Daily Sitka Sentinel

April 16, 2019, Community Happenings

David Swearingen

Dies in Sitka at 65

Retired Sitka Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief David Otis Swearingen passed away in Sitka on April 8.  David, who was born in Sitka, was 65 years old.

Services are planned for May 18.

Services Pending

For Susan Tisher

Services are pending for Susan Nadine Tisher, a longtime Sitka resident who died Saturday at Sitka Community Hospital. She was 71.

Aquatic Facility

Opens April 17

The Mt. Edgecumbe Aquatic Facility will officially open its doors to the public on April 17 with an open swim, 5-8 p.m.

Scheduled public openings are a 6-8 a.m. lap swim on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and 5-8 p.m. open swim on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The pool offers an eight-yard lap pool attached to a walk-in therapy area and diving well. A climbing wall, dual diving boards and a water slide are included.

Walk-in rates are: children under a year, free; 1 to 4 years, $1 if entering with a paying adult; children and seniors, $8; adults $10; and families $20 (limited to no more than six family members.)

Methodists Offer

Easter Schedule

United Methodist Church will hold Holy Week and Easter services, open to the public.

Holy Thursday and Good Friday services are at 6 p.m. The Easter Sunday Service will be at 10 a.m.

The United Methodist Church is at 303 Kimsham Street.

Pansy Sale at

Preschool Listed

Mt. Edgecumbe Preschool is taking orders for its annual pansy sale.

The plants will arrive May 9. Full flats of 18 plants are $55, half-flats of nine are $30, and single plants are $4. Each full flat purchase enters the individual into a drawing to win a large hanging basket from Garden Ventures.

Anyone is welcome to purchase plants to donate toward spring planting to organization around town. Donated orders will be delivered by the preschool. Call 966-2675 to order or visit www.mtedgecumbepreschool.org.

Pansies can be picked up at 129 Seward Street noon-6 p.m. May 9, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. May 10, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 11.

State of Sitka’s

Economy Discussed

Sitkans are invited to the State of Sitka’s Economy presentation by the McDowell Group 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at Centennial Hall Room 6.

It will include results from the recent Sitka business survey. Questions from the public will be taken. All are invited to attend.

For information call Garry White, Sitka Economic Development Association, at 747-2660.

Volunteers Sought

For Potato Planting

The U.S. Forest Service and Sitka Tribe of Alaska will be planting Maria’s “Tlingit” potatoes 10:45 a.m. Friday, April 19, at the Sitka Ranger District office.

All are invited to help plant and learn more about the crop. Participants should wear rubber boots and take gardening gloves, a shovel, a bucket of seaweed if possible, and questions. For more information, contact Michelle at 747-2708. 

Public Invited to

Sing-Along Event

Sitka Community Pop Choir will host a sing- and play-along 7 p.m. April 19 downstairs at the Mean Queen.

‘‘Bring your voice or another instrument,’’ organizers said. ‘‘Join friends new and old for some classic pop favorites.’’

For information text Jeannie at 510-610-0075.

Author to Read

Pam Houston, author of ‘‘Cowboys Are My Weakness,’’ will read from her newest memoir, ‘‘Deep Creek’’ (W.W. Norton, 2019), 6 p.m. Friday, April 19, at Old Harbor Books. 

Holy Week Events

At Salvation Army

The Salvation Army Sitka Corps invites the public to special events during Holy Week.

A Good Friday service, 6 p.m.  April 19, will include dinner and a worship service.

On Saturday, April 20, a family fun BBQ will be held noon-2 p.m. An Easter egg hunt will be at noon. The Easter Bunny will be on site for family photographs. Attendees can take their own cameras  to take photos noon-2 p.m. The Salvation Army Little Store will have a big sale 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

On Easter Sunday, a family brunch will be at 10 a.m. and an Easter service will be at 11 a.m.

All are invited to attend all of the events. For information, call Debe Brincefield at 738-4323. 

Big Rigs Called

For April 27 Event

Big rigs are needed for 3 to 5 Preschool’s 7th annual Big Rig fundraiser event 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 27 at the Mt. Edgecumbe High School parking lot.‘‘We are currently searching for anyone with a cool rig, car, truck, boat, etc. that they would like to bring to the event to show off,’’ organizers said.

Those interested in taking a rig, volunteering at the event, or being a sponsor can contact Jennifer at threeto5preschool@gmail.com.

Also that day will be the third annual Big Rig Run for Education 5k and fun run. More information and registration is at a link on the preschool’s FB page, or register the day of the event starting at 8 a.m.

Pancake Breakfast

Slated for Saturday

Alaska Native Sisterhood Camp 4 will hold a pancake fundraiser 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 20, at the ANB Founders Hall.

Breakfast is $10 a plate and proceeds will go toward sending delegates to Grand Camp in October. Everyone is invited.

ANS to Meet

Alaska Native Sisterhood Camp 4 will meet 5:30 p.m. April 23 at the ANB Founders Hall.

One of the topics of discussion will be the final call for nominations and voting for delegates to attend Grand Camp in October. The meeting is open to the public and everyone is invited.

Alaska Red Cross

Volunteers Sought

Andrew Bogar, Juneau office of the American Red Cross Alaska Chapter, will visit Sitka on Thursday, April 18.

Those who wish to volunteer with the Red Cross are invited to meet with him and other Sitka ARC volunteers  noon-1 p.m. Thursday at Sitka Public Library in the meeting room.

ARC activities range from disaster assistance locally and globally to community emergency preparedness, and communications. If interested, attend the event to discuss training opportunities, or call Ted Laufenberg, 623-7107.