Kruzof Cleanup
Dear Editor: The Sitka Sound Science Center would like to thank the wonderful volunteers who helped remove over 1,000 pounds of marine debris from South Kruzof Island on July 5.
The cleanup effort was funded by Alaskan Brewing Company’s Coastal CODE program, where 1% of all proceeds from Alaskan Icy Bay IPA goes towards supporting healthy oceans and clean coastlines. The goal of these cleanups is to remove debris from local shores while bringing together community members from various organizations across town. This cleanup involved volunteers from the Sitka Conservation Society, Spruce Root, AmeriCorps, and the Sitka Sound Science Center – Carly Dennis, Laurel Stark, Cathie Healey, Paul Cook and Adrian Feener.
We are so grateful to have been joined by three special guests from Sen. Sullivan’s Washington-based office who took part in this cleanup – Carina Nichols, policy adviser; Mary-Eileen Manning, special projects adviser; and Robyn Engibous, deputy chief of staff.
Sen. Sullivan is a co-sponsor of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, which is a bipartisan legislation that aims to reduce the creation of plastic waste, find uses for the plastic waste that already exists and address the marine debris issue on a global scale. We look forward to working with Sen. Sullivan’s office and community members to continue to clean the shores that we love. With community help, we hope to find innovative ways to repurpose and reuse marine debris.
On behalf of the entire Sitka Sound Science Center staff and board, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the volunteers who donated their time and hard work to make this cleanup possible!
Kristina Tirman, Education and
Marine Debris Coordinator,
Sitka Sound Science Center
Cannon
Dear Editor: As we wrap up the holiday weekend and hunker back down to day to day living in our beautiful community, I’d like to raise concerns from the 4th of July parade that just can’t be left unsaid.
After speaking to many in our town who attended our parade, I’m saddened to know that I am not the only one who was appalled by the cannon that was repeatedly fired. I have never been to an event with so many children traumatized and crying around me, and I truly hope to never have to be in that position again.
I’d like to make a point that is frankly what haunts me the most about what happened. The person who is responsible for the disturbing incident is the owner of a local gun company. Therefore, he is aware of the facts that are presented when it comes to sound and hearing damage. The CDC states that loud noise above 120 decibels can cause immediate harm to the ears. Decibel levels for firearms average between 140-165 dB. Fireworks put out sound in the 150-175 dB range. We all know that this cannon was jarring and PAINFUL. This was not typical noise from a gunshot or a firework.
With this business owner being so well-versed in the use of proper hearing protection, I think it is safe to assume that this incident was not one of ignorance. And with this person’s history of hostility within our community, I hate to assume, but there really is no reason not to believe at this point, that he there was an intention to cause harm with his actions. If the first boom was “way too loud for downtown,” as the creator of the cannon has stated, it should not have continued. They knew the damage that they were causing.
I hope that the presence of such an inappropriate display will not be accepted in future community events, and I want to say that I am so sorry to those families and individuals who suffered from this presentation during an otherwise enjoyable parade.
Megan Godsey, Sitka
Thank You
Dear Editor: Sitka Alaska Native Brotherhood Camp 1 would like to thank everyone who contributed to the fundraising event for the family of Wilfred Hanbury, former ANB Camp 1 vice-president and treasurer.
The fundraiser went well. Thanks to Sea Mart and AC Lakeside, and to all others who donated and helped out. We appreciate all of the help.
Harriet Beleal, Sitka ANB Camp 1
Bear Complaint
Dear Editor: I’m back from Anchorage to visit my family. I hear about bears and more bears trashing around Sitka.
Rubber bullets: not good! Just makes them mad, i.e. a bear that was not only huge was trying to break through a large-plate glass window across the street from my sister who was working in her garden. The bear was shot with a pistol from a side panel window. I think it went through fat and fur as the shot never fazed it. She ran to the next room and got her large rifle and shot. My sister heard its loud, painful roar and wondered what it was. The neighbor went after it and shot it again. Another hit. The police asked for the rifle. No: you with your rubber bullets. The bear died.
My brother-in-law was out in his little greenhouse and fell. He’s 92 years old. He was trying to unlock his leg and there stood a huge bear. It’s arms hanging to the side and he huffed. My brother-in-law got to his feet and threw up his arms and roared as loud as he could. The bear ambled away, and my brother-in-law made it back into his home and sat in his chair.
I have prayed to our Lord Jesus for the safety of the people. I told Jesus the elders are too old to make a dash to safety. Truly, I believe my brother-in-law was saved by an angel and directed the bear away because it was at the end of the small greenhouse. Put a fiery protection around his property, I prayed, and He did.
This morning (July 7) about 3 a.m. two bears turned over my nephew’s garbage. He’s blind and uses a walker. No way could he escape.
We need a bounty put on these bears that are more large than ever. Don’t wait until someone is mauled.
Irene Vaden, Sitka
