July 27
About 30 Ward family members, including ones from Louisiana, gathered July 15 for a service to honor the memory and service of Morrie Ward, a U.S. Navy veteran and merchant mariner who died April 25, 2022, in Lake Charles, La. The service was held at the American Legion Hall, where Morrie’s casket flag will join those of his late brother Tom Ward Sr., and father John Baylor Ward. John Ward was a founding member of the Haines Legion post. Mike Ward hosted the group for dinner at the Lighthouse Restaurant. Morrie’s living siblings include Judy Weir of Haines and Jeannie Sturrock of Sitka.
Family and friends from Canada and Alaska participated in weekend activities to remember local author, hiker, and physical therapist Margaret Piggott last weekend. A tea party at the Haines library included friends Joan Turner of Whitehorse, Y.T., Ric Iannolino of Juneau, and Roz Goodman of Pedro Bay as well as family members Norma Piggott and nephew Andrew Piggott from Toronto, niece Diana Piggott and husband Bart of Calgary, Alberta and nephew Stephen Piggott of Montreal. Diana played violin and Bart accompanied her on piano to some of Margaret’s favorite tunes. Nancy Nash also led songs at the afternoon event, where many of Margaret’s books and possessions were given away.
The Eldred Rock Lighthouse Preservation Association is offering traditional Christmas tree ornaments in the image of the Lynn Canal landmark as a premium for becoming a member of the group. Look for the group’s booth at the fair this weekend.
Haines Assisted Living invites residents to celebrate the legacy of philanthropist Lucy Harrell during an “I Love Lucy” ice cream social starting at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6 at the HAL residence at Third Avenue and Union Street. Harrell was a local businesswoman and philanthropist who donated several millions of dollars to local causes and organizations including HAL and Chilkat Valley Community Foundation. She died in 2019. The social celebrates Lucy’s Aug. 1 birthday, her personality, and her achievements.
The Haines High School cross-country season started this week with a practice at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Katie Russell and Alex Van Wyhe are coaches. All high school students, including homeschoolers, are eligible to participate. A valid physical exam is required. For more information, contact Katie or Alex in person. New runners and incoming students should phone the school at 766-6700.
Jones Jr. and Lani Hotch, Mario Benassi, Natalie Dawson, and Stacie Evans were featured prominently in the recently broadcast episode of “Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories,” a PBS series hosted by David Rubenstein. An hour-long examination of eagle natural history and the bird’s use as a political symbol, the program’s focus included Indigenous peoples’ perspectives, the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, and the proposed Constantine mine. See the entire program by following a link on the Facebook page of Takshanuk Watershed Council.
Captains Kevin and Serina Woods of Haines Salvation Army are seeking donations of cash, composition books, and binder paper to help them prepare 50 backpacks with supplies for students attending local schools in the coming year. Kevin said with enough donations, he’d like to help provide supplies for teachers, as well. To help, call 907-766-2470.
If you’re interested in serving as a mentor for a local youth, check out the Popsicles in the Park event, noon to 2 p.m. at Tlingit Park. Sarah Elliott, who leads the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Alaska program in Haines, says she’s particularly needing high school sophomores and juniors as mentors in the group’s school program. High school students spend up to one hour weekly mentoring students in grades K-5. Call 907-223-9622 for more information.
Seth Waldo was in town this week for the state fair and also to serve as groomsman at the Silk-Fullerton wedding. He said he also planned to walk his Saint Bernard Boris in Saturday’s parade and Lovable Dog Contest. Boris won Most Lovable last year. “I don’t expect to win the title again, I just want to show him off,” he said. Seth works for an Internet provider in Wrangell and said he enjoys island-hopping and angling in the Southeast. He’s caught a steelhead on the Thorne River on Prince of Wales Island and recently reeled in a hatchery king salmon in Petersburg