www.turnagaintimes.com Hope Happenings FREE page 5 Lively Arts page 9 T U R N A G A I N TIMES Serving Indian, Bird, Girdwood, Portage, Whittier, Hope, Cooper Landing & Moose Pass VOL. 17, NO. 22 PEAKS OVER HOPE November 20, 2014 Girdwood residents and businesses to receive lower insurance costs A positive fire protection evaluation raised fire safety rating By Marc Donadieu Turnagain Times During the Girdwood Board of Supervisors meeting Nov. 17, Fire Chief William Chadwick announced that the Girdwood Volunteer Fire Department recently received an excellent evaluation by the Insurance Services Organization, allowing for significantly lower insurance costs for residents and businesses in the near future. The GBOS also passed three resolutions and approved a letter of support for a proposed Girdwood Cemetery. Chief Chadwick stood at the podium in the meeting room to deliver the good news about the fire department’s recent evaluation and what it means to Girdwood residents and businesses. Marc Donadieu/Turnagain Times Mountains peaks over Hope receive a dusting of fresh snow. DOT presents proposals for Seward Highway Improvement projects planned for Indian and Bird The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities held an open house at the Indian Valley Bible Chalet Thursday, Nov. 6. The evening meeting allowed the public to comment and review two proposed projects to improve the Seward Highway between mileposts 100 and 105 between the communities of Indian and Bird. The first proposed project is the “Seward Highway Left Turn Lanes,” which is part of the Highway Safety Improvement Project. The project will add left turn lanes and lighting at the Boretide Road and Sawmill Road intersections in Bird next to the Essential 1 gas station. The second proposed project is “Seward Highway MP 100105,” which is part of the 3R Project to resurface, rehabilitate, and restore the highway. The project will add a mile of multiuse pathway from Indian Road to Indian Creek on the north side of the highway, and rehabilitate the Bird Creek Bridge. Both of these projects are in the preliminary design stage, and the environmental impact documents are expected to be completed in 2015. Construction would begin in 2017, pending the acquisition of right-of-way and the availability of See Back Page, Highway Improvement PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ANCHORAGE, AK PERMIT NO. 353 ECRWSS Postal Customer Girdwood dog musher Dario Martinez found dead in downtown Anchorage His 13 dogs were seized by Animal Care and Control the day before his death; one dog was dead and 12 were underweight By Ken Smith Turnagain Times By Marc Donadieu Turnagain Times Inside this Issue Paddy Waggin’ ..........................3 Forest News..............................4 In Memory ................................4 Cooper Landing News ...............6 Powder Hound ..........................7 Mountain News.........................8 FVCS News ...............................9 Trooper Report ........................10 See Page 11, GBOS Meeting The body of a man hanging from a tree in downtown Anchorage on Thursday morning, Nov. 13, has been identified as 50-year-old Girdwood resident Dario Martinez, a wellknown dog musher. The Anchorage Police Department on Tuesday, Nov. 18, publicly identified the body as that of Martinez after attempts were made to notify his next-of-kin. “Over the past few days, APD Officers have made numerous attempts to try to contact NOK (next-of-kin), who are believed to be outside of Alaska, but officers have been unsuccessful in making contact,” the Anchorage Police Department said in an emailed statement. “If there are any other family who have not been contacted by police, we ask that they please call Sgt. Det. Markiewicz of APD’s Homicide Unit at 786-8582.” The day before Martinez’s death, his 13 dogs were seized in Girdwood by Anchorage Animal Care and Control officers after receiving an email that the dogs appeared to be suffering from neglect. “The investigation into the cause and circumstances surrounding the animals’ neglect is closed unless new information is learned,” the troopers said in a statement emailed Nov. 18. A day after the dogs were seized, the Anchorage Police Department received a phone call around 10 a.m. from a passerby who saw a deceased body hanging in a tree next to a parking lot of an office building at 750 West Second Avenue, said police spokeswoman Jennifer Castro. She said no foul play was suspected and the death appeared to be a suicide. On Wednesday, Nov. 12, at about 1:32 p.m., Anchorage Animal Control officers requested assistance from Alaska State Troopers to respond to Martinez’s residence in reference to a report of animals in need of care. Animal control officers located and seized 13 emaciated dogs, of which one dog was already dead due to lack of food, water, and care it was stated in a dispatch report by the troopers. The dogs were transported to the Anchorage Animal Shelter where they are recovering. As of Tuesday, Nov. 18, the Animal Control updated the condition of the dogs, stating that the dogs were eating well, gaining weight and were active and alert. “At this point, it is most important to gradually replenish their nutritional status,” stated Dr. Myra Wilson, Anchorage Animal Care and Control veterinarian and director. “AACC staff is caring for the dogs’ nutritional and social well-being.” For many years Martinez operated Chugach Express, a sled dog tour operation based at the end of a dirt road near the Girdwood airport. His highly trained Alaskan Huskies were the focus of Martinez’s life, and dog mushing was not only a business but a passion for him. A Celebration of Life for Martinez is being planned by some residents and business owners of Girdwood to be held at either the Sitzmark Bar and Grill or Challenge Alaska during the first week of December, said Judd Crosby, owner of the Silvertip Grill restaurant in downtown Girdwood. Page 2 Turnagain Times November 20, 2014 The Girdwood Scene By Paddy Notar Turnagain Times Correspondent Well, it’s that time of the year when everything is dark including the best part of the turkey. Yes, the year is flying by and hopefully we’ll be enjoying winter solstice, opening up Christmas gifts, and then gaining our sunlight back. Until then there are many things going on including Thanksgiving dinners, music and the beginning of the ski season. On Nov. 26, Alyeska Resort is having Pass Holder Appreciation Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s the one day where season pass holders get some private time to ski all on their own before the mountain opens up to the general public. Check the resort website for details. Also on Nov. 26 is the snow film series Pretty Faces. It’s a film on women who love skiing, and there are plenty of them out there. There will be three free showings at the Sitzmark at 6, 8, and 10 p.m. Nov. 27 is opening day for skiers, and it runs from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Boretide Deli and Sitzmark will open for the winter season, which will last seven days a week until the it’s over. There sitzmark music pass Add a Sitzmark Music Pass to your Season Pass for only $100 & get in to every show and event! Winter 2015 Jan. 2 & 3 Jan. 30 & 31 Feb. 20 & 21 Mar. 5, 6 & 7 Mar. 12, 13 & 14 Mar. 27 & 28 Apr. 3 & 4 Apr. 9, 10 & 11 Apr. 16, 17 & 18 Leftover Salmon Hot Dog & Ski Bunny Young Dubliners Deadphish Orchestra Jerry Joseph & the Jack Mormons Michal Menert Keller Williams Mother Hips w/Guest Nicki Bluhm Photonz will also be a Thanksgiving buffet at the resort with seatings at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 p.m. The price is $46 for adults and $23 for children 6-12. Check the website for more details. On Nov. 28 and 29, The Dirty Hands will be at the Sitz from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. They’re a little bit of country and lot of something else. I think most people will enjoy their music, and the show is free. Everyone enjoys that part. Dec. 1 is military Monday. Bring your ID to get discounts on lunch, rental equipment and free lift tickets. If you don’t know how to ski, then you’re really in luck because there will also be discounts on ski lessons. This deal is always one of the best of the year at the resort, so don’t miss out. If you’re not in the military, hurry up and enlist. Hopefully you’ll get the proper paperwork in time to go skiing. Just kidding. The mountain, of course, will be open to everyone, but you must have your military ID to get all the perks. It’s a small thank you to those that help keep our country safe. Trivia is coming back to the Sitz on Dec. 2 from 7-9 p.m. Bring your friends or just yourself and train your brain for a couple of hours. On Dec. 5 and 6 The Whipsaws will be coming into the Sitzmark to play. The shows are going on from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. They’re free and are 21 and over only please. Seeing The Whipsaws without having to hand over a nickel is a great deal, so take Marc Donadieu/Turnagain Times A sunset illuminates the sky over Turnagain Arm. advantage of it and dance the night away. Then again, if you dance like me, you might want to just have a drink and watch other people. Don’t forget that Jack Sprat is having its Thanksgiving multi-course meal as well. Frans Weits will be offering gnocchi that will melt in your mouth as well as his usual free range turkey with all of the fixings. Jack Sprat has some of the finest wines around to accompany the feast. Check their website for more details, and call them in advance for reservations. This event sells out early, so don’t wait. If you’re heading into town, you still have time to get your tickets for the Nutcracker Ballet going on at the Performing Arts Center. It’s a ritual every year for some people to bring in the holiday season, and for others it may be your first time. Adults enjoy it just as much as kids, and there are plenty of restaurants in downtown to dine at before or after the show. Don’t forget that the Gird- wood Center for Visual Arts is open on the weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout November. They will change to seven days a week in December. They have a number of different artists offering their works and nothing would make a better gift for someone. They’re located at 194 Olympic Mountain Loop, next to the Bake Shop. Always support your local artists. That’s it for me. I wish I had more to share, but it’s always a little quiet before the mountain gets into full operation. After Thanksgiving, things will get busy. Can you believe we’re approaching the end of November? As always, take it slow on the road, and let the idiots fly by you. The turkey they make in the hospital isn’t as good as the one you’ll have at home. If you go into Carr’s Safeway on Huffman, be sure to donate $10 and a bag of food that goes to a needy family. It’s important that we take care of one another. Enjoy your Thanksgiving. Bryan Epley Broker and Partner Sharnee Epley Associate Broker and Partner Ryan Donovan Associate Broker BEERS ON TAP / 21 & OVER / FOOD ‘TIL LATE Celebrating 20 years! full schedule online @ thesitzmark.com : 907-754-2275 The Turnagain Times is published the first and third week of each month by Midnight Sun Communications, LLC, Girdwood, Alaska. By Mail: P.O. Box 1044 Girdwood, Alaska 99587-1044 Publisher & Editor Ken Smith Associate Editor Marc Donadieu Serving Indian, Bird, Girdwood, Portage, Whittier, Hope, Cooper Landing & Moose Pass By Phone: (907) 783-1135 By Email: [email protected] Production Artist Matthew Bailey © 2014 Midnight Sun Communications, LLC Turnagain Times November 20, 2014 Page 3 Opinion PADDY WAGGIN’ The elections are over and so is Mark Begich’s tenure as a U.S. Senator. There will be no more phone calls to your homes or smart phones, no more finding your mailbox stuffed with useless flyers that you never bother to look at, and no more kids knocking on your door trying to talk you into voting for someone that only they believed in, and never met, because they were getting chump change to do so. What I find so humorous is Begich taking two weeks to concede the victory to U.S. Senator-elect Dan Sullivan. I think, deep down, he just can’t believe it. Even after the Associated Press called the election Begich still wouldn’t give in. He talked about the remaining 9,800 ballots or so which were in Juneau and needed to be added into the mix. This is a guy that simply doesn’t understand when he is done. Even his concession was laced with arrogance as he talked about winning 10 out of the 16 districts in Anchorage and how his Senate race was one of the closest in the country. Who cares? A loss is a loss. Just say, “Congratulations” and move on. Nope, not Begich. Regardless, there will be no more living in the D.C. world, no more senate patch on the jacket or being looked at as influential. And worse, he gets to join that tiny club of U.S. Senators that were defeated after only one term in office. After 20 years in politics, he’s back to square one. Come January, Begich is unemployed. What’s next? Maybe he’ll run after Murkowski’s seat in two years. After all, he’s a got a thirst for D.C. that nothing else will ever quench. Nonetheless, it would be a bad move as Alaska is definitely back to being red and Murkowski is now quite powerful with her taking over the chairmanship for the Energy and Natural Resources Com- PADDY NOTAR mittee. It’s a big position and will only help Alaska. Let us also not forget that her power on the Senate Appropriations Committee just moved up with Republicans taking over the majority. Maybe Begich could run against Don Young or become mayor of Anchorage again, but do any of those really fill the void of losing a U.S. Senate seat? Begich lost not because Sullivan was a better candidate or better educated – which he was – but because of the simple reason that the majority of voters don’t like him as much as he thinks they do. For most Alaskans this was karma coming full circle and biting him for doing so many things wrong during his political career – not only as U.S. Senator – but also as a mayor who fudged numbers and left Anchorage with a deficit that was even larger than his ego. After the election, I talked to a person who used to work in his mayoral camp and he said, “Begich had it coming. I won’t deny that.” People want their voices heard and they want their opinions to be taken seriously. Begich and the other Democrats that blindly sided with Senate majority leader Harry Reid and President Obama, lost accordingly, and it should be a lesson to anyone who thinks that voters aren’t watching. They were tired of Marky Mark and the Obama Bunch. You don’t get to abuse your power and go against the grain of what the people want. When that happens your adversaries run to the polls, and those that you thought liked you, hide and stay at home on election night. There were no large amounts of the minority vote or women running to the polls to say, “Begich is our man.” Instead, the opposite occurred. The voices of Alaskans feeling robbed by Obamacare, and not being asked what they thought, or being ignored when they spoke out, showed up in force on election night. People say that this wasn’t a referendum on the Democrats but, rather, a quiet nudging by voters that we should all learn to get along. Sure it was. Just like a mugging in a dark alley is a way to introduce yourself to someone. No, I don’t think this was people asking anyone to get along. I think this was a message to politicians like Begich to get out of politics altogether and make room for someone else – anyone else. People were angry. They were upset that Begich turned on Uncle Ted and then looked for a house in Washington while Anchorage scrambled to find the funds to pay for his poor bookkeeping. His six years as mayor were like an irresponsible kid with a credit card that had no limit. Did he really think people were going to forget that? Begich supporters kept saying, “All I hear is that Mark voted with Harry Reid and Obama 97 percent of the time. It’s getting old.” So what? It was a fact, and I love that Begich tried to dismiss it as if it weren’t that important. Do you know why things become cliché? It’s usually because they’re pathetically true. That basically sums up Begich’s first and only term as our U.S. Senator. For six years he was a Reid and Obama “yes” man and he paid the price. Alaskans will be holding Sullivan to the same high standard. Otherwise, people will give him the boot as well. In the meantime, we finally will have some checks and balances on the Obama administration even though I can guarantee you that he will be utilizing his executive privilege in a way that we have never seen before, but at least Begich won’t be there celebrating the abuse of power. He’ll be home wondering what went wrong and deciding whether politics is really his thing anymore. Then again, if he just didn’t bug people with kids knocking on their doors every day, sending out an endless amount of flyers that filled the muni recycle bins, and inundating people with ir- ritating phone calls during the election, he might have had a better chance. Who thought that was a good approach for an incumbent anyway? It was a bad move by his campaign people and made him look desperate instead of confident. Either way, if Begich is thinking about running for another office, I think he should take a lesson from legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi, who said, “Winning is habit forming. Unfortunately, so is losing.” Read the Turnagain Times online or download a PDF of the printed version: www.turnagaintimes.com You can also find useful stuff like tunnel and ferry schedules, road conditions, weather and more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age 4 Turnagain Times November 20, 2014 Forest News By Carolyn Seramur Special to the Turnagain Times Cutting your own holiday tree is a favorite activity this time of year. The Chugach National Forest has just the place to find that magical tree free of charge where each household or organization is allowed one tree. More specific guidelines are on the Christmas Tree Cutting quick link at www. fs.usda.gov/chugach. Make sure you are on land managed by the Forest Service and be south of Bertha Creek (MP 65.5 Seward Highway) to find your tree. Get a fresh spruce, and have a happy holiday season. Seasonal Reminders Crow Creek Road is not maintained for public use in the winter. There are no pullouts or trailheads plowed for public parking along the road. The last mile of Crow Creek road, up to Crow Pass Trailhead, is not plowed and when snow allows will have a snowberm to block access. This road and the Crow Pass Trail across large avalanche-prone slopes and are not recommended for winter travel. In addition, the Winner Creek Gorge Trailhead along Crow Creek Road is not maintained or plowed. The Hand Tram across Glacier Creek on the Winner Creek Trail was closed as of Oct. 22 for the winter season. Portage Valley recreation access is limited by snow. The Forest Service and Department of Transportation generally keep the following sites plowed: Moose Flats, Explorer Glacier, Five Fingers and near Portage Lake and the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is closed until May, 2015. Portage offers opportunities for skating on small ponds and wetlands, cross-country skiing on the Trail of Blue Ice or across frozen lakes. Four-inch thick ice is recommended to support foot traffic. Portage and other popular recreation areas are also popular furbearer trapping areas. Please use caution because strong-scented baits used by trappers can lure your dog to the trap. Campground gates at Bertha, Granite, Black Bear and Williwaw have been closed for the winter. Winter camping is allowed on most of the forest. Make sure you locate your camp away from avalanche prone slopes. Winter motorized use areas are open when adequate snowpack has accumulated, which is generally by Dec. 1. Firewood Collection To keep homes warm many use firewood, and firewood gathering is allowed across the Chugach National Forest for personal use. Please respect other land ownership in regards to knowing where you are taking wood. Taking only dead wood is one of the cutting guidelines, which can be found at the quick link Firewood Gathering at http://www. fs.usda.gov/chugach/ or as a handout at the Glacier Ranger Station Office. No log decks are currently available with the firewood gathering permit system. Granite Creek Revegetation Enhancement Project Area, which is located just southwest of Granite Creek Campground, is the only area you need a firewood permit. This area is the only place where gathering of standing live trees (under 6” in diameter) is allowed. If you’d like to cut in this area, come into the ranger station for a free permit that is good through the end of the calendar year. Trail Conditions Double check current status of trails by calling the Glacier Ranger Station Office MondayFriday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 7833242. Get out and recreate in your Chugach National Forest. Trails Presentation In addition to skiing, skating, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, trapping is also a forest activity that occurs primarily in winter. Traps can be found in the deep woods or even near your favorite trail. Usually they pose no danger to a human, but a curious dog following its nose or barreling through the snow can run into problems. Alaska Department of Fish and Game trapping regulations can be found at www.adfg. alaska.gov under the hunting link. The trapping season has started already and is open through the end of winter and even into May. Seasons vary with species and location. A Shared Trails Presentation by Alaska Trapping Association will be presented to inform the local community on Wednesday Dec. 3 at the Glacier Ranger Station Office in Girdwood at 7 p.m. A 25minute video and discussion on traps and snares, with tips on how to free something caught in a trap or snare, will be followed by question and answer session. This presentation has sometimes been coined as a Dog Safety Workshop. Come learn how to keep your dog safe around traps. The Alaska Trappers Association’s website: www.alaskatrappers.org has a short clip of the 25-minute video that will be shown at the presentation. Sharing Alaska Trail’s DVD is available for borrowing or checking out at the Glacier Ranger District Office during office hours on Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 783-3242 if you have any questions. Carolyn Seramur is the Program Support Assistant at the U.S. Forest Service Station in Girdwood, Glacier Ranger District Office Chugach National Forest. In Memory KATHLEEN “KITTY” SCANLON August 31, 1958 ~ September 26, 2014 Kathleen “Kitty” Scanlon lived her life to the fullest, achieving quality over quantity, and inspiring all who knew her until she finally surrendered to cancer on Sept. 26, 2014 at Providence Hospital in Anchorage. She was 56 years old. Kitty was born in Detroit, Mich. on Aug. 31, 1958. She earned a degree in political science from Northern Michigan University in Marquette. Her love of skiing took her on to Utah and ultimately Alaska in search of a longer ski season. Kitty settled in Girdwood in the late 1980s, working at the Sitzmark as a bartender and establishing a reputation as “that red-headed girl who runs on Alyeska Highway every day.” She also worked as a bartender and caterer at events at the Egan Center and the Sheraton, but in 2000 decided to fulfill an ambition to earn a law degree. She returned home to Michigan for this endeavor and graduated cum laude from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Mich. in 2003, immediately heading back to Anchorage and the mountains she loved. After a few years as a lawyer, Kitty had the courage to say, “I don’t really like this line of work after all.” She went on hiatus and took a job at REI and devoted her free time to skiing, hiking and biking. Diagnosed with cancer in 2009, Kitty faced her new adversary head on, working as a ski host for Alyeska Resort through multiple courses of chemotherapy, bouncing back after every setback, skiing Christmas Chute with enthusiasm at every opportunity in the winter and hiking Bird Ridge most Sundays in the summer. She especially enjoyed walking the Coastal Trail, logging 5 miles a day almost every day. Kitty will be remembered for her brilliant smile and ability to listen with focus and intent. Kitty is survived by her parents, Joe and Mary Scanlon, sisters Margaret (Jeff) Daniel, Micheleen (Jeremy) Mantei, brothers Joe and Pat Scanlon, and nieces Elise Daniel, and Mackenzie and Emma Mantei, all from Mich. She was preceded in death by an infant sister Michelle. Kitty’s memorial service will coincide with the 6 p.m. Mass at Our Lady of the Snows in Girdwood on Sunday, Nov. 30, with Father Leo Walsh officiating. A celebration of life will follow at the Sitzmark at Alyeska Resort. In lieu of flowers, Kitty requested donations to Hospice of Anchorage or the Providence Oncology Rehabilitation Program. JEFFREY WAYNE COLLINS July 30, 1973 ~ November 6, 2014 Jeffrey Wayne Collins passed away on Nov. 6, 2014 surrounded by his family. He was 41 years old. Jeffrey was born July 30, 1973 in Olney, Ill. and was the beloved husband of Christina Collins, a loving brother of Greg Collins and sister Cynthia Field, son to Larry Collins and stepmother Susan Hoblit. Jeffrey also leaves behind a stepson Aiden Hennigen, whom he enjoyed playing catch with and watching grow up as a young man. He cared very deeply about his family. After living in Indiana and Illinois, Jeffrey moved to Girdwood in 1998. It was there that his love for the outdoor activities flourished. He especially enjoyed fly-fishing and relished showing pictures of the one that didn’t get away. After spending several years in Girdwood, Jeffrey moved to Bird Creek. There he met many friends and played for the Brown Bear Softball Team during the Kidney Foundation Tournament. His athletic ability was appreciated as much as his sense of humor. Jeffrey was always quick with a joke and enjoyed making people smile. While in Alaska, Jeffrey became a very successful sales representative with 3M. He was often in the top tier of account executives throughout the country and thoroughly enjoyed meeting with customers and assisting them in growing their businesses. With his positive attitude about life, developing relationships were second nature to him. He was proceeded in death by his grandparents Ermal and Clara Mae Meador and Larkin and Edna Mae Collins. He is survived by his wife Christina Collins; his stepson Aiden Hennigen; his mother Janie Collins of Iuka; his father Larry Collins and stepmother Susan Hoblit of Atlanta, Ill.; his brother Greg Collins and wife Amy of Teutopolis, Ill.; his sister Cynthia Field and husband Matt of Vienna, Va.; his uncle and aunt Greg and Mary Ellen Meador of Robinson, Ill.; his Uncle Jerry Collins of Friendswood, Texas; his uncle and aunt Mike and Mary Richards of Friendswood, Texas; and his aunt Sarah Collins of Friendswood, Texas. He is also survived by his goddaughter Aubrey Elizabeth Collins, Liam Jeffrey Collins, Gibson Gregory Collins, and Alexandra Claire Field. Memorials may be made to Jeffrey W. Collins Memorial Fund in care of Dr. Dan Laheru, Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, 1651 Orleans St. Room 4M09, Baltimore, MD 21287. Turnagain Times November 20, 2014 Page 5 Hope Happenings By Jeannine Jabaay Turnagain Times Hope Correspondent It comes as a great surprise to many that the quiet, rural towns of Hope and Sunrise were once the largest communities in Alaska. Before Anchorage was even on the map of Alaska, the mining towns of Hope and Sunrise, separated by a mere 8 miles, had over 8,000 residents – most of whom were on a quest to find gold. Today, the census indicates 192 year-round residents. Although the grand crowds from 100 years ago have dwindled to a mere 16 dozen individuals, the history and culture of the area remains alive. Even in the quieter months of winter, much activity, society, and even adventure abounds. Tiny Tots Hour Got a little one anxious to run around, kick things, build things and run run run? Then Thursdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. will soon become your favorite hour of the week. The little guys are invited for a school gym takeover. Bring your child to the Hope School for a time of learning, exploring and creative activities in a parent-supervised playtime. Children ages 4 or younger are encouraged to participate. For more information, call Shannon at 351-8063. Church News The Hope Christian Church invites the community to join them in weekly services on Sundays at 3 p.m. This afternoon schedule is the perfect start time to afford a leisure morning, an early afternoon nap, and then a time of worship. Dig in deeper with the weekly Bible studies for women on Thursdays at 1 p.m. followed by a co-ed Bible study at 3 p.m. And for those in the Hope area with a financial need, the church opens its doors with a food bank each Thursday at noon (or by appointment). For more information, visit www.Facebook.com/HopeChurchAlaska. Ladies Luncheon Calling all of the loveliest members of the Hope Social Club. Ladies Luncheon is scheduled to be held at Cherryl’s on Friday, Nov. 21 from 1-2 p.m. Head on over for some great company and delicious eats. The Greatest Pies Ever Baked Think your pie baking skills are the best around? You might be right! And now you can prove it. Just in time for Thanksgiving, the Hope School will be hosting the Pie Auction & Baking Contest, a fundraiser for the PTSCA. Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m. will mark the time in history that the greatest pies ever baked in Alaska are announced. Baking categories will include: Judge’s Choice of Fruit Pie, Cream Pie, Savory Pie, Dessert (other), Prettiest Pie, Ugliest Pie, Most Interesting Pie, Pie that Raises the Most Money, and Most Pies Submitted. Each pie entry should include one pie to be auctioned and one pie to be judged. Coffee and cocoa will be served during the lively auction. For $20, you can be a part of the pie throw. More information can be had by calling 782-3202. Open Gym Night Come in out of the cold and get active. The Hope School opens its doors every Tuesday from 6-7:30 p.m., and all are invited to participate. Open Gym Night has seen events such as highly competitive games of basketball, gourmet chefs in active practice, bendy gymnasts flipping and twisting, and quiet readers engrossed in books from the school’s library. Stop in and join the fun. Teen Game Night Challenge Calling all 11-18 year olds. Get your competitive caps ready for the Monday Night Teen Game Night held at the Hirshey Cabin (Alaskan Byways B&B) on Monday, Dec. 1 from 7-9 p.m. At Teen Game Night, you are guaranteed to either win or lose, but either way you’re in for an epic evening of great fun.So grab a friend or two and head on over for a night you won’t soon forget. Call Derrick or Jeannine at 7481111 for more information. Youth Game Nights Got kiddos between the ages of 8 and eighteen? Kick Photo courtesy of Bianca Durrant Cross-country skier Mike Durrant enjoys fresh snow in a valley in Hope. them out of your house and send them on over to the Stavish residence each Thursday from 7-9:30 p.m. for a weekly game night. Rousing tournaments of Yahtzee, Monopoly, Sorry, Bingo, Cribbage, Backgammon, Battleship and many more are sure to ensue. Husky Herald Available the Husky Herald, the Hope School newspaper, is currently available at local businesses around town, as well as the Hope Library and Post Office. The December issue will be released during the first week of December. This monthly publication is written entirely by the students, staff and volunteers of the local school. Pick up your copy to read about the goings on of the school from the perspective of the students. PUBLIC NOTICE The November edition of The Whittier Harbor intends to sell the impounded vessel RAIDER Reg#8525 (sailboat) by public auction at 4:30pm on November 17, 2014 at the Whittier Council Chambers in Whittier Alaska. The owner of an impounded vessel may repossess the vessel if they pay all outstanding fees and charges owed to the Whittier Harbor with a cash only payment and remove the vessel from the City of Whittier, on/before November 16, 2014. Persons interested in bidding can inspect it on November 17, 2014, 10am to 4pm. The winning bid must be paid within 24 hours of auction close and arrangements made to remove the vessel from the harbor by 4pm on November 20, 2014. Cash and certified checks will be accepted for bid payment. MINIMUM BID: $8,351.65. Page 6 Turnagain Times November 20, 2014 Cooper Landing News By Susanna LaRock Turnagain Times Cooper Landing Correspondent STILL AWAKE Kingfisher Roadhouse Raises Over $1,000 for Cooper Landing School Dominic Bauer and Shannon Meredith, owners of Kingfisher Roadhouse, decided to donate all the proceeds for their last night of business in 2014 to the Cooper Landing School. It was a fun night with mostly locals eating wonderfully prepared meals and supporting the school. When the night was over, Shannon and Dominic and the little staff that they had at the end of the season had raised over $1,000 for the Cooper Landing School. The money was presented to Cooper Landing School’s Parent Advisory Committee and will be used to help pay for the students to have ski lessons at Alyeska as part of their physical education program. Recycled Fashion Show Postponed The 3rd Annual Cooper Landing Recycled Fashion Show has been postponed until the spring of 2015. If you would like more information or would like to keep track of this event and when it is happening, you can find that information at www.facebook.com/ events/367893603379622. Volleyball Two Nights a Week Cooper Landing School will be hosting Volleyball Nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. in Marc Donadieu/Turnagain Times A black bear at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage surveys its snow-covered pen. the school gym. This is a free event for anyone age 18 and up. Participants are encouraged to wear non-marking shoes. This is a great way to get out and enjoy some activity in the great indoors during these winter months. National Novel Writing Month November is National Novel Writing Month. Melissa Shirley Fish will be hosting writer workshops every Tuesday night from 5-7 p.m. at the Cooper Landing Community Library. Bring your writing abilities and your imagination to celebrate the season for writing. drink, and relax in our cozy library with some stimulating conversation. will be meeting at the Cooper Landing Community Library Friday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. to discuss the novel The Sisterhood by Helen Bryan. Everyone is welcome to join in the book club discussion. Bring a snack to share, your favorite Cooper Landing Emergency Services is a small volunteer ambulance service and fire department made up of local EMTs and volunteers. The Board of Directors is looking to hire somebody for a paid part time contract position to be the Chief of the Emergency Services and a small Fire Station. Under the general direction of the CLES board of directors, this person would be responsible for development and implementation of Cooper Landing Emergency Services Book Club Meeting Seeks Professional Friday Night Book Club Administrative Services administration and management services as delegated. This person would be expected to manage the emergency medical services program and day-to-day procedures for the fire department. The Board of Directors is looking for somebody with a minimum of 10 years of increasingly responsible firefighting and EMS experience, five years of which must have been as a fire officer or equivalent managerial role with a career or combination fire department. Pay will be dependent on experience. The deadline for application and resume submissions is Dec. 21. Contact Carrie Williams for more information at 598-1633 or cles@ arctic.net. ANCHOR INN For reservations call 1-877-870-8787 Vacation Condos for rent • Hotel Accommodations Affordable Rates • Satellite TV • FREE Parking Phone in Room • Full Service Restaurant • Laundromat Cocktail Lounge • Grocery Store • Gifts & Souvenirs Free Shuttle Service Call for details Short-term and Long-term Condo Suites available for rent Phone: 472-2354 Fax: 472-2394 P.O. Box 750 • Whittier, AK 99693 email: [email protected] Turnagain Times November 20, 2014 Page 7 Powder Hound It was a great summer, but our favorite season is approaching again folks. We may be having a bit of an awkward start to the season, but we all know that this is Alaska and the snow can come overnight to make up for the late fall rain we’ve been getting. It’s been great seeing those of you getting after it in the backcountry lately, and I hope it only continues as the snowpack becomes more stable and old man winter turns on his magical charm in the Chugach. However, we need to all make sure our gear is in line and in functioning condition before the slopes get good. Nobody wants to be caught on a powder day wishing he or she had taken care of boot problems before standing at the top of a fun line, pausing while their feet get blood flow and watching everybody else track it up. This is the time of year when all the ski veterans make sure to perform a thorough check on all of their equipment to make sure their bases aren’t dry, their boot buckles all function, their outerwear still has some waterproofing left and, of course, that their foot beds still have life left. If you do not have a foot bed, now is the time because there is absolutely no ski boot on the market that will ski at its potential until there is a supportive element under the foot. And if you do not know what a foot bed is, then your boot fitter has not done his or her job of informing you on just how comfortable a boot can feel, even after a long day on the mountain. There are many types of arches and just as many types of support to accommodate them, but I will save you from too much boot fit jargon in this week’s column and get back to the basics. Make sure that your gear is in working order. If you are in the market for a new pair of boots (and yes, the technology has changed a lot in the past decade), there is no better time than now to get set up. Your local ski shops have a full inventory at this time of season and at this time only. When you are deciding on where to shop for new boots, make sure it is where you will be spending most of your time skiing. It is well known that boot fitting is a bit of a process, and there are a ton of small tweaks that can be done to perfect the feel of the boot. This can be an easy few minutes off the hill if you can ski up to where you purchased the boots and have a professional boot fitter make a quick adjustment to get you back out enjoying the day. And in case you haven’t heard, Powder Hound is now the proud home of four certified, highly trained boot fitters to take care of your every Read the Turnagain Times online or download a PDF of the printed version: the snow comes, it will be an epic season that we’ve all been waiting for. We look forward to seeing all of you in the mountains this winter. 2015 XV CROSSTREK www.turnagaintimes.com You can also find useful stuff like tunnel and ferry schedules, road conditions, weather and more. need whether you purchased your boots with us or anywhere else. So hold on, keep your legs strong and get excited. When Love where it takes you. 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek Limited • Power Sliding Moonroof • Heated Front Seats • 6-Speaker Audio • Much more! 26 CITY 34 HWY The 2015 XV Crosstrek boast 34 highway mpg with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive plus 8.7 inches of ground clearance. It gives versatility and traction to tackle rough terrain, back roads, or anywhere on the map. Add a spacious interior, a flexible cargo area with 60/40-split folding rear seats, and standard integrated roof rails, and you’ll have plenty of room for everything, to make your day one to remember. Photo may vary from actual vehicle. MPG: Based on 2014 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle. INTERNATIONAL & OLD SEWARD • ANCHORAGE • 563-2277 Page 8 Turnagain Times November 20, 2014 Mountain News By Amy Quesenberry Special to the Turnagain Times Meet the athletes and win great prizes! Sitzmark Opening Day Live at the Sitzmark The Sitzmark Bar & Grill will open for winter season on Wednesday, Nov. 26 to coincide with Season Pass Holder Ski Day. There will be 3 free showings of Lynsey Dyer’s all-girl ski movie Pretty Faces at 6, 8 and 10 p.m. The 10 p.m. show is 21 & over only. The first concert of the winter will feature a free show by The Dirty Hands on Nov. 28 and 29. Self-described as twangy, pork slangin’, booze sippin’, blues rock, this show is sure to be a rowdy kickoff to ski season at the Sitz. Other upcoming free shows include The Whipsaws on Dec. 5 and 6 and Bluegrass Ball on Dec. 12 and 13. Don’t miss out on the first big show of 2015 with legendary jam band Leftover Salmon on Jan. 2 and 3. Tickets cost $30 and can be purchased online or at 907754-2275. Aurora Sunday Brunch Nothing says Sunday like football, brunch and Bloody Marys and the Aurora Bar & Grill will be serving all three on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The brunch menu features eggs benedict three ways: classic, Florentine and salmon. There are also omelets and other creative egg dishes. Add a $7.50 Absolut Bloody Mary for the perfect Sunday fun day. Yoga Classes With the ski season rapidly approaching, it’s a great time to start using consistent yoga practice to build strength and flexibility before hitting the slopes. Yoga will not only make you ski or ride stronger and harder but also help you avoid injuries. With the winter schedule beginning Dec. 2, Alyeska Resort will be hosting yoga classes Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., Saturdays at noon and 5 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. The cost per class is $15. A ten pack punch card is available for $120. Classes and punch cards can be purchased at the Spa at Alyeska. Tentative Opening Day – Nov. 27 Opening day for the 2014/15 ski season is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 27. The resort plans to be running the lifts for skiing and riding from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., conditions permitting. The Read the Turnagain Times online or download a PDF of the printed version: Live Music Every Weekend #holysitz ALYESKA RESORT | GIRDWOOD, ALASKA www.turnagaintimes.com OTC Web Design “Your imagination is the only limitation ” FREE NOVEMBER 26 Snow Film Series: PRETTY FACES An All Female Ski Movie 3 Shows: 6, 8 & 10 pm FREE NOVEMBER 28 & 29 The Dirty Hands Twangy Booze Sippin’ Blues Rock FREE DECEMBER 5 & 6 The Whipsaws 10 Years of Hard-Driving Rock DECEMBER 6: Ski Patrol Auction – 8 pm BEERS ON TAP / 21 & OVER / FOOD ‘TIL LATE full schedule online @ thesitzmark.com : 907-754-2275 OF F TH E C H A I N www.otcwebdesign.com lack of snow at this time could affect Alyeska Resort being able to open as scheduled, but we remain optimistic. Crews are ready to begin snowmaking operations as soon as Mother Nature cooperates and the rest of the winter staff is standing by until the next big storm. As we get closer to the big day, announcements will be made on specific terrain and chairlifts open to the public. Think snow! Alyeska Resort also tentatively plans to open the ski area on Wednesday, Nov. 26 exclusively to our 2014/15 season pass holders for Season Pass Holder Appreciation Day. Lifts are scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make sure to check the online snow report or call the SKI-SNOW hotline (907-7547669) for confirmation on lift and trail status. Mountain Learning Center The Mountain Learning Center team is looking for enthusiastic skiers and riders to join our team of instructors for the 2014-15 winter season. The 2-day Instructor Training Course is designed as a training program for anyone interested in improving their teaching skills. Job offers will be extended to selected participants upon completion of the course. The course is scheduled for Dec. 6 and 7, and the registration deadline is Nov. 30. More details are available online. Registration is now open for the Alyeska Heroes Snowboard Team, a Saturday or Sunday program for riders ages 8-12. This multi-week, all-day program will improve snowboarding skills from the basics of linking turns to accessing the whole mountain with skill. The registration deadline is Nov. 30. Register online or call the MLC at 907754-2280. Turnagain Times November 20, 2014 Page 9 Lively Arts By Ron Holmstrom Turnagain Times Correspondent Local holiday shows are starting to appear around town, so there will be plenty for the whole family to do beginning this week. Anchorage Community Theatre (ACT), will be opening Christmas Belles, the wacky holiday comedy this week on Friday, Nov. 21. The story: A church Christmas program spins hilariously out of control in this Southern farce about the squabbling Futrelle sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa, a vengeful sheep and a reluctant Elvis impersonator. Director Don Gomes told me about the show this week: “I’ve not seen the play before, but found myself laughing out loud as I read it the first time. I figured that was a good sign. Directing Christmas Belles has been a great joy. The actors have worked very hard and have created some wonderful characters. The cast has been very inventive. There were several times when serendipity gave us a real insight and addition to a scene. “This is a perfect show to bring friends and family and have a fun time. ACT will have a barrel for folks to bring non-perishables for the Food Bank of Alaska. On Thursday, Dec. 4, anyone wearing a Christmas sweater will get $1 off the ticket price.” ACT is located at 1133 E. 70th Ave, right off of Old Seward. The show opens Friday, Nov. 21 and runs through Dec. 21. Showtimes are Thurs. through Sat. at 7 p.m. and Sun. at 3 p.m. There will not be a performance on Thanksgiving. Tickets are available at Centertix.net or at ACT, 868-4913. ACT’s website is at: http://www.actalaska.org. The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) opens its theatrical season with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night or What You Will. Directed by Steven Hunt, this show kicks off an entire season of Shakespeare-themed productions, which will include Rosencrantz and Gildenstern and William Shakespeare’s Land of the Dead - A True and Accurate Account of the 1599 Zombie Plague. (More on this play will be covered in future columns.) The director told me: “I proposed this play because it’s always been one of my favorite Shakespeare plays. It is both a love story as well as a rambunctious comedy. It contains some of Shakespeare’s most memorable characters. Dan Carlgren has created the facade of an Elizabethan Theatre on our stage. We’re doing the play with no scene changes, but allowing the play to flow from one scene to another as it would have been done in Shakespeare’s day. In this sense, we are exploring the play organically in a space similar to the one in which it was originally performed. The costumes, designed by Lisa-Marie Castro, are of the period as well.” Twelfth Night plays Nov. 21 through Dec. 7. Curtain Times: Friday & Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m. on the Main Stage at UAA. Tickets are on sale now at UAATix. com or 786-4TIX. Hunt also added, “In addition to the facade of the Elizabethan stage, we’ll also have Photo courtesy of Tony Batres Frankie (Ashlee Ray), Honey Raye (Jane Henriksen Baird) and Geneva (Kaichen McRae) perform in the ACT production of Christmas Belles. a sort of “groundling” area – special seats that are right up against the stage that are at a lower price (extra for a cushion!) for the audience to get up close with the action. Should be a lot of fun!” For their holiday show, Cyrano’s Theatre Company (CTC) is presenting Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, the musical based upon the award-winning children’s book and directed by Janet Stoneburner. Judith Viost wrote the book and lyrics and the music is by Shelly Markham, whom many will remember from CTC’s Cabaret Benefit this past June. Opening night on Friday is a benefit for Big Brothers and Big Sisters with a special post performance party featuring entertainment by composer Markham. I had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Stoneburner about the show. She said, “I had the pleasure of stage/production managing a version of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day while I was working at Alaska Theatre of Youth as Director of Programs. Sandy (Harper-CTC Artistic Director), and I were talking about the current season at Cyrano’s at a wedding and I was telling her how much fun working on Alexander had been and everything just fell into place. I’ve been blessed with an amazing production team with Nancy Caudill (vocal coach) Brendon Mezzetti (music director) and “MeMe” Jenkins (choreographer).” Cyrano’s is located at 4th & D downtown, and tickets for the show are available at Centertix.net. Showtimes are Thurs. through Sat. at 7 p.m. and Sun. 3 p.m. Cyrano’s is also holding a children’s writing contest. Share a “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day” story and you could win a great prize. Also, Friday, Nov. 21 will be Cyrano’s Day at Barnes and Noble with discounts on books, celebrity readings from the book and awards for the writing contest. For more information, go to their website at www.cyranos.org. That wraps it up for this edition, but watch this column for more information on all the doings this holiday season. And please tune in to Your Entertainment Link every Thursday during the FOX-4 News Hour at 9 p.m. for my weekly segment on all of the fun stuff happening around town. Chess Club Wednesday after school through Jan. 21 will sharpen concentration, logic and mental calculations for all levels. Many would agree the younger ones could always use sharpening and exercise for a good night sleep. Pre-school Playgroup will take place in the Community Room through Jan. 20, 9:3011a.m. for $3/child/class with parent company. Play in an open space with other small children and meet new parents and friends in our community. Family Storytime every Friday is at 10:30 a.m. at the Girdwood Library for those 5 and under, featuring 30 minutes of stories, songs and more. Lapsit is on Saturdays, also at 10:30 a.m. for those 3 and under accompanied by caregivers. Enjoy short stories, songs and repetition. Come join the literacy fun. Adults Only Wednesday Walking Club and Friday Running Club can get you moving during the week after a long day. Just show up. FVCS has a walking and running club. Stroll with friends on Wednesday evenings for one hour or jog with a buddy. On Fridays you can kick into the weekend with a 6:30 p.m. running routine that lasts 30 minutes to one hour. See the FVCS website for more information. Lastly, a little more fun never hurt. It’s time to improve your cross-country skiing skills. Girdwood Masters Cross Country lessons will be offered again this season in cooperation with Girdwood Nordic Ski Club and Alaska Nordic Masters. Skiers of all abilities in both skate and classic will meet Sunday from 10-11:30 a.m. in Moose Meadows. Register online and commit now to a winter season of technique improvement and more efficient skiing with fun to boot. Sessions begin Nov. 23, with conditions allowing. Keep in mind that Punch Passes for Adult Fitness Classes are available for purchase. Make it a gift, make yourself more flexible, present and a communityminded contributor. Meanwhile, make sure our FVCS page is a bookmark on your favorite browser, like us on Facebook and check often. FVCS News By Briana Sullivan Special to the Turnagain Times First and foremost, on behalf of FVCS Board and staff, we would like to express a heartfelt “Thank You” to each and every volunteer who assisted with the Sport Swap Saturday, Oct. 18. Because of you and your participation in this event, we are happy to report that this year’s swap was extremely successful. Not only is this event a fundraiser for Four Valleys Community School, it is a great local volunteer opportunity that brings out almost 100 volunteers annually. Part of our mission is to build community, and this fundraiser is not only fun and social, but also a valu- able community service that puts money back into the local economy (your pockets). Thank you Girdwood for participating and to those who helped to make this event possible. Special thanks to Alyeska Resort, which donates the use of the Daylodge each year, and to our local Subway for providing food for our volunteers. Thank you for helping to make the Sport Swap such an incredible community event. You are sincerely appreciated. While there may seem like plenty to do before the holidays take over your calendar, give the children of four valleys opportunities that will exercise their minds and bodies. Precipitation or sunshine, Page 10 Turnagain Times November 20, 2014 TROOPER REPORT The Alaska State Troopers reported the following incidents. Any charges reported are merely allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. status revealed that he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for alleged sexual assault. Farah was arrested at the scene without incident, transported, and remanded to the Anchorage Jail where he was held on $10,000 bail. Motor Vehicle Collision/Warrant Arrest Driving While License Suspended MILE 80 SEWARD HWY—October 31 around 8:30 p.m., troopers responded to a single vehicle collision near milepost 80 of Seward Highway. An investigation revealed that Mahmoud M. Farah, age 22 of Anchorage, lost control of a his 2006 Chevrolet Impala and struck a guardrail. A check of Farah’s license GIRDWOOD—November 6 at approximately 9:35 a.m., troopers contacted Aaron J. Richardson, age 21 of Anchorage, during a traffic stop for a moving violation. An investigation revealed that Richardson’s driver’s license was suspended for Failure to Maintain Liability Insurance. Richardson was issued a misdemeanor citation and ROAD PROBLEMS HOTLINE Girdwood Service Area Road Maintenance Department 343-8374 Classified Advertising Up to 25 words for $20 • 25¢ each additional word Email: [email protected] Tel: 783-1135 • Fax: 907-783-1136 P.O. Box 1044, Girdwood, AK 99587 All classified ads must be paid in advance either by including payment when placing the ad or charging it to a VISA or MasterCard. Please mail, email or fax your order with payment. Hiring an Executive Assistant: The Executive Assistant provides support for the Executive Team and ensures the smooth operation of the AWCC office, accounting, and administrative functions. For more information go toalaskawildlife.org/about/jobs. Firewood for Sale: $100 Qtr / $175 Half / $295 Full, plus 10 percent fuel surcharge. Free kindling, plus delivery fee for Girdwood and surrounding areas. We can haul 2 cords at once. Call Best Split Firewood at 727-5928. Studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments for rent in Whittier: Winter Rates – Studio $600, 1BR $700, 2BR $800 and 3BR $850. Utilities included. Call 472-2398. Girdwood Lots for Sale: All utilities, in flat, sunny locations with best views. Call Tim at 632-8467. City of Whittier seeks Harbor Technician: $14.58/ HR. Duties: Under the supervision of the Harbormaster and Harbor Officer II, provides maintenance, repair and safe use of all harbor facilities. To apply: Complete job description, qualifications and application form can be found at www.whittieralaska.gov. Submit completed applications to [email protected] by November 5, 2014: 2 p.m. agreed to appear in court at a later date for Driving While License Suspended and a minor offense citation for Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance. Richardson was released without incident and the vehicle was then turned over to a licensed driver. REDDI, Driving While License Revoked, Warrant Arrest MILE 90 SEWARD HWY—November 6 at about 2:05 p.m., troopers conducted a traffic stop on a REDDI (Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately) vehicle, a 1983 tan Chevrolet van near mile 90 of the Seward Highway. Investigation revealed the driver, Robert Yearwood, age 43 of Anchorage, was driving with a revoked driver’s license and had an outstanding arrest warrant. Yearwood was issued a misdemeanor citation for Driving While License Revoked. The vehicle was released to a licensed driver from Girdwood. Yearwood was arrested and remanded to the Anchorage Jail for the warrant. Bail was set at no bail. Violation of Protective Order MILE 100 SEWARD HWY—November 7 at approximately 10:30 a.m., troopers conducted a traffic stop for a moving violation near milepost 100 of the Seward Highway in Indian and contacted the driver, Benjamin W. Brookshire, age 52 of Kasilof. An investigation at the scene revealed that Brookshire was in Violation of a Protective Order issued by the Kenai Court. Brookshire was released at the scene without incident, charges to be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review. Criminal Trespass GIRDWOOD—November 8 around noon, troopers were contacted by a citizen of Anchorage who reported that an unknown person(s) had entered her residence in Girdwood. An investigation revealed that several people entered a residence off of Davos Road on Nov. 7 and were confronted by the homeowner’s family on Nov. 8 at which time they fled the scene prior to the trooper’s arrival. If you have any in- formation about this or any other crime please contact the Alaska State Troopers at 907262-4453 or Crime Stoppers at 907-561-STOP (7867). Criminal Mischief / Criminal Trespass GIRDWOOD—November 8 at about 10:30 a.m., troopers were contacted by a citizen of Girdwood who reported that an unknown person(s) had come onto her property and slashed two of the tires on her vehicle, which was parked at her residence on Cortina Road in Girdwood. If you have any information about this or any other crime please contact the Alaska State Troopers at 907262-4453 or Crime Stoppers at 907-561-STOP (7867). Search and Rescue COOPER LANDING— November 9 around 4:26 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a boater in distress on Skilak Lake. An investigation revealed Eric Ohlson, age 47 of Anchorage, became stranded on Skilak Lake after experiencing engine malfunctions and power-loss on his 22-foot vessel. Central Emergency Services (CES) deployed a rescue vessel, which ran ashore and stranded all four crewmembers near Caribou Island. Air assets were deployed through the Rescue Coordination Center (RCC); Ohlson as well as the CES emergency responders, were safely recovered. No injuries were sustained. Motor Vehicle Collision, Damage GIRDWOOD—November 9 around 5:19 p.m., troopers responded to a vehicle-tovehicle collision at the Girdwood Mercantile. An investigation revealed that Austin M Keene, age 21 of Girdwood, parked and left his 2006 Honda Civic unattended in the parking lot. Investigation revealed that it was struck by another vehicle, which then left the scene. If you have any information about this or any other crime please contact the Alaska State Troopers at 907262-4453 or Crime Stoppers at 907-561-STOP (7867). The investigation continues. Drunken Person On Licensed Premises GIRDWOOD—November 12 at approximately 10:51 p.m., troopers contacted Jamey Gioffre, age 37 of Girdwood, inside the Chair 5 Bar. An investigation revealed Gioffre was highly intoxicated and a drunk person while inside Chair 5 Bar. Gioffre was arrested, transported, and remanded to the Anchorage Jail. Bail was set at $250. Turnagain Times November 20, 2014 Page 11 GBOS Meeting Continued from page 1 “Every five years,” Chadwick said, “the Insurance Services Organization comes up here and does an evaluation of our fire protection. It includes our water supply from the water utility and our ability to take on truck water to the areas that don’t have hydrants. They evaluate our pump capacity. They evaluate our personnel, our level of training, and all of our ability to take and put it all together and operate it with a structure fire.” Chadwick explained how the ratings have incrementally improved over the last 16 years that he has been fire chief, culminating in the current excellent rating. As a result of the rating, insurance companies charge less to insure structures because there is less fire risk. “The bottom line is it significantly lowers insurance costs, significantly lowers rents, I hope, because of it, and a significantly better environment to operate a business in.” Chadwick stated that this rating places the fire department and its ability to respond to fires among the best in Alaska, and he gave credit to the people whose efforts have made it happen. “These are some excellently amazing numbers,” Chadwick said. “Just to put this into perspective, there are only two other fire departments in the state of Alaska that made it to class 2. This isn’t just the money we’re putting into it. This is the dedication to the people that are coming to meetings. It’s people that are showing up on the calls and people that are working really hard and putting in the training hours.” Before he left the podium, Chadwick also urged drivers to be safe on the highway. “Please let’s drive carefully out there,” he said. “It’s dark. We don’t have a lot of snow yet, and visibility is really, really bad. Slow down. Take it easy. Leave a few minutes early. Enjoy the scenery. Let’s keep as many of us alive as we can.” In old business, the GBOS addressed three resolutions. The first resolution dealt with the Turnagain Arm Service Coalition (TASC), which is looking to construct a multiuse community facility to house Little Bears Playhouse, the Girdwood Health Clinic, and a recreation center. TASC’s goal is to develop a viable model the three groups can afford and bring benefits to the community. The board unanimously passed a resolution showing support for the application by the Municipality of Anchorage for TASC to be accepted into the Foraker Group’s Pre-Development Program, which is part of the Rasmussen Foundation. The program brings together a variety of professionals to advise community organizations of the best ways to manage their projects and keep them sustainable. Once the Municipality of Anchorage signs the application, it will be submitted to the Rasmussen Foundation with the hope of TASC being accepted and sponsored. This sponsorship is the next step in a lengthy process. The Heritage Land Bank has set aside acreage where the facility can be built, and in September the GBOS unanimously voted to assume the Municipality of Anchorage as the owner and operator of the facility. The second unanimously passed resolution on the agenda was to reallocate $50,000 from the Undesignated Fund to Girdwood’s Roads Capital Improvement Fund. This resolution now goes to the Anchorage Assembly for approval. By placing the $50,000 into the Roads CIF, the funds become available to the GBOS to manage road projects without approval of the Anchorage Assembly. The third resolution, which also passed unanimously, was approval for funding of an engineering study, design, construction plans, and bids to replace the culverts at Mt. Hood, Davos Road and Lake Tahoe Road. These three culverts have been identified as priorities due to their deteriorating conditions. “This is a low spot within the drainage, and it’s prone to build up of sediment that comes down from the valley,” said Kyle Kelley, Municipal Liaison to Girdwood. “All three culverts, more particularly Davos and Mt. Hood, are starting to fail. They are starting to crush in on the top. These three areas have been identified in the current drainage plan as priority fixes. The board, with getting this study and design completed, would produce bid ready documents and also permitting to do the construction, and we’ll get a solid, estimated cost for how much it’s going to cost. From there, we’ll determine how we’ll fund the construction part.” The current estimate for the study is $149,571, and funding would come from the 406 account, which existing funds can cover. The project would be finished by next spring. The project’s additional benefit would allow the culverts to become approved fish passages because the habitat will be improved. The culverts are not currently designated as fish passages, Kelly said. The final item of business was Supervisor Tommy O’Malley’s request of the board for a letter of support for the development of longterm operations of a cemetery in Girdwood. The step allows the board to continue to get information about this possible project. He said the letter of support is not a commitment to build a cemetery, which would require many more steps, approvals and studies. “What we’re asking is for the assembly to request an ordinance to be written that would allow the GBOS the power to operate and maintain a cemetery here in Girdwood,” O’Malley said. “That ordinance would be put on the ballot to be voted on next April in the municipal election, but only in Girdwood.” The board unanimously approved writing a letter of support for the Girdwood Cemetery to the Anchorage Assembly. Angel Tree program is a Christmas gift for children in need By Robyn Kenny Special to the Turnagain Times The Angel Tree program provides a way for you to give gifts to those in need at Christmas time. Without the Girdwood PTA Holiday Bazaar being held this year, we wanted to make sure the community is aware that the Angel Tree will be set up outside of the Four Valleys Community School office beginning Dec. 1 for you to sign out an angel. The tree is set up to help local families with gifts this holiday season. Boys and girls of all ages in our area will be delighted when they find special gifts under the tree that you, their secret Santa, have helped provide. If your business or organization is looking for ways you can help families this Christmas, the Angel Tree Committee is always looking for more people to help our community children have a better Christmas. Monetary donations are also accepted. The money collected will be used to purchase gift certificates to grocery stores to help subsidize the food baskets provided to these families. If you have any questions or know of any children that might need some assistance this holiday season, please call Robyn Kenny at 783-1395. ALASKA WILDLIFE C O N S E RVAT I O N C E N T E R WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU WITH FR FREE R REE RE E E ADMISSION! SATURDAY, Nov. 29th 10am – 5pm A special THANK YOU to our supporters: Read the Turnagain Times online or download a PDF of the printed version: www.turnagaintimes.com Find useful stuff like tunnel and ferry schedules, road conditions, weather and more. TOTE Totem Ocean Transportation Express • Craig Taylor Equipment • Alaska Mining & Diving Supply • Princess Tours • Logistics LLC. • MSI Communications • Aleutian Pribilof Community Development Association • Fairbanks Fire Department • STG Inc. Construction • Anchorage Fire Department • Margaret, Ethan and Rebecca Tyler • Kingport Industrie • Edelweiss Enterprises LLC. • UAF Reindeer Research Program • Grassroots Strategies • Bear trust International • Rasmuson Foundation • Atwood Foundation • ConocoPhillips Alaska • Carlile Transportation • UAF School of Natural Resources & Agricultural Sciences • Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation • Girdwood 2020 • Alyeska Resort • Byrne Family • Safari Club Alaska Chapter • Safari Club Kenai Chapter • Anchorage Soil & Water Conservation District • USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service • Home Depot • Fred Meyer Foundation • Senator Cathy Giessel • Estate of William Strauss • McGee Foundation • Doug Lindstrand / Sourdough Studio • Turner Endangered Species Fund • Princess Cruises • Holland America Line • Alaska Railroad • Carrs / Safeway • Costco • Pope & Young • John Deere • Magic Metals • Royal Celebrity Tours • Pick Click Give • Koniag Native Corporation • Representative Mike Hawker • Alaska Grown Program • Agrium • SKAL Club of Anchorage • Wasilla Veterinarian Clinic • Patron Spirits Company • Joe Boxer Clothing Company • Plumbers & Steam Fitters • Teck Cominco • Popperts Milling • Pat’s Rock Art • GCI • Enstar • Alyeska Pipeline Service Company • Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation • McLaughlin Family Trust • Forget Me Not Nursery • Bells Nursery • Nelli Williams • Alaska Club • Paul Roseland • North Face Explorers Fund • Wells Fargo • BP Exploration • CIRI Alaska Tourism Corporation • Kenai Mountain Turnagain Arm Heritage Area • Alaska Stone Care • Senator Lisa Murkowski • Lynden Air Cargo • Bass Pro Shops • Alyeska Pipeline • Rose Foundation MILE 79, SEWARD HIGHWAY | PORTAGE, AK 99587 | 907.783.2025 w w w . a l a s kawildlif e.o r g Page 12 Turnagain Times November 20, 2014 Highway Improvement Continued from page 1 federal highway funds. Both projects are initially estimated to cost $30 million. The goal of these combined projects is to make this section of the Seward Highway safer to drive by maintaining the roadway and eliminating hazards that contribute to accidents. “Both of them are safety based at their core,” said Sean Baski, project manager for AKDOT&PF. When asked why the changes were necessary, Baski replied, “A number of the accidents on this stretch of the road are due to intersection related accidents. Any community that is along a major highway system like the Seward Highway experiences issues where you have conflicting local area turning movements in and out of the highway system. “The approach that was taken on by the department was to try to provide a meaningful alternative in the left turn pocket approach to direct traffic into an area without adding a much larger facility.” Baski said that the public’s response to the projects has been positive, but there are still concerns to be addressed. “In general, they are well received,” he said. “Now we’ve heard some comments about concerns with local access in certain areas. There are a couple of concerns because it’s a safety corridor.” One area of particular concern is highway access and the elimination of some driveways where a piece of property has multiple points of access to the Seward Highway. “As part of the highway safety improvement plan project, one part was driveway consolidation and access management to the highway facility,” said Baski. He said the reason for removing some of these access points is to improve highway safety by eliminating factors that contribute to accidents on this stretch of highway. “Traffic engineers have recognized for a long time through studies that whenever you have an increase in the number of driveways or approaches to a facility like the highway, it has an inherent increase in accident rates along that same corridor,” Baski said. “With a safety corridor like the Seward Highway, there is an opportunity to try increase the overall safety of the highway system by removing accesses where we can. Now obviously we can only do those in certain small areas where there is already access that’s available such as side approaches or a number of accesses going to one single parcel.” One of the pressing questions of the proposed project concerns the Essential 1 gas station and whether direct access to the highway would be closed in favor of access from Sawmill Road. “Right now the alternative that was presented at the open house did have that,” said Baski. “After a number of comments, we’re looking at impacts in that area. We have meetings with the property owners. “We’re trying to get a discussion with Alaska Trucker’s Association because they represent the trucking industry to make sure we facilitate all the needs of the users realizing at the same time we’re trying to increase the safety of the general public.” Other concerns from the public include minimizing disruptions to areas of high use. “Part of the scope is replacing the bridge over Indian Creek,” Baski said, “so there are concerns over how to do that without interfering with the ball field and it’s parking because it is used actively throughout the summer and how construction would impact that. “There are also concerns about, obviously from private residents and businesses along the way, where we do need to widen the footprint of the road to add the pathway.” This situation means that property and right-of-way will have to be acquired to go forward with the projects, including the addition of a multi-use pathway from Indian Road to Indian Creek. “We’re adding one mile of pathway from Indian Creek up to Indian Road,” Baski said. “In order to do that, we will have to purchase acquisitions along the majority of the parcel along that stretch. Any time you’re acquiring right of way, there are always concerns there.” When it comes time to rebuild the Indian Creek Bridge, a bypass bridge will have to be built first to keep the Seward Highway open during this construction, Baski said. “First of all, you have to still maintain traffic. The Seward Highway cannot be shut down. In order to construct a new bridge, you have to construct a bypass bridge off to the side of it. “Once you construct the bypass bridge, the contractor can remove the existing bridge and construct a new one. In this case, Indian Creek Bridge would have an alternative bridge constructed next to it.” The projects are expected to begin in 2017, but the bridge replacement will probably drive the schedule of the 100-105 project, Baski said, which will take anywhere from a year to a year-and-ahalf to construct. “I would conservatively say two years,” he said. “For the left turn lane project, that can be done easily, half a summer to a summer.” Baski emphasized that the public can still submit comments about the projects. “The department of transportation always accepts and encourages comment,” he said. “The sooner the comment is made, the sooner we can take it into account when we’re developing our projects.” Comments can be submitted to the DOT website: www. sewardhighway100-105.com. FOOTBALL & BRUNCH Opening Day: November 27 Sundays in the Aurora Bar & Grill 10 am - 4 pm ALYESKA Special Holiday Opening Season Pass Holder Day Thanksgiving Buffet Wednesday, November 26 Thursday, November 27 Lifts open 11 am - 3 pm November 26 & 27 Conditions permitting Featuring Thanksgiving-themed Chef's Tasting Menu on Nov. 27 Pretty Faces AK Premier! All Female Ski Movie 3 FREE Shows: 6 pm, 8 pm & 10 pm Lunch & Dinner Winter Hours: Friday - Sunday | 11 am - 9 pm Reserve Online or call 907-754-2237 Complimentary tram tickets with advance reservations. Seatings: 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm & 6 pm $46 Adults | $23 Kids (6-12) 5 & Under Free Space is limited! Reserve online or call 907-754-2237 Sunday Night Special $49 3-Course Prix Fixe Menu ©SimonEvans GIRDWOOD, ALASKA Add-on a Sitzmark Music Pass for only $100! Includes admission to every Sitzmark concert for the pass holder, all season long. Full menu online AlyeskaResort.com 800-880-3880
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