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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December 13, 2019, Community Happenings

Climate Connection: The Story of Stuff’s Mantra: “Buy Well and Buy Less” this Holiday Season

By Lisa Sadleir-Hart

Many of us are in the throes of holiday shopping and thinking about purchasing gifts that sustain the planet rather than further adding to climate issues or landfills. A recent NYTimes Climate Forward article offered some great ideas as did Green America. Here’s a top 10 list to consider and use,  The Story of Stuff’s mantra “buy well and buy less.”

#10. Shop local and support local business. Lincoln street is a mainstay of our community and they need our purchases to stay open. Dollars invested locally circulate in Sitka employing our neighbors and friends and “add on” to other support businesses. #9. Minimize packaging and gift wrapping. Is there any way to reuse gift bags from past years? Or to decorate newsprint, paper bags or fabric? I use an end roll from the Sentinel and stamp it with holiday stamps. #8. Make your shopping list and shop in one trip to reduce vehicle carbon emissions. #7. Check out products at Sitka Sound Science Center’s gift store, CoraBall, or True Value for pyrex or anchor glass storage containers. They all work to reduce our dependence on plastic which is creating issues for our oceans. #6. Re-gift something that no longer serves you. Roughly half of those surveyed by Accenture said they’d be glad to give and receive second-hand things. What beautiful or functional items might a friend or family member love? #5. Give a local gift membership to Hames Wellness Center, Yoga Union, Sitka Cirque or Studio of Dance, etc. These benefit Sitka’s organizations and are loved by recipients. #4. Give a gift card to local businesses.   #3. Donate in honor of someone to the amazing array of local non-profits. There are so many to choose from.

#2. Give a treat from your kitchen or a local food business. Homemade preserves with homemade bread or homemade mustard with homemade pretzels make a lasting impression on the taste buds. AND #1. Give the gift of your time. Offer to make dinner or care for someone’s children or grocery shop. These are invaluable especially for families with young children or the elderly.

Think about ways you can truly make this a season of giving as well as restoring our precious planet that sustains us daily with clean air, soil and water.

----

 

Lisa Sadleir-Hart is a volunteer with the Sitka Chapter of Citizens Climate Change and loves practicing all 10 tips every holiday season.

 

Holiday Brass

Concert Dec. 21

The Sitka Fine Arts Camp will present its annual Holiday Brass Concert 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Sitka Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are on sale at Old Harbor Books or online at www.fineartscamp.org/shows. For information call 747-3085.

 

Christmas Bird

Count Dec. 28

The 120th Christmas Bird Count is slated Saturday, Dec. 28, in Sitka. 

A planned meeting will be 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, at the Alaska Raptor Center. A slide show will be presented to review the birds likely to be seen during the count. Those attending the slide show are not required to participate in the bird count.

 

Contact Victoria at baldeaglevet@gmail.com for information.

 

Health Insurance

Marketplace

Closes Dec. 15

The open enrollment period for obtaining or changing insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace is half over.

Southeast Alaskans are being encouraged to visit www.healthcare.gov, or call the toll free 24/7 Marketplace line at 1-800-318-2596, to apply or renew their health coverage by the Dec. 15 deadline.

It can be difficult to navigate the process of applying for health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, so the SEARHC team reminds people they are available to help ALL people apply for or renew insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Depending on income, age and family size, individuals may be eligible for assistance paying for monthly premiums and other out-of-pocket expenses. For example, a single person that makes between $21,528 and $62,400, may be eligible for assistance to lower costs.

Those who are over income for subsidies, may want to consider joining a National Health Care Sharing Ministry that covers medical expenses.

Individuals between the ages of 19 and 64 making less than $21,528 and married couples making less than $29,159 may be eligible for Medicaid, and can apply throughout the year through the Marketplace, by paper application, or on the My Alaska website.

“Now is the time to look into affordable health coverage,” said Andrea Thomas, SEARHC Patient Health Benefit manager. “The majority of those that apply for health insurance on the Marketplace can get low-cost plans. SEARHC Patient Health Benefit staff are specially trained to help people navigate the process of getting insurance coverage and avoid common Marketplace pitfalls. I strongly encourage anyone that would like to explore their options to contact our office.”  

 

SEARHC is a Certified Application Counselor agency offering free assistance to all Southeast residents by appointment, either in person or by telephone. Those interested can contact the Patient Health Benefits office at outreach@searhc.org or 966-8883.

 

 

Advent Concert

On Historic Organ

Karen Bretz will play a 45-minute concert of seasonal Advent music at noon Friday, Dec. 13, and 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.

Bretz will play the 1844 Kessler organ at Sitka Lutheran Church. She is formerly organist at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Anchorage and now lives in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Sunday, Dec. 1, marks the beginning of Advent, the Church’s preparation for Christ’s birth, the church said. The concert will explore Advent themes of joy. 

Bretz will play the hymns “On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry,” “O Savior Rend the Heavens Wide” and “People, Look East.” She will play a contemporary setting of “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” composed by Jackson Berkey, who was a founding member of the group Manheim Steamroller. The concert also will include well-known melodies from ‘‘The Nutcracker’’ ballet.

The Kessler organ was manufactured in Estonia in 1844 and shipped to Sitka in 1846. It is a five-stop tracker organ with a single manual and no pedal board. It is likely the oldest existing pipe organ west of the Mississippi River. 

All are invited to the free concert.

For information, contact Bretz at 351-6591 or kbretz@alaska.net.

 

                                                                                             

Candlelight Vigil

Honors Homeless

The public is invited to attend the annual Homeless Memorial Day Candlelight Vigil 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at Crescent Harbor shelter.

‘‘This is a short and meaningful opportunity for us to gather on the darkest day of the year to honor individuals who died homeless this year,’’ organizers said.

Food donations to the Salvation Army will be accepted at the event.

For more information, contact Julia Smith, SOS:Lifeline Group, 738-6336.

 

Climate Lobby

Meets Saturday

Sitka Citizens Climate Lobby will hold its monthly meeting 8:30 a.m.  Saturday, Dec. 14, at the See House behind St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Lincoln Street.

‘‘Come see what you might want to work on to avert the climate crisis,’’ organizers said.

 

Calvary Chapel

Meets on Sunday

Calvary Chapel Sitka will present a special Christmas message, “A Charlie Brown Christmas Tree: Jesus’s Human Side Family Tree and the Future Told Ahead of Time” 3 p.m. Sunday at the Methodist Church on Kimsham Street.

Contact Pastor Dug at 747-5454 with any questions.

 

Climate Change

Teleconference Set

Sitkans can attend a livestream event at the Sitka Public Library 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, with the American Association for the Advancement of Science Dialogue on Science, Ethics and Religion program.

The discussion will be on climate change, environmental stewardship, and the ways in which faith communities and scientists are working together to solve one of today’s most pressing issues, a press release from organizers said. 

Speakers include Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, director, Climate Science Center, Texas Tech University, and The Rt. Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, XXVI Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church. 

The event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the Sitka Chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby.

 

Conversation Set

On Death, Dying

Sitka Public Library and SEARHC will offer Cupcakes & Conversation, a community-led discussion on being a friend in grief, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, at Sitka Public Library. 

The discussion will be co-moderated by Erin Matthes and Cindy Edwards. Resources and cupcakes will be shared.  

Contact Margot at Sitka Public Library with questions at 747-4025.

 

 

Science Center

Updates Given

The Sitka Sound Science Center will be closed to all business Dec. 23-27, and on Jan. 1. The aquarium will be open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 4.

The Sitka Sound Science Center’s Ahlgren Aquarium will be closed Jan. 5-Feb. 7 for maintenance.

Saturday, Jan. 4, will be the last day to visit the aquarium until it re-opens on Feb. 8, with both refreshed and new exhibits.

‘‘We apologize for any inconvenience, and appreciate the community’s understanding,’’ the science center said.

 

‘Holidays’ Topic

Of Story Time

‘‘Holidays Are Here’’ will be the theme of the 10:30 a.m. Dec. 19 preschool story time session at Sitka Public Library.

‘‘Llama Llama Holiday Drama’’ by Anna Dewdney will be one of the readings. Rhymes, songs and crafts are included in the program. Everybody is welcome.

It is the last preschool story time program of the year. They resume on Thursday, Jan. 9. For information, call the library at 747-4022.

 

Roadless Rule

Comment to End

The deadline to submit written comments to the USDA Forest Service on a draft environmental impact statement offering a range of alternatives to roadless management and a proposed Alaska Roadless Rule is quickly approaching, but there’s still time.

The deadline for comments is midnight Alaska Standard Time, Dec. 17. The public can submit their input: Web at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54511; e-mail akroadlessrule@fs.fed.us; mail USDA Forest Service, Attn: Alaska Roadless Rule, P.O. Box 21628, Juneau, Alaska, 99802;fax 907-586-7852; in-person delivery to Forest Service, 709 W. 9th Street, Room 535B, Juneau, Alaska 99801.

Written comments will help inform USDA as it moves toward a final decision about an Alaska Roadless Rule. The secretary of agriculture is expected to make a final decision by summer 2020.

 

Group Bike Ride

Set for Saturday                  

The Sitka Cycling Club will host its 10th consecutive monthly group ride 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Salty Spoke bike co-op (accessed by riding to the back of the Hames Center, below the recycling center).

The ride will consist of a one-hour Cross Trail excursion and end at this month’s featured bike-friendly business, Spinning Moon Apothecary.

 

All helmeted cyclists are welcome to join. For information call Doug Osborne at 738-8734 or go to sitkacycling.wordpress.com.

 

Vessels Line Up

For Boat Parade

All are invited to light up their boats and join the Boat Parade on Dec. 15 and 22. Line up is at 5 p.m. both days at the Longliner Lodge.

Lee Hansen will lead the parde on his tug.

 

For more information call Beverly at 623-7038.

 

Show Slated for

Cirque, Gymnastics

Friends of Sitka Circus Arts invites the public to a joint Sitka Cirque/Sitka Gymnastics winter student showcase on Dec. 14 at 207 Smith Street.

The collaboration will feature an afternoon and an evening performance. The 3 p.m. matinee will highlight the skills of young aerialists and gymnasts in group performances, and present solo routines created by competitive gymnasts.

The 5 p.m. performance will include team gymnasts and competitive gymnast group pieces; plus teen and adult aerialists in group pieces and student choreographed solos and duets.

Tickets for each show are: adults $10, students/seniors $5, and free to those under 5. Tickets are available at the gym, 207 Smith Street, and at Old Harbor Books for the evening show only.

 

For information call 623-0333.

 

Boys Run 5K

Fun Run Dec. 14

All are invited to cheer on participants of Boys Run I toowú klatseen as they complete the program’s sixth annual 5K fun run ‘‘following a season of hard work and learning about healthy relationships and lifestyle skills.’’ 

The arcade-themed event will begin at Centennial Hall, Room 6, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14.

‘‘Community is a primary pillar of the Boys Run program, so please come show these 30 third- to fifth-grade boys that they have the support of the community as they strive to accomplish their goals,’’ organizers of the event said. 

 

Those who can volunteer to take food or help out at the event by setting up, cleaning up, or being a running buddy or cheerleader are asked to go to  tinyurl.com/brfunrun to sign up. 

 

Baby Raven

Reads Dec. 14

Sealaska Heritage will host Baby Raven Reads: Sitka 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 14 at Sitka Head Start. The theme is ‘‘Box of Daylight.’’

Alaska Native families with children up to age 5 are invited for storytelling, songs and other cultural and literacy activities. Families can enroll at the event.

 

For information call Tess Olympia at 586-9201 or babyravenreads@sealaska.com. 

 

Film Society, Coliseum

To Show ‘Attla,’

‘Christmas Story’

The Sitka Film Society and Coliseum Theater will present the Winter Film Extravaganza over the weekend, 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15, at the Coliseum.

The first film “ATTLA: The Legendary Dogsled Champion” tells the gripping but little-known story of George Attla, a charismatic Alaska Native dogsled racer who, with one good leg and fierce determination, became a legendary sports hero in Northern communities around the world. Part dog whisperer, part canny businessman and part heartthrob, Attla rose to international fame during a period of history when Western education, economies, and culture penetrated the Alaskan village lifestyle and forever changed the state with the discovery of oil in the late 1960s.  

The film has a few Sitka connections, including Attla’s childhood connection with Sitka and the book “Make Prayers for Raven,” by the late Richard Nelson. Nelson’s book was inspired by what he learned living in Huslia, the Film Society was told.

The film is 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15. Tickets are $8, and the film lasts less than an hour.

The second film is a holiday family classic, “A Christmas Story,” 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. The original film, ‘‘Fantastic Fungi,’’ was canceled by the company distributing the film, requiring a quick fix by the Coliseum and Film Society, SFS reports.

 “We are pleased to be able to offer a family classic during the holiday season,” the film society said. Tickets are specially priced, at $5. The show is rated PG.

 

Tickets are available at Old Harbor Books. Information is available at 738-0602.

 

Kaagwaantaan

Meets Dec. 15

Sitka Kaagwaantaan will meet 3 p.m. Dec. 15 at Blatchley Middle School in Room 114, to practice the Yeikootee Spirit Dance that will be used in the naming ceremony on Dec. 21.

Families interested in participating should call Roby Littlefield at 738-4004 or come to the meeting. 

 

 

Climate Lobby

Meets Saturday

Sitka Citizens Climate Lobby will hold its monthly meeting 8:30 a.m.  Saturday, Dec. 14, at the See House behind St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Lincoln Street.

 

‘‘Come see what you might want to work on to avert the climate crisis,’’ organizers said.

 

Christmas Bird

Count Dec. 28

The 120th Christmas Bird Count is slated Saturday, Dec. 28, in Sitka. 

A planned meeting will be 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, at the Alaska Raptor Center. A slide show will be presented to review the birds likely to be seen during the count. Those attending the slide show are not required to participate in the bird count.

 

Contact Victoria at baldeaglevet@gmail.com for information.

 

Artist, Author

At Book Store

 

Old Harbor Books will host an evening of readings and art by John Straley and Norman Campbell 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13. 

 

 

DKG Santa Sale

Fundraiser Set

Delta Kappa Gamma Iota Chapter will hold its annual Santa Sale fundraiser 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14,  at the home of Jan Love.

 

Members are reminded to take a gift, or drop it off prior to the meeting if not planning to attend.

 

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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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