Resource Protection
Dear Editor: Hiking up the Indian River trail today it was impressive to see the river full of returning salmon and meeting tourists who were overwhelmed by what they were seeing, i.e. huge fish run, magnificent old-growth trees and our beautiful community. Watching the fish I realized how much the fishing industry, hard-working fishermen and our whole economy are profiting from these huge returns.
I thought further about how vital it is to protect and respect the streams and old-growth forests that nurture them. We truly all benefit from them in so many ways.
Amy Johnson, Sitka
Physical Therapists
Dear Editor: As a recently arrived AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer at the Hames Center, I have received the warmest welcome imaginable. Words cannot describe the powerful sense of community that surrounds Sitka and the wonderful people that have so quickly turned this place into home. I am so excited and inspired by the work at the Hames Center and can’t wait to make my own contribution to this incredible community.
This past Sunday, Aug. 18, I attended Paul Columb and Alicia Haseltine’s aerobic and strength training 101 workshop at the Hames Center. Being a certified personal trainer myself, I was excited to see how these two physical therapists would instruct fitness new-comers in beginning a workout program which can quickly sound overwhelming and intimidating.
Paul and Alicia were incredible to say the least. They presented a simple, effective fitness plan that can be easily tailored to any individual’s abilities, interests, and life. They somehow took all the chaos of the multitude of fitness programs and boiled it down to what you really need to know to create a workout program that not only fits for you, but is also effective. I highly recommend this workshop to individuals hoping to gain confidence in the gym, to enhance their current fitness level, or to make a healthy lifestyle change.
Paul, although I am new to Sitka, it is quite apparent that your energy, knowledge, and presence have been an invaluable resource here. There’s no doubt that this community, especially those of us at the Hames Center, will greatly miss you. Thank you so much for your time here and we wish you the best of luck in Portland!
Alicia, we are so excited to be working with you and are looking forward to having you here at Hames.
Caitlin Blaisdell,
Hames Center
AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer
Beautiful Sitka
Dear Editor: Sitka is a beautiful remote fishing town with friendly and helpful locals. The town is framed by mountains and the center is an attractive church and spires. The many surrounding docks with many small fishing beats completes the scene.
We walked the ancient wooded trails, covered in moss and lichen, and dotted with toadstools. They were very well maintained trails even right into the mountains.
The rich history is in evidence everywhere. Live music was evident in the eating places, Cultural center and activities, totem pole wooded walk close to town, and museums were all activities we enjoyed. We witnessed the heavy salmon numbers in the rivers and seas. We felt the fear of knowing grizzlies were abundant in the wild. Plenty of opportunity to see an enjoy birds and bears in captivity.
Four of us stayed at Fairweather Suite on Monastery Street. Our host Colin provided a lovely warm cottage and even a free meal.
We’ll be back.
Ann Cheater,
Waikanae, New Zealand
