Gloria Jill Armstrong-Kosinski was born Jan. 4 to Sophia Armstrong and Reilly Kosinski at Anchorage’s Providence Hospital. She weighed 6 lbs., 14 oz. and measured 19 inches. Gloria is named after Reilly’s mother. Gloria’s sister Gwendolyn, 4, is a huge help changing diapers, mom reports. The family is staying with Glenn and Juliana Armstrong and Chris and Carol Kosinski in Anchorage before returning to Haines.
Arlo Paul Baarson was born 5:43 a.m. on Jan. 2 to Brianna and Matt Baarson at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, Minn. Arlo weighed 7 lbs., 11 oz. and measured 20.5 inches. Grandmother Kim Phillips was on hand for the birth. Matt and Brianna are adjusting well at home in Andover, Minn., and looking forward to showing Arlo off to grandfather Don Phillips, aunt and uncle Vanessa and Ryan Salmon, and cousins Sydney and Oliver Salmon this summer.
Paige Winge and Michael Hoy were married 3:33 p.m. Jan. 1 at the Haines Presbyterian Church. Pastor Sage Thomas officiated. Wedding attire include flannel shirts and Xtratuf boots. Raine Winge was maid of honor. Sabrina Harvey, Krystal Lloyd and Rebecca McCoy served as bridesmaids. Kyle Grimes was best man and Jaret Grant was groomsman. Bradley Winge walked his daughter down the aisle. The couple’s parents include Paige’s mom Teri Winge and Michael’s mother Kimberly Rosado. Paige borrowed a classic lace wedding dress from Christie Johnson and Krystal Lloyd made a three-tiered, red velvet cake made with red and white fondant roses. The cake topper and serving knife were the ones used for Brad and Teri’s wedding nearly 20 years ago.
Kelly Edmond is working as a mechanical design engineer with the National Suborbital Education and Research Center in Grand Forks, N.D. The center works closely with the NASA Airborne Science Program, operating a fleet of aircraft conducting Earth science research for various science teams from around the U.S. and world.
Destinee Cowart returned from college in Ashland, Ore for the holidays after stopping in Wroclaw, Poland to visit with Melvin Nowicki and his parents Chris and Iwona Nowicki. Seeing the historic sights of Poland and being introduced to Polish cuisine, including the delightful chocolates of the area was a highlight, Destinee said.
Elena Horner enjoyed Christmas with parents Greg and Leigh Horner before visiting with Brook Cinocco and Amanda Painter in Steamboat Springs, Colo. While in Denver, Elena spent time with Knikki Cinocco, John Briner and Klover Cinocco and Brook’s grandparents Don and Ingrid Cinocco before returning to Fairbanks for her last semester at UAF.
It was a trip for the girls to Seattle for Barb Blood and her grand-daughters Natalie and Grace Hall and Taylor and Makenna Blood. Their mothers Barb’s daughter Janie Hall and Daughter-in-law Holly Blood came along to see The Little Mermaid live on stage. The highlight for the girls included a huge playground and train at the Seattle Center, a three-story escalator, and eating crepes made by a magician.
Mario, Natalie, Mario Jr., and Lily Benassi made a Mexico trip to Loreto, Baja over holiday break. Mark McNamara met them at the airport and together they drove in Mark’s van to Yuma, Calif., leaving Mario Jr. in Mexico to travel on to Guatemala. A family stop in California included a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. While standing in line Natalie struck up a conversation with a man who bore a striking resemblance to Santa Claus, jokingly asking if he was now on vacation. The man, an aquarium pass holder, gave them free entry as a late Christmas gift.
Melissa Ganey makes a point during the holidays to set an example with a random act of kindness. This year daughter Ashlyn Ganey wrote her letter to Santa, asking he give extra to those who might be struggling and to local non-profits. Santa responded with $100 cash and a letter telling Ashlyn she could donate to the nonprofits of her choice. She decided to split the money five ways with The Uglys, Chilkat Valley Preschool, Chilkat Valley Community Foundation, Takshanuk Watershed Council and the Alaska Arts Confluence. Santa took it upon himself to send a gift to HARK.
Jesse Krebs is on stage in New York. She also contributed to the writing of the Girl Be Heard stage performance of “Blurred Lines.” The group’s website says the play “draws attention to the impact of rape in our society and challenges audiences to reflect on the roles we all play in a culture that promotes silence.” Jesse’s mother Lisa Krebs, who teaches first grade in China, will travel to New York for a performance. It runs through Feb. 19.
The Haines Chamber of commerce is looking for members for a local Toastmasters Club. The nationally recognized club prepares people for public speaking. Contact Debra Schnabel if you’re interested, 766-2202
Joe, Edie, Stella and Sapphire Ordonez where in Mount Vernon, Wash., to celebrate the 90th birthday of Rosa Ordonez, Joe’s mom. Joe’s niece Sue and husband Tim Ackerman and their two boys JJ and James came from Fort Yukon, where Sue is teaching third grade. Nephew and former Chilkat Guide Dustin Drury came from Los Angeles. Joe put together a slide show spanning 50 years using images captured by his father Carlos Ordonez. An outstanding almond cake with apricot filling and butter cream frosting was made by Suzanne Butler, who once worked with galloping gourmet Graham Kerr.
Maddy Witek hosted father Kyle Witek of Chicago during his visit here for the holidays. Kyle enjoyed a relaxing visit and had a Christmas Eve dinner hosted by Fred Shields.
A group have friends last year made jumping in Lynn Canal more than a New Year’s Day event. Lizzy Jurgeleit, Lizi Wirak, Tracy Wirak and Lindsey Johnson dipped into the fjord’s frosty waters each month during 2016. Jurgeleit said their monthly dunk started with a New Year’s resolution and they didn’t have a pre-set date each month, sometimes procrastinating until month’s end.