Instead of opting out, choose to get involved

I was saddened to read the letter from Karl and Joanna Fuchs who have decided not to go back to the Summer Sampler because of the 'head pounding, teeth rattling, hard rock music.' When faced with a choice, they made the easy one ' do nothing, other than write a letter to complain.

It seems to me they had other obvious choices. One, to get involved and volunteer to help. The Summer Sampler happens because of the handful of wonderful volunteers who give of their time to organize the event, the restaurants who elect to participate (even though summers are the busiest time of the year for them), and the corporate sponsors such as Litehouse who not only give financially but whose employees give of their time to help put on this community wide event.

No time to volunteer? Then the other choice is to help out financially. Write a check. Your financial donation would go a long way in helping the organizing committee pay for a band, advertise, pay for permits, and trash Dumpsters.

Rather than do nothing, which in my opinion the Fuchs have elected to do, I would encourage them to contact Amy Little, Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce executive director, and find out how they can get involved and make a difference in next year's event. I am sure she would appreciate their call and welcome their donation, whether it be a check, a list of suggestions, or best of all, by simply saying, 'We would like to get involved. What can we do to help?'

My thanks to the Chamber of Commerce, Litehouse Foods, our area participating restaurants, other corporate sponsors, and the individuals who volunteered their time, for making the Sampler happen. Faced with a choice, they chose (with a limited budget and a small number of people) to make a difference and bring together a great event right here in Sandpoint.

JUDY BAIRD

Sagle