Health Summit Kickoff
Dear Editor: We would like to thank Blatchley Middle School for hosting the Health Summit kickoff celebrating the Sitka Community Recreation Initiative. Our goal is to foster a healthier, happier Sitka through a planned program of sports, activities, and learning opportunities combined with access to facilities and resources.
Many thanks to committee members and volunteers who supervised children in art and sports activities, giving parents and families members the chance to provide input and share their own experiences of community schools and community recreation. Thank you, Peggy Fedoroff, Ben Kinser, Rita Christianson, and Eir Christianson.
An additional 39 adults and 40 children attended the event. Children painted pumpkins and played soccer and basketball. Adults gathered around key questions, for example, “What would be your vision of a successful community recreation program?” Here are a few responses.
“Accessible and welcoming to all regardless of ability to pay, opportunities for healthy recreation and community education for adults and youths. Not just sports-oriented. Potentially providing high quality affordable summer programming and after school childcare.”
“Inclusive – all ages, all cultures, all interests, all seasons.”
Another question asked how Sitkans might benefit from a successful recreation program. A surprising number of answers focused on the potential economic benefits of such a program. Reduced rates of addiction and obesity, improved physical and mental health, increased childcare options, and more educational opportunities will result in positive economic outcomes.
We invite you to sign up to be part of this initiative. Visit tinyurl.com/joinsitkarec to add your name and tell how you want to be involved.
Sitka Community Recreation Initiative Committee:
Andrew Friske, Alec Duncan, Kari Sagel, Hillary Nutting,
Sarah Lawrie, Melissa Henshaw and Jessica Christianson
Electric Vehicle Outlets
Dear Editor: As electric vehicles become more commonplace in Sitka, there will be an opportunity for an entrepreneur to install outlets for electric car owners to charge their vehicle batteries. I can imagine that one of our stores would assume this opportunity. They could bill via credit card at the pedestal or provide the service for free as the owners would step inside the store and make purchases. What an opportunity for a gas station! The owners could provide exclusive parking spaces for electric vehicles if they desire.
I encourage the city NOT to get into the business of providing charging infrastructure. It is always best when private ventures invest in our community. If no private party jumps at this opportunity, that would indicate to me they determined there is no opportunity to recoup their investment and make a profit. Why would the city then provide the sites? Yes, I understand that “It’s not always about money,” but in this case, it should be as the vast majority of residents would never see any detectable benefits. And besides, it’s not like an electric vehicle is any further than perhaps five miles from its home outlets.
I urge the city not to discourage private investment in our community. It would be unwise to spend a dime on electric car infrastructure to the benefit of a select few.
George Eliason, Sitka
Homeless Connect
Dear Editor: Sitka Outreach and Support: Lifeline Group would like to thank the many people who supported the Project Homeless Connect. A big thank you to all those who donated warm clothing, socks, jackets, hats and gloves.
Thank you to several people who donated funds to purchase tarps and hand warmers. We are so grateful to the many volunteers who helped make the event possible, to the Salvation Army for providing the lunch. To the organizations who came to offer services, White Elephant Shop, SEARHC, UAS, SAIL, SAFV, St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church of Sitka, Sitka Lutheran Church and the Homeless Coalition.
There are many people who are homeless in Sitka today; if you can help, contact the Salvation Army, the Homeless Coalition, or Sitka Outreach and Support: Lifeline Group. Thank you, Sitka, for caring.
Julia A. Smith, President
Sitka Outreach and Support:
Lifeline Group
WhaleFest Thanks
Dear Editor: We had a whale of a time at this year’s Sitka WhaleFest and hope you did too!
The Sitka Sound Science Center has a lot to be grateful for in the production of the 25th annual Sitka WhaleFest. Thank you to the fabulous scientists that presented during the Predators & Prey–a Delicate Dance science symposium, Kim Parson, Jim Barry, Illiana Ruiz-Cooley, Eleni Petrou, Steve Johnson, Matt Callahan, Dr. Danny Coffee, Rob King, Amy Willoughby, Dr. Mike Heithaus, Michael Castellini.
Thank you to Ellen Chenoweth along with the brilliant Ocean Bowl students from around the region competing virtually, who gave us a view into their world of ocean science knowledge.
This event truly takes an entire community of businesses, organizations, and individuals to put on. Sitka Sound Science Center’s partnerships with the University of Alaska Southeast allow us to continue to grow the educational programming during WhaleFest and bring current marine research to the public. We could not continue this work without the financial support of major donors and sponsors Allen Marine, North Pacific Research Board, Saltchuk, Alaska Seaplanes, First National Bank Alaska, SEARHC, Science Festival Alliance.
This year’s virtual viewing watch parties were possible with the support of the Alaska Raptor Center, Mean Queen Restaurant, and the University of Alaska Southeast Sitka.
In conjunction with financial support, it takes many helping hands to make WhaleFest activities happen. Thanks to Matt Goff, Ron Heintz, Paul North, Steve Johnson and Eleni Petrou for being guides on the wildlife cruises. Volunteers helped with the setup, registrations, and made participants feel welcomed at local events. Thank you to Linda Waller, Rose Mastico, Matt Millado, Sara Ebersole, Christopher Brenke, Tristan Parker, and Deanna Moore for all the hard work.
Many of the events at Sitka WhaleFest are held through partnerships with other entities which allows WhaleFest to remain a diverse festival and provide something for everybody. Thank you the Greater Sitka Arts Council and Grind crew for putting on the Maritime Grind, Brian Beall and SEARHC for putting on the WhaleFest Fun Run, the students and teachers of Sitka for providing the beautiful marine-themed art that was on display throughout the weekend and Allen Marine for making the wildlife cruises possible.
A huge thank you to Michael Castellini, Madison Kosma, Lauren Wild, and Casey Clark who as members of the Sitka WhaleFest Science Symposium are a critical part of the event as they find the speakers and moderate the event. Thank you to Mary Goddard, Stacy Golden and Andrew Cyr for leading the in-person adult and student workshops.
Last but certainly not least, THANK YOU. While we could not have the science symposium in person, we had 420 people participate virtually and 268 people that attended the COVID-safe in person events at the 2021 Sitka WhaleFest. We can’t wait to see you again next year!
Jay Stilwell,
Sitka WhaleFest Director
Sitka’s Energy
Dear Editor: Could Sitka add to the city coffers while also contributing to the fight against global climate change? Could we be producing hydrogen from excess power generated by the hydroelectric generators at Green and Blue Lake? As a retired hydroelectric turbine mechanic, I know that there are few things more depressing than seeing water spilling over the spillway of a dam. Instead of spilling that water, why not crank up the turbines and separate hydrogen from water?
One thing is for sure, hydrogen with three times the energy in it as gasoline must be part of the equation as we transition away from fossil fuels. But the problem with most hydrogen today, it’s made from natural gas or coal, so for hydrogen to be a green fuel, it must be made from renewable energy. I have to wonder, with Southeast Alaska’s abundant rainfall, why not produce hydrogen for hydroelectric power?
I also wonder, should Sitka dust off the plans to develop the Takatz Lake hydroelectric power project? With today’s technology, each and every day of the year, Takatz Lake generating 28 Megawatts an hour, could produce enough hydrogen to drive a hydrogen fuel cell car over a million and a half miles, or a long-haul 18-wheeler pulling a full load about 500,000 miles.
Since there is a growing demand for green hydrogen, could, or should, Sitka partner with a private company to build the Takatz project? With the newly passed infrastructure bill, could Sitka secure Federal funds to help develop Takatz?
It is projected that worldwide hydrogen will support over 700,000 jobs and generate $140 billion in annual revenue by 2030. And will make up 14% of America’s energy production by 2050. With numbers like that, why would Sitka and Southeast Alaska not embrace hydrogen production? Hydrogen will help us transition away from fossil fuels and could help Sitka generate jobs and cash. So, shouldn’t we start exploring how hydrogen can play a role in Sitka’s future?
Marcel LaPerriere, Sitka
COVID Mitigation
Dear Editor: There is a new group in town called Kids First Sitka. Kids First is a nonpartisan, civic organization of concerned parents and citizens who desire to have open dialogue with the Sitka School District administration and School Board concerning COVID mitigation in our schools. We are a pro-parents-choice group concerning the health and well-being of our children. We believe that parents have the right to make health decisions for their children and that the Sitka schools are violating our rights as parents to choose what is best for our children’s health.
We certainly support in-person learning, however, believe that the School District has taken COVID mitigation beyond what is required. The effects of this are detrimental to the children’s learning and social interactions. Many children are unhappy in school and becoming negative about learning because of Sitka’s measures.
If you are concerned about your children or have any questions about this group, please feel free to contact us to learn more. Please email us at info@kidsfirstsitka.org, find us on Facebook at Kids First Sitka. or look for our work in progress on our new website www.kidsfirstsitka.org.
I am grateful that people are getting involved in the decisions that shape the future.
Carin Adickes, Sitka
