Robert C. Widmark
Services Jan. 13
Services for Robert C. Widmark will be 4:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi.
A memorial account has been set up at Wells Fargo, 3465741381.
Mr. Widmark died Dec. 29. An obituary will be published later in the Sentinel.
Dreaming of a Climate Friendly White (good) Christmas for 2020
By Leah Mason
The year 2019 has been a big one for the Climate Connections columnists. We knew there was a lot to talk about, and we wanted to make that a bigger conversation. We weren’t certain we could do a weekly column, but we surprised ourselves and we’ve learned a lot. We’ve been hearing that it has been helpful to others. Thanks to the Sitka Sentinel crew for taking us on!
This year we talked about different ways to lower electricity bills and our use of fossil fuels. This week, we’re looking at something that’s worthy of your next Permanent Fund Dividend check. It’s big but it will be paying you and everyone around you a dividend for many years to come. Yes, a refrigerator (and other cooling appliances). Why? Two reasons. Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners account for 18% of electricity use in U.S. households, and most use chemicals (Freon or HCF-134a) that are 1,430 times more powerful than carbon dioxide! This is why retiring our old and inefficient refrigerators is one of the more important actions we can take in 2020.
I’m calling this a Christmas list column, because these are big, expensive items and we live on a small expensive island! We need to do our homework and work together to get the best deal.
Tips and Tricks for Buying Better Refrigerators
Old and new technology is coming. Look for some familiar names as coolants for your next refrigerator or freezer. Propane, Isobutane, and other natural hydrocarbons have become standard for these appliances in Europe, and have 99% less impact than the coolants used in the US. Magnetic cooling is also coming on to the household market in the next couple of years.
Energy efficient designs are also making a big difference. LED lighting and being smart about how cold air moves around the shelves means that newer refrigerators don’t have to do so much work.
“Smart” refrigerators are taking “energy efficient” to a new level. Some have smaller openings for things you use most often. Others use glass panels or internal cameras to show you what is inside. Both save energy by keeping more cold air inside! Others can learn your door-opening habits and change their cooling routine to make sure that the two things don’t happen at the same time.
Make sure you check the Energy Rating on your choices too and get to know what these ratings mean at https://www.energystar.gov/products/appliances/refrigerators.
How can we source more expensive new appliances as cheaply and cleanly as we can? By working together to buy and transport the most suitable smart, green appliances to Sitka. What kind of deal could we get if we buy in bulk? Could our local retailers help us? Could we organise a bulk shipment of our old equipment to a recycler that will drain them of their coolants and dispose of them properly? Ensuring that bad refrigerants are disposed of correctly is another gift to everyone you know.
Check out the EPA guide to disposing of household refrigerated appliances at https://www.epa.gov/section608/frequently-asked-questions-about-safe-disposal-refrigerated-household-appliances and let’s start a conversation about how Sitkans can use our combined buying power to get a better deal for everyone.
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Leah Mason is a member of the Sitka Citizens’ Climate Lobby and wishes everyone a climate-friendly New Year!
Volunteer Positions
On City Boards
Volunteer positions are available on the following municipal boards and commissions: Animal Hearing Board, Building Department Appeals Board, Health Needs and Human Services Commission, Investment Committee, Library Commission, Local Emergency Planning Committee, Police and Fire Commission, and Tree and Landscape Committee.
Letters of interest and applications may be submitted to the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 100 Lincoln Street. Applications are available online at www.cityofsitka.com. For information, call Melissa at 747-1826.
Sourdough Bread
Class Set Jan. 14
Participants will learn to bake sourdough bread in the first class of the new Winter Baking Series at the Sitka Kitch 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Carolyn Rice will teach students how to make crusty, customized sourdough bread.
Rice is an Alaska Fellow with the Sitka Conservation Society and the USDA Forest Service.
She was raised in a tiny town in the Colorado Rockies and has since lived all over the American West. She said she “kind of” hails from Portland, Oregon – but feels at home generally in kitchens and when her feet are dirty. She loves to make sourdough bread, run, write poetry and watch sunsets.
The registration deadline is 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11. Space is limited. Eight students are needed to register and pre-pay. The cost is $40, which includes the food and supply fee.
Register and pre-pay using credit/debit cards or PayPal on our EventSmart page, http://sitkakitch.eventsmart.com (click on class title). For those wanting to pre-pay with cash or check, call Chandler O’Connell or Clarice Johnson at Sitka Conservation Society (747-7509) to arrange a payment.
For more information, contact Jasmine Shaw at 747-9440.
Masters Swim
Class with BBSC
The Baranof Barracuda Swim Club invites all levels of adult lap swimmers to join the BBSC Masters workout group.
A USA Swimming certified coach is on deck. It includes varied workouts, stroke coaching, and 2,000-3,000 yards a workout. Monthly memberships and punch cards are available.
Workout times are 6-7 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 5-6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
For information, call Kevin Knox at 738-4664 or email bbsc.sitka@gmail.com.
Zumba Offered
Zumba classes are being offered at Hames Center 3-4 p.m. Sundays. Classes are led by Kate DesRosiers and are open to all ages and abilities. No dance experience needed. For information call Hames Center 747-5080 or visit www.hamescenter.org.
Pilates Taught
Saturday Pilates classes will be back on schedule at Hames Center beginning Jan. 11.
Annie Walden leads 9 a.m. gentle pilates followed by 10:15 a.m. power pilates. To register or for more information visit www.hamescenter.org or call 747-5080
Hames Center
Open on MLK Day
Hames Center will open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Classes include Tot’s Gym, 9-10:30 a.m.; TRX, 10 a.m.; dance fitness at noon; and lunch spin, 12:15 p.m. For a full schedule visit www.hamescenter.org or call 747-5080.
Land Trust Sets
Annual Meeting
The Sitka Community Land Trust will hold its annual meeting and potluck 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, at the Sitka Assembly of God Church at 214 Kimsham Street.
The public is being encouraged to attend. The SCLT is a non-profit organization that relies on community support and participation. For information contact Mim McConnell at 738-2888.
