Imagination Library
Dear Editor: Beginning Nov. 23 and ending Dec. 13, the Sitka Imagination Library held a Facebook fundraiser in lieu of our annual Book Basket Auction and Dinner event. Through the generosity of Sitkans and friends we were able to meet and exceed our fundraising goal! The money raised will help provide once-monthly mail deliveries of new, age-appropriate books to over 270 Sitka children under the age of 5.
The SIL board wishes to recognize and thank the following donors: Alice Nunes, Anne Elise Pollnow, Ava Stow, Bridget Weiss, Brooke Schafer, Cindy Beckwith Mascadri, Claire Thomas, Donna West, Eric Sagel, Evy Kinnear, Fred Fayette, Greg Hunter, Jacki Horton, Jeremy Peterson, Jessica Holland, Joanna Majeski, John C. Stein, Judy Sagel, Kari Sagel, Kim Haines, Kim Riech, Lakrisha Johnson, Mandy L. Evans, Megan Pepper, Melissa Berger, Michelle Soo Hoo, Norma Flores, Norman Campbell, Peggy Fedoroff, Rebecca Anne, Renee Sutton, Sandi Hicks, Sandra S. Rudd, Sarah Ferrency, Suzi McClear, Tasha Folsom, Tomiko Conner, Trish White, Victoria Moran O’Connell and Wendy Longtin.
Through the generosity of our local board and supporters, we were able to offer Facebook donors a chance to win a relaxation-themed book basket as a nod to our annual fundraising tradition. The winner of the basket was Suzi McClear!
To cap our fundraising event, the Dollywood Foundation made it possible to share the worldwide premiere of the documentary ‘‘The Library That Dolly Built.’’ The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is made possible by the Dollywood Foundation and the extensive operational support they provide to make a dream come true! The SIL board is thankful for the opportunity to be an affiliate and to bring the magic of Imagination Library to Sitka.
The SIL board would also like to thank and recognize the many grant and community partners that made the program possible last year in Sitka: Best Beginnings Alaska, Sitka Alaska Permanent Charitable Trust, Elks National Foundation, Douglas-Dornan Foundation Fund, Friends of Sitka Public Library, Sitka Woman’s Club, Sitka Elks Lodge 1662 and Sitka Emblem Club 142.
We want to thank, again, Element Agency, specifically Brit Galanin and Lee House, for creating the beautiful SIL affiliate logo.
It’s not possible to list all of the individuals who have given generously of their time, energy, and resources to our cause, nevertheless, we are grateful. Sitkans clearly demonstrate they value children, families and literacy through robust support of the Sitka Imagination Library.
The board of the Sitka Imagination Library consists of Sitkans who firmly believe that cultivating a love of books and reading and fostering strong family connections through reading together helps children enter school ready to succeed and improves quality of life for children and families now and in the future.
For more information about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, to watch the documentary or to register a child birth to age 5, visit imaginationlibrary.com.
Sitka Imagination Library:
Nicole Filipek, Jill Kisaka,
Lisa Hodges, Judi Blankenship,
Mindy Lowrance, Maribel Barrigan and Kari Sagel
Holiday Lights
Dear Editor: The Sitka Chamber would like to take a moment to thank everyone who participated in our Share Your Spark–Holiday Edition! We had a great turn out and had so much fun spreading holiday cheer throughout Sitka.
The Share Your Spark Holiday Lights Map was a big hit with 64 addresses of lights for the community to enjoy. We hope you were able to grab a cup of hot chocolate, turn on some Christmas music, and drive the route on the Google map.
This year, we also encouraged people to #ShopSitkaLocal during the holiday season. We were delighted with the number of tagged posts we received on social media and enjoyed seeing everyone’s locally bought gifts. We’d also like to thank those who shared their #SitkaSpark through food and gift donations, volunteering, and completing random acts of kindness around town.
We are so grateful to our generous sponsors who helped make participant prizes possible: AC Lakeside, Odom Corporation/Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits, Sea Mart Quality Foods, Sitka Bulk Goods, and Sitka Fishing Excursions. A big thank you to our media partners who helped us share our message: KIFW, Raven Radio, Sitka Sentinel, and Sitka Soup. Thank you for helping us share the #SitkaSpark this holiday season! Stay well,
Rachel Roy, Executive Director
Greater Sitka Chamber
of Commerce | Visit Sitka
Thank You, Sitka
Dear Editor: An Angel in the Middle of Christmas Award 2020 goes to the Sitka community.
Thank you for being our angels in the middle of all that was Christmas 2020! We could not have reached out and helped others without you. We simply wanted to extend our appreciation to you for making a difference in the lives of many who found themselves in need during this holiday season. Blessings on you and yours.
Thank you again and again!
Majors John & Sabrina Tumey,
The Salvation Army of Sitka
Thank Paraprofessionals
Dear Editor: Happy holidays! 2020, definitely a year to count what we already have rather than what we receive.
As I think of my many blessings, one that comes to the forefront of my mind is who I work with. In the Sitka School District, I have the pleasure of working with the best in education.
As you thank teachers, administrators, office staff and others I ask that you not forget the paraprofessionals. This group of hard-working and dedicated individuals is often overlooked but do so much. As a group, they work with students who require the best, most caring, and most dedicated adults to help them navigate their days.
Paras are often asked to do jobs that others would refuse, and they do it with style, education, grace, ingenuity, honesty and cheer. Even on a student’s worst day I have seen paras create smiles, completed assignments and connections.
If you know a paraprofessional (or even if you don’t) please take the time to thank them for the work they do. 2020 has been an exception in so many ways but not in the dedication paras have shown to our students and their unique needs. They make a real difference in the lives of so many.
Meggan Turner, Sitka