Spencer Douthit and Beth Fenhaus were married on May 12 at sunny Jones Point with friends and family looking on. A reception was hosted at Harriett Hall after the ceremony and the whole community was invited. The band Sweet Sunny North played at the reception and later on in the evening the God Particles continued the dance party. Beth’s parents Nila and Doug Fenhaus attended along with her godparents, Marylee and Ken Reddie. Spencer’s mother, Marianne Molchan and her husband Ric Walker came from Florida. Spencer’s father Jerry Douthit also came early to spend time with Spencer before the wedding. Ben Hussey from Anchorage was the officiant of the wedding. Spencer and Ben have been friends for many years and started a non-profit called “Off the Chain.” The evening before the wedding, Spencer and Ben biked around town along with 40 other friends and enjoyed the views of Haines.
Christy Tengs Fowler hosted a retirement party for brother Tony Tengs on Saturday May 19 at the Pioneer Bar. Tony worked on the ferries for 23 years and represented his coworkers in the Inland Boatmen’s Union. Tony’s friends, Greg Horner, Fred Shields and Michael Smith played rock ‘n’ roll with their band, Dynaflow. Cambria Goodwin made a cake decorated with the Big Dipper. Tony’s cousin, Kisa Bergstrand, painted a banner that read, “Hope life is cherry after the ferry!” Friends filled a bucket with “Bucket List” suggestions. Tony has added some to his list, including, “Visit Tom Morphet and Jane Pascoe in Australia,” “Zip-line across Porcupine Creek with Dakota Fred,” and “Cut a single with Snoop Dogg.”
The Haines High School prom was held earlier this month and the neon light theme did not disappoint the great turnout. Students from Juneau-Douglas and Thunder Mountain also attended, as they were in town for the high school track meet. “The Fort Seward Lodge was decorated with a mix of glow-in-the-dark murals depicting the beautiful Haines mountains and Northern Lights,” said prom organizer Skyler Smith. Prom court royalty included Seth Waldo and Makayla Crager who were King and Queen. Kamakana Kanahele and Debby Chang were crowned prince and princess; Kirby Faverty and Raine Winge were honored as Duke and Duchess and Eli Williamson and Haley Boron were given the titles of butler and maid.
The monthly free Dance Jam was held at Tlingit Park last weekend due to the warm and sunny weather. “I wanted to start a monthly class to get the community involved in something to do, it’s free and fun! It is also a fun way to get the dance instructors to get together to keep it fun for us,” said Zumba instructor Stoli Lynch. Other instructors included Nancy Nash, Natalie Benassi, and Alissa Henry. Karen Garcia also brought her dance class WERQ, which started in March, to the event. Stay tuned for future dates/times.
Girls on the Run ran their annual 5K last Saturday. A group of 10 girls from third through fifth grades ran along with a community member running buddy. The run started and ended at Dalton City, and included the new Chilkoot Subdivision trail. Girls ran through “high-five alley” midway through the course to boost their motivation. Coaches Candice Scott, Jenn Marschke, and Sara Chapell were the girls’ biggest fans. Sara has volunteered and coached Girls on the Run the past six years.
Isobel Smith has graduated from Gonzaga University with a major in Environmental Studies and a minor in Native Studies. Parents Norm and Suzanne Smith attended her graduation and enjoyed the sunshine and biking. “I even got Norm to bike with me,” said Suzanne. The couple met up with Norm’s other daughter Janine Wilkenson and her husband Ryan, a college professor in Calgary, Alberta with their two sons Owen, 8, and Alaric, 5. After graduation, they all headed to Lake Coeur D’Alene for swimming and picnics. After the family time, Isobel and Suzanne headed to Albion, Nebraska to visit Isobel’s grandmother, Donna Smith, and family. Donna was a former teacher in Haines.
The Valley of the Eagles Golf Links hosted their annual University of Alaska Southeast tournament last weekend. The winning team included: Ralph and Tyler Swinton, Tommi Scovill and Jesse McGraw. The team shot a 62, ten under par. Shawn Eggers from Juneau was closest to the pin, Tyler won closest to the pin for men and Jenny Lyn Smith won for the women. “Everyone from Juneau was very impressed how the tournament went, it was great to see Juneau and Haines folks come together,” said golf pro and instructor Niall Hackett.

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