Electrification Expo
Set for Saturday
At Centennial Hall
Sitka’s Electrification Expo will be held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at Centennial Hall, Room 1 (Raven).
More than two dozen experts will be available to talk with Sitkans about transitioning off carbon and on to electric, organizers said. This includes heat pumps, weatherization, electric cars, electric bikes and electric boats.
Also on hand will be representatives from the Baranof Island Housing Authority and the City and Borough of Sitka electric department.
Financing information from federal and state sources, as well as a local Sitka bank, for paying for the changes will be available.
The free event will include refreshments. It is open to the public.
Sponsors are Transition Sitka, Citizens Climate Lobby, Sitka Sound Science Center, Alaska Heat Smart, Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, REAP-Renewable Energy Alaska Project, and the Sitka Carbon Offset Fund.
Incentives Given
For Heat Pumps
Alaska Heat Smart, a nonprofit organization, is providing awards of $1,500 to $2,500 toward purchase and installation of heat pumps for qualifying Sitka households.
Those interested in saving money, transitioning away from fossil fuels or resistance heating systems, or benefitting from AHS’s professional home heat pump assessment service can visit akheatsmart.org/clean-heat-incentive-program-sitka/ to apply and learn more.
Climate Connection: Expo Questions
Tomorrow is the Electrification Expo at Centennial Hall, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In deciding whether to go, you might wonder what questions you can get answered. This year and next are critical times when the federal government is providing incentives for households to make investments in energy efficiency through two bills – the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act. The incentives fall into two categories – tax credits that you can take advantage of in 2023-2032, and point of sale rebates that will become available in 2024. Most rebates have income qualifications, so you will want to know if you qualify.
Utility bills are a major item in our cost of living, particularly if we use fuel oil or resistive electrical baseboards to heat our homes. Cold weather heat pumps are much cheaper to operate and are being subsidized by the federal government.
The Expo has three heat pump installers to talk to and an energy auditor who specializes in selling new carbon dioxide heat pumps. The Expo also has the executive director of Alaska Heat Smart, a Juneau nonprofit which conducts free energy ratings to prepare you to invest in a heat pump. Alaska Heat Smart is planning to subsidize about 20 heat pump installations in Sitka. In addition, the Sitka Carbon Offset Fund subsidizes income-qualified households to obtain heat pumps. In summary, there are six entities that you can talk to about heat pumps to lower energy bills. The Baranof Island Housing Authority has lots of experience with heat pumps and will be at the Expo too.
Maybe you own a boat and are interested in what is happening in preparing boats for a fossil fuel-free future. The Expo will have three fishermen who have been working with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory on that. Maybe you think that you will have to replace your car with an electric vehicle in the next 10 years. The Expo will have information from current EV owners and on what you can save in maintenance and fuel costs, especially with tax credits and rebates. Or you may wonder if you need a car at all, now that electric bikes are becoming common. The Expo doesn’t have much local information on solar energy and battery storage, but you might want to talk at the Expo to the municipal Electric Department about its stance on solar energy. And a scientist from the Alaska Center for Energy and Power from the University of Alaska will be at the Expo with a calculator to give a state-wide perspective.
Finally, the Expo has compiled information about financing many energy efficiency opportunities, including for those of low and moderate income who can be heavily subsidized for weatherization and energy-efficient appliances. Besides saving money, you can make a plan for maximizing 10 years of benefits while decreasing your carbon footprints for the sake of stabilizing global warming.
-Kay Kreiss, Transition Sitka
Tourism Task Force
Members Sought
The City and Borough of Sitka Assembly established the Tourism Task Force to help facilitate Sitka’s transition into long-term tourism management.
The Assembly is seeking volunteers to serve in the following categories: downtown business corridor (one seat), tours and attractions (one seat), business in general (one seat), and community at-large (two seats). Members will be appointed at the April 25 Assembly meeting.
Applications are available online at www.cityofsitka.com or at the Municipal Clerk’s Office in City Hall, 100 Lincoln Street. Applications must be submitted to the Municipal Clerk’s Office no later than noon on Wednesday, April 19. Call 907-747-1826 or email clerk@cityofsitka.org for information.
Easter Egg Hunt
Slated April 9
The annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, April 9, at Pioneer Park.
The event is sponsored by the Sitka Elks Lodge, Sitka Moose Lodge and American Legion.
Children, ages 0-12, should take their own basket to gather eggs. Treats and prizes will be offered.
4-H Archery
To be Offered
The 4-H shooting sports program will offer a followup to riflery with a new discipline: a seven-week archery class series will begin March 24 and run through May 5.
Two sessions will be held back-to-back at the Sitka Sportsmen’s Association, 5211 Halibut Point Road. Ages 9-11 will meet 3-4:30 p.m. and ages 12 and older will meet 4:30-6 p.m.
While the focus is not on competition, opportunities will be given for youths to qualify to compete in state and national 4-H shooting sports competitions.
Cost of this series is $50. Contact jdshaw2@alaska.edu or 907-747-9440 to register or with any questions
Strong, Steady
Exercise On Tap
Parks and Recreation, in coordination with the Swan Lake Senior Center, will hold ‘‘Strong and Steady’’ exercise classes 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning April 4 at the Swan Lake Senior Center, 402 Lake Street.
The free class is focused on reducing falls by building strength and maintaining range of motion. Sessions will include a warmup portion, light cardio, targeted strength exercises, balance challenges, and stretching.
Portions of the class may be performed while seated. Classes will be taught by volunteer and fitness instructor Dorothy Orbison.
For information, contact Parks and Recreation by emailing recreation@cityofsitka.org or by calling 907-747-4031.
Animal Shelter
Seeks Volunteers
The Friends of Sitka Animal Shelter is seeking volunteers, particularly those able to cover morning or evening shifts, at the Sitka Animal Shelter.
‘‘Whether you can commit to a couple hours each week or a few days per month, we welcome all volunteers willing to lend a helping hand,’’ the animal shelter said.
Volunteers can help care for animals by walking dogs, cleaning kennels, socializing with cats, and assisting with outreach events.
‘‘No experience is required, just a love for animals and a willingness to learn,’’ volunteers said. ‘‘We offer flexible scheduling, hands-on training, and a supportive environment.’’
Those interested in joining the team can email sitkaanimalfriends@gmail.com or visit https://www.sitkaanimalfriends.org/volunteer.
School Board Sets
Special Meeting
The Sitka School District School Board will hold a special meeting in executive session 5 p.m. Monday, March 20, in the district office boardroom to discuss the decision for hiring the interim superintendent.
Legislative Meetings
Offered Next Week
The following legislative meetings will be held and can be attended at the Sitka Legislative Information Office, 201 Katlian Street, Suite 103.
Senate Finance will discuss ‘‘Pending Introduction and Referral: Legislation Relating to the Permanent Fund Dividend’’ 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 21.
House Finance will discuss ‘‘HB39 Approp: Operating Budget, Loans, Fund; HB41 Approp. Mental Health Budget’’ will be discussed 1:30-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 21. Public testimony will be taken 1:30-3:30 p.m. with a two-minute limit.
Individuals should sign in or call in 30 minutes prior to end of allotted time or testimony will close early.
Sitka LIO will be open for public testimony. It offers the following guidelines when giving public testimony:
– All Off Net callers must hang up immediately after testifying to keep lines open;
– Continue to access meeting through akleg.gov;
– The hearing may be televised on Gavel to Gavel; please check listings;
– Select a spokesperson if part of a group with the same message;
Send written testimony to housefinance@akleg.gov.
For a full list of topics, visit akleg.gov and click on “Daily Schedule.” Meetings may be canceled at any time. Constituents can track bills by text. Call the Sitka Legislative Office at 747-6276 or visit akleg.gov for more information.
SAFV Sets Food
Drive March 25
Sitkans Against Family Violence will conduct a food drive 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at Sea Mart.
Non-perishables items also will be accepted at the Rainy Day Bazaar, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 25.
Requested are donations of canned soups, fruits and vegetables, spaghetti and other kinds of noodles, pasta sauces, cups of noodles and similar items, and snack foods.
Donations will benefit SAFV clients and families who are experiencing severe food insecurities. Those in need can call SAFV and request a bag of staples; no questions asked, SAFV said.
For information, call 907-747-3370.
