Daily Sitka Sentinel

December 6, 2018, Community Happenings

Candlelight Vigil

For Homeless Set

The public is invited to join a Candlelight Memorial led by the Salvation Army for those who have died while being homeless. It will be held on the longest night, Dec. 21, at 5:30 p.m. at the Crescent Harbor shelter.

Those attending are asked to take canned goods for the Salvation Army. This service commemorates the lives of the homeless who have died. Participants will join community groups, service providers and individuals in more than 175 cities across the United States who are holding their own services on that day.

Candles will be provided. It is sponsored by the SOS:Lifeline Group. For further information call Julia Smith, 738-6336.

Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital Receives 

Baby-Friendly Birth Facility

SEARHC-Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital has been awarded international recognition as a designated “Baby-Friendly” birth facility.

The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

Based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, the international award recognizes birth facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence and skills needed to initiate and continue successfully. 

The global program is sponsored by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund for which Baby-Friendly USA Inc. is the authority for its implementation in the United States.

Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital was awarded the designation after completing an on-site survey. The award is maintained by continuing to practice the ten steps as demonstrated by quality processes.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our OB/gyn and health promotion teams for pursuing the ‘Baby-Friendly’ designation on behalf of SEARHC and MEH,” said SEARHC President and CEO Charles Clement. “Our mission to provide the best health care for our communities should begin at birth, and implementing the Baby-Friendly initiative at our hospital is an important part of that care.”

 There are more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide and 547 active “Baby-Friendly” hospitals and birth centers in the United States. Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital is the first Tribal facility in Alaska to have received the award, and one of three facilities in Alaska with the designation.

ANS to Meet

Alaska Native Sisterhood Camp 4 will meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11,  at the ANB Founders Hall. 

One of the topics will be the election of 2019 officers. All are invited to attend, but must be current members to be nominated or vote.

Memorial Dec. 16

For Barbara Lessard

A memorial service will be held for Barbara Ash (Tatum) Lessard 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, at Sweetland Hall on the SJ Campus.

Barbara, a longtime Sitka resident and teacher, passed away on Oct. 6. Friends, neighbors, colleagues, and former students are invited to join in celebrating her life. 

Offices Closed

The city sales tax office will be closed, including to telephone calls, on Friday, Dec. 7.

The office will reopen Monday, Dec. 10, for regular business hours.

Gift Tree Up for

Foster Children

The annual foster child Christmas gift tree is being sponsored by the Sitka Fire Department.

Individuals can stop by the Sitka Fire Hall to choose ornament tags from the tree and then drop off unwrapped gifts (with the tags) to 208 Lake Street, Suite 2G, above Davis Realty. Gifts should be dropped off no later than Dec. 14.

For information call Donna at the Office of Children’s Services, 747-2802.

SHS Holiday

Program Dec. 12

Sitka High School will host its Winter Holiday Program with symphonic, jazz, concert choir, vocal jazz and mixed ensembles 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, at the Performing Arts Center.

The event is free and open to the public. Call 738-9160 for information.

Bazaar Scheduled

At Pioneers Home

The Sitka Pioneers Home will have a bazaar 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, in the main lobby and gift shop of the home.

Homebaked goodies, including Fredi’s pecan pie, will be on sale. Knitted items, including sweaters for babies, and ceramic items are also for sale.

‘‘Be sure and check out the Christmas tree,’’ organizers said. ‘‘Please come in, even if you don’t need anything. We love visitors.’’

Artisans Market

Opens Friday

The Sitka Artisans Market, a holiday art and handcrafted market, will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday at Allen Hall on the SJ Campus.

It will feature local and regional artists. 

Free child care is at Hames Center for Friday evening only from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

The event is free and sponsored by Greater Sitka Arts Council.