Peggy Ormasen had dinner with Layton Bennett and wife Lou recently in Seattle. Peggy said Layton is getting his medication on time, eating regular meals and looking great. He celebrated his 94th birthday April 13 and enjoyed having the family with him. He gets around with a walker. They’re staying at an assisted living facility in Renton, near the home of son Bart and daughter-in-law Susan. Lou still drives and they escape off to the movies. Cards and letters can be sent to the Bennetts at The Lakeshore, Apartment 230, 11448 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle, Wash. 98178.
Ruth Ann Thompson demonstrated upholstery techniques at Haines Senior Center last week. She upholstered a dining chair that had been stored in Doris Ward’s basement for 20 years. Doris’ husband Karl brought the chair back from the Breakwater Restaurant in Juneau during a hotel renovation. Doris took the chair apart, removed the original vinyl covering, and refinished the wood with the help of David Knight. She asked Ruth Ann to use fabric Erma Slater gave her more than 15 years ago. Ruth Ann, who has been upholstering pieces for 25 years, says she always enjoys getting to know the piece as it relates to the person. “I love things that have a story,” she says. “And now I’m part of that story… It amazed me the interest people had in learning how something is done.”
Friends didn’t let a little snow stop them when it came time to gather for their annual April-birthdays beach party Saturday. Dawn Drotos and friends built up a bonfire and brought hearty food to warm the revelers who were celebrating the birthdays of Derrick Poinsette, Dan Schultz, Josie Allen and Siyel George.
The annual Hospice of Haines Rummage Sale brought in more than $9,000, according to organizer Mardell Gunn. Wet, heavy snow on Friday may have cut into donations, which were down this year, she said. Volunteers donated more than 500 hours to staff the weekend sale. In addition to Mardell and husband Mark “Diz” Kistler, who logged 56 hours and 45 hours respectively, many volunteers put in full days throughout the effort. “Some people really take this on as a passion,” said Mardell, “and that’s what volunteering is all about.” Maggie Stern managed the clothing department, while Randa Szymanski organized books and videos. Denise Sherman managed the children’s section. Diane LaCourse, Ron Jackson, Carol Duis and Jean Smith contributed their time from setup to takedown. They still have a clarinet and a sewing machine for sale, in addition to two trucks that were donated as part of an estate bequest.
Paul and Amy Swantrom picked up their new plane and flew it home from Campbell River, B.C. recently. The owners of Mountain Flying Service purchased the Dehaviland Beaver this winter and picked it up after several months of “sprucing up” to fit the company’s needs. The Beaver can carry eight passengers plus the pilot and is known for short takeoff and landing ability, making it well-suited for rugged terrain. “It’s one of Alaska’s workhorses,” according to Amy. The flight back to Haines took six hours with a stiff headwind. One highlight of the trip was when the couple found themselves in the midst of the snow goose migration. They observed several formations of snow geese heading north between Vancouver Island and Ketchikan. Last weekend they took a flight to the Katzehin Flats with friends to explore and try out beach landings.
The Haines Senior Center is sponsoring a raffle to support operations and raise money for a part- time activities coordinator. The position would help organize activities and events for senior residents. The raffle drawing will be held May 17 at the Senior Center’s “root beer float fest” from 3 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 or three for $25 and can be purchased at the Babbling Book, Haines Senior Village office or at the Senior Center. Prizes include a handmade quilt by Rocki Rostad, grocery store gift certificates, native art, and restaurant gift certificates. In total there are 25 prizes.
The Sheldon Museum was packed to the gills for the annual spring recital of Nancy Nash’s piano and voice students on Sunday. Nancy had a total of 36 students. About 98 people turned out to hear 21 musicians. Nancy said she was impressed with how much the children grow in the weeks leading up to the recital. One key to success, she said, is she works to find pieces that the students enjoy. “It’s such a treat to see the kids. They really get into it.”
A retirement celebration for longtime Haines Head Start employee Anneliese Stacy is set for noon on May 10 at the Head Start building. Anneliese has worked with Head Start more than 20 years, according to assistant teacher Yuko Hays. Yuko said Anneliese “has done everything,” at the preschool including serving as teacher, aide, cook, bus driver, and maintenance specialist. Families of current and former Head Start students are encouraged to attend. Tacos will be provided. Guests can bring a side dish. For more information, call the Head Start office at 766-2155.
A memorial is planned for 2 p.m. May 19 at Dyea’s Chilkoot Trail Outpost for Delia “Dee” Mulkey. Mulkey, 99, grew up in Skagway and lived in Juneau before spending her final years at Haines Assisted Living. She died March 27. Mulkey was born in Corry, Pa., and moved to Skagway with her family in 1946. She is survived by son Thomas Mason, five grandchildren and several great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Haines Assisted Living, P.O. Box 916, Haines, AK 99827.