Ballot Measure 1
Hearing Listed
Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott on Wednesday issued a reminder of public hearings for Alaskans to provide input on Ballot Measure 1. In Sitka, the hearing will be 10 a.m.-noon on Friday, Sept. 21, at Centennial Hall.
State law requires a minimum of two public hearings to be held on the initiative in each of Alaska’s four judicial districts before Oct. 6. Comments are limited to two minutes per person.
Only in-person testimony will be allowed during community meetings, though Alaskans will be able to follow along remotely by watching online at http://akl.tv or by calling 844-586-9085. A statewide teleconference where phone comments will be allowed also is planned.
Ballot Measure No. 1 (Initiative Petition 17FSH2), is “An act providing for the protection of wild salmon and fish and wildlife habitat.”
Sitka WhaleFest
Updates Given
Sitka WhaleFest will be held Nov. 1-4 at Centennial Hall. The theme will be ‘‘Curious Creatures.’’
Nov. 2 will be ‘‘Bizarre Beings’’ and will include speakers Leah Zacher, ‘‘Crab Zombies’’; Ben Burford, ‘‘Squid’’; and Ralph Lampman, ‘‘Lamprey Eel.’’
‘‘Fantastic Fables’’ will be Nov. 3 with speakers Leslee Matsushige, ‘‘Sea Dragons’’; Nicholas Pyenson, ‘‘Stellers Sea Cow’’; Casey Clark, ‘‘Walrus’’; and banquet keynote Gene Tagaban.
On Nov. 4 the topic is ‘‘Strange New World’’ with Hans Thewissen, ‘‘Bowhead Whale’’; and Michael Castellini, ‘‘Summary.’’
The event will include a filmfest 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1; WhaleFest Run 9 a.m. Nov. 3, wildlife cruises Nov. 3 and 4; family concert 5 p.m. Nov. 4; and a market throughout the weekend.
To see more details about the speakers, their areas of study and to purchase tickets visit the website at sitkawhalefest.org.
Coffee Discussion
At SJ Museum
The Sheldon Jackson Museum will host a community coffee discussion at the museum 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8.
All are invited to attend and share thoughts about the museum, public program offerings and youth programs, special events and exhibits.
The Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum and museum staff will be on hand. Tea, coffee, and baked goods will be served.
Museum hours are 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with a lunch closure between noon and 1 p.m. Winter admission is $5 for general visitors, $4 for seniors, and free for ages 18 and under. Admission will be waived for the coffee table discussion in the lobby. Call 747-8981 with questions about programming.
Indoor Soccer
Coaches Sought
A planning session for indoor soccer coaches will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, at Blatchley Middle School. Coaching volunteers are being sought for all age groups. If enough support is given, groups of children ages 2-13 will be formed.
Email Sandi Eberly at dwans@yahoo.com for more information.
Boathouse Tours,
Open House Set
The Sitka Maritime Heritage Society will hold an open house 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Japonski Island Boathouse.
It will include tours of the work done this summer, unveiling of the new oral history videos, plans for fall, and refreshments and activities for all ages, including decorating boat-shaped cookies. Call 738-7448 or email sitkamaritime@gmail.com for information.
‘Explain Pain’
Session Sept. 12
A free “Explain Pain” class will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, at the Sitka Community Hospital classroom.
Bridget Hitchcock, PT, will teach the physiology of chronic pain and how to manage pain.
Cindy Westergaard, Ph.D., of Neurobehavioral Consultants will provide a guided mindfulness meditation starting at 7 p.m. to give participants a chance to experience how they can manage their own pain in the comfort of home. For information, call 747-1771.
College Info
Night Sept. 12
Parents or guardians and junior and senior students are invited to an information session on choosing schools, application process and the basics of the FAFSA 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Sitka High School library.
