Daily Sitka Sentinel

April 28, 2020, Community Happenings

Virtual Ceremonies Set

In UAS Commencements

University of Alaska Southeast will celebrate student achievement and success of its 460 graduates this weekend at commencement activities on its three campuses in Sitka, Ketchikan and Juneau.

Although traditional ceremonies are not taking place in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic, each campus has created a “virtual commencement” in which students can be celebrated.

On May 1, the UAS-Sitka Campus plans to post a virtual commencement video presentation to be shown on its social media pages and campus webpage. The video will open with remarks from Campus Director Math Trafton. The commencement address will then be given by Rachel Roy, the executive director of the Greater Sitka Chamber of Commerce. UAS Sitka adjunct science faculty Lauren Wild will deliver the faculty reflection, and UAS Sitka Health Information Management graduate Victoria Wallace will deliver the student reflection. Other notable speakers will be Chancellor Caulfield, President Johnsen and Regent Buretta.

Sitka campus Student Success Center manager David Felts will read the names of graduates, and Alaska Languages adjunct faculty Roby Littlefield will read heritage names. A slideshow presentation will present photos of graduates along with a list of those whom they would like to thank for helping them achieve their educational goals.

The video presentation also will recognize graduating students of distinction in the fields of fisheries technology, health information management, medical assisting and general associate of arts. Students are chosen by their grade point average, their volunteerism, and willingness to go above and beyond, the school said. 

This year’s Students of Distinction are:

Fisheries Technology Graduate Student of Distinction, Wesley Shipley; Health Information Graduate Student of Distinction, Mykela Carroll; and Associates of Arts Graduate Student of Distinction, Abigayle Erickson.

SE Exempt In

Suspension of

Burn Permits

Southeast Alaska is exempt from a planned May 1 statewide burn permit suspension, the Alaska Division of Forestry announced today.

The ban, which originally included Southeast Alaska, was announced April 24.

The Southeast region’s weather, fuel types and fire history put it at less risk of wildland fire than mainland Alaska, a press release from the division said.

“Most of Southeast Alaska is composed of coastal rainforest where wildfires have a very difficult time starting and spreading, unlike the black spruce and boreal forests to the north,” said Chris Maisch, director of the Division of Forestry. “What few wildfires that do occur in Southeast are small and more easily managed by local fire departments.”

Permitted burning will be allowed in Southeast Alaska on state, municipal and private lands, including the City of Cordova and extending south.

The suspension applies to both small- and large-scale burn permits for the use of burn barrels and burning of brush piles. 

The division will regularly monitor weather, fire conditions and resource availability, and may allow permitted burning in particular areas or regions if conditions allow, the press release said.

Artists Team Up

To Back Historic

Bid to Recall Gov

A limited edition print for a diversity of styles and perspectives has been released by five Alaskan artists. 

The Alaska Endures commemorative print unites the work of Alvin Amason, Ray Troll, Sara Tabbert, Karen Olanna and Steven Gordon, each of whom contributed an image depicting a strong and resilient Alaska. Proceeds of the limited run of 100 signed copies will go to Recall Dunleavy.

“We don’t always recognize history until we’re on the other side of it,” said project coordinator Beth Short-Rhoads. “That makes this piece unique – it reminds us that history is unfolding right before our eyes. Political upheaval, a major economic shift due to falling oil prices, and the biggest public health crisis our state has ever known have drawn a line that we’re collectively navigating.”

Artists are from different regions of the state, working in various mediums. Alvin Amason from Southwest Alaska is nationally recognized for his bold acrylic images of wildlife. Ray Troll from Southeast is famous for his fish-centric graphic style. Interior-based Sara Tabbert depicts nature in wood block prints, Karen Olanna from the Arctic is a printmaker focusing on myth and legend, and Steven Gordon from Southcentral works in oil to portray large-scale landscapes.

Signed, limited edition Alaska Endures commemorative prints are available at www.alaskaendures.org or by calling (907) 738-9942.

ORCA Plans

Online Activities

ORCA has planned a virtual get-together to play bingo and have a house scavenger hunt 2:15-3:15 p.m. Thursday, April 30.

The link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85424090387. Those wanting to call in can call +1 301 715 8592. The meeting ID is 854 2409 0387.

Also planned is yoga with Theresa from Rainforest Yoga 9 - 10 a.m. Friday, May 1. The link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83152780618.

Instructions for using Zoom is at: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-Meeting.

Women’s Book

Group to Meet

The Women’s Book Group will hold a Zoom meeting to discuss ‘‘Women Rowing North: Navigating Life’s Currents’’ and ‘‘Flourishing as We Age’’ by Mary Pipher at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12. All women are being encouraged to call Dorothy at 747-3412 to receive an emailed invitation.

Moose Lodge

Updates Given

Sitka Moose Lodge is working to meet membership numbers for the year. Those whose dues are expired are being encouraged to renew.

‘‘Our lodge and chapter work hard to meet this goal and your support will help us,’’ the lodge said. ‘‘When we are able to re-open. please look for information on happenings like a volunteer and 25-plus membership free dinner, game nights, dancing, steak dinners and more.’’

The lodge is selling fish and chips for curbside pick up noon Saturday, May 2, at the window. Fresh-caught halibut will be $15 an order with cash or check. Funds will be used to complete projects being completed during the ‘‘hunker down’’ time, including rebuilt floor in the women’s bath, new floor covering, updated paint, new rear kitchen walls and shelving.

To phone in orders, call 747-3344.

Residents Turn

Homes ‘Red’

For Firefighters

International Firefighters’ Day will be observed on May 4 to say ‘‘thank you’’ to firefighters for all that they do to keep communities safe. 

For the first time, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation invites communities on that day to celebrate firefighters by lighting their homes in “red.”

‘‘We ask that you change your porch light(s) and share your #ShineYourLight4Firefighters story with us on social media as a thank you to all of the firefighters who are on the front lines every day, keeping us safe,’’ the foundation said in a press release. ‘‘Lighting up in ‘red’ on May 4 would be an additional symbol of support to all of those who are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week to protect us.’’

The organization asks those planning to participate to fill out a form at  https://www.firehero.org/international-firefighters-day/shine-your-light-for-firefighters/.

Also on May 5, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will be participating in Giving Tuesday Now.

‘‘Please help the NFFF support firefighters and their families on May 5 for #Give2NFFFNow, a global day of giving,’’ the release said.

Those needing “red” light bulbs, and unable to purchase them locall, can use the Amazon Associates link provided by the foundation, at https://amzn.to/2XWm5oE. Those who have questions can contact Donna Clark at dclark@firehero.org.

Yoga Event Raises

Funds for Groups

A yoga fundraiser for Brave Heart Volunteers and Sitka Tribe of Alaska’s food pantry starts next week via Zoom.

A five-day Chakra yoga class with Michele is slated 8:30-9:45 a.m. May 4-8. The suggested donation is $50 for the five classes, which will be donated.

For information, email: mitchalita@gmail.com.

Sitka Land Trust

To Meet May 11

The Sitka Community Land Trust will meet 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 11,  on a Zoom call, with the public invited.

The SCLT is a non-profit organization that relies on community support and participation. For information about joining the virtual meeting, contact Mim McConnell at 738-2888.