September 5, 2014 Community Happenings

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Category: News

Created on Friday, 05 September 2014 11:37

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Drill Conductor
    Workshop on Tap
    The Alaska Marine Safety Education Association will offer a 10-hour fishing vessel drill conductor workshop 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Public Safety Training Academy, 877 Sawmill Creek Rd.
    The workshop will cover cold-water survival skills; EPIRBs, flares and maydays; man-overboard recovery and firefighting; immersion suits and PFDs; and emergency drills, helicopter rescue, life rafts, and abandon ship procedures.
    It meets the training requirements for documented commercial fishing vessels operating beyond the federal boundary line. The class is offered to commercial fishermen at no cost, due to funding from the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. To register or get more information, contact AMSEA at  747-3287 or www.amsea.org.


Open enrollment for health insurance begins in November
    Open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace begins Nov. 15.
    Those who have signed up for insurance through the Marketplace will have through Dec. 15 to make changes to their coverage.
    ‘‘There may be additional plans available and different prices, so it is recommended that even those satisfied with their current plan browse through the options,’’  Andrea Thomas, Outreach and Enrollment Manager for SEARHC,.said.
    Changes to current plans will go into effect Jan. 1, 2015.
    Additionally, those already insured through the Marketplace are being required to change their password on the Healthcare.gov website for security reasons. Insured individuals may also have been sent a letter requesting more information.
    ‘‘It is important to respond right away, as insurance coverage may be canceled if all required documents are not received by the due date on the letter,’’ Thomas said.
    For those who have yet to sign up for health insurance, the open enrollment period is Nov. 15, 2014, through Feb. 15, 2015. It is recommended that those who wish to enroll set up an account as soon as possible in preparation for the influx of individuals who are likely to enroll during that period.
    ‘‘Familiarizing yourself with the available plans is also encouraged.’’ Thomas said.
    To set up an account, visit www.healthcare.gov, call the Marketplace toll-free number, 1-800-318-2596, United Way at 211, or SEARHC at 966-8883.
    Anyone who did not have health insurance in place during the 2014 calendar year will be required to pay a tax penalty on 2014 tax filings. That penalty may be as low as $95 per adult, half that for children, or 1 percent of income for the year, whichever is higher. Those who don’t have health insurance in 2015 will face penalties when filing taxes in 2016.
    “If you need assistance setting up an account on the Health Insurance Marketplace website before open enrollment, we are here to assist anyone in Southeast Alaska,” Thomas said. “Health insurance can be very confusing and we are trained to help.”
    For more information, call Thomas, 966-8883, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

    PSAT Testing
    Set at Sitka High
    Sitka High School will administer the PSATs 8 a.m. Oct. 18.  The last day to sign up at the school to take the test will be Sept. 19.
    Upon signing up, the student must pay the test fee – check or cash – and receive a testing guide.  The test fee will be $20.  For any questions call 966-1927.

    Inupiaq Artist
    Set to Perform
    At SJ Museum
    Inupiaq artist-in-residence Allison Warden will perform “Ode to the Polar Bear” 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at the Sheldon Jackson Museum.
    The performance is a 30-minute one-woman show about climate change, Warden’s home village Kaktovik, and the polar bear.
    On most days between now and Sept. 10, Warden will be working in the museum gallery between 10 a.m. and noon and 1 and 4 p.m. to recreate the museum’s Inupiaq whaling suit using contemporary materials.
    Warden said she is interested in community involvement with her project. Those who want to take part in recreating the whaling suit or wanting more information about her “Ode to the Polar Bear” performance can call 747-8981.

    Parenting Classes
    To be Offered
    Active Parenting Now and Children in Between courses will be presented in a consecutive eight-week format to focus on teaching and practicing important skills for all parents.
    The class, presented by Sitka Counseling, will adjust to fit the needs of specific parents who enroll and is intended for parents to learn and share with a qualified instructor and other parents who may struggle with similar issues.
    The last two weeks will focus specifically on the challenges of co-parenting through divorce and family separation.
    The class runs for eight consecutive Thursdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Sept. 18-Nov. 6. Dinner for parents and children is provided. Childcare and transportation can be scheduled and provided, as needed.
    It will be offered in the Sitka Counseling upstairs conference room. Childcare is offered at the family center.
    The cost is $100 for one participant, and $130 for two. Limited scholarships are available. Call 747-3636 for more information.

    Kettleson Open
    At New Location
    Kettleson Memorial Library has reopened at its new location at 831 Lincoln Street, and the community display case is now open for use.
    Those interested in setting up a display for their organization or for an upcoming event, contact Brooke at 747-4028 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out available times and reserve a time.

    Beginning Tlingit
    Language Taught
    The beginning Tlingit language class will be 3:30-5:30 p.m. Mondays in Room 214 at Sitka High School.
    For more information contact Brian at the Sitka Native Education Program at 966-1356.
    The class fulfills the Alaska Performance Scholarship requirements. Students will also earn one college credit.

    Walks, Talks Set
    At National Park
    Sitka National Historical Park offers daily guided programs teaching visitors about the park’s natural and cultural resources.
    This week the ranger-guided schedule includes:
    Sunday – 9 a.m. Battle Walk; 10 a.m. Totem Walk; 2 p.m. Discovery Talk: ‘‘Fungus Among Us!’’
    Monday – 9 a.m. Battle Walk; 10 a.m. Totem Walk; 12:30 p.m. Discovery Talk ‘‘Fungus Among Us.’’
    Tuesday – 9 a.m. Battle Walk; 10 a.m. Totem Walk; 11:30 a.m. Discovery Talk on banana slugs; and 12:30 p.m. Discover Talk ‘‘Mysteries of the Salmon Run.’’
    Wednesday – 9 a.m. Battle Walk; 10 a.m. Totem Walk.
    Thursday – 9 a.m. Battle Walk; 10 a.m. Totem Walk; noon Totem Walk; 1 p.m. Discovery Talk ‘‘Pinks and Chums and Kings, Oh My! Salmon in the Indian River.’’
    Friday – 10 a.m. Battle Walk; 3 p.m. Totem Walk; 1 p.m. Discovery Talk ‘‘Climate Change.’’
    Saturday – 9 a.m. Battle Walk and noon Totem Walk.
    Ranger-led tours meet at the Sitka NHP visitor center on Lincoln Street.
    For more information call the visitor center at 747-0110.

    Dinner, Auction
    Set for NRA
    The Sitka Chapter of the Friends of NRA is holding its 13th annual fund-raising dinner and auction Sept. 27 at Centennial Hall.
    The event will include dinner and a chance to win guns, sporting goods, works of art by national and local artists, and other items. Attendees are invited to wear western attire.
    Tickets are available at Orion Sporting Goods and NAPA. Seating is limited. Purchase an early-bird package by Sept. 20 for free chances to win a Taurus PT 40 pistol. For more information or tickets call Debbie at 738-1584.

    Unitarians Resume
    Sunday Meetings
    The Sitka Unitarian Fellowship will resume its weekly meetings on Sept. 7.
    The fellowship is a liberal spiritual community welcoming all persons. Sunday’s program will include the water ceremony for in-gathering after the summer break. Participants are requested to take a small amount of water or a stone or shell to represent sharing a meaningful place or event from their summer.
    The gathering begins at 10:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 10:45 a.m. Soup and bread follow the program at noon. The Fellowship Hall is located at 408 Marine Street, with parking behind off Spruce Street. For more information, call 747-3702.

    Kettleson Friends
    Set Board Meeting
    The Friends of Kettleson Memorial Library Board is seeking a person to fill the vacant member-at-large seat on the board.
    Currently the organization is actively involved in activities to support the Library Expansion. Friends recently transferred $54,855 to the city’s library expansion project. This was in addition to the $100,000 already raised through donations and fundraisers.
    ‘‘The community of Sitka has been generous in their giving to this venture,’’ the board said. ‘‘There is still a ways to go before the new library is complete.’’
    Anyone interested in becoming a board member should contact Jan Love at 747-5608.

    White E Shop
    Sets Meeting
    The White Elephant Shop monthly meeting will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Swan Lake Senior Center. Meetings are open to the public.
   
    Donations Accepted
    At White E Shop
    The White Elephant Shop accepts donations 6-8 p.m. Monday and Thursday, and noon-3 p.m. Saturday.
    Those wanting to donate at other times can call the store at 747-3430 to arrange a time.

    Garden Party Set
    At National Park
    Sitka National Historical Park will host a garden party program 10 a.m. Sept. 13 at the Russian Bishop’s House.
    Volunteer gardener Karen Christner and Ranger Jasa Woods will present a 45-minute program on the history of the Russian Bishop’s House garden and how its tradition is carried on today.
    Attendees are invited to arrive early for hot tea and Russian tea cakes. Seating and shelter from the rain will be provided.

    AmeriCorps Plans
    Family Fun Night
    The Sitka AmeriCorps team will partner with Sitka Community Schools to host a First Responders Family Fun Night 5:30-7:45 p.m. Sept. 12 at Blatchley Middle School.
    It will include a family swim, open basketball facilitated by Coach Lee, face-painting, board games, bouncy houses and a potluck dinner sponsored by alumni AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and current members.
    The culmination at 7:30 p.m. will be a swearing in of new, current and alumni AmeriCorps with Peace Corps members. First responders are being invited to join in to re-commit to serving the community.
    First responders include: Sitka Police Department; Sitka Fire Department and Volunteer Department; and Sitka Mountain Search and Rescue Volunteers.
    Former AmeriCorps or Peace Corps member are asked to contact Faith Lee at the Community Schools office or call 966-1440 to sign up to bring a potluck dish. For any other questions or information call or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

    Rally Day Slated
    At Sitka Lutheran
   Members and friends of Sitka Lutheran Church invite the community to gather for Rally Day on Sunday at 224 Lincoln Street.
    Events on Sunday begin with a family breakfast at 9 a.m. followed by activities and learning for all ages. Worship at 10:30 a.m. offers Holy Communion and a baptism, followed by reception food and fellowship. Youths in middle school and high school will meet at 1:30 p.m.
    “Come celebrate together after a summer filled with adventure and travel. Come rejoice and thank God for the blessings of the summer past and the opportunities that lay ahead,” said Pastor Sandra Rudd.
     Call 747-3338 for more information.

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