We need to rehire all Festival at Sandpoint staff

I was very happy to read Sam Calhoun’s, executive director of Arts Northwest, column in the paper recently. As the founding member of the Festival, 1980, I appreciate what Dyno did for the Festival. I was more interested in classical music and a summer music camp. However, that didn’t work out, the Festival was losing money, and new directors came and went. Then in 1998 Dyno was hired. I was interested in starting a music appreciation workshop. I went to Dyno, she listened and the 5th Grade Outreach program was initiated. Dyno has been most supportive with this program and other classical music endeavors. These endeavors include student musician scholarships, instrument lending program, family concert petting zoo, and free tickets for the fifth graders and parents for the symphony concert the 5th Grade Outreach program is based on.

I can’t imagine doing her job: organizing such a big endeavor, listening and dealing with everyone’s wants, weather problems and making enough money to cover expenses. It seems to me, Dyno does a fabulous job, and keeps smiling through it all. Carol, Tone and staff are the same: doing a great job with smiles.

We need to beg all of them to be rehired (with a raise and public apology) and quickly, so they have enough time to organize next year’s Festival.

Thank you, Dyno.

JUDY HERAPER

Sandpoint