To the editor:

It is with great sadness that I read the article describing the end of an era with the closure of Freeland Lanes.

Bowling is one of those sports that is a standby pastime for adults and kids of all ages.

When I walk into the Freeland Lanes building, I can feel the tradition emanating from the walls! To make it even better you have owners like Roger Simmons who have endured the struggle of keeping a business open, being kind and welcoming day after day.

With his quiet supportive demeanor, Roger has helped Big Brothers Big Sisters hold an ann-ual Bowl For Kids? Sake event for several years each spring. I want to thank Roger for his support and kindness. Roger assisted us by keeping the expenses he charged BBBS to a bare minimum. Bowling, pizza and pop bright and early in the morning have become a 10-year tradition for Big Brothers Big Sisters on South Whidbey that we will miss without Freeland Lanes.

My thanks go to Roger and his staff for their assistance and the support that he has given to us for youth mentoring in our community.

Peggy Dyer

Executive director

BBBS of Island County