Babies and Books
Dear Editor: On behalf of the board of directors of Sitka Babies and Books, I would like to thank the Friends of the Library for their continued support of our program with a grant of $1,000. Babies and Books encourages Sitka children to become lifelong readers by providing books and programs for them, as well as parent education and support through the child’s first three years.
Early language and literacy development begins in those first three years of life and is closely linked to a child’s earliest experiences with books and stories. Currently, every baby born in Sitka is presented a board book and a copy of “Babies and Books, A Joyous Beginning.” This resource booklet shares book titles and ways to enjoy literature at each developmental stage. A second book is sent to the child on his/her first birthday, and additional information is shared periodically through the mail.
Sitka Babies and Books offers Saturday programs on a bi-monthly basis, and over the past year we have had over 500 babies, toddlers and preschoolers participating in the programs, as well as adults - at least one adult per child, often more. At each of these programs, which include a book reading, a presentation of dance, music, or other physical activity, and a variety of art/craft stations, a book relating to the theme of the program is given to each child.
We appreciate the continued support of the Friends of the Library as we offer these programs and books to the children of Sitka.
Thank you.
Jane Seesz
Board Member
Sitka Babies and Books
Porch Fest
Dear Editor: The Greater Sitka Arts Council (GSAC) would like to thank all who attended and volunteered to make Porch Fest 2023 a success! This was our third annual family-friendly music and arts celebration. From the musicians who shared their music, the artist vendors who shared their creations and hosted workshops to introduce new skills, the dancers and Cirque performers, the participating downtown businesses, those who worked on the raffle, and all of the smiling faces up and down Lincoln, it was a fun day of celebrating our local talent.
GSAC Raffle: Thanks to all who purchased raffle tickets to support the work of GSAC! We want to give a special shout out to the “Duck master” John Weitkamp from the Rotary Club for his help selling our raffle tickets. Our winners drawn on 5/20/23 were: Grand Prize 2 Alaska Airlines tickets —Muriel Sadlier Hart; 2nd, $250 Sea Mart gift card—Nathaniel Snyder; 3rd: $100 Sea Mart gift card—Ann Vallion.
Thanks to our sponsors of Porch Fest this year: The Hames Corp, Sitka Rotary Club, White Elephant (sponsor of family-friendly workshops), Harry Race Pharmacy, and Fortress of the Bear.
We’ll begin planning for Porch Fest 2024 later in the year. If you would like to get involved, please email us at porchfestsitka@gmail.com.
The Greater Sitka Arts Council lives our mission to increase awareness of the value of the arts in Sitka through education, advocacy, and programming. We hold events such as Wearable Arts, Porch Fest, and Art Walks and serve as an umbrella organization over The Monthly Grind, Community Theatre, and Sitka Strings. There are many ways to get involved including: volunteering on planning committees, serving on the Board, helping during events, sharing your art and talent as designers, artists, vendors, musicians, and performers.
Dixon Elegant (GSAC Board Vice-President and Porch Fest Coordinator); Rain Van Den Berg (Porch Fest Coordinator and former GSAC Board Secretary); Pat Hughes (GSAC Board President); Bobbi Jordan (GSAC Board Secretary); Charlie Morgan (GSAC Board Treasurer); and Board Members Melinda McAdams and John Stein
