Benefit Volleyball
Dear Editor: Emilyann Atkinson (White), a local resident, is currently undergoing chemotherapy in Anchorage for ovarian cancer. A superdraft-styled volleyball tournament is scheduled for this Saturday at Community Schools for a fundraiser for her.
A superdraft tournament is for individuals to sign up, and teams are picked on the spot to play. Teams will consist of either four or six people, depending on participation. A $25 requested donation per player will go directly to Emilyann for expenses. Meet at Blatchley Middle School at noon on Saturday for the draft and start of tournament. All questions can be answered at 907-738-4116.
Pete Menendez, Sitka
Bill Brady Center
Dear Editor: I feel compelled to advocate for myself, for the team I work with, and for the clients we have served at Bill Brady Healing Center and to challenge the decision as to how the closure of this program is being explained to the community.
I do not believe that the closure of BBHC is an outcome of the federal sequester and in fact I am offended that the blame for this unpopular decision is being conveniently channeled to the sequester, relieving the SEARHC Board and Administration of the obligation to be direct and honest with the staff and recipients and the people of this community. It seems cowardly and dishonest to suggest that this decision is a direct result of the recent sequester. I have seen SEARHC making severe cuts to all departments and programs for the past year, as deemed necessary, due to mismanagement of funds that have taken place for many years and while the cuts may be unavoidable the integrity of SEARHC is a commodity I would have expected them to retain.
I cannot agree with the fiscal responsibility of cutting a program whose financial impact is enormous and pervasive in the name of ‘‘saving money.’’
Of those who benefit from the LIFE CHANGING effects of learning to live without drugs and alcohol, we as a society can count on financial benefits of serving those who suffer from addictions to pay out in many ways. 1. reduced medical care needs, 2. reduced impacts on the criminal justice system, and 3. reduced impact on ALL other social programs including mental health, financial assistance and OCS involvement.
The proceeds begin to pay off today and extend forward for generations to come as our clients are not only your sisters and brothers and sons and daughters, they are also your mothers and fathers and grandparents of the future whose lives, for better or worse, are a powerful component in the web of life.
BBHC has graduated countless individuals who have managed to change their lives in immeasurable ways. They have returned to society to not only STOP being a drain on all of the systems I have mentioned above but to also CONTRIBUTE to society in invaluable ways. They are walking amongst us all over the state and beyond. You do not see them as they were because they are living as they have worked to become functioning members of society as a strong part of the work force, as leaders, as parents, as the neighbor that you don’t complain about any more.
Whatever the decisions that are being made at SEARHC and whatever the intention for SEARHC in the future, I would appreciate honest accountability from those who are making decisions with all due respect to those who have served and who are to be served.
I understand that change is constant and change is necessary and I believe we are capable of enduring change with grace and dignity. But we also deserve to be respected with honest disclosure and fair professional measures as change is being put in place.
As I intend to remain at BBHC until the official closure of the program on April 30 I get up every morning and go to work for my team and the clients. My top priority at this time is to provide the best possible care for the nine clients we currently have in residence, who deserve everything we’ve got. And that is a LOT!
With my wiser mind I know that I should delay submitting this letter to the editor until my time at Bill Brady Healing Center is officially done and I have secured other employment without prejudice for my comments, but with my heart I cannot resist taking the opportunity to share my thoughts and feelings about the closure of SEARHC’S BBHC program.
Deanna K. Moore, Sitka
Pick. Click. Give.
Dear Editor: Brave Heart Volunteers is so grateful to have the support of Alaskans. We just received the 2013 figures from Pick.Click.Give., the Permanent Fund Dividend Charitable Contributions Program, and with generous contributors, Brave Heart Volunteers will receive just over $4,600!
Your donations let Brave Heart Volunteers continue the mission of providing seamless support and quality educational services for individuals and caregivers in our community facing illness, isolation, end of life, or grief – services that can be provided free of charge because of supporters like you. Any contribution, big or small, is greatly appreciated and makes an impact with our small, volunteer-run, non-profit organization.
Thank you for your donation through Pick.Click.Give. and sharing in the goal of helping our neighbors. It will strengthen and benefit the community as a whole.
The Staff at Brave Heart Volunteers
Willow Moore, Amanda Taylor,
Jessica Gibson and Pamela Bopp
Easter Egg Hunt
Dear Editor: The American Legion auxiliary would like to thank everyone who helped at our Easter Egg Hunt. The donations from Ben Franklin, My fAEvorate Store, Harry Race for all the toys, Lakeside for the eggs, Northland Services for candy. Thank you. the ones who made cupcakes, Beryl, Dianne, Alex and Kathy. Thank you. They were yummy. To the Easter Bunny for being there, and to the Elks and Moose lodges for taking part with us to make this year’s egg hunt a big success.
I hope I didn’t forget anyone or business. If I did, I’m sorry. A big thank you to everyone.
Margaret Peterson
Legion Auxiliary
Rotary Club Donation
Dear Editor: The Sitka Babies and Books Committee would like to give recognition and express how grateful we are for the generous donation from the Sitka Rotary to our organization. Because of their contribution, our mission can continue to thrive and ensure that all children in Sitka can become lifelong avid readers.
We are able to do this by providing books to children, as well as give parent education and support during the first three years of a child’s life. The contribution we received from the Sitka Rotary not only helps fund our organization and keeps it going, but they have also given encouragement and support to all the children in our community to gain a passion for reading.
Sitka Babies and Books Committee
