Experience Ancient Jerusalem at the Upcoming Easter Drama

Delta Christian Drama Association is excited to present another original stage play for Easter, 2006. “What Man is This?” will be shown at the Delta Junction Assembly of God, across from IGA on the weekend following Easter: Fri - Apr 21, Sat - Apr 22, and Sun - Apr 23.   Show times will be 7:00pm each night. The program time will run approximately two hours. Admission is free, and everyone is invited.

In the past, the Association has limited itself to staging plays with a modern setting, in order to minimize set and costume costs. However, because of the growing base of community support, the DCDA is delighted to be able to present its first period costume piece. A tremendous volunteer effort has been put into set and costume design and production for this season’s historically fictional drama.

“What Man is This?” will be set in Jerusalem, 33AD. The show will not be a traditional Passion Play, but will depict the tension that arises within the household of Longinus, the Roman Centurion ordered to oversee the Crucifixion of the Jewish teacher, Jesus of Nazareth. The audience will witness the conflict among family members, friends, and domestic slaves. Ultimately Longinus’ deepest challenge comes from within as he finds himself facing a philosophical and ethical dilemma which could destroy his value system, his career, and even his life.

According to DCDA President, George Hosier, “With this production, the Association has made a conscious effort to capture the authentic flavor of the Roman and Jewish culture of the time. The script is written in more of a classical style than previous shows, incorporating cultural references as well as a fair amount of Latin and Hebrew vocabulary. The sets and costumes have been researched as well, and we feel confident that they will enhance the overall experience of the audience.” In their effort to be as realistic as possible, the group has gone so far as to purchase replica Roman Helmets and hand weave actual chain mail armor.

This will be an event that you will not want to miss. Since its inception, Delta Christian Drama Association has been committed to excellence, and the music, acting, and special effects of this drama promise to meet or exceed the level of professionalism that Delta Junction has come to expect from DCDA. Start planning now to bring family and friends to see this quality stage play during the weekend after Easter.

April 4, 2006

Delta Sing-A-Long

On the second Saturday of each month a group of Music enthusiasts meets in Delta Junction to sing and play old favorites, socialize and snack.
No membership lists, no dues, no officers, no duties, no committees, no smoke, no booze, no amplifiers, no drums--just family fun, camaraderie, and a Saturday night good time-- We'd love to have you join us at the Senior Lounge between 7PM
and 10 PM- Saturday, April 8, try it; you'll like it!! 895 4440 or 4104.

April 6, 2006

Santa's Mainstream Square Dance

April 8, 2006.  7:30-9:30 pm. Location: Pioneer Park Dance Hall - Fairbanks.  Admission: $7 for adults $5 for youth under 18 Santa's Square Dance Club will hold a mainstream square dance with Caller David Smith of Delta Junction.
Alaska Square Dance  Phone: (907) 488-6681

April 3, 2006

12th Annual Beat Beethoven 5K Race

April 8, 2006 -- 10 am . Location: UAF Patty Center - Fairbanks.  Admission: $25 prior to April 6
Join for this fun-filled tradition of racing against the music of Beethoven's 5th Symphony as recorded by the Arctic Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Eduard Zilberkant. Participants will negotiate the course as winds through the UAF campus with volunteers lining the course with portable and car radios. If you Beat Beethoven, you win a voucher for free admission to a season subscription event for the following season.
Fairbanks Symphony Association 
Phone: (907) 474-5852

April 3, 2006

Snow Buntings, heralding the coming of spring, are commonly seen on all our highways in the interior at this time of year. Although somewhat difficult to get to see close up, they are a very beautiful bird. Photo Courtesy Dwight Phillips

Happy Birthday Apr 1 - Apr 6

Happy Birthday Apr 1 - Jessica Robertson

Happy Birthday Apr 1 - Lil Mock Graffia

Happy Birthday Apr 1 - Bill Adams

Happy Birthday Apr 1 - Lyle Hennager

Happy Birthday Apr 2 - Larry Veihl

Happy Birthday Apr 2 - Austin Sparks

Happy Birthday Apr 2 - Jonathon Miller

Happy Birthday Apr 2 - Roy Gilbertson

Happy Birthday Apr 2 - Patsy Cummings

Happy Birthday Apr 3 - Jerry Harris

Happy Birthday Apr 4 - George Marchuk

Happy Birthday Apr 4 - Shelly Ward

Happy Birthday Apr 4 - Sidney Splain

Happy Birthday Apr 4 - Mary Larrabee

Happy Birthday Apr 4 - Dean Cummings

Happy Birthday Apr 5 - Glen Wright

Happy Birthday Apr 5 - Harold Probert

Happy Birthday Apr 5 - Hugh Wingfield

Happy Birthday Apr 6 - Joe Chapman

Happy Anniversary Apr 1 - Apr 6

Happy 30th anniversary Richard and Terry Kozarik!  - Apr 3

Happy Anniversary Apr 5 - Fronty & Barbara Parker

U.S. Army Alaska Announces the Availability
of the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Construction and Use of a Battle Area Complex (BAX) and Combined Arms Collective Training Facility (CACTF) within Army Lands in Alaska and Start of the Public Comment Period

U.S. Army Garrison, Alaska has prepared a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) for the proposed construction and operation of a BAX and a CACTF within U.S. Army Training Lands in Alaska. The purpose of the proposed project is to provide year-round, fully automated, comprehensive and realistic training and range facilities for U.S. Army Alaska and other units. The Army’s review of comments received following the initial Draft EIS release in November 2004 resulted in the decision by the Army to prepare a SDEIS. USARAK considered four location alternatives, all of which are located within Donnelly Training Area, East near Delta Junction, Alaska. The preferred alternative is to construct and operate a BAX and CACTF at Eddy Drop Zone. For more information regarding the SDEIS, please contact Major Kirk Gohlke, (907) 384-1542 or email

The SDEIS can be viewed

A paper copy is available for review at the Delta Junction Library or a CD copy can be requested by contacting Ellen Clark at (970) 873-1614. Public comments on the SDEIS will be accepted through May 1, 2006.

Public meetings on the SDEIS will be held in Fairbanks on April 5 at the Westmark Hotel (5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) and in Delta Junction on April 6 at the Delta Junction Community Center (12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m.).

Comments can be mailed to: Directorate of Public Works, ATTN: IMPA-FRA-PWE (GARDNER), 724 Postal Service Loop #4500, Fort Richardson, AK 99505-4500. Or emailed Or faxed to: (907) 384-3047

April 3, 2006

April 5 is a Full Day of School

In order to give all students the maximum opportunity to do well on the State assessments, there will be no early dismissal on Wednesday, April 5th.

March 30, 2006

Exploring the Castner glacier ice cave. This photo was taken by Ellie Mason on 4/1/06.

Monday Night Bingo & Pull Tabs

New Schedule Starting April 3rd. Delta Community Center. Doors Open @ 6:30 pm. Games Start @ 7:00 pm. Minimum Prize of $40 per game 15 games each session. One build-up game that pays $250. Min. 20 players to hold a session. Min. 1 full set ,$30, to play. Supports Rural Deltana VFD
See You at Bingo!. RDVFD Permit #889. No bingo during July, at Christmas, or at –30 degrees.

March 30, 3006

Weight Watchers Meetings- Looking for community interest

Interested in Weight Watchers? I have been approached my several community members that would like to see Weight Watchers meetings started in Delta. I am trying to get approval through the Weight Watchers Regional Office to start these meetings by this summer.

It would help my effort greatly if I could show to the WW Office that there is true community interest in this endeavor. If you, or anyone you know, might be interested in seeing WW come to Delta, please e-mail me at mdif@hotmail.com I will add your name to a list that will be only shown to the WW regional director, all other information will be kept confidential. Thank you for your support and interest.

March 29, 2006

I was driving through the driveway when I saw two grouse just hanging out.
Photo Courtesy Lisa Noble.

Composting With Earthworms and Sowing and Saving Seeds

Land Resources Agent Michele Hebert with the Cooperative Extension Service Tanana District will be conducting two gardening classes at the Delta CES office in April.

Composting With Earthworms - Earthworms can allow you to compost household garbage indoors during our long winters, or during the summer. In this class will build your own small worm composting box and learn how to maintain it. Booklets will be provided. The class will run 2 hour class and cost $5 dollars per person.

Sowing and Saving Seeds - Step-by-step techniques for collecting and growing vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Alaska vegetable and flower starting charts will be provided to determine when seeds should be started indoors. Successfully harvest seeds from the more common vegetables, annuals, perennials, herbs, and wildflowers. Dry and store seeds, and test seeds for viability. Sow seeds indoors to get a head start on the growing season. This will be a 3 hour class cost $5 dollars per person.

The Delta CES office is planning to hold these classes in late April. Please contact our office at 895-4215 or stop by room 114 in the Jarvis Office Center to sign up. Seating is limited and if there is low interest these workshops will not be held locally.

March 28, 2006

Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra with
Alan Morrison

April 2, 2006 - 4 pm. Location: Davis Concert Hall, Fairbanks. Admission: $5-$20 The Fairbanks Symphony Association presents a concert featuring solo organist Alan Morrison in performing two masterpieces for Organ and Orchestra. The concert will begin with Jongen's Symphonie Concertante and will close with the ever popular Saint-Saens Symphony No.3. The Fairbanks Symphony will be conducted by Maestro Eduard Zilberkant. Fairbanks Symphony Association

March 31, 2006

The Cat Caboodle - An all-breed Cat Show

April 2, 2006. Noon-5 pm. Location: Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts, Pioneer Park, Fairbanks. Admission: $20 per cat; Free to observers Sponsored by the Fairbanks North Star Borough Division of Animal Control. Proceeds benefit the FNSB animal shelter fund. All cats must be spayed or neutered, and at least 8 months old. Registration is $20, from 9-11 am. Phone: (907) 452-2081

March 31, 2006

HB 488-Oil & Gas Production Tax

The Legislature is taking public testimony on HB 488 Oil & Gas Production Tax. The teleconference is on Saturday 4/1/06 from 1:15 - 2:00 pm at the Delta Legislative Information Office, Room 218 Jarvis Office Center. Participants must sign up to testify by 1:30 and there is a two-minute limit to testimony. Call 895-4236 for more information.

March 31, 2006

Open House

WillowWood Gift Shop invites you to an Open House in their New Gift Shop located in the Mt. Hayes building,next to the Post Office, on Saturday, April 1st, from Noon to 3:PM.

This beautiful new gift shop offers an abundance of gift items for all of the up-coming holidays as well as an opportunity for manufacturers of Alaskan made products to sell their wares in the elegant new shelf units built and reserved exclusively for Alaskan gifts.(Space is still available.)

Free drawing for a beautiful and unique Mothers Day Gift Basket designed by WillowWood Gift Shop, as well as other gift items donated by featured Alaskan artists, some of whom will be on hand. Please join us. For more information call 895-4269.

March 29, 2006

Daylight Saving Time

At 2 a.m. on April 2, groggy Americans will turn their clocks forward one hour, marking the beginning of Daylight Saving Time (DST). Time reverts to standard time at 2:00 a.m. on the last Sunday of October. In the U.S., each time zone switches at a different time.

The federal law that established "daylight time" in this country does not require any area to observe daylight saving time. But if a state chooses to observe DST, it must follow the starting and ending dates set by the law. From 1986 to 2006 this has been the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October, but starting in 2007, it will be observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, adding about a month to daylight saving time.

On August 8, 2005, President George W. Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This Act changed the time change dates for Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. Beginning in 2007, DST will begin on the second Sunday of March and end the first Sunday of November. The Secretary of Energy will report the impact of this change to Congress. Congress retains the right to revert the Daylight Saving Time back to the 2005 time schedule once the Department of Energy study is complete.

A safety reminder: Many fire departments encourage people to change the battery in the smoke detector when they change their clocks because it provides for a convenient reminder. "A working smoke detector more than doubles a person's chances of surviving a home fire." More than 90 percent of homes in the United States have smoke detectors, but one-third are estimated to have dead or missing batteries.

March 31, 2006 -- Daylight Saving Time

"The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush"

Arctic Man -- 21st  Annual Summit Lake, Alaska, April 5th-9th, 2006

The Arctic Man is one of the World's Toughest Downhill Ski races, and an exciting snowmobile race, all in one. The skier begins at a summit elevation of 5,800 feet and drops 1700 feet in less than two mile to the bottom of a narrow canyon where he meets up with his snowmobiling partner. The snowmobiler meets the skier, on the go, with a tow rope and pulls the skier 2 1/4 miles uphill at top speeds of up to 86 mph. The skier and the snowmobile then separate and the skier goes over the side of the second mountain and drops another 1200 feet to the finish line. At the Arctic Man you "GO FAST or GO HOME." Truly the Ultimate Adrenaline Rush for spectators and competitors alike.

Last year almost 13,000 spectators came from around the nation to enjoy this spectacular Alaskan event. The area the race is held is some of the best snowmobiling riding country in the world. The snowcapped peaks and beauty make this spring event one that you will treasure for a lifetime.  Website

April 3, 2006

"Chocolate Knights and Northern Lights"

UA Museum of the North Annual Chocolate Bash
April 8, 2006 -- 7:30 pm

Location: University of Alaska Museum of the North - Fairbanks. Admission: $50 in advance; $60 at the door Enjoy an unforgettable evening of decadent desserts, sparkling drinks and live music at the first Chocolate Bash to be held in the museum's new wing. Net proceeds benefit the Museum Endowment Fund. Must be 21 or older to attend.
Phone: (907) 474-7505

April 3, 2006

HB 365 - Appropriations: Operating Budget

The Legislature is taking public testimony on HB 365 Appropriations: Operating Budget. The teleconference is on Friday 4/7/06 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm at the Delta Legislative Information Office, Room 218 Jarvis Office Center. Delta testimony will be heard from 1:30 - 2:00 pm and there is a three-minute limit to testimony. Call 895-4236 for more information.

March 31, 2006

A hay field in Delta Junction.
Photo Courtesy Carol Watkins

Dear editor

I'm not sure if you're aware of it, but my boss Representative Eric Croft has a bill in the legislature that would do a lot for Alaska's rural communities. He wants to re-create the Department of Community and Regional Affairs, which was merged into another department in 1999. At an excellent hearing last week, we learned that there were a number of unintended consequences of eliminating this department, that have significantly impacted our small municipal governments. We believe it is a subject that would interest your readers.

We are trying to gather support in rural Alaska to keep this bill moving. I've put together a brief Q&A on this bill (attached) that should bring you up to speed. If you would like to follow-up, Rep. Croft would be happy to talk to you.

Thanks for your attention -Ken Alper
Office of Representative Eric Croft
Alaska Capitol Room 400
(907) 465-4998

March 31, 2006

Fort Greely Grizzlies
April Newsletter

Standards Based Assessments (SBA)
The Alaska SBA will be administered at Fort Greely School from Tuesday, April 4th through Thursday, April 6th. It is of most importance that students arrive to school on time, well rested, and prepared to demonstrate their knowledge. Testing groups have been broken down alphabetically by grade, and have been posted on the main hallway bulletin board so students know where to report. Students will report to their assigned classroom upon arrival to school, and will remain there until the end of fourth period. Students who complete their exams early will first update their DGSD Career Planning Portfolio. Students who require additional time to complete their test will be able to following lunch. Otherwise, students should bring a book or other quiet activity to fill whatever time remains.

To best prepare your child for these high stakes tests, you can learn more about the assessments and practice sample test questions by visiting the Alaska Department of Education Assessment website

Please be aware that there will be no teacher collaboration time on Wednesday, April 5th. Students will attend a full day of school, and will be dismissed at 3:15 p.m. rather than 2:15 p.m.

Professional Development Day
There will be a teacher professional development day on Friday, April 21st. There will be no school for students on that day.

Fort Greely School Idol
Back by popular demand, the third “season” of our talent show - Fort Greely School Idol - will be held on Friday, April 28th. Students wishing to sing, dance, or perform a skit for great prizes are encouraged to sign up with Mrs. Linda Sloan on Monday, April 17th. Competition tryouts will take place the following week. Parents are invited to attend the competition!

Parent Information Meeting
Parents are invited to visit with our school counselor and principal as we discuss the current schedule, program, and policies of Fort Greely School and look ahead towards changes for the next school year. We will meet at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26th in the school Conference Center.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school through the means listed above.

March 31, 2006 -- Brian J. Schaffer/Principal, Fort Greely School

John Harris April Newsletter
[256 kb]

March 29, 2006

Long Time Big Delta Landmark “Ethel” Looking for a New Boss

"Ethel", the fur bikini-clad mannequin standing day in and day out during the summer near the Tanana River bridge at Big Delta, is looking for a new boss.

Steve and Kathy Fields, long time owners of the "Alaskrafts" and the "Fur Shack", have put Ethel, and all the rest of the business, up for sale. Ethel and the Fur Shack have continually drawn tourists and Alaskans for a closer look for many years.

The Fields started out making crocheted porcelain dolls, doilies, and tablecloths as "Kathy's Alaska Krafts". When "Ethel" and the "Fur Shack" were sold to them by Don & Beth Latimer around 15 years ago, the name was condensed to Alaskrafts.

Featured in books, the Milepost, and on the Internet, their products have been used in major movies and stages filmed around the world. They have even been recognized in the Wall Street Journal, Alaska Magazine, and also many other international publications. Alaskrafts has drawn an international reputation.

"When we put Alaskrafts on the Internet, we started getting orders from all over," said Steve Fields, who with his wife Kathy have been in the business since 1984. "We have had orders coming in from Antarctica, Europe, South America, and elsewhere around the world."

"The Internet has turned our little local business with a storefront in Big Delta to a business with an international storefront."

The "Fur Shack" part of the business is open during the tourist season, and a regular stream of international visitors come to have their picture taken next to Ethel, and to browse and purchase items from the large selection of quality merchandise made in Delta Junction, Alaska.

"We only sell the fur and leather products that we have patterned and manufactured ourselves," Kathy said. "We have used our experiences living in the extreme cold weather in Alaska's interior, as well as listening to our customers’ needs and requests, to formulate patterns for attractive, warm, and durable products."

The Fields started off with just a few items like mittens, hats, and earmuffs. The list of items has grown into a larger selection of cold weather accessories. They use high quality fur, leather, and other supplies to make their products and have always kept the prices reasonable.

The strategy must work, because Alaskrafts gets another stream of orders all year long coming in to their website.

But now, the Fields say, the business has been consistently growing, and is ready to expand. And For Ethel, it's going to mean a new boss.

"That's okay," Ethel says. "I'll work for free as long as I don't have to stand in the rain."

March 29, 2006

Hockey Photo - State Champions

Here is an historical image of our 3 champions. For a larger photo click here. Photo Courtesy Michael Kingston/CRTC

Spring is around the corner and looking forward to the flowers coming up. Hope this cheers you all up. Photo by Richard Mitchell :)

The Northern Living Home Show

The Northern Living Home Show has become a major community event for people interested in every aspect of northern living. It is the only home show in Fairbanks and has become the unofficial kick off to spring and the building season in our community. From financing to new construction to remodeling to refurnishing..it's all there in one location on one floor with lots of free parking.

The shows continued success not only attracts statewide but nationwide businesses. Over 145 different vendors participated in the 2005 show and 6,335 people attended the three day event.

The Northern Living Home Show is an excellent chance for you, the vendor, to market your goods to a wide cross section of our community. Early registration indicates another sold out event. Don't miss this once-a-year opportunity to be part of the excitement, profit, and fun.

March 31 - April 2  Friday 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm and Sunday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. $4.00 per person and ages 12 and under are free. Go to  for more info.

Place: Carlson Center. 2010 2nd Avenue
Fairbanks,  Alaska 99701

Used from Fairbanks Events

March 27, 2006

Mat-Su Outdoors Show

Wasilla Multi-Use Sports Complex March 31 - April 2, 2006.  20 seminars on popular outdoor topics, door prizes, local authors.  1.1 miles NE - 1001 S Mack Dr, Wasilla, 99654 - (907) 357-9100.

March 23, 2006

Squirt State Championship

Head Coach Shannon Nichols and Coach Bob Kimball, lead their team to win a 4 to 1 victory over Juneau-Douglas, to claim the Alaska tier 4 Squirt State Championship. This team has taken first place this season in Fairbanks Christmas Tourney, Second place Presidents Tourney, and First place at Bush Tournament. This ends our fantastic season with a record of 22 wins- 3 losses and 2 ties. Photo Courtesy Dana Nichols (hockey mom)

Nancy Griffiths in Concert

April 2, 2006 - 7 pm. Location: Pioneer Park Theatre. Admission: $32 Acoustic artist Nanci Griffith will give a rare solo performance. Dubbed the “Queen of Folkabilly”, Nanci is a Grammy winner, renowned songwriter and a passionate performer who can captivate a huge hall. tickets available at Hoitt's Music or by phone.

March 31, 2006

Biologists have been concerned about the potential for interbreeding among moose (Alces alces) and bison (Bison bison). Delta is one of the areas in the world where these two species exist in close geographic proximity. Delta area biologist Steve DuBois captured images of what may be the first known instance of a hybrid between these two species. The body of this animal appears moose-like, but the horns appear to be typical of a male bison. It is not known whether this "bull" is sterile, as hybrids often are. Biologists and lexicophilists are working on names for the new hybridized species. Some that have been proposed are buffoose, moosalo, boose, mison, bioose, bisoose, and mooson. A debate is raging among taxonomists on what Latin name to use: Alces buffaloensis, Bison alces, or something entirely new, Aprilfoolsensis critterus. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

The East Fork near where it joins Canyon Creek south of Anchorage. Together they form the Six Mile River. The photo was taken August 2005 during the weekend of the Palmer Fair. Photo by Barbara Tharp