Blood Bank of Alaska is pleased to announce our first Seward blood drive in our new LIFEmobile July 2 and 3. The new mobile unit, which will assist in collecting blood donations statewide, is customized with screening rooms, phlebotomy chairs, a cantina area and artwork.
The drive will be held July 2 and 3 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hotel Edgewater. Alaska’s blood supply is dangerously low with a less than one-day supply available statewide. Although Alaska’s need for blood increases in the summer because of increased activity and travel, blood donation rates take a significant plunge. This situation leaves Alaskans at the mercy of Lower 48 blood banks. Please call (907) 222-5630 to schedule an appointment.
The new coach arrived in Alaska after a 5000 mile journey from Tampa to Tok. It was unveiled at an open-house at the Copper River Health Fair in Glennallen, May 10. It will host drives in Fairbanks, Seward and Wasilla. The new LIFEmobile is a 2007 Blue Bird Bus. It is 40 feet long, has a 6 cylinder Cummins 6.7 engine and a 60 gallon fuel tank.
The new coach has hosted more than 33 blood drives since May 16, allowing Blood Bank of Alaska to collect hundreds of pints of blood. Between now and the end of the year, the new coach will complete more than 130 drives statewide, collecting an estimated 2500 pints of blood. Mat-Su Health Foundation, BP, First National Bank Alaska, Combined Federal Campaign, First American Title, The Rasmusen Foundation, and the Safeway-Carrs Employee Giving Campaign have made contributions to help offset the coach’s purchase price of more than $200,000. (END)
Please review the “Little readers” information on page 6 of this weeks Phoenix Log. I was so excited to read that the KPBSD has adopted the Headsprout (www.headsprout.com) online reading program and is making it available for FREE to all incoming kindergarteners. I had incredible success using this program last year with my step son who is a late reader. He absolutely loved the interactive online lessons and all the fun headsprout characters. He was 7 when he began the program. I would encourage any other parents of children who are not performing at grade level or parents of young children who are “ready to read” to check out this program out. This is a great way to get them to continue to improve their reading during the summer. I sent a letter to the district encouraging them to extend their offer to any parents in the KPBSD who believe their K-2 students need a little extra help and support. But the cost is very reasonable if the district is not able to expand their offer. There are free online lessons available so your child can give the program a test drive and see if it is a good match.
GCI has just come out with new speeds and rates that are both fast and reasonable. Only for business customers though.
- 1 Mbps- $49.99
- 2 Mbps- $59.99
- 3 Mbps- $99.99
- 4 Mbps- $149.99
regionalxtreme042108doc-1.pdf
Seward Senior Center
336 3rd Ave
224-5604
Lunch Everyday At Noon
Monday 5-26
Closed in observance of Memorial Day
Tuesday 5/27
Movie @ 12:45 ~ In the Underground Theatre
Wednesday 5-28
Beginners Wii Bowling 1-3 Sign-Up to learn!
Thursday 5/29
1-3 – Summer League Wii Bowling
Friday 5/30
Last Bingo for the summer @ 12:45
At 6:00 pm this evening on our local KSKA 88.1 will be “Seward’s Nuclear Option”. You can tune in on your radio or listen online at kska.org
The free Septic Education Workshop will be in Seward on April 26th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the K.M. Rae building. Fred Sorensen, UAF/CES Water Quality Coordinator, will be discussing the potential impact on groundwater by septic systems, how they function, proper maintenance and what to do in a flood. Bill Schnabel, UAF engineering professor, will talk about the alternative wastewater systems that are available if a conventional system is not working for the homeowner.
If you are interested in attending, please call 907-786-6341 or 907-224-3340 or e-mail lisa.wedin@uaf.edu . If you would like more information on septic systems call Fred Sorensen at 907-786-6311.
There’s no doubt that life jackets save lives. In the United States an average of nine people a day die as a result of drowning - deaths that could have been prevented. But a life jacket that does not fit properly can put a person at risk of drowning. Proper fit is imperative for safety on the water. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has a few tips to follow when choosing a life jacket.
- Choose only a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved life jacket, and the correct size for the weight of the person. The USCG stamp of approval, size, whether it is for a child or an adult, and appropriate weight of the wearer should be listed inside the jacket. A person’s chest size and stomach size may come into play when selecting the right life jacket.
- Use the “touchdown” test to see if your life jacket fits properly; Lift your arms above your head as if calling a touchdown. The chest portion of the jacket should not touch your chin when you look left, right or over your shoulder. If the jacket passes this test, it most likely fits. If possible try it out in shallow water. The life jacket should not ride up on your body. However, ride-up may happen if your stomach is larger than your chest.
- Weigh a child and measure for chest size under the arms before shopping for a child’s life jacket. A properly fitting jacket should be snug but not tight.
- Check for proper fit of a life jacket on a child. Wearing the jacket, the child should stand normally with arms at his or her sides. Grab the jacket at the shoulders and firmly lift up. The jacket does not fit if it moves more than three inches up and down the child’s body during the test.
- Ensure a life jacket for an infant or child has a crotch strap to help keep the life jacket on, an oversized float collar to help keep the head out of the water and a grab loop for easier water rescue. All straps should be intact and fastened at all times.
Read More>
Here are some great tips to use when you are trying to conserve energy and other “green” tips.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/athome/358510_green12.html?source=mypi
March 31st, 2008
Nearly a dozen organizations, agencies and programs are participating at various levels, tailored to each community. Fire-fighters, medics, rescue technicians and other first-responders are encouraged to attend training courses designed specifically for Emergency Response personnel, as well as to educate local elected leaders and policy makers. When not attending a training course, participants are encouraged to visit the Emergency Preparedness “fair” to pick up information on a variety of preparedness topics. Plus, don’t forget to put your name in for a drawing for several great prizes, including rail tickets, home emergency kit and first aid kit.
whistle-stop-public-flyer.pdf
At Monday’s Council meeting on March 24th, Phillip Oates announced that former part-time interim Seward City Manager Marvin Yoder now back in Galena, will be coming to Seward to present information on energy from a small nuclear power plant at a to-be-announced work session.
Galena has been investigating this Toshiba Model 4S Power Plant, the first in Alaska for a town, since at least 2004, and continues its deliberations.
Toshiba offered to donate the reactor and power plant to Galena to serve as a reference site and get operation experience. Otherwise, if commercialized, it would cost about $25 million.
Personally, I can’t think of a better place for a nuclear power plant, buried 100′ down in our seismically active town, complete with its steam plant and toxic liquid sodium circulation system. We could put it right where the coal plant was supposed to go so everyone could see it in our viewshed, and handy to the adjacent flood plain, and tsunami zone.
If Seward hurries, WE could get this unit for almost free instead of Galena, who is spending way too much time investigating. In 30 years, when we and most of City Council will be either living in Arizona or dead, our children can deal with digging it up to replace the spent radioactive core, and then figure out which geologically unstable SW Indian Reservation or established toxic wasteland would like to receive it for the next million years or so that it will be hot. That’s if we’re lucky and there is no earthquake, tsunami, flood, or other natural disaster to disturb the Toshiba 4S nest of death.
While Seward awaits the next miracle promising cheap energy, it would probably be OK to replace a few incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents, replace the worn weather stripping around the doors and windows, throw some insulation in the attic, and generally try to conserve energy, just in case we’re stuck with reality.
Nuclear-free zone, anyone? See you at the workshop.
Cheerio!
Carol Griswold
Seward
It’s time once again for another unusual book from the Library. This week we’re presenting The Toothpick: Technology and Culture. I’m hoping someone will read it and be able to explain how anyone could write 350 pages about toothpicks and remain sane. Careful with this one.
A quick note about the book-
The Toothpick is a celebration of a humble yet elegant device. As old as mankind and as universal as eating, this useful and ubiquitous tool finally gets its due in this wide ranging and compulsively readable book. -Petroski
Happy Reading!
GCI had readjusted their cellular plan rates but you have to contact them to get the savings.
Local Office 224-8912
Toll Free 1 800 800 4800
The plan I was using is now $30 a month cheaper, well worth the call.
Seward Senior Center
336 3rd Ave224-5604
Lunch Everyday At Noon
Monday 3/24
AARP Tax Aide 8-10 & 2-4 By appt only.
AARP Driving Class 8-12 $10 fee for 2 day class. Must sign up to participate.
Wii Bowling League 1-3pm Sign-Up to Play in the Underground Theatre!
Grief Counseling ~ 1pm on the 3rd Floor
Tuesday 3/25
AARP Driving Class 8-12 $10 fee. Must sign up to participate.
Tuesday Movie – 1st Floor in the Underground Theatre @ 12:45
Wednesday 3/26
AARP Tax Aide 8-10 & 2-4 By appt only. Beginners Wii Bowling 1-3 Sign-Up to learn!
Thursday 3/27
Wii Bowling League 1-3pm Sign-Up to Play in the Underground Theatre!
Friday 3/28
Bingo @ 12:45
Intro to Wii Golf in the Underground Theatre @ 1pm
Monday 3/31
Closed for Seward’s Day
There has been an apparent failure in a network circuit that is affecting cellular service here and in Anchorage. GCI local cell service has been affected since last night and the local office, 224-8912, does not know when it might be corrected.
Currently, all calls out made on a GCI cell phone to any Seward land line, 224 prefix, a recording announces an error, AKG22, saying the number has been disconnected or is no longer in service.
Update: The problem is reported to be with a Cellular One/AT&T tower in Anchor Point. No news yet as to when it may be resolved but technicians are working on it.
Digital literacy is vital to the success of individuals in today’s workplace. Exposure to computers does not equal understanding. The Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³) program is a global, validated, standards-based training and certification program for critical computing and Internet knowledge and skills. IC³ ensures you have the knowledge and skills required for effective use of computer hardware, software, networks, and the Internet. IC³ is your starting place to advancement in employment, education, or other certification programs. AVTEC’s CTE204 Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³) Class is an exciting online digital literacy certification program that can be completed from your home or office. University credit is available.
The IC3 digital literacy track is made up of three modules:
Computing Fundamentals
Computer Hardware
Computer Software
Using an Operating System
Key Applications
Microsoft Word 2003
Microsoft Excel 2003
Microsoft PowerPoint 2003
Living Online
Networks and the Internet
Using E-Mail
Using the Internet
For more information and to register go to http://avtec.labor.state.ak.us/cehome.htm#IC3
Or call AVTEC at 224-4141 for more infromation
Hurry …Class starts January 9
What a great white Christmas it was this year! All of us on the planning committee for the 49ers’ Ball wish you Happy Holidays! We are still working away on the details for our community event. We wanted to let you know about the food and beverage choices at the 49ers’ ball!
Our beer garden will be open all evening with beer and wine choices, the folks from the Pit Bar will be running the garden this year. Word is they are bringing in a special truck that is set up just for draft service, like what they use for out door jazz festivals, etc. All the beer will be climate controlled. A big thank you to Shelly and Frank from the Pit Bar for working with us. A portion of the evening’s sales will go to our community project. Our logo glass will be sold for re-use in the beer garden and outside the beer garden for $5 each.(see the 49ers’ Ball circle logo in blue to the left). Think green and get a glass for your collection to use at the Ball!
If you will be enjoying the beer garden, please make arrangements for getting home. Don’t drink and drive! The hotels are offering shuttles and we will call taxis for anyone, just let any of the volunteers know that you would like a taxi and we will call for you.
Seward Mini Mart is bringing in an espresso machine! That’s right, you will be able to have all the coffee, lattes, Cappuccinos, Mochas you want all evening long! I’ll be there to get my pick-me-ups during the 49ers Ball! Fountain sodas, bottled water, brewed coffee, (he uses Kaladi Bros.)! There will be plenty of non-alcohol choices for our families attending. Thanks to Sean Carrington of the Seward Mini Mart located inside the Holiday Inn Express. Thank you Sean!
Now for some of the food choices. Food booths will be open at 7 pm and will be open until closing (unless they sell out early!)
Cedar will have her Thai dishes at her booth. Have you tried her chicken or vegetarian curries? Wow! They are wonderful! They come with rice. Spring rolls with sauce, can’t be missed. Cedar has been serving up great food at many of our community events and was the first one to get signed up to do the 49ers’ Ball! Thank you Cedar for your support of our project!
The Smoke Shack is preparing a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw! An appetizer plate with brushetta is on the menu also for the evening! Have you eaten their breakfasts?! If you are coming for the holiday, check them out. They smoke their own ham and bacon. Breakfasts should not be missed! Best chicken fried steak and eggs around. These folks know how to service up some great food. Located right on the corner of Port Ave and 4th Ave inside a rail car. They will be at the 49ers’ Ball, check them out!
The High School travel group with Lori Krier is doing a booth with food choices for the younger crowd. Nachos with cheese, or deluxe with meat and cheese and virgin daiquiri’s.
All of our vendors will be giving a portion of sales to our Seward Community Library Museum project, the reason for our celebration. A new home for our Library and our Museum in one building, something for all of our community!
New Year’s Eve 49ers Ball, at the Alaska Cruise ship terminal at the end of Port Ave. Dec 31st at 7 pm to 1:30 am. Live music all evening. See you there!
www.somethingforus.org or email at nye49ersball@yahoo.com
By Russell Stigall
For Seward City News
KENAI PENINSULA - Warnings are a hoot. Actually they’re one long, steady hoot followed by a man’s voice giving the facts and actions one should follow to avoid danger.
By way of Kenai Peninsula Borough resolution and funding, Chicago-based Federal Signal has installed six new disaster-warning signals within the municipal boundaries of Seward. Homer and Seldovia also received Federal Signal warning systems.
To see the system around town, look for a a stack of plastic doughnuts on a telephone pole. The unique shape allows for an efficient 360-degree sound cone that is audible at least 5 miles away. Some say more.
Signals are located in the areas of Nash Road, William H. Seward high school, Seward’s fire hall, small boat harbor, Seward Marine Industrial Complex and Lowell Point.
They system has a battery backup kept charged by a small wind turbine.
Over the upcoming years, during weekly tests and natural disasters, Sewardites may hear up to seven different warning or test messages. Tsunami, Amber Alert, high winds, volcano, test and others. And a new feature, chimes, like those that precede cruise ship announcement.
Seward Fire Chief David Squires said the sound is reminiscent of the tones in “Close Encounters” used to contact aliens.
In case of a real emergency a long steady 30-second tone will announce each message. This process will repeat three times.
With its wind turbine and battery backup, the system’s internet-based communications is its main weakness.
However, Federal Signal added a NOAA radio receiver antenna. This offers an alternate way to activate the system’s warning signals.
Also, warning signals can be activated by Seward Police Dispatch, city of Seward, the Kenai Peninsula Borough and Homer.
The web-based system has advantages to the 1990’s-era radio-activated warning system it replaced, said Philip Oates, Seward city Manager.
“[The system] allows us to be more selective with out warning for specific regions of the city,” Oates said.
Oates said the system has a few kinks to work out. The seven-message signal from Wednesday, Dec. 12 was a protracted example.
“I think it is a significant advance, but it is new and we are still working to make it effective, Oates said.
The system is designed to do weekly, audible tests. Possibly in a pleasing chime, like those that precede cruise ship announcements.
Federal Signal manufactures and installs a turn-key system. The company employed local contractors to assist with the install.
The system will not be set off for just any temblor or pyroclastic flow, Oates said.
If NOAA or the city get a message that, say, within the next 90 minutes Seward might get a tsunami.
“Then we will act,” the city Manager said. “That’s when we want people to move, to start thinking that something is wrong.”
If you have trouble watching this video…
Seward’s ho-hum internet connection speed and random clogs in the world wide web may prevent this video from playing, beginning to end, the first time play ( > ) is pressed. The video player may pause ( || ) on a dumfounded seagull in gale force winds. Or the player may pause, play, pause, play, pause, play, pause, play, pause for hours.
Here’s what to do.
Click the big ( > ) in the middle of the screen, then press pause ( || ). Grab a cup of hot cocoa and a peanut butter and banana sandwich. When you get back press play ( > ) and enjoy the show.
While you were away (spiking your hot cocoa I saw) Seward City News was busy downloading Seward Weather for your enjoyment.
From: Ed Tech Action Network (ETAN):
Action:
The House of Representatives and the Senate are scheduled to take up the final version of the FY08 Labor, HHS and Education Appropriations bill, which contains $272 million for Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) program the week of November 5. Please email your Senators and Representatives immediately and urge them to support passage of the FY08 Labor, HHS and Education spending bill. Go to
http://capwiz.com/edtech/utr/1/AJXOHVBGIF/OIYNHVBLMD/1532961736
to enter your zip code and send a letter with this important message.
Background:
The House and the Senate will be voting on a final, compromise Labor, HHS and Education spending bill in the next few days. This final, conferenced bill contains level funding of $272 million for EETT-a victory for education technology advocates. However, the President has vowed to veto the final version of the Labor, HHS and Education spending bill because it exceeds his budget proposals by nearly $11 billion, putting EETT funding into jeopardy. The House and Senate need to pass this bill by a two-thirds majority in order to show the President that Congress will override his threatened veto - so every vote counts!
Please make your voice heard and write your congressional representative asking for his/her support of the Labor-HHS and Education bill. Let Congress know the deep impact this funding has on the day-to-day lives of our nation’s students and teachers.
The appropriations process does not end with this single vote. Please be prepared for us to call on you a number of times in November and December to support our efforts to maintain Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) funding for FY08. We hope that you will be ready to answer our call and speak up to Congress.
Thanks for all of your hard work!
CoSN and ISTE
ETAN updates are brought to you by the Consortium for School Networking and the International Society for Technology in Education.
Forwarded by:
Alaska Society for Technology in Education
Seward residents now have a safe and environmentally-friendly way to dispose of fluorescent bulbs. The Alaska Cruise Association (ACA) donated the Bulb Eater, a machine that crushes and compacts the glass, to the city in late September. Citizens will be able to use the machine free of charge. Please contact the Public Works Department at 224-4095 for a schedule. For more information about ACA, see www.akcruise.org.
Questions, comments, tip suggestions;
coptalk@cityofseward.net
If you know of anyone in need of personal computer service, the AVTEC Information Technology class is having its annual computer clinic.
The dates are:
October 22 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
October 23 - 25 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
To reserve your space contact AVTEC IT at: avtecclinic@hotmail.com
Rachel James
Job Placement Specialist
Alaska Vocational Technical Center
Thanks to the generosity of the
Alaska Railroad, the
Seward Community Library was able to purchase a new computer for the children’s room.
Enjoying the new computer is Josh Simpson and Preston Williams.
My vision to put the city’s legislative history on a document imaging database, that can be viewed by the public anytime, and can be stored off-site for disaster recovery if needed, finally came to fruition TODAY with the final touch of linking it on our website.
The city’s legislative history (past minutes, resolutions, ordinances, agendas) can be viewed from the city website www.cityofseward.net
If you haven’t checked it out lately, go to the NEWS section. We will be updating this as we can, and if you double click on the underlined links, you can see city powerpoint presentations, budget presentations, etc. from your computer.
If you go to the CITY CLERK department, at the bottom double click on “Seward legislative history”. A one page tutorial will come up describing how to utilize the database. Then click on the database and . . .there it is!! You can browse by folders, or search by words. You can narrow your search by putting in a year or document type. This is every ordinance, minutes and resolution created since 1912.
Don’t like the fact that when you browse through the folders, the oldest documents come up first? Go to the blue box and double click “Name” and it will reverse the order. You can now research and print from home.
The city may eventually have to add some licenses if viewed often and heavily. 10 licenses were purchased. What this means is if 10 people are viewing this information, the eleventh will get a message and will have to try later. If you are viewing and leave your computer, it will also time you out so others can get on.
Hats off to my co-workers, 4 city councils’ for their support, the MIS staff, and especially Josh Estes who put that final touch together today. So this is for you Seward. A long project that took 5 years. It’s Friday and I’m doin’ the happy dance! –Jean
Exciting Online Training Opportunity from AVTEC!
Participate in valuable training without leaving your home or office.
Microsoft Office Specialist – Excel 2003
Registration Deadline: Friday, Sept 7.
Live Online classes via E-LIVE
Every Tues, Sept 18 -Dec 11, 4-6 PM
Online activities, lessons, discussions, quizzes and tests.
Target Audience: Anyone interested in learning how to use Excel and earning their Microsoft Office Specialist Certification (optional).
Additional Information and Online registration:
www.avtec.edu & click on Excel 2003 under Hot Topics.
Or call Michelle Unrein @ 224-4149
The Alaska Dandelion Festival held last weekend at the Seward High School brought vendors & speakers from around the state and visitors from around the nation together. This event provided a wonderful venue for the sharing of ideas on natural, healthy, simple living. Natural personal care products made from Alaskan plants & herbs were exhibited and available to the public. Authors shared their stories about growing up and living in Alaska, both remote & village, from Native & non-Native perspectives.
A variety of artists, craftspeople, quilters, and baked goods rounded out the several non-profit informational booths. One woman made attractive, functional bags using the discarded scraps of other quilters.
Scott Waterman from AHFC, State Energy Programs Manager, Research & Rural Development, explained the Hubbert peak oil theory that states that world oil production has already peaked in 1979 and will rapidly decline as world demand increases and costs of production rise. Other observers believe that it peaked as late as 2005. He outlined the negative implication for the future global economic outlook as world production wanes. Numerous alternatives to excessive dependence on oil were discussed and examples were given of some simple steps individuals can take to reduce energy consumption.
A local bee keeper explained the chemicals, pesticides, and antibiotics found in all commercial honey. She explained the importance of knowing your bee keeper and the methods used, in avoiding ingestion of those chemicals.
Hunger Awareness evoked several simple and creative ways to feed people in a healthy & economic way. For those willing to proxy fish for elderly, blind or disabled individuals, it is important to understand the cultural & diet preferences of the recipients. For example, we were informed that many elders prefer their fish, gutted, but left whole. They use the whole fish, including the head, and don’t want to waste the meat left after filleting.
Jeff Lowenfels, the longest running garden columnist and radio personality from Anchorage, entertained listeners with his humorous stories about teaming with the microbes for successful, chemical free gardening.
In addition to the variety of speakers and networking with others of similar interests, was a selection of musicians performing throughout the weekend.
For more information contact Marie Wagner
224-6471
