Haines Sportsman’s Association recently awarded influential members with the lifetime membership honor. Association’s President Russ Byerly said, “The lifetime Memberships are given to sportsmen and sportswomen who exhibit outstanding leadership and commitment to responsible hunting and fishing opportunities, as well as firearms education and the shooting sports in the greater Haines area.” Recognized were: George and Lyn Campbell, Charlie Dewitt, Jim Stickler, Rocky Hickman, David Gross, Bruce Smith, Eric Sundberg and David Stickler. The individuals were also engaged in providing labor, equipment, and materials to range improvements that began in 2020. Haines Sportsman’s Association received a grant from Friends of the NRA in the amount of $34,000. In-kind support which exceeded $60,000 was a combination of donated labor and business donations from: Southeast Roadbuilders, Turner Construction, Smith Backhoe and Excavation, and Haines Industrial Supply, with additional contributions by Sportsman’s Association members. New facilities include handicapped-accessible restrooms and a fully accessible pistol range and building. Member Cheryl Stickler said, “Without the generous support and contributions of Haines Sportsman’s Association members and Haines businesses, the extensive range improvements would not have been possible.”
Pool manager Amanda Painter, with support from Haines Friends of the Pool, put on a Pool Palooza party to celebrate the community pool and have one last big splash before the pool closed for the summer months. The day kicked off with a sourdough pancake breakfast which served 80 people and a pickleball tournament in the middle school gym. The Saturday morning swim had their 10 regular swimmers plus about 50 additional children and families. Assistant pool manager Clif Miller said of the event, “The Friends (of the pool) did a lot of the work and really put on this great event to celebrate our community pool and it was well received. It was great to see everyone for one last hooray. Big thanks to Tom Morphet and Bonnie Hedrick for their support in planning the event and all the Friends who helped out.” 
Mayor Doug Olerud toured the pool and Olerud and former mayor Jan Hill were presented with flowers in recognition of the borough’s $500,000 in improvements to the pool in 2019. The sauna was formally dedicated, with special recognition to John Carlson, who volunteered to build it.
On May 23, about 10 adults and 30 youths came over from Skagway on the vessel Fjordland for the day to use the pool. The guards taught a two-hour water safety course. The group broke for lunch and then came back for an open swim and played with all the inflatables for three hours before heading back to Skagway. Miller reported, “Skagway had a blast, they really want to do that again, it’s really only possible in the summer with the Fjordland as they can zip down and back in one day.” Klukwan School also rented out the pool in May, bringing a group of about 20 on May 25 to take a splash at the pool before it closed for the summer. 
The Victory Garden had its first planting work day on May 30 with more than 30 people helping.  Mardell Gunn reported, “Our focus was getting our healthy starts into the ground.  We put in hundreds. We had five tillers running to break through the buttercups and form the rows. One tiller (the Beast!) was the star powerhouse machine on loan from Erik Lemke. He is willing to loan it out to others but they have to prove themselves capable of running it at the Victory Garden first!”  At the garden next week, the focus will be on planting seeds directly into the ground. The badminton net is set up for summer use for all to enjoy. Summer Fundays will continue every Sunday with bakery goods and soup available for sale 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
 Former Haines resident Joshua Scott has been in town for a couple of weeks, staying with his mother Stephanie Scott. Joshua was born in Haines and now works as a professional ad and fashion photographer in New York City. Joshua accompanied his mom from Portland, where she was receiving medical care to assist and support her as she is managing some health issues. Joshua reported he was helping out with little things around the house, cooking dinner every night and working together to plant Stephanie’s dahlias, almost 1,000 in total. Joshua said, “I don’t feel bad leaving her alone as she has so many people around her that are supporting her. Her community continues to come by and check on her. It was nice checking in with her support system and seeing all her friends. I guess a highlight would just be Haines, all of it, being there and visiting.” 
 JJ Hinderberger with husband Bryan and 1-year-old daughter Emilia were in Haines Memorial Day weekend visiting with her parents Chip and Heather Lende, her sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephew. 
JJ just completed her second year as the principal at Mendenhall River Community School in Juneau. They enjoyed catching up with friends and plan to visit Haines again later in the summer. 

Author