Former Haines resident Nori Nash is publishing her first historical romance novel, “How the Duke Was Won.” The novel will be released by HarperCollins/Avon on April 26 and is available for pre-order. Nash described the book as a historical romance set in the United Kingdom in the early 19th century that is “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” meets “The Bachelor.” Nash’s contract with HarperCollins/Avon is for three books, and Nash is currently working on the second in the trilogy, “If I Only Had a Duke.”
Former resident Monica Stout received a March of Dimes “Nurse of the Year” award at a Nov. 20 ceremony in Anchorage. Stout, a registered nurse case manager who works for the Southcentral Foundation’s Valley Native Primary Care Center in Wasilla, won in the “Case Management/Care Coordination” category. March of Dimes provided awards in 13 categories, and received 139 nominations. Stout’s co-worker and mentor Bryen Bartgis nominated her. Stout’s job involves a lot of “behind-the-scenes” work, like helping patients manage chronic diseases such as diabetes. Stout recently saw Haines clinic employees Pam Sloper and Jody Miller at the 31st Annual Alaska Native Diabetes Conference in Anchorage.
The Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center recently received $21,000 from the Rasmuson Foundation’s Art Acquisition Fund to purchase 10 pieces from Haines artists. The museum is buying: a fish skin bag and fish skin baseball cap from Rebecca Brewer; three pieces by Katie Craney titled “For Remembering,” “For Survival” and “For Population”; three puppets from Tresham Gregg called “Star Raven,” “Sun Eagle” and “Moon Raven”; and two outdoor sculptures by Judd Mullady titled “Two Sea Otters” and “Man’s Head.” The museum board is looking for three new members. John Hagen, Jim Heaton and Dave Pahl have stepped down from the board; Gregg Richmond and Kelleen Adams were recently appointed to it.
Lizzy Jurgeleit is Lynn Canal Conservation’s new conservation coordinator. She will be responsible for public outreach, event planning, grant writing and office management. Jurgeleit graduated from Washington State University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in interior design. Her grandparents Patricia and Norm Blank were instrumental in establishing the Alaska Bald Eagle Preserve, and were active early members of LCC.
Ardy and Rob Miller had Thanksgiving dinner with Terry and Judy Jacobson at Don Vanderheyden and Robert Bulger’s home in Ocean View, Hawaii. Robert’s brother Dave Bulger and his family were visiting from Syracuse, N.Y. The group defied tradition by dining on build-your-own pizzas, salad with ingredients from Judy’s Haines garden and bread made from Alaskan sourdough carefully transported by Ardy.
Debra Schnabel and Sharon Resnick recently returned from a month-long trip to Morocco. The two flew into Marrakesh and made an eight-day trek through the Sahara with a cameleer and guide. The group slept in camel-hair tents. After the trek, Schnabel and Resnick headed to Meknes via train and bus and then on to Chefchaouen, a town in the Riff Mountains. The two also visited the Mohamed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rabat and walked along the coast in Essaouira.
Jessica Edwards and Andy Hedden ran the Seattle Half Marathon on Nov. 29. They both finished in 2:02. Daughter Sophia spent the morning of the race with grandmother Mary Lynn of Tacoma. After the run, the group celebrated Sam Edwards’ 28th birthday with Helen Edwards and Lindsey Moore at the home of friends Chris Wright and Luther Black. They also visited former resident Susannah Muench and her husband Eli Weiss and children Kyos and Tovi, and former resident Debbie Zmistowski Fisher, husband Eric Fisher, and children Stella and Odin.

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