Precious life
Editor: Dear St. John the Baptist Parish and Healdsburg community: A week and a half ago we learned that life can change in an instant, not only for a small 4-year-old girl but for her family and for us.
First, I offer my sympathy and prayers to the child’s mother, her siblings and their father.
I am moved to express to all what our pastor, Father Sean Rogers, expressed in his Sunday homily that we are a people of faith. It is our faith in God that supports us, strengthens us and comforts us. We, our parish church and community, have been wounded and will go through a period of healing. In spite of our hurt, the communities of Healdsburg, Geyserville and Windsor have risen to give support to the cares and needs of the family through generous contributions, in kind and financially.
It probably goes without saying that we never thought something like this could happen in Healdsburg. Well, it did.
I have heard a lot of speculation about the baptismal font. To me, baptism is one of the foundations of our faith. It is through the sacrament of baptism that we are welcomed into the Catholic Church and faith. Water is the source of life and of new life. No one knows better than we who live here that water gives life to our community in the vineyards, the gardens and the Russian River.
I am focusing on the baptismal font from the standpoint of the beautiful memories created there. Our own grandson was baptized there in the recent past. I will not let my imagination be the playground for the Devil and evil thoughts and speculations for what happened to Maria. We may never know or perhaps, do we really want to know?
I offer prayers for all now and in the future. The expression “life goes on” has two meanings for me. Yes, we have to continue our lives, but with reflection and hopefully a resolve to make changes for the better, but secondly, as our faith tells us, life goes on in the afterlife, and so little Maria lives on; her life is not gone, only changed.
Keep praying; prayer changes things and prayer works. God bless her and all of us.
Sharon Lee Cowley, Healdsburg
Sacred ground
Editor: I agree with Terry Rochioli’s comments about “window shopping on opening night” to see the new restaurant in town. I asked the owner (manager?) recently if they were planning an open house for locals saying that we considered that spot in town kind of “sacred ground.”
When it was our post office we would inevitably see our neighbors and friends running in and out or spend time with them chatting in a line. It was a friendly community space and although we fought the good fight to save it from being moved, the contrast of this restaurant to what we had there is especially painful. We believed a family type of restaurant was being planned and then found that changed to one we will most likely never visit.
And almost three years of walking around a noisy construction site hasn’t improved our mood. I truly believe an open house for locals would benefit both the restaurant and the locals. We’re just curious to see the new kid on the block and what a special block it was to us.
Marian Murphy, Healdsburg
Knock off boorishness
Editor: What’s up with the negativity towards the new Single Thread restaurant (let’s stand outside the windows and stare at the beautiful people letter in last week’s Trib).
What an ugly comment, small minded and just plain weird. This is not the first time we have read outraged commentary about their prices. I don’t recall indignation about Cyrus, which according to the Press Democrat could run $800 per couple. Are these folks enraged that it will cost as much or more to attend a Warriors or 49er game, a concert or opera in the city? Or do those types of evenings out get a pass? Are they offended that some wine costs over $100 a bottle but only $3 at Trader Joe’s?
Should we limit businesses to those that are deemed necessary and appoint a committee to regulate prices? Last time I checked, in America, those willing to risk their money, blood, sweat and tears get to write the business plan. And guess what? If you don’t want to spend an incredible evening with Single Thread, no one is forcing you.
After successful careers around the globe, the owners of Single Thread chose Healdsburg for their new home and first personal venture; a farm to table restaurant and inn that provides world class hospitality. They have already jumped into the community, supporting local businesses, farmers, the food pantry and donating their skills to local nonprofit fund raising. They have assembled an amazing young staff, providing well paying jobs and adding kids to our school system.
Why don’t you join me in welcoming them to town, wishing them good luck, and knock off the boorishness? It reflects poorly on our town.
Alan Cohen, Healdsburg
Something for everyone
Editor: In reference to the 11/24 “Window Shopping” letter – let’s just appreciate all the different dining experiences Healdsburg has to offer. There is truly something for everyone, and if one type of dining experience isn’t something you would choose, it’s not necessary to put down those who do chose it. Cheers to our local chefs and restaurateurs for their creativity and the many ways they support our community.
Theresa Rochioli, Healdsburg
‘Field of Blue’
Editor: As a World War II U.S. Navy veteran, I wish to thank Marie Butler for her article on page 5 of the community section on Nov. 17 regarding the “little boy with a flag” statue. My wife Evalee and I dedicated the statue on Dec. 7, 1997 to the city of Healdsburg in memory of the 34 men from Healdsburg who gave their all during WWII.
The true name of the “little boy with a flag” is “Field of Blue.” That may sound like a strange name to many, so please allow me to explain its meaning. The flag has been folded 13 times – just as it is before being presented to the families of deceased veterans, law enforcement, fire department personnel, and any others who have served their country – and on the 13th fold you will see the flags “field of blue.”
After the flag is presented to the deceased’s family, there is a 21-gun salute (21 is the total sum of the numbers in the year 1776) and taps is played. Regarding the wreath, after the dedication in 1997 my wife and I deposited funds with the city of Healdsburg to ensure that a wreath is placed at the statue on Dec. 7, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day, indefinitely. We also have a wreath placed at the 9/11 memorial in Healdsburg annually.
In closing, I knew nearly all of the 34 men, and included amongst them are my brother Herman Vellutini and my first cousin Ray Vellutini. It seems like just yesterday we were all playing together in the Plaza. I often wish that someone would take up the task of contacting family members of WWII veterans from Healdsburg who served from 1941-1945 to allow them to tell the story of their loved ones who served in WWII, and of those who lost their lives serving our country. Thank you again, Marie. I hope to see you at the Plaza on Dec. 7.
Fred G. Vellutini, Santa Cruz (hometown: Healdsburg)
