Daily Sitka Sentinel

May 24, 2022, Community Happenings

Salmon Derby

Begins Saturday

The 67th Sitka Salmon Derby will begin Saturday, continue over Memorial Day weekend, and the following weekend, June 4-5.

‘‘Sitka Sportsman’s Association is super excited to host this year’s event that will again draw friends and family members from out of town to join the local community in the search for prize-winning kings as well as fun times on the water,’’ a news release from the association said.

Thousands of dollars in cash and prizes has been donated by Sitka’s  businesses and private parties. A list of donors, their prizes and other derby information will be published in the derby’s brochure and also in the Daily Sitka Sentinel on Wednesday, May 25.

Derby entry tickets and Sitka Sportsman’s Association memberships are for sale at Orion Sporting Goods and LFS Marine Supplies where copies of the derby brochure can be picked up.

The derby awards ceremony will be 7 p.m. June 16 at Harrigan Centennial Hall. For more information contact SSA Derby Barge Chairman John McCrehin at (907) 738-8636.

Office Hours Set

For Rep. JKT

State Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins has recently returned from the legislative session in Juneau.

He will hold public office hours 11 a.m.-noon Sunday, May 29, at the Backdoor Cafe.

No appointment is necessary, just stop by. Those unable to stop by can email rep.jonathan.kreiss-tomkins@akleg.gov or call the representative’s office at (907)465-3732.

‘Masculinity’ is

Campaign Topic

The Sitka Youth Leadership Committee’s Mold Your Masculinity campaign  is encouraging men and boys to embrace a life unrestricted by society’s view of men.

The group is sponsored by Sitkans Against Family Violence.

‘‘Boys grow up believing that ‘real men’ hide emotions, dominate women, and have a thirst for power,’’ SYLC said. ‘These narrow and unrealistic standards around masculinity can prohibit men from being their authentic selves. Together, we can break free from the confines of unhealthy masculinity and step into who we truly are.’’

SYLC is a group of teens dedicated to working on an array of topics in the community, including shifting norms around masculinity.

‘‘Men and boys who conform to limiting gender norms are more at risk for harming others and themselves,’’ the organization said.

To learn more, visit sitkayouthleadership.com/mold-your-masculinity.

Hammerhead Shark

Exhibit at Library

Sitka Public Library invites children of all ages to experience the epic life of Harriet Hammerhead, a great hammerhead shark, through The Paly Foundation exhibition in the library’s multipurpose room June through August.

‘‘Peek inside Harriet’s diary to explore hammerhead sharks and their importance as apex predators and keystone species of the world’s oceans,’’ the library said.

The Paly Foundation is an organization that focuses on efforts that highlight the importance of conserving and protecting diverse natural habitats and wildlife populations. 

The program is part of the 2022 summer library program Oceans of Possibilities. The nature exhibit is made possible by Friends of Sitka Public Library. 

For information contact Maite at 747-4022. 

Babies and Books

Event for Summer 

Sitka Babies and Books and Sitka Public Library will kick off the Early Literacy Summer Program Oceans of Possibilities 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 4, at the library. 

Families can visit the library to register babies, toddlers and preschoolers to join the program. Children will receive a free ‘‘Pirate’’ book and a pirate kit while supplies last. 

Call 747-4020 or e-mail Maite at maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org with questions. 

Snacks Program

At Public Library

Sitka Public Library’s summer snack grab-n-go program is 10 a.m.-noon Thursdays, June 9-Aug. 4.

Youths can pick up a free bagged snack at the library service window and can choose to participate in the ‘‘I Spy a Hammerhead Shark’’ program.

Twenty bags are available on a first-come, first-served, basis. It is not based on family income. No registration is necessary. The program is sponsored by Sitka Conservation Society. For information call 907-747-4022 or e-mail maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org. 

Blue Lake Test

Slated June 15

The City and Borough of Sitka’s electric department will conduct a functional test of the Blue Lake Hydroelectric Emergency Action Plan alert system 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 15.

The test will consist of the systems and sirens that are activated within the Blue Lake Campground, Blue Lake Powerhouse, and Gary Paxton Industrial Park area.

Those with questions can call General Systems Manager Kord Christianson at 747-1886.

Opening Concerts

For Music Festival

Sitka Summer Music Festival’s opening concert weekend is slated 7 p.m. Friday June 3, and Saturday, June 4, at Harrigan Centennial Hall. 

Tickets are at sitkamusicfestival.org, Old Harbor Books, and the door.

Music Festival Sets

Family Concert

The Sitka Music Festival’s free Sea Mart Family Concert and ice cream social is planned 3 p.m. Sunday, June 5, from the Stevenson Hall porch.

Attendees should take lawn chairs and dress for the weather for the outdoor event on the SJ Campus.

Visit sitkamusicfestival.org for more information.

Sitka Tells Tales

At Porch Fest

Sitka Tells Tales, the local live storytelling series, will present a live event at Porch Fest, 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 4, on Lincoln Street.

‘‘Long Days, Bright Nights: A  summer rendezvous of spoken word and music’’ also will air and stream  on KCAW Raven Radio, KCAW.org, 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 2l.

The event is hosted by Artchange, Inc., Greater Sitka Arts Council and Raven Radio. For information call (907) 738-2174.