Daily Sitka Sentinel

October 10, 2018, Community Happenings

By Sitkans Against Family Violence

Boys Run I toowu klatseen is an after-school program focused on instilling healthy life skills in boys through running and other fun activities. The program, now in its fourth year, incorporates cultural activities that honor traditional Southeast Alaskan values. More than 20 boys participate twice-weekly at Keet Gooshi Heen elementary school.

Last week’s focus at Boys Run was on values. This week, Boys Run participants specifically focused on the values of self-respect and positive thinking. Boys were asked to think about their personal strengths and positive qualities, to share those positive thoughts with one another, and to incorporate their positive thoughts into running practice.

Each boy chose a particular positive quality of theirs and shouted it out during each lap. The gym resounded with a chorus of self-care and positive thinking. Here’s what some participants came up with:

“I am a great listener and friend!”

“I’m good at running and I love Boys Run!”

“I have a lot of fun in science class!”

Throughout this season, Boys Run will be providing the Sitka community with updates on the program. We also aim to give mentors and parents opportunities to pass on skills from Boys Run to the children in their lives. Consider using these conversation starters:

–What are some unique qualities you possess?

–Who makes you feel satisfied and content with yourself?

–How can you care for yourself when you are feeling down?

Idle Free Sitka

Panel to Meet 

The Idle Free Sitka task force will meet noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at Fisheye Café. George Pakenham, who made the documentary film ‘‘Idle Threat: Man on Emission,’’ will join via video conference to discuss ideas for reducing pollution by decreasing the prevalence of vehicle idling.

The meeting is open to the public. For information contact Stephanie Staley at 738-1228.

Church Gets Helping Hand

For Alaska Day Pie Sale

Marianne Gould, a retired music teacher from New Braunfels, Texas, has volunteered at Sitka Lutheran Church many times in the past and will return this month.

A skilled artist with a passion for water colors, youth leader with a zeal for participatory activities, pie-maker with a special love for Alaska Day Pies, professional musician who relishes playing the Kessler organ, directing the choir, and a Christian with a passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Gould brings smiles, hugs, talent, positive energy and goodwill whenever she lands in Sitka, the church said. 

She will be helping out wherever she can with prep for Alaska Day Pie Sales, making pies, organizing activities for youth group students who meet Sunday afternoon, making quilts, producing an Alaska-themed painting or vacuuming the church.

‘‘Marianne is a willing worker who is always a positive addition to the congregation,’’ the church said. ‘‘She may be serving the church and community for a few short weeks, but Marianne considers Alaska her second home. At least a half-dozen trips to Sitka by this generous-spirited, Christian lady always seems to raise the spirits of the congregation.’’

Regular Sunday morning worship services are held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at 6 p.m. a weekly soup supper is held followed by a short prayer service. Youth group, quilting and monthly Messy Church services round out a few of the activities. All are welcome. 

For more information call the office at 747-3338, visit the website at: http://www.sitkalutheranchurch.org/ or e-mail sitkalutheranchurch@gmail.com. 

Tlingit Potato

Harvest Oct. 19

The U.S. Forest Service and Sitka Tribe of Alaska will harvest the Tlingit community potato garden and present scientific and cultural information about the crop on Oct. 19.

Volunteers are asked to help with the harvest and come dressed for the weather.

The work day and educational opportunity will be held at the Sitka Ranger District office, 2108 Halibut Point Road. For information, contact Michelle Putz at 747-2708 or mputz@fs.fed.us.

New Archangel

Dancers Perform

The New Archangel Dancers will bring their big show to Centennial Hall at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, as both end-of-season grand finale and kick-off of the group’s 50th year of performing traditional folk dances from Russia and the surrounding regions. 

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children under 10. Proceeds will benefit the Alaska Day Festival. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the festival desk in Centennial Hall or at the door.

Coordinator Linda Speerstra, 747-8316, says the show will feature 17 dancers appearing on stage in home-town favorites, character dances telling a story, and some from the past, chosen from their repertoire of three dozen pieces. At least 10 more workers are behind the scenes.

The elegant costuming and stirring music add to the exciting evening gift to the Sitka community and its visitors, she said. 

Storewide Sale

At White E Shop

The White Elephant Shop will have a storewide half-price sale on all Halloween costumes and decorations. Also, books storewide will be half price.

Those who need a lid for a cooking utensil, several lids are in the drawers below the housewares that will be half-price. The sales start Thursday.

Legion Services

Officer to Visit

The American Legion Services Officer Jamie Carlson will be at Sitka Job Center noon-4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15.

Carlson will be available to provide free assistance in understanding benefits and entitlements, assistance in filing claims for disability compensation and pension, assistance for dependents and survivor’s benefits claims.

 Men’s Shelter

Support Given

Support ribbons for the men’s winter night shelter will be offered free of charge at grocery stores on Saturday, Oct. 13.

AC Lakeside will disperse ribbons from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ribbons will be available at Sea Mart 1-4 p.m. Saturday.

Supporters are encouraged to let their ribbons be seen when around town, organizers said. 

Participating in the support ribbon campaign is an easy way to build community around the need in Sitka for the men’s winter night shelter,’’ the Sitka Homeless Coalition said.

Call for more information at 747-7978.