WhaleFest Run
Dear Editor: This past Saturday was cold and rainy but that didn’t stop a near record crowd from coming out and running some super fast times. I want to thank all the runners and walkers who turned out to support this event and Sitka’s unique marine environment. Nearly $1,200 was raised for WhaleFest and the Sitka Sound Science Center.
I especially want to thank my volunteers some of whom have nearly three decades in planning track and field events and promoting health and fitness in Sitka as well as Alaska. These include Julie Beall, Murray Lawson, Chris and Charles Horan, Jan and Terry Lovett and Julie White. I also want to thank Trish and Dirk White at Harry Race Custom Services for their prompt service in printing our unique, custom T-shirts!
Everyone had a great time, many saw whales and sea lions along the course and beverages and treats were served at the end of the race making it a very exciting day.
Again, thank you all very much, and I hope to see you next year for our 20th running of the WhaleFest Run.
Brian Beall
WhaleFest Run Director
Emblem Club Thanks
Dear Editor: On behalf of the Marine Corps League of Sitka, Robert B. Johnstone Detachment, I wish to convey a sincere appreciation and thank you to Glade Morales and the Emblem Club of Sitka 142.
The decorations at the Elks Club for the Marine Corps’ 240th birthday celebration certainly made the occasion festive and meaningful. Not only did the club decorate the venue, they also bought and delivered the beautiful birthday cake that is part of any birthday gathering, but an especially significant part of the Corps’ tradition.
We appreciate the time, resources and effort exerted to celebrate this very special day in our Marine Corps history. Thank you sincerely.
Bernie P. Gurule,
USMCL Commandant,
Marine Corps League of Sitka
Robert B. Johnstone Detachment
Reusable Bags
Dear Editor: We need you and your reusable bags!
The Sitka Reusable Bag libraries at Sea Mart and AC Lakeside have been very successful in getting reusable bags out to the community. We’ve distributed over 700 bags (and maybe closer to 1,000!) over the last two years. That’s included over 300 bags sewed by Sitka Girl Scouts and SGWG out of old T-shirts donated by businesses and old friends like Lynnda Strong.
Beyond giving away bags, our real goals are: 1) to get more reusable bags used and re-used regularly, 2) reduce our waste, and 3) reduce plastic pollution in our oceans.
So, how do you use our bag libraries (or “bag exchange”)? 1) As you walk into the store, grab a bag from the library box at the front of the store and use it instead of a plastic or paper bag on your way out, 2) wash it if needed, and 3) next time you shop, remember to bring both your own reusable bags to use at the checkout and the bags you borrowed, and drop the loaners into the bag library box as you head into the store.
So remember, please bring back the bags and feel free to drop off any clean extra reusable bags at the reusable bag libraries. Thanks!
Michelle Putz,
Sitka Global Warming Group
