Services Pending
For Irene Paul
Irene Nadja Paul, a lifelong Sitka resident, died Wednesday, Oct. 30, in Sitka. She was 88.
Services are pending.
Life Celebration
Saturday for
Jamie Gorman
A celebration of life for James Ogden (Jamie) Gorman will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Allen Auditorium on the SJ Campus.
Jamie was born July 14, 1989, and died in Sitka Oct. 22, 2019.
Instead of flowers or gifts, the family suggests a contribution to the Sitka Sound Science Center in Jamie’s memory. A marine and beach cleanup will be scheduled in his honor.
Pioneers to Meet,
Dinner on Tap
Pioneers of Alaska Men’s Igloo 22 and Women’s Igloo 12 will meet 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 7 at United Methodist Church on Kimsham Street for dinner and camaraderie.
Renew old friendships and possibly kindle new ones during the social hour, and at dinner, organizers said.
Members are being asked to take their favorite Thanksgiving dishes.
The agenda will include scheduling Christmas bell-ringing, nominations for office, road cleanup, and provision for the Pioneer Poke.
Recycle Yard
Closure Noted
The cardboard and plastic recycle yard on Sawmill Creek Road will be closed Nov. 4-15 because of the installation of a new baler.
All cardboard and plastics will need to be held on to or taken to the Transfer Station on Jarvis Street until new baler installation is complete, City of Sitka said in a press release.
Climate Connection: HEAT PUMPS 101
By Libby Stortz
We’ve raised the dam, and damn, it’s expensive to pay off. But… it’s cheaper than fossil fuel in more ways than one and it’s perfect for Sitka. Sitka has one of the lowest energy rates in Alaska (cityofsitka.org Electricity Dept.) and it’s a non-profit utility, meaning they only charge enough to cover our costs. Our rate is also lower in the winter (approx. 12 cents per kwh) to help us afford to live here year round.
As we approach the colder part of the year, let’s explore some alternatives to fossil fuels for heating our homes. Here is the skinny on Heat Pumps which use our clean hydro-power and refrigeration technology to provide heating and cooling. There are 2 parts, an indoor unit and an outdoor condenser. They have very high efficiency and don’t require ductwork.
The heat pump compressor extracts heat from the outside air, then moves it to the indoor unit that keeps you toasty warm. Heat pumps do not make heat, they just move the available heat from outside to inside. So heat pumps are able to provide more than 3 units of heat for every unit of electricity used. That’s a 300% efficiency rate. They are very inexpensive to run and can completely or partially offset your oil, gas or electric resistance heat. They’re capable of offsetting up to 300 gallons of home oil for about 48% less cost. It’s worth looking into!
What’s the benefit? A 100-gallon oil tank makes 1 TON (literally) of CO2, the main gas responsible for our climate crises. That does not even begin to take into account the CO2 from the acquisition and transportation of crude to a refinery down South, then barging it all the way up here and trucking it to your house. Electric heat is local, cheaper than oil, supports the local economy, and does not contribute to climate change. And it’s made from rain. The initial cost is about twice that of a Toyo stove or Monitor, but quickly pays for itself with savings.
For a deeper look at getting heat pumps in Sitka, check out sitkarainpower.org. Free, personal guidance is available to help you update your heating, save money, support our town and slow down climate change.
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By Libby Stortz, Member of Citizens Climate Lobby
Ribbon-Cutting, Bike Ride Set
The ribbon-cutting for the new Protect the Herring bike rack, at the Sheet’ká Kwáan Naa Kahídi, will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2.
Following the ribbon-cutting, the Sitka Cycling Club’s monthly group ride is scheduled in observance of Native American Heritage Month. Participants will ride on the new trail on Japonski Island, see Sitka’s first fix-it station and visit the The Kootéeyaa Project totem, which represents the Native journey to wellness.
The group will ride to the Salty Spoke bike co-op (in a back room at the Hames Center) for a mini workshop on fixing a flat and maintaining a chain. All helmeted cyclists are welcome to join.
For information call Doug Osborne at 738-8734 or go to sitkacycling.wordpress.com.
SFS, Artchange
Show ‘14 Miles’
Film Showcase
The Sitka Film Society, Artchange Inc. and Coliseum Theater will present a showcase of minidocumentaries 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the Coliseum.
Filmmaker Ellen Frankenstein, who instigated the series, said the films are about “the people, the work and the issues along our road system.” The films are a collaboration between Frankenstein, a professional filmmaker; members of the community; and interns.
The films will run back-to-back with the entire showcase lasting 45 minutes.
Tickets are $8 at Old Harbor Books. Those with questions may call Frankenstein at 738-2174.
Market & Café
At WhaleFest
All are invited to attend the WhaleFest market and café to get a jump on holiday shopping and learn about local non-profits.
Silent auction items will be available for bidding during market hours, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily Nov. 1-3.
Maritime Grind
Slated Tonight
The marine-themed Maritime Grind, an evening of laughter, song, dance and a dessert contest, will be 7:30 p.m. tonight at Centennial Hall.
The family event coordinated by the Monthly Grind crew features local talent. It is co-hosted by the Greater Sitka Arts Council and Sitka WhaleFest. Tickets are $5 at sitkawhalefest.org or at Old Harbor Books.
WhaleFest Sets
Fun Run Nov. 2
Join the crowd rain or shine, and watch for whales along the course on Saturday, Nov. 2, for the WhaleFest Fun Run.
The race starts at 10 a.m. from Whale Park. Participants can choose from a 2-mile walk, 5K or 10K for $5. The first 125 to sign up will receive a free run shirt.
Through sponsorship by SEARHC, medals will be awarded for the first, second and third place in the 5K and 10K men’s and women’s divisions, and a masters (10K only).
Registration can be completed ahead of time online at www.sitkawhalefest.org, 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, at Centennial Hall, or 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Whale Park.
Proceeds benefit the Sitka Sound Science Center and Sitka WhaleFest.
Family Concert
By Sineti on Tap
Folksinger, songwriter and shanty-man Don Sineti is back for the Sitka WhaleFest Family Concert 4:15-5 p.m. Nov. 3 at Centennial Hall.
Sineti is an award-winning marine mammal illustrator and author. With a booming voice and a hearty laugh, he shares his music, his art, and his unrestrained love for whales, with audiences of all ages.
Tickets are $5 at sitkawhalefest.org and at Old Harbor Books.
Marine Wildlife
Cruises on Tap
All are invited to join Sitka WhaleFest symposium speakers aboard an Allen Marine vessel for a whale-watching adventure, with sea otters and humpback whales, in Sitka Sound.
The cruise is for all ages. The boat departs at 8:45 a.m. from Crescent Harbor and will return at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are available for Saturday, Nov. 2, or Sunday, Nov. 3, at $55 per ticket at sitkawhalefest.org or at Old Harbor Books.
Auditions Planned
For ‘Pirates’ Play
Auditions will be held Nov. 20-23 for Sitka Fine Arts Camp’s Young Performers Theater production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s ‘‘The Pirates of Penzance! A Pirate King! A Lovelorn Lad! A Fierce Young Maiden! A Modern Major-General!’’
‘‘All this and more in one of the silliest, charming, well-loved, beautiful, dutiful musicals of all time,’’ Sitka Fine Arts Camp said in a news release.
Auditions are open to students, ages 7 to 18. Register at www.fineartscamp.org. For more information call 747-3085.
Kids Cheer Camp
Slated Nov. 2
Boys and girls, ages 5 and older, are invited to a Kids Cheer Camp 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Sitka High School gym.
Participants will learn basic cheer fundamentals, routine and team building. A performance will be the same day, at 1 p.m.
The cost is $35 per child, or pre-registered, is $30.Two siblings will be charged $65, or $60 if pre-registered. Participants should arrive 15 minutes early to register. Children should wear PE cloting and shoes. Cheer clothes or red or blue shirt are being encouraged.
Those with questions, or to pre-register, can contact Coach Kaycie at (906) 623-7141.
Pioneers to Meet,
Dinner on Tap
Pioneers of Alaska Men’s Igloo 22 and Women’s Igloo 12 will meet 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 7 at United Methodist Church on Kimsham Street for dinner and camaraderie.
Renew old friendships and possibly kindle new ones during the social hour, and at dinner, organizers said.
Members are being asked to take their favorite Thanksgiving dishes.
The agenda will include scheduling Christmas bell-ringing, nominations for office, road cleanup, and provision for the Pioneer Poke.
Bear Story Time
At SJ Museum
All are invited to story time at the Sheldon Jackson Museum 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2.
At the new program ‘‘Alaska Three Bears’’ will be read. Children are encouraged to bring their own stuffed bears to this activity. Bear pelts for touching will be out after the story. This free program is best for ages 3-9. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
The Sheldon Jackson Museum is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission will be waived for the story time program. For information, call 747-8981.
