Brave Heart Bowls
Dear Editor: A huge thank you to Sitka supporters for the grand turnout Dec. 7 for the Brave Heart Volunteer Annual Bowl Event. This is our biggest fund-raiser of the year and, in part, allows us to keep offering our services free of charge to those in need of them.
As with any successful fundraiser there is a wealth of talent, time, energy and generosity behind the scenes. We would like to acknowledge our sponsors: Rotary Club of Sitka, Abby’s Reflection Apparel and Quiltworks, Fisherman’s Eye Gallery, Hames Corp., and UAS. Thank you for your support.
A giant thank you to Auriella Hughes, Robert Rose and Liz Zacher for organizing the production of bowls at UAS, as well as our wealth of other contributing potters: Tom Brown, Ritch Phillips, Jeanne Stolberg, Joy Light, Amy Blair, Lynne Brandon, Trenton Capp, Blake Conaway, Tom Crane, Sarah Ferrency, Michele Friedman, Eva Fish, Marcy Frank, Sam Hoffman, Carolyn Jenkins, Erika Knox, Cat Lieser, Summer Mayo, Natasha McGill, Lucy Phillips, Jude Reis, Kristin Scotchmer, Marge Steward, Lisa Teas and Shelby Williams. Your involvement, talent and time is the focus of this fund raiser, and we are very grateful for your participation.
What would a bowl event be without something to put in it? Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to our soup-makers and bakers: Tom Brown, Ruth Culp, Lucy Phillips, Max and Bonnie Cottrell, Kathy Kyle, Cat Lieser, Sherie Mayo, John Murray, Paul Rioux, Steve Warren and Michele Friedman.
Our entertainment this year was the Sitka Blues Band with Fred Knowles, Ritch “Ground Hog” Phillips, Gary “Lips” Gouker and Scott “Gator” Brylinsky. We really appreciated the heartfelt bluesy tunes, guys, thank you for being part of the scene.
Thank you to all the individuals, businesses and organizations that donated items for the auctions: Steve Lawrie, Marge Parsons, Karen Boyer, Gary Downie Charters, Peggy Fedoroff, Amy Blair, Chris Gale, Sarah Ferrency, Marcy Frank, Ruth Culp, Cheryl Vastola, Andrea Thomas, Sharon Foster, Bobbi Jordan, Paula Hardy, Allison Bayne, Botanika, Mac’s Sporting Goods, Yoga Union, Pamela Ash, Dave Bryan, Mike Frank, Elizabeth Faulkner, Michele Friedman, Eve Grutter, Sherie Mayo, Jay Sweeney, and our auctioneer, Zeke Blackwell.
And, of course, much gratitude to all the volunteers: Matt Foruria and the Mt. Edgecumbe High School students, the AmeriCorp Volunteers, Sitka Winter Fellows, the Jesuit Volunteers, Aleeta Bauder, Corrie Bosman, Karen Boyer, Vern and Ruth Culp, Elisabeth Faulkner, Michele Friedman, Kim Hunter, Kathy Kyle, John Stein, Marcy and Mike Frank, Erin Mathus, Jean Longstreth and Jay Stelzenmuller.
Thank you to Pioneers Home Skye Workman for the loan of extra tablecloths and napkins. Also thank you to Pete Hagan, Mike Callahan, KCAW and KIFW and the Sentinel for help with advertising, and finally to the staff at Harrigan Centennial Hall for your patience, help and last minute set-ups, you were a pleasure to work with.
All this effort and participation allows BHV to continue offering our services of volunteer companionship, education, and grief support for those facing illness, isolation, end of life and those who are their caregivers. Thank you all for the support, it warms our hearts, and may the new year bring us all many more blessings.
Sincerely,
BHV Board Members,
Sherie Mayo, Dennis Longstreth,
Aleeta Bauder, Ruth Culp,
Karen Boyer, Michele Friedman
and Kathy Kyle
ANCSA Debate
Dear Editor: I recently had the experience of observing high school students demonstrate how to get along discussing a controversial subject and learned Alaska information in the deal. I had the privilege of sitting in Mr. Howard Wayne’s history class and observe the class debate whether ANCSA (Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act) is working.
Three things struck me right away: 1. The students’ involvement in the topic and preparation to present both sides of the issue. 2. How engaged the students were. 3. That it is possible to respectfully disagree without having a tizzy fit or besmirching your opponent and be respectful of different points of view.
I learned a ton about how a debate works and even more about ANCSA. I feel good about our future if the current students can maintain their sense of humor, compassion, and understanding. We don’t have to all agree with each other nor do we have to attack others for our beliefs. Kudos to Sitka High School students and Mr. Howard Wayne.
Jeff Budd, Sitka
Shop Sitka
Dear Editor: One of the best things about the holiday season is reflecting your esteem and appreciation for family and friends through gifting. Shop Sitka to find useful and meaningful treasures for all the special people and pets in your life.
While making merry locally, consider a gift to the natural wellbeing of our town and surrounding environment by limiting the use of plastic bags and packing all those treasures in reusable totes.
Revitalize Sitka and
Bags for Change
