Daily Sitka Sentinel

May 14, 2019, Community Happenings

Air Station Lt. Cmdr. Retires

Lt. Cmdr. Michael Carroll retired May 10 at Air Station Sitka following 20 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard. 

‘‘Air Station Sitka wishes him and his family fair winds and following seas as Mike embarks on a new chapter in his career here in Sitka,’’ the Coast guard said.

 After completing Army Flight Training in Fort Rucker, Alabama, Carroll flew UH-60s in Germany while deploying to Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Iraq. He also served in the Republic of Korea as an Aviation Maintenance Platoon Leader. After receiving a direct commission in the U.S. Coast Guard, he served at Air Station New Orleans where he flew H65s, and Clearwater, Florida, flying H60s.

He and his family relocated to Sitka in 2014. Carroll retired from the Coast Guard after two final years at Air Station Miami and 20 years of active duty service. 

Among Carroll’s awards over the past 20 years are: 1 Meritorious Service Medal; 1 Air Medal; 3 U.S. Coast Guard Commendation Medals; 4 U.S. Army Commendation Medals; 3 U.S. Coast Guard Achievemnet Medals; 1 U.S. Army Achievement Medal.

Good News Club

Program Friday

The Good News Club invites the public to its last session 2-3 p.m. Friday, May 17, at the Sitka Christian Center.

The kindergartners and first-graders will present the gospel message using shadow puppets and song.

Refreshments and an open house will follow. Call Mary Stevens, 752-2048, with questions.

Charter Fishing

Meeting May 15

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, NOAA Law Enforcement, International Pacific Halibut Commission, and U.S. Coast Guard will host a public meeting regarding the upcoming sport fishing season 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, at Centennial Hall.

Staff will provide information and be available to answer questions. It is open to the public.

Benefit Dinner

At Elks Lodge

Sitka Elks Lodge will host a fundraising dinner for the Future Problem Solvers 5-7 p.m. Sunday, May 19.

A dessert auction will following the hamburger dinner.

The fundraiser will benefit the FPS team attending international competition.

All events held at the Elks Lodge are for members and invited guests.

Guitar Lessons

Offered to All

A guitar lesson and songs with Hank Moore are planned 1-2:30 p.m. May 20 at the SAIL Office, 514 Lake Street.

No previous experience is required. 

SAIL and the Center for Community are partnering on monthly community events open to everyone.

Those with questions can contact SAIL at 747-6859.

Bike to Work

Week Events Set

Sitka cyclists are invited to participate in National Bike to Work Week May 13-17.

The bike to work week contest started Monday. Commuter cyclist can go to the Yellow Jersey Cycle Shop anytime during the week to enter the raffle for a $100 gift certificate to the shop. The winner will be announced on Saturday, May 18, at the Julie Hughes Triathlon.

The more days a person rides to and from work, the more times they can enter to win, the maximum is five for people who rode every day that week. 

On Wednesday, May 15, a Blessing of the Bikes will be 6:30 p.m. at the Crescent Harbor Shelter, followed by the Worldwide Ride of Silence at 7 p.m.

On Friday, May 17, helmeted bikers can get a complimentary smoothie at Fisheye Organic Café. 

For more information or to sign up for the Sitka Cycling Club go to https://sitkacycling.wordpress.com.

Coast Guard

Memorial Day

Service Slated

U.S. Coast Guard Spouses’ and Women’s Association of Sitka invites the public to attend the U.S. Coast Guard Memorial Day Service at the Sitka National Cemetery Pavilion 9:30 a.m. May 27.

For more information, or to add a name to the memorial list, call or email Tabitha Frawley at 619-564-9168 or allmyjunk04@gmail.com.

Sportsman’s Group

Awards Scholarship

Sitka Sportsman’s Association has awarded two $1,000 scholarships to two Mt. Edgecumbe High School graduating seniors.

Ruger Parker and Alazae Waghiwi won for their submissions of written essays titled ‘‘What does the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America mean to me?” 

All high schools in Sitka were invited to participate and two winners were selected out of the letters submitted by the Sitka Sportsman’s Association Board of Directors.

‘‘Congratulations and good luck in your future endeavors,’’ The Sitka Sportsman’s Association said.

Reading Buddies

Needed at Library

Those wanting to be Reading Buddies at Sitka Public Library this summer are reminded applications are due May 17.

Those who enjoy reading with a child can sign up to participate in a program that promotes literature among children.

Buddies meet up to one hour each week with an assigned first or second grader. The program runs June 8-Aug. 10 with time off for vacation if needed.

Applications are at Sitka Public Library or call 747-8708 for information.

Girls on the Run

5K Fun Run Set

Girls on the Run will hold its 11th annual 5K community fun run 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, beginning at Centennial Hall.

The girls, from Keet Gooshi Heen third through fifth grades, have been preparing for the event all season.

‘‘Come join us to cheer and celebrate with them as they complete their collective goal,’’ organizers said.

Volunteers are still needed to set up and clean up, be running buddies, and cheerleaders. To sign up, visit tinyurl.com/y4qlelj8 or e-mail Shadeed at gotr@safv.org.