Corrections
As the result of editing errors the Sentinel story on the Planning Commission in Thursday’s edition erroneously said the Commission postponed action on a conditional use permit for a short-term rental at 505 Sawmill Creek Road. Actually, the owners pulled the item prior to the meeting. The zoning at the location is R-2 multifamily residential, not R-1 single family duplex residential as stated in the story. The same story mentioned an easement for a road unlikely to be developed, when the correct term is “an undeveloped right-of-way.” The Sentinel regrets the errors.
Climate Connection: Science in Our Schools
In the last Climate Connections article, the wonderful science teaching and learning happening at Keet Gooshi Heen and Blatchley Middle School were highlighted and celebrated! We learned about some of the important learning and projects in which our students are engaged as they develop critical thinking skills across the ecological and environmental spectrum.
Enjoy the following descriptions of science projects happening at Sitka High and Mt. Edgecumbe High School!
Sitka High School
Stacy Golden’s life science students are just moving into ecology and will study our local wooded food web, field identification and building ecosystem jars. Dissections of locally harvested mammals will be done, as well as protein gel electrophoresis with those mammals in the evolution/genetics exploration. The ecology unit ends with researching biodiverse locations of the world, the threats they face and how to protect them.
Field Science students just completed student-driven field work looking at a variety of topics. This month, the students work with several scientists from the community to explore wetlands-focus on birds, fish, soils, and plants. We conclude with a full day trip to Kruzof, then students create an advocacy project on why wetlands are valuable, why they should be protected and what the threats are to them locally.
Marine-bio students just concluded their snorkeling and Cannery Row unit which transitioned them from local marine work to global marine work. They also completed a major unit on threats to the marine ecosystem including overfishing by trawlers, plastic debris, climate change, and pollution.
Mt. Edgecumbe High School
Environmental teacher Seth Bader reports that students designed and created wind turbines to create electricity, a month-long project in class. They met with judges from Juneau virtually a few weeks ago and participated in the “Clean Energy Olympics” hosted by the Renewable Energy Alaska Project. Students presented their projects to the panel and were assessed on power output, design process, creativity, and content knowledge.
Two students placed 2nd among all of the high school students in the Statewide Competition and have been invited to the National Renewable Energy Competition taking place in San Antonio, Texas, in May!
Thank you to our talented teachers for all the wonderful teaching and learning that is happening in our town! It is very hopeful to know that our next generation is working with such critical information and relevant problem-solving about our planet.
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Toby Campbell, Transition Sitka
Youth Committee
Launches Campaign
Members of the Sitka Youth Leadership Committee invites the public to a launch event of the new campaign, ‘‘Mold Your Masculinity’’ 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, at The Cloud teen center, 329 Harbor Drive.
SYLC members will discuss what they’ve learned about harmful masculinity norms and engage the audience in conversation and activities to deepen understanding and inspire change, the committee said.
Teens and adults are welcome and pizza will be provided. Attendees are asked to wear masks.
Seasonal Sales Tax
Rate to Change
The City and Borough of Sitka tax office reminds citizens the seasonal sales tax rate of 6% is in effect through Sept. 30.
Those who have questions can contact the Tax Office of 907-747-1840 or tax@cityofsitka.org.
Alaska Forest Service Marks
National Volunteers Week
In observance of National Volunteer Week through April 23, the Forest Service Alaska Region is shining ‘‘a light on all the dedicated work and passionate commitment put into making the Chugach and Tongass National Forests remarkable places to enjoy.’’
In 2021, volunteers dedicated nearly 6,000 hours to improve the forests, the equivalent of more than three full-time employees.
“Volunteers and Alaska go hand in hand. This is an exciting place to visit as well as live,” said Pete Schneider, regional volunteer, and services program coordinator. “We learn from each other as the seasons pass and are able to accomplish great things working together.”
Volunteerism carries many benefits, the Forest Service said.
Not only does the Forest Service benefit from great work but volunteers gain valuable knowledge of the programs, job skills, and access to trainings. One volunteer on the Tongass National Forest found himself with a seasonal job offer after spending many hours throughout the fall and winter months this year working at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and with the Juneau Ranger District’s recreation program.
To learn more on finding a volunteer position, visit the agency’s Volunteer Opportunities webpage at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r10/news-events/?cid=fseprd868372 or follow the Alaska’s National Forests on Facebook.
Presentation Set
On Medicare,
Social Security
SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium and Cynthia Gibson, CFP, LPL financial adviser with Wayfinder Wealth, invite Sitkans to attend a joint presentation aimed at answering questions about Medicare and Social Security retirement benefits.
The event will be 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, at Harrigan Centennial Hall. Lunch is included. To reserve a spot, call 907-966-2803.
‘‘It is common for people to be unsure of their Medicare options, the coverage they need, and when they should sign up to begin receiving Social Security benefits,’’ organizers said.
Susan Briles, a certified Medicare counselor with Patient Health Benefits at SEARHC, will speak about Medicare options and avoiding the pitfalls and penalties that may surprise some.
Gibson will talk about how to make the most of Social Security benefits.
Both will be available for questions following their presentations.
SEARHC is a Certified Application Counselor agency offering free assistance to all Southeast residents and is not affiliated with Wayfinder Wealth.
Rummage Sale
Set Saturday
A rummage sale at the United Methodist Church, 303 Kimsham Street, is slated 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 23.
Face Masks Now
Optional on Ferries
Face masks are no longer required on Alaska Marine Highway System vessels or inside AMHS terminal buildings.
A recent federal court order ended the U.S. Department of Transportation mask requirement for public transportation.
AMHS staff and passengers may choose to continue wearing masks, and the CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings, a press release from Alaska DOT said.
Harbor Users Asked
To Conserve Water
The city Harbor Department reminds harbor users to conserve water by turning off water hoses that are available for use on the harbor docks.
‘‘Conserving water by turning off the hoses will reduce water and wastewater treatment costs,’’ the city said.
Contact the harbor department with questions at 907-747- 3439.
