Photo of the day - February 27

On the train ride touring the Eldorado Gold Mine Site, you pass this gold miner's cabin complete with a demonstration of the sluice box by the creek. The El Dorado Gold Mine is located 9 miles north of Fairbanks, just past the town of Fox, on the Elliot Highway (mile 1.3). Look for the sign on the right-hand side of the Elliot Highway as you are heading north on Highway 2. Photo courtesy, by local Delta resident- Barbara Tharp.

Legislator Call in - Today

Legislator Call-InLocation: Delta LIOTuesday, Feb 27th5-6pm Come to the Delta Junction LIO to participate in a teleconference with Senator Gene Therriault and Representative John Harris. Contact the Delta LIO at (907) 895-4236 for more information

On Saturday, March 3, there will be a Community meeting with: Senator Gene Therriault
All questions, concerns, comments, interests & information welcome!
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
North Pole City Hall (125 Snowman Lane)
Juneau Office Phone 1-800-860-4797

Photo of the day - February 26

Festival of Lights 2007 firework show. Photo Courtesy Jessica Hoffman

Photo of the day - February 24

Cold fog obscuring the Tanana River Bridge. Photo Courtesy Fronty Parker

Photo of the day - February 23

A pair of young swans appear to be 'kissing"in this image taken on Summit Lake, 65 miles south of Delta Junction. Image by Dwight Phillips.

Photo of the day - February 22

Frost laden trees above the open Tanana River. Photo Courtesy Fronty Parker

Did you Know - "President Washington facts"

• Washington was the only Founding Fathers to free his slaves
• He was the only president who did not live in Washington D.C.
• The nation's capital, along with 1 state, 31 counties and 17 cities (Maybe 18 counting the town of "George," in central Washington State) are named in his honor.
• As a farmer, Washington grew marijuana on his farm and promoted it's growth. (In the 1790s, the crop was grown mainly for its industrial value as hemp and for soil stabilization. It was many years later that the recreational and illegal use of marijuana became popular.)
• As a farmer, he is credited with introducing the mule to America.
• He was the first Mason to serve as president.
• He was the only president to win a unanimous vote of the Electoral College.
• Washington's 2nd inaugural address was the shortest ever delivered - 135 words.

Washington's Birthday

The federal holiday Washington's Birthday is intended to honor the accomplishments of the man who is known to his fellow citizens as "The Father of our Country". Celebrated for his patriotism, leadership, and statesmanship, the holiday also encourages the investigation of early colonial life, the importing of slavery from the Old World, and what it took to achieve a young country's independence in the midst of not all its citizens being free.

The holiday is also a tribute to the General who created the first military badge of merit for the common soldier. Revived on Washington's 200th birthday in 1932, the Purple Heart recognizes injuries received in battle. Like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, Washington's Birthday weekend offers another opportunity to honor the country's veterans.

Excerpt from Wikipedia. To learn more about about President Washington, click here.

Alpha Omega Care sends Claudia to Juneau

Claudia from Alpha Omega Life Care with Senator Gene Therriault on her recent visit to Juneau. Claudia (most probably know her as DeeDee) Vecchiarelli, Administrative Manager at Alpha Omega Life Care Inc spent several days in Juneau this month attending the annual Member Meeting of the Alaska Food Coalition. Photo Courtesy Jessica Fellman

Photo of the day - February 21

Living in Delta, the folks never tire of the beautiful scenery that our Alaska Range offers. This photo was taken last week while exiting Fort Greely. Photo Courtesy Bill Chapman

What is Ash Wednesday

In the Western Christian calendar, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs forty-six days before Easter. It falls on different dates from year to year, according to the date of Easter; it can occur as early as February 4 or as late as March 10. Ash Wednesday can fall on Leap Day only during a leap year for which April 15 is Easter Sunday. The next time Ash Wednesday will fall on Leap Day will be in 2096, the first such year since the 1582 adoption of the Gregorian Calendar.

At Masses and services of worship on this day, worshippers are blessed with ashes by the celebrating priest or minister. The priest or minister marks the forehead of each participant with black ashes, in the shape of a cross, which the worshipper traditionally retains until washing it off after sundown. In many Christian churches, the minister of ashes may also be a layperson or non-clergyman. The symbolism echoes the ancient Near Eastern tradition of throwing ash over one's head signifying repentance before God (as related in the Bible). The priest or minister offers the worshipper an instruction while applying the ashes.

Excerpt from wikipedia. Click here to read the entire article.

Chamber of Commerce says Thank You

The Delta Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank all of our generous sponsors and volunteers, with your help the 2007 Festival of Lights was a great success.

We look forward to your continued support.

GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS

*Golden Valley Electric Association
*Delta Concrete
*MAC Federal Credit Union
*Boeing
*Alaska Railroad
*Alyeska Pipeline
*Wells Fargo
*Cellular One
*Airport Equipment Rental
*Conoco Phillips
*Mt. McKinley Bank
*Chugach Alaska Corporation
*M2C1 Construction & Engineering

SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS

*Alaska 7 Motel
*Clearwater Lodge
*J-L Ventures
*Delta Meat & Sausage Co.
*Buffalo Center Diner
*Buffalo Center Drive-In
*City of Delta Junction
*IGA Food Cache
*Friends of Delta Agriculture
*Phone Directories Company
*Insanity Acres

BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS

*Buffalo Center Service
*Delta-Greely School District
*Energy Center
*Durham Realty
*Tanana Adventure Sports
*Mt. Hayes, Inc.-Realtors
*Granite View Sports & Gifts
*Whitestone Farms/Rika’s Roadhouse
*Ward Farms
*Peterson’s Auctions & Appraisals
*Heritage General Contracting
*Salcha-Delta Soil & Water Conservation District

Special Thanks:

Delta Wind
Delta News Web
Sam Vose
IGA Food Cache

Reminder for Photographers

Festival of Lights Photo Contest display is over. If you had photos entered in the contest please pick them up at the Delta Library. Also, if you won, your ribbon and Chamber vouchers may also be picked up at the Delta Library.

Photo of the day - February 20

Picture taken off of Arctic Grayling in that last week of January. A beautiful tribute to Old Glory. Photo Courtesy Teresa Knopp

"All Ladies are Invited" Aglow Happenings

Ladies, you are cordially invited to a free brunch, with a dynamic speaker; Sande Lofberg; she will be here Monday, February 26, 9:30 am at the Community Center (next to the library) . Sande Lofberg has served in Aglow at local and area levels in Idaho and England, where her husband’s Air Force career took them. Sande currently serves as an Aglow U.S Director overseeing the Great Plains/Rocky Mountain region and on the Global Prayer Council. Nationally she is a member of the Leadership Development Team and Communications Committee.

Raised in a Unitarian home Sande tried many avenues to find a personal relationship with God. After some personal failures and a shattered marriage, the love of Jesus came into her life in 1975 at Mountain Home AFB, ID. His love healed her physically of chronic asthma and allergies, emotionally of depression and spiritually in her relationship with Him. Though cancer has tried three times to attack her, she has grown in the knowledge of the love of God. She has seen the love of God bring healing and wholeness to many lives and teaches the word of God so it can be applied in everyday life.

Her desire is for women to be drawn into a deep relationship with the Lord, to have an intimate love relationship that is expressed in a lifestyle that will draw others to the heart of God to experience that same love.

The Lofbergs live in Rapid City, South Dakota. Her husband, John, teaches at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Sande is a massage therapist teaches piano and guitar. They have two daughters and four grandchildren, all in Rapid City.

Photo of the day - February 19

Ice sculptures in front of the Delta Junction Visitor's Center. Photo Courtesy Carol Watkins

Presidential Firsts Trivia - Washington to Bush

Who was the first president ...

1. To leave the continental U.S. while in office.

2. To use, in the oval office, the desk that was a gift of Queen Victoria.

3. The first Christmas tree was set up in the White House during his term.

4. To have a child born in the White House.

5. To throw out the first baseball of the major league season.

6. Whose daughter married in the White House.

8. Whose mother attended his inauguration.

9. Who was a Roman Catholic.

10. Who had been divorced

Who was the first president ... Trivia Answers

1. To leave the continental U.S while in office. Theodore Roosevelt, 1906 to visit Panama

2. To use, in the oval office, the desk that was a gift of Queen Victoria. John F. Kennedy

3. The first Christmas tree was set up in the White House during his term. Franklin Pierce was the first president to introduce the Christmas tree to the White House in 1856 for a group of Washington Sunday School children. The first national Christmas Tree was lighted in the year 1923 on the White House lawn by President Calvin Coolidge. See http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/trees/traditions.html

4. To have a child born in the White House. Grover Cleveland. It was Ester, his second child.

5. To throw out the first baseball of the major league season. William Howard Taft, April 14, 1910. The pitch was caught by Walter Johnson.

6. Whose daughter married in the White House. James Monroe's daughter Maria married Samuel Gouverneur, March 9, 1820.

7. To address Russians on Russian Television. Richard Nixon. May 28, 1972

8. Whose mother attended his inauguration. James A. Garfield

9. Who was a Roman Catholic. John F. Kennedy

10. Who had been divorced. Ronald Reagan

President's Day (United States)

Presidents Day (also styled President's Day or Presidents' Day) is the common name for the United States federal holiday officially designated as Washington's Birthday. It is celebrated on the third Monday of February.

As the official title of the federal holiday, Washington's Birthday was originally implemented by the federal government in 1880 in the District of Columbia and expanded in 1885 to include all federal offices. As the first federal holiday to honor an American citizen, the holiday was celebrated on Washington's actual birthday, February 22. In 1971 the federal holiday was shifted to the third Monday in February.

Excerpt taken from Wikipedia, view the online source for more information.

Photo of the day - February 17

Driving back from Glennallen, mountain viewing was quite spectacular, here is mount Silvertip from near Miller Creek. Photo Courtesy Fronty Parker

Alaska Home Grown: Getting Secret Recipes to Market

Do you have a special recipe for Grandma’s Blueberry jam?How about your own secret sauce, gourmet biscotti or killer cold slaw?Or maybe you make an incredible sweet potato pie?

Chat with local experts about getting your homegrown and homemade product to market

February 24th 10a.m. to 12 noon
At Barnes & Noble Booksellers off the Johanson Expressway

Presenters: Coral C. Howe, CES Small Business Development Specialist, Jim McDermott, Director, UAF Small Business Development Center, Patsy Perkins, Environmental Health Officer, Division of Environmental Health, DEC Kasha Ostbloom, Owner, Moosetard Alaska Gourmet Mustards Marty Wilson, Owner, Marty’s Bake Shop & vendor at the Tanana Valley Farmer’s Market.

Free Taste Testing Encouraged! Contact: Coral Howe at 474-1512 or coral.howe@uaf.edu

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service programs are available to all, without regard to race, color, age, sex, creed, national origin, or disability and in accordance with all applicable federal laws. Provided in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Pete Pinney, Interim Director, Alaska Cooperative Extension, University of Alaska Fairbanks. The University of Alaska Fairbanks is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and educational institution.

Photo of the day - February 16

On the way to Anchorage. There's Dancer, Prancer and Vixen.
Photo Courtesy Ruby Hollembaek

Gardening Q & A With Michele Hebert

From the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service

Spring is sprouting and so are the gardening questions. Join Michele for an informal Question and Answer session on gardening in Interior Alaska. Bring your questions, your knowledge to share, your extra plants/seeds or just bring yourself for gardening fun.

Land Resources Agent Michele Hebert with the Cooperative Extension Service-Tanana District will be conducting two gardening sessions in Delta on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 and March 7, 2007 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Classes will be held in the CES Conference Room located in the Jarvis Office Center. These classes are free - however registration is required, deadline for the February 28th class is Monday, February 26, 2007 and for the March 7th class, Monday March 5, 2007. Please call the CES office at 895-4215 or stop by to register and/or for details.

CES to Offer Finance Classes Basics of Money Management & Becoming Financially Secure

From the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service

Roxie Rodgers Dinstel - Home Economist, with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service -Tanana District is pleased to announce two finance classes being offered in Delta. Both classes are FREE will be held on Monday, February 26, 2007 at the Jarvis Office Center - CES Conference Room.

Basics of Money Management is from 2:00 p.m – 4:00 p.m.Do you have a spending plan? or do you think that budget is a naughty word? If you want to understand how to control your money to meet your needs, plan to attend this workshop. We'll cover budgets (spending plans), credit and getting the most for your money.

Becoming Financially Secure is from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.Does your money work for you, or the other way around? We'll talk about spending intentionally, savings, credit and ways to become more secure financially.

Contact the CES office at 895-4215 to reserve a seat, registration is required – deadline is Thursday, February 22, 2007.

America Saves Week is February 26th to March 4th

Delta Farm Forum Set for Saturday, March 3rd

Rex Wrigley

From the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Cooperative Extension Service

This premier agricultural event will be held at the Delta High School small gymnasium on Saturday, March 3rd beginning at 9:00 a.m. and adjourning at 3:30 p.m. Producers and professional from Delta and around the State will be presenting information on a variety of agricultural related topics at the Delta Farm Forum.

Fresh IGA doughnuts and hot coffee will be served during the morning session. Several ag-related businesses will set up in the hallway to provide information and answer questions during the forum. The local 4-H group, DJ Saddletramps, will act as Master of Ceremony and assist with the program.

First speaker will be Dr. P.J. Ford Slack, Superintendent of Delta-Greely School District, she will be delivering the “Welcome” address. Chad Padgett –State Executive Director Farm Service Agency will discuss FSA issue concerning local producers for 2007, followed by Economist Hans Geier, UAF Cooperative Extension Service and School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Science who will present information on Canola in Alaska. Special Projects Representative, Karen Dearlove with USDA will speak on Renewable Energy and the Energy Efficiency Program, plus the Value Added Producers Grant.

After the first break Natural Resource Conservation Service, District Conservationist, Catherine Hadley will update the audience on their Pest Management Program. Next on the agenda a representative for the State Of Alaska, Division of Agriculture will follow with the “Division of Ag Update”.

The Potluck Luncheon, a highlight of the forum, will begin around noon. Main meat dishes, scalloped potatoes, and rolls will be provided through donations and guests are asked to follow this schedule when choosing a dish: A-G = Desserts, H-M = Vegetables, N-S = Potatoes, Pasta, Rice, and T-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.

The afternoon session begins with Weed Scientist Steven Seefeldt, Agricultural Research Service with Herbicide Trials in the Delta Area. Followed by Agricultural Extension Agent, Phil Kaspari with CES – Delta giving a talk on the Weed Free Forage Program.

Proceeding the afternoon break the Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District Chairperson Rex Wrigley will be giving the districts Annual Report; followed by the SDSWCD Speech Winner and Cooperator of the Year. This year’s feature presentation will be a historical overview of the2006 Farm Family of the Year Wrigley Farms, their operation and current practices. Last presentation of the day will be delivered by Chair Person – Carol McNabb – Friends of Delta Ag with an overview of 2006 Activities with emphasis on the tractor pull and lumber jack competitions.

Come listen to the latest in agricultural developments and other topics of interest from around the state. Join the crowd for the best potluck luncheon of the year; while visiting with folks who travel near and far for the 2007 Delta Farm Forum on Saturday, March 3rd.

The 2007 Delta Farm Forum is co-sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Service (CES), Delta District @ 895-4215 and the Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District (SDSWCD) @ 895-2679 both are located in the Jarvis Office Center in Delta Junction.

Photo of the day - February 15

Contrails from suborbital rocket launch from Poker Flat Launch Facility north of Fairbanks (as seen from Delta Junction) Purpose: Aurora studies by NASA scientists Time: Around 12:30am Wednesday morning Photographer: John Netardus (Delta High School Student)

Showdown at Paradise Gulch!!

EXCLUSIVE to the Delta News Web Community News

No, you won’t need to take cover—this is the title of the Easter play to be presented by the Delta Christian Drama Association. Paradise is another original script, penned by Gaylene and George Hosier, the closing words written just last Saturday afternoon, accompanied by a loud, vocal WHEW!

This will be another superb, exciting production, directed by George, sets and costumes by Gaylene, facility by the Assembly of God church, acting by a dedicated and dynamic cast, photography by Ms Carol Watkins, other chores and support by a corps of wonderful volunteers, fund-raising by Ms Wendy Jennings, and financial support by—guess who—YOU and your good-will offerings and attendance.

Fund-raising began on Saturday at the Craft Fair, where donated baked goods and an array of other delectable snacks were purveyed by volunteers all afternoon.

The initial cast meeting and first script reading occurred on Monday, and now the real work begins. To learn how you can assist with the production of this drama, call 895 5289.

Photo of the day - February 14

On the way to Anchorage. You want to climb what? Photo Courtesy Ruby Hollembaek

Feb 20 Deadline for Fire Mgmt. Protection Levels Comments

The Division of Forestry would like to remind you that we will be accepting comments on the Delta Area Fire Management Protection Levels until 4:30 p.m. on February 20, 2007, not February 18, 2007 as was originally printed. If you have comments or concerns, please mail them to Delta Area Forestry, PO Box 1149, Delta Junction, AK 99737 or email us at al_edgren@dnr.state.ak.us.

To see the complete description of the Delta Fire Management Protection Levels, please click here.

Deltana Borough Incorporation Proposal

The State of Alaska Local Boundary Commission (LBC) has scheduled a public hearing on Friday, March 16, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. in the large gymnasium at Delta High School.

For more information see the City of Delta website.

Five Ways of Loving

“We loved with a love that was more than love.” These words of Edgar Allen Poe seek to express a concept that surpasses verbal expression. Many of the valentine cards given this month will also seek to express in words the deep feelings of romantic love that individuals have for each other. The word “love” is overused and often misunderstood. Some dictionaries have as many as twenty-five meanings for this one word.

In the Greek language, which is the original language of most of the New Testament, there are five words that can be translated into the English word “love.” Each of these words has a different meaning, but all five are parts of the kind of love needed to keep a husband and wife “in love” for the duration promised in their marriage vow - “till death do us part.”

These five “ways of loving” found in Biblical Greek are:

1. epithumia - a strong desire of any kind. In the negative sense, it is translated “lust.” In the positive sense, it is translated “desire” or “love.” When it comes to romantic relationships, this is the emotion that gets people into a lot of trouble. Though a strong desire for one’s partner is needed in a marriage relationship, if it is not blended with the other aspects of love, epithumia can easily become selfish and self-centered. When that occurs, epithumia becomes lust rather than healthy desire.

2. eros - the romantic, passionate, and sentimental part of love. This is the emotion that causes all the mushy feelings – the so called “butterflies in your stomach.” I have been told that those physical feelings of romance are not caused by the heart, but by secretions of enzymes from the liver. So, if that is correct, rather than saying, “ I love you with all my heart,” you should say, “I love you with all my liver.” Or even better, “You make my liver quiver.”

These first two aspects of love are very important and often give the impression that this “love” will last forever. But, without the help of the following three aspects of love, these first two will die out, become self-centered, and lead to disaster.

3. storge - sometimes described as the comfortable old-shoe relationship comprised of natural affection and a sense of belonging. Storge provides a sense of security and emotional refuge by the feeling that this is where one belongs. Storge does not carry a lot of “feelings,” but it is the heart of security and comfort in a relationship.

4. phileo - the love of relationship - comradeship, sharing, communication, and friendship. While eros makes lovers, phileo makes dear friends. When your partner is also your friend, your relationship has the potential of truly lasting over the years.

5. agape - the highest form of love. Agape is the totally unselfish love that has the capacity to give and keep on giving without expecting in return. Agape values and serves in contrast to phileo, which cherishes and enjoys. Agape is the force that keeps the weeds of selfishness out of the garden of true love. Agape works when the “feelings” aren’t there. Agape can survive when all else fails.

This type of love is best described in the words of the Apostle Paul, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” (I Corinthians 13:4-8)

We hear a lot of talk about romance, especially this month around Valentine’s Day. But we also see marriages and romantic relationships ending in disaster. It is the agape love that is so often missing.

The beauty of agape is that it is an exercise of the choice of your will and is not dependent on feelings. It is love of action, not emotion. It focuses on what you do and say rather than how you feel. In a lasting marriage, all five aspects of love are needed. But it is the God-given agape love that is the cement that holds the rest together.

This Valentine’s Day, as you put forth your best effort to try and find the perfect way to tell your special person of your love, you may want to take time to consider what you really mean when you say, ”I love you.” Some of the modern confusion about love may clear up when you consider these five ways of loving. We in America could take a lesson from the language of the ancient Greeks and realize that there is much more to being in love than just our liver getting a good quiver.

True lasting love takes the desire of epithumia, the romance of eros, the security of storge, the friendship of phileo, and, most of all, the commitment of agape.

February 14th is Valentine’s Day. So to LaBetha, my lovely wife and sweetheart, I send a five-fold “I love you."

Submitted by Steve Casey

Registration Deadline for the April 3 Special Election

The Division of Elections reminds you that Sunday, March 4, 2007 is the last day to register to vote or update your current voter registration for the statewide Special Election on April 3, 2007.

On April 3, 2007, Alaskans will vote on the following question:

“Shall the legislature adopt a proposed amendment to the state constitution to be considered by the voters at the 2008 general election that would prohibit the state, or a municipality or other subdivision of the state, from providing employment benefits to same-sex partners of public employees and to same sex partners of public employee retirees? YES or NO”

Registration forms are available at any regional elections or municipal clerk’s office, the Division of Motor Vehicles and any local library that offers registration. Registration applications are also available online at the Division of Elections’ website. When registering, remember to bring one form of identification such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, state identification card, or hunting or fishing license.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact your regional elections office or the Director’s office in Juneau at (907) 465-4611, TTY/TDD: (907) 465-3020.

Applications for voter registration and absentee by mail voting are available on the Division of Elections’ website

- Anchorage, 2525 Gambell Street, Suite 100 522-8683
- Mat-Su, 1700 E Bogard Rd, Suite 102B 373-8952
- Fairbanks, State Office Building, 675 7th Ave., Suite H3 451-2835
- Juneau, 9109 Mendenhall Mall Rd, Suite 3 465-3021
- Kenai, 11312 Kenai Spur Highway, Suite 45 283-3805
- Nome, State Office Building, 103 Front Street 443-5285

Question of Interest & Participation in a Delta Junction Community Meeting with Senator Gene Therriault

Senator Therriault has expressed interest in holding a community meeting with the residents of Delta Junction.

I would like to make a preliminary determination of how many we can expect to attend, the topics of interest, and scheduling preferences (most likely a weekend meeting).

Please contact Jessica Fellman or 1-800-860-4797 if you are interested in meeting with Senator Therriault.

I look forward to hearing from my hometown!

Ms Claudia Vecchiarelli to Juneau for Conference

Claudia (most probably know her as DeeDee) Vecchiarelli, Administrative Manager at Alpha Omega Life Care Inc spent several days in Juneau this month attending the annual Member Meeting of the Alaska Food Coalition.

Ms V is the Hunger Abatement and Food Distribution Program Director at Alpha Omega, who partners with the Fairbanks Community Food Bank and brings to and distributes in Delta Junction more than two tons of food each month. She also manages the emergency issue of food, and the food voucher program in conjunction with the local IGA.

In Juneau, at the annual meeting, Ms V learned about efforts to build capacity among non-profit food programs in Alaska, and about bringing more of the Federal Nutrition dollars to Alaska. She met on a personal level with legislators—so-called “Hill Visits”—to heighten awareness among our representatives regarding hunger issues in Alaska.

Studies cited at the conference attest that 83,000 Alaskans visited a food bank, food pantry, or soup kitchen during 2006! 24,000 children go to bed hungry each night, and 8200 senior citizens as well.

Hunger abatement and food distribution are areas of primary concern for the agency, and should be for each community, suggests Ms Vecchiarelli. “Collaboration and cooperation among agencies and other entities is a must to alleviate, and hopefully to defeat this problem” she says.

To learn how YOU may help, call Claudia at 895 4104 or 4143.

Photo of the day - February 13

Wake up call from Mt. Hayes. Photo Courtesy Fronty Parker

13th Annual Festival of Lights - 2007

The 13th Annual Festival of Lights was a blast! From the Arts and Crafts Fair, Polar Bear Plunge, Parade and spectacular Fireworks everyone had a great time!

The lighted parade had a nice group of service vehicles from both Delta Junction and Ft. Greely and two floats from the 4-H group and the Girl Scouts. The event was topped off with a spectacular Fireworks display that had adults and kids alike "oohing" and "aahing".

The Winter photo contest photos are on display through February 16 at the Delta Library. Also, keep a watch on the Visitor Information Center for the ongoing ice carvings that will materialize in the next couple of weeks.

The Polar Bear Plunge, one of the weekends highlights featured two jumpers this year. Virginia Mancuso and Paul Smither braved the icy water, both survived the jump with smiles on their faces and very large goosebumps.

Brenda Petersons' granddaughter singing at the Festival of Lights - Taylor Simington

Army band from Fort Wainright

Thank you to all that attended the Festival of Lights events.

Festival of Lights 2007 - Photos Courtesy Carol Watkins
Festival of Lights 2007 - Write up Dawn Male

Legislator Call-In - Today

Location: Delta LIO
Tuesday, Feb 13th
5-6pm

Come to the Delta Junction LIO to participate in a teleconference with Senator Gene Therriault and Representative John Harris. Contact the Delta LIO at (907) 895-4236 for more information

Photo of the day - February 12

A rare sunny day in Juneau Alaska at the Mendenhall Glacier. Photo taken by Jessica Fellman

February 12 - Lincoln's Birthday Observed

Lincoln's Birthday is a legal holiday in the U.S. state of Illinois and some other states. It is observed on the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth on February 12, 1809. If the day falls on Saturday or Sunday, it is transferred to the nearest weekday.
Many states that had formerly observed this holiday have created a joint holiday to honor both Lincoln and George Washington, sometimes calling it "Presidents' Day". It coincides with the Federal holiday officially designated "Washington's Birthday", observed on the third Monday of February. There has never been an annual Federal holiday honoring Lincoln.

Text taken from Wiki-pedia.

Photo of the day - February 10

View of Donnelly Dome from North Twin Lake mid January 07.
Photo Courtesy Delora Killingsworth

Senior Center News

The membership of the Delta Clearwater Seniors meet en masse at the Senior Lounge in the Community Center at 1 PM on the first Wednesday of each month.

The Senior Lounge is open to members and visitors each weekday from 10AM to 2PM, and at others times for special, scheduled, events.

There is a guest and member sign-in book just inside the entrance of the lounge—please sign in when you arrive. Each month a random drawing will be made from the names on that register and a ten-dollar merchandise certificate will be presented to the winner.

On Valentine’s Day, Wednesday, 2-14, there will be a potluck luncheon in the Senior Lounge. If you are a senior who has considered joining the Delta Clearwater Seniors, or would simply like to meet the membership, come along and share the fellowship and the goodies, or drop in nay day for coffee.

Photo of the day - February 9

This photo was taken with a flash attachment which highlighted the foreground objects while leaving the background objects in darkness. I took this picture in my back yard on September 16, 2004. Photo courtesy Barbara Tharp.

Notice of Tour, Public Hearing, and Decisional Meeting Regarding Deltana Borough Incorporation Proposal

State of Alaska
Local Boundary Commission (LBC)

On the date and at the time and place noted below, the LBC will meet to convene a public hearing under 3 AAC 110.560 regarding the proposal to incorporate the Deltana borough:

Friday, March 16, 2007 – 5:30 p.m.
Delta Junction High School – Large Gym

Following the public hearing, the LBC may convene a decisional meeting under 3 AAC 110.570, to act on the proposal. If the meeting does not conclude by 10 p.m., the meeting will recess and reconvene at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, at the same location.

Circumstances permitting, the LBC will tour portions of the proposed borough before the hearing or decisional meeting.

The hearing agenda and information concerning the tour, hearing, decisional meeting, and other aspects of the incorporation proposal may be obtained from:

LBC Staff
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1770
Anchorage, Alaska 99501-3510

Telephone: (907) 269-4501
Fax: (907) 269-4539
E-mail: LBC@commerce.state.ak.us

To view the proposed agenda, click on the Notices link on the LBC Website and select the March 16, 2007, LBC Public Meeting, or call 907-269-4501 and request that a copy be mailed or faxed to you.

Persons interested in receiving future LBC notices by electronic mail may subscribe to the LBC notice list service by visiting the LBC Website set out above, clicking on the link to the LBC Subscription Service, and following the instructions.

Teleconference sites for the proceedings may be added for the convenience of the public and/or LBC members. Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids, services, or special modifications to participate should contact LBC Staff.

PUBLIC HEARING AND DECISIONAL MEETING REGARDING DELTANA BOROUGH INCORPORATION PROPOSAL AGENDA

I. Call to order
II. Roll call & determination of quorum
III. Approval of agenda
IV. Comments by members of the Local Boundary Commission
V. Comments by members of the public concerning matters not on the agenda
VI. Public hearing on Petition to incorporate the Deltana Borough and dissolve
the City of Delta Junction

A. Summary by DCCED of its conclusions & recommendations
B. Petitioner’s opening statement (limited to 10 minutes)
C. Sworn testimony of witnesses called by the Petitioner
D. Period of public comment by interested persons (limited to 3 minutes
per person)
E. Petitioner’s closing statement (limited to 10 minutes)

VII. Decisional session (optional at this time)
VIII. Comments from Commissioners and LBC Staff
IX. Adjourn

Photo of the day - February 8

It is that time of year when all the ice sculpture start showing around town. My favorite at this time is the 50’s Chevy (looks like a Belair) in front of DPW’s gas station. (photo copyright Richard Mitchell)

New Delta Forum Announced

Wireless Delta Internet Services has announced that it has a new forum online for people in the Delta Junction / Ft. Greely area. The forum is designed for users age 13 and over.

The new forum is moderated but is “a First Amendment board,” according to WDI’s Candy Corty, the forum administrator. Registration is required.

The new forum can be found at http://deltajuctionak.21.forumer.com

Photo of the day - February 7

Picture was taken 3 Feb from Meadows Road, Sun setting behind Mt. Hayes.
Photo Courtesy Derek Mills