Bob and Margaret Andrews and family gathered on the Oregon coast for the wedding of their son, Jeremy, to Jamie Boersma of McMinnville, Ore. June 19. Staffan Hillman, who graduated from Haines High School with Jeremy in 1992, flew from Sweden to serve as best man and Amy Weishahn, formerly of Haines, came from her home in Nevada to be Jamie’s maid of honor. While there was an international flair to the gathering, by far the largest contingent was current and former Haines residents, including Austin Welch, Keri Edwards and Ajax Eggleston, Robyn Barlow, Clara Weishahn, and Lee Nash. Bob and Margaret were joined by son Josh, daughter-in-law Shelby Beck and their two children Liam and Greta. Greta performed as flower girl and Josh sang songs specially requested by Jamie at the reception. Jamie’s father, Jack Boersma and stepmother Michelle, led the Oregonians who included Jamie’s brother Matt, sister Julie, and a raft of friends. Ron Weishahn was credited with bringing Jeremy and Jamie together via email over three years ago. Having known Jeremy for many years, and after meeting Jamie through his daughter Amy, Weishahn said he just knew they were a match. The reception was on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean with an animated Irish dancing band. Following the wedding, Jeremy and Jamie traveled to a computer conference in Denmark, visited with Staffan in Sweden, and spent a month touring Italy. They return this month to live on their sailboat, currently harbored on the Chesapeake Bay, and hope to make the Bahamas by winter.
Greg, Leigh and Elena Horner spent five days in Spearfish, S.D. to celebrate the 80th birthday of Greg’s mother, Doris Horner, formerly of Haines. Greg was joined by his sister, D.D. Wallum, who lives in Heron, S.D., brother Charlie Horner, who lives in Lincoln, Neb. and sister Nancy Britton, who lives in Spearfish. Although Elena was the only grandchild to attend the reunion, granddaughters Lori and Lisa Sele sent gifts for Doris, sockeye salmon and goat meat to feed the gathering. The last time all four siblings were together was for Greg and Leigh’s wedding more than 20 years ago, and the family had a ball touring area attractions including Mount Rushmore and Devil’s Tower.
Colleagues and friends gathered at an open house Friday to wish outgoing Haines tourism director Lori Stepansky well. Although mayor Jan Hill was out of town, she asked borough clerk Julie Cozzi to present Lori with the Distinguished Service Award for “six and a half years of dedicated service to the Haines Borough.” Lori leaves for Anchorage on Thursday.
Friends and family gathered Saturday night to celebrate the 70th birthday of Duck Hess at the Elks Lodge. One highlight of the evening was a performance by the Snowshoe Shufflers of Whitehorse, who were decked out in their ruffled finery.
After retiring from Helen’s Store, Sandra Martin had so many inquiries about the need for watch batteries in Haines that she decided to open up shop in her home. Helen’s Watch Service Center will replace your watch battery and she’ll even pick up your watch for you. Sandra will operate out of her home on 339 Lynnview Drive. You can call her at 766-2872.
Larry Zehe is back from a moose hunting trip with his sons, their first together in 20 years. Richard and Brian Zehe came up from Snohomish, Wash. for the hunt near Delta Junction. Although they didn’t harvest a moose, they did help a solitary hunter pack his out, receiving plenty of meat as thanks.
Lucy Harrell received one of the first copies of the Buckhorn Springs Heritage Cookbook last week and Haines Assisted Living cook Carol Tuynman is already testing out some of the recipes. Lucy and her husband purchased the Buckhorn Springs property, located outside of Ashland, Ore., in 1966. The original cabin dates back to 1864 and has been remodeled many times. After moving to Haines in 1986, Lucy sold Buckhorn Springs to a young family who refurbished the property, now operated as a resort and retreat center noted for sumptuous vegetarian meals. The book, written by Leslie and Bruce Sargent and their daughter Lauren, details the rich history of Buckhorn Springs and features Lucy in her own chapter. Lucy often returns to visit Ashland and Buckhorn Springs. Stop by HAL to take a look at the book.
Sue Libenson hosted river kayakers Xavier Engle and Jon Combs after they successfully kayaked the Alsek River’s Turnback Canyon last week. They made it to town in time to catch the opening night of “South Pacific,” but were hampered by multiple flat tires and border restrictions when they attempted to organize a kayak expedition on the Kelsall River.
Kate and Bear Harrop are happy to know that daughter Katie Whitely and husband Jim are adjusting to the heat and settling into their new home in Devine, Texas. They moved from Anchorage, where Jim was stationed and had returned after a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Son John Harrop left Haines recently for his second tour in Iraq. John is trained as a Blackhawk helicopter mechanic and will travel to Iraq with his helicopter after orientation in Texas. John returned to Haines from his first Iraq tour two years ago. While home, John was a great help, supporting his parents by fixing up their home, stacking wood and putting in a new septic system. John left his chocolate lab George with his parents to keep them company while he is away.
Amelia Nash arrived from Portland in time to see her father, Dwight Nash, in his starring role as Emile in “South Pacific.” The trip was a surprise to Dwight. Amelia said she was delighted by her father’s performance. “It was magical. Dad’s acting made me cry.” Amelia and Adam Richard are heading down to Portland and plan a month-long road trip to Wisconsin and Illinois to visit with Adam’s family.
Allen Menaker of Fairbanks and sister Terry Lambert of Lake District, England, were in Haines last weekend to visit their dad, Ray Menaker. They took Ray to Sunday’s performance of “South Pacific.” Ray was a founding member of Lynn Canal Community Players in 1957. June Haas, another LCCP founder, also attended Sunday’s performance and was delighted with the energy on stage.
Some of the costumes in “South Pacific” were authentic World War II pieces, including a sailor’s shirt from the family of Bud Hopper. Bud entered the Navy after high school in 1940 and served at Pearl Harbor. Daughter Randa Szymanski entrusted Nancy Seright, who played Nurse MacGreggor, with the shirt. Nancy also wore a nurse’s hat from former public health nurse Joan Snyder. Former Seabee Jim Turnbull helped backstage to construct sets and consult on uniforms for the actors. Jim’s father was in the first Seabee battalion during World War II and was stationed in the South Pacific during the war. Jim was proud to be a part of “happy people doing a great job and having a good time of it.”
Lynn Canal Community Players’ president Jerrie Clarke, who played Bloody Mary, hopes that the energy on stage will continue with more productions and reminded cast members that the non-profit theater group has board openings. Jane and Fletcher Sebens came in from Juneau for the weekend to witness Mark Sebens’ directorial debut. Tod and Margaret Sebens leave for a year-long road trip with daughter Bozhi this week. If you would like a DVD of the production, contact Dave Nanney at 766-2763. Copies of the show are $15.