SEARHC Updates
Visitation Rules
Updated visitor guidelines have been implemented at SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center in response to the current surge of COVID-19 cases, to ensure the safety of their patients, visitors, employees, and physicians.
Patient visitors are allowed only with the following exceptions: end-of-life care will be addressed on a case-by-case basis; one parent or guardian to accompany a minor; one family member or guardian to assist with the care of an elder or disabled individual; and one support person for laboring and post-partum mothers.
Visitors will be screened daily and an initial COVID test will be performed and repeated every 72 hours. Visitor who screen positive will not be allowed into the facility.
SEARHC requires all visitors to follow CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Visitors must wear masks at all times during the visit and adhere to physical distancing when possible. Emergency department visitors will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. SEARHC also recommends minimizing entering and exiting the building and washing their hands frequently.
For information, including visitation hours, visit https://covid19.searhc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/03/MEMC_Visitation_guidelines_1.7.2022-2.pdf.
NASA Program
Offered Online
Sitka Public Library and Island Artists Gallery will offer a new online program 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, about NASA’s ‘‘Images of Change’’ project.
Jessica Christianson will talk about the Tongass Forest role as a carbon sink, and Pat Kehoe will lead a watercolor workshop on Brow Bears.
Those younger than 18 can register to receive a free kit with art materials and NASA activities to work on during and after the class. Youth registrations can be done at 747-4020 or by emailing maite.lorente@cityofsitka.org. Deadline to register is Jan. 18 and space is limited.
The program is for all ages. A Zoom link will be provided by islandartistsgallery.com to participate in the program.
F/V Drill Conductor
Training in Sitka
The Alaska Marine Safety Education Association will offer a fishing vessel drill conductor class 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Jan. 29 at NSRAA, 1308 Sawmill Creek Road.
The cost for the class is $125 for commercial fishermen and $175 for all others. Register online at www.amsea.org or call (907) 747-3287.
It meets the U.S. Coast Guard training requirements for drill conductors on commercial fishing vessels.
Participants can gain hands-on training with marine safety equipment and learn best practices for surviving emergencies at sea. AMSEA is offering this class at a reduced cost to commercial fishermen with support from the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, and AMSEA members.
Health Networking
Meeting Slated
The Sitka Health Summit Coalition’s monthly Wooch.een (together in Tlingit) health networking and learning meeting will be held virtually noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20.
The purpose of the meeting is to spark partnerships and to promote cross sector collaboration, learning, and networking to improve the well-being in Sitka, organizers said.
For information go to sitkahealthsummit.org. To join the meeting, contact Amanda Roberts at amandar@searhc.org for the Zoom meeting connect information.
Broadway Night
Tickets on Sale
Greater Sitka Arts Council Sitka Community Theater presents “Broadway Night (Abridged!)” 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, at Odess Theater. Doors open at 6 p.m.
The fundraising event features performances of showtunes by local singers and actors. This year’s event will be limited seating capacity and COVID precautions in place, including requirements for masks and proof of vaccination for those 12 and up. No food will be served, and wine and soda will be available at a cash bar.
Tickets are $20 and cover admission (no food available) at Old Harbor Books and online at fineartscamp.org under “Shows.”
Sitka Community Theater is part of the Greater Sitka Arts Council, with support for this event from Sea Mart and Sitka Fine Arts Camp.
Emblem Club
Meets Thursday
The first Sitka Emblem Club 142 business meeting of the new year will be Jan. 13 at the Elks Lodge.
President Cora Nisbet requests members contact her if they are unable to attend.
ANB, ANS Set
Joint Meeting
Alaska Native Brotherhood Camp 1 and Alaska Native Sisterhood Camp 4 will hold the first joint business meeting of the new year 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 14, at the ANB Founders Hall.
The Christmas dinner report, Elizabeth Peratrovich Day on Feb. 16, and other items, will be on the agenda. The meeting is open to the public.
All are welcome to join as a member of either organization; dues are set at $12 a year. Founded in 1912, ANB Camp 1 was the first civil rights organization established in the history of the United States of America. The Alaska Native Brotherhood & Sisterhood were leaders in fighting racial segregation, gaining full U.S. citizenship for Alaska Natives, and remain a critical force today in preserving Alaska Native culture and heritage. For further information, or to rent the ANB Hall or ANS kitchen, call Peter Karras, president, ANB Camp 1 at 738-2434, or Grace Larsen, president, ANS Camp 4 at 738-8292.
SCT Auditions
Set for Sunday
GSAC Sitka Community Theater will hold auditions 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, at Yaw Chapel. Actors are asked to prepare a 1- to 2-minute comic monlogue and be ready to do a cold reading. Signups are reached through a link on the GSAC Sitka Community Theater Facebook page.
Masks and proof of vaccination are required. The play “Maskerade” (from the Terry Pratchett novel) will be staged March 25-27 at the Performing Arts Center. As usual, rehearsals will be on Sundays and one to two other weekdays.
