Monthly Archives: May 2009

Battling Bankruptcy ~ A Strategy for Fending Off Debt

Anchorage, Alaska – May 29, 2009 – Those overwhelmed with debt may turn towards bankruptcy for relief. Although the process is complicated, many financially troubled business owners and individuals utilize this legal solution. Since the book of bankruptcy is filled with chapters, your BBB offers consumers the following notes to help decide whether bankruptcy is a viable option.

Individuals usually file or voluntarily petition one of two types of bankruptcy, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, which can stop collection actions and also prevent almost all civil lawsuits.

Chapter 7 entails asset liquidation, where the debtor turns over all non-exempt property to the bankruptcy trustee who then converts it to cash for distribution to the creditors. This type of bankruptcy can help eliminate most or all debt, including credit cards, loans, and other bills in arrears. This option is most beneficial to those with assets, but little income and a lot of unpaid debt.

Chapter 13 allows debtors to file for a repayment plan with the bankruptcy court to pay back all or a portion of the debts over time—usually a period of three to five years—the amount that needs to be repaid depends on how much is earned, the amount and types of debt owed, and how much property is owned. Payments may be collected by an appointed trustee to ensure that all creditors are paid off. This solution benefits individuals with a continuous income who are juggling multiple past due expenses.

Debtors must meet certain criteria to determine which type of bankruptcy they should file for and extensive financial records will need to be submitted, outlining income, outstanding credit, debt, and property or assets. BBB encourages consumers to face the facts before filing for bankruptcy:

Consider Alternatives:
Don’t be lured in by offers for an “easy fix.” Before filing for bankruptcy, try some alternatives:
- Develop a budget plan
- Reduce your expenses
- Get a second job
- Renegotiate your debt
- Obtain a debt consolidation loan

Credit Report:
Bankruptcy becomes a matter of public record and it can hinder your ability to obtain credit, rent an apartment, secure a job or purchase insurance. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on the filer’s credit report for no longer than 10 years. As an incentive to file under Chapter 13, the credit report retains bankruptcy information for only 7 years, according to the Consumer Data Industry Association.

Non-discharged Debt:
Bankruptcy may wipe out debt, allowing a ‘fresh start,’ however; some financial obligations will not be discharged in bankruptcy:

Debts which are not properly listed in your bankruptcy papers
Criminal fines and restitution obligations
Debts for acts that caused death or personal injury
Domestic support obligations: Child support and alimony
Long term secured obligations: Student loans
Certain taxes: Income tax debt
Any debts incurred after you file bankruptcy

Credit Counseling:
Bankruptcy law now mandates financial counseling from a not-for-profit credit counseling agency (six months prior to filing), and completion of debtor education classes before debts can be discharged. Choose agencies and providers approved by the United States Trustee. In some cases, courses can be conducted by telephone or on the Internet. Some charge fees for counseling sessions, and upon completion, the agency will issue a certificate that permits you to file bankruptcy. For a list of approved agencies, visit www.usdoj.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/ccde/cc_approved.htm.

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling, www.nfcc.org, and the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies, www.aiccca.org, also offer helpful tips to find a reliable credit counseling agency.

Legal Consultation:
Bankruptcy law is complicated. Seek the advice of an attorney to learn your rights and responsibilities prior to filing a petition with the court. Hire an attorney who agrees to represent you throughout the bankruptcy proceedings. Before purchasing bankruptcy services, verify the legitimacy of all businesses, lawyers, agencies and organizations with your Better Business Bureau. Find an attorney through the Alaska Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service at 907-272-0352 in Anchorage, or 1-800-770-9999 elsewhere in the state.

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Photo of the day – May 29

Circle City sign

Joyce Bendell with ice chunk

Eagle Summit looking NE Photos Courtesy Ed.

Eagle Summit is well above timberline. This is great country for ptarmigan hunting in August or September, but Eagle Summit is best known for the summer solstice. Though it doesn’t ever get completely dark during summer nights in Fairbanks, the sun does set at least briefly every night. But on June 21, if the sky is clear, the added elevation at Eagle Summit means watchers can see the sun that never sets. At midnight (true midnight, not daylight savings time), the sun dips against the northern horizon but never quite sinks below it.
The last 35 miles of the Steese Highway, from Central to Circle (also known as Circle City), runs mostly through lowland forests of spruce and birch. Circle, 162 miles from Fairbanks, was erroneously named by area miners in the late 19th century who thought the town site was actually on the Arctic Circle. Unfortunately, the Arctic Circle is about 50 miles farther north.

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Veterans of Foreign Wars Service Officer Coming to Delta

VFW State Service Officer

Scott Thorstad will be in Delta Junction

Location: City Hall

Date: June 08, 2009

Time: 8:00 am to 11:00 am

Scott will be available to answer your questions about VA Entitlements and provide FREE assistance filling out the application forms for VA Entitlements.

Contact Info: Scott A. ThorstadOffice # (907) 276-8213

**VFW membership is not a requirement**

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Photo of the day – May 28

This image shows a swan tipped up while feeding underwater, with an American Widgeon swimming past.

This shows the swan after it surfaced, with water running off its bill.
Photos Courtesy of Art Lenon

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Public Meeting for Delta Bison Working Group

The Delta Bison Working Group (DBWG) will hold a public meeting Wednesday June 10, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the Delta City Hall.

The agenda will include:
(1) Update on crop planting on Delta Junction Bison Range,
(2) Continuation of review and recommendations of the DBWG on ideas to reduce agriculture/bison conflicts, and
(3) Discussions of actions needed to revise the Delta Bison Management Plan.

For more information, contact ADF&G personnel: Steve DuBois 894-4484 Randy Rogers 459-7335, or Rita St. Louis 459-7345

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Missionary Speaker at Assembly of God – May 31

Living Waters Assembly of God has a missionary speaker coming on May 31
Name: Joni Middleton
Mission Field: Indonesia.

She’ll be speaking at 11AM & 7PM at Living Waters Assembly of God

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News from Advantage Basketball Camps

12 more days to register for Craig Alaska Summer Basketball camps 2009

To register for the Basketball skills camp, go to the Advantage Basketball Camps web site.

Advantage Basketball Camps comes to Craig Alaska

Advantage Basketball Camps are the largest Basketball days camps in the world. ABC was recently selected by Sports Illustrated Kids as one of the Top Camps in the country.

For more information go to Advantage Basketball Camps click on the month or months button to find the information or call Tina Steffen at 907-826-2274

The Craig Alaska camp will be found under the June

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2 local Boy Scout Troops (11 and 56 )performed the flag ceremony for the Memorial Service at the Rest Haven cemetery. The service was very well attended. Picture by Steve Lemons.

Please click on the photo for a photo enlargement.

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Photo of the day – May 26

Friendly Frontier Days took place last Saturday, May 23. There were many events, good food, and a great turn out from the community. The weather was absolutely gorgeous with temperatures reaching 75 degrees. Click on the photos for photo enlargements.
Thank you to Carol Watkins for all your wonderful photo displays.
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Mystery Photo for Week May 19 – 26

The winner of last week’s mystery photo is Cheryl Helkenn

We had 15 correct entries last week.

Cheryl will receive a gift certificate from the Buffalo Center Drive In, Courtesy of John and Linda Sloan

Thank you for each one that submitted their entry, along with your mailing address. Please remember to include your mailing address with each entry. DNW will not accept entries without mailing addresses. We do not store your address from week to week.

The photo is part of the ax throwing target behind the Sullivan Roadhouse.

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Delta Softball Meeting May 27

There is going to be a meeting on 27 May, 2009 at the softball complex in Delta Junction.

The meeting will start at 7:00 p.m.

All coaches and players are more than welcome to attend.

If you cannot make the meeting and want to discuss the upcoming season feel free to contact Craig Davis at (907)895-4505

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Photo of the day – May 25

This snowshoe hare was photographed hiding under a spruce tree in Denali Park in mid-May as it changes from its white winter coat to its brownish summer coat. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois
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Photo of the day – May 23

For their first 3 to 5 years, Juvenile Bald Eagles are a subdued mixture of chocolate brown with varying amounts of white over the body, tail and underwings. Both Adults and Juveniles can weigh 7 to 14 pounds with a 7 foot wing span. Their physical features are identical. However – because Juvenile plumage is longer and thicker – Juveniles actually are larger than they will be as mature, adults. Sometimes mistaken for a Golden Eagle, young Bald Eagles have more white mottled into their coloration. Photo Courtesy Kevin Flatley
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Photo of the day – May 22

The Shoveler is a common duck, found in ponds and flooded marshes where it feeds in shallow water. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon
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Memorial Service for Roy C. Green

Memorial Service for Roy C. Green who passed away on May 14,2009 will be held at the First Baptist Church on Sunday, May 24, 2009 at 6pm. Anyone who wishes to pay their respects are welcome to attend.

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Photo of the day – May 21

Ruffed grouse, like this male, are about to finish the “drumming” for the spring. I photographed this bird near Nistler Road. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois
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Driver's Education Coming to Delta Junction

Do you have your learner’s permit? Are you ready to take the Road Test at the DMV but don’t want to wait? Do you have a 16 year old student, but can’t teach them to drive? Do you want to make sure they know the rules of the road before letting them out on the road?

North Star Driving School is coming to Delta Junction. Driver’s Education classes will be held Monday, June 8-Thursday, June 11 from 10:00 a.m. till noon at Delta Elementary School. There will be classroom time as well as time behind the wheel with a DMV and State of Alaska Certified Instructor. Understanding the economic needs of the Greater Delta/Ft. Greely area, the fee has been reduced to $375. Road tests will be available for $50 with a valid State of Alaska learner’s permit. A military discount is also available with a valid military id.

For more information or to register for the class, please call Chris at 803-9467 or email csweet@dgsd.k12.ak.us First three students to register will receive a prize on the first day of class. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to keep our students and roads safe!

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Larry Echo-Hawk confirmed by the Senate to head the BIA

Howard Echo-Hawk, a local 33 year Delta Junction resident, and his cousin Larry Echo-Hawk have the same Great, Great Grandfather.

Echo Hawk, a U.S. Army Pawnee Scout under the command of Major Frank North during the Indian Wars had his personal name translated into English and Echo Hawk became the families last name.

The Pawnee’s are comprised of four bands. Echo-Hawk was from the South Band known as Kit’-ka-hah-ki Band.

Every Echo-Hawk counts his or her linage back to this one man, Howard Echo Hawk

Larry went to BYU on a football scholarship and served his country as a US Marine.
He served as Idaho’s Attorney General in the early 1990′s.

After the Senate formally confirmed Brigham Young University law professor Larry EchoHawk to head the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, he vowed Wednesday to do all in his power to combat the poverty, poor schools and crime that are too common in Indian country. (Click here to read the entire story)

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Photo of the day – May 20

The bald eagle pictured here has just flown down to get a drink of water out of Donnelly Creek. Most of the bald eagles you see are where fish are found, since that is their main diet.
Photo by Steve Thomas
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Friendly Frontier Days Schedule of Events

Saturday, May 23, 2009

11 am Flag presentation by the 49th Missile Defense BN Color Guard with Heather Stossmeister singing the Star Spangled Banner
11 am – noon Lumberjack Challenge practice
11 am – 11:20 am Poster to be turned-in for the Poster Contest (Sponsored by Durham Realty)
11:30 am – 12:15 pm Voting for the Poster Contest Begins. (Sponsored by Durham Realty)
12 am – 2 pm Buffalo BBQ ($6 adults, 12 and under $4)
12 pm – 4 pm Hay wagon rides (Sponsored by Delta Friends of Ag.)
12:15 pm – 4:30 pm Music by: Simple Folk Uprising, Jammin’ Salmon Dixieland Band of
Ft. Wainwright, & an old fashioned Calliope.
1 pm – 4:30 pm Lumberjack Challenge (Sponsored by Delta Friends of Ag)
3 pm – 3:45 pm “Kiss a Pig” event (Pigs courtesy of Shaw Creek Dairy)
4 pm Friendly Frontier Days raffle drawing
11 pm Buffalo Wallow Square Dancers – Dancing under the Midnight Sun (Visitor Center)

All Day
Door prizes
Bounce House (Sponsored by Delta Industrial Services)
Antique tractors on display
Highways End Farmers Market
Carol McNabb’s funnel cakes and homemade ice cream
Fundraising booths: Delta Lions Club, Forget-Me-Knot Quilters
Family scavenger hunt activity (Salcha-Delta Soil & Water Conservation District)
Sullivan Roadhouse Museum open
Children’s petting zoo (sponsored by Shaw Creek Dairy, & Tracy Heller)
More events to be added soon!

For questions contact Dani at the Delta Chamber of Commerce at 895-5068 or by email at deltacc@alaska.net

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Ignite Alaska Coming to Fairbanks May 29-30

What? An event that will draw people closer to God. A youth ministry ExPLoSioN with speakers, bands, concerts, worship, fellowship for the local people and the presence of God.

When? May 29 – 30,2009

Where? In Fairbanks, Alaska, Carlson Center.

Tickets on sale now: ticketmaster.com, Joel’s Place

For more information call 907.452.2621

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Going-Out-Of-Business Sales Don’t Always Deliver the Best Deals

BBB SAYS BUYER BEWARE WHEN SHOPPING
Going-Out-Of-Business Sales Don’t Always Deliver the Best Deals

Anchorage, Alaska – Retailers across the country are being hit by the declining economy and some big brand companies are closing doors and liquidating assets in order to pay debtors. To customers’ ears, a going-out-of-business sale means huge discounts, but Better Business Bureau is warning bargain-hunters to be on the alert for false deals when shopping liquidation sales.

The holiday shopping season, which often accounts for more than a third of a retailer’s annual sales, failed to deliver in 2008. Retail sales in the U.S. fell 2.8 percent, the first decline since 1995. Due to sluggish sales in 2008, several national retailers entered into bankruptcy and, ultimately, held liquidation sales. And consumers can expect that there will be more bankruptcies and liquidation sales to come from both national and local retailers.

“In this economy, we’re all looking for bargains, unfortunately, the bargains are not always as advertised at going-out-of business sales and some consumers don’t realize they’re getting ripped off when they’re supposed to be getting a deal,” said Robert. W.G. Andrew, CEO of BBB serving Alaska, Oregon, and Western Washington.

When a large retailer such as Circuit City decides to liquidate its assets, the actual sale will be undertaken by a liquidator. The liquidator will set the prices and attempt to sell the items quickly and at the highest profit. As a result, some items will actually be marked up for the sale.

In 2008, an ABC News report revealed that many items sold during Linens-n-Things’ liquidation sale were marked up by as much as 14 percent. More recently, according to a mystery shopping trip by Consumer Reports, Circuit City’s liquidation sale included such “deals” as a big-screen TV that had been marked up by more than $400 dollars and computer printers that had been marked up by as much as 100 percent.

Before being sucked into some not-so-good deals at a liquidation sale, BBB offers the following advice to consumers:

Confirm that a deal IS a deal. Not only will some liquidators actually mark up prices for going-out-of-business sales, a business’s competitors will sometimes drop their prices in order to compete with a liquidation sale, so BBB strongly advises consumers to beware of the hype and shop around.

Use a credit card. Credit cards include built-in consumer protections if the company does not deliver on promised goods and BBB recommends making purchases with a credit card instead of checks or cash.

Don’t count on customer service. Customer service is not a liquidator’s priority and consumers expecting the same level of customer service might be very disappointed. Staff on the floor will be limited and consumers might be on the hook for delivery of large items. Also, since the company won’t be around in the future, consumers need to understand that all sales are final and that they don’t have options to return or exchange merchandise if they aren’t satisfied with the purchase.

Know the status on warranties. Warranties are often maintained by a manufacturer or a third-party, which means that the warranty will still apply if the retailer goes out of business. However, the consumer should always confirm the status of the warranty in writing before buying.

Use those gift cards ASAP. Businesses that have entered into the liquidation process will not be around for very long and BBB advises that any consumers who are holding gift cards spend them as soon as possible or risk getting stuck with a worthless piece of plastic.

For more advice you can trust from BBB on how to be a savvy consumer, go to www.bbb.org.

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Warning on Charitable Solicitations

BBB ISSUES WARNING ON CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS FROM POLICE, FIREFIGHTER & VETERANS’ ORGANIZATIONS

Anchorage, Alaska – May 20, 2009 – Your BBB Foundation applauds the announcement today by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state government agencies over concerns about solicitations made by police, firefighter and veterans’ organizations. BBB Foundation and BBBs nationwide receive over 130,000 inquiries annually from donors who want to know how a police, firefighter or veterans’ charity stacks up to BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

“For many years, BBBs across the U.S. have received numerous reports about the questionable practices of unscrupulous operators seeking to take advantage of American generosity and concern for police officers, firefighters and veterans in their communities,” said said Robert. W.G. Andrew, CEO of BBB Foundation serving Alaska, Oregon, and Western Washington.

BBB Foundation is concerned about many practices that are common to police, firefighter and veterans’ organizations including:
High fund raising costs with little remaining to assist the named cause;
Excessive pressure in telephone fund raising appeals; and
Lack of clarity about what programs donations will be assisting.

A consumer booklet by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, “Donating to Police and Firefighter Organizations” is available online for free at www.bbb.org/us/Police-Firefighter-Charities and offers giving advice for vetting solicitations. Also available online at www.bbb.org/us/WGA-Senate is the BBB Foundation testimony on Assessing Veterans’ Organizations given to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in December 2007. The testimony includes additional BBB guidance about veterans’ groups.

“Certainly, police, firefighter and veterans’ charities fill an important need in society for current and former members of the armed services, police, firefighters and their families,” said Andrew, “and we are pleased that a number of these charities meet our standards. However, we also have some concerns.”

BBB offers the following tips to help donors make wise pre-donation decisions when considering police, firefighter, or veterans’ charities:

Check with Outside Sources Before Giving. Visit BBB Foundation online at www.bbb.org/charity to access detailed charity reports and giving advice. Donors can also check out charities with their state government’s charity registration agency, usually a division under the Attorney General.

Identity. Just because the organization includes the words “police” or “firefighter” in the name it does not mean that any member of the local force is involved. Also, many veterans’ charities include virtually the same words in different order or slightly different form.

Telemarketing Cautions. Telemarketing can be a costly method of fund raising unless carefully managed. If called, don’t hesitate to ask for written information on the charity’s programs and finances.

On-the-Spot Donation Decisions. Be wary of excessive pressure in fund raising. Don’t be pressured to make an immediate on-the-spot donation. Charities should welcome gifts whenever provided.

Donating Cars. Find out how much of the auction price for donated cars actually goes to the charity. Sometimes the charity receives only a small portion of the resale price. Also be mindful of the latest IRS rules on deductibility of such gifts.

Clear Program Descriptions. Look for a clear program description of the organization’s activities in its appeals and Web site. For example, if it says it is helping veterans, does it explain how (e.g., financial, housing, and/or counseling, etc.) and where it is doing so?

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Kiss A Pig Standings ~ May 20

Eileen Herman – Busy Bee 152 Votes
Earl McNabb – Delta Industrial 145 Votes
Jamie Dothage- Arctic Chiropractic 144 Votes
Alden Conner – Poor Boy 134Votes
April Bradley – Jack’s Liquor 129Votes
Andrew Whitish – Boeing 30 Votes
Adam McNabb – Bechtel 28 Votes
Becky Peterson – Mt. Hayes Realty 21 Votes
Curtis Fellman 12 Votes
John Sloan- Buffalo Center Drive-In 11 Votes
Jeff Creamer – Bechtel 7 Votes
Mike Paschall – Delta Wind 5 Votes

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Photo of the day – May 19

This image shows a Lesser Yellowlegs wading in a flooded field searching for invertebrates to eat. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon
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Mystery Photo for Week May 12-19

The winner of last week’s mystery photo is Abraham Congiolosi

We had 8 correct entries last week.

Abraham will receive a gift certificate from the Buffalo Center Diner, Courtesy of Ed and Ann Richards

Thank you for each one that submitted their entry, along with your mailing address. Please remember to include your mailing address with each entry. DNW will not accept entries without mailing addresses. We do not store your address from week to week.

The photo is part of the Alaska Farmer’s Co-op Building.

Thank you Ed and Ann Richards from the Buffalo Center Diner and John and Linda Sloan from the Buffalo Center Drive In for their sponsorship of the 3rd annual Mystery Photo Contest.

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Kiss A Pig Standings ~ May 19

McNabb – Delta Industrial 144 Votes
Alden Conner – Poor Boy 130 Votes
Eileen Herman – Busy Bee 122 Votes
April Bradley – Jack’s Liquor 119 Votes
Jamie Dothage- Arctic Chiropractic 104 Votes
Andrew Whitish – Boeing 30 Votes
Adam McNabb – Bechtel 25 Votes
Curtis Fellman 12 Votes
John Sloan- Buffalo Center Drive-In 11 Votes
Jeff Creamer – Bechtel 7 Votes
Mike Paschall – Delta Wind 5 Votes
Becky Peterson – Mt. Hayes Realty 1 Votes

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Photo of the day – May 18

It’s getting to be that time of year again. These baby moose calves have decided it was time for lunch. Photo by Steve Thomas
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Advantage Basketball Camps comes to Craig Alaska

Advantage Basketball Camps are the largest Basketball days camps in the world. ABC was recently selected by Sports Illustrated Kids as one of the Top Camps in the country.
For more information go to our webiste, click on the month or months button to find the information. The Craig Alaska camp will be found under the June Button, or call Tina Steffen at 907-826-2274

Camp Location – Craig High School, Craig, Alaska. June 8 to June 12 – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day

Ball Handling and Shooting Camp camp locations are all across the country. We are adding new locations every week so keep an eye on the website.

Join us this summer and find out why Sports illustrated kids picked us as one of the top Basketball camps in the country

To register for the Basketball skills camp, go to the web site.

Sincerely,
Michael Hummel
Advantage Basketball Camps

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Alumni Photos – Glass family

Dan Glass III is 6 and just graduated from Kindergarten
Teresa, Dan III, and Nevaeh Glass.

Nevaeh Glass turned 4 at the end of April
Photos have been submitted by Teresa (Dorff) Glass.

We invite you to browse through our other alumni pages.

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Photo of the day – May 16

Spring is here! Take time to look closely at a pussy willow! They are beautiful creations!
Image by Dwight Phillips
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Photo of the day – May 15

The owl on top of the tree is about to take off.

As seen in the second photo, he literally does a free fall before spreading his wings.
Photos copyright Richard Mitchell
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Post Wide Yard Sale on Fort Wainright

The public is invited to the first of the 2009 postwide yard sales here May 16 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Post residents will sell from their homes in the housing areas, or from booths at the Lemon Lot at Neely and Meridian, across from the Post Office.

Military retirees, civilian employees at Fort Wainwright and military families who live off post may secure spaces at the Lemon Lot. Tables are not provided.

A sign will indicate a special lane for yard-sale visitors. Visitors should tell the gate guards they are here for the yard sale, and must show proof of insurance, valid driver’s license and vehicle registration. The gate guards will give each visitor a post pass for that day and a map. The pass should be kept on the dashboard in the front window of the vehicle.

There is no need to stop at the visitors’ center. Military police will strictly enforce speed limits in all areas.

For more information, call 353-6612.

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Canning Meat and Fish Classes

Canning Meat and Fish Classes
From the Cooperative Extension Service

Roxie Rodgers Dinstel – Home Economist, with Cooperative Extension Service -Tanana District will be conducting classes in Delta Junction Thursday, June 4, 2009. Learn to turn your wild game, or other meat such as beef or chicken, and salmon or other fish products into savory canned products to enjoy and share. The afternoon class will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 and the evening class from 6:00 – 9:00.

A materials fee per person to include supplies & publications per person for each class will be $10.00.

Workshops will be held at the CES Conference Room in the Jarvis Office Center or depending on size TBA. There is a 5-person minimum and 15-person maximum class limit. Registration deadline is Friday, May 30, 2009. For further information and to register call 895-4215.

You are encouraged to bring your own fresh or frozen meat or fish. Please let us know if you are intending to contribute so we can plan our projects. Thank you

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Don't Let Scams Ruin a Vacation

BBB Travel Advice for Booking, Canceling, and Protecting Your Funds.

Anchorage, Alaska – May 7, 2009 – Summer is the season for travel. Unfortunately, it is not all sunscreen and postcards; vacation scams cost consumers over $10 billion each year. Whether you’re planning an in-state relaxing weekend or an overseas exotic vacation, your Better Business Bureau provides the following travel tips.

Be aware of common scams.

Bait-and-switch. The deal sounds great and the location looks wonderful from the photos. The consumer pays upfront, but the accommodations don’t match the advertised description. Don’t let a price, sales person, ad or Web site alone convince you that it is a great deal.
Vacation prize. If you don’t remember entering for the prize, you didn’t win. These can be a full scam or a time-share gimmick.

Time-Shares. Ads for free or extremely discounted stays at 5-star hotels are often rip-offs or time-share sales pitches. Some time-share ads offer free deals to get consumers in the door. Be aware, you may have to commit to listening to a long presentation, stay at the time-share another time for a cost, or purchase a time-share, before getting the free offer. If considering purchasing a time-share: Get all details in writing; research the offer and surrounding time-shares before hearing the pitch; talk to current time-share owners; ask if descendants can inherit the time-share; understand restrictions on when and where you can stay; and consider extra travel expenses such as food and airfare. Don’t feel pressured – consider the costs and gains before making a decision.

Travel Insurance. Not everyone needs travel insurance. If you do, understand the difference between protection plans and insurance plans. Insurance plans are regulated by states, protection plans are not. Scammers will try to sell protection plans as insurance plans. Read contracts thoroughly, make sure they include exactly what is covered. Make sure current homeowners or medical insurance doesn’t already cover you.

Canceling Vacations Due to Swine Flu. If you booked a vacation to Mexico and wish to cancel or postpone it, check with your hotel or cruise line on their policy regarding cancelations due to the Swine Flu. Note: If you booked the trip with a travel agent you may have to follow their cancelation guidelines.

Your BBB provides the following travel tips to protect against travel scams:
1) Pay with a credit card and avoid deals that require you to book 60 days in advance. Credit card companies may allow consumers to dispute a charge within 60 days of purchase. Representatives from eBay also caution consumers against paying with personal checks and strongly recommend paying with a method such as PayPal that has built-in protection measures. Be careful with your credit card, if you didn’t initiate the call, don’t give the information.
2) Ask detailed questions and get answers in writing. Get names of airlines, hotels, car rental companies and travel providers. Consider contacting these businesses directly to verify arrangements. Always ask for confirmation of your travel arrangements in writing and ensure you receive copies of cancellation and refund policies.
3) Online security. Before making a purchase online, make sure the Web address has an “s” in “https” and look for a lock box next to the Web address bar or in the bottom right of the window.
4) Verify legitimacy. Verify the business is properly licensed. Get a BBB Reliability Report at www.bbb.org or 562-0704.
5) Contact BBB if you are a victim of fraud. Your BBB helps consumers and businesses through complaint and dispute resolution services. Victims of travel-related scams can file a complaint at www.bbb.org. Ultimately, consumer complaints expose bad businesses and help other consumers avoid becoming victims of vacation fraud.

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Photo of the day – May 14

“While bushwacking through the deep, dark tangled innards of an Interior Alaska black spruce forest, miles from any civilization, the photographer, nearly dead from fatique and mosquito bites, came upon this stunning wild pasque flower blooming. The beauty of this discovery gave the explorer the desire to survive, and after several more days of bushwacking, he was able to return to the somewhat permanent settlement of Delta Junction, and was able to share this rare discovery with the world via the DNW” Photo Courtesy Art Lenon
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Fort Greely Skeet Range Grand Opening

The Fort Greely Family Morale Welfare and Recreation division is re-opening the Fort Greely skeet range beginning May 18.
Along with authorized Fort Greely personnel, admittance will be granted tolocal Delta Junction skeet shooters. Those who don’t have access to post can sign up for a seasonal Fort Greely Skeet Club Membership. Membership privileges will include a special pass authorizing access to Fort Greely on days the skeet range is in operation.
Once you have submitted your application you will need to stop at the Visitor’s Center on your initial visit and register for your season pass.
The skeet range will be open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4 to 9p.m. Skeet Club members will also receive discounted rounds of skeet and trap along with free entry into special events.
The skeet range has 12- and 20-gauge shotguns available for use and ammo forsale. For those bringing their own shotguns to the skeet range, remember they must be unloaded and carried in the trunk or passenger compartment of the vehicle, not in open view. In all cases, the shotgun must be unloaded and must be either locked in a hard-sided case or may be inside a soft case with a trigger lock or cablelock installed on the shotgun.
Ammo must be separated from the weapon and out of open view.
The season will run May 18 thru Oct. 2. If you would like to sign up please call 873-4058.
Applications can be picked up in Delta Junction at Granite View Sports and at all FMWR facilities on Fort Greely. Member fees are: $25 for authorized FMWR patrons; $45 for non-military civilians.
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Highway's End Farmer's Market Opening Day ~ May 16

Highway’s End Farmer’s Market Opening Day – Saturday, May 16, 200910:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Complimentary cake and cold drinks, while supplies last
“Concerts at the Market” live music from Noon to 1:00 P.M.
The vegetables are not ready yet. But that shouldn’t keep you away! There are lots of things to liven up your meals, items to make your home as well as yourself beautiful.
Vendors will have hand thrown pottery, breads, cookies, cinnamon rolls, jams, jellies, honey, eggs, aprons, quilted table runners, crocheted items, homemade cards, garlic-herb butter, herbal vinegars, seasoned sea salts, spiced nuts, peanut brittle, Kentucky Kernel Seasoned Flour, skin care products, Bolga Baskets, Rada Cutlery, German fine linens, jewelry, goat’s milk soaps and bedding plants. There will also be 100% all beef and reindeer hot dogs available.
New this year: Workshop Wednesdays will be one hour, free instructional workshops/seminars on a variety of topics every Wednesday. A list of activities will be published for each week. Second Saturday Arts and Craft Festivals will have local artisans at the Market on the second Saturday of each month featuring and selling their arts and crafts.
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You Can Help Eagle's Flooded Families

Help give flood relief for our Eagle neighbors. Donations can be brought to Diehl’s / IGA parking lot this Friday, May 14, 10am to 8pm.

Underwear, socks all sizes. Jeans, mostly slim sizes. Diapers, especially toddlers. Waterproof Jackets, Rubber Boots all sizes, Flannel shirts, long sleeves. Other clothing is not desired.
Zip lock baggies, snack-gallon, Paper plates, cups, plastic eating ware.

Matches, campfire coffee pots, camp stoves, grills. Flashlights and lanterns
Batteries AAA, AA, C, D, square 9 volts. Bug dope, fly swatter.

Combs & Hairbrushes, chapstick, sunscreen, sun glasses. Deodarant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toothpicks, dental floss, mouth wash, hand lotion, shampoo, dish cloths, washing soaps, powdered cleansers. Disposable razors, nail clippers, foot powder, sewing kits or item.

Tissue, toilet paper, towels, wash cloths, paper and cloth. Waterless hand cleaner.

Work gloves, flashlights, trash bags.

Aspirin, bandaids, Tylenol

Generators, tents, tarps, port-a-potties, window screening

Foam mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, brooms, dustpans, mops, sponges, scrubbing, scrub brushes, water buckets, gardening tools, vegetable seeds.

Hammers, screwdrivers, shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows

Peanut butter, crackers, noodles, cocoa, teas, coffee, sugar, creamers, powdered milk/drinks. Beans, beef jerky, cereal, oatmeal, condiments, nuts, sunflower seeds, dried fruit.

Jumpropes, balls and bats, playing cards, games. Pens, pencils, paper, envelopes.

Phones to replace mud and flood damaged phones, once the ice has receeded enough to gain access to the homes that might still be liveable. Dolls and small toys, Clean, family novels and books.

Write an encouragment for Eagle villagers; We will randomly deliver them to Eagle folks! Donations for gas and U-Haul Rental would be a big help too!

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Photo of the day – May 13

Buffalo Center Drive-In opens today at 11AM. Hours of operation will be Wednesday through Monday 11AM – to 10PM. They will be closed on Tuesdays.

The Drive-In will be closing at 7PM on Friday, May 15 for graduation. Congratulations Graduates.

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