Climate Connection: Exploring solar energy
By Leah Mason
This week we return to exploring some of the options we have in Sitka to replace more carbon intensive energy systems. Sitka fared pretty well during a summer that sucked a lot of other Southeast towns dry of the clean hydropower that we enjoyed. Other communities are paying high prices for diesel again because it just didn’t rain much.
That could have been us. At a time when it WAS us, two Sitkans decided to see how solar might work up here in a Sunny Sitka. Michelle Putz and Perry Edwards installed a small solar system on their southwest-facing roof back in 2010 to demonstrate solar power that fed into the electricity grid and reduce their personal energy load. Michelle jokes that their small system could run a 100-watt lightbulb for around 20 hours a day. Another way of looking at it is that their system could run a load of dishes every day. Or do a load of laundry in a warm cold cycle every two days. Of course, a bigger system and more energy efficient appliances could do more with this energy that comes from the sky. Which is why energy efficiency actions are usually the first stop on the renewable energy journey.
The more observant amongst us might also have noted the speed reminder devices scattered around town are also using solar, and so are some of the flashers at crosswalks. Putz notes that grid-tie solar works in Alaska, and that where the cost of connecting to the main grid is bigger than the cost of putting in the right amount of solar, on an island for instance, it can make economic sense. She also advises that she and Perry have cut costs because they know how to repair their system. Her advice to others is to be aware that standard microinverters may not be designed for the kind of weather that we routinely get, and our roofs are often not positioned to get the best sunlight. So, some thinking and innovating for solar in Alaska might make someone some money and do all of us a favor. A combined project for our local entrepreneurs, science and shop teachers perhaps?
Do you have a solar Sitka story? Send it to sitkaclimatelobby@gmail.com
–––––––––
Leah Mason is a member of the Sitka Citizen’s Climate Lobby.
TANF Office At
New Location
The Sitka Temporary Assistance for Needy Families office has moved to a new location, at 204 Siginaka Street, first floor front at the north end.
Call TANF at 747-3324 for further information.
Native Artists Get
Notice of Market
Local Native artists are being called to register for a free table at the Native Artisans Christmas Market 3-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi.
A limited number of tables are available. Call 747-7137 to reserve one.
School Board in
Executive Session
The Sitka School Board will hold an executive session 6-8 p.m. Thursday in the district office board room, 300 Kostrometinoff Street.
The executive session is in accordance with and under the provisions of AS 44.62.310 (c)(2) ‘‘so as not to prejudice the reputation and character of any person,’’ the board said.
Wild Foods
Potluck Sunday
The Wild Foods Potluck ‘‘Wild Gratitude’’ is planned 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, at Centennial Hall.
Sitka Conservation Society’s annual potluck event features wild foods.
‘‘We will take this opportunity to express gratitude for each other and for the Tongass National Forest,’’ a press release from SCS said.
All are invited to attend and to take a dish that features ingredients fished, foraged, hunted or cultivated in Southeast Alaska. Prizes will be awarded.
For information call Sitka Conservation Society at 747-7509.
American Education Week
By Delta Kappa Gamma
American Education Week is Nov. 18-22. It’s always observed during the first full week before Thanksgiving.
The National Education Association and the American Legion were the creators and original co-sponsors of American Education Week in 1921. Distressed that 25 percent of the country’s World War I draftees were illiterate and 9 percent were physically unfit, both organizations adopted resolutions of support for a national effort to raise public awareness on the importance of education.
This year’s theme is ‘‘Reach, Educate and Inspire.’’ Sitka’s Iota Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional society of women teachers, has chosen this next week as a wonderful opportunity to highlight and celebrate public education in our town with an article in the Daily Sitka Sentinel each day.
DKG is also encouraging the public to consider this coming week as a time to honor and thank individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receive a quality education. Think about writing a thank you note to someone – a teacher, guidance counselor, support staff personnel or volunteer – anyone who works or has worked in the school and has helped to make a difference in some special way.
Unitarians Meet
All are invited Sunday, Nov. 17, to the Unitarian Fellowship for ‘‘Fibonacci Numbers in Nature: A Multigenerational Program on Living in Awe and Wonder.’’
Children are welcome to participate, as the program is appropriate for all ages. Unitarians gather at 10:30 a.m. and the program starts at 10:45 a.m. Soup and bread will be served after the program at noon.
Alaska Day Panel
Meets on Tuesday
Alaska Day Festival coordinators will meet 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Harrigan Centennial Hall to review the recent mid-October activities.
Suggestions will be heard for planning the 2020 commemoration of the 1867 purchase transfer of Russian claim in Alaska to the United States at Sitka. Regular meetings resume in January on the third Tuesday of the month to propose a theme and elect festival leadership.
Persons having comments about festival activities or new volunteers can attend the meetings or contact Chairman Ted Allio at 747-5124 or Vice Chair Steve Dalquist 752-0750. The festival’s mailing address is P.O. Box 1355, Sitka.
Sacred Harp Sing
Lessons Offered
All are invited to learn to sing four-part a capella harmony in an American tradition 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, in the Pioneers Home Chapel. Beginners and listeners are welcome. Singing is from the red Denson book and the Christmas songbook. Loaner books are available. For more information call Sara at 747-2915.
