On Wednesday, September 10 at 5:30 PM in the basement of Seward Community Library, there will be a meeting for everyone who is involved with the Resurrection Bay food ordering co-op, or would like to learn about ordering food in bulk with the co-op. Everyone, please try to attend.
We will discuss increasing shipping charges, volunteer duties, the bank account, some problems we’ve been having, as well as any other topics that come up, and try to work out some solutions.
Resurrection Bay Co-op is a great way to stock up on those food and personal care items you can’t find in Seward, without making the trip to Anchorage. Some things aren’t even available in Anchorage! Anyone can ask to look at the catalogs, which are kept at the front desk of the library. For this month only, you can turn in your order at the meeting on Wednesday, September 10th, instead of Monday, the 8th.
Please join us in the basement of the Seward Community Library at 5:30 PM, Wednesday September 10th for the annual meeting of Resurrection Bay Co-op!
Thursday, September 4th — North Carolina singer/songwriter, guitarist Tyson Davis playing Americana roots folk music. Show starts at 8pm. Admission by donation.
Friday, September 5th – As part of the final 1st Friday Art Walk of 2008, we will host another “art in motion” to spotlight performing arts. Elite 9 Jazz will perform from 6-9pm. Donations appreciated. An open mic/jam session will start at 9pm. All musicians welcome.
Seward Playhouse is located at 215#B 4th Avenue, downtown Seward. We provide a smoke-free environment for the whole family. We are currently seeking talent to perform at the playhouse. Call 224-ARTS or email sewardplayhouse@yahoo.com for more information.
Seward’s chapter of Ducks Unlimited is paddling hard into our 2008 fundraiser. We are currently looking for volunteers to join the event planning committee to help plan, get donations, and/or help run things the night of the event. If you are interested in helping or would like more information, please contact Gwen at duseward@yahoo.com
Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective private waterfowl and wetlands conservation organization. Their mission: Habitat Conservation. Funds generated in the US through contributions are used to enhance, acquire and restore habitat in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Since DU’s inception in 1937, the organization has conserved over 10 million acres of habitat throughout North America. Some 900 wildlife species, including several which are endangered, look to these areas for their habitat needs. The United States has lost more than half of its original wetlands, and continues to lose more that 109,000 acres of the vegetated wetlands that are most important to wildlife each year. DU’s work is now more critical than ever.
The largest percentage of Ducks Unlimited’s conservation expenditure is derived from nationwide fund-raising banquets. These banquets are social affairs attended by men and women who are duck hunters and/or conservationists who really care about the future of their environment. Our DU benefit banquet on November 15th, 2008 is expected to attract 100-120 people and will, we hope, evolve into one of Seward’s popular community events.
The Fifth Annual Seward Music and Arts Festival
September 26th, 27th & 28th
GET ON DOWN. . .
downtown that is. Local senior centers, pubs, restaurants, and playhouses will be having performers through out the entire weekend.
QUTEKCAK DANCES!!!!
6:00 PM Friday Sept 26th @ Seward Senior Center:
Don’t forget to check out Qutekcak Native Tribe dancing and giving informative presentations on native history and culture. A music festival ticket will get you in, OR pay at the door and get a day pass to the festival.
GET ON BOARD!!!
Get Your Grease On with “Roxy” the E.G.G. veggie oil powered shuttle! That’s right a free shuttle around town all day Friday and Saturday for pass holdin festival folk!! Feelin’ tipsy, wanna go see Qutekcak, need to get downtown? Try it out. Feel the power of the french fry.
HEY BUDDY CAN YOU SPARE A…
Little of your time? That’s right. Lots of musicians come down and essentially play for free.
Take the time to go to our Volunteer page, and call up Sarah W. OR email her. She’ll get you signed up and to work in a spot that works for you. It’s fun and you’ll feel great. Freebies!!
No Skills Needed. No Age Limits!!!!
COME ON DOWN AND THROW STUFF AWAY!!!
Well not really. RBCA will be in partnership with the SMAF crew to run and manage our recycling program at the festival!!! We are VERY excited about this! And very thankful for these, our great friends. Check out our free water coolers (believe it or not it’s still free), stocked with corn cellulose ‘plastic’ cups that will compost! Water stations will be also in the Beer Garden. Stay Hydrated!
BIERGARTEN
We will be featuring premium organic and wallet friendly domestic beers as well as a selection of wines, in the easy to walk to Beer Garden. 21 years and older members only. Stay Hydrated! Don’t Drive! Use “Roxy” the Veggie Oil Powered Exit Glacier Shuttle! It’s free for anyone with a SMAF pass!
ANCHORTOWN CIRCUS RETURNS!
This just in from one of our bureau chiefs…Meghan and the crew will be back down to conduct circus arts workshops over the weekend, perform live, inspire, and add that great touch of fun to the SMAF that we’re all so very stoked on!! Thank you Meghan And Bjorn!! Children from 9 to 90 encouraged to get in on the fun.
TEES ME:
Organic Cotton SMAF Tee-shirts, and Hoodies for 2008. Volunteer one FULL day and get a FREE T-shirt!!!!!
WAKE UP LITTLE SUZY AND RUN AROUND SUE,
In the inaugural Fall Fun ‘Re”-Run! To support a local community project, chosen by . . . YOU! Sponsored by SPRD, Sign up by Sept 20th. Proceeds go to a local project: Bear-proof garbage cans, Salmon Interpretive panel, Storm drain stencils.
Call SPRD at 224-4054
FOR MORE INFO
Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
ATTENTION ALL SMAF MUSICIANS, and Festival Goers!!!
Remember to go down to the Seward Playhouse and check out the free jam sessions throughout the weekend, or bring your glockenspiel and strut your stuff. Call 224-ARTS(2787) FOR INFO.
BOOTH APPLICATIONS ONSITE
Get in line early! Camp out if you gotta Buddy! Booth apps are here. Go to the Booths page. Here’s your chance to show off your undiscovered culinary, or artistic talents. Wow your friends. Heck . . . even make some friends.
The National Park Service will be working on the Harding Icefield Trail above Exit Glacier throughout the month of September, and hikers in the Exit Glacier area may experience periodic closures and delays. Park crews will be blasting rock as part of this project, and a safety zone, including parts of the Harding Icefield Trail and lower trail system, may be closed several times each day for up to one hour each time. The work is expected to end on September 24. Questions can be directed to park headquarters at 224-7500.
Its raining, the Summer Market is open and we’ve got great, just picked, Organic Produce. This week we have: Organic: Shelled sweet peas, Red-leaf Head Lettuce, 3 varieties of Beets, Purple and Orange carrots, Snow Peas, Broccoli, Green Beans, Cabbage, Spaghetti Squash, Cauliflower, Sweet Pumpkin, and some of organic herbs. Hot house Tomatoes and Cucumbers. Produce is available Thursday through Saturday until we run out. We will be closed on Sundays for the rest of the season, but since produce should be available through October, we’re going to try to stay open Thursday-Saturday as long as the community comes to support us. We will have bulk potatoes and onions as the season progresses. Of course, there’s still savory Nachos and Gifts in the little red house and we just love to see your smiling faces! Abby Wentworth will be at the market this Thursday with her new Earth Flags and Art—stop by a say hi to her sister who is visiting. The market is located at 312 5th Ave., open Thursday-Saturday 10am -4pm. For information contact Joanie at 760-815-8498 or thegrazingmoose@gmail.com
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Seward, Alaska Sporadic Bird Report
Sunrise 6:56 am, sunset 8:56 pm, length of day 14 hours; tomorrow will be 5 minutes and 24 seconds shorter.
Weather: August exited in a spectacular finale of sunshine and blue skies, as September slipped in cloaked in dark gray, temps around 50º, and bouts of heavy rain with more forecast for at least the rest of the week.
This morning, in between rainsqualls, I watched in amazement as small groups of ROBINS erupted from a neighbor’s spruce and Mt. Ash trees. As I wondered how many clowns can fit in a phone booth, the numbers rose to over 50, probably mixed with a few HERMIT THRUSHES. About 20 PINE SISKINS flew off too. I doubt I was the cause, just walking past, but I did not see what caused this mass exodus. Red Elderberries and ripening Mt Ash berries provide a feast for these thrushes, creating hot spots to watch them. I’m glad they don’t know about the delicious red raspberries!
For the past week or so, I’ve heard weak, teakettle songs of the Hermit Thrushes and fairly normal but brief Robin songs. Perhaps the photoperiod is right, or the juvenile males are just practicing for spring.
The only bird that is really singing in earnest is the WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL. The striking rosy-red males fill the woods with their exuberant, trilling song, from the coastal temperate rain forest spruce and hemlocks up to the tree line of the subalpine zone, echoing back and forth. The excellent spruce cone crop may well induce this irruptive, opportunistic finch to breed this fall. As hard as this is to believe, they can breed at any time of year, even in mid-winter, and have been documented to breed in all 12 months. Some grad student (likely) also documented that individuals can eat up to 3000 conifer seeds each day. Wow! Makes the yellow clouds of spruce pollen in June worth it.
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS toot their high little horns surprisingly loud, as they flit through the woods in company with the “yank, yank, yank” of the RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, gleaning insects from the spruce needles and bark. STELLER’S JAYS explore all food sources from mushrooms to skunk cabbage seeds. Red squirrels hurl spruce cones to the ground with abandon, creating hardhat areas beneath their industrious harvest, with meticulous stashing to follow for their winter caches.
Saturday, August 30: Beautiful day! The morning at the salt marsh began on a high note as three noisy RAVENS simultaneously harassed a juvenile HARRIER and a PEREGRINE FALCON, chasing off the Harrier and then returning to rout the falcon. At times, it was hard to tell if the falcon was chasing the ravens or visa versa. As suddenly as it began, all was once again peaceful. A short time later, two BALD EAGLES played out a similar, if less aerobatic, chase display.
A few NORTHERN PINTAILS spiraled down to join a small flock of GADWALLS, MALLARDS, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and WIGEONS in the tidelands. A GREAT-BLUE HERON flew majestically past. As we were leaving, a single RUSTY BLACKBIRD juvenile flew up from the grasses. I’ve never seen a single Rusty Blackbird, and wonder where the rest of its flock might be. This is a juvenile, as evidenced by its dark eye.
Great Blue Herons have been seen by several birders over the past several weeks. One was lingering at the high tide line on August 25th, where I have never seen a GBH. I speculate it was getting gravel for its crop. Usually these birds are solo, however, an adult with two juveniles was reported on August 27th at the beach. The juvies have a gray crown instead of white, a dark upper bill instead of yellow, and no body plumes. I wonder if they are secretively nesting nearby or are migrating briefly north from SE Alaska after breeding, with a few hardy birds staying the winter to amaze birders on the Christmas Bird Count?
August 21st: over thirty DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS counted on the jetty east of the Alaska Railroad dock.
August 19th: Ten PIGEONS noted in the mowed area of the airport. I wonder why they are there? Four GREATER YELLOWLEGS, and one SPOTTED SANDPIPER gleaned invertebrates from the silty shore, while small flocks of peeps, likely WESTERN AND LEAST SANDPIPERS danced in synchrony overhead. A MERLIN preened casually while perched on a driftwood branch. Four COMMON MERGANSERS flew back to the Resurrection River. Chum (Dog) and Pink (Humpy) salmon continue to spawn in the estuary.
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August 18th: unusual sighting of 5-6 GREEN-WINGED TEAL reported at Exit Glacier in a small, clear creek. The birds apparently landed in the outwash plain and swam up into the creek.
August 17th: Two AMERICAN PIPITS flew from one rocky outcrop to another on the shoulder of Mt Alice. She did not twitch from the tickle. A HERMIT THRUSH hopped around in some alders lower down. Most of the plants up there think it is spring, having recently been released from the heavy and late snowfalls.
August 16th: A brief visit by three migrating HARLAN’S HAWKS, calling noisily, then hunting over the airport sedge meadows. Apparently their prey is unaware of the significance of their loud, almost frantic, high-pitched cries though it must have attracted plenty of attention from everything else, including me. They spent some time perched in trees next to the Resurrection River, sometimes arguing over the same branch. Then they flew up flapping frequently and circled the sky. I did see a Harlan’s soaring over Nash Road the next day, after that, they disappeared.
Two NORTHERN SHOVELERS also seen at the airport pond. These early migrants don’t linger long in the northlands.
SAVANNAH SPARROWS perched precariously on the waving sedges, a WILSON’S SNIPE erupted from within, and a MERLIN cruised overhead, just looking.
A most unusual sight I felt so fortunate to witness: a female grasshopper laying her precious eggs in a crack in the black asphalt! I hardly ever see grasshoppers, much less one laying eggs in such an unlikely location. One other grasshopper hopped nearby. I haven’t seen them before or since, so I doubt they are a significant source of bird food.
August 13th: A RUDDY TURNSTONE reported at the tidelands.
August 12th: PEREGRINE reported near the Alaska Sealife Center.
August 11th: Twenty GRAY-CROWNED ROSY FINCHES, four AMERICAN PIPITS at the Harding Icefield Trail. WILLOW PTARMIGAN family with 6 chicks strolled along the trail lower down, the chicks voraciously feeding on willow leaves.
As summer transitions to fall, keep an eye out for migrants and hummingbirds that are probably not Rufous.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Sporadic Bird Report reporter
Seward, Alaska
I encourage you to join this well-run forum to check on Seward and other Alaska birding news: AKBirding-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
The Kenai Peninsula Wildlife Viewing Trail Guide is available for free on the web at http://www.kenaipeninsula.org. Individual printed copies can be ordered for $13.90 ($8.95 plus $4.95 S&H) via this web site, or at the Seward Chamber of Commerce.
Watch for the new, revised 2008 edition of the Birders Guide to Alaska by George West, due out in September.
Track migrating shorebirds: http://www.prbo.org/cms/424
For more information on how to keep cats indoors, please refer to the American Bird Conservancy website, Cats Indoors at and other informative sites listed under a Google.com search.
Soft Claws nail caps for cats are advertised to protect your furniture and may reduce bird kills. For more information see www.softclaws.com or Google “soft claws nail caps”.
Rats. The word alone is enough to cause fear, paranoia, suspicion and pain. An expression of frustration. Sneaky devils in the dark. Vermin hordes that know no bounds. They breed freely, without discretion, in nearly every corner of the globe. Multiplying. Conquering. With dreams of world domination they cross oceans in secret, soaring through the skies in cargo holds, attacking where they will or may. Thankfully, Seward is safe; for now.
I’ve just finished browsing through a recent arrival at the Library, Rat Control for Alaska Waterfront Facilities. Fascinating. Now I know I mentioned an eminent groundhog invasion a short while ago (and I’m still checking with my sources about that one), but the rats are here. Right under our nose! Well, not right under, but close enough. Kodiak, Juneau, Sitka, Attu. Rats, rats, rats, and “man that rat can swim!” rats. And would you believe it? Rat Island? Loaded with rats!
Second fascinating piece of information learned: Someone has built a better mouse trap. Finally! So long pet rock! See ya later food dehydrator. There’s a new get-rich-quick genius in town! Well, maybe I’m jumping the gun here since I’ve yet to see this new-fangled contraption in stores, but it does look convincing. Do I see a pyramid scheme in the works? An army of “Mouse Trap of the Future” salesmen hitting the streets?
Okay, so maybe I just blew my whole paycheck hiding blocks of cheese all around Homer and need some fast cash. But just imagine how many arguments we could win against our neighboring Homerians by declaring, “Well at least we don’t have rats in Seward!” I can hear it now! Someone’s gotta claw their way to the top of this Peninsula. Why not us?
Bad idea? Well I’m sure all that will come of it will be a few very constipated dogs and a melodial moose or two. Besides, with the rat bashing maneuvers found in this book, I’d say we just might win this one. Although I have always been a fan of the underdog. I mean, I did root for the NY Little Giants in the Superbowl. Lousy heroic Giants.
But really, perhaps the War on Rats is a bit misguided. Ancient Chinese civilizations welcomed the rat as a sign of material prosperity and order. And some rats are quite cute. Could the same rodent really be held accountable for so much antipathy? Or is Rat Control merely a diatribe of specieism?
Hard questions here at the Library. Like a well smoked Gouda. Speaking of which, if anyone goes to Homer, I hid a wheel of said cheese in their fancy Library. Comparing borrowing statistics indeed! But yeah, not my brightest idea. Second shelf on the right, one aisle down, behind the Luxembourg Travel Guides. Don’t worry, it’s there. Who goes to Luxembourg?
September 26 - 5 PM - Breeze Inn.
Meet with friends. Eat good food. Win guns and other good stuff. All net proceeds support shooting sports with priority youth, women and hunter education.
Learn about plans for biggest and best shooting facility in USA to be in Alaska.
Information and tickets: call 224-8604 or 224-5520.
Story Hour at Seward Community Library will resume Friday, September 12th at 10:30am, and continue each Friday throughout the school year. This first story hour has the intriguing title of Things with Warts. You’ll have to come to find out!
Story Hour is geared to children ages 3-6; however siblings are always welcome. All story hours are feature some of the Library’s wonderful picture books. Each story hour includes some of the following; flannel board stories, drawing stories, finger plays, crafts, puppetry, songs, games and activities. Nursery school groups are welcome to attend.
Come join us Friday, September 12th for a fun-filled morning! See you then.
Youth Only Fisheries
Only open to anglers 15 years of age or younger.
The Seward Lagoon and lagoon outfall stream are open to Coho salmon fishing the first weekend in September (Sept 5-7, 2008) Single-hook, artificial lures and bait are legal. The bag and possession limit is two fish. See page 58 of the 2008 Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary for Southcentral Alaska, available upstairs in city hall for more information.
Questions, comments, tip suggestions;
coptalk@cityofseward.net
By Rev. Dr. James R. Stigall
Well, Russia has invaded its former satellite state Georgia. We all realize that something significant is happening … something that goes against the very moral fabric and best interest of liberty throughout the world. However, we also feel powerless to reverse this wave of disrespect for human rights.
Unfortunately, we are in a period of history where democratic leadership throughout the world lacks the imagination, respect, and power to cast any kind of threat or influence on the tyrants who chose to disregard human rights and political liberties of the people of their own countries and those they decide to invade. Tyrants have always made the claim that order (even oppressive order) is more important than human rights.
Now, this is not just happening in Russia, but I find it especially disheartening that we are again looking at Russia as an enemy rather than a friend. Especially since, I do not believe, it had to be this way.
In 1985, when I was sent to Alaska as a home missionary for the United Methodist Church, the Soviet Union was a frightening enemy. Our weapons of mass-mass-mass destruction were pointed at the Soviet Union and the USSR had their nuclear missiles aimed at us. Every citizen of Alaska knew how vulnerable our State was. We felt the tension between Washington D.C. and Moscow … every day.
Then … President Ronald Reagan gave his, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” speech at the Brandenburg Gate … and soon … praise the Lord … it did come down, and we enter the era of “glasnost” and “perestroika”. If the “Lower 48″ would have been listening they might have heard a collective sigh of relief. From Siberia to Juneau we felt the ease of a mighty tension. Suddenly all things American seemed wonderful to the Russian people. It was a time ripe with possibility.
The Russian people brought their culture and technology to Alaska … to help us save a couple of hapless whales … aid us in the cleanup efforts after the terrible oil spill in Prince William Sound … and an entire ship full of Siberian actors and dancers unexpectedly docked in Seward and performed for the city in the Public School Auditorium.
It was an incredible time to be that close to a country so euphoric with freedom and change. But, with the change came turmoil and corruption. When the old order fell there was a void. The corrupt elements … elements that always manage to thrive just below the artificial calm of oppressive governments … saw an opportunity to become a dominant force.
So, the Russian government very cautiously stretched out a hand to its old enemies. “Help us save our space program … can we work together … will you help without trying to force your culture on us … help us fill the void, but please allow us to maintain our self respect,” the leaders of Russia humbly said.
In 1989, President George H Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev held meetings on the Mediterranean Island of Malta to consider military cuts and economic aid. But then our attention was distracted from Russia. Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, and from then on President George H. Bush hardly noticed Russia. He was busy reveling in his “Connecticut Cowboy” imagine, and simply enjoying, with anticipation, what most assumed would be his re-election as President after such a stunning victory in Kuwait and Iraq.
So Russia went on the back burner. And … except for occasional gloating as we heard that Russia’s economy was so devastated that they had to sell their military arsenal for strap iron … our politicians seldom gave them any thought. Sadly few had the courage or fore-sight to encourage the Bush, Clinton, Bush administrations that investing some effort into Russia’s transition from dictatorship to democracy might be a better investment in the future than chasing oil.
So, it did not take much for Vladimir Putin to convince himself and most of Russia, that Western Europe and the United States of American had treated Russia with disrespect. Now, Putin and Medvedev have created an international stir. The eyes of the world, once again, are looking toward Russia.
I don’t think it is wise to be disrespectful to a bear. Bears don’t like that very much … and they have ways of reminding folks that they are powerful and can be dangerous.
Rev. Dr. James R. Stigall
Local kayak guides were suprised when water in front of Bear Glacier south of Seward suddenly rose at least 5 feet in mid August. An overflight of the area found a drained lake on the northeast side of the glacier. Full details are found in the press release at: http://www.nps.gov/kefj/parknews/bear-glacier-outburst-flood.htm
Photos are on the Ocean Alaska Science and Learning Web Site at http://www.oceanalaska.org/video/outburst_bg.htm
Seward Senior Center
336 3rd Ave
224-5604
Senior Center Happenings
Lunch Everyday At Noon
We have WiFi!
Monday 9/1
Closed in honor of Labor Day
Tuesday 9/2
10:30-11:30 – Exercise Class
11:30-1:30 - Chronic Illness Support Workshop
Wednesday 9/3
1:00 – Summer League Bowl Off Party for all Summer League Teams!
Thursday 9/4
10:30-11:30 – Exercise Class
11:30-1:30 - Food Bank Private Counseling
Friday 9/5
10:30-11:30 – Core Balance Exercise Class
11:30 - Go Fish
The countdown begins for next Friday’s Art Walk. We are now one week away! The Library and Museum are excited about our participation in this wonderful event and hope that many of you will stop by to see the beautiful paintings of Evelyn Blair.
We are still accepting paintings for exhibition as well, and I know there are quite a few about town that have yet to make an appearance. If you can bear to part with your painting for a short while, it will make this event that much more of a success. Please call the Library if you can help, 224-4082. We’ll even come by and pick it up if you can’t make it down.
For those who don’t know much about Evelyn Blair, here’s a brief biography:
Evelyn Blair first came to Alaska in 1940 when her husband Tom was offered a job at Brown and Hawkins. Six months after their arrival found them both working for the Alaska Railroad. Evelyn was one of the first women to do so, working as a clerk and typist for one year, until she found work as one of the few florists in town, a job she had enjoyed previously in Seattle.
Her son, Mike, says that she resisted the somewhat rustic way of life adopted by Sewardites at the time, and at first scoffed at the usual dress, including heavy boots and jackets. However, it wasn’t more than six weeks after her arrival that she could be found, boots and all, down at the dock with the crowds of other Seward residents, to welcome passengers from the steamships.
Her skill as a painter quickly became well known as she refined her talent and began to earn money as an artist, including having her paintings chosen for exhibition at the annual Fur Rendezvous in Anchorage. She also designed covers for the Alaska Music Trail, a popular tour of modern art and music which Evelyn claimed was “one of the only real progressive, artsy things to come to Seward”.
Over the years, she busied herself giving piano lessons, working closely with the Pettitcoat Gazette and later helping found the Phoenix Log, and even serving as a telephone operator for the Army during WWII. All the while painting away. In 1974, when Evelyn departed Alaska for Ventura, CA, she left her mark in the homes and businesses of not only Seward, but all across Alaska.
Evelyn Blair passed away in 1991, but her beautiful works of art serve as a reminder of the remarkable woman who faced the challenges of rural Alaskan life with the poise and grace that would define so much of who she was, and who she helped others to be.
Her son Mike, born and raised here in Seward, is making a special trip from Colorado to be on hand for the Art Walk. Please stop by and say hello.
John McCain has chosen Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate.
The Providence Seward Medical and Care Center Clinic will be closed for appointments on Monday, September 1st 2008 in observance of Labor Day. The 24 hour Emergency Department will remain open for the community’s emergency needs.
If you have questions, please call 224-5205.
We have Produce and its SO good. Here’s what’s on the garden menu this week: Certified Organic: Red leaf butter head lettuce, sweet carrots, purple carrots, 4 kinds of beets, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, snow peas, shelled peas. Hot house tomatoes and cucumbers from Bell’s Nursery. If you can’t make it on Thursday, we’ll probably still have some left over for Friday and Saturday so check us out. Senior voucher’s and WIC coupons accepted. Everything is Alaska Grown! Abby Wentworth has her new earth flags and will be at the market Thursday through Saturday—her other earth flags have all sold out, so get her new design while they last! Organic, vegetarian Nachos with the “works” and gifts in the little red house. Still trying to figure out the logistics for the reindeer sausages and hope to have them available soon. The market is open 10am-4pm Thursday through Sunday and is located at 312 5th Ave. Contact Joanie at 760-815-8498 or thegrazingmoose@gmail.com
The 2009 Seward Community Calendar will soon be coming to town! A fund-raising effort for the Seward Band & Choir Boosters Association (SB&CBA), the community calendar promotes community spirit and is used to sponsor musical activities for local youth. For 2009, the calendar will have a unique picture each month. To identify suitable photographs, the SB&CBA is requesting community-oriented photographs be submitted by 8 September 2008. Photos should illustrate local community oriented scenes, events, activities, etc.
Monthly themes include:
- January—Polar Bear Jumpoff
- February—winter sports
- March—earthquake or other local history
- April—harbor opening/fishing
- May—playground build
- June—summer activities/cemetery walk/boats
- July—July 4th celebrations
- August—salmon derby
- September—art and music festival
- October—harvest/hunting
- November—schools/education
- December—lights/holiday train
Photos may be in either electronic or print format, of suitable quality and resolution, must not have copyright restrictions, and will not be returned. Photographers will be acknowledged in the calendar but will not be reimbursed. Photographs may be submitted to: sewardmusicians@gmail.com or Seward Band & Choir Boosters Association, PO Box 1438, Seward, AK 99664. To be considered, photos must be received by 8 September 2008. Questions, email sewardmusicians@gmail.com or call 224-4664.
Solicitations for calendar listings and advertising will begin in September.
Regular Seward City Council Meeting Action Agenda
Monday, August 25, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
The following Ordinance for Public Hearing and Enactment was approved:
Non-code Ordinance 2008-017, Appropriating Funds To Make Expenditures Which Could Influence The Outcome Of An Election Concerning A Ballot Proposition Addressing Exemption Of City Of Seward Municipal Elected And Appointed Officials From The Requirements Of Chapter 39.50 Of The Alaska Statutes, (State Of Alaska Public Official Financial Disclosure Law) In An Amount Not To Exceed $1,500.
The following Resolution was approved:
Resolution 2008-083, Authorizing The City Manager To Sign An Extension Of A Special Services Contract Between The City Of Seward And The Department Of Public Safety Providing Dispatch And Clerical Services To Public Safety Employees In The Seward Area For Forty Eight Thousand And Five Hundred Dollars ($48,500.00).
The following resolutions were pulled by the Administration:
Resolution 2008-084, Authorizing The City Manager To Appropriate Funds In The Amount Of $55,475.65 To The Evan Casey Skate Park Upgrade Project And Accepting A “Ten Percent” Grant From American Ramp Company.
Resolution 2008-085, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Contract With Architects Alaska, Inc. To Provide Professional Design Services For The Jesse Lee Home.
B. Other New Business Items
Read More>
Big Brothers Big Sisters is seeking committed volunteers to become Big Brothers or Big Sisters to a “Little” in the community. We have several great kids waiting for a positive role model in their lives. All it takes is the willingness to build a friendship and the commitment of one year. Could this be for you? Every week we will highlight a Little in your area that has been waiting to be matched with a Big. If you are interested in getting involved or learning more about the program call Beth Klein (907)263-2029 or email beth.klein@bbbs.org.
You could be matched with this great Little Brother! He is 10 years old and loves riding his bike, going to the beach, playing games, and snowboarding. He lives in a home with all women and would love the chance to hang out with a Big Brother. He would like a Big Brother that will help him with homework and teach him new things. He would prefer that his Big Brother be funny rather than sad. He would be best matched with an artistic and active Big Brother that can build a long-term friendship with him. This Little Brother has been waiting for almost 2 years and could truly benefit from some one on one time.
If you think you would make a great Big Brother to this Little call Beth Klein @ (907)263-2029
In the words of that gentle mountain minstrel, Skunkrat Steve: “If it’s good enough for a hobo, it’s good enough for you. So open up that can of beans, and pass that mountain dew.” Boy, now that just melts the 1/6 of my heart that’s pure hillbilly. But before anyone gets confused, we’re not on the subject of musical fruit or white lightnin’ today, though I’m sure I excited the palates of more than a few coonhound compadres out there. No, the spotlight today is on that most humblest of instruments, the harmonica.
Ask anybody in the Grand Ol’ Opry or the Funky Butt Dance Hall down in New Orleans and they’ll tell you square. “There ain’t no music like mouth harp music, and mouth harp music plays fair.” Now what they mean by that is that the harmonica is an instrument for everyone. Young or old, famous or not, the music to be made runs the gamut. From Folsom Prison to Key West corner, many a hardened man has shed a tear, a woman danced ’til dawn, to the sweet, sultry breath, that fire and heat blown free into the night, as a harmonica was played.
If I’ve struck a chord in anybody’s body but the body that you’re given won’t jive, don’t worry. If you’ve got the inspiration, then find some time, as Country & Blues Harmonica for the Musically Hopeless will have you stompin’ feet and blowin’ time on the next train out of town. How exactly you catch that train is up to you. It seems to be a specialty of author Jon Gindick to help out such hard-luck cases, but we’ll save his other book, Juggling for the Complete Klutz for another time.
From Johnny Cash to Cub Scout Jimmy, the harmonica has been a companion to many a lonely man dustin’ the trail. Perhaps it’s precisely the portability of the gadget that has won it such wide acclaim, but there’s also something to be said for it’s harmonics. Therein lies the beauty of the harmonica, as each and every note is tuned to harmonize with the others. Hence the name harmonica. (Don’t worry, I just learned that too.) So what that means is that although it takes practice to make people smile, at least you won’t be violating any laws of music from the get-go. I would say you can do no wrong, but I’m sure my mother remembers otherwise.
Now I must confess an ulterior motive to my selection today. In short, Seward’s music scene often reminds me of a monkey with a tambourine. It’s fun to watch and definitely entertaining, but it makes one wonder if we’re scraping the barrel at times. Now of course I mean no offense to the immense local talent we have on hand, but the traveling acts that pass our way make me wish sometimes that we’d both stayed home.
So what better place to start an all harmonica band than right here? It’s not like we’ll be diluting the talent pool. In fact, with a little practice, we might just own the night.
Happy harping.
Small Alaska Husky, black and brown, red collar and rabies tag. About 40 pounds. Went missing in the Mile 6/Questa Woods area Sunday August 24. Answers to Loki. Very sweet little dog if you have seen him, please call Walkers at 224-3848.
