Thank You, Elks Lodge
Dear Editor: We would like to express our gratitude towards the Elks Lodge for hosting a dinner for the Sitka High School volleyball team. The fund-raiser was a huge success, and we could not have raised as much money as we did had it not been for the generosity of Austin Inman and the entire work staff, at the lodge. Each of whom was very personable, friendly, and enjoyable to work with. We would also like to thank Pam and Monte Young for managing the dinner, Steve and Emmitt Andersen and Kenny Winger for supplying the halibut, Sitka Northern Sales for their food donations, Chris Voron for auctioning the desserts supplied by the athletes, and all the parents for their constant support. We are very lucky to live in a community so willing to give. The efforts of so many is greatly appreciated.
Karen Krupa, Kelly Boddy,
Kevin Boddy, Zaide Allen, Sitka
Election
Dear Editor: To all who voted in the election, thank you for your votes. Congratulations to Kevin, Aaron and Matt.
Ben Miyasato, Sitka
CG Says Thank You
Dear Editor: The Coast Guard held a weeklong course in Sitka last month to train a dozen new fishing vessel dockside examiners from throughout Alaska. The course was a huge success, due in large part to help from a sizeable number of people and organizations.
We would like to thank Rick Petersen and the staff at AMSEA for scheduling a special drill conductor course for our students. Also the staff at Air Station Sitka who provided transportation during the week and a great training room. Most importantly, we want to thank Sitka’s commercial fishing fleet for offering up their time and vessels for the students to learn how to perform dockside exams in a real life environment.
The training wouldn’t be nearly as successful without this opportunity. The fishermen who graciously offered up their vessels for our use include: Dick Curran on the Cherokee, Moses Johnson on the Cloud Nine, Charlie Wilbur on the Alexa K, Kelly Warren on the Maylynn, William Lewis on the Masonic, Mike Svensen on the Partisan, Dan Brigham on the Steadfast, Bae Olney-Miller on the Tsiu and Steve Rish on the Kariel.
Our sincere thanks to each of you.
Steve Ramp, Coast Guard
Marine Safety Detachment Sitka
Green Businesses
Dear Editor: Having been on the Assembly, I tried to learn what this community wants – keep utility costs low, create lower cost housing, bring businesses/jobs/opportunities to town, reduce the cost and size of government, etc. Having been on the Assembly, I also know how hard it is to do the things that this community wants. I’ve been there, I’ve tried that. It is not as simple and easy as any of us wish it was. And in some cases, given the condition of our pipes, electric power poles, roads, you name it, it is even impossible.
So I ask that you who voted no on the proposition to increase our property taxes (as well as those who voted yes) come forward ... listen and truly learn about the situation we are in, and after that tell the community and the Assembly what to give up. I also ask that you, personally, look for and work toward creative ways outside of government to make this community more affordable. How could we do that? Recruit green businesses that want to use (and pay for) our green power, volunteer for groups that are trying to create affordable housing, buy and use electric cars, reuse, recycle and compost more (less waste = less garbage = lower shipping costs), don’t throw oils down the drain (they are costly to clean up!) ... the possibilities are endless.
With tough times at the state level, less money coming in from the federal government, and a no vote to raise property tax, we will have a lot challenges to make our community sustainable. I will personally continue my efforts to find creative ways to reduce costs and bring in money. Now I challenge you to do the same.
And I wish this new Assembly the very best as they make hard decisions moving forward from here.
Michelle Putz, Sitka
Debate Thanks
Dear Editor: Thank you, Sitka. We did it! The MEHS invitational DDF Tournament held Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 was a big success thanks to the community and school support of this program. This year we experimented with an on-line judging sign up, which worked very well. A big thank you to all who signed up and came to the school on a beautiful autumn day to adjudicate student performances.
First, a big thank you goes to our workshop presenters Doug Osborne and Annabel Lund who provided engaging activities to build a sense of community and ease nerves.
Thank you Raven Radio for producing our PSA spots and for providing an engaging morning interview. Both got the word out in our call for judges.
Thank you to the students, staff and administration of MEHS. We took on this tournament at the last minute when the original host was unable to fulfill that commitment. The generosity of many allowed students from all over Southeast Alaska the opportunity to compete. The MEHS family provides encouragement and support that is a big part of our DDF success. Mr. Goldsbury and Mr. Gurule, we appreciate your continued support of our DDF program. A special thanks goes to Paula Clayton who single-handedly planned, managed and coordinated our hospitality room. Also, Erika Drain set up an on-line judging template that made the pre-tournament work so seamless.
Finally, the coaches and members of the MEHS DDF team thank every community member who took time away from their weekend to judge at our meet. You make us happy to be a part of the Sitka community.
Marcy Drake, Calvin Drake
MEHS DDF Coaches
