Scott Stephen Hansen received his Master of Music degree in music composition from Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) in Nacogdoches, Texas on May 8. His thesis, titled “Grey Areas: Songs of Memory, Imagination, Intellect, and Death for Baritone Voice and Mixed Instrumental Octet,” may be read here: https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/etds/372/ and listened to here: https://tinyurl.com/scottshansengreyareas. Scott studied locally with Nancy Nash from age 7 to 18 before attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks where he graduated summa cum laude in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in music composition and Bachelor of Music in piano performance.
The Haines Borough encouraged locals to grab their shovels, brooms and rakes and spend a few hours last Saturday cleaning up sidewalks and culverts in their neighborhood or joining others at the fire hall to work as a team. Tourism Director Steven Auch said, “Ed Coffland and Debra Schnabel were the master organizers of Operation Spic N Span.” He thanked everyone who contributed at the fire hall, in their own neighborhoods individually, or even in thought. The borough intends to make Operation Spic N Span an annual effort and he will make sure that it is sunny next year. Fire Chief Al Giddings said volunteers did a wonderful job sprucing up the main section of town from the fire hall to the museum. Volunteers enjoyed a barbeque at the fire hall at noon following their hard work.
Haines Friends of Recycling offers electronic recycling this weekend on June 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers are needed. For more information, read the ad in this week’s paper, call 766-2185 or email [email protected]
Haines Friends of Recycling asks that residents clean all recyclables properly so they do not become a bear attractant and sort items carefully; otherwise HFR staff and volunteers have to do the sorting. Staff are available on Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to answer questions at the Recycle Center.
Looking for how to recycle, re-use, or re-purpose items? “Reduce Our Waste Together (ROW Together)” is full of lots of great ideas. Available at hainesrecycle.org or in hard copy at the library.
The Haines Farmer’s Market held its first outdoor market of the season at the Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds. The market, featuring local goods and foods, will continue through September every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local band Extended Play provided live musical entertainment. Farmer’s Market Manager Vija Pelekis said the first market was a success, adding it was great to see everyone at the market again.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska is still working to make more matches in Haines. The Governor’s Emergency Education Relief grant that allowed for BBBS of AK to make matches in the remote communities of Sitka and Haines was recently extended from Jun. 30 to Dec. 31, 2021.
The grant provides funds for 10 matches. The first match was made in Haines on March 23. A second match is pending.
Currently three youths are waiting for adult volunteers. Anyone over the age of 18 interested in being a mentor should enroll at https://www.bbbsak.org/become-a-big/ or call/email Sarah Elliott with any questions at [email protected] 907.223.9622