Genny Szymanski and Harry Rietze were married at the Presbyterian Church Friday, followed by a waterfront reception at Letnikof Cove. Fisherman and friend JR Churchill officiated the ceremony. Genny’s sister Anna Szymanski was maid of honor. Darren Pattison was best man. Parents of the bride are Jim and Randa Szymanski; parents of the groom are Hugh and Mary Rietze. Charlie DeWitt was ring bearer and Ivy and Caroline Elliott were flower girls. Genny wore a Maggie Sottero dress. More than 350 people attended the reception under a new pavilion that kept guests dry. The Friday the 13th wedding also included a full moon, which happened to be a “honey moon” – an annual summer phenomenon in which the moon appears amber-colored and extra large. Friday the 13th hasn’t coincided with a honey moon since 1919. Guests came from 11 states and four Canadian territories. Friends from the newlyweds’ alma maters – Haines High School, Northwestern University, Kodiak High School and Oregon State University – rocked the dance floor, Genny said. Guests feasted on king salmon and buffalo burgers, with potluck sides, and a cake made by Cambria Goodwin. Local band The Fishpickers entertained. At the end of the night, friends Dan Berk and Adam Balloch put on a surprise fireworks show from the water. Post-wedding plans include a honeymoon “somewhere exotic” once fishing season is over, Genny said. Harry is co-owner of Haines Packing Company and Genny is an artist and seafood store manager.
Kyle Fossman and Kate Lindsley were married June 10 at Chilkat State Park. Kyle’s mentor and former NBA player Mark McNamara officiated. Kate’s sister, former resident Anne Lindsley of Portland, was a maid of honor, along with former resident Brook Cinocco of Skagway. Bridesmaids included Kate’s former roommates Stephanie Randrup and Kat Sweetman, both of Anchorage, cousin Laura LaBrosse of Glastonbury, Conn., and Kyle’s sisters Penny Fossman of Haines and Drew Fossman of Anchorage. Kyle’s former University of Alaska Anchorage basketball teammate Colton Lauwers of Anchorage was best man. Groomsmen included Orion Falvey of Eugene Ore., Austin Badger, Caullen Taylor, and Kyle Rush, who traveled from Japan. The groom’s parents are Steve and Ann Marie Fossman. Kate’s parents are Michelle LaBrosse of Haines and Glenn Lindsley of Haily, Idaho. Glenn’s wife Leslie Henning of Haily also attended, as did Kate’s grandfather Andre LaBrosse of Venice, Fla., and uncles Joe LaBrosse of Glastonbury, Conn., Luc LaBrosse of Kihei, Maui, and Dan LaBrosse and wife Mari of Fairbanks. Also in attendance were friends Jesse White of Anchorage and Vito Prisciandaro and girlfriend Nancy of Lake Havasu, Ariz. About 200 people attended the reception in Harriett Hall, decorated by Kim Sundberg. Guests feasted on burgers and brats that came from a cow that Michelle, a former cattle rancher, brought up from Champoeg, Ore. The six-layer cake was made by Ann Marie, who assembled it using parts from Lutak Lumber. Aldeana Stout catered. Local band Amasia entertained, Neil Einsbruch performed magic tricks, and Shtumpa brothers Kevin and Eric Forster helped guests make tie-dyed T-shirts. The newlyweds, both Haines High School and UAA graduates, went on a pre-wedding honeymoon in Maui, Hawaii, knowing Kyle would be fishing for the summer. Kate is scheduled to begin her nine-month dietitian residency program in Anchorage in the fall.
The Chilkoot Indian Association filled three council positions after its May 22 election. This year’s elected officials include Georgiana Hotch, Harriet Brouillette, and Les Katzeek. The Tribal Council also includes Gene Strong, Evangeline Willard-Hoy, Gale Thompson, and John Katzeek.
Myrna Kornelis returned from a trip to Sacramento, Calif., where she attended the veterinary school graduation of granddaughter Cassidy Hanson. Cassidy is the daughter of former resident Tamara Hyatt Hanson, now deceased. Cassidy works at a veterinary clinic in California.
Tlingit master carver Wayne Price earned recognition June 11 when the winners of the Sealaska Heritage Institute’s seventh biennial Juried Art Show and Competition were announced in Juneau. Price received all three prizes in the Formline Art category. His paddle titled “Quantum Raven” took first, and pieces “Mother Whale” and “Dancing Raven Hat” took second and third, respectively. “Quantum Raven” also placed second in the Northwest Coast Customary Art category. “Dancing Raven Hat” also earned the Best of Show prize, earning Price $1,500. The art show will be on display at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center for the rest of June.
Amanda Randles and daughter Gina Comstock have teamed up to put a new twist on the traditional bingo game. Using an online bingo card generator, the mother/daughter duo have created “Blotter Bingo,” in which bingo squares consist of common Haines Police blotter items, rather than numbers. Players need to follow the daily blotter, which is posted on the “Haines Police” Facebook page and printed in the Chilkat Valley News. The game began Saturday and ends when someone fills their entire card. The winner will receive a $10 Mountain Market gift coin. To get your blotter bingo card, contact Gina at 907-982-0836 or via Facebook.