May 2012 - Page 8 of 10

Viral video launch to spread SJ’s message of renewal

A Sitka filmmaker wants to create “Alaska’s largest viral video launch” on Wednesday, May 9. Hannah Guggenheim produced a widely-viewed film about the Sheldon Jackson campus last year, after college trustees handed over the keys of the historic landmark to the Sitka Fine Arts Camp. Now, Guggenheim’s made another film, and she’s going to plug into Sitka’s social networks to distribute it.

Assembly wrap: Vacant seat, water rates, Supreme Court

With only four members present last night (5-8-12) the Sitka assembly steered clear of controversial decisions. They formally accepted Terry Blake's resignation, increased water rates on first reading, and heard concerns from the public about the Parks & Rec budget and the city's continued effort to fight a citizen's initiative, despite losing in the Supreme Court.

It’s a deal!

Raven Radio supporter Dave Vastola redefines "special premium" by offering a giant coffee mug filled by his wife, Cheryl, during the Alaska Day Parade in October, 2000. This kind of over-the-brim enthusiasm from station volunteers helped make Raven Radio one of the most mellow-roasted community broadcasters anywhere. Despite an apparent willingness to negotiate, Dave (lucky for him!) had no takers.

Groh: Alaska’s Dividend a policy of plenty

While the National Parks are often called “America’s Greatest Idea,” a few Alaskans might think that there’s an even better one. “Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend: Exploring its Suitability as a Model” is the dry-sounding title of a new book about a very popular topic: the annual check every Alaskan receives just for living here. Former Sitka municipal attorney Cliff Groh headed the legislative staff who created the dividend in 1982. KCAW’s Robert Woolsey recently spoke with Groh about his contribution to the book.

Thousand-dollar hand-off

Kotzebue resident and recent Mt. Edgecumbe High School graduate Teressa Baldwin (center) is congratulated by NY Giants quarterback and 2012 Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning (l) on winning a Prudential Spirit of Community Award at a ceremony in Washington, DC on Sunday (5-6-12).

BHV holds Birthday Extravaganza, Battle-of-the-Bands

Braveheart Volunteers executive director Willow Moore outlines this Friday's (5-11-12) Birthday Extravaganza and Battle-of-the-Bands. The day opens with lunch (11:30-1:30 PM, $15 per person), followed by dinner (5:30 PM, $30 per person, including dance) with jazz from Mike & Iko, then a battle-of-the-bands (7:30 PM, $5 per person suggested) between Glorious Youth Parade and Los Shotgun Locos. Tickets are on sale at Old Harbor Books. Table reservations may be made by calling 747-4600.

Mon May 7, 2012

Cissna in Sitka: Turning TSA indignation into DC dialogue. Thomas concentrates on state operating budget during '12 legislative session. Postcard: Angoon-Sitka ferry service reunites communities.

Kookesh session issues: Water, sewer, clinics

Angoon Senator Albert Kookesh focused on rural water and sewer issues this session. That, school meal programs and transportation issues are of interest to his district. That’s because it includes more than 100 villages and small cities from southern Southeast to Prince William Sound and into the Interior.

Cissna: Turning TSA indignation into DC dialogue

Around one-hundred Sitkans turned out Saturday (5-5-12) to scrub, scrape, haul, and hammer at the second annual volunteer day on the campus of Sheldon Jackson. But there was at least one non-Sitkan in the crowd: Representative Sharon Cissna, an Anchorage Democrat, who was testing the waters for a run for congress this summer.

Ferry connection reunites communities

The resumption of ferry service between Sitka and Angoon was more than just a scheduling decision. The two communities have family relationships going back literally thousands of years. Tribal leaders from both communities used the Fairweather’s arrival to reconnect the ancient peoples of Baranof and Admiralty islands.