Monthly Archives: December 2006

Dear Editor and friends,

With the coming of the dead of winter before long, and its usual storms, every family in the Deltana area should be made aware that they may very well already own a very potentially useful item of emergency equipment. In any emergency, communicating your needs for assistance is the immediate first need. Many, if not most, families already own a couple of these very small “Family Radio” walkie-talkies. The kind folks use at the mall to find each other, and kids have fun with while hiking or exploring. They’re very inexpensive now, running as low as $20 for a pair.

What many folks don’t realize is that since a lot of your neighbors have a pair or more of these little walkie-talkies also, that you now have a way to talk to your neighbors when the power is out and the phones are also not working in something like an ice storm, or a big blizzard with high winds. This ability can be a potential lifesaver!

There is a national movement on now for the last couple of years to identify a common “calling channel” so that of the 25 or so available channels, you’ll easily remember which one to use. It couldn’t be easier: Channel One has been identified by the national organizer at http://www.nationalsos.com/ , and quickly adopted by many other users. In addition, many of these little radios have a feature called “Quiet Code” or “Private Channel” or something similar. That should be set to OFF so that all the radios can talk to each other, regardless of manufacturer.

Now, if you have a scanner, you can enter the frequency of 462.5625 and your scanner will hear any nearby signals on Family Radio Channel One. In normal times these signals will be just people having fun or working around your neighborhood. But when the roads are blocked by fallen trees, and power and phones are down, being able to talk to your neighbors can be very, very useful. Next time you bump into one of your neighbors, ask them if they have one or more of these Family Radios. You can probably pretty quickly informally organize your whole street into a small mutual help network. The very first thing to do is to know about each other, and who has these radios.

The range of these little radios isn’t great. They will go less than a mile most of the time regardless of what the salesman or the package says. But that’s easily enough to talk to many of your neighbors, and that could make a big difference in many situations.

Finally, our town has several of Ham Radio Operators, over 40 at last census. Most of them have Family Radios, too, for the same handy reasons you do. The difference is that many of the Hams also have much more powerful and longer-range other kinds of radios as well, and have formed themselves into networks for helping as volunteer emergency communicators. So, if you could contact a nearby Ham, he or she might be able to relay your emergency call to the authorities. (I say “might” because you don’t know until you’ve tested it.)

I’m hoping a lot of our Hams will see this letter, too, and put the Family Radio Channel One into their scanners, and be able to participate in this concept. I’m a ham, and I have done so. For you to reach a Ham, you’ll have to be well within a mile or so. Closer is better, obviously. If you know one of your neighbors is a Ham, ask him or her about it. He or she will appreciate your interest, and most likely be eager to be a part of your Neighborhood Radio Watch. If you look at a map of our town, and draw a circle one mile in radius, two miles in diameter, it really is a lot bigger area than you might think at first. Try it.

Call me if you have any questions, and I’ll help you get started all I can. Also, have a look at the two websites, http://www.nationalsos.com/ , and http://www.arrl.org/ . That second one tells a little about Ham Radio and its trained volunteer emergency communications work.

Come join us at our next meeting the second Monday of each month at 6pm Hard Wok Cafe
Brewed coffee provided by the club. Or email nationalsos@99737.com or call 907-895-6297

Sincerely,

Brian Corty
KL2AV
ARES Upper Tananna Valley Cooridator
National SOS Centeral Alaska Region Cooridator
REACT Team Leader

The Delta Community Calendars have arrived. Calendars for the business ads are being distributed by several of the Delta Seniors. Everyone else who purchased a calendar can pick them up at the Delta Library during regular business hours. (thanks so much to the staff of the library!) If you didn’t buy a calendar and are interested in purchasing one, we have some available for $5.00 a copy. We would like to thank all who purchased calendars and to the businesses that support this cause. If you have any questions feel free to call Eula Nistler at 895-4558, Brenda Burke at 895-5383 or the Senior Center at 895-5402.

You’re invited! no fireworks, no alcohol, smoke-free, no ear-numbing electrics or drums–instead, moderate, family-oriented, pleasant, homemade music that is familiar and that you choose, conversation, visiting and horse doovers. 7 PM – Dec 30, Senior lounge, South entrance Community Center. For more information call 895 4104

The front lines of homeland defense are staffed by the best of the best – Alaska’s Army National Guard. From training to security to dealing with extreme temperatures and wandering moose, the Guard unit at Fort Greely is ready at all times to support their mission. Click here for an interesting behind the scenes look at Missile Defense operations.

A minor earthquake rumbled through the Delta Greely area just before 5:00 p.m. Christmas eve. The USGS earthquake center website has all the details.

Today’s recipes feature tasty beverages that will keep your family and guests happily sipping during the holidays. I love seeing a punchbowl filled with something cool and frosty and thirst quenching as much as I love holding a mug full of something delicious and warming after being outside. I’ve included one baked treat at the end – what’s the point of having something to sip if you don’t have something to dunk as well? Enjoy!

We invite you to browse thru our Carefree Gourmet Recipes.

Fort Greely successfully completed its role in Vigilant Shield 07, a joint exercise planned by the U.S. Northern Command, the Department of Defense’s joint command responsible for the defense of North America. Fort Greely was one of several military installations across the United States participating in the exercise that began Dec. 4 and ended Dec. 14.

The garrison focused on several training objectives, including exercising and then assessing the implementation of increased Force Protection Conditions (FPCON).

All training objectives were achieved. Many local residents were impacted by the increased FPCON measures, including changes to access to the installation.

The installation has implemented several measures to limit the impact on the local community during “high traffic” periods, but would like to remind residents to be alert to notices published by the garrison regarding exercises. Many drivers knew about the possible traffic delays and allowed themselves extra travel time. Fort Greely thanks them for their cooperation and patience which helped ensure the safety of all impacted by the exercise.

The server on which the Delta News Web lives will be offline for up to two hours late in the evening of December 21 or early the following morning. Additional RAM is being added to the server.

The outage will take place sometime between 9 PM December 21 and 3 AM December 22. The exact schedule is not known, but it will last no more than two hours.

What a delicious sight to see the first Gingerbread House Contest sponsored by the Delta Chamber of Commerce this past week was a nice addition to the holiday season. There were twelve houses entered. Houses were built with real gingerbread and gingerbread kits. And, each one of these confectionery delights had a personality as individual as the builder. There were many Alaskan Log Cabins, a peppermint church and even a haunted gingerhouse with a moat.

Winners received a ribbon and chamber vouchers as prizes. Listed here are the winners: In Category 2 (kits) –

• Kasey Peterson-1st place
• Carina Smith-1st place
• Kathleen Smith-2nd place
• Dustin & Kraig Peterson-1st place.

In Category 1 (hand-made gingerbread)

• James Male-1st place
• Mitchell French-1st place
• Jen Bealer-1st place
• Natalie House-1st place
• Emma Austin-2nd place
• Clayton House-3rd place
• Heather Swartz-honorable mention
• James Austin-honorable mention

Results for the Holiday Coloring Contest:
2-3 yrs:

• Paige Tvenge-1st place
• Conley Jones-2nd place
• Kraig Peterson-3rd place

4- 5 yrs:

• Jacquelyn Burgus-1st place
• Christina Onchinnkoz-2nd place
• Zaniya Crawford-3rd place

6-7 yrs:

• Lina Kosmin-1st place
• Edward Malyk-2nd place
• Elisabeth Vorobyov-3rd place

8-9 yrs:

• Angela Malyk-1st place
• Irina Polupah-2nd place
• Osksana Malyk-3rd place

10-13 yrs

• Brittany Palmer-1st place
• Rachel Ross-2nd place
• Alice Kosmin-3rd place

The Delta Chamber of Commerce was pleased once again to sponsor the Holiday Outdoor Decorating contest and the Holiday Coloring Contest. A great big thank you to all those that particiapated and to our judges.

Results for the Holiday Outdoor Decorating Contest-Commercial Division:

• Acacia Floral-1st place
• Bald Eagle Ranch B & B-2nd place
• Morley Electric-3rd place.

In the Residential Division:

• Lou Ann Felt & Don Quarberg-1st place
• Angela & Rance Lentz-2nd place
• Robert Reoyo-3rd place.

First Place winners receive $100 in Chamber Vouchers, Second Place receive $75 in Chamber Vouchers and third place receive $50 in Chamber Vouchers. Joyce Bendell won a $25 Chamber Voucher in the nominating drawing.

For the 5th successive year, families with young children were invited to a Christmas party presented jointly by Alpha Omega Life Care, Inc. and Delta Kiwanis.

On Saturday afternoon 35 or so young folks anxiously awaited Santa’s appearance at the Community Center. Lavish decorations brightened the room, along with giant snowmen and Christmas tree. There were snacks and crafts to do, Pastor Carpenter read the Christmas Story, and…finally! Reindeer on the roof, and Ho! Ho! Ho! In came Santa, bag slung over his shoulder, beard groomed to perfection, red suit and black boots!

The line formed to assure Santa that behavior had been perfect all year, and to recite a list of desired rewards. Santa presented each of his petitioners with a pre-house visit momento—some toddlers walked away with a teddy bear larger than themselves!
Lest it be thought that all was perfect, some tears and reluctance was displayed—some little ones are not yet comfortable with Santa!

Photographs captured the event, and parents may stop by the Alpha Omega Life Care, Inc. office to view photos and to order prints—call 895-4104.

Thanks to Alpha Omega Life Care, Inc. and the Kiwanis group, who devote so much time, effort, and dollars to this annual event. This is community service and spirit at it’s best!

If you couldn’t make it this year, don’t miss ’07 when we’ll do it again—see ya there! (Submitted by Ken Farrow)

If you didn’t attend, you didn’t merely “miss out”, you were deprived! To call the production and presentation “superb” or “outstanding” is to beg for more powerful adjectives.

This is the 5th production by the Delta Christian Drama Association. Five years ago such a Christian Drama group was but a mere gleam in the eyes of George and Gaylene Hosier. Now, the dream is a reality, a huge success, a service to the community, and a vibrant testimony.

The cast, oh, my, the dedicated, dynamic troupe. No big-time, big city luxury of A and B casts and understudies here—young and old alike, everyone wearing several hats, and some in multiple roles, all were magnificent.

As were the set scenes and the costumes—the province of the set and costume designer and wardrobe mistress, Ms Gaylene Hosier and the crew who helped. Scene changes are accomplished smoothly and unobtrusively by means of “book” with 10-foot square “pages”, built by Alex Dyachuk and John Gulenko and illustrated by Ms Hosier.

George is Director, of course, and actor when necessary—and probably test bed for ulcers, migraine, and high blood pressure.

Four of the five productions have been presented in the Assembly of God Church sanctuary, which serves well.

Thanks to the administration for hosting the presentations. This play was adapted from a Henry Van Dyke Tale, and allowed us to become acquainted with the “other wise man”—-and a wonderful meeting it has been.

And, let us not forget the professionalism of the Abbott sisters, whose delightful music warms our hearts.

Thanx, all of you, for another smashing success—we dunno how they can be made better, but we’ll betcha the next one will! (Submitted by Ken Farrow)

Wednesday, 12-13-06 the annual members Christmas party took place at the Senior Lounge. Members hosted a dozen guests from the Slavic community, who contributed delicious delicacies to the potluck buffet.

Mr. Vasily Arbuzov played some spirited national and familiar favorites on his accordion, accompanied by Ms Fran Hallgren playing her flute.

30 folks enjoyed the sumptuous buffet, the music and conversation, which was animated and continuous—somehow, no “language barrier” here!

The Delta Clearwater Senior version of a “People to People” program appears to be alive and well, and certainly enjoyable. We’ll do it again next year for sure.

Thanx to those who brought goodies and those who set up the buffet and cleaned up afterward.

Submitted by Ken Farrow

Wellspring’s ministry is based totally upon the teaching of Biblical scripture. Our goal is to identify ways that we have become separated from God, from other people, and from ourselves in relationships. We believe that broken relationships are the root of most psychological and physical problems, and that God’s Word gives us the tools to restore them.

In this seminar, we lead people through a process of learning to identify what sin is, understand it in their own lives, identify Satan’s attacks, and then learn how to have victory over them.

Biblical Foundations of Freedom Seminar – January 14 – January 17. Dr. Art Mathias will teach “I Found Freedom” at the 11:00 am and 6 pm Sunday services and will continue Monday through Wednesday evening at 7 pm. Dr. Art will also teach the “How to Minister to Others Seminar” on Monday through Wednesday 10 am – 1 pm.

Location: Delta Christian Center 4.5 mile Jack Warren Road

For additional information about this seminar, you may contact the church office at (907) 895-4531 or www.deltachristian.org

The battle began on December 16, 1944, one of the coldest, snowiest days “in memory” in the Ardennes Forest, occupying about 80 miles of the German/Belgian border. Casualties from exposure to extreme cold grew as large as the losses from fighting.

At the end of the battle the forces included over a million men, about 560,000 Germans, 640,000 Americans (more than fought at Gettysburg) and 55,800 British.

• 3 German armies, 10 corps, the equivalent of 29 divisions.
• 3 American armies, 6 corps, the equivalent of 31 divisions.
• The equivalent of 3 British divisions as well as contingents of Belgian, Canadian and French troops.
• About 6,000 allied fighters and bombers against 2,400 German aircraft.
• 100,000 German casualties, killed, wounded or captured [80,000 captured].
• 81,000 American casualties, including 23,554 captured and 19,000 killed.
• 1,400 British casualties 200 killed.
• 610 German and 730 U.S. tanks lost, 1,000 German aircraft destroyed.

Most of the American casualties occurred within the first three days of battle, when two of the 106th division’s three regiments were forced to surrender. In its entirety, the “Battle of the Bulge” was the most bloody battle American Forces experienced in WWII, the 19,000 American dead unsurpassed by any other engagement. For the U.S. Army, the Battle of the Ardennes was a battle incorporating more American troops and engaging more enemy troops than any American conflict prior to WWII.

Although the German objective was ultimately unrealized, the Allies’ own offensive timetable was set back by months. In the wake of the defeat, many experienced German units were left severely depleted of men and equipment, as German survivors retreated to the defenses of the Siegfried Line.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights or Festival of Rededication, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that starts on the 25th day of Kislev, which may be in December, late November, or, while very rare in occasion, early January (as was the case for the Hanukkah of 2005–2006). The festival is observed in Jewish homes by the kindling of lights on each of the festival’s eight nights, one on the first night, two on the second, and so on.

The dates of Hanukkah are determined by the Hebrew Calendar. Hanukkah begins at the 25th day of Kislev and concluding on the 2nd or 3rd day of Tevet (Kislev can have 29 or 30 days). The Jewish day begins at sunset, whereas the Gregorian Calendar begins the day at midnight. So, the first day of Hanukkah actually begins at sunset of the day immediately before the date noted on Gregorian calendars.

For example, in 2006 Gregorian calendars will likely list Hanukkah on Saturday, December 16, but 25 Kislev actually begins at sunset on December 15 and so the first candle will be lit on that Friday evening, shortly before sunset since it is also the start of Shabbat. Two candles will be lit on Saturday night after dark and the end of Shabbat. Three candles will be lit after dark on Sunday, and so on for the rest of the week, except for the following Friday, December 22, when the last 8 candles are lit, again shortly before sunset. The holiday will end after sundown on December 23.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

What are your holiday food traditions? Everyone seems to have a family favorite, or at least a good story about why the season doesn’t seem complete unless certain treats are on the menu. We are having the annual Christmas Pizza Fest and Gift Extravaganza with our very dear extended Delta family members. It’s always a hoot to see what they concoct, and even more fun to taste each others creations and to try and remember how we got started doing “the pizza thing”. And early on Christmas morning my own family will enjoy my cinnamon rolls and Steve’s awesome coffee while we gather together to open gifts.

We invite you to browse thru the Carefree Gourmet albums. To view this week’s recipes click Holiday Treats.

December 9, 2006 – The MAC Championships – smallbore rifle’s state high school tournament – were held at UAF’s Patty Center with four teams represented: West Valley, Lathrop, North Pole and Delta.

The three individual medalists were (L to R):
Delta Freshman, Ryan Dunham-Bender – Gold – Matchwinner

North Pole Senior, Matt Curley – Silver

West Valley Senior, Caleb Ives – Bronze

Delta Freshman, Amanda Fisher (not pictured), 4th (missed the Bronze by 2 points)

It’s no surprise to Delta people, but the complexion of Ft. Greely is changing as the missile defense system is increasingly brought on line as an operational part of America’s northern shield.

The New York Times reports, as published locally in the Anchorage Daily News: “Four years after President Bush ordered a limited missile defense system to be built and nearly a quarter century after Ronald Reagan first proposed the Strategic Defense Initiative, this sub-Arctic outpost, once a Cold War training site and still a cold-weather training site, is where progress on the long-embattled missile system is perhaps most evident, military officials say.

Eleven interceptor missiles are installed in underground silos here, buried beneath the snow and a former forest of black spruce. This summer, when North Korea signaled that it planned to fire an intercontinental ballistic missile, Fort Greely, which has never fired a test missile, was put on alert status, ostensibly ready to respond if necessary.

After the test either failed or was aborted, “there was a little bit of a letdown” at the base, said Lt. Col. Edward E. Hildreth, commander of the 49th, “because we were prepared”.”

Read the entire story >>>

A 12th interceptor missile will be installed in an underground silo this month as part of Fort Greely’s Ground-Based Midcourse Defense System. Click here for the complete story.

Delta High School – Dec. 14-16

Thursday
3:00 Tok vs Glennallen Girls(Home Team Last)
4:30 Tok vs Glennallen Boys
6:00 SuValley vs Delta Girls
7:30 Su Valley vs Delta Boys

Friday
3:00 Glennallen vs SuValley Boys
4:30 Glennallen vs SuValley Girls
6:00 Delta vs Tok Boys
7:30 Delta vs Tok Girls

Saturday
10:00 SuValley vs Tok Girls
11:30 SuValley vs Tok Boys
1:00 Delta vs Glennallen Girls
2:30 Delta vs Glennallen Boys

Coaches meeting: Thursday @ 5:30 pm.

Tournament Tie Breaker: if two or more teams have an equal number of wins, the following tie breaking formula will determine their position in the standings:
1.Winner of head to head games played between the two tied teams. This tiebreaker does not apply if three teams are tied.
2. Most individual quarters played.
3. Best free throw percentage.
4. Fewest fouls.
5. Fewest points against.

Awards: There will be a first place plaque, five all tournament awards, and one MVP. We will also have a three point competition during half times on Friday and a free throw competition on Saturday morning. We will have an all tournament committee chose the five all tournament players and the MVP.

Three point competition – choose two individuals from your team to compete. One player shoots for one minute. That player can shoot from anywhere behind the three point line. Shooter may have as many as three rebounders and one passer. Four balls will be used. The player with the most made shots wins the award.

Free throw competition – Anyone who wants to compete will line up at the free throw line in single file at 9:00 am Saturday morning. We will have a practice shot and then go from there. Every player gets one miss. On the second miss the player is out. The last player standing in boys and girls competition will win the award.

Meal Tickets: $30 Thursday: Dinner 6-8 pm
Friday: Breakfast 7:30-7:30 am
Lunch 11:30-12:00
Dinner 6-8 pm
Saturday: Breakfast 8-9 am
Lunch 11:30-1:00 pm
If you decide to go home Thursday night, you can go with the four meal plan for $20.
Housing: If you need to stay at DHS, please e-mail: breiter@dgsd.k12.ak.us.
Rosters: We will need your roster and team photo e-mailed to us by Dec. 8th, please use Word and attach to an e-mail.

T-Shirts: There will be T-shirts for sale. They will be $15 each.

We are looking forward to a great tournament!