Saturday, October 23, 2010

We sit closely on the leather couch, enough so that nuances can be felt by the tap of an elbow or by leaning towards his shoulder. Pointing to text, or a page number, is generally all that's needed.

Once the thick pages have been managed, (do we loose the texture of our finger prints with old age?), Ray's up and running - IN Key, recalling the harmony parts, regardless of his missing hearing aides.

We have fun acknowledging the song's history offered in the text and Ray never fails to pay tribute to his mother. His stories of a NYC upbringing in the twenties allows me to picture Ray's family singing around the piano. The melodies stay forever and for him, so do the lyrics. He's continued the rich tradition of singing with those friends who come to visit at the Haines Assisted Living Center, each Friday at 1 P.M.

We wrapped up yesterday's session by looking at a few of the essays, stories and songs written by the youth of Haines for the Peace Project. Ray was an educator for many years in the Haines schools along with his wife Vivian. He also ran the Chilkat Valley News, was prominent with KHNS Radio, and the Lynn Canal Community Players.

He's a literary guy and was a fine political activist in the region for decades. Who better to give some feedback on what the kids are thinking? His primary comment was... "It gives you hope, doesn't it?"

A potluck and awards will be given to honor the contest participants, Friday October 29th at the Haines Senior Center. All are invited.

This weekend, Haines hosts one of the better community opportunities towards the future. The second regional Drama, Debate and Forensics (DDF) tournament of the 2010 season will be held at the new school.

Alaskan teams from Wrangell, Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan, Mt. Edgecomb, and Haines will be represented.

The teams work on a variety of speech delivery forms, researched and written by the competitors. Both literary and dramatic interpretations have been polished and will be performed. They'll also debate current topical issues as teams.

The state tournament held in Anchorage each spring decides who will be represented at the National Forensic League competition.

Our community usually turns out in full force as judges, timers, audience and by opening their homes to house this large event.

It's present and future community building and one aspect of Haines at it's best.

Monday, October 18, 2010

All Tucked In?

From The Fair Light Review
As the season continues to wane, I'm stirred to ask friends, acquaintances and total strangers:

"So, how'd your summer and autumn roll?"

♨ Did the garden produce what you hoped for? What was particularly successful, (or a total bust?) Any new techniques that you'd care to share?

♨ Did you learn how to harvest or prepare a new subsistence food source that's particularly exciting. How about the fishing and smokehouse efforts this season?

♨ Were you able to attend the Haines Farmer's Market? Did you have a table? Are you planning towards being a part of next season's community garden, produce or handcraft efforts for market or the fair?

♨ What upcoming event would you like to see featured here at The Fair Light Review?

After being away from the Chilkat/Klehini Valley for the majority of two years, I find I just can't get enough. Though living 39 miles up the highway demands minimal trips to town, I may have found a workable solution. With that, The Fair Light Review, (formerly the Alaskan in the Hinterlands), is shifting focus.

If you're interested in sharing what's exciting from your world, I'd love to hear from you. I hope to aim towards a community resource page that promotes local food and farm, cottage industry and wild-crafting. Reviews on upcoming events such as holiday bizarres, art auctions, school, museum, library or theater performances will be featured as well. Personal tall tales are always most encouraged!

I'll be glad to showcase your story and include photos to promote your project or event ~via~ a phone interview, e-mail, (I'm at rilkemaid@gmail.com) or an arranged visit.

With the season's remaining fair light, shining towards local terrior, (the taste of a place!), I'm in the book. Lend me your corner of the Chilkat/Klehini Valley to write about.

Hope to hear from you,

Adrian Revenaugh Bochart

Saturday, October 2, 2010

A Summer Farewell

From An Alaskan Returns from the Hinterlands
Farewell by Hannah

Enjoy this harvest-time classic by Neil Young. I've also attempted to share the gorgeous version of Harvest Moon I heard performed by Garrison Keillor and Andra Suchy, (begins around 9:15) on A Prairie Home Companion


From An Alaskan Returns from the Hinterlands
On Mt. St. Clair in Upper Lynn Canal by Hannah