Boathouse Work
Dear Editor: The Sitka Maritime Heritage Society (SMHS) is delighted to share that our custom-milled siding from #1 Sitka spruce has all safely arrived in Sitka from Tenakee Springs. This was only made possible through the collaboration and support of friends of SMHS, who we would like to thank.
Frances Brann was the first to help out by taking bundles of trim on the Snow Dragon, with facilitation help by Heather Bauscher. Following that initial delivery, the captain and crew of the MV Otter stepped up to help our organization. Thomas Sigmond, Adina Scott and Michael Janicki transported the remaining seven lifts of lumber on the historical power scow. After being moved by Arrowhead Transfer, Greg George assisted in placing the lumber into its final storage place at the Japonski Island Boathouse.
Altogether, an estimated 7,000 pounds of lumber was moved, and we are so grateful to all who volunteered their time, skills, and resources to make this happen. The delivery of this lumber represents another big step forward for the Japonski Island Boathouse rehabilitation project. This lumber was made to exactly match the dimensions of the original 1940s shiplap on the boathouse. It will be used to replace siding that has deteriorated beyond repair and to cover the exterior of the new entry addition and in some interior areas.
The final goal of the project is to rehabilitate the Japonski Island Boathouse for adaptive re-use, so that it can serve the community as a maritime heritage center, featuring a workshop and exhibit space, which will also serve as classroom space for SMHS programming. SMHS currently has a Historic Preservation Fund grant project underway to restore and repair a historic exterior wall on the building’s northeast wing and complete the exterior of the newly constructed entry addition. This special delivery helps make that possible.
We encourage you to check out our website (www.sitkamaritime.org) to follow the Boathouse’s progress and learn how you can help out.
Sitka Maritime Heritage Society
Board and Staff
Lucky, Sad
Dear Editor: My 17-year-old daughter has a Black Lives Matter sign on the back of her car. She made it herself shortly after the death of George Floyd, printing out the words, coloring them in and cutting them out.
In his recent YouTube video, Marshall Albertson suggests that all Black Lives Matter supporters be put down like rabid dogs.
I’ve lived in Sitka for 30 years and this is the first time I have feared for the safety of my family.
I realize how lucky this makes me, it also makes me incredibly sad.
Wendy Alderson, Sitka
Photo
Dear Editor: Are the wee kiddies pictured on the front page of your Sept. 16 issue certified to be immune to the COVID-19 coronavirus?
If not, someone in Sitka is obviously playing with fire.
Florian Sever, Sitka
Candidates
Dear Editor: With eight candidates applying for two seats in the Assembly, one might wonder how we can decide on who to vote for? I believe my fellow Sitkans would agree with me on the following essentials:
1) Candidate must be familiar with the community of Sitka. That takes a couple of years at least of being a Sitka resident.
2) Candidate had been volunteering in one of the Assembly’s commissions or boards, to be familiar with meetings’ regulations and responsibilities.
3) Candidate was involved in a community-serving job with experience and high regards.
4) Candidate is professional, has a vision that is not extreme, and is seeking the interest of the whole city rather than the interest of a certain group.
Voting for a friend might be an easy road, while voting for the right candidate might fix many roads!
Paul Bahna, Sitka
Thanks to Outer Coast
Dear Editor: Thank you, Outer Coast (OC)! On Labor Day and the day after, teams of OC students assisted the Sitka Cycling Club with building our fourth single-track bike trail behind Sitka High School. Building trails by hand requires hard work and Sitka’s new institution of higher education provided that a spirit of service.
During tough years, the bright spots are so important and OC starting its first year-round program this fall is a definite highlight for Sitka. Thank you to Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and everyone who has supported this innovative effort and brought these bright, service-oriented, young people to town. The semester just started, and Outer Coast has already made a tremendous difference.
Amy Volz, Doug Osborne,
Sitka Cycling Club
Al Gross Event
Dear Editor: The Al Gross for U.S. Senate Campaign has an upcoming in-person event in Sitka! Please join us!
This Saturday, Sept. 19, local volunteers will be hosting a socially distanced block party at the Crescent Harbor shelter from 3 to 7 p.m.
They will be passing out yard signs, providing online assistance for registered voters who would like to request their absentee ballot, and discussing Dr. Al’s policy platform.
This is a great way to meet fellow supporters and those who are curious, learn more about the issues, and get involved in the race.
Please know that masks will be required, and social distancing maintained by all attendees.
More information at dralgrossak.com.
Stacy Goade, Sitka Volunteer,
Al Gross for U.S. Senate
