Daily Sitka Sentinel

October 11, 2019, Community Happenings

Climate Connection: 

“Optimism is a Political Act”

By Barb Bingham

Alex Steffen is an American futurist who writes and speaks about sustainability and the future of the planet. In his words: Those who benefit from the status quo are perfectly happy for us to think nothing is going to get any better. In fact, these days, cynicism is obedience.

It’s no exaggeration to say that many of us are feeling a sense of helplessness and despair about the effects the warming climate is having on the world around us. More and more news coverage is now given over to stories about harmful impacts on our ecosystems, on the multitude of species now affected, and on our own lives and well-being. However, there is a lot to be hopeful about, with optimism a spontaneous result if we just focus on the progress being made in addressing the huge challenges we’re facing. Both in congress and the world at large, our conversations and actions are increasingly focused on solutions, for example: 

There are now 5 carbon pricing bills in congress, the Climate Solutions Caucus is meeting in the House and a climate solutions working group is set to launch in the Senate, all bipartisan efforts.

Universities, banks and investment funds are divesting from fossil fuels; great progress is being made in sustainable energy systems, and …

Amazon, whose current footprint is larger than several global businesses combined, has committed to 100% renewables by 2030 and net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Here are 4 actions you can take to build your own sense of optimism and add to the momentum:

• Look for solutions, even small ones, in your own life. Practical suggestions, such as ways to reduce your carbon footprint, are regularly highlighted in this column.

• Support others who are working on solutions. This could mean helping your neighbor set up a composter, donating to organizations or individuals doing good work, or investing in green business ventures. 

• Let our local officials know you expect change. By working together with them, we can immediately begin taking steps to secure a resilient, adaptive and sustainable future. A citizen task force published a comprehensive Climate Action Plan in 2010 (view it on the city website). Lrt’s review what we’ve accomplished so far and update it for the next 10 years, with an achievable timeline. Next week’s column will focus on the plan’s progress and future goals.

• Let our members of Congress know you expect change. Write, call and email to say how encouraged and relieved you are by the promise of legislative support. Specifically, ask them to endorse The Energy Innovation and Dvidend Act, HR 763, with 66 co-sponsors, the most promising carbon pricing and dividend bill currently moving through Congress.

Finally, this quote, often attributed to Goethe, is wise and enduring: 

“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it; Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.” 

If we can dream or envision it, we can build it. Let us begin, let us begin now.

––––––

Listen to Alex Steffen’s inspiring TED talks on securing a sustainable future. Check out www.dailyclimate.org for daily doses of positive climate news.

 — Barb Bingham, Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Hunting on Tongass

Topic of Meeting

The Tongass National Forest is hosting a post-season public meeting for stakeholders to review the ‘‘Best Management Practices Agreement for Hunting Season Operations on the Northern Tongass National Forest.’’

Discussion will include feedback from the season, identifying possible improvements for the next one.

The meeting will be by teleconference 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, in the Sitka Ranger District office conference room. Participants will be connected by internet and phone to the meeting hosted in Juneau. An RSVP is requested. Those planning to attend can send an email to SM.FS.shoreline2@usda.gov and indicate which location so meeting space can be arranged.

Those unable to make the meeting at the district office have an option to connect via internet and phone. Instructions for connecting virtually will be posted at http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/tongass/outfitterguideBMP.

The program is a cooperative effort between recreation and tourism service providers operating on the northern Tongass National Forest during spring and fall hunting seasons. 

‘‘The agreement is intended to minimize impacts to hunting operations, provide the opportunity for a quality visitor experience for clients, and protect the forest resources,’’ the Forest Service said. ‘‘By actively participating in this voluntary program, stakeholders are demonstrating their commitment to these objectives.’’

For more information, send an email to SM.FS.shoreline2@usda.gov.

Sitka Baha’is to Celebrate

200th Birthday of the Bab

Bahá’ís of Sitka invite the public to a special showing of a new documentary film “Dawn of the Light” 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at Centennial Hall, followed by refreshments and fellowship. 

The 48-minute film, which was just released by the Bahá’í Universal House of Justice, follows the search for truth and meaning in life by eight individuals from various lands and cultures around the globe and how they were led to the twin luminaries of our resplendent age, the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. 

The seekers describe throughout the documentary how they are integrating the teachings of these “Twin Manifestations” into their lives and communities, working collectively alongside their friends and neighbors from every race and faith in their neighborhoods to advance the well-being and “betterment of mankind.” 

Two years ago, Bahá’ís around the world celebrated the 200th birthday of Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. This month, Baha’is celebrate the 200th birthday of the Báb, who heralded the coming of Bahá’u’lláh, and whose name means the Gate.

The Báb, in 1844 Persia (now Iran), proclaimed his mission announcing the coming of Bahá’u’lláh. The Báb’s dispensation lasted only six years before he was executed by the Persian government that feared his teachings and the powerful influence he had on the hearts of many in Iran, the Sitka Baha’is said in a press release. Bahá’u’lláh, who was among those who adopted the Báb’s teachings, himself was imprisoned and tortured. Bahá’u’lláh declared his mission in 1863 near Baghdad before being exiled to the “Most Great Prison” in Akka, Palestine, where he remained until his death in 1892. 

The Báb and Bahá’u’lláh brought messages of unity, the oneness of God and mankind, and a promise of world peace, the press release said. They taught principles such as equality of women and men, universal education and the elimination of all forms of prejudice. 

A prayer and devotional to honor both the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh’s birthdays, (which are Oct. 29 and Oct. 30 consecutively) will be held at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Pioneers Home Chapel. 

For information about the Bahá’í Faith, visit online at akbahai.org, www.Bahai.org or www.sitkabahai.org, or in Sitka call Barbara Geno at 623-0802.

SS, Medicare

Topic of Talk

A presentation aimed at answering questions about Medicare and Social Security retirement benefits will be held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at Centennial Hall. Lunch will be provided.

The joint presentation is by Susan Briles, a certified Medicare specialist with the patient health benefits team at Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium, and Cynthia Gibson, CFP with Waddell & Reed Inc.

They will discuss Medicare options, the coverage needed, and when people should sign up to begin receiving Social Security benefits. 

Briles will speak about Medicare options and avoiding the pitfalls and penalties. Gibson will speak about how to make the most of the Social Security benefits. Both will be available for questions following their presentations.

For information, call Briles at 966-8662 or Gibson at 966-2803. People may also find additional health insurance information by visiting the SEARHC website, searhc.org/patient-resources/health-insurance.

‘Shakespeare’

Topic of Group

Sitka’s first I Read Shakespeare group meeting will be held 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, at UAS-Sitka Campus Room 106

The meeing will include an overview of the organization. 

‘‘If you have ever heard of Shakespeare, but have never read one of his works, if you have heard of Shakespeare, and struggle with understanding his works, if you are curious about who William Shakespeare is, and why his works are known all over the world, or if you are already a fan, and would enjoy discussing the plays, then you might want to join,’’ said organizer Gayle Hammons. 

I Read Shakespeare groups were first formed in the United States and England more than 200 years ago, but people had been reading the works much longer than that.

In fact, Hammons said, ‘‘reading Shakespeare has always been more popular than watching the plays, well, at least after the majority of populations learned how to read. Also, too much of Europe (and the rest of the world) was without troupes of actors who performed Shakespeare.’’

Members of the group read Shakespeare’s works aloud, each person taking turns reading a part, the group then discussing the language, the meanings, the import of the scenes, the humor and the horror, the glorious and the ugliness, the ups and downs of society in the world as seen in the plays.

Groups have no age limit, or requirement, other than the ability to read aloud Shakespeare’s works and the desire to discuss what is read, and to listen.

One of America’s oldest I Read Shakespeare groups in the Midwest has been meeting for more than 100 years.

At the first meeting, participants will decide what work to begin with, what versions to read, how to divvy up roles, how long the meetings run (most run 90 minutes), and how often meetings will be held.

Hammons, a veteran educator, will also introduce the complex individual known as “The Bard.” 

The meeting and all future meetings are free and open to the public.

Indigenous People’s

Day Observed at

Unitarian Gathering

In observance of Indigenous People’s Day, Frederick Olsen Jr. will present a program “A Tribal Response to Transboundary Mining” Sunday at the Sitka Unitarian Fellowship Hall.

Transboundary mining covers large-scale mining projects in Canada that affect indigenous people in Southeast Alaska. Olsen’s talk will cover recent developments between Canadian First Nations and U.S. Alaska Natives regarding this issue. 

The Unitarian gathering begins at 10:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 10:45 a.m. Soup and bread follow at noon. The hall is located at 408 Marine Street, with parking behind off Spruce Street. All are invited to attend. For information, call 747-3702.

Museum Gives

Call for Alaska

Native Artists

The Sheldon Jackson Museum is soliciting for solo exhibitions by Alaska Native artists. Artists can submit an application for review on CaFÉ, callforentry.org.

The Sheldon Jackson Museum was founded in 1888 to house a collection of Alaska Native ethnographic material. The Sheldon Jackson Museum and its collection were purchased by the State of Alaska to inspire human thought and artistic endeavor, to stimulate ethnographic research and to foster an awareness of, and an appreciation for, the enriching qualities of a multi-cultural existence, the museum said in a press release.

Call for submissions will be open Oct. 14-Nov. 23. The call will be for two solo exhibitions: January through mid-April of 2021 and January through mid-April of 2022. For more information contact the Sheldon Jackson Museum curator by calling 747-8904 or e-mailing Jackie Fernandez-Hamberg.

The exhibition will be held in a small gallery space at the Sheldon Jackson Museum. The gallery dimensions, available display cases and hanging system will be detailed in the call. Applicants will be notified of selection in late December.

First Aid Class

To be Discounted

Southeast Region EMS will hold a discounted Heartsaver First Aid class 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Oct. 24 as part of a new instructor class.

The cost will be $25. It meets Coast Guard requirements, so this is a great chance for people to get this out of the way before the season, SEREMS said in a press release.

Call 747-8005 to sign up.

Coast Guard

Schedules

Open House

U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka will host an open house and Marine Safety Fair 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at Air Station Sitka’s hangar at the end of Airport Road.

As part of the Alaska Day Festival, this event honors Alaska’s extensive maritime heritage and will also focus on raising boating, public and recreational safety awareness. The open house is an opportunity for children and adults to meet crews of Sitka’s local first responders while seeing equipment up close.

Displays and presentations by Air Station Sitka, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Sitka Police Department, Sitka Fire Department and Emergency Services, AMSEA, Guardian Flight, Alaska Army National Guard, Sitka Airport Rescue truck, Sitka Emergency Response boat, Coast Guard navigation utility boat, and other local emergency service providers are planned.

Visiting aircraft expected include National Guard Blackhawk helicopter, U.S. Air Force C-12 transport plane, Canadian Cormorant rescue helicopter, Coast Guard Hercules airplane, and Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter. 

USCG Cutter Kukui also will welcome visitors on Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the pier off Seward Avenue.

For more information, contact LT Kyle Johnson at 966-5580.

Variety Show to

Reveal Local Talent

For the annual Variety Show during the Alaska Day Festival, local performers are being enlisted by event coordinators Sharyn and John Ferrick. Possible entertainers include dance groups, singers, gymnastics, instrumentals, and other talents by new faces as well as familiar ones. 

The Variety Show is scheduled 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, at Harrigan Centennial Hall.

Contacts for Sharyn Ferrick and John Ferrick are 752-3111 or 321-3111 or sharynferrick@gmail.com.

Tickets are $5 adults, free for children under age 12.

Judging of men’s beards by Sitka Emblem Club and women’s bonnets by Sitka Elks Lodge also are planned during the show.

Public Auction

Ahead for City

The Sitka Police Department will hold a public auction of bicycles and other items auction 10 a.m. Oct. 19 at the Mini Storage Units, 310 Jarvis Street.

Other items may include a 14-foot 2-person Sea Eagle kayak, fiberglass dingy, binder of DVDs and CDs, set of box speakers, various air compressors and more.

Items are sold as is, with sales final, with cash or check.

To claim a bicycle or other item prior to the sale, contact the Sitka Police Department no later than 4 p.m. Oct. 17 with proof of ownership.

Pioneers Home

Issues Alaska Day

Invitation to Visit

Preparing for to its annual Alaska Day Open House, the Sitka Pioneers Home is enlisting volunteers to entertain the community and home residents. The event will be 2-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18.

Refreshments will be served. The home’s residents enjoy the chance to share stories and thank the community for its year-round volunteer support and inter-action.

For information, contact Skye Workman, 747-2103.

‘Downton Abbey’

Screened Oct. 19-20

The Sitka Film Society and Coliseum Theatre will show “Downton Abbey” 4:15 p.m. Oct. 19 and 20 at the Coliseum.

Tickets are $8 at Old Harbor Books.

New Archangel

Dancers Show

Staged Monday

New Archangel Dancers bring their big show to Harrigan Centennial Hall at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14, as both end-of-season grand finale and celebratory conclusion of their 50th year of performing traditional folk dances from Russia and the surrounding regions.

Admission is $5. Proceeds will benefit Alaska Day Festival. Tickets can be bought in advance at Old Harbor Books, at the sales table in Sea Mart, or at the door.

The program lists 20 dances to include hometown favorites, character dances telling a story, some familiar from the past, some new in their repertoire of three dozen pieces. The costuming and music add to the evening gift to the Sitka community and its visitors.

The 18 performers appearing on stage with emcees Ernestine Massey and Celeste Tydingco are Amber Blackmon, Jackie Carlos, Katie Carrol, Kelly Eckstein, Tori Hay, Melissa Johnson, Susan Jones, Jamie Kirkpatrick, Jennifer Meabon, Nancy Neel, Gina Newkirk, Rebecca Olson, Kristina Rear, Susan Suarez, Heleena van Veen, Sarah Warren, Kris Wilcox and Katelyn Ylitalo. 

The backstage crew includes Angie Hill, Amber Parker, Morgan Paige and Jeren Schmidt.

Special recognition will go to retiring members Kris Wilcox, Susan Jones and Celeste Tydingco.

Coordinating this year’s performance is dance director Sarah Warren, along with assistant dance director Kate Croft. 

For more information, the NAD studio contact is 747-5516 or newarchangel@gci.net.

The New Archangel Dancers are an all-volunteer group of women who live, work and raise their families in Sitka. Their mission is to preserve Sitka’s Russian history through music and dance.

Sitka WhaleFest

Is Gearing Up

The 23rd annual Sitka WhaleFest is Oct. 31-Nov. 3. The theme is ‘‘Mysteries of Our Changing Seas.’’

Beginning on Nov. 1 the symposium will expose indicators of change, explore puzzle pieces that are emerging, and end on Nov. 3 with a discussion of the impacts of a changing ocean. 

The celebration of marine life includes a science symposium, wildlife cruises, market and café, student art show, fun run and banquet with “The Marine Detective” Jackie Hildering as the keynote speaker.

Tickets can be purchased at www.sitkawhalefest.org.

Foundation Seeks

Nominations for

Distinguished Artist

Rasmuson Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2020 Distinguished Artist Award. The nomination period runs through Dec. 16.

The award is part of the Foundation’s Individual Artist Awards program, which also includes Project Award and Fellowship grants. Applications are not yet open for those awards.

Rasmuson Foundation offers one $40,000 Distinguished Artist Award annually in recognition of an Alaskan’s significant artistic accomplishments and creative excellence over multiple decades. Artists have chosen to make their lives and careers in Alaska, thereby contributing to the richness of arts and culture in the state. An Alaskabased arts panel of artists and experts in the field is assembled each year to review nominations. Distinguished Artist Award recipients are generally full-time professional artists and will be recognized by peers and experts across the state as among the most accomplished in their field.

“The Distinguished Artist Award is for a mature artist whose work enriches the lives of Alaskans,” said Sharity Sommer, one of two foundation program officers who oversee the program. “The award recognizes an artist with extraordinary talent and an extensive body of creative work. It also supports future creative endeavors.”

In addition to the singular Distinguished Artist Award, the foundation grants Project Awards of $7,500 available to artists of all career stages, and Fellowships of $18,000 for artists who are at least mid-career. The date for opening those applications has not yet been announced. A celebration and announcement of all artist grant recipients will occur in May 2020.

Recent Distinguished Artist Award recipients include Richard Nelson of Sitka; Alvin Amason, of Kodiak and Anchorage; and Gertrude Svarny of Unalaska. Learn more about the Individual Artist Awards program, and nominate an artist, online at http://www.rasmuson.org/grants/individual-artist-awards/.

Pumpkin Patch

Event Oct. 19

The 3 to 5 Preschool’s Pumpkin Patch is to be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, on the SJ Campus.

AC Lakeside is helping to sponsor the event and will be giving each child a free mini pumpkin, while supplies last. Attendees can walk through Mr. Scarecrow’s pumpkin patch and select pumpkins to purchase. AC Lakeside will give proceeds from the sales of pumpkins to the preschool’s program .

Admission, games and pumpkin sales will be cash or check only.

The family event has fall games for children including a sing-along hayride, face painting, and maze. The petting zoo is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Families can take fall-themed photos. A quiet room  will be available for nursing mothers and families with small children. 

Thanks to an anonymous donor an assortment of bulb sets will be sold including tulips, daffodils, allium and muscari. Bulbs are to be planted in the fall to bloom in the spring. Sets will be sold for $15.

The food booth will feature Chef Shawn’s salmon chowder, and vegetable quinoa soup for those wanting a lighter and gluten-free option. Hotdogs, nachos, chips and drinks also will be for sale. Credit cards will be accepted at the food booth. A bake sale area will include cupcakes, cookies and more.