Partners in Care isn't going anywhere

Partners in Care Clinic isn't going anywhere. We appreciate Lucy Duke's recent article on Bonner County's volunteer clinic; however, the title, "Funding woes …" did seem to imply impending doom. Not so. True, any fledgling organization trying to assist our community worries about long-term sustainable funding. I'm sure if Kinderhaven tried really hard, they too would remember these early concerns. But today, this community looks at Kinderhaven at thinks, "What would we do without them?"

In years to come, this community will look upon Partners in Care Clinic and say the same thing. We do need community support and funding and we do need it now, so please, help this clinic become a sustainable part of our community.

For more information and volunteer support, please contact Lora Cartelli at 255-9099. Please send donations to BPICC, 1020 Michigan Ave., Sandpoint, 82864.

May 10-13 is "Covering the Uninsured Week." Please join us at our open house on May 13 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Panhandle Health District.

LORA CARTELLI and the

BPICC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sandpoint

Library celebrates with concert, auction

Bonner County residents and area visitors are invited to the Sandpoint Library on Saturday, May 8, for a free celebration of the East Bonner County Library Free Library District's 30th birthday.

Fifty-two birdhouses have arrived at the Sandpoint Library and are on display for silent auction. Local crafts persons and artists, as well as Sandpoint Middle school and Priest River Lamanna High School students and Cub Scout Troop 120 have demonstrated their creative powers in all styles from the traditional to the innovative in materials varying from wood, metal, tile and fabric to a painted gourd. Library visitors may start picking favorites and submitting bids. Proceeds will benefit the East Bonner County Public Library District's book collection. Bidding will close at 3:40 p.m. Saturday.

The free music starts at 11 a.m. with Julie Stone and Ben Silverman and their original and contemporary folk guitar and vocals. Julie and Ben opened for Jay Leno at the Beasley auditorium last October. At noon the classical trio of Caren Reiner, Laura Clark and Loi Eberle (flute, cello and piano) will provide a change of pace. At 1 p.m. David Gunter and Mike Turnbull will revitalize the classics of the 50s, 60s and 70s with guitar, drums, and vocal harmonies. Sandpoint legend Beth Peterson will take the library "stage" at 2 p.m. Mike Thompson and Shanna Ascher will conclude the performances at 3 p.m. with their contemporary and classic folk rock vocals and amazing guitar work.

In honor of the 30th anniversary of the library district, cake and punch will be available. All local residents and all present and former staff, trustees and Friends of the Library members are encouraged to visit. It will be a great opportunity to tour the library, enjoy the music and birdhouses, and see what the library has to offer. Call the library at 263-6930 for more information.

Gloria Ray

East Bonner County Library District

Sandpoint

State made mistake in denying vote on split

The State Board of Education made a poor decision when they denied the proposed LPOSD split go to the voters. If chairman Blake Hall and the rest of the board need compelling evidence, all they need do is visit the school at Clark Fork and see the desks our students have to use and other outdated and defunct equipment our students learn with and on.

LPOSD treats us like poor cousins, taking away programs and equipment when we do get it to use for Sandpoint students. Not only that, but when a teacher isn't good enough for Sand-point students, guess who gets to enjoy their less-than-stellar teaching methods. Yep, our students at Clark Fork.

We spent $30,000 to convince the board of the need but they didn't even bother to take a close look at our schools. The inequity is apparent and appalling. And excuses used like not being able to afford special education needs is just bull. Lots of districts share special ed personnel and equipment. And besides, there are tons of grants for things like that especially for underfunded poorer districts like ours.

There are many ways of affording things that a community with the creativity and drive can manage. And affording administrators? We shared one all last year with Hope.

Besides what have they done to improve our schools in all the times we've come to them and asked? Administrators don't make excellent schools, teachers, students and parents do, communities do or at least that's what they're teaching me in my teacher education courses. Are we economically disadvantaged? Darn tooting we are because LPOSD takes most of our taxbase to use for Sandpoint students and their programs.

Small district after small district has shown its willingness to pass needed levies when control of their schools is localized. Our people are no different. Is the split in the best interest of education in the state of Idaho? Or Sandpoint? I do not think that is the question but it's the one they will deny Clark Fork students' educational best interests on.

Once again, our small school and our students are given the shaft over someone else's interest. Why are school employees afraid of the district split? Try using the word accountability. Look at the words of Hope Principal, Sherri Hatley. It's the same run around with vague promises that the district's new administrative structure "may address past problems."

I ask you, where is the will? And one last caveat; these problems are not past.

M. PAULA McMINN

Clark Fork