Daily Sitka Sentinel

September 24, 2015 Community Happenings

WhaleFest Run,

Walk Set Nov. 7

All are invited to participate in the WhaleFest Run set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. The scenic 10K race, 5K run and 2-mile fun walk will start at Whale Park, go along Silver Bay to the base of Bear Mountain and return to Whale Park.

Top finishers will receive medallions and prizes. Custom-designed long sleeved T-shirts will be given to all participants. The entry fee is $25. The entry fee is $15 for those not wanting a shirt.

All proceeds go to WhaleFest to help celebrate and study Sitka’s unique marine environment. Runners can pre-register on Friday, Nov. 6, at the Allen Hall between 5 and 7 p.m.  Runners will also be able to pick up their shirts and race numbers at this time. Runners can also register the morning of the race, but early registration is recommended.  Special prizes go to all those who sight a whale along the course.

Special contributors are Runner’s World Magazine and Russell’s. For more information, call Brian Beall at 738-4846, or Julie Beall at 747-4846.

Celebrate National Physical Therapy Month with SEARHC

SEARHC is observing National Physical Therapy Month with a communitywide open house 1-5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2. The public is invited to Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital’s Physical Therapy Outpatient Clinic at 222 Tongass Drive.

National Physical Therapy Month is celebrated in October to recognize and increase awareness of the important role that physical therapists play in restoring and improving function, balance, motion and overall quality of life.

Mobility is the key to remaining active and independent throughout  life. Physical therapy can help keep people healthy and active. It can even help eliminate the need for surgery and long-term use of prescription medications, SEARHC said. 

“People don’t realize physical therapists do more than just stretch or strengthen weak muscles after an injury or surgery,” said Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital Physical Therapy Manager Gio Villanueva. “We are skilled at evaluating and diagnosing potential problems before they lead to more serious injuries or disabling conditions. For example, PT professionals can help prevent conditions such as osteoporosis and frozen shoulder. We can also help manage and reduce discomfort from disorders like arthritis, chronic headaches, and lower back pain.”

‘‘As you make decisions about health care for you and your family, it is important to remember that physical therapy treatment is different from person to person,’’ SEARHC said.

Physical therapists use their education and clinical expertise to develop an individualized approach for each patient that ensures care is safe and appropriate for individual needs.

Guests at the open house can meet the PT staff, have healthy snacks, win prizes and learn about SEARHC’s PT services, including sports medicine, fall prevention, speech therapy and women’s health programs.

Those who are not able to attend the open house may learn more about physical therapy treatment options by calling 966-8312.

Climbing Wall

Back at Hames

The Hames climbing wall is back and will be available 6-8 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays beginning Sept. 24.

It is free to all members and day pass users. For more information call 747-5080 or go to www.hamescenter.org.

Spin Offered

The Hames Center is open on Sundays, 1-5 p.m.,  and will offer power house spin again at 3:30 p.m.

To see other hours and class schedules visit hamescenter.org or call 747-5080.

Injury Screenings

At Hames Center

Those who have an injury or are experiencing pain can sign up for a free injury screening at the Hames Center.

Sitka Physical Therapy’s Alicia Haseltine, PT, DPT, will offer a free 15- minute evaluation to learn more about the injury and if further evaluation is recommended.

Appointments are available 5-6 p.m. Thursdays. To schedule a screening call Hames Center, 747-5080, or register online, www.hamescenter.org.

Family Fun Day

Set for Oct. 4

Family Fun Days are scheduled 3-5 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month beginning Oct. 4 at the Hames Center.

Toys, games, bouncy castle, bouncy house and climbing wall will be offered. 

The events are free of charge made possible by Sitka Health Summit and the Hames Wellness Fund. For more information go to www.hamescenter.org or call 747-5080.

Monthly Grind

Set for Oct. 10

Tickets will go on sale Saturday for the Sitka Monthly Grind Oct. 10 Back to the Future Alaska Day grind.

The show will start the 21st season of the Sitka Monthly Grinds at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. The Sitka Monthly Grind sells out – tickets are sold in advance at Old Harbor Books. The cost is $5 for adults, $1 children under 12. Those who take a plate of homemade dessert will have their ticket reimbursed at the door.

Attendees can take their own mug to  help reduce the trash. The Grind philosophy remains non-political, family-oriented and affordable. Those with questions can call Jeff 747-4821.

XtraTuf Boots

To be Awarded

The Sitka Local Foods Network is announces that 10 pairs of XtraTuf boots from Russell’s will be awarded in a drawing at Saturday’s Running of the Boots.

The drawing will be after the fun run. Anyone, regardless of participation in the fun run, can register to win beginning at 10 a.m. The schedule is: registration at 10 a.m., costume judging at 10:30 a.m., the run at 11 a.m. and awards will be given out at 11:15 a.m.

Call 752-0654 or go to sitkalocalfoodsnetwork.com for information.

SCDC to Meet

Sitka Community Development Corporation will have a regular meeting 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Sealing Cove Business Center, 601 Alice Loop Road.

SCDC is a community supported nonprofit working to establish permanently affordable housing in Sitka. Members of the public are invited to attend. For more information call 747-2860.