Story Lab
Dear Editor: My year in Sitka is coming to a close, and I want to reach out with a few words of thanks. My name is Sally Helm, and I’ve had the privilege of serving at the Island Institute this year as the Story Lab coordinator, running their new creative writing and storytelling program for youths.
I’m particularly thinking today of the many people who have offered their time, energy, and resources to help get Story Lab off the ground. When I came to Sitka last September, our program was just an idea (and a great logo). Now, we’ve worked with almost 250 students, sponsored programs in three schools, and co-sponsored programs with five great community partners.
We wanted our program to offer a fun and creative entry into writing and storytelling. Since arriving in Sitka, I’ve had occasion to learn the geography of an imaginary kingdom off the coast of Scotland, hear high schoolers read their poems out loud for the first time, teach fourth graders basic palm reading, and captain a hula hoop space ship. I couldn’t have asked for a better job.
All this was possible only because of Sitka’s vibrant community spirit. I’m full of gratitude for those who have given me so much of their time: volunteers who helped me plan and execute lessons, teachers who opened their classrooms to me (and who ultimately taught me as much as I taught their students).
The Island Institute has received outside support for this program from the Crossett Fund, the Machamer Fund, the Rasmuson Foundation, and Alaska State Council on the Arts, but I especially want to acknowledge and thank our local supporters: Sitka Alaska Permanent Charitable Trust, the City of Sitka, the Greater Sitka Legacy Fund and Sitka Rotary Club.
I’ll be leaving my job as Story Lab coordinator in early September to attend a radio production course in Massachusetts. Sarah Swong will step into my position on Sept. 1. She’s full of good ideas and positive energy, and I’m happy to leave Story Lab in her capable hands. I feel lucky to have led it this far, and look forward to seeing where it will go next under new leadership and in a new space at 304 Baranof Street, but with the same awe-inspiring community support that has made it what it is.
Sally Helm
The Island Institute
www.iialaska.org
Halibut Point Rec Area
Dear Editor: This is to thank the users of Halibut Point Recreation Area since July 1. You have taken your garbage and left the area clean. This is appreciated.
Yes, I do pick up garbage as others do and it is very little.
Users have placed reservation notes on shelters and they have been honored.
The latrines at the South Shelter and near Magic Island are open. You might need to bring your own TP.
Before the park is made into low-cost housing the users should be offered a chance to help.
There have been numerous offers to help by volunteers. With a volunteer agreement and a good host to do reservations and guide the volunteers, it’s possible the host could run a food, gift shop or a combination in the office. The pack-it-in and pack-it-out could continue. There should be little expense to the city.
This should be discussed.
The park is used by all the schools and many organizations. Parents with small children are on the beach most days. Kids play in the woods. This is the only recreation area for these activities. Let’s try to keep it as it is.
Yes, the public is invited to the State Parks Board meeting on Aug. 11 at 601 Alice Loop, 7:30 a.m.
Brownie Thomsen, Sitka
Shooting Competition
Dear Editor: On behalf of the Alaska State Trooper and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Shooting Teams we would like to thank the wonderful people and businesses of Sitka for their contributions to our annual competition.
For 55 years the Alaska State Troopers and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have held an international pistol competition. This year the event was held in Sitka, July 17-20, at the Troy Lynn Duncan Memorial Range. Thanks to contributions from our community we were able to host this event and continue the tradition.
Special thanks go out to: Allen Marine, Pizza Express, Harry Race, AC Lakeside, Channel Club, Westmark Sitka, Sitka Bottling, Trinity Business Services, LLC, Premier Training of Alaska, Highliner Coffee, Grandma Tillie’s Bakery, Baranof Island Brewing Co., and Hames Corporation. Thank you for your support! You made it much easier to be gracious hosts for our guests.
AST Lt. Chad & Mrs. Kelly Goeden
