Susan Green will be missed
It was with great sadness that I read in the Nov. 14 newspaper of the death of Susan Green. I didn’t know her well, but it doesn’t seem that way. During the way too many years that I have been involved with the Friends of the Homer Library book sales, Susan and her partner George have been not only regular but incredibly generous library patrons. They usually attended the Friday “Members’ Preview sale” and Susan’s first stop was always the plant room.
George, in the meantime, was shopping books. When they checked out, between them they had a carload of books and plants, which George always paid for in cash plus a generous donation because he’s just that kind of guy. In true book sale fashion, everyone left happy — Susan had another greenhouse worth of plants, both of them had a stack of really good books, and the Friends brought in some money to support library programs.
Over the years, Susan and I talked about plants, books, living out on the North Fork, and even — the last time I saw her — about health issues. She was a lovely lady. I sometimes bike the North Fork and was always intending to stop by and see where she put all of those plants. I regret that I missed my chance.
Marylou Burton
Correcting Dena’ina meaning of ‘Tuggeght’
Please allow me to correct a mis-statement in my recent Point of View about land acknowledgement. Ironically, I was in error about the meaning of the Indigenous place name, Tuggeght, in my Oct. 16 Point of View.
I learned that the meaning of Tuggeght in Dena’ina is “shore,” or “at the water” from Yup’ik artist Emily Johnson. Subsequently, I misunderstood a scholar on Athabascan languages from outside of this area who suggested that the name means “beluga.”
I stand corrected. It is very important to me to get this right, as the whole point of my writing is honoring Indigenous history and place names. The act of honoring is powerful; it steers us in the right direction.
Sincerely,
Asia Freeman, Artistic Director, Bunnell Street Arts Center
Congress: Take back power to wage war
Veterans day is past, but not forgotten. We hold in our hearts the veterans among us now, and hope that our young people never become the veterans of damaging wars still to come.
Since 9/11, three U.S. presidents have used the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) to justify military action across the globe without Congressional approval. According to public records, the 2001/02 AUMF has been used to justify 41 military operations in 19 countries.
Recently, a group of Homer citizens formed an Advocacy Team under the auspices of the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) to lobby our members of Congress to take back their power to make war.
We are not saying there are no just wars, but that the power to declare war should be debated as the Constitution outlined: By the Congress of the United States. No single person should have the power to wage war on countries by using an outdated, easily abused authorization.
FCNL asks that Congress repeal the 2002 AUMF. The House has included a repeal of the 2002 AUMF in their current National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Senate is amending the NDAA in committee and will soon vote on the final bill. Their version does not, as of yet, include the provision to repeal the 2002 AUMF.
We are asking citizens concerned with the constitutional separation of powers, and the power of our Congressional voice, to write to Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan. Encourage them to support repeal of the 2002 AUMF. Ask them to take back their power.
Louise Seguela, for the Homer FCNL advocacy team
KNSC thankful for support
The Kachemak Nordic Ski Club’s Board of Directors would like to express our appreciation for the community support we received during our annual meeting and fundraiser at the Elks Lodge. With more than 150 KNSC and community members gathered, the event was a huge success despite the sluggish onset of winter.
The KNSC memberships and funds raised support the upkeep of 80 km of ski trails, maintenance of facilities at Lookout Mt, Baycrest and McNeil/Eveline State Recreation Site ski areas, and grooming of nordic trails for community use.
As an organization almost entirely reliant on volunteers for grooming, maintenance, and programs/events, the support of local businesses is vital to providing quality ski trails for wintertime enjoyment. Unlike snowflakes, great trails don’t just fall from the sky!
We would like thank the businesses and individuals who donated auction items and door prizes for the event: Homer Saw and Cycle, Ulmer’s, Kachemak Gear Shed, Alaska Stems, Alayne Tetor, Alpenglow Skincare, Art Shop Gallery, ATB Water Taxi, Bear Creek Winery, Beryl Air, Bob Glen, Cynthia Morelli Pottery Studio, Dave Brann, David Kaufmann Pottery Studio, Fritz Creek General Store, Healing Hands, Homer Bookstore, Homer Jeans, Jan Spurkland, Jeannie Woodring, Jeff Szarzi Pottery, Jenny Edwards, John Miles, Kathy Sarns, K Bay Caffé, Marylou Burton, Nicole McKenney, Ocean Shores Lodging, Red Bird Kitchen, Roberta Highland, The Bagel Shop, The Grog Shop, Twitter Creek Gardens, Two Sisters Bakery, and Willow Jones.
On behalf of KNSC, we thank you for your generous support.
Stacey Buckelew, Vice President, KNSC Board of Directors
Bring Duffy home
My niece, Duffy, has been taken from me.
I miss her, I’m worried about her, I can’t stop thinking about her. Unless you have had a loved one abducted, you can only imagine the agony I feel.
This is a message to her abductors — I don’t know if they read the Homer News or not.
Duffy is not a loner; she has a family and friends. Her abduction is causing unbelievable pain. Hearing her mother cry for the loss of her baby is heartbreaking.
So many people care about Duffy that $10,000 has been collected as a reward.
Nobody is going to give up the hunt for her. It will continue until she is found.
Give Duffy back to us.
Katrina Phipps, Everett, Washington
