Ukraine Strong
Dear Editor: Like other fellow Sitka residents, we are profoundly affected and concerned by the recent events in Ukraine. We have family in both Russia and Ukraine; and our business supports artists in both countries, as well as employing workers in our stores originally from both countries here in Sitka since 1998.
It is important to understand that most typical Russian citizens in Moscow and elsewhere in Russia are under the thumb of Putin, a ruthless dictator, to whom they are forced to comply. We deal with dozens of “grass-roots” Russian citizens, individual artists, and unanimously they are opposed to their government, and do everything they can to circumvent the onerous restrictions that are part of their daily lives. The brave citizens of Ukraine have tasted a bit of freedom, and are willing to fight for it; most of Russia’s citizens are longing for the same.
In our daily communications with family there, the pain and suffering of ordinary Russians due to Putin’s latest war is apparent. And none that we know of support this action; it is Putin and Putin’s government, cronies and super-rich outlaw oligarchs, and the ruling privileged alone who advocate against Ukraine. If Ukraine is allowed freedom, and free elections, a free media, Russian corrupted government fears that they could be next.
Please join us in supporting “Ukraine Strong” and urge fellow Alaskans leaders and our leaders in Washington to stop oil, seafood and other purchases from Russia’s government that supports Putin’s dictatorship! And, please, don’t blame the ordinary grass-root Russian citizens, who are victims of an oppressive government that, as of now, without free elections, free media, or the individual freedoms that we are blessed with here in America, they are powerless to change.
Doug and Olga Borland,
The Russian American Company
AmeriCorps Week
Dear Editor: My name is Mary Argubright and I am an AmeriCorps serving with Wooch.een Head Start and assisting in the family engagement portion of the STEPS grant. I am originally from Illinois, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international business from George Washington University last May.
This year, AmeriCorps Week is March 13-19. During AmeriCorps Week, we recognize the commitment of millions of Americans who have chosen to serve their country through AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps seniors, and encourage others to follow in their footsteps of service. My time in AmeriCorps has given me the opportunity to explore and learn about a new community and culture. I am grateful for the community of Sitka, who I have found very welcoming and kind. My position has shown me the importance of early childhood education and how traditional tribal values can be taught in conjunction with regular subjects. The children I have served are inspiring, learning even with the limitations of virtual school. As 3- to 5-year-olds, this was especially challenging. Since returning to in-person schooling, they have prospered further and made sure to make each day memorable.
I would like to thank the community of Sitka for welcoming all AmeriCorps and giving us incredible opportunities to help and learn. I would also like to thank my supervisor and co-workers for showing me the ins and outs of our jobs and what impacts we could create.
Mary Argubright, Sitka
