Halloween in Sitka
Dear Editor: The annual Downtown Trick-or-Treating event organized by our Sitka Chamber of Commerce is one of my favorite events of the year. It is so fun to see everyone’s costumes and to mingle with friends and neighbors in the middle of the street. And, of course, a huge thank you to all the businesses who generously participate in this event.
Also big kudos to the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kukui. Haunted houses have never been my cup of tea, but after some “peer pressure” from my sixth-grade son, I mustered up the nerve to venture through the Haunted Ship for the first time in my life. What a blast! The crew was thoroughly enjoying themselves making our group scream. I’m already looking forward to going again next year.
Both events were free to the public, but there were certainly expenses involved with time and money to put them on. To everyone who helped make them happen, thank you. These community offerings are textbook examples of what makes Sitka such a great community to be in.
Andrew Hames, Sitka
Raven Radio Events
Dear Editor: You’ve probably noticed that a lot has been going on at Raven Radio for the last month. We held a record-breaking fall membership drive, wrapped up a successful raffle, and threw a super fun Stardust Ball.
I’m writing today to express my gratitude to all of you. The only way we can accomplish anything is because of the trust you lend us – I’m thankful for your time, your financial support, and your love for our radio community. This especially goes out to everyone who volunteers at Raven Radio: we are so proud of your creativity, energy, and passion. You drive everything we do!
The Raven Radio staff are incredible, and our Development Director Makenzie Rose deserves a huge portion of credit for how well the whole month went. The KCAW staff provided crucial support as well: Dave Emmert, Katherine Rose, Ari Snider, Rob Woolsey. And thanks to Mollie Kabler and Kevin Hurtley at CoastAlaska for stepping in and cheering us on!
On-air membership drives are truly our largest and most reliable source of operational funds. Hitting our goal is critically important, and we’re so grateful to everyone who values this public service. We hit our goal on the air, during Andrew Hames’ show The Happy Hour! For those of you who brought meals and snacks, know that you kept us going ... even when many of us got sick. To Nugget Restaurant, Bayview Pub, the Westmark Sitka, and Beak Restaurant: thank you for lunch.
This year’s Stardust Ball was a group effort – a huge thanks goes to our volunteer planning committee. Between choosing the band, planning our decorations, and all the other decision-making, we truly couldn’t pull off as good a party without them. So make sure to thank Abigail Brady, Cecilia Dumouchel, Jamal Floate, Kenley Jackson and Megan Pasternak for the great time you had. And to everyone who participated in the lip sync and costume contest: thank you for sharing your talent and creativity! We were lucky to work with incredible partners, so thanks also goes to: the Harrigan Centennial Hall staff, Drew Sheman and Elle Campbell (SFAC), Edith Johnson (Our Town Catering), everyone from The Westmark, Bobbi Jordan, Lisa Hirsch (Forget Me Not Antique Photo Parlor), and Old Harbor Books. Wasn’t Danielle Kelly awesome?! We’re grateful that the Danielle Kelly Soul Project joined us - they inspired all of the dancing.
Here’s to Sitka and Raven Radio’s community of supporters! You are incredible, and I’m grateful to round out my first amazing year in Sitka with you.
Becky Meiers, General Manager, KCAW Raven Radio
