Vote for Himschoot
Dear Editor: My daughter was a second-grader the year Rebecca Himschoot started her position as Keet Gooshi Heen science teacher. I volunteered in her classroom for four years. During that time I came to appreciate what an amazing educator she is and how committed she is to giving every kid a chance to learn. Not only did she have classes all day, she had programs before school, during lunch and after school.
Some of the great programs I remember during that four-year period were: Weather Blur, a collaboration between our Island Institute and the Island Institute in Maine, where kids would come in early every morning and record wind speed, barometric pressure and temperature, then graph the results and compare them with the Maine results; Stream Team, a lunchtime group that would head to Cutthroat Creek behind Keet armed with parent volunteers, Xtratufs, water cylinders, thermometers and yard sticks to track seasonal depth, water quality and water temperature; and Future Problem Solvers, a class that started out as an enrichment opportunity only to become an after-school program that welcomed any child who wanted to participate, and this year, in its 9th year, virtually sent a team of kids to internationals!
Add to the list Star Lab, Star shows, Science Saturday and Project Fair, all extracurricular events my daughter got to participate in during her four years of having Rebecca as her science teacher.
Many of these projects were collaborations, and they all happened because Rebecca was open to new ideas, had the tenacity to search out the grants and funds needed, was able to work together with others to achieve goals and, most importantly, was willing to give a tremendous amount of her personal time in order to bring hands-on learning to as many kids as possible.
I have personally seen the commitment Rebecca brings to the table as an educator and I believe she will bring the same level of commitment, integrity and work ethic to the Assembly table.
Wendy Alderson, Sitka
Sentinel Delivery
Dear Editor: The Sentinel not only has continued putting out a paper five days a week during the ongoing pandemic, they are delivered free to various drop-off bins on a help-yourself basis.
There are no carriers during this period. We must pick up our own paper. This action by the Sentinel is of unheard-of generosity, and a salute as a service to Sitka.
The paper to the residents at the Pioneers Home are being delivered courtesy of resident Fredi Young, who has unselfishly desired to do this for the residents.
Good show, Fredi.
G. Insteness,
Pioneers Home resident
Vote Duncan, Himschoot
Dear Editor: We are writing to urge Sitkans to vote for Crystal Duncan and Rebecca Himschoot for the Assembly. Together, they bring the experience, vision, and collaborative approach we need for the future of our community.
With work experience at UAS, STA, and SEARHC, and a master’s degree in business administration, Crystal would bring her broad professional history in Sitka and fiscal expertise to the Assembly in a difficult budget year. Crystal is a qualified, strong Alaska Native woman and a lifelong Sitkan who is ready to serve.
Rebecca has spent 16 years as a local teacher, has served on the state Board of Education and was selected by the National Science Foundation as an Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow. Her hundreds of students and their parents can attest to her work ethic, commitment, and respect for all members of our community.
Duncan and Himschoot have distinguished themselves as Sitka community leaders and bring the dedication, temperament, and thoughtfulness we need in these challenging times.
Sitka is blessed with an abundance of excellent candidates this cycle and we appreciate that all have offered to serve.
In order to ensure that the strongest two are selected, please join us, and vote Duncan and Himschoot.
Lauren & Dave Allen,
Louise Brady, Jeff Budd,
Grace Brooks & Charlie Morgan,
Ariel Coleman Starbuck,
Lione Clare, Val Edwards,
John & Alison Dunlap,
Cindy Bea Edwards &
Brant Brantman,
Kassandra Eubank-Littlefield,
Jerrod & Brit Galanin,
Randy, Carol & Ben Hughey,
Kim & Bob Hunter,
Clarice Johnson,
Eric & Sarah Jordan,
Tommy Joseph & Kristina Cranston,
Mike & Sue Litman,
Christian Litten, Roby Littlefield
Ben Miyasato, Lisa Sadleir-Hart,
Howard Pendell &
Pat Kehoe Pendell,
Michelle Putz & Perry Edwards,
Tessie Santa Ana, Cheryl Vastola,
Stacey Wayne & Bart Meyer,
Taylor White, Adrienne Wilber
Support for Paxton
Dear Editor: I strongly support Gary for mayor. He has lived in Sitka for most of his life and has always been involved in Sitka, I moved to Sitka in the early 1960s with my parents Ned and Betty Blatchley and have known Gary and family for all those years.
As past mayor, Gary has shown strength and leadership. He has listened to both Sitkans and Assembly members and has moderated, discussed and worked with the comments of the various ideas from Assembly members and citizens.
Gary is retired and has the time to do all the additional work outside of the meetings to get things done.
Sitka is trying to survive hard times and we need someone that does not have additions commitments.
Gary has proved he is a leader and has commitment to bring Sitka through hard times.
He loves Sitka and wants Sitka to survive all the curves we have been thrown. He has the dedication, knowledge and drive to lead us to a better Sitka.
We need that.
Nancy Blatchley Davis, Sitka
Stop Political Labels
Dear Editor: I cannot keep silent. Why do some people think that being a progressive Democrat or a Democrat in any form is the same thing as being a Marxist? That is such a ridiculous statement that I will not even begin addressing the ignorance of this ideology.
I would like to address the Republican socialist ideas of giving bailouts to billionaires. Would you call them Marxist? Of course I would not. Social ideas are not Marxism. Social Security, Medicare, Obamacare, Medicaid, etc. are not Marxist. It shows a caring for humanity while the billionaires keep all the money through bailouts of no taxes and other generous programs.
Yes, we do have horrible racism in this country. Are we to believe that Republicans are going to address racism? I think otherwise. Violence on either side is wrong. Violence does not solve problems. What has the Republican administration done recently to curb racism?
Lately, are we to call everyone on the other side of the isle neonazi’s? I think not! So be civil and stop calling all Democrats Marxist.
I do believe that all individuals on the Assembly should be there to try to units the community, not call over half the community names. Even though I do not agree with the Assembly over their decisions on occasion, I do appreciate the time they give to the community. Thank you for your service!
Lorraine Inez Lil, Sitka
School District Kudos
Dear Editor: While I am reading about school districts around the country dithering or freezing during the pandemic, Sitka School District is making it happen. Sure, things may change to all online if there is an outbreak, but an ingenious scheduling mix has let our kids go ahead. By the end of summer, cabin fever for the kids was looking permanent, but the administrators and teachers have made good things keep happening.
I have to give our schools a huge hurrah.
John Welsh, Sitka
