Fry Bread Sale,
Book Giveaway
Set for Tonight
Indigenous Peoples’ Day will be observed with a fry bread sale and free book giveaway 5-7:30 p.m. tonight at the ANB Founders Hall. Those planning to attend should note the updated time of the event.
The first 50 families will receive a copy of the award-winning book “Fry Bread” or the Alaska tale “The Hungry Giant of the Tundra.” Coloring activities will be available. Call Kari at 752-READ with any questions.
Brewfest, Brisket
Cook-Off Oct. 18
Sitka Historical Society’s fifth annual Brewfest and Brisket Cook-Off is planned 2-6 p.m. on Alaska Day at Centennial Hall parking lot.
It will include craft brews, music and the cook-off. Admission is $20, which includes a 5-ounce tasting mug and three beer tickets, or a brisket plate. Additional beer and brisket tickets can be purchased.
The event features craft beers from Odom Corp., K&L Distributors and Harbor Mountain Brewing Co.
Call 738-3766 to enter the brisket cook-off. Sitka Historical Society will provide the brisket to contestants.
School Board
Meets Oct. 15
The Sitka School Board will hold a special meeting 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, in the district office board room to swear in new board member Todd Gebler and re-elected member Amy Morrison.
The board also will vote on officers and liaisons.
SCLT Will Meet
On Zoom Oct. 18
The Sitka Community Land Trust will meet 6-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18, on Zoom.
The public is being encouraged to attend. The SCLT is a non-profit organization that relies on community support and participation. For information about joining by Zoom, contact Mim McConnell at 738-2888.
Alaska Day Parade
To Line Up Oct. 18
The Alaska Day Parade is slated for 1 p.m. Oct. 18. The theme for the Alaska Day Festival is “Coming Together.”
The parade route will begin on Lincoln Street at the SJ Campus and end at City Hall. Parade line up will begin at 12:30 p.m.
Contact Mindy Lowrance at 738-2418 to sign up for the parade. There is no fee to enter. Prizes will be awarded.
Community School
Revitalization Set
A community school revitalization kickoff will be held noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, at Blatchley Middle School.
The COVID-conscious open house will have a variety of activities for kids. Reviving a sustainable community school program for youths and adults was selected as a top goal at the 2021 Sitka Health Summit.
For information check out the Sitka Community School Revitalization Facebook Page or call Andrew Friske at 738-3141.
Park Visitor Center
Hours are Changed
Sitka National Historical Park visitor center hours and days of operation have changed for the winter.
From today through Oct. 30, the visitor center will be open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
On Oct. 31, hours will change to 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday, except closed on federal holidays.
The visitor center offers museum exhibits, junior ranger books and badges, and the park film, “Voices of Sitka” can be viewed in the theater. The film also is available on the park website at https://www.nps.gov/sitk/learn/photosmultimedia/park-films.htm.
Restrooms are open daily except federal holidays.
Park trail closures due to bears are updated daily and posted. Otherwise, trails are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Visitors should maintain social distance and wear a mask when inside the building.
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local public health authorities, the park is increasing access and services in a phased approach across all units of the National Park System. Before visiting a park, check the park website to determine its operating status. Updates about the overall NPS response to COVID-19 including safety information, are posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.
Cabin Community
Kickoff on Oct. 13
Those wanting to join the effort to end homelessness in Sitka are invited to the COVID-safe launch of a campaign to build cabins for those without housing 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, at the Crescent Harbor shelter.
The Sitka Health Summit selected the project as one of its goals for the wellness of the community and will support the newly formed Cabin Community Committee, a working group of the Sitka Homeless Coalition.
Individuals can stop by Crescent Harbor to learn more about the construction proposal and meet others who are interested in volunteering to help their neighbors.
‘‘Let’s work together to create a healthier and safer community where all can thrive,’’ organizers said.
For information, visit www.sitkahealthsummit.org or contact Deanna Moore at 738-0465 or dmoore@safv.org.
Compassionate Care
At End-of-Life Set
Brave Heart Volunteers will host“Compassionate Care at End-of-Life” training 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 30 and 31.
Professionals will speak on topics including palliative care, the physical process of dying, self care, spirituality, grief and aspects related to hospice care and philosophy. The training is free and is recommended for all BHV volunteers, and persons working or being present with those nearing the end of life.
Call Brave Heart Volunteers at 747-4600 to sign up.
National Park
Programs Offered
Over Alaska Day
Sitka National Historical Park will open the Russian Bishop’s House on Saturday, Oct. 16, as well as offer a one-hour ranger guided walking tour in town.
Both services have limited capacity and reservations to participate are required. Call 747-0110 or stop by the park’s visitor center, Oct 12-15, to make reservations.
A one-hour tour at 10 a.m. will include locations highlighting historic events during the Russian colonial period. The tour is limited to 12 people and reservations are required. Tours will not enter buildings or structures.
The Russian Bishop’s House Museum will be open 1-4 p.m. and no reservations are needed. Museum capacity is 15 people. Thirty-minute tours of the historic upstairs of the Russian Bishop’s House will be available every half hour from 1 to 3:30 p.m. These tours are limited to five people each tour.
All tours are limited, so individuals should make reservations with the park in advance. Tour details will be given when making a reservation 747-0110.
The park’s visitor center, restrooms and trails will be open during normal operating hours.
Alaska Day Parade
To Line Up Oct. 18
The Alaska Day Parade is slated for 1 p.m. Oct. 18. The theme for the Alaska Day Festival is “Coming Together.”
The parade route will begin on Lincoln Street at the SJ Campus and end at City Hall. Parade line up will begin at 12:30 p.m.
Contact Mindy Lowrance at 738-2418 to sign up for the parade. There is no fee to enter. Prizes will be awarded.
