Daily Sitka Sentinel

May 17, 2019, Community Happenings

Climate Connection:

''Your Next Car?''

By “Brant” Brantman

What do you imagine your next car to be? If you’re not already thinking “electric” you may be interested in knowing why so many Sitkans are switching to EVs (electric vehicles).

Almost every major car manufacturer has introduced an EV, from compacts to luxury sedans to SUVs. (Hang in there pickup lovers, your models are coming!) Many believe that by mid next decade, electric will rival fossil in new car sales. If you lived down South in the land of big commutes and road trips, you might want one of these newly introduced plug-ins, with ranges per charge up to 300 miles and prices similar to comparable gas cars. But for Sitka, there’s one clear choice; a lightly used Nissan Leaf, the most successful EV on the market. There’s an estimated 100 or more scooting happily around town.

This well designed and built 4-door hatchback is a great deal right now. The 2016s, for example, are around $12,000 (plus shipping), with low miles and a good strong battery. Originally about $31,000 new, many are now coming out of a popular 3-year lease program, and their range (at 90 miles or so per charge) is plenty for Sitka drivers. You can choose one online and complete the purchase from home, with select dealers that will deliver them to the ferry or barge for free, and offer financing if needed.

Electric vehicles are cheaper to operate. The “fuel” cost of an EV is about one-third the cost of gas per mile (even less during our lower winter electric rates). Maintenance costs are less, too, even when you consider the projected cost of a replacement battery, some day in the distant future. Unlike a conventional gas car, there are very few parts that could require maintenance. 

Most Leaf owners in Sitka only need to plug in once or twice a week, the simplest option being overnight into a standard household outlet. When you do recharge, you’re buying clean hydro-electricity, made locally from rain. Which supports our city budget and local economy, keeps electric rates down for everybody, and reduces your contribution to the climate crisis. All while saving you money!

The Sitka Rainpower Project has created a free resource to help you move into the EV era; by providing info, a test drive, and shopping assistance when you are ready to buy. Because when you do, everybody wins.

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“Brant” Brantman heads the Sitka Rainpower Project, a not-for-profit promoting the benefits of using our amazing hydro resource through the use of heat pumps and electric vehicles. Visit sitkarainpower.org.

SJ Museum to Showcase

Native Artist Demonstrator

Artist-in-residence Alutiiq/Sugpiaq gut skin sewer and beader June Pardue will be at the Sheldon Jackson Museum through June 5.

She will work on gut skin sewing most Tuesdays through Saturdays in the museum gallery.

Pardue will give a presentation on gut skin sewing techniques 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18, and teach an intensive imitation gut skin sewing class at the museum over the course of six days.

At the end of her residency, she will give a recap talk, 3 p.m. June 1, to present what she has worked on while at the Sheldon Jackson Museum and about her experience in Sitka.

Pardue grew up in Old Harbor, Kodiak. As a child, she spent time with her mother and their neighbor, Fedosia Inga, weaving grass into baskets and other types of containers in the traditional Alutiiq/Sugpiaq styles. Over time she became one of the most highly regarded traditional Sugpiaq weavers.

An important element of Pardue’s vocation is teaching. Painfully aware that few skilled weavers remain, she has taught at numerous communities along the Aleutian, Southcentral and Southeast coastlines.

“I love teaching cultural values, particularly respect for the elders,” she said. “It’s so important to give credit to those who taught you the values of your culture, and to pass those values on to the next generation.”

Pardue’s works, created mostly from beach rye and sedge, are in the collections of the Baranof and Alutiiq museums in Kodiak, the Sheldon Jackson Museum, and numerous private collections. Museums in Anchorage and Fairbanks often sell her work.

June has been an artist demonstrator at the Sheldon Jackson Museum and at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. She has conducted workshops on her art at numerous other places around the state. Later this year, she will be the lead teacher for the Pinguat beading project, to revitalize making beaded headdresses at the Alutiiq Museum in Kodiak.

The museum invites the public to visit the Sheldon Jackson Museum to meet Pardue, learn about her art form and culture, and to visit the museum to learn about all Alaska Native cultures. Summer hours are daily 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. General admission is $7, $6 for seniors, and free for children 18 and under and for members of the Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum and Alaska State Museum.

The Alaska Native Artist Residency Program is sponsored by the Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum and made possible with the support of the National Geographic Lex-NG Fund, which funded the program in 2018 and 2019, the National Endowment for the Arts, Alaska Airlines, Alaska Arts Southeast Inc., other local arts organizations, volunteers, and the general public. To support the Alaska Native Artist Residency Program, call 747-6233 or visit www.friendsofsjm.com.

Sitka High Student

Earns Scholarship

Abigail FitzGibbon, a Sitka High graduating senior, is among this year’s Southeast Alaska Board of REALTORS Memorial Scholarship recipients.

The $1,000 scholarships are given in honor of Larry Spencer, a long time Juneau REALTOR® and advocate for Southeast Alaskan REALTOR’s® concerns, who died in 2013.

Other Alaska winners are Hannah Harvey, Thunder Mountain High School in Juneau; Madison Cox, Skagway High School; and Jacob Hammer, Wrangell High School.

Wash. Volunteers

Selling Popcorn

Aloha Hart and John Mello are serving Sitka Lutheran Church as volunteers this month.

They will be selling popcorn and assisting with a garage sale fundraiser for youths of the church on Saturday, May 18.

‘‘A special thank you to Sitkans who not only purchase items at garage sales, but also donate valuable items for sale,’’ Sitka Lutheran Church said in a news release. 

Sitka Lutheran has sponsored teens going to Jamaica, Indonesia, Florida, Canada, New Orleans and Montana for relief efforts involving flooding, hurricanes and health care. Also, the church supports efforts to support the Salvation Army Food Bank.

The church expressed appreciation to the Sitka community for supporting these efforts. 

Hart and Mello two also will explain Sitka Lutheran’s rich Finnish-Lutheran history to tourists and care for the historic Lutheran Cemetery.

The two have cruised Alaska several times, where they said they enjoyed the scenery, eagles and especially small-town Sitka. 

Hart grew up in the Midwest and Mello was raised on the East coast. They married, raised their families and now are enjoying grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they said. Their lives are centered around family, church, community-volunteering and their faith.

They are passionate about their volunteer service at Admiralty Head Lighthouse on Whidbey Island, Washington. They have also supported numerous clubs, gardens, parks and historic sites in their volunteer efforts. 

Regular Sunday morning worship services are held at 10:30 a.m.  Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. a weekly soup supper is held in the church followed by a short prayer service. Youth group and quilting are among service activities of the church. All are invited.

For information call the church office at 747-3338, visit the church’s web site at http://www.sitkalutheranchurch.org/ or e-mail sitkalutheranchurch@gmail.com. 

Lyme Disease

Films to Show

In observance of Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May, the Phillips family will present two movies on Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases and illnesses this month at Sitka Public Library.

‘‘Under Our Skin’’ will be shown 6-7:30 p.m. May 21 and the sequel, ‘‘Under Our Skin 2 Emergence’’ will show 6-7:30 p.m. May 28. Admission is free and all are invited. Printed material will be available to take home and a limited discussion is planned.

Attendees can learn about Lyme disease, possible symptoms, and the steps one may take to either mitigate a tick-borne infection, recognize a possible tick bite, and possibly prevent someone from suffering from the disease complex.

‘‘Lyme Disease is not going away,’’ a press release said. ‘‘The number of diagnosed cases has increased dramatically over the past few years and the ticks that carry Lyme disease have been identified and confirmed in Alaska in the last year.’’

Conversations Set

On Death, Dying

Sitka Public Library and SEARHC are partnering to offer ‘‘Cupcakes and Conversation,’’ a series of discussions related to death, dying and bereavement, at Sitka Public Library.

The public is invited to ‘‘Bring your knowledge and experience, hear from others, and ask questions.’’

Adult community members can participate in a discussion focusing on palliative care and hospice 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 22.

The meeting will be co-moderated by Leslie Fulton, R.N., and Erin Matthes, health educator and licensed professional counselor specializing in grief counseling.

Cupcakes will be served. Contact  Matthes with questions at 966-8720 or ematthes@searhc.org.

Sheldon Jackson

History Topic of

‘Voices’ Project

The public is invited to an evening of Sheldon Jackson School and College history, part of the Voices of Sheldon Jackson project, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, at Odess Theater in Allen Hall on the SJ Campus.

Visiting alumni of Sheldon Jackson High School will share their experiences, followed by questions and discussion. Local alumni, former staff, and the public are being encouraged to share their own knowledge.

Voices of Sheldon Jackson is a project to put historical materials online and to create eight interpretive signs about the school’s history. The project is an effort to share and acknowledge the stories of alumni and staff, and the full and complicated history of the school. The website will be launched, and full-size images of the signs will be shared at the event.

The public, especially those who worked or studied at Sheldon Jackson, can comment on drafts of the sign at voicesofsheldonjackson.wordpress.com.

Refreshments will be served, and yearbooks and photographs will be on display. Voices of Sheldon Jackson is supported by the Alaska Humanities Forum and National Endowment for the Humanities and by the Rasmuson Foundation. For information, or to participate, call Rebecca at 747-3448.

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.

Babies and Books

Summer Events Set

Sitka Babies and Books will celebrate the beginning of the Early Literacy Summer  Library Program with a kickoff party at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 18, at Sitka Public Library for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

“A Universe of Stories” is the theme. Children are invited to shoot for the moon and trek across our universe.

After the event, families may register their children up to age 5 years for  the Summer Library Program that will run through Aug. 10. Registered children will get a free board book.

The event doesn’t required registration and everybody is welcome. For  information, call the library at 747-8708.

Bench Dedication,

Potluck in Memory

Of Ryan Kauffman

The families of Ryan Kauffman and Kristen Green invite all community members to attend the dedication of a bench to honor Kauffman 4 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Sandy Beach.

A community potluck at Pioneer Park follows at 5 p.m. Attendees are being encouraged to make a recipe from Ryan’s Cookbook, available for purchase at Old Harbor Books. Proceeds from the cookbook go directly to Ryan’s Fund for improving end-of-life care and grief support in Sitka. Kauffman died Nov. 22, 2015.

Attendees are asked to take their own plates, utensils, napkins and cup. 

Call Kristen at 738-4434 for more information.

Litter, Cigarette

Cleanup May 18

A cigarette butt and litter cleanup in Ryan Kauffman’s honor will be 2-3 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at the Sandy Beach parking area.

Gloves, buckets and pickers will be provided. The cleanup is inspired by the life and work of healthy-lifestyle advocate Ryan Kauffman as an opportunity to acknowledge losses and celebrate life through healthy community activities, organizers said.

The Sitka resident died Nov. 22, 2015. 

Contact Erin Matthes at ematthes@searhc.org or 966-8720 for information. 

Open Art Studio

Slated May 17

All are invited to attend an open art studio 4-7 p.m. Friday, May 17, at Sitka Public Library.

The family friendly event is an  opportunity for creative expression inspired by the life and work of Ryan Kauffman. Art supplies and snacks will be provided through Kauffman’s memorial fund at Brave Heart Volunteers for improving end-of-life care and grief support in Sitka.

The Sitka resident died Nov. 22, 2015. 

Contact Erin Matthes at ematthes@searhc.org or 966-8720 for information. 

Yoga Benefit

For BHV Slated

A spring cleansing yoga five-day  class will be offered 8:30-9:45 a.m. May 20-24 at Yoga Union.

The fundraiser is for Brave Heart Volunteers. The cost is $50 for the week or $15 drop-in fee. It is open to all levels.

Throughout the week the group will focus on the seven Chakras. The asanas (poses) will help align and open the chakras (energy centers). Pranayama (breath work) will be woven into each class. Sign up at Yoga Union or call Michele 752-0472.

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.

Fiber Friends Meet

Fiber Friends will meet noon-2 p.m. Saturday, May 18, in the Gus Adams room at Sitka Public Library.

Weavers, spinners, dyers and others who work with fibers are welcome.  For additional information contact Marian Allen at 738-1970.

Weekend Hikes

Begin in May

Sitka Trail Works’ volunteer board members will lead weekend public hikes throughout the summe.

Hikes help familiarize users with trails in the area and are an opportunity for hikers and bikers to meet others who enjoy the outdoors, Sitka Trail Works said. 

On May 18, at 9:30 a.m., the Fort Rousseau Kayak and Hike is scheduled.

Sitka Trail Works is partnering with Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures to offer the five-hour trip at a discount. Half of the proceeds will be donated to Sitka Trail Works. Book tickets online are at www.kayaksitka.com for $99 per person.

A free hike along the Herring Cove and Beaver Lake Trail is planned Saturday, May 25. Hikers should meet at the Herring Cove trailhead at the end of Sawmill Creek Road at 9 a.m. 

The round trip is about 3.6 miles and 2.5 hours in length. A steep, rocky grade is at the beginning and end of the trail and at the junction with Beaver Lake Trail. The middle section around the lake is mostly level with some stepping stones and log steps. Hiking poles, water and a snack are recommended. All minors participating must be accompanied by an adult.

‘‘This is a beautiful hike mostly in the forest with views of waterfalls and Beaver Lake,’’ organizers said.

For further information call Sitka Trail Works at 747-7244 or visit www.sitkatrailworks.org

Sfacstock Includes

Live Music, Food

Sfacstock, an annual music festival featuring live music, beer and food, will be 7 p.m. May 18 on the SJ Campus lawn.

Derek Brown, one-man-band saxophonist and beatboxer, will be featured alongside locals Joe Montagna, Drew Sherman, Rhiannon Guevin and others.

The event will follow 100 Volunteer Day on the front lawn of SJ Campus.

Sitka Health Fair

Listed May 18

The Sitka Health Fair is planned 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 18, at Harrigan Centennial Hall.

For information contact Heleena van Veen, 966.8914, heleena.vanveen@searhc.org.

100 Volunteer Day

On SJ Campus

It’s that time of year again when the ice has melted, the ground has warmed up, and Sitkans gather for the 100 Volunteer Day 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 18 on the SJ Campus.

All are invited to join the ranks for Sitka Fine Arts Camp’s annual event.

‘‘Snag a few friends and help us clean, repair, and restore the campus just before we kick off with our summer camps,’’ organizers said.