February 11, 2014 Community Happenings

Details

Category: News

Created on Tuesday, 11 February 2014 12:17

Hits: 7898

Pianist Lane to
    Present Concert        London-based pianist Piers Lane will perform in concert Feb. 20-22, sponsored by the Sitka Summer Music Festival.
    On Feb. 20, Lane will perform a lunch-time recital at noon at Centennial Hall. Admission is free. On Feb. 21, at 6 p.m., he will host a master class for students of the Sitka Piano Teachers Association at Centennial Hall. The class is open to the public; admission is $5 at the door.
    Lane will perform the complete Chopin Nocturnes by candlelight in Allen Hall 6:30 p.m. Feb. 22. Tapas and desserts are included in the ticket price; a no-host bar will also be available. Tickets are $60 per person, or $100 for two tickets, available at Old Harbor Books, or online at sitkamusicfestival.org. The fundraiser is for the Sitka Summer Music Festival; all proceeds benefit its year-round operation.
    Call 747-6774 for more information.

    Carergivers
    Luncheon Set
    Brave Heart Volunteers invites caregivers, volunteers and other community members to its monthly C:ARE luncheon noon Feb. 19 at the Pioneers Home Manager’s House.
    The Hames Center will present on the topic of healthy living and exercise for the caregiver. Lunch will be provided. For more information, call 747-4600.

    Youth Baseball
    Infield Clinic Set
    Sitka Little League will hold a baseball infield clinic for youths ages 8 to 12 11:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. March 8 at Moller Field.
    Players will learn fundamentals and practice proper mechanics. Registration for the Sitka Little League season is online at sitkalittleleague.org. RSVP for the clinic with Brandon at 747-7100. All clinic participants must be registered for the 2014 season.

    Youth Baseball
    Hitting Clinic Set
    Sitka Little League will hold a baseball hitting clinic for youths ages 8 to 12 11:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. March 9 at Moller Field.
    Players will learn fundamentals and practice proper mechanics. Registration for the Sitka Little League season is online at sitkalittleleague.org. RSVP for the clinic with Brandon at 747-7100. All clinic participants must be registered for the 2014 season.

    Women’s Support
    Group Planned
    SAFV will introduce a new women’s support group beginning Feb. 26.
    The group is confidential in a safe setting. Childcare is provided. Women will meet 4:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
    Call 747-3370 for more information.
    Spring Break Camp
    Information Given
    Parents and grandparents interested in learning more about how their children and grandchildren can participate in Yaa Khusgé Yaaw Woogoo-Knowledge-of-Herring Camp are invited to stop by Sitka National Historical Park’s visitor center 5:30 p.m. Feb. 12.
    Application materials will be available. The camp runs noon-5 p.m. March 17-21. For additional information contact Nancy Douglas at 966-1350. 
    Yaa Khusgé Yaaw Woogoo – Knowledge-of-Herring Camp will be held at Sitka National Historical Park. Daily camp activities will include observing herring and other marine wildlife during field trips, marine research throughout Sitka Sound, exploring Sitka’s coastline to learn about critical herring habitat, using remote operated underwater vehicles to view herring and conducting lab analysis of collected samples. Each daily session will conclude with a presentation by scientists, Native elders or local herring experts.
    Applicants must be middle school students. Potential participants are required to submit an application by Feb. 14 to Nancy Douglas at the Southeast Alaska Career Center, 205 Baranof Street, or by emailing their application to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
    A digital version of the application can be downloaded from the park’s website at www.nps.gov/sitk. Paper applications will be available at Southeast Alaska Career Center, Sitka National Historical Park’s visitor center and at Blatchley Middle School.
   
    SEARHC Clinics
    To Close Feb. 17
    SEARHC clinics and administrative offices will be closed Feb. 17 to honor the achievements of Alaska Native civil rights leader Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich.
    While the outpatient clinics will be closed, SEARHC will have on-call staff available to provide emergency care at those clinics that offer emergency services. Regular staff will be working at S’áxt’ Hít Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital to take care of hospitalized patients.
    ‘‘It was Peratrovich’s impassioned testimony before the Alaska Territorial Legislature in 1945 that led to the passage of an anti-discrimination bill eliminating the blatant discrimination policies faced by Alaska Natives,’’ a press release from SEARHC said. ‘‘On Feb. 16, 1945, Territorial Gov. Ernest Gruening signed the act into law, marking the first anti-discrimination bill introduced and passed in Alaska and was enacted nearly 20 years prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 until the bill passed. Prior to the bill being passed, Alaska Natives were treated as second-class citizens, having difficulty finding housing, regularly seeing signs banning Native entry to public facilities, and subject to many Alaska businesses unwilling to serve them.’’
    On Feb. 6, 1988, the Alaska Legislature established Feb. 16 as Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, using the anniversary date of the bill’s signing in 1945, in order to honor her contributions; “for her courageous, unceasing efforts to eliminate discrimination and bring about equal rights in Alaska.” It is a day set aside so Alaskans can pause to remember the former Grand Camp president of the Alaska Native Sisterhood and honor her efforts to preserve equality and justice for all Alaskans regardless of race, creed and ethnic background.
    ‘‘Elizabeth Peratrovich Day is a special day for SEARHC’s Alaska Native patients and staff,’’ SEARHC said. ‘‘It is important that SEARHC honors her accomplishments and legacy.’’

    Graduates Basic
    Air Force Airman 1st Class Amanda K. Wesson graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
    The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
    Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
    Wesson earned distinction as an honor graduate. She is the daughter of Jim Dyal of Arcadia, Fla., and Teresa Heston of Sitka, and granddaughter of Jaclyn Harvell of Sitka.
    The airman is a 2009 graduate of DeSoto High School, Arcadia, Fla. She earned a bachelor’s degree in 2013 from the University of West Florida, Pensacola, Fla.

    Artist Zerbetz
    To Teach Classes
    The Greater Sitka Arts Council and Arti Gras will host Ketchikan artist Evon Zerbetz for a weekend of classes March 8-9.
    Zerbetz is the illustrator of many books for both children and adults, and has experience working from a number of angles with publishers, GSAC said. She will share her tricks of the trade.
    Scheduled classes are:
    –’’Children’s Book Illustration’’ 9 a.m.-noon March 8 and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. March 9. Zerbetz will show how she works on a book from start to finish. Students will learn the basics and start laying out their book. The Sunday lab session covers the business considerations of producing a book.
    Students should take two copies of a short manuscript that has been prepared or are being worked on. Zerbetz will supply one to those who don’t have one.
    The class is $40 if paid by March 3, and after that date, $50.
    –‘‘Bookmaking 101’’ runs1-5 p.m. March 8. The hands-on class will teach how to make decorative papers. Students will make a stack to take home to use for future projects, bookarts, and collage. The second half of the class will be used to create small book forms paper, including accordion pocket books and one-page wonders. The class is $25 before March 3 and $35 after, plus a $5 materials fee.
    –‘‘Book Illustration for Youths’’ is offered 3-5 p.m. March 9 for ages 7 and older. Students will learn the basics of how a professional works on a book. Students will turn their ideas into a story board to kickstart their own book project. Class fees are $12 if paid by March 3, and $15 after.
    To register, send fees to Greater Sitka Arts Council, P.O. Box 564, Sitka, AK 99835. Include name, age, number of participants and phone or email contact. Those with questions may call Jeff at 747-4821.

The Greater Sitka Arts Council and the Arti Gras celebration will host Ketchikan artist Evon Zerbetz for a weekend of classes. Zerbetz is the illustrator of many books for children and adults, and has experience working from a number of angles with publishers. She is willing to share her tricks of the trade with you, help you get your project out of your head, and moving forward.
The classes are:
· Children’s Book Illustration: Saturday, Mar. 8th 9am - 12pm, and Sunday, Mar 9th, 11am - 2pm
Saturday, Class fee: early bird discount $40. After March 3, normal rate $50.
· Bookmaking 101. 4 hour class: Saturday, March 8th 1 - 5 pm. Class fee: early bird discount $25. After March 3, normal rate $35. materials fee + $5.
· Book Illustration for Youth. 2 hour class: Sunday, March 9th 3 - 5pm Children Ages 7 and up
Learn the basics of how a professional works on a book. Turn your ideas into a story board to kick start your own book project. Bring a story if you have one. Class fee: early bird discount $12. After March 3, normal rate $15
Registration: Send registration and fees to Greater Sitka Arts Council, PO Box 564 Sitka, AK 99835,
include name, age, and number of participants, and phone or email contact. Questions call Jeff at 747-4821.


NEW PRACTICE – Dr. Elizabeth Decker, chiropractor, has opened a new private practice in Sitka. Prior to moving here, Decker practiced in Boulder, Colo., for 13 years. She has specialized chiropractic training and experience treating prenatal, postpartum and pediatric patients. In addition, she has treated patients with acute and chronic pain, sports injuries and those seeking wellness care. She is now in-network with Premera and is accepting new patients at 901-B Halibut Point Road, next to the DMV, and is available by appointment by calling 738-1375. She said she is ‘‘excited to be a part of this amazing community.’’ (Photo provided to the Sentinel)

    New Gaming
    App Inspires
    Kids to Brush
    Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium dentists are recommending a new, free app developed by the Ad Council and the Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives – “Toothsavers.” It is available online as well as for Android and iOS devices.
    Created on behalf of the Kids’ Healthy Mouths campaign, the app inspires kids to brush their teeth for the dentist recommended two minutes, twice a day by making it fun. The app enlists them in rescuing friendly fairy tale characters from an evil, cavity-creating sorceress who cast a wicked teeth-rotting spell on the kingdom.
    Toothsavers includes three key features to help parents and their kids learn about the importance of oral health. The game calls on kids to be heroes. In a timed, finger-swipe brushing game, they can save 10 characters in a fairy tale kingdom from an evil, cavity-creating sorceress. The two-player version of the game allows for kids to “brush” the teeth of their friends and parents when the mobile device is held up to their mouths. The app also offers a real-life toothbrushing companion for kids and parents to keep track of their brushing progress, as well as morning and nighttime reminders.
    “Helping your child brush with fluoridated (anti-cavity) toothpaste for 2 minutes, twice each day is the very best thing you can do for your child’s teeth,’’ said Dr. Kim Hort, a pediatric dentist and SEARHC. ‘‘Keeping brushing time fun is key to making it an enjoyable time for you both. Taking turns, singing songs, or playing on the free Toothsavers app can help make this a healthy habit that lasts a lifetime!”
    While the developer of the game says it is geared for children ages 3-6, Dr. Hort believes it can be helpful for some children as young as 2 and as old as age 8-10, depending on the child.
    Toothsavers is now available for free in the App Store and Google Play (both smartphones and tablet version). It is also on the web at 2min2x.org/PlayToothsavers. For more information, visit2min2x.org/toothsavers.

The February Artifact of the Month is a Haida argillite platter. (Photo provided to the Sentinel)

    Argillite Items
    Now on Display
    A Haida argillite platter is the Artifact of the Month at the Sheldon Jackson Museum.
    Haida have been carving argillite since at least the 1820s and have rendered the stone into a variety of forms including assorted styles of pipes, flutes, single figures, group figurines, circular dishes, platters, bowls, compotes, poles, boxes, personal ornaments (amulets, labrets, medallions), models of Haida houses, and models of Euro-American objects.
    They continue to carve argillite on Haida Gwaii and in the areas of Victoria and Vancouver.
    The earliest documented Haida argillite carvings date to the 1820s and take the form of tobacco pipes carved with traditional Haida subjects and formline design.
    ‘‘Considering the rarity and fragility of argillite, the Sheldon Jackson Museum is fortunate to have thirty argillite carvings, nearly all thought to have been collected by Sheldon Jackson,’’ a press release from the museum siad.
    A few argillite pieces pre-date the February Artifact of the Month, allowing for instructive comparisons, the museum said. Some pieces, including compote carved by Charles Edenshaw featuring the Haida myth of the bear mother, are more finely and elaborately carved. The compote, considered to be a masterpiece of the museum by some, was recently included in the Vancouver Art Gallery’s groundbreaking exhibition and retrospective of Edenshaw’s work.
    The platter will be on exhibit until Feb. 28. The dish and many other Haida argillite carvings including pipes, dishes, sculptural forms, bowls and model totem poles may be viewed at the museum between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Discounted winter admission is $3. Visitors 18 years of age and younger, Friends of the Sheldon Jackson Museum and those with passes are admitted free of charge.

    Wine-Making
    Class Feb. 21
    A class on how to make wine from locally-grown fruit is set 7-9 p.m. Feb. 21.
    Registrations are being taken for the sixth annual “Wine-making at Home” class. Individuals 21 and over are invited to learn to make wine at home in this beginner’s class. Taught by Perry Edwards and Michelle Putz, it focuses on making wine from locally-grown fruit like rhubarb and berries, and apples. Simple wine-making tips, techniques, tools and their award-winning rhubarb wine recipe will be included.
    The class is free though donations for Sitka Global Warming Group’s, community sustainability actions are encouraged. Space is limited; pre-register to reserve a spot in the class by calling Michelle at 747-2708. The wine-making class is sponsored by SGWG.

    Scholarship Forms
    Ready to Sign Up
    The U.S. Coast Guard Spouses’ and Women’s Association’s scholarship application is now ready.
    The CGSWA offers a $500 scholarship to a graduating Sitka senior who is a dependent of an active duty, retired, deceased, or reservist member of the U.S. Coast Guard. Forms may be picked up at the counselor’s offices of Sitka High School, Pacific High School, Mt. Edgecumbe High School, and the REACH office.
    Application forms are also available online at www.sitkacoastguardspouses.org. Completed applications must be received by a school counselor or postmarked by March 31. Applications submitted by mail should be sent to CGSWA, P.O. Box 1164, Sitka, AK 99835. For more information, call Elise Atkins at 623-0401.
    BIHA Board Meets
    Baranof Island Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will meet 5 p.m. Feb. 18 at 245 Katlian Street. The public is invited to attend.

    School Board Meets
    The Sitka School Board will meet in executive session 1 p.m. Feb. 13 in the district office board room to discuss the superintendent candidates.

    School Board at
    PHS Open House
    Sitka School Board will attend the open house and dedication ceremony at Pacific High School 5-7 p.m. Feb. 17.

    Math Review
    Set at BMS
    Blatchley Middle School will hold a math review committee meeting 6-8 p.m. Feb. 19 in the school library.
    The group will discuss and review new math material and alignment to the common core. The meeting will include input from math committees at all schools.
    It is open to the public.

    Woman’s Club
    Seeks Requests
    For Donations
    The Sitka Woman’s Club is accepting donation requests from non-profit organizations through the end of March. Organizations may request funds for small projects that will benefit the community, especially women and children. The club has a limited donation budget of $3,000, which it will disburse, depending on need in mid-April.
    The club can accept only requests that include the required cover sheet, ‘‘Annual Request for Donations to Non-Profit Organizations,’’ which can be obtained by calling Sandy at 747-3219 or 747-8703 or Ann-Marie Parker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Applications must be delivered or postmarked by March 31, and must be mailed to Sitka Woman’s Club, 300 Harbor Drive, Sitka, AK 99835, attn: Donations Committee.
    The Sitka Woman’s Club is dedicated to serving the community by being an organized center of though and action that champions humanitarian causes, fosters closer personal acquaintance, and provides mutual assistance through social venues that promote the general well-being and prosperity of all with a focus on women and children. Applicants should explain the need for the requested donation, and address how their proposal will help to fulfill the Sitka Woman’s Club’s mission.


    Hames Open
    The Hames Center will be open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 17, Presidents Day.
    ‘‘Hames is dedicated to your health, so we stay open on holidays,’’ a press release said. For more information, call 747-5080 or visit hamescenter.com.

• < Prev
• Next >