By Khalida Sarwari
It’s February, and that means Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. So it’s time to channel your inner Shakespeare and take another crack at penning a sonnet to that gal or guy you’ve had your eye on, or maybe find inspiration in the new Justin Bieber song.
Whatever works for you, the Saratoga Village Development Council wants to hear it–or rather, see it–in the form of a note that will be posted on windows throughout the Village.
As in years past, the SVDC is collecting “love notes,” handwritten letters addressed to any person or object of the writer’s affection, to post on the windows of Village businesses in commemoration of Valentine’s Day.
SVDC chairwoman Jill Hunter encouraged young and old residents alike to spend some time writing a note or two “to show the world how special a community we are.”
“Tell your grandchildren how much you care, then bring them down to the Village and look for their love note,” said Hunter. “Children, write a note to your parents telling them how much you care. Write a love note to your dog. If you love your Village, say how special it is.”
The group collects hundreds of letters every year, many of them from local schoolchildren. This year, students from Saratoga Presbyterian Preschool and St. Andrews Episcopal School participated in the effort.
The SVDC launched the project eight years ago as a way to honor Susie Nagpal, a councilwoman and a friend of Hunter’s who died of lung cancer in May 2010. It has since transformed into an activity that aims to increase foot traffic in the Village and highlight the city’s romantic vibe on the special day of love.
The collection period will run through Feb. 14 and the notes will be posted on the windows of Village businesses, with the exception of restaurants, through Feb. 15.
Beginning Jan. 31, notes can be dropped off at any business on Big Basin Way. They must be flat and no bigger than 8.5 by 11 inches. After Feb. 15, the businesses will retain the notes until Feb. 21 for pick-up.
For more information about the Saratoga Village Development Council, visitsaratogavillage.info.
