October 1, 2014 Community Happenings

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Category: News

Created on Wednesday, 01 October 2014 11:37

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Sitka UAF Student Gets
    Field Experience in Town

    By Meghan Murphy
    For the News-Miner
    Every summer marks “The Great Field Season” in Alaska, when University of Alaska Fairbanks undergraduates spread their wings to gain practical experience in their majors that will help them decide on future careers and even land a job. Field experience can mean a long odyssey in remote wilderness or tending to a patch of green goodness right in town.
    One undergraduate was Chris Clement, a senior from Sitka majoring in biology.
    His field experience was at Sitka Animal Hospital, Alaska Raptor Center, and Burgess Bauder, DVM.
    Clement is now ready for anything — zombie apocalypse, restraining an eagle or offering a definition of cryptorchidism in dogs, which is when a testes doesn’t descend.
    The senior biology major hopes to become a veterinarian, which is why he spent 60 hours each week during the summer interning with the Animal Sitka Hospital, helping veterinarian Bauder Burgess and volunteering at the Alaska Raptor Center, which rehabilitates sick and injured birds of prey. Each experience offered him a little something different. He learned about customer service, new diagnostic techniques and how to work with wild animals.
    While he would like to be a veterinarian who donates time to treating animals in rural parts of Alaska, Clement said he also wants a private practice to earn a little income.
    “I want to be an advocate of animals, ultimately,” he said. “But I also want to raise a family.”
    Clement didn’t get to see much of his family in Sitka, however, due to his full schedule.
    “I did see my mom when she brought in our cat to the Sitka Animal Hospital,” he said laughing.
    As far as zombies, he organizes the game UAF Humans vs. Zombies, but said his real focus in life is on the living — especially if they’re furry.
    Clement is the son of Lori Demello and Sean Demello. He is a 2011 Sitka High graduate.
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    Meghan Murphy is the public information officer and recruitment coordinator for the University of Alaska’s College of Natural Science and Mathematics.

    ‘Genius of Marian’
    Slated to Show
    Brave Heart Volunteers and Southeast Alaska Independent Living will co-host a viewing and discussion of “The Genius of Marian” Oct. 7.
    ‘‘It’s an extraordinary film that explores the heartbreak of Alzheimer’s disease, the power of art and the meaning of family,’’ a press release said.
    The 90-minute film will be shown at the Pioneers Home Manager’s House, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7. There will be free popcorn and a $5 suggested donation.
    The PBS documentary film follows Pam White in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, as her son, the filmmaker, documents her struggle to maintain a sense of self. The film balances the steady loss and intensifying anguish that follow in the path of Alzheimer’s disease while also speaking to the deep human bonds that give people the strength to care for their loved ones.
    “The Genius of Marian inspires its audience – including physicians, students, caregivers and families – to consider what providing care really means. The film is a true inspiration, restoring what it means to be human in the face of disease,” said James Noble, M.D., assistant professor of clinical neurology, Columbia University Medical Center president.
    The film is also available for viewing at www.pbs.org/pov/geniusofmarian/ until Oct. 8.
    For further information, contact Krisanne Rice at BHV, 747-4600, or Dave Nuetzel at SAIL, 747-6859.

    FASD Group
    To Meet Tonight
    The FASD Community Support Group will meet 6 p.m. tonight at the Sitka Pioneers Home Manager’s House.
    Anyone interested in supporting children or adults living with a fetal alcohol condition is welcome to attend.
    Call for more informaiton to 747-7978.

    Bake Sale Set
    For Bagpipers
    A bake sale to support the Seattle Bagpipers’ trip to Sitka for the Alaska Day Festival celebration will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Wells Fargo lobby.

    Museum Sets Sale,
    Reception Oct. 11
    Sheldon Jackson Museum will have an Alaska Day reception and sale Oct. 11.
    The sale will be 25 percent off all Alaska Native Art. Those who become a supporter of the Sheldon Jackson Museum will receive an extra 15 percent off. The sale does not include stationery items, books, or consigned art work.
    Admission to the museum is free. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 747-6233 for more information.

     Enrollment Drive
    Ahead for STA
    Sitka Tribe of Alaska will hold a Rock the Vote/Tribal Citizen enrollment update and pilot bread topping contest noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Sheet’ka Kwáan Naa Kahídi.
    A registrar will be available to register residents in time to vote in the Nov. 4 general election. To register, applicants must present a photo I.D. The STA enrollment manager will have enrollment information update forms.
    Attendees are invited to take their favorite pilot bread toppings, enough to share and enter in the topping contest.  STA will provide the pilot bread; the winning topping will be judged by those attending the event.
    ‘‘The community is invited to join in – come register to vote, look over your enrollment information, enter the contest, and celebrate our ability to vote,’’ STA said. For further information, contact Sitka Tribe of Alaska, 747-3207.



    Pumpkin Patch
    Event Oct. 25
    The 3 to 5 Preschool will host its second annual Pumpkin Patch 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 25 on the SJ Campus.
    The event will include pumpkin-rolling races, hay rides, face painting, photo booth and carnival games for young children. Tamales, pancit and baked goods will be on sale.

    Teens Invited to
    Spanish Class
    Teens are invited to register for a free Spanish language conversation class at Kettleson Memorial Library. The class will take place every other Tuesday at 3 p.m., starting on Oct. 7.
    Free one-on-one Spanish tutoring for teens will also be available 6-7 p.m. on Thursdays, only by appointment. Those interested can call at 747-4022.

Youth Adventure
Club with SAIL
Southeast Alaska Independent Living invites students in grades 2-8 to join an afternoon scavenger hunt at Halibut Point Recreation Area 3:30-5 p.m. Oct. 8.
The activity is open to children of all ability levels. Pickup is available from school. The cost is $10. Contact Bridget for more information and to RSVP at 747-6859.

Fair Trade Fair
Oct. 11 at Church
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church will have its 10th annual Fair Trade Fair sale 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 11.
Items from all around the world will be on sale. Proceeds from the sale are given to organizations in Sitka and statewide.
‘‘This is a great opportunity to come purchase Christmas gifts and to give the gift of giving locally and globally,’’ the church said.

Community Hospital
Foundation on Tap
The Sitka Community Hospital Foundation will hold its quarterly meeting noon Monday, Oct. 6, in the hospital classroom.
Lunch is included and may be picked up at the Bistro. The agenda will include introduction of the new hospital CEO, Jeff Comer.
The group will discuss fundraising, sponsorship in the Sitka Health Summit and the Park Prescription program. All are invited to attend. Those with questions can contact President Ann Wilkinson at 747-2707.

Breast Cancer Awareness
Month Observed in Sitka
Breast Cancer
Awareness Month
To be Observed
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an international health campaign that takes place every October.
The awareness campaign is represented by the color pink – from pink ribbons, to pink uniforms of professional sports teams to communities and businesses lighting up the night with pink lights.
Breast cancer awareness is about much more than the color pink – it is a way to increase awareness of the disease, educate women on early detection methods such as mammograms, and offer information and support to those affected by breast cancer.
 ‘‘All women are at risk for breast cancer – it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death (after lung cancer) among Alaskan women,’’ Southeast Aalska Regional Health Consortium said. ‘‘Early detection of breast cancer through regular screening increases the chances of long-term survival, and SEARHC is encouraging women who are due for their mammogram to contact their local clinic and make an appointment with their provider.’’
The SEARHC WISEWOMAN Women’s Health Program provides free clinical breast exams, mammograms, Pap tests and cardiovascular screenings for all women ages 40 and older who meet certain guidelines.

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