On Monday at the Alaska Energy Authority’s Technical Conference in Anchorage Randy Hobbs and Marc Marlow of Tiqun Energy proposed five new power plants for Southcentral Alaska. Three natural gas-fired and two coal-fired. One of the coal-fired power plants is once again proposed for Seward. After a bit of research we found out that they never withdrew their Preliminary Permit Application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (PPA with FERC) for the plant they proposed in 2006. Mr.Hobbs and Mr. Marlow both stated unequivocally that if Seward opposes this proposal that they will withdraw it. I urged them to do so, as did Councilman Willard Dunham. If you feel strongly about this proposal I urge you to contact the developers directly and share your feelings on coal combustion in our valley with them. I am also urging the city council to take action and draft a resolution or a specific ordinance banning coal fired power plants within the city limits. Until Tiqun Energy formally withdraws this preliminary permit application the threat will remain. Thank you for all of your efforts on behalf of our environment.

Randy Hobbs, President

Tiqun Energy

(907)229-8176

hobbsalaska@msn.com

Marc Marlow

Vice President

Tiqun Energy

(907)229-8176

marlow@ak.net

Randy Kaer

Tiqun Energy

Chief Financial Officer

(907)382-0027

randykaer@gmail.com

Who taught you to play chess? Build a model airplane? Knit a sweater? Who listened to your dreams and encouraged you to pursue them? Most of us had someone who made us feel special, taught us new things, taught us to believe in ourselves. Those caring adults helped make us who we are today!

But many kids in our community are missing the adult friendships they need to become successful adults. Some children have parents absent from the home, some children live in large families where they’re often over-looked, and some kids are just lonely and would like another friend. For them, a mentor can make the difference!

Independent research has proven that children with Big Brothers or Bigs Sisters are significantly less likely to use illegal drugs or alcohol, be involved in violent confrontations, or drop out of school. “Littles” in our programs also have better relationships with their families and peers. A little friendship goes a long way.

The school-based program matches an adult Big with a child aged 6 to 12 at the elementary school. “Bigs” meet one hour each week during the school year with their “Little.” During your time together, you could eat lunch, shoot some hoops in the gym, play Battleship, do research in the computer lab, build a model car, or build a snow fort in the school yard. The community-based program serves kids aged 6 to 18. “Bigs” and their “Littles” meet on their own and do activities of their own choosing; like fishing, hiking, visiting the Sea Life Center, or just hanging out and talking. They meet 2-3 times per month for an unspecified amount of time.

Big Brothers Bigs Sisters (BBBS) is the largest youth mentoring organization in the country. BBBS has been serving children in Alaska for more than 30 years. Big Brothers Big Sisters staff will interview all prospective “Bigs” and “Littles” and make the matches according to interests and personalities. Big Brothers Big Sisters staff also will be there to support volunteers and children throughout the duration of the match.

If you’d like to learn more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, please contact: Taylor Manning at 907-263-2083 or e-mail at Taylor.Manning@bbbs.org.

PARKS (Parents Advocating Recreational Kid Stuff) would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has helped us exceed our goal to have 25% of the playground project funded! Currently a total of $50,215 has been raised towards our goal of $200,000. Thank you!

This weeks sponsors include: the Seward Phoenix Log for their on-going publication of events and thank you letters, Qutekcak Native Tribe meeting space, PTSA for their on-going support, GCI for their continued donation of a scanner channel ad, Seward City News for their posting of up-coming events, Wells Fargo and Seward Rotary International Club for sending volunteers to help with the construction of the playground, Hotel Seward for purchasing two benches and the chin up pipe, and the Seward Volunteer Ambulance Core for purchase of the Tree Fort and Wheelchair Access Ramp and 4 pickets. Last but not least, we would like to thank the PARK Committee members and volunteers (especially the Finance and Volunteer Committees) who continue to donate their valuable time to make this project a reality. You know who you are and you know how important you are to this project!

Please visit our website to see a list of components that are available to purchase for the playground. What a wonderful gift to all the children of Seward if you are privileged to purchase a piece of equipment. There will be additional opportunities to donate to this outstanding project or you can visit the website at www.sewardplayground.com.

Volunteer opportunities include: Public Relations Committee Chair, Construction Captains and Construction Volunteers to help build the playground from May 6 to May 11th, 2008; Childcare Volunteers during the building process and local Artists are needed to help with the final design and vision.

Christy Terry, PARKS Volunteer

The planning committee for the Seward Community Library Museum’s New Year’s Eve 49ers Ball, is busy getting the word out. We’re on the radio! Air time on KWVV FM 105 and KPEN FM 102 are running during news times morning, noon, and night. Tune in to hear about the 49ers’ Ball!

National Public radio is popular with Seward as well, with sponsorships by local businesses, we are on KSKA, NPR air as well. A huge Thank You to Holiday Inn Express, Deb Van Tassel, for a week sponsorship of KSKA air time and Wells Fargo Bank, Lori Draper, for a week of KSKA air time. We will have three weeks total on National Public Radio.

Tickets and information will be available at the Arts and Crafts Fair this weekend. Raffle tickets are just $5, only 2000 tickets will be sold, you do not need to be present to win, they are going fast, so get yours soon! Entrance tickets are on sale for $10 Adults, $5 children, a break for families at $25. Anyone 16 and under must have an adult with them to come into the event.

Come see us at the Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair and get your tickets or sign up for helping by volunteering for set up, take down (the next day in the afternoon!) or helping during the 49ers’ Ball! www.somethingforus.org

The Holiday Train is coming! Close to 500 people are booked on the Alaska Railroad Holiday Train coming from Anchorage. Train is due to arrive Saturday, Dec 1^st , around 11:30 a.m. and will go all the way to the ARR cruise ship terminal for unloading.

Kenai Fjords Tours will be doing the transportation again this year. Thank you Dan McDonald and staff! This is a donation to the community given several years now transporting Holiday train visitors. Buses will run between the ARR cruise ship terminal and downtown while the train is in Seward.

The Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair will be open to everyone starting Friday 4pm – 9pm, and on Saturday 10am – 5:30pm. Come do your holiday shopping at the ARR cruise ship terminal and downtown, all the downtown shops will be open and many are decorated special for this weekend. Support our local businesses and shop local!

Alaska Grown, Close to Home Wine and Beer Tasting is the theme for the First Annual Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance Fundraiser. Featuring Bear Creek Winery from Homer, Alaskan Brewing Company, Mooses Tooth and award winning home brewers, and Ring Of Fire Meadery, Homer, accompanied by breads, appetizers and confections from area producers. Local artists have donated their wares to be used in the event which will be available in silent auction. Come savor, and enjoy what’s close to home!
Friday, November 30
7:30-10pm, Alaska Sea Life Center
Cost: $25.00pp; 20.00 for RBCA members; membership and admission 40.00. Tickets available at the door.
For more information contact Madelyn Walker at 224-3848, sixmilebb@alaska.com.

Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance (RBCA) is an active citizen group whose mission is to advocate for and enjoy healthy water, land, and air. We invite you to become involved with our efforts to keep our community’s environment healthy. Your ideas, interests, skills and commitment to Resurrection Bay’s natural resources are needed for this vital work. www.rbca-alaska.org

Thanks to an incredibly supportive community, a great project and a dedicated fundraising campaign the December 9th fundraising goal of $50,000 has already been met! That leaves only $150,000 left to raise, but the fundraising committee is hopeful!

The next opportunity to add your personal touch to the playground is at the holiday arts and craft fair November 30th and December 1st, where the Playground Project will have ceramic tiles to paint, fence pickets to add your name to and raffle tickets for a beautiful handmade quilt. Really cool gift ideas!

Construction on this community built playground will begin May 6th and needs your help to see it happen. Volunteers are needed for all types of jobs from construction to child care- no skill will go untapped! Learn more about this project and how you can help by going to www.sewardplayground.com.

Seward City Council Regular Meeting

Action Agenda

Monday, November 26, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.

The Following Resolution Requiring A Public Hearing Was Amended And Approved:

Resolution 2007-122, Amending The Port And Harbor Tariff By Increasing Launch Fees, Effective January 1, 2008. (Excluding human powered vessels which will remain $5)

The Following Resolutions Requiring a Public Hearings Was Approved:

Resolution 2007-123, Amending The Sewer Tariff To Increase All Sewer Charges By 5%, Effective January 1, 2008.

The Following Resolution Requiring A Public Hearing Was Held And Postponed To December 10, 2007:

Resolution 2007-124, Amending The Electric Tariff To Establish A New Fee To Equalize Charges To Customers Outside Of The Seward City Limits, With Customers Inside The Seward City Limits, Effective January 1, 2008.

The Following Ordinances Requiring A Public Hearing Were Passed And Approved:

Ordinance 2007-007, Amending The Land Use Plan And Rezoning Of Tract D, Of The USS 1864, Seward Long Term Care Facility Subdivision (Preliminary Plat) And Rezoning The North Portion Of Tract A-1, Of The USS 1864, Seward Long Term Care Facility Subdivision (Preliminary Plat) From Single Family (R1) To Institutional (INS).

Ordinance 2007-008, An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Seward, Alaska, Amending Seward City Code Title 15, Land Uses Allowed Table 15.10.225 To Allow Townhouses By Conditional Use Permit In The Central Business District (CBD).

Ordinance 2007-009, Amending SCC Table 15.10.220 To Add A Note Regarding Limitations On Development Of Tract D Of USS 1864 Jesse Lee Home Subdivision Seward Long Term Care Facility Replat.

The Following Unfinished Business Item Resolutions Were Approved:

Resolution 2007-105, Adopting The Parking Enterprise Fund Budget For Calendar Year 2008.

Resolution 2007-106, Adopting The Motor Pool Internal Service Fund Budget For Calendar Year 2008.

Resolution 2007-107, Adopting The Hospital Debt Service Fund Budget For Calendar Year 2008.

Resolution 2007-108, Adopting The Electric Enterprise Fund Budget For Calendar Year 2008.

Resolution 2007-109, Adopting The Capital Improvement Plan Budget For Calendar Year 2008 And Two Subsequent Calendar Years.

Resolution 2007-100, Adopting The City General Fund Operating Budget For Calendar Year 2008 And Setting The Mill Rate.

The Following Resolution Was Amended And Approved:

Resolution 2007-104, Adopting The Small Boat Harbor Enterprise Fund Budget For Calendar Year 2008.

The Following Ordinances Were Introduced And Set For Public Hearing On December 10, 2007:

Ordinance 2007-010, Revising Seward City Code Section 5.35.045 (Computation – Maximum Tax), Increasing The Sales Tax Cap From $500 To $1,000, Effective April 1, 2008.

Ordinance 2007-011, Revising Seward City Code Section 5.35.040 (Exclusions And Exemptions), Exempting That Portion Of Residential Rents Above $500, From Sales Tax, Effective April 1, 2008.

Ordinance 2007-012, Revising Seward City Code Section 5.45.015(A) (Hotel/Motel Room Tax – Levy Of Tax), Increasing The Hotel/Motel Tax Rate From 4% To 6%, Effective April 1, 2008.

The Following Resolutions Were Approved:

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Economic Forum Results

Top 10 Things/Themes for Support of Business

1. Encourage movement between downtown and harbor

   • Install attractive and informative signage (wood) including maps

   • Develop walking tours with graphic images along the designated route

   • Develop an awning policy to encourage walking and incentives to install awnings

   • Connect the boardwalk from train wreck to bike path with seawall for continuity

   • Install sidewalks and lighting on both sides of 4^th Avenue

2. Enhance commercial fishing industry

   • Improve support to crew members while in town

   • Increase transient moorage for commercial fisherman with utilities

   • Encourage vendor for commercial fishing supplies (minimum inventory)

   • Market support to fishing fleet

3. Finish the SMIC basin- potential and discourage derelict boat storage

4. Provide consistent interpretation and application of policies (e.g., business license fees, tax collection for temporary business activities) and rewrite code where it is inadequate.

5. Improve the customer service attitude from City to citizenry by reinforcing the idea that the City (staff’s) purpose is to serve citizens and businesses. Establish a business advocate/facilitator to assist with licensing, permitting, inspection processes.

6. Better define and publicize roles of PACAB, City Administration, Chamber of Commerce, P & Z Commission, and citizen groups in relation to business development.

7. Reduce energy costs by reducing rates and fees associated with City utilities (electric) or by exploring alternative energy options.

8. Encourage development (subdivisions & businesses) by the City providing infrastructure.

9. Review harbor land use to maximize revenue for the City and increase the diversity of activities for residents/visitors

   • Move USCG (and Harbormaster) and support AKRR development plan

   • Address pedestrian, traffic congestion

   • Review leases to assess the amount of revenue coming to the City and the impact on business development and expansion

10. Support partnership between public school system, post-secondary institutions, businesses and alternative opportunities (Jesse Lee Home) to foster a healthy and vibrant k-16 education system.

Top 10 Things/Themes for Economic Development

1. Connect Boardwalk from Ship Dock to ASLC

2. Enhance Commercial Fishing

   1. Transient berths with utilities

   2. Available goods and services

   3. Eliminate double moorage SBH/SMIC

   4. Better market all the above, and being closest to Anchorage

3. Allow transient/portable building businesses (perhaps a dedicated block of space for short term leases)

4. Better use of Harbor space

   1. Parking garage

   2. Shuttle to off-site parking

   3. Develop Mariner’s Landing

   4. Move waste and trash containers

5. Lease or Sell?

   1. Identify pros and cons of each from business and City points of view

   2. Compare to other areas/cities

   3. Is Downtown a good model?

6. Develop SMIC area

   1. ….or allow to be developed

   2. Finish breakwater

   3. Feasibility/value analysis for bench residential

   4. Uplands lease incentives

   5. Improved work stations in 250-ton yard

   6. Rewrite boat work policy

7. Revitalize downtown

8. “Front-end” utilities in newly developed areas instead of requiring developer to pay up front costs

9. Quality of life as economic development tool: K-12 and post-secondary education

10. Fully develop IT links, fiber optic

Top 10 Things/Themes for City Support of Business and Economic Development

1. Revise the Seward City Code to eliminate inconsistencies across the code.

2. Develop flow charts and check-lists that show (and speed) the flow of procedures and actions that are necessary to obtain specific city services, approvals, or permits.

3. Develop and implement a multi-year budget.

4. Show what is being outsourced on the City web page.

5. Increase outsourcing and reduce the size of City government.

6. Enforce ordinances and consider elimination of directives that are not being enforced.

7. Define (through a public process) the essential services and functions of City government

8. Focus efforts on achieving a leaner and more efficient approach to City government.

9. Increase emphasis on public and private partnerships to improve the quality of life year round in Seward.

10. Focus on the positives of Seward, such as a staff that provides excellence in public service, low property taxes, low lease rates, historic community, beautiful natural resources, strong healthcare system, diverse sources of revenue, success in supporting big projects, and 3-time All-American City.

SHS is enthusiastically delighted to present Radio Daze. The production opens this Saturday evening, December 1st in the high school theater and runs through Tuesday, December 4th. The curtains open at 7:00 sharp and you don’t want to miss the chance to slip back to 1945 when live radio was king and “boffo” was a good thing. Admission is $7.00 per person or $20.00 for families. Children under twelve must be accompanied by an adult.

The Seward Community Library will be showing the film “Adam’s Apples” on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 7:00 pm.

Festivals and Awards

Danish Academy Awards (Robert Festival)

Best Film

Best Screenplay

Best Special Effects

Brussels International Festival of Fantasy Film:

Audience Award - Best Film

Golden Raven Award to Anders Thomas Jensen

Grand Prize of European Fantasy Film

Hamburg Film Festival

Best Film

Harlem Ambassadors Basketball Show

Seward Parks and Rec present Harlem Ambassadors Basketball Show! Enjoy dazzling ball handling tricks, high flying slam dunks, hilarious family comedy and more!! Friday, Dec 14 at 7pm at the High School. Tickets are on sale now at Sports and Rec, TYC & City Hall. Call 224-4054

Now Recruiting for the Seward Bears Team!

Coming to Seward…. Harlem Ambassadors basketball show at the Seward High School Dec 14th at 7pm. Now recruiting! Ideal candidates will: Have good knowledge of the game, have good knowledge of the game, have outstanding sportsmanship, be comfortable in front of crowds and have a great sense of humor. Contact Sports and Rec if interested: 224-4054 or sports@cityofseward.net

Seward Businesses, Adopt a Bear!

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Question: What are the mirror requirements for non-commercial vehicles?

Answer: 13 AAC 04.220 A motor vehicle must be equipped with a mirror mounted on the left side of the vehicle; additionally, every motor vehicle, except motorcycles and ATVs, must have either an inside rearview mirror or a right side exterior mirror. The following vehicles must be equipped with mirrors on both the left and right sides of the vehicle: a bus or school bus, a vehicle where the rear window is obstructed, a vehicle that is towing another vehicle if the view is obstructed to the rear.

Questions, comments, tip suggestions;

coptalk@cityofseward.net

Our mission as a community in regards to this situation should be to investigate why this industrial operation has failed. We need to develop synergies between local municipalities and governmental regulatory agencies such as the EPA and DEC so that they no longer work in organizational isolation and we need to inform the populace about which measures they can take to prevent further destruction of their environment.

We should seek not to place blame, only to understand responsibility. In our efforts to understand why this structure has failed we must look to find what agencies have been tasked with the responsibility of preventing such pollution. Our research indicates that The United Stated Coast Guard is a Primary customer of SSDD and that Seward is actually the home base of the USCG… an organization designed to prevent environmental degradation and ensure compliance with federal laws.

To serve the public, the Coast Guard has five fundamental roles:

Maritime Safety
Maritime Security
Maritime Mobility
National Defense
Protection of Natural Resources

We have found that the Coast Guard has failed on four of their assigned fundamental responsibilities:

Maritime Safety

“As the lead U.S. representative to the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations, we are the driving force behind the implementation of international safety and pollution standards.”

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By Russell Stigall

For the Seward City News

SEWARD - It’s a dusty road ahead for Jim Pruitt’s Resurrection Bay shipyard.

Seward Ships Drydock recently earned another Department of Environmental Conservation Notice of Violation for fugitive dust, its third.

DEC Air Quality division issued Seward Ships the latest violation earlier this month in response to contaminated dust that sometimes blows off site when the dry dock sandblasts paint off of vessels. Seward Ships gets much of its business from the US Coast Guard, Alaska Marine Highway and Foss Marine. Read More>

Instructor: David Paperman
6-hour class: Adult CPR
Red Cross certified
· Dates: Wed, Dec 26 & Thr, 27
· Times: 6 pm to 9 pm
· Location: Seward High School Teachers’ lounge
· Ages: Teens & Adults
Participants register by Mon,vDec 17.
Contact Tanya Brewi, Seward Community Schools, Mon-Thurs evenings after 5pm.

Please note that the City is proposing an increase of 4% to your electric bill, If you live outside city limits. Currently electric customers inside and outside of town pay the same rates. Resolution 2007-124 is meant to effect only customers outside of city limits. Please attend the City Council meeting on November 26th if you are concerned about this increase.

Electrical Tariff 2007-124

Exit Glacier- Sunday Eve Nov. 18  As good it gets!  2 feet of groomed trail.   Skied out to the overlook Sunday evening—and back by moonlight.    Very well groomed to the park entrance, but very skateable to overlook.    Touring is perfect.  Bob

Trail River Campground Friday afternoon Nov.16 – The road is pretty good for both skate or touring – the snow is so light that even the packed area is not too wide, skating is easy.   Lakeside Loop is the best for skating – other loops are a little less packed but great for touring. Coverage all around is excellent.  Lakeside would be good for touring but the lake is still quite high.  Keep in mind this is a popular trail for mushers and think ahead about having loose dogs with you.

Madelyn and Dan

Summit Lake (Ski Hill)-   Saturday Nov 17-  Backcountry. Unbelievable November skiing.  Skied above Ski Hill (behind lodge) to peak.  No wind, despite high winds in Seward (pays to check SNSC web site (ski links) for webcam at Summit.)  Snow up high was a bit windblown, and some rocks as we descended North Face to creek (multiple runs).   Snow in gulleys, and lower slopes perfect powder and no rocks.   Avalanche danger appeared low.  A group of nine, and dogs (!) skied just to the south, on the north face, and it looked superb.  

Bob and MaryLynn

John Page and Ann Ghicadus

Mile 12- touring is good, including the trail north to Grayling from Meadow.   SNSC will be grooming this soon.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Seward, Alaska Sporadic Bird Report

Sunrise 9:06 am, sunset 4:19 pm, length of day 7 hours, 12 minutes; tomorrow will be 4 minutes and 25 seconds shorter.
Weather: Calm! 27º Clear skies at dawn, allowing a peek at Venus and Saturn to the south, becoming cloudy all too soon with more snow in the forecast.

Predawn alert from Peregrine Joe to hundreds of BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS circling over the south end of town. Fortunately, I was able to see them from the comfort of my home and took several photos of the swarm as they flew around and around and around like mad bees. I enlarged the photo on the computer and placed dots on each bird to count. An impressive total of 537 birds!

Buoyed by such a great start on a brand new day, I walked the beach by the salt marsh looking for snow buntings in the beach rye without success. A fine alternative: 10 huge white birds rose up from the far end of the bay and flew right overhead, trumpeting softly. TRUMPETER SWANS! They flew north towards Mt Benson and disappeared against the snowy peak, white against white.

30 MALLARDS flew up and away from the tidelands. BALD EAGLES perched here and there on the driftwood snags like snowballs and gulls drifted lazily past. Rounding the end of the beach by the stream, 10 BUFFLEHEAD flocked nervously, 3 beautiful males and 7 females.
Back on the dirt path heading towards the parking lot, two large brown birds lifted off ahead of me. SHORT-EARED OWLS! What in the world are they doing here in November? They sailed off into the darkening sky, flapping their broad wings, accompanied by a pesky RAVEN, turning into tiny dots.

The questioning call of REDPOLLS floated through the air as I left this very special habitat.

Whooo knows what tomorrow (or tonight) will bring?

Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Sporadic Bird Report reporter
Seward, Alaska

Seward City Council Regular Meeting Agenda Monday, November 26, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.

 1. Call to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. Citizens’ Comments On Any Subject Except Those Items Scheduled For Public Hearing.

5. Approval Of Agenda And Consent Agenda

6. Special Orders, Presentations And Reports

 A. Proclamations and Awards

B. Borough Assembly Report

C. City Manager’s Report

. D. City Clerk Report

E. Chamber of Commerce Report

F Seward Planning and Zoning Commission Report

G. Other Reports, Special Presentations

1. Alaska Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)

 2. PARKS Presentation by Maya Moriarty

7. Public Hearings

A. Resolutions Requiring A Public Hearing

1. Resolution 2007-122, Amending The Port And Harbor Tariff By Increasing Launch Fees, Effective January 1, 2008. (note: administration has removed the wording “And Establishing A New Slip Assignment Tax)

2. Resolution 2007-123, Amending The Sewer Tariff To Increase All Sewer Charges By 5%, Effective January 1, 2008.

3. Resolution 2007-124, Amending The Electric Tariff To Establish A New Fee To Equalize Charges To Customers Outside Of The Seward City Limits, With Customers Inside The Seward City Limits, Effective January 1, 2008.

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Snipe!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Seward, Alaska Sporadic Bird Report
Sunrise 9:04 am, sunset 4:21 pm, length of day 7 hours, 17 minutes; tomorrow will be 4 minutes and 28 seconds shorter.
Weather: 29º, overcast, threatening snow; brisk 25 mph north wind, gusting to 50 mph by the bay.

Today I ducked into the relative calm of Two Lakes Park for a walk. While idly watching my 2big4eaglebait pup excavate a tennis ball buried in a snow pile, a NORTHERN GOSHAWK flashed by, maneuvering expertly through the spruce trees, and disappeared. A red squirrel that had been brazenly scolding us and the world in general, melted into the trunk of his perch. A touch of magic in the woods!

Afterwards, I drove over to the Lagoon to look for dippers. Instead, I spotted two fat, long-billed, short-necked shorebirds, probing the shallow mud below the end of the boardwalk. Two WILSON’S SNIPE! What an odd sight! They fed steadily while I watched and took photos, seemingly unaware that it was mid-November with ice forming nearby. 5 COMMON GOLDENEYES dove in the open water beyond. A RAVEN flew past, proudly carrying an upside-down Styrofoam coffee cup in its bill. It landed and proceeded to try to open it up from the bottom. And I thought they were smart! After I snuck a few photos, it flew off to tease all its jealous friends with this prize.

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PARKS (Parents Advocating Recreational Kid Stuff) would like to take this opportunity to thank: the Seward Phoenix Log for their on-going publication of events and thank you letters; Anchorage Sand and Gravel for the purchase of a bench and donation of dirt and dirt work, Qutekcak Native Tribe and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church for meeting space, PTSA for the use of their non-profit status, Major Marine Tours for the loan of the popcorn machine, Safeway for the table space to sell pickets, GCI for their continued donation of a scanner channel ad, Seward City News for their posting of up-coming events, the Hartman/Corbin Family for the playground drum component and bench, TelAlaska for the telephone system component, the Moose Pass Sportsman’s Club for the loan of the bean bag toss game at the Halloween Carnival, two amazing high school girls who are helping to improve their community by working on the project: Ivanka Banic and Kylie Clemens; and The Order of Eastern Star Chapter 10 and the Order of Rainbow Girls 6th Assembly for their generous monetary gift. Thank you to everyone who donated rummage to our sale and everyone who took home treasures. Many individuals paid more then what was asked! Last but not least, we would like to thank the PARK Committee members and volunteers who continue to donate their valuable time to make this project a reality. You know who you are and you know how important you are to this project!

Please visit our website to see a list of components that are available to purchase for the playground. What a wonderful gift to all the children of Seward if you are privileged to purchase a piece of equipment. There will be additional opportunities to donate to this outstanding project or you can visit the website at www.sewardplayground.com. The Fundraising Committee’s next goal is to have raised a total of $50,000 by December 6, 2007. We’re well on our way please keep the momentum going and donate/volunteer!! Visit our booth at the Christmas bazaars. Volunteer opportunities include: Public Relations Committee, Construction Captains and Construction Volunteers to help build the playground from May 6 to May 11^th, 2008; Childcare Volunteers during the building process and local Artists are needed to help with the final design and vision.

Christy Terry

PARKS Volunteer

RSS (Real Simple Syndication)

Here’s a new, efficient way to receive news and announcements that readers might appreciate. This video explains how it works: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0klgLsSxGsU

1.Sign up for a free reader from Google, Yahoo, etc.
2.Subscribe by setting up a connection between reader and websites ( a button on favorite site.)

Sewardcitynews.com is set up to use RSS, and has the button, but not an explanation, so few people may know about it. It would be nice to have a clearer explanation on how to subscribe to RSS on sewardcitynews.

Please share with anyone who needs to communicate their news!

Best,
Carol Griswold

I would like to express my appreciation for the wonderful work of the Boys and Girls Club of Seward.

Thank you for providing an affordable alternative for after school care. But there is much, much more to the Boys and Girls Club than this.

Thank you for the quality time I get to spend with my daughter each evening, you have helped her work on her homework so our home life is less stressful. You have also helped teach her the value of completing her requirements in life. Not just the idea of completing her homework, but helping her to see the value of hard work, commitment and reliability.

Thank you for recognizing the strengths in my daughter and drawing on those strengths as well as rewarding behaviors. In these past 4 years you have helped teach her how to be a strong woman in the future, allowing her opinions and yet learning when and where it is appropriate to express those opinions

Thank you for the manners and respect you encourage in my daughter. By your modeling and techniques, my daughter has learned that everyone has the right to be valued and respected regardless of age, gender or culture.

Thank you for teaching my daughter digital photography and computer graphics skills. Her photos have increased her self esteem and given her an exciting hobby.

Thank you for showing my daughter that helping others is a vital part of life. Empathy is a difficult skill for some children to grasp but I believe that the Boys and Girls Club has encouraged my daughter to see others perspectives.

The saying goes “It takes a village to raise a child.” I don’t want nor expect others to raise my daughter but what it means to me is that there is support for my child as she grows up.

I value that support and appreciate the love that is shown my daughter. Will she be a better person for what she has learned at the Boys and Girls Club of Seward? We will see what the teen years bring but her foundation is pretty strong so I can only hope.

Thank you Boys and Girls club of Seward for giving me just a little bit more hope..