Card of Thanks
We would like to thank everyone involved with organizing and helping out with John Phillips’ Celebration of Life held on Dec. 9.
Our family is truly grateful for all the hard work and planning that was put into making this a memorable event. Thank you everyone who attended, especially those who traveled and had to deal with the many flight cancellations and other travel obstacles. It was heartwarming to visit with old friends and hear all your stories.
Thank you.
Nancy and Jake Phillips, Sitka
Graduates Basic
U.S. Air Force National Guard Airman 1st Class William M. Borcy graduated recently from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is a 2015 graduate of Sitka High School.
CO2 Reducers
Meet Wednesday
The CO2 reducers action group will meet 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, at the Island Institute, 304 Baranof Street.
The group said carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas that is responsible for global warming/ocean acidification. Reducing Sitka’s total emissions was identified as a top goal during the 2017 Sitka Health Summit. For information go to www.sitkahealthsummit.org.
Ramshackle
Slated Dec. 22
The Ramshackle Cabaret Holiday Comedy and Burlesque Show will be Dec. 22, below the Mean Queen. Doors open at 8 p.m.
All proceeds support the nonprofit Ramshackle Cabaret, and other nonprofit groups. Tickets are on sale at Old Harbor Books and Mean Queen for $15 each.
Brave Heart Gets Boost
From $10,000 Donation
Sitka Community Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging Department, in conjunction with Allen Marine, Harry Race, White’s Pharmacy and Russell’s, donated $10,000 to Brave Heart Volunteers.
The donation was presented at the annual Brave Heart Bowls and Chair-ity event on Dec. 6.
Support from local companies and community members helped Sitka Community Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging Department’s annual Hope Floats cruises raise funds now being put to use. After making a donation to the Sitka Cancer Survivors Society at the end of November, the department has continued its donation efforts, seeking local organizations with missions focused on helping the people of Sitka.
“Brave Heart was mentioned a few times when considering organizations with missions similar to our own,” said Amy Martens, mammographer at Sitka Community Hospital. “We need to support the family caregivers, or there is no one available for the patient.”
Brave Heart Volunteers is a small, non-profit organization with a range of programs focused on compassionate care, companionship, respite and education to those facing illness, isolation,
end-of-life and grief in Sitka.
“Our volunteers currently visit 52 isolated community members each week and spend one to two hours with them,” said Brave Heart Volunteers Director Maury Hackett.
Visits include everything from socializing to taking care of important tasks like getting groceries and visiting the doctor.
With just 1.75 full-time employees, Brave Heart Volunteers relies heavily on a network of volunteers and community partners, working to ensure people receive the support they need.
Donations are streamlined into the many programs and adjunct services in support of those programs.
In addition to regular in-home visits by volunteers, the organization runs a Senior Walking Program in partnership with Hames Center, SAIL and the Pioneers Home on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week. Monthly caregiver support groups focus on education, self-care, and time to share and connect, while ten-week, grief support group programs serve to educate and support community members.
Another opportunity is the family-friendly, surrogate grandparent program which allows people to develop intergenerational friendships and support networks by regularly visiting with an elder.
In addition to the obvious support, Hackett said, “It’s a great opportunity for those new to Sitka to develop friendships and build a sense of community.”
As for the Bowls and Chair-ity event, Hackett said this year boasted the highest turnout and community supported event.
Those wanting to become a Brave Heart Volunteer can contact Hackett at
747-4600 or email maury@braveheartvolunteers.org.
Marine Safety
Scholarships On
The Alaska Marine Safety Education Association has teamed up with the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association to offer training scholarships to Bristol Bay fishermen who want to teach marine safety and cold-water survival skills.
Three scholarships are available to attend AMSEA’s Marine Safety Instructor Training in Seward, April 23-28.
The scholarships cover tuition, transportation, food, and lodging. To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must fish commercially, be based in Dillingham or Naknek, and agree to teach at least two Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor classes in the Bristol Bay region, prior to the 2019 salmon season. BBRSDA will cover the expenses for the classes, including a teaching stipend for the instructors.
Those interested in applying for the scholarship should call AMSEA at 747-3287 or visit the AMSEA website at https://www.amsea.org/bbrsdatrainingscholoarships for information.
Snow Forecast,
City Issues Plea
With snow being forecast this week, the City of Sitka is encouraging residents to remove personal items – such as vehicles, boats, basketball hoops, etc. – from the right-of-way and sidewalks so plows can more efficiently remove snow.
‘‘With snow anticipated today and tomorrow, items left in the roadways will create berms or slow down crews,’’ the city said today. ‘‘Please remove your personal items as soon as possible.’’
