Climate Lobby
Group to Meet
The Sitka Climate Lobby group invites those interested in climate action to attend meetings at 9 a.m. and 9:45-11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12. The national speaker is James Balong, photographer, creator of the documentary “Chasing Ice,” and founder of the Earth Vision Institute.
Balong’s new book is “The Human Element: A Time Capsule from the Anthropocene.” The local meeting starts at 9:45 a.m. To access links to both Zoom meetings, email sitkaclimatelobby@gmail.com by 9 p.m. on Feb. 11.
Natural History
Seminar Feb. 15
The Natural History Seminar will be 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, via Zoom.
Courtney Hart, Sitka Sound Science Center’s scientist in residence, will give a presentation titled “How Harmful Algal Blooms Impact Southeast Alaska’s Shellfish Industries.”
The series of talks was started by one of SSSC’s board members, Kitty LaBounty, where visiting speakers have a formal platform to discuss natural history topics focusing on Southeast Alaska.
Go to sitkascience.org for the Zoom link and further information.
STA Gives Youth
Athletics Grant to
Baranof Ballers
Sitka Tribe of Alaska Tribal Council has approved a $1,750 grant for new athletic equipment to the Baranof Ballers.
Grant money will partially fund the purchase and shipping of four new “mini hoops” to support the youth basketball program for ages 5-10, in kindergarten through eighth grade.
The grant was approved at the council’s Jan. 19 meeting.
The mission of the Baranof Ballers is to teach, develop and offer youth players the fundamental skills of basketball while instilling life lessons and values such as character, teamwork, discipline, respect and sportsmanship, the council said.
Mini hoops attach to regular hoops at a height that allows younger children to reach them. The nonprofit organization has been borrowing mini hoops from Keet Gooshi Heen, which are not always available when needed. Owning its own equipment will facilitate program scheduling.
“The pandemic has been especially challenging for children,” said Tribal Chairman Lawrence “Woody” Widmark. “The Tribe is happy to contribute to recreational activities that support social, physical and emotional wellness for Sitka’s kids.”
Adult Spelling
Bee March 22
The Sitka Public Library and Sitka Friends of the Library will host the annual Sitka Adult Spelling Bee 7 p.m. March 22 at Centennial Hall.
Teams of one or two may participate. In a team of two, one may be under age 18.
Masks and social distancing will be required. Each team member will need to pay $20 for entry, with the funds supporting the 2023 100th Anniversary of the Sitka Public Library celebration and events, which will include guest authors, workshops and activities.
For more information contact Jeff Budd at 747 4821 or jbudd3500@gmail.com.
Boys Run I
By Sitkans Against Family Violence
The Pathways Coalition to a Safer Sitka is very excited to begin 2022 with a season of Boys Run I toowú klatseen. BRITK is an after-school empowerment program that instills healthy relationships and lifestyle skills in third- through fifth-grade boys through running and cultural lessons, empowering them to create a community of non-violence and respect.
Boys interested in spending the season with a team training for a 5K fun run and learning valuable lessons such as respect for themselves and others, dealing with emotions in a healthy way, and what it means to possess “strength of spirit” can register by Feb. 20 online at boysrun.org/register-a-boy or by picking up a paper copy from the Keet Gooshi Heen front office. Scholarships are available, no questions asked.
If you or anyone you know may want to get involved and mentor the next generation of respectful and compassionate men, go to boysrun.org/become-a-coach to apply to be a coach by Feb. 14. No running experience is required! Mandatory training will be held on Feb. 19 at Centennial Hall.
Practices will be held Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday from 2:40 to 4 p.m. at Keet Gooshi Heen, starting on Feb. 28/March 1.
The end-of-season 5K fun run will take place on May 14. If you have any questions, please contact bolesek@safv.org.
