June 6, 2014 Community Happenings

Details

Category: News

Created on Friday, 06 June 2014 12:21

Hits: 6892

Final Work     Party
    On SJ Campus
    The season’s final volunteer work party is planned Saturday on the SJ Campus.
    Participants will paint and finish projects at Whitmore Hall at 9 a.m, break for a hot lunch at noon, and continue until 3 p.m.
    All are welcome to join at any time.  Call Sitka Fine Arts Camp office, 747-3085, with questions.

 Tlingit Feasting Dish in Spotlight
    The Sheldon Jackson Museum’s June Artifact of the Month is a large Tlingit feasting dish or bowl in the form of a seal.
    The feasting dish is embellished with various ovoid forms and abalone or pearl inlay in the eyes, flippers, and rim, glass beads, bone peg teeth, and a dark stain finish. The sides of the dish feature flippers with basal ovoids that sweep up and back to form an arch over the tail. One basal flipper ovoid has a rectangular abalone inlay; the other flipper’s inlay is missing. The seal’s head is large and embellished with cross-hatched cheeks and flaring nostrils. The bowl cavity is cut from the animals back and embellished with eight domed oval bone or antler inlays spaced around the rim. The majority of the bowl is a brown blackish color but a darker stain runs across the eyebrows and the top of the flippers.
    The bowl was collected by Bud Fear, who traveled by steamship to Southeast Alaska in the 1930s or 1940s, when he likely purchased the bowl. Fear gave the bowl to Dr. William and Carol Mundy in the 1950s and the couple later donated it to the museum. Although there is no written signature evidence, it is believed to have been made by the artist Rudolph Walton.
    The Sheldon Jackson Museum invites the public to view the feast dish, and other utensils, dishes, and bowls, and works by Rudolph Walton.
    The dish will be on exhibit until June 30. Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. General admission is $5 for adults; $4 for seniors and visitors 18 and younger. Friends of the Sheldon Jackson Museum and those with passes are admitted free of charge.

    Presbyterians Set
    VBS June 23-27
    A vacation Bible school will be hosted at Sitka Presbyterian Church 9:30 a.m.-noon daily June 23-27. Kids age 4 through finishing sixth grade are invited to participate.
    The theme is ‘‘Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus was a Kid.’’
    Attendees will explore what it was like to live in the town where Jesus grew up – visit a Bible-times marketplace, sing songs, play teamwork-building games, eat snacks, visit Jesus’ mom, Mary, and learn verses to remind them of God’s word, the church said.
    The day will include ‘‘God sightings’’ and will conclude with a celebration of worship.
    A team from Southminster Presbyterian Church in Portland, Oregon, will present the program through cooperation of First Presbyterian Church Sitka and Friends of Southeast Alaska. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

    Father’s Day Sale
    At White Elephant
    The White Elephant Shop will feature all men’s items: clothing, boots, fishing gear, camping gear, specialty items and more, noon-3 p.m. Saturday.
    Purchases will support the mission of Sitkans serving Sitkans. Since 1992 the White E Shop has donated more than $1 million to local non-profits and community members.

    Alzheimer’s Class
    Offered at UAS
    UAS-Sitka Campus will offer two courses, ‘‘Introduction to Alzheimer’s Disease’’ and ‘‘Understanding and Responding to Challenging Behaviors of People with Alzheimer’s.’’
    They are online open enrollment classes and cost $45 per class. For more information, call 747-7786.

    Dennis and Sharon Mittlestedt. (Photo provided to the Sentinel)

Lutheran Volunteers for June
    Dennis and Sharon Mittlestedt of Chandler, Ariz., will volunteer at Sitka Lutheran Church thismonth.
    Dennis’ work as a highway project engineer required frequent moves to different parts of the country. Sharon worked in medical offices for many years. Their lives have been centered around the church, singing in the choir, landscaping, teaching Sunday school, quilting and helping with the church office.
    While in Sitka they will greet visitors, explain Finnish-Lutheran history, interpret the historic Lutheran Cemetery on Princess Way, care for the building and share the Gospel.
    Sitka Lutheran Church was founded by Swede-Finns in 1840 under the direction of Pastor Uno Cygnaaeus. In 1840 services were first held in the Green Room of Baranof’s Castle. The first Lutheran Church building was completed in 1843, the same year the Russian bishop’s House was finished.
    Sitkans and summer visitors are invited to attend Sunday worship service at 10:30 a.m., and 6 p.m. Wednesday soup supper followed by a pray service.
    For more information call 747-3338.

    Skippers Car Wash,
    Chocolate Sale Set
    The Sitka Skippers will be at Sea Mart from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday to sell chocolate and wash cars as a fundraiser.
 
    Kettleson Library
    Hours to Change
    Kettleson Memorial Library will be shifting library hours starting in July. On Saturdays, hours will be 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
    ‘‘This will help staff the library more efficiently, facilitate children’s programming, and access to the library for working parents,’’ the library said.


    Solstice Concert
    To Include Music,
    ‘Violins in Trees’
    The Sitka Summer Music Festival and the Greater Sitka Arts Council are collaborating to bring an art element to the music festival’s annual Solstice Concert in the Park, noon June 18 at Sitka National Historical Park.
    The event will include the music of Catalyst Quartet and Zuill Bailey. The “violins in the trees” art installation may be viewed while walking to the concert site. Attendees can take their own blankets and picnic lunch to the free concert.
    The violins are currently on display at Homeport Eatery and the Baranof Island Artists Gallery and are on bid through a silent auction. Funds go to support the Sitka Summer Music Festival and the Sitka Greater Arts Council. Those with questions may call 747-4821.

    On Dean’s List
    Jule Peterson of Sitka was named to the dean’s list at Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colo., for the spring 2014 semester. Peterson’s major is interdisciplinary studies, teacher education option.
    To be eligible for the dean’s list, a student must carry a semester grade point average of 3.6 or better in no fewer than 15 credit hours of graded college level work and have completed all work for which they are registered by the end of the semester.
    The Sitka High graduate is the daughter of Reggie Peterson and Gail Johanson-Peterson.

Kathryn Medinger

    Earns Bachelor’s
    Kathryn Medinger, the daughter of Robert Medinger and Barb Amberg of Sitka, graduated from Macalester College, St. Paul, Minn., on May 17.
    Medinger received a liberal arts degree in psychology. She is a graduate of Sitka High School.

    ‘DamNation’
    Shows in Sitka
     The Susitna River Coalition will show the Stoecker Ecological and Felt Soul Media’s new award-winning documentary ‘‘DamNation’’ 7 p.m. June 11 at the Larkspur Cafe.
    Presented by Patagonia, ‘‘DamNation’’ tells the story of the 20th century dam building boom in the Lower 48 and explores the growing effort to remove dams that have negative impacts on wild salmon, local economies, and fishing jobs, the coalition said.
    For more information go to the website at damnationfilm.com

    Waterfront Jazz
    Annual Event On
    Sitka Fine Arts Camp invites the community to its annual fundraiser, Jazz on the Waterfront, 7-11 p.m. June 28 in the Odess Theater in Allen Hall on the SJ Campus.
    The event includes a silent auction, dinner and musical entertainment provided by a live band. Tickets are limited and available at Old Harbor Books or call 747-3085.

    Life Celebration
    For Bradley Padon
    The children of Bradley Van Padon – Erle Adams, Tara Padon-Goodson, Bradelle Padon and Zachery Van Padon – are inviting friends to celebrate the life of their father 5 p.m. June 17 at the Halibut Point Recreation Area.
    The “kids” are on one of their dad’s favorite journeys and will be in Sitka  June 16-18, the White Sulphur Hot Springs June 19-20, and Pelican June 21-24.
    All are invited to join them at a potluck-style feast. Participants should take their favorite beverage.
    ‘‘Above all, we would love to hear your favorite story of our dad and share in laughter, tears and feel the friendship of those that loved him,’’ the family said. ‘‘If you are able to join us in this celebration, please respond via e-mail so that we can make sure we have enough food and beverage for all. If you’re unable to attend also note that we will be having another celebration in Pelican on June 22 at Karen and Victos.’’
    The email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 360-618-3704 for further information.


Christy Anderson. (Photo provided)
    Mt. Edgecumbe Teacher
    Given ‘Excellence Award
    Christy Anderson, a teacher at Mt. Edgecumbe High School, is among four Southeast Alaska and more than 30 Alaska teachers honored as 2014 BP Teachers of Excellence.
    Other winners from Southeast are Robert Davis, Stikine Middle School; Kent Fielding, Skagway School; and Geoffrey Wyatt, Glacier Valley Elementary School.
    The 19th annual program recognizes teachers from throughout Alaska for their dedication to teaching and for inspiring students. The more-than 1,400 nominations this year made 2014 a record year for the program. Each BP Teacher of Excellence receives a $500 gift card and an award certificate. In addition, the teacher’s school receives a matching $500 grant.
    “Recognizing outstanding Alaska educators is among the most rewarding and important aspects of BP’s investment in Alaska,” said BP Alaska Regional President Janet Weiss.
    Anderson teaches ninth-grade English and 12th-grade senior futures. An educator for 22 years, she believes a quality-standards-based curriculum is the foundation of learning, but she also says there are other keys to success in the classroom including enthusiasm, consistency, flexibility, taking risks and being herself, BP Alaska said in a press release.
    Anderson is proud of her role helping to establish a Response to Intervention program at Mt. Edgecumbe, a program that allows teachers and students to work together to identify issues and solve problems.
    ‘‘Christy exemplifies all the characteristics associated with the positive aspects of teaching,’’ said MEHS Academic Principal Bernie Gurule. ‘‘She is professionally knowledgeable and constantly seeks opportunities to initiate new and innovative programs. She is genuinely enthusiastic about her potential as a guiding influence in the lives of her students and possibly for her colleagues.’’
    ‘‘Christy’s energy is boundless, goal/objective oriented, and professionally directed,’’ Gurule said. ‘‘Christy Anderson naturally possesses a nurturing yet firm demeanor that inspires her charges, be it adult or child, to feel safe, secure and at the same time realize the long- and short-term objectives of every school day. She will ask the tough questions of her supervisors in the pursuit of the improvement in the delivery system for our school.’’
    Anderson also received letters of congratulations from U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich.

    Celebration to Kickoff
    Next Week in Juneau   
    Sealaska Heritage Institute will kick off its biennial celebration next week, marking the 32nd year since the inception of the popular dance-and-culture festival.
    Celebration is organized by Sealaska Heritage Institute every two years. First held in 1982, it has become the largest cultural event in the state, drawing thousands of people to the capital.
    It’s a time when Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people come together to celebrate their survival as a culture, said SHI President Rosita Worl, adding it’s also a community event open to the general public.
    “Everyone is welcome at Celebration. We hope that non-Native people will attend our event. We want people to come and learn and celebrate our culture,” Worl said.
    The 2014 theme is “Envisioning the future through the reflections of our past.” The institute anticipates up to 7,000 people, including 50 dance groups and more than 2,000 dancers from Alaska, Canada and the lower 48. Celebration 2014 will be led by the Saanya Kwáan.
    Tickets will go on sale 11 a.m. June 11 at Centennial Hall. Four-Day passes are $30 for adults, and $15 for elders and youths (ages 7-12). One-day tickets are $15 for adults, and $10 for elders and youths (ages 7-12). Children ages 6 and under are admitted at no charge. It will be broadcast live statewide on 360 North and streamed live online.
   
    Activities Set at
    National Park
    Ranger-guided walks at the Sitka National Historical Park this week have been announced.
    Scheduled are: June 8, 9 a.m. Battle Walk and 10 a.m. Totem Walk; June 9, 10 a.m. Totem Walk; June 3, 9 a.m. Battle Walk, 10 a.m. Totem Walk, noon Totem Walk, 1 p.m. Discovery Talk; June 4, 9 a.m. Totem Walk, 10 a.m. Battle Walk, noon Totem Walk and 1 p.m.  Discovery Talk ‘‘Ravin’ About Ravens,’’ 2:30 p.m. Discovery Talk ‘‘Fungus Among Us’’; June 11, 9 a.m. Totem Walk, 10 a.m. Battle Walk, noon Totem Walk, 1:30 p.m. Discovery Talk ‘‘Banana Slugs’’; June 12, 9 a.m. Battle Walk, 10 a.m. Totem Walk, noon Totem Walk and 2 p.m. Discovery Talk ‘‘Pinks and Chums and Kings, Oh My! Salmon in the Indian River’’; June 13, 9 a.m. Battle Walk, 10 a.m. Totem Walk, 2:30 p.m. Discovery Talk ‘‘Fungus Among Us’’; June 14, 2 p.m. National Trails Day, 2:30 p.m. Discovery Talk ‘‘From Trees to Tools: The Life of the Bentwood Box.’’
    All ranger-led tours meet at the Sitka NHP visitor center. 
    For more information about the ranger-guided tours at Sitka NHP, call the visitor center at 747-0110.


    Music Festival
    Concert Saturday
    Violinist Benjamin Breen, violist Marcus Thompson, cellists Evan Drachman and Zuill Bailey, and pianist Eduard Zilberkant will perform at the Sitka Summer Music Festival’s 7:30 p.m. Saturday concert at Centennial Hall.
    Showcased pieces will be a Beethoven piano sonata, Klein’s 1944 Sting Trio and Brahms’ piano quartet no. 1 in G minor.
    Tickets are $20, or $10 for children age 6-12, available at Old Harbor Books, online at sitkamusicfestival.org, or at the door.

    Family Concert
    Slated for Sunday
    All family members are invited to Centennial Hall 3 p.m. Sunday for an afternoon of music and ice cream at the Sitka Summer Music Festival’s BP Family Concert.
    Root-beer floats, provided by Sea Mart, will follow the concert.

    Movie Night Set
    The summer opener of the Sitka Sumemr Music Festival’s Music in Movies event is set 7:30 p.m. June 10 at the UAS-Sitka Campus, Room 229.
    ‘‘Thirty-Two Short Films by Glenn Gould,’’ an award-winning film about pianist Glenn Gould, is a series of short films, including documentaries, recreations of scenes from his life, and interviews with people who knew him.
    The soundtrack consists almost entirely of piano recordings by Gould.  Admission is free; donations are appreciated.

• < Prev
• Next >