Adult Wood Shop
Dear Editor: After 43 years, adult wood shop will no longer be offered at Blatchley.
I have been informed that this class cannot be offered due to insurance costs.
Some years ago, Community Schools received a grant, made possible by Sen. Bert Stedman, for shop machines. It is a shame that these machines can no longer be used by adults.
I sincerely thank all who have participated in past wood shop sessions. I have enjoyed all the many projects and the challenges they presented. It has been my pleasure to work with each of you.
If you are interested in having this class offered again, please call Dawn Johnson at the Hames Center (907-747-5080).
Thank you. Measure twice, cut once; happy woodworking!
Don Seesz, Sitka
Sitka Hospital Auxiliary
Dear Editor: Since it conception the Sitka Community Hospital Auxiliary provided support to the hospital staff in all departments and the residents of the Long Term Care Unit.
The purpose of the auxiliary, as stated in the by-laws, was: to render service to Sitka Community Hospital and its patients, and to assist Sitka Community Hospital in promoting the health and welfare of the community in accordance with the objectives established by the institution. The auxiliary rendered service in many ways, some of which included assisting the staff with payroll delivery, decorating the hospital for the holidays, giving scholarships to students in the medical fields, giving a Christmas party and gifts to the residents in the Long Term Care Unit, buying magazines for the waiting room, buying equipment for the LTC activities, and paying for mammograms and prescription medications for those in need.
Funds for these activities were raised through membership dues and donations and fundraising events (See’s Candies). But probably the majority came from the sales from the gift counter. This was maintained by talented and dedicated members and was very popular with the staff, residents and the community. With the closing of the Sitka Community Hospital came the end of the SCH Auxiliary. At the final meeting the members voted on where the remaining funds should go. Three entities were chosen: Sitka Cancer Survivors Society, Blessings in a Backpack and the Sitka Homeless Coalition. Each received a check for $1,757.30.
Over the years, many in our community were members and participated in the activities of the auxiliary. You know who you are. I couldn’t begin to list you all. Know that your time with the auxiliary was very much appreciated. Thank you.
Kathryn Snelling, the last serving,
President of SCH Auxiliary
Blood Drive Thanks
Dear Editor: Blood Bank of Alaska’s Oct. 28-29 Sitka Blood Drive was very successful due to wonderful participation and support of numerous local businesses, organizations and individuals. Of the 83 people who scheduled appointments, or walked in to donate blood, 34 were new donors. In all, 58 units (pints) of blood were collected over the two days. This amount could potentially serve 174 people.
Thanks for publicity and promotion of the drive goes out to Sitka Sentinel, KIFW, KCAW, Sitka Soup, Channel 11 TV, Sitka Ministerial Association, as well as employers: City of Sitka, SEARHC, Allen Marine, Hames Corporation, Sitka Pioneers Home, UAS-Sitka Campus, U.S. Coast Guard, Sitka School District, Mt. Edgecumbe High School, Sitka Tribe of Alaska, Sitka Public Health Center, U.S. Forest Service, Alaska Airlines and TSA.
Also, thanks to all the locations which allowed placement of the posters (too numerous to mention). As usual, the Centennial Hall staff was most accommodating prior to and throughout the drive.
Contributors of snacks and beverages and supplies for the cafe/canteen serving blood donors were: Elks Emblem Club, AC Lakeside Grocery, Sitka Northern Sales, Sitka Bottling Co., Ernie’s Old-Time Saloon (bottled water), Pioneer Bar (bottled water), Sea Mart deli, SEARHC Litehouse, Sitka Pioneers Home, Joy Wood and BBAK, volunteer servers/observers in the cafe/canteen included Nancy Furlow, Krisanne Rice, Pat Giampa, Charlotte Vanchura Candelaria, Raine Clarke, Michelle Kennedy, Jim Bruce and Jackie LaGuire. Thanks to the competent and congenial Blood Bank of Alaska team, Bonnie, Arlene, Jacob and Rachel, who worked non-stop to conduct the Sitka Drive.
Regrettably, I’ve been informed by Blood Bank of Alaska that NO blood drive will be scheduled in Sitka in 2020. Instead, they are scheduling trips in 2020 to Alaska communities where drives have never been held previously. Sitka is among the communities where blood drives will be scheduled every two years. That means the next BBAK visit to Sitka will be in 2021. In the meantime, donors who may be traveling to a community with a blood center, or where a blood drives is in progress, are encouraged to be a hero by scheduling to donate at that location. Check BBAK.org to learn when and where drives are scheduled.
Thanks to all for your continuing support of Sitka Blood Drives.
Jean Frank, Coordinator,
Sitka Blood Drive
Roadless Rule Rally
Dear Editor: A Roundabout Roadless Rule Rally will take place at noon on Friday, Nov. 22.
We will continue expressing our enthusiastic support for maintaining existing Tongass National Forest roadless and forest conservation. We oppose exempting the Tongass from the 2001 Roadless Rule, as proposed by the Trump Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Purdue, following requests from the Dunleavy Administration and the Alaska Division of Forestry.
Please attend, bring your signs, and show support for protecting our Tongass National Forest. See the accompanying PSA in tonight’s paper for additional information.
Jim Clare, Sitka
