Honor System Yard Sale
Dear Editor: Ya’ just gotta love Sitka! My faith in humanity was uplifted this past weekend when I spontaneously determined – as I was sweating and frustrated with so much “stuff” in my storage shed – to hold an “Honor System, Choose-Your Own-Price” yard sale.
It was mid-afternoon on Saturday, long after all the regular yard and garages sales had ended. I started pulling things out of the storage shed and onto my driveway. I then posted on Facebook’s “Sitka for Sale” page and on sitka.com classifieds that this honor system yard sale was taking place. I proceeded to clear out as much as possible from my shed, placing a large “energy cell” tin bank on a table along with hand-written signs stating the expectations: “Honor System Sale; please leave money in bank.”
I was in and out for a couple of hours, and had the privilege to interact with several Sitkans. Most of the time, however, no one even knew whether or not I was home. I occasionally glanced out the window, and every hour or so I would go out and clear the bank to make room for more bills. Yes! Sitkans are an honest bunch! I happened to look out the window as several young teenage boys – out on their own – were looking things over and getting all excited about some Nintendo DS games and some DVDs. I did not watch long enough, and I haven’t a clue how much they spent, but I am absolutely certain these young men were as honest as anyone else who was picking up treasures.
Conveniently, the weather was clear, so I simply left things out overnight and all day Sunday – including the tin bank – and was once again so impressed with Sitkans’ integrity. It wasn’t until Tuesday that I had the Junk Trunk come and pick up leftovers, and still, even though the bank was back in the house, another several bills were either stuffed into the door jamb or given to my son. What an incredibly awesome gift it is to live in this town! I love it here and have truly found my home in Sitka.
Camielle Call, Sitka
Hall of Fame Honor
Dear Editor: In my athletic activities I’ve had some unexpected rewards.
The absolute highlight took place on Feb. 24. It was exciting to experience the reception I received when I entered the Centennial building to attend the banquet to celebrate my selection to the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame.
It would be hard to thank everyone who contributed to the event as I might not include everyone. However, I would like to give a big thank you to Gil Truitt who nominated me and gathered the support to convince the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame to select me.
I would also like to express my gratitude to the committee who organized the event: Gil Truitt, chair; Sam Martin, Heather Powell, Ken Creamer, Helen Mercado, Willis Osbakken, my son, Herb, and Gus Adams.
The reception I received from all who attended was an unforgettable, emotional experience. Thank you, all, very much.
Herb Didrickson, Sitka
Silent Auction Friday
Dear Editor: Sitka Seafood Festival would like to thank all those who donated to this year’s silent auction which will be held during the banquet this Friday night, Aug. 2, at 6:30 p.m. Hope to see you there.
Local donors: Alaska Airlines, Harris Aircraft Services Inc., Allen Marine, Aquatic Alaska Adventures LLC, VanWinkle and Sons, Valorie Nelson, Sea Mountain Golf Course, Lee Craft, Tyler Eddy, Pacific Services, Daily Sitka Sentinel, Cherie Creek, Glade Morales, Baranof Island Brewing Co., Sabrina Jenkins, Gretchen Matiatos, Russell’s, Sharon Bryant, Megan Pasternak, Sabra Jenkins, Robertson’s Gallery and Custom Framing, Karmon’s Hair Salon, Chocolate Moose and Sitka Flowers, Agave Restaurant, Spenard Builders Supply, Lisa Teas, Botanika, Garden Ventures, Halibut Point Marine Services, Orion Sporting Goods, Keith Greba, Coliseum Theatre, Christi Wuerker, Catharine Weaver, Joella Swanson, Jill Forrey, Burgess Bauder, F/V Constance LLC, the Hair Loft, Becky Selengut, McDonald’s Restaurant, Highliner Coffee, Rock Peterson, Baranof Wilderness Lodge, Dove Island, Laura Kaltenstein, Alaska Pure Sea Salt, The Pub, Silver Basin, Susan Stanford, Back Bay Botanicals, Ludvig’s Bistro, Salon 264, Janet Berlin, Ron McClain, Fairweather Prints, Sitka Friends of NRA, Petro Marine Services and Alaska Oil Sales, Party Ranch and Kathryn Snelling.
We would also like to thank these out of town donors: Rodney Strong Vineyards, Alaskan Brewing Co., Ivar’s Acres of Clams, the Hangar on the Wharf, Starbucks, Raven’s Brew Coffee, Barnard Griffin Winery, Christy O’Shaughnessy, Simply Designz, Columbia Winery, Southern Wine and Spirits of Alaska, Mercer Estates, Fetzer Winery, LeMay Car Museum, Mama’s Mexican Kitchen, Alexander Valley Vineyards, Specialty Imports, Variety of Spice, the Crab Pot, the Great Wheel and Pike Place Fish Market.
Linda Olson for the
Sitka Seafood Festival
