Denise Sherman and Jim “Jimmer” Stickler were married at New Hope Fellowship Church on May 1. Pastor Sage Thomas officiated. The couple was joined by children Walker and Parker Blair, James Stickler, and Nicole Lorentz with her husband David Lorentz and their two children Isla and Porter. Denise said, “It’s wonderful how our families have blended together and after some happening in our lives, God has given us each other.” The ceremony was attended by many friends and family who joined the couple for a reception at their home afterward. Denise added, “So many people showed up at the church and it was heartwarming after such a hard year for everyone. It was such a blessing to hug our friends and have something joyful to celebrate.” Denise’s sister Laura Kelley with husband Tim Kelley and friend Diana Bokemeier dressed up and watched the wedding via Zoom from their homes in Salinas, California.
Ketch Jacobson graduated from University of Montana in Missoula on May 1. He received a degree in cell and molecular biology. Ketch intends to stay in Missoula where he enjoys river kayaking, skiing, playing ultimate frisbee, hiking, biking, fishing, and “all the other outdoor stuff.” He secured a job at the university as a lab technician working with nematodes. Ketch said, “I will be studying germ granules in C elegans.” Ketch also has his 100-ton captain’s license and pilot’s license. Ketch’s parents Glen and Alison Jacobson and older sisters Anna and Libby were in attendance at his graduation.
Birch water is becoming a popular alternative, referred to as “the new coconut water” or “super drink.” The lure of the beverage is that it is rich in minerals and antioxidants and contains a high level of manganese, a mineral that helps blood sugar regulation and bone structure through calcium absorption. Sue Libenson has been tapping the birch trees on her property and appreciating the drink for years. She said, “It’s way too much energy to make the syrup so we just drink the water. It’s a fun spring enjoyment and it comes out cold and tastes good. We celebrate spring this way every year.” She added that the water sours quickly if it’s not refrigerated so it’s best shared with others. Sue reports that many people in Haines tap their trees for the water and/or to make syrup.
Richard Cook and Camilla Gaine recently tapped six birch trees on their property and the taps are just starting to dry up after 18 days. Richard said, “The water is wonderful to drink, it’s refreshing, I use it in smoothies instead of expensive coconut water and you can cook with it, too. It adds a subtle sweetness to your food.” They drank all they could and then started boiling the water to make syrup. They were able to put away about two gallons of syrup, but for a price. Richard explained, “A word of warning, making syrup requires lots of propane. It’s an expensive endeavor.” Richard said this was their first year tapping birch trees. He credited Camilla for the inspiration as she suggested they give it a try.
Many groups and individuals were seen walking on Mud Bay flats during the low April tides. On April 28 during the morning minus 4.5-foot low tide, Ira and Alissa Henry with daughter Makayla Henry and friend Knikki Cinocco were able to walk all the way to Pyramid Island. Of the adventure, Makayla said, “It was really cool because I had never walked there before. I’d been on a boat and paddle board before and I was the only kid (in our group) that made it.”
Teolani Baker smashed the competition in Juneau’s first Skunk Cabbage Open Disc Golf Tournament on May 1. She was the first female finisher and was unencumbered by her fourth month of pregnancy with her second child.
In more disc golf news, the Raven’s Bowl Keg Bangers (RBKB) have ordered 20 baskets to upgrade the disc golf course at the Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds. Luck Dunbar said, “With big support from the community and some of us are paying out of our own pockets we have almost all 20 baskets paid for- a $6,000 dollar bill.” Shipping fees were waived by Mike’s Boards and Bikes.
The Haines track team raised $2,100 at a car-wash fundraiser on May 1. Drivers were handed free popcorn by 800-meter runner Jacob Weerasinghe and then efficiently ushered forward to have their cars pressure-washed, soaped up, rinsed and dried. Coach Greg Brittenham said, “These kids continuously rise to the challenge. Whether it is running hills in a snowstorm, repeat 800s on the beach, or washing cars, they never complain. They are always smiling, encouraging one another and can find gratification and entertainment in even the most challenging of activities. I’d like to thank the broader Haines community for helping with the fundraiser. With increased, and necessary, COVID protocols, the cost of travel has nearly doubled. These kids deserve to go to state and the community of Haines has helped make that possible.”