Dedication Ceremony Set
For Community Housing
The Sitka Community Land Trust will dedicate the S’us’ Héeni Sháak Community 11 a.m. Saturday, May 13, at 1410 Halibut Point Road.
The affordable housing community will be 14 homes and a four-unit apartment building when complete. There are currently five homes with two under construction and seven more to come.
Sitka Tribe of Alaska named the neighborhood three years ago and will conduct the naming ceremony.
Local artist Will Peterson designed the neighborhood sign that will be unveiled. Peterson is also SCLT Board President.
“I see the naming ceremony as a land and language acknowledgement that we are on and always will be on Lingít Aaní; as an organization we recognize the importance of the indigenous peoples of the land.” Peterson said. “Having STA choose the name to the neighborhood is a gesture in the right direction.”
The community land trust model of homeownership brings permanently affordable housing to middle-to-low income families, the organization said.
Tours of the two homes under construction homes will be available after the ceremony. 1318 Halibut Point Road is a nearly complete two-bedroom in a one-story layout and 1350 HPR is a three-bedroom, two-story home that is halfway through framing.
“This neighborhood is truly a community project,” SCLT Executive Director Randy Hughey said. “The City of Sitka donated the site, many Sitka businesses donated professional services or donated money, and Sitka Tribe of Alaska named the community. How Sitka comes together to support affordable housing is motivating and inspiring.”
Peterson (Goon Naax Jidee, Tlingit, Raven L’uknax.ádi) is a Sitka wood carver. With a background in engineering and science, he apprenticed with his father Reggie Peterson and Tommy Joseph to hone his skills as an artist. As the owner of X̱út’aa Hídi, Peterson creates his formline and carving as a spiritual pursuit, connecting deeper with himself, his family, and his ancestors through art, a press release from the organization said.
Pistol League
Winners Given
The Sitka Sportsman’s Association recently held its rimfire and centerfire pistol league and winners have been announced.
Rimfire winners are: Chad Goeden, first place; Bill Peters, second; and Retha Winger, third.
Winners of the centerfire league are: first, Chad Goeden; second, Sean Demello; and third, Josh Goeden.
‘‘The Sitka Sportsman’s Association would like to thank all of the participants of this year’s rimfire and centerfire pistol league, and congratulate the winners,’’ SSA said in a press release.
Anyone wanting to participate in next year’s leagues starting in January, or in women’s pistol league starting in the fall, should contact Chad Goeden at (907) 623-0908.
An ongoing centerfire pistol competition is held each Thursday at 7 p.m. for anyone interested.
Parkinson’s Disease
Support Group On
Sitka has an active Parkinson’s Disease support group that meets 4:30-5:30 p.m. each Wednesday at SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center in the cafeteria on the first floor.
Those who are affected by Parkinson’s and their health care support people are invited to understand more about the disease.
‘‘This is a group that learns something new every week and supports each other in exercising, emotionally and in new information,’’ organizers said.
‘‘Parkinson’s does not have to define a person. We can live a good life and learn new ways to cope, making life better every day.’’
Those with questions can call or text Marjorie at 907-738-3078 or Sonny at 907-738-3535.
Porch Fest
Activities Set
For May 20
Music, art and dancing will be a part of Porch Fest activities 11 a.m.-9 p.m. May 20 in downtown Sitka.
Lincoln Street will be closed 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Music will continue at the KCAW stage until 9 p.m.
Greater Sitka Arts Council raffle tickets at $15 each are available for a chance to win two Alaska Airlines tickets (sponsored by Alaska Airlines), and $250 and $100 Sea Mart gift cards. The drawing will be at 7 p.m. at the evening Porch Fest concert. The winner need not be present to win. Proceeds support the arts in Sitka through the Greater Sitka Arts Council. Tickets at the festival or by texting Rain Van Den Berg at 907-268-1828.
Community
Garden Table
At May 13 Event
The public is invited to visit the Sitka community garden table at the Sitka Health Fair 7:45-noon Saturday at Centennial Hall.
Details on Transition Sitka’s and Sitka Local Food Network’s community garden proposal are available. Individuals can receive updates as the proposal moves through the city review process. Drawings will be held every half hour for free gardening gloves or a strawberry plant.
For questions and more information, call 907-738-3557 or 907-747-9834.
Sport Fishing
Regs Discussed
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, NOAA, and U.S. Coast Guard will host a public meeting regarding the sport fishing season 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, at Centennial Hall.
Staff will be available to answer any questions regarding rules, regulations, and/or charter requirements.
Transfer Station
Closure Extended
The Transfer Station closure to complete major construction has been extended to Wednesday, May 17. Waste will not be accepted during this timeframe.
Intermittent road closures of Jarvis Street at the Transfer Station site, 205 Jarvis Street, may take place, the city said.
The facility will reopen 8 a.m. Thursday, May 18.
For emergency needs of disposal, contact Public Works at 907-747-1804 or publicworks@cityofsitka.org to make arrangements.
Health Fair
Set Saturday
The Sitka Community Health Fair will be 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 13, at Centennial Hall.
It will include a blood chemistry screen, men’s wellness package, women’s wellness package, and individual screens.
Free health education and local exhibitors will include the Veterans Outreach Program, SAIL aging disabilities resources and Red Cross disaster response readiness.
For more information about Alaska Health Fairs or to make an appointment for Saturday’s Health Fair, go to www.alaskahealthfair.org.
Walk-ins are welcome.
