Senator Murkowski’s Seldovia Visit

by Jenny Chissus

On the 4th of July, we had the pleasure to honor Senator Lisa Murkowski as Seldovia’s Old Crab – which is a coveted position held by many influential leaders in our state, including: Senator Ted Stevens, Jay Hammond, Clem Tillion, Maria Downey among many other Alaskans who have made an impact on our state and communities.

As I was taking photos throughout the day, I appreciated the Senator’s authentic love for small communities, her friendly and very personable way with each person she met.  From visiting with the crafters, calling the start of the Salmon Shuffle 5K race, speaking at the ground breaking ceremony for Seldovia Wild Seafood to visiting and posing with children preparing for the parade and speaking with elders – the Senator made herself available to all, and was gracious and genuinely interested in the activities of the day and the people of Seldovia.

It was nice to have an opportunity to meet the Senator, and take a few minutes to chat about her experience on the 4th in Seldovia as our Old Crab and her thoughts on the future of small communities like Seldovia.

Gazette:  Senator Murkowski, welcome to Seldovia!  We are honored to have you visit us for the 4th of July this year!  I’m sure you received many invitations for the Independence Day celebrations throughout the state, what made you decide to accept our invitation to Seldovia above all others?

Senator Murkowski: Yes, I am asked to visit a lot of communities, and I do try to get out and visit the many places especially those that are off the beaten path.  I received an invitation some months ago to come to Seldovia and be recognized as Seldovia’s Old Crab, and that really caught my attention!   This was not just the standard “Come to our city, be the grand marshal of a parade.”  I have a soft spot in my heart for small town 4th of July celebrations.  I love to celebrate our nation’s independence with people from all over Alaska, but small towns really know how to put on a good event, the parade, activities involving the kids and the seniors, the Volunteer Fire Department, the Seldovia Chamber, I love seeing the whole community getting Continue Reading