TRUCK FIRE – Firefighters knock down a fire in a Ford Explorer truck in Arrowhead Trailer Park in the 1200 block of Sawmill Creek Road Saturday evening. One person received fire-related injuries and was taken to the hospital, Sitka Fire Department Chief Craig Warren said, and the truck was considered a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation, Warren said. The fire hall received the call about the fire at 5:33 p.m., and one fire engine with eight firefighters and an ambulance were dispatched, he said. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)

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Daily Sitka Sentinel

May 23, 2018, Community Happenings

SJ Museum’s Native Artist

Program Gets Lindblad Grant

The Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum has been awarded a $29,665 grant from the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund to support the Alaska Native Artist Residency Program at Sheldon Jackson Museum.

The funding will provide support to host up to 10 Alaska Native artists-in-residence in 2018 and 2019. 

This summer, the grant will be used for four Alaska Native artists to work in the museum gallery and provide free hands-on classes teaching their art forms, giving lectures, engaging with visitors, and sharing their process through creating artwork.

Artists also will be paid to study the museum’s permanent collection on exhibit and in collections storage, providing them a chance to examine material culture created by their ancestors. 

Participating this summer are Tlingit weaver, textile artist and beader Chloe French (June 8-30), Tsimshian carver and silver engraver Abel Ryan (June 30-July 21), Tlingit Chilkat weaver Lily Hope (July 26-Aug. 12), and Inupiaq ivory, bone and wood carver Jimmy Carlisle (Aug. 22-Sept. 8).

Both French and Ryan will be co-hosted by the museum with the Sitka Fine Arts Camp. 

The special artist-residency events include: a free artist talk titled “Stories & Myth – Keeping them Alive Today,” a presentation by French about incorporating storytelling and myths in artwork, 2 p.m. June 16; a free Tlingit dance bib-making class taught by French 1:30-4 p.m. June 23; a free block-printing class taught by Abel Ryan 2-3 p.m. July 7; an artist talk titled “Faces in Wood” by Ryan 10 a.m. July 14; an artist residency recap talk with Ryan 2 p.m. July 21; an artist talk on Chilkat and Ravenstail weaving 2 p.m. July 28; a Ravenstail earring-making class in two parts, 10:30 a.m.-noon Aug. 4 and 11, and an artist residency recap talk 2 p.m. by Lily Hope; and an artist talk titled “Life on King Island” by Jimmy Carlisle 2 p.m. Sept. 8.

All lectures and classes are free and open to the public, but classes require advance registration and for students to obtain materials prior to the first day. Some classes have age and space limitations. For the materials list and to sign up or for any further details on the residency program, call 747-8981. 

To view events related to the program, visit the Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum Facebook page or the Alaska State Museum website at http://museums.alaska.gov/sheldon_jackson/sjnativedemos.html.

The Native Artist Residency Program is made possible through the support of the LEX-NG Fund, Sitka Fine Arts Camp, Alaska Airlines, the Friends of the Sheldon Jackson Museum, and private donations. 

Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, Tuesday through Saturday. Summer admission is $7 for adults and $6 for seniors. Visitors 18 and younger are admitted free of charge. Assistance is available for visitors with special needs. Contact the museum for information at 747.8981.

 

Native Artist

Program Noted

At Celebration

“Celebrating 30 Years of the Native Artist Residency Program: A Look Back” will be presented 10 a.m. May 26, at the Sheldon Jackson Museum.

The program celebrates three decades of hosting Alaska Native artists creating art, giving hands-on classes and lectures, studying the permanent collection, and sharing their culture, traditions, and heritage with museum visitors. 

Founder of the artist residency program and former museum curator Rosemary Carlton and current curator Jacqueline Fernandez-Hamberg will present the program.

Images of the artists, who have come from every region of Alaska, and samples of their artwork including beading, wood and ivory carving, weaving, textile art, skin sewing, doll-making, silver engraving and painting will be shown. 

Sheldon Jackson Museum and Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum are presenting the program.

Organizers thank the artists who have participated in the residency and the sponsors of the Alaska Native Artist Residency Program, which has included the National Endowment for the Arts, the State of Alaska, Alaska State Council on the Arts, Alaska Airlines, Shee Atika Totem Square Inn, the Lila-Wallace Readers Digest Community Folk Life Program, the Sitka Charitable Trust, various cruise ship companies, and most recently, the National Geographic Society/ Lindblad Expedition Fund. The Friends and museum are also grateful for the many partners, which have included the Sitka Fine Arts Camp as a co-host, Sitka Sound Science Center, and Sitka Public schools. 

 

Nursing Degree

Talk at UAS-Sitka

UAS-Sitka Campus will host an information session to talk about nursing programs offered by the University of Alaska 4:30-6 p.m. Monday, June 4, in Room 106 at the UAS Campus.

Faculty and staff from University of Alaska Anchorage School of Nursing and UAS advisers will be on campus to talk about nursing programs and answer questions.

Appointments will be available 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, June 5. For information, call Cheryl at 747-7781.

 

Rhubarb Cooking

Class is June 25

Sitka health educator and registered dietitian Lisa Sadleir-Hart will offer her ‘‘Rambunctious Rhubarb: Creative Ways to Use Rhubarb’’ class 6-8:30 p.m. Monday, June 25, at the Sitka Kitch community rental commercial kitchen, 505 Sawmill Creek Road.

In last year’s class students learned how to make a curried rhubarb lentils dish (served over rice), a rhubarb chutney, a jalapeno rhubarb chutney, rhubarb pickles, rhubarb ketchup, and a rhubarb salsa.

Class space is limited, so register early. The class costs $27.50 per person, plus a food/supply fee split between the registered students. The registration deadline is 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 23. Register online at https://sitkakitch.eventsmart.com (click on the class title) and pre-pay using credit/debit cards or PayPal. To pre-pay by cash or check, contact Chandler, Claire or Clarice at 747-7509 to arrange payment. For more information about the class, contact Lisa at 747-5985. 

It is one of several classes hosted by the Sitka Kitch this summer, including a rescheduled ‘‘Starting A Cottage Foods Business’’ class noon-2 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, at UAS-Sitka Campus.

The Sitka Kitch also will host a three-class Baking With Betsy series 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, July 3 (savory breads), July 10 (sweet breads), and July 17 (baking with alternative sweeteners.) Other classes are planned.

 

Iftar Community

Potluck on May 27

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and Sitka AFS student international exchange will host an Iftar community potluck 9:15 p.m. Sunday, May 27, at the See House.

Members of the public are invited to learn more about Ramadan, the holiest month of the year for Muslims, and to take a non-pork dish ready to serve and share with Sitka’s exchange students and community members. For information, contact Krisanne Rice, 738-4932.

 

Clare Honored,

Earns Degree

The Davidson Honors College at the University of Montana recognized nearly 100 graduating students, including Lione Helen Clare of Sitka, with its University Scholar Distinction, one of the highest academic honors available.

Clare earned a bachelor of science degree in resource conservation, with an emphasis in climate change studies.

The students recognized as outstanding seniors represent every discipline and dozens of majors across the UM campus.

 

Coast Guard, Auxiliary

Gives Safe Boating Tips

The U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary across Alaska are encouraging and promoting safe boating practices to protect lives at sea in recognition of National Safe Boating Week, May 19-25.

The campaign is a public outreach effort held annually during the week leading up to Memorial Day weekend and is designed to help reduce boating fatalities and accidents by generating awareness on the waterways in the Last Frontier.

The groups offer the following suggestions to promote safe boating.

– Wear a life jacket; they save lives. In Alaska, boaters are required to have one Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person aboard their vessel, and they must be in serviceable condition. Persons 13 years of age and younger are required by law to wear a life jacket at all times when in an open boat, on the deck of a boat or when waterskiing.

– File a float plan before getting underway detailing the trip to aid rescuers in the event of being overdue. Sample float plans can be found at the Coast Guard Auxiliary website.

– Take multiple forms of communication devices and extra batteries and chargers. The VHF-FM radio is the primary communications network for the maritime boating community. Enabling the Digital Selective Calling features on the VHF-FM marine radio can broadcast a location and information to every boat within range in an emergency. Also consider a personal emergency beacon, and ensure it is registered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/beacon.html.

– Check all required safety equipment to be sure it is in good working order. Vessel safety checks by the Coast Guard Auxiliary are free. Trained examiners help boaters review their equipment and give advice about how to improve safety. 

–Check the weather. Be sure to look at the immediate weather forecast as well as the extended forecast; weather can change in Alaska in a matter of hours. Be prepared for it. The National Weather Service offers local and statewide current and extended marine weather forecasts on their website, which are broadcast on VHF marine-band radios.

– Dress for the water temperature. Though the air may be warming up, the water is still cold and does not rise above low 50s even at the height of summer. Wet suits and dry suits offer protection against hypothermia in the event of immersion in the water. 

– Boat sober. Never boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

To find out more about vessel safety checks visit: http://www.cgaux.org/vsc/ or http://www.safetyseal.net/

For more information on boating responsibly, visit www.uscgboating.org. Additional information on boating safety and resources can be found at www.uscgboating.org or www.safeboatingcampaign.com

 

Personal Use

Sablefish Regs

Given by F&G

New Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations will allow the use of pot gear in the personal use sablefish fishery effective June 17. Regulations were adopted by the Alaska Board of Fisheries on Jan. 22.

Regulations affect the personal use sablefish fishery only and do not apply to the subsistence sablefish pot fishery. In the Southeastern Alaska Area, the subsistence harvest of sablefish may be prosecuted only in those areas with a customary and traditional use finding for bottomfish as described in 5 AAC 01.716.

In areas without a C&T finding for bottomfish, personal use regulations apply.

 

State High-Speed Internet

For Schools to be ExpandedAlaska will partner with national non-profit EducationSuperHighway to work on bringing high-speed broadband to schools across Alaska.

A press release from the Office of the Governor said reliable access to the internet is a critical component of modern learning, but almost 120 schools in Alaska don’t have modern fiber networks. Close to half of Alaska students can’t access the internet at levels which meet FCC minimum connectivity goals.

For more than a year, the Department of Education and Early Development has been working with Alaska parents, students, educators, tribal leaders, municipalities, and education organizations to rethink the school system through the framework of Alaska’s Education Challenge. Those stakeholders agreed modernizing Alaska’s schools is a critical element to increase student success, support responsible and reflective learners, and cultivate student safety and well-being, the press release said.

EducationSuperHighway will work with the department to do a comprehensive assessment of K-12 connectivity across Alaska’s classrooms. They’ll identify schools without sufficient broadband bandwidth and infrastructure, and provide technical and project management resources to help schools upgrade.

“The Internet is the electricity of the 21st century, and a quality education requires connectivity,’’ Gov. Bill Walker said. ‘‘The K-12 Broadband Initiative will help us achieve our goal of ensuring every Alaska school has the access they need to provide our students with the education they deserve.”

EducationSuperHighway is currently working in 24 other states, and is funded by private foundations including the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the Ford Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

 

‘Explain Pain’

Class Series On

The public is invited to attend a free “Explain Pain” class series noon Tuesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 14, at the Sitka Community Hospital classroom.

Bridget Hitchcock, PT, will teach the physiology of chronic pain and how to manage pain. Research shows that understanding pain can help lessen one’s pain, Hitchcock said.

For more information, call 747-1771.

 

Paths Across

Pacific Updated

Paths Across the Pacific X organizers will give a conference update 6 p.m. Friday, May 25, at Centennial Hall. 

The brief update will be followed by showing of the original ‘‘Kon-Tiki’’ documentary of Norwegian Thor Heyerdahl’s 1947 of crossing the Pacific Ocean. 

All present and future volunteers for the July 18-22 conference are being encouraged to attend. All are invited.

Paths volunteers Paddy Cush and Richard Callaghan have confirmed the speakers, and have published the program and schedule. Conference information and registration forms can be found at pathsacrossthepacific.org.

 

Summer Reading

Program Launch

Sitka Public Library invites children of all ages to join the Summer Library Program. This summer’s theme, “Libraries Rock,” explores all things musical. Registration begins on June 2.

To participate, children register, get a game folder and read at least 30 minutes per day for a week to win an incentive.

It is open to young people, babies through young adults, with programs, prize drawings, story hours and other activities.

The library welcomes children of all abilities. Programs are free of charge.

 

Tweens, Teens

Invited to Library

Sitka tweens and teens can participate in “Libraries Rock,” the Sitka Public Library’s teen summer library program, June 2-Aug. 11.

They can check out books and read for prizes, as well as take part in special events offered throughout the summer, including a music video editing workshop, a web design workshop and Be-Tween Club. All the events are free, but registration is required.

It is open to ages 12-18. Participants can enter a drawing for a grand prize.

 

For information, call the library at 747-8708 or check out the Teen Library website, https://splteens.weebly.com.

 

‘Ask Administrator’

Program to Launch

Those having questions about City and Borough of Sitka operations, budget, taxes or other subjects can ‘‘Ask the Administrator.’’

Post a question on the city’s Facebook page or email it to administration@cityofsitka.org.

City Administrator Keith Brady will answer questions 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 30, at the Sitka Public Library.

Further information can be found at cityofsitka.com or call 747-1808.

 

Local Foods Business

Wins Innovation Prize

With a young child eating into her time and a need to expand her business, Hope Merritt of Gimbal Botanicals wanted to hire a couple of interns to help harvest and process her beach asparagus, seaweed, kelp and other local wild foods.

That plan helped her win $1,500 this month in the established business category in the Sitka Food Business Innovation Contest sponsored by the Sitka Local Foods Network.

The contest was for Sitka food businesses looking to start or grow their operations and was to provide two $1,500 prizes. One was for established businesses and one for start-up businesses (younger than 2 years old.) But there were no entries in the start-up business category so no prize was awarded in that category.

“The Sitka Local Foods Network has had a long relationship with Hope and Gimbal Botanicals at the Sitka Farmers Market, so we’re excited to be able to help Hope grow her business,” Sitka Local Foods Network board president Charles Bingham said. “One of the reasons we launched this contest this year was to try and encourage new local food businesses or the expansion of existing businesses so we have more local food available for Sitka residents. With her local wild foods business, Hope and Gimbal Botanicals provide a true taste of Sitka.”

Gimbal Botanicals has been in business for about a decade, and Merritt has been selling a variety of local wild foods such as tea blends, devil’s club salves, beach asparagus, etc., at the Sitka Farmers Market, Sitka Food Cooperative, to local restaurants and caterers, at Sitka businesses such as Wintersong Soaps and Evergreen Foods, on Allen Marine cruises, and in Juneau, Hoonah and other communities. She also sells her local wild food products on her website, http://www.gimbalbotanicals.com.

“I will use this award to increase my womanpower and in so there should be more products available,” Merritt said. “I have already hired two women and because harvesting is still slow we are starting on marketing.

‘‘We are working with Salt and Soil Marketplace (a regional food hub based in Juneau) right now to get products on their website,’’ she said. ‘‘I would like to expand my availability with the Sitka Food Co-op. I have also considered a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture, where farmers sell shares in their crops), or a CSH, Community Sustained Harvesting, as I might call it. In this model, customers would order in advanced from me for the whole season. Every time I harvest (about once every two weeks) customers would get their amount of fresh beach asparagus. It’s like pre-marketing.”

With the prize money, Merritt hired interns Nora Skeele and Kassy Eubanks-Littlefield, who already have been helping out with harvests and will help out with processing and sales. In addition, Merritt is helped by her partner, Dan Littlefield, and her mother-in-law, Roby Littlefield.

Merritt said she tries to ethically harvest her sea veggies to keep the products sustainable. She also is working with Sitka Tribe of Alaska Social Services to develop a harvest program, which hasn’t started yet, for those who can’t get out to harvest themselves.

“This money will help me continue to bring local sea veggies to local markets, beach asparagus and seaweeds as well as my teas,” Merritt said, who added that she plans to continue to sell her products at the Sitka Farmers Market. “I am hoping for a bigger presence at the Sitka Food-Co-op this year, making nutritious foods more available for those who value them. All of my products are 100-percent organic. Bringing wild-harvested beach asparagus to the local markets brings a super nutritious food that would otherwise be unavailable to the consumer here in Sitka and Juneau.”

This was the first year of the Sitka Food Business Innovation Contest, and the Sitka Local Foods Network hoped there would be more entries.

“In addition to providing more local food here in Sitka, we want the contest to encourage Sitka food businesses to enter some of the larger innovation contests, such as Path to Prosperity or the Symphony of Seafood,” Bingham said. “But we’re happy for Hope and Gimbal Botanicals, because this business is a good example of how a Sitka foods business can be innovative while sharing the taste of Sitka.”

“I’d like to express my gratitude for this award and the work that Sitka Local Foods Network does in this community,” Merritt said. “By promoting local food we are taking valuable steps forward as a community to be more healthy and food secure. This is a passion of mine and why I continue to operate Gimbal Botanicals. I could not operate without the help of friends and family.

‘‘Gimbal Botanicals is sustained through all the hours that family and friend have donated to the cause working often for tea and beach asparagus,’’ Merritt said. ‘‘Thanks to my family for supporting and understanding the importance of local, not just for its nutrition but as a way of life. With the expansion of my family, time has shifted and I am unable to produce what I could before motherhood. I will use the money to hire help with harvesting, processing, marketing and at the farmers market.”

 

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20 YEARS AGO

March 2004

Businesses using the Centennial Hall parking lot testified Tuesday against a proposal to charge them rent in addition to the $200 annual permit fee. City Administrator Hugh Bevan made the proposal in response to the Assembly’s direction to Centennial Hall manager Don Kluting to try to close the $340,000 gap between building revenues and operational costs.


50 YEARS AGO

March 1974

Alaska Native Brotherhood Grand President William S. Paul Sr. will be special guest and speaker at the local ANB, Alaska Native Sisterhood Founders Day program Monday at the ANB Hall.

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