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Post office’s support for food drive appreciated
The St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Mary Conference, food bank wishes to thank publicly the U. S. Postal Service, Anacortes office, for the donation of a very generous supply of food to our city’s three food banks. The time and effort that their staff put forth during their annual collection resulted in a much-needed replenishment of the city’s food banks.

Thanks also to the community of Anacortes for their continuing generosity.

Our organization helps to provide food and financial assistance to the needy on Fidalgo Island. We are supported primarily by the parishioners of St. Mary Church and gifts of this magnitude are indeed a wonderful blessing. As with our sister food banks, our doors are open to all.

We just want to let everyone know how grateful we are to the Anacortes post office. We truly appreciate the fruits of their labor and our community’s generosity. Again, we thank you and we know that people in need thank you also.

God bless Postmaster Larry Farnam and his wonderful staff.
Chub Rice
Treasurer
St. Vincent de Paul Society
St. Mary Conference

Gov. Gregoire acting a lot like a Republican
I believe the distinctions between Gov. Christine Gregoire and challenger Dino Rossi are becoming more blurred. Here is why:

• Gov. Gregoire just appointed a former Dow Chemical scientist to a state panel that keeps track of pesticide exposure. The governor said she was doing it because she usually replaces panelists after two terms — even though the law allows for up to four terms.

According to a Seattle Post Intelligencer account, Gov. Gregoire is seeking a “balanced” approach through the appointment. I’m sure someone with ties to Dow Chemical will indeed provide “balance.” Maybe a little more balance in the campaign coffers. I figure Dino would have done the same and probably approves.

• The governor appointed William Ruckelshaus to the Partnership for Puget Sound panel. According to what I’ve read and heard, Mr. Ruckelshaus is what is termed an “ecoprenuer,” someone who would charge for the air you breathe if a meter could be inserted in your lungs.

The Partnership refuses scientific input (See the P.I., 4/25/08). I figure Dino would have approved.

• Last year, the governor came out strongly against the state Legislature becoming involved in the fully legal option of calling for the impeachment of George W. Bush at the state legislative level. I figure Dino would have done the same.

• I have a letter from Gregoire’s office saying that Wetland Mitigation Banks, which take away our farmland here in Skagit County, “… will help protect productive agricultural lands in our state.” I figure Dino would approve.

As Attorney General, Ms. Gregoire took on the perceived threat of big tobacco interests. Now, as governor, she is totally, ominously, silent on the threat of Puget Sound Energy being taken over by the Macquarie group of Australia.

Hey, Dino, what’s your take on this one?
Gene Derig
Anacortes

Sailing dinghy project helps fund mission trip
The youth of Mount Vernon First Christian Church have successfully completed a 1 1/2-year project to build a 10-foot 4-inch Chameleon sailing dinghy to help fund a mission trip and other activities.

The boat was designed by Danny Greene of Bermuda for use on larger boats as a tender where it can be separated in the middle to nestle two halves to minimize deck space. It was designed to be used as a sailboat, a rowboat with sliding seats or a standard rowboat.

The youth chose to build it as a sailboat but the buyer may choose his own configuration.

The young people who worked on the boat were Stephen Steen, Kevin Steen, Justine Allen, Karissa Farrell, Artur Hutcheson, Ashley Serna and Jacob Serna. Major thanks go to Art Newmarkel of Skyline for allowing the use of his workshop and tools and for supervising the project.

Thank you also to a number of community business people who helped: Travis Hansen of the Cap Sante Marina for teaching the art of laying fiberglass; Margot McDowell of UK Halsey Sailmaker for making the sail at her cost; Jamie Harju of Jamie’s Signs for making the graphics; Glenn Allen for making the placard; Steve Smith and company for providing the epoxies at a very deep discount; and Danny Greene for allowing us to build without any additional royalties.

The boat was on display at the Anacortes Waterfront Festival May 17 and 18. Bids are being accepted beginning at $3,000.

If you are interested in the boat, call the church at (360) 336-2737. We are very fortunate to belong to a community so willing to help our youth.
June Steen
Youth leader

Community support makes tax help available
The Anacortes Tax-Aide Program completed another successful tax year providing free tax counseling for the residents of Anacortes and Fidalgo Island.

On behalf of the Anacortes Tax-Aide Program, I thank the following people and institutions who participated in this year’s program: residents of Anacortes and Fidalgo Island, Washington Federal Savings Bank, Anacortes Senior Center and Anacortes Public Library.

This ongoing service provided local residents with free tax counseling and information during February and March and up to April 15, 2008.

The program works because people and local community institutions commit their time and facilities. This year 32 residents of Anacortes and Fidalgo Island stepped forward and agreed to study, train and counsel, or act as a greeter.

Anacortes Library provided a room for the January tax training. Tax counseling sites include Washington Federal Savings Bank, open to the public during banking hours, and Anacortes Senior Center, open to seniors one day a week.

Again, I thank all who participated in the Tax-Aid Program.
Alberta Finley
Anacortes