The Halloween costume contest at the Fogcutter Bar brought out dress-up enthusiasts to compete in both the men’s and women’s categories. Nicholas Kokotovich won the men’s category with his “flasher” outfit, Chuck Mitman took second place for his “waking up in bed next to a beautiful blonde woman” ensemble and Kevin Thompson dressed as The Joker placed third. In the women’s category, Sue Libenson took first for her Stephen King-inspired “Carrie” outfit, Kelsi Gloyer won second for dressing up as hipster Snow White and Jillian Rogers took third for her 50s-era Bettie Page get-up.
Linguist and former resident Suzie Scollon has stopped in for a week’s visit after attending the clan conference “Sharing Our Knowledge” in Juneau. She’s staying with Kathleen Menke and attending Dan Henry’s workshops. Recently a visiting professor in Bangkok, Suzie’s upcoming trips include teaching in Denmark and attending a conference in Aukland, New Zealand. She plans to spend holidays with son Tom Scollon, a Singapore-based attorney and bank official, his wife Christie and children Ben and Owen. Daughter Rachel Scollon works for a pension program in Seattle. Reach Suzie at [email protected].
Jenn Walsh, Kyle Fossman and Chris Downer attended the week-long Alaska State Fire Conference in Seward last month. While in Seward, Walsh went to the emergency room due to back and leg problems. On Oct. 11, Walsh flew to Juneau for an MRI, staying with Dr. Noble Anderson and Haines Volunteer Fire Department EMS lieutenant Julie Anderson, who took her to doctor appointments and helped her transfer medical records. Walsh had surgery in Seattle Oct. 19, removing a portion of a torn disc and part of her vertebrae. She headed to Hawaii Oct. 21, where she is staying with friend Abbey Jane Holmes. In Hawaii, she has been soaking up the sun and volunteering for the Kauai Ocean Recreation Experience. Recently retired firefighter Al Badgley is filling in for Walsh at the department.
Doris Ward returned to Haines last week after a sunny trip to Broken Arrow, Okla., where she visited with sister-in-law Janie Owen and other family members. Doris then made her way to Washington, where she had her annual check-up at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle before heading to Poulsbo, Wash. to spend time with Jan and Steve McPhetres. The couple drove Doris to Bellingham, where she got on the ferry and enjoyed three days on smooth seas.
A Halloween-themed fundraiser for Lois Wickward drew about 200 people and raised about $4,300, said Candi Bradford. Thirty desserts were auctioned off, including a turtle cheesecake made by Shelley Hodnik that went for $200. The Haines School cooking class made the dinner’s salad, rolls and spaghetti sauce, and groceries were donated by Olerud’s. Wickward is currently in Seattle. She was diagnosed earlier this year with a rare, highly aggressive form of skin cancer and recently suffered complications from a mastectomy.
John and Sharon Svenson returned to Haines last week after a 6,000-mile road trip through the southwestern United States. The Svensons stayed on the back roads and traveled through Arizona, New Mexico, California and Nevada, with no planned route. They did make it to Lone Pine, where they stayed for three weeks climbing with friends and camping in the Alabama Hills, a famous filming location for movies including “Gladiator” and “Iron Man.” The couple also visited Sharon’s sister Jennifer Young in Anacortes, Calif., and John’s brother David Svenson and father John Svenson Sr. in Wrightwood, Calif.
Tom Morphet recently returned from a trip to Media, Penn., for his father Norm Morphet Sr.’s 85th birthday. Tom visited with brothers Norm Morphet Jr., Paul Morphet and John Morphet. The group stopped for drinks at the Towne House Restaurant, a Media landmark where John works as a chef. Tom also met up with cousins Betsy Weinberger of Claremont, Calif., cousin Drew Aaron of Wilmington, Del., and Jim Robison of Chalfont, Penn. Drew’s wife Judy had the family over for Polish food, including pierogies and galumpkis.
Tim Shields and Sue Libenson unexpectedly ran into one another after an Oct. 17 Neil Young concert in Berkeley, Calif. Libenson was in California attending a conference on marine planning and shipping.
Inspired by the success of the men’s city league, Krista Kielsmeier would like to hear from women who want to play basketball in either an open gym or league setting. Krista is hoping to have women’s games at least once a week. For more information or to help out, call 515-689-9683 or email [email protected].
The Halloween Carnival and Harvest Festival raised $1,380 for the Haines High School volleyball team, said coach Cassie Miller. Funds raised will go toward paying for a summer volleyball camp in Anchorage. The festival featured a cake walk, face-painting with Natalie Benassi, a photo booth run by Marty Fowler, carnival games and a bounce house loaned out by Becky Hinkle.
Pam Randles returned to Haines this week after being medevaced to Anchorage Oct. 24 due to apparent heart troubles. It turned out Randles had just had a bad reaction to a medication she was put on after her recent knee surgery.
The Haines Alaska Native Sisterhood Camp 5 elected new officers on Saturday: Anastasia Wiley (president), Marilyn Wilson (vice president), Carol Lawrence (secretary), Georgiana Hotch (treasurer), Peggy Ormasen (sergeant at arms) and Jackie Mazeikas (sergeant at arms). Officers will be installed at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at the ANB Hall.

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