Times of Sewing, Feasts, and Security

A few of us have been getting together on Saturday afternoons for a craft club of sorts.  After piecing together sewing machines from the sad array of parts and machines owned by the school, we have 2 that function well to share.  We've been learning how to sew the traditional garb qaspeg (pronounced kus-puck) using the method passed down from mother to daughter in native villages.  It is very interesting, and quite efficient.  No pattern, no cutting, no pinning.  You measure a garment that fits you to gauge the size, and rip the fabric instead of cutting.  I've been cheating and using pins, though!  Pleasant hours have been passed while sewing and chatting... I'm reminded of old fashion quilting bees.  

I had moose 3 times this week!  'Tis the season, I suppose.  We celebrated a birthday at a native family's home with Moose & Potatoes, Fried Halibut, Fry Bread, and a Crisco and berry dessert pronounced a-goo-duck.   Even the teachers who don't like fish gobbled it all up!

I was amused when they served pizza at the first year teachers' training and some of the teachers were groaning how long it had been since they had eaten a slice of pizza.  I've had more pizza than ever here in Toksook!  Our science teacher has some serious pizza skills, and regularly hosts pizza and game nights.  Last night I played 2 games that were a riot: Banana Grams & Balderdash.  I'd never played either of them before, and thoroughly enjoyed them!

There are a couple of sobering security issues looming here, though.  A judge ruled last week that a troubled young man would be allowed to return to the village, even though he fired shots at school personnel last spring.  We'll be practicing our lockdown procedure next week.  Unfortunately, my classroom doesn't have a wall or doorway, so we will be screened only by bookcase on wheels.  

The other issue involves vandalism... a large rock was hoisted through the window of a teacher's house.  Shattered glass and shattered emotions have been gathered, but a feeling of insecurity still lingers.

Ice Cave

I've been doing a bit of hiking, and a recent excursion took me down in a ravine where a stream flowed down from the top of the volcano.  Investigation of what appeared to be a small patch of snow turned out to be an entire cave carved out of snow.   Actually, it was a tunnel.  The snow had hardened into ice, and insulated by layer of natural mulch, it had survived the summer.  From above, the mulch camouflaged the existence of the tunnel. It was so interesting to discover this and see the tiny stream that had carved out the ice from below!

Staff Inservice

Today was a day off for the students, and an inservice day for teachers.  Since the district is made up of many remote villages, this is accomplished via VTC (video tele conferencing).

To get the day started in a timely fashion, a fun incentive was offered:  every school that emailed a staff photo to the District Office was entered into a drawing.  The prize was a big box of doughnuts sent on the next plane out to the winning village.  We didn't win, but here is our photo:

It's fun to see friends (& family!) on the monitor as different sites respond to questions during the training, but it is quite a long day of sitting!

PFD

Did you know that Alaska residents get paid to live here?  It's called the Permanent Fund Dividend, and each Alaskan gets it every year.  It's the way they share the oil revenue the state receives.

Today each person got just shy of $1200 deposited in their bank accounts.  This is quite a windfall for large families as each child is eligible, as well as adults.

I'm told that the rest of the month here is a challenge.  With a sudden influx of  spendable income, there is a flurry of visits to Bethel for shopping and/or the enjoyment of adult beverages.  So, our attendance may fluctuate wildly, and some who do show up are quite out of sorts, having been left in the care of older siblings or relatives, or even left to fend for themselves.

School can provide some structure and stability for these kids, I'm hoping to, at least!