Writer clarifies context of Thomas article

To The Eagle:

Although I did not interview for or know that an article was going to run about the August 12 fund raiser event for Brandi Thomas, I wanted to clear the record because many things that were said in the article were taken out of context.

Some of the information came from an email that I sent to Ms. Lindquist who wrote the article. I know her on a personal level and know that she is one of the sweetest people I’ve met. I have taught in the same building as she did her student teaching and quite a bit of substitute teaching during the last school year. I didn’t know that the email I sent her with information regarding Brandi was going to be printed or I would have made sure that 1) I had everything completely factual and 2) Brandi was ok with everything that may be printed.

In addition to what was said in the article, I would like to add that Brandi has a very loving support system out here. Her family is very close knit. Because divorce doesn’t always mean a person is left to raise kids on their own, it’s always nice to see when a parent goes the extra mile to show support for their children’s other parent. Brandi’s girls’ dad was in attendance at the event along with many of Brandi’s other friends and relatives. I thank you all for coming!

Once again I would like to thank all those who came out to help with Brandi Thomas fund raiser. I was pleasantly shocked by how many people came to show their support. Big thank yous go out to all who baked items and volunteered their time to help set up, serve, clean up, etc. Our community is so amazing when it comes to helping others. Obviously, I did not act alone and don’t want credit for the event.

If you still would like to order a t-shirt, contact Jim Alexander. If you are missing serving items and/or platters, contact Suzi Mackey at the pharmacy. If you still would like to donate, you can email me at lisasamkykael@aol.com.

I am hoping that this letter explains some inconsistencies that may need straightening out.

Still happy to live in Cathlamet.

Lisa Sauer-Ridout

Cathlamet

Editor's note: Reporter Melissa Linquist believed that she and Lisa Sauer-Ridout had an understanding that the information supplied to her via email would be used for publication. We apologize for the failure in communication. We've learned and will do better next time.