Norman Blank died Sunday at home from complications of pulmonary fibrosis. He was 80. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of the Library or the Haines Volunteer Fire Department Ambulance Company. A full obituary will appear in next week’s Chilkat Valley News.
A baby girl, Natalee JoAnn Grant, was born Friday, June 10 to Sabrina Harvey and Jaret Grant. Natalee was eight pounds, six ounces and 19.5 inches long. Natalee’s middle name honors her great-grandmother, Pattie Jo Harvey, who lives in California. Grandmothers Christie Verhamme and Jessie Grant both attended the birth in Juneau. The family is doing well and expected home in Haines this week.
Former resident Rosalie Cohen is in Haines for two weeks to spend time with her family and reconnect with old friends. Rosalie currently lives in Warminster, Penn. outside Philadelphia. Son Gershon Cohen met her in Juneau to ride the ferry north together on a calm, sunny day. Rosalie is staying at the bed and breakfast of friends Phyllis Sage and Joanne Waterman.
Cub Scouts Troop 70 spent four nights in Juneau to attend “Space Camp” at the Eagle River scout camp. Cub Scouts Kyle Dozier, Wesley Verhamme, Dylan Chapell, Carver Culbeck, Kadin Doddridge, Tommy Ricker, Baylor Perry and Caleb Franks represented Haines with parent leaders Dennis Franks, Tom Perry and Jayme Dozier. The boys carved model rockets, honed their archery skills and learned knot tying. They arrived home Sunday night dusty, sunburned and happy.
A group of Haines families grabbed their aloha shirts and headed to the Big Island for a week of sun. Ashley, James, Hudson and Gable Sage, Sarah and Ralph Swinton, and their children Dylan, Kayley, Justin and Tyler were part of the group. Inez and Dave Gross joined the fun with their children John and Autumn. Lilly, Matt, Hannah and Haley Boron were happy that Lilly’s dad, Len Banaszak could be part of the trip. They enjoyed beaches and evening cookouts, and took a snorkel tour near Captain Cook’s monument.
Former residents Rick, Brietta and West Leader are visiting Haines for two weeks from their home in Sandpoint, Id. West, who is entering second grade, spied Orca whales and sea lions during the ferry ride from Juneau and caught up with friends he last saw four years ago. The Leaders are looking forward to seeing friends, camping and fishing. Brietta, who teaches dance in Sandpoint, will lead Nia and SoulMotion dance workshops during her visit.
Golfer Karl Heinz dreamed up an endurance event for hearty golfers. He staged the “Iron Eagle” at the Valley of the Eagles golf course Sunday. The goal was to complete 72 holes, or four 18-hole rounds, in one day. Seven golfers set out at 7:30 am and the last golfers finished up nearly 12 hours later. Along with Karl, Joe Parnell, Andrew Rex, Tyler Barrack, Tyler Swinton, Song Nash and Mike Denker took part in the challenge. Stan Jones supported the golfers with hot dogs during the day.
Haines Baptist Church has a new pastor. Royce McCoy and his wife Lora arrived in Haines the day before Easter with their daughter Rebekah. Royce is retired from the U.S. Coast Guard and has lived in Alaska 11 years. The family moved from Nikiski. Parishioner Joy Adams is happy to have the new family in town. “They have been a real asset to the community already,” she says.
Haines Assisted Living is getting a landscaping upgrade this week. Shade plants, including hosta and astilbe, will be planted on the building’s north side. According to HAL director Vince Hansen, this week’s landscaping is the first step of an overall site plan to promote “purposeful wandering” around the grounds.
Cindy Buxton and her family are hosting Cindy’s niece, Emily Minus, who is visiting Haines for two weeks. Emily lives in San Francisco and is entering seventh grade. They are looking forward to hiking and kayaking and hope to take a backpack trip in the Chilkat Pass area.