The community of Wrangell never stops showing up for each other. It is the quality that I most appreciate about living here. It keeps me humble and hopeful for the future, because I see examples of people caring for each other every day in Wrangell. Sometimes in little ways. Sometimes in big ways.
On Saturday, March 16, I got off a plane from Washington, D.C., and attended the public memorial service for Ottie Florschutz. People brought food, memories, photos, laughter and tears to share with family and friends, as the community grieved together for a good man and family who experienced a local tragedy that rocked the entire community. Sharing grief with others can help those who feel it most acutely carry the burden. Unfortunately, I know from experience.
Next, I attended the St. Patty’s Day “fun run/walk” organized by Lucy Robinson, another one of the many gifts of her time to others in this community.
The event was used to get people active while also raising funds for the annual Sig and Helen Decker Memorial Scholarship. Each year, one high school graduate from each of the Wrangell and Petersburg high schools is awarded a scholarship for either trade school or college. Approximately 70 people showed up for the event and raised $2,350 in either cash or online donations. Online donations can be made year-round through the Alaska Community Foundation, the organization that manages the scholarship fund.
This was the fourth time the event was held, each time being a tiny bit easier for me to attend as I see all the faces and feel all the love of those who knew Sig and Helen.
I want to say thank you to everyone who helped make these events happen. It was just one day out of 366 days this year (leap year!) where the community of Wrangell will continue to show up for each other.
Thank you, Wrangell, for being an example to the world of what it really means to be a community.
-- Julie Decker
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