We are in a state of uncertainty right now up here in Alaska, as is the rest of the world. It seems that in a matter of one week, our city has been turned upside down. As I sit here this morning, I reflect on the current events; it is so easy to feel sadness, uncertainty, anxiety, and hopelessness during these times. Even with those feelings rushing in, I know there is still hope.
A Community of Helpers-
Sitka is a small business haven when it comes to having opportunities to follow your dreams. Business owners are supported and cheered on, so it is not surprising that now at this time, we are helping each other. That is why I love living in Sitka- the community, the connection. Sitka is a community of helpers. When someone gets sick or needs help, we are here organizing fundraisers, bake sales, and raffles. We have seen so many helpers over the last week from our community- people buying each other groceries, running errands for the elderly, connecting through online platforms. The connection that we are experiencing at our community level is incredible.
Turning to Connection-
I find it so hopeful that during a time of social isolation and quarantine, people are connecting more than they have in a long time. We are reaching out to check in on each other, parents and children are spending more time together than ever before, friends are talking on the phone. Everyone is slowing down. Citizens are doing whatever they can to support small businesses. It's in our nature to connect and we are.
In times of turmoil and uncertainty, when our news feeds are filled with chaos and fear, I ask you to look for the good. Look for the helpers, the selfless healthcare workers, and the volunteers. Look especially for the stories of hope, the stories of change for the good. We will all get through this. I do believe that in a few months, we will be on the other side of this, a stronger society together...connected.
Hope in Dark Times...
A friend shared with me this week that lighthouses are a beacon of hope in dark times. I bought and share the lighthouse with our guests and followers for precisely that reason. Let Sitka Lighthouse be your sign of hope. We are here to stay, here to weather this storm, here to give you a place to land during these uncertain times.
Please stay safe, please stay inside, please do not give up, and most importantly please pick up the phone to check in with someone you love.
Sending my love to you all,
Teal
Lighthouse Lunches -
Last week when I heard of the school closure, the first thing that came to my mind was the students without access to school breakfast and lunches. I posted an add on Facebook, asking families to sign up for a care package. The families needing help came pouring in, but so did the helpers and donations. So many people reached out to help that we were overwhelmed with support.
We fed over eighty kids, giving each family a $50 care package of breakfast and lunch food. I want to thank all of the volunteers that made this possible.
Thank you!
Caitlin Fondell- Caitlin Fondell Photography
Andy Nye- Sitka Zodiac Adventures
Mindy Barry
Heather and Jeff Lockwood
Dylan Radzukinas
Vada West
Karen and Rich Krupa
Bob and Jan Love
Chandler O'Connell
Susan McFadden
Dawn and J.J. Johnson
Kaye Dethridge- Alaska Tokens.com
Jaqueline Foss
Shasta Smith
Sitka Conservation Society
Lisa Hirsch-Villandre
Steve and Laura Ramp
The anonymous donors- you know who you are