Pumpkin Patch Thanks
Dear Editor: The Three to Five Preschool program had its most successful Pumpkin Patch event ever and none of it would have happened without the support of our Sitka community and a whole host of event sponsors, supporters, volunteers, and pumpkin patch participants. Please accept our ENORMOUS “thank you” and know that we deeply appreciate each and every person, club, organization, local business, government agency, and professional who contributed to our community event. They not only helped us to raise funds, but also brought the community together in a fun and safe manner.
Thank you to our event sponsors; AC Lakeside, Sitka Bottling Company, Sitka Swirls and Northern Sales. The sponsors helped to pay for the shipment of pumpkins sold at the event, provided food and drinks, and donated a percentage of their sales. Special thanks to Vince Winter (manager) at AC Lakeside and Michael Fernandez (produce manager) for hosting our event and for all of their enthusiasm, preparation, and hard work in order for us to have our fundraiser there. They have been a tremendous support to us in many ways.
A shout out to all who helped the preschool program to promote the Pumpkin Patch event on social media. A genuine thank you to the volunteers and employees at Sitka Sentinel, Sitka Soup, KCAW (Raven Radio), and KIFW radio station. The Sitka community has a lot going on and many local groups needing help to promote their events, but you are always there, always helpful, always supportive, and positive.
Several local businesses and organizations deserve our gratitude as well. Their year after year support of the Pumpkin Patch enables the event to take place annually. Special recognition and thanks go to these behind-the-scenes, but very vital, supporters; Fortress of the Bear, Dan Jones, Dean Orbison, Americorps, MEHS, Sitka National Honor Society, Emblem Club, the Alaska state trooper recruits, City of Sitka Public Works, Sitka United Methodist Church, and every preschool family or friend who gave time, in-kind donations, and elbow grease to this year’s very successful (and fun) Pumpkin Patch!
And the final “thank you” goes to each adult and child who came to the pumpkin patch event on a beautiful October day to see friends, buy pumpkins, eat food and ice cream, jump in line to play a game, or to take photo with family and friends. From those of us who worked the event; it was a joy to watch so many people having fun while coming together as a community to support a good cause. Your purchases and generous donations made this year’s annual pumpkin patch a HUGE success!
3 to 5 Preschool Board of Directors,
Teachers and Families
Campaign Thank You
Dear Editor: As the campaign season draws mercifully to a close, I am grateful to the voters of Sitka and the 14 other communities in House District 2, from Yakutat to Hydaburg, for their support. As a new candidate it was humbling to learn how much in common we have, from Yakutat to Hydaburg: families value good schools, communities value reliable ferry service, and all Alaskans value our freedoms.
While we won’t have official results for a few more days, I’m feeling immensely grateful to the many volunteers, donors, and supporters who have made this campaign possible. Asking for help is not something I usually like to do, and I have asked for a lot of help over the past few months. Whether you gave me grounding advice, hosted a fundraiser, stood out in the cold holding signs with me, or helped in any of the other one million ways a campaign needs help – THANK YOU!
And thank you to the thousands of people across District 2 who took time and energy to cast their votes – voting is a critical way to make sure our communities are heard in Juneau, and I’m honored to be part of that!
Rebecca Himschoot,
Candidate for State House
Letter Response
Dear Editor: I just read Jeff Budd’s letter in yesterday’s newspaper and I am dreading next summer’s tourist numbers.
The last few years’ quality of life here have been deteriorating. I have a very difficult time getting out of my Maksoutoff Street location where I’ve lived a long time. I’ve seen close calls as visitors cross Harbor Drive wherever they feel like. I do my best to buy local and support local businesses.
I tried to find a place to take father for Veterans Day dinner. Few open. I have to say I sent a message to all Assembly members on these issues and only Rebecca Himschoot responded. No, not voting for those who wouldn’t follow up. Yes, I always vote! Step up and do your work and keep in touch with your constituents! We like to think our opinions matter or at least say if not.
Kim Elliot, Sitka
