(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - Four women will be honored by Women In Safe Homes (WISH) on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at WISH's 5th Annual Women of Distinction Dinner and Silent Auction.  The event celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of Ketchikan women who have made a significant difference in the lives of others. This year’s honorees are:  Charlotte Glover, Tris Nausid, Elizabeth Nelson and Alma Parker.

Tris Nausid, Charlotte Glover, Elizabeth Nelson and Alma Parker
Photograph courtesy WISH

Special guests attending the event are Governor Sean Parnell and First Lady Sandy Parnell.  In addition, flutist and hoop dancer of the Lakota and Anishinabe tribes, Kevin Locke, will be joining the celebration and honoring these amazing women of Ketchikan.  A prime rib dinner will be catered by the Ketchikan High School Culinary Arts program and served by the Ketchikan High School Lady Kings Volleyball team.

The celebration begins with live music, no host bar and silent auction at 5:30pm at the Ted Ferry Civic Center followed by dinner at 6:30 and awards ceremony beginning at 7:00. 

Following is a brief description of each woman’s outstanding contributions:

CHARLOTTE GLOVER – Best known for her passion for sharing the love of reading with children, Charlotte has worked at the Ketchikan Public Library since 1991. Charlotte has shared her dedication and energy supporting many organizations such as “Booktalk” host on KRBD, WISH, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Holy Name School, PATCHWorks and the Alaska Library Association among others. She is the inspiration behind the “Born to Read” project which provides a new book and t-shirt for all babies born at Ketchikan PeaceHealth Medical Center.  Charlotte credits her mother for her interest in politics and women’s issues.

TRIS NAUSID – In Ketchikan, Tris is practically synonymous with Alaska Airlines as a customer service agent for the past 26 years. But she also has a long history as a reading teacher in the Ketchikan School District where she also coordinated the “Reflections” publication for 10 years. Many remember Tris coaching youth soccer or introducing the jump roping craze to Ketchikan with “Radical Ropers”. She has also shared her talents coaching Kayhi gymnastics and judging diving at Kayhi swim meets. There are many Kayhi graduates who attribute their success to Tris’s dedication in tutoring them in reading and math skills.

ELIZABETH NELSON – Best known for her work as Artistic Director for First City Players, Elizabeth impacts many lives by helping people of all ages, especially youth, polish their talents to share with the community. Her leadership in promoting the arts has contributed to a higher quality of life in Ketchikan and will hopefully lead to a new arts center. She has inspired many to seek careers in theater or music. Her dedication to youth goes beyond her profession as she and her family have housed Rotary exchange students and supported teens struggling with challenging situations such as food and shelter. Elizabeth helps gather community resources to support diverse programs such as Boys and Girls Club, Youth Court, Pioneer Home, WISH, Ketchikan Theater Ballet and many others.

ALMA MANABAT PARKER – Alma currently works with the Division of Public Assistance and owns Studio Max. She has been an advocate for women’s and children’s issues for years such as volunteering to help immigrant women file citizenship papers to escape abusive husbands. While attending Kayhi, she volunteered to work with new Filipino immigrant students to help them become accustomed with the school system and English language. Alma has coached the Schoenbar Dance Team as well as the DanceMania youth dance program, teaching the young participants the values of commitment, teamwork and the importance of being a positive role model in the community.

Nominations come from friends, family or community members, and the honorees are selected by a committee of volunteers under the guidance of the WISH Board of Directors. Honorees from previous years include Yvonne Watson, Karen Eakes, Kathy Fitzgerald, Sher Schwartz, Mimi Eddy, Linda Schrack, Janet Duncan, Bett Jakubek, Marna Cessnun, Clara Diaz, Peggy Hovik, Cecelia Johnson, Jeanne Sande, Gerry Knasiak, Mary Schulz, Fay Freeman, Romaine Thomas, Shellie Greaves and posthumous recognition for Esther Shea.

All proceeds from the event help to support the mission of Women In Safe Homes to provide a safe place, advocacy and education for people impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault/abuse or stalking, and to assist them as they explore their options in southern Southeast Alaska.

For tickets to the event, contact Vivian or Nora at the WISH business office, 228-4099,

Source of News: 

Women In Safe Homes
www.wishak.org

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