Math Teacher Patty Bickar
Awarded DKG 50-Year Pin
Patty Bickar has been awarded a Delta Kappa Gamma 50-year pin.
The Sitka resident has been a member of Iota Chapter since 1969. She is the second member to achieve the honor.
‘‘She was an extremely dedicated math teacher at Blatchley Middle School and knew about all the happenings in the school,’’ the Iota Chapter said in a press release. ‘‘She also was known as the staff person who took new teachers under her wing.’’
Bickar was Iota’s president from 1975 to 1978 and Beta Gamma state president, 1985-1987.
She always took homemade items to the chapter’s Santa Sale, which were popular in the silent auction bidding, Iota Chapter said.
‘‘Patty loved creating items for members of our group, like DKG cloth bags, Kleenex holders, and our red felt DKG pin holders which you can see her wearing in her picture,’’ chapter member said.
Bickar is known for her community involvement. She was a major player in Sitka’s Alaska Day Festival and Fourth of July festivities. She also was the first woman to join Sitka Rotary Club and was its president 1993-94. She was instrumental in starting the Rotary fundraising project with the buying, distributing and selling of roses.
She also organized the Sitka Cancer Society daffodil sale for many years.
If she wasn’t involved in planning an event, Sitkans would see her supporting them throughout the year.
‘‘We can say that her family, her involvement in the family business, church, school and community have meant the world to her and we are proud to be acknowledging her this year for her contributions to our teaching profession and her involvement throughout our community,’’ the Iota Chapter said. ‘‘You are a PEARL! Congratulations, Patty!’’
Summer Hours at
Hames Center
Hames Center’s summer schedule will begin June 1. Open hours are 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. It will be closed on Sundays until the fall.
Additionally, the gym floor will have adjusted open gym hours during Sitka Fine Arts Camp classes. For up-to-date schedules visit www.hamescenter.org or call 747-5080.
Hames Center
Open May 27
Hames Center will be open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day.
Classes include Tot’s Gym 9-10:30 a.m., TRX at 10:30 a.m. and Lunch Spin at 12:15 p.m. For information contact Hames Center at 747-5080.
Cottage Foods
Business Discussed
Sarah Lewis will teach students how to ‘‘Start a Cottage Foods Business’’ noon-2 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, in Room 106 at UAS-Sitka Campus.
The class is a fundraiser for the Sitka Kitch community rental commercial kitchen, and also is designed to help vendors prepare for the upcoming Sitka Farmers Markets hosted by the Sitka Local Foods Network.
Lewis, the home, health and family development agent for the Juneau office of the UAF Cooperative Extension Service, will teach the class by videoconference from Juneau.
Students will learn about state laws regarding home food businesses, and get ideas for businesses one might take to the Sitka Farmers Market or local trade shows. The first hour will be spent discussing rules and regulations, and the second hour will be for questions and answers.
The class fee is $10, and funds go to Sitka Kitch. Class space is limited. The registration deadline is 11 p.m. June 17. Sitka Local Foods Network is offering those who sign up for the class half off their Sitka Farmers Market vendor fee for the first market of the season.
Representatives from Sitka Local Foods Network/Sitka Farmers Market and (hopefully) the Sitka food safety office of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation are planning to attend to answer questions.
Register online at https://sitkakitch.eventsmart.com/ (click on class title) and pre-pay using credit/debit cards or PayPal. To pre-pay by cash or check, contact Chandler, Claire, or Clarice at 747-7509 to arrange payment. For information about the class series, contact Jasmine at 747-9440.
Kids Fishing
Derby June 8
The Swan Lake Kids Fishing Day is scheduled 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 8, at Swan Lake.
Prizes will be awarded at 1 p.m. Prizes were donated from local businesses. Sammy the Salmon will make an appearance.
The event is sponsored by Sitka Rotary Club and Alaska Department of Fish and Game. For more information contact Joe Serio at 747-6671.
‘Unplanned’
Set to Show
The film ‘‘Unplanned’’ will be shown 4 p.m. May 25, at the Coliseum Theater.
The free showing is sponsored by Sitka Pregnancy Center and Sitka Christian Center.
Health Observance
Week Proclaimed
National Prevention Week, an annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of, and action around, mental health and substance abuse disorders was observed May 12-18.
This year’s theme is ‘‘Inspiring Action – Changing Lives.’’
For more information about prevention, contact Sitka Counseling. It can help to identify and raise awareness around community and behavioral health issues. For information go to www.sitkacounseling.org.
Children’s Author
At Story Time
Matthew Lasley, author of ‘‘Pedro’s Pan, A Gold Rush Story’’ will offer a special story time program 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, at Sitka Public Library.
‘‘Experience all the excitement of a wilderness gold rush through an unexpected narrator: a prospector’s trusted gold pan,’’ the library said.
The event is free and all ages are welcome. Regular story time will resume on Thursday, June 6.
For information, call the library at 747-8708.
Texas Volunteer
At Sitka Lutheran
Mary Anne Parker, a retired math teacher from Victoria, Texas, has volunteered several times at Sitka Lutheran Church. She hopes to return in September to work with the youth group and tourists.
She met tourists in 2018 and helped with the youth group last fall – including a Service Mission trip to Palmer in September which included harvesting a potato garden for the Palmer Food Bank.
In April, she volunteered at SLC as co-youth group leader and helped re-organize church records.
‘‘Parker’s energy level is enough to lift anyone’s spirits,’’ a press release from the church said. ‘‘A willing smile, a positive attitude, a strong faith are her prime ingredients.’’
She has applied at Lutheran Seminary in Minneapolis to become a Lutheran pastor.
‘‘Coming from high-humidity, heat-laden, south Texas, she has adopted Sitka and our cool weather as her second home,’’ the church said.
Sunday morning worship begins at 10:30 a.m. A weekly soup supper is held in the church followed by a short prayer service 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Youth group, quilting, service mission trips round out some of Sitka Lutheran Church’s activities. For information call the church office at 747-3338, visit the church’s web site at: http://www.sitkalutheranchurch.org/ or e-mail the office at sitkalutheranchurch@gmail.com.
Medvejie Tour,
Salmon Bake Set
NSRAA will offer hatchery tours and a salmon lunch at Medvejie Hatchery on Saturday, July 13.
Attendees will see king salmon return to the hatchery and hear about the fisheries enhancement program.
Two tours are planned to leave from Crescent Harbor by Allen Marine boat. The first will leave at 9 a.m. and return at 12:30 p.m. The second leaves at 12:30 p.m. and returns at 4 p.m. Space is limited.
Tickets are $15 per person available at NSRAA, 1308 Sawmill Creek Road, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information call 747-6850.
Trail Board Volunteers
To Lead Weekend Hikes
Sitka Trail Works’ volunteer board members will lead several weekend public hikes this summer.
Hikes help familiarize users with the various trails and are an opportunity to meet others who enjoy the outdoors.
A free hike along the Herring Cove and Beaver Lake Trail is planned Saturday, May 25. Hikers should meet at the Herring Cove trailhead at the end of Sawmill Creek Road at 9 a.m.
The round trip is about 3.6 miles and 2.5 hours in length. A steep, rocky grade is at the beginning and end of the trail and at the junction with Beaver Lake Trail. The middle section around the lake is mostly level with some stepping stones and log steps. Hiking poles, water and a snack are recommended. All minors participating must be accompanied by an adult.
‘‘This is a beautiful hike mostly in the forest with views of waterfalls and Beaver Lake,’’ organizers said.
To observe National Trails Day, Sitka Trail Works will host a volunteer trail maintenance event 9-11 a.m. June 1 at the Thimbleberry Lake and Heart Lake trails.
Volunteers can meet at the Thimbleberry Lake trailhead. Fresh water and work gloves are needed. Tools, a limited number of gloves, and snacks will be provided. Teens wishing to help must attend with an adult. For information call Sitka Trail Works at 747-7244 or visit www.sitkatrailworks.org
A 3.6-mile round-trip moderate difficulty hike to Lake Eva will be on Saturday, June 8. Participants will meet at Crescent Harbor and depart at 10 a.m. sharp for Hanus Bay to begin the hike. Further trip information and a link to purchase tickets for $110 plus tax is available at www.sitkatrailworks.org or call 747-7244.
For the Saturday, June 15, Mt. Verstovia hike, meet at the Verstovia Trailhead on Sawmill Creek Road at 9 a.m.
The difficult five-mile, six-hour roundtrip hike goes through a series of switchbacks, with spectacular views from the top. Elevation gain is 2,550 feet to Picnic Rock. Hikers should expect numerous rocky sections, log steps, and tree roots. The trail will be slippery and muddy if wet. STW recommends taking water, lunch, hiking poles, appropriate clothing, and a camera. Ages 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult and have a liability waiver signed by their legal guardian.
A free 1.5-mile hike around the Mosquito Cove Loop is set 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 23. The trail is easy-to-moderate difficulty with some stairs and can be slippery when wet. Hikers should meet at the Mosquito Cove trailhead parking area. The hike is family-friendly; however, any children or teens attending must be accompanied by an adult and have a liability waiver signed by their legal guardian.
Hike leaders will carry first aid supplies and VHF radios. For information call 747-7244, or visit www.sitkatrailworks.org.
American Legion
Meeting May 23
The American Legion will hold a meeting 7 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at the Legion hall.
All Legionnaires are being encouraged to attend.
Sitka Affordability
Topic of Workshop
The City and Borough of Sitka Health Needs and Human Services Commission will host an open Affordability Solutions workshop 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, in Room 1 of Centennial Hall.
The purpose of the gathering is to generate ideas, strategies and proposals to help year-round residents by reducing the cost of necessities while maintaining or improving services, public health outcomes, and quality of life.
For information call Melissa Henshaw at 747-1826.
Salmon Derby
Gets Underway
This Weekend
Sitka Sportsman’s Association is drawing angler’s attention to the 64th Sitka Salmon Derby, which gets underway Memorial Day weekend.
The derby runs May 25-27 and June 1-2.
‘‘It’s a great way to have some outdoor fun, on the beautiful sparkling waters of Sitka, fishing for that award- winning king,’’ the Sportsman’s Association said. ‘‘Fantastic prizes from our wonderful sponsors are abundant, so turn in your fish and come to the derby awards night, June 13, at the Centennial Hall, 7 p.m. The Sitka Salmon Derby is a long time tradition that you won’t want to miss, so grab your gear, grab your sunscreen, grab your family and friends to fish in this year’s derby.’’
Sitka Sportsman’s Association is encouraging anglers to be safe and to practice good sportsmanship in all of their sporting activities.
Call SSA Derby Chairman and President John McCrehin at 738-8636 withquestions. For information visit Facebook for Sitka Salmon Derby or Sitka Sportsman’s Association.
