Duly Noted

Kasen Lee Morriss was born May 9 at Providence Hospital in Anchorage. Kasen is the first child of Kimberly and Mason Morriss, of Juneau. Mason weighed 5 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 18.5 inches. Despite Kasen’s arrival five weeks ahead of schedule, Kim’s mom Julie Ferrin was able to make last-minute flights to Juneau and Anchorage in time for his delivery. Kim’s brother Tyler Ferrin also flew into Anchorage from his job on the North Slope to meet Kasen. Kasen is the second grandchild of Julie and Eric Ferrin of Haines. Cousin Brody Ferrin, 3, son of Zack and Andrea Ferrin, of Juneau, met his baby cousin and held him for the first time.
Summer resident Carolyn Kirk died May 5 at her home in Albany, Ore. Carolyn and her husband Joe Barton split their time between Albany and Haines, where they have been building a home in Carr’s Cove. In Haines, Carolyn enjoyed walking dogs at Haines Animal Rescue Kennel and exploring the outdoors. Contributions may be made in her name to HARK. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.fisherfuneralhome.com.
J.J. Lende and mom Heather Lende both received diplomas at the University of Alaska Anchorage graduation ceremony May 5. J.J. graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts in early childhood education. Heather received her masters of fine arts degree in creative writing. Brianna Phillips also graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts in early childhood education and was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, an education honor society. Her parents, Kim and Don Phillips, attended the ceremony. Brianna is applying for positions in Anchorage.
Bruce and Jenny Lyn Smith are back from a trip to see family and friends. They visited former summer residents Dennis and Roberta Andrews, and stayed with them while Bruce and Dennis hunted Osceola wild turkeys, found on the Florida peninsula. Jenny Lyn was impressed at the prolific wildlife with “birds everywhere” and even a 12-foot-long alligator residing in the Andrews’ pond. Jenny Lyn found the local golf course and scouted a flea market to buy a set of used clubs. While in Florida, the Smiths also visited former summer residents Billy Ray and Jenny Sharp. Bruce traveled to Fort Worth, Texas to see daughter Azure Jensen and her family, husband Matt Jensen and their children Camden and Wade. Jenny Lyn flew to Salt Lake City to see daughter Sabrina Litster and family. Sabrina completed her first half-marathon while Jenny Lyn was in town. Sabrina and David have four children, and the family explored Nine Mile Canyon and saw petroglyphs created more than 1,000 years ago, including the well-documented “Hunter Panel.” Jenny Lyn’s camera battery gave out after only a few pictures, but she was able to climb up on ledges and observe the rock art at close range. While in Salt Lake City, she also went golfing with former Haines missionary Paul Summers.
A day after the arrival of his son Jonah, Matt Hawthorne received the June 2012 issue of Sea Kayaker magazine, with his cover story entitled “Land of Rock and Ice: Alaska’s Lynn Canal,” about his experience paddling in Lynn Canal. Nathaniel “Nacho” Stephens contributed photos for the article, including the magazine’s cover shot.
Annette Smith and Sam Wright are home from a two-week trip to Germany where they attended the wedding of former Haines exchange student Hannah Villwock. Hannah, who attended high school here in 1998-1999, married Marcus Theurekauf May 5 in their hometown of Eitorf. Annette’s daughter Christina and husband Evren Baskaya of San Diego also attended. The traditional German wedding included a potluck pre-party at the Villwock’s family farmhouse. The wedding ceremony four days later featured a bagpiper at the church reception and a brass band. Hannah and her family sang together in a family band. Annette and family also traveled to Trier, Germany to visit Christa George, mother of Haines resident Michael George, and a regular visitor.
Haines High School seniors Brook Cinocco, Jackie St. Clair and Elena Horner raised $2,000 Friday at a spaghetti dinner and silent auction to benefit their trip to Moshi, Tanzania. They’ll work for a month at an orphanage there. Tables were decorated with books about Africa as well as table tents introducing supporters to the children of the orphanage, many of whom have lost both parents to HIV-related illnesses.
Renee Hoffman is offering a new workout option at the Chilkat Center beginning next week. It’s based on a circuit-training program by professional volleyball player Gabrielle Reece, and includes weight training and Pilates influences. Exercises can be modified to increase or decrease the difficulty of the workout depending on the individual. Men and women are welcome at the classes. Evening classes meet Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. beginning May 22 and extending through summer. Morning classes will run Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7-8 a.m., beginning May 28. Classes are sponsored by Wisewoman. A $2 donation per class is suggested.
Elise Lammers returned to Haines this week. She will direct the Lynn Canal Community Players’ Summer Youth Conservatory for the third summer and is looking forward to working with local youths on the production of “Treasure Island.” Elise spent the winter traveling the West Coast. She also sold tickets at a ski resort in Alta, Utah where she saw many Haines summer residents and worked for former Haines resident Christa Pottenger. Theater camp staff will include Juneau teacher Kathy Pashigian, who returns as the half-day “playmaking” director. The camp also is hiring two assistants. Registration is open for the camp, which serves students ages 5-18. Early registration continues through June 8 with a $25 discount. Register at the library or Babbling Book, or online at www.chilkatcenter.org/theater-camp.