LUTHERAN QUILTERS – Members of the Quilts for Comfort Group stand between pews draped with some of the 205 quilts they made, in the Sitka Lutheran Church Tuesday. The group made the quilts for five local non-profits and one in Anchorage. The remaining quilts are sent to Lutheran World Relief which  distributes them to places around the world in need, such as Ukraine, as part of Personal Care Kits. Pictured are, from left, Helen Cunningham, Kathleen Brandt,Vicki Swanson, Paulla Hardy, Kim Hunter, Linda Swanson and Sue Fleming.  (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)

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Daily Sitka Sentinel

October 14, 2016, Community Happenings

Green Lake

Tunnel Inspection

To Begin Sunday

The city electric department will be inspecting the Green Lake tunnel starting Sunday, Oct. 16. 

The Federal Regulatory Energy Commission mandates how often inspections occur. The tunnel runs from the Green Lake dam down to the Green Lake powerhouse and is about 7 feet in diameter and 1,800 feet long.

A crew of two will be walking the  length of the tunnel documenting the detailed inspection. 

The electric department said it is  working closely with Search and Rescue to coordinate a safe process which includes detailed procedures and lock-out requirements. A long list of additional work will be performed while the tunnel is drained including a visual inspection of the turbine runners.

The electric department chose the date and times to take advantage of the low tide level to assist in the inspection at the bottom of the powerhouse. 

‘‘All of us in Sitka enjoy the benefits of clean and reliable hydro power. I would like to commend all the electric department employees and the Search and Rescue teams who will be working diligently this weekend through late Monday evening to perform this inspection safely,’’ said  Bryan J. Bertacchi, electric utility director. ‘‘This extra effort will ensure the long term reliability of the Green Lake power plant.’’

 

Legislative Forum

Monday at SHS

The Sitka High junior class will host a forum with Rep. Jonathan Kreiss Tomkins, Sen. Bert Stedman and candidate Sheila Finkenbinder 6:30 p.m.  Monday, Oct. 17, at the Performing Arts Center.

Students will moderate the forum using questions from classmates, live audience members, and from KCAW listeners via Facebook.

 

Story Time Set

‘‘Boo, Boo, I Love You’’ by Sandra Magsamen, a book about five Halloween friends, will be one of the readings during the preschool story time 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at Sitka Public Library.

Rhymes, songs and a craft project will be part of the program. For more information, call the library at 747-8708.

 

Babies and Books

Open House Set

 Sitka Babies and Books will host the annual ‘‘Trick-or-Read’’ free open house program 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at Sitka Public Library.

The featured book will be ‘‘Little Blue Truck’s Halloween.’’ Children are invited to wear their Halloween costumes. A scavenger hunt around the library includes readings, games, literacy activities and crafts. The program is for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Registration is required to receive a copy of a free board book. All are welcome. For more information call the library at 747-8708.

 

Fantastic Beasts

Book Club Slated 

Ages 8 to 11 are invited to get ready for the release of the ‘‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’’ movie by joining the Fantastic Beasts Book Club at the Sitka Public Library. 

The club will meet 4:15-5:15 p.m. each Tuesday from 4:15 to 5:15 starting Nov. 8. Participants will listen to books in the series, and play games, trivia and related activities.

Registration is required and space is limited. For more information call the library at 747-8708.

 

Vinyl Club Revival

Group at Library

It’s no trick! Pull out your red jacket, dancing shoes and one glove for Sitka Public Library’s Club 33-1/3 vinyl revival group.

The group will showcase Michael Jackson’s monster 1982 release ‘‘Thriller’’ at its 6 p.m. Halloween, Oct. 31, event.

The album was the first to achieve 30 times double platinum status from Billboard Magazine and spawned seven top 10 singles. As an added bonus, the group will screen the 14-minute short film “Creature Feature,” directed by John Landis, that includes the video for the title track.

Everyone is invited to attend, but parental guidance is suggested for the film. For further information, contact Robb Farmer, library director, at 747-8708 or robb.farmer@cityofsitka.org.

 

 

Fish and Game

To Mail Out

Sportfish Survey

Anglers who purchased an Alaska sport-fishing license in 2016 may soon receive a copy of the 2016 Alaska Sport Fishing Survey – an annual mail survey conducted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to assess where sport fishing occurs and how many fish are caught and kept by anglers in Alaska.

Conducted every year since 1977, the Alaska Sport Fishing Survey is a scientific survey that asks anglers to recall basic information on the number of days fished by members of their household and to report the number of fish caught and harvested by location fished in 2016.

Selected angler households receive a detailed survey booklet and a full-color fish identification index.

The information collected by the Alaska Sport Fishing Survey is used to produce detailed estimates of the total sport fishing days and the total number fish caught and kept by species and location. The information, combined with other “on-the ground” creel surveys and data gathering efforts are an essential part of the division’s mission to protect and improve Alaska’s sport fisheries.

Anglers who have questions about the survey or information requested, may call 907-267-2280 or e-mail dfg.dsf.publications@alaska.gov. Results will be available by fall 2017. Results from previous survey years can be found at http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/FishingSurvey/

 

Annual Sacred Harp sing

Convention to be in Sitka

The 9th Annual Alaska Sacred Harp Convention will be the evening of Friday, Oct. 21, and all day Saturday, Oct. 22, at St. Peter’s by-the-Sea See House.

All are invited to join singers from Fairbanks, Anchorage, Sitka, the Pacific Northwest and California for a weekend of folk hymnity singing. A singing school, a longtime sacred harp tradition, will start at 7 pm on Friday, and features Chris Brown from West Yorkshire, England. 

Saturday’s all-day sing begins at 9 a.m., includes a dinner-on-the-grounds potluck at noon hosted by Sitka singers, and wraps up at 3:30 p.m. An evening social begins at 6 p.m. All events take place at the See House, are family friendly and free, with no experience necessary.

 Brown is a statistician by profession and worked for the government and the National Health Service. He and his wife Judy live in the hills of West Yorkshire. 

He began singing in 2000 and discovered sacred harp in 2002 when Tim Eriksen came to the folk club to which he belongs. As a result, he went to Western Massachusetts Sacred Harp Convention in 2003 and has been singing sacred harp ever since in all the countries of the UK, and across much of Europe and America. He is an amateur historian, and researches and lectures on the music he sings – sacred harp, English West gallery music (the predecessor of sacred harp), and his local Pennine village Christmas carols. 

What Brown will be talking about is the early texts contained in the sacred harp and how they illustrate the beginnings and development of congregational singing in English. 

Sacred harp singing is a tradition of sacred choral music that originated in the American South of the United States. The name is derived from ‘‘The Sacred Harp,’’ a ubiquitous and historically important tunebook printed in shape notes. The “sacred harp” refers to the human voice, an instrument given to all.

The work was first published in 1844 and has reappeared in multiple editions ever since. Sacred harp music represents one branch of an older tradition of American music that developed over the period 1770 to 1820 from roots in New England, with a significant, related development under the influence of “revival” services around the 1840s. The music was included in, and became profoundly associated with, books using the shape note-style of notation popular in America in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Sacred Harp music is performed a cappella, voice only, without instruments, and is considered a community singing tradition.

For more information on sacred harp singing, go to www.fasola.org. For event information call 738-2089.

 

‘Chasing Zero’

Award Given

To SEARHC

Mountain-Pacific Quality Health presented the 2016 Chasing Zero Award to SEARHC at the fall Patient Safety Conference held at the BP Energy Center in Anchorage Oct. 7.

SEARHC’s Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital in Sitka and nine other hospitals in Alaska received the award for reaching the measurement of at least 45 days without two of three Healthcare-Associated Infections or reach 90 days or more without one of three HAIs. The three HAIs measured were catheter-associated urinary tract infections, central line-associated blood stream infections, and Clostridium difficile infections. SEARHC, along with this year’s other nine recipients, all far exceeded the award measurements with 120 days or more without an infection for one or more HAI.

“We continue to focus on improving the quality of care at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital and we are delighted to be one of only nine hospitals to receive this award in Alaska,” said Jeff Prater, Hospital Administrator at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital. Prater added, “The staff at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital is committed to protecting patients from all infections and takes every precaution to keep those risk factors to a minimum. It is clear that this commitment, which includes maintaining the highest quality standards, has been hugely successful as the numbers clearly bear out. SEARHC is proud to receive this recognition for protecting patients from preventable healthcare-associated infections. We thank Mountain-Pacific Quality Health for honoring Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital with the 2016 Chasing Zero Award.”

 

Seeds of Science

Taught to Tots

A free program to help plant the seeds of science in the next generation is set 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays through April at the Sitka Sound Science Center.

Those 3-5 years old gather to hear a story each week and do a craft and activity that relates to the topic of the story.

‘‘Join us for some hands-on adventuring that is sure to get your tot thinking like a scientist,’’ SSSC said.

No registration is necessary, just stop on by. For more information contact Kristina at 747-8878 extension 11.

 

Energy Efficiency

On Fishing Vessels

Topic of Workshop

 

The Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association will host a workshop noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Swan Lake Senior Center focused on practical steps fishermen can take to save fuel and money.

The information in the workshop is based on energy audits conducted on working Alaskan fishing boats over the past three years. All Sitka fishermen are being encouraged to attend, grab a snack, and talk to a marine engineer with decades of experience improving the efficiency of systems onboard commercial vessels.

The workshop is sponsored by a grant from NOAA and the following groups: Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, Sustainable Southeast Partnership, Renewable Energy Alaska Project and Southeast Conference.

 

 

SAFV Board

Members Sought

Those wanting to help make Sitka a safer place can join the Sitkans Against Family Violence board of directors.

‘‘The demands are small but the rewards are enormous,’’ SAFV said. ‘‘Lend a hand to promote healthy relationships in our community.’’

Call SAFV at 747-3370 or email vdamico@safv.org if interested or for more information.

 

Cancer Support

Group to Meet

Sitka Cancer Support Group will meet 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, at the Brave Heart Volunteer/Manager’s House of the Pioneers Home.

Those in cancer treatment, cancer survivors, and those in their families are invited to come and spend some time with others who understand what they are going through. The support group is sponsored by Sitka Cancer Survivors Society. Call or email Mary Beth with questions or if a ride is needed to attend, at 623-0842, sitkacancer@gmail.com.

 

Karate Classes

Set to Register

Kenwa Karate of Sitka welcomes individuals and families to join karate. Classes are available for youths and adults. Karate meets at the New Archangel Dancers Studio on Smith St. For more information or to register visit www.sitkakarate.org or call Sensei Laurinda Marcello at 738-2887. 

 

Karate Meeting

At Public Library

The Kenwa Karate of Sitka regular board meeting will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Sitka Public Library. 

 

Seattle Pipe

Band Returns

For Alaska Day

The stirring sound of drums and bagpipes will be heard again during Alaska Day Festival as a dozen members of the Seattle Firefighters Pipes and Drums Band make the rounds after arriving on Alaska Airlines.

While in Sitka, the group will be at Harrigan Centennial Hall for the Variety Show tonight, at the Alaska Day Ball on Saturday night, and in the parade on Tuesday afternoon as well as at the Pioneers Home.

Prior to the parade, they will be honored at an 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. fire hall reception hosted by local volunteers.

New faces join familiar ones returning from past years. Pipers include Garth Stroyan, Hil Almond, Dirk Halliwill, Mark Colley and Andrew Hewitt.  Drum major Tyson Depoe has tenor drummers Smokey Simpson and Brandon Freeland joined by side drummers Ryan Englund and Jason Lynch. Bass  drummer is Gib Mastri.  Also with the troupe are Tien Tran and Derrick Porter.

They will return to Seattle on Wednesday morning by Alaska Airlines. In addition to their work in regional firefighting tasks and medical emergencies, members of Seattle Firefighters Pipes and Drums Band take part in numerous parades and ceremonials such as funerals. 

For support to help bring the pipe band to Sitka, appreciation is expressed to numerous individuals and organizations along with hotels and several local clubs and restaurants at which the group will make appearances. 

Others who wish to help share the costs are invited to contact local organizer Lisa Langenfeld at 747-3456 or 738-2163.

 

Alaska Day

Museum Closure

The Sheldon Jackson Museum will be closed on Tuesday, Oct. 18, in observance of Alaska Day.

Winter hours will resume Oct. 19 – 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturdays. The museum is closed Sundays and Mondays, and observed state holidays.

 

General admission is $3. Visitors 18 and younger, Friends of the Sheldon Jackson Museum, and those with passes are admitted free.

Unitarians Meet

On Sunday

Sunday’s Unitarian Program will be “Distribution of Non-Traditional Religious Denominations in Alaska.”

Fellowship begins at 10:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 10:45 a.m. A lunch of soup and bread will follow the program at noon.

The Fellowship Hall is at 408 Marine Street, with parking behind off Spruce Street.

 

Haunted Ship

Returns Oct. 28

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Maple will host a Haunted Ship 6-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at 1480 Seward Avenue.

Donations of canned food or new school supplies will be collected and are highly encouraged. They will be donated to local charity organizations in the Sitka Community.

The Haunted Ship may not be suitable for all ages and parents and guardians should use discretion for younger children. 

Due to the ship’s schedule, there may not be a Haunted Ship next year. 

 

Bishop’s House

Open House Set

The National Park Service will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act Oct. 15 by opening the Russian Bishop’s House 1-4 p.m. on Alaska Day, Oct. 15.

The act was established in 1966 to preserve historic properties throughout the nation.

The tour will give visitors an opportunity to learn more about the construction and restoration of the building, including the chance to view the attic. The first floor museum will be open for self-guided viewing.

Visitors wanting to explore the restored upstairs residence of the home are being encouraged to visit the home on Alaska Day, Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-noon during the open house. Participants in Saturday’s tours of the Russian Bishop’s House will receive a commemorative NHPA 50th anniversary pin.

The Russian Bishop’s House is one of eight National Historic Landmarks, and twenty properties on the National Register of Historic Places in Sitka.

For more information about this program, call the park’s visitor center at 747-0110.

 

Army Returns

To Honor History

Recognizing its historic presence at the 1867 Transfer of Alaska to the United States, the U.S. Army Alaska has named USARAK Deputy Commander of Operations Col. Roch Pelletier to stand in for the commanding general during Alaska Day events in Sitka. 

Pelletier’s career as a military officer began in 1993 with the Canadian Army. His significant operational experience since has included tours in Afghanistan as well as Canada. In August 2016 he assumed his current duties at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson near Anchorage.

More than 250 U.S. soldiers were present at the 1867 ceremony, and the tradition of Army participation has long been part of the Alaska Day Festival.  

A USARAK 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.”

Also in Sitka for Alaska Day is Lt. Col. LTC John Gaivin, Commander of 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

 

Eco-Detectives

Rescheduled

 

The second installment, in the three-part Eco-Detective Series at Sitka National Historical Park, will be held 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at the visitor center. 

A mystery has taken place at the park, and Sitka’s youth sleuths are needed to help solve the caper. Crack the case by using investigative techniques to eliminate suspects and earn an Eco Discovery button upon completion of the investigation.

Youths are invited to join park rangers and scientists from the Sitka Sound Science Center and the Sitka Conservation Society to help crack the Case of the Sightseeing Adventure. 

The series is designed for youths in kindergarten through sixth grades, and is self-paced. The park said that on average it takes participants between 30 and 45 minutes to complete the program. Youth participants must be accompanied by an adult. For more information about the series contact Ryan Carpenter at 747-0121.

The Eco-Detective Series is funded by National Park Service and Alaska Geographic and encourages the next generation of national park stewards to find their park. 

 

Thanksgiving, Fall

Items at White E

The White Elephant Shop will have various fall and Thanksgiving type of items available for sale starting Saturday, Oct. 15, from noon to 3 p.m.

 

GCI Gives

Parade Prizes

   Alaska Day Festival thanks GCI for its underwriting of prizes for the Tuesday afternoon parade.

Cash prizes of $150 for first place, $100 for second, and $50 for third will be awarded for parade entries as named by the anonymous judges in categories for civilian marching units, symbolic of 1867, organizations, businesses, and this year’s “Nursing in the Last Frontier” theme. A special prize this year of $25 goes to a youth not part of an organized group in the parade.

Cash awards will also be made by the Alaska Day Committee to the welfare/morale funds of the military units judged first place, second, and third.

To qualify for prizes, entries in the parade line must be well identified with signs or banners both for award judges and spectators. 

   Parade Coordinator Duane Vilandre asks organization marching units and other parade participants to notify his crew at 747-8086 or 738-1551 so proper spacing can be laid out. No registration fee is charged.

 

Margaret Stock

Reception Set

A meet and greet for Margaret Stock, candidate for U.S. Senate, will be 11 a.m. Oct. 18 at the Swan Lake Senior Center.

 

BMS Conferences

Set for Nov. 1-3

Student-led parent-teacher conferences will be 4-7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 1-2. 

Nov. 3 is set aside for individual conferences with grade-level teams 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

No school will be held on Nov. 3 and 4.

 

Annual Christmas

Program Slated

The annual Harry Janzen Community Christmas program will be 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at Centennial Hall.

Those who liek to sing are invited to 3 p.m. Sunday practice times starting Oct. 30 at the United Methodist Church, 303 Kimsham Street.

 

For more information cal Gloria Hagerman at 747-3656 or 738-3656.

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20 YEARS AGO

March 2004

Advertisement: Tea-Licious Tea House & Bakery 315 Lincoln Street Grand Opening! Freshly Baked Scones, Cakes & Pastries Innovative Salads, Soups & Sandwiches Harney & Sons Tea. Lunch * Afternoon Tea * Supper.

50 YEARS AGO

March 1974

Photo caption: National Republican Chairman George Bush takes a drink of water offered by Jan Craddick, Sitka delegate, during the Republican convention held here. Mrs. Craddick explained to Bush that the water was from Indian River, which means, according to local legend, that he will return.

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