Food for Thought

We believe that violence is an unacceptable way to deal with problems and that people have the right to be free from violence in their family homes.  We believe that there should be a place where women can go to be safe and explore their options.

We hold a deep belief in the inherent dignity of every person, a belief that people respond with kindness when treated kindly, with trust when trusted, and respectfully when respected.

Saturday Market

W.A.V.E. had a spotlight table at the first Saturday Market in Petersburg on June 5^th.  The local market is a brand new addition to the list of HOT things to do in Petersburg this summer.  Run by a volunteer board of directors, the market’s objective is to promote local, sustainable living by creating a space for people BE: to eat fresh food, buy/sell/trade their handmade and homegrown wares, listen to live music, get out of the rain!  W.A.V.E. was the first non-profit booth to participate.  During the market Rural Victim Services Coordinator, Sarah Wagstaff renewed memberships, handed out information and purple ribbons, and gave away free zipperpull flash lights donated by Nancy Strand.  Make sure that you’re in the know and don’t miss out on the next market, July 17!

Little Norway Festival

Thanks to several kind volunteers, the W.A.V.E. table at the Little Norway Festival May 14-15, 2010 was a great success. We gathered “walk of fame” handprints to be used at the October art show.  Nearly 100 signers pledged to work toward making Petersburg a safe place for all families.  Thanks to even more volunteers who donated their candy-making skills, we also sold over $100 worth of fudge at the booth.  This money goes toward W.A.V.E.’s general fund to help pay for the cost to keep this program running.  Besides being a delicious treat, the main goal of fudge sales is to advertise our hotline number (907)-518-0555 which is attached to each packet of fudge!  Hopefully our presence on Main Street and advertised crisis number brought hope or help to someone who needed it.  Tusen takk!!

PFD – donate yours to WAVE!

What is the PFD Charitable Contributions Program?
The program provides an easy and reliable vehicle for Alaskans who file on-line for their PFD to support eligible nonprofit organizations. The program goal is to increase individual charitable giving along with the number of donors to nonprofit organizations. The program provides an additional way for donors to support organizations they care about.  The on-line application will have a list of eligible organizations, and people will be able to choose those to which they want to contribute. Individuals will be able to direct from $25 to the full dividend to nonprofits.  Donate part of your PFD to WAVE this year!

www.pfd.state.ak.us

RISE UP

To promote Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October, WAVE is organizing an art show at The Clausen Memorial Museum.  There are so many amazing artisans in Petersburg that we are looking forward to taking advantage of their talents and interpretations to raise awareness of our theme:  “RISE UP!  A celebration of women’s endurance”.  Open to all who would like to participate, the show will run from October 1 through 15, with a spectacular opening-night artists’ reception from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. on Friday, October 1, 2010.  Soliciting original artwork created specifically for this event submitted by September 27.  Limit of 3 pieces (20 sq. ft.) per artist.  For more information contact:  seanana49@yahoo.com or (907) 518-1217 – Kathy Bracken, WAVE board member

WAVE endowment fund

So what’s this WAVE Endowment all about?  Recently a group of philanthropic individuals in Petersburg got together and created the Petersburg Community Foundation (PCF).  It’s a part of the Alaska Community Foundation, and is most easily described as a permanent fund for Petersburg.  Initial investments are managed by a board of directors with the dividends going to various community projects, rather than to individuals (like the Alaska Permanent Fund).  Combining resources from all our Alaska communities, the Board of Directors at the Alaska Community Foundation can thoughtfully and more successfully invest our monies, giving better dividends than if we invested individually.  These dividends are distributed by each community.  Last year, for instance, WAVE applied to the Petersburg Community Foundation and received a small grant for supplies.  With the creation of the WAVE Endowment however, WAVE will automatically receive the dividends from all monies donated to the Endowment.  WAVE is still eligible to apply for grants from the PCF, but there is no application necessary to receive WAVE Endowment dividends.

This new fund is a very forward looking approach.  Although WAVE does not have access to the initial investment, (if WAVE disbanded, the monies would remain with the PCF) the dividends from the Endowment will exceed the initial investment over time.  Because of WAVE’s longevity, the WAVE Board felt this was a wise investment.  Rather than using existing funds, WAVE has raised all the money for the Endowment separately from regular fundraising.  We’ll still be selling fudge, but now there’ll be two different pots to put that money into:  a general fund, and the WAVE Endowment.

If you’re interested in donating to the Endowment, now is a great time.  You can do it easily on line at www.petersburgcf.org, click on funds, and then on the WAVE Endowment, or send a check to The Petersburg Community Foundation at Box 1024, Petersburg, or simply give at the WAVE office.

 And thanks for all you do, I know how much difference WAVE makes.

Sincerely, Mary Harrop – WAVE advocate and volunteer

petersburg@alasakacf.org

Prom 2010

Choose Respect

If you feel that you need to talk to someone or need help, call 518-0555

•  You always have the right to say no.
• Getting someone drunk or high to have sex with them is rape.  Rape is against the law.
• No always means no.
• You can choose respect anytime.
• You can help your friends respect themselves.

In advance of this year’s Petersburg High School prom, WAVE distributed information on healthy datingrelations to students.  We attached candy to cards with the message above, and handed them out during a school break.  In addition, Cynthia Mathisen at Lee’s Clothing volunteered to tuck these cards into the pockets of all the tuxedos they rented for the prom.  Thanks so much for your help, Cynthia!                                                     – Sunny Rice, WAVE board president

High School Self Defence Course

May 10-21, 2010 Police officer Steve Scherrer dedicated his days off to teach a self defense course to 12 highschool juniors/seniors.  After three days of in-classroom “dry” material – reviewing laws, previous cases, and protocol, “my students were excited to get in the mat room to learn some self defense moves,” raved teacher Ginger Evens.  “The self defense class was great.  My students learned valuable information that will be beneficial in life.  Perhaps the most important thing they learned was to use their voice when in a threatening situation.  Officer Scherrer kept reiterating that it is important to always be alert of your surroundings and to use your voice and “BE LOUD”.  It was hard for some of my students, but at the end I think they got it.”  Officer Popp and Boggs also helped in the mat room.  After hearing about the class, “some of the other students in the high school wanted to participate as well.  I would love to see this class extended to a larger group of students.  Perhaps… for all graduating seniors, especially the girls,” suggested Evens.  Special thanks to the police dept and school district. 

                         - Ginger Evens, teacher and GOTR coordinator

Health Fair 2010

On April 17, 2010, Petersburg held its biennial Health Fair at the Community Gym.  Along with many other local businesses and entities, WAVE was on hand, giving out its trademark fudge.  The booth also served as outreach education to the community.  A dart board fastened to the climbing wall gave people the opportunity to try their best shot at popping balloons for special prizes.  Before throwing darts, individuals had to answer thought-provoking questions dealing with issues such as self-esteem, healthy relationships, and personal safety.  My seven year old took a turn at the board and explains it best, “They asked me questions about being safe.  I think it was teaching us to stand up for ourselves.”  The Health Fair was also the public debut of our newly hired Director, Sarah Wagstaff.  Sarah brings a whole new energy to WAVE and we are excited to have her on board!         – Alice Cumps, new WAVE advocate in training

WAVE’s famous fudge!

2 C chocolate chips

1 7oz giant Hershey’s milk chocolate bar, chopped

1 13oz. Can evaporated milk (1 2/3 C)

4 C sugar

1 7oz jar marshmallow crème

1 Tbsp. butter

1 tsp. Vanilla

1 2/3 C nuts (optional)

Put chocolate in a large bowl and set aside.  Cook evaporated milk, sugar, marshmallow crème and butter over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches a full rolling boil, then boil for 8 minutes, still stirring. Pour mixture over chocolate in bowl and beat until all chocolate is melted. Stir in vanilla and nuts, if using. Spread into a buttered 9 x 13 pan and let cool. Before fudge is completely cool, cut into 48 pieces.