HB 217-DR. WALTER SOBOLEFF DAY  CHAIR DYSON announced the consideration of HB 217. 9:07:51 AM SASHA IVAN SOBOLEFF, representing himself, said that as Dr. Soboleff's son his task was to polish the cross and clean the church, oftentimes while his friends played baseball across the street. He related that in the summer he would spend time with his father in Tenakee and one time John D. Rockefeller and family stopped by for a visit. It was clear that the man that he knew as Dad did many things and touched many lives. At the age of 20 he was seeking education to better the people he touched. He concluded that it's an honor to have the opportunity to speak in support of setting aside November 14 as Dr. Walter Soboleff Day. 9:13:43 AM WALTER SOBOLEFF JR., representing himself, said he couldn't add anything to what his brother, Sasha, said in support of setting aside November 14 as Dr. Walter Soboleff Day. 9:14:19 AM KIMBERLY STRONG, Alaska Native Sisterhood Committee Woman, said she served at ANB and ANS Grand Camp a number of years under the tutelage of Dr. Soboleff. He performed the marriage ceremony for her mother and father and led the community of Klukwan in Christianity. He was more than a Presbyterian minister; he was a leader in Alaska. His heart was very much with the people he served. She said she had the privilege to visit him in Tenakee when she was running for public office. He invited her in and gave her advice, just as he did to her opponent a little later. He wasn't a person to choose sides; he encouraged everyone to do the best they could and improve their community. The hours of dedication he gave to the state are countless. She asked the committee to support setting aside November 14 as Dr. Walter Soboleff Day. 9:18:36 AM SUSETTNA KING, representing herself, said she is originally from Angoon, Alaska. Her parents were friends with Dr. Soboleff and his wife, and he always had time to talk to the kids. During one visit he asked if any of the kids wanted to offer the prayer before dinner. She said a very fast prayer and after dinner Mrs. Soboleff said it was a good thing she volunteered because everyone would still be praying if her husband had offered the prayer. She related a story about telling him she didn't enter a Fourth of July race because she had always won in the past. When he asked her what she would have done if someone had beat her, she told him she probably would have come back the next year to try and beat them. He told her it's always good to let others win so they feel good about themselves. She didn't understand that advice until years later. MS. KING said she last interacted with Dr. Soboleff when she had a leadership role at the ANB/ANS Convention in Ketchikan. They discussed what she'd learned and he told her that she was there for a reason; it wasn't by mistake. In every interaction he made people feel better and want to do better, she said. 9:24:24 AM PAULETTE MARINO, member, Alaska Native Sisterhood and past president of ANS Sitka Camp 4, said that honoring Dr. Soboleff sends a message to Juneau, Southeast, the nation, and the world. This recognition will lift a spiritual leader who has guided many people on many different paths. Young children and elders will see November 14 as a time to celebrate their communion with their heavenly father, their families, their people, and the human race. It will also provide an opportunity for introspection, to stand straighter, to make good decisions, to be kind, and to challenge oneself intellectually. She concluded that it's an honor to speak in support of setting aside November 14 as Dr. Walter Soboleff Day. CHAIR DYSON related his interactions with Dr. Soboleff. SENATOR COGHILL thanked the family and the others who offered encouraging testimony. 9:34:40 AM SENATOR GIESSEL moved to report HB 217, labeled 28-LS0932\U, from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). CHAIR DYSON announced that, without objection, HB 217 is reported out of the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.