Sitkans Pick, Click, Give
In Higher Numbers in ’20
Alaskans donated more of their permanent fund dividends to organizations in Sitka in 2020, notwithstanding economic hardships due to the pandemic, the Alaska Community Foundation reports.
The number of pledges made through the Pick.Click.Give. program to nonprofits that offer services in Sitka increased by eight percent from 2019, a spokesman said. The total value of 2020 pledges to these organizations was $82,700, which represents an 18 percent increase from 2019.
The Pick.Click.Give. program, operated by The Alaska Community Foundation, allows Alaskans to pledge a portion or all of their permanent fund dividends to participating charitable and educational organizations when they file for their PFDs. Nineteen organizations in Sitka accept gifts through the program, including several that offer services regionally or statewide. The value of pledges increased for almost two-thirds of these organizations compared to 2019, ACF said.
This year, PFDs were lower than the historic average payment. Alaskans also had the option to change their Pick.Click.Give. pledges until June 17, two weeks before PFDs were issued. Leaders of charitable organizations that receive gifts through the program were worried that the combination of lower dividends, unemployment, and economic uncertainty would result in donors decreasing or eliminating their giving through Pick.Click.Give.
‘‘Happily,’’ ACF said, ‘‘these fears were unfounded. In Sitka and across Alaska, donors responded to the economic impacts of the pandemic by giving more, not less.’’
Sitkans Against Family Violence received $6,575 in pledges through the Pick.Click.Give. program in 2020, a 41 percent increase from 2019.
“SAFV is so grateful for the outpouring of support we received from all the individuals who chose to contribute during Pick.Click.Give.,’’ said Natalie Wojcik, executive director. ‘‘All donations received will support SAFV’s mission to advocate for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and to work to prevent it before it ever starts.”
“Pick.Click.Give. supporters, you are making a difference in Sitka! Your gifts provide general operating support that helps SAIL to remain active, and to allow us to use our time to seek partnerships, new opportunities, and additional funding sources,” said Rick Peterson, Sitka program director for Southeast Alaska Independent Living. ‘‘This year, SAIL received Pick.Click.Give. gifts from approximately two dozen Sitka supporters.’’
Sitka organizations that participated in the Pick.Click.Give. program in 2020 include: 3 to 5 Preschool, Alaska Avalanche Information Center, Alaska Association for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, Brave Heart Volunteers, Catholic Community Service, Friends of Sitka Public Library, Kootznahoo Fortress Of The Bear, Mount Edgecumbe Preschool, Raven Radio, Sitka Cancer Survivors Society, Sitka Legacy Foundation, Sitka Local Foods Network, Sitka Maritime Heritage Society, Sitka Sound Science Center, Sitka Music Festival, Sitka Trail Works, Sitkans Against Family Violence, Southeast Alaska Independent Living, and the University of Alaska Southeast Sitka Campus.
Harriet Kinberg,
Lifelong Sitkan,
Dies in Nevada
Harriet Kinberg, 94, lifelong Sitka resident, died in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sept. 5 due to complications of a fall.
A full obituary will follow.
Emblem Club
Meets Sept. 10
Sitka Emblem Club will hold a business meeting 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Sitka Elks Lodge.
‘‘In order to know if we’ll have a quorum, please let me know or Mindy, if you’d prefer Zoom or at the Elks Lodge,’’ the group said.
Members should reply to conransitkaemblem@outlook.com or mindylowrance@live.com
The group is social distancing, and wearing masks is recommended.
Community service monthly reports are due to Judi.blankenships@gci.net.
Economic Forum
Slated Sept. 15
The public can submit economic development ideas for Sitka’s Economic Forum to sedasitka@gmail.com or present in person 2 p.m. Sept. 15 at Centennial Hall.
‘‘Help us grow Sitka’s local economy by sharing your ideas,’’ Sitka Economic Development Association said. ‘‘We can’t wait to see what you come up with.’’
STA Funding
Deadline Near
The application deadline for Sitka Tribe of Alaska CARES Act funding is Sept. 30.
Tribal Citizens enrolled with Sitka Tribe of Alaska, on or before June 14, are eligible to apply for a $250 stimulus check. Each household in Sitka is eligible for a $1,500 stimulus check, or households outside of Sitka are eligible for a $500 stimulus check. Applications are available at www.sitkatribe.org. Those with questions can call Rob at 747-7382 or 747-3207.
Health Networking
Meeting is Virtual
The Sitka Health Summit Coalition’s monthly Wooch.een (together in Tlingit) health networking and learning meeting will be held virtually noon- 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, by way of Zoom.
The purpose of the meeting is to spark partnerships and to promote cross sector collaboration, learning, and networking to improve well-being in Sitka.
For information go to sitkahealthsummit.org. If interested in joining the meeting, contact Amanda Roberts at amandar@searhc.org for the Zoom meeting connect information.
Mountain Goat
Harvest to Close
Sitka District Ranger Perry Edwards, under authority delegated by the Federal Subsistence Board, is closing the Bear Mountain and Cold Storage Zones to the harvest of mountain goats 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, through Dec. 31.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has issued a concurrent closure in the same zones. Additional mountain goat harvest in these zones could have long-term, negative effects on the conservation of the mountain goat subpopulations.
The remainder of Baranof Island is open to goat hunting until the season closes, unless closed by special action.
A map and description of the closed areas are available from the Sitka Ranger District and the Sitka area office of ADF&G. Information on federal subsistence management special actions for the Tongass National Forest can be found at http://www.fs.usda.gov/news/tongass/news-events.
For additional information, call Zone Fish and Wildlife biologist Justin Koller at 747-4297 or email him at justin.koller@usda.gov.
Information on the Federal Subsistence Management Program is at https://www.doi.gov/subsistence.
Brave Heart Live
Auction On Tap
The Brave Heart Volunteers Buoy Auction is on-line auction will end noon Sept. 15. Go to www.32auctions.com/bhvbuoys2020 for information or to place a bid. The link also is at www. braveheartvolunteers.org.
Sitka WhaleFest
Registration Open
Sitka WhaleFest is going virtual this year. Registration is open for the Nov. 5-7 virtual marine fest.
Presentations from world-class marine researchers will be presented and participation is by donation.
For more information, go to https://toasttovirtual.com/whalefest/.
Sitka WhaleFest is a festival to celebrate marine life through science education, community and storytelling. Sitka WhaleFest raises awareness, educates, and creates enthusiasm for the marine environment.
American Legion
Group to Meet
American Legion Post 13 members and others are invited to meet 7 p.m. Sept. 17 at the American Legion Hall, 205 Lincoln Street.
For information call 747-8629 after 1 p.m. daily.
