Kreiss-Tomkins Support
Dear Editor: Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins is up for re-election and I think he has earned the support of his constituency in all parties and in all communities of House District 35.
I cannot imagine a representative being more accessible, more attentive, or more concerned for the benefit of those he represents. Throughout his time in office he has made more than 40 visits to constituency towns around Southeast, holding office hours at local cafes and coffee shops. This includes visits to Hydaburg, Kasaan, Klawock, Metlakatla, Pelican, Petersburg, Haines, Angoon, Kake, Yakutat and Tenakee.
JKT brings a remarkable set of natural abilities to his office. Those of us who have seen him grow up here in Sitka remember his remarkable achievements as a student, a musician, and an athlete. We recognize that he is very bright and extremely hard-working. But to all of this he has now added a great education in the way things work in the Legislature. He is now experienced.
JKT holds common sense, fiscally prudent positions on budget matters. He works closely with Bert Stedman, across the aisle, on behalf of the region.
There is a quote of Jonathan’s on his campaign website (http://jonathanforstatehouse.com/) which I think illustrates really well the sort of legislator and person he is:
“I believe in the politics of humility: good ideas are good ideas no matter where they come from, and good people are good people no matter what party they belong to.”
I sincerely believe that all of us in Alaska House District 35 should vote to place Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins in office for another term.
Randy Hughey, Sitka
Senior Center Grants
Dear Editor: During the month of September as we celebrate National Senior Center Month, we want to give special thanks to Sen. Bert Stedman and Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins for the special grants which they made available to the Angoon, Kake and Sitka senior centers this past session.
The grant for Sitka will allow us to purchase a replacement commercial range with 10 burners and a double oven as well as a new copy machine for the Swan Lake Senior Center.
In Angoon, the grant makes it possible to purchase a replacement range (stove/oven) and program supplies, such as kitchen cookware and utensils.
The Kake Senior Center is now able to purchase a heavy duty 20-quart mixer and kitchen supplies.
Thanks to the Designated Legislative Grants, Angoon, Kake and Sitka elders will continue to benefit from delicious and nutritious foods, prepared and served in a safe and sanitary manner. Our goal is to help them stay healthy and live with dignity and quality of life among family and friends for many years to come.
Sidney Fadaoff,
Nutrition Coordinator,
Southeast Senior Services,
Catholic Community Service
Moon Festival
Dear Editor: The Chinese Moon Festival is on the 15th of the 8th lunar month, which is also called Mid-Autumn Festival. The Moon Festival 2014 is on Sept. 8. Chinese people will have a three-day holiday from Sept. 6 to 8.
The Moon Festival is the second most important festival after the Chinese New Year – the Spring Festival to Chinese people. Every year, when the festival comes people go home from every corner of the country and the world to meet their family and have dinner with them, admire the full moon and eat moon cakes.
Chinese people believe a full moon is a symbol of peace, prosperity, and family reunion. On Mid-Autumn Festival night the moon is supposed to be the brightest and fullest, which is why the festival is also known as the “Day of Reunion” and the “Moon Festival”. Legend says that Chang Er flew to the moon, where she has lived ever since. You might see her dancing on the moon during the Moon Festival.
The Moon Festival has a history of over 3,000 years, dating back to moon worship in the ancient Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC). It has been considered as such an important day that many poems were written about it, stories and legends on the festival are widespread, and its origin has been guessed at and explained by generations of Chinese.
In many China’s neighboring countries, Mid-Autumn Festival is widely celebrated, like Japan, Vietnam, and Singapore. Many interesting activities with unique local features are held in memory of their relatives and hometowns.
Hope the Moon Festival will bring you happiness!
Summer Mayo, Sitka
