Homeless Connect
Dear Editor: Easter Group thanks all the businesses, organizations and individuals who helped to make Project Homeless Connect a success. It requires the cooperation of the community to successfully plan and fund a large event and recruit volunteers to deliver basic goods and services to the homeless and those in need. We list those who have been involved in the third PHC event on Jan. 29 and apologize if we missed anyone. Forty-six clients were served, with transport to and from HCH available by The Ride.
First, the media (KCAW, KIFW, Dan Etulain, Sitka Sentinel) for the frequent PSAs and interview opportunities and the churches who included the request for volunteers in weekly bulletins. Without your help the word would not have gotten out.
Second, the staff at Harrigan Centennial Hall who worked closely with us to provide requested setups for each area for pre-events as well as the big day. They truly are remarkable for their efforts to help and their patient, cheerful response to all requests.
Mary Suminski was the able volunteer coordinator, whose efficiency and attention to detail were amazing as she recruited and trained 70 individuals. She brought a whole new level of commitment to the word “volunteer.” Right up there with her was chef David Kitka, regular Salvation Army volunteer, who for the third year prepared and oversaw an amazing lunch for 129 individuals, with a variety of food of consistent high quality.
The service providers, listed here, are the heart of the event. Ellen Daly assembled a professional team of medical services providers: SEARHC and Sitka Community Hospital/Mountainside Clinic provided tobacco cessation information, dental screening and referrals, vision screening and referrals, foot care, nutrition info and advice, blood pressure checks, flu shots and blood sugar readings. For the first time this year, physicians from SCH were available for private consults and referrals, a service listed by clients as very important.
Non-medical services were arranged by EG board member Dave Nuetzel and offered by Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, with a representative available from the Anchorage office and Brian Massey from the local AHFC office. Housing services were also provided by Baranof Island Housing Authority, employment information by Sitka Tribe and the Alaska Department of Labor provided employment information and vocational rehabilitation options. Marie Murray of the Legislative Information Office offered help to those needing birth certificates, IDs, SS cards and help with Permanent Fund Dividend applications. Information on assistance for tribal members was offered by STA. Veterans Assistance table was ably staffed by SEARHC representative George Bennett. Senior Services were offered by SAIL. Youth Advocates had a station as did Big Brothers Big Sisters, Sitka Counseling and SEARHC substance abuse professionals. Dave Levesque offered help with income tax preparation. There were items and information available at the Red Cross table for recommended emergency survival kits. UAS had information on courses and GED requirements. Also, a rep from Juneau Affordable Care Act, was able to be present for a few hours to explain the ACA law and requirements.
The final stop for attendees was the voucher and exit tables where vouchers for Salvation Army and White E clothing and footgear were given out as well as haircut vouchers from the Seaside Barber Shop and Hair Loft Beauty Shop, plus vouchers for showers or laundry from the Sitka Laundry Center were given by Mary Wegner and her able, smiling assistants, the students from MEHS who handed out some 400 pairs of warm socks, either new or lightly used and the “goodie bags” consisting of: lotions, shampoos and soaps supplied by Super 8, Westmark Sitka and Totem Square Inn; toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash was given by SEARHC dental clinic; protein bars were donated by Northern Sales; reflective strips were given by SEARHC safety office; and combs were donated by Marlene Van Winkle of Headquarters Hair Care.
The organizations and individuals who donated cash to support the event were essential to success. White Elephant board provided a grant in the form of vouchers for their store, Salvation Army also had vouchers available, the Junk Trunk again made a generous donation of vouchers. Alaska Housing Finance Corporation gave a generous grant and MEHS again shared the profits from the Junior Achievement business class with PHC. Local individuals contributed funds totaling nearly $500.
Finally, the large number of volunteers who served as greeters, intake desk interviewers, guides, kitchen staff, exit desk specialists, child care attendants and “floaters” deserve huge thanks for their work and positive attitudes. We couldn’t do it without you. Thanks to all who attended, participated and contributed.
Dorrie Farrel for
Easter Group, Sitka
HB 77
Dear Editor: Introduced by Gov. Parnell, House Bill 77 would essentially fasttrack all future development of natural resources on State lands by all but eliminating the public’s involvement in the land use, disposal, and exchanges process. HB 77 removes the right of tribal governments to acquire in-stream water rights to ensure adequate water flow for subsistence fish stock, severely limits the public comment period and gives the commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources unprecedented authority to issue permits and severely restrict the public’s right to appeal administrative decisions.
The Sitka Tribe of Alaska has taken a stance in opposition of HB 77 for the reasons listed above. If you fish commercially for a living, enjoy sport hunting and fishing, or engage in subsistence harvesting, I encourage you to join STA in its stance to protect our natural resources and our rights to control how those resources are managed. Letters of opposition should be sent to the Alaska Senate, which currently controls the fate of this devastating bill.
If you would like to learn more about HB 77 and what you can do to help prevent its passing I encourage you to attend a public meeting at the Homeport Eatery 4-6 p.m. on Feb. 13.
Mike Baines
Council Chairman
Sitka Tribe of Alaska
Assembly Decision
Dear Editor: Our youths are one of our most prized possessions we have. We need to do our very best to protect them from serious health hazards.
In 2005, Sitkans voted to prohibit ‘‘Children under the age of 18 shall not be permitted in any place of employment where smoking is allowed.’’ Subsequently the Elks Club chose not to allow smoking in the club enabling the membership to host youths and do very well. The Moose Lodge constructed a separate entrance to enable them to host family events.
After hosting youth events at other locations, the American Legion chose to host this year’s Christmas youth party in their facility. The American Legion has a wonderful membership and is deeply committed to honoring those who have served in our military. Should the American Legion choose to follow the Elks Club plan and go smoke-free, I would be one of the first to be an American Legion promoter.
After the Assembly’s second reading of the amended ordinance, the Assembly referred it to the Health Needs and Human Services Commission for their suggestions. The Assembly will make the final decision. Sitkans for Health Coalition strongly suggests support for a clarification in the wording of the ordinance.
The Sitka community has spoken. Let’s do our best to protect our youths from the serious negative effects of secondhand smoke. They deserve our best.
Dr. Dan Etulain, Sitka
