Alaska Delegation Pushes
Young Fishermen’s Act
Alaska’s U.S. delegation – Rep. Don Young, Sen. Dan Sullivan, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski – are spearheading a bipartisan effort in Congress to enact the Young Fishermen’s Development Act (H.R.1240, S.496). The legislation would benefit Alaska’s fishing communities by establishing the first national program to support young men and women entering the commercial fishing industry.
The strong show of bipartisan support early in the 116th Congress indicates positive momentum for the initiative, which is backed by the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, a member of the national Fishing Communities Coalition, a press release from ALFA said.
“Ensuring new generations of Alaskans fill the ranks is vitally important to our fishing economy, which employs more in our state than any other industry,” Sullivan said. “I’m excited to again sponsor legislation that will help lower the high barriers to entry with training opportunities, new grants, and an apprenticeship program that will connect seasoned fishermen with determined newcomers.”
“Young commercial fishermen are facing bigger challenges than ever before – new barriers to entry, limited training opportunities, and a lack of support,” Young said. “Fishing is important not only to Alaskan culture but is central to our rich history. Our legislation is about supporting the livelihoods of fishing communities across the nation by making the next generation aware of the opportunities available in the commercial fishing industry. I’m proud to stand with our young fishermen by introducing this important piece of legislation.”
“Young fishermen face enormous challenges, yet there is currently no federal program to support education and training for the next generation of commercial fishermen,” said Linda Behnken, executive director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, a member of the FCC. “To excel, the next generation of commercial fishermen must develop a broad range of skills. They must be proficient in navigation, business management, hydraulics, diesel mechanics, fisheries management - and, of course, they need to know how to catch fish! Alaska’s fishing communities are grateful to Congressman Young for introducing and shepherding this important legislation through the House and to Senators Sullivan and Murkowski for their leadership in the Senate.”
Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the Senate bill; Representatives Don Young (R-AK), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Jared Golden (D-ME), and Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa) co-authored the House bill.
First introduced in 2017, the Young Fishermen’s Development Act (YFDA) is modeled after the USDA’s successful Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, which is credited with preparing hundreds of young farmers and ranchers for rewarding careers. Young fishermen representing coalition members from every U.S. coast have traveled to Washington, D.C., to urge legislators to support the initiative, ALFA said.
White E Sale on
Snowsuits, Pants
Children’s snowsuits and snow pants are on sale at half price, and CDs are five for $1, at the White Elephant Shop. Saturday hours are noon-3 p.m.
‘Once Upon a
Mattress’ Staged
Young Performers Theater will present ‘‘Once Upon a Mattress,’’ a playful retelling of the “Princess and the Pea,” at the Odess Theater on the SJ Campus.
Showtimes are 7 p.m. March 8, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 9, and 2 p.m. March 10. Tickets are $10 general and $5 for youths, and are available at fineartscamp.org, Old Harbor Books, and at the door.
Beading Activity
Slated for Monday
SAIL and Center for Community will present a beading activity with Dyan Bessette 1-3 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Paxton Manor community room, 422 Andrews Street.
For information call Tamara at 966-4250 or Joel, 747-6859.
Bessette will present a bracelet beading class for all skill levels. It includes all supplies and a light snack. Donations are welcome.
Unitarians Discuss
World Radio Day
Last week the world celebrated World Radio Day with the theme “Dialogue, Tolerance, Peace.”
Rich McClear will tell stories of radio stations that made a difference in knitting communities together after some form of conflict or trauma, at this week’s meeting of the Sitka Unitarian Fellowship.
McClear has worked around Alaska and the world developing local community radio stations. He will outline a process in which radio can be used to build, if not peace, at least some form of a more civil society, he said.
Gathering begins at 10:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 10:45 a.m. Soup and bread follow at noon. The Fellowship Hall is located at 408 Marine Street, with parking behind off Spruce Street.
Veterans Invited
To Register for
Golden Age Games
The Alaska Veterans Administration will host the National Veterans Golden Age Games in Anchorage June 5-10.
Veteran athlete registration begins Feb. 24 at https://www.blogs.va.gov/nvspse/national-veterans-golden-age-games/.
Competitions include air pistol, air rifle, badminton, basketball, blind disc golf, boccia, bowling, cycling, field, golf, horseshoes, nine ball, pickleball, powerwalk, shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis and track.
Lent to Begin,
Pancakes Served
The community is invited to St. Peter’s Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, at the See House.
Ash Wednesday services will be held at noon and 5:30 p.m. on March 6. All are invited. The church is located at 611 Lincoln Street. For more information, call 747-3977.
5K Walk, Run
Slated March 2
A 5K walk and run is slated 9:30 a.m. March 2 at the O’Connell Bridge lightering facility. Registration is at 9 a.m.
A $10 donation is suggested to benefit the Sitka Tribe of Alaska Food Pantry. Contact Heleena van Veen for questions at 966-8914.
Gajaa Heen Dancers
Set Garage Sale
The Gajaa Heen Dancers will hold a garage sale 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 2, at Paxton Manor Community Building on Andrews Street.
Items for sale will include clothes, books, toys and other items. All proceed will go to Gajaa Heen Dancers.
Hitchcock’s Classic
‘Psycho’ to Run
‘‘Psycho’’ Sitka Public Library will show Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 horror classic “Psycho” 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9.
The event is free and open to the public, and snacks will be served. The film is rated “R.” For information, call the library at 747-4025.
Thornton Named
Branch Manager
At Northrim Bank
Shauna Thornton has been promoted to branch manager of Sitka’s Northrim Bank. Northrim Chairman, President and CEO Joe Schierhorn made the announcement this week.
Thornton has been with Northrim Bank since 2017, most recently as assistant branch manager, and has six years of experience within the financial industry. She holds a master’s of public administration from the University of Alaska Southeast and is completing her doctorate in organizational leadership from North Central University.
Thornton is an active volunteer with numerous organizations including Brave Heart Volunteers, Sitka Youth Advocates and League of Women Voters. She also is president of Sitka Rotary Club.
Northrim Bank is an Alaska-based community bank with 15 branches.
