April 23, 2014 Community Happenings

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Category: News

Created on Wednesday, 23 April 2014 11:44

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Sitka Bike Rodeo
    Slated for May 3
    The Sitka Bike Rodeo will be held 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 3, at the Coast Guard Air Station Sitka.
    The annual event provides an opportunity for kids and parents to refresh their knowledge of the rules of the road, get a bike safety check by mechanics, register their bikes with the Sitka Police Department in case they’re stolen, get their helmets fitted, and test their stills on an obstacle course.
    Sitka Community Hospital will be giving away helmets for kids who don’t have one or need to replace an old one. All are welcome to this free event. Kids should be accompanied by a parent, and kids should take their bikes and helmets. Snacks will be available.
    Those with questions may call Shannon at 738-0602.


This Week in Girls on the Run
    Girls on the Run, an empowerment-based program for girls in third-fifth grades, is currently in its sixth season at Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary School. More than an after-school activity, the program is designed to bring girls together with strength and resilience and prepare them for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. 
    Recently, participants learned about the ways that the media and advertising industries portray girls and women. Team activities elevated their critical thinking skills to reduce the impact of negative or unrealistic images on their self-esteem.  Here’s what participants said about media messages:
    –“[Ads] don’t show what women look like and what they really want. It’s really sad.”
    –When girls see those ads, they may not look like that, and they may feel sad or want to change themselves.”
    –“You’re beautiful the way you are and you don’t have to change for anything or anyone.”
    –“I feel happy when people show their positive self and they aren’t changing themselves.”
    –“It doesn’t matter what you look like outside, it matters how you act and what’s on the inside!”
    Throughout this season, GOTR will keep providing the Sitka community with updates from the program. We also hope to give mentors and parents an opportunity to pass on skills from GOTR to the youths in your life! Here are some conversation starters for talking with kids about emotional health and celebrating gratitude.
    –How do many advertisers portray women in their ads? Why do you think they do that?
    –How do the images we see and the words we hear relate to how we feel about ourselves?
    –What are some actions we can take to focus more on the messages that celebrate girls and women for who they really are?
    –Let’s each talk about what makes a person beautiful. (What’s on the inside!)
    Save the date for the final GOTR community 5K Fun Run 3-5 p.m. on May 11, starting at Crescent Harbor Shelter. Stay tuned for more details. Girls on the Run is sponsored in  Sitka by Sitkans Against Family Violence. Call 747-3370 for more information.

    Presbyterian
    Fellowship Set
    The Presbyterian Fellowship invites the community to worship at Yaw Chapel on the SJ Campus 1:30 p.m. April 27 to discuss ‘‘Discipleship.’’
    Participation in singing and study are welcome. Worship is for all ages. Call Ruth at 747-8043 with questions.

    Pansies for Sale
    Mt. Edgecumbe Preschool is taking orders for its annual pansy sale. Flowers arrive in early May.
    A flat of 18 plants is $50, half a flat $27, and single plants $3.
    Each full-flat purchase enters individuals into a drawing to win a large hanging basket from Garden Ventures.
    Call 966-2675 to order or visit www.mtedgecumbepreschool.org.

       
    Tlingit & Haida
    Sitka Delegates
    Attend Assembly
    The Sitka Chapter of the Tlingit & Haida Tribes of Alaska delegates attended the 79th Annual Tribal Assembly in Juneau April 9-12.
    The local chapter held an election on March 20. Paulette Moreno, Rachel Moreno, Bertha Karras, Laurie Cropley, Harriet Beleal, Gerry Hope, Patricia Alexander, Margaret Gross Hope and Cass Pook were the nine elected for the allocated number allowed as per the number of Tlingit and Haida tribal citizens residing in Sitka.
    Pook was unable to attend, so the next highest vote-getter, Andrew Roberts, was her replacement.
    The local delegates wrote several resolutions, all of which were voted on and approved by the tribal assembly. A total of 137 delegates attended from Alaska, Washington and California. Bertha Karras was nominated by Paulette Moreno and was voted Tribal Citizen of the Year.
    The Central Council of Tlingit and Haida elected Richard Peterson of Kasaan president, replacing Edward Thomas, who held the position for 30 years. Will Micklin of San Francisco was seated first to vice-president followed by Robert Sanderson of Ketchikan, Lowell Halverson of Seattle, Jolene Edenshaw of Hydaburg, Marvin Adams of Anchorage, and Jackie Johnson, a Juneau delegate.
    The local Sitka Chapter will host a potluck-style public meeting and enrollment drive noon-1:30 p.m. May 3 at the ANB Founders Hall to discuss the resolutions passed and upcoming events.
    Those wanting to enroll should take their birth certificate. Applications will be on hand for those needing to update their address. Input is needed from local members at the potluck meeting.
    For further information, or to take a dish to share, contact Rachel Moreno, president, at 738-6595.

    Culinary Award
    Given by Festival
    The Sitka Seafood Festival is offering a culinary scholarship for a student or adult interested in the culinary field.
    This is the second year SSF will be awarding this scholarship, which entails working alongside four renowned chefs from across the United States, as well as some local talent.
    ‘‘This alone is a wonderful opportunity, gaining experience, expertise, as well as some wonderful references for potential schooling and jobs,’’ SSF said. ‘‘We will also be paying this individual a stipend of $500 for their time during the week of July 29.’’
    Those interested should visit the website at sitkaseafoodfestival.org for an application or contact Alicia at 928-607-4845 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Radiation Therapy
    Topic of Talk
    Dr. Eugene Huang will present “Innovations in Radiation Therapy,” discussing the latest use of radiation therapy technology in cancer treatment, 11 a.m. May 5 at Sitka Community Hospital.
    Radiation oncology treatment only recently became available in Southeast Alaska. Previously, patients had to travel to Anchorage or out of state to receive the treatments, which are generally needed five days per week for several weeks.
    Huang is a board-certified radiation oncologist and medical director of Southeast Radiation Oncology Center in Juneau.
    Huang will be on hand to answer questions.
    “Cancer patients should not have to travel long distances to receive advanced care,” said Huang. “Since we opened Southeast Radiation Oncology Center in December, we have been pleased to give patients from all over Southeast Alaska the option to receive radiation therapy a little closer to home. We are glad to be a part of this community, and to provide exceptional care and support to cancer patients in Sitka.”


    Science Mentor
    Program Open
    Students from Sitka, Pacific and Mt. Edgecumbe high schools are invited to apply for the Science Mentor Program for next school year.
    Students can learn more about the program during a lunch meeting 11:45 a.m.-12:20 p.m. April 29 at Sitka High School. Project mentors and past student participants will be available to answer questions.
    This is the fourth year of the program that provides students with real-world experiences in ecological research studies. Students work one-on-one with local mentors to develop, implement and report on a research study in the wildlife, fish, or soil sciences.
    Mentors are professional scientists and resource managers. The program provides learning experiences outside of the classroom and gives students a glimpse into these careers. Students receive credit for participation in the program, and depending on funding, opportunities are available to participate in a statewide science fair.
    Past projects have included fish stock assessments, stream chemistry, genetic soil and plant studies, and deer habitat and bird studies. It is coordinated by the Sitka Conservation Society, and partner organizations include University of Alaska Southeast, U.S. Forest Service and Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
    For more information or an application, contact Scott Harris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , 738-4091,or see www.sitkawild.org
 
    Happy Health
    Hour at Library
    ‘‘Gluten Free – Is It Right for Me?’’ is the topic of the University of Alaska Cooperative Extension Service’s Happy Health Hour program 5:30-6:30 p.m. April 28 at Kettleson Memorial Library.
    The program will look at the rise in celiac disease and gluten sensitivity and claims of benefits from eliminating gluten and tips for gluten-free cooking and healthy eating.
    The program is being offered through the OWL videoconferencing network.


    Ladies Offered ‘Wild Time’
    At Alaska Raptor Center
     The first “Desperate Housewives in Sitka” fund-raiser  kicks off at 6 p.m.  April 26 at the Alaska Raptor Center.
    Alaska Raptor Center is hosting this ‘‘Wild Time for Ladies Only – a little black dress-up event.’’
    The ladies-night-out benefit features champagne, savory appetizers, sweet treats, a photo booth, and silent and live auctions of fashion shoes and handbags.
    Event organizers have described it as a wild night that supports the center’s work with wild birds, and dressing up is going to be part of the fun. Silent and live auctions of shoes and bags will feature brands such as Nine West, Coach, Dansko, Nike, UGG, Vince Camuto, Franco Sarto, Clarkes and Calvin Klein.
    The Alaska Raptor Center’s Director Debbie Reeder has supported new members of her board in creating the social event.
    “How often do we get an opportunity to get out, drink champagne, and wear our fanciest outfits?’’ Reeder said. ‘‘The boas, the lace, the tiaras, the glitz and glam?” 
    Local fashion businesses, such as Brenner’s Fine Clothing and Gifts, Re:fresh, The Cellar and Orion Sporting Goods, will be showing off some of their wares – all of which will be accessorized with handbags and shoes from the evening’s live auction.
    Other businesses supporting the event are Salon 264, the Silver Basin, Harry Race Pharmacy and White’s Pharmacy, Sea Mart Quality Foods, Scott Insurance, Watson Point Liquors, Nancy Davis and Paula Scott.
    Tickets are limited and can be purchased for $35 from Brenner’s Fine Clothing and The Silver Basin.
    For more information about the event, and photographs of the items being shown or auctioned, contact Alaska Raptor Center at 747-8662.

    Family Fun Night
    At Baranof School
    Baranof Family Fun Night is planned 6 p.m. April 26 at Baranof Elementary School.
    A book exchange is planned. Attendees should take their gently used books to trade for some new reading adventures, the school said.
    A dessert auction is also on tap.

    Hughes Triathlon
    Slated May 17
    The 30th Annual Julie Hughes Triathlon will be May 17. Registration is available online at www.juliehughestri.com.
    The event consists of a 5-mile run, 12-mile bike ride, and 1,000-yard swim. A short course is for the 12-and-under participants. Athletes can compete on a team or as an individual. Pre-race briefing at 8 a.m. is followed by the race at 8:30 a.m.
    A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Sitka Cancer Survivor’s Society.
    Race course volunteers are needed, specially along the kids course, at the roundabout and downtown along the Seawalk path. For more information  contact Kevin Knox at 738-4664 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.juliehughestri.com.

    Science Sharing
    Night April 28
    The third annual Sitka Science Sharing Night is planned 7-8:30 p.m.  April 28 at UAS-Sitka Campus, Room 229.
    It will highlight the work by Sitka student scientists. The event will be set up just like a poster session at a scientific conference, and the students will be available to share their work and answer questions.
  Students are studying forest, marine, and stream health, experimenting with robotics, and developing critical thinking skills through scientific research.
    Among the participants are the students from Mt. Edgecumbe and Sitka High Schools who recently were in the Alaska Science and Engineering Fair.
    Student projects are funded by the Sitka Alaska Permanent Charitable Trust, the National Forest Foundation, and the Bio-Prep Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Many of the projects are supported by community volunteers and local teachers.
    The Sitka Science Sharing Night is a joint project of the Sitka Conservation Society, UAS Sitka Campus, Sitka School District, and Mt. Edgecumbe High School. For more information, contact Kitty LaBounty at 747-9432 or Scott Harris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .






    Sitka Audience
    To See ‘Wait Wait’
    The Greater Sitka Arts Council will present the Sitka version of ‘‘Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me!’’ 7 p.m. April 25 at Allen Hall on the SJ Campus.
    Tickets are on sale at Old Harbor Books. The host will be Ed Ronco, and the deep voice will be Owen Fulton. Panelists are John DePlatis, Phil Burdick and Collette Costa.
    For more information go to www.thinkartthinksitka or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

    Mental Health
    First Aid Taught
    SEARHC is again partnering with Trust Training Cooperative to hold mental health first aid training to the community for a third time.
    The training will be 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. April 26. Check-in time is at 8 a.m. at UAS-Sitka in Room 229.
    Similar to first aid and CPR, mental health first aid teaches how to help those experiencing mental health problems until professional help is available. It is designed to arm the public with skills to help individuals who are developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.
    Those who wish to attend must register through the TTC Learning Management System. To register online visit: http://ttclms.org/class_detail.php?z_classid=105182 or contact Jill Ramsey for more information at 907-264-6228 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The cost for each training session is $75 for training; and $30 for continuing education units.
    The first 10 enrollees as well as SEARHC staff are eligible to have SEARHC pay their registration fee. Contact Maybelle Filler for either of these offers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 966-8739.

    Quilters Meet
    Ocean Wave Quilters guild will meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, for a salad potluck at Grace Harbor Church. The regular meeting will follow at 7 p.m.  Officer elections will be held.
    Anyone interested is invited to attend.
    For more information, call President Jan Lovett at 747-3653.

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