Climate Connection: 75% in 7 years
By Leah Mason
Question: What would we do if we needed to reduce our carbon footprint by 75% in the next 7 years?
Some have said that we just need to get a small number of companies to stop selling us their greenhouse gas producing stuff. Seems, simple. Start at the top! But I think that we are missing a big point here. Even if these companies were to stop selling fossil fuels, refrigerants, air travel, unsustainably sourced wood products - right this minute - we would all still have a lot of work to do.
We will all need to do things differently, so my feeling is that we might as well start getting into that groove - right now.
As we’ve seen during the COVID 19 emergency, sometimes we need some coordination to make sure that we do things differently together! In a way that moves all of us forward towards our goals.
Sitka is not new to the idea of working together to reduce our greenhouse gas impact. We’ve produced two climate change action plans since 2010. These have both been focused on the City and Borough of Sitka as an organization, and quite a bit of progress has been made since the original plan was put together. But you know, all things considered, the City is a small organization in Sitka.
There are local businesses with more vehicles, more buildings, and more staff than the City and Borough of Sitka. These businesses could make many of the same kind of changes. Some of the ideas that have come up include offering ‘our’ tourists the opportunity to offset their carbon footprint through a local fund that helps our low-income neighbors move off their old oil heating systems. This is something that at least one of our local tourist businesses was planning to start this summer. Who else could help? We also have rental car businesses that could make EVs a part of their fleet, and hotels that could install fast chargers for the use of their guests.
But, let’s face it, we all need to make changes, and we all know that we could drive and fly less. We all know that it is possible to use zoom for almost anything if we put our minds to it. And, all things considered? As a community, the residents of Sitka have more vehicles, more buildings, and more people power than the City and Borough of Sitka.
Another thing we can do as a community is start thinking differently about handling our waste. This is where this community could really get some points on the board. This requires some effort on all of our parts, but it also represents opportunities for the community. Opportunities to save money at the household, business, and city scale. Opportunities for new lines of economic development that we control as a community. Change brings opportunity and we can all be involved in that too. If any of this is interesting to you, feel free to join next week’s Drawdown Learning Circle, where we’ll be discussing some of these opportunities and creating our own Climate Change Emergency Action Plan. Email nosam.m.hael@gmail.com to get an invitation. The discussion starts at 5:45pm on the third Thursday of each month via zoom.
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Leah Mason is a member of the Sitka Citizens’ Climate Lobby.
Annual Christmas
Bazaar Canceled
Sitka Counseling’s 40th Annual Christmas Bazaar has been postponed until Nov. 27, 2021, because of the coronavirus pandemic.
‘‘While this is very disappointing to all of us at Sitka Counseling, we believe keeping our community healthy and safe is our first concern,’’ Sitka Counseling said in a press release. ‘‘The Christmas Bazaar has been our only annual fundraiser for the past 39 years. This year we will be looking for virtual fundraising opportunities so we can continue to provide quality services to our clients and their families. Thank you for your understanding and continued support!’’
Tribal Council
Meeting Slated
Sitka Tribe of Alaska Tribal Council will meet 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19.
Those who wish to attend the meeting telephonically or by Zoom, can contact Anne Davis at 747-3207.
The Tribal Council will hear the second reading of the proposed amendments to the Election Ordinance. To make written comment, submit via email to anne.davis@sitkatribe-nsn.gov with the subject line: Election Ordinance Comments. Written comments must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sitka Tribe of Alaska offices and buildings remain closed. Sitka Tribe is following the state guidelines closely and taking precautions to protect and slow the spread of the virus, the tribe said in a press release.
Legacy Foundation
Grants Available
Sitka Legacy Foundation will accept grant applications for projects that benefit the community from Aug. 17-Sept. 25.
Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 nonprofits, tribal entities, local government and faith-based organizations. Priority is given to organizations and projects that benefit children and families; eligible childcare providers are being encouraged to apply.
It is anticipated individual grants will range from $1,000 and $3,000, and will not exceed $5,000.
To apply, visit https://sitkalegacy.org/grants/ beginning Aug. 17 to access the online application form. E-mail Robin Sherman at rsherman@alaskacf.org with questions.
Applications Ready
For Free Meals
Applications for free/reduced price meals for students attending the Sitka School District are available at all school offices and online at https://www.schoolcafe.com/.
Parents are being encouraged to apply online and early to ensure all paperwork is completed.
If a household was eligible last school year for free or reduced lunch it will need to reapply each school year to verify your households continued eligibility.
Any questions about the school lunch program may be directed to Leslie Young at the district office at 966-1249 or youngl@sitkaschools.org.
Virtual Book
Event Aug. 27
All are invited to join Heather Lende and John Straley on Zoom for a virtual book event 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27.
The authors will discuss their new books, publishing in a pandemic, and more. Go to oldharbooks.net for the registration link.
Guided Tidepool
Walks Scheduled
The Sitka Sound Science Center will be having their last Guided Tidepool Walks of the summer 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, and 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21.
The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Pre-registration is required. To book a spot, go to www.sitkascience.org and click ‘‘book now.’’
Hike Saturday
To Mt. Verstovia
Sitka Trail Works will lead a hike to Mt. Verstovia 9 a.m. Saturday, June 15.
Hikers can meet at the Verstovia Trailhead on Sawmill Creek Road for a free five-mile, six-hour, round-trip hike led by Sitka Trail Works and Waypoint for Veterans volunteers.
The difficult hike goes through a series of switchbacks, with spectacular views from the top. Elevation gain is 2,550 feet to Picnic Rock. Hikers should expect numerous rocky sections, log steps, and tree roots.
‘‘The trail will be slippery and muddy if wet,’’ Sitka Trail Works said.
Leaders recommend taking water, lunch, hiking poles, appropriate clothing, and a camera. A mandatory COVID-19 pre-screening questionnaire and a liability waiver must be completed prior to participation. Social distancing between different household groups is being encouraged. Those 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult and have a liability waiver signed by their legal guardian.
Hike leaders will carry first aid supplies and VHF radios. For information call 747-7244, or visit www.sitkatrailworks.org.
Anna Edenshaw
Life Celebrated
A celebration of life party for Anna Marie Edenshaw, a lifelong Sitka resident, will be 3-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Halibut Point Recreation Area.
Anna died July 1 from complications with her lungs.
She was preceded in death by her father Bill Hill, mother Evelyn Hill, and sisters Nancy, Wilma and Leona.
She is survived by her brothers Ed and Eric Hill; husband Steve Edenshaw; children Ricky, Evie and Connie; and grandchildren Sarah, Katlin, Nick, Caleb, Brooklin and Ben.
All are invited to take a potluck dish to share. Those who need transportation to attend can call 738-0560.
Ocean Wave
Quilters Meet
Ocean Wave Quilters guild will meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, via Zoom.
Meetings are open to all, members or not. Those wishing to pay the $25 dues receive the monthly newsletter, discounts on classes and other benefits.
For more information call President Sarah Jordan at 738-7272.
