FIFTH OPENING – The Sitka seine boats Hukilau and Rose Lee pump herring aboard this afternoon at the end of Deep Inlet during the fifth opening in the Sitka Sound sac roe herring fishery. The opening was being held in two locations beginning at 11 a.m. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson) 

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27 Mar 2024 12:26

Police Blotter
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Daily Sitka Sentinel

November 27, 2020, Community Happenings

Literary Awards

Applications On

The Alaska Arts and Culture Foundation, in partnership with the Alaska State Council on the Arts, is accepting applications for the Alaska Literary Awards. The deadline to apply is 9:59 p.m. Dec. 4.

Applications are available at www.callforentry.org.

The awards were established in 2014 by the Alaska Arts and Culture Foundation, through a gift from Peggy Shumaker and Joe Usibelli, to recognize and support writers of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, playwriting, screenwriting and mixed genres.

A select number of $5,000 awards will be awarded. Alaska writers age 18 and older, who are not full-time students, are eligible to apply. 

The foundation said the quality of the work submitted is the primary consideration in selecting award recipients. 

 

SCS to Host

Pop-Up Shop

On Nov. 28

Sitka Conservation Society will hold a pop-up shop 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at the Sitka Sentinel parking lot on Barracks Street.

Individuals can walk up to or drive through the socially-distanced pop-up shop to purchase SCS merchandise, renew or begin their SCS membership, and pick up their 2021 calendar, which is filled with images of Southeast Alaska from local photographers.

Those who renew, begin memberships, or pick up SCS calendars can also get a free coffee coupon for the BackDoor Cafe (available as vouchers).

For more information, contact Heather at heather@sitkawild.org.

 

Climate Connection: 

Feeling Change: November 

By John Lewis

Last column we looked at recovering our capacity to be moved. This month, let us take one step further and look at one way in which we can be moved: caring.

Caring seems to carry a heaviness these days. Sometimes it can provoke guilt or shame as in “you should care more.” Like something is wrong with us for how we feel. Or it is used as some kind of magical invocation. That if only we cared more we would not have the problems that we do.

But caring may be more simple and more difficult. To care is to attend to with head and heart. It is paying attention with our thoughts and our feelings. We are investing our awareness. And like any investment, it takes time. 

Though difficult, caring is a basic way of being. We come into this world vulnerable and helpless. Being cared for is how we survive. It is how we have our needs met and learn to relate. This relating allows us to step outside of our own narrow focus and gain a bigger perspective. Our focus gets us out of our own head. And we let something other than us enter our awareness. 

The paradox is that, by reaching out to the other, we better know ourselves. In fact we can only get to know ourselves by getting out of our own heads, not by being stuck inside of them. We can direct that compassionate, tender and understanding attention towards our own self. This is the heart of self-care. Not a critical voice in our head beating us up for not doing enough. Or one that stays quiet while we go through motions that may be harming us.

Taking care of ourselves does not mean satisfying our own needs at the expense of others. It means respecting our needs and recognizing that they are often connected to the other. And this may result in some kind of change. But caring is not trying to change or save what we care about so we can feel better. Instead, it is a respect for otherness. A paying attention to the voice and choice of the other.

And that can be one of the most difficult things right now. There is so much trying to capture our attention. And we face many challenges which seem far from our control. But one thing we can control is what we chose to attend to. Whether it’s a straggly spruce on our walk or a lonely friend. Or allowing ourselves to consciously feel a need we have ignored for too long.  

When we care, the object of our concern becomes more alive, more real. That which we don’t care about is lifeless, flat and one-dimensional. It does not matter, nor does it have to matter for us. 

To care is not so much about what we should or should not do. But rather what kind of world we want to inhabit. One that is flat and lifeless, where we only see things from our own narrow views. Or one that is full of life and wonder. Where what we care for is alive and can surprise us. And maybe there is something magical about that after all.

–––––––––

John Lewis is a behavioral health professional and a member of the Sitka Citizens Climate Lobby.

 

 

Fall Speakers

Series On Zoom

The Sitka Chamber of Commerce will host Scott Habberstad as its Fall Speaker Series presentation speaker noon Wednesday, Dec. 2, via Zoom.

Habberstad is director of sales and community marketing with Alaska Airlines.

The speakers on Dec. 9 will be Dr. Paul Kraft and Joel Markis with an update on the University of Alaska Southeast. On Dec. 16 will be a virtual Chamber open house.

For more information and a link to the presentation, go to sitkachamber.com.

 

School Board

Meets Wednesday

Sitka School Board will meet on Dec. 2 via Zoom. A work session with auditors at 5 p.m. will be followed by a board meeting at 6 p.m.

For more information and a Zoom link, go to sitkaschools.org.

 

Survey Offered

By Cycling Club

Over the last two months, the Sitka Cycling Club has been building a master plan for mountain biking trail development in Sitka and the environs.

Those wanting to help to envision the future of mountain biking can take a survey at tinyurl.com/SitkaMasterPlan. Deadline for submissions is Dec. 1.

 

Toys for Tots

 Gets Underway

The local Marine Corps League, Robert B. Johnstone Detachment, is working with the Salvation Army to collect toys for families in need. 

New, unwrapped, toys can be left in special boxes which will be placed on Saturday, Nov. 28, at several locations, including Sea Mart, AC Lakeside Grocery, Market Center, True Value, White’s and Harry Race pharmacies, SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center, Old Harbor Books, Lakeside Furniture Store and The Cellar.

The official box pickup date is Saturday, Dec. 19.

Businesses wanting a “Toys for Tots” collection box can call Sam at 623-7775. 

Toys for Tots has been a program of the Marine Corps Reserve since 1947. More than 15,000 toys were distributed nationwide in 2019. For information call Marine Corps League Commandant Sam Pointer at 623-7775 or Jack Greenhalgh, 738-0675.

‘‘Thank you very much for your help in making this Christmas a little brighter for children in Sitka and Southeast Alaska,’’ the Marine Corps Reserve said. 

 

Toy Drive Listed

American Legion Post 13, AC Lakeside and Sitka Bottling are sponsoring a Holiday Toy Drive for ages 12 and younger through Dec. 12

Toys can be dropped off at AC Lakeside and the American Legion Hall. New, unwrapped gifts are being accepted. Call 747-8629 with questions, or to add a child to the list.

 

Forest Service Has Advice

On Christmas Tree Hunting

Sitka Ranger District, Tongass National Forest, has released information concerning the cutting of Christmas trees on National Forest lands in the Sitka area.

Selecting Christmas trees can be a challenging family tradition, whether purchasing from local clubs, organizations or businesses or taking the time to head to the great outdoors, the ranger district said. 

‘‘The key reminder in Sitka is that locations where the public can get a Christmas tree on Sitka Ranger District are very limited from the road system,’’ said District Ranger Perry Edwards.   He said for those with boats there are numerous places to go “hunting” for Christmas trees on Sitka Ranger District, but there are also private and Native corporation lands out there.

Generally, in the Sitka area most national forest system land is open to the cutting of Christmas trees for personal use only, not to be cut and sold. However, national forest system lands  near the Sitka road system that actually have trees the size necessary for use as Christmas trees are very limited.

Edwards said most of the land immediately adjacent to the Sitka road system is not national forest land. These areas are owned by private individuals, Native corporations, Sheldon Jackson College, the City and Borough of Sitka or the State of Alaska. Permission must be obtained from the land owners before looking for Christmas trees in these· areas.

National Forest lands closed to the cutting of Christmas trees are:

• Starrigavan Recreation Area which includes the Bayside Loop, Estuary Loop, Backpacker Loop, the picnic area Estuary Boardwalk Trail and Parking Lot, Bird Viewing Deck area, the Mosquito Cove Trail head Parking Lot and the accessible portion of the Mosquito Cove Trail.

• Sawmill Creek Campground off Blue Lake Road;

• Harbor Mountain Recreation Area which is 1/4-mile either side of road from the national forest boundary sign to the end of the road;

• Within Starrigavan Valley for 1.5 miles beginning at the ATV trail gate.

In outlying areas, those with boats are not restricted to the Sitka road systern in selecting a tree. However, the following areas are not national forest land: areas to the north and upper end of Katlian Bay and the islands nearest town from Middle Island south to Long Island. These areas are in private or state ownership. Permission must be obtained from the land owners.

Selecting a tree – Limit to one tree per household. Find a suitable tree in an area not closed to cutting trees and at least 20 feet from a national forest road or trail. Find a tree that will fit in the space available indoors; do not cut the top of a tree. Cut the tree as low to the ground as possible. Trim the tree while out in the woods and scatter the branches.

Caring for a Christmas tree – Cut 1-2 inches off the butt end. This fresh cut will allow the tree to take up water more readily once it is moved indoors. Fill the tree stand with water immediately, replenishing the water supply at least every few hours the first day in order to maintain an adequate water level. A sufficient supply of water each day will minimize needle drop and maximize the tree’s fire resistance. Keep a decorated tree in a cool area indoors to prevent rapid drying of foliage. Decorate with safe, non-burnable materials. Always turn tree lights off when leaving home.

Pamphlets with more information on cutting Christmas trees in the Sitka area are available at the front door of the Sitka Ranger District Office.

 

Natural Resource

Panel to Meet

The Sitka Tribe of Alaska’s Natural Resource Committee will meet via Zoom 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30.  Those wishing to attend can contact Jeff Feldpausch at 747-7469 or email jeff.feldpausch@sitkatribe-nsn.gov. The public is invited to attend.   

 

Sportsman’s Group

Closes Ranges

Sitka Sportsman’s Association has closed its ranges for the second time this year due to the recent public health and safety warnings regarding the high-risk level of COVID-19.

SSA will be closed to all “public activities” for the remainder of November and extend through December until further notice, the organization said.

‘‘This has been a year like no other and we hope for a much better new year for everyone,’’ SSA said. ‘‘SSA would like to wish you a safe, healthy and happy holiday season.’’

 

Class On Seasonal Salads

To Be Aired in December

SEARHC Health Educator Holly Marban will teach a virtual class, ‘‘Cozy Seasonal Salads,’’ 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, using Zoom.

The class is a fundraiser for the Sitka Kitch, and sponsored by the SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium.

Because of the recent spike in local COVID-19 cases, the community rental commercial kitchen is back to teaching virtual classes.

Marban is with the SEARHC Health Promotion Department as the clinical program coordinator for the SEARHC WISEWOMAN Women’s Health Program. She supports women in making healthy lifestyle changes to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and prevent breast and cervical cancers.

She holds a master’s degree in nutrition, has a background in health and wellness coaching, and feels passionate about good food and cooking. She enjoys sharing her love of food, nutrition, and wellness with others through cooking classes, community presentations, or individual coaching, SEARHC said.

Marban will walk participants through salad recipes full of winter greens and sweet-savory roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, with dried fruits or toasted nuts and seeds, with a dressing.

Participants can cook along with Marban via Zoom.

The menu will include three salads: winter tabbouleh salad with roasted squash, walnuts, and chard; citrus, fennel, and radicchio salad; and kale salad with winter squash, pumpkin seeds, and roasted shallot vinaigrette.

The cost is $30. It includes a package of most of the ingredients (students will need to provide some staple items), plus access to the class. Ingredients will be delivered to participants’ door. Those signing up should provide their home address and other contact information when registering. Some ingredients will be measured out in smaller portions.

Participants should have the following staple ingredients at home, as they will not be included in the ingredients delivery — salt, pepper, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and vinegar (apple cider, white wine, red wine). Optional ingredients to have on hand include feta cheese, goat cheese, and/or avocado.

Registration deadline is 11:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7. Space is limited. Register and pre-pay using credit/debit cards or PayPal on the Sitka Kitch EventSmart online registration page, http://sitkakitch.eventsmart.com (click on class title). For more information about the class, contact Jasmine Shaw at 747-9440.

 

Family Pie-Baking

Project on Tap

Free apple pie-making kits will be offered to families who have students in kindergarten through third grade. Each at-home kit will include the picture book ‘‘How to Make Apple Pie and See the World,’’ pie ingredients and a Zoom-hosted class.

Kits can be picked up noon-2 p.m. Dec. 10 at the SEACC building.

Contributors to the project include Cosmic Crisp Apples, Sitka Rotary Club, Hames Corporation and Sitka 4-H.

 

Mariner’s CPR,

First Aid Taught

The Alaska Marine Safety Education Association will offer a Mariner’s First Aid and CPR/AED class 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 12 at NSRAA, 1308 Sawmill Creek Road.

Cost of the class is $100, including sales tax. Mariners may register online at www.amsea.org or call 747-3287.

Instructor Rob Emley will cover CPR and automatic external defibrillators; treatment of choking; medical emergencies; trauma; environmental hazards; patient assessment; medical communications; drowning and hypothermia; and common fishing injuries.

Attendees will receive a U.S. Coast Guard-accepted, two-year certificate issued by the American Safety and Health Institute.

 

To reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19, class size will be limited. Participants must wear a cloth face mask, maintain 6 feet of physical distance from others, and comply with other classroom safety procedures.

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20 YEARS AGO

March 2004

Matthew C. Hunter of Sitka recently returned from Cuba as part of a St. Olaf College International and Off-Campus Studies program. Hunter, a junior physics major at St. Olaf College, is the son of Robert and Kim Hunter of Sitka.


50 YEARS AGO

March 1974

Eighth graders have returned from a visit to Juneau to see the Legislature. They had worked for it since Christmas vacation ... Clarice Johnson’s idea of a “White Elephant” sales was chosen as the best money-maker; Joe Roth won the political cartoon assignment; highest government test scorers were Ken Armstrong, Joanna Hearn, Linda Montgomery, Lisa Henry, Calvin Taylor and David Licari .....

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