Darrell Shade was in town for a week, visiting from Twentynine Palms, Calif. to spend time with his daughter, Heather Shade. As a retired teacher, Darrell visited the school and enjoyed observing Matt Davis’ band classes. He was recruited to help the 5th grade percussion section on the xylophone. He had hoped to help the 8th grade clarinet players with their techniques but attended an astronomy presentation instead. As an avid astronomer and active volunteer in his own community, he fit right in. Darrell also attended the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival activities, helped out at the distillery, and got a peek at the northern lights.
The local FIRST LEGO League’s team “Redneck Robo Hobo’s of Haines” (R2H2), got together on Saturday during the Women’s Club Bazaar to share what the league is all about. The league is part of the international nonprofit FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) and holds competitions throughout the world. The local contingent is comprised of Hayden Jimenez, Bear Scott, Alex Weerasinghe, Nate White, Loyal Tormey, TJ Smith, Cruise Nettleton, Garrison Del Prete, Jackson Cowart and Nolan Wald, along with coordinator Patty Brown. They shared robots they’ve been working on, as well as giving others a chance to try building their own. The team is excited to have a new controller with the help of a grant from the Juneau Economic Council. They will compete on Dec. 9 at the regional competition which will pit teams from around Southeast against each other to see how well their Lego “bots” can solve problems based on the theme of hydrodynamics. To help support travel to Juneau, the boys sold raffle tickets during the Woman’s Club Bazaar, and will have more tickets available at the Community Ed Bazaar on Dec. 2.
Sid Moffatt and Johnny White said their vows surrounded by friends and family outside Las Vegas last week. Many friends and family members made the journey from Haines and Skagway, including Sue Libenson, Bill Holton, John Briner, Knikki and Klover Cinocco, Mark and Susan Carroll, Beth McCready, and Frank, Kristin, Nate and Evan White. Sid’s parents Jim and Betty Moffatt hosted the wedding at their suburban home just outside Las Vegas. Sue and Bill drove the ring, crafted by Fred Shields, down from Haines. The ring was created from a gold pendant made by Sid’s grandfather and mixed with local Porcupine gold. They also brought down a huge Coho, caught by Frank, for the wedding dinner catered by Deana Stout. Greg Bigsby rented a stretch limo to help transport the wedding party in style. Greg, Beth, and the White family all stayed at the MGM Grand Hotel. Although the Alaskans felt a little out of place in the deep suburbs, they took advantage of great outdoor opportunities in the area, hiking every day before enjoying the classic night life of Vegas. The Red Rocks Canyon was a highlight, as well as the Arizona Hot Springs near Lake Meade. Of course, a trip to Vegas isn’t complete without a show, so the ladies went to see Cher for the bachelorette party, and most of the wedding party caught Cirque Du Soleil a couple days later. Having most of the Fishpickers in town for the wedding, there was a lot of music played by the wedding gatherers as well, and was a highlight for many. In addition to the Alaskans in attendance, Johnny’s brother Tommy White came from San Francisco with his wife Carri, and joined the Alaskans on their hikes. Sid’s brother J Moffatt also made the trip.