LIO ~ Feb 27 Newsletter and Schedule

Friday, February 27
Legislative Information Office Newsletter and Teleconference Schedule.
Click here to view the newsletter and schedule

Photo of the day - February 27

Waterfall on American Creek. This creek parallels the Taylor Highway for a short distance before dumping into the Yukon river just downstream from the village of Eagle AK.
Photo Courtesy Dwight Phillips

Alaska McDonald's Announces 10% Off

Alaska McDonald's supports the State of Alaska Office of Children's Services by offering a 10% discount for foster families. All Alaska McDonald's with the exception of Ketchikan and Juneau have signed on for this promotion.Foster parents will need to show their foster parent ID card. If you have misplaced your ID or didn't receive one with your license; please contact your regional OCS licensing office.If you are interested in opening your heart and home to a child, call the Alaska Center for Resource Families at 1-800-478-7307.
Promotion begins Friday, February 27th

Alaska McDonald's is committed to making a difference in the communities in which we work. You can help us by simply eating at McDonald's or dropping your change into the canister next time you're in the drive thru or at our front counter. Together we're helping Alaska kids.

Fairbanks - Military Appreciation Banquet

Get to know Fairbanks' local military men and women...and thank them for their service to our community and our country!

As we witness daily, the sacrifices of our military and their families during this momentous time, we are especially proud to announce that the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Military Appreciation Banquet will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at the Carlson Center, Social 6pm, Dinner & Program 7pm.

This year we are honored to have Lieutenant General Harry M. Wyatt, III, Director, Air National Guard as our special guest speaker for an evening that honors the military personnel from Interior Alaska who have been awarded for their excellence, leadership, and commitment in service to our armed forces. The banquet is a great way to show our gratitude and support for the military as civilian hosts.

Tickets are $250 (includes dinner for 2 civilians to host 2 military). Tickets sell out quickly so please send in your reservation form as soon as possible (downloadable from www.FairbanksChamber.org). You may also make your reservation over the phone by calling (907)452-1105.

Each year, the Chamber is contacted by civilians in the community who wish to support our military but cannot afford the cost of a ticket. If you are unable to attend, but wish to purchase a ticket and donate it to a civilian couple who is interested in hosting a military couple, please contact Lisa Cassino at 374-6706 to make arrangements.

Photo of the Day - February 26

Due to its incredible curiosity and cuteness the Dall sheep lamb is one of the photographers favorite critters to photograph. Photo by Steve Thomas

Photo of the day - February 25

Larkspur, iris and fireweed make up this bouquet of Alaskan wildflowers. I picked these for my wife on the way home from work one day and figured it was just too beautiful not to photograph. Image by Dwight Phillips

Veterans Can Show How They Served

The special men and women who gave time and effort for our country, by serving in the U.S. military, should be recognized on more that just a couple of special holidays. To this end, a small group of retired veterans in Blue Bell, PA makes thirty-six metalized film window stickers and magnetic vehicle plaques honoring military service from WWII to today’s War on Terror. They are called VetSignias and are designed to give veterans every-day visibility.

The stickers and plaques feature black print on bright silver metallic, with a stars and stripes background.

Veterans of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf can display the war served and their branch of service. VetSignias for those who served in overseas expeditionary campaigns such as Panama, Somalia, Bosnia, etc., show branch of service and expeditionary. There are three VetSignias for veterans of the War on Terror. Veterans who served in Peacetime can get VetSignias that show Vet and their branch of service.

VetSignias show combinations like VET/KOREA/U.S. AIR FORCE, VET/VIETNAM/U.S. ARMY, VET/IRAQ/EXPEDITIONARY, or VET/U.S. NAVY.

VetSignias are not big billboards or banners, but they are a distinctive reminder to all. Everyone who sees one of the bright silver stickers or plaques will immediately know the bearer did something good for our country.

All VetSignias, window stickers and magnetic vehicle plaques, can be viewed at the groups web-site www.vetsignia.org.

VetSignia window stickers (2”x4”) are 3/$12, magnetic vehicle plaques (2.5”X5.75”) are 2/$12 (S&H Incl.). Send requests to: Bob Kline, Box 382, Blue Bell PA 19422. Be sure to include your branch of service; and, war served, expeditionary, or peacetime. For additional information phone (610)277-1171 or E-mail bobk.ww2usmc@vetsignia.org

Photo of the day - February 24

The yellow-legged sandpiper is one of the many shorebirds that migrate here from the south every spring. Alaska has approximately 10 million of these birds in the summer which is half of all the shorebirds in North America. Photo by Steve Thomas

DNW will be Offline ~ Feb 24

The Delta News Web will be offline approximately 10pm - midnight on February 24. Our server needs to be rebooted to resolve some technical issues.

During the reboot, all sites and services will be unavailable. The expected outage duration is 2 hours.

Thank you for your time and patient.

Buyer Beware: Supplement Causes Several Complaints

Check BBB Reliability Reports before making a purchase.

Anchorage, Alaska — Feb. 23, 2009 — Your Better Business Bureau has received a surplus of complaints regarding the purchase of Acai Berry supplements.

Common complaint:
Consumers from Alaska, Oregon and Washington have contacted your BBB stating they ordered a “free” trial of Acai Berry supplements or wait loss pills. After seeing the advertisement, usually on a Web site, consumers are under the impression they are required to pay only the shipping – $4 to $7. However, their credit or debit card is charged an additional $50 to $90.

Many consumers were unable to reach the company while trying to cancel the order. Online cancelation processes have been reported to link to reorder forms, and phone calls often are put on hold for long periods of time or consumers receive “busy signals.”

Businesses linked to complaints:
Acai Berry products go by several different names including: Acai Berry, Acai ELITE, Acai Berry Edge, Extreme Acai Berry and Natural Acai.

Complaints link to several different companies offering the same or similar products. Each of the following have BBB’s lowest rating, “F.”
- SFL Nutrition, LLC, 123 NW 13th St. #212, Boca Raton, Fla. 33432. www.acaiberrysupreme.com. 3,161 complaints in the last 3 years.
- Crush LLC, 11778 Election Rd, Suite 140, Draper, Utah 84020. Also uses a P.O. Box in Sandy, Utah. www.exremeacaiberry.com. 399 complaints in the last 3 years.
- FWM Laboratories, Inc., 4961 Leeward Lane, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33312. www.acaielite.com. 351 complaints in the last 3 years.
- Cheshunt Overseas, Ltd., 1285 Baring Blvd PMB 297, Sparks, Nev. 89434-8673. www.natural-acai-berry.com. 122 complaints in the last 3 years.

Ad Examples:
Advertisements can be found in magazines and other publications. Most are found on social networking, newspaper and Internet search engine Web sites. Ads say things like, “Lose 37 pounds in 2 weeks” or “1 flat stomach rule: obey.” Ad links to what looks like a blog. Links there go to the Acai Berry Web sites, which sell the products. Ads stress urgency with comments like, “Limited quantities available,” “Only 97 free trials left!” and some sites have a five-minute count down before the offer expires. When trying to leave many of the Web sites, a warning pops up trying to convince the consumer to rethink the offer.

Your BBB advises the following when considering purchasing supplements online:
- Check business reliability. Look for the BBB Online seal or check the business’ Reliability Report at www.bbb.org or contact the Attorney General’s office.
- Review claims. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The Food and Drug Administration allows for some claims, if scientific evidence is available. The FDA does not review or authorize claims. Dietary supplement companies are required by law to post the following disclaimer on Web sites, “This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”
- Read and understand terms and conditions, privacy policy and return policy.
- Check for online security. If you check business legitimacy and decide to make a purchase make sure the Web site is secure before entering personal information. Confirm the Web address, on the page for ordering, has an “s” in https. Also confirm there is a lock box in the bottom right corner of the window.

Similar issues have also been reported concerning the colon cleanser supplement, sometimes advertised with Acai Berry.

Consumers who wish to file a complaint can visit bbb.org.

2009 Delta Farm Forum ~ February 28

Tanana Loop Farming Area photo courtesy Don Quarberg

Saturday, February 28th 9:00 – 3:00 Delta Junction, Alaska Delta High School Small Gymnasium

Schedule of events

9:00 – 9:15 Welcome Speaker
Ruby Hollembaek – Alaska Interior Game Ranch

9:15 – 9:45 - 2008 Farm Bill and Farm Loan Program Opportunities
Lloyd Wilhelm - County Executive Director USDA Farm Service Agency

9:45 – 10:15 - Bermrow Removal: Improving Noxious Weed Control
Meghan Lene – Agricultural Specialist - SDSWCD

10:15-10:30 - Break

10:30-11:00 - Getting Carbon Miles Out of Our Food
Dave Lacey – Member of Interim Board – Fairbanks Community Cooperative Market

11:00 – 11:30 - Building a Sustainable Agriculture Industry in Alaska
Franci Havemeister – Director State of Alaska Division of Agriculture

11:30 – 1:00 - Potluck Luncheon
Guests are asked to follow this schedule when choosing a dish:
A-F = Salads G-L = Desserts M-R = Vegetables S-Z = Potatoes or Equivalent
Main meat dishes, scalloped potatoes and rolls will be provided through donations.

1:00 – 1:15 - Fertilizer Forecast & Updates
Phil Kaspari – Agricultural Agent - UAF CES

1:15 1:45 - Nellie’s Greenhouse and Gardens
Nellie Troit – Owner/Manager - Nellie Greenhouse Delta Junction

1:45 – 2:00 - Division of Agriculture - Grants and Activities
Patricia O’Neil – Marketing Assistant – State of Alaska Division of Agriculture

2:00 – 2:15 - Break

2:15 – 3:00 - Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District
Rex Wrigley – Chair SDSWCD

- Annual Report
- Speech Contest Winner
- 2008 Cooperator of the Year

3:00 Adjourn

The 2009 Delta Farm Forum is co-sponsored by the University of Alaska Faribanks 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.

Vendor booths will be set up in the hallway with a variety of information available. The Forget-Me-Knot Quilters Guild will have their fabulous quilts on display.

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, Peter Pinney, Interim Director, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Alaska Fairbanks. The University of Alaska Fairbanks is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and educational institution.

Photo of the day - February 23

A couple of swans glide gracefully by as another beautiful summer day in Alaska's interior slipped away. Image by Dwight Phillips.

Photo of the day - February 21

The magpie is one of the few birds that makes its home in interior Alaska year around. Part of the crow family, like the raven, these birds are at the upper end of intelligence as far as birds go. Photo by Steve Thomas

LIO ~ Feb 20 Newsletter and Schedule

Friday February 20 Legislative Information Office Newsletter and Teleconference Schedule.

Click here for the newsletter and schedule.

Photo of the day - February 20

This image shows a momma owl with a three day old baby owl in her nest.
Photo Courtesy Dwight Phillips

Chinook by George Hosier II - Groundhog Day

“Good morning, handsome!”

It was February 1, and my alarm had barely stopped beeping. With a groan, I pried apart my heavy eyelids to peer blearily at my wife who was hovering over me with a cherubic grin. She planted a big juicy smackaroo on my somnolent physiognomy.

“What’s going on?” I muttered.

“Nothing particular. I’m just excited! It’s February.” She raised her eyebrows and her eyes took on the look that every husband dreads. It was the look that meant she expected me to be reading her mind.

I tried to stall for time. “Whad’ya know? February already. Isn’t that something? Where does time go?”

She inclined her head slightly and bored into me with those eyes. Evidently my stalling was not doing the trick. I needed to carefully attempt to milk a hint from her while simultaneously bluffing that I had some clue what she was talking about. I winked conspiratorially. “Hey, you know what February means.”

Her eyes twinkled with what I desperately hoped was not mockery. “Yes I do. Do you?”

“Do I? Oh, do I ever. Yes I do. You betcha.”

“Good, I wouldn’t want you to forget this year.”

To read the entire story please visit our Chinook pages.

American Legion Alaska Boys and Girls State

ATTENTION ALL JUNIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL!!

The American Legion would like to invite you to a mock week long legislative session. Are you interested in city and state government? This is an Americanism/Citizenship class. You will run for a city office as well as run a campaign for a legislative office. Possibly be chosen to attend Boys or Girls Nation in Washington Dc in July.

Girls State is June 6th-12th and Boys State is June 14th-21st. Both will be located at the Meier Lake Conference Center in Wasilla, Alaska. The American Legion Post and Auxiliary Units pay the registration fees for you to attend.

Your local school has the Girl State application packets for you, if you are interested.

For Boys State contact Bill Jacobi at (907) 723-8028 for information.

National Caregiver Training Program

The National Caregiver Training Program is being offered by Judith Farrow, LPN, BA

This is a 21 hour curriculum and I would like to make it a 28 hr class so that we can add some topics of interest. Texts and workbooks are included in cost of class. The curriculum consists of lectures, videos, hands on instruction and an exam. The training is generally for informal caregivers of family or friends.

This training can provide you with a formal certificate. Cost of class is $400.00

I will set a schedule for class if I receive enough interest. Will hold class if I have at least 4 and up to 10 people sign up. Would like to have the class on Saturdays through March.

Please call Judith at 895-4104 M - F between 10:30am - 4:30pm, or leave message at 895-2221

Annual "I Did It By Two" campaign from now till end of March

The annual "I Did It By Two" Race to Vaccinate campaign has started at Delta Public Health and will run through the end of March. Commemorating the original race to bring life-saving serum to Nome to stop a deadly diphtheria outbreak in the 1920's, this campaign promotes the importance of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Children through age 5 years who are up-to-date or are on a catch-up schedule may participate in entering the drawing for the adorable stuffed husky pup with a collar signed by Iditarod champion Martin Buser.

Please contact the Delta Public Health Center at 895-4292 or stop by for more details and to enter the drawing.

Take this opportunity to check your child's shot records to see if they are up-to-date on all their immunizations and maybe your child's name will be drawn on March 31st!

Photo of the day - February 20

The summer was gone and the days would grow cold, but we were able get to enjoy the beauty of a long fall before ole man winter came along. Photo Courtesy Carol Watkins

Chamber of Commerce Taking Orders for Shirts

The Delta Chamber of Commerce has sold out of Festival of Lights Hooded Sweatshirts, also we have sold out of Medium, 2X and 3X T-shirts.

Currently we are taking orders for those who request a certain size.

If you have been waiting get yours now is the time to order.

We will be placing an order on Tuesday February 24, 2009.

To order your shirt please call Dani @ 895-5068 or email deltacc@alaska.net

Con Artists Text Consumers To Pose As Banks, Credit Cards

BBB recommends not trusting text messages that discuss finances.

Anchorage, Alaska — Feb. 18, 2009 — Your Better Business Bureau has received recent inquiries showing that con artists are using text messages to attempt to scam financial-institution customers.

Scam examples:

• Washington and Oregon consumers called your BBB saying they received the following scam text message: “Application Center / This is an automated message from Cullman Savings Bank. Your ATM card has been suspended. To reactivate call urgent at 1-888-873-9356.” Cullman Savings Bank Web site says they “do not use e-mail, text messaging or telephone calls to verify personal or account information.”
• Alaska consumers called your BBB and Alaska State Troopers sent out a press release warning that text messages were being sent that falsely informed consumers their Credit Union One account had been suspended. It directed mobile phone owners to call the bank at 870-345-4202, or visit 8705874360@cu1.org to resolve the problem. Credit Union One will never send consumers a text message or e-mail to verify account information.

Smishing:
Such scams – where consumers are contacted through a text message in hopes of swiping their personal information – are known as smishing.

Your BBB advises the following to avoid smishing scams:

• Assume unsolicited text messages are fraudulent.
• Know your financial institutions’ communication policies. These can be found on the Web site or by calling the customer service line. Financial institutions will never contact you for personal or account information via text message or e-mail.
• If you receive an unsolicited message supposedly from a financial institution, contact the business at the number you know is valid – not the number in the unsolicited message. Check the legitimacy of the message in this way. Never reply back, click on links or visit Web sites from unsolicited messages.
• Consumers can also report unsolicited text messages to their phone service provider.
• If you discover you have provided financial account information to a scam artist, contact the financial institution immediately. If you had money stolen from the account, file a police report and place a fraud alert with the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, 800-525-6285; Experian, 888-397-3742; and TransUnion, 800-680-7289.

Visit www.bbb.org to stay up-to-date on scams affecting your area.

Photo of the day - February 18

This slightly damp red fox shot me a startled look when I surprised him on a rainy evening on the Taylor Highway. I call this image "Fox on the Rocks". Image by Dwight Phillips

Photo of the day - February 17

These young trumpeter swans called cygnets seem to be getting a lesson in preening from one of their parents. The juvenile swans will keep their gray color until their second winter.
Photo by Steve Thomas

Festival of Lights Photos

Thank you Carol Watkins for another outstanding job with the photo displays. I really appreciate you sending the wonderful photos to share with the community.

LIO Newsletter and Schedule

Legislative Information Office Newsletter and Teleconference Schedule. Please click here to open the PDF file.

Photo of the day - February 16

While driving last fall we spotted a couple of caribou by Donnelly Dome. The saying for Delta is when the snow is on the dome, it usually is a good indication that the snow will be in Delta within a couple of weeks. Photo Courtesy Heather Misquez

Festival of Lights ~ Polar Plunge and Ice Carvings

The 2009 Festival of Lights has come and gone for another year. There were many activities this year, and if you missed the events this year, you can plan on attending next year.

I would like to thank everyone who has sent pictures. There were so many photos that came in and I do appreciate them all. I have captured the best photos to share with the community from Carol Watkins and Mike Kingston/CRTC.

A big thank you to Dani Markham for the outstanding job she has done for this community event, for the Chamber of Commerce hosting the event, and for all the area supporters. Thank you to each one of the community members who participated in many of the events.

The next big Chamber event will be Friendly Frontier Days.

Photo Courtesy CRTC/M.Kingston

First Place winner Lt. Vince Malone - CRTC Commander
Second Place winner - Mike Paschall - Owner of the Delta Wind
Third Place winner - Abby Brennan - Owner of the Poorboy Restaurant

Photo Courtesy CRTC/M.Kingston



Photo Courtesy Carol Watkins

Photo Courtesy Carol Watkins

DMV Closure ~ Feb 25

DMV will be closed on Wednesday, February 25th, for training in Fairbanks.

Photo of the day - February 14

The yellow pollen around his muzzle is a dead give-away as to what this plump black bear has been up to. He was in a patch of dandelions, and eating them like they were going out of style. Photo taken near Watson Lake, June 2008. Photo Courtesy Marlin Dunklebarger

What Am I?

How many questions did you have to read before you knew the answer?

1. I've been around for more than 30 million years.
2. I am found in countries around the globe.
3. Cleopatra and Marie Antoinette were crazy for me.
4. Part of me is extremely high in vitamin C.
5. The Divine Miss M made a movie named for me.
6. I have more than 6,000 varieties.
7. I come in every color except blue and black.
8. I'm a symbol of love and friendship.
9. By any other name, I'd smell as sweet.
10. On Valentine's Day, I'm often sold by the dozen.

A Rose

Polar Bear Standings ~ Feb 13

Mike Paschall - Delta Wind newspaper 265 Votes
LTC Vince Malone - CRTC Commander 213 Votes
Dani Markham - Chamber of Commerce 175 Votes
Patsy Ewing - Clearwater Lodge 163 Votes
Abby Brennan – Poorboy 138 Votes
JR Tiger- Clearwater Lodge 121 Votes
Mike Adams - Jack's Service 95 Votes
Bill Adams - Jacks Service 73 Votes
Toni Johnson- CRTC 36 Votes
Ian Dickson 33 Votes
Megan Brown – Buffalo Bar 25 Votes
Phil Kaspari - UAF Cooperative Extension 23 Votes
Gwen Leivdal - Alaskan Steakhouse 12 Votes
Heather Martin - Alaskan Steakhouse 5 Votes
Kate Evans- Buffalo Bar 4 Votes
Glen McPhail - CRTC Cook 1 Votes
Libby Child - Posh Salon 0 Votes

LTC Chris Chronis - Declined
Gideon Bak - Declined

The Lost Concept, Thera and Big Red Crayon for one night only!

Click on the poster for an enlargement

Admission: $10 cover

Host: Joel's Place

Start Time: Saturday, February 21 at 8:00pm

End Time: Saturday, February 21 at 11:00pm

Location: Joel's Place
1890 Marika Road
Fairbanks, AK 99709

Yukon Quest Awards Banquet

Meet the mushers and hear their stories. Watch the mushers and their dogs get awards!

5:00PM social hour, 6:00PM dinner.

Tickets on sale at the Yukon Quest office or by phone at 452-7954 or at the door.

Location: Carlson Center - Fairbanks. February 28, 2009

Photo of the day - February 13

Lance Mackey, 2007 winning the Yukon Quest from Whitehorse to Fairbanks. These dogs were amazing in that they crossed the finish line after a 1,000 race and they looked like they had just went around the block. Photo Courtesy Steve Thomas

The 2009 Yukon Quest will start in Whitehorse on Saturday, February 14. Click here to learn more about this race.

Special Valentine Messages

A Valentine for Kristin - My heart says I love you - Derek

To my dear friend Joyce, I miss you and hope we can quilt together again some day! Love Liz

The Lovely Miss Shan and Olivia too, I love you so much, Happy Valentines Day to my girls. Christopher M.

Happy Valentine's to my best pal Riessycup!!!! Love from the ol' Huz

Photo of the day - February 12

Talk about a ball of fur! This snowshoe hare is just turning from its summer brown to its winter white. Notice how big its back foot is compared to its body size. Photo by Steve Thomas

Polar Bear Plunge Standings ~ Feb 11

Mike Paschall - Delta Wind newspaper 230 Votes
LTC Vince Malone - CRTC Commander 213 Votes
Dani Markham - Chamber of Commerce 160 Votes
Patsy Ewing - Clearwater Lodge 163 Votes
Abby Brennan – Poorboy 138 Votes
JR Tiger- Clearwater Lodge 121 Votes
Mike Adams - Jack's Service 85 Votes
Bill Adams - Jacks Service 73 Votes
Ian Dickson 33 Votes
Megan Brown – Buffalo Bar 25 Votes
Toni Johnson- CRTC 16 Votes
Phil Kaspari - UAF Cooperative Extension 15 Votes
Gwen Leivdal - Alaskan Steakhouse 12 Votes
Heather Martin - Alaskan Steakhouse 5 Votes
Kate Evans- Buffalo Bar 4 Votes
Glen McPhail - CRTC Cook 1 Votes
Libby Child - Posh Salon 0 Votes

LTC Chris Chronis - Declined
Gideon Bak - Declined

Retrofitting and Cold Climate Building Workshops Feb. 20-21 in Delta

Using cold climate building techniques with new homes and retrofitting existing homes can trim homeowners’ energy bills. Richard Seifert, Cooperative Extension’s Service energy and housing specialist, will offer two courses in Delta Junction aimed at lowering home energy costs.

Seifert will offer his newly developed course, “Retrofitting Your Home,” from 1-4 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Delta Career Advancement Center, and his Cold Climate Homebuilding Techniques Workshop will run from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 21, also at the center. Both workshops are free.

Seifert retrofitted his Fairbanks home in 2005, and notes that relatively modest weatherization retrofit can make a difference with heating costs. The retrofitting workshop will cover windows, ventilation, cold climate options, walls, roofs and materials.

During the cold climate workshop, Seifert will talk about windows, ventilation, cold climate options, walls, indoor air quality, roofs and permafrost foundations. Participants in the cold climate workshop will receive a free manual with a CD.

To register for either workshop, call 895-4215. For more information, call Seifert at 800-478-8324 at the Fairbanks Extension office. Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 4, 2009.

CONTACT: Christy Roden at 895-4215 / fncmr1@uaf.edu OR
Richard Seifert at 474-6366 / ffrds@uaf.edu.

BBB Warns Job Hunters to Steer Clear of Rebate Processing Job Scams

Tough Economy Raises Interest in Work-at-Home Jobs, but not all are Legitimate

Anchorage, Alaska — Feb. 11, 2009 — Better Business Bureau is warning job hunters to beware of opportunities to work from home processing rebates. While the job offer may claim that people can earn up to a thousand dollars a day without leaving the comfort of their home, BBB has received hundreds of complaints from victims nationwide who never earned a dime and were, in fact, ripped off for hundreds of dollars in upfront fees.

With the nation’s unemployment rate expected to hit a 25-year high in early 2009, work-at-home Web sites which promise big money for little or no experience are extremely tempting in the best of times. But now, with so many cash strapped families, they’re especially appealing. In 2008 alone, more than one million people checked with their BBB about the legitimacy of companies that offer work-at-home jobs. Unfortunately, BBB warns that most work-at-home opportunities, such as supposed “rebate processing” jobs, are ultimately scams.

“With the nation’s unemployment rate hitting double digits in some states, more families are desperately searching for ways to bring in income and these rebate processing scams lure them in with promises of big money for little work or no experience,” said Robert. W.G. Andrew, CEO of BBB Serving Alaska, Oregon, and Western Washington. “No one ever wants to lose money, but in these hard times, job hunters are getting scammed when they can least afford it.”

According to complaints on file and research conducted by the Los Angeles Better Business Bureau and the BBB serving Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas, the larger offenders — which have racked up hundreds of complaints from consumers nationwide — operate under such names as Angel Stevens and Cindy Dalton with Web addresses including www.processathome.com and www.rebateprocessorjobs.com. While the names might be different, the scam remains the same.

Victims stated that they paid an upfront fee anywhere from $40 to over $500 for a trial program earning money by processing rebates from home. By representing that the opportunity is affiliated with 11,000 companies including some household names like Hewlett Packard and Home Depot, complainants are deceived into thinking that the offer is legitimate.

Instead of guidance and a starter kit on processing rebates, victims report that they actually received instructions on how to make money by sending e-mails, posting blogs and paying for ads on the Internet in order to sell various products. The products being sold are marketed with a rebate and the victim allegedly makes money by receiving a percentage of sales for any products sold as a result of the ads they placed.

“Adding insult to injury, recent complainants state that after paying the initial fee of $359, they find that their credit card or checking account is charged each month thereafter for $59. The charges continue even though the victims cancel and demand refunds,” said Robert W.G. Andrew.

Complainants allege that they are victims of misleading advertising and demand their money back. A few complainants who decided to try placing Internet ads to earn money became dissatisfied after spending even more money on ads and additional training, but still failed to make the amount advertised.

The marketing language on “rebate processing” Web sites makes the offer sound risk-free and usually advertises a "90 day money back guarantee" or “100% Satisfaction Guarantee,” but complainants state that the companies failed to honor the guarantee. If they respond to requests for refunds at all, it’s usually with an excuse for not making the refund.

BBB offers the following advice to help job hunters avoid being taken advantage of by a work-at-home scam:

• Beware of offers that sound too good to be true, including the promise of big bucks for little work or no experience.
• Always check out the company’s BBB Reliability Report for free at www.bbb.org to see if the company has received a passing grade from BBB.
• Never give your credit card or checking account information to an individual or business that promises employment. Legitimate employers never charge fees to prospective employees. Period.

Photo of the day - February 11

The photographer titled this photo Spirit Ghost Mountain. Mt. Hayes in the background with the Delta River in the foreground.Photo Courtesy Michael Kingston

Spaghetti Dinner ~ Friday, February 13

Click on the image for a photo enlargment.

Come and celebrate the Festival of Lights.

A spaghetti dinner will be held at the Delta Presbyterian/Faith Lutheran Church from 5 to 8pm on Friday, next to the Delta Community Center on the Richardson Highway.

Meal includes cole slaw, spaghetti, garlic bread, beverage and dessert.

Price is $10 for over 12 and $5 for 12 and under.

Take-out and vegetarian sauce available.

National Speaker Highlight of Statewide SARE Conference

The Fifth Annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference and Organic Growers School is scheduled for March 17-18, 2009, at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge in Fairbanks, Alaska. Presented by the UAF Cooperative Extension Service, the highlight of this year’s conference will be national guest speaker George DeVault, newly appointed president and executive director of the Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah, Iowa.

The Seed Savers Exchange is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of heirloom varieties of vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs, and agricultural biodiversity in general. DeVault’s position represents the pinnacle of a career that has included farming, mentoring farmers and writing about farming. He is also a volunteer fire chief, W.K. Kellogg Foundation Food and Society policy fellow and soon-to-be grandfather.

Since 1984, George and his wife Melanie have owned and operated a diversified organic farm growing vegetables, blueberries, flowers and livestock in Emmaus, Pa. At its peak, their farm provided food to 100 families through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) service. In 2004, the Lehigh County, Pa., Conservation District honored the DeVaults as Conservation Farmers of the Year.

In addition to his farming career, DeVault has been active in his community by serving as a board member of the Lehigh County Agricultural Land Preservation Board, the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture, and the North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association. He is past president of the Emmaus Farmer’s Market, Inc., and has served as a volunteer firefighter since 1982, now serving as fire chief of his township fire station.

Some of DeVault’s numerous journalistic achievements include almost 25 years as a farm magazine and book editor and publisher at Rodale, Inc., 10 years heading The New Farm magazine, and in 1990 he became the United States editor of Novii Fermer (“New Farmer” in Russian). He has written for publications such as Successful Farming, Farm Journal, Top Producer, Mother Earth News, Organic Gardening, GRIT and Growing For Market. He has also edited and/or published many gardening and farming books including How to Make $100,000 Farming 25 Acres, Backyard Market Gardening, Truckpatch and Return to Pleasant Valley.

At the Sustainable Agriculture Conference and Organic Growers School, DeVault will speak on season extension, mainly through the use of high tunnels, floating row covers and crop rotation. He will also address the importance of saving seeds and how to go about it. The DeVaults have built three high tunnels, one hoophouse and a heated seed-starting house on their farm in Pennsylvania. They have a lot of photos of those structures under construction as well as of crops at different times of the year. Other photos feature growers like Eliot Coleman building and using their various greenhouses.

In addition to the keynote national speaker, the SARE conference will feature presenters from around Alaska sharing information on topics such as University of Alaska research on fruit and berry production and fish waste composting; farm soil fertility; weed suppression; year-round CSA’s in Alaska; egg and poultry production for local market; and two panel discussions on composting and value-added agricultural products.

Don’t miss the special pre-conference activities taking place March 16! Participants will tour Chena Hot Springs Resort to see their many geothermal energy projects and year-round greenhouses, followed by a grant-writing workshop and tour of the UAF Cold Climate Housing and Research Center.

All interested individuals are encouraged to attend this exciting and informative conference. For more information, contact Michele Hebert at ffmah@uaf.edu or 474-2423. For a conference brochure and registration form, contact Ronda Halvarson at fnrlb@uaf.edu or 474-2450.

Michele Hebert is the Tanana District agriculture and horticulture agent for the Cooperative Extension Service, a part of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, working in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Click on the images for photo enlargements.

Click here to download the pdf registration form

Alpha Omega Board Meeting ~ February 11

Alpha Omega Life Care Inc. is having a board meeting at the Senior Center today, February 11 at 6:00pm. The public is invited to attend this meeting.

Photo of the day - February 10

Close-up view of a bald eagle showing his regal nature. Image by Dwight Phillips

Photo of the day - February 10

A slightly upset goshawk takes off from a poplar tree heading for the photographer. These birds are very territorial and will dive-bomb anyone who is in their nesting areas.
Image by Dwight Phillips

Alaska Center for Resource Families

Fairbanks Training
- PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED please call ACRF at 479-7307 or email Susan to register for any of these workshops.
- CORE TRAINING FOR RELATIVE CAREGIVERS: Saturday, March 14: 9am-5pm
- CORE TRAINING FOR RESOURCE FAMILIES: Thursday, April 2: 6-9pm & Saturday, April 4: 9am-5pm
- ADOPTING THROUGH OCS ORIENTATIONS:
January 27: 6-8pm
February 10: 11:30am-1:30pm
February 24: 6-8pm
March 10: 11:30am-1:30pm
March 24: 6-8pm
- FASD 101:Saturday, February 14: 9am-1pm
- STRENGTHENING FAMILIES THROUGH ADOPTION: Thursday, February 24: 6-9pm & Saturday, February 28:9am-5pm

Fairbanks ACRF training held at:815 2nd Avenue, Suite 101

ACRF RURAL TELECONFERENCE TRAINING:
- Wednesday, February 11: 7-8pm
- Reunification and Transition Tuesday, March 3: Noon-1pm
- Working with Tribes Wednesday, March 4: 7-8pm
- Infant Development Tuesday, April 7: Noon-1pm
- Physical Abuse Wednesday, April 8: 7-8pm
- Child Sexual Abuse Tuesday, May 5: Noon-1pm
- Foster Parent AdoptionWednesday, May 13: 7-8pm

Kinship CareThe monthly Rural Teleconference is intended for anyone living outside of Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla or Palmer, although we can allow others to participate. Families may participate by dialing 1-866-348-8715 and when asked, enter the code: 3721355#.

If you phone in before the group leader you will hear music, please stay on the line. For more information contact Betsy or call 1-800-478-7307.

FEATURED WEB TRAINING

ACRF features training you can do online. Go to our web page at www.acrf.org and go to the bottom of the page to click on the Featured Course. Upcoming courses include:

- JANUARY/FEBRUARY: Helping Your Foster Child Transition to Your Adopted Child (2.0 Hours)
- MARCH/APRIL: Understanding the Team Decision Making Meeting (1.0 Hour)

State offers hepatitis B shots for high-risk adults

State of Alaska Press Release: State offers hepatitis B shots for high-risk adults. This special program is available for a limited time.

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services is continuing its limited-time program of offering free hepatitis B shots to high-risk adults. The program, which is funded by a special federal grant, covers the cost of the vaccine for the three-shot series. Vaccine is expected to be available into 2010.Hepatitis B is passed by contact with infected blood and other body fluids. According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hepatitis B affects the liver, causing anything from a mild illness lasting only a few weeks to a serious long-term illness that can lead to liver disease or liver cancer.Although childhood vaccination against hepatitis B has been a part of the required infant vaccine schedule since 2001, many adults have never received the vaccine. “Vaccine coverage among high-risk adults remains low,” said Ginger Provo, the state’s adult hepatitis program coordinator. “As a result, the majority of new infections occur in these high-risk groups.”High-risk adults include those who have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease, those who have multiple sexual partners, men who have sex with men, those with HIV, and those who inject street drugs. The group also can include those who are traveling to Third World countries, those who live or work in correctional or long-term care facilities, those receiving dialysis, and health-care or public safety workers, including all first-responders.Those interested in receiving the hepatitis B series should contact their local public health center. (In Delta at 895-4292) Although the vaccine is supplied at no cost, an administrative fee may be charged. State public health centers calculate fees based on the patient’s ability to pay.

For more information on hepatitis, go to: www.epi.alaska.gov/id/hepatitis or http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/index.htm.

For locations of Alaska’s public health centers, go to: http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/nursing/locations.htm

Valentine Greetings

Would you like to send a Valentine message to someone special?

Send your greeting to Webeditor and your message will be published on Friday.

1st Annual Children's Garden & Workshops Program

What will your children be doing this summer?

Plans are underway for the new Children's Garden, with the first workshop scheduled for March 14, at which time the children, ages 7 to 10, will choose a group name.

Tee-shirts will be ordered for them, and this name will be honored on a plaque in the garden. Each year, a new name will be chosen.

Seeds, shelving and grow-lights have already been purchased. Participants will harvest their crop of vegetables for their families, and have fun doing it. A fresh food basket will also be donated to a worthy cause. We will have a flower garden and demonstration garden.

Learn more. See classy ads, call 895-4269, and visit willowwoodgiftshop.com

Photo of the day - February 7

This frosty lynx pauses for a moment to look for it's primary food source the snowshoe hare. Lynx are fairly abundant right now due to the recent spike in the hare population.
Photo by Steve Thomas.

3rd Annual Dean Cummings Sr. Basketball Tourney

The 3rd annual Dean Cummings Sr. Invitational Basketball Tournament in partnership with the Delta Junction Chamber of Commerce Festival of Lights will be held February 12-14, 2009 at Delta High School in the large gym.

This is an 8 team boys and girls event with the following teams competing.
Boys Girls
Delta Delta
Monroe Monroe
FH Collins (Whitehorse) FH Collins
Porter Creek (Whitehorse) Porter Creek
Craig Craig
Juneau JV Juneau JV
Chevak Chevak
Milnor, North Dakota Pt. Hope

We will be hosting a tournament banquet February 12 at 7:00 PM in the small gym for the teams.

If you are interested in sponsoring this outstanding community event or want more information please contact Rod Schug rschug@dgsd.k12.ak.us or Bruce Reiter at 895-4460.

Students are currently raffling a snow machine donated by Morley Electric and Alaska Railroad RT tickets for two passengers from Fairbanks to Anchorage and Fairbanks to Denali. Ask any basketball player to purchase your ticket(s) to support our program and students or contact Rod Schug.

Delta High School would like to thank our current sponsors.
Morley Electric
Fairbanks Youth Sports
ATS Alaska
Norcon
Kaya
ConocoPhillips
NANA Pacific, LLC
Western Mechanical
Teck Pogo
Alyeska Pipeline
Alaska Railroad

Tournament brackets can be picked up at Delta High School and can also be viewed on the school blogger from the Delta News Web home page.

We look forward to you attending, having fun and supporting our exemplary Delta High School student/athletes and this tremendous community event.

Richard Simmons - Sweatin' to the Oldies

Live at the Carlson Center, Fairbanks, AK - Sweatin' to the Oldies with Richard Simmons!

Enjoy a calorie burning aerobics class with Richard Simmons, one day only! February 13, 2009 at 5:30pm at the Carlson Center!

Tickets on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at (907) 456-4800, all Fred Meyer Ticketmaster outlets and the Carlson Center Box Office!

Photo of the day - February 6

This image portrays a horned grebe in all his colorful splendor. This image was taken in a roadside pond near the Johnson River. Photo Courtesy Dwight Phillips

Polar Bear Plunge Standings ~ Feb 6

LTC Vince Malone - CRTC Commander 193 Votes
Patsy Ewing - Clearwater Lodge 163 Votes
Mike Paschall - Delta Wind newspaper 130 Votes
JR Tiger- Clearwater Lodge 112 Votes
Dani Markham - Chamber of Commerce 111 Votes
Bill Adams - Jacks Service 33 Votes
Ian Dickson 33 Votes
Mike Adams - Jack's Service 20 Votes
Toni Johnson- CRTC 16 Votes
Phil Kaspari - UAF Cooperative Extension 15 Votes
Gwen Leivdal - Alaskan Steakhouse 12 Votes
Heather Martin - Alaskan Steakhouse 5 Votes
Megan Brown – Buffalo Bar 3 Votes
Glen McPhail - CRTC Cook 1 Votes
Kate Evans- Buffalo Bar 0 Votes
Libby Child - Posh Salon 0 Votes

Don't forget to vote for your favorite nominee!

Cans are located at the following businesses: IGA, Buffalo Center Diner, Buffalo Service Center, Jack's Liquor, Clearwater Lodge, Buffalo Bar, Mt. McKinley Bank, Alaskan Steak House, Moose Lodge 911, Sawmill Creek Lodge, CRTC, Wells Fargo.

Nominations are $5.00 and Votes are $1.00 each. For More information please contact Dani at 895-5068

Festival of Lights Shirt on Sale

The Festival of Lights Shirts are in and will be on sale at the IGA Saturday, February 7 from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.

This year we are featuring t-shirts, sweatshirts and tote bags

So swing by and pick up yours before they sell out!

For more information please contact Dani Markham at 895-5068

Beluga to Fairbanks (B2F) Pipeline Scoping Meeting

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the Beluga to Fairbanks (B2F) Natural Gas Pipeline proposed by the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority (ANGDA). The USACE and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are cooperating to provide information on this proposed project to Delta Junction because one of the proposed routes for the pipeline would be through this area.

Things you should know:
1) There is a website already online where you can look at maps, read about the EIS public process, and make comments. http://www.angdaB2Feis.com

2) You can come to a scoping meeting on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at the Delta Community Hall, anytime from 5-8pm to learn about the history, phases, purpose, and need for the project. You can comment here too!

3) You can request to get on the mailing list for the project by emailing angdaB2Feis@urscorp.com. You will receive newsletters and notices about the project.

4) After the scoping meeting, you can continue to follow the project online. USACE and BLM will come back to Delta Junction (estimated mid-December 2009) to share the Draft EIS. At this public meeting, we will describe the potential impacts of all reasonable alternatives to the natural gas pipeline project and ask for your comments again.

Thank you for reading this! USACE & BLM hope to see you at the Scoping Meeting, Wednesday, February 25 at 5pm!

Photo of the day - February 5

Right place at the right time. Mt. Hayes, part of the Alaska Range, makes a nice backdrop for this cow and calf moose. Photo by Steve Thomas

Photo of the day - February 4

A close-up image of Billy Miller's hand shows the beauty that has enticed miners and prospectors for hundreds of years here in Alaska. Image by Dwight Phillips

The Festival of Lights is NOT Cancelled

The Festival of Lights is NOT cancelled! Only the Parade is cancelled.

If you have any questions at all please feel free to contact Dani at 895-5068.

Directory Threatens Businesses with Sketchy Invoice

BBB recommends caution when doing business with Blue Yellow Book

Anchorage, Alaska — Feb. 4, 2009 — Your Better Business Bureau phone staff have received complaints from businesses who say a company called Blue Yellow Book or blueyellowbook.com is contacting them with a dishonest request.

“I was in tears,” said Sallie Norman, a business owner in Sterling, Alaska, after being contacted in an aggressive manner by Blue Yellow Book. “They scare the daylights out of you.”

Blue Yellow Book, at 20533 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 635 in Miami, has an “F” rating with your BBB. This is BBB’s lowest rating, meaning that we strongly question the company’s reliability. BBB has received 20 complaints in the past 36 months concerning Blue Yellow Book; 19 are closed unanswered.

The BBB of Southeast Florida and the Caribbean reports, “Our file contains a pattern of complaints from consumers.”

In this pattern, a caller from Blue Yellow Book tells the business, in an aggressive manner, it owes money for an ad or listing it placed in the local directory. In reality, Blue Yellow Book is charging for a listing on their internet directory. Consumers say they are misled and are charged for services not ordered – many do not remember doing business with Blue Yellow Book. The directory requests payment by credit card immediately to avoid collections, or sends an invoice and requests payment by check with the account number written on the check.

To file a complaint with your BBB, against Blue Yellow Book, visit bbb.org.

Your BBB advises businesses to do the following when contacted by a directory:
- Get a BBB Reliability Report on the business. Visit bbb.org.
- Be cautious of telephone solicitors. Never place an order over the telephone. Before agreeing to anything, be sure you have a written contract that includes all verbal agreements.
- Confirm that the directory exists. Local public libraries will stock well-known and useful general directories. Also, ask the solicitor if they belong to any nationally recognized trade associations and verify validity through those sources.
- Ask questions. A reputable company will be willing to tell and prove who subscribes or received the publication and the number of volumes published in past years. Be aware that some directories are only published online.
- Beware of vanity publications. If the subscribers to the directory are mainly limited to businesses that appear in it, it can be concluded that it is a “vanity publication,” for the self-aggrandizement of those listed.
- Educate employees. Employees who answer the phone should be trained to not encourage, agree or disagree to purchase any product or service unless they have explicit permission to do so. All marketing or advertising materials should be sent in writing to the appropriate department for approval.

Polar Bear Plunge Standings ~ Feb 5

LTC Vince Malone - CRTC Commander 188 Votes
Mike Paschall - Delta Wind newspaper 125 Votes
Dani Markham - Chamber of Commerce 110 Votes
JR Tiger- Clearwater Lodge 109 Votes
Patsy Ewing - Clearwater Lodge 23 Votes
Bill Adams - Jacks Service 18 Votes
Toni Johnson- CRTC 16 Votes
Phil Kaspari - UAF Cooperative Extension 15 Votes
Ian Dickson 13 Votes
Gwen Leivdal - Alaskan Steakhouse 12 Votes
Heather Martin - Alaskan Steakhouse 5 Votes
Megan Brown – Buffalo Bar 3 Votes
Glen McPhail - CRTC Cook 1 Votes
Megan Evans- Buffalo Bar 0 Votes
Libby Child - Posh Salon 0 Votes
Mike Adams - Jack's Service 0 Votes

Don't forget to vote for your favorite nominee! Cans are located at the following businesses:
IGA, Buffalo Center Diner, Buffalo Service Center, Jack's Liquor, Clearwater Lodge, Buffalo Bar, Mt. McKinley Bank, Alaskan Steak House, Moose Lodge 911, Sawmill Creek Lodge, CRTC, Wells Fargo.

Nominations are $5.00 and Votes are $1.00 each.

For More information please contact Dani at 895-5068

Festival Lights Parade Cancelled

Due to the lack of entries, the Festival of Lights Parade is cancelled.

We regret having to make this decision.

We hope that next year there will be more entries and we will be able to host the parade.

For more information please contact Dani at 895-5068.

Photo of the day - February 3

This hairy woodpecker is hanging on tight as it's trying to get a meal of juicy insect larva. Hairy woodpeckers are commonly mistaken for the downy woodpecker which is much smaller and a bill half the size of the hairy woodpecker. Photo by Steve Thomas

Polar Bear Plunge Standings

Dani Markham - Chamber of Commerce 110 Votes
LTC Vince Malone - CRTC Commander 83 Votes
Phil Kaspari - UAF Cooperative Extension 15 Votes
Gwen Leivdal - Alaskan Steakhouse 12 Votes
Heather Martin - Alaskan Steakhouse 5 Votes
Mike Paschall - Delta Wind newspaper 5 Votes
Glen McPhail - CRTC Cook 0 Votes

LTC Chris Chronis - Declined
Gideon Bak - Declined

Don't forget to vote for your favorite nominee! Cans are located at the following businesses:
IGA, Buffalo Center Diner, Buffalo Service Center, Jack's Liquor, Clearwater Lodge, Buffalo Bar, Mt. McKinley Bank, Alaskan Steak House, Moose Lodge 911, Sawmill Creek Lodge, CRTC, Wells Fargo.

Nominations are $5.00 and Votes are $1.00 each.

For More information please contact Dani at 895-5068

Chinook by George Hosier II ~ Wind Dancer

We are boarding a Morgan gelding named Wind Dancer. He’s OK for a horse, I suppose, but I don’t like him. He thinks he’s special just because he has a cool name. Why should some dumb animal have a dashing romantic name like that, when I’m stuck with plain old boring “George”? In fact, my name freaks me out. It’s weird and unnerving that my parents had the premonition to name me “George”, before I was born. It’s like somehow they knew that was what everybody was going to keep calling me once I emerged from the womb.

Anyway, it’s cruelly unfair that I can’t have a name with at least as much panache as a horse. Imagine that you’re be-bopping along, minding your own business. Suddenly, you hear somebody off to your left calling out “Hey, George!” At the same precise instant, off to your right, you hear a different voice calling, “Hey, Wind Dancer!” Which direction is curiosity going to turn your head, do you suppose? Are you going to instinctively rubberneck to look at the guy with a name like a balding middle-aged plumber, or will you be desperate to get a glimpse of the being whose name is reminiscent of a Native American Chief or a groovy hippy chick? See what I mean?

To read the entire story please visit our Chinook pages.

Cody Lamb Memorial Set

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska – The Fort Wainwright community will gather Thursday for a service of prayer and remembrance in honor of Spc. Cody Lamb, who died while on leave at his parents’ home in Tennessee.

The service honoring Lamb will be held Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Northern Lights Religious Education Center.

Chinook by George Hosier II ~ The Arctic Death Squeeze

The Arctic Death Squeeze The brisk weather we’ve been experiencing lately here in Interior Alaska has been a wonderful learning experience. Hopefully it has taught my friends and neighbors a thing or two--especially my neighbor, Bing Snudlick. People get complacent when the weather is too warm. However, at sixty below a guy has a chance to re-evaluate his priorities. He is given a rare opportunity to set aside the jaded, superficial, contrived computer-generated mirage of 21st century civilization, and return to a world of primitive basics where the strong thrive on raw instinct and survival skills, while the weak fall apart and blubber like a baby girl. Yes indeed. A little bit of classic Alaskan weather really cuts a huge swath between the men and the boys...between the sourdoughs and the cheechakos...between legendary mountain men, and the pitiful little Admiral Peary wannabes who fancy themselves outdoorsmen and nature lovers, like my neighbor, Bing.

To read the entire story please visit our Chinook pages.

Photo of the day - February 2

A reflection of the majestic mountains in Prince William Sound in Valdez, AK.
Photo Courtesy Heather Misquez

FDA Presents Inherit the Wind

Fairbanks Drama Association presents Inherit The Wind

February 6, 2009 - February 22, 2009
Weekends only, February 6-22
Location: Riverfront Theatre, 1852 Second Ave

Admission: Adults $18

A great American drama by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Lee Directed by Steve Mitchell

This is the play that has as its genesis the events of the famous Scopes trial. One of the most outstanding dramas of our time, the trial features the great courtroom debates of William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow. A play of power, humanity and universal truth, it retains a folk flavor, bursting with vitality. This dramatic play, based in history, is an American masterpiece.

Fairbanks Drama Association
Phone: 907-456-PLAY

Cage Rage 4 ~ Feb 6 at the Carlson Center

Lawson Entertainment Group presents Cage Rage 4. February 6, 2009 at 8:00pm.

Don't miss this action! This event sold out last time, so get your tickets Now.

Tickets on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com charge by phone (907) 456-4800, Fred Meyer Ticketmaster Outlets and Carlson Center Box Office.

Piano Concert with Dr. Ilia Radoslavov from UAF

Members of the general public are invited to this Fort Greely-designated Special Event. For more information about post access requirements, please contact the Fort Greely Chapel at 873-2476. Feb. 7th, 6:00 PM, Fort Greely Chapel

BIOGRAPHY:
A native of Bulgaria, pianist Ilia Radoslavov obtained his Doctoral Degree in Piano Performance as a Paul Collins Distinguished Graduate Fellow, an award celebrating outstanding performing ability and musicianship, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, under the guidance of
remarkable pianist Christopher Taylor.

Dr. Radoslavov has graduated with high distinction and holds degrees in Piano Performance from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, where he worked with internationally distinguished pianist and teacher Wilfred Delphin, and the State Conservatory of Music, Sofia, Bulgaria, where he studied with internationally recognized pianists Stella Dimitrova and Ilia Tchernaev. He has also worked with world-renowned Leon Fleisher, Richard Goode, Ann Shein, Kim Kashkashian, Jean-Michel Fonteneau, and Germaine Mounier.

The list of recognitions in Dr. Radoslavov’s name includes awards from the Missouri International Piano Competition, Joplin, Missouri; The Hague International Piano Competition, the Netherlands; and first prizes from the UW Concerto Competition, UW Beethoven Piano
Competition, Saint Louis Artist Presentation Society, National Mozart Competition, Sofia, Bulgaria, and National Piano Competition, Provadia, Bulgaria.

Throughout his career, Dr. Radoslavov has been welcomed warmly and with accolades by audiences and critics alike, while appearing in numerous solo and chamber performances in prestigious venues in the United States, Europe, and his native Bulgaria. Highlights in his
professional career include performances with Canadian Brass French horn player Bernhard Scully, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra Flutist/Piccolist Stephanie Mortimore, Mexican tenor Gustavo Flores, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Concert Master Kiril Laskarov, and Baton
Rouge Flute Faculty Katherine Kemler. He has appeared as soloist with the University of Wisconsin – Madison Symphony Orchestra, the State Conservatory of Music Symphony Orchestra, Sofia, Bulgaria, and the Ruse Symphony Orchestra, Ruse, Bulgaria. He has also worked in close collaboration with Metropolitan Opera veteran, bass Richard Best.

Dr. Radoslavov has a forthcoming CD project, entitled Keyboard Dances, featuring music by Joseph Koykkar. His performances have been broadcast on WSIU TV 8, Illinois, and the Bulgarian National Radio, for which he has also made commissioned recordings. He has performed solo recitals and in chamber music ensembles as a guest artist at the Fairbanks New Music Festival, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Festival of Contemporary Music, the March Days of Music Festival in Ruse, Bulgaria,and the Festival for Young European Talents in Potsdam, Germany.

Dr. Radoslavov’s teaching career ranges widely and encompasses applied piano, accompanying, chamber coaching, and teaching piano related courses at University of Wisconsin-Madison, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and State College of Musical Arts, Ruse, Bulgaria.
His research interests at the moment focus on familiarizing Western audiences with the work of 20th-century Bulgarian composer Pancho Vladigerov. At present, Dr. Radoslavov is piano faculty and regular clinician at the Summer Music Academy at University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Ground Hog Day Trivia

Groundhog Day is a holiday celebrated in United States and Canada on February 2.

In weather lore, if a groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, or marmot emerges from its burrow on this day and fails to see its shadow because the weather is cloudy, winter will soon end. If on the other hand, it is sunny and the groundhog sees its shadow, the groundhog will supposedly retreat into its burrow, and winter will continue for 6 more weeks.Candlemas is usually the same day, and has similar beliefs about the coming weather.

Since the release in 1993 of the film of the same name, Groundhog Day, the phrase is sometimes used in English to mean "the same thing over and over again" particularly in reference to unpleasant repeating cycles.

To learn more about Ground Hog day go to Wikipedia

Ground Hog Trivia

1. Another name for a groundhog is___.
a. a woodchuck
b. a squirrel
c. a fox

2. Groundhog Day is February___.
a. 14th
b. 2nd
c. 22nd

3. The groundhog pops up out of its___.
a. hole
b. nest
c. lair

4. The groundhog is looking for its___.
a. mother
b. friend
c. shadow

5. If the sun is shining, it will___ its hole.
a. go back into
b. stay out of
c. run around

6. If it doesn't see its shadow, ___.
a. there will be six more weeks of cold weather
b. spring will come early this year
c. it will rain for the next two weeks

7. The groundhog lives in___.
a. the ground
b. a tree
c. a river

8. The groundhog spends all___ in its hole.
a. winter
b. spring
c. autumn

9. This kind of belief is called a___.
a. festival
b. superstition
c. true story

Ground Hog Trivia Answers

1 - woodchuck
2 - 2nd
3 - hole
4 shadow
5 - go back into
6- spring will come early
7 - the ground
8 - winter
9 - superstition

Happy Birthday Relay For Life of Delta Junction Kick-Off Party

Please join us at the Relay For Life of Delta Junction Kick-Off 25th Birthday Party as we join together to raise money for the fight against cancer. Enjoy fun, music, and guest speakers!

10:00am – 2:00pm, Saturday, February 14, 2009, at the Delta Junction Community Center.

EVERYONE WELCOME! Bring your friends, family and neighbors for this Relay For Life Kick-off Party. Relay For Life is a community event that represents the HOPE that those lost to cancer will not be forgotten, those fighting the disease will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated! It’s about being a community that takes up the fight!

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO VOLUNTEER: CALL JOYCE AT 803-3994

Photo of the day - February 1

This young hawk owl is doing one of the things it does best, having its picture taken. Hawk owls are diurnal which is the opposite of nocturnal, which means it's out and about and hunting during the day. The other owls in Alaska, the great gray, horned, boreal, and snowy owls are nocturnal which is why you don't see them very often. Photo by Steve Thomas