Photo of the day - October 30

Mt. Hayes in March 2006, went for a wheeler ride down by Donnelly Dome. Photo Courtesy Kathy Lingerfelt

GVEA Town Hall Meeting

Ballots will be mailed November 20, 2006 asking Golden Valley members to vote on two important issues.

Ballot Issue 1: Members will also be asked to vote on the Board's recommendation that GVEA transfer generation and transmission assets to the GVEA G&T.

While the G&T isn't a new concept in our industry, it is new for our members. The November Ruralite will have more information on this issues and a schedule of town hall meetings to provide members with more information and answer questions on this issue. Members can also find more information on the GVEA G&T on our website at www.gvea.com

Ballot Issue 2: Your Board is advancing a Bylaw change to allow family members of Board members (with the exception of a Board member's spouse) to participate in alternative energy programs at GVEA.

For example, approving the change to this Bylaw article would allow family members of a director - other than a spouse - to become alternative evergy producers under our Sustainable Natural Alternative Power (SNAP) program.

Currently, if a board member had a close relative, such as a parent, siblling or child, participating as a SNAP producer, it would place that directory in conflict with exisiting Bylaws. This would require the directory to resign from or be removed from GVEA's board.

Be informed. Attend the Town Hall Meeting. Wedensday, November 8, 2006. 6PM at the Delta City Hall, 2288 Deborah Street, Delta Junction.

Photo of the day - October 28

"Nanook of the North", takes a timeout to survey the scene after chowing on some recent whale kill in Barter Island. Photo Courtesy Dwight Phillips.

Photo of the day - October 27

Cotton grass sways in August breeze. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

Powering up Pogo

A portable generator is keeping things humming at Pogo following the fire that interrupted power and phone service on October 19. Workers are using the time to catch up on maintenance and construction projects. Some underground mining could resume as early as Tuesday, after a second generator is put in place. Here's the rest of the story.

School Road Will Have Lights Again

Mary Leith-Dowling, (Mayor) has asked us to post a statement on the DNW.

The City of Delta Junction has been made aware of a major electrical problem in the contact switches on one of the light poles resulting in the lights along School Road to be out at this time. Consequently an electrical contractor has been hired to make the necessary repairs.

Parts will not be available until Nov 1.

Daylight saving time

Daylight saving time (DST), also known as summer time or, daylight savings time, is a widely used system of adjusting the official local time forward, usually by one hour from its official standard time, for the spring, summer, and early autumn periods.

DST is most commonly used in temperate regions, due to the considerable variation in the amount of daylight versus darkness across the seasons in those regions.

Governments often tout it as an energy conservation measure, on the grounds that it allows more effective use of natural sunlight resource in summer time. Since there is less darkness in the "waking day", there is less use of electric lights. Some opponents reject this argument.

You can read the entire article from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Photo of the day - October 26

These guys will be here soon, eating my horses hay again lol. I heard this nasty rumor that Moose won't or should not eat hay. Wish someone would inform them.
Photo Courtesy Candy Corty

Delta PTSA - College/Career Night at Delta High School

(Parent, Teacher, Student Association) is sponsoring: College/Career Night at Delta High School. November 1, 2006 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Informational Sessions include:

• Financial Planning/FAFSA
• Scholarship Opportunities/Post Secondary Planning
• Vocational Education
• UAF Student Ambassador Program
• Career Planning and the AKCIS Program

For additional information please contact Jody Brown 895-4460.

Hockey Registration

Sarah Palin, candidate for governor ( in red and black) recently visited the Liewer-Olmstead Ice Arena in Delta during Hockey Registration and Open House. Sarah, a hockey mom, was interested in the upgrades planned for the facility.

Community members can still register for hockey by calling 895 1910.

Photo of the day - October 25

Layer of fog drifts off the mountain side in Valdez. Photo Courtesy Fronty Parker

EUL Environmental Assessment Meeting held

No adverse comments were submitted at a meeting Oct. 19 at the Delta Junction community center about the environmental impact of building an Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) lodging and medical facility on Fort Greely. The public meeting was held as part of the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) review process during the public comment period that began Oct. 12 and ends Nov. 10.

The two recommended sites presented by Douglas Johnson, Project Manager for Weston Solutions, are located within the 110-acre parcel of land designated for the proposed EUL project. The project site is north of Big Delta (the main access road to Fort Greely) and on the east side of Richardson Highway.

The two sites are expected to have either minor to negligible negative impact or to have a positive impact on the various environmental, infrastructure, and socio-economic factors identified in the project’s Environmental Assessment (EA).
One site, located just inside Fort Greely’s main access road to Richardson Highway, would be entered from Big Delta. Its driveway would be located before the security guard post and gate to Fort Greely.

Greely Development Partners, the project developers is recommending this site, because it allows easy access to the EUL facilities, for people on Fort Greely or visiting the Delta Junction area.

The other site, located on the northeast corner of the EUL site, would be entered from the Middle Post Road off Richardson Highway. Johnson stated that the Alaska Department of Transportation had concerns about this site, because of its plans to widen Richardson Highway in the future. The use of Middle Post Road might require turn lanes and other safety improvements not currently in its plans for the highway.

Johnson also said than construction is expected to begin during next year’s construction season. Construction is planned in phases over the next three years.

Interested persons can also review the draft EA and the draft Finding of No Significant Impact on the internet from links on the Fort Greely website homepage.

Bound copies of these documents may be viewed at the Delta Junction Library, 2288 Deborah Street, Delta Junction, AK 99737; Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska, Fairbanks; or the Fairbanks North Star Borough Noel Wien Library, 1215 Cowles Street, Fairbanks.

For more information, contact Les Ozawa, 907-873-4604

Photo of the day - October 24

I was in North Pole taking Photos and caught this... The Perfect Snowflake. Photo Courtesy Jay Miller

Photo of the day - October 23

A picture of a trapper’s cabin near delta. Photo taken May 24th by Scott Kasperek, Photo courtesy of Lynn Kasperek Salem, Wisconsin

Local Teacher wins National Award

Congratulations to Cindy Lou Aillaud, Physical Education Instructor at Delta Elementary School, who has been selected for the 2006 All USA Teacher Team! Read more here

"Deadeye" Dunham-Bender leads Huskies to victory, twice!

North Pole Patriots and the West Valley Wolfpack felt the sting of defeat this weekend as the Delta High School Rifle Team continues to make news with personal bests, outstanding shooting and hard work. Click here to read the whole story.

Local Stryker Brigade Serves with distinction

The 172nd Styrker Brigade Combat Team out of Fort Wainwright continues it's mission in Irag. For a behind the scenes look at daily life on the front lines.

Life's a breeze in Delta

Click here to find out how Chinnook winds change our local weather from freezing to balmy in just a few hours.

Chinook by George M Hosier II - Keep it Simple

Life is getting too complicated. I suppose that complexity is a sign of sophistication, advanced civilization and high culture, but it sure does rack up the stress level. My personal opinion is that things began to get complicated shortly after computers were invented. I mean, one can’t have a brilliant invention like the computer sitting around with nothing complicated for it to process, now can one? Everything has got to be categorized, specialized, accessorized or systematized.

This was brought home to me this week when I succumbed to the nostalgic whim to have breakfast at a café that I had neglected for several years. The place used to be one of my favorites. I remembered it as a rustic log building tucked into the woods on an undeveloped stretch of road in Northwest Fairbanks. I had been a regular there a number of years ago, and had always been impressed by the friendly, laid-back atmosphere, the 15 cent bottomless coffees and their enormous “Prospector’s Hollow Leg” breakfast platter. The Hollow Leg was served on a full sized gold pan which groaned under the weight of four eggs, a McKinley sized mountain of hash browns, a necklace of sausage links as fat as a Sumo wrestler, a queen mattress of ham, a teetering tower of blueberry pancakes, half a loaf of toast, and the best side dish of biscuits and gravy north of Nashville.

To read the rest of the story and other Chinook articles we invite you to our Chinook pages

Photo of the day - October 21

Even though this grass is dead, it is still beautiful with the sun shining through it. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon.

Fall Late-Start Classes are Short, Specific, and Under $100

We know it’s been a fabulous fall around the area because very few area residents were interested in sitting in classes. However, with winter at hand and days getting shorter, you have a great opportunity to take a range of customized short courses to get you to the end of the year. In addition, these classes are still possible at a reduced cost to you thanks to the last of the federal impact grant funding made available for education and job training in Delta.

Tanana Valley Campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks will be offering one-credit versions of WORD, EXCEL and POWERPOINT with classes on Friday nights and Saturdays beginning Nov. 3 through Dec. 16. Each class is two weeks and is $77.00 with the tuition voucher made possible through the federal impact grant to the Partners for Progress in Delta. All classes will be held at the Delta Career Advancement Center.

Instructor Eric Anderson will be teaching CIOS F130 Microcomputer Word Processing: WORD Fridays, Nov. 3 and 10 from 5-to-9 pm and Saturdays, Nov. 4 and 11 from 12-to-4; CIOS F135 Microcomputer Spreadsheets Fridays, Nov. 17 and Dec. 1 and Saturdays Nov. 18 and Dec. 2. This class has a one-week break for Thanksgiving. CIOS F133 Microcomputer Presentation Software: POWERPOINT will be offered Fridays, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15, from 5-to-9 pm and Saturdays Dec. 9 and 16 from 12-to-4 pm.

For those working on completing the Certified Program Manager certificate, CPM F008C Presentation Skills: A Practical Approach will be offered in November. This is a 1.2 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) class and will be offered on four consecutive Monday nights beginning Nov. 6 from 6 to 9 pm. at the DCAC. If this class goes then TVC can set a schedule to offer the remaining classes.Tuition vouchers are available for all of the above classes and offset the tuition by $50 per credit or CEU. Call Cheryl Helkenn at 895-4605 to register. You must register before classes begin or be prepared to register the night of the first class.

Photo of the day - October 20

After driving 3846 miles and seven days later, from Wisconsin. Mother and Son, (Scott Kasperek (Delta) shows Shirley Kasperek), the culvert from the original Alaska Hi-Way. He donated to the visitor’s center. Photo taken May 24th, courtesy of Lynn Kasperek Salem, Wisconsin

Halloween Bash this Saturday

Don't miss out on the Halloween Bash on October 21, starting at 4 pm in the Delta High School small gym. This event brought to you by the Delta Chamber of Commerce is sure to be a good time for the whole family. There will be lots of fun and lots of prizes.
Schedule: 4 P.M. Games and crafts begin
4 P.M. The 9th Army Band
5:45 P.M. The Great Pumpkin Carving Contest /Judging Begins
6 P.M. Monster Mash Dance with DJ Jack Carlson
7 P.M. Costume Contest

Carnival Ticket Prices:
30 tickets for $5
70 tickets for $10
100 tickets for $15
130 tickets for $20
Games and Crafts will take 1 to 4 tickets/individual tickets will be .25 cents

Pumpkin Carving Contest:
Bring your carved pumpkin for everyone to see, have it at the BASH by 5:30 P.M.
categories...17 yrs-Adults, 13 yrs-16 yrs, 10 yrs-12 yrs, 7 yrs-9yrs and 1yr-6 (please no carving in this age group-have them color, paint..)

Costume Contest Categories:
17 yrs-Adult, 12yrs-16yrs, 7-11 yrs, 1yr-6yrs.

Any Questions please call the Delta Chamber at 895-5068

Photo of the day - October 19

My family and I took a trip to Anchorage last week, where I snapped this picture of Oreo at the Alaska Zoo. Oreo was raised with a polar bear cub after she was orphaned. Photo Courtesy Cass LaPlume of Delta Junction

Alumni Photos

Gabriel Wyatt Edmison

Michelle, Amy and Katie

We invite you to take time and browse our

Family Photos

Sirsha McPeek helps her mom look for a moose.

We invite you to take time and browse our family photo album. You will see photo enlargements and additional text.

Photo of the day - October 18

Moose are always entertaining to Alaska residents. As seen in this photo, this particular moose came for a morning visit. Photo Courtesy Carol Watkins

Photo of the day - October 17

Haying season around Delta results in many large rolls and rectangular bales. Don't believe the digital date! Photo by Ruby Hollembaek

Phone, Internet Service Finally Restored

Normal long distance telephone and Internet service was finally restored to Delta Junction customers late Monday night after storm cut one fiberoptic line and a work crew a different one hundreds of miles and days apart.

A Monday morning accident severed a line along the Alaska Railroad north of Talkeetna. Last week's storm cut a line north along the Richardson Highway. The two lines back each other up, so it is rare that both would be damaged at the same time.

Read the story from the Associated Press >>>

Photo of the Day - October 16

Sunset Picture from Allen Tower on Fort Greely. Photo Courtesy Matthew LaPlume

Carefree Gourmet Cook - Joyce McCombs - Standby Favorites

The recipes I’m sharing today have never let me down and are ones I know I can take to work or a potluck or even (gasp!) make at home with minimal fuss and maximum yum factor. I’m pleased to have had success just last week with two of these old stand by favorites, and hope they prove as easy for you to make and rely on as they are for me.

I made a quiche a while back for a working lunch meeting, and I’m still hearing about it from my library colleague and favorite book buddy, Tiki Levinson. At a recent gathering, she gently but insistently reminded me that I still owed her the dang recipe, and as she seemed to be in the midst of a serious quiche craving, I thought I’d better get it in the column quick! This is the most reliable, expandable and delicious quiche I’ve ever tried. It’s not just the ingredients (which can vary wildly, depending on what’s in the pantry or the checkbook) that make this so tasty. One secret is the half and half, one is the crust procedure and one is the oven temperature. The half and half creates an even, silky texture that has great mouth feel. Sprinkling the flour and cheese over the bottom keeps the crust from getting soggy. And the “hot oven first, reduced heat later” routine helps the quiche set up quickly at the edges without drying out the middle. Try this method with smoked salmon and bits of cream cheese, or cooked hamburger and cheddar cheese, or turkey and pepper jack, too.

To view the recipes we invite you to browse our Carefree Gourmet pages.

Letter from Ryan Purucker - alumni from DHS

Hey everybody,

I hope you are all doing well in Delta. Sean and I are keeping busy in Los Angeles. He is working on costumes and now he's going to start making custom pants and clothes for people. Time Again and I are touring the US and Canada from Sept 24th to mid December and early next spring the band will spend 5 weeks over in Europe.

Our first Time Again cd is available at Pirate Records in Fairbanks. It's on College road by the Marlin and they are also available at Music Mart (5th and Noble). One of our songs is being used in a video game, (Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam) It's skateboarding game that's comming out in stores this November. If any of you are going to be in the states, or knows anyone down here who would like to come to a show take a look at out tour dates at www.timeagainband.com. If we are close to you let me know. You can reach me at rypurucker@tmail.com

I'm comming up for x-mas and I hope to see some of you up there. In the meantime I hope you are all doing great and if someone wants to say hello send me an e-mail.--Ryan Purucker

Photo of the day - October 14

While home sick from school I found some entertainment in my front yard...a bull moose...while more moose helped themselves to a nice feast of grass, This moose charged and grunted at me as I made horrible-sounding moose noises, waved my hands in the air, and stomped my feet. He came too close for comfort, so I went upstairs to my bedroom, opened my window, and snapped a quick flick. Photo courtesy David Hecimovich JR.

Opera Stars in the Land of the Midnight Sun

Fairbanks, Alaska - Interior Alaska’s Opera Fairbanks isn’t resting on its location. Founded in December 2005 by Cassandra Tilly, Theresa Reed, Morgan Reed, and Jim Holm, the company will begin performances in 2007, casting primarily from Alaska talent. A “who’s who” list of opera professionals have graciously supplied their time and talents to the fledgling organization via its Emeritus Board. Founder Cassandra Tilly states: “Our Emeritus members have proved to be an astounding resource for any opera company. Their assistance is priceless, especially in Interior Alaska, where access to professionals of this calibre is limited at best.”

Opera Fairbanks is thrilled to announce the participation of the following Emeritus Board members (in alphabetical order):

Gloria Marinacci Allen - Former Opera, Concert, and Musical Theatre singing actress Gloria Marinacci Allen has performed in 40 major and 18 minor operatic and musical theatre roles throughout the United States and abroad; sharing the stage with such luminaries as Beverly Sills, Dame Joan Sutherland, Sheryl Milnes, Franco Corelli, Richard Tucker and others. She has appeared in concert as the “warm up” act for the late Jack Benny and Danny Kaye. On an international level, she performed numerous concerts throughout Europe, the Mid-East, the Far-East and Great Britain, making repeated command performances before the Queen of Thailand, and the late Princess Grace and Prince Ranier of Monaco. Ms. Allen’s passion for the works of Stephen Sondheim brought her back to stage in 1989 for “FOLLIES” in LA and San Diego. Subsequently she did roles in ”NUNSENSE”, “BIG RIVER”, “PHANTOM” and “ME and MY GIRL.” Gloria Allen’s greatest thrill was achieved when she was given the opportunity to portray a woman she had admired since her college days— Maria Callas – in Terrence McNally’s “MASTER CLASS. She has been a large-scale events planner and in 2001 was Director of Ceremonies and Special events for the Special Olympics World Winter Games, repeating that role for the World Summer Wheel Chair Games in 2006. During her singing career, Ms. Allen became interested in opera education and was involved in the development of several programs for Seattle Opera, Portland Opera and Anchorage Opera. She is currently producing school and community outreach programs to make the joy of opera more easily understood by youngsters and by adults alike. Ms. Allen is presently Producing Artistic Director of Opera Las Vegas.

Maestro Gregory Buchalter - Artistic Director and Conductor Gregory Buchalter received rave reviews for performances of Salome with the Savonlinna Opera Festival in Finland with Maria Ewing and Helga Dernesch. He has conducted at the Vienna Volksoper and was the first American to conduct with the Kazakstan State Opera. Recently appointed Artistic Director and Conductor of Opera Camerata of Washington Opera, Mr. Buchalter is the chorus master of the Santa Fe Opera and a member of the music staff at the Metropolitan Opera. The position of “Maestro di Banda” was created at the Met for Maestro Buchalter, where he has been chorus master for such productions as the telecast of the Franco Zeferelli production of Don Giovanni and Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. He has prepared several world premieres at the Met: John Corigliano’s The Ghosts of Versailles, Phillip Glass’s The Voyage and John Harbison’s The Great Gatsby. At the Santa Fe Opera, he was instrumental in preparing the American premiere of Salinnen’s The King Goes Forth To France. Mr. Buchalter founded his own chorus in 1992, “Choros Aristos,” and led them in a performance of Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle at New York’s Merkin Hall. As pianist, conductor, lecturer, and vocal coach he has toured extensively in the United States and to locales such as Cairo, Kuwait, Malaysia, Turkey, and Hong Kong.

Dominic Cossa – Acclaimed Metropolitan Opera Baritone Dominic Cossa has performed a repertoire of over 50 operas and concertized worldwide . His extensive roles include Germont in La Traviata, Zurga in The Pearlfishers, Figaro in The Barber of Seville, Pierrot in Die Tote Stadt, and Yeletsky in Pique Dame. Mr. Cossa has performed at the Metropolitan, New York City, and San Francisco Opera companies, as well as Washington, Houston, Montreal, Vancouver, Philadelphia; with the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony, the Boston Symphony, and the Israel Philharmonic under eminent conductors such as Ozawa, Bernstein, and Solti. His recording credits include Julius Caesar with Beverly Sills, Les Huguenots with Dame Joan Sutherland, L’Elisir d’Amore with Luciano Pavarotti, and When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d with the Boston Symphony. Giancarlo Menotti invited Mr. Cossa to appear in two world premieres: The Hero and Tamu-Tamu. Mr. Cossa is presently Chair of the Voice/Opera division of the University of Maryland School of Music.

Phyllis Curtin – American soprano Phyllis Curtin made her operatic debut as the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro with the New England Opera Theatre in 1946 before going on to international acclaim. Ms. Curtin’s Town Hall debut was in 1950. She debuted with New York City Opera as three heroines in The Trial by von Einum in 1953 and continued performances in that venue to 1960. Ms. Curtin was featured by the Metropolitan Opera in 1961, 1966-1970, and 1972-73. She also made appearances at the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, the Glyndebourne Festival, the Vienna State Opera, and La Scala. Ms. Curtin created roles in several world premieres including Floyd’s Susannah, Floyd’s Wuthering Heights, Milhaud’s La Mère Coupable, and Floyd’s The Passion of Jonathan Wade. Her American premieres include Britten’s Peter Grimes, Britten’s War Requiem, Milhaud’s Medea and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 14. Ms. Curtin has concertized worldwide and recorded extensively, receiving Grammy nominations for the Shostakovich and Ginastera’s Milena. A former artist-in-residence at Aspen Music Festival and professor of voice and Master of Branford College at Yale University, Ms. Curtin is artist-in-residence and head of vocal studies at the Tanglewood Music Center. She has also taught in Canada, China, England, and Russia. She has served on the National Council for the Arts and was designated a U.S. Ambassador for the Arts. Ms. Curtin is presently Artistic Director of the Opera Institute and Dean Emerita of Boston University’s College of Fine Arts.

Maestro Plácido Domingo - Plácido Domingo is renowned worldwide as a singer, conductor and arts administrator. He has sung 123 roles, more than any other tenor in history, performed in every major opera house and made well over 100 recordings, garnering nine Grammy Awards and two Latin Grammies. He has made more than 50 videos and three theatrically released films: La Traviata, Otello and Carmen. More than one billion people in 117 nations saw his live telecast of Tosca from the authentic Roman locations. After serving as artistic director of LA Opera and Washington National Opera, he became general director of both companies in 2003. He founded Operalia, the biggest annual international vocal competition, discovering many singers who now enjoy international stardom. In recent years he has been awarded the Kennedy Center Honor, Presidential Medal of Freedom, France’s Commandeur de la Legion d’Honneur, an Honorary Knighthood of the British Empire and an Oxford Doctorate. This season’s conducting engagements include Madama Butterfly in Washington and Valencia, Tosca in Vienna and La Bohème at the Met. Singing engagements include Siegmund in Washington and with the Kirov Opera in Orange County; Alfano’s Cyrano de Bergerac in Valencia; Vidal Hernando in Luisa Fernanda with LA Opera; and the title role in the world premiere of Tan Dun’s The First Emperor at the Metropolitan Opera, his 124th role.

Carlisle Floyd – One of the foremost opera composers and librettists in the world today, Carlisle Floyd has “captured the American spirit” in his music. Blessed with an artistic soul, he has been a painter and writer as well as a composer. His most famous works include Susannah, Of Mice and Men, and Cold Sassy Tree. Susannah premiered in 1955 and has since been performed in every major American city as well as in England and Germany, and is the subject of multiple recordings. Other operas by Mr. Floyd include Bilby’s Doll, Willie Stark, The Soujourner and Mollie Sinclair, Flower and Hawk, Markheim, Slow Dusk, The Passion of Jonathan Wade, and Wuthering Heights. Mr. Floyd served on the Music Panel for the National Endowment for the Arts and was the first chairman of the NEA’s Opera/Musical Theatre Panel upon its creation in 1976. His work has been commissioned by the Ford Foundation, Kennedy Center Foundation, New York City Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and Greater Miami Opera. Mr. Floyd is Professor Emeritus of Composition at the University of Houston.

Thomas Jaber – Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities and Vocal Coaching at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. He has conducted and/or coached opera for the Amalfi Coast Music Festival, the Chautaqua Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Curtis Institute of Music, Academy of Vocal Arts, and the Opera Company of Philadelphia/Luciano Pavarotti International Competition. Mr. Jaber also has served on the faculties of the Curtis Institute of Music, Baylor University (Brown Visiting Professor of Opera), and Temple University. Mr. Jaber has recorded with the Houston Symphony Chamber Players under Maestro Christoph Eschenbach and with Houston’s Mercury Baroque Ensemble and appeared in recital as collaborative pianist, harpsichordist and organist.

Michael Douglas Jones – Bass Michael Douglas Jones made his international debut in Sweden, singing the role of Director in Kafka’s Chimp (John Metcalf), shortly after singing its world premiere at Banff Music Centre for the Arts. Mr. Jones won the prestigious Jessies award for “outstanding performance by an actor in a leading role” for his creation of the Marquis in 120 Songs for Marquis de Sade (Hannan) in the world premiere co-produced by Modern Baroque Opera and Vancouver New Music. Other world premieres include Westergaard’s The Tempest as Caliban, and Underhill’s Star Catalogues as Tycho Brahe. Mr. Jones has recorded opera in progress for Atlantic Records and new works of composers on the BMI label. He has performed with companies worldwide, including New York City Opera, Florentine Opera, Pitea Chamber Opera, Tulsa Opera, San Antonio Symphony, Modern Baroque Opera, Opera Memphis, Chants Libres, Fort Worth Opera, Quantum Theater, Sarasota Opera, New Orleans Opera, Stony Brook Opera Theatre, Anchorage Opera, Opera Festival of New Jersey, Banff Centre for the Arts, Le Nouvel Ensemble Moderne, Vancouver New Music, Greensboro Opera, Baton Rouge Opera, Lyric Opera of Dallas, and National Opera.

Louise McClelland – Mezzo-soprano Louise McClelland has performed extensively in Europe and concertized across the United States. Famous for her performances and expertise regarding composer Hugo Wolf, she was awarded the HW Medallion in Vienna. Ms. McClelland is the author of Hugo Wolf: Letters to Melanie Köchert. Much sought after as a vocal instructor and master class teacher, she is Professor Emerita of Opera at the University of Maryland.

Cindy C. Oxberry – A native of Long Island, New York, Ms. Oxberry is an opera director, arts administrator, producer, teacher, and performer who earned her Bachelors degree in Opera Theater at the Hartt School and her Master’s degree in Voice from the Manhattan School of Music. Ms. Oxberry pursued a career as a professional singer, performing with such companies as New York City Opera, Texas Opera Theater, Chautauqua Opera, Opera Omaha, Central City Opera, Skylight Opera Theatre, Boston Lyric Opera, Miami Opera, New Jersey Opera Association and the Connecticut Opera. Ms. Oxberry has served as the personal assistant for acclaimed director Francesca Zambello. Her directing talents have taken her into the world of opera and musical theatre where she has directed for Central City Opera, Washington National Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Maine State Music Theatre, the Savoyards of DC, the Natchez Opera Festival, Columbus State University, Utah Opera, and the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival. One of Ms. Oxberry’s proudest moments was when she was chosen as the director for Mr. Domingo’s 40th Anniversary celebrating his illustrious singing career, directing FEDORA for the International Opera Company of Mexico at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City. In addition to performing and directing, Ms. Oxberry has instructed young singing actors at The Institute for Young Singers for Washington National Opera and the Duke Ellington School for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Stephen R. Smoot – Tenor Stephen R. Smoot, a native of Columbus, Ohio, studied voice at The Ohio State University and continued his training with Gloria Marinacci in Anchorage, Alaska. He has appeared from “pole to pole” having performed with the Anchorage Opera, The Alaska Light Opera Theatre, Opera/Columbus, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the South American tour of the Virginia Opera’s acclaimed production of Porgy and Bess. Mr. Smoot founded and directed the Columbus Ensemble Singers and was a founding member of the vocal quintet, Voix du Jour. He spent two summers singing at the Mount Washington Hotel in New Hampshire, toured with the Detroit Institute of Art’s national children’s opera tour of Aladdin, and spent two summers as the managing director of the Alaska Cabin Nite at the Denali National Park in Alaska. He appeared in the world premiere of the Lyric Opera of Chicago production of Amistad and appeared in the first nationa l tour of ShowBoat! While in Columbus, Mr. Smoot was seen at The Little Theatre off Broadway (Godspell, Little Shop of Horrors, Is There Life After High School), CATCO (Rap Master Ronnie), and Player’s Theatre (Phantom) and was a Cantor at St. Joseph Cathedral. Currently living in Chicago and in his third season as the Artistic Manager of the Ravinia Festival, Mr. Smoot is in his eleventh season as principal Cantor at Holy Name Cathedral. Before moving to Ravinia, he spent six seasons as the Assistant Music Administrator at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Believing that education in the arts is the foundation for its future, Mr. Smoot was a resident artist with Urban Gateways: The Center for Arts in Education.

Photo of the day - October 13

Went hiking with a few friends and this was the view from the top of a mountain behind Rainbow Mountain, summer of 2006.Photo Courtesy Kathy Lingerfelt

Photo of the day - October 12

Sunrise photos on October 12. Photo courtesy Carol Watkins.

The Real Frozen Tundra - Delta Huskies play Football in Barrow

Pigskin meets Polar Bears as High School Football Comes to th Arctic
Part 1

Standing on the sidelines, looking across the high school football field, it all seems normal. The zebra-striped officials, the screaming parents, the face-painted cheerleaders. But normal? This is anything but.

Four of the six officials are working their first game. The calendar says it's the middle of August, but snow flurries fill the air. While the cheerleaders drape themselves in blankets, the parents and children wear sealskin and caribou parkas. To read the entire story

Alaska's Football Newbies Experience Unexpected Triumph
Part 2

Photo of the day - October 11

The entire state has received a beautiful fall. These mountains surrounding this field near Palmer AK have a covering of "termination dust" signaling winter's coming.
Image by Dwight Phillips

Long distance and Cell service down

An email from Debra:
I wonder if anyone is experiencing some of the phone problems that is happening here in town?
I heard on the news that there was a rock slide in Valdez that cut a fiber optic cable.
I hope it is not causing you issues personally. I've had some internet problems here at the shop and I just had to make an order with my Globalstar phone because the long distance number is not working.

This is just the situation we have been talking about with Globalstar giving us the back-up we need. I have attached a Globalstar News Release below.

Press release submitted by: Debra Jorgensen Topline Telecom Authorized Globalstar and Cellular One Dealer 907-452-3222 http://www.toplinetelecom.com/

GLOBALSTAR SIGNS INITIAL AGREEMENT WITH ALCATEL ALENIA SPACE FOR SECOND GENERATION LEO SATELLITE CONSTELLATION

MILPITAS, CA. -- (October 10, 2006) – Globalstar, Inc., a provider of mobile satellite voice and data services, announced today it has signed a EURO 7.7 million Authorization to Proceed (ATP) agreement with Alcatel Alenia Space for the company’s second generation satellite constellation. In addition to engaging Alcatel to conduct a program readiness review and to develop program milestones, the ATP provides that Globalstar and Alcatel Alenia Space will negotiate a definitive contract for Alcatel Alenia Space to construct 48 low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites for Globalstar’s second-generation satellite constellation. The ATP will terminate on the earlier of the signing of a definitive contract and November 15, 2006.

In order to secure the company’s future space operations, Globalstar has specified that the planned second-generation constellation be designed to operate until at least 2025 and to seamlessly integrate with the company’s current constellation of LEO satellites, while providing the space segment necessary to support significantly higher data speeds and other new services to the handheld devices.

“We are extremely pleased to be working with Alcatel Alenia Space on an agreement that is so vital for the long term success of Globalstar,” said Jay Monroe, Chairman and CEO of Globalstar, Inc. Mr. Monroe added, “This agreement is a crucial first step towards securing the Globalstar space segment and augmenting our present LEO constellation of satellites. Of extreme importance, the new constellation is intended also to provide our customers with long term continuity of service by being fully backwards compatible with our current line of products.”

Pascale Sourisse, President and CEO of Alcatel Alenia Space commented: “We are very proud that Globalstar has extended its cooperation with us and continues to place its trust in our satellite solutions. This agreement demonstrates our capability to design and build large series of LEO satellites as well as our expertise in providing competitive satellite solutions.” Mrs Sourisse added: “This agreement will involve Alcatel Alenia Space’s production sites in France, Italy, Spain and Belgium. It highlights Alcatel Alenia Space worldwide leadership in telecommunications satellite orders for the year 2006.”

As a contractor for the first generation of Globalstar satellites, Alcatel Alenia Space was responsible for the satellite payloads, structures, as well as satellite integration. The company was also responsible for manufacturing and installing the Globalstar ground segment gateway antenna terminals.

About Globalstar, Inc.With over 200,000 activated satellite voice and data units, Globalstar offers high value, high quality satellite services to commercial and recreational users in more than 120 countries around the world. The company's voice and data products include mobile and fixed satellite telephones, simplex and duplex satellite data modems and flexible service packages. Many land based and maritime industries benefit from Globalstar with increased productivity from remote areas beyond cellular and landline service. Global customer segments include; oil and gas, government, mining, forestry, commercial fishing, utilities, military, transportation, heavy construction, emergency preparedness, and business continuity as well as individual recreational users. Globalstar data solutions are ideal for various asset tracking, data monitoring and SCADA applications.

About Alcatel Alenia SpaceAlcatel Alenia Space is the European leader in satellite systems and at the forefront of orbital infrastructures. Created in July 2005, the company brings together the vast experience and know-how of Alcatel Space and Alenia Spazio to form a new leading force in European space technology. Alcatel Alenia Space represents a worldwide standard for space development that impacts everybody's future: from navigation to telecommunications, from meteorology to environmental monitoring, from defense to science and observation. Alcatel Alenia Space is an affiliate of Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) (67%) and Finmeccanica (Milan:SIFI.MI, FNC.IM) (33%).

The Carefree Gourmet Cook - by Joyce McCombs - Cabbage

There’s been a rumor going around for years that I don’t like vegetables and that cabbage is at the top of the list. It’s not exactly true, because I do love coleslaw and Brussel sprouts are at the top of the list, so there. I can manage the cabbage in an egg roll just fine. And I don’t mind good sauerkraut alongside a sparerib or in a Rueben sandwich. But try and convince me that cooked cabbage is tasty, and I’ll kick up a fuss for sure. The smell gets me every time, and so does the texture. In a word: ick. I’ve always felt this way, even when beloved family members would hoot and holler about the tastiness of the cabbage rolls they were downing and I’d turn away in disgust. Not even the lure of massive amounts of Vitamin C and other good things contained in cabbage can convince me even now to sit down to a plate of wilted, pale green leaves. In an attempt to broaden my horizons, I’ve tracked down some recipes that might induce me to be a bit more adventurous. Besides, I think cabbages are just beautiful and have always felt virtuous buying them. Perhaps all I need is some inspiration, a bit of sauce, and a kick of spice to change my mind.

We invite you to browse through our Carefree Gourmet section.

Photo of the day - October 10

A of pair of swans are seen together on Lost lake. These birds mate for life and Delta residents are treated to frequent sightings on area ponds and lakes. Copyright by Rachael Woodcox.

Photo of the day - October 7

Caught this seal napping near Shoup Glacier out of Valdez. Photo Courtesy Fronty Parker

Delta Chamber - Halloween Bash Scheduled for October 21

The Delta Chamber of Commerce is having a Halloween Party and everyone is invited. There will be lots of spooky family fun October 21, starting at 4 pm in the Delta High School small gym.
Start getting your little goblins, witches, pirates and clowns ready for a BOO of a good time.

There will games and crafts for the kids starting at 4pm. Also, at 4 pm the Delta Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome the 9th Army Arctic Brass Band from Ft. Wainwright, they are always a treat to see. Kids and Adults can enter their carved pumpkin in the 1st annual Great Pumpkin Carving Contest, judging begins at 5:45 pm. At 6 pm bring the whole family to the Monster Mash dance with DJ Jack Carlson. And at 7 pm our costume contest judging will begin, there are categories for every age and prizes too. There will be just enough “spook” and a lot of fun at this family event.

Schedule of Events:

• 4 pm Games & Crafts Begin (games will have a small charge 1 to 4 tickets)
• 4-5:30 pm 9th Army Band “Jammin’ Salmon”
• 5:45 pm The Great Pumpkin Carving Contest Judging Begins
• 6 pm Monster Mash Dance Begins with DJ Jack Carlson
• 7 pm Costume Contest Judging Begins
  

Please contact the Delta Chamber of Commerce for more information 895-5068.

Photo of the day - October 6

This Pika was spotted near Pump 10 on the Richardson Hwy. Photo Courtesy Kathy Lingerfelt

High Wind Watch for Monday

A HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE
MONDAY NIGHT...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN FAIRBANKS HAS ISSUED A HIGH WIND
WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE
MONDAY NIGHT.
SOUTH CHINOOK WINDS GUSTING 70 TO 80 MPH ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP
ALONG THE ALASKA RANGE MONDAY MORNING AND CONTINUE THROUGH LATE
MONDAY NIGHT.
A HIGH WIND WATCH MEANS THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR HAZARDOUS HIGH
WINDS. PREPARATIONS SHOULD BE MADE TO PREVENT PROPERTY DAMAGE.

From NWS Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Alaska

Free booster seats for children

Drama Association to Stage van Dyke Tale

On September 4th, Delta Christian Drama Association began rehearsals for a 2006 Christmas show. “The Other Wise Man” will be presented Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 8-10, and may be seen at Delta Junction Assembly of God church across from IGA and beside Interior Building Supply. As always, admission is free, childcare will be provided, and everyone is welcome.

A growing number of Delta Junction residents are becoming fans of the stage plays produced by DCDA. During “Perhaps for a Good Man” you gasped in amazement as Josh Etters dove to take the bullet intended for his enemy, “Barstool” Rabus. You wept with joy when little Tammy found her angel in “From Realms of Glory”. At Easter of 2006, during “What Man is This?” you held your breath while Longinus and Demetrius, wearing authentic Roman armor, patrolled the garden tomb of Jeshua. You roared with laughter at the antics of the citizens of Jericho when DCDA brought “Good Neighbor Day” to Deltana Fair this summer.

Now DCDA playwrights, George and Gaylene Hosier have adapted the classic Christmas tale by Henry van Dyke for dramatic presentation on stage. The story follows the life of Artaban, a Parthian nobleman and seeker of truth. Unsatisfied with the answers found in his own Zoroastrian religion, Artaban, with his three companions, Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, has been studying the sacred texts of Persia. However, it is not until they read the ancient prophecies of Judea that the truth of the newborn king is revealed. Artaban sells his possessions to buy three priceless jewels that he intends to offer to the Christ-child. You will journey with Artaban as he overcomes seemingly insurmountable obstacles in his determination to find and worship the promised King.

The Hosiers have attempted to pay scrupulous tribute to Henry van Dyke’s brilliant literary imagery in this adaptation. Although some dramatic license has been necessary to transform the short story into a stage play, the author’s original wording, theme and plot line has been preserved as closely as possible. DCDA hopes that the audience will be able to appreciate van Dyke’s stirring message—a message which transcends time and place and speaks to our lives today.

Because “The Other Wise Man” includes a scene re-enacting Herod’s Slaughter of the Innocents, parents are advised to exercise discretion. The scene will include disturbing thematic elements, peril and non-gratuitous violence. DCDA suggests that parents allow the on-site child care people to watch your small children for this particular scene.

In keeping with DCDA’s vision, the Association is completely supported by donations from the community. Although the board has been approached several times by individuals suggesting that DCDA should charge admission, it has no plans to do so. However, all donations will be gratefully accepted and will go entirely toward expenses generated by this and future productions.

One of the most critical financial needs the Association faces right now, comes in response to feedback from attendees of previous shows, stating that they had trouble hearing everything. As soon as sufficient donations have come in, DCDA plans on purchasing a quality sound system to be used in future productions. The estimated cost would start at about $3000.00. If enough donations arrive before December, DCDA will use the new equipment for “The Other Wise Man”. If not, they anticipate having new sound equipment within the year.

Donations of time, talent, money, or resources or other inquiries may be directed to:

Delta Christian Drama Association
PO Box 1003
Delta Junction, AK 99737
Ph: 895-5289
Fx: 895-5289
e-mail: DCDA-owner@yahoogroups.com

This is a close - up of a stash of dried king salmon strips seen hanging in a drying house in Eagle Alaska. Image by Dwight Phillips

Photo of the day - October 4

Kenna's flowers and garden are pretty much gone, especially with the 2-3 inches of snow and freezing temperatures we got over the weekend. However, the petunia's under the deck were still hanging in there until yesterday when……Who me? I didn't do it!
Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

Photo of the day - October 3

Coming into Delta Jct. Promise of snow to come. Taken earlier in September. Photo Courtesy Lisa Stossmeister

The Deadline to Register to Vote in General Election

The Division of Elections reminds you that the last day to register to vote or update or change your current voter registration for the November 7 General Election is Sunday, October 8, 2006.

You may register at Regional Elections offices, municipal clerks' offices, Division of Motor Vehicles, and any local library that offers registration.

Information and applications for voter registration is available on the Division of Elections’ web site at: www.elections.state.ak.us.

Regional Elections offices in Juneau, Kenai, Anchorage, Wasilla, Fairbanks, and Nome are open Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Regional Elections offices will be open on Saturday, October 7, 2006 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, October 8, 2006 from 12 p.m. to 4 pm for registration. Voters may also fax their voter registration form to the Division of Elections through Sunday, October 8, 2006.

If you have questions about registration or need assistance, please contact your Regional Elections office:

· Director's office in Juneau at 465-4611
· Region I in Juneau at (907) 465-3021; in Kenai at (907) 283-3805
· Region II in Anchorage at (907) 522-8683; in Wasilla at (907) 373-8952
· Region III in Fairbanks at (907) 451-2835
· Region IV in Nome at (907) 443-5285
· TTY: 1-888-622-3020

Chinook - By George Hosier - Summer Requiem

The time has come to write the obituary for the summer of 2006. The mountains, gripped by rigor mortis, stare sightlessly upwards, unblinking as the snowy burial shroud of summer’s demise is drawn over their craggy faces. Waterfowl flying in solemn procession ululate a mournful eulogy. The gregarious sun is becoming increasingly reclusive in his grief, withdrawing behind a black veil for longer periods each day. Alaskans from all walks of life sink exhausted into bed for a few hours respite from frantic efforts to clear their backlog of last minute funeral preparations. In short, the entire arctic and sub-arctic community seems to resonate with sorrow that the bleak grave of winter is upon us.

It’s really not hard to understand why many cultures built a religion around the ebb and flow of the seasons. In particular, the people indigenous to northern latitudes must have felt a more urgent need to placate the elements. Because their survival depended on the food and shelter that could be harvested from nature, the arrival of smothering snow and entombing ice must have symbolized their worst fears of the afterlife. Desperately they constructed sacred rites to postpone the inevitability of death.

We invite you to read the entire article in our Chinook pages.

Photo of the day - October 2

While driving into Denali in September. we spotted this rainbow which ended at the pot of gold (all the gold bushes!!) Photo Courtesy Judy Swanson

Photo of the day - September 30 206

This Bald Eagle appears to be "strutting his stuff" as he prepares to take flight from a tree on our farm recently. Photo Courtesy Kasey Peterson