Daily Sitka Sentinel

September 17, 2014 Community Happenings

Dancers to Mark
    20th Anniversary
    Tribal Tours and the Naa Kahidi Dancers will be celebrating their 20th anniversary Sept. 20 with a ‘‘Sitka Celebration – 20 On 20.”
    Sitkans are reminded to save the date for dancing, food and potluck, free trolley rides and open house at Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi.

    No Toy Donations
    At White Elephant
    Effective immediately, the White Elephant Shop announced that it cannot accept donations of toys.

    Easter Group
    Slated to Meet
    The Easter Group will meet 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, in the upper meeting room at Sitka Lutheran Church.
    The Easter Group works with other service providers in Sitka to end extreme poverty and empower people. All are invited to attend. For more information, contact 747-4109 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

    Alaska Day Grind
    Scheduled Oct. 11
    The Alaska Day Monthly Grind will be held 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi.
    The philosophy of the Monthly Grind is affordable, non-political and family entertainment. Tickets must be purchased in advance at Old Harbor Books.
    The cost is $5 for adults and $1 for children, or free with a plate of homemade desserts. Those taking a dessert can get the price of their paid-in-advance ticket reimbursed at the door.
    Individuals will encourage individuals to take a cup to help reduce trash. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call Jeff at 747-4821.

    Dungeness Season
    Starts in Southeast
    The Alaska Department of Fish and Game today announced information about the Southeast Alaska commercial Dungeness crab fishery.
    The department said landings and effort data from the first week of the summer season indicated that the total season’s harvest would exceed 2.25 million pounds as required for a normal season length.
    Commercial Dungeness fishing will open at noon Oct. 1.

    GOTR Releases
    Impact Video
    Girls on the Run completed its sixth Sitka season in the spring and has released a video on the impact it has on a wider classroom, school and the community.
    ‘‘We know the program has a great impact on girls in Sitka and across Southeast Alaska,’’ sponsors of the program Sitkans Against Family Violence said. ‘‘Each year surveys show a big increase in girls gaining positive self-image and healthy life skills.’’
    The video may be viewed at tinyurl.com/SitkaGOTR-video.

Understanding the Health Insurance Marketplace
     SEARHC will host a free presentation noon-1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, at Kettleson Memorial Library, which is in its temporary location at the Stratton Library, 831 Lincoln St.
    The event is being held to help people understand the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace and how to prepare for the upcoming open enrollment. For those unable to attend, this presentation will be offered on the OWL (Online With Library) system and may be viewed after the presentation on the state library website at http://library.alaska.gov/dev/owlArchives.html.
    Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace is Nov. 15-Feb. 15. Individuals should begin thinking about changing their plan, update information and consider options, SEARHC said. Those who haven’t signed up for insurance through the Marketplace can set up a new account on www.healthcare.gov in preparation for open enrollment.
    Those who meet specific criteria are eligible to enroll in health insurance for 2014. These include: losing health insurance, divorce, marriage, having a new baby and other special circumstances. Alaska Native and American Indian people can enroll any month of the year. Those who do not have insurance will face a tax penalty filing in next year’s taxes.
    Some individuals may receive an exemption from the tax penalty due to lack of affordability, tribal coverage, and hardship by submitting appropriate forms by the end of the year. SEARHC offers free assistance to all Sitkans in applying for exemptions, creating new accounts, signing up for insurance, and answering questions.
     “Health insurance is very confusing. The presentation will help people get a better understanding of how to make educated decisions for their healthcare needs,” said Andrea Thomas, outreach and enrollment manager for SEARHC. “There will be lots of time for questions.”
    For more information, call Andrea Thomas at 966-8883 or e-mail her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

    Vulnerable Adults
    Resource Fair Set
    By Teleconference
    Alaska’s Adult Protective Services unit will hold its annual resource fair for vulnerable adults and their friends, family and caregivers 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday in Juneau. The fair will be video-conferenced to libraries in six communities in Southeast, including Kettleson Memorial Library.
    Presentations on qualifying for Medicaid and Miller Trusts; establishing an alternative decision-maker, power of attorney versus guardianship; being homeless in Southeast, and service eligibility and availability, are planned.
    The regional Community Commitment Award will be presented.

    Haunted CG Ship
    To Scare Up Food
    The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Maple will host the annual Haunted Ship 6-10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30.
    A food drive will be held in conjunction with the event. Suggested admission is one canned item or dry good per person. All proceeds will be donated to local charity organizations.
    Please note Haunted Ship may not be suitable for all ages and parents/guardians should use discretion for younger children.

    Chookaneidi Meet
    Canceled Thursday
    The Chookaneidi meeting and practice has been canceled for Thursday.
    It will resume next week at 205 Baranof Street. Meetings are 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Men are reminded to take dance staffs, and women, ear loops.