November 6, 2013 Community Happenings

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Category: News

Created on Wednesday, 06 November 2013 11:48

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Card of Thanks
    The family of Marcelina Miguel Martin would like to publicly send out our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for all your prayers and thoughts before, during and after our mama’s passing. We thank the generosity of loving care, fast response and support and assistance of Sitka Fire Dept.-EMS, Guardian Flight, Northwest Airlift, Sitka Police Dept.; Anchorage Providence Hospital, Juneau Bartlett Regional Hospital, ever tireless, very caring entire staff of Sitka Community Hospital, SCH Food Service staff for catering to our hungry family; Dr Golub; Dr. Robert Hunter, who has been our mama’s healthcare provider for many years and went out of his way to provide the care and service needed.
    Trish White and her pharmacy team for your caring and endless help. Gene and Trudy Prewitt for your generosity and great service; our family of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church’s Fr. Jim Blaney for bringing the weekly communion and the beautiful funeral mass and service and also for always being there when we called on you; Fr. Peter Gorges for the awesome burial service and for being a great family friend and pastor; Kathy Matthews who coordinated the great choir who added grace to mama’s funeral mass; the very generous souls led by Kaye and Curtis Baird for great service at the reception and to all who generously brought the endless array of food for the reception. Mahalo also to the honorary and pallbearers for bringing mama to her final resting place. Also to Kevin and crew at the Memorial Park for being gentle. Sandy and the Daily Sitka Sentinel for publishing.
    Our college kids, JR, Aiza, RJ, Dazly and Devan who took time out of their hectic schedule, our out of town family and friends who came and gave so generously. The many people who brought food and attended our nightly prayers. And of course, our community, our people, the FILIPINOS who always come together especially at difficult times like this, “Dios ti agngina kadakayo amin!”
    Your smiles, hugs, calls, donations and prayers make it all bearable for us. Your kind generosity was greatly appreciated! May God bless each and everyone of you! “Maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat!” Peace and Love!
The Martins,
(Rudy, Susie and Warlee
 and families)
     Special thanks to my nephews, Rollie Martin, Oly Sugay; nieces Joy Dumag, Adora Dumag, Maria (Sue) Romine for getting all family members (around the nation) together, through the awesome world of technology at the last moment of mama. That meant so much. Also to my daughter, Jaynalee Diego, and my great-niece, Courtney Castillo, for all you guys did for mama, especially that awesome family legacy wreath! Also to Fernando Villanueva for being with us at the hospital. My love and prayers to all!
Warlee Martin-Gonzales

    ‘Beatrix Potter’
    Musical Staged
    The Sitka Fine Arts Camp Young Performers Theater’s first musical production, ‘‘The Adventures of Beatrix Potter and Her Friends!’’ will be staged 7 p.m. Nov. 16 and 2 p.m. Nov. 17 in the Odess Theater in Allen Hall on the SJ Campus.
    The lively musical tells the story of one of the world’s most celebrated children’s authors. It is interspersed with vignettes of Potter’s stories. The show is for children and adults of all ages.
    Tickets can be purchased at Old Harbor Books at $10 general, $5 students/senior, and children under 5 are free.


    Services Set for
    Ellen Hope Hays
    Services have been scheduled for Ellen Hope Hays, who passed away at the Sitka Pioneer Home on Oct. 8 at the age of 85.
    Services will begin 9 a.m. Nov. 23 with a traditional Alaska Native Brotherhood funeral service at the ANB Founders Hall. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church with a reception and time for fellowship to immediately follow at Latta Hall.


6Stories, Photos of Sitka’s
Fishing Fleet Put in Book
    Former Sitka resident Jana M. Suchy will debut her new photobook “Fishing for a Living in Alaska’s Southeast” with a book signing Nov. 21 hosted by Chinook’s restaurant at Fishermen’s Terminal in Seattle.
    Featuring photos and stories from the Sitka fishing fleet, the book recreates the 1980s on the docks when Suchy fished out of Sitka and covered the fishing industry as writer/photographer for the fish papers of the day.
    Suchy’s photos have long been displayed in Chinook’s restaurant as well as Anthony’s restaurant at the SeaTac Airport Terminal and Highliner Coffee Co. in Sitka.
    From 1983 she fished out of Sitka as crew for three years then freelanced for the fish papers another three, widely published mostly in “Pacific Fishing” magazine and “Alaska Fisherman’s Journal.” Suchy says most photos have never seen the light of day till now.
    “They looked like they might die with me if I didn’t get serious about a book, so I did,” she says, filling the coffee-table book’s 230 pages with 300 photos and 10 previously published stories. Local highlights include the book’s cover of lifelong Sitkan Dave Jenny gaffing a slab king salmon aboard, the infamous herring sac-roe fishery, the troll fleet, women fishing and the never-before-seen unedited, original version of “The Day of the Derby” with Steve Fish fishing halibut on the “Lualda.” Suchy says she designed the collection for fishermen and non-fishermen alike.
    “You might like it for a bit of nostalgia or history,” she said, “maybe to show folks what you do for a living or to see how seafood comes to your dinner plate – or just for the photos alone. It’s a big book; makes a great gift.
    “Or get it just in case you’re in it – pictured or quoted – from back in the day,” Suchy said, adding that ‘‘fishermen are forever young in the photos and the stories encapsulate an era gone by.’’
    Now living in Montana, Suchy said she rarely gets back to the Pacific Northwest and looks forward to seeing old friends stop by who are in town for Fish Expo.
    Also printed in a smaller 8x10 format as well as serialized into three volumes, books are available for preview and online purchase through fishingforalivingalaska.com and may also be seen on display at Chinook’s.
    Suchy said to order books in advance (allow two weeks for delivery) to bring along for signing, or just stop by. A limited number will be available for sale at the event. For more information contact Anthony’s Lane Hoss at 425-455-0732 for the event or Jana Suchy at 406-431-1596  or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. about the book. The website is www.fishingforalivingalaska.com.

    Transportation
    Panel to Meet
    The Sitka Tribe of Alaska Transportation Committee will meet noon Nov. 12 at the STA Administration Building, 456 Katlian Street.
    Topics will include an update on the bus maintenance facility and upcoming Tribal transportation projects. Tribal citizens and the public are being encouraged to attend. For any questions contact Gerry Hope, transportation director, at 747-5910.


Dr. Elliot Bruhl tapped as SEARHC Medical Director
    SouthEast Alaska Regional Health
Consortium has announced Dr. Elliot Bruhl is the new medical director at SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital. His tenure began Sept. 30.
    He replaces Dr. Russ Bowman.
    Bruhl initially worked at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital for eight years, from 1998 through 2006. He was a physician and medical director for Sitka’s Mountainside Family Healthcare in 2007-08. When he returned to SEARHC in 2009, Bruhl worked as a family physician and served as Chief of Services Critical Care and Emergency Medicine at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital.
    ‘‘We have an excellent staff of physicians, nurses and support personnel at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital,” Bruhl said. “One of the things that really sets us apart as a medical team is our ability to work together and take into consideration the unique needs of our patients, both Native and non-Native. We have challenges, including our geographical
location, but we have many decades of experience and that’s what makes it exciting.”
    Bruhl earned his medical degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver, and completed his residency at St. Joseph Hospital in Denver. He is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. He also holds a bachelor of science degree in geology from Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., and a master of science degree in hydrology from the University of Idaho School of Mines in Moscow, Idaho.
    While at Carleton College, he was elected to the Sigma Xi science honor society and the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He also earned the 1997 F. William Barrows Resident of the Year Award from the Colorado Academy of Family Physicians.
    Bruhl received recognition last year from the Brave Heart Volunteers with the “Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Service to Brave Heart Volunteers and the Sitka Community,” and this year was awarded the University of Washington School of Medicine Family Medicine Clerkship Outstanding Faculty Award.
    Before returning to school to become a physician, Bruhl lived in Alaska and was a wildlands firefighter at the Chugach National Forest Seward Ranger District and a commercial fisheries worker and deckhand in Homer.
    Bruhl’s medical interests include dermatology, orthopedics, men’s health and sports medicine. During his personal time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, skiing and gardening.
    Bruhl has also enjoyed providing medical care for Sitka high school sports teams at both Mt. Edgecumbe High School and Sitka High School, including the football, basketball and soccer teams. For the past five years, he has also volunteered his free time to do high school sports physicals and definitely plans to continue.

    Holiday Songs
    Workshop Taught
    Sitka Fine Arts Camp announced its first Holiday Songs Workshop. Students will learn holiday songs from different countries and cultures, many of which will be in foreign languages.
    Grades kindergarten through five will meet 4:30 -5:30 p.m. Thursdays beginning Nov. 21. Grades six-nine will meet 4:30-5 p.m. Mondays beginning Nov. 18. To sign up call the Fine Arts Camp office at 907-747-3085.

    Diabetes is a Family Affair,
    SEARHC Reminds Public
    In observance of National Diabetes Month, the National Diabetes Education Program and SEARHC want people to know that ‘‘Diabetes is a Family Affair.’’
    SEARHC and its partners are working with individuals, families and communities to take action and encourage simple but important lifestyle changes to improve their health – particularly if they have diabetes or are at risk for the disease.
    Diabetes affects nearly 26 million Americans and an estimated 79 million people are at risk for developing the disease. In Alaska, diabetes affects more than 20,000 people, and 6.6 percent of Caucasians and 9.9 percent of Alaska Natives have pre-diabetes. For people living with diabetes or at risk for type 2 diabetes, family support is critical to staying healthy.
    “SEARHC understands that family may mean loved ones at home, school,
work, place of worship, or in the community. We want to be part of that family, your partner in health, because we believe having a support system is an important part of staying healthy,” said Renae Mathson, Health Educator for the SEARHC Diabetes Program. “The SEARHC Health Promotion division and the NDEP have many resources to help people work together to improve their health to prevent diabetes and its complications.”
    Having a family history of diabetes, such as a mother, father, brother or sister with type 2 diabetes, puts people at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes, SEARHC said.
    Resources are available at www.searhc.org/services/health-promotion/diabetes-services and www.YourDiabetesInfo.org/DiabetesMonth2013.

    Reuse Center Open
    Sitka Community Development Corp. announces that the Sitka Building Reuse Center will be open 5-6 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
    The center is a volunteer operation selling donated building materials and is located at 4620 Halibut Point Road, across from the AML barge landing. Those interested in volunteering or donating materials may call Greg Reynolds at 738-5518.

    Core Aerobics
    Session on Tap
    A new core aerobics session will run 5:15-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Nov. 21-Dec. 19 in the Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary School gym.
    The cost is $32 for eight classes, payable at the Sitka Community School office at Blatchley Middle School.
    For more information call 747-8670.

    Grief Support
    Given by BHV
    Brave Heart Volunteers offers Living with Loss, an adult grief support group, Mondays at the Pioneers Home Manager’s House.
    Participants will receive support from both a licensed counselor and peers who are also grieving. Discussion will be on types of grief, normalizing the grieving process, learning and practicing coping skills and culturally appropriate grieving.
    Those 18 and older are welcome. Call 747-4600 or visit the Facebook page for details.

    Exchange Programs
    Topic of Presentation
    In observance of International Education Week representatives from AFS and Rotary, as well as several past and present exchange students, will present an informational slide show about foreign exchange opportunities for Sitka students 7-8 p.m. Nov. 14 in the Sitka High School library.
    Call Rebecca at 738-6744 for more information.

    Spruce Celtic
    Dancers Perform
    Sitka Spruce Celtic Dance celebration will be held 7 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Sitka Performing Arts Center.
    The suggested donation is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 5-18, and free for under 5 and senior citizens.
   

    Barn Dance Set
    For Nov. 16
    A community barn dance is set 7-9:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary School.
    All are invited to participate in mixers, circles and contra dances, or simply listen to the live music of Sitka’s Fishing for Cats band. Beginners and season dancers of all ages are invited.
    Dances are taught and called. No partner is needed and no dancing experience is necessary. The first hour of the dance will be geared to beginners and young dancers.
    The dance is a non-alcohol and smoke-free Community School event. For more information call 747-3412.

    Julie Abbott-Jones
    Remembrance Set
    A remembrance fire for Julie Abbott-Jones will be 5-6:30 p.m. Nov. 8 on Back Beach on Eagle Way; turn right at Kruzoff Coffee off of Sawmill Creek Road.
    Attendees should take stories, cookies to share, an umbrella and any writings or objects to submit to fire. Wood and restroom  facilities will be provided.
    Call Linda at 747-6980 with questions.

    Women’s Book
    Group to Meet
    The Women’s Book Group will read ‘‘Beyond Belief’’ by Susan Tive and Cami Ostman and meet at the Sitka Pioneers Home Chapel 7 p.m. Nov. 12.
    All interested women are invited. Call Dorothy at 747-3412 with questions.

    Holiday Assistance
    Applications Ready
    The Salvation Army is taking applications for those who need assistance over the holidays at the social service office, 405 Sawmill creek Road.
    Sign-up dates and hours are: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov. 7 and 8; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 9; and 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov. 11-15.
    Those with questions may call 747-3358.

    Thanksgiving
    Dinner Offered
    The Salvation Army Sitka is seeking volunteers to assist them with the community Thanksgiving dinner.
    It will be held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28, at Blatchley Middle School. The ANB Founders Hall kitchen is being remodeled.
    People are needed to assist with set up, cooking, serving and cleaning.
    To help out, or to donate an item or cash, call 747-3358



    Writers Read
    Set for Nov. 12
    Pacific and Mt. Edgecumbe high school students will read at the next Writers Read 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Yaw Chapel on the SJ Campus.
    The special Writers Read has received support from the Island Institute as well as the Rasmuson Foundation Artist Residency Program.
    All are invited to the free event.Contact Brooke at 747-2996 with questions.

    White E Shop
    Sets Toy Sale
    The White Elephant Shop will open noon Nov. 7 for its annual toy sale.
    The building is full of toys, including Melissa and Doug toys and puzzles, Transformers, Legos, wood blocks, games and trucks, and toys for the  tiny tots.
    Many dolls and stuffed animals will be in the children’s portion of the shop.
    ‘‘The  store is very full of toys and, of course, there will be many customers, so it is asked you not bring children on Thursday,’’ the White Elephant said.

    Power Company
    For Kids on Tap
    Power Company for Kids is offered Wednesdays at 214 Kimsham Street for  ages 4 years through fifth grade.
    A free dinner at 5:30 p.m.  is followed by a program 6-7:30 p.m.
    Call 747-5848 by 3 p.m. to sign up for a ride. This week’s theme is ‘‘Superhero.’’
    Contact Kelly Wicks for further information at 747-5848, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
    Themes and dates are: ‘‘Camouflage’’ Nov. 6; ‘‘Happy Birthday’’ Nov. 13, ‘‘Thanksgiving’’ Nov. 20; no session on Nov. 27; ‘‘Christmas: Red and Green’’ Dec. 4; and no sessions Dec. 11, 18, 25 and Jan. 1.

    SEAWIF to Meet
    Southeast Women in Fisheries will meet 1 p.m. Nov. 10 at 909 Halibut Point Road, number 35.
    Women wanting to promote safety at sea and encouraging people to eat more seafood, are welcome.
    Those with questions may call Denise at 747-5012.


FOOD SERVICE – The Food Services staff at Sitka Community Hospital celebrated Healthcare Food Service Workers Week Oct. 7-13, with fun events, food specials and the opportunity to eat lunch together as a department once a year while other staff members “work the line.” Sitka Community Hospital thanked the Food Services Department for helping patients, residents and employees stay well-nourished and healthy. (Photo by Angela McGraw)

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