February 20, 2015 Community Happenings

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Category: News

Created on Friday, 20 February 2015 11:21

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Card of Thanks

Thank you so very much for coming to help us during our mother’s (Agnes F. Johnson) illness.

There are many to be thanked. Father Michael came at any hour to pray with our mother. Our mom was very much cared for day and night by hospital staff. Thank you, SEARHC medical staff doctors, nurses and CNAs.

To our clan leaders, thank you so much for coming to sit with us, before and after Mom’s passing. Thank you to everyone who brought food while we were at the hospital with our mom and after, also. Thank you to all who helped our family with airline miles to get brothers home, before mom left.

Thank you so much to ANB and ANS for use of the hall. Your words of comfort means a lot. Thank you to everyone who traveled to Sitka to be with us. It was very much appreciated.

Cheryl and family,

Josephine and family,

Joe Jr. and family,

Everett and family,

Henry Sr. and family,

Norman and family,

Mike and Jake

Karate to Register

Registration for karate classes with Sensi Stevens is available at Community Schools.

Classes are 5:45-6:45 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, March 2 through April 6, at the Keet Gooshi Heen multipurpose room. The cost is $75.

For more information contact Community Schools at 747-8670.

Quilt Trunk Show

Slated Tonight

National quilt teacher Rob Appell will be in Sitka this weekend to teach quilt classes and for a free trunk show.

The trunk show, originally scheduled for tonight, has been moved to Friday due to plane delays. He will show his many landscape quilts 5:30 p.m. Friday at the NSRAA building. The public is invited.

Following the show, at 6 p.m., Appell will teach “Sewing Machine Tips and Tricks” at the NSRAA building. Cost of the class is $10, payable at the door. Sewing machines should be taken. 

He will instruct his ‘‘Endangered Species’’ quilt 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21. Quilt kits are available at Abby’s Reflection.  The cost of the eight-hour class is $50.

On Sunday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., quilters will learn how to make Appell’s ‘‘Dolphin Dance’’ quilt.  The beginner’s quilt uses a focal, novelty  fabric along with five coordinating ones. The fabric does not need to be dolphins. The class will be held at NSRAA and is $50.

Experienced and beginning quilters are invited to sign up for classes at Abby’s Reflection.

SCVB Board Meets

The Sitka Convention and Visitors Bureau board of directors will meet 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Centennial Hall. Those with questions can be directed to the SCVB, 747-5940, or emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Unitarians Gather

In observance of Presidents Day, Denton Pearson will present a program Sunday on Unitarian/Universalist presidents in the United States.

Fellowship begins at 10:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 10:45. A children’s program is provided. Soup and bread will follow the program at noon. The Fellowship Hall is located at 408 Marine Street, with parking behind off Spruce Street.

ANB to Meet

Alaska Native Brotherhood Camp 1 will meet 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, at the ANB Founders Hall.

All members are being encouraged to attend. Call Harriet, 738-3470, with questions.

18 Businesses, Groups

Receive ‘Green’ Awards

Eighteen Sitka businesses, organizations and agencies today were awarded the 2015 “Sitka Green Business Award” for green business practices by the Sitka Global Warming Group.

This year, 13 of those businesses received the highest recognition, the Platinum level award. Three businesses received a Gold level award and one business received a Silver level award.

The City of Sitka electric department received this year’s Special Recognition award for the expansion of the Blue Lake hydroelectric dam.

SGWG/SS started the program in the fall of 2009 to recognize, encourage and thank local businesses, organizations and others that are doing positive things for the environment and Sitka’s economy. They recognized that many Sitka businesses are engaged in practices such as carpooling, recycling, composting, installing bike racks, re-using items, and energy conservation. These and other positive, “green” actions benefit the environment, save money and increase the community’s sustainability and resilience.

The awards recognize leadership in sustainability in the business community. Since the program started, 174 awards have been presented.

The 2015 award winners by category are:

–Platinum (15-plus green practices)

Alaska Computer Center: ALFA - Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association; AMSEA-Alaska Marine Safety Education Association; Aurora Business Supply; City of Sitka Facilities Department; Daily Sitka Sentinel; Down to Earth U-pick Garden; Petro Marine Services; Shelter Cove Publishing; Sitka Food Co-op; the Back Door Cafe; U.S. Forest Service-Sitka Office; and White’s and Harry Race pharmacies.

–Gold (10 to 14 green practices): CBC Construction; Stereo North; and Youth Advocates of Sitka.

–Silver (five to nine green practices): Sitka Salmon Shares.

–Special Recognition: City of Sitka electric department for the Blue Lake hydroelectric expansion.

“We recognize and appreciate these award-winning businesses and their contribution to the sustainability of our community. The way they do their work supports Sitka in an environmental, financial, and social sense,” said Michelle Putz, coordinator for the awards and SGWG leader. “We hope these awards continue to support our businesses and sustainability in Sitka. We also recognize and thank the employees at these businesses since they are the people who often implement these green actions.”

Putz encourages the community to support these businesses, organizations, and others that support Sitka.

Businesses and others earn awards based on implementing simple and complex green practices. SGWG’s current nomination form has 35 “best management” practices that are used to determine the green business awards.

The list is based on the activities many Sitka businesses are already doing to support community and reduce their impact on the environment. The most recent additions to the list recognize larger efforts such as upgrading building energy efficiency and “right sizing” the business’ vehicle fleet (reducing vehicle numbers, and using smaller, more efficient vehicles). 

The more actions a business implements the higher their award level, Putz said.

Businesses that are recognized receive a “2015 Sitka Green Business Award” certificate that can be displayed in the business’s windows or check out counter to identify it as a green business. Green businesses are also listed on the SGWG website at www.sitkaglobalwarming.org (at Green Businesses from the Contents bar).

“It has been exciting over the years to walk around town and see the certificates displayed proudly,” Putz said. “We hope that our green business website brings some much-deserved recognition and business to our award winners.” 

The City of Sitka electric department and their Blue Lake hydroelectric dam expansion was recognized for fulfilling the goal of community and environmental support by providing Sitkans with a a substantial increase in fish-friendly hydroelectricity. The Blue Lake Dam was expanded by 83 feet and now provides approximately 27 percent more electricity for Sitka.

“Sitka is incredibly lucky to have ‘renewable’ energy with essentially no carbon footprint,’’ Putz said. ‘‘The increased electric capacity creates more opportunities for business growth and expanded use of electric vehicles in Sitka. And it puts Sitka at the forefront of efforts to move toward energy independence and climate stability. This project contributes to the sustainability and resilience not only of our community, but also serves as a model for Alaska and the U.S.”

Nominations to recognize other Sitka businesses will still be considered for a second round of 2015 awards in the spring. SGWG said it will take nominations through email for additional awards, either from businesses themselves or from customers. Instructions to nominate a business, agency, organization or other group can be found on the SGWG website at www.sitkaglobalwarming.org. 

Tlingit and Haida

Group to Meet

The Sitka Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska will meet 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the ANB Founders Hall, upstairs.

The group will be accepting resolutions for Tlingit and Haida general assembly. For more information call Harriet at 738-3470.

ArtiGras Events Posted

Greater Sitka Arts Council has announced its ArtiGras events to begin Feb. 27.

–Friday, Feb. 27: Sign up to create a 48-hour film, 5-7 p.m., 713-B Sawmill Creek Road, call Van 738-1074; and Jen, Peter and Joe concert at the Loft, 7 p.m., tickets $10 at Old Harbor Books, call Ted at 738-5483 with questions.

–Monday, March 2: Acoustic Jam Session with Ted, 7 p.m., the Loft, donations for Hall rental accepted; and deadline to submit films for 48-hour film festival, 5-7 p.m., 713 B Sawmill Creek Road, information call Van at 738-1074.

–Wednesday, March 4: Everyone Can Compost, 6:30-8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall, 408 Marine Street, call Michelle at 747-2708 for information.

–Saturday, March 7: Wearable Arts Runway Show and Extravaganza, 3 and 7 p.m., Harrigan Centennial Hall, tickets $15 at Old Harbor Books and door; Fireweed Dance performance, 7 p.m., Sitka Performing Arts Center, tickets at Old Harbor Books, door and from dancers; Cake Baking and Decorating Workshop, 11a.m.-1 p.m., Community Kitch at Presbyterian Church, $80 includes materials, call Sarah to enroll at 738-5234 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ;   Carved Block Wall Art Workshop, 12:30-3:30 p.m., Blatchley Middle School art room, $60 includes materials, call Sarah to enroll at 738-5234 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; Fruit Tree Pruning Basics Workshop, 10 a.m., St. Peter’s Fellowship Farm, call Michelle at 747-2708.

–Sunday, March 8: Cake Baking and Decorating Workshop, 3-5:30 p.m., Community Kitch at Presbyterian Church, $80 includes materials, call Sarah to enroll 738-5234 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; Carved Block Wall Art Workshop, 12:30-4:30 p.m., Blatchley Middle School art room, $60 includes materials, call Sarah to enroll at 738-5234 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

–Monday, March 9: Acoustic Jam Session with Ted, 7 p.m., the Loft, donations for hall rental accepted.

–Wednesday, March 11: 48-hour Film Festival entries will be shown at 6:30 p.m. at Coliseum Theater.

–Friday, March 13: Art Walk, 5-8 p.m., at multiple galleries; Art Aerobics, 7 p.m., Yaw Building on SJ Campus, call Suzan at 747-3183; Arti-Gras Burlesque Review, 10 p.m. at the Pub, tickets $15 at the Pub.

–Saturday, March 14: Singer/Songwriter Grind, 7 p.m., Community House, tickets $5 at Old Harbor Books.

GSAC is supported by the city and Borough of Sitka, Alaska State Council on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, Sitka Alaska Permanent Charitable Trust, the Crossett Foundation, Greater Sitka Legacy Fund, the Alaska Community Foundation and members.

More information about ArtiGras is at www.ThinkArtThinkSitka.com.

3-D Wall Art

Workshop Set

A 3-dimensional wall art workshop will be held 12:30-4:30 p.m. March 7 and 8 in the Blatchley Middle School art room.

Participants will design, carve and paint a linoleum block to take home.  The cost is $60, which includes materials. Payment should be mailed to instructor Cara Jane Murray, P.O. Box 564, Sitka. To enroll, call 738-5234 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Cake Decorating

Workshop Registers

Greater Sitka Arts Council will present a cake decorating workshop, taught by cake artist Allison Bayne, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. March 7 and 3-5:30 p.m. March 8 at theCommunity Kitch at the Presbyterian Church.

The cost is $50 plus a $30 materials fee. Payment should be send to P.O. Box 564. For more information call Sarah at 738-5234 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Library Panel

Meets March 4

The City and Borough of Sitka Library Commission will meet 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, on the second floor of the Stratton location of Kettleson Memorial Library.

The public is welcome to attend.  Agenda items are expected to include discussions of library programming; budget planning for 2016; and progress on the library expansion project.  For further information, call Robb Farmer at 747-8708. 

Flora of Southeast Alaska class will be a “hybrid”

A new biology class by UAS-Sitka Campus associate professor Kitty LaBounty will itself be a “hybrid.”

The DNA of most traditional botany classes is to gather students around a table of samples and look at them in a face-to-face classroom setting. By offering ‘‘Flora of Southeast Alaska’’ as both a local and distance class, students from anywhere can get up to speed on how to identify the common native trees, shrubs and herbs of Southeast and Southcentral Alaska, UAS said in a news release. Local students can participate in the lectures on campus, while students across Alaska can see the imagery online and hear the lectures either live or via digital recording.

The one-credit seven-week workshop will focus on identifying of common species and attaining an understanding of their place in the ecosystem of Southeast Alaska. Students will discover how these plants interact with other plants and animals, and how humans use these plants for food, fuel, medicine, or simply enjoyment.

In addition to illustrated weekly lectures, there will be written exercises and “check for understanding” activities.

The class is available to any student without pre-requisites. It does not count as credit toward a biology major at UAS.

LaBounty brings her lifelong passion as a gardener and scientist to this topic, along with more than 25 years experience working on plant identification for state, federal and non-profit agencies in Alaska.

The class will meet 5:30-7 p.m. Thursdays, March 5 to April 30. The cost is $187 for local students and $227 for eLearning (distance) students.

For more information contact  LaBounty at UAS. 747-9432. To register call 747-7700.

‘Chasing Ice’

Film to Show

The Sitka Conservation Society and the Island Institute will screen ‘‘Chasing Ice,’’ a documentary film about climate change in the Arctic.

National Geographic photographer James Balog documents melting Arctic sea ice and gathers scientific evidence about our changing planet.

The film screening will be 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at the Larkspur Cafe. For more information contact the Sitka Conservation Society at 747-7509 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SAFV to Honor

4 Women at

Annual Event

Sitkans Against Family Violence announces the 18th Annual Honoring Women Dinner and Silent Auction, scheduled 6 p.m. April 18, at Centenial Hall. 

This year’s honorees are Alice Johnstone, Harriet Beleal, Joann Torgeson and Nancy Douglas. They will be recognized for their dedicated work to enrich our community, either as volunteers or professionals. 

“Like every year, the selection committee had a challenging time, choosing just four women out of nine fabulous nominees,” said Vicki D’Amico, SAFV’s executive director. “But on the flip side, it’s gratifying to know that we have so many outstanding, strong women in Sitka. We look forward to this celebration and warmly invite you to help us uplift these women.” 

The event offers a catered dinner, no-host bar, entertainment, slide show of the honorees, award ceremony, and silent auction. Tickets will be available at Old Harbor Books and SAFV. For more information, call 747-3370. 

Australian Writer to End

Residency with a Reading

Australian writers Carol Birrell and Jesse Blackadder have spent the last month in Sitka, and will celebrate with a culminating event on Monday evening at Kettleson Memorial Library. 

Peter Bradley, director of the Island Institute, said that Birrell and Blackadder have been enthusiastic writers in residence for their month.

“They’ve given workshops to adults and kids, visited schools, student writing groups and after school centers, joined a local adult writing group, spoken on Raven Radio, gone searching for marine debris, worked on their own writing and – along with their mascot Crikey the Kangaroo – kicked up their heels and enjoyed the Sitka way of life,” he said. “We’re delighted to host a final reading for Carol and Jesse in which they’ll share work from their previous books and articles, and their current works in progress.” 

On Valentine’s Day, 17 local kids from grades two through five joined the artists for an afternoon of creativity. 

Hosted by the Institute’s youth Sitka Story Lab in the Yaw Chapel, the “Whale Dreams” workshop shared stories of Migaloo, the famous albino humpback whale that migrates along the east coast of Australia. Participants drew, painted, sang, danced and wrote stories, focusing on what might happen if Migaloo arrived in Sitka. Crikey, the inflatable kangaroo who has been making appearances around Sitka, helped out on the day by teaching kids Australian greetings and farewells. 

“We heard such great stories on the day from the local kids and we loved how they shared their writing and art with each other as well as us,” Birrell said. 

The two writers will give a final reading to finish their residency on Monday, Feb. 23, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Kettleson Memorial Library. All are welcome. Blackadder’s adult and children’s books will be for sale.

More information about the Island Institute and the Sitka Story Lab is available at www.iialaska.org or by calling 747-3794. The Island Institute thanks supporters for making the visit possible. Funding for the Resident Fellows Program comes through individual donations along with support from the Alaska State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Crossett Fund. 

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