Pool Tournament
Dear Editor: The third annual Neil Huff Tournament was held in Sitka Sept. 29-Oct. 1, hosted by Sitka Moose Lodge #1350.
A special recognition to the following partners whose support made this possible: Sitka American Legion Post 13, Ernie’s Bar, Pioneer Bar and Westmark Hotel.
To the door prize committee (Julene and Audrey) and local business donations: Ernie’s Bar, LFS Marine Supplies, Mean Queen, Old Tyme Barber Shop, Stereo North, Sitka Sound Seafoods, Bev’s Flowers, Pizza Express, Sitka Bazaar, Forget Me Not Shop, Allen Marine, Alaska’s Pure Salt, Back Door, Petro Marine, Artist Cove Gallery and Joann Huff.
Thank you to Amanda Roberts and Derrell Stewart for local media coverage Raven Radio, Sitka Sentinel and KIFW Problem Corner. Pat Parker for donating a pool table to us at the Moose Lodge and the moving crew. Danny Whitson for refelting the table, and the registration team of Jheryn Lewis and Woody Widmark. Audrey Nevers for transporting players to and from the airport and making breakfast burritos. The Moose Lodge and American Legion for having food available. Many local volunteers made this happen; thank you for always stepping up.
Top three finishers in the following events.
Women’s 8-Ball: first, Barbara Bolden; second, Katie Turner-Rice; third, Jheryn Lewis.
Open 8-Ball: first, Brett Weaver; second, Katie Turner-Rice; third, Barbara Bolden.
Master’s 8-Ball: first, Larry Hotch; second, Ryan McDonald; third, Charlie Skultka Sr.
Scotch Doubles 8-Ball: first, Rick Paulo/Larry Hotch; second, Steve McDonald/Ryan McDonald; and third, Craig Tiederman/Danny Whitson.
Faith Lee, President,
Sitka Moose Lodge #1350
‘Reading Deficit’
Dear Editor: Monday’s headline contained the “shocking” news that 80 percent of Sitka’s kindergartners are “reading deficient.”
In the School Board discussion, no one mentioned the possibility that having state reading standards and teaching to them may be a poor approach to educating young children. It used to be that kindergarten was a place for socialization and teaching reading readiness. Actual reading was taught in first grade.
Now our modern world wants things to move faster. We expect preschools to fill the role once filled by kindergarten, and identify the problem as a shortage of preschools and the failure of every child to attend one.
But developmentally, a 5-year-old is still a 5-year-old, and not every one is ready to read. A clue – the number of children “deficient” drops to 53% in first grade, and to 40% by second grade. Yes, we have excellent teachers, but perhaps they don’t deserve ALL the credit? Many children who were not ready to read at 5 have caught up by age 7.
Individual reading plans are an excellent idea, because every child is an individual! Every child deserves one – not just the “deficient” ones, but the average ones, and the advanced ones who might be bored by holding them to the standard.
By all means, let’s recognize our children as individuals. And let’s recognize our teachers as talented professionals who would best be allowed to do their job with all their creativity and appreciation of their students’ individual talents, rather than forcing them to teach to the test.
Kathy Kyle, Sitka
Home Health Care
Dear Editor: SEARHC administration’s decision to abandon our community members by revoking home health care is concerning.
Are these vulnerable, house-bound individuals expected to transport themselves for care that they would normally receive from visiting nursing and physical therapy staff? Is it better that they spend time in a hospital setting or long-term care for the financial gain of SEARHC and at the expense of individuals and taxpayers? Federal funds pay for the program through Medicare/Medicaid.
Home health care allows those who choose to stay in their home environment the ability to do so. Employees, working in home health care, do it because they understand the importance of the program.
According to SEARHC administration when describing the home health care program, “federal regulations make operating it challenging and inefficient.’’ What are these regulations? Are there new regulations that affect the outcome of managing home health?
I suggest SEARHC meet the challenge and continue to support this program that allows our community members in home quality of life and care.
Annemarie LaPalme, Sitka
