LUTHERAN QUILTERS – Members of the Quilts for Comfort Group stand between pews draped with some of the 205 quilts they made, in the Sitka Lutheran Church Tuesday. The group made the quilts for five local non-profits and one in Anchorage. The remaining quilts are sent to Lutheran World Relief which  distributes them to places around the world in need, such as Ukraine, as part of Personal Care Kits. Pictured are, from left, Helen Cunningham, Kathleen Brandt,Vicki Swanson, Paulla Hardy, Kim Hunter, Linda Swanson and Sue Fleming.  (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)

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June 26, 2019, Community Happenings

Sitka Summer Music Festival Notes

By Susan Wingrove-Reed

The Solstice milestone has passed and wonderful concerts with flute, strings and a bit of piano were wildly applauded last week. Plus, there were lots of cheers for the very special and talented young dancer who joined us for “The Swan” at the final Bach’s Lunch (YAY Morgan!). Now the SSMF enters its final week. The past three weeks have been bubbling with live music played brilliantly with emotional investment in every note. This Festival is a gem in Alaska’s arts landscape. Sitka – let’s have a big turnout at the Mean Queen tonight – the perfect intimate, casual setting for chamber music. Come join this enthusiastic gathering for a last hurrah of world-class sound magic. Free at 6:30 p.m. – you just can’t beat that!

There is no Bach’s Lunch on Thursday because we have Thursday and Friday night concerts this week. The “Jazz on the Water” annual fundraiser (Duke Ellington this year!) for Sitka Fine Arts Camp has the Saturday night music slot. Lucky Sitka – such musical treats ahead!

Thursday night (6:45 p.m. pre-concert chat with artist interview as always) will include the incomparable Piers Lane (piano) and a clarinetist that will sate your woodwind appetite. The evening begins with a charming, engaging duo (1730) for two violins by French violinist, dancer and lace-maker Leclair; sadly, he goes down in history as the most famous composer to be murdered – the case was never solved. Come to the pre-concert event for extra details. Next up, the Turina Piano Quartet, a romantic folk-inspired Spanish work that features dance rhythms and splendid tone colors. If you have never heard this piece, you will instantly fall in love with it. 

After the intermission, Ted Gurch will showcase the clarinet in Sierra’s Cinco Bocetos (5 Sketches). The Puerto Rican composer wrote that his intention was to show “the plush tropical landscapes of the sketches; the overall impression is of hot nights in the city, far from the countryside.” The irresistible piece has Salsa rhythms, tone painting, and even a salute to cellist Pablo Casals with hints of the Catalonian folk tune “song of the Birds” that he made famous. The evening will leave us whimpering for joy with the emotional Brahms Clarinet Trio. In a letter, his friend Mandyczewski described this gorgeous chamber masterpiece; “It is as though the instruments were in love with each other.” Delicious!

Friday night’s SSMF grand finale will end our summer feast with a dessert buffet of tantalizing and enticing sounds. A highlight of the opening Beethoven Clarinet Trio is the theme and nine variations based on the jaunty final trio from Joseph Weigl’s popular 1779 comic opera “The Corsair.” The Italian text for the theme (which translates as “Before I begin this awesome task I need a snack”) was so catchy that people sang the tune in the streets of Vienna. The trio has the nickname “Gassenhauer”; the German word Gasse means “lane” or “street,” and Gassenhauer describes a hit tune that people sang or whistled.

Stravinsky’s Three Pieces for Clarinet (1919) is arguably the most famous piece ever written for unaccompanied clarinet. These splendid miniatures are extremely difficult and full of intense expression. Ted will conclude the clarinet portion of the concert with an unforgettable version of “God Bless the Child” by jazz legend Billie Holiday. This beloved song was included in the score for Spielberg’s 1993 film “Schindler’s List” (jazz was banned by the Nazis). We will be treated to a final virtuosic solo, a Tango Etude passionately played by violinist Helen Kim – a wonderful example of Argentinian Piazzolla’s innovative “new tango,” a captivating fusion of traditional tango, folk music, classical, jazz and pop. 

Brahms’s exhilarating Piano Quartet in A Major (1861) will bring the 2019 SSMF to a passionate close. Full of lush melodies, poetic ponderings, and energetic Hungarian folk songs and dances, this is chamber music full of fire and spirit. Don’t miss it! 

Thanks to Zuill and all the SSMF musicians for all the great music. We are SO LUCKY. And don’t despair, you can still experience some fantastic arts events in July – the acclaimed SSMF cello seminar will begin soon – the popular Cellobration concert is July 20th – and there are nightly art-shares featuring faculty and students in the Sitka Fine Arts Camp High School and specialty sessions, including the classic musical OKLAHOMA the last weekend of July! Come join the fun – performances are seeking audiences – and that means YOU. Have a great summer and hope to see you at the 2020 SSMF! 

 

Networking Health

Lunch on Friday

The Sitka Health Summit Coalition’s monthly Wooch.een networking and learning lunch will be noon-1:30 p.m. Friday, June 28, at the ground floor conference rooms at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital, near the Island Skillet.

The purpose of the open public meeting is to spark partnerships and to promote cross sector collaboration, learning, and networking to improve well-being in Sitka. For information contact Doug Osborne at 747-0373 or Holly Marban, hmarban@searhc.org.

 

Patriotic Music

Concert July 4

A patriotic music concert is planned noon-12:45 p.m. Thursday, July 4, at the Sitka Lutheran Church.

The historic Kessler organ will be featured along with other music and patriotic readings.

All are welcome to attend and to sing along.

 

Fourth of July

Events Slated at

Totem Square

Sitka Historical Society will host Fourth of July events July 3-4 at Totem Square.

Food booths will be open 10 a.m.-midnight both days.

On July 3, an open mic for all musicians will be noon-5 p.m. Call 738-3766 to reserve stage time. A street dance with live bands is 7 p.m.-midnight at the Petro Marine warehouse dock on Lincoln Street. Beer and wine will be available to those 21 and older.

On July 4, old time children’s games for ages 4-17 years will follow the parade. No registration is necessary and all games are free. An open mic is slated noon-7 p.m.

Contributing sponsors are First Bank, Petro Marine Services, Silver Bay Seafoods, Allen Marine and Sitka Tribe of Alaska.

 

 

Trap Shooters

Given Notice

Sitka Sportsman’s Association has registered with Pacific International Trapshooting Association for individuals to shoot in the Summer Multiplex.

Sitka Sportsman’s Association will be open 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, for Multiplex Trap shooting.

These are 12-gauge events consisting of 50 singles, 50 handicap and 25 pair of doubles. Scores are registered with PITA and shooters must be a member of PITA. Shoot in one, two or all three events, and “Shoot for the Lewis,” where there is always a potential to win big.

The cost is $21.50 per event, $8 daily fee, and the ammo.

To become a PITA member visit shootpita.com. Shooters also can sign up at the event. For information contact Chris Rigel (575) 517-6441 or crigel5075@gmail.com.

Sitka Sportsman’s Association is located at 5211 Halibut Point Road, just before the ferry terminal.

 

Story Time Set

The next preschool story time at Sitka Public Library will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 18.

‘‘Birthday on Mars!’’ by Sara Schonfeld will be one of the readings. The story time includes activities, rhymes, songs and a craft project. Everybody is welcome.

 

Hospital Earns

Bronze Award

In Assisted Living

Sitka Community Hospital’s Long-Term Care has been recognized as a recipient of the Bronze-Commitment to Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living for its commitment to improving the lives of residents through quality care.

The distinction is the first of three progressive award levels through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program. The program, presented by the leading association in long term and post-acute care, honors association members across the country that have demonstrated their dedication to improving quality of care for seniors and persons with disabilities.

“We have an amazing team of staff that are caring and extremely skilled individuals; thank you to all who have worked so hard to improve the lives of our residents,” said Kay C. Turner, PT, DPT, LNHA, Long Term Care Administrator. “We have worked on improving the entire system of care delivery from daily interdisciplinary team meetings to quality goals and consistent rounding and care planning. This ensures each and every resident meets their highest potential, and that their needs, goals and preferences are met.”

“I applaud Sitka Community Hospital Long-Term Care for taking this important step towards quality improvement,” said the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board of Overseers Chair Alana Wolfe. “I encourage Sitka Community Hospital Long-Term Care to continue on its path to achieving the highest of quality care.”

The awards will be presented during AHCA/NCAL’s 70th Convention an Expo in Orlando, Florida, Oct. 13-16.

 

Kootznoowoo

Elects Board

Kootznoowoo Inc., the Alaska Native village corporation for Angoon, held its 46th annual meeting of shareholders and elected board members and officers on June 21.

Nine candidates ran for the three open board seats. The board is comprised of seven directors who serve  three-year terms.

A new director, Harold Frank Jr., was elected to his first term and will replace Edwell John Jr., a director 2001-09 and 2016-19. Melissa M. Kookesh, who received the highest number of votes, was re-elected to her second consecutive term; and H. Jean Hogue, who served 1976-2015 and 2016 to present, also was re-elected. 

New board members were sworn in at the meeting. Continuing directors include Frank Jack III, Sharon Love, Ella Bennett and Cooney Starr.

After the meeting concluded, the board held a reorganization meeting to elect new officers. Melissa M. Kookesh was once again board chair. Frank Jack III will continue serving as vice chairman. Cooney Starr was elected treasurer, replacing John; and H. Jean Hogue will continue serving as secretary. Harold D. Dreyer was also re-appointed by the board as president and CEO.

 

An Evening with

‘14 Miles’ July 9 

Screening and discussion of the locally produced mini-documentary series ‘‘14 Miles’’ will be 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, at Sitka Public Library.

The series is about ‘‘what challenges us, what we sometimes pass by and what makes us proud to live here,’’ organizers said

‘‘Dispatches from an Island in Alaska’’ is an opportunity to watch episodes and give feedback. For information e-mail artchangeinc@gmail.com or call 738-2174. To check out episodes of ‘‘14 Miles’’ go on-line at 14Miles.org. 

 

Youth Soccer

Program to Run

Sitka’s Youth Soccer Program, under the umbrella of Ketchikan Youth Soccer, will be July 1-Aug. 21 at Kimsham Field.

Focus will be on three-versus-three games, drills and skill practices.

Grades 1-3 will practice 4:30-5:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Grades 4-8 will practice 4:30-6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.

The price is $90 (scholarships available), which includes a shirt, shorts and socks. To register, go to www.ketchikanyouthsoccer.net. Sitka is toward the bottom. Those with questions can contact bridgethitchcock@hotmail.com or call 738-5515.

 

Native Olympics

At Teen Night

Hames Center is partnering with the Native Youth Olympics Camp for a demonstration to be held at Teen Night, 8:30-10:30 p.m. Friday, June 28.

NYO coaches Hillary Nutting, Kale Perkins and Kyle Worl will be on hand with students from the camp. The free event is open to ages 13 through high school seniors.

For information call Hames Center 747-5080 or www.hamescenter.org.

 

Sitka Cirque at

Public Library

Sitka Cirque students will bring mermaids, space eels, and space crustaceans to build ‘‘A Universe of Stories’’ at Sitka Public Library 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 6.

The performance will include a spaced-themed short-story reading. It is part of the summer library program, free, and open to all. For information call the library at 747-8708.

 

Story Time Set

The next preschool story time at Sitka Public Library will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 11.

‘‘Blue Ocean, Tender Pirates’’ will be the theme of an event that includes readings, rhymes, songs and a craft project. Everybody is welcome.

 

StarLab Library

Event on Tap

Ages 7 to 9 years are invited to ‘‘A Universe Full of Stories’’ StarLab experience 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, at Sitka Public Library.

Pre-registration is required; space is limited and will be given on a first-come, first-served, basis.

 

Evening Concert

Friday for SSMF

The final concert of the Sitka Summer Music Festival season will be Friday, June 28.

The program features Brahms’ Piano Quartet in A Major and Stravinsky’s solo clarinet with Ted Gurch. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m., with pre-concert conversation at 6:45 p.m. 

Tickets are at Old Harbor Books, online at sitkamusicfestival.org, or at the door. 

 

Whale Music

Offered Aug. 1

Whale music with Nate Barnett will be featured 2 p.m. Aug. 1 at the Sitka Public Library.

Local field recordings of humpback and sperm whales, plus an inside look at a new piece for vocal quartet and whale song, are planned.

It is sponsored by the Sitka Sound Science Center as part of the Uncommon Music Festival.

 

Visit uncommonmusicfest.org for information. 

 

Resource Guide

Submissions Sought

Local organizations that support well-being and health are encouraged to provide program information for the updated 2019-2020 Sitka Community Resource Guide.

Submissions need to be e-mailed to twalsh@cfc.org by June 30. The updated informational guide is scheduled to be released in September.    

 

On Honor Roll

Odalys Abigail Esparza, a 2017 Sitka High graduate, has been named to the Central Washington University, Ellensburg, spring quarter honor roll.

 

Water Shutoff

Notice Given

The water main between the 4100 and 5300 blocks of Halibut Point Road will be shut off 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 26.

The city’s public work department said a contractor will be replacing a leaking valve for a homeowner and will need to shut down the main to perform the work.

 

Those with questions can call the city at 747-1804.

 

 

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20 YEARS AGO

March 2004

Advertisement: Tea-Licious Tea House & Bakery 315 Lincoln Street Grand Opening! Freshly Baked Scones, Cakes & Pastries Innovative Salads, Soups & Sandwiches Harney & Sons Tea. Lunch * Afternoon Tea * Supper.

50 YEARS AGO

March 1974

Photo caption: National Republican Chairman George Bush takes a drink of water offered by Jan Craddick, Sitka delegate, during the Republican convention held here. Mrs. Craddick explained to Bush that the water was from Indian River, which means, according to local legend, that he will return.

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