May 12, 2015 Community Happenings

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Category: News

Created on Tuesday, 12 May 2015 09:29

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Pacific High Sets

Commencement

Pacific High School will hold its graduation ceremony 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi.

Graduates should arrive no later than 6:30 p.m. A potluck dinner will follow the ceremony. All family, friends and alumni are welcome to attend and asked to take finger food items for the potluck. For further information, contact PHS at 747-0525.

Graduates are Brendan Didrickson, Nickolas Enloe, Jenny Jeter, Dominique Smith and Nikia Valley.

PHS BBQ Set

For May 27

Pacific High School is having its annual barbecue 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 27.

All family, friends and alumni are invited to attend to say farewell to Phil Burdick and Sarah Ferrency, who will start their new positions in the Sitka School District. 

‘‘No need to bring anything, just your good self and an appetite,’’ PHS said. 

Sitkan Earns

Master’s Degree

Misty Leccese graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in December 2014 with a master of education.

She currently teaches seventh grade geography and eighth grade U.S. history, coached junior high volleyball and led junior high student council for the Nome School District this year.

In May 2013, Lecesse earned a bachelor of arts degree from UAF, with a major in history and minor in northern studies, and received her teaching certification shortly thereafter.

She is the daughter of Michael and Klaudia Leccese of Sitka, and granddaughter of Al and Signe Wilson of Sitka, Kent and Lou Adams of Olympia, Wash., and Frank and Rita Leccese of Phoenixville, Pa.

She makes her home in Nome with her two huskies, Lady and Benson.

Motorists Alerted:

Triathlon May 16

Motorists are being reminded to be cautious and watch for runners from Blatchley Middle School to Japonski Island and cyclists on Halibut Point Road during the Julie Hughes Triathlon 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 16.

The community event, in its 31st year, is being sponsored by the Baranof Barracuda Swim Club. For more information contact Kevin Knox at 738-4664.

Hospital’s Citizen

Survey Available

Sitka Community Hospital’s citizen survey is available through May.

Residents can access the nine-question survey by going to www.sitkahospital.org or by filling out a paper copy. 

Blank hard copies can be picked up and dropped off at: Kettleson Memorial Library, Swan Lake Senior Center, Mountainside Family Health Care, Oceanside Therapy Center and at the front desk of Sitka Community Hospital. For more information contact Doug Osborne at 747-0373.

Hike Set May 16

Deborah Lyons of Sitka Trail Works will lead a free hike on the Starrigavan Trails 9 a.m. Saturday, May 16.

Hikers should meet at the Old Sitka State Park parking lot for a three-mile walk. Lyons has knowledge of the plants, animals and history of the area.

For more information call Sitka Trail Works at 747-7244.

Subsistence Regs

Books Ready

The April 1, 2015, to March 31, 2017, federal subsistence fish and shellfish regulations book is now available online at http://www.doi.gov/subsistence/regulation/fish_shell/index.cfm.

The book contains the federal subsistence seasons, customary and traditional use determinations, harvest limits, permit requirements, and methods of taking fish and shellfish from federal public waters in Alaska. Printed copies are scheduled for delivery within two weeks and may be picked up at federal land management offices and vendors. In addition, copies may be requested by contacting the Office of Subsistence Management at (800) 478-1456, (907) 786-3888 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Slayers Compete

At State Meet

The Sitka Sound Slayers will travel to Palmer May 16-17 to compete in the United We Roll State Roller Derby Championships.

The Slayers are undefeated this season, and ranked second in the state.

The event will be at the MTA Events Center. Doors open at 5 p.m. For ticket information go to denalidestroyers.org.

Dog Obedience,

Agility May 19

UAS-Sitka Campus will offer two classes for dogs and their owners. Dog Agility and Obedience will be offered concurrently, 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays from May 19 through June 23.

Depending on the age and previous training of the dog, students may select either the obedience skills or the agility activities during the class time. If the class warrants it, the instructors may divide the students into two separate groups, focused on either agility or obedience.

The class is taught by Susan and Karen Royce. The agility segment is designed for dogs at least six months of age who have had either a puppy kindergarten class or a basic obedience class (or the approval of the instructors).

“It builds confidence in your dog, builds your relationship with your dog, is great mental and physical exercise for your dog and you, and is a total blast,” the instructors said. 

The specific activities taught in the class include: jumping, tunneling, retrieving, “pause” board and weave poles.

The Dog Obedience segment teaches basic good manners: obedience to “sit, stay, and come” commands, plus games for fun, “tricks” for alleviating boredom, and what to do about separation anxiety.

The cost of the class is $100. Students can sign up at the UAS front desk. For more information contact UAS at 747-7700.

SHS Graduate

To Intern With

Sen. Murkowski

Sen. Lisa Murkowski has announced the names of her first session of summer interns who will work in her Washington, D.C., office beginning next month. Anthony Lekanof of Sitka is among nine high school graduates who will participate in the operations of her Senate office and get an up-close view of the legislative process.

The session will run June 1-June 26.

“These interns bring such a fresh perspective on various issues and great energy levels to my team. I truly enjoy having interns in my office, and my staff and I greatly appreciate their contributions,” said Murkowski. “When I think back about the lessons I learned as an intern in Ted Stevens’ office, and what it showed me about the importance of public service, it’s exciting to give these young Alaskans the chance to have the same experience.”

Murkowski’s summer interns are recent high school graduates who assist in the office’s day-to-day clerical and administrative tasks such as directing mail, interacting with Alaska visitors and assisting staff with policy-related research projects. Two interns “shadow” Sen. Murkowski in her daily work around the capitol in order to obtain a first-hand view of the senator at work.

Photo Exhibit at

Sitka Museum

The Sitka Historical Society has opened its latest exhibit, ‘‘The Sitka Photo Shop Studio: Picturing Our Past.’’

The exhibit explores the photographic legacy left by the Sitka Photo Shop Studio. Much more than a place for tourists and locals alike to get their film developed, the Studio, which operated from 1924 to 1972, boasted the largest collection of postcards and photos for sale in Alaska. The exhibit delves into the history of the studio and displays many of the striking images that chronicle the people, buildings, history, and ever-changing landscape of Sitka.    

A collaborative effort, the exhibit includes the contributions of Ruth Culp, Jim Dangel and Walter Dangel – all family members of Photo Shop Studio owner Luella Smith. The Fishermen’s Eye Gallery, Holland America Line, and House of Liquor each sponsored themed galleries designed to tell stories of Sitka’s past through images of the Photo Shop Studio. Teal West hosted the grand opening event for the exhibit at Homeport Eatery, location of the former Photo Shop Studio, while local photographer, William Greer, took old-time photos of guests. 

The event also premiered a new documentary, “Stories of a Strong Family,” produced specifically for the exhibit. Directed by Owen Kindig, produced by Kristy Griffin and edited by Arthur Parker, the film brings the history of the Photo Shop Studio to life as family members share their memories of Luella Smith. The film will run in the museum daily throughout the exhibit. 

The exhibit was conceived by Curator of Collections and Exhibits Kristy Griffin, designed and curated by Griffin and Rosemary Carlton, and produced by an exhibitions team comprised of SHS Inc. Board members, museum staff, volunteers and interns.

The first gallery introduces the history of the Photo Shop Studio in Sitka and includes numerous artifacts and antique cameras donated to the museum by Luella Smith’s son-in-law Walter Dangel. Other highlights include a gallery that glimpses into the rich history of tourism to Sitka; a gallery that highlights the importance of fishing to Southeast Alaska; and a gallery that captures the changing face of downtown Sitka, including select images from the Shop’s well-known annual series of photos of Sitka taken from Mt. Verstovia.

This is the final exhibit the Sitka Historical Society and Museum will produce before closing in preparation for renovations to Centennial Hall. While the new SHS Museum is under construction, staff will be busy designing all new exhibits which will open in 2017. 

ANS to Meet

Tonight at ANB

Alaska Native Sisterhood Camp 4 will meet 6:30 p.m. tonight at the ANB Founders Hall.

Bike Ride, Cookout

Slated for May 23

Those looking for an excuse to hop on a bike and celebrate springtime are invited to join the Sitka Conservation Society and the Sitka Bicycle Friendly Community Coalition for a community bike ride and cookout on Saturday, May 23.

Participants should meet outside the hall at 3 p.m. with their bikes (decorations encouraged). Bikers will ride a short kid-friendly loop around downtown and then bike out to the Halibut Point Recreation Area around 3:45 p.m. for a cookout. Prizes will be awarded for best decorated bikes. Bike maintenance specialists will be available to assist cyclists 1:30-3 p.m. outside  Centennial Hall. For more information contact the Sitka Conservation Society at 747-7509 

Teleconference on

Alzheimer’s Set

The Alzheimer’s Association willhost “Alzheimer’s in Alaska – we’re here to help,” a teleconference discussing the impact of Alzheimer’s on Alaska and ways the Alzheimer’s Association can help those affected by the disease, on Tuesday, May 19.

To learn more and register, call 1-800-272-3900. 

Athabascan

Beading Taught

The Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum announce Athabascan artist Sarah Williams will teach a free beading class at the Sheldon Jackson Museum.

Students will bead a barrette over the course of four classes. Students should attend all four sessions 11 a.m.-noon and 1-2 p.m. May 30, 31, June 6 and 7.

The class is free, but space is limited, and students must take some materials. Call 747-8981 to register and to get the materials list. 

Williams is teaching Athabascan beading as part of her time as an artist in residence in the Sheldon Jackson Museum’s Native Artist Residency Program. Williams was selected for a 12-day mini residency at the Sheldon Jackson Museum May 27-June 7. In addition to the class, Williams will give a residency recap talk 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 6. The public is invited to attend. 

Benefit Dinner for

Barracudas May 17 

The Baranof Barracuda Swim Club is having a fundraising dinner at Dove Island Lodge May 17.

A five-course meal will be served.  Tickets are $125 each, and all funds raised go to help the BBSC.  Call 738-2491 for more information and to get your seats.

Only Fools Run

Changes Hands

Southeast Alaska Independent Living Inc., the organization behind Only Fools Run at Midnight, is passing the reins to Public Media.

SAIL has organized the race to run simultaneously in Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka for over a decade. This year SAIL will help organize the races with KTOO in Juneau, Raven Radio in Sitka and KRBD in Ketchikan. Proceeds will be shared among the organizations during this transition year.

In Sitka the race will be 11:59 p.m. June 20.

“It was a challenging decision for us. The race is so much fun and we love putting it on,’’ said Joan O’Keefe, SAIL executive director. ‘‘Ultimately though, we decided that we wanted to focus our efforts and staff time on our mission: Inspiring Personal Independence for seniors and people with disabilities living in Southeast Alaska. . We are excited to pass the torch to Public Media and help with the transition this year.”

SAIL is a Center for Independent Living and an Aging and Disability Resource Center serving People with Disabilities of all ages and seniors throughout Southeast Alaska. It has offices in Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka and Haines.

“We think this is a perfect fit for the Public Radio stations,’’ said Mollie Kabler, executive director of CoastAlaska Inc. ‘‘The race will allow us to connect with our listeners and supporters through a fun and creative community event. We are thankful to the SAIL Board for choosing us and are looking forward to organizing the event.”

CoastAlaska supports and provides resources for public broadcasting organizations throughout the state. In Southeast, Raven Radio, KTOO and KRBD are all members of the Coast family of stations.

Those who are interested in donating to support the event can contact Justin at CoastAlaska: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , 463-6422.

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