December 31, 2014 Community Happenings
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- Category: News
- Created on Wednesday, 31 December 2014 10:34
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White E Closure
The White Elephant Shop will be closed in New Year’s Day. It will reopen Saturday, noon-3 p.m.
Films Presented
Two free short films will be presented 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, at TLC, 1547 Sawmill Creek Road.
“Captured By Grace” is Louis Zamperini’s “Unbroken” story in his own words, and “The Knight’s Code” is about army chaplains in the current war in the Sudan.
Call Dug Jensen, Calvary Chapel Sitka, at 747-5454 with any questions.
Benefit Listed for
Van Winkle Family
The Larkspur Cafe is hosting a benefit for Kirk Van Winkle and family 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, featuring live music by Belly Meat.
Van Winkle has undergone surgery at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle.
Money raised will help with medical bills, hotel expenses and to help keep their business running in their absence.
On Dean’s List
Bethany Lowrance received academic honors from Arizona State University, Tempe, by making the university’s dean’s list for the spring 2014 semester.
Undergraduate students who earn 12 or more graded semester hours during a semester in residence at ASU with a GPA of 3.50 or higher are eligible.
She is the daughter of Jon and Mindy Lowrance of Sitka.
Pick.Click.Give
To Sitka Nonprofits
Sitkans are being asked to support one or more of Sitka’s listed nonprofit organizations through the Pick.Click.Give program when applying for a Permanent Fund Dividend.
Donations are tax-free. Applicants can pick their favorite non-profit from the list at PickClickGive.org, click on their name after applying for a PFD, and give to any of the 22 organizations that make Sitka the best place to be.
For more information including a list of nonprofits, check out PickClickGive.org.
STA Health
Panel to Meet
The STA Health Committee is scheduled to meet noon-1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at the STA Social Services building, 110 American St. Lunch will be provided.
Community members wanting to join the STA Health Committee are being asked to contact STA Social Services at 747-7293.
Writers Read
Event Jan. 6
Writers Read, a free performance by local writers who read their original literary art, will be 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, at the Yaw Chapel for a Writers Read featuring Zeke Blackwell, Ben Clark, Zack Desmond and Rick Petersen.
Writers Read is open to the public and free, although donations are appreciated. Contact Brooke at 738-1017 with questions.
Aerobics, Strength
Training Taught
Sitka Physical Therapy’s Jessica Pyatt will present an aerobic and strength training 101 class 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, at the Hames Center.
All are invited to learn how to best use the fitness equipment and begin a tailored workout regime. The event is free with new memberships purchased starting Dec. 25.
For more information check out www.hamescenter.org or call 747-5080 for more information and to reserve a spot.
BHV Volunteer
Training Jan. 10
All are invited to join the Brave Heart Volunteers family by attending an orientation training 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Pioneers Home recreation room kitchen.
Sitkans living in isolation, with a chronic illness, and with grief and bereavement are looking for companions to spend an hour or two a week with to read, play games, go for a drive, attend a community event, go out for tea or coffee, chat or join with others in a small group social setting.
The BHV orientation meets requirements for volunteering at the Sitka Pioneers Home and Brave Heart Volunteers.
Participants are provided with support, ongoing training opportunities, social connections with other volunteers, and rewarding friendships, BHV said. Time commitments vary and are matched with an individual’s availability. Individuals and families are needed.
For further details, call Brave Heart Volunteers at 747-4600, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or stop by the Pioneers Home Manager’s House between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Family Fun Day
Listed for Sunday
The Hames Center will host a family fun day event 3-5 p.m. Jan. 4. It will include toys, games, bouncy castle, bouncy house and climbing wall.
Adults and children are invited. With each adult pass purchased, a youth will be admitted free of charge.
Check out www.hamescenter.org for more information.
Lend A Friend
Program Sparked
Ten paper friends are awaiting children of elementary age to take them home from Kettleson Memorial Library.
Lend a Friend is a new independent learning program for children of elementary age. Children can keep the paper friend home for a week and they are expected to share and journal adventures with them.
For more information, call the library at 747-8708.
Kenwa Kai Karate
Slated to Register
Sitka Community Schools announces preregistration for returning students to Kenwa Kai Karate of Sitka with Sensei Laurinda Marcello 5-7 p.m. Jan. 7 in the BMS commons. The cost is $125.
Sessions are Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 12-March 9. Beginners meet 5:45-6:30 p.m. and advanced members meet 6:45-7:30 p.m.
STA CCT Meets
The Sitka Tribe of Alaska’s Cultural, Customary and Traditional Committee will meet noon Tuesday, Jan. 6, in the STA Resource Protection Department Office at 429 Katlian St.
A light lunch will be provided. The public is invited to attend.
STA is encouraging its tribal citizen to serve on the CC&T Committee. Those who have questions regarding the meeting or becoming a member of the CC&T Committee contact Resource Protection Director Jeff Feldpausch at 747-7469.
NAMI Seeking
Peer Volunteers
NAMI Alaska is seeking peers, family members, foster parents and caregivers who have experience caring for a loved one living with mental illness to be trained to teach the nationally recognized NAMI Family to Family course.
NAMI Alaska is focusing on recruiting at least three persons to participate in the training in the communities of Sitka, Bethel, Kenai Peninsula and greater Fairbanks area. Training will take place Friday, Jan. 23, to Sunday, Jan. 25, in Anchorage. Financial aid is available for travel and lodging. The registration deadline is Jan. 8 by contacting NAMI at 907-463-4251 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more.
NAMI Family to Family is a free 12-week course that offers essential information on mental illness including diagnoses, treatment options, as well as mutual support and strategies for care and selfcare.
The free training is NAMI certified, giving participants the skills to teach Family to Family to help other family members and caregivers who are facing similar challenges.
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20 YEARS AGO
December 2004
Photo caption: David Voluck reads a blessing while lighting a menorah during a community gathering observing the eight-day Chanukah festival. Honored speakers included Woody Widmark, STA president, and Assembly member Al Duncan.
50 YEARS AGO
December 1974
From On the Go: More college students home for the holidays – Bill and Isabella Brady have a houseful. Ralph is here from the Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute, along with his fiancee Grace Gillian; Louise is here from the University of New Mexico, and Jennifer, who’s working with IEA in Anchorage is home with her fiance Lance Ware.