Salamat
Dear Editor:Last month I had the privilege of showing old-fashioned slides on an old-fashioned projector in our new public library. Thank you, Andrew Murphy, the new city librarian, for interest in my 60-year-old slides and for graciously accommodating my request to show them.
And thank you, Sitkans, for coming out on a cold and icy night to see them. Appreciated!
In 1956-1957 I spent a “Junior Year Abroad” as a student at the University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Diliman. I had never studied so hard before – nor since. The educational system was rigorous and disciplined. Very high standards. And students spoke English, Spanish and often at least two additional languages.
The Philippines was an amazing country. Beautiful islands (7,600 of them), 135 different languages. I didn’t know anything about the nation when I arrived and I really don’t know much now either. A lot can happen in 60 years.
The people I met were so kind, so helpful, so generous. I wish I could personally thank them all now. Salamat to those who welcomed, advised on adventures far beyond the university, and shaped a truly memorable year.
Also, thank you to the Filipinos who have come to Sitka from many different provinces, speaking many different languages, and are engaged here in many occupations. Hospitals, banks, fishing industries, government, restaurants, schools, businesses, post offices, care giving, salamat for the ways you contribute to my home town.
Nancy Yaw Davis, Sitka
Legacy Fund
Dear Editor: Greater Sitka Legacy Fund, an affiliate of the Alaska Community Foundation, thanks all of our generous donors for making 2017 our best year ever for raising funds. We received more than $75,000 in gifts from residents of Sitka. We appreciate everyone who contributed in any amount. Increasing participation in our fund is an important sign of community investment, and we know that small gifts represent strong support.
A special thanks to donors who increased our endowments by $5,000 or more in 2017, including: anonymous, Beverly Caldwell, Hames family, Robert and Kimberley Hunter, Silver Bay Seafoods and Venneberg Insurance.
As a result of support from generous Sitkans last year, GSLF has already earned $40,000 in matching funds from Rasmuson Foundation and the Alaska Community Foundation, and we have a great head start on our matching grant challenge for 2018!
Robin Sherman
Program Manager
Greater Sitka Legacy Fund
