Community Foundation Offering
High School Seniors Scholarships
The Alaska Community Foundation is offering 49 scholarships to high school seniors, covering a broad range of eligibility criteria, including academic successes, athletic accomplishments, intent for vocational training, and geographical location.
Most scholarships currently open for submission have a deadline of March 17. Students are being encouraged to start the application process as early as possible and to reach out to ACF with any questions.
ACF’s scholarships are established with support of Alaskans looking to give back to the next generation, the organization said. Many are created in honor of individuals who left a legacy of educational advancement or spent a lifetime creating opportunities for Alaska’s youths.
The David E. Knox Memorial Nursing Fellowship was established to support outstanding candidates pursuing registered nursing degrees and to service small Alaskan communities. The fellowship honors the memory of David Knox, who brought a high level of leadership and expertise to Sitka’s surgical unit, helping it become one of Alaska’s leading rural health units, ACF said. The 2022 David E. Knox Memorial Nursing Fellowship accepts applications through March 17 and awards a scholarship of $2,500.
The Lucile Hope Special Education Scholarship was established in honor of Lucy Hope upon her retirement from the Mat-Su School District, where she taught special education for many years and guided the administration of the special education program. The scholarship supports Alaskan students seeking post-secondary degrees in K-12 education with an emphasis on special education. Applications will be accepted through March 17, with awards up to $2,000.
“The scholarship committee members and I have found that we are re-focused on the students and their needs to pursue their next academic steps,” said Stefanie O’Brien, senior program officer of grants and scholarships at ACF. “COVID protocols shifted our work the past two years, but we are excited to get back to the heart of the work with scholarships: to support students.”
For a complete list of scholarships, descriptions, and criteria, visit https://alaskacf.org/scholarships/.
Science After
Hours Slated
Sitka Sound Science Center will host its Science After Hours program with Courtney Hart 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, at the science center.
SSSC’s scientist in residency fellow will present “Molluscs and Mocktails.”
Science After Hours is a free hands-on learning event at the science center. Each month is a different scientific topic with guest speakers. Hart, who is a shellfish biologist, will prepare local shellfish and mocktails for attendees. Register online for the free program at https://tinyurl.com/223k7hnu. Those wanting to attend should register as soon as possible as space is limited in keeping with COVID-19 mitigation, which includes registration that limits numbers, masking and sanitation.
Cookie-Making
Class Feb. 12;
Benefit for SAFV
Learn how to make heart jam thumbprint cookies for Valentine’s Day and support the Sitkans Against Family Violence shelter at the next Cooking With Culture class with the Sitka Kitch and Nalani James.
The online class is 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, using Zoom. All proceeds from the class fees will be donated to the SAFV shelter.
Participants also are asked to share some of their cookies with Sitka foster children households by dropping off cookies 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Southeast Alaska Career Center, 205 Baranof Street (behind Pacific High School).
The class cost is $20. Ingredients are not provided; however, a list of ingredients and equipment needed will be sent to all who are registered. A link to the Zoom event also will be sent at that time. The registration deadline is 11:30 p.m. Feb. 11. Register and pre-pay using credit/debit cards or PayPal on the Sitka Kitch EventSmart online registration page, http://sitkakitch.eventsmart.com (click on class title).
‘Running Brave’
Film to Show
Sitka Counseling hosts its “Second Saturday Screenings,” a free movie presentation, on the second Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m.
The next offering – the 1983 classic film ‘‘Running Brave’’ – will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Coliseum Theater.
The biopic is based on the story of Billy Mills, a member or the Oglala Sioux tribe of South Dakota, who defied all odds and won gold at the Tokyo Olympics. Mills was born on the reservation, and later attended the University of Kansas where he was recruited by the Olympic running team and went on to win the gold medal in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics in the 10,000-meter race. In one of the great upsets in sports history, Mills sprinted from third place for the win. Mills is still the only American in history to win the Olympic 10,000-meter run. Robby Benson, Pat Hingle and a young Graham Greene all star in the film.
In life, Mills has been the distinguished recipient of many honors, awards and recognitions, continuing from his victory in the 1964 Olympics to the present day. From national and world athletic records to Hall of Fame inductions and becoming a best-selling author to changing the lives of thousands of Native Americans across the country, the impact Mills has had on American culture and society is incomparable, a press release from the organization said.
For information about the gold medal athlete and his organization “Running Strong” visit https://indianyouth.org/who-we-are/billy-mills/.
Online Bake Sale
For Scholarship
The Friends of Sitka Public Library has announced an online bake sale to aid the new Sitka “Tulong Aral” Filipino Scholarship.
The bake sale can be found online at tinyurl.com/sitkabakesale. Purchased items will be available for pickup 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at the SEACC Building on Baranof Street between Pacific High and Baranof Elementary.
Sisterhood Plans
Bake Sale Event
The Sisterhood of St. Michael’s Cathedral will hold a curbside pickup bake sale 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (or until sold out) Saturday, Feb. 12, at the cathedral. Valentine’s Day treats will be included.
For information, contact Cheryl Duncan at 907-747-6737.
Seed Library
Open to Public
The Sitka Seed Library, located at Sitka Public Library, is open to the public to “check out” all kinds of seeds to take home and grow.
The library also accepts donations of saved or purchased seed to share with the community. No library card is required. Go to the library, fill out a registration form, and start growing, the library said.
For information, call Margot at 747-4020 or email her at margot.oconnell@cityofsitka.org.
Museum Board
Members Sought
The Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum is seeking prospective board members.
Several new ones will be elected at the annual meeting on Feb. 19, the organization said. To learn more about the board and how to run for one of the open seats, email friendsofsjm@gmail.com or call (907) 747-6233.
Marine Instructor
Training at AVTEC
The Alaska Marine Safety Education Association is conducting a Marine Safety Instructor Training class in Seward at the AVTEC April 25-30.
The intensive train-the-trainer course prepares individuals to effectively teach cold-water survival procedures, the use of marine safety equipment, and vessel safety drills. The MSIT is the only marine safety instructor course, specific to commercial fishing, that is nationally accepted by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Topics covered during the course include: Methods of Marine Safety Instruction; Emergency Procedures; Risk Assessment; How to Conduct Effective Drills; Cold-Water Survival Skills; Man-Overboard Recovery; Firefighting; Life Rafts; Abandon-Ship Procedures; Helicopter-Rescue; Flares, MAYDAYs, and Other Emergency Signals; Personal Flotation Devices; Flooding Control; Conducting Safety Orientations; and Cross-Cultural Communication.
AMSEA recommends the workshop for anyone who wants to provide instruction in cold-water survival and survival, shore-side survival, or marine safety. The MSIT provides hands-on experience in survival equipment use and procedures.
Upon completion, participants will be prepared to teach AMSEA’s U.S. Coast Guard-accepted Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor training, pending authorization from the Coast Guard. The cost is $995. Scholarships are available for qualifying commercial fishermen, with support from the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health and the U.S. Coast Guard. Mariners can register online at www.amsea.org or call (907) 747-3287.
Food Business
Innovation
Contest Slated
The Sitka Local Foods Network will host the fifth annual Sitka Food Business Innovation Contest in an effort to spark local food entrepreneurs so more local food is available to residents and visitors.
The contest entry deadline is March 18.
This contest will provide two $1,500 kicker prizes to help entrepreneurs launch or expand their food businesses. All food business ideas must be geared toward getting locally grown, harvested and/or produced food into the Sitka marketplace through sales in grocery stores, the Sitka Food Co-Op, Sitka Farmers Market, restaurants, or individual marketing.
All participants (business and individual) must complete and submit a contest entry form and $25 registration fee by 5 p.m. March 18 to Sitka Local Foods Network, Food Business Innovation Contest Entries, 408-D Marine Street, Sitka, Alaska, 99835, or by email with the Subject Line of “Food Business Innovation Contest Entries” to sitkalocalfoodsnetwork@gmail.com). Submitting a business plan (up to 20 pages) is recommended, but not required.
The Sitka Food Business Innovation Contest Entry Form and more information is at https://sitkalocalfoodsnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2022/01/sitkafoodbusinessinnovationcontestentryform2022.docx.
Sitka’s Clifton
On Dean’s List
Taylor Clifton has earned placement on the Gonzaga University dean’s list for fall semester. Students must earn a 3.5 to 3.84 grade-point average to be listed.
Taylor is a 2021 Sitka High graduate. She is the daughter of Becky and Lance Ewers and Patrick Clifton.
Situated along the Spokane River near downtown Spokane, Washington, Gonzaga offers more than 75 fields of study, 24 master’s degrees, four doctoral degrees in one college and six schools.
‘Running Brave’
Film to Show
Sitka Counseling hosts its “Second Saturday Screenings,” a free movie presentation, on the second Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m.
The next offering – the 1983 classic film ‘‘Running Brave’’ – will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Coliseum Theater.
The biopic is based on the story of Billy Mills, a member or the Oglala Sioux tribe of South Dakota, who defied all odds and won gold at the Tokyo Olympics. Mills was born on the reservation, and later attended the University of Kansas where he was recruited by the Olympic running team and went on to win the gold medal in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics in the 10,000-meter race. In one of the great upsets in sports history, Mills sprinted from third place for the win. Mills is still the only American in history to win the Olympic 10,000-meter run. Robby Benson, Pat Hingle and a young Graham Greene all star in the film.
In life, Mills has been the distinguished recipient of many honors, awards and recognitions, continuing from his victory in the 1964 Olympics to the present day. From national and world athletic records to Hall of Fame inductions and becoming a best-selling author to changing the lives of thousands of Native Americans across the country, the impact Mills has had on American culture and society is incomparable, a press release from the organization said.
For information about the gold medal athlete and his organization “Running Strong” visit https://indianyouth.org/who-we-are/billy-mills/.
Scientist Hart Sets
Informal ‘Coffee’
Sitka Sound Science Center’s Scientist in Residency Courtney Hart will be at Highliner Coffee 9-10 a.m. Feb. 11 and 18 for ‘‘Coffee with Courtney.’’
Community members can join the scientist for a cup of coffee at this informal event.
Hart will conduct community outreach and discuss her research. It is open to the public.
