Thank You, White E
Dear Editor: Babies and Books Board of Directors would like to thank the White Elephant Shop for their generous contribution to our organization. Our mission is to start children off to become lifelong readers. We do this by giving every new baby in Sitka a board book, offering monthly programs at the library including two big ‘‘themed’’ events where each child gets a board book, and mailing each baby a book for their first birthday.
We also send periodic newsletters with age-appropriate activities and book lists. We could not do this without support and for years the White Elephant has generously done so. Thank you!
Cheryl Vastola,
Babies and Books Board
Plastic Bag Tax
Dear Editor: After reading a letter to the editor Friday, April 20, titled ‘‘No Plastic Bag Tax,’’ I felt dismay and disappointment in the writer. She was making the case for no new tax on the use of plastic bags (I assume mostly at the grocery store) because we live in a rainforest and since she didn’t drive this meant she had accumulated Brownie Points that she could use by the continued use of plastic throwaway bags.
Firstly, wouldn’t it be refreshing if we didn’t all see every issue as a personal affront and try to see the bigger picture and the long-term harm. Why couldn’t she just find a reusable plastic bag she could bring with her, or a small backpack. Think of it like dieting.
It doesn’t make sense to eat a box of Ho-Hos at night just because you ate salad and fruit all day. It doesn’t’ make sense to brag about your small carbon footprint because you walked all day only to do as you please later and justify it by pointing out how conscientious you are.
Dennis Gabel, Sitka
Senior Sales Tax
Dear Editor: As a severely disabled senior and soon-to-be senior, we applaud the Assembly’s decision to repeal the senior sales tax exemption and spread the tax burden more equitably among Sitka residents. We are especially appreciative that the ordinance provides a rebate for low income seniors while insuring that those who can afford to will contribute to the city services that they enjoy. We believe that the Assembly’s vote is in the best democratic tradition of serving the common good.
Cindy Litman, Tony Guevin, Sitka
Honoring Women Gala
Dear Editor: We want to thank everyone who supported SAFV and the 20th Annual Honoring Women Gala. All these years the Daily Sitka Sentinel has been a big part of this event. You helped get the word out during the nomination period, promoted the event for weeks, and printed the biographies and beautiful portraits of the honorees. Raven Radio KCAW, KIFW and the Sitka Soup also contributed to the success of this fundraiser.
We want to thank our business sponsors, ALPS Federal Credit Union, Fairweather Prints, Venneberg Insurance Inc. and White’s Inc. for cash and generous in-kind donations, and Sitka Flowers and Chocolate Moose for donating corsages.
Thanks go to our honorees, Dionne Brady-Howard, Jan Straley, Julia Smith and Traci Gale, who allowed us to highlight their lives and lists of contributions to the community. This is sometimes more difficult than it seems, and we appreciate the time they spent to write and collect photographs for their personal slide shows, always the centerpiece of the event. And thanks to those who nominated and introduced them. We thank Christine Pate who excelled as MC. Her interpretation of humpback whale songs will stay in our ears for a long time.
Thank you to Melinda McAdams of Sitka Studio of Dance, Zia Allen, Jo DiGennaro DeBell, Danica Majeski, Nancy Neel, Jasmine Nellis, Aezlynn Nichols, Gini Pearson, Kelcey Simic, Caroline Tabor, Laura Turcott, and Mia von Turner for a sweet dance performance; Debby LeVeck and Jim Shepard for beautiful live music; and Amanda Capitummino for being our sound tech and photographer.
Thank you to Colette Nelson of Ludvig’s Bistro and her staff for spoiling us with a delicious meal, and to Mt. Edgecumbe High School students Alliyah Nay, Briana Clark, Hayleigh Johansen, Jasmine Woods, Sierra Felts, and Tia Patkotak for serving. Thanks to volunteers Natalie Wojcik, Deb Corso, Cheri Hample and Larry Edwards for setting up the room and the silent auction. Thanks also to the always friendly and professional staff at Harrigan Centennial Hall.
We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the artists, businesses and individuals who generously donated items and services to the silent auction; and to those who attended, bid and made this fundraiser profitable.
All benefits will support SAFV’s services to program participants that are not otherwise funded. They include fresh food, bus passes, emergency cab rides, and many supplies for the children’s program. We are proud to be part of such a generous community. It takes all of us to help survivors of interpersonal violence heal from injury and trauma. Thanks again and Gunal’cheesh.
Sitkans Against Family Violence
Board and staff
Assembly Meeting
Dear Editor: Stunned. Still stunned. Amazed. Impressed. Puzzled. Concerned. Hopeful.
Last night’s Assembly meeting reflected a whole lot of energy. A whole lot of intelligent ideas and questions.
Sitkans matter. The process matters. Seniors matter. It is a privilege to live here.
Now what?
Nancy Yaw Davis, Sitka
