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Faith

Senior Citizens Protest After Apartment Manager Bans Christmas Trees: ‘Where’s Our Freedom?’

Dec. 6, 2012 11:15am

Residents at The Willows, a senior adult apartment complex in Newhall, California, are outraged after management banned the presence of Christmas trees and menorahs from communal areas within the building.

A memorandum was issued to residents by B Partners Group, demanding that the Christmas tree already present in one of the shared spaces be removed, as it is considered a religious symbol. Rather than backing down and complying, two dozen residents responded with a protest rally (featuring coffee and doughnuts). The group placed a sign on the tree that reads, “Please Save Our Tree.”

“We’re all angry. We want that tree,” Fern Sheel, a resident at The Willows, told the Los Angeles Daily News. “Where’s our freedom? This is ridiculous.”

Senior Citizens Protest After Apartment Manager Bans Christmas Trees: Wheres Our Freedom?

Photo Credit: Andy Holzman/Daily News Staff Photographer

“We could put out Easter baskets, have turkey for Thanksgiving but no tree for Christmas because it has Christ’s name in the beginning of Christmas,” added Edna Johnson, another outraged resident.

Another resident, Max Greenis, is so frustrated that he’s considering witholding his rent.

“I’ve got grandkids and they come here and now they’ll ask, ‘Grandpa, where’s the Christmas tree?,’” he told the Daily News. “Then I’ll have to explain that someone said we couldn’t have one. What kind of message is that sending to the kids?”

This is the first time that the company, which has owned the building for four years, has issued such a directive. So far, B Partners Group has not responded to the furor.

(H/T: Todd Starns’ Fox News)

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Comments (125)

1 2 3
  • Thornyrose13
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:57am

    This is a private company passing this “order”. Which I think is a stupid one. I hope the residents show this company the error if its ways, and that anyone on a waiting list to get into one of their facilities withdraws their names. As an atheist, i think there is a form of insanity starting to spread through people. Are people truly that frightened that they ban such things? Are we so far gone we cannot rationally and politely discuss and argue out these issues?

    Report this comment

    Thornyrose13  
    • CABERNETQHS
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 12:31pm

      These folks’ families need to get them out of there fast. If this company is that heartless, I wouldn’t have them caring for my worst enemies dog. The tree is probably a source of comfort to these elderly people unable to do anything like this themselves. I have worked in retirement homes in the past. This form of socializing with others is invaluable to the residents. Shame on these scrooges!

      Report this comment

      CABERNETQHS  
    • seek.the.truth
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 12:51pm

      Thank you Randy

      Report this comment

      seek.the.truth  
    • paperpushermj
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 1:01pm

      Yes

      Report this comment

      paperpushermj  
    • jmjone
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:04pm

      Thanks for such a thoughtful and concise summary of what a growing portion of our population is becoming. The self absorbed streak is just staggering. The lack of tolerance is glaring. It does nothing but devalue the “good will for all” philosophy that the whole Season aims to bring to this stinking world. To actually put in motion a belief system that “if there is a celebration that “I” don’t agree with, then dammit, I’ll take action to shut the whole thing down.” These people do nothing but
      make others who know of them what to shun and despise THEIR existence, including the “go along” spineless drones that buy into the nonsense. We MUST fight back. God Bless these informed & take-charge senior residents.

      Report this comment

      jmjone  
    • frust@ted
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:08pm

      This is just amazing, where is the tolerance and acceptance of cultures that are different than yours! If this was the same establishment banning a muslim from praying to mecca, you would have people screaming bigotry.

      This isn’t about christmas at all, this is abour a person whose is full of hate and wants to take away joy from someone else.

      Report this comment

      frust@ted  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 4:29pm

      I guess I didn’t get the memo. When did Christmas trees become “religious”? A manger scene is a religious symbol. A Christmas tree is a holiday symbol.

      Report this comment

      Taquoshi  
    • TEXASGRANNY73
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 4:46pm

      After trying the contact page JBPartnersGroup find the page (there are two) both temporarily unavailable. Not only is this story pathetic in the USA and nothing but ridiculous management it is an attack against freedom as the seniors suggest. No doubt about it the seniors do represent a time in our country when they and their mates who may have fought for these freedoms are used as a target because of vast disrespect of seniors. Nancy Pelosi disrespected seniors in her stuffing a turkey obamacare down our throats regardless of our sentiments. But I digress. Bet those temporarily unavailable sites got to be down for a reason.

      Report this comment

      TEXASGRANNY73  
  • tbo
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:55am

    I’m sorry. Take a look at the typical ornament that decorates the tree today. We have ornaments that NASCAR, Sports Teams, Santa Clause, Reindeer, Snoopy, Cartoon Characters, Obama mug, Teddy bears, The Simpson, best teacher ever, new house with the year you moved in and all other permutations in-between. You might even find an angle or baby Jesus on the tree.

    I have purchased a Hallmark Christmas ornament with the year on it every year for the past 33 years. I started with buying something that had to do with Christ and the meaning of Christmas, but they have been replaced with the stuff noted above. It is getting harder and harder to find any ornament that has a Christian meaning. Even the angle on top is hard to find anymore. So Christmas has already been eviscerated. The tree is what every you want it to be. Let the athiest put their tribute to whatever they want on the tree. I dont think Jesus would mind if the sinners hang out with the saint. Maybe some good cheer will rub off on them.

    Report this comment

    tbo  
  • DZ-015
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:53am

    The senior living facility business is highly competitive. The residents can perhaps find a nearby facility that will welcome their wishes to have Christmas trees in common areas. Who knows, the rent may be less than they are in The Willows at Grinch Manor.

    Report this comment

    DZ-015  
    • toto
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 6:21pm

      Time for the elders to withhold their rent and shut down this facility until they become “more sensitive” to the wishes of those living there. Perhaps send the owner to a re education camp for about 6 years. Time for Christians, atheists and independents to stand up to these heartless people that apparently have no more than 2 defective brain cells to rub together.

      Report this comment

      toto  
  • EdHampshire
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:53am

    Maybe a picture of Obama with lights where his teeth would be is a decent trade.

    Election results look like this town is an Obama Village.

    Tough luck.

    Report this comment

    EdHampshire  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 4:37pm

      What???!!!! You don’t like the picture of B.O. with a halo, or the painting where he is shown wearing a crown of thorns and holding his arms out as if he was crucified?

      Report this comment

      Taquoshi  
  • Nevermind
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:50am

    FaithfulFriend

    Treat your thoughts and opinions like you treat religion and you’ve got a deal.
    *********

    Do you have issue with my use of the 1st amendment to the constitution? I do have freedom of speech and can say whatever i like, you dont like it dont read it.

    Report this comment

    Nevermind  
  • Dkoonz
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:47am

    Oh you are a mean one Mr. Obama Grinch.

    Report this comment

    Dkoonz  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:46am

    How fast can you pack?

    I’d be so gone, and so would my money. PEOPLE, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO LEAVE. Do it while you can!!!

    Let the bummer pick up the tab of running the place for his payback. Maybe the BIG, FAT, UGLY, ARROGANT city councilwoman in detroit would like to live there, hmmmm?

    Report this comment

    kickagrandma  
  • Zeke48
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:42am

    Nobody can tell you that you can’t have a Christmas Tree. It’s your house and after you get the keys to live there, it’s considered your rental. Another words, it’s yours, and you have thE right of privacy to do what ever is legal. Don’t let this fool scare you. celebrate the birth of Christ and don’t be worried to do so. the law is on your side. The owner can go pound sand. Merry Christmas, and God Bless your house.

    Report this comment

    Zeke48  
    • jhrusky
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:28pm

      No, it’s not their house. This is a community room so not a private residence.

      Now, before you go berserk, I am not agreeing with the management of this facility … only pointing out the error in your statement.

      What people seem to not be getting here is that a Christmas tree is NOT a religious symbol… it’s pagan.

      Report this comment

      jhrusky  
  • Nevermind
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:39am

    So then can the common area be used for month of ramaddan and have islamic symbols in the common area the whole month? I am sure you all would be fine with that right?

    Report this comment

    Nevermind  
    • AmericanStrega
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:47am

      Not me Friend.

      Report this comment

      AmericanStrega  
    • TAKING OUR GOV. BACK
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 12:59pm

      I would not like it, but if there are other residents there that wish to decorate for their respected holidays then yes it would need to be permitted under the same right of freedom of religion in a common area. The point is that this is not an owner decision, it is a rented building, even the common areas are for those who pay rent. It is their right as they are paying for care taking services, not lifestyle services. To do so would hinder their right of religious freedom. Under most rental laws this would be assessed as right to the tenant(s). If there is conflict over the use of the area, we are democratic in nature, take a vote by those renting the facility. If you don’t like the way it turns out then leave. If it is a cost decision by the owner because they have been flipping the bill, allow the tenants the option to pay for the added decorations and their installation and removal. Simple really

      Report this comment

      TAKING OUR GOV. BACK  
    • pudssweetie
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 1:45pm

      Yes, it is called TOLERANCE, something you know nothing about. We all need to be TOLERANT of other peoples faiths and give them respect, even if we do not agree with them. I am so tired of little pip squeaks like you who pound their fists and chests yelling about their 1st amendment rights all the while stomping on others. What I find so funny, is the fact that many Atheist, who do not believe in God or the Bible, still put up a Christmas Tree, decorate the outside of their house and Celebrate Christmas with their Families, yet yell and scream about others doing the very same thing. Talk about being a Hypocrite. If you do not like listening to people talking about God or the bible, then don’t listen. If you do not want to see public displays of Christmas Tree’s or any other Christian Symbols, then don’t look at them and just ignore it. There are more Christians in this Country than there are of Atheist, so DON’T TREAD ON MY CHRISTMAS TREE!

      Report this comment

      pudssweetie  
    • whatthecrazy
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:00pm

      Not NO but HEdouble hockey sticks NO!!!! Christmas Good islam BAAAAD. okiedokie

      Report this comment

      whatthecrazy  
    • pudssweetie
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:23pm

      @Whathecrazy, I believe that not all people who practice Islam are bad people, but as long as they live here in the US and are Citizens, then they have the right to practice their religion and we should respect that. Respect and Tolerance does not mean that we have to agree with what they believe in or practice. Point in case; do you ever see any of the Islamist who live in Deerborn MI running down the street yelling Allah Akbar while trying to cut the head off an American? There is a big difference between those who are Extremist and those who just want to quietly practice their faith and live peacefully.

      Report this comment

      pudssweetie  
    • whatthecrazy
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:42pm

      @ puddssweetie actually no they were not beheading anybody yet but they sure were throwing stones and anything they could get thier hands on at that group of Christians in Dearborn or did you not see the story.If your Religon dictates that you kill innocent women,children and so called infidels and lets not forget homosexuals and it is called Islam than it is indeed BAAAD.If there are good islamists than they have a duty to help us infidels rid ourselves of the bad ones or they are no better.

      Report this comment

      whatthecrazy  
    • GeorgieJo
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:59pm

      A Nursing Home Facility receiving Federal MONEY DID NOT allow PRAYER at a Georgia or Alabama NSg Home 2 years back. SEEMS if the OBOMABOTS are going to subsidize your food—-AIN’T NO PRAYING OVER IT.

      Welcome to ProgressiveVille.
      SAD.

      Report this comment

      GeorgieJo  
    • pudssweetie
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 4:46pm

      @Whatthecrazy, I understand your point and point well taken. I also do not like Islam and what it teaches, and yes I do remember that happening, but do we have the right to tell anyone, no matter the Religion what, when or how they can practice it? When we start limiting anyone from practicing something they believe in, then it makes us no different than the Atheist who go after Christians and Christmas.
      The point I was trying to convey to NEVERMIND, you stay out of my Religion and how I practice it and we will stay out of your Non Religious belief.

      Report this comment

      pudssweetie  
  • term limits for congress
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:37am

    Just tell them that it is January and that Christmas is over…

    [that's mean, ain't it?]

    Report this comment

    term limits for congress  
  • SREGN
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:37am

    Where’s your freedom? It vanished the second you pulled that lever for Obama. Fools.

    Report this comment

    SREGN  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:35am

    ‘WHERE’S OUR FREEDOM?’

    There is no FREEDOM in obama’s America – get used to it.

    Report this comment

    Tri-ox  
    • eyestoseeearstohear
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 12:17pm

      Absolutely, TRI-OX!

      All the SURPRISED REACTIONS to each little incident
      ADDS UP TO A BIG PICTURE…which is our Freedoms are slipping away gradually.

      People are expecting a BIG POWER GRAB TO OCCUR SUDDENLY..OR ANNOUNCED.
      THAT will come when ALL of these smaller pesky one’s have been slipped under radar.

      Report this comment

      eyestoseeearstohear  
  • seek.the.truth
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:34am

    Why? Why? Why? Its not going to be long tip we are not allowed to have what they consider Christian symbols in our own home because someone might be offended if they see it through the window.

    On a lighter note, I love the protest with coffee and donuts! We should all follow that example!

    Report this comment

    seek.the.truth  
  • DeavonReye
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:33am

    Oh come on!!! I’m not religious, but even I am getting tired of these stories. Let the old people have something that makes them happy! Ridiculous!

    Report this comment

    DeavonReye  
    • AmericanStrega
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:39am

      Thank You DEAVONREYE!

      Report this comment

      AmericanStrega  
    • Exidor
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:50am

      Exactly. Let them have their decorations. The greatest generation deserves that.

      Reminds me of my Grandfather’s doctor when we asked him what he should be eating. He said “He’s 96 years old. Let him eat what he wants.”

      I’m getting tired of these stories as well….

      Report this comment

      Exidor  
    • Mudd
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 12:21pm

      Add me to the sick of it list. The Baby Boomers have been telling me what to do and how to be for as long as I can remember. Pushy, alturistic, self rightous, know it all, saftey for all, ban it, pass a law against it freaks who hate freedom for others and have passed that attitude on to their children. They’re as bad as the religous nuts with their warnings of eternal damnation unless you accept their god and their beliefs. (I’m painting with a broad brush, lots of decent Boomers and religous people out there too).

      Report this comment

      Mudd  
  • NONCENTS
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:30am

    THIS IS AWESOME!!! Rise up, old people! You pay to live in this facility, these people WORK FOR YOU!! GO GET ‘EM!!!

    I think cranky old people may be our nation’s last hope.

    Report this comment

    NONCENTS  
  • Uncurable wound
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:28am

    Have you been to the range today?

    Report this comment

    Uncurable wound  
  • COFemale
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:27am

    This is a common area. Although the building owner can decide what gets displayed in common areas, I think he will not come out on the winning side of this argument.

    Sorry dude, you have been listening to too many atheist; a Christmas tree isn’t a religious symbol. The Christmas tree is whatever you make it. The Yule tree is pagan. How many times have you heard Christians state that “Christmas” has become to commercialized and to get back to the true meaning. The Christmas tree is an inanimate object. It sits there, people decorate it with festive materials. How I look at a Christmas tree will be different than you look at a Christmas tree.

    Report this comment

    COFemale  
  • Uncurable wound
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:27am

    Nazis!

    Report this comment

    Uncurable wound  
  • AmericanStrega
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:27am

    For the love of Mike! These people are paying customers of this establishment, let them have what they want. And if, for the past four years nothing has been said about a Christmas tree or Menorah, why try and take it now? This war against religion (anyone’s religion) is getting to be a bit too much to stomach. Who complained? And what were their motives?

    Report this comment

    AmericanStrega  
  • garbagecanlogic
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:26am

    So………………..what is surprising, remember, this is Cally Porn E Ah.

    Praise Be To Obama. Psalm 109:8

    The U.S. Out Of The U.N.
    The U.N. Out Of The U.S.

    Report this comment

    garbagecanlogic  
  • Nevermind
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:25am

    Sucks to be them but if there areas are comon areas then it shoudl be inclusive to everyone. Either get a tree and put it int he room you pay for or deal with it. The owner of the property is well within his rights and if the residents dont like it they shoudl go move in wiht their families. I am soo sick of the outrage of christians casued by their insistence to put religous symbols in areas that arent theirs. Religion is somthing close and personal and shoudl be kept that way.

    Report this comment

    Nevermind  
    • hi
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:31am

      If wanted to have a Christian senior apartment complex so they could celebrate Christmas, you’d shut it down and say it was discriminatory.

      Report this comment

      hi  
    • team1blazer
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:37am

      I think I’ll NEVERMIND your silly comment. TROLL

      Report this comment

      team1blazer  
    • FaithfulFriend
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:40am

      Treat your thoughts and opinions like you treat religion and you’ve got a deal.

      Report this comment

      FaithfulFriend  
    • BARELYHANGINGON
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:54am

      In most apartment complexes your rent includes access and use of the common areas, so I’m sure they ARE paying for that space. Why don’t you non-religious people just leave the rest of us alone? Don’t you have something better to do? Are your lives so empty that you can only fill your time with stomping on other people’s beliefs and values? Good grief, get a life.

      Report this comment

      BARELYHANGINGON  
    • grimmster
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 12:10pm

      @Team1blazer.
      neverhadamind is encinom, out resident moronic troll, and a heavy drug user.He spends all day in his momma’s basement on hic comp. posting b/s on here…….

      Report this comment

      grimmster  
    • tradcatholicgirl
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 12:16pm

      @NEVERMIND,

      Your harda$$ attitude must be the result of your not understanding how these people live.

      The apartments in these places are tiny (maybe two small rooms) and attached to the main dwelling because the residents require help with meals, laundry, and meds. They often have medical conditions and disabilities that prevent their safely or easily putting up a tree by themselves in their apartment.

      Often they do not drive anymore and are dependent upon the communal rooms in the facility for social interaction.

      They are alone, and if living with relatives WERE an option, why would they be living there?

      But they DO pay to live there. That facility should be inspected more thoroughly by the state’s Department of Aging. I’d bet there are other issues with that facility, and that they get cited for a lot during state inspection.

      Report this comment

      tradcatholicgirl  
    • ROCKETSMOM
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:22pm

      YOU ARE SO DISGUSTINGLY SELFISH THAT I ALMOST LACK LANGUAGE TO DESCRIBE IT!!!!! would you want someone to treat YOUR MOM OR DAD THAT WAY????!!! AT THAT AGE THEY SHOULD BE SHOWN MORE HONOR AND RESPECT FOR THEIR WISHES NOT LESS!!!

      Report this comment

      ROCKETSMOM  
    • noagendainca
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:10pm

      @ROCKETSMOM: Indeed. Respecting our elders seems to be just one more thing we’ve lost. If they’re lucky, all these Trolls will be considered “elderly” someday; and they’ll wonder why no one cares.

      Report this comment

      noagendainca  
    • jhrusky
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:34pm

      @ nevermind

      ” I am soo sick of the outrage of christians casued by their insistence to put religous symbols in areas that arent theirs. Religion is somthing close and personal and shoudl be kept that way.”

      What “religous symbols” [sic] are you speaking of?

      Report this comment

      jhrusky  
    • BetsyRoss1513
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 4:46pm

      @ nevermind. Can you provide a link to the OBVIOUS fact you stated in the last sentence? Is it in the constitution? No. Is it in the bible? No.

      In fact, you are dead wrong: religion is peoples OUTWARD display of a personal statement. It’s how they FIND others like themselves, which is an inately HUMAN trait. Hence it’s existence.

      You might be outraged at Christians, but for every one of YOU there is, there’s a Christian who is equally if not MORE outraged, considering that we founded this country based on Christian principles. Apparently, the rules apply to nobody BUT Christians. There is a HUGE Menhorrah in the middle of Newton Square in Worcester MA, and has been for YEARS, because the area was a Jewish neighborhood, and NOBODY ever had a problem.
      http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061216/NEWS/612160361/1116
      It is a religious symbol and is there EVERY SEASON, without a whimper.

      A Christmas tree is NOT a religious symbol, and this ****** owner has no idea how to do business. Trust me, I’ve seen plenty of people become MORE Christ-centered as they age than I care to remember. For that reason, it would make good business sense to allow a freaqkin’ tree to be erected for 3 weeks. This guy sounds like a loser anyhow. He’ll lose his business soon enough.

      Report this comment

      BetsyRoss1513  
  • eyestoseeearstohear
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:25am

    I’M JUST SAYIN…..

    I wonder how many of these Senior Citizens…VOTED FOR OBAMA?

    Just sayin’….

    Report this comment

    eyestoseeearstohear  
    • cdn1979
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:59am

      Oh. i guess i missed the part of the article where is said obama called the building owner and told him what to do. the building owner is a douchebag. what does that have to do with obama?

      Report this comment

      cdn1979  
    • whatthecrazy
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:52pm

      Cdn1979 i think it’s just a knee jerk reaction to hearing bad news, one can’t help but get flashes of Obama or maby thats just me and eyetoseeearstohear.

      Report this comment

      whatthecrazy  
  • schroeder123
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:23am

    Some people just need to be Tared and Feathered and Ran Out Of Town.

    Report this comment

    schroeder123  
  • amerbur
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:22am

    I would move to another facility immediately.

    Report this comment

    amerbur  
    • AmericanStrega
      Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:32am

      Most, if not all, probably do not have the means to move. Maybe those who are against, for the first time in four years, a Christmas tree or Menorah, should ask themselves what harm is in these items that are so offensive. Do these detractors live in this facility, or are they just trying to stiffle the beliefs and free speech of those that live there? Who is complaining?

      Report this comment

      AmericanStrega  
  • chucksue351
    Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:19am

    excuse me but the tree is not a religious symbol in the scriptural sense, remember the Scriptures are our only way to eternal life in the Messiah and how to walk after salvation, and christ is not His name

    Report this comment

    chucksue351  
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