Music Festival Donations
Dear Editor: Recently, the Sitka Music Festival Foundation received a $50,000 matching donation so that every dollar we receive is matched, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000, until August 31.
On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees I am sending sincere thanks to the many people who have contributed to our fundraising campaign. We are so grateful for your support and your trust in our organization. For every dollar you contributed we now have two dollars in the endowment fund. Foundation funding directly supports the programs in Sitka and the many “free to the public” concerts and activities every year. We sincerely hope that you have enjoyed them.
Now we need more help!
To receive the entire match, we must raise another $15,000 before Aug. 31. For those who have considered donating to this 501(c)3 exempt charitable organization or want to learn, or want to send a little more, visit our website at “sitkamusicfestivalfoundation.org”
You can donate on line, or mail a check: Sitka Music Festival Foundation, 104 Jeff Davis Street, Sitka, 99835. Please don’t delay!
All donations, large and small, help to meet our goal. Join us to support extraordinary music in Sitka. Thanks, again, to our many supporters and to those who may be contributing in the future.
Sincerely, on behalf of the Board of Trustees,
Susan Carlson, President
Sitka Music Festival Foundation
Thanks, Sitka Police
Dear Editor: We would like to publicly thank the two police officers who on July 1 at about 5:30 a.m. helped two stranded tourists get out of town.
After our vacation, we stayed at the Aspen Hotel one night, and the hotel said there was a transport van to Sitka Airport the next morning. So, there we were a little after 5 a.m., standing in front of the hotel, and there was absolutely no van in sight. As we waited, we called the three cab companies in town and left messages. The clock is ticking. The plane leaves at 7 a.m. The front desk of the hotel was closed. No help there.
Well, the Police Station was just across the street from the hotel. Thinking that officers might know someone to call who could give us a lift or perhaps they had a phone number of another taxi service, we went there. Through an intercom we told the officer our plight. Within seconds he was at the front door and saw two 75-year-olds standing there clueless and with lots of luggage. Just then, a second officer came out, and without hesitation they said they would each drive us to the airport. What? What a wonderful surprise and what a relief. We will always remember Sitka as the friendliest place in Alaska.
With the clock still ticking closer to our 7 a.m. flight, they drove us to the airport where through the large front windows, all the people in line ready to board just turned around and stared at us. I think they were wondering what did those two tourists do wrong. As we got out of the squad cars and shook hands all around, I guess the crowd decided that what we had done wrong was to miss our transfer ride.
Then one officer talked to an airport employee who quickly checked our papers and took our luggage. A man in front of us in the line said, “Well, that was quite an entrance.”
Yes, it was, and we made all the flights that took us back to Connecticut. Thank you, Sitka, and your police officers.
Al and Marilyn May,
Milford, Connecticut
Sitka Appreciated
Dear Editor: Greetings from Puerto Rico. In the month of May, I had the opportunity and enjoy visiting Sitka in Norwegian Bliss. It was a wonderful experience, but since it was on a cruise, it was a very short visit.
However, I saw so much beauty with time. I wish to return, at this time for at least a week.
I brought home (Puerto Rico) your newspaper, All About Sitka, and my whole family saw it.
I was surprised by the number of cruise ships that visited them and how clean the city is.
I saw eagles, but not bears. I brought a lot of things to my family and friends, including a Northlight bracelet, souvenirs and sweater. I must go back because I want to buy a Northlight earring color stone.
I missed a lot of places to see. The Sitka National Historical Park is one of them.
I was a teacher, and I liked to see Mt. Edgecumbe High School. If it were up to me, I would go to Sitka to volunteer to teach Spanish in the school. Or help and support cancer patients.
I am Catholic, but did not see St. Gregory’s Catholic Church. I saw St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and the Lutheran Church. So beautiful.
I invite you to see Puerto Rico. It is a beautiful island in the Caribbean. Here I am sending information to you, to motivate, plan and visit us. Here they already have a family that will receive them and introduce them to our island.
Thank you for having such an excellent newspaper. I hope to see you again.
Dilphia Irizarry, Puerto Rico
