Thankful for Teachers
Dear Editor: I’ve been in the elementary schools quite a lot this winter, substitute teaching, and teaching art. Every day I’m there, I am more impressed and thankful for the work that I see teachers, secretaries and other volunteers doing.
Teaching a room full of kids of all abilities and backgrounds to focus, be kind and try new and difficult work requires non-stop multitasking. That’s not to mention tests and educational requirements they must follow, and they do it all with patience and creativity.
If you are unfamiliar with what young people are experiencing in school all day, just be thankful for teachers. It gives me hope for our future. Thanks, teachers and school bus drivers, too.
Laura Kaltenstein, Sitka
Pondering
Dear Editor: Some things really make me wonder.
This morning I took a ride out Sawmill Creek Road. I haven’t been all the way to the end in a while and wanted to see the how all the projects are progressing. Although I did have my own reservations about some aspects of the projects, it was still pretty amazing to see how things have moved along. The view along the walkway extension is going to be beautiful on a warm, sunny summer day (or a cool, rainy day, any other time for that matter). And that new building for power generation is quite something. And not least of all, as I got closer to the industrial park, the view seemed different... then I realized that it was simply because I wasn’t bouncing all over the place.... the potholes are gone.
So I continued all the way out to the trailhead parking lot and wandered around a bit, just enjoying the quiet, before walking across the road to the water. On my way to the parking area, I had been able to see the fire ring and the usual bits of garbage here and there at the water’s edge directly across from the trailhead. But when I walked over there, what I had not been able to see from the road was a bit of a surprise.
In one of the fire rings (of which there are several) there were some unidentifiable metal objects all black and twisted, but more interesting than that was the very identifiable computer printer and five-disc CD (or DVD?) player. With all the improvements and enhancements continually going on here in Sitka, someone took the time and made the effort to take their unwanted electronics all the way out to the waters edge across from the Herring Cove trailhead, to burn them. Could be it’s just coincidence that it also happens to be one of those spots where you can go to watch the kings return in a couple of months.
I think this now supersedes my other pet peeve, folks who have decided they can own a dog but who refuse to stoop to the level of picking up their poop after transporting said pet to a public space (puns intentional)! Yes, I have a dog.
Some things just really make me wonder.
J. Scott MacDonald, Sitka
Rainy Day Bazaar
Dear Editor: The Coast Guard Spouses’ and Women’s Association would like to thank all those who supported this year’s Rainy Day Bazaar. This event would not be possible without the enthusiastic participation of so many.
Thank you to all of the vendors who came to sell their wonderful products; KCAW, KIFW and the Daily Sitka Sentinel for helping us spread the word; Harry Race for donating Easter Bunny photos; the staff at Harrigan Centennial Hall for all of their hard work; and all of the patrons who attended.
We would also like to extend a sincere thank to the following individuals and businesses for making the silent auction at this year’s Rainy Day Bazaar such a huge success. We greatly appreciate all of your generous donations and financial support.
Abby’s Reflection, AC Lakeside, Agave Restaurant, Alaska Computer Center, Alaska Ocean View B&B, Alaska Hook and Line Seafoods, Alaska Pure Sea Salts, Alaska Railroad, Alaska Raptor Center, Allen Marine, Arrowhead Transfer, Aurora Business Supplies, Back Bay Botanicals, Backdoor Cafe, Baranof Island Brewing Co., Basket Case/Kelly Goeden, The Beauty Shop and Beyond, Ben Franklin, Bev’s Flowers.
Also, Botanika Organic Spa, Brenner’s Fine Clothing and Gifts, Cascade Inn, The Cellar, Channel Club, Chelan Produce, Chocolate Moose, Christi Henthorn, Christy Newell, Daily Sitka Sentinel, Davis Realty, Deb Robidou/Sea Dreams, Edward Johnson, Elizabeth Faulkner/Friendship Beading Co., Ellen Leuders Design, Fisherman’s Eye Gallery, Foreign Automotive, Full Circle Farms, Gary’s Outboard, Gold Canyon Candles, Goldsmith Gallery, Hair Loft, Hair Play, Harris Aircraft, Headquarters, Highliner Coffee, Homeport Eatery, Horan & Co. LLC, House of Liquor, Jam n’ Pepper, Jessie Natkong, Jet Steam Carpet Cleaning.
Also, KCAW/Raven Radio, Knitting with Class, Linda Janacek, Linda Wilson/Jewelry Arte, Lisa Moore, Lisa Teas/Flying Ravens, Maria Horn, McDonald’s, Murray Pacific, NAPA Auto Parts, The Nugget, Old Harbor Books, The Oliphant Family, Orion Sporting Goods, Petro Marine, Pet’s Choice Veterinary Hospital, Pioneer Bar, Pizza Express, Precision Boatworks, Random House, Raven Shaw/Alaskaa Salvage Edge.
Also, Robertson’s Gallery, Russell’s Sporting Goods, Salon 264, Schmolck, Sea Mart, Sea Mountain Golf Course, Seaside Barber Shop, Shee Atika Inc., Simple Pleasures, Sitka Bottling, Sitka Conservation Society, Sitka Rose Gallery, Sitka Sound Science Center, Sitka Sound Seafoods, Sitka Studio of Dance, Susie Belisle, Tasha Folsom/Tidal Trove, Therapeutic Massage, Tongass Threads, True Value, Unity Botanicals, Van Winkle & Sons, Videl Video, Wintersong Soap Co., Yellow Jersey Bike Shop, and Yoga Union.
We are so grateful to be part of such a supportive community, and are already looking forward to next year’s Bazaar. Thank you!
Mary Grace Greene,Vice President,
For the Coast Guard Spouses’ and Women’s Association of Sitka
