Greenhouses
Dear Editor: Last year’s activity with greenhouses was a disaster as you have probably heard. The greenhouses simply took flight north, but they were not destroyed. They are in place by the shed and in the garage and I suspect quite usable. I don’t remember that anything important was broken. Given proper installation/building they should be fine.
So, they are here for anyone who wants them. Someone who doesn’t live in a wind tunnel. I would be very pleased to have them used to good effect. They were a good $10,000 investment so worth someone’s effort to rebuild.
Judy Johnstone, Sitka
Child Abuse Prevention
Dear Editor: April is designated Child Abuse Prevention Month and provides an important time to think about how we can all best support the children in our lives. It is up to each of us to learn about the signs of and risk factors for child abuse, as well as support the protective factors that are proven to reduce harm and strengthen families. With family violence at epidemic levels, the abuse of children in America is, in reality, a problem worthy of our attention every day.
Alaska has some of the highest rates in America for child abuse and sexual assault. In 2012 alone, the Alaska Office of Children’s Services responded to over 3,000 substantiated cases of child abuse. A majority of these cases involve children below the age of 10. Child abuse is also prevalent nationally, with reports of nearly 6 million children affected each year and five youths’ deaths each day associated with abuse or neglect. However, it is estimated that the rate of child abuse is at least three times higher than the rate of reporting – making this issue even more serious than the statistics show.
In Alaska, neglect is the most frequent type of abuse, affecting between 80-90 percent of all substantiated cases. Neglect is the failure to provide for a child’s basic needs, and may be physical, such as failing to provide food, shelter or supervision, or a failure to provide necessary services, like medical or special needs treatment. Neglect can be seen in a caregiver’s inattention to a child’s emotional needs or permitting the use of alcohol or drugs by that child. Witnessing domestic violence is also considered to be a form of child abuse in Alaska. Neglect and witnessing domestic violence can be subtle forms of child abuse, and the child victim may not have bruises or be able to articulate the problem. It therefore falls on community members to educate ourselves on the many forms of child abuse and neglect to be able to heal these wounds, which are so often invisible.
Societal costs of child abuse and neglect are great. The effects are far-reaching in schools, as abused children are more likely to either withdraw from schoolwork and activities, or act aggressively toward peers and engage in unhealthy behaviors. Many young adults dealing with psychiatric disorders, substance abuse issues, dating violence, or adolescent pregnancy were victims of abuse as children. This information is reflected in statistics regarding parents who were victimized in childhood: one-third of them will mistreat their own children, perpetuating the generational cycle of abuse.
Despite the frequency and severity of child abuse in Alaska, each concerned person can make a difference. Many child abuse cases stem from situations and conditions that can be prevented if community programs and support systems are engaged. It is up to all Alaskans to consider it their job to keep our children safe. Those who witness or suspect child abuse are encouraged to make a report to the Alaska Office of Children’s Services at 1-888-622-1650.
In addition to being aware of the signs of abuse and neglect, there are many ways we can each work to help prevent child maltreatment by promoting protective factors which reduce harm and strengthen families. (Find out more about these protective factors at www.alaskachildrenstrust.org/content/education or www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/preventionmonth/).
Work with the youths in your life on safety planning and make sure they know you are a safe and positive adult presence in their life. Be vocal about the fact that abuse is never the victim’s fault and that you will believe a child if they disclose to you. Get involved with the prevention programs run by Sitkans Against Family Violence. Communities play an important role in protecting children, and April is also a time to celebrate that!
If you would like further information on Child Abuse Prevention month, please contact SAFV at 747-3370 to talk to Kate or Elena. SAFV’s staff provides confidential services for youths and adults. Talking to someone about your concerns may be the first step toward intervention in a child’s life. Together, we can all make a difference in the lives of Alaskan children.
Kate Fredricks and Elena Gustafson
Sitkans Against Family Violence
‘Earthquake’ Program
Dear Editor: Thank you to everyone who attended the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society and the Sitka Historical Society’s joint program “Earthquake.” The event commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Good Friday Earthquake, the largest earthquake ever recorded in North America.
We are grateful for our panelists, Bill Davis, Bob Allen, Willis Osbakken and Larry Calvin, who shared their harrowing personal accounts of what they experienced in Anchorage, Kodiak and here in Sitka. Even after 50 years, the memories were as fresh as if the earthquake had just happened. We thank you all for being so open and honest with your stories.
Special thanks go out to the Valdez Museum for allowing us to show the documentary “Between the Glacier and the Sea” about how Valdez residents experienced and rebuilt after the earthquake. Thank you to Sitka Fire Chief Dave Miller for providing handouts on earthquake and tsunami preparedness. Thank you to Sitka Historical Society Director Hal Spackman for moderating the event. Thank you to the Centennial Hall staff for assisting with the setup and cleanup after the program.
Special thanks to Sitka Maritime Heritage Society Director Carole Gibb and board member Rebecca Poulson. Your energy and enthusiasm helped make the event a smashing success.
If you have a story you would like to share with us regarding how you experienced the earthquake, please contact the Sitka Historical Society at 747-6455 or the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society at sitkamaritime@gmail.com.
Sitka Historical Society Curator and Sitka Maritime Heritage Society Board Member Hayley Chambers
