SEARHC Labs
Get High Scores
SEARHC laboratories at Sitka Medical Center and Ethel Lund Medical Center each received perfect scores during their most recent surveys by the Commission on Office Laboratory Accreditation, SEARHC reports.
Flawless survey results at the SMC lab during the June survey, paired with at least three prior successful testing events and no substantial complaints against the laboratory, earned the department the Laboratory Excellence Award on top of its perfect score commendation.
The award was a first of its kind for the Sitka Medical Center lab, Laboratory Technical Coordinator Stephanie Moore, and her staff. The Ethel Lund Medical Center lab, led by laboratory manager Erin Frasher, was a recipient of the Laboratory Excellence Award in 2017.
“We have a consortium-wide system in place that touches every aspect of laboratory service,” said SEARHC Director of Laboratory Service Constance Stager. “In the past two years, all five SEARHC laboratories, along with the point of care testing sites across the consortium, have been surveyed by professional inspectors from multiple accrediting agencies. All sites have received scores that put them in the top one percent of laboratories nationwide. These excellent results are a testament to SEARHC’s dedication to excellence and the highest standards in patient care.”
Sci-Fi Party Set
For Be-Tweens
Sitka Public Library invites be-tweens to participate in a Sci-Fi Party program 6-7:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16. Participants will be challenged with a sci-fi Jeopardy game. They will also “clear their minds and find Obi-Wan’s wayward planet, they will.”
Yoda Soda, Jabba Jiggle and Death Star Popcorn Balls will be part of the party’s menu. Star prizes will be given to the winning team. Tweens of all abilities are invited. Registration is required.
The be-tween program is a place for ages 11 to 13 and is dedicated to inspire creativity, thinking outside the box and leadership skills and will appeal to tweens craving independence and connection.
For more information, call the library at 747-8708.
Community Picnic
Sponsored by SAIL
Southeast Alaska Independent Living will host a community picnic 5-8 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Halibut Point Recreation Area North Shelter.
SAIL will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, vegetarian options and drinks. Attendees can take a side dish to share.
‘‘We are so blessed in Sitka to be supported by a wonderful community of passionate people who care about the world we do at SAIL,’’ a press release from the organization said. ‘‘Your gifts make a difference and we want to thank you. Please join us for a picnic and conversation about how your gifts inspire personal independence.’’
Pioneers Plan
Annual Picnic
Pioneers of Alaska will hold its annual picnic noon-4 p.m. Aug. 7 at Pioneer Park.
Attendees can take a favorite summertime dish to share with fellow members. Hot dogs, hamburgers and possibly sockeye will be grilled.
T’ai Chi Chih
Practice Saturday
T’ai Chi Chih Practice will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, behind Sitka Public Library.
‘Everyday Women’
Nominations Sought
Sitkans Against Family Violence is calling for nominations for its series Everyday Women of Sitka. The goal is to recognize women whose everyday actions and support go unnoticed by the community.
A list of women recognized in the past is available on SAFV’s website, safv.org.
‘‘You are encouraged to nominate a woman to be spotlighted as someone who is exceptional at what she does, be it as a full-time mom, someone who goes out of her way to help, or just the woman who always says hi to you when you pass,’’ SAFV said.
To nominate, go to safv.org, click community, then Everyday Women of Sitka to find and fill out the nomination form. Call Martina at 747-3483 for more information.
STA to Sponsor
Blatchley Swims
Tribal citizens, Sitka Tribe of Alaska employees and their families can attend family swims at Blatchley pool 5-7 p.m. Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, Sept. 14, 21 and 28.
Those with questions can call Jean Swanson at 747-3968 or email jean.swanson@sitkatribe-nsn.gov.
The ‘‘Strengthening Families Through Healthy Activities’’ event is made possible with funding from a Bureau of Indian Affairs special grant. Parents and guardians must attend and are being encouraged to participate.
Work Party Set
At Boathouse
The Sitka Maritime Heritage Society welcomes volunteers to help repair a wall on the historic Japonski Island Boathouse 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 3.
Volunteers should meet at the boathouse dressed for outside work. SMHS can provide tools and personal protection equipment, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own. Coffee and snacks will be provided. For more information, contact sitkamaritime@gmail.com or 623-8054.
Summer Reading
Program to End
The Universe of Stories Summer Reading Program at Sitka Public Library will end Saturday, Aug. 10. The library invites participants to claim their final reading prizes by that day.
For information, call the library at 747-8708.
Early Literacy
Program Updated
Babies and Books and Old Harbor Books remind families who completed the Early Literacy Summer Reading Program at Sitka Public Library this summer that their earned coupons need to be redeemed no later than Saturday, Aug. 10.
For information, call the library at 747-8708.
Utility Subsidization
Program at City
The city is accepting applications for the Utility Cost Subsidization Program Aug. 1 through Oct. 31.
Applicants meeting certain criteria may be eligible for a subsidization of their municipal utility costs. The subsidization period shall be for one year, beginning January 2020. An appointment with the city finance department may be required.
For information, visit www.cityofsitka.com or pick up an application at the utility office on the first floor of city hall.
For information, call 747-1859.
West Chichagof
Cruise Aug. 11
Sitka Conservation Society will offer a cruise north to the West Chichagof Wilderness Area 1-5 p.m. Aug. 11. The boat will travel through Salisbury Sound to Fish Bay and Suloia Bay. Due to ocean conditions and time constraints, this cruise will not go on the outside waters, SCS said.
Tickets are $65 and can be purchased with cash or check at Old Harbor Books. For information contact SCS, 747-7509 or info@sitkawild.org.
