National Guard
In Sitka for
Alaska Day
Sitka is welcoming the increased presence of Alaska Army National Guard personnel here for Alaska Day Festival. Six soldiers will participate in the Thursday parade, driving the Humvee and tossing candy.
On the list coming from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is State Command Sergeant Major Marc Petersen. Also in Sitka is Command Sergeant Major James Nyquist of the 1/297th Infantry Battalion.
Lieutenant Colonel Donna Johnson is Commander of the AKARNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion, accompanied by Command Sergeant Major John Phlegar, AKARNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion.
Sergeant First Class Justin Mullenix has reactivated the National Guard Armory on Sawmill Creek Road.
Keystone Kops
Now on Patrol
Sitka’s version of the Keystone Kops are again out on the streets spreading good times and merriment while selling Alaska Day commemorative buttons for a $2 donation.
The squad recruited by Jen Houx includes Rachel Ranke, Laurie Nesheim, Michelle Upcraft, Julene Howard, Shasta Fenwick, Lara Fluharty, Tracy Marsh Jacobson, Audrey Nevers, Carrie Driver, Valerie Connell, and Barbara Palacios.
The energetic women in various disguises were sworn in last Wednesday at the Pioneers Home statue in front of Sitka Pioneers Home. Alaska State Trooper CPL Ryan Mau read the oath to “harass, embarrass, and otherwise humiliate the poor unsuspecting citizen”. They pledged to uphold the “distasteful traditions set by predecessors.”
For those unfamiliar with the historic icon, Keystone Kops regularly appeared in Mack Sennett’s silent-film slapstick farces from 1914 to the early 1920s. Encyclopedia Britannica described them as an “insanely incompetent police force, dressed in ill-fitting, unkempt uniforms. They became enshrined in American film history as genuine folk-art creations whose comic appeal was based on a naive irreverence for authority. What the Kops lacked in sense they made up for in zeal, as they dashed off to the chase on foot or drove off in a tin lizzie, in jerky, speeded-up tempo. Whether they collided with one another around corners or became entangled in clotheslines, ladders, or folding tents, their facial expressions of dour dignity never changed.”
Alaska Day Festival organizers thanked these fundraising volunteers. Houx can be reached at 738-1779.
Haunted Aquarium
Listed on Oct. 20
All are invited to join Sitka Sound Science Center 5:30-8 p.m. on Oct. 20 for the second annual Haunted Aquarium and Hatchery.
The family friendly event includes creepy critter crafts for the kids, a walk through haunted hatchery, and a spooky aquarium. Costumes are encouraged, and the first 200 kids will get a goody bag. Tickets are $10 – or $5 for the aquarium only (no haunted hatchery.) They are on sale at Old Harbor Books and the Science Center.
Library to Host
‘Food for Fines’
The Sitka Public Library will host a “Food for Fines” program throughout the month of November to benefit community food shelves.
For every non-perishable food item donated, the library will forgive $2 in late fines. The food will go to the Salvation Army and Sitka Tribe of Alaska food shelves, where it will be distributed to community members in need of food assistance. Food must be in store-sealed cans, boxes, or plastic containers within its expiration date. Perishable food or opened containers cannot be accepted.
The program only applies to late fines, not replacement charges or fees on damaged items. Only fines on Sitka Public Library items will be forgiven. No rain checks will be given – all donations must be made in November.
To participate, take a library card and donations to the circulation desk. Library staff will approve the donations and remove the total amount from the account.
‘‘We encourage you to participate even if you don’t have late fees,’’ the library said. ‘‘Make a donation, clear your account, and help all members of our community have food security this season.’’
Carnival Oct. 27
At Baranof School
Baranof Elementary School will hold a fall carnival noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, at the school.
Included will be carnival games, photo booths, a costume parade, face-painting, crafts, cotton candy, a goat farm, a fire truck, prizes and concessions.
Adults will have a last chance to bid on Baranof’s silent auction.
‘‘Proceeds are for a new fish tank chiller so that our fish can come home from their temporary home at the Sitka Sound Science Center,’’ the school said. ‘‘Bring back our maritime buddies!’’
Writers Read
On Oct. 25
Writers Read will return from its summer hiatus on Thursday, Oct. 25.
The program will include readings from writers Hugh Bevan, Kristina Cranston, Christi Glover, Vivian Mork and William Ortiz.
Writers Read is a program designed to give local writers an opportunity to read their work. The event will be at Sitka Public Library at 6:30 p.m. all are invited to attend.
Healing Service
Listed for DV
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church will hold a special healing prayer service for those whose lives have been affected by domestic violence.
The service is for those seeking healing for themselves, their loved ones, and for those who desire to be a support to others in their healing journey. The service will be held 4 p.m. Oct. 21, at 611 Lincoln Street. For information, call 747-3977.
Sea Songs, Shanties
Ahead for WhaleFest
The Sitka Maritime Heritage Society and Sitka WhaleFest will present an evening of sea songs and shanties sung by Don Sineti 7 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Beak restaurant, 2 Lincoln Street.
The free event will feature spine-tingling songs of whales, ghost ships, and ill-fated sailors. For information call 738-7448 or email sitkamaritime@gmail.com.
‘Be Safe, Be
Seen’ Launched
Sitka Community Hospital has launched its ‘‘Be Safe and Seen’’ campaign.
Sitka can be dark, especially in winter, and many bicycle and walker injuries happen in low visibility.
‘‘Drivers can only stop or swerve for the people they see, so having lights, reflectors and high visibility coats provides a great protective factor,’’ organizers said.
With donations from LFS Marine Supply and Grunden’s, high-visibility jackets will be raffled at Sitka Community Hospital’s Oceanside Therapy Center; Tongass Threads; the Sitka Public Library; the Hames Center; STA Social Services Office; Swan Lake Senior Center; Salvation Army Little Store; Yellow Jersey Cycle Shop; Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary School; and
Blatchley Middle School.
For information on the “Be Safe and Seen in Sitka” campaign, call Doug Osborne, Sitka Community Hospital’s director of health promotion, 747-0373.
FAFSA Topic
Of Program
A UAS financial literacy specialist and the Sitka High School counseling department will host a FAFSA presentation 6-7 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Sitka High library.
Participants gain an understanding of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Students and parents are asked to arrive at the meeting with their FAFSA FSA Student and Parent ID, 2017 tax returns for parent and student, W2’s, and bank statements or access to bank account balances.
GCI to Underwrite
Parade Prizes for
Alaska Day Festival
With a $1,000 donation, GCI has provided support for prizes to be awarded for winning entries in the Alaska Day parade.
To accompany the check, Amanda Prasil, senior manager, philanthropy, wrote, “As an Alaska born and raised company, GCI understands how important it is to invest in organizations that improve the quality of life of all Alaskans. We admire the passion of the individuals and groups who work so hard to promote healthy lifestyles, preserve Alaska’s cultural traditions, help Alaskans in need, and ensure that our local economies thrive. GCI is pleased to support the Alaska Day Festival.”
Alaska Day Festival organizers thanked GCI for its gift.
Vote Faithfully
Prayer Service
St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church will be hosting a Vote Faithfully Prayer Service 5:30 p.m. Nov. 5.
‘‘All are welcome to join us for this time of prayer on the eve of our midterm elections,’’ the church said.
The church is located at 611 Lincoln Street. For information, call 747-3977.
Blood Drive
Set Oct. 24-26
The Sitka community will host a blood drive with the Blood Bank of Alaska 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Oct. 24 and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 25 and 26 at the Centennial Hall meeting room 1. To schedule an appointment, call the Blood Bank of Alaska, (907)222-5630 or schedule online at bloodbankofalaska.org.
Eligibility requirements to donate blood include:
–Must be healthy and feeling well.
–At least 16 years of age. (16- and 17-year-old donors will need a signed parental consent form which can be downloaded at our website www.bloodbankofalaska.org.)
–Donors over the age of 74 must bring a written approval from their physician.
–Donors over the age of 80 must bring a written approval from physician and approval from our medical director.
–Weigh at least 113 pounds.
–Photo ID (state ID, driver’s license, military ID, etc.)
–For questions about medical conditions, medications, tattoos, piercings, and out-of-the-country travels, feel free to call (907)222-5630 and a screener will be able to check eligibility.
Donors should take a photo identification and needed forms (parent consent form for 16- to 17-year-old donors and written approval of the physician for over the age of 74) They should also eat a complete meal before the donation and drink plenty of fluids days prior and the day of donation.
Appointments should be scheduled as donors with appointments have priority over walk-in donors.
The blood donation process takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. This includes registration, medical history questionnaire, and mini-physical (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, hematocrit, etc.) After passing all the requirements to donate, then the blood draw will take place.
Donors are advised to not perform any strenuous activities for the next 24 hours, not smoke for at least half an hour, avoid alcoholic beverages for the next couple hours, hydrate well, and avoid skipping any meals.
For those who are unable to donate blood, snacks and drinks are needed.
Those with questions or concerns can call the Blood Bank of Alaska at (907)222-5630.
‘Charlotte’s Web’
Set for Weekend
‘‘Charlotte’s Web’’ will be staged 7 p.m. Oct. 19, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Oct. 20 and 2 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Odess Theater on the SJ Campus.
Tickets are on sale at Old Harbor Books and at the door. It will be performed by Young Performers Theater participants.
Army Returns
To Honor History
Recognizing the Army’s historic presence at the 1867 Transfer of Alaska to the United States, Major General Mark O’Neill. Commanding general of today’s U.S. Army Alaska (USARAK), has send regrets that his other duties prevent his attending Alaska Day Festival this week.
Representing USARAK is Colonel Clinton Baker, Chief of Staff. Also in Sitka is Major Timothy Chavis, Acting Community Relations Chief.
Other special guests forming a rifle squad and color guard for Alaska Day are 12 soldiers assigned to the 4th Brigade Combat Team from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage.
In 1867 more than 250 United States soldiers were present at the Transfer ceremony according to official reports. The tradition of Army participation has long been part of the Alaska Day Festival.
A USARAK previous press release stated, “This is the one opportunity USARAK has to come in contact with the Sitka community, which has an exceptional military and military retiree population. By participating, we are creating a relationship with citizens who may not have any further contact with the Army in the future and show that USARAK has a genuine understanding and appreciation of the historical significance of this event for the Sitka community.”
