Kelly Edmond, HHS class of 2008, graduated from Marine Corps Officer Candidates School on Aug. 13. The ten-week program was filled with physical training, field exercises, classes and conditioning hikes. He was a member of Bravo Company, which started out with over 300 candidates and graduated 220. Upon completion of his degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Portland in the spring, Edmond will be offered a commission from the President of the United States to become a Marine Corps officer. Edmond is still deciding whether to accept the commission, depending on his opportunities available after graduation.
Camden Kai Nelson Huff was born Aug. 10 to Jenn and Ryan Huff in Juneau. Camden was eight pounds, 14 ounces and 21 inches long. Camden joins big brother Cayman, who is three and a half. Jenn’s parents and grandparents are in Juneau for the summer and were on hand for Camden’s arrival. Jenn’s parents Ronda and Darvin Nelson, and her grandparents Ron and Verla Thrall live in Pierce, Id. Lauren and Lyle Huff went to Juneau to meet their third grandchild when he was a week old. They also took a trip to Fairbanks to visit their grandson Rowan, and son and daughter-in-law Kelly and Renee Huff.
Christy Tengs Fowler took a trip to Seattle she won’t soon forget. Son Marty Fowler wanted to spend time with his mom, and give her a much-needed vacation, so he saved the money he’s earned waiting tables and washing dishes at his family’s restaurant and took Christy away for a week. Marty bought the tickets and paid for many of the expenses during the weeklong trip. Christy and Marty stayed with Christy’s friend Meredith Tall, who lived in Haines in 1975 and 1976. Marty and Christy toured Seattle, including a day at the zoo, another at Pike’s Place market and a trip up the Space Needle. They had a great time riding "the duck," a World War II amphibious landing craft that tours Seattle on land and in Lake Union. The trip was Christy’s first in memory where she left her work at home and focused on fun. While they were away, son Chevy Fowler took the reins of their catered lunch operation in Haines. "I’m pretty proud of my boys," says Christy.
Friends gathered at a downtown bar Aug. 19 to celebrate the 70th birthday of Ron Martin. All of Ron’s children made it to the celebration. Daniel, Lane, Brad and Shane Martin live in Haines. Son Chad Martin came up from Washington and daughter Tina Fisher and her husband John traveled from Camas Valley, Ore. Son Rod Baker and daughter-in-law Lisa Baker came from Juneau with their three boys, Clae, Colton and Dylan Baker. Clae brought his fiancée Ashlyn See and Dylan came up with girlfriend Karli Brakes. Hugh Reitz, Terry Sele and Duck Hess, all dressed as Ron in cowboy hats and boots, retold stories of Ron’s hunting, flying and basketball adventures. Karen Hess acted as the judge for the animated roast of Ron’s exploits.
Judy Erekson enjoyed a 10-day visit from her niece Dawn Erekson and Dawn’s mom, Virginia Nemetz, who live in Wickenberg, Ariz. Dawn and Virginia were happy to escape the 115-degree summer down south and are making plans for a seasonal move to Haines next spring. They toured property during their trip and also made time for the wildlife park, bear viewing at Chilkoot Lake and bead-making with artist John Svenson. Dawn and her cousin Riley Erekson, who stay in touch on Facebook, had fun catching up in person.
Rebecca (Redwine) Lincoln and her husband Keith Lincoln came down from their home in Fairbanks. They saw Guy Monroe and Guy’s sister Cloud, who came through Haines on a cruise and also celebrated Sam Jackson’s birthday with dinner out. Keith drives big rigs up north and gave Randy Miner truck driving lessons on Randy’s new truck.
The Sheldon Museum will host a farewell party and finger food potluck 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, for Blaine and Dawne Thomsen.
The Thomsens are moving to Utah in mid-September, following 15 years in Haines. Dawne helped manage the museum store, and the couple volunteered at the store and reception. They have been married 58 years.