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Alutiiq Word of the Week
Kodiak Looking Back
Mike Rostad
Starring: a Ukrainian custom that 'goes directly to the soul'
While most people have taken down their Christmas trees and stored the decorations, there are homes throughout Alaska where Christmas caroling continues. The custom, known as starring, is practiced by Orthodox faithful in many parishes in the state. Some of these parishes follow the ancient …
Haroldean Anderson cooked delicious meals in a clean kitchen
Cooking during the recent holidays, I thought about Haroldean Anderson as dishes piled up. I recalled her kitchen etiquette: clean as you go along—don't let dirty dishes take control. Haroldean, who died recently, was known for making delicious meals and maintaining a clean kitchen.
Harrod remembered for what she learned and what she taught
We learn in different ways. Sometimes by reading, listening, watching. We learn by trial and error. We learn by example.
Christmas memories of 1942
In the 1970s, the film "The Summer of '42" made a big splash in theaters. The movie was a love story that took place during the early days of World War II. In reflecting over the many Kodiak-based stories I've covered in more than 40 years, I conclude that Kodiak could come up with its own f…
Live Nativity this evening at Kodiak Baptist Mission barn
Growing weary of the COVID lockdowns and mandates? Are you tiring of the political sparring that dominates radio and television these days? Are the long dark days of encroaching winter intensifying your longing for the spring thaw?
Fog was Kodiak's 'security blanket' during World War II
This past week the country acknowledged the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, which occurred on Dec. 7, 1941. Radio and TV stations played the recording of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous words from a speech he gave the day following the attack, a date, he said, "that will …
'Out of the blue' letter is a reminder of lovely Shuyak
Just a few days ago, out of the blue, I received a letter from David De Innocentis, who lives in the Boston area. He told me that Al Capone's pizza in the Haymarket District went out of business.
Being thankful to God for those He puts in our path
We're in the season of list-making. Pretty soon we'll be writing down the names of people on our Christmas card and gift lists, and then we'll be scribbling New Year's resolutions. This week we celebrated Thanksgiving, a holiday that inspires us to make litanies of blessings that give our li…
Mary Haakanson lived like she sang
As we approach the season of Christmas (or Nativity as the Orthodox refer to it), I'm reminded of a song — based on the Psalms — that goes like this: "God is with us; understand all ye nations, understand, that God is with us. And submit yourselves, submit yourselves, for God is with us."
At age 90, Marian Johnson still has keen interest in Kodiak history
Last week Marian Johnson shocked a lot of people when she had the audacity to turn 90. How can this witty, vivacious, youthful lady have accumulated nine decades of life?
Afognak Island's 'transplants' carry loads of history
Afognak Island has been touted as one of Kodiak's most popular hunting sites. Recently, groups of hunters have gone after the island's deer and elk.
Sophie Katelnikoff Shepherd, the last of Karluk's elders
Sophie Katelnikoff Shepherd, who died recently, was considered to be the last remaining elder from the village of Karluk. Although she was raised there, she also lived in Ouzinkie, Larsen Bay and Kodiak.
Nancy Sweeney was a straight shooter and a sharp shooter
Nancy Sweeney was a spark whose vibrant personality infused life and wit into the meetings she attended or any situation she was in.
Nick Alokli loved to share his culture
Nick Alokli was a quiet man who shared volumes of knowledge that shed a bright light on Kodiak Island's past. When Nick died last week, he left a treasure trove of stories and insights into the Alutiiq culture.
Kodiak is beautiful, even in the midst of a storm
Windy, cool weather this past week has shattered the illusion that we're still in the season of summer. The wind nearly took my breath away and blew me over as I gazed at the frothy, white-capped bay from an outlook in Abercrombie Park the other day.
A short history of the beautiful village of Karluk
Being confined to a hospital room last week, I looked for a means of transporting myself from my immediate surroundings. I was being treated and monitored for the COVID.
Ash fall warning and memories of Mt. Novarupta eruption
Recently, volcanic eruptions on the Mainland triggered warnings of detrimental effects of ash fall coming to Kodiak Island. Those who have breathing issues were advised to wear masks outdoors.
New art gallery highlights indigenous cultures
Tanya Inga, a native Alaskan with a passion for history and art, has opened a gallery in Kodiak to help others gain a better understanding of indigenous culture.
St. Herman's Seminary begins on somber and joyous notes
The school year for St. Herman Orthodox Theological Seminary in Kodiak will begin on both somber and joyous notes.
Larry Malloy: leaving a legacy far beyond his love of Kodiak's fisheries
The biologists and other staffers at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game are more than interpreters of statistics and managers of hunting seasons and salmon openings and closures. They are members of a team that includes hunters and guides, fishermen and processors.
Of secret berry patches, family roots, hard work and legacies
Many of us are pretty protective of our berry patches. But if you come across Sharon Major, don't worry about revealing the whereabouts of your secret stash. It's not likely that she will grab the nearest bucket and race to that favorite site.
Max Floyd draws on parents' principles in developing leadership program
Max Floyd, eldest son of the late Joe Floyd —beloved coach and teacher — and Carolyn Floyd, former college president and city mayor, is honoring his parents by creating a leadership program based on principles he learned from them while living in the Floyd home.
Lutheran pastor on second career, second island
Rev. David Baldukas, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Kodiak, has gone from one island adventure to another. He and his wife, Lisa, an emergency room nurse, came here from French Island in Wisconsin.
Julia Naughton fondly remembered; Celebration of Life slated for July 25
In 1985, I wrote a Mother's Day article for the Kadiak Times, asking local residents what they appreciated most in their mothers. Julia Naughton honored her mother Christina Lukin for teaching her the importance of promptness, especially at meal time. She also taught her daughter how to cook…
Holly Rozelle finds niche in fitness and health
Holly Rozelle. Does the name sound familiar? Those who do their daily exercise routine at the Kodiak Athletic Club gymnasium immediately know who I'm referring to.
Kodiak women remembered for their contributions to family and community
In the past year or so, a great number of my Tapestry columns have been dedicated to the memory of those who have left us for the afterlife. Recently we lost a host of wonderful women who dedicated their lives to their families and community.
Russian poet honors Kodiak Alutiiq Elder Rosabel Baldwin
Long-time Kodiak resident Rosabel Baldwin has become somewhat of a legend in the region of Ryazan, Russia, which is the location of the city of Kadom. One of the local poets, Andrei Kruchkov, has written a poem — set to music — about her.
Laurence and Marvin demonstrate the importance of fatherhood
To all of you fathers out there who have stood by your families and shown your children and grandchildren the important things of life, we salute you.
Calvary Church enters new chapter
Azarias Basmania, pastor of Calvary Church, said he is excited about a new chapter in his church's history.
Lively Crab Festival survival suit race based on deadly serious events
Crab Festival 2021 is now history. At least it registered in the history books, unlike last year when in-person Crab Festival was largely canceled — a casualty of the COVID crisis. This year's traditional welcome to summer went on as planned, in spite of rainy, windy weather. Food booths wer…
Kodiak people remembered for memorable deeds
Monday, May 31, is Memorial Day. It's a day when people go to the graves of loved ones to pay homage and maintain the site.
Crab fishing may not be 'dream job,' but worth the effort
A "dream job." For the starry-eyed idealists who walk the docks hoping to land a job on a "highliner" boat, getting on a productive crab-fishing boat may fit the bill.
Griffin serves as intern youth pastor at Berean Baptist Church
Eli Griffin has been a familiar face and voice in local theater productions. He endeared audiences to him in "Les Miserables" and "Tarzan." He was a boy in those days. But now he's a young man with a vision: He seeks to share the Gospel.
Kathryn Chichenoff was the Emily Post of church etiquette
Here's a salute to all of the mothers out there, living and departed, who exemplified the qualities of motherhood.
Orthodox Church will brighten at midnight Saturday
If you happen to be driving in the vicinity of Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral around midnight on Saturday night, you may notice a group of people circling the church in procession.
Dick Lightfoot remembered on street marker and gravestone
Many street names are attached to real people who helped make Kodiak a wonderful place to live.
Departed Kodiak elders remembered for their faith
When people die, their legacy follows like the wake of a boat steaming toward its destination.
Mission's Farm Club teaches youth responsibility and reward of hard work
Kelli Foreman, assistant executive director of the Kodiak Baptist Mission, is also managing the Mission's Farm Club.
April is organ donation awareness month
April has been designated as National Donate Life Month. It also is the month in which the Protestant and Catholic West acknowledge Jesus Christ's voluntary suffering and death, and celebrate His glorious resurrection.
Departed leave us with tidal wave memories
When people die, they take their stories with them," someone told me. But fortunately, some, such as Kathryn Chichenoff, shared their stories while they were fresh in their minds. The other day I was delighted to hear the voices of Kathryn and other departed elders who had been interviewed b…
Unexpected blessings make difficult journey more bearable for Rachelle's loved ones
When 9-year-old Izzie Abbott heard the story about an elderly man who wanted desperately to be with his hospitalized wife, she found it heart-warming.
Berean associate pastor Matthew Altman takes reins as senior pastor
Pastor Matthew Altman, who served as associate pastor of Berean Baptist Church these past few years, has now assumed the role of the church's senior pastor. He filled a vacancy left by departing pastor Paul Winegeart, who moved to Texas with his family.
Boat of the Month skipper passes down love of the trade to his children
Several years ago, fisherman Bill Prout approached me with a great story idea.
Treasure trove of letters gives insight into Helen Keller
The Kodiak Arts Council presented a Valentine gift to the community with the presentation of "Letters Aloud," a reading of love letters written by well-known people.
Anchor Youth is never stale
It can get pretty rowdy at Oceans Church United on a Wednesday night. But it's a good kind of noise. Youngsters, from middle schoolers to high schoolers, engage in high-energy activities that are part of Oceans' Anchor Youth program.
Jim Major fondly remembered as processor, gentleman
When a group of pioneers of the fishing and processing industries comes together, you're bound to get an earful of colorful stories.
Monk's Rock will reopen soon
It won't be too long before patrons of Monk's Rock will be able to enjoy their cappuccino and pastries in the haven of the coffee shop, which has been closed due to church holidays, reorganization of merchandise and the usual annual staff winter break.
Pilot remembered for integrity, love for people and God
Kodiak Islanders have a special place in their hearts for bush pilots. Not only do these navigators of the skies transport their passengers from one destination to another, but they also become their friends.
Acting seminary dean recalls close community of students
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way teachers teach and students learn. Online classes have become the normal means of educating. But this distance learning has its advantages, said Fr. Vasilly Fisher, acting dean of St. Herman's Theological Seminary
Christmas memories linger
Christmas. All the amenities of domestic life converge during this season of "peace on earth, good will toward men": gift giving, great food, beautiful music and family gatherings.
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Kennicott collides with another ferry
Tom Simpler, beloved teacher and athletic director, dies at 80
Back to remote learning as Kodiak sets another daily COVID record
City Council allows ATVs on roads
Church usher accused of stealing from Bible Chapel
Recent data shows a dip in Kodiak's population
Fentanyl busts increase by 90% in 2021
Kodiak's Civil Air Patrol color guard 3-peats as state champions
Remember the great people of this island
Reed E. Oswalt
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Alaskans blast senator's federal pork charge
By JOANN SNODERLY
On Jan. 10, U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., released "Wastebook: PORKémon Go," a list of 50 examples of what he deemed "questionable expenditures" by the U.S. government.
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