The Richard Boyce Inflatable Suspenders Memorial Fund had grown to $23,700 as of Monday afternoon. An entire stock of Stormy Seas flotation suspenders, designed to attach to bib rain gear, is being shipped to Haines, said organizer Randa Syzmanski. “We are getting 177 pairs of suspenders, which should be enough for two per boat for the commercial gillnet fleet.” They are being embroidered “In Memory of Richard Boyce.” Alaska Marine Lines is donating the shipping cost from Seattle. Extra money will be used to purchase flotation vests for the non-net commercial fishing fleet. A radio story in Juneau generated many anonymous donations and donations from individuals who never knew Boyce personally, according to Randa. Thursday’s memorial at the Fort Seward Parade grounds saw hundreds gathered to remember Boyce. Former residents Kermit Browning, came up with his wife Marilyn and son Silas, and Ward Gray. Donations to the memorial fund may be sent to P.O. Box 418, in Haines.
Amy Young Peterson returned this week for her first visit since she left Haines in 1989. She brought her husband Leif Peterson and children Hans, 15, Anna, 14, and Mary, 10. They drove up from Whitefish, Mont., including a stop at Hyder, where a road leads to the top of a glacier. They also spent a day in Juneau and caught a 150-pound halibut with Matt Jones. In Haines they hiked up Mount Riley, but were kept from the view at the top by a cow moose and calf blocking the trail. Amy worked as a teacher at Chilkat Valley Preschool and as the first Summer Inn innkeeper. She’s now a librarian in a rural school outside Whitefish. Leif is a technical writer. They drove south Wednesday, via a ferry ride to Skagway. Amy met current Summer Inn innkeeper Hannah Roberts when attending Haines Presbyterian Church Sunday. Hannah will be the last in a long line of innkeepers hired by Bob and Mary Ellen Summer, as the Summer Inn is changing hands. Amy and Hannah had their picture taken together, and also included former innkeeper Shannon McPhetres. Other former innkeepers in Haines include Jenty Fowler and Lori Webster, who is working as a counselor at Rainbow Glacier Camp.
Mark Battion and Kristin Hathhorn are home from a 555-mile bike trip from Haines to Whitehorse, Atlin, B.C. and Skagway. Along the way they encountered one moose, a deer, one coyote and seven bears. The pair had to hitchhike into Whitehorse when Kristin’s deraileur broke en route. Mark and Kristin arrived in Atlin in time to enjoy the music festival. They encountered the range of this season’s weather, from freezing sleet at Chilkat Pass, to warm sunny days. Intense winds near Carcross forced Kristin to walk her bike at one point. Friends helped resupply them with food, water and cold beer. The couple has previously cycled in Mongolia and Russia.
Ashley Sage and Patricia Faverty took six players to Juneau for the minor’s Little League tournament July 6-9. The tournament is for nine- and ten year-old players. Organizers were looking for more teams, and offered to “lend” Haines five Juneau players to round out their team. Haines players were Gable Sage, Cade Clay, Carson Crager, Mark Davis, Kirby Faverty and Manny Hansen. The team won two out of four games, for fifth place. In addition to baseball, the group had time for pizza, exploring the Mendenhall Glacier, and swimming at the new pool. They stayed in the new home of Josh and Tennie Bentz, who were visiting family in Michigan.
Haines resident Zachary Sheldon has been awarded the Bob Ellis Aviation Scholarship, which is open to residents of Southeast Alaska pursuing a career in the aviation industry. Zach, who received $500, is currently living in Fairbanks and is enrolled at UAF in their Aviation Maintenance Technician program. After obtaining his A&P license, he plans to work towards his IA certification and his pilot’s license. His goals are to work on general aviation airplanes under his own business and fly commercially in Alaska. Robert “Bob” Ellis was a pilot and Ketchikan resident. A pioneer aviator who founded Ellis Air Transport, Bob’s aviation career spanned more than 33 years. Ellis Air Transport was founded in 1936, merged with Alaska Coastal Airlines, and later became part of Alaska Airlines. The Alaska Airmen’s Association awards the scholarship. 
Hammer Museum intern Julie Postma is busy hosting family visitors this summer. Her mom and stepfather, Pam and John Eagar came up from Atlanta, Ga. for four days with their daughter Laura and John’s sister Betsy Eager, who lives in Mobile, Ala. They met in Juneau to take a tour of Tracy Arm, where they saw whales, seals and a calving glacier. In Haines they took a daytrip to Haines Junction, Y.T. and toured around town. This week Julie’s father and stepmother, Jay and Lisa Postma, are in Haines with their children Jacob and Olivia Kate. The family, who also lives in Atlanta, arrived in Haines via Whitehorse and Skagway.
The Foundation for the Chilkat Center for the Arts held its kickoff fundraising event Friday night. Board members offered behind-the-scenes tours of the Chilkat Center. High school Venturer Scouts, dressed in waiters’ attire, passed hors d’oeuvres donated by local businesses. Board member Lorrie Dudzik organized the evening’s entertainment. Dan Henry emceed, serving up memories and Chilkat Center trivia. Entertainment included a jujutsu demonstration, an energetic comedy routine by Charlie Moody and Patrick Henderson, and music by local talent. Lorrie Dudzik directed a one-act play, entitled “April Showers,” that had the audience hooting in delight. Organizer Annette Smith said the evening raised over $4,000, including donations from new members to the Foundation, which will serve as a “friends” booster organization for the Chilkat Center. Donations may be sent to P.O. Box 1152, in Haines.

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