Daily Sitka Sentinel

June 17, 2014 Community Happenings

Tribal Council
    Meets Wednesday
    The Sitka Tribe of Alaska Tribal Council will meet 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Sheet’ka Kwáan Naa Kahídi.
    At 6 p.m., the Tribal Council will receive the 2015 Indian Housing plan from Baranof Island Housing Authority. For information, contact KathyHope Erickson, 747-7352.

    Mt. Edgecumbe
    Hike Set June 21         The annual Sitka Trail Works/Allen Marine excursion to hike Mt. Edgecumbe is set June 21 and space is still available.
    The hike is fairly level, gradually gaining elevation for six miles. The last mile ascends steeply to the crater’s edge at the summit of the dormant volcano.
    STW said that the trail is in good condition and participants set their own pace. Hikers are asked to take food and water, and a $100 donation is requested to cover the discounted transportation costs and to help support Sitka Trail Works.
    For more information and to make a reservation, contact the Sitka Trail Works office at 747-7244.

    Harp Sing Set
    The 4th Sunday Sitka Sacred Harp Sing is set 3:30-5 p.m. June 22 at the Sitka Pioneers Home chapel.
    Beginners and listeners are invited. For more information call 738-2089.

    Vegetable Harvest
    Topic of Classes
    Harvesting vegetables will be the theme of the fourth round of classes in the Sitka Local Foods Network’s new garden mentoring program.
    The SLFN education committee chose two families from a list of first-time gardeners to mentor for the summer. Families agreed to allow other first-time gardeners to attend the six proposed classes at their homes, in exchange for help building their gardens from more experienced gardeners.
    Free classes are open to all first-time gardeners and will be similar at each location, so people wanting to participate need to sign up for only one class.
    New participants are welcome, and a review of previous classes will be available.
    The first class was on garden preparation, the second on planting, and the third class was on garden maintenance. The fourth round of classes will focus on early season harvest. Gardeners will learn about harvesting plants in a way that ensures the continued health of the plants and a long-term harvest throughout the summer. Uses and recipes for harvested plants will also be discussed.
    The two vegetable harvest classes will be: 4:30 p.m. June 20 at Anna Bradley’s house, 4764 Halibut Point Road; and 7 p.m. July 7 at Tami O’Neill’s house, 2309 Merganser Drive.
    For more information, contact Michelle Putz at 747-2708 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

    Lao Program
    Library Topic
    ‘‘Learning About Lao’’ will be presented at Kettleson Memorial Library 5 p.m. Sunday, June 22.
    Nancy Knapp, a resident of Sitka since 1987, has been working for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria in the People’s Democratic Republic of Lao since 2010.
    She will describe her work as a technical advisor to support monitoring and evaluation of Lao’s Global Fund grants and about her experiences working for and learning about the engaging culture and people in this beautiful Southeast Asian country.

    Position Available
    Sitka National Historical Park is accepting applications for a GS-09 permanent, full-time, subject-to-furlough position. The incumbent will work full-time for at least 26 weeks per year, and may be placed in non-pay status for up to 26 weeks.
    Application packets and more information are available at 103 Monastery Street or by contacting the park’s administrative office at 747-0102 or 747-0107. Applications must be postmarked or received by June 27.

    Still Time to Plant
    Gardens in Sitka
    Sitka Local Foods Network reminds Sitkans that it’s not too late to plant a vegetable garden this summer.
    Local gardener and SLFN board member Michelle Putz will host a free discussion and hands-on planting lesson 7 p.m. June 19 at 131 Shelikof Way.
    Attendees will tour the garden and learn about planting some of Sitka’s easiest-to-grow vegetables, including carrots, lettuce and bok choy. All are invited to attend, especially those new to gardening and growing vegetables. Freshly harvested lettuce will be given away to interested participants.
    Anyone may attend, but parking space is limited, so participants are asked to consider walking, bike riding or carpooling.
    “If you start soon, there is still plenty of time to get a vegetable garden growing in Sitka for this year,” Putz said. “Many easy-to-grow plants can be started now whether in pots, planters, or garden beds. And if your garden is a little challenging like mine, now is a good time to replant or add more seeds in the thin areas.”
    The SLFN is hosting a series of “It’s time to …” workshops this spring and summer designed to help local residents learn about various aspects of vegetable gardening and fruit growing. Many will be informal get-togethers at various gardens around town. Check out the website, Facebook page, Facebook group, and local news media for information about upcoming classes.
    Those wanting to lead a workshop can call Michelle Putz at 747-2708.

    Chamber to Meet
    Rob Meinhardt, president and principal consultant for True North Sustainable Development Solutions, will address Chamber members noon Wednesday at Westmark Sitka.
    Meinhardt has 10 years experience working in the historic preservation field in Alaska and is familiar with federal, state and local historic preservation laws. He has assisted communities and tribes throughout the state with their pre-development and development needs.
    Luncheons are open to the public. Call 747-8604 with questions.


    Fine Arts Camp
    Art Shares Set
    The public is invited to Sitka Fine Arts Camp Art Shares nightly performances and presentations put on by camp faculty each night this week.
    Each art share will center around a different theme, which includes everything from visual arts to dance to theater. They are held 7 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Odess Theater in Allen Hall. Art shares are free and open to the public. For a complete schedule visitwww.fineartscamp.org/shows.

    Volunteers Sought
    Volunteers are needed to keep runners on the right track during the Sitka Cross Trial Classic Marathon and Half-Marathon Aug. 2.
    To volunteer, call Cathy Hanson, 747-6498.