Community

Charity is needed during bad times

With the recent interesting economic news, many islanders are probably giving a hard look to their charitable giving plans this year. I hope that the red envelope from the good folks at One Call For All reminds everyone that charity is needed most when it is most difficult to give.

While I certainly hope that Bainbridge Public Library will be one choice for all islanders, what is really important is that we all contribute through One Call as generously as we can, no matter the recipient.

Val Tollefson

President, Bainbridge Public Library

Thanks, gardeners for all the flowers

The Flower Ladies of Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers wish to thank all of the gardeners on Bainbridge Island who left flowers at Eagle Harbor Church this summer.

The volunteers arranged about 250 bouquets and delivered them to shut-ins. The bouquets were very much appreciated by the recipients.

We look forward to next spring when the program will resume. Please plant extra seeds in your gardens for “Flowers from the Heart.”

John Pratt

Bainbridge Island

Impressed with Furry Tale Farm

I am involved with the start up of a new animal sanctuary called Wags to Riches Animal Rescue and Sanctuary in Union Gap, Wash. I found the Furry Tale Farm website when doing some research. I sent an email to our volunteers with a link to their website, because I was so impressed. They all were too!

Our board decided that we should go and look at some facilities. Furry Tale Farm was top on our list. We were able to take a group of seven to meet Suzannah Sloan, director at Furry Tale Farm. She was incredibly accommodating and a wonderful tour guide.

When we left, nearly three hours later, what she had given us was priceless. She gave her time, attention, knowledge and stories. What she has done and continues to do for the animals (and kids, many at-risk) is just amazing. She was an inspiration to all seven of us!

Kim Wertenberger

Wags to Riches Animal Rescue and Sanctuary Inc.

Schools

Phonathon dollars make a difference

Excellent schools reflect their communities, and Bainbridge Island is no exception. The high achievement levels of our students reflect the dedication of talented staff, the nurturing and support of families, and the island’s long-standing commitment to quality education.

Island residents are frequently surprised to learn that our district, which graduates some of the top performing students in the country, is among the lowest funded districts in Washington. Bainbridge Island ranks 240th out of 296 districts in per-pupil funding. When residents ask how our schools are able to achieve these results with such a low level of funding, one of the reasons we cite is the support of the Bainbridge Schools Foundation.

Each year, the foundation helps our district address needs in areas not funded by other organizations. Hiring additional teachers to reduce class size and providing professional development for staff are two critical needs that the foundation supports. Last year, our district was able to hire the equivalent of four additional full-time teachers due to funds received from the foundations.

Like many other organizations, the financial needs of our district this year are greater than ever. We made $1.5 million in budget cuts last spring, including significant reductions in teaching staff, elementary librarians, paraeducator hours and transportation.

The support of the foundation is critical to the continued success of our schools and helps to “bridge the gap” between the funds we are allocated and the funds that are needed to help our students excel. We hope that you will consider making a contribution when the foundation conducts its annual Phonathon from Oct. 28-30. Those dollars will truly make a difference in the lives of our children.

Supt. Faith A. Chapel

Bainbridge Island School District

Review

Readers request return of Adele

We are asking that you publish the editorials written by our local award-winning journalist Adele Ferguson. This would bring a new voice and interesting viewpoints to your readers, who deserve to be treated to her thoughtful, intelligent point of view.

Adele’s columns are currently published in several of the Sound Publishing Group newspapers, and could be printed by the Bainbridge Review at no cost as they are already paying her. Print both sides. Do your job.

Betsy Greene, C.L. Reamier, Becky Weinbaum, Bernadette Scheffler, Gretchen Moores

All Bainbridge Island