Candice and Heath Scott and the Haines Police Department hosted the 2nd Annual Police Week kick-off party on Monday. A “Police Academy” obstacle course, endless cake-walk, photo booth, sticky felt mustaches, face painting, tug-of-rope and target practice, were just a few of the activities. The kids enjoyed the event and so did community volunteers. “Fun was had by all adults and children. It was wonderful to see so many people show their support for the HPD,” said Candice.
Haines High School had solid representation at the All-State Solo & Ensemble Music Festival in Anchorage last weekend. The music department sent a team of students including: Keegan Palmieri, Mark Davis, Brennan Palmieri, Nathan Haas, Dalton Klinger, and Yzella Miramontes. Soloists. Yzella and Keegan took a superior rating; Mark, on trumpet, achieved a superior rating as well. For the ensembles, the Man Choir also achieved a superior rating; notes from the adjuncticators included: “Wonderful, fun, great job! A real crowd pleaser–thank you for attention to the dynamics. Excited to hear you again!” The Brass Quintet from Southeast received superior and ranked second overall in Command for Brass Ensemble.
First Lady Donna Walker announced her 2018 Volunteer of the Year awards and Haines’ own Chuck Mitman was a recipient. A ceremonial luncheon at the Governor’s House in Juneau was held on May 16. Chuck is a volunteer firefighter, a first responder and EMT 2. He also dedicates his time to help raise funds for Haines Animal Rescue Kennel. A veteran, Chuck devotes time to the American Legion and supports scholarship and cancer funds with the Haines Uglys. The town of Haines is lucky to have a volunteer like Chuck and you will regularly see him on his motorcycle, along with his dog Dock in the sidecar, during the summer months.
Last week local students participated in National Bike to School Day activities. Jenn Walsh, Chris Downer, Sean Asquith, and Thom Ely helped pump up flat tires, put reflectors on wheels, and oil chains. Organizer and fourth grade teacher Tracey Wirak said students could go to a station to get their bikes tuned-up, Sean Maidy organized a bike safety course, and police officers Brayton Long and Heath Scott handed out “tickets” (gift certificates to Sarah J’s) for students who were wearing helmets and riding their bikes safely. Officers also visited classrooms to talk about rules of the road and bike safety.
Stuart DeWitt celebrated his 40th birthday Saturday with a pig roast, nice weather, and good friends at the Letnikof Cannery Pavilion. Many from out of town came up to celebrate, including former residents Josh Bentz and his two daughters Taiya and Kinley. Parker Schnabel also made the trek down from Dawson City to attend the party. Stuart was born on May 6, 1978. His mother Toni DeWitt made shirts for the family that said “5-6-78, Who Do We Appreciate?” and also fashioned a “40” on the back.
Marty Fowler embarked on his first trip to the East Coast, a high school graduation present from his mom Christy Tengs Fowler. The two visited friends in New Jersey who work for NFL Films. Christy noted that they “compared Philly cheese steaks in Philadelphia, saw the World Trade Center Memorial and the Broadway play, “Beautiful,” (Carole King’s story) in New York City, ate salt water taffy along the boardwalk in Atlantic City, rode bicycles among the cherry trees along the Potomac in Washington, D.C., watched the Boston Marathon in the rain, visited friends at my alma mater, Berklee College of Music, ate lobster in Gloucester and laughed for three days with a friend who makes her living as a stand-up comedian.” They also surprised Yuko Hays at the Studio Incamminati in Philadelphia. The trip was originally planned for June, but the pair went early because Marty was hired as a Digital Imaging Technician for the “Gold Rush: Whitewater” series. He is currently training in Dawson City but will work on the Discovery channel show in Haines this summer.
Former resident, singer/songwriter Christy Hays released her latest album on April 27. Friend Melina Shields said she has been working hard as a musician for the last 10 years and is finally getting some good recognition. The KUXT college station in Austin just recorded a recent live performance of her album. You might have seen her friendly face at the Lighthouse Restaurant, Fireweed, or Chilkat Guides. You can watch many of her songs and interviews on YouTube.