‘Paris of the Pacific’
Dear Editor: I offer up a review of the ‘‘Paris of the Pacific’’ melodrama, by Jeff Budd, the producer. First off, it is rare for a producer to review a show they are involved in. Even rarer as I have never written a review, but this show I think warrants it.
Yes, there are areas to improve upon; I will let you decide those for yourself. What attracts me to this show are several things: it is locally written, well, two of the three are local and one was an intern for the summer with the Greater Sitka Arts Council; it has local “icons” that are incorporated into the show; it has all local actors, ranging in age from high school to many decades out of high school; the current director is also acting in the show and directed the world premier of the show to a very enthusiastic audience last October at the Centennial Hall during the Alaska Day Festival celebrations.
A new aspect for this show – it is on two levels at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Community House – so a theater in the 3/4s, if you will. Another teaser to possibly lure you there is we not only have a very fun piano player but also a fine fiddle/violin player to accompany the show and help you with your emotions. As always, there is audience participation, and it is a family-friendly show. Two more shows – tonight and Thursday the 26. Tickets at Old Harbor Books or the door, $10 for over 12 and $5 for 12 and under. Doors open 6:30 p.m. and show starts at 7 p.m. This is probably more of a promotion than a review – but if I was forced to say anything of a reviewer’s nature it would be this – you will not be disappointed in the show. The bad guy is a good bad guy, the good guy is a good good guy, the heroines are demure but feisty, the supporting actors know what they are doing, and you will have fun.
Jeff Budd, Sitka
Power of Education
Dear Editor: As the world reels from the tragic kidnapping of schoolgirls in Nigeria, everyone asks “What can I do?” Next week the United States government has the chance to help build a world where the likelihood of these tragedies is decreased: a world where all children can go to school and learn regardless of where they live or who they are.
The Global Partnership for Education is helping build education systems that work for the most vulnerable children. The pledge needed by our government is $250 million over two years to the Global Partnership.
You can call the White House: 202-456-1111 or go to www.results.org for more information on this and other program, working toward ending the worst aspects of poverty both domestically and globally.
We encourage President Obama and USAID Administrator Shah to pledge $250 million to Global Partnership for Education to support education for 29 million more of the poorest and most vulnerable children worldwide.
Sitka RESULTS:
Elizabeth Will, Ann Stephenson,
Patty and Scott Harris,
Judy Johnstone, Nancy Knapp,
Brenda Campen, Krisanne Rice,
Jeff Pearson, Michele Friedman
Sealaska Board
Dear Editor: Sealaska shareholders have seen unprecedented financial losses and record level spending by Sealaska on a campaign to re-elect legacy board members.
The Sealaska Board is an elite group, who typically serve a lifetime term. The four board members, whose terms end in June, have collectively served a total 150 years on the Sealaska board.
The Sealaska board travels to selected communities to meet the shareholders prior to the election. This year, a last-minute meeting was held in Sitka with only two days’ notice, and a Portland meeting was added. Each board member receives $750 per meeting day, and Sealaska pays for all travel expenses.
Shareholders have received multiple proxies from Sealaska, which has created confusion, and with one week prior to the election, color postcards featuring board candidates have been mailed. Sealaska may be desperate to hold off the challengers and the by-laws allow them to “use other methods of solicitation for its proxy materials as it deems necessary or prudent in order … to provide for the maximum vote for the Board of Directors’ slate.”
Typically, challengers are unsuccessful because discretionary votes may be used by the Sealaska board to keep low vote-getters in office. This year is different. A strong independent slate has emerged and spent $60,000 in personal funds to run a competitive campaign.
Please consider voting for the Sealaska 4 for change. You have until June 26 to vote and only your last proxy counts. The Sealaska 4 is offering business-for-profit experience to help turnaround the corporation. Please vote on the Green Proxy which can be obtained on the website: www.sealaska4.org.
Clarice Johnson, Sitka
