Daily Sitka Sentinel

October 21, 2014 Community Happenings

    Wild Foods
    Potluck Set
    Sitka Conservation Society’s annual Wild Foods Potluck will be held 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, at Centennial Hall.
    Attendees can learn more about the Sitka Conservation Society, wild food, and Alaska’s growing conservation movement. Participants should take a dish featuring a wild Alaskan food. For more information about the event, contact Sophie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the Sitka Conservation Society at 747-7509.

    Chamber to Meet
     John Kelsh, project team leader of the consulting firm Great Destination Strategies of Seattle, will speak at the Chamber luncheon noon Oct. 22 at the Westmark Sitka.
    Kelsh is in Sitka to meet with local brand committee members, residents and stakeholders and begin their research into attracting visitors.
    Great Destination Strategies also will design a pedestrian wayfinding and interpretive signage system for the downtown.
    For more information, call the Sitka Chamber office at 747-8604.

    Easter Group
    Plans Summit
    The Easter Group will hold a planning meeting for the Homeless Summit 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Oct. 29, in the Maksoutoff Room at Centennial Hall.
    The event will be a facilitated discussion with executive directors and key staff from agencies and non-profits that serve residents in need. There will be no services or goods available. For more information, contact 747-4109/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
 

    Discovery Days
    At Science Center
    Students will explore amphibians with visiting Scientist in Residency Fellow Mike Lanoo during Discovery Days 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 25 at the Sitka Sound Science Center.
    Participants will practice common field methods for studying amphibians, discover some of their adaptations, and create amphibian crafts.
    Discovery Days are SSSC annual pass holder events, but passes can be purchased at the door ($50/family or $30/individual for the year).
    For more information contact Ashley at 747-8878 ext. 3 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

    Volunteers Sought
    For Pumpkin Event
    Volunteers are being sought for the 3 to 5 Preschool Pumpkin Patch event 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 25.
    Call 747-6898 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to help out.
 
    Family Fun Days
    Set at Hames
    All are invited to play at the Hames Center for Family Fun Days with toys, games, the bouncy castle and house, and climbing wall on the first Sunday of each month.
    A youth pass is given free for each adult day pass purchased on that day. The event is free for members.
    For more information go to www.hamescenter.org or call 747-5080.

    Core to Register at
    Community Schools
    Sitka Community Schools will offer a Core exercise class, designed to improve functional strength and balance using fee weights that are provided, 5:15-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Baranof Elementary School gym.
    Any age, ability or gender is welcome. Individuals can start any time by attending a class. The first class is free with no obligation to sign up.
    Sign up during class or at the Community Schools office. Classes are $5 each or $70 for the session which runs Nov. 4-Dec. 23.
    Instructor Susan Ross will teach the 45-minute, twice a week, classes
    For more information call questions call Community Schools at 747-8670.

    ALFA to Meet
    International Pacific Halibut Commission executive director Bruce Leaman and lead stock assessment scientist Ian Stewart will provide an update on the status of halibut stocks and future management issues at the next Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association meeting 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, at the Sitka Sound Science Center.

    SEARHC to Host
    Presentation On
    Health Insurance
    SEARHC Outreach and Enrollment Manager Andrea Thomas will host a presentation on the Health Insurance Marketplace 3:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Blatchley Middle School in room 208.
    It will include information on the upcoming open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace. Thomas will also discuss how to fill out exemption forms in order to avoid a tax penalty, and how to update information for those currently enrolled in Marketplace plans.
    The presentation is focused on serving the Filipino community and a Tagalog interpreter will be available. All are welcome. For additional information  call 966-8883.
 
    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.
    The Coast Guard Spouses’ and Women’s Association will host a bake sale on the pier.
    Please note that the Haunted Ship may not be suitable for all ages and parents/guardians should use discretion for younger children, the Coast Guard said.

    Blurb Books
    Topic of Class
    All are invited to create a book with  photos in the Blurb Book workshop scheduled 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Oct. 27-Nov. 17, at UAS-Sitka Campus.
    Harriet McClain will provide tips and tricks for using Booksmart, a free download from Blurb.com. Basic computer knowledge is required. The cost is $50. Call 747-7700 for more details or register online at https://aceweb.uas.alaska.edu


    Story Time Set
    ‘‘Owls and Bats’’ will be the theme of the next Preschool Story Time at Kettleson Memorial Library 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 23.
    ‘‘Wow! Said the Owl,’’ a Tim Hopgood book, will be one of the readings. Rhymes, songs and crafts are included in the program. Everybody is welcome.
    Preschool Story times help to promote early literacy skills, expand children’s vocabularies and broaden and enrich their experiences, stimulating brain development, the library said.
    For more information, call the library at 747-8708.

    Presbyterian
    Pastor to Speak
    The Rev. George Gilchrist, former pastor at Anchorage Trinity Church, will preach 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at Sitka’s First Presbyterian Church.
    Gilchrist is considering a call as a part-time, interim pastor at Sitka First Presbyterian Church. All are invited to attend. A potluck lunch with the weekly 1 p.m. Manna Mission meal will be served after church. All are invited to take a dish and join the group for fellowship.