To the Editor:

As a new member of this community, I want to first say how impressed I’ve been with how family oriented Boca Grande is and how wonderful these programs are for the families and children. As a single parent, childcare is a huge focus for me. The after-school program, along with the Fun Days, were a big selling point to me when making the decision to move here just a few weeks ago.

These programs have been so helpful in making my son and I feel at home here and to settle in so easily. It's very upsetting to think that these programs may no longer be available. I can understand looking at cost, especially in this economy, but there are so many other factors involved in making such a decision.

Why wasn't the option mentioned about raising the funds necessary to keep these programs going?

All of this seems to me as though the Friends of Boca no longer care about the future and well-being of our children.

Lee Lytle

Boca Grande

To the Editor:

I remember coming to this beautiful island two years ago for the first time. The beauty was absolutely amazing, but the thing that truly sold me on moving my family here was the community. There is no other area with such a close-knit family feel. There is a comfort knowing when you are at the park with your children, they have not only your eyes for protection, but also the eyes of others that care for and love them as much as you.

To the Editor:

We are now just 15 short days away from our Boca Grande Relay for life. The event will start at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 24. Everyone needs to come out a see what a wondrous event this really is.

When cancer strikes within a family, lives change forever. Millions of people world-wide have been hoping and praying for a cure to the deadly disease, and the American Cancer Association is working toward that goal.

The 2012 Boca Grande Relay for Life will be held on Saturday and Sunday March 24 and 25 at the Wheeler Street field. There is no admission charge to walk around the field, eat, drink and shop at the booths that will be set up by each of the 11 teams. All money spent on activities, food and drinks at the park will be donated to the American Cancer Society in the ongoing battle against cancer.