To the Editor:

The news article in the Sept. 15 Altamont Enterprise should raise concerns as to the sustainability and direction of the butterfly and the organic gardens programs at Farnsworth Middle School. A few weeks ago, I received an email from an individual in the Farnsworth program asking for suggestions and ideas for opening the student garden to the community.

As the coordinator of the Guilderland community gardens for over 20 years, I was pleased to outline our procedures and sent copies of our garden documents for their consideration. At the same time, I was immediately concerned that the school gardens might become just another community gardens with less focus on the students.

Obviously, teacher Al Fiero and his motivated staff through the years should be credited with the enormous success of both programs. While Mr. Fiero may not be able to continue in his previous capacity as director after retirement, nonetheless, his advice as long as it is offered, should be sought and followed; the news article did not give me that confidence.

In fact, there seemed to be no or mis-communications at several points along the way. There are few individuals that take on projects with fire in the belly; Al Fiero is one of them. And that’s what will be required of any future director of the programs.

I hope that the school district can find a way to maintain and even enhance for the students both the butterfly and organic gardening programs.

Gerard Houser, coordinator

Guilderland Community Gardens