Recent Articles
Inaugural Sail for Seldovia’s Young Sailor and Boat Builder
by Jenny Chissus
Richard and Lynx, waiting for the wind!
There are some things in life you might regret – like not following your dreams and having the courage to pursue a different path than your peers. This is not the case for young Richard – who at 13 years old – took action! All he wanted to do was – sail, and build his own sailboat.
When most 13 year olds are begging for a new PS4 game, paintball guns or money for Christmas, in 2013 all Richard wanted was marine plywood and plans to build a boat! Richard had found the plans for the perfect small boat online, on Phil Bolger’s website! His parents, Jen Gordon and Bruce Rein were more than supportive of his dreams and gave him the 10 sheets of marine plywood and boat plans he needed to get started on his project for his Christmas present!
Construction began in January 2014 in the neighbor’s garage! With his dad’s help – over the next year and a half, on weekends and after school, his dream came together!
Leaving the dock under sail for the very first time!
“When I was sailing on our family boat I always thought it would be really cool to have my own boat, a little boat here that would actually be mine! We have a 14 foot Capri, but it is not ours, it’s my dad’s boss’ boat, but he lets us use it!” When I asked Richard what his favorite part about the process was, he smiled and replied, “Probably launching just a little bit ago!”
When asked what was the most challenging part of the project, he thought for a minute and said, “Making the mast was probably the hardest part. There’s two 2x4s, and we had to route out the inside of the boards to make them hollow, then we glued them together, and we had to turn a square post into a circle, it was just a lot of work!”
Out in Seldovia Bay
The boat’s name is “Lynx” – though she doesn’t have it painted on the boat quite yet. The name came from the design, which is called the Bobcat – and Richard thought that since the Lynx is an Alaska cat – that name fit perfectly!
It was a cloudy but totally calm day in the harbor, and I was enjoying a visit with Richard at the dock, while he waited for the wind to pick up! He kept looking out at the water and skies – I could see his longing to go – but knowing the sailing would be better if we got some wind – otherwise he’d be rowing!
This dream of sailing really started as a young boy – traveling with his experienced sailing parents on their boat. When asked what he liked about living aboard – his response was simple: “I liked all of it! I liked going to new places everyday, I love sailing, this is just the beginning. Once I’m out of high school, I have plans to sail around the world, solo.” I responded “Just like Dove?” and he smiled and shuffled his feet “Yea, Just like Dove, I’ve read that book dozens of times!”
Richard and Lynx on a sunny day sailing in to Seldovia’s harbor!
Richard and Zac out on Lynx! Photo by Jen Gordon
He and his mom will be here in Seldovia all summer, “Sailing all summer!” He mentioned that he could probably fit one more person in the boat, and that it would be fun to have a friend along. (As proof of that, his mom, Jen, sent me this photo of Richard and Zac out for a cruise a few days later!)
Besides sailing all around the bay, he’s also looking forward to exploring! “I was actually thinking of taking the boat camping this summer, to hang a tarp over the boom.” As we parted ways he assured me that he’ll always wear his life jacket and that he’ll continue moving in the direction of his dreams!
Reminds me a bit of Mark Twain “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Taking off! Photo by Jen Gordon
So Richard, at 14 you have already taken hold of a very simple – yet difficult concept, taking action towards making your dreams a reality!
We are happy for your success and persistence and hard work that brought you here to this day, making your dream happen – setting off in your own boat for the very first time!
Thanks for making Seldovia your first port of call, your home port and celebrating your inaugural sail with us! We wish you the very best in your endeavors and many days of strong winds and safe sailing!
2015 Seldovia Summer Solstice Music Festival Program of Events
by Margie McCord
Join us for the 14th annual Seldovia Summer Solstice Music Festival, held in a most beautiful setting where the eagles awaken you to another day to enjoy the snow-topped mountains as a backdrop. The blue, blue ocean bids you to watch for playful otters, and the sounds and scents coming from the shops and attractions ask you to explore the many nooks and crannies of our special town! Our walking map actually has listed over 101 things to do in Seldovia, so get going with the exciting Summer Solstice Music Festival always held over the longest weekend of the year!
This year we are so pleased to present as headliners for the Festival, the very innovative Inuit band Pamyua that has entertained all over Alaska and the world with their drum songs of native traditional music mixed with a fusion of Yupik dance. You will be amazed!
Adding to our first time in Seldovia headliners will be a great variety and mix of new-to-Seldovia artists as well as a reunion of past favorites we just haven’t heard enough of, including a poet! In addition, the 2nd annual “En Plein Air” event, featuring artists from around Alaska capturing the beauty of Seldovia scapes, will take place. A silent auction of their work will be held Sunday morning.
Thursday, June 18
The festivities begin with the performers boarding the Seldovia Bay Ferry in Homer at 11:00 am for an hour ride of greeting and mixing it up with a jam session of favorite tunes to get everyone warmed up and in the spirit. Any festival attendees are welcome to ride for a sneak preview of what’s to come and to enjoy the breathtaking view!
The performers will be greeted by the Seldovia Arts Council members and host families who will take them to their housing before the fun begins! There will be time to stroll around to find the school and to check out the town before the “Meet and Greet” held at the Linwood Bar and Grill starting at 5:30 pm where you can catch an early dinner before attending the very popular OPEN MIC’ at the Susan B. English School with sign-ups at 7:30 pm and a start time of 8 pm. This is for the community members, visitors, or performers who would like to share a song, poem, story, or tune. This is always a fun, often a surprising opportunity to have a moment of stardom!
Friday, June 19
This year we are giving the community and visitors an opportunity to hear short “Samplers” from the performers of what’s to come at the Friday and Saturday evening concerts! There will be several places throughout town that will host the performers during the day; depending on the weather, they may find themselves on a sunny deck or playing in our new harbor pavilion! At noon be sure to drop by the Seldovia Village Tribe (a major Festival sponsor) at the Alaska Tribal Cache Building for the Tribe’s Annual Picnic and a chance to hear Pamyua play.
Expect an intermission so you can scoop up a CD of your favorite performer(s), and visit the commons for a delicious dessert and support the Children’s Fine Arts Camp!
| 6:15 |
BRIAN SLOVER |
| 6:30 |
CLARK WHITNEY |
| 7:00 |
CHARMER’S DAUGHTERS |
| 7:30 |
HURRICANE DAVE |
| 8:00 |
PAMYUA |
| 8:45 |
intermission |
| 9:05 |
KEVIN WORRELL |
| 9:35 |
FOOD FOR THE SOUL |
| 10:05 |
YNGVIL VATN GUTTU & ELENA LUKINA |
Saturday, June 20
Saturday always peps up our day with the popular YOGA hour (8:30 am) at the Seldovia Sea Otter Community Center followed by the favorite SONG CIRCLE at the Boardwalk Hotel deck (or tent) at 10:00 am with our musicians jamming and sharing tunes over lattes and/or breakfast. This is a lot of fun and all are welcome.
Saturday afternoon (1 -4 pm) is a favorite with the performers holding workshops for kids as well as the community and visitors. There will be several choices offered each hour including many “how-to” compose, teach, play, tune, drum or sing. Pick and choose whatever looks fun and see how the artists inspire the love of their talents. In between all the happenings, there will be a chance to browse the shops, watch the boats come and go, or take a short walk or hike to our beaches or along the Otterbahn Trail which begins next to the school. Don’t forget to periodically check out how our visiting artists with “En Plein Air” are doing creating their masterpieces throughout the town!
| 6:15 |
KATHLEEN CLAIBORNE |
| 6:30 |
DAVID LYNN GRIMES |
| 7:00 |
SWING 49 |
| 7:30 |
BETSY SCOTT |
| 8:00 |
PAMYUA |
| 8:45 |
intermission |
| 9:05 |
YNGVIL VATN GUTTU & ELENA LUKINA |
| 9:35 |
SHELBY & TIEG |
| 10:05 |
NUTHER BROTHERS |
Sunday, June 21
Sunday brings to a close a very busy weekend but not before you get to view the work of our En Plen Air artists and then attend the very popular GOSPEL SING. We will end the fine arts portion of the celebration with an En Plen Air silent auction on Sunday, June 21st starting at 11:30 am until 1:30 pm with snacks and coffee available. The public viewing space at Seldovia’s new pavilion, located adjacent to the boat harbor, will be the place where all can view each artist’s work and where the auction will take place. The Gospel Sing will begin at 2:00 pm (location to be announced); bring your own instrument and/or voice to join along with the festival performers and the community. Song books will be provided.
There is just enough time left to grab your personal belongings and an ice cream cone before saying good-bye to new and old friends and a memorable weekend of fun, song, and fond memories from a very special place by the sea! The Seldovia Bay Ferry departs at 4:30 pm. Thanks for coming and see you next year!!!
The entire festival passes are: adults $49, teens $16, and kids under 12 Free. Single night performances are: adults $25 and teens $8. Early bird festival passes (adults $39 and teens $15) are available locally at Thyme on the Boardwalk and Linwood Bar and Grill until 5 pm Wednesday, June 17th .
To read more about all the artists performing at this year’s festival – please visit the Arts Council’s site!
Seldovia’s Class of 2015 Graduates!
by Jenny Chissus
Every year I have the pleasure to sit down with the graduates and hear from them, about their time in Seldovia, their time at Susan B English, and the excitement of the future ahead! This year, is another special one for me, as my middle son Devin graduates! I ask the same questions of each, and it is always heart-warming to see the similarities and the differences in their experiences and dreams.
Please join us on
Wednesday, May 20 at 4:00pm
in the Susan B English commons
for the Graduation Ceremony to
Celebrate their achievement!
Enjoy this small glimpse into the Senior Class of Susan B English 2015.
Seth
Jonathan
O’Leary
What is your “Seldovia” Story?
In 2000, my family moved here from Wasilla when I was just about to turn 4 years old. We owned the restaurant Sweet -n- Clean until 2006 and my siblings all played sports, so I played sports, went fishing with friends and that is pretty much a huge part of what you do here. I was always busy in Seldovia.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Now, as a Senior- what do you want to be when you grow up? How has that changed?
When I was 6 years old I wanted to be a cowboy and I even went to a horse camp, which was a lot of fun. When I became a teenager, I wanted to be a truck driver or heavy equipment operator. I just love the big machines. Mr. C’s mechanics class had a huge impact on me, taking apart machines and putting them back together again, it was just so much fun! Wow! I should do this for a living because I like it! I found out that there were vocational schools for diesel mechanics, and I said “Heck yea, I am going to do that!”
What are some of your favorite school memories? Seldovia memories?
Winning the state championship (big smile) that was pretty exciting! I think that was the top, I can’t think of anything else that was bigger. I really like basketball, and though I’m not the worst at it, any success I did have was because of our team. I know I made the Alaska team because of my Seldovia team. If you had five of me on a team, it would be a lot harder. The Sea Otters play as a team, that is what it is all about! We all help each other out, Calem, Aidan, Dylan and Chance – we have always worked together – and that is why we won! Pretty much all of my memories are around sports. I do remember horsing around with Nathan and being sent to the principal’s office, and we would just look at each other and start laughing!
One thing I really like about Seldovia, is that you know everybody and everybody knows you, it is like living with a bunch of friends – and because it’s so small, we could always just go see somebody if you want, unlike being so spaced out in a big city.
What are your plans this summer? This next year?
Right after our graduation, we’ll take a family vacation to Ireland! Then we are going to Colorado – and to the Country Jam – which will be great! I start school right after that on June 29th at Lincoln College of Technology.
Growing up requires a lot of help – who do you want to thank? Who made a big impression on you and has influenced you in a positive way? Who deserves a “Virtual Rose”?
It is hard to rule anyone out, because Seldovia made me who I am. If it weren’t for that person I wouldn’t be like this, if it wasn’t for this person, I wouldn’t be like that! But like I said, Mr. C., if it wasn’t for his class, I probably wouldn’t ever have thought about mechanics, so he was a big part of making me want to go into that field. In school, Mrs. Hingley was a big part of my life, as she helped me realize what the real goal was in being in school, and Mr. Derks and Mr. Winters showed me that I could have fun and still learn something in school. Regarding sports, Crystal and Kim Collier really pushed me and encouraged me and helped me to do my best. Of course my parents, also always helped me to be better, and to be less reckless. I had a tough time growing up, and some parents would have sent me off to military school, so I was lucky that they never gave up on me, and they are the biggest influence on my life. My older brother Tim just graduated with a law degree, Tyler is working for the city in a great job, KC works on the slope, and there’s also a graduate from SBE that works for Google, I realize that a lot of successful people come out of here, and I want to be like that!
What would you do with your life if you KNEW you could not fail?
I would play baseball! I love lots of sports, basketball, baseball, and football. Football really breaks your body down, but baseball is fun, you can make good money, become famous – it really looks like a lot of fun! Me and my dad used to go up to the field and play, and I just really like it and to play for a living, I think it would be so much fun!
Chance
Harper
Haller
What is your “Seldovia” Story?
I don’t really have a Seldovia story. But I have a story about how I got to Seldovia. About six years ago, we were all sitting around the table when Dad came up to us and asked us what we thought about moving. Being a military family, moving every couple of years, everyone was pretty used to it until he said “Alaska”! We had been all over the lower 48 – but never to Alaska. We bought a trailer and loaded it up and drove up through Canada – lost 8 tires, drove the Alcan – lost another 6 tires! It was a fun adventure the whole way. All the sites were just amazing. There is a certain beauty in Alaska you just won’t get anywhere else. It was a great adventure with the dog and whole family. When we came into town on a bright sunny day and seeing the town for the first time, that was pretty amazing!
What are some of your favorite school memories? Seldovia memories?
(Big smile) – Winning state. It was… amazing. I can’t tell you the speech Mark gave us before we went out for that game, but he had every single one of us crying in that locker room. It was… amazing. Another one. We have this chant we do before every game: Who are we, What are we, and What are we going to do? The last time we did that as a team was pretty emotional. 
What are your plans this summer? This next year?
I’m heading to Arizona to go to college. I’m going to do Accounting through UAA, all my classes will be online while I’m down there. Then I’m going to be taking a game development classes through Yavapai College. I want to design, develop and create my own game – I already have an idea for a team strategy game. (he wouldn’t go into any further detail – it’s a secret!)
Growing up requires a lot of help- who do you want to thank? Who made a big impression on you and has influenced you in a positive way? Who deserves a “Virtual Rose”?
Other than my parents, Bob Rafferty. He’s been like a second father to me, working on the boat the past three summers has been amazing. It is sad to have to leave him. Andy Anderson – he has such a connection with our family, and he’s such a good guy, and always been there for us.
What would you do with your life if you KNEW you could not fail?
I would start my own business. I would run a game shop, with role-playing games, dice, books and comics, video games. I would have a massive shop for people to come and hang out, where people could just be with their friends, it would just be really cool.
Devin
Alexander
Chissus
What is your “Seldovia” Story?
We moved here from Fairbanks in 02 when I was just six years old, and we lived along the slough and then by the school until we finally found a nice home to buy. What I’ve liked about Seldovia is that it has easy access to nature because I love hiking, kayaking and camping with my friends. 
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Now, as a Senior- what do you want to be when you grow up? How has that changed?
When I was a kid I wanted to race dirt bikes. I’ve always liked motorcycles and owned motorcycles. Last summer I went to the British Virgin Islands and learned to scuba. It was awesome, and it made me realize that I want to be a dive instructor.
What are some of your favorite school memories? Seldovia memories?
There’s a lot of things we did at SBE. Wrestling, Basketball, Mix 6 Volleyball, Geography Bee trip to Anchorage and an awesome trip to Washington DC. Some of the things I have loved in Seldovia outside of school would be the camping trips to Red Mountain and driving dirt bikes at Outside Beach.
What are your plans this summer? This next year?
This summer, I’m going to be working as a deck hand on the Seldovia Bay Ferry. I will be leaving Seldovia at the end of August for Mexico because I’ve been accepted into an Internship with Dive Paradise in Cozumel, Mexico to get my PADI Dive Master and Dive Instructor certifications.
Growing up requires a lot of help- who do you want to thank? Who made a big impression on you and has influenced you in a positive way? Who deserves a “Virtual Rose”?
I really loved wrestling, and it was cool to be coached by Dan Blodgett. Dan was a knowledgeable coach, he supported and encouraged me to be my best. Mr Derks was a very enthusiastic teacher, who made coming to school fun. The coolest thing he did was coach me in wrestling, when Dan left and no one else would. We started the season with six guys, but within a week, it was just me, and he still coached me through the season. I wouldn’t have been able to wrestle without him. There’s more people to say here, but you’ll have to come to graduation!
What would you do with your life if you KNEW you could not fail?
I will travel the world diving and teaching other people how to dive.
Seldovia Time
