To the editor:

The board of BOSIA (Bainbridge Ometepe Sister Islands Association) wishes to thank the many individuals and businesses on Bainbridge Island who opened their arms and their homes to make our recent Health Delegation visitors from Ometepe feel so welcome.

In addition to Dora Guiterrez Trana, who has been the Sister Islands’ office manager in Altagracia since the office opened in 1995, our guests included the following health professionals: Betania Lopez Flores, a clinical nurse, and Ayser Flores Guiterrez, a dentist, both from Altagracia; Francela Williams Aviles, a clinical nurse from Moyogalpa; and Pedro Jose Beterano, a doctor who serves in the Moyogalpa hospital and the clinic in LaFlor. Betania and Francela both received scholarships from BOSIA for their nursing studies.

Our thanks go to the homestay families, Mayor Ann Blair, Lilly Kodama, Clarence Moriwaki, Dick Baker, Bainbridge Farmers Market, Senior Center, Helpline, Bainbridge branch Library, Stephens House, Ordway Sister School, Hyla School, IslandWood, Beacon Hill Sister School, The Traveler, Kitsap County Health District and Mental Health Clinic, the Bainbridge Review, Boathouse Coffee, Harrison Hospital, Dayaalu Center, Sash Mercantile, the Bainbridge Historical Museum, and members of our Health Committee. And a special salute to Captain Ed Kushner for a memorable boat ride.

Gracias.

BETSY CARROLL, BOSIA Board President, and

EMILY MANSFIELD, chair of the Health Delegation Committee