Daily Sitka Sentinel

September 3, 2013 Community Happenings

Story Time Set
    ‘‘There was an Old Pirate Who Swallowed a Fish,’’ by Jennifer Ward, will be one of the readings during  the next preschool story time 10:30 a.m. Sept. 5 at Kettleson Library.
    The program includes readings, rhymes, songs and a craft project. For more information call the library at 747-8708.

    Ranger-Led
    Programs at
    National Park
    Sitka National Historical Park offers daily guided programs teaching visitors about the park’s natural and cultural resources.
    ‘‘The Fungus Among Us’’ will be the 7 p.m. Wednesday program at the visitor center.
    Attendees will learn about some of the most important organisms in the ecosystem – fungi.
    ‘‘More than just the fascinating mushrooms we see, fungi make our forests possible,’’ park personnel said. ‘‘This free evening program will give you a new appreciation for all the hard work these fun guys do.’’
    The evening program series will run through mid-September.
    The week will also include guided walks.
    The Battle Walk returns to the battleground and former fort site of the Tlingit-Russian Battle of 1804, which was pivotal in determining the history of the Alaska region. Offered daily, the guided walk is approximately three-quarters of a mile, and lasts about 45 minutes to an hour.
    The Totem Walk tells the stories and legends of the totem poles on the Totem Loop Trail, focusing on the common totem figures, the origins of the 1903 John Brady collection, carving methods, and the Native culture of Southeast Alaska. Offered daily, this guided walk is approximately one mile, and lasts about one hour.
    The Discovery Walk features topics ranging from local flora to banana slugs to cultural history. Offered daily, the guided walk duration varies with the program.
    Ranger-guided schedules this week are: Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.  Totem Walk and 2 p.m. Discovery Walk; Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.  Totem Walk and 7 p.m.  evening program; Thursday, 9 a.m. Totem Walk, 10 a.m. Battle Walk, 2:15 p.m. Discovery Walk; Friday, 9:30 a.m.   Totem Walk and 2 p.m. Battle Walk; Saturday 2:15 p.m.  Totem Walk and 3:15 p.m. Battle Walk.
    Ranger-led tours meet at the Sitka NHP visitor center. For more information,  call 747-0110.

    Exhibitors, Auction
    Items being Sought
    Southeast Conference will hold its annual meeting Sept. 16-19 in Sitka and is seeking auction items and exhibitors.
    As part of the event, an auction is being held to benefit Southeast Alaska students with scholarships. Also, a limited number of exhibit tables are available for local organizations and businesses to showcase their efforts and products.
    For more information contact Philip Rupell at the sitka Convention and Visitors Bureau, 747-5940.