The Wrangell Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual dinner to recognize people and businesses around town. The dinner, held at the Nolan Center last Saturday evening, drew a very large crowd.
Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a silent auction and other contests. There was also an auction for various homemade desserts that saw a lot of high rollers. A chocolate cheesecake, baked by Kay Jabusch, was auctioned off for $500 to Jake Harris.
The evening was not all about auctions and food, however. The Wrangell Mariner's Memorial organization was also recognized at the dinner. Board members were invited to speak about the memorial, and why it is important for Wrangell.
The Mariner's Memorial is an ongoing project for a memorial to recognize Wrangell residents who have lost their lives at sea. It is an idea that has been in the works for about 20 years, according to the organization's website. The group achieved non-profit status in 2017 and has worked hard since then to make the memorial a reality. The ground was broken at the future location of the memorial, near Heritage Harbor, this past December.
Several board members spoke, sharing stories of their time at sea and how the project is moving along. One common theme among all the board members was their belief that the memorial was important for the preservation of Wrangell's history, as well as a way to honor the memory of lost loved ones.
Board President Jenn Miller shared a very personal story about why she was involved in the Mariner's Memorial project. She and her late husband, Ryan Miller, used to own a small commercial fishing business. Their ship, the MRS, was not only a source of income, it was a way for their whole family to spend their summers. Each summer was a grand adventure, Miller said, and created numerous memories for them all to cherish. Sadly, Ryan Miller passed away on Oct. 14, 2005, when the MRS went down. Over a decade later, she said that the Mariner's Memorial board was being organized, and she felt drawn to the project. She originally wanted to assist in a small way, she said, but she wound up as president.
"I'm involved in this project because I believe in its mission to preserve Wrangell's seafaring maritime industry and cultural history, to remember and retell those stories," she said. "The Wrangell Mariner's Memorial Project has become near and dear to my heart, as it has for the many hands that have gotten us where we are today. My dear late husband, Ryan, will have a plaque on the wall of this memorial someday, as will my maternal grandfather that I never personally knew, who also lost his life at sea in waters just outside of Wrangell, when my mother was just a high school senior, as well as a long line of other mariner family members and friends. I'm looking forward to an endless future full of lifelong learning through the stories gathered about Wrangell's very rich cultural mariner history, through the Wrangell Mariner's Memorial Project."
Several other individuals and organizations were recognized during the dinner, as well. The chamber of commerce announced their annual awards to local residents and businesses which have stood out in their efforts to make Wrangell a better place. Rebekah Gile received the Youth Leadership Award, while Lovey Brock received the Community Appreciation Award. Two Wrangell High School students, Laura Helgeson and Paige Hoyt, were named "young leaders of the year." Angerman's Inc., located on Front Street was named the business of the year. "Educator of the Year" was given to Mikki Angerman, a kindergarten teacher at Evergreen Elementary School.
"Teaching in Wrangell is a really special thing, I'm also a transplant. It's, to me, Wrangell is, and I've said this many times before, an extended family for me," she said. "The family and community that have come to support the school, and support my classroom, I couldn't have done that without them."
The final award of the evening was the "Citizen of the Year" award. This award went to Loretta Rice, for her countless hours dedicated to youth sports, her time volunteering around the community, cooking for bake sales, and donating quilt art to town auctions.
"I am totally overwhelmed," Rice said. "I just feel like I'm blessed to live in the best place in the world, and what little part I can play is my honor and my privilege. Thank you."
Reader Comments(0)