Daily Sitka Sentinel

April 11, 2014 Community Happenings

Bowl For Kids
    Sake Saturday
    Bowl For Kids’ Sake, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ signature fundraiser, is set 2-4 p.m. Saturday at the Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary School gym.
    Each year half a million people across America come together to have fun and raise money to support Big Brothers Big Sisters helping to change how children grow up.
    “Big Brothers Big Sisters depends on donations to conduct background checks on volunteers to ensure child safety; and provide ongoing support for children, families and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships,’’ organizers said. ‘‘Your role in this effort to help local children can not be over stated: We need your help to raise community awareness of the challenges faced by local children and to ask for the financial support need to help change the trajectory of a child’s life.”
    Teams are sponsored by local businesses and made up of current “Bigs” and “Littles.” This year, a special team has been formed – the Tony Team – as a tribute to Tony Delmoral, a Big Brother from 2008 until his death in 2012.
    Donations are being accepted at www.bbbsak.org/bowl/tonyteam or at the event.
    The Tony Team will be bowling from 2 to 3 p.m.    For more information contact Barb Morse at 747-3500.

    Swing Dance Set
    Swing dance lessons will be taught 8 p.m. April 16 at the Bayview Pub as a fundraiser for Sitkans Against Family Violence.
    Lessons are hosted by Al Maloney. All are welcome and no experience necessary. All of the suggested $5 donation benefits SAFV.

    Sitka Tribe
    Hires New
    Manager
    The Tribal Council of Sitka Tribe of Alaska announced Lawrence SpottedBird is the new general manager.
    SpottedBird will begin his new post April 14, and will be formally introduced to the STA Tribal Council and the public 6 p.m. April 16 at the Sheet’ka Kwáan Naa Kahídi.  The regular April Tribal Council meeting will follow at 6:30 p.m.
    Most recently of Washington state,  SpottedBird was several years in Southeast Alaska, where he served asthe head of both Shaan-Seet and Prince of Wales Tribal Enterprise Consortium, both based in Craig.
    In addition to his management credentials, SpottedBird brings to STA a strong background in economic development, federal-level negotiation and procurement skills, and grant development and management.
     He takes over the Tribe management from Tribal Attorney Allen Bell, who has served as interim since October 2013.
    A profile of SpottedBird will appear in next week’s Sentinel.

    Council Meets
    The public is invited to meet new  Sitka Tribe of Alaska General Manager Lawrence SpottedBird 6 p.m. April 16 at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi. The STA Tribal Council meeting will follow at 6:30 p.m.
    For information, contact Kathy Hope Erickson, 747-7352.

    Library Friends
    Set Annual Meet
    Friends of Kettleson Memorial Library invites Sitkans to its annual crepe and pancake annual meeting 10:30 a.m. April 19 at the library.
    News of progress on the library expansion will be given and volunteers will be signed up to help during the move to temporary quarters. It will include a silent auction of artwork and cookie jars filled with cookies made by premier Sitka cookie bakers, as well as a challenge to contribute to the ongoing capital campaign to fully fund the expansion project.
    Artwork and the cookie jars are on display at the library, and bids can be made now up through the annual meeting.

    Work Parties Set
    Volunteer work parties continue on the SJ Campus each Saturday, focused on restoring and improving the quad buildings, getting the buildings ready for the summer Sitka Fine Arts Camp.
    Participants will meet at Whitmore Hall at 9 a.m. Saturday, break for a hot lunch at noon, and continue until 3 p.m.
    On Saturday they will pressure wash and scrape quad buildings, paint dorm rooms and sand. All are welcome to join at any time. Call Sitka Fine Arts Camp office 747-3085 with questions.

    Sitka Festival
    Herring Derby
    Winners Told
    Sitka Kid’s Herring Derby winners have been announced by age group by the Sitka Tribe of Alaska.
     Ages 2-4 – first-place girl, Birdie Curran, age 2; first-place boy, Dutch Whitehead, 3; second, JD Keith, 4; third, Jene Keith, 3; youngest fisher, Birdie Curran, 2; hidden weight, Zoe Tydingco, 4; and hidden weight, Nova Armer, 4, Erik Chevalier, 3, Teslin Twitchell, 4, Lincoln Roberts, 4, Krez Mitchell, 4, and Zedin Eliason, 2.
    Ages 5-9 – first-place girl, Ella Refshaw, 5; first-place boy, Logan Kluting,  9; second-place girl, Allistar Twitchel, 7; second-place boy, Will Whitehead,   5; third-place girl, Cindy Ricaporte, 9; third-place boy, Brett Ross, 6; hidden weight winners Kendall Berhnardt, 6, Eliot Holloway, 7; Nathan Nelson, 5, Tommy Harris, 7, Trevin Ricaporte, 6, Dane Refschaw, 8, Mike Smith, 5, Zach Blankenship, 8, and Logan Kluting, 9; and most fish entered, Danny Moreno, 5.
    Ages 10-14 – first-place, Mathew Whiting, 13; second, Jorin Yocum, 14; third, Hunter Littlefield, 11; hidden weight winners Brent Harrington, 13, Nicholas Oliphant, 11, Morgan Feldpausch, 11, and Gavin Jones, 10,
    Ages 15-17 – first, August Bickar, 15; second, Mary Bernhardt, 15; and most fish entered, Mary Bernhardt, 15.
    All ages – first fish of derby, Jorin Yocum, 14; last fish of the derby, Ty Walden, 7; and smallest fish, Zachary Ricaporte, 3.
    Grand prize for the biggest herring went to Ella Refshaw, 5.
    Parents are reminded that if their child did not pick up their prize at the Herring Festival community potluck, they can do so at STA’s Resource Protection Department, 429 Katlian Street. To make an appointment for pick-up call Heather at 747-7167.
    Sponsors of the event were Murray Pacific, Stereo North, the Cellar, Old Harbor Books, Russell’s, Agava Restaurant, AC Lakeside Grocery, Sea Mart, Brenner’s Fine Clothing and Gifts, Pizza Express, Harry Race Pharmacy and Photo, Chocolate Moose, Ben Franklin Store, SEARHC Safety Program, and the Hames Center.

    Vendors Sought
    To Submit Quote
    The City and Borough of Sitka invites local vendors to submit quotes for purchases made by the City and Borough of Sitka.
    For more details, visit the City and Borough of Sitka website at www.cityofsitka.com and click on “Local Vendor Quote Signup.” Those with questions may call Sara Peterson at 747-1808.

    11 More Sitka Businesses
    Make Green Award List
    Eleven additional Sitka businesses todaywere awarded the 2014 “Sitka Green Business Award” for their green business practices by the Sitka Global Warming.
    KCAW-Raven Radio, Pet’s Choice Veterinary Hospital, Southeast Alaska Independent Living, Sitka National Historical Park, Sitka Pedicabs, Unity Botanicals and University of Alaska Southeast Sitka Campus each received Platinum awards for 2014.
    Mt. Edgecumbe High School and Sitka Animal Hospital were awarded Gold awards. The Coliseum Theater and Hank’s Cabs received Bronze awards.
    “Three of today’s award winners were nominated by customers of the business,” said Michelle Putz, project leader. “That tells me that customers notice and appreciate businesses that take care of the environment while also taking care of business. Taking actions like saving energy, composting food waste, and using energy-saving materials and techniques really is a win-win situation for these businesses, their customers, and the environment. It reminds us that sustainability is a benefit, not a limitation.”
    With today’s additions, 31 Sitka businesses, agencies, and organizations have been recognized with Sitka Green Business Awards in 2014 with 18 of them receiving the highest level award.
    Each of the winning businesses received a “2014 Sitka Green Business Award” certificate that can be placed in the business’s window or check-out counter to identify it as a green business. Green businesses are also listed on the SGWG website at www.sitkaglobalwarming.org (select Green Businesses from the Contents bar).
    Since the awards program was started in 2010, SGWG has presented over 150 green business awards to 79 Sitka businesses, Putz said.
    SGWG/SS developed the local awards to recognize and appreciate businesses, organizations, and agencies that contribute to the sustainability of our community through the use of green practices such as recycling, composting, installing bike racks, encouraging use of reusable cups/bags/plates, and energy conservation. Realizing that these “green” practices benefit the environment, save money, and increase our sustainability, SGWG/SS wanted to recognize and thank those businesses, encourage others to start “greening” their business, and help local businesses take advantage of a green marketing strategy.
    “We hope this recognition supports businesses that try using more green practices, and also increases their business, particularly as the summer season starts,” said Putz. “And we hope that even more local businesses, groups, and agencies participate in this free program in the future.”
    SGWG/SS takes nominations year-round for Green Business Awards; further presentation of awards would likely occur in the summer. Businesses themselves or customers may nominate a business through email. Instructions are on the SGWG website at www.sitkaglobalwarming.org.

    Julie Hughes
    Triathlon Slated
    The 30th Annual Julie Hughes Triathlon will be May 17. Registration is available now online at www.juliehughestri.com.
    Organizers invite the public to ‘‘commit your space in Alaska’s oldest triathlon and Sitka’s most traditional individual and family races.’’
    The event consists of a 5-mile run, 12-mile bike ride and 1,000-yard swim. A special short course is available for the 12-and-younger participants. Athletes can compete on a team or as an individual. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Sitka Cancer Survivors Network.
    For more information please contact Kevin Knox @ 738-4664 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.juliehughestri.com

    11Unitarians Meet
    Peter Williams will be the guest speaker at Sunday’s Unitarian Fellowship meeting Sunday. The topic will be “Spiritual Relationships with Nature.” He will read an excerpt from his paper, “To Talk With Animals.”
    Fellowship begins at 10:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 10:45. A children’s program is provided. Soup and bread follow the program at noon. The Fellowship Hall is located at 408 Marine Street, with parking behind off Spruce Street.

    Outdoor Leadership
    Opportunity on Tap
    REBOUND, a weeklong kayak trip to Glacier Bay, will be May 31-June 7. The youth-led trip is open to teens ages 15-18 who are interested in developing leadership skills and creating positive community change.
    Applications are available at Sitkans Against Family Violence or online at tinyurl.com/2014REBOUND and are due Friday, April 25. For more information call Julia at 747-3370. the event is sponsored by SAFV.

    Annual Quilt
    Show May 5-17
    Ocean Wave Quilt Guild announces its annual quilt show to be held May 5-17 at Centennial Hall.
    Community members are invited to exhibit quilts which have not previously been shown in Sitka. They will be collected on April 26 and 27 at Janine Holtzman’s house, 607 Etolin Street, between 1 and 3 p.m.
    Forms telling the “story” of each quilt entered are available at Abby’s Reflection and Quilt Works on Lincoln Street and can be dropped off with the quilts. For more information call 747-6743 or 747-3510.

    Methodist Church
    Sets Holy Week
    The United Methodist Church of Sitka has announced its Holy Week schedule.
    The public is invited to the following services: Palm Sunday, April 13, worship service, 10 a.m., a service of palms; Maundy Thursday, April 17, 6 p.m., a service of Holy Communion; Tenebrae Good Friday Service, April 18, 6 p.m., a service of passion; and Easter worship service, 10 a.m. Easter Sunday, a celebration of the resurrection.
    For more information, call 747-8775. The website address is umcsitka.com. The church is located at 303 Kimsham Street.
 
    Seedlings on Sale
    Sitka Society of American Foresters will sell yellow and red cedar seedlings 9 a.m.-noon May 3. A total of 85 yellow and 25 red are available for $5 each. Pre-order before April 30 at the U.S, Forest Service office or call Pat Heuer, 747-4296 or 747-6713.
    Seedlings are approximately 12 inches tall and are grown from local seed source. There is a limit of five trees per person.

    World Book Night
    Has Backup Plan
    The book bus is in the shop, but World Book Night Sitka has a backup plan.
    Volunteers will hand out free books 4-6 p.m. April 23 at the Crescent Harbor shelter.
    The WBN selection includes adult and young adult books. The local chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma has donated a small selection of children’s books to give away.
    All family members are invited to the event that celebrates reading together.

    Nonprofit Directors
    Meet Wednesday
    An informal support gathering for nonprofit executive directors is set 5:30 p.m. April 16 at the Pub. Come share, listen and learn from each other, a spokesman said. For more info contact Mim at 738-2888.

    Big Rig Rally
    Slated April 26
    3 to 5 Preschool will have its second annual Big Rig Rally fundraising event 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 26 at the UAS-Sitka parking lot.
    A variety of rigs will be on hand, including old, unusual and emergency vehicles. Areas will include: demonstration, touch, climb-on, no-touch and kiddie.
    A free drawing for a ride on the fire department’s big ladder truck is planned. The cost is $5 per person, $15 a family of four plus $3 per person after that. Children under 2 are free.
    Bake sale items, homemade tamales, pizza by the slice and tacos will be for sale.
    Tisher Construction, Absolute Tree Care, S&S General Contractors, Coastal Excavation, Arrowhead Transfer and Sitka Dental are sponsors of the event.
    Those who have a rig or vehicle to share and how, or who would like to volunteer ot help, are asked to leave a message at 747-3071.
   
    Barn Dance
    Set April 19
    The last community barn dance of the season will be 7-9:30 a.m. April 19 at Blatchley Middle School.
    All are invited to participate in mixers, circles and contra dances, or simply listen to the live music of Sitka’s Fishing for Cats band. Beginners and seasoned dancers of all ages are invited.
    Dances are taught and called. No partner is needed and no dancing experience is necessary. The first hour of the dance will be geared to beginners and young dancers.
    The dance is a non-alcohol and smoke-free Community School event. For more information call 747-3412.

    Screening Sunday
    A free screening of the premiere episode of “Years of Living Dangerously,” a new TV show about climate change, will be held 7 p.m. Sunday, April 13, at Yaw Chapel on the Sheldon Jackson Campus.
    For more information call 747-3794.

    UAS Invites Students
    To Open House Sat.
    The public is invited to meet members of the UAS student success team between noon and 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, on the UAS-Sitka Campus.
    Students can learn more about the advantages of doing their first year of college at the Sitka campus.


    Sitka Audience
    To See ‘Wait Wait’
    The Greater Sitka Arts Council will present the Sitka version of ‘‘Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me!’’ 7 p.m. April 25 at Allen Hall on the SJ Campus.
    Tickets are on sale at Old Harbor Books. The host will be Ed Ronco, and the deep voice, Owen Fulton. Panelists are John DePlatis, Phil Burdick and Collette Costa.
    For more information go to www.thinkartthinksitka or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
 
    Teen Lock-In
    Set at Library
    The Sitka Youth Leadership Committee and the Kettleson Memorial Library Teen Advisory Board will hold a cross-school lock-in at Kettleson Memorial Library 9:30 p.m. April 18 to 8:30 a.m. April 19.
    Members or those interested must have their waivers forms signed and into the library by April 15. The event includes teen talks, activities, movies PG13 and food.
    Teens interested in participating can pick up registration forms at Kettleson Memorial Library. Space is limited.

    Brewery to Host
    Benefit for SLFN
    Baranof Island Brewing Co. will host a community fundraiser for the Sitka Local Foods Network 3-8 p.m.  April 30 at the brewery’s taproom, 215 Smith St.
    BIBCO hosts community nights on Wednesdays for a variety of community nonprofit organizations and worthy causes.
    The brewery donates a portion of the day’s gross sales to the cause depending on the overall sales – up to $500 gets 10 percent, $501-$1,000 gets 15 percent, and $1,001 or more gets 20 percent. The nonprofit groups are able to share information about their projects during the event.
    The brewery is owned by Rick Armstrong and Suzan Hess, who started selling small batches of their beer in 2010. The brewery has grown in the few years it’s been open, and now the brew is distributed throughout Southeast Alaska and other parts of the state.
    The BIBCO taproom has a variety of locally brewed beer available, including Halibut Point Hefeweizen, Peril Strait Pale Ale, Medvejie Stout, Silver Bay IPA, Redoubt Red Ale, Baranof Brown Ale, seasonal and special brews and Ben’s Brew Root Beer, pizza and other food. There is a 36-ounce limit on alcoholic drinks served at the taproom, per state law, but growlers are available for take-out.
    For more information  call 747-BREW (747-2739), stop by the brewery, go to the BIBCO website (http://www.baranofislandbrewing.com/home.html), or go to the BIBCO page on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BaranofIslandBrewing).
    To learn more about the Sitka Local Foods Network, go to our website at http://www.sitkalocalfoodsnetwork.org/, or our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/SitkaLocalFoodsNetwork.

    Aerobic, Strength
    Training Taught
    Sitka Physical Therapy’s Alicia Haseltine and Jessica Pyatt will present strength and aerobic training 101 from 4 to 6 p.m. April 27 at the Hames Center.
    Participants are invited to learn how to use the gym, fitness equipment and make workouts effective. Sign up at 747-5080 or stop in for more information.

    Zumba on Tap
    Zumba is being offered at the Hames Center. Coral leads the aerobic fitness program featuring movements inspired by various styles of Latin American dance.
    The series includes full membership and 10 classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, April 21-May 21. Log on to www.hamescenter.com or call 747-5080 for information.

    Pilates Classes Set
    Pilates classes are being offered at the Hames Center. It emphasizes the balanced development of the body through core strength, flexibility and awareness. Sue leads classes 5:30 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. Saturdays. More information is at hamescenter.com.

    Earns Scholarship
    Western Washington University student Margaret Anne Garrison, daughter of Lon and Litia Garrison of Sitka, received a $2,200 Kurt Schmierer Memorial Endowment for the 2013-2014 academic year.
    The endowment is awarded to an undergraduate geology major. Garrison is a junior at Western. She graduated from Sitka High School in 2011.

    Parents Power
    Hour at Hames
    The Hames Center has expanded its  hours for parents to work out.
    Every Tuesday and Thursday this month parents can offer care to their children with Isaac, Xaver and Lauren while they work out between 8:15 to 10 a.m.
    Kids will experience large motor skill development with gym games  and smaller eye/hand coordination with arts/songs in the playroom. For further information call 747-5080 or visit hamescenter.com.

    Kruzof Trail
    Project on Tap
    A segment of the North Beach trail on Kruzof Island will be under construction from approximately April 16 to May 9.
    Sitka Ranger District said that the North Beach trail and recreation rental cabin will remain open during this period, but users traveling to and from the cabin may encounter construction equipment and experience short delays.
    Contractors will be placing a base course of rock on a 1,000-foot extension of the trail west of the cabin. Similar delays may be encountered when a gravel cap is placed over the base course later this summer. Dates for the cap work have not been determined, but will be made public before work commences, the Forest Service said.