Christmas Parade
Dear Editor: We have spearheaded the Landlubbers Christmas Parade for the last 27 years. The time has come to step aside from this wonderful holiday tradition and let some new and fresh blood keep the Christmas parade going.
We just can’t imagine Sitka without Santa cruising down Lincoln Street on the fire engine! Not to mention all the smiles and eyes wide bright from all the kids (young and old) as the holiday displays pass on by with holiday music playing, colored lights twinkling and Christmas angels prancing! The season just wouldn’t be the same.
Sitka needs a holiday parade!
Hopefully there is someone or a club that can take over the parade as there are still groups and individuals past and present that want to participate in the event.
Over the years we have accumulated a bone pile of Christmas lights, sound systems and lighted displays and such stuff that we would gladly donate to help keep the parade going.
Whoever takes over, let it be known that we will be your biggest fans.
You can contact us at 747-6201 or email at ak.j.mb2@att.net.
Jim and Mary Beck,
The Merry Moormanns
Home Care Month
Dear Editor: November is National Home Care and Hospice month, so I would like to take a moment to reflect, and to commemorate the power of caring.
We know that most Americans prefer to remain in their own homes, especially by the time they become a little frail and need help with the activities of daily living. It is highly appropriate that we take a few minutes this month to celebrate the nurses, therapists, aides, and other professional caregivers who give themselves to this work. It is said that, “No work is nobler and no group in our society more deserves our respect and admiration.” I couldn’t agree more, and I would emphatically add to that list volunteers, friends and very importantly, the family members at home providing loving care.
The holiday season is fast upon us, and this is also a time when our thoughts naturally turn to our loved ones, family members, relatives, friends and neighbors that we hold dear. If there has been the death of a loved one, whether anticipated or sudden, it is particularly challenging this season. The pain of that loss can be especially magnified and severe during the holidays.
It is a good time to reach out and let someone know that you care. We sometimes don’t know how best to do that, but there are some simple things that can help. The first is to be physically present, and be sincerely interested in how someone is coping. Listen attentively; listen with your heart, without judging, and try to avoid clichés. At the same time, try not to be anxious about saying the wrong thing, because it is much more important to be loving and compassionate, than avoid contact out of fear of not knowing what to say. In private, check in with how they are doing, then simply listen and understand. Remember that a friend who is hurting inside may need you even more in the days, weeks or months after the funeral than at the time of death.
Helping a friend in grief is not an easy task, but as Alan Wolfelt from the Center for Loss and Transition says, “By ‘walking with’ your friend in grief, you are giving one of life’s most precious gifts – yourself.” Thank you to all who offer of themselves in this way, and deep prayers of hope and healing to all who are suffering from painful loss.
In December, Brave Heart Volunteers will begin holding a confidential Grief Support Group series in our Remembrance Room. To find out more, call 747-4600.
Auriella Hughes, R.N., Co-Founder,
Brave Heart Volunteers
Boathouse Work
Dear Editor: A big thank you to the volunteers who participated in the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society’s work party at the Japonski Island boathouse on Nov. 11.
Their hard work, good attitude and great company always makes these events enjoyable. To Neil McDermott and Karen Mead for their skillful attention to replacing siding, making that part of the building more weather-proof. Kudos to Lynn Wilbur, Henry Larson and James Poulson for helping remove two beasts of furnaces and their accompanying ducting and bringing them to the recycle center. It cleared up a lot of space and allowed us to plug holes the mink had been taking advantage of. Much appreciated.
To Greg Watchers for his wisdoms in moving heavy things and pitching in where needed. Lastly, to my fellow board members: Rebecca Poulson, Stan Barge, Anthony Vlahovich, Mike Litman and Brinnen Carter and our tireless Executive Director Jenya Arichenko who are always willing to help. The boathouse thanks you.
In case you missed it, stay tuned for future parties and events. A pub talk is scheduled for some time mid December. We’ll keep you all posted. The snackage is delicious!
Joe D’Arienzo, board member,
Sitka Maritime Heritage Society
