Going to the dogs: wine tasting benefits SAR program

A number of Wrangell residents stepped out Friday for a bit of culture, partaking in a wine tasting fundraiser.

Held at Rayme's Bar, proceeds from the 14-varietal sampling went to the local search and rescue (SAR) dogs program for Wrangell Volunteer Fire Department.

The program currently enlists the services of three retrievers, named Katilli, Sage and Aspen. Katilli has been in service the longest, picking up trainings and certifications over the past three years. The dog has supported various emergency responses over the years, participating in four searches in 2016. Supporting the dogs takes quite a bit of time and resources. Firefighter and dog owner Steve Prysunka explained travel and training for workshops and courses have been sponsored by a combination of the fire department, Stikine Sportsmen Association, and out of pocket.

"Because we're trying to train more dogs this year we were looking at ways to improve our fundraising," he explained.

Reme Privett, who owns Rayme's and is a member of the Sportsmen, had recommended the idea of the wine tasting to Prysunka, and arranged with Bobby Roles from K&L Distributors in Sitka to act as sommelier for the evening.

Roles said this was the first wine tasting he had been a part of in Wrangell for about five years, with the last such course held at the Elks Lodge. About 60 people – some dressed up to the nines – came out for the event, featuring domestic and foreign wines currently unavailable to the island's shops.

After a brief introduction about the SAR program by Prysunka, Roles walked people through the process of sampling wine, what to look for, and how best to proceed through the different whites and reds.

With a line forming and reforming past the table, samples were poured into passing wine glasses, with some opportunity to ask Roles more about the different labels. Refreshments were also provided by Jill Privett and Katie Taylor, ranging from cheese and chocolates to meat, bread and exotic pinwheels.

Wines varied from a tart Chardonnay and dry Pinot Grigio, to a pair of Prosecco and various red blends. Some came from Washington and Oregon river valleys, but others were from further afield, Australia, Italy and Chile.

After tasting and talking over different wines, patrons also had the opportunity to order up bottles of their own for later delivery. The evening ended up being a success for the dogs, too, bringing in about $1,400.

A further walk scheduled for Sunday morning was coordinated with the Southeast Beasts running group. Joggers, walkers and their pooches met at the Volunteer Park pavilion, and made their way together around the recently touched-up trail loop. (See the Earth Day page)

With proceeds from the walk, in all the SAR program gained about $1,700.

"This is going to help defray our airfare costs," said Prysunka.

The next training session is planned for October in Ohio, where the three dogs will undergo courses through Summit Search and Rescue. Katilli will be doing a water-related human remains search course, Sage will undergo an intermediate air scent course, and Aspen will partake in an intermediate course for finding human remains on land.