OPINION/LETTERS: Time to work toward a positive regionalization solution

Many make the season bright in Newport

Each year the holiday tree at the base of Washington Square shines brightly bringing cheer to the center of Newport’s downtown. The late David Leys began this tradition over 30 years ago and continually worked to organize the installation until his passing. The tradition continues, though the tree would not exist without the work of many people and generosity of local businesses. This year’s tree has been made possible by generous contributions from The Preservation Society of Newport County for the tree and lights. The installation was supervised and accomplished by Jeff Curtis of the Preservation of Newport County Grounds Department and Raymond Gomes. Equipment and manpower for the transportation and installation were provided by Bartlett Tree Service, Casey Tree Specialists, T.J. Brown Landscaping and Peckham Brothers Contracting.

A huge shout out of appreciation goes out to these persons and businesses who make the Holiday Season in Newport much brighter.

Roy D. Lauth, Vice President Christmas in Newport

A Christmas question

Once again it's Christmas time and I am reminded of President Ronald Reagan’s quote about Christmas. He said Christmas can be celebrated in the school room with pine trees, tinsel and reindeers, but there must be no mention of the man whose birthday is being celebrated. One wonders how a teacher would answer if a student asked why it was called "Christmas.”

Thayer Donovan, Middletown

Changes needed in school plans

I am writing this now that the so-called rationalization is over. I do hope sounder minds can get together and renew the idea of a joint middle school and high school paid for by both communities on a per-student basis. Other than that I believe Rogers High School must be replaced. The present group cannot be trusted to do what is right for either the students or the taxpayers. This group intentionally hid the fact that the cost of what was proposed was over $20 million dollars short and hid that fact until after the election, and have shown no shame for that decision.

This group still wants to raze the building that presently holds the Auto Shop, Cosmetology and Culinary along with the offices of the School Department. I have been told that two of these will be canceled to save money and that the auto shop is not good because the auto companies prefer to train their own people in house not through these programs, as Francis J. Sullivan would say "that is a lot of donkey dust" and we taxpayers should not take this anymore. Remember this building had its roof replaced a few years ago and the interior walls can be rearranged as they are not supporting the roof. One member of the committee said it's dark and has no windows but the entire wall in the Colonial Dining room covers all the windows you need and adding windows is a really cheap fix. This building is in good shape and for a small amount of money can serve us for years to come.

Granted we have started on the new school but we would need to do the razing of the old no matter what so any money spent to date would be spent on a new Rogers even if we join together and build a joint middle and high school with Middletown giving the kids the best shot at the future. Also, the rendition of the new Rogers shows me three floors of glass in front and railings of each floor so students can drop whatever from the top to the bottom, just for fun. If one is injured who will pay?

From what I see of this group and the new school all they want is a bronze plaque with their names on it at the opening. I think they are totally out of their expertise and must be replaced.

Jack Milburn, Newport

Time to work toward a positive regionalization solution

I confess to a longstanding frustration that began in 2014 after the failure of the first attempt at school regionalization which began in 2011.

After 51 years of dedication to the education of students at all levels – with a high concentration on promoting personal and individual responsibility – I am out of patience with the dissembling and excuses from the adults who should know better and should be exemplifying those qualities.

I have heard all kinds of pretexts and accusations about the recent regionalization proposal, ranging from the first, which was related to its being all about the money, to the fact that unification was not included in the ballot question, and then that there was no specific plan for improving educational opportunities.

All that - when it was really about payback for previous rejections. Grow up!

So, now, are we doing anything different? Or are we just conforming to the previous misguided interpretations and expectations?

Newport is still talking about cutting programs – most notably and outrageously the career programs – in order to complete the construction of the new Rogers High School - and Middletown is regrouping to replace only its secondary schools, while its elementary schools continue to deteriorate.

So now it really is “all about the money” and not about education and the kids! Shame on you! If you really cared about doing the right thing, you would all put aside your personal angst and work towards a positive solution for the students, rather than allowing another generation of kids to suffer the consequences while waiting for the adults to set a good example.

Barbara. A. VonVillas, Middletown

Support B Free Farm

Just in case Giving Tuesday escaped you, or you are looking for a "family in need" to donate to this Christmas season, let me tell you about B Free Farm. B Free Farm is a nonprofitanimal sanctuary run by Scott and Amy MacDonald. B Free Animal Sanctuary is a safe space to help animals of all kinds, in all stages of life. It is located in Tiverton and welcomes visitors for tours on Saturdays or by appointment. Scott and Amy, along with a handful of great volunteers, tend to the farm daily with passion, empathy, and kindness. Scott is the son of Ron (deceased) and Carol MacDonald (Mr. & Mrs. Mac) who have so generously given to the Newport community and sporting scene for more than 50 years. That spirit of giving and compassion runs in the family, and is seen so purely at B Free Farm.

Currently, B Free Animal Sanctuary is home to five horses, a miniature horse, four donkeys, three pigs, 17 goats, 24 chickens, four barn cats, two indoor cats, and four dogs. All of the animals came to Scott and Amy because they were in need of a home.

Imagine the feeding bills for Scott and Amy's "family"? Not to mention vet visits and equipment!

Please consider making a gift to B Free Farm during this season of giving. Every penny goes to the care of the farm and the animals and all gifts are tax deductible! Please visit their website at bfreefarm.com to check out their wishlist or see how you can help Scott and Amy care for their family. Volunteers are always welcome. Also, put a visit to B Free Animal Sanctuary on your 2023 bucket list for when you need a little pick me up or a heavy dose of humanity. It'll be the best "off island" road trip you could have imagined! You'll leave with mud on your shoes, hair on your clothes, and a really warm heart.

Melissa Turner, Newport

Thanks for support for Rogers High School Craft Fair

The Rogers High School Class of 2026 would like to thank the following businesses/individuals for their support with the Inaugural Rogers High School Craft Fair:

5th Ward Liquor, Chourico by Erin Margolis + Jenn Milburn, Sweets by Michelle Leys, Taft's Crafts, Monica Taft, The Newport Tartan, Kelly Cohen, Fruition by Jenni Field, Christine’s Creations, Chritine Gullison, Gay Gullison, Fat Robin Pottery, Maggie Ramey, Bee Well Apiary, Carli Gallagher, RI Glassworks, Generous Jewelers, Erin Kenny, Liz Renshaw Photography, TP Dugan Woodworking, Wine and Vine About, Jessica Woodcome, CaseyMae Designs, Casey Ramey, She Sells Sea Shells, Debbi Winthrop, Jonz + Melissa’s Chocolate Factory, Daniel’s Jewelry, Kate Daniels, Laly’s Creations, Merary Rodriguez, RHS Advertising Design + New Media, RHS Colonial Dining Room, RHS Key Club, RHS Class of 2023, RHS Class of 2024, RHS Class of 2025, Sarah Bagley, Zach Bessette, Lisa Canole, David Connell, Kacie Gallo, Sal Gualtieri, Trish Lentz, Aida LeVasseur, Colleen McGrath, Grainne Phelps, Casey Ramey, Jessica Rosa, Kat Rushton, Catherine Sullivan, Jeff Watts.

We would also like to thank the community for their patronage at this inaugural event. We are always grateful for the support of the Aquidneck Island Community.

Thank you from the 2026 Class officers:

Telayiah Aponte, Katy Lynch, Alana Finn, Abby Leys and Angela Johnson, Newport

This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: LETTERS: Time to work toward a positive regionalization solution