Babies and Books Thanks
Dear Editor: As Babies and Books wraps up our 32nd year, we would like to thank those who helped make this last year one of our best. Babies and Books was founded in 1991 with a mission to encourage children to become lifelong readers. We are still going strong and could not do this without community support.
We hold monthly programs at the library so we’d like to offer huge thanks to the Sitka Public Library director and staff for all you do to help us with them. These are hugely popular, usually attended by 40 or more families.
Thanks to the following for presenting or participating in this year’s programs: Robin, Rosie and Angela Bahna; Elizabeth Faulkner; the Gájaa Héen Dancers, led by Chookán Lakrisha Brady; storytelling by Chuck Miller; Melinda McAdams and the Sitka Studio of Dance and Fireweed Dance Guild; Dorothy Orbison; Rene Tuttle; and Chohla Moll and the Mt. Edgecumbe High School Sugpiaq/Alutiiq Dance Group and Culture Club.
Thanks to KCAW Raven Radio and the Daily Sitka Sentinel for publicity. We’d like to thank the SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center OB staff for making sure new parents get our information to register for the program.
None of this could happen without funding for books and programs. Thank you to the Sitka Legacy Foundation -Affiliate of the Alaska Community Foundation, Sitka White Elephant, Sitka Friends of the Library, U.S. Coast Guard Spouses’ and Women’s Association, Sitka Rotary Club, CHARR, Ashia Lane and Old Harbor Books, Leslie Dupuis and The Raven’s Hook, Jackie DiGennaro, and Karen Grussendorf.
Our programs are successful because of those who attend them. A huge thank you to the families who participate in Babies and Books events. It is a joy to see children playing and learning and parents interacting with their children and socializing with other parents.
Our next program on Jan. 27 is themed for the Forest and Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday. We hope to see you there!
Cheryl Vastola, Board Member,
Sitka Babies and Books
Benefit Event
Dear Editor: The Alaska Native Sisterhood and Alaska Native Brotherhood would like to thank everybody who donated time, money, and bought frybread and Indian tacos from the ANB/ANS fundraiser on Sunday, raising $4,937 for the families affected by the boating accident. We all send blessings to the families who are in our hearts and prayers.
Love and support is felt by our beautiful “Sitka strong” community members who also donated to the gofundme accounts for the young men/families as well as the “meal trains” that have been set up. Ongoing support can be given.
Gratitude always for Rachel K. Moreno’s delicious frybread and to all ANS/ANB volunteers!
Gunalcheesh! Thank you, all!
Alaska Native Sisterhood, Camp 4
Alaska Native Brotherhood, Camp 1
Sitka
Holiday Thanks
Dear Editor: On behalf of the staff and board of Sitkans Against Family Violence, I would like to express our gratitude to all the businesses and individuals who contributed to making SAFV’s holiday season a success.
For their delicious food donations, we would like to thank Pizza Express, Hames Corporation and Sea Mart Quality Foods, the Backdoor Café, the Fresh Fish, Alaska Native Sisterhood and Alaska Native Brotherhood, Southeast Dough Co., the Mean Queen, and the Nugget.
In addition, we would like to extend a thank you to SAFV’s Board, and to the many generous individuals who donated food this holiday season.
We greatly appreciate the presents from all who generously donated to and organized the United Methodist Church Giving Tree and the U.S. Coast Guard toy drive. We would like to thank White’s Pharmacy/Harry Race, The Cellar, ACE Hardware, and Jo Cropley for the gifts, wrapping paper, and decorations.
Without the generosity of the Sitka businesses and individuals in the community, we would not have had so many wonderful presents to distribute to families for their holiday season.
Thank you, Sitka, for your incredible generosity this holiday season. So much joy has been expressed from all of our residents, clients and staff created by your support.
Natalie Wojcik, Executive Director
and Staff Members of
Sitkans Against Family Violence
