Library Funds
Dear Editor: I saw in the Sentinel on Monday, Dec. 11, that funds which had been specifically raised and donated for the library are being considered for use in other areas. I am writing to express my strong opposition to that. It seems to me that for the Assembly, by any political process whatsoever, to “re-allocate” money that was SPECIFICALLY DONATED TO THE LIBRARY is an imperious and unjustified move.
After all, isn’t that how our Social Security funds got ransacked by administration after administration so that we are fast approaching a funding crisis for the very seniors who have spent their lives contributing to the fund? It seems to me there must be a better way to handle too few funds other than “robbing Peter to pay Paul.” Perhaps the Assembly could sponsor a contest for folks to make sensible suggestions of better ways to handle shrinking funds with rising fiscal demands.
The library is one of the first places I found when I first moved to Sitka, and I’ve enjoyed and used its many services ever since. I’ve also donated often, goods, time and money, and I think many, many other people have done the same.
As Anne Herbert said: “Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries.” For the many citizens who may have trouble affording all the things they want to do, the library is often a priceless treasure.
Karen Parker, Sitka
Legacy Funds
Dear Editor: It is our distinct pleasure to thank the Alaska Community Foundation and the Greater Sitka Legacy Fund for donations to the Sitka Sound Science Center.
The mission of the Sitka Sound Science Center is to increase awareness and understanding of the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems of Alaska through science research and science education. Now more than ever, we need better understandings of the world around us, and we believe that teaching about the scientific process – validation, critical thinking and problem-solving – can help us move forward as a community and as a nation.
The Alaska Community Foundation has generously supported our organization’s summer science programs. Starting in February, look for dates and sign up for those programs in which students get hands-on learning experiences working alongside of professional scientists. It’s been demonstrated that participation in summer science programs boosts interest in pursuing education and career pathways in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The Alaska Community Foundation support makes these summer camps possible in Sitka.
The Greater Sitka Legacy Fund supports upgrades to the Karsh classroom, which is the primary science education room in our building. In addition to K-12 after-school, summer camp and preschool programs, this room hosts undergraduates from other universities here for field courses, aquaculture workshops and is used for meeting space by a number of community organizations such as the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, and the Sitka Fish and Game Advisory Committee. The local support from the Legacy Fund will improve the facility which will help us better meet our mission. We feel fortunate to be selected for Legacy Fund support.
Lisa Busch,
Sitka Sound Science Center
Recycling
Dear Editor: To be honest, I’ve been frustrated with not being able to recycle mixed paper since the city’s change in early November due to changes in international markets. Rather than point fingers which does not move anyone forward, I decided to go “upstream” and look at where my mixed paper originates. It’s mostly catalogues and requests for donations plus the occasional “official” mailing from the state or a financial institution. So here’s how I am minimizing my waste load on our small island home...
1. I revisited my account with https://www.catalogchoice.org/ and then I removed myself from the remaining catalogues I receive. I can always go online if I need to order anything.
2. I created an account with https://dmachoice.thedma.org/ and then I removed myself from the Data & Marketing Association’s lists which by the way includes email and telephone lists as well.
3. I am in the process of calling all the organizations that request donations from me and asked them to no longer send me paper mailings. Again, I get plenty of requests through email and can easily visit a website if I want to make a charitable contribution.
4. I revisited my “official” accounts online and selected the paperless or green option for statements and notifications.
These four steps will reduce my mixed paper accumulation by about 80 percent. Yes, it took an investment of my time, AND it made me feel positive about reducing Sitka’s waste stream and caring for God’s good green earth.
Please join me in taking these proactive steps and lightening Sitka’s mixed paper load.
Lisa Sadleir-Hart, Sitka
