Thank You, Sitka
Dear Editor: These are indeed troubling and interesting times. There is much to be concerned about including flattening the curve. There is much to be thankful for as well. I am impressed with our Mayor and Assembly, Fire and Police departments, and city staff, KIFW and KCAW, and Dr. Bruhl at SEARHC keeping us apprised of the next steps. Thank you. Thank you, Sitka Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, for your work.
I am impressed with our local merchants – Sea Mart comes to mind for their generosity. Harry Race Pharmacy, Old Harbor Books, and all the shops making it possible for us to meet our needs. Thank you. I cannot think of a place I would want to be more self-isolated in than Sitka. Thank you to the neighbors who are practicing the safety measures needed. I hope that when this too shall pass, as a community, we can all give a big sigh of relief and get back to being with our families and friends, working our jobs, and being neighbors who can get closer than six feet. And, remember all those who made this time easier to bear, and give back to them.
Jeff Budd, Sitka
Gale Force
Dear Editor: A Beaufort Wind Scale #8 is known as Gale Force Winds. These winds range from 34 to 40 knots with breaking seas 18 to 25 feet high that generally “impede progress.” In nearly 30 years earning part of my living as a troller on the seas, myself and others found ourselves in these conditions. It is not fun; damage often occurs and one must man the helm at all times; adjusting speed and course constantly in order to avoid a potential life ending catastrophe. Rivalries, enemies, friends, all become unified to watch and help each other weather through it all. In time, the gale blows itself out, we assess our damage, lick our wounds, change into a fresh set of underwear and get back at it.
Our community, state, country and world are presently experiencing a gale of epic proportions in the name of Covid-19 virus. Like the howling gale, it may calm down or get worse. Time and patience will tell. Much like the gale at sea, ignore it and it might do you in. To pay attention, be vigilant, watch out for yourself and others, historically charts out to be the best course of action with the most positive results. Yes, our progress is impeded. We have pulled in the gear and throttled back on our daily routines. Extra vigilance is needed as unlike the seas, we have no chart or map to follow or guide us as we feel our way forward. Like our maritime brethren during a gale; ditch the rivalries, help your friends and enemies. Cast overboard your bias of gender, race, religion, political and social affiliations for the good of us all. The present gale we are experiencing will pass in time. When that occurs, chances are we will look to each other and this world with a renewed sense of what it is like to help each other and to find solidarity in so many areas previously fraught with division.
Eric Van Cise, Sitka