Planning Commission
Dear Editor: I had to go, of course, to the Planning Commission last night. Doubling the size of a quarry and changing an R-2 zoning to an industrial district is no small feat. The owners of the property, BIHA, Baranof Island Housing Authority, propose the change on 36 acres of land at the end of Yaw Drive in the Indian River Valley. Yes, of course, I had to go to learn what I could.
The discussion started out well: Planning Director Wells Williams, commented that the process would probably take three sessions, up to the middle of July. (NOTE: the public can still comment!) Not rushed through in two readings like I was prepared for. Yeah!
Then Cheryl Westover, our former mayor and a major addition to the commission, asked to SEE the property. I was stunned and happy to hear the commissioners plan a to visit the area. Double yeah!
The commissioners of this powerful arm of the city are in for a magnificent treat. The million-dollar views, the potential for BIHA, for Sitka, are surely among the greatest assets remaining in Sitka. (I hope the six eagles and fresh deer tracks, the stratified ash layers, the magnificent cedars, are noted. I walked up to the now fenced quarry last Sunday.)
BIHA leadership has some important and thoughtful concerns. I wonder if we might all learn from this quarry expansion and from thinking creatively about our Sitka Future. The BIHA commissioners are appointed by STA, Sitka Tribe of Alaska, and they compose a smart and talented team.
Also, I would like to know the names and phone numbers of the city’s Planning Commission members. Please do not tell me “go to the web” (stupid woman). Over 25 percent of the adults in town are over 55, and they deserve the courtesy of seeing the names of our important commissioners at the top of the agenda without bringing their laptops to meetings. Also, copies of clear maps for the public would be appreciated.
The next Planning Commission meeting is June 19. Gunalcheesh.
Nancy Yaw Davis, Sitka
Cupcake and Kudos
Dear Editor: We are amazed and appreciative of the numerous talents and compassion members of this beautiful community have. Last Friday, we held our third annual volunteer appreciation dinner to celebrate the people who help our organization thrive. This year, the theme was Cupcake and Kudos and we have so many people to give “kudos” to…
To Cole Cervantes for making a delicious meal for our guests and honorees to feast on. To our serving and bartending staff, Courtney Dobson, Chelsea Wheeler, Christy Stalkfleet and Renae Hill, for helping the event flow so smoothly. To Tiffany Pearson, Sherie Mayo, Ruth Culp and Pamela Ash for baking cupcakes; our guests’ tastebuds thank you. To Christine Davenport for photographing the event. To Fisherman’s Eye Gallery and Back Bay Botanical for sponsoring the event. To Harrigan Centennial Hall for providing the venue and making events easy to put on. To Mike and Iko Sullivan, whose musical talents delight all who have the pleasure of listening. To our dueling Masters’ of Ceremonies Ed Ronco and Rob Woolsey for entertaining us with their PowerPoint skills, slutty shorts and comedic antics! To Brent Cunningham for your wonderful words on selfless giving, the power of volunteerism and small acts in the community.
We give thanks to our incredible volunteers. The entire night was dedicated to celebrating their invaluable services and contributions to Brave Heart Volunteers: Susan Padilla, Trish White, Dr. Julien Naylor, Tom Brown, Jude Reis, Elizabeth Faulkner and Janie Hall, your devotion to Brave Heart Volunteers means the world to us and to the members of our small community. You have touched so many people with your service and that is admirable and commendable. Thank you!
And, last but never least, we thank all those in the community who bought a ticket to, a cupcake during, or donated money at Cupcake and Kudos. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the support we receive from this community. Thank you.
The Brave Heart Volunteers Staff
Willow Moore, Amanda Taylor,
Pamela Bopp, Helen Fang
and Jessica Gibson
