated as “I couldn't wait to get out of this hick town.” </p><p>That was my view as a 17-year-old who moved 10 times over a ten year period after that, but the moment I had my first child I couldn't wait to get back to this “hick town”! I wanted to raise my children in a town where people actually attended town hall meetings — where people knew each other as they passed on the sidewalks or in the grocery stores. </p><p>What I learned is this is definitely no “hick town” and instead is a true community made up of people from all walks of life. The one commonality I find amongst most everyone is a true “connection” and caring for others. Just look at the plethora of amazing non-profits that are geared to assisting Petalumans…COTS, the Petaluma Salvation Army, Mentor Me, PPSC, Ladybug Connections, Carousel Fund, and more. When these organizations reach out to our community, our community responds with donations of money, food, clothing, and time — that is very special.</p><p>But it's not just about charity; there is a sense of support for local businesses as well. People really do buy from our great stores in Petaluma and dine at our wonderful restaurants. </p><p>Not only that, but I've found people here to be so supportive of each other in other sorts of businesses as well, whether it be through the many networking gatherings, free business educational programs, etc. I can't think of a place where a start-up would feel more supported than in Petaluma. We seem to embrace entrepreneurship, creativity and passion and I find that very inspiring.</p><p>I am thankful for many things…my family, my friends, my health, and all of it I feel blessed to experience here in Petaluma.</p><p>Anastasia Schuster, Petaluma</p><p>Giving thanks</p><p>EDITOR: It's difficult in this world to think about what we have to be thankful for. I can think of a million things that are wrong but what's the use of dwelling on those things. We must look at the things we can be thankful for: The glorious sunsets displayed for all peoples everywhere, a gift from the universe that doesn't discriminate; animals that love us no matter what we look like.</p><p> I'm thankful that I have my creative side that keeps me busy and happy. Everyone should be thankful they have something they love to do and do it, regardless if it brings in money or not.</p><p> I am thankful that birds have songs to sing. I am thankful for shooting stars and the night sky. I am thankful for people with enthusiasm and Christmas lights that somehow bring me hope. I am thankful for friends who overlook my many flaws and love me just the way I am. I am thankful that when I turn the faucet on, there is water. Many people in this world do not have that advantage.</p><p> I am thankful when my children are happy and healthy. I am thankful that I am still alive to see my grandchildren. I am thankful for children who play and giggle at random and as a 5 year old once said, “I skip because nobody can be mad when they skip.” I am thankful for skipping.</p><p> Be thankful for the little things in life and love them. The world would be a better place if we counted all the blessings we do have and are thankful for them. Peace be with you and yours this lovely Thanksgiving Day. Peace be in your heart. Play it forward and be thankful.</p><p> Becky Winslow, Petaluma</p><p>Food for thought</p><p>EDITOR: With his recent re-election, President Obama has won the power to pardon more turkeys on Thanksgiving. But so does every one of us, by choosing a nonviolent Thanksgiving observance that gives thanks for our good fortune, health, and happiness with a life-affirming, cruelty-free feast of vegetables, fruits, and grains.</p><p>And here are more terrific reasons: You will stay alert through the entire football game. You are what you eat. Who wants to be a “butterball”? </p><p>Your vegetarian kid won't have to boycott the family dinner. You won't have to call Poultry Hotline to keep your family alive. Fruits and vegetables don't have to carry government warning labels. You won't sweat the environment and food resources devastation guilt trip. You won't spend a sleepless night wondering how the turkey lived and died. Your body will welcome a holiday from saturated fat, cholesterol, and hormones.</p><p>Our own dinner this Thanksgiving will feature a “Tofurky,” lentil roast, mashed potatoes, corn stuffing, stuffed squash, candied yams, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. An internet search on “vegetarian Thanksgiving” got us more recipes and other useful information than we could possibly use.</p><p>Pedro Muniz, Petaluma</p><p>New Eagle Scouts </p><p>EDITOR: The Redwood Empire Council, Boy Scouts of America, is welcoming its newest Eagle Scouts, brothers Steven Moore and Andrew Moore of Petaluma. Steven and Andrew will receive their rank of Eagle at a Court of Honor on Dec. 2. They join the ranks of more than 1.9 million scouts who have earned this distinction, where only 5 percent of scouts achieve this goal. They also join their father and two uncles in the rank. </p><p>Boy Scout Troop 2 is sponsored by the Elks #901 of Petaluma. Both Steven and Andrew started scouting when they were first graders and enrolled as a Tiger Cubs with Pack 84 in Petaluma. Through many years of scouting, they have participated in as many activities as they could, from attending every pinewood derby to spending the night on the USS Hornet in Alameda.</p><p>For Steven's Eagle project, he consulted with Marin County Parks and recreation to decide on a project at Stafford lake. The project was to install one of the 18 Disc golf cement pads needed at the beginning of each hole. </p><p>He and his crew then worked the number 14 tee by digging a level pad area, setting up cement borders with rebar, and pouring cement to create the pad.</p><p>For Andrew's project, he consulted with Petaluma Bounty and decided to assemble and deliver two, eight-foot redwood picnic tables to Sunrise community garden. He and his crew raised money by going door to door. The community responded so well that they raised $300 within 2 hours! They purchased the items with a special scouts discount from Lowes, then assembled the picnic tables and delivered them to the community garden. Andrew would like to thank Jamie Lindberg, his scoutmaster, for his assistance.</p><p>During their scouting years, Steven and Andrew have attended summer camps from Oregon to Catalina Island. They have supported the community since 1999, from the Petaluma-wide Scouting for Food drive to serving coffee and bussing tables at the Elks Mothers Day Brunch.</p><p>For more information on scouting, please contact the Redwood Empire Council, Boy Scouts of America, 1000 Apollo Way Santa Rosa, CA 95407 </p><p>Greg Moore, Petaluma</p><p>Original Thanksgiving</p><p>EDITOR: In 1621, 391 years ago at a place called Plymouth, America's first foreigners and Narragansetts, Pequots, or Wampanoag Natives sat down around a long “picnic” table to give thanks to the locals and God for their survival through the last winter. </p><p>Their leader, Captain Half Mile Outlandish, started the proceedings. Neither side understood the other. Sign language was used. With a flourish of his hands and arms, he waved in an encompassing horizontal gesture. He said, “Eventually we will chase you off this land and put you on a reservation.” The natives thought he was thanking the land and its bounty. </p><p>Then the natives' leader spoke, and as he spoke he elevated his arm and in a pumping motion, said, “Many moons from now and on our sovereign lands, we will build casinos with many slot machines and take the white man's money.”</p><p>Fred Burger, Sonoma</p>