Willamina Assunta Goodwin-Bruckert was born in Sitka on Feb. 17 to Cambria Goodwin and Luke Bruckert. Cambria said, “She was born healthy and happy. We feel so lucky,” Cambria said. Her local restaurant The Pilot Light is for sale with no plans to open this summer.
Elena Horner was married to Victor St. Clair on Feb. 11 in Costa Rica. Elena said, “We took a ferry to the nearest city of Puntarenas, where we were married by lawyers. We spent a night in Jaco after and then in La Fortuna at the Tabacon hot springs.” The following Saturday they celebrated their wedding at a villa overlooking their favorite surf spots near their home in Santa Teresa. Anna and Libby Jacobson attended the reception while visiting Elena on a surfing trip.
Elena and her Costa Rican husband have been working for the last two years to build their business, a surf camp and retreat in Santa Teresa called Pura Vida Surfers. She encourages readers to follow them on Instagram or Facebook @puravidasurfers. Elena’s parents Greg and Leigh Horner, brother Marley Horner and his partner Caroline Hankins look forward to visiting.
Cassidy Timm and Blake Ward were reunited with their kitten about a week after she climbed through a small opening in the sunroof of their vehicle. At the time, they were en route to Haines from Bellingham via the Matanuska ferry. Spot is a four-month-old kitten who hadn’t been weaned from her mother yet. She was in a vehicle with her mother, siblings, and the family dogs. Timm looked for Spot everywhere on the ferry and then posted on Facebook. The kitten was found near the Auke Bay ferry terminal in Juneau. A couple had heard her crying underneath their porch.
Volunteers donated the kennel for Spot’s ride home and delivered her to the airport. Alaska Seaplanes donated her trip fare.
Former KHNS reporter Claire Stremple reported on the kitten rescue for KTOO public media where she is now working as a reporter. Mike Swasey of Skagway has been hired to replace her at KHNS, joining the radio’s news team with Henry Leasia.
Fifteen adults and six children participated in the inaugural Mosquito Lake School Community Center seed-starting party last weekend. Volunteers worked together to establish plant starts for the Victory Garden and starts for a plant sale expected in May. Mardell Gunn said, “Mostly tomatoes, peppers, herbs and a very few flowers. We will have more work parties in a couple of weeks to plant the brassicas, flowers, and other plants which we will sell as starts. We aim to have many starts available for sale in mid-May from which we will use the funds to go back to paying for the victory garden seeds and other expenses.” Starting Sunday March 21, coffee and baked goods will be available for purchase at the center from 11 am to 2 pm. Proceeds raised from the bake sale will be used for kid’s programs, including preschool development. Erika Merklin reports that all MLSCC events are posted on their Facebook page and persons should check there for special events during spring break. Call Erika with any questions at 767-5586.
Kathleen Menke cheered on her grandson virtually as he became one of eight qualifiers for the State wrestling tournament by winning first place in the regional tournament held in Aurora, Colorado. Murphy Menke then went on to the State tournament in Pueblo and finished in 2nd place overall in the 132-pound category. Murphy is a junior at Ponderosa High School in Denver. Parents Luke Menke and Wendy Evans attended the events in person. Each athlete was only permitted two observers due to strict COVID protocols. Kathleen said she appreciated being able to remotely watch her grandson from her home in Haines.