Earth Science
Dear Editor: Last week the seventh- grade Earth science students of Blatchley Middle School went on a field trip to the skate park at turnaround beach to listen to and learn from Debra Lyons, director of Sitka Trail Works, about the effects of weathering on the Sitka trail system, and to investigate the effects of abrasion on the rocks at the beach.
One class braved the snow squall and came back in sunshine. The afternoon classes had the benefit of a presentation by Marnie Chapman, UAS science professor, who brought in live herring eggs to be viewed under a microscope, and projected on a screen, and shared the life cycle of herring, pointed out eyes, yolk sacs and how to find transparent, newly hatched babies next to the egg bunches on the seaweed.
The seventh-graders in Earth Science would like to sincerely thank these two community members for sharing their time and expertise with our youth, enhancing education, and making Science applicable and relevant.
Karen Lucas,
Earth Science Teacher,
Blatchley Middle School
St. Baldrick’s Event
Dear Editor: On Friday, April 26, the annual St. Baldrick’s event will be held in Sitka. The event will take place at the Sitka Elks lodge beginning at 6 p.m. It will end when there is no more hair to fall.
St. Baldrick’s is a volunteer driven foundation dedicated to raising funds for childhood cancer research. It is the largest funder of this activity outside of the Federal government. A very high percentage of the funds raised go directly into research grants. The organization has awarded over $100,000,000 in grant awards.
Does cancer research make a difference? The answer is a resounding yes. Only a few decades ago, most childhood cancers had a poor prognosis. Through research and the development of new treatments, many of these cancers are now curable. We have seen this miracle in our own town. Unfortunately, only 4 percent of the National Cancer Institute’s budget is dedicated to pediatric cancers. There are 175,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year. The gap is huge.
The St. Baldrick’s philosophy is pretty straightforward. People are willing to contribute to a great cause with just a little bit of prompting. In this case, the motivation is watching their friends and neighbors get their heads shaved. Those who take the plunge not only get the satisfaction of raising money for a great cause, but also to experience a solidarity with children and other cancer patients who are bald not by their own choice. It is a fun and deeply moving experience.
Our event is a little late in coming together this year, but we are certain that Sitka will rally around the cause as our community always does. We need a few volunteers at this point and would love to see some individuals commit to the bold, beautiful, bald look! I would love to see representatives from some of Sitka’s organized groups. Last year we had Randy “The Hair” Hughey. Anyone else from the Sitka School District interested in stepping up this year? How about Mt. Edgecumbe High School? Two years ago Roger Hames answered the call. Last year, Casey Orona from Refresh not only cut hair but fund-raised and had her own hair cut. How about other representatives from the Sitka business community? I don’t know about you, but I would pay to see someone from our city Assembly take the plunge.
This is an amazingly generous community. If you ask, people will give. This is especially true if you give them a little motivation by agreeing to get shaved. You’ll be amazed how quickly it adds up. If you have ever considered this then JUST DO IT! There are few community events in which your participation will make you feel so good.
There are many things you can do at this point. If you are interested in participating in any way then please contact me. If you would like to donate in advance, you can do so through the St. Baldrick’s website: www.stbaldricks.org/donate/event/110/20123.
If nothing else, please join us at the Elks on April 26 for a fun and moving evening which you will not soon forget. We hope to see you there.
Dave Vastola, 747-6638, Organizer,
Sitka St. Baldrick’s Event
Good Samaritans
Dear Editor: As I’m contemplating my third surgery since my accident and it is imminent, I’m reflecting on a visit I had by two hunters who answered a call for help or I believe it was three: Mike Baines, Chester and Jim Gillian. I am so thankful for their help the day I was careless and almost lost my life. Thank you and God bless.
J.W. Hall, Sitka
