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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Daily Sitka Sentinel

November 22, 2019, Community Happenings

Climate Connection: ‘‘Thinking about Tide Power’’

By Robin Masterman

Though the conversation about global climate change has become increasingly politicized, it is hard to deny the fact that the repercussions are being felt. From 1990 to 2019, the world’s CO2 emissions (one of the primary greenhouse gasses) have increased from 22.4 billion metric tons in the atmosphere to about 37 billion metric tons. The U.S. alone contributed around 5.7 billion metric tons of CO2 in 2017. Much of this comes from burning fossil fuels to power our homes, cars, and businesses. Sitka is lucky to have clean renewable hydro-electricity but it is important to keep in mind other alternatives as the electricity demands grow in this isolated community. Many alternatives to fossil fuels have been presented: hydro, wind, and solar being the more prominent. However, another alternative is tidal energy. 

Tidal energy uses movements of tidewaters to spin metal blades connected to a generator that creates current. This technology needs a water depth of 150 feet and a 12-foot tidal difference to create 5 megawatts of electricity. A good way to think about it is how much fuel you would need if you used diesel to create this much energy. Between 105-355 gallons per hour, depending on the size of the “load.” Sergius Narrows, an area of high tidal current about 26 miles north of Sitka, was evaluated for tidal energy potential back in 2007. It was found that 10% of Sergius Narrows’ flow could potentially generate 2 megawatts of electricity. 

There are quite a few challenges to making tidal energy a reality in Sitka. Some would be the placement of a large generator underwater changing currents, noise during installation, the use of big spinning blades, and the necessity of lubricants and anti-fouling paints. An environmental review would, of course, be necessary. It would be essential to keep these factors in mind when choosing the right tidal generation unit for the Sitka area. Diversifying our renewable electrical generation potential reduces our overall contribution to carbon emissions over time; there is no risk of oil spills, and no nuclear waste is created. Tidal energy is also more reliable than wind and solar energy. The tides are constant and predictable, unlike wind currents and the sun. As places like Nova Scotia, and British Columbia, Canada, develop new technologies to harness tidal power, communities like Sitka should keep their minds open to the possibilities of tidal energy. 

Here in Sitka, we rely on hydroelectricity for power. However, when the September landslide occurred this year, we had to turn to diesel energy for a little while. So, with Sitka’s tidal difference averaging 9-8 feet, is tidal energy a viable alternative to diesel in times of emergency? Yes! There are some issues that could be run into though. It would take about 5 years to offset the costs of installing a generator, and even longer if it would only be used in times of emergency. There are many issues that come with using a tidal powered generator here in Sitka, but there are also many advantages. Overall, tidal energy is worth exploring in Sitka!

––––––––––––

Robin Masterman is a member of the Mt. Edgecumbe High School Environmental Club and guest contributor to the climate connections column.

 

National Education Week::: November 18-22

 

By Gina Lawson

Delta Kappa Gamma

The kids in Sitka have such amazing opportunities!

I recently helped at Baranof School Fall Carnival, and learned about an exciting thing that is happening at Baranof Elementary. The Fall Carnival, in it’s second year now, raises money for various activities at Baranof. This year the money will help to finish setting up their Launchpad, or “maker space.”

The Launchpad is a room with computers, tables and supplies to enhance learning for kindergarten and first-graders. This is a space where students can develop a “maker-mindset” to help them prepare for their futures. They will make things, using both their hands and their minds. The activities will be suited for their age and ability, and can be high-tech, mid-tech or low-tech. These activities will allow students to use other parts of their brain and to think in 3-dimension.This space encourages creative thinking! Students will either work alone, or with others, learning how to share, take turns, and be respectful of other’s ideas, all things that help with their social emotional learning.

For example, to learn about castles they would use the computer to find photos and information about castles. Then they could use the supplies in the Launchpad to build a castle using legos, cardboard, rubber-bands, wooden sticks, blocks, duct tape, etc. During this investigation students rely on their knowledge of math, science, literacy, social studies, etc. 

This “hands on” learning helps inspire young learners, and helps them figure out what they like and what they want to do. 

 

Wouldn’t you like to build a robot? Take the Cardboard Box Challenge....what would YOU make from a cardboard box?

 

National Education Week::: November 18-22

By Toby Campbell

Delta Kappa Gamma

One of the very first things you notice when you walk through the doors of Pacific High School is the inviting, homey, relaxed feeling… It is in the colors, the low ceilings, the circular lines of the welcoming entrance, and the overall ambiance that greets you, whether a student, staff, or visitor. 

Meet Matt Groen, a lead teacher who wears many hats…he teaches social studies, elective music classes, subsistence and outdoor education, as well as carrying out some counseling. 

Mandy Summer, principal of Pacific High, has implemented, along with her staff and students, a restorative practice to create a positive, productive, reflective approach to managing discipline. It is a pro-active, rather than re-active approach and has wonderful results, which creates strong life-management strategies.

Each day is started with “crew,” which is a half-hour of life skills. (For students who are seniors, units for transitioning after high school, career training, navigating the FAFSA, and UAS options are offered.) Students, then, move into their two academic classes, which are each 2-1/2 hours long. The goal is to immerse students in a limited number of classes, which are project-based, experiential, and as community-relevant as possible. These project-based classes often culminate with presentations in front of their peers, parents, and many community members, and which demonstrate a skill set of higher-level thinking. Friday is an enrichment day with classes often taught by community volunteers with staff in a support role. 

A very positive method being implemented to help students with follow-through and be successful in their studies is called “completion.” Before students enter into their next academic classes, they must complete all work from the previous academic session. This new program has led to increased credit accrual, and has proven to be a method that students have embraced. It is seen as very positive and helpful way of managing students’ work habits and goals. 

Much of what Pacific High has created for their curriculum is project-based. One example of this is “Indigenous Cultures.” This has been a main focus of study for the students; incorporating and highlighting different views and aspects of heritage and cultures. 

Groen and Summer say, “Our community members are infinitely valuable…” and are invited into Pacific High to share their expertise with the students. An important goal for PHS is to develop relationship-based experiences. PHS wants to help build a bridge to the community, so that students are able to interact with community members, for example, internships at the Sitka Sound Science Center and employment at local restaurants.  

Pacific High and Sitka High have also worked together and interfaced their studies in the area of indigenous culture. One example is observing and participating in the practice of how to process deer as well as the indigenous customs that go with harvesting. An important part of this study is looking at how our two cultures collided and interfaced, and examining how the culture existed in the past, how it is presently, and where the conversation is now.

 

Everything Pacific High does is about the individual student. They take great pride in understanding, interfacing, and implementing good academics, therapeutics and social emotional learning. They are doing a beautiful job of that and at this point, have 12 students on track for graduation in May of 2020!

 

Hughes-Knowles

Sworn Into Bar

Kila Orion Hughes-Knowles was sworn into the Alaska State Bar and the Federal Bar for the District of Alaska on Nov. 6. 

Hughes-Knowles may now practice law in Alaska, and may appear before the Federal Court in the District of Alaska.

A graduate of Washington and Lee University School of Law, Lexington, Virginia, Hughes-Knowles currently works in the Fairbanks Superior Court as a law clerk for Judge Brent E. Bennett. Judicial law clerks issues before the court, draft legal memoranda, and provide direct assistance to judges.

Hughes-Knowles is the son of Auriella Hughes and Fred Knowles. He is a 2006 Sitka High graduate and earned his bachelor’s degree in 2010 from Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington.

 

Christmas Bazaar

At Pioneers Home

Annual Sitka Pioneers Home Christmas Bazaar hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 14 in the gift shop and main lounge.

Seasonal gift shop hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 7.

The public is invited to attend.

 

Unitarians Gather

“Politically correct? How do we discern what is important in communicating with each other?” will be the topic of conversation at Sunday’s meeting of the Sitka Unitarian Fellowship.

Gathering begins at 10:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 10:45 a.m. Soup and bread follow at noon. The Fellowship Hall is located at 408 Marine Street, with parking behind off Spruce Street. All are invited to attend. For more information, call 747-3702.

 

Quilters to Meet

Ocean Wave Quilters will meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, at United Methodist Church.

A quilting-related gift exchange for those wishing to participate follows the meeting.

Monthly meetings, September through June, are open to all, members or not. Those wishing to pay the $25 dues receive a monthly newsletter, discounts on classes and other benefits.

For information call President Sarah Jordan at 738-7272.

 

Grinch-Mas at

Public Library

Grinch-Mas is coming to Sitka Public Library Dec. 1-25.

The library invites kids 6 to 10 to do one good deed a day and complete as many bingos as they can off of the library Grinch-Grow-Your-Heart Bingo. Participants can return completed bingo cards after Dec. 25, get a free Grinch-Mass pin and participate in a random drawing to win a prize. Registration is required to get a Grinch-Grow-Your-Heart Bingo.

For information, call Maite at 747-4022.

 

Fiber Friends

To Meet Dec. 14

Fiber Friends will meet noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Sitka Public Library Gus Adams room.

The group meets on the second Saturday of the month. Weavers, dyers, spinners, knitters, crocheters, felters, rug hookers and braiders can take their projects, ideas and inspiration to the meeting.

For information, contact Marian Allen at 738-1970.

 

Credit Unions

Support Local

Food Banks

The Alaska Credit Union League ACUL came together during National Hunger Month to conduct the Cash for Cans® fundraiser in credit unions across the state. 

ALPS Federal Credit Union, in Sitka, was among those responding.

The fundraiser made it possible for the Alaska credit unions to raise and donate more than $73,000 to food banks and pantries in the communities they serve.

 The Cash for Cans® fundraiser, initially created and trademarked by Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, was launched in 2014. With the inclusion of the other credit unions across Alaska, the ACUL was successful in broadening its reach and the benefit to the communities for which the credit unions serve.

‘‘The average cost of a meal in Alaska is $3.37,’’ the ACUL said. ‘‘That means the $73,000 total donation to food banks by the Alaska Credit Union League would be able to pay for 21,661 meals. A big help in the fight against hunger in Alaska!’’

 

BIHA Board Meets

Baranof Island Housing Authority board of commissioners will meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 245 Katlian Street.

 

‘Honoring Ancestors’

Celebration on Tap

‘‘Honoring Our Ancestors: A Celebration of Native American Heritage Month through Traditional Dance’’ is slated 6 p.m. Saturday at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi.

The Sitka Tribe of Alaska event will feature the “Sheet’ká Kwaan Dancers, and is part of Alaska Native Heritage Month activities.

Those with questions can call Dionne Brady at 738-1838. The public is invited to attend. Admission is by donation.

 

Family Fun Day

At Hames Center

Hames Center will host its monthly Family Fun Day 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1.

Bouncy castles, climbing wall and toys will be available. The event is free and made possible by the Hames Wellness Fund. For information call Hames Center 747-5080 or visit www.hamescenter.org. Family Fun Days are on the first Sunday of every month through May.

 

Hames Center is

Open Thanksgiving

The Hames Center will be open on  Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28, 8 a.m.-noon.

A ‘‘Sweatsgiving Spin’’ class will be offered at 8 a.m. with Cindy Edwards. Regular hours will resume Friday.

For  information or schedule visit www.hamescenter.org or call 747-5080. 

 

White E Deadline

For Grant Apps

Grant applications for non-profit organizations are available at the White E during store hours, 6-8 p.m. Monday, and noon-3 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays.

Applications also can be found on the White Elephant Shop FaceBook page. Applications must be returned by Nov. 30. Funds will be distributed following the annual meeting in February 2020.

 

Artist Submissions

Deadline Saturday

The Sheldon Jackson Museum is soliciting solo exhibitions by Alaska Native artists. Artists who reside in Alaska and want to apply for a solo exhibition can submit an application for review on CaFÉ, callforentry.org.

The museum was founded in 1888 to house an exceptional collection of Alaska Native ethnographic material.

‘‘The Sheldon Jackson Museum and its collection were purchased by the State of Alaska to inspire human thought and artistic endeavor, to stimulate ethnographic research and to foster an awareness of, and an appreciation for, the enriching qualities of a multi-cultural existence,’’ the museum said.

Call for submissions closes on Nov. 23. The call will be for two solo exhibitions: January through mid-April of 2021 and January through midApril of 2022.

For information contact the museum curator at 747-8904 or e-mail Jackie Fernandez-Hamberg: jacqueline.fernandez-hamberg@alaska.gov.

The exhibition will be held in a small gallery space at the Sheldon Jackson Museum. The gallery dimensions, available display cases and hanging system will be detailed in the call. Applicants will be notified of selection in late December.

 

Film Screening

At SJ Museum

On Saturday

The Sheldon Jackson Museum will screen the film ‘‘Walking in Two Worlds’’ 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23.

In the film, worlds collide in the Tongass National Forest, as division arises between those who want to clear cut old growth trees and sell the timber and those who want to leave the rainforest intact. Highlighting the division in the community and Alaska at large is the ensuing conflict between a Native brother leading his corporation’s clear cutting and his sister, a fierce environmental advocate.

The film takes a critical look at how the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) has impacted the battle over the logging and also examines the traditional Tlingit and Haida dependence on the forest for their culture and survival. In addition to ANSCA, ‘‘Walking in Two Worlds’’ touches upon life in Southeast Alaska, ANSCA, division over logging, and a multiplicity of perspectives on the issues involved, the museum said.

Winter hours at the Sheldon Jackson Museum 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday except holidays. Admission is waived for the film screening; however, winter admission is $5 for adults and $4 for seniors. Visitors 18 and younger are admitted free of charge. Assistance is available for visitors with special needs. Call 747-8981 with questions.

 

Natural Resource

Panel to Meet

The Sitka Tribe of Alaska’s Sitka Natural Resource Committee will meet 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, at the Resource Protection Department office located at 429 Katlian Street.

The public is invited to attend. Those who have questions regarding the meeting can call Jeff Feldpausch at 747-7469.  

 

Hoop Shoot Set

For Nov. 30

The Annual Sitka Elks Lodge’s Hoop Shoot is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 30, at Blatchley Middle School.

The free community event is open to boys and girls ages 8-13. Age is determined as of April 1, 2020.

 

Ages 8-9 will compete 1-1:30 p.m.; ages 10-11 1:45-2:15 p.m.; and ages 12-13 2:30-3 p.m. Participants should carry clean gym shoes, and arrive ahead of time to register.

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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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