Students in grades 3-8 participated in the spelling bee last week. Reigning champion Willa Stuart (eighth grade), was first place again this year. Ivy Elliott (third grade) was second place and Spencer Baumgartner (fourth grade) finished in third place. The spelling bee was conducted over Zoom, consistent with the intention to keep students and staff in their bubbles. Students participated from their classrooms at the school and the public was able to watch over Zoom. This is Willa’s fifth local win. She will move on to the next level to compete against finalists across Alaska. In 2019, Willa finished in third place at the state meet.
Harry Rietze and son Hugh are home from a visit to the Big Island. Harry’s sister Libby Rietze and her husband Ben Kagy joined the pair from their home in Seattle. The group had a great visit with their father Hugh Rietze and his partner Jill Atlas, Haines locals who winter on the Big Island. Harry said a highlight was visiting Hapuna Beach. Harry also participated in a pig hunt with some local friends. He invited Michael Ganey along, who was also on the Big Island with his family.
Michael, Melissa, Taylor, Ashlyn, Kaeden, and Brinley Ganey spent two weeks in Hawaii. Melissa said, “The Big Island may be our new favorite island, there was so much to do and see.” Highlights for the Ganey family were snorkeling, enjoying the sun and beach time and hanging at the pool every day. They bumped into Sheri and Craig Loomis on a back road the last day on the island.
The Lack Family Band was recently in Haines for about five weeks visiting and performing for their church family at the Assembly of God Church. Candi Bradford said, “They came here to lift everybody up and bring some hope to Haines. Their visit was incredibly uplifting.” The band also performed a rock concert at the American Legion during their visit. The family will be back in July to perform at the Southeast Alaska State Fair. The Lack Family travel all over the world but are based in California. They have been visiting and performing in Haines for years, creating strong relationships along the way. The band consists of parents Scott and Paula Lack and their daughters: Deborah, Sarah, and Chloe. Sixteen-year-old Uriel Minor made the band one of his incredible cakes that he decorated as an acoustic guitar.
The American Legion continues to host Taco Tuesday (5-6:30 p.m.) to raise money for their scholarship fund. On Fridays they host a hamburger feed (5-6:30 p.m.) which contributes to their operating costs.
The Uglys of Haines recently hosted a fundraising dinner for Eric Ferrin at the Legion to help out with recent medical bills. Eric said, “I didn’t even ask for it, that’s just what they do. I appreciate the support of the Uglys and the community…my son (Zack Ferrin– vice president of The Uglys) said ‘Dad this is what’s going to happen’ and they just put on this fundraiser for me.” The Uglys of Haines are notorious for their generosity and no-nonsense approach to fundraising. Eric is home in Haines and on the mend. Member Chuck Mitman reported that the Uglys plan to continue work on their clubhouse this spring and look forward to running their food booth again at the Southeast Alaska State Fair.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska received funding to make five mentorship matches in Haines through June 2021. The remote outreach pilot program is made possible by the Governor’s Education Relief Fund. BBBS needs volunteers to match up with the youth that have enrolled. Volunteers are asked to spend time, two to four times per month, with a youth. Males, females, or couples all over the age of 18 are encouraged to apply. Currently one Big Sister has enrolled, two Little Sisters, and two Little Brothers. There is space for one more youth enrollment.
Please visit www.bbbsak.org to enroll or call/email Sarah Elliott at (907) 223-9622/[email protected] for more information.