Daily Sitka Sentinel

October 13, 2016, Community Happenings

Service Friday

For Steve Johnson

Memorial services for Steve Johnson, 84, will be 12:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, at the First  Presbyterian Church. Interment at Sitka National Cemetery will follow.

A community potluck gathering is planned at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi community house.

Mr. Johnson died Sunday, Oct. 9, at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage.

All Reminded

To Get Flu Shot

Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium reminds the public that now is the time to get vaccinated against the influenza virus.

The virus, or flu, is much more severe than an average cold, SEARHC said. Nearly 3,600 people die from the flu each year, and more than 200,000 are hospitalized.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that individuals age 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine.

‘‘It is especially important if you are at higher risk for developing complications from the flu due to pre-existing medical conditions,’’ SEARHC said. ‘‘Others at greater risk for complications from influenza virus are pregnant women, children younger under 5, people 65 and over as well as Alaska Natives and Native Americans.’’

CDC said that a flu vaccination doesn’t guarantee protection against the flu, but it is the first and most important step in protecting against the virus and its potentially serious complications. Those who have flu symptoms should avoid public spaces like work or school and see their healthcare provider.

To learn more about the flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu or call 800-CDC-INFO.

Health Summit

Planning Oct. 21

All are invited to the 10th Annual Sitka Health Summit Planning 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at UAS-Sitka Campus, Room 229. 

Two inspiring health goals will be selected. The new goals will get $2,000 in start-up funds plus support from the Health Summit coalition. 

Planners will receive a complimentary lunch from the Fish to Schools program, a health summit goal in 2010. To register or submit an initiative idea go to sitkahealthsummit.org For more information call Doug Osborne at 747-0373. 

SEARHC Given

$1.5M in Grants

SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium has received two grants from the State of Alaska totaling $575,000.

The first is a four-year grant from Indian Health Service, Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention for $200,000 per year, totaling $800,000.

SEARHC will use the funding to promote early intervention strategies and implement positive youth development programming to reduce risk factors for suicidal behavior and substance abuse. Titled “Wisdom for Life,” the program will blend evidence-based practice and Alaska Native wisdom to work to reduce suicide and meth use in Southeast Alaska.

The second is a two-year grant from the Administration for Children and Families, Family Violence Prevention and Services for $375,000 per year, totaling $750,000.

“Tlingit scholar, elder, and leader Dr. Walter Soboleff described Native values as influencing a person’s view of the world and guiding actions,’’ said SEARHC Health Promotion Director Martha Pearson. ‘‘Tlingit values, according to Dr. Soboleff, include respect for self and others, and care of the body.These two values are upheld in the SEARHC MSPI program which will combine culturally based programs and physical health to support resilient youths.”

SEARHC said the funding will be used to address the ‘‘unacceptably high rates of domestic violence experienced by Alaska Natives in the rural communities of Southeast Alaska.’’

The project will work to increase capacity for SEARHC Behavioral Health Division staff in Juneau and their rural health clinics, and in collaborative efforts with AWARE in Juneau, to provide core and comprehensive domestic violence services to parents, children and youths.

Summer Ferry

Schedule Reviewed

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities proposed Alaska Marine Highway System schedule pattern for summer 2017 is available online for public review. 

Documents can be accessed through a link on the AMHS homepage at FerryAlaska.com or directly through the following web address: dot.alaska.gov/amhs/share/schedule/considerations.pdf.

It will be an opportunity for communities to review and comment on the proposed schedule in consideration of community events, ADTPF said.

Written comments will be accepted prior to Oct. 24 via email at dot.amhs.comments@alaska.gov and by fax at 907-228-6874.

A teleconference to hear comments and consider adjustments is scheduled 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, for Southeast schedules and at 1:30 p.m. for Southwest and Southcentral schedules. The toll-free number to participate in either teleconference is: 1-800-315-6338, conference code 03902#.

Variety Show

To Showcase

Sitka Talent

The stage at Harrigan Centennial Hall lights up again 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, as performers delight the Alaska Day Festival Variety Show audience. Admission is $3 at the door.

Always an attention-getter, men’s beards will be examined by judges from Sitka Emblem Club 142. Women’s bonnets will be judged by a team from Sitka Elks Lodge 1662. 

Among the charming acts will be Sitka Spruce Celtic Dancers in Highland dances. The exciting new Sitka Cirque will present solos and duets in aerial acrobatics. Japanese violinist Megumi Fujita returns to enchant listeners with solo pieces and lead an ensemble of violins in Alaska’s Flag Song. Fireweed Dance Theatre offers three ballet works choreographed by Sitkans. Seattle Firefighters Pipe Band will make a rousing appearance.

More surprises come with the staging of event coordinators Sharyn Ferrick and John Ferrick

SAFV Board

Members Sought

Those wanting to help make Sitka a safer place can join the Sitkans Against Family Violence board of directors.

‘‘The demands are small but the rewards are enormous,’’ SAFV said. ‘‘Lend a hand to promote healthy relationships in our community.’’

Call SAFV at 747-3370 or email  vdamico@safv.org if interested or for  more information.

Alaska Day

Museum Closure

The Sheldon Jackson Museum will be closed on Tuesday, Oct. 18, in observance of Alaska Day.

Winter hours will resume Oct. 19 – 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturdays. The museum is closed Sundays and Mondays, and observed state holidays.

General admission is $3. Visitors 18 and younger, Friends of the Sheldon Jackson Museum, and those with passes are admitted free.