The world’s largest travel site, TripAdvisor, has awarded the Resurrection Roadhouse at the Seward Windsong Lodge with their prestigious Award of Excellence. In addition to Kenai Fjords Tours and Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge also receiving this award for 2013, CIRI Alaska Tourism celebrates the announcement of Resurrection Roadhouse being granted this [...]
Operation Lifesaver and Alaska Railroad kids art contest deadline July 5 ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Alaska Railroad (ARRC)...
The road to Exit Glacier will open to the end of the road on Friday, May 24, 2013. The Exit Glacier Nature Center...
We’d like to express our thanks to the following businesses for their amazing financial support for our overnight...
Although the below-normal temperatures experienced in March continued into April, the previous precipitation pattern ceased, resulting in little new rain or snow in the Kenai Fjords area. Measurable precipitation was recorded at the Seward airport on only two of the thirty days. Despite very little new precipitation, 50 inches of snow remained on the ground in the Exit Glacier area at the end of the month, the likely result of cool temperatures that impeded snowmelt. Daylight continued to lengthen as Seward gained 3 hours and 33 minutes of daylight over the course of the month.
As recorded at the Seward airport, total precipitation for the month was 0.69 inches (15% of normal), 3.83 inches below the 30-year average (1981-2010) for the month. The monthly average temperature for April was 33.5 degrees F; 5.2 degrees F below the 30-year average. April 8th was the windiest day of the month reported at the Seward airport with sustained winds of 23.5 mph and a 5-second wind gust of 47 mph.
Also of note:
Read more to find out about the local climate for April 2013
Chief David Squires
Retires from the Seward Fire Department
Over 28 years
Of protecting our community
Stop by the Seward Fire Station
And help him celebrate
Friday May 31, 2013
2pm to 5pm
Senator Selects Rachel Tougas to Contribute to Her Capitol Hill Work
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Lisa Murkowski today announced the selection of Rachel Tougas of Seward as her United States Senate Page this summer – the Senator’s second nomination since earning the seniority to sponsor a Senate page last January.
“The Senate Page Program is an incredible opportunity for young people like Rachel to begin their journey towards becoming our nation’s future leaders and policymakers, and open their eyes to how the federal process operates outside of a textbook” said Senator Murkowski. “I am always excited to see students ask about opportunities to serve, and my new opportunity to select an Alaskan high school junior every semester and summer is truly an investment in our next generation of Alaskans.”
Rachel Tougas, a Seward High School junior, was selected as one of thirty high school juniors from across the country to participate in the Senate’s 3-week summer page program this June. Pages are selected by senior members of the Senate and tasked with delivering correspondence and legislative materials within the Capitol, preparing the Senate chambers and assisting all 100 Senators.
It was during a visit to Seward last January for the opening of the new Seward Community Library Museum, that Senator Murkowski had the opportunity to speak with a group of student volunteers from the Seward High School Debate Team that included Ms. Tougas – when Rachel inquired about an internships in the Senator’s office and was encouraged to apply to the U.S. Senate Page Program.
Rachel Tougas, 2013 U.S. Senate Page, and Senator Murkowski
at the Opening of the Seward Community Library Museum
“I never really had much interest in politics; I never saw a connection until I joined my debate team this year,” said Tougas. “We had to debate different domestic and global issues, and that really opened my eyes to everything. It made me want to be more involved and to educate myself and others about different issues. What better place to learn than Washington, D.C.”
Students looking for more information or interested in applying should visit the Senator’s website.
Matthew N. Shuckerow
Press Secretary Senator
Lisa Murkowski (AK)
202-224-8069 Direct
matt_shuckerow@murkowski.senate.gov
A carwash is planned at the parking lot of the Chamber of Commerce this Sunday, May 19 from 10-2. Proceeds will fund the Seward High School Exchange Program with our Sister City – Obihiro, Japan. Meret Beutler and Karoline Ernst are this year’s selected representatives to travel to Obihiro in August as Seward’s Sister City Ambassadors for the program’s 40th anniversary. Thanks goes to the community for successful sales of Mother’s Day cookies on Alaska Lemonade Day, and thanks to Seward Safeway for supporting the project through the use of their storefront.
Executive Chef Erik Slater, of Resurrection Roadhouse Restaurant, Seward Windsong Lodge and Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, has been honored as one of the country’s top culinary talents in the inaugural edition of Best Chefs America. This is the first-ever peer review guide of U.S. chefs, who were chosen after extensive interviews between their fellow chefs and Best Chefs America analysts. Executive Chef Slater has been showcased in the informative and exquisitely produced 386-page coffee table book that was released on March 1, 2013.
“I am honored to be listed alongside such a group of talented Alaskan chefs and too be included in Best Chefs America.” said Executive Chef Slater. “This recognition gives me yet another reason to be appreciative of my fellow professionals here in Alaska and it shows just how tight our chef community really is.”
“Chefs themselves truly understand what it takes to be successful in this competitive industry, and Best Chefs America offers them a forum to express their views,” states Elizabeth Fishburne, Best Chefs America Lead Analyst. “Based on the overwhelmingly positive response from more than 5,000 participating chefs, it is clear that the chef world was ready for us.”
About Executive Chef Erik Slater and the lodges
In 2011, Executive Chef Slater was honored to be selected by Alaska Governor Parnell to represent the state in the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans.
Slater’s love of cooking came from his mother, who began honing his skills as soon as he could reach the range top. By the time he was 18, Erik Slater was a cook at the Elk Café in Spokane, Washington. A couple of years later, he worked at a small Italian café, learning old family recipes and techniques from the owners.
He later moved to the Mars Hotel as sous chef, before leaving Washington for Anchorage, Alaska, to work as head chef of Sorellas. He then moved to Napa Valley where he did fresh sheet menus paired with Napa Valley wines at the Dutch Treat Café. Slater took some time off to travel through Thailand, learning the authentic details of Thai cooking, returning to Alaska to work at a small Asian fusion restaurant in Juneau.
In 2000, Slater moved to Seward where he was head chef at Ray’s Waterfront Restaurant and a partner in Seward’s Railway Cantina, before joining Seward Windsong Lodge in 2004, as executive chef. He serves on the board of the Alaska Culinary Academy.
Seward Windsong Lodge and Resurrection Roadhouse, the on-site restaurant, operate the 2013 season from May 17ththrough September 17th. Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge unveils a new main lodge building with an expanded kitchen and new culinary program to its guests on May 31st for the 2013 season.
About Best Chefs America
Best Chefs America is the ultimate chef’s guide to chefs. Analysts conducted more than 5,000 confidential telephone interviews with chefs who were nominated by other chefs, culinary professionals and food enthusiasts across the country. The interviews consisted of a series of proprietary questions, and software was used to aggregate the data. Chefs earning the highest scores among their peers in their region were included in the guide. The results were compiled into a 386-page coffee table book, complete with chef listings broken down both geographically and alphabetically. Best Chefs America also features stunning photography and highlights emerging culinary trends and ingredients uncovered during the interviews.
Best Chefs America costs $75.00 and can be purchased online at http://bestchefsamerica.com/orde
Best Chefs America Contacts:
Dee Buchanon
Director of Marketing
907-777-2837 / 907-441-9191 cell
Email: dbuchanon@ciri.com
Media Photos: www.ciritourism.com/media
Alaska Native owned and operated, CIRI Alaska Tourism Corporation is the umbrella company for Alaska Heritage Tours, Kenai Fjords Tours, Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, and Seward Windsong Lodge. CIRI Alaska Tourism Corporation is a Minority Business Enterprise, MBE#PS0313.
Executive Chef Erik Slater, of Resurrection Roadhouse Restaurant, Seward Windsong Lodge and Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, has been honored as one of the country’s top culinary talents in the inaugural edition of Best Chefs America. This is the first-ever peer review guide of U.S. chefs, who were chosen after extensive interviews between their fellow chefs and Best Chefs America analysts. Executive Chef Slater has been showcased in the informative and exquisitely produced 386-page coffee table book that was released on March 1, 2013.
“I am honored to be listed alongside such a group of talented Alaskan chefs and too be included in Best Chefs America.” said Executive Chef Slater. “This recognition gives me yet another reason to be appreciative of my fellow professionals here in Alaska and it shows just how tight our chef community really is.”
“Chefs themselves truly understand what it takes to be successful in this competitive industry, and Best Chefs America offers them a forum to express their views,” states Elizabeth Fishburne, Best Chefs America Lead Analyst. “Based on the overwhelmingly positive response from more than 5,000 participating chefs, it is clear that the chef world was ready for us.”
About Executive Chef Erik Slater and the Lodges
In 2011, Executive Chef Slater was honored to be selected by Alaska Governor Parnell to represent the state in the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans.
Slater’s love of cooking came from his mother, who began honing his skills as soon as he could reach the range top. By the time he was 18, Erik Slater was a cook at the Elk Café in Spokane, Washington. A couple of years later, he worked at a small Italian café, learning old family recipes and techniques from the owners.
He later moved to the Mars Hotel as sous chef, before leaving Washington for Anchorage, Alaska, to work as head chef of Sorellas. He then moved to Napa Valley where he did fresh sheet menus paired with Napa Valley wines at the Dutch Treat Café. Slater took some time off to travel through Thailand, learning the authentic details of Thai cooking, returning to Alaska to work at a small Asian fusion restaurant in Juneau.
In 2000, Slater moved to Seward where he was head chef at Ray’s Waterfront Restaurant and a partner in Seward’s Railway Cantina, before joining Seward Windsong Lodge in 2004, as executive chef. He serves on the board of the Alaska Culinary Academy.
Seward Windsong Lodge and Resurrection Roadhouse, the on-site restaurant, operate the 2013 season from May 17th through September 17th. Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge unveils a new main lodge building with an expanded kitchen and new culinary program to its guests on May 31st for the 2013 season.
Alaska Native owned and operated, CIRI Alaska Tourism Corporation is the umbrella company for Alaska Heritage Tours, Kenai Fjords Tours, Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, and Seward Windsong Lodge. CIRI Alaska Tourism Corporation is a Minority Business Enterprise, MBE#PS0313.
CIRI Alaska Tourism Corporation Contact: Dee Buchanon, Director of Marketing, 907-777-2837 / 907-441-9191 cell
Email: dbuchanon@ciri.com
Media Photos: www.ciritourism.com/media
About Best Chefs America
Best Chefs America is the ultimate chef’s guide to chefs. Analysts conducted more than 5,000 confidential telephone interviews with chefs who were nominated by other chefs, culinary professionals and food enthusiasts across the country. The interviews consisted of a series of proprietary questions, and software was used to aggregate the data. Chefs earning the highest scores among their peers in their region were included in the guide. The results were compiled into a 386-page coffee table book, complete with chef listings broken down both geographically and alphabetically. Best Chefs America also features stunning photography and highlights emerging culinary trends and ingredients uncovered during the interviews.
Best Chefs America costs $75.00 and can be purchased online at http://bestchefsamerica.com/orde
Best Chefs America Contacts: Mike Hicks/Gina Stouffer
LOU HAMMOND & ASSOCIATES
561-655-3836
michaelh@lhammond.com
ginag@lhammond.com
www.louhammond.com
www.twitter.com/louhammondpr
Are you building? Adding on?
Permitting & Agency Information Day Today
Wednesday MAY 15th 11 – 3 PM
Seward Community Library
Corner of 6th & Adams
Agency representatives will be available to assist with your permit application, summer project and provide information on:
PLANNING
PERMITTING
UPDATED BUILDING CODES
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
UPDATED FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAPS
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
FISHERIES & WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
HABITAT AND WETLANDS
Drop in, ask questions and get answers!
“In Alaska, water resources are important to all of us!”
Wednesday MAY 15th 11 – 3 PM
Seward Community Library
Corner of 6th & Adams
Agency representatives will be available to assist with your permit application, summer project and provide information on:
PLANNING
PERMITTING
UPDATED BUILDING CODES
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
UPDATED FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAPS
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
FISHERIES & WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
HABITAT AND WETLANDS
Drop in, ask questions and get answers!
“In Alaska, water resources are important to all of us!”
Seward Museum welcomes folks to come in and sit and chat, and share some history. Heidi Zemach photo.
The Seward Community Library Museum has two events this Saturday May, 11th. Everyone is invited to attend the new mural’s dedication and the museum’s grand opening. The mural dedication is at 12:30pm, followed by the museum grand opening ceremony at 1:00pm. Admission to the museum is free following the ribbon cutting ceremony. The library will open at 2pm following the museum’s grand opening.
The mural, Seward’s largest ever, was created by Nichole Feemster, and was painted and prepared by a large group of dedicated community volunteers. It was recently hung on the building’s south face, and provides a great deal more color and storytelling mystique to the building’s already fascinating shifting-color tiled exterior.
This pioneer’s bedroom scene is also on display in the new Seward Museum. Heidi Zemach photo.
The new museum retains much of its original old flavor, with an oriental rug, the same welcoming wooden table and chairs for people to gather around, and it offers the same collection of historical artifacts. But it is arranged in such a way, progressing from one segment or theme to another, with good lighting to allow people to view the displays in a new, more comprehensive light, with help from some handsome new showcases on platforms built just for the new building. I guarantee you will notice things that you have not seen before, even though they were there all along! The historical society members will volunteer to keep the museum open on Sundays during the busy summertime when the library is closed. Folks are saying that with the museum, the 1964 Earthquake documentary showing, and library all in the same location, there should be more visitor traffic, and more money and attention generated to Seward’s historical treasures.
(Link provided with permission from the Alaska Dispatch)
Members of the Moose Pass 4-H group enjoyed learning about Robotics this past spring. Students met once a week after school and followed plans to build “robots” out of Legos. The robots included an alligator, dancing man, spinning birds, an airplane, an owl, a fox and a snake. Software was used to program the robots to perform basic movements.
On April 24th the students held a public presentation at Moose Pass School for parents and interested community members. They presented the book The Gruffalo. They built characters from the story out of Legos and programmed them to act out their role in the story. The program will continue next fall.
Grant money from the Moose Pass Sportsman Club and the Seward Community Foundation was used to purchase four We Do Robotics kits and We Do licensed software. The Seward Community Foundation is an affiliate of The Alaska Community Foundation, a statewide, non-profit organization that manages charitable funds allowing donors to advance a cause, support an organization or provide flexible support for community needs. For more information visit www.sewardcf.org.
There will be crossing guards at key intersections and snacks at the schools if you participate. We need volunteers to be cross walk guards. We will need them from 7:15am to approximately 8:00am.
It is that time of year again. The PTSA Semiannual High School Garage Sale is May 25th. The proceeds go to provide scholarships to college bound Seniors from Seward High School. If you have used items that you would like to donate, you can drop them off at the back of the High School on Friday May 24th from 2pm-5pm. If you have any questions contact Al McCarty at 362-0204.
Seward has quite a history. For over 100 years now its citizens have come and gone; enriching our sense of place with each life and event. Without the hard work and civic pride of those that came before, Seward would not be the exemplary city it is today. And without the people and organizations who gather and preserve our past we have little to guide us into the future.
If you know of an individual or organization that deserves special recognition for their work in preserving Seward history, please take a moment to nominate them for the 2012 Historic Preservation Award.
The annual award is to recognize local preservation efforts and to encourage community understanding and appreciation of Seward’s history.
If you would like to nominate an individual or organization for this Historic Preservation Award, forms are available at the Seward Community Library and the City Clerk’s office. Or download the Nomination Form.
All nominations must be submitted to the Library Museum or City Clerk’s office by
Wednesday, May 29th, 2013
