January 26, 2016 Community Happenings

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Created on Tuesday, 26 January 2016 10:06

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Author to Launch

Book in Sitka

Author Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock, a third generation Alaskan and former Sitkan, has written her first novel, a young adult book, ‘‘The Smell of Other People’s Houses.’’ A book launch event will be 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at Old Harbor Books.

The book is a coming-of-age story set on the edge of America and written from varying perspectives. The story explores the mysteries of heart. 

Growing up in Fairbanks in the 1970s is anything but easy, and Hitchcock paints a vivid picture of four very different teenagers through their intertwining stories amidst the changing seasons, times of hardship, tragedy, luck, and salvation.

Ruth misses her father, killed long ago in a plane crash. Now, at 16, she has a secret that she can’t hide forever. Dora’s luck changes dramatically when she escapes her parents to move in with her best friend’s family. Alyce loves working with her dad on his fishing boat. He needs her help, but she also longs to be a dancer, and this summer brings a difficult choice. Hank and his brothers have stowed away on a ferry to escape their mom’s boyfriend, but, ironically, the trip will put one of them in terrible danger.

Hitchcock earned an MFA in writing for children and young adults from Hamline University. A longtime journalist for Alaska Public Radio, she spent 10 years fishing commercially and raised her children on a boat out of Sitka. She now lives in Lyons, Colo.

The publisher is Wendy Lamb Books. Price of the book is $17.99.

‘Motherhood’

Class to Register

Native American Fatherhood  Families Association has created and designed a program for fathers and mothers using a Native American approach.

NAFFA will present ‘‘Motherhood Is Sacred’’ for 12 weeks beginning 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, at STA Social Services, 110 AmericanStreet. It is open to all women.

‘‘We encourage mothers, aunties, grandmothers, foster-moms, or any woman caring for children to attend,’’ NAFFA said.

The goal of the program is to strengthen families through responsible parenting. NAFFA teaches parents to connect with their heritage as they become actively involved in the lives of their families.

Sessions are free and snacks will be provided. It is being offered on a first-come, first-served, basis as space is limited

‘‘Fatherhood and Motherhood Is Sacred’’ curriculum is created and designed by the Native American Fatherhood and Families Association. It is hosted by Sitka TANF and Sitka Tribe of Alaska. Presenters will be Martha Moses and Jean Swanson.

 Story Time Set

At National Park 

Preschool story time at Sitka National Historical Park visitor center is set 10 a.m.  Monday, Feb. 1.

The event will include a Russian folktale, activity, song and snack. The theme will be the Russian Bishop’s House heritage garden.

For more information, call the park’s visitor center at 747-0110.

Lunar New Year

Grind Feb. 13 

The Sitka Monthly Grind will present the Lunar New Year’s Grind Feb. 13 at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets must be purchased in advance beginning Jan. 30 at Old Harbor Books. Tickets are $5 for adults, $1 for children under 12. Those who take a plate of homemade dessert will have the price of their ticket refunded at the door.

The Grind guidelines remain non-political, family oriented, and affordable. Call Jeff at 747-4821 with questions.

Benefit Saturday

For Widmarks

A fund-raising event for the Jeannie Widmark family is set noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at the ANB Founders Hall.

Taco lunch, silent auction and a dessert auction are planned. The public is invited. Those wanting to contribute items for the dessert or silent auctions may contact Sitka Tribe of Alaska, 747-3207.

Tlingit and Haida

Meeting Saturday

Sitka Tlingit and Haida will meet 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, in the common room at the Monastery Street senior apartments.

Delegates will be chosen for the next two years. All members are reminded to attend this important meeting, organizers said.

For more information call Harriet Beleal at 738-3470.

Office Hours Set for

Rep. Kreiss-Tomkins

State Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins is making a visit from the legislative session in Juneau this weekend.

He will hold public office hours 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at the BackDoor Cafe and 1-2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, at  Highliner Coffee.

No appointment is necessary. Those who have any questions or can’t make it to office hours should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call his Sitka office at 747.4665.

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