Orson Michael Carter was born on Oct. 6 to parents Mike and Lori Carter. Orson weighed 8 pounds and 6.5 ounces and was 21 inches long. He joins big sister Jemma, 3, Maizie, 2, and grandma Joyce Webster who is staying with the family through October. “Thank you to everyone who has already helped us so much since we’ve gotten home,” Carter said.
Skweit (Jessie Morgan) has moved back to Haines along with her brother Tsáx Aháan (James Morgan). They are of the Moiety Raven and Clan Sockeye (Lukaax.ádi).
Skweit (her Tlingit name) reports she and her brother are fixing up her late father’s home and settling back into a routine. Skweit was previously living and working in Juneau in youth, equity, and education positions. Her brother moved back to Haines from Bellingham, Washington. Skweit and her cousin Skeenyáa Tláa who is of the Moiety Raven and Clan Coho has also recently moved back to her home in the Chilkat Valley. The cousins worked together to organize the local Indigenous Peoples’ March with the support from The Chilkoot Indian Association.
Teslyn Visscher and partner Jacob Hakala with pup Scout have moved to Haines from Fairbanks. Teslyn is teleworking for the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and Jacob is an electrician and member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Parents Teresa and Scott Visscher are happy to have Teslyn home. The couple is excited to be living on the ocean again and are looking forward to backcountry skiing this winter.
Local book club French Wine Intrigue and Murder Mystery Literary Society is currently reading an Italian-based novel, but will cap off the holiday season with the The Disgraceful Dukes Trilogy. The books were written by USA Today bestselling author of historical romance novels Lenora Bell who locally goes by the name of Nori Nash. The book club was established by Katie Wendel who was encouraged by her husband Dr. Tom Wendel to establish the local book club as a way to financially show support for The Bookstore which opened its door in March of 2020 right at the beginning of the COVID-19 virus pandemic. Katie collaborates with Mike Borcic and Caitie Kirby at Mountain Market Wine and Spirits to select and order wines and Amy Kane at The Bookstore to order the books. For this particular series Katie is also working with Garrett Montgomery at Port Chilkoot Distillery who created a cocktail called ‘The Bodice Ripper’ to pair with the Trilogy. The book club is an opportunity for readers to travel even if vicariously and encourage readers to shop locally while learning about and enjoying fine wines. About 35 readers and sippers are currently participating. This is the third round of books and wines enjoyed by members of the club since it was established last spring. The book club meeting is conducted via ZOOM. Anyone interested in participating in the winter selection of books and wine (which starts in January) should contact Katie via email by Dec. 1. [email protected]
The Coast Guard honored Southeast Alaska area maritime security committee vice chair Fred Grey with a commendation for his work and dedication to the security of ports and waterways within Alaska. A presentation ceremony took place at the Haines Borough Assembly chambers and via ZOOM on Oct. 21. As a founding member of the committee, Grey was instrumental in the initial implementation of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program to vet employees and protect the marine transportation system against disruptions by nefarious entities. Most recently, he helped facilitate the approval of grants for a variety of community improvements to include security response boats in multiple ports, cameras and explosive residue trace detection devices in Juneau’s cruise ship terminals, and screening booths and metal detectors in Skagway.
The Chilkat Valley Community Foundation has hired Katie Craney as its new program manager. She replaces Sara Chapell who is transitioning to full-time work with Southeast Alaska Independent Living supporting their donor development and communication goals throughout Southeast Alaska.