STEM Connect for
Middle-Schoolers
Middle school students across Alaska can register for the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program’s STEM Connect opportunity for spring.
The free virtual opportunity gives students a chance to connect with like-minded peers while engaging in fun discussions and activities that teach them more about STEM-related topics and careers.
To learn more about the opportunity and to apply, visit www.ANSEP.net.
Sitka Nonprofits
Listed for PFD
Contributions
As the year draws to a close, many Alaskans already are thinking about applying for their Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend check in January.
As in past years, they can share their wealth with a variety of Alaska nonprofits through the PFD’s Pick.Click.Give. program.
The program allows people to donate in $25 increments to their favorite statewide and local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations when they file their PFD applications Jan. 1 through March 31.
In 2022 Alaskans contributed $3.033 million to 635 Alaska nonprofit organizations, and more than $33.1 million has been donated since the program started in 2009. Some Alaskans choose to donate to just one group, while others may spread several donations around to many groups.
In 2022, Alaskans donated $38,875 to Sitka-based nonprofits (note, total does not include donations to some nonprofits that are based in multiple cities).
Sitka nonprofits participating this year include: 3 to 5 Preschool, Alaska Association For Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Brave Heart Volunteers, Catholic Community Service Inc., Friends of Sitka Circus Arts, Friends of Sitka Public Library Inc., Healing Hand Foundation, Kootznahoo Fortress Of The Bear, Mt. Edgecumbe Preschool Inc., Outer Coast, Raven Radio KCAW CoastAlaska, Sitka Fine Arts Camp, Sitka Historical Society Inc., Sitka Legacy Foundation ACF, Sitka Local Foods Network, Sitka Maritime Heritage Society Inc., Sitka Sound Science Center, Sitka Summer Music Festival, Sitka Trail Works Inc., Sitkans Against Family Violence, Southeast Alaska Independent Living SAIL, Spruce Root Inc., The Salvation Army.
Starting at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1, Alaskans can fill out the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend application at http://pfd.alaska.gov/. When getting to the section of the application asking to participate in Pick.Click.Give. Charitable Contributions program, click on the PCG link.
Unitarians to Discuss
Predictions, Resolutions
Dave Turcott will lead a discussion of predictions and resolutions for the new year at Sunday’s meeting of the Unitarian Fellowship.
The hall is located at 408 Marine Street, with parking behind, off Spruce Street. Gathering is at 10:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 10:45. Soup and bread follow the program at noon. All are invited to attend.
City Scrap Yard
Closure Noted
The city’s Gary Paxton Industrial Park scrap yard at 4655 Sawmill Creek Road will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 31, in observance of New Year’s Day.
Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 3. The scrap yard is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with the exception of observed holidays.
Call the public works department with any questions at 907-747-1804.
Sitka Seawalk
Comment Sought
The comment period for Sitka Seawalk Phase II has been extended until Jan. 4.
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, in coordination with the City and Borough of Sitka, is proposing to improve accessibility to the Sitka National Historical Park and downtown Sitka by extending the current Sitka Seawalk. The extension would continue from the Sitka Public Library to the O’Connell Bridge lightering facility then on to Totem Square.
The project would guide visitor and resident pedestrian traffic through the community and provide expanded recreation opportunities, the city said.
The Project Team held a public meeting on Nov. 30 and some of the presentation materials incorrectly used the word “alternative,” ADTPF said in a press release. As required under the NEPA process, the word “alternative” is being replaced within the project materials using the terminology Routes 3a and 3b to allow public input for the two options being considered for Section 3 under the O’Connell Bridge.
Comments may be provided via e-mail, telephone and the project website at https://www.cityofsitka.com/SitkaSeawalkPhaseII. Loren Gehring, P.E. DOT&PF Project Manager, loren.gehring@alaska.gov (907)465-8189, Kathryn Erickson, DOT&PF Environmental Analyst Kathryn.erickson@alaska.gov (907 465-4498.
SJ Museum Artist
Residency Program
Deadline Extended
The Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum has extended the deadline for applications for the Alaska Native Artist Residency Program. The new deadline is Jan. 5.
Residencies are 21-22 days long and occur: July 7-28, Aug. 18-Sept. 9, Sept. 15-Oct. 6, and Oct. 7-28.
All include a $2,000 artist stipend, a $660 food stipend, and travel to and from Sitka. While in residence, artists create art in an open studio-like format in the museum gallery and engage with the community through cultural consultations, artist talks, and teaching an art form or art forms.
Positions will be filled as funding allows and is contingent upon grant awards.
Artists may focus on traditional or contemporary Native art forms including but not limited to wood carving, ivory carving, silver engraving, beading, skin, gut and fish skin sewing, drum making, and basket or textile weaving, drumming, and dancing. Outstanding beginners and experienced artists are welcome, the museum said. Artists benefit from utilizing the museum’s collections for research and meeting visitors from around Alaska, the world, and community members while working in the museum gallery.
During cultural consultations, artists and culture bearers help further document the museum’s artifacts, providing invaluable information and insight.
While in-residence, artists are encouraged to give several artist talks. Individuals who wish to obtain an information packet on the Alaska Native Artist Residency Program outlining pay and benefits, position expectations, the residency schedule, and other details may call the museum at (907) 747-8981 and request a packet be emailed or mailed.
The packet also is available at www.friendsofsjm.com and http://museums.alaska.gov/artist_opportunities.html. E-mail Jacqueline.Fernandez-Hamberg@alaska.gov or call (907) 747-8904 with questions. Applications are due Jan. 5, 2023.
