Brenda Jones and Roy Josephson were married Saturday, Feb. 23 at New Hope Fellowship Church on Mosquito Lake. Brenda’s son, Zeke Frank, walked her down the aisle, and stood up for her at the ceremony. Roy’s brother, Ron Josephson, was best man. Roy’s daughter Holly Josephson came up from Juneau for the event. The church, which is under construction, was without heat or electricity, but the gathering of workmates, bridge players, loggers and firefighters warmed the space for the happy event. Jae McDermaid sang and Bill Daniels played guitar. The evening reception at the American Legion included live music from the Irish Lords and a buffet dinner with bacon-wrapped halibut, shrimp and venison from Roy’s fishing and hunting trips. Bridge club members contributed side dishes, and baker Becky Gonce constructed the miniature wedding cake and dozens of cupcakes for guests. Brenda credits the smooth organization of the day to friend and coworker Jeannette Baker. “She handled all the details. Roy and I just needed to show up!” In lieu of gifts, Brenda and Roy suggested donations to New Hope Fellowship Church to support the building project.
Tony Tengs spent nine days in Bali with Omar Cordes and his family recently. Tony and Omar were both classmates of Mary Ann Enright-Ebnet, who died in January of a brain hemorrhage. Omar suggested the unexpected gathering, in memory of Mary Ann, and also invited fellow 1972 Haines High classmates K.A. Gregg and Cheryl Martin, who were unable to make the last-minute trip. Tony stayed with Omar, his wife, Olivia Harper, and their daughters Ellory and Tavi at their villa. Tony and Omar caught up during their morning walks on the beach, and gathered local ingredients for Omar’s specialty gazpacho soup. Tony was happy to stumble upon a traditional Balinese ceremony on the beach one morning, and watched as a large offering built of reeds, “as big as a queen-sized bed,” was launched into the surf.
Elizabeth Jurgeleit’s T-shirt design was selected for the 2013 Kluane to Chilkat International Bike Relay. Elizabeth’s design was one of about 20 submissions. She is working with the committee to refine the image, which features four bikers riding out of the mountains. The final design will be unveiled March 15.
George Figdor was one of 50,000 people who attended the climate change march in Washington, D.C. last Sunday. The protesters assembled to call on President Obama to block the tar sands pipeline. According to George, “there were marchers along Pennsylvania Avenue as far as one could see.” George’s niece Emily Figdor and her husband, Steven Biel, traveled from Maine to join the rally. Emily is the director of Environment Maine and Steven is an organizer for moveon.org. George stayed at the home of former Haines resident Bob Schwalbach in the District of Columbia. George plans to give a community presentation about tar sands oil and the proposed Keystone pipeline when he returns to Haines.
Three generations of Haines residents spent time in the Florida sunshine together. Terry Povey, her sons and their families spent time at Orlando theme parks and coastal beaches. Ira and Alissa Henry brought children Dalton and Makayla. Kris Miller and sons Isaac and Arik also joined the fun. Terry’s son Ben Miller, his wife Amber, and their children Carter and Dylan came from Juneau.
Violin students of Chad Clark gathered with their families Sunday afternoon for their first recital. Andrew Hansen and Noah Ford, both 5 years old, were the youngest students. Other students were Leanna, Olivia, Manny, and Victoria Hansen, Bethany and Naomi Ford, Lydia and Naomi Green, Sasha Mackowiak, and Sierra and Payson Clark. Chad plans to continue lessons through the summer, and expects that students will be ready for another recital later this summer.
Haines High School cheerleaders offered babysitting services at Friday’s concert by The Good Lovelies. Coach Teri Bastable-Podsiki said the girls looked after nine children, and had fun playing and making crafts in the basement of the Chilkat Center. Haines Arts Council President Tom Heywood said the council hopes to offer babysitting at future events to encourage attendance by families.
Friends gathered at the home of Jane Pascoe and Tom Morphet Saturday night to celebrate with Joe Parnell on his birthday. Guests were treated to a video presentation of Joe’s antics by his cousin Dave Nanney as well as a live compilation of his comedy routines by Pizza Joe himself.
The middle school volleyball team is organizing a fundraiser to support their trip to Juneau for a middle school tournament in April. The dinner is from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13 at the school cafeteria. Coach Cassie Miller said the pasta dinner will feature chicken alfredo, salad and bread, as well as a silent or dessert auction. There are currently 11 girls participating on the middle school team. Cassie is coaching with help from her sister, Brittany Miller, and guest appearances from high school coach Liana Shull.
Former state Sen. Albert Kookesh’s condition was upgraded from “serious” to “fair” early this week following a recent heart attack. Kookesh is at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage. Cards and letters can be sent to Albert’s home address, P.O. Box 91, Angoon, AK 99820.
Larry Sweet said he’s feeling better and getting around with a walker at SEARHC Mount Edgecumbe Hospital in Sitka after being admitted there for stroke-like symptoms. Larry said he’s doing well and could be out as early as Monday. Friends can send messages to him at: In-patient Larry Sweet, Room 325, 222 Tongass Drive, Sitka AK 99835 or at P.O. Box 1113, Haines AK 99827.
A memorial for Pat Sloan is set for 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 11 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A reception will follow.