Haines artists will be well represented at Juneau’s Dimond Park Aquatic Center. Husband and wife teams Donna Catotti and Rob Goldberg and John and Sharon Svenson are creating large pieces in the pool’s lobby and main viewing area. Donna and Rob worked together on sliding glass partition doors and windows that depict an underwater kelp forest, with a figure swimming among sea life. The etched glass artwork was installed in November. Rob also is building a 15-foot handmade bench. A bas-relief mural entitled “Swimming with Salmon” uses different woods, including local Haines birch, and inlaid stained glass to create the scene. Rob expects to install the bench and artwork by early March. John and Sharon are making a glass tile mosaic entitled “The Wave.” Built in five panels, the 60-square-foot piece shows an ocean wave that has swept up tropical fish, coral and an octopus. John expects the finished product to be among their “most visually spectacular” pieces to date. They are documenting the artistic process, and will include a show explaining their techniques and progress. Installation is expected in early March.
Registration is open for Skagway’s 27th annual Buckwheat Ski Classic, set for Saturday, March 23. Registration forms can be found at Lutak Lumber or online at www.buckwheatskiclassic.com. The classic cross-country ski race includes 50K, 25K and 10K divisions, and a 5K kids’ race. Last year’s event attracted 381 skiers, a record. Ferries head to Skagway Friday and return Sunday.
Kalani Kanahele’s ukulele class meets Fridays at 4 p.m. in the school’s first-grade classroom. Use the kindergarten entrance for access after school hours. “Mr. K” says the group is happy to slow down for newcomers. “It gives us a chance to review.”
Donna Edmond has found a new passion – screenplay writing. She has completed two screenplays, and has two others in the works. Donna’s crime thriller, entitled “Shadow of the Bear,” placed in the top 10 percent among screenplays at the 2012 Austin Film Festival. She has completed six drafts of the work, and will continue to send the polished version to contests and film producers. Donna set out to write novels, but found that the screenplay format was a better fit and challenge for her.
Donna’s son Kelly Edmond was home over the holidays. He’s completing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. The university offers all students fellowships, including full tuition, room, board and a living stipend. Kelly has taken field trips into the desert to explore lava caves, and has been snorkeling in the nearby Red Sea. While back in the states, Kelly met up n Portland with Haines High School classmates Kee Heywood, Forest Podsiki and Evan Humphrey and saw sister Erica Edmond, who works for Cheetah Learning Center.
Haines ice hockey players went to Haines Junction last weekend for the Old Timers tournament. Greg Schlachter, Daymond Hoffman, Tim Hockin, Scott Gala, Riley Kosinski and Joe Parnell made up a team that was rounded out by three Juneau players and a Whitehorse goalie. The team played three games over the weekend, and surprised the crowd with their skill. “We played everybody a lot better than people expected,” said Hoffman. Hockin was the team’s high scorer. The team had a few rounds sent their way during the Saturday banquet after Joe Parnell took the mic for an impromptu comedy routine.
Residents are invited to serve as extras in the film “Grounded,” being created by Steve Kroschel of Haines, 2 p.m. Saturday at the American Bald Eagle Foundation. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact the foundation at 766-3094.