Scott Brewington and Jackie Haddock-Swift were married Saturday at the Presbyterian Church. Crystal Badgley officiated, and Haddock-Swift’s son Dustin Swift gave her away. The wedding party included matron of honor and mother of the bride Judith McDermaid, bridesmaids Charlynn Goldberg, Jae McDermaid and Sherry Nason, best man Phil Wilde and groomsmen Terry Martell, Dustin Swift and Alex Swift. Sue Waterhouse gave a beautiful piano performance and Jim Lampkins played guitar while Jae McDermaid sang Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years.” Guests included parents of the groom Sherrie Brewington and Terry Martell, brother of the bride Stephen Brower of Juneau, Randy Harvey, and Tammie Rush. A reception at the American Legion Hall included music by The PBR. Erica Wagner surprised the couple with a dessert that combined their favorite confections – a bite-sized German chocolate, caramel, cheesecake mixture encased in a pecan rim. “I went, ‘Wow, that’s just everything I ever wanted,’” Jackie said. Krystal Lloyd made the four-tiered wedding cake and Victoria Moore fashioned handmade decorations. The couple is planning a Las Vegas honeymoon.
The Uglys of Haines raised over $5,200 for Chris Kelly’s full hip replacement surgery at Friday’s benefit dinner at the American Legion. “What a great night. It definitely took a lot of stress off,” Kelly said. Food was donated by local businesses and Haines fishermen. Tammie Rush led efforts in the kitchen. Kelly needed the surgery for more than a year, but didn’t have the funds. Community contributions and a tremendous amount of work done by Southeast Alaska Independent Living made the Sept. 10 surgery at Bartlett Hospital in Juneau possible, Kelly said. Efforts, including a fundraiser organized by Christy Tengs Fowler, have raised more than $11,000, making a significant dent in Kelly’s medical bills. “I’m still a little sore, but it’s just a matter of keeping up with the physical therapy.”
Michael Smith is heading back to Seattle this week after a summer of work on the Fort Seward barracks building. Smith heard about the summer gig from friend Tresham Gregg, a member of the Port Chilkoot Co., which owns the historic structure. Smith’s work included painting and cleaning and became “freaky” when he stumbled upon a mortuary table and embalming materials. Smith, an Alaska first-timer, also went on several backpacking trips and regularly played pick-up soccer.
Cody Cowart, son of Wayne and Jane Cowart, moved to Haines and started work at Kensington Mine. Cody moved from Titusville, Fla., where he worked as a plumber for the Seminole County school board. After the family moved from Northway, sister Destinee remembers Cody “being done” living in Alaska. “I never thought he’d be moving back here,” she said. “It’s different. It’s interesting…It’s weird not being the only kid in the house.” As for Jane, she’s just glad her son is no longer 5,000 miles away.
Farmers Market manager Susie McCartney said she was pleased with the 13 markets held under Payson’s Pavilion on Saturdays. Good weather, bountiful crops including lots of greens, and a core of committed vendors helped attract shoppers, she said. Patience Nelson, McCartney’s 2-year-old assistant, accompanied her mom nearly every week. McCartney tipped her hat to musicians Len Feldman, Tom Heywood, Scott Pearce and Katya Kirsch who enhanced the scene.
Teresa Hura is working as a long-term substitute teacher at Gastineau Elementary School in Juneau, teaching first grade until mid-November. Hura’s classroom is across the hall from the classrooms of sisters Eliza (Lende) Dorn, who teaches second grade, and J.J. Lende, who teaches a kindergarten-first grade mix. Hura, now semi-retired, taught at the Klukwan School for 17 years. She was in Haines last weekend to see the “fall colors” and visit family.
Betty Ewing-DeWitt spent her birthday in Camas Valley, Ore., with former residents son David Ewing and wife Kelly, and their sons Keith and Keri. Ewing-DeWitt also visited Kelly’s mother Lois Wafer and aunt Gay Wheelock, also former residents. The group went to the Coos Bay County Fair and attended a mud truck race where David, Keith and Keri drove jalopies through a cow pasture. Ewing-DeWitt then spent a couple days at Juneau’s Wildflower Court visiting husband Charles, who enjoys visitors, she said.
A few borough employees are working at standing desks. Deputy clerk Michelle Webb said her standing work station makes her feel better at the end of the day. “I don’t hurt as much and my energy level is better,” she said. Instead of a chair, Webb stands on a cushioned pad. Webb and executive assistant to the manager Darsie Culbeck requested the high desks. Culbeck and borough clerk Julie Cozzi modified their work spaces to accommodate standing desks.
Hannah Hostetler and Nick Waldo were married Aug. 10 in Essex, Mont. Hannah’s dad Les Hostetler officiated. Hannah’s mom is Kelly Hostetler, former manager of the Southeast Alaska State Fair. Nick’s parents are Anitra and Tom Waldo of Juneau. Nick is a Harvard University graduate and environmental engineer working at Woods Hole Oceanographic Research Institute. Hannah is finishing up a sociology/criminal justice degree from Suffolk University. The couple plan to move next year from Boston to Seattle, where Hannah hopes to join the police force. Nick took Hannah to her first prom in Haines when she was 14, Kelly said.
There were lots of “arrs” and “ahoy, mateys” to go around when Haines School librarian Leigh Horner observed International Talk Like a Pirate Day on Sept. 19. Horner wore a red hat and “pirate socks” and read pirate-themed books to her charges. She encouraged students to dress like pirates and to address her in pirate talk. She’s hoping the day becomes a bigger deal in school and around town, as pirates have a lot of appeal. At http://www.talklikeapirate.com, visitors can learn their pirate names and pirate speak.