Karen Yashin and Dave Heuman

Karen and Dave came to Alaska for just a summer, but they got hooked. When Karen was offered a teaching job, the couple moved to Old Harbor and Larsen Bay, before eventually settling in Kodiak. Now retired, they live in Bells Flats and are thrilled to be a part of the Kodiak community. In recent years, Karen has had more time to focus on her love of animals by supporting the Kodiak Humane Society. Through this volunteer work she learned about the many non-profit organizations in Kodiak.

“It was like a light bulb went off in my mind,” Karen explained. “There are so many worthy organizations here. We care about arts, animals, music, and living in Native villages. We decided to focus on giving locally.”

Karen and Dave believe that non-profit awareness and gift giving is important in Kodiak and said, “We are such a unique community. Eclectic, evolving, and so dynamic for a small town.” Karen and Dave’s list of organizations that they support became longer this year. As new members to the Alutiiq Museum, Karen described the decision as a full circle experience - from living and teaching in Alutiiq villages and encouraging students to explore their culture and history, to becoming Alutiiq Museum members.

“Our mission is to do what we can, every year, and progress our giving. We want to be the kind of people that do more as we grow,” said Karen.

Membership matters. Join Karen and Dave in giving locally. Support the museum with your membership.

Photo:  Dave Heuman and Karen Yashin, Spring 2013.