SHS Art Thanks
Dear Editor: It has been a blessing to me to have had these 12 years in the high school art room with so many talented, inquisitive, bright students. I have learned as much as I have shared, but I have certainly not done it alone.
So many members of our community and beyond have graciously given of their time to come into the art room and share their expertise. In truth, so many have offered their help I fear forgetting some. Please forgive me if I fail to mention you here, but know that you have had a hand in the forming of future artists.
The administrators, past and present, at the high school, Randy Hawk, Howard Wayne, PJ Ford-Slack, as well as the office staff, Teri Loree, Carrie Spackman, and Darryl Rehkopf, who have always supported the art program, helping us buy new equipment, find necessary parts and cheering on the students.
Sue Fleming, Jan Nelson, Anita Bergey from the White Elephant Shop, who helped us find those odd items. Jan Love and the fifth-grade Shakespeare troupe who made a cash donation which helped with supplies.
The Greater Sitka Arts Council, who provided aid to students for travel, art supplies and tuition. They have been a constant support to the art program at the high school. Thank you, Jeff Budd, for being a frequent visitor to the art room as well as a consistent supporter.
Randy Hughey and Mike Vieira, from the high school wood shop, and Tim Pike, from the metals shop, and their students, who repaired and fabricated parts for our equipment.
The Sitka Sentinel crew who graciously advertised our events, gave us stacks of newspaper for our many projects, and always showed their support. A special thank you to James Poulson who showed up at all hours of the day, and sometimes in the evenings, to photograph our happenings.
So many of our talented local artists have graciously visited our classrooms, sharing their art, techniques and secrets: Norm Campbell, Steve Lawrie, Pat Kehoe, Iko Sullivan, Colin Herforth, Robert Rose, Barbara Teepee, Linda Behnken, Dixie Peterson, Laura Kaltenstein, Pat Fager, Jamie Autry, Celene Ryan, Eric Bealer, Ray Troll.
And thank you, Sitka, for your continued support of the arts for our students as well as our community. In gratitude,
Gaylen Needham,
Sitka High School art room
Reuse
Dear Editor: RE-THINK whether you can RE-USE at the RE-CYCLE center.
I found four partial airplane wings in the aluminum “re-cycling” bin the other day and fetched them out. I wanted to “re-use” them to build a new wood shed this fall. In the process I was told by a Baranof Barracuda Swim Club board member that I was not entitled to re-use them without paying them, BBSC, for it.
Twelve hours, two officers in two SUVs, two additional personnel and a police truck later, I was informed by Sgt. Johnson that BBSC was intending to press charges of theft. I returned the articles and BBSC so magnanimously dropped the charges.
The sign at the center says “RE-USE.” But if you do you’ll be charged with theft. It doesn’t say no trespassing, or keep out, or do not enter, or private property. It says ‘‘RE-USE.”
So, change the sign? Take the RE-USE out of it. That leaves us RE-CYCLE. In that case these pieces of aluminum will be removed from Sitka by truck and barge. It will then be crushed, trucked, shipped, re-smelted, re-manufactured and returned to Sitka by truck, rail and barge. Then it will be stored at a retail outlet (with all the resources that entails) waiting for me to buy it so I can build my wood shed. How is this going to help “the kids”?
I support BBSC, not only through my aluminum donations but by taxes that help pay for and maintain both the pool(s?) and the recycling center. But...
I RECYCLE FOR EVERYONE. I re-use aluminum to minimize the price of my consumption that is paid for with clean air and water and green space.
I feel robbed. What’s been stolen from us is the demonstration of good citizenship and stewardship. It profoundly saddens me that social awareness has become a criminal activity.
I challenge BBSC to RE-THINK their approach to the very doctrine that allows them the opportunity to gather these donations in the first place. To avoid being one of those well meaning organizations that naively corrupts social benefits for profit. To take the high ground and allow those who have a RE-USE for aluminum to do so. The lion’s share of this material will still be theirs anyway. And citizens will re-cycle with good will and in generosity, as intended.
Our pursuit of money is not going to stop clear-cutting or strip-mining. If anything’s going to prevent further global devastation it will be this social awareness of our wasteful, unsustainable behavior and our commitment to change.
Linda Danner, Sitka
fisherman, builder, citizen
