Monthly Archives: March 2008

Long day at the rink! Whew…. Just got back to our rooms at École Allain St-Cyr, the French language elementary school Team AK`s Women`s hockey team is staying in. We played against NWT this morning and won in a real nail biter 2-0. Annie Grossmann recorded another assist on the first goal. The second goal was an empty netter. NWT is a strong team and if we slack off at all they utilize the opportunity. With that win we were set for the gold medal round. At 7:30 we played against the Yukon women who are in 4th in the first crossover game. We won 12-1 and Annie scored another goal and had 2 assists. This bumps her up into the top dozen of the leading scorers for the tournament. She only had one penalty this game, (getting better.) NWT played Alberta tonight and won 5-1 so we will be playing that strong NWT team for the Gold medal. It will be an exciting game at 5:30 tomorrow on the Olympic size rink.

The Bantam boys and Coach Tvenge lost to NWT in their last game, 3-7 so that put them at 4th in the crossover match ups. They played the first place team today, Albert and lost 12-3. They also suffered a few injuries which we hope are not too serious. Their back up goal has been sick for a few days and they hope to have her back for tomorrow`s bronze medal game. Today`s game was pretty exciting for Jacob Schultz. Not only was today his birthday but he also won MVP for doing a great job as a defence (Canadian spelling) man for the game.

The Team AK midget team is in the gold medal round as well against Alberta I believe. Tomorrow will be a day of watching other sports, pin trading or some shopping as we relax before the big game. We haven’t had much time to look around town this week as the coach has kept the Women`s team focused on their game and the team. It is a challenge bringing together 17 girls from all over the state, having one 50 minute sheet of ice the day before the competition begins and having them gel as a team. Most of the girls on this team have been playing with each other or against each other for all their hockey careers so they are pretty familiar with one another. The NWT and Alberta teams have been practicing together for nearly all year..This would give them an advantage. Yet Team AK has done a fantastic job of playing a sound game on the ice. They have done fantastic passing, set up great plays, been outstanding on the penalty kill and have kept most of the play out of their zone. It has been a pleasure to watch them play. The crowds are enjoying it too. Tomorrow`s game is in front of a sold out crowd and should be another nail biter. We are all looking forward to it.

Stay warm…from starry Yellowknife,
Dawn Grossmann

Saturday, March 22, 2008
Delta Community Center 10 AM – 5 PM

Everyone is invited to participate in the “Paint the Town Purple” campaign to generate awareness of the “Relay for Life of Delta” event. Local sponsors will be displaying purple ribbons at their locations as a visual indication of their contributions to this effort. By supporting this evening, you are supporting the American Cancer Society and their dedication to research, education, advocacy and patient services in the fight against cancer.

Flea Market
Live Music
Yummy Food
Photos with the Easter Bunny – (Your camera or ours)

Local Relay for Life teams will be raising money for cancer research by selling a variety of “New to You” merchandise; not limited to jewelry, purses, bunny cakes, scented tarts, tulip bulbs, glass-ware, baskets, key chains, glow necklaces, polar fleece socks, aprons, cozy body warmers, Stan Stephens Raffle tickets, planters, croc charms, candles, shirts, hats, purple bows, and many other treasures. All proceeds go to the Relay for Life of Delta.

Special drawing for a large Easter basket.

There is still time to buy your raffle tickets for a chance to win the freezer with a half beef and a half pork (cut and wrapped by Delta Meat & Sausage) or a $500 gift certificate at Granite View Sports & Gifts. Delta Lions Club members have tickets for sale at $5 each. The tickets are also available at Granite View Sports & Gifts. The winning tickets will be drawn on Easter Sunday, March 23, after the Delta Lions Easter Egg Hunt is concluded at the Deltana Fairgrounds. Winners need not be present to win. For more information, call Lion Ann Geise at 347-6052.

BBB urges users to educate themselves about online classified ad scams

Anchorage, AK—March 12, 2008—The Better Business Bureau warns consumers of scams targeting Internet users of free classified ad Web sites. Internet scams are far from new, but free classified ad Web sites such as Craigslist, Myspace Classifieds and Yahoo Classifieds have made it easier for scammers to trick consumers.

Free classified ad Web sites allow visitors to post classified ads in a variety of categories; anything from items for sale to properties for rent. However, many of these sites do not require users to verify their identity or the information in their ads. Users can post as many ads as they would like after simply providing a valid email address, which is convenient, because many scammers are working from foreign countries. Online classified scams targeting consumers looking to purchase or rent property are all too common. Scammers will request a down payment on a property that does not exist or is not legally theirs to sell. The scammers disappear after receiving a payment. In some cases, scammers will even provide an address so interested consumers can drive by to view the property.

Online classified scams also target individuals looking for work or who have posted an online resume. Scammers claim they need the applicant’s personal bank account number for direct deposits of future paychecks. These scams usually promise high wages for jobs that involve forwarding, transferring or wiring money using the victim’s personal bank account. The victim is then sent a large check, asked to take out a percentage as payment, and then wire the balance out of the country. These checks are counterfeit and the victim is responsible for the money used in the transaction—including any related bank fees.

Scammers even target other posters who use the online classified Web sites. A common scam targets consumers trying to sell vehicles. They offer the seller the full asking price for the vehicle, but claim they only have a check for an amount much higher than the asking price. The scammer will send the check and then request the consumer return the difference. The check is counterfeit and will bounce a few days later. Once again, the victim is responsible for the money used in the transaction—including any related bank fees. In some cases, the scammers take the vehicle, too.

Your local BBB wants to caution users, posters and job seekers about the common scams on Web sites that offer free classified ads. The BBB offers the following tips to avoid being scammed:
· Deal locally with people you can meet in person.
· Never give out financial information. Never give out any of your personal information including your bank account number, Social Security number, eBay or Paypal usernames, passwords, etc.
· Consult your local BBB. Go to www.bbb.org to get a free reliability report on any company with which you intend to do business. Better Business Bureau reliability reports provide valuable information on companies.

About the BBB serving Alaska, Oregon, and Western Washington
Your BBB is a not-for-profit organization funded by BBB accredited businesses. The BBB’s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information about the services and products provided by your BBB, call 907-562-0704 in Alaska, 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.

FORT WAINWRIGHT – The snowboarding and skiing season ends with a blow-out at Birch Hill Ski Area Mar. 28 to 30. March Madness, featuring competitions and games for the whole family, will be held Saturday and Sunday from noon-9 p.m. Friday, Mar. 28, is dedicated to soldier activities. Lift tickets are required for all hill events.

The activities include tube races, skeet shoot-off, downhill ski races and ski and snowboard surfing.

Activities on Mar. 29 and 30 are open to the public. The events include:

March 29, 2008

1. Sled Dog Trail Rides: K9 for Kids program provides introduction to the sport of dog mushing. The event is from 11 a.m.-1: 30 p.m. Register immediately prior to event. Cost is free.

2. March Madness Coloring Contest: Adults and children may enter to color March Madness logo from noon-2 p.m. Cost is free.

3. Tubing Race: Adults and children are welcome. The event is from noon-1:30 p.m. Register immediately prior to event. Cost is free.

4. Tubing Hill Open: Event is from 1:30-5:30 p.m. Participants are required to buy a tubing-hill lift pass.

5. Snowmachine Trail Rides: Trail rides nearby Birch Hill from 2-5 p.m. Register immediately prior to the event. Cost is free.

6. Pudding Munch-out: One large ‘glop’ of pudding on a paper plate, eating contest, no hands allowed. Event begins at 3 p.m. Cost is free.

7. X-Games Rail Jam: Snowboard/ski style event includes jumps, with style points judged by local experts. Event is from 1-3 p.m. Register immediately prior to event. Cost is free.

8. Shovel Slope Slide: Individuals will run up the hill with their shovels and come down the tubing hill any style. Shovels will be provided. The event is from 16-8 p.m. Register immediately prior to event. Cost is free.

9. Open Skiing/Snowboarding: Enjoy Birch Hill for the entire day at standard rates from noon-8 p.m.

10. Snack Bar Operations: Food service will be available indoors. Cashiers will accept cash, checks or credit cards.

March 30, 2008

1. Skeet Slayer, Spouse Edition: Husband and wife teams register with skeet range. The event is from12:30-2:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per team.

2. Alpine Ski Race: Traditional slalom race, open to skiers. Event is from noon-2 p.m. Register immediately prior to event. Cost is free.

3. X-Games Slope Style: The event is conducted in the terrain park. A facilitator will pick jumps, judge on style, spins, flips, and inverts. Event is from 3-4 p.m. Register immediately prior to event. Cost is free.

4. Grande Finale/Snow Surf Challenge: Snowboard or ski across a 65 – 70’ pond filled with ice-cold water. Bring dry clothes. Event is from 4 p.m. until complete. Register immediately prior to event. Cost is free.

5. Open Skiing/Snowboarding: Enjoy Birch Hill for the entire day at standard rates from noon-8 p.m.

6. Snack bar operations: Food service will be available indoors. Cashiers will accept cash, checks or credit cards.

7. Birch Hill Ski and Snowboard Area closes for the season at the conclusion of this business day.

Civilians without Department of Defense decals must stop at the post’s main gate for a visitor’s pass. Drivers will need valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and current vehicle registration.
For more information, call 353-9131.

Well Day 3 was filled with snow, cold winds and lots of hockey action at the Multiplex here in Yellowknife. When I arrived at the rink today for the TeamAK Women`s 1:30 hockey game I was directed to a special seating area for athletes and coaches as they had closed the open seating to ticket purchasers only. Apparantly the hockey games have become such a big attraction that the stands get filled fast and those folks that purchased tickets were not finding seats. Alaska`s women continue to prove effective on the ice. They shut out the Yukon Women`s team today with a 10-0 victory. Coach Bounds runs a steady three lines and rotates his starting line up each game. Every player on the team has done well on the ice and there have been a variety of goal scorers. Annie Grossmann got another goal today and an assist though the score keeper failed to record the assist. She only had 2 penalty minutes, an improvement over yesterdays 6! (I miss stated that she had 4.) Her mom was glad to see that today`s minutes weren`t for roughing! Women’s hockey is no checking and sometimes the girls who play boys hockey forget that. It was a good game and Yukon`s goalie stopped many, many more shots than got by here. She was great in the goal and worked very hard. TeamAK remains undefeated and in first place. Tomorrow they face the Northwest Territories team, which we here is tough. Both teams will head into the crossovers whether they win or loose tomorrow. So TeamAK will play at 10 and then in a crossover game in the evening. On Friday the medal round games will be played. The standings are:

TeamAK 3-0-0,
Team NWT 2-0-1
Team Alberta 1-1-1
Team Yukon 1-3-0
Team Nunavut 0-3-0.
The top 4 teams go into the crossovers.

Coach Tvenge`s team played a great game today against Team Yukon and Brett Smith scored the first goal. The play was back and forth all through each period and remained tied at 3-3. Team Yukon has a large group of fans cheering them on and Alaska seems to garner more each game they play. The Bantam team remains in 3rd place. Standings are:

Team Alberta 3-0-1
Team Yukon 1-0-3
Team AK 1-1-1
Team NWT 1-1-1
Nunavut 0-4-0

Team AK Midgets are also playing hard and hold 2nd place in the standings.

Today I met folks from Anchorage who had figure skaters in the games. They were there cheering on the hockey teams from Alaska along with lots of athletes from the Alaska contingent. It is nice to see the athletes cheering on each other. I was able to enjoy some of the wonderful figure skating competition today while at the rink. Alaska did really well and received several medals. There were at least 3 golds as that is how many times I heard our national anthem being played. The Uluu medals are given out just like medals in the Olympics. There is a 3 level podium and the athletes are called up 3rd, 2nd and then 1st. Medals are placed around their necks, sometimes flowers are given and then the national anthem of the gold medal winner is played. It is very impressive and will be exciting if some of our hockey teams make it to the medal podium. Medals are shaped like Uluus and are inscribed with the Arctic Winter Game name, year and logo. You see some happy faces sporting medals around the different venues. I enjoy stopping them when I see them congratulating them and asking about their sport. Even with the language difference there is no barrier between us when it comes to joy and encouragement.

From a snowy Yellowknife, good night and stay warm.
Dawn Grossmann

The Better Business Bureau warns against companies offering grants.

Anchorage, AK − March 11, 2008−Scammers often try to lure in victims by offering methods to get free money, and during a recession or economic downturn, the number of these types of scams increase dramatically. A new twist on “free money” scams comes disguised as government grants. CDI Resources and IC Services are grant services companies that have unsatisfactory records with the BBB due to failure to respond to two or more complaints.

CDI Resources (also doing business as CDI Solutions) is based in Tukwila, Washington. The BBB has fielded 15 complaints against the company since November, 2007: 5 contract issues, 1 billing issue, 2 service issues, 5 customer service issues and 2 refund or exchange issues. As of the writing of this release, CDI Resources has not responded to any of the BBB’s inquiries regarding these complaints.

IC Services is based in Beaverton, Oregon. The BBB has fielded 145 complaints since February, 2006 covering a variety of issues. As of the writing of this release, IC Services attempted to resolve 6 of these complaints, and is reported as being out of business.

Government grant scams appeal to consumers with a tempting offer: free government grants worth thousands of dollars that are offered to the consumer simply because the consumer is a good taxpayer. All the consumer needs to do to receive the grant is send an application fee in the form of a cashier’s check and the grant money will be sent in return.

Cashier’s checks are untraceable and nonrefundable which is why the scammers request them. The scammer will then take the money and not send the victim anything. Often, scammers operate under companies using several different names, move from city to city.

Here are some tips for recognizing and avoiding government grant scams:

• The government won’t contact you directly to offer you a grant. If someone contacts you unexpectedly and offers you a grant, it’s a scam. Don’t provide your financial account numbers, Social Security Number, or other personal information in response to such offers. Crooks “phish” for that information to steal victims’ money and impersonate them for other illegal purposes.
• Government grants never require fees of any kind. You might have to provide financial information to prove that you qualify for a government grant, but you won’t have to pay to get one.
• Government grants require an application process. Grants are not simply given over the phone and are never guaranteed. Applications for government grants are reviewed to determine if they meet certain criteria and are awarded based on merit. If you didn’t apply for a government grant and someone says you’re receiving one, it’s a scam.
• Government grants are made for specific purposes. Grants aren’t given to people just for being good taxpayers. Most government grants are awarded to states, cities, schools, and nonprofit organizations to help provide services or fund research projects. Grants to individuals are typically for things such as college expenses or disaster relief.
• Don’t be fooled by official or impressive-sounding names. Swindlers claiming to provide or help get government grants often invent impressive-sounding names and titles for themselves and the companies they represent. They operate under many different names and phone numbers, take your money, then leave town to start all over again.
• Government grant information is free. Beware of services offering government grant information for a fee or requesting your personal information to provide it. Information about government grants and other benefits is free at www.grants.gov, www.cfda.org, www.fafsa.ed.gov, and www.govbenefits.gov.
• Consult your local BBB. Go to www.bbb.org to get a free reliability report on any company with whom you’re considering doing business. The Better Business Bureau’s reliability reports provide valuable information on companies.

About the BBB serving Alaska, Oregon, and Western Washington
Your BBB is a not-for-profit organization funded by BBB accredited businesses. The BBB’s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information about the services and products provided by your BBB, call 907-562-0704 in Alaska, 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.

March 11, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska – Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell and the Division of Elections today determined that petitions 07WATR and 07WTR3 met the signature requirements of state law.

07WATR and 07WTR3 are currently subjects of litigation. Resolution of these lawsuits will determine whether the initiatives will proceed to the August 26, 2008 Primary Election Ballot.

Both 07WATR and 07WTR3 concern water quality standards for new large-scale mines in Alaska.

To view official proposed bill language for 07WATR, please click here.

To view official proposed bill language for 07WTR3, please click here

March 11, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska – Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell and the Division of Elections today determined that petition 07CASE was properly filed, meeting the signature requirements of state law. This ballot proposition will appear on the August 26 Primary Election Ballot.

07CASE establishes a program of public funding for campaigns for state-elected offices. To view official proposed bill language for 07CASE, click here.

Greetings from Yellowknife and day 2 of the games. The Bantam Boys Hockey team coached by Mike Tvenge had a better day today than yesterday. Monday they came up against a fast moving Alberta team and though they had the scored tied up 3-3 until the last 14 seconds of the 2nd period, Alberta rallied in the third and sunk 4 more biscuits in the net to beat Alaska 7-3. Tuesday was a more positive day. Coach Tvenge and Team Alaska faced the tough looking team from Nunavut, Canada. Nunavut was a hard hitting team and there was a lot of intense checking going on, but Alaska had more skill on the blades and the stick and won the game 17-0. Brett Smith recorded a goal and Jacob Schultz had an assist. Coach Tvenge commented that the boys did pretty well but he is still working with them on some aspects of their games they need to improve before they come up against the tough NWT and Yukon teams.

Annie Grossmann and The female Hockey Team AK girls had 2 great days on the ice. Monday was a hard fought battle against a solid Alberta team with a 2-0 win. Alberta is the team that beat TeamAK last year in the Gold Medal Round by 1 goal with just 3 minutes left. Annie and her team mates were proud to come home with a silver Uluu from the 2006 AWG, but are determined to bring home gold this year. So beating Alberta in the first game was a real boost. The Women played Nunavut today and though Nunavut scored 2 goals on 4 shots in the first period, Alaska rallied in the second and third to win 10-2. Annie scored a goal, had an assist and 4 penalty minutes. Standings so far have the Team AK Women in 1st place and the Bantam Male team in 3rd place. On Thursday the top 4 teams go into crossover games and Friday will be the sold out Medal Rounds.

The weather was a little cooler today in Yellowknife, but we still enjoyed walking to the rink and the cafeteria. The cafeteria has been the hot spot for pin trading the last 2 days. Each contingent brings a set of pins to swap with the other participants. The pins are beautiful and unique and lots of fun to trade for. It is not uncommon to see circles of athletes sitting on the floor or around a table making deals to complete sets and get that special pin they having been looking for. As I was waiting in line for lunch today, a young man from Yamal in Russia, tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I wanted to trade my coveted AWG Hockey pin for something. He communicated by pointing to my pin and saying “Trade?” I wasn`t willing to part with that pin but we worked out a deal for another pin. It’s great how even though we don`t speak each other’s language we were able to come away with a nod and a smile, “Good trade,” was our parting comment.

Tomorrow both teams hit the ice again and hope for wins to make it to the crossover rounds.
For now, good night.
Dawn Grossmann

Good Morning from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada! Let me tell you about last night’s opening ceremonies.

Awesome! Wonderful! Grand! Those would be appropriate adjectives to get you thinking in the right direction, but certainly do not do the night justice. The Opening Ceremonies of the 20th Arctic Winter games are a tribute produced by the Host Society of Yellowknife to the games and the athletes. The sold out crowd enjoys the outcome of two years of planning by the host society. It is an extraordinary evening. While the crowd fills the seats around the Olympic size Ice rink , the athletes begin assembling in a second ice rink in the same building. Though the ceremony begins at 7 the athletes began organizing in the rink at 4:45. Getting more than 2,000 kids to be where they are supposed to is quite a feat! As a preschool teacher I struggle with 12! Each of the nine contingents has all their athletes and coaches in their uniforms and looking impressive. The Arctic Winter Games are a Northern Circumpolar event for the peoples of that area. Participants include, Alberta, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut, Northern Alberta Nunivit, Greenland, Russia (Yamal), Sami (Northern peoples of the Scandinavian Peninsula) and Alaska. During the waiting process the athletes mingle, laugh, get to know one another but most especially they trade pins. W will talk more about that on another day. Spontaneous out breaks of chants celebrating their countries ripple round the rink. A snake of athletes in different uniforms winds it’s way through the crowd laughing and “high fiving” as they go past. It is loud, colorful, exciting and full of anticipation. When it is finally time to march in to the ceremony, each contingent has a sign bearer and a flag bearer whom they follow 2×2 into the arena. As the Alaska contingent enters, each of us waving Alaska’s flag. The crowd is on it’s feet cheering and yelling as we stride quickly to our designated assembling area. Each contingent is greeted with great enthusiasm and you can see in the crowd where they friends and family sit as their flags pop up and wave wildly as they enter. Alaska’s athletes come by the VIP stage and LT. Governor Sean Parnel reaches out to shake each of our hands. Alaska has nearly 350 athletes, coaches and staff here representing our great state. He greets each of us.

It is exciting that there are 5 of us from Delta Junction, standing proudly behind our starry flag preparing our hearts and minds for the week of competition ahead. Jacob Schultz, Brett Smith and Annie Grossmann our athletes are all wided eyed and smiling. As the crowd pays tribute to the athletes and the games we all join in a celebration of friendship and healthy competition. Tomorrow the games begin and our hearts and minds will be focused on our sports and our team. But tonight…at these ceremonies, we are all united.

Stay warm…from windy sunny Yellowknife­
Dawn Grossmann

Dear Friends of DCDA:

Greetings once again in the name of our risen Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Delta Christian Drama Association is proud to announce that it will be supporting the Alexis Fund with proceeds generated by this year’s Easter production, “Perhaps for a Good Man.” As I’m sure you know, Alexis Flynn is the two-year-old miracle child, born with 14 congenital abnormalities, who requires a kidney transplant to save her life. 100% of the funds that come in on March 28-30 and April 4th will go directly to Alexis unless clearly designated otherwise.

We ask you to help us support Alexis in two ways.

First, please bring as many people as possible to experience “Perhaps for a Good Man.” You will have five opportunities to see this production. Living Waters Assembly of God will host the stage play on the weekend after Easter, March 28-30 at 7:00 nightly. The show will also appear at Fort Greely Middle School gymnasium stage on April 4th at 7:00pm and North Pole Missionary Chapel on April 6 at 6:00pm.

The show will last approximately two hours. Childcare will be provided at the Living Waters showings, and there is a nursery at North Pole Missionary Chapel. Parents should be advised that this dramatic production will depict some intense scenes, one of which includes a shooting. Remember to arrive early in order to secure a good seat.

Admission will be free as always, but we especially encourage your generosity this year for Alexis’ sake. Jesus reminds us that when we give to the least of his brothers and sisters when they are in need, we are giving to Him. Delta Christian Drama Association is honored to help Alexis and her parents Dave and Barb Flynn, because this amazing family symbolizes three principles that lie at the core of DCDA’s vision: 1) the ministry of hope to the needy, 2) the sanctity of all human life, and 3) the redemptive power of sacrificial love.

Secondly, as has been our tradition, we will be holding a silent auction at Living Waters. This time, of course, the proceeds will go to Alexis. You can help by donating items to the silent auction. We ask that donated items be clean and in good shape and that you note their estimated value, as well as the name of the donor, unless the donor wishes to remain anonymous. We will accept anything from gift certificates to crafts, and from baked goods to vehicles.

To donate, or simply for more information, call George Hosier at work at 1-907-895-5100, Gaylene Hosier at 1-907-895-5289, or Wendy Jennings at 1-907-895-4063.

Thank you for your faithful support of the Lord’s work.

May God bless you this Resurrection season,
George Hosier
For Delta Christian Drama Association.

While most folks in Delta Junction were sleeping at 4;30 am on Sat morning , six local folk were embarking on a week long adventure to Yellowknife, in the Northwest Territories in Canada.

Three local athletes were selected to compete and represent the State of Alaska at the 2008 Arctic Winter Games. Brett Smith and Jacob Schultz, names you will recognize from Delta`s youth skating program are both chosen members of the Team Alaska Bantam Hockey Boys team. The team is made up of outstanding skaters from all around the state. Brett and Jacob were selected from a tryout in Fairbanks. Their asst coach, local resident and long time hockey coach Mike Tvenge is helping coach their team. Also representing Alaska on the Team Alaska Women`s Hockey Team is Annie Grossmann, another skating name you will recognize from Delta. Annie is a member of the State Champion Delta High School Hockey team. She has also been a participant in our local skating program for many years as well as in several other competitive hockey teams around the state. Most recently she returned from Regional competition in San Jose, CA with her Anchorage North Star AAA Women`s U19 team. Accompanying Annie and the Team Alaska Women`s Hockey team is her favourite hockey mom, yours truly, Dawn Grossmann. The women`s team has 2 male coaches and required a female chaperone. Also accompanying Team Alaska as a visitor is Diane Schultz, Jacob`s mom and a local business woman.

The arctic Winter Games are a fantastic Circum polar competition of athletes representing all the northern peoples of the globe. While here in Yellowknife, I will make an attempt to give you daily reports on the games and the outcomes as well as snippets of our time here so far from our Alaska homes. I encourage you to check out the website for the games, or just search for Arctic Winter Games 2008. The host society home page can be accessed there as well as Team Alaska`s site. To get to the AK site click on the Alaska flag.

So..we are off on our first shuttle adventure around the town to try to locate some dinner. We are housed in a local French school where everything, including this keyboard and the screen text of this computer is all in French. It is going to be an exciting week and I am looking forward to sharing it with you. The competition will be thrilling.

Til tomorrow and the Opening Ceremonies….Dawn

Delta Christian Drama Association is proud to announce that it will be supporting the Alexis Fund with proceeds generated by their fourth annual Easter production. Alexis Flynn is the two-year-old miracle child, born with 14 congenital abnormalities, who requires a kidney transplant to save her life. Everybody is invited to help Alexis by attending DCDA’s presentation of “Perhaps for a Good Man” at one of three locations. Living Waters Assembly of God will host the stage play on March 28-30 at 7:00 nightly. The show will also appear at the Fort Greely Middle School gymnasium stage on April 4th at 7:00pm, and North Pole Missionary Chapel on April 6 at 6:00pm. 100% of donations and silent auction purchases that come in on March 28-30 and April 4th will go directly to Alexis unless clearly designated otherwise.

DCDA is a non-denominational volunteer group which has been providing high quality theatrical productions to the Delta Junction area since 2005. As a part of their community service philosophy, admittance to all DCDA productions is free of charge. Historically, the association has depended on contributions and fund-raisers to cover production costs. This season, however, the generosity of DCDA contributors and volunteers has made it possible to return a heart-felt “Thank You” to the community by way of the Alexis fund.

Delta Christian Drama Association is honored to help Alexis and her parents Dave and Barb Flynn, because this amazing family symbolizes three principles that lie at the core of DCDA’s vision: 1) the ministry of hope to the needy, 2) the value of all human life, and 3) the redemptive power of sacrificial love.

These principles will resonate in the theme of “Perhaps for a Good Man” as Joshua Etters risks himself to save the life of Julio “Barstool” Rabus, an extortion professional who has been threatening Josh and his family. Those who attended the original run of this show in 2005 will discover that it has been revised and updated. There are fresh plot and dialogue twists. New characters have been added, and old characters have been reinterpreted. Whether you are a veteran DCDA fan or a neophyte, this show promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.

The show will last approximately two hours. Childcare will be provided at the Living Waters showings. Parents should be advised that this dramatic production will depict some intense action scenes, one of which includes a shooting. The audience is urged to arrive early in order to secure a good seat.

In Delta Junction, Living Waters Assembly of God is located beside Interior Building Supply and across the Richardson Highway from IGA Food Cache. North Pole Missionary Chapel is located at 2485 Dawson Road, North Pole, Alaska. For further directions or any questions call George or Gaylene Hosier at 1-907-895-5289.

The Iditarod sled dog race is off and running, and so is the State of Alaska’s yearly immunization campaign “I Did It By Two” Race to Vaccinate. Commemorating the original race to bring life-saving serum to Nome to stop a deadly diphtheria outbreak, this campaign promotes the importance of protecting children against some serious diseases which once killed and disabled millions in the United States.

Delta Public Health Center encourages parents to take this opportunity to check their children’s shot records to see if they are up to date on all their immunizations. Children through age 5 who are up-to-date on immunizations can be entered in a drawing to win the cute and adorable stuffed husky pup with a collar signed by four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser.

Thanks to immunizations many vaccine preventable diseases are not seen much anymore, but the viruses and bacteria that cause these diseases are still circulating. Un-immunized children are still at risk from diseases such as measles, mumps and pertussis (otherwise known as whooping cough), as well as tetanus and diphtheria.

If you are uncertain about the status of your child’s immunizations or would like to enter your child in the drawing you can stop by the Delta Public Health Center or call 895-4292. All children’s immunizations are given free of charge. Normal hours are 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

More information about vaccines is available by calling the toll-free Alaska Immunization Hotline at 1-888-430-4321 or from the Alaska Section of Epidemiology Website.

The Super Colon is coming to Bassett Army Community Hospital Mar. 13 and 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In observance of Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Bassett and Prevent Cancer Foundation are sponsoring the Super Colon visit in their continuing effort to increase colorectal cancer screening.

The Super Colon is an inflatable, interactive colon that teaches people about the risks, symptoms, prevention, early detection and treatment options for colorectal cancer.

Visitors get a close-up look at healthy tissue, tissue with non-malignant colorectal diseases, as well as tissue with various stages of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is 90 percent preventable and 90 percent treatable if detected early, yet it remains to be the second leading cancer killer in the US.

Visitors who do not have Department of Defense decals and DOD ID cards must stop at the visitors’ center at the main gate to get a day pass. Driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance are required to get the pass.

Linda L. Douglass
Post Public Affairs Officer
353-6701

There are still several Festival of Lights t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts left.

For hooded sweatshirts there is 1 medium left and a handful of larges available. Remaining t-shirts are in sizes large and X-large. Sweatshirts are $26 and t-shirts are $15.

Stop by the Delta Chamber of Commerce office (Jarvis West Building, Suite 1B) Monday-Friday between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm to purchase a sweatshirt or t-shirt.

For questions, contact us at 895-5068.

WHO: Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival

WHAT: “ACS Winter Edition” Singing Workshops with Byron McGilvray

WHEN: Monday, March 17 – Friday, March 21 Two evening classes offered, 5:30 – 7:30 pm and 8:00 – 10:00 pm

WHERE: Christian Science Church, 811 First Avenue, Fairbanks

COST: Registration fee: $100 OR $25 per class. Print out Registration form at www.fsaf.org.

WHY: For singers at all levels. Open to anyone ages 15 and up. These classes are for those who love to sing and are interested in personal music growth. More experienced singers may bring several songs to class for study with Byron. There are no auditions for any of these classes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact Maurine Canarsky 456 4156, Email

9th Army Arctic Band

Halfway Home

Delta High School Choir

The Festival of Lights was a huge success this year. There was plenty of music entertainment at the Galleria Trades Show, in the lobby of the Delta High Shool large gym. Thank you Amanda Delperdang – Events Coordinator ~ for submitting some photos of the entertainers.

Polar Bear Plunge jumpers (L to R), Gwen Leivdal, Dave Hecimovich,
Jon Laschiavo and Rich Rogers

Dave Hecimovich

Photos Courtesy Amanda Delperdang – Events Coordinator. Thanks for all you do for our community Amanda.

On behalf of Norm Hilliker, we would like to express our deepest thanks to all that helped and offered to help Norm after his cabin fire. Many people gave to help buy materials and some donated labor, materials, clothing or gift certificates.

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February 29, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska – Fairbanks Superior Court Judge Douglas L. Blankenship ruled on Thursday that Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell took proper action regarding the 07WATR and 07WTR3 initiatives. The initiatives propose requirements to new large scale metallic mineral mining operations in Alaska.

In his ruling dated February 28, 2008, Judge Blankenship concluded that, “Lieutenant Governor Parnell was correct in refusing to certify 07WATR because it is an appropriation. The lieutenant governor’s certification of 07WTR3 as a regulatory measure was correct.”

Lieutenant Governor Parnell commented on Thursday’s ruling, stating that, “It’s important to get certainty and finality on these significant water and mining issues. Though the decision will likely be appealed, it brings us one step closer to an Alaska Supreme Court decision on whether the initiative is the proper route for deciding these issues or whether that is the Legislature’s exclusive domain.”

If this decision is appealed as expected to the Alaska Supreme Court, it will most likely be consolidated with the lieutenant governor’s appeal of a separate Superior Court decision ruling in favor of the initiative sponsors.

Judge Blankenship’s ruling can be found here.

Further information on 07WATR and 07WTR3 can be found here.