National Anti-Drug Forum
Honors HOPE Coalition
The HOPE Coalition was one of 112 community coalitions honored at a graduation ceremony at Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America’s National Leadership Forum, just outside of Washington, D.C., on Feb. 5.
The coalitions received a graduation certificate for completing CADCA’s National Coalition Academy, a rigorous training program designed to increase the effectiveness of community drug prevention leaders.
“We are so proud of our coalition for investing the time and resources to take advantage of the best community coalition training in the world. To graduate from this yearlong intensive course is no small feat and the HOPE Coalition is more prepared today to be an effective, sustainable coalition because of this training,” said Loyd Platson, HOPE Coalition director. “We look forward to applying our knowledge and strategies to ensure the youths in our community live drug free.”
HOPE stands for Healing Our People and Environment.
Through partnerships at the local, state and national levels, great progress has been made for the Sitka community, Platson said.
The passage of the minimum legal sales age for all tobacco products – including electronic devices – from age 19 to age 21 was just one success, he said. Sitka was the first community in Alaska to enact such an ordinance.
Additionally, more than $75,000 worth of opioid overdose reversal kits (NARCAN) were assembled and are being distributed locally and throughout Southeast Alaska free of charge.
Free medication disposal bags have also been made available to the community. One new medication drop box was installed at the Sitka Police Department bringing the total up to three – Harry Race Pharmacy and SEARHC Pharmacy already had drop boxes. An additional drop box will be installed in the near future, Platson said. Prevention messages continue to be distributed through a number of means including the coalition’s business partners.
‘‘One big prevention initiative yet to be implemented is a youth-driven prevention campaign,’’ Platson said. ‘‘This campaign might involve developing, recording and distributing PSAs as well as anything the youths want to address.’’
Youths wanting to work on this project can contact Platson at 747-3636.
CADCA’s National Coalition Academy is a comprehensive, yearlong training program developed by its National Coalition Institute. The NCA incorporates three weeklong classroom sessions, a web-based distance learning component, an online workstation where participants network and share planning products, and free ongoing coalition development technical assistance.
To graduate, coalitions must complete a rigorous curriculum, Platson said. They must participate in all components of the NCA and complete five essential planning products that serve as the foundation of their comprehensive plan for community change.
CADCA’s National Leadership Forum is a four-day event packed with opportunities to learn the latest strategies to address substance abuse and hear from nationally-known prevention experts, federal administrators, and concerned policymakers. The forum brings together approximately 3,000 attendees representing coalitions from all regions of the country and internationally, government leaders, youths, prevention specialists, addiction treatment professionals, addiction recovery advocates, researchers, educators, law enforcement professionals and faith-based leaders. It is the largest training event for the prevention field.
Kayak Presentation
Tonight, Saturday
Gail Ferris will give a video presentation on kayaking 7 p.m. tonight at Rasmuson Hall, Room 108, on the SJ Campus, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at Sitka Public Library.
“Oh Boy Do I Get to Feel Ever So Small in My Kayak Off Sitka Airport” is the title of the presentation.
Girls on the Run
Coaches Sought
Girls on the Run is looking for coaches for its Keet Gooshi Heen program.
Coaches act as role models who empower girls through an interactive curriculum which creatively integrates running, organizers said. Teams meet after school 2:40-4:15 p.m. either Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The deadline to apply is Feb. 18. Coaches training will be held Feb. 23. Coaches must be available from mid-February through the end of May. For more information and to apply visit: https://www.gotrgreateralaska.org/coach, or www.safv.org to sign up on the webpage. Contact the GOTR coordinator at gotr@safv.org.
ANB, ANS Set
Officer Installation
Alaska Native Brotherhood Camp 1 and Alaska Native Sisterhood Camp 4 installation of new officers will be held 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, at the ANB Founders Hall. The public is invited to attend and watch the ceremony.
GIRLS ON THE RUN
Girls on the Run is so much fun and we are looking for enthusiastic young girls, third-fifth grades, to join us in what will be a fun-filled 11th season at Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary School.
GOTR is far more than an afterschool program; it’s an empowerment program committed to inspiring young girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. GOTR provides a fun experience-based curriculum that teaches lasting life lessons while playing exciting running games, all culminating in a 5K fun run May 18.
Know that GOTR is accessible to all girls regardless of athletic ability or fitness level. GOTR envisions a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.
Join us, registration is open now until Feb. 25. Pick up an application at KGH.
Any questions, please contact coordinator Shadeed Miller at gotr@safv.org, 747-3493.
Sitkan Named to
State Commerce
40 Under Forty
Penny Gage, a 2004 Sitka High graduate, has been listed in the 2019 Alaska Journal of Commerce Top 40 Under Forty. The announcement was made earlier this month. An awards dinner will be March 29 at Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage.
This year’s selection committee chose the class from the largest group ever nominated – 152 nominations.
‘‘Choosing the Top Forty class is always a tough task, and Alaskans didn’t make it any easier this year,’’ said Alaska Journal of commerce Managing Editor Andrew Jensen.
Gage served in Nicaragua as a Peace Corp Volunteer in 2009-2011.
She currently lives in Anchorage where she has worked for the Alaska Community Foundation, the Institute of the North, State of Alaska Department of Commerce and currently for Alaska Growth Capital, a subsidiary of the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (2008) and a master’s degree from Georgetown University (2014).
She is the daughter of Steve and Amelia Gage of Sitka.
Alcohol Sales
Testimony Taken
This week the Alaska Legislature will take testimony on alcohol sales at fairs, theaters and concerts, on work requirements for state medical assistance programs and on new proposals for parole, sentencing and probation.
Although no public testimony is scheduled yet, the Senate Finance Committee will review the governor’s proposed state operating budget.
Call the Sitka Legislative Information Office at 747-6276 or visit akleg.gov for more information.
Furbearer Trapping
Season Ends Feb. 15
Trappers are reminded the season for marten, mink, weasel, and river otter in Unit 4 – Admiralty, Baranof, and Chichagof islands – ends Friday, Feb. 15. Beaver season remains open in Unit 4 through April 30.
Pelts of marten, river otter and beaver must be sealed by a department representative within 30 days after the close of the season. Contact the Sitka Fish and Game office at 747-5449 for more information.
