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National Arbor Day was founded by J. Sterling Morton in 1872 and is celebrated the last Friday in April. This year, it falls on April 30. The simple goal of the day is to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.

EDITOR,

“In every deliberation, we must consider the impact on the seventh generation.” — Great Law of the Iroquois

EDITOR,

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As I begin my fifth year writing this column, I’d like to thank my readers for the encouraging feedback I’ve received from so many of you.

EDITOR,

- Submit Datebook items to [email protected] or drop off press releases or photos at 5215 Scotts Valley Drive, Ste. F, Scotts Valley 95066. Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday. Entries are subject to editing, and publication is not guaranteed.

Letter: Firefighter’s tough choice in dog attack brings relief to neighbors

A Neighborhood’s DogA poem by Patty Morelli Miss Betty was once the new pup on the block.She’d sit on my porch where neighbor children would flock.“Can we play with Betty? Here, Betty, come!”Round dark eyes dancing, black fur, bright red tongue.School, winter, summer … time passing, half-flown.Warm days or wet days, they’d stop by my home.“We’re going for a walk, can Miss Betty go?”Then they’d leave with tail-wagging Betty in tow.Time passed, as soft-brown eyes watched from the gate,Old friends drove by, waving, late for a date.“Hey, Betty, good girl!” as they roared on their way.Miss Betty, head low, found a soft place to lay.Then one day, with time, there back came her old friends.With children of children to visit weekends.“Hey, kids. Meet Betty. Hey, girl, how’ve you been?”Tail wagging, tongue licking, oh! A puppy again!