Tom Heywood was in San Francisco when son Kee Heywood shot a weekend of footage for his first film, entitled “Phantom-Limbed.” The scenes were filmed at San Francisco’s landmark burger joint, Joe’s Cable Car Restaurant. The production rented the restaurant from 10:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Kee’s brother Sung shot behind-the-scenes video footage, and Tom said he was impressed with the cast and crew’s level of professionalism. “They were very focused and prepared. It was so much fun to see Kee following his passion.”
Haines delegates traveled to Sitka for the centennial celebration of the Alaska Native Brotherhood Oct. 3-6. The convention, for both ANB and Alaska Native Sisterhood, focused on the importance of the upcoming election, and heard from Southeast candidates, including Rep. Bill Thomas, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, and Sen. Albert Kookesh. The Sitka museum presented a traveling exhibit on Tlingit culture and the history of the ANB/ANS, which will likely travel to Haines for a showing. Haines delegates were led by president Sonny Williams, and included elder David Light and Rep. Thomas. Fundraisers allowed for the largest Camp 5 ANS delegation in recent years. Vice-President Marilyn Wilson and daughter Laverne Bryant attended, as well as elders Paulina Phillips and Mary Lekanov with her daughter Nancy Keen. Deb Kemp and Carol Duis completed the group. Duis was elected Grand Camp ANS Secretary.
School staff and volunteers are organizing a fundraiser for the family of former Haines physical education teacher Ray Chapin. The Chapins moved to Wyoming to be closer to family after Ray was diagnosed with a genetic disorder. The “Fun Festival” will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31 at the Haines School. Volunteers will operate children’s games, a bungee run, bounce house, jousting, a cakewalk, face painting and fortune telling. You can buy $1 tickets at the door for the activities. All proceeds benefit the Chapin family. There will also be a silent auction and baked potato bar. Contact the school at 766-6700 if you’d like to donate auction items.
Two Haines students have been named “commended students” in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program. Tia Heywood and Margarette Jones placed among the top 5 percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the competition by taking the 2011 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. About 34,000 commended students were recognized nationwide for their “exceptional academic promise.” “We are so proud of these two young ladies for their high level of academic success and are excited to see what the future holds for them,” said Haines School counselor Lindsey Moore. “This is a great honor.”
Randa Szymanski said that $2,300 from the Richard Boyce Inflatable Suspenders Memorial Fund will be used to upgrade children’s life vests available at the Small Boat Harbor and Letnikof Cove as part of the “Kids Don’t Float” campaign. The $2,300 was remaining after purchasing inflatable suspenders and life vests for the Haines commercial fishing fleet this summer. Harbormaster Phil Benner expects to purchase about 45 new flotation devices in infant, child and youth sizes. “We really appreciate it,” said Benner. “It’s great for all the kids, too.” Donations to the memorial fund topped $31,000.
The Haines Borough Public Library’s book group is reading “Zeitoun” by Dave Eggers for its next discussion. The library has nine copies to loan. The group will meet 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 3 to talk about the book, which follows a Syrian-American businessman and his family in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. All are invited to join the discussion. Library circulation staffer Janine Allen says the group has a handful of regular readers, but new members can read one book without making a long-term commitment. Books at the library can be checked out for a $2 inter-library loan fee.
Julie Rae spent the weekend in Anchorage with her granddaughter, Aidan Woodrow. The pair took in Alaska Youth Theater’s production of “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” Saturday, and also saw the musical “Shrek,” on Sunday. They visited the Anchorage Museum and liked the children’s science center so much they returned the next day. Julie saw Sara and Sally Chapell in Anchorage, who took in the same itinerary in celebration of Sally’s 8th birthday.
Jim and Anna Jurgeleit visited son Alec in Anchorage over the weekend. They saw Hannah Wing, who was down from University of Alaska-Fairbanks, as well as Ashley and Amy Messerschmidt, who are freshmen at UAA.
Parker and Nancy Schnabel were in Las Vegas for the three-day Mine Expo. Parker, who runs Volvo equipment on his Porcupine gold claim, spent hours each day at the Volvo exhibit to meet fans of Discovery Channel’s Gold Rush Alaska, and sign autographs. The third season of the show premieres Oct. 26.
Carol Tuynman edited a new book detailing the history of an historic jazz club in Hilton Head, S.C. “The Jazz Corner Story” was written by Martin McFie, who Carol knew through her work with the arts in Beaufort, S.C. Carol edited the book last winter and said she had almost forgotten about the work when the book arrived in the mail over the weekend. Proceeds benefit the Junior Jazz Foundation, which provides instruments and lessons for youth.
The SEARHC Wisewoman program’s Strong Woman class resumes Tuesday, Oct. 30 in the Chilkat Center lobby. Led by Judy Ewald, the class will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. Suggested donation is $2 per class. Women of all fitness levels are encouraged to join. Weights are provided.

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