Chris Olsen and Joliena Wilson were married in Juneau on October 26 which also happened to be Chris’ 26th birthday. The couple was in Juneau to pull their boat the M/V Ambition out of the water and winterize it when they decided to get married. They were married in Joliena’s grandparent’s living room by her grandfather with her grandmother and uncle present. The couple intends to hold a small local ceremony and reception next Fall so they can celebrate with all their Haines’ family. Chris is currently working at Dawson Creek gold mine in Hollis, Alaska and Joliena is working at the Rusty Compass Coffeehouse in Haines. They plan to commercial fish and dungeness crab together again next season.
Jess Crowe with children Finn and Violet spent two weeks in Sandy, Oregon visiting with Jess’ family. They celebrated Finn’s 11th birthday, Jess’ mother’s 72nd birthday and her nephew Gus’ birthday. The kids enjoyed visiting a giant pumpkin patch during their Oregon visit. Brent Crowe joined the family and they all traveled to the Big Island of Hawaii for 16 sunny days. Jess reports they lived off fresh fruit, poke, and shaved ice. The family enjoyed boogie boarding and snorkeling with turtles and rays. Other highlights were visiting the birthplace of King Kamehameha, hiking to ancient petroglyphs and dipping in Queen’s bath- a fresh water pool in a lava tube. Brent’s mother joined the family for a few days from her home in Juneau. On the way home, they laid over in Seattle where Brent got a second surgery on his finger that he injured spearfishing last winter.
Haines Dolphin Swim Team started its season on Friday November 19. Coaches are Jackie St.Clair, Jim Green and Jae McDermaid. The team is offering two sessions daily to keep swimmer density low for social distancing. There are three groups based on skill and ability: Spinners (beginners), Pilots (intermediate), and Orcas (advanced).
Practices run Monday-Friday after school. The introductory learn to swim Little Dolphins program is not available at this time because the close contact new swimmers require does not fit with social distancing guidelines needed to keep the swimmers and the coaches healthy. Eight year old swimmer Ivy Elliott said, “I like being on the swim team again and we all get our own gear bag with our kickboard, fins, and a water bottle. I am happy the pool is open again so I can swim with my friends.” HDST has assigned a gear bag to each swimmer to eliminate the sharing of equipment. If you would like to sign up a swimmer please visit the HDST website: http://www.hainesdolphins.org. Currently there are six orcas, twelve pilots and thirteen spinners registered.
The Haines pool is seeing a slight increase in numbers after being open since November 5. The reservation system will remain for lap lanes and all swim times. If you want to swim, call 766-2666 to verify there is space. Saturday and Sunday are good days to call in and leave a message regarding your desired swim times for the following week. Reservations for sauna will soon need to be made.
Pool Manager Amanda Painter reminds users to wear masks in the lobby and in the locker room and to please stay home if you are not feeling well. Kaitlyn Tolin, a California State Parks beach lifeguard and skilled swimmer, is offering swimming tips on how to make your strokes more efficient. You can catch her in the mornings through December.
Things on the horizon: HBSD P.E. classes, stand up paddle boarding instructional course, Blue Water Boot Camp, special event nights featuring mood lighting, kayak and packraft skills and drills, meditation float and movement, date night, mother daughter night and father son night. Pool Manager Amanda Painter reports the ventilation has improved tremendously thanks to Ed Bryant, the Haines Borough Facilities Maintenance Superintendent. Amanda added, “People are very happy and grateful. We have wonderful pool users in our community. We are keeping the temperature at 82 right now.” Email Bonnie Hendrick at [email protected] to be added to the email list for schedule changes and general pool updates.
The annual Lighting of the Library took place on Saturday November 28. The event was outside during stormy weather and showcased a train theme. Attendees could view the elaborate train display through the library windows in the adjacent school field. Poor weather did not deter the Haines High School choir from singing festive carols at the event. The trains and village may still be viewed during regular library open hours. Check in at the front desk for a ticket, a system which limits indoor viewings to six persons at a time. Commemorative bell ornaments are also available with a donation of any amount. Friends of the Library President Nelle Jurgeleit-Greene said the blustery winds and general wetness did not deter hearty Alaskans who came out to celebrate the creative 2020 COVID version of the Lighting of the Library.