Banff Film Festival
Dear Editor: A huge thank you!
I have so much appreciation and gratitude for those who made the Banff Mountain Film Festival Sitka possible, and such a success. On Friday night, we were honored to be one of 400 host sites (all around the globe!) for the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour and to have a completely sold-out show.
It takes a lot of behind-the-scenes effort to create a night like this and we want to thank the Performing Arts Center for hosting this event. J Bradley, and Rachel Bratager for their amazing tech skills and top-notch equipment that make events like this possible. Our blu-ray operators, Francis Wegman-Lawless and Dan Gunn. Greta Healy, for helping with all the PAC logistics and the ushers, Alyssa Russell, Adrian Chiem, Anna Lee Hirschi, Ursula Hirschi, Lisa Gilardi, Linda Behnken, and Rio Barkhau.
I would also like to thank the Westmark Sitka for providing excellent and generous accommodations for our Road Warrior.
The Sitka Sentinel, KIFW and KCAW for getting the word out and the local businesses that allowed us to hang posters.
Old Harbor Books for continuing to provide their incredible service selling tickets for our event.
Our amazing local sponsors, that continue to donate prizes year after year. Russell’s, Yellow Jersey Cycle Shop and Hames Center, we’re looking at you. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Rob and Caitlin Woolsey for adventuring with our Road Warrior, Michelle.
This year’s Banff Committee, for all the behind the scenes work, Jeff Budd, Kari Sagel, Gary Hayes, Emmett Williams, Caitlin Blaisdell, and Dan Gunn.
Thank you, Sitka, for joining us for a night of films that makes a year’s difference in the lives of Sitkans with limited financial means. Supporting this event means you’ve supported the Hames Wellness Fund and it’s ability to develop and sustain our partnerships with local non-profits. Last year the proceeds from this event helped over 700 people access low-to-no cost wellness opportunities. Even more are expected to be reached in the coming year. We cannot thank you enough for your support. We are already looking forward to next year!
Kylene Fremling
Americorps VISTA,
Hames Wellness Fund Coordinator
Arts Scholarship
Dear Editor: The Greater Sitka Arts Council is pleased to announce the recipients of our annual arts scholarship.
We received many applications this round, and it was difficult to choose. GSAC is proud to support artists within our community- a portion of donations from our membership base supports the scholarship fund.
The recipients for 2016 are: Brooklyn Sudnikovich-Eddy, Beatrice Perez-Petersen, Caellum Wentzel, Heather Hanson, Eva Jordan, Marley Bayne and Jax Bayne.
Thank you for your support and to everyone who applied.
Sarah Lawrie,
Executive Director,
Greater Sitka Arts Council
