The Media
Dear Editor: In regards to Letters to the Editor, Nov. 9:
I am so appreciative of Jeffrey G. Moebus’s letter to the editor. He said exactly what I think everyday. Let us not lose sight of his message and live everyday understanding it. I do.
In addition, I wrote Murkowski, Sullivan and Young to please speak out that the press is NOT the enemy of the people. Thank you, Brent Edwards, for expressing your view on this matter. Please, everyone, write them and ask them to speak out in favor of the press for the sake of our democracy and rule of law.
I have received an answer from Dan Sullivan. His answer is all the more reason he needs to hear from more Alaskans so that he will speak out for the press. I did write him back, please write him to request he express his support for freedom of the press and that the press is not the enemy. Please tell him that “HOPE” is not enough and that he needs to please speak out for freedom of the press.
Letter from Dan Sullivan, received by email Nov. 13:
‘‘Dear Ms. Lil: Thank you for contacting me regarding the Trump Administration. I appreciate your thoughts on this issue and welcome the opportunity to respond.
“Although as Alaskans and Americans we won’t always agree on all issues, I am a strong believer in respectful civil discourse and have tried to set an example in this regard for the people whom I serve, including at meetings throughout our state.
‘‘As we move forward, I hope the Trump Administration chooses to communicate with agency officials, Congress and the American people in a way that emphasizes accuracy, credibility, and respect for others.
‘‘Thank you, again, for contacting me on this issue. If you have any more questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me or my staff. My office can be reached at 202-224-3004, or online at www.sullivan.senate.gov.”
Lorraine Inez Lil, Sitka
Get Your Pink On
Dear Editor: On behalf of the Sitka Cancer Survivors Society we would love to give a BIG thanks to all who participated and supported in making this third annual event fundraiser such a huge success.
The core group who spearheaded this event are Susan and Bill Ward, Diane and Becca Linn. UNBELIEVABLE! The total funds raised was $9,525! The event was held at the Sitka Elks on Oct. 28. It included a live auction, baked goods auction, “pink” beer on tap, 50/50 drawing, Harris Air and Alaska Sea Planes drawing, and a delicious spaghetti dinner and all the trimmings. The Elks Lodge was packed and fun was had by all, including the adults and children as well.
The following are the wonderful merchants and businesses who donated to this awesome successful event: Harris Air, round-trip between Sitka and Juneau, winner Brandy Peer; Alaska Sea Planes, round-trip between Sitka and Juneau, winner Billy Aiken; Harry Race Pharmacy; Hames Corporation; AC Lakeside; Elks Lodge; Foreign Auto; the Russian Store; Sitka Public Library; SEARHC Wise Women; the Nugget Restaurant; Graceful Pastries; Baranof Island Brewing Company; Mean Queen; Pizza Express; SeaFur Sewing; Orion Sporting Goods; House of Liquor; Sweet Sisters; Goudeau’s Good Dough; Kailyn Simmons Color Street Nails; Petro Marine; Cabin Fever; Sitka Pregnancy Center; Maiden Bath Company; the Pet Store; and the Cellar.
The following are the workers and helpers who made this all possible:
Austin Inman, Elks Lodge/dinner; Keith Perkins, the king of auctioneers; Dave Miller, who helped with the live auction; Susan and Bill Ward; Diane, Richard and Becca Linn; Cindy Greene; Lisa Ellison; Richelle Murphy; Pat Giampa; Alycia Miller; Tamara Nedens; Kari Wilson; SEARHC Third Floor Staff; SCH Radiology Department; Paul Audette; Jerry Neil; Catherine Rogers; Dave Alexander; Ronda Anderson; Amy Martin; Amanda Neth; Valerie Edwards; William Edwards; Jill Kiska; Jen Barton; Val Taylor; Lisa Langenfeld; Bridget Reed and George Bernstein; Carolyn Shingleton; Jan Thrasher; Debbie Daley; and Howie Pitts.
If we forgot anyone, please accept our apologies.
We can’t thank everyone enough. These funds raised will help provide more mini-grants for those dealing with cancer in Sitka. If anyone who is and for those who knows of someone in Sitka dealing with cancer, please contact any SCSS board member, or drop by Sitka Realty for a short simple application. We are here to honor, educate, comfort and inspire individuals and families dealing with cancer in Sitka. That is our mission. That is why we do what we do, we want to help. We also want to thank all of those who came to this fun, great event. They are planning to put this event on again next year in October. Hope you all will be able to make next year’s. Also check out the Path of Hope Park!
Thanks again, Sitka!
We are so blessed by our awesome giving community.
SCSS Board Members
Susan Suarez, President
Candi Barger, Vice President
Linda Janacek, Co-Secretary
Jill Scheidt, Co-Secretary
Bonnie Richards, Quilt Raffle Sales
Gloria Scigliano, Treasurer
Mary Beth Palof,
Support Group Leader
Carolyn Fredrickson, Publicity
‘Unsung Heroes’
Dear Editor: Paraprofessional workers in the Sitka School District are the “unsung heroes” of our school system. Without their consistent, caring attention, many children would be without the education they need and are entitled to receive. Children with physical disabilities and/or cognitive issues sometimes cannot function in the busy, closely scheduled day of a public school …they need the individual attention of special education teachers and paraprofessionals, who can work with them in one-on-one or small group situations.
Although special education teachers meet with the children, work with them, set educational goals and set out their lesson plans on a daily basis, it is often the paraprofessional who helps the child complete lessons and helps them function in the classroom.
Sitka school children are fortunate to have the expertise and care of all three members of the educational team: classroom teachers, special education teachers, and paraprofessionals.
As retired and still working educators, we, the members of IOTA Chapter, Delta Kappa Gamma, want to extend our support and our admiration for a job well done to all of these members of the Sitka School District.
Sandra Fontaine,
Iota, DKG
