I’m finally settled into my new adventure in southern Nevada and catching up on thank- yous.  Shortly before he died in 2001, John Hartford was recorded live at a concert singing, “Give Me the Flowers Before I Die.”  Though here, “before I leave town,” would be more appropriate because I drove onto the ferry with bouquets filling my car. 

Thanks to the Sheldon Museum staff and board for throwing the farewell party, to Haines A Capella Women’s Chorus for singing my favorite songs, and to all of those who wished me well and said good things about my time in Haines, and to the Sheldon Museum: a great museum with a talented, productive staff.  I am very proud of what we accomplished. 

And, where else but Haines can a tallish, pink woman play a petite Polynesian woman and have the opportunity to perform on the Chilkat Center’s incredible stage, do a live radio show on the best community radio station that I’ve experienced, work at one of the few small museums in the country accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, and be part of such an amazing community?  

I found it was harder to leave than I expected.  There were some frustrations, but mostly wonderful memories, and I came to know so many remarkable people.  If you find yourself driving through Nevada on I-15, take Exit #93 and go a short distance south to Overton and the Lost City Museum, another great, small museum. Write ahead to [email protected].

Jerrie Clarke

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