Artistry of Algae
Workshop on Tap
Seaweed enthusiasts can create works of art with algae while learning about Sitka’s seaweed diversity at the ‘‘Artistry of Algae’’ workshop 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at the Sitka Sound Science Center.
Marine ecologist and scientist-in-residency fellow Dr. Julie Schram will lead the free event. For information and registration details contact Alex McCarrel, 206-331-0897 or visit sitkascience.org.
Starrigavan Rec
Area to Close
Road gates in the Starrigavan Recreation Area will be closed to vehicular traffic April 27-28 so the Sitka Ranger District can fell hazard trees.
The Mosquito Cove loop north of Halibut Point Road will be closed until 5 p.m. April 27. The campground loop south of Halibut Point Road, including access to the artesian well, will be closed until 5 p.m. April 28.
The Sitka Ranger District asks that pedestrians refrain from accessing the recreation area during the scheduled closures for their own safety and to allow employees to work with minimal interruptions.
Call the Sitka Ranger District at 907-747-6671 with questions.
STA Kayaani
Panel to Meet
The Sitka Tribe of Alaska’s Kayaani Commission will meet 6:30 p.m. on April 25, via Zoom. The public is invited to attend.
The Kayaani Commission is a group of community members and tribal citizens who are concerned with preserving and protecting plants and the traditional ways they are used.
For more information, email Jeff.Feldpausch@sitkatribe-nsn.gov or call 747-7469.
Commuter Bike
Class to be Taught
A free workshop on commuting by bicycle to work, school, or other everyday destinations will be taught 3-5 p.m. Saturday April 30.
The class will start at the Salty Spoke Bike co-op, 1 Lincoln Street next to the Cable House. The hands-on workshop will have a riding portion so participants will need a bike and helmet. For information or to sign up for the Sitka Cycling Club go to: https://sitkacycling.wordpress.com/.
Easter in Balkins
Topic of Program
At Sunday’s Unitarian Universalist meeting Rich McClear will talk about his experiences celebrating Easter in the Balkans and Egypt, with a possible dip into Armenia and Georgia. The talk will include stories, pictures and field recordings from Greece 50 years ago.
Sunday is Easter in the Orthodox and Coptic churches.
The gathering is at 10:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 10:45, at the Unitarian Fellowship Hall, 408 Marine Street. Soup and bread follow the program at noon.
Walkers, Bikers
Challenge to Begin
Walkers and bikers can earn cash rewards when they go downtown.
‘‘Walk Bike Win: A Downtown Commuter Challenge’’ runs May 7 through Sept. 29. Sitkans walking or biking downtown can log trips to earn gift cards to local businesses and entry for a cash prize. Those who are new to active commuting can earn an extra point. Another bonus for walkers and bikers will be given on big cruise ship days.
The free program is supported by Sitka Trail Works, SEARHC, Visit Sitka, Sitka Chamber of Commerce, Sitka Cycling Club and the City and Borough of Sitka. For information or to sign up go to https://sitkatrailworks.org/
Construction
At Water Plant
Construction on the Critical Secondary Water plant intake continues. Construction activities include rock excavation, blasting and heavy machinery and trucking access.
Public access to Sawmill Creek in the Gary Paxton Industrial Park area upstream of the ADOT bridge will be closed through April 30. Call the City and Borough of Sitka public works department with any questions at 907-747-1804.
Annual Big Rig
Event on May 7
The 3 to 5 Preschool’s annual Big Rig fundraiser will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, rain or shine, at the Mt. Edgecumbe High School parking lot at 1332 Seward Ave.
The family event includes fire trucks, heavy equipment and various big rigs from around town. A kid’s fun run starts at 10:30 a.m.
Also available will be hot dogs, nachos, pancit, baked goods, and Sitka Swirls ice cream.
The preschool is seeking more rigs. Especially needed are rigs kids can experience – riding on and moving the gears. Those having rigs can call Marcia Hirai at 1-360-481-1505
Sponsors are Arrowhead Transfer, Sitka Emblem Club, Prewitt Enterprises, Hardrock Construction, Absolute Tree Care and Sitka Swirls.
Baranof Families
Invited to Event
Baranof Elementary School is inviting all Baranof and incoming kindergartner families to an ice cream social Friday, April 29.
Current families can attend 1-2 p.m. Families thinking about registering their child for kindergarten can attend the social at 2 p.m. It will include Sitka Swirls ice cream, Drums Alive, a bear hunt, singing, and playground time.
Teachers and Principal Jill Lecrone will be in attendance.
