Monthly Archives: February 2010

This year Made In Alaska program is bringing workshops to Glennallen, Delta, Fairbanks & Nenana.

Glennallen workshop is on March 22nd at the Mt. Drum Lutheran Church.

Delta workshop is on March 23rd at the Jarvis Building (West).

Fairbanks workshop is on March 24th at the Princess Hotel.

Nenana workshop is on March 25th at the Nenana Civic Center.

All workshops start at 1pm. This year’s workshops are on Marketing Basics, Online Media, Postcard Marketing, and Photographing your product. All Made In Alaska permit holders are encouraged to bring their products to be photographed at the photography workshop. The schedule is as follows:

1 pm – Marketing Basics

2 pm – Online Media

3 pm – Postcard Marketing

5 pm – Photographing your product

All workshops are free and open to the public. In order to sign up call: 907-272-5634 or email: madeinalaska@anchoragemarkets.com

Purim is a festival that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people of the ancient Persian Empire from Haman’s plot to annihilate them, as recorded in the Biblical Book of Esther (Megillat Esther). According to the story, Haman cast lots to determine the day upon which to exterminate the Jews.

Purim is celebrated annually according to the Hebrew calendar on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar (Adar II in leap years), the day following the victory of the Jews over their enemies; as with all Jewish holidays, Purim begins at sundown on the previous secular day. In cities that were protected by a surrounding wall at the time of Joshua, including Shushan (Susa) and Jerusalem, Purim is celebrated on the 15th of the month, known as Shushan Purim. Purim is characterized by public recitation of the Book of Esther (keriat ha-megilla), giving mutual gifts of food and drink (mishloach manot), giving charity to the poor (mattanot la-evyonim), and a celebratory meal (se’udat Purim); other customs include drinking wine, wearing of masks and costumes, and public celebration.

Jewish exiles from the Kingdom of Judah who had been living in the Babylonian captivity (6th Century BCE) found themselves under Persian rule after Babylonia was in turn conquered by the Persian Empire. According to the Book of Esther, Haman, royal vizier to King Ahasuerus planned to kill the Jews, but his plans were foiled by Esther, his queen. Mordecai, a palace official, cousin and foster parent of Esther, subsequently replaced Haman. The Jews were delivered from being the victims of an evil decree against them and were instead allowed by the King to destroy their enemies, and the day after the battle was designated as a day of feasting and rejoicing.

For more information see Wikipedia

Delta Rescue Squad
Class Dates – March 7th – May 8th
Tuesdays & Thursdays 6pm – 10pm
Sundays 9am – 5pm

Class starts – Sunday, March 7, at Noon

Cost of class per person with books and supplies – $200.00
Must attend all class dates for certification

For more information and to sign up for the class please contact City Hall at 895-4656

We are the Williams family. We live at the end of Strawberry, on Leng and Triple H Rd. February 24,  at 2:45 a.m. three large black dogs came to our place and attacked our dog. They corned him under our bedroom window and beat him up pretty bad.

It was a light night and I could see plainly and was able to intervene.

I want to warn all the folks in our neighborhood, there is a small pack of dogs running loose that are dangerous. Please, if you have a large black dog you don’t control, you must restrain him. I’ve spent alot of time and energy training our dog to stay on our property. You can do the same. Thanks

North Star School of Dance (northstarschoolofdance.com) would like to thank the community and the following for you support during our fundraiser: Moose Lodge 911, A Higher Knead Massage, Posh, Ilona’s Nail Salon, Moxielicious.etsy.com, USBorne Books (Meghan Orona).

Congrats to our winners: Nate Hurst, Matt Hurst, Ilona Bailey, Caitlyn Eieson, Trisha Stockinger, Connie Plagerman.

In partnership with the State of Alaska Department of Public Safety, The Alaska Avalanche School is offering a free half-day lecture followed by a half-day rescue workshop. This one-day workshop is an excellent opportunity for the mountain veteran to refresh and the newbie to start their education. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Schedule For Delta Junction Programs:

Delta, AK Avalanche Awareness Lecture
March 6, 2010, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Seating begins at 8:45 am
Location: Delta Junction City Hall,
Registration is Not Required, Seating is First Come

Delta, AK Avalanche Field Workshop
March 6, 2010, 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Location: Meet in front of the Delta Junction City Hall
Pre-Registration is Required, Contact the office to reserve your space

Topics to be covered:
Avalanche Behavior
Avalanche Terrain
Snow Instability
Route Finding
Terrain Analysis
Rescue

For more information contact…
ALASKA AVALANCHE SCHOOL (907) 345-0878
AlaskaAvalanche@mac.com or http://www.alaskaavalanche.com/

To Register in the Field Workshop Please Call (907)895-4656

Sponsored By Alpha omega Life Care, Inc and The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints
Tickets available through Alpha Omega or At the door

Suggested donation for tickets: $10 individual or $35 for family

DINNER: Lasagna, salad, bread, dessert

AUCTION: Beaver jacket, guns, quilts, door prizes and much more. (proceeds go towards a new building for the food pantry)  Cash donations and items for the auction are welcomed.

MUSIC: Live music during dinner

SATURDAY MARCH 2O, 2010
At the Community Center

Dinner 5:00-6:30
Auction immediately following dinner

There will be a 4-H Super Saturday held in the Delta High School Large gym, this Saturday February 27th from 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. If you are interested in finding out more about the oppourtunities and possiblities 4-H holds for your child stop by and see us. A team of dedicated 4-H leaders are coming down from Fairbanks to teach the kids about topics such as: Proper care, handling, & showing your Rabbit, Large Animal Showmanship, Equine, Arts & Crafts, Cooking, Science, as well as many other topics. If you have any questions regarding 4-H or the oppourtunities available please stop by and see us. For more information please contact Dani at 907-322-8367 or 907-895-9893.
Super Saturday is a part of the 2010 Farm Forum so please bring a side dish or dessert and join us for lunch at 12:00. For interested parents check out the farm forum schedule for times and topics!

BBB Explains How Protections Could Benefit Card Holders

Anchorage, Alaska – Feb. 24, 2010 – Nine months after it was enacted, the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 went into effect on Feb. 22, 2010, granting credit card holders new consumer protection rights. Meanwhile, a survey by CreditCards.com indicates that almost 75 percent of cardholders admit to not reading the terms and conditions of their credit cards.

“Credit card debt, fees and penalties can put American families in financial trouble,” said Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington. “Consumers need to take the time to understand the fine print of their credit card agreements and learn about the consumer protection initiatives within the new CARD Act.”

BBB recommends that all consumers review the new provisions set forth by the Credit CARD Act of 2009:

More Notice for New Interest Rate Changes. Card issuers must give cardholders 45-days advance notice in the event of an interest rate change. Additionally, promotional rates must apply for at least six months and, unless disclosed up front, cardholders cannot have their rate increased in the first year.

Cardholder Opt-Out. If there are significant changes made to the terms of the account, cardholders can choose to reject those changes and will have five years to pay off the balance under the original terms.

Older Age Restrictions Added. Card issuers are no longer allowed to issue a credit card to anyone under 21 unless they can prove they have the means to repay debt or if an adult over 21 co-signs on the account. Credit card companies also face new restrictions on how they can promote cards to college students and can no longer offer free gifts as enticements on campuses.

New Rules for Monthly Statements. In response to complaints that bill due dates were being moved up—and leading to increased late fees—monthly statements must now be mailed or delivered 21 days prior to the due date. Additionally, card issuers can no longer set a payment deadline before 5 p.m. and cannot charge cardholders if they pay online, over the phone or by mail—unless the payment is made over the phone either on the due date or the previous day.

Overpayments Go Toward Highest Interest Balances. If the cardholder has varied interest rates for different services or accounts, any overpayments must be applied to the account that is incurring the highest interest rate.

Over the Limit Opt-In. Cardholders must opt-in to be able to exceed their credit limit—and subsequently be charged an over-limit fee by the issuer. If a cardholder chooses not to opt-in, then he or she will not be able to exceed their credit limit and incur any resultant fees.

Increased Disclosure on Minimum Payments. Card issuers must disclose how long it will take the cardholder to pay off their bill if they only pay the minimum monthly payment as well as how much the cardholder would need to pay every month to pay off the balance in 36 months.

Say Goodbye to Double-Billing Cycles. When calculating finance charges, card issuers can no longer employ two-cycle or double billing—a method that causes cardholders to pay interest on previously paid balances.

For a comprehensive summary of new consumer protections through the Credit CARD Act of 2009, click here.

Thursday Evening Aglow is holding an event on Saturday March 6 from 2 to 4 pm (at the teen annex next to First Baptist Church in town).

It is open to men and women (even teens). It is a method for taking the intimidation factor out of reading through the Bible. We will literally cut open a Bible and rebind it in 4 easy to handle sections! If you are not “crafty”, we will also have sets already made in a variety of designs for you to purchase. Besides the actual hands-on work, we will briefly discuss the benefits of reading the Word cover-to-cover.

Please invite your friends and family.  Call 895-5532 or 895-4667 for more information or to reserve your set.

The Republican District 12 Convention is scheduled to start at 7pm, March 5th, at the Delta Community Center, Delta Junction. With a teleconference hook-up meeting at Valdez Storage for those in the valdez area that don’t want to make the drive. Individual teleconference is also available for those that need that option as well.

District Convention is open to all registered Republicans living in District 12. Please come and join us if you are interested in becoming a Delegate to the State Convention in April or just to learn how the process works.

Come and learn more about the Candidates…..

Available Republican Candidates for Governor will hold a “Meet and Greet” just prior to the District Convention. At this time both Bill Walker and Ralph Samuels have said they plan to be there.

To make time available for people to meet these Candidates there will be a 5 – 7 pm “meet and greet” at the Delta Community Center just prior to the start of the convention. This “meet and Greet” will be open to all members of the community. Teleconference will begin at 6pm. with a time for speeches and question / answer.

For more information please contact Scott Smith at 835-3030.

Eagle Forum Alaska and Alaska Family Council are working together to bring Leadership Institute (LI) to Alaska to help train conservatives be more effective in Alaska state politics and beyond. Classes will be held in Anchorage, Wasilla and Fairbanks. Here is a little about LI from their website.

The Leadership Institute’s mission is to increase the number and effectiveness of conservative activists and leaders in the public policy process. To accomplish this mission, the Institute identifies, recruits, trains, and places conservatives in government, politics, and the media.
Founded in 1979 by its president, Morton C. Blackwell, the Leadership Institute (LI) teaches conservatives the nuts and bolts of how to succeed in the public policy process.
The Institute strives to produce a new generation of public policy leaders unwavering in their commitment to free enterprise, limited government, strong national defense, and traditional values. Institute graduates are equipped with practical skills and professional training to implement sound principles through effective public policy.
For more info about LI click here.

Class sizes are limited, so sign up right away!

The Fairbanks venue has been changed to the meeting room at the Extended Stay Hotel, 4580 Old Airport Way, across from Fred Meyer West. Sign up now while there is still space for you! These classes are for people running for office, helping on campaigns, and for those who want to learn how to promote issues important to conservatives!

Fairbanks, Extended Stay Hotel, 4580 Old Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 9am –6pm; Saturday; February 27 $40 includes materials and meal

Debbie Joslin
National Committeewoman for Alaska
Republican National Committee
President, Eagle Forum Alaska
(907) 803 9573 cell
(907) 895 4565 fax

Alpha Omega Life Care Inc brought to Delta and distributed to qualified folks 6670 pounds–yes, that’s right, three and a third TONS of food from the Fairbanks

Community Food Bank on Saturday.  Mr Steve Cullison did yeoman duty, helping with the entire distribution process–thanx, Steve!

Dean’s family would like to extend an invitation to his memorial service at the First Baptist Church on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 12:00pm.

Prior to the service, the family will be holding a visitation at the First Baptist Church on Tuesday, Feb. 23 from 4:00 to 7:00pm.

Charities and Donors Should Seek Proof of Credibility

Anchorage, Alaska – Feb. 22, 2010 – Well-meaning “philanthropreneurs” collect donations before registering organization as a non-profit.

In an attempt to honor his late wife and her daughter, Simon Monjack and Sharon Murphy formed the Brittany Murphy Foundation as a charitable organization dedicated to arts education for children—a cause beloved by the recently deceased actress. Within weeks of her passing, an invitation to the foundation’s memorial fundraiser was circulating and requesting “suggested donations” of up to $10,000.

Shortly thereafter, news leaked that the Brittany Murphy Foundation is not properly registered as a non-profit with the California Secretary of State’s office or the Internal Revenue Service.

Charities and commercial fundraisers must comply with California state laws, register with the Attorney General’s Office, and file financial disclosure reports. Those with gross revenue or assets in excess of $25,000 must file reports annually with the Attorney General’s Registry of Charitable Trusts. Visit www.ag.ca.gov/charities for more details.

Though the fundraiser was abruptly canceled, some donations were collected. Now, brittanymurphyfoundation.org says it will return all donations and stop soliciting until the non-profit status is official.

Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington offers the following guidance to consumers:

For those interested in forming a charitable organization:

• Check with the state Attorney General’s office for information on forming a charity or not-for-profit organization.
• Get important tax guidelines for charities and not-for-profits from the IRS.
• Learn about BBB’s Charity Review Program and how BBB evaluates organizations based on 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. Ask about BBB’s Charity Seal Program, which helps the public easily identify legitimate charities.

For potential charity donors:

• In the wake of celebrity tragedies, be cautious when considering recently established organizations. Local charities should be registered with the Alaska Department of Law.
• Search the IRS database to verify tax information on organizations.

Your BBB offers Charity Review Resources to assist potential donors in making wise donating decisions. Get free Charity Review Reports at www.bbb.org/charity.

Alaska, AK, February 22- Average retail gasoline prices in Alaska have fallen 11.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.26/g today. This compares with the national average that has increased 3.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.65/g, according to gasoline price website AlaskaGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Alaska during the past week, prices today are 80.3 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 37.5 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 6.9 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 75.4 cents per gallon higher than this day a year ago.

About AlaskaGasPrices.com

GasBuddy.com operates over 200 live gasoline price-tracking websites, including AlaskaGasPrices.com. GasBuddy.com was named one of Time magazine’s 50 best websites and to PC World’s 100 most useful websites of 2008.

For more information or methodology, contact:

Patrick DeHaan
Senior Petroleum Analyst, GasBuddy.com
E-mail: pdehaan@gasbuddy.com
616-717-5618

Jason Toews
Co-Founder, GasBuddy.com
E-mail: jtoews@gasbuddy.com
612-875-2766

From the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Cooperative Extension Service

Make plans to attend the annual Delta Farm Forum held at the Delta High School small gymnasium on Saturday, February 27th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Speakers from around the state will present information on a variety of agricultural interest.

Our local FFA Chapter and 4-H group the DJ Saddletramps perform the duties of Master of Ceremony and assist with several aspects of the program. Ag-related businesses and special interest groups will set up in the hallway to provide information and answer questions during the forum. Come for fresh doughnuts from the IGA Food cache and hot coffee served during the morning session.

New to this year’s event, 4-H Agent Marla Louder with the Tanana District CES along with the DJ Saddletramps is hosting a 4-H round-up/open house to be held in the DHS large gym. Contact Dani Markham at 322-8367 or Marla at 474-2427

Our first speaker, Daniel Consenstien, the newly appointed State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency Alaska, will be delivering the “Welcome” address; followed by Bob VanVeldhuizen researcher with the UAF School of Natural Resource and Agricultural Science he will present on cereal grains for human consumption. Kathryn Idzorek, research technician with CES will enhance the above topic with the “flavor of barley flour”.

Following a short break, Tim Meyers from Bethel will present on “You Won’t Believe What I have Found”. Next on agenda; USDA Agricultural Research Science research entomologist Dennis Fielding will give an update on black grass bugs. Delta producer, Frank Borman will be the last speaker prior to the luncheon with information on his new wind machine and “powering through a frost”.

The potluck luncheon will begin around noon. Main meat dishes, scalloped potatoes, and rolls will be provided through donations.

Guests are asked to follow this schedule when choosing a dish:
A-F = Potatoes or Equivalent
G-L = Vegetables
M-R = Desserts – bakers are asked to consider bringing a rhubarb or Alaska berry dessert
S-Z = Salads

Please be sure to put your name on utensils or serving containers you want to keep. Otherwise, check with the extension office for items left behind after the forum.

During the luncheon break, individuals involved with the Diversified Livestock Association will have a cafeteria table reserved for their group to discuss topics for the meeting following the forum at the Trophy Lodge, contact Ruby Hollembaek at 895-4715.

A panel discussion will begin the afternoon session with County Executive Director, Lloyd Wilhelm, USDA Farm Service Agency; Delta District Conservationist, Catherine Hadley; Agricultural Extension Agent, Phil Kaspari, UAF/CES; and Agricultural Specialist, Meghan Lene, Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District will discuss Conservation Reserve Program management decisions. Marketing Assistant, Patricia O’Neil, with the Alaska Division of Agriculture will be next addressing the Divisions activities and updates.

Following a brief intermission the Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District Chairperson, Rex Wrigley, will be giving the district’s annual report; followed by the SDSWCD speech winner and cooperator of the year – to be announced.

There’s lots to do and things to see; so get out and join the crowd for the best potluck luncheon of the year while visiting with folks who travel near and far for the 2010 Delta Farm Forum on Saturday, February 27th. Come listen to the latest in agricultural developments and other topics of interest from around the state.

The 2010 Delta Farm Forum is co-sponsored by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service (UAF CES), Delta District @ 895-4215 and the Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District (SDSWCD) @ 895-6279 both are located in the Jarvis Office Center in Delta Junction.

If you haven’t gotten your 2010 Festival of Lights hooded sweatshirt or t-shirt, there is still time!

The Delta Chamber of Commerce still has a few Festival of Lights Hooded Sweatshirts and T-shirts left.

Call Dani at 895-5068 or email deltacc@alaska.net Get yours before they are gone for good!

Woman’s Igloo’s # 19
PO Box 445
Delta Junction, Alaska

The Pioneers of Alaska is a fraternal organization that gathers and preserves the relics and early history of Alaska; deliberates earnestly and works unselfishly for the betterment of social, political and economic conditions in Alaska.

Pioneers of Alaska was one of many organizations formed in early territorial settling days for social purposes to keep alive the memories of early trail blazers.

Following the organization of Igloo No.1 on February 20, 1907 in Nome, Igloo No. 2 was formed on June 1907 in Candle, and Igloo No. 3 in St. Michael. the Igloos convened in Nome on August 4, 1908, to create the Grand Igloo of the Pioneers of Alaska.
The purpose of the Grand Igloo is to unite Alaska’s Pioneers in a permanent organization. The object, quoting the Constitution, is to “preserve the names of all of Alaska’s pioneers on its rolls; to collect and preserve the literature and incidents of Alaska’s history, and to promote the best interests of Alaska.”

This group was not the only of its kind in the North. Perhaps the first was the Sons of the Northwest established in Sitka in March 1887. The Sitka club remained local and did not spread to other communities.

Others that may be considered local in nature were the Order of the Alaska Moose, no connection to the Loyal Order of Moose, which originated in Valdez in 1899; the Alaska Pioneers of Kodiak; and the ’87 Pioneers Association of Juneau.

More widespread were the Yukon Order of Pioneers formed in Forty-Mile, Yukon Territory, Canada, in the 1930s. This group migrated to Alaska with the followers of gold strikes.

Perhaps the most widespread and unique organization was formed aboard the Steamship “City of Seattle” en route from Seattle to Skagway in February 1899. It was called the Arctic Brotherhood.

Because of the number of similar orders in Alaska and the Northwest, the Grand Igloo’s, adoption of the Latin phrase Ecce Nuvum Astrum, meaning “Behold the New Star,” for use on its logo is understandable.
Fairbanks Igloo No. 4 was granted a charter in 1909, joining the ever-expanding and growing organization of the Pioneers of Alaska.

There have been 35 Igloo charters conferred since the beginning, rising and falling with the population centers. Seventeen are active today.

Nome Auxiliary No. 1 was given the first auxiliary charter in 1912, since that time there have been nineteen Auxiliary charters of which seventeen are still active.
In 2007, the Auxiliaries were re-named Women’s Igloos and retained their Auxiliary numbers.

If you are interested in becoming one our elite members please go to our web site and fill out an application. You can contact one of our officers to process your application. We welcome anyone that has been here for thirty years or married to someone that has been a resident for thirty years. Come and share your experiences and preserve your name in Alaska’s history.

Pioneer Web Site

Women’s Officers:
Ruth Benson, President
Fran O’Leary, 1st Vice President
Christy Mason, 2nd Vice President
Stormie Mitchell, Treasurer
Maxine Ilgenfritz, Chaplain
Karen Eldridge, Sgt-At-Arms
Mary Leith Dowling, Historian
Emily Keaster, Inner Guard
Brenda Cavanaugh, 3rd Year Trustee
Marie Fett, 2nd Year Trustee

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska, Feb. 17. – Army helicopters based here will depart Feb. 22-23 on a 2,977-mile trip to Fort Irwin, Calif., in preparation for an exercise at the Army’s National Training Center (NTC).

Four CH-47D Chinook helicopters are expected to travel four days from here to Barstow, Calif., with stops in the Canadian cities of Whitehorse and Fort Nelson, followed by stops in Helena, Mt, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and Las Vegas.

The 16th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) is scheduled to fly five more UH-60 Blackhawks Feb. 23 to the NTC from Fort Lewis, where they are undergoing minor maintenance following their recent redeployment from Iraq.

The 16th CAB Blackhawks are expected to stop overnight in Redding, Calif., before completing their two-day trip to Barstow, Calif. The aviation brigade plans to ship its smaller OH-58D Kiowa helicopters to Fort Irwin via military air transport Feb. 27.

The 16th CAB will provide aviation support to the Fort Lewis, Wash.,-based 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, during the Stryker brigade’s month-long mission readiness training exercise at the NTC. The exercise begins in March.

“NTC trains the transformed Army by conducting force-on-force and live-fire training for ground and aviation brigades in a joint scenario across the spectrum of conflict,” according to the training center’s website.

DELTA JUNCTION, Alaska, Oct. 30, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has contributed $35,000 to Partners for Progress in Delta, Inc., to further the educational nonprofit group’s goal of helping to build and sustain Alaska’s skilled workforce in electronics and computer systems technology, particularly to support nearby missile defense operations.
John Clay, vice president of Missile Systems for the company’s Aerospace Systems sector, presented the donation at the organization’s annual Industry Roundtable Oct. 29 in Delta Junction. Funds will be used to develop or enhance the workforce needed for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) facilities. The Partners for Progress in Delta is an educational consortium that serves as a gateway for learning and training, and provides the region and state with a long-term asset for developing and maintaining Alaska’s workforce.

“Our intent is for this donation to provide support to the Partners for Progress in Delta to continue its efforts to offer quality introductory career training and education. These skills will help sustain the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system deployed at Fort Greely by those who live here who are part of the local economy and are fully qualified for those jobs,” Clay said. “We are excited about working with the Partners to reach both secondary and post-secondary adult students who might be interested in these skills. We will work together to help identify the career pathways that make it possible for individuals to be competitive for jobs in these fields.”

Clay noted the importance of GMD “as a critical piece of the Ballistic Missile Defense System that protects our nation and its allies, our homes and our families from ballistic missile attacks from rogue nations. The intent of this donation is to provide the foundation for an effective educational training program that qualifies local individuals for weapon system jobs at Fort Greely.”

According to Richard Caulfield, president of the board of directors of the Partners, “We are excited about our partnership with Northrop Grumman and the long-term opportunities this provides. As one of the state’s regional training centers, this joint effort does exactly what we as an organization are all about, which is building Alaska’s workforce to be competitive for the jobs in our region and beyond. Clearly, there is need for these technical skills at Fort Greely.”

P.J. Ford Slack, Delta/Greely School District superintendent and a board member of the Partners, further noted the contribution enhances one of the group’s major thrusts. “This gift is timely as the state is emphasizing career pathways that make the transition from high school into the workforce and post secondary education effective,” she said.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Jan. 21, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) today said it will enter the competition as a prime contractor for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) Development and Sustainment contract.

The company cited its ability to leverage extensive experience and best practices from missile-related programs for the missile defense program, commenting on a draft Request for Proposals issued Jan. 19 by MDA.

“We have the core people, processes, and tools in place to deliver robust missile defenses under this contract,” said John Clay, vice president of Missile Systems for Northrop Grumman’s Aerospace Systems sector. “Northrop Grumman already is well underway in bringing together the capabilities to meet GMD’s development, testing, training, operations, support and sustainment challenges.”

Northrop Grumman is a primary supplier of technologically advanced missile and missile defense weapon systems, including the ICBM Prime Integration Contract, MDA’s Space Tracking and Surveillance Demonstration program, and the Missile Defense Integration and Operations Center, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.

CONTACT: Bob Bishop
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
310.812.5227
Cell: 310.251.0261
bob.j.bishop@ngc.com

For More information about Northrop Grumman and future employment possibilities please visit our website.

The first Iron Dog event started in 1984, in Big Lake following the Northern Route of the Historic Iditarod Trail to Nome. The event began as the “Iron Dog Iditarod”, but the name was quickly changed the next year to the “Gold Rush Classic”, in 1990 the race was recognized as the “Iron Dog Gold Rush Classic” for a decade until Tesoro Corporation became a title sponsor, thus recognizing today’s event as the Tesoro Iron Dog.
Today’s Iron Dog course length 1971 miles, starting in Big Lake to Nome and finishing in Fairbanks, making it the World’s longest snowmobile race. Participants must traverse in some of Alaska’s the most remote and rugged terrain while confronting some the harshest winter conditions. Survival skills are essential, making it the World’s toughest snowmobile race. All teams in race classes are a team of two persons and two snowmobiles for safety.

The Iron Dog offers a non-competitive recreational class giving adventure seekers an opportunity to travel 1100 miles on the Northern Route of Historic Iditarod Trail to Nome. These teams of two or more travel the same race trail as the Pro Class Teams.

The longest, toughest snowmobile race in the world. From Big Lake to Nome, to Fairbanks, finishing on the Chena River. (907) 563-4414. Race will start on Sunday, February 21 at 1:00pm in Big Lake, AK.  For more information see their website.

In the Western Christian calendar, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs forty-six days (forty days not counting Sundays) before Easter. It is a moveable feast, falling on a different date each year because it is dependent on the date of Easter. It can occur as early as 4 February or as late as 10 March.

Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance. The ashes used are gathered after the Palm Crosses from the previous year’s Palm Sunday are burned. In the liturgical practice of some churches, the ashes are mixed with the Oil of the Catechumens (one of the sacred oils used to anoint those about to be baptized), though some churches use ordinary oil. This paste is used by the minister who presides at the service to make the sign of the cross, first upon his or her own forehead and then on those of congregants. The minister recites the words: “Remember (O man) that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”, or “Repent, and believe the Gospel.”

For more information see Wikipedia

From the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Cooperative Extension Service
The Delta Farm Forum will be held at the Delta High School small gymnasium on Saturday, February 27th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Speakers from the around the state will present on a variety of agricultural topics. The potluck luncheon will begin around noon. Local youth groups and various agricultural resource folks will be involved with many aspects of the farm forum. More details will be released at a later date.

The 2010 Delta Farm Forum is co-sponsored by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service (UAF CES), Delta District at 895-4215 and the Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District (SDSWCD) at 895-6279 both are located in the Jarvis Office Center in Delta Junction.

2nd annual Relay For Life Mexican dinner will be provided by the Buffalo Chip Kickers.
 
Location is the small gym at the Delta High School.  Saturday, February 20, from 6:00pm – 9:00 pm.
 
$12.00 adult and $6.00 for kids.
 
Take out available.
 
Call: Sloan at 322-4391 or Schnieder at 895-4440.

Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington Consumers Face Hassles and Headaches Over Unwanted Credit Card Charges

Anchorage, Alaska – Feb. 11, 2010 – Consumers across the U.S. are filing complaints with Better Business Bureau against Peel, Inc. Operating under a variety of business names and Web sites, this internet-based marketing and distribution company sells a variety of products—ranging from coffee and tea to jewelry and posters—and BBB records reveal a pattern of billing, collection, refund and exchange issues.

In the last 3 years, BBB has processed 3,122 complaints concerning Peel, Inc. Complaints from Alaskans have been concerning billing and collection issues.

Complaints allege that Peel, Inc., located in Evanston, Illinois, is charging unauthorized fees for ordered merchandise. Some complainants subsequently discover unwanted membership costs and receive unordered goods, then accuse the company of not fully disclosing transaction fees upon purchase.
Since Peel, Inc. failed to resolve the underlying cause of its high volume of complaints and several remain unanswered, the company has an “F” rating with BBB. Click here to view BBB’s Reliability Report.

The company has recently announced on its Web sites that it is no longer accepting orders. Web sites connected with Peel, Inc. include: shopdani.com, seattledirectcoffee.com, especiallyposters.com or posterpass.com and others.

BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington offers Internet shoppers the following advice to help prevent billing issues and other unforeseen charges:
· Be cautious of free trial offers. If submitting payment information for shipping and handling, failure to cancel trials before a deadline could result in unwanted monthly charges.
· Don’t feel pressured. Legitimate offers won’t expire in minutes. Comparison shop.
· Check out online retailers. Visit www.bbb.org before doing business.
· Read and understand all policies, stipulations or disclaimers. Beware of companies with vaguely-worded or contradictory information in their agreements. Inspect the return, refund and shipping policies. Pay close attention to time limits on returns and other restrictions. Examine the full screen and look for scroll menus, which may include additional terms and conditions. Prior to pressing ‘submit,’ make sure to un-check any boxes agreeing to unwanted offers. Be careful not to click on pop-up ads during the transaction.
· Ensure secure connections. Before submitting a payment or personal information over the Internet, make sure the Web page is secure. On secure pages, the Web address begins with “https:” instead of “http:.” Read the privacy policy to find out whether the company plans to sell or redistribute your data.
· Pay safely. Credit cards are the preferred method of payment for online purchases; fraudulent charges of $50 or more can be contested through the credit card company. Many offer security measures for shopping online, such as a masked credit card number that can only be charged a set amount of money in a specific time frame.
· Keep a record. Save a copy of all confirmation pages, contact information, agreements and guarantees.

Shrove Tuesday is a term used in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia for the day preceding Ash Wednesday, the first day of the Christian season of fasting and prayer called Lent.

In England and many other countries, the festival was widely associated with the eating of rich foods made with eggs, sugar and butter, such as pancakes. It was often known simply as Pancake Day, originally because making such foods used up ingredients such as fat and eggs, whose consumption was traditionally restricted during fasting associated with Lent.

For more information see Wikipedia

Fairbanks, Alaska—The University of Alaska Fairbanks has announced the students named to the deans’ and chancellor’s lists for the fall 2009 semester. The lists recognize students’ outstanding academic achievements.
Students receiving a 3.9 grade point average or higher are placed on the chancellor’s list, while those receiving a grade point average of between 3.5 and 3.89 are named to the deans’ list.

UAF is a Land, Sea and Space Grant institution with an enrollment of more than 9,000 students. Located 160 miles south of the Arctic Circle, UAF is the only doctoral-degree-granting institution in the state. Since it was founded in 1917, UAF has been internationally recognized for research relating to the Arctic and subarctic, in areas such as biology, geophysics, engineering, natural resources and global climate change.

The complete honors list is available at http://www.uaf.edu/news/honors/fall09.html

Students who have elected to make their directory information confidential are not listed.

Congratulations to our Delta students:

• Danielle L. Davis –  Dean’s List
• Emerson W. Eads – Dean’s List
• Michele A. Helkenn – Chancellor’s List
• Erica N. Mehaffey –  Dean’s List
• John J. Netardus –  Dean’s List
• Gary G. Olsen-Saville –  Dean’s List
• Aaron A. Pelto – Chancellor’s List
• Kasey R. Peterson – Chancellor’s List
• Elias D. Wheeler – Dean’s List

Prism Optical of Alaska is coming to Delta Junction February 17 and 18 at the Family Medical Center

Complete pair of eyeglasses only $89. Select frams with single vision plastic lenses (exam additional)

For an appointment call (800)478-5510 (on days of the visit call the Clinic at 895-5100 for an appointment)

Most insurance, Tricare, Medicaid and Denali Kid Care accepted. All major credit cards accepted.