Thanks for the scholarship
I would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for selecting me for their scholarship programs: Luella McMullen James Memorial, Hardwood Creations, Jim Martin Memorial and Seward Seahawks Athletic Booster club.
You have helped me to continue my education this fall at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.
Also I would also like to give a big thanks to the community of Seward for years of endless support. I’m proud to have been able to grow up in such a wonderful and encouraging town.
Thanks again.
— Ivana Banic,
Seward
Passing the hat for class reception
This is addressed to the parents of the class of 2008:
The senior class of 2008 had a great time at the reception and barbeque. The expenses were the responsibility of the parents. We were not able to run this event through the high school so we are collecting money from everyone and distributing funds back to the four parents that personally paid for everything.
If you have not already done so, please send your $20 contribution to me at P.O. Box 3742 as soon as possible so I may reimburse those who have invested a lot of money so our children could have a wonderful time.
It was not a cheap event, so please help us out by doing your part. If you have any questions, you can contact me at 224-3716. Thank you.
— Karyn Clemens, finance coordinator,
Class of 2008,
Seward High School
Thanks for the cleanup help
Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance would like to extend a big thank you to all the community members who helped pull off the biggest group cleanup to date for the Resurrection Bay beaches and watershed on May 17.
Local volunteers and Royal Celebrity Tour employees, totaling 132 people, worked diligently to take on the watershed component of the cleanup.
The areas included the Fourth of July Beach area, the Spring Creek beach area, all of the Exit Glacier pull-offs, along the bike path from the harbor turn off out to Bear Creek Fire Department, the Grouse Lake pull-off, all the highway pull-offs up to the Primrose trailhead, and a major effort on the Snow River at the Mile 14 “shooting range.”
Items found in the watershed included:
• 11 five-gallon buckets of nails left from pallet fires.
• More than 1,500 brass shells left at the “shooting range.”
• More than 1,500 shotgun casings left at the “shooting range.”
• 115 large garbage bags of assorted trash, including “shot up” outdated fire extinguishers and television sets.
A total of 18 volunteers went out on the bay in three boats to reach the Fox Island Spit, Thumb Cove and Day Harbor (Driftwood Hay) areas.
Fortunately, the group found a much lower volume of trash this year compared to the previous years. We’re hoping this will be a continued trend with future cleanups.
They were able to dispose of items such as:
• Large commercial poly fishing nets.
• Mooring buoys.
• More than 30 large garbage bags of assorted trash, mostly various plastics.
In addition to all the local volunteers, the alliance would like to thank these partners for their commendable efforts:
• Royal Celebrity Tours for volunteering three coaches and many employee hours.
• The Alaska SeaLife Center for volunteering two landing craft and many helping hands.
• John Maniscalco for volunteering his vessel.
• Matt Gray for volunteering his vessel.
• Aquatec water taxi for volunteering to haul excess trash off the beaches.
• Christo’s Pizza Palace for donating all the pizzas at the after cleanup dinner.
• Resurrection Bay Coffee House for hosting the dinner.
• Alaska Brewing Co. for its generous support through the coastal CODE grant.
The huge expanse of area covered this year would not have been possible without the efforts of all of these partners.
We hope to see you next May at the 2009 Cleanup.
— Tim Johnson,
Cleanup coordinator,
Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance,
Seward
Thanks for the coverage
The Seward Wildlife Conservation Community Program and the Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance greatly appreciated The Seward Phoenix Log’s excellent article on May 29 on bear safety and bear-resistant garbage cans, or BRGCs.
Thank you Cinthia Ritchie for helping promote safe Seward neighborhoods.
As a result, the community response to the program has been very positive. So far, more than 200 BRGCs have been sold, and there are plenty more available.
Due to the increased awareness of the program, demand for BRGCs has also increased.
Local businesses have been kind enough to help make getting a can more convenient.
Terry’s Tires will be selling BRGCs during regular business hours (224-5505), as will R&R Boarding Kennel on Nash Road (224-7607).
Lowell Point residents can get one at Cottage on the Bay (224-8237).
Special pickup arrangements may also be made by calling RBCA at 224-4621.
Three sizes of cans are available, 32, 65 and 95-gallons. All are $50 each, regardless of size.
RBCA is also in need of volunteers to help with the Seward program. People are needed to help load and deliver cans and to distribute bear safety information to “at risk” neighborhoods. To lend a hand, call Matt at 224-4621 or e-mail mgrayrbca@gmail.com.
— Matt Gray,
Seward
Thanks for the scholarships
I would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for scholarships I received at graduation: Seward Ships Chandlery, Harbor Gateway, Sons of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 5 and Seward Lodge No. 1773/P.P.O. Elks.
Once my 2008 commercial fishing season is over, I will be attending Scottsdale Helicopter School in Arizona, where I will continue to pursue my goal of becoming a commercial helicopter pilot.
Again, I would like to thank the above for giving me a start towards my goal. I will never forget your generosity.
With gratitude,
— Brandon O’Brikis,
Seward High School Class of 2008
More scholarship thanks
I would like to thank the following for selecting me as their recipient for the Seward High School scholarship program: Northstar Terminal, Seward businessmen and the Alaska SeaLife Center’s WOW Program.
You have enabled me to get a head start on continuing my education this fall at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.
Seward has been a wonderful place to grow up, and I am thankful to be a part of a community that is so supportive and proud of their youth. Thank you.
— Kylie Clemens,
Seward High School Class of 2008
A rodeo of thanks
Seward Parks and Recreation hosted the annual Bike Rodeo Saturday, May 10. Due to the outstanding efforts of our sponsors and volunteers this fun event was a huge success. A tremendous thank you to our main sponsor Sharon **waiting on last name** and the crew at Terry’s Tires. Thanks to the Seward Police Department for the open house and Three Bears for the donated hot dogs.
And a big thanks to our sponsors Safe Kids Alaska for the generous donation of helmets, the Seward Providence Medical Center for providing volunteers to fit those helmets, Stylin Stitches for making the tee-shirts, the Seward Boy Scouts for their help on the obstacle course (great job guys), and Ron **waiting on last name** and his crew at the Seward Bike Shop for the bicycle tuneups.
The TYC Councils were a great help at each station, and thanks to all the volunteers from the destroyer Chafee, your presence was a nice surprise and very much appreciated.
And last but not least congrats to Keith Richards for the winning tee-shirt design. Every child whom attended the Bike Rodeo received a free t-shirt.
Thanks again for everyone’s efforts you help make our events possible.
— Melanie Hauze,
Seward Parks and Recreation
Thanks for your support
I am always happy to be "home," but the recent trip to Seward with my new book has been extraordinary — from the audience sing-along at the library to the fine young dancers at Qutekcak to the good cheer at the museum, and all stops between. Thank you to everyone for the warm welcome.
In response to questions from the people who read “Tuesday, June 1” in the announcement for the library event and thought it really would be on Tuesday: Signed copies of Volume II of ”Family After All: Alaska’s Jesse Lee Home” (Seward, 1925-1965) are indeed available at the three above locations and via www.hardscratchpress.com, with half of all proceeds going to the groups named.
— Jackie Pels,
Editor, “Family After All: Alaska’s Jesse Lee Home,”
San Francisco Bay area, Calif.
Former Seward resident
A ship full of thanks
I’d like to extend a big thank you to the city of Seward, its dignitaries and the community abroad for welcoming the Tahitian Princess to port this summer.
The inaugural visit on June 5 marked an important part of our 14-day connoisseur tour of Alaska as well as our return to the Seward port with a ship of this size. It was a successful event thanks to the hospitality of the community with local businesses playing a large role in creating a memorable experience for our visitors.
Again, thank you, we look forward to a successful summer season with our partners in Seward,
— Bruce Bustamante,
Vice president, Community and Public Affairs,
Princess Cruises and Tours,
Anchorage
Thanks for the new business help
I want to express my thanks to all the employees of the city of Seward who so diligently, cheerfully and promptly helped me through the process of being licensed for my two new Seward businesses, the Branson House Bed and Breakfast and Resurrection Bay Galerie.
The city clerk’s office, the planning department, and the fire department could not have been more helpful and speedy.
A big, big thanks to all.
— Melissa Fouse,
The Branson House Bed and Breakfast,
Resurrection Bay Galerie
Thanks for the cleanup help
Resurrection Bay Lions sponsored a cleanup day on Saturday, May 31. We thought that since all the snow was gone we could get the city of Seward looking great again.
We would like to thank everyone who came out and did their part in cleaning up the town.
We would also like to give a big thank you to Alaska Waste for picking up the bags, Seward Parks and Recreation for allowing us to use the front of AVTEC gym to distribute the bags, and Major Marine Tours and Safeway for their generous donations.
— Cindy Beardsley,
Secretary, Resurrection Bay Lions,
Seward
Thanks to Seward’s unsung heroes
The family of Don Smith III would like to offer our most heartfelt thank you to all the people that helped with his rescue and have offered their support during this time.
On May 10 our son, Don Smith, was in a terrible accident. He is suffering from numerous injuries and has a long road ahead of him but we are proud to report that he is stable at the Alaska Native Medical Center.
We truly believe this would not be possible without the emergency response teams and the gentlemen that witnessed the accident. Brian Morris, Cody Brown and Jody Letter rescued him and were able to make contact with the emergency response teams necessary.
The Moose Pass, Cooper Landing and Bear Creek Fire Departments, park rangers, Seward Providence hospital and Guardian Flight all contributed to his survival. These men and women put their lives on hold to save another and that will never be forgotten.
We are privileged to live in a community that cares so much.
Our sincerest gratitude,
— Don and Rose Smith,
Moose Pass
Donations can be made to the Don Smith III account at Wells Fargo. A benefit dinner/auction will be held at the American Legion at 5 p.m. Saturday July 19. For more information, call Karen Normand at 224-6474 or Melody Wallace at 224-8996.
Thanks to scholarship backers
The Seward High School staff, on behalf of the class of 2008, would like to thank the following organizations, businesses and individuals who continue to support our scholarship program. Your support is overwhelming.
Adventure 60 North, Alaska SeaLife Center, Alaska State Elks, American Legion Auxiliary, American Legion Post No. 5, Anderson Tug and Barge, Aurora Energy, AVTEC, Bay Traders/Fish House, Bookkeeping Services, British Petroleum, Carlile, Crab Pot, Dodie Fillingim Memorial, Dr. and Mrs. Moriarty, Edward Jones/Julie Tauriainen, Harbor Enterprises, Harbor Gateway, Harbor Street Creamery, Hardwood Creations, Harmon Construction, Hertz of Seward, Hitt Family, Icicle Seafoods, ILWU, Jaffa Construction, Jim Martin, Kawabe Foundation, Luella McMullen James, Marina Motel, Metco, Mike Corbin Memorial, North Star Terminal, Peking, Port City Players, PTSA, Qutekcak Native Tribe, Ray’s Waterfront, Resurrection Bay Lions Club, Richard Oldow Memorial, Seward Seahawk Booster Club, Seward Elks Lodge, Seward Emblem Club, Seward Fire Department, Seward Police Officers Association, Seward Racing Lions No. 68816, Seward Ships Chandlery, Seward Ships Drydock, Seward Teen and Youth Center, Shoreside Petroleum, SHS Staff Scholarship
Sons of American Legion, Spenard Builders Supply, Seward Subway, Swetmann Scholarship, Urbach’s, Wells Fargo Seward
— Kerry Romig,
Guidance/career assistant,
Seward High School
A racing amount of thanks
As the Seward Racing Lions gear up for the summer, we have become aware of the generous support of our community over the past several years.
The following organizations, listed in alphabetical order, have contributed in priceless ways: Afognak Logging, ALERS Enterprises, Anchorage Yamaha, Bear Creek Fire Department, Bear Creek RV Park, CAP Construction, the city of Seward, Homer Racing Lions, Kenai Racing Lions, Quality Marine of Alaska, Seward Sentinels Motorcycle Club and Starbird Studios.
In addition, we wish to express our gratitude to our hardworking and dedicated members: Clara Roberts of Palmer, William Haines, Aidan Milburn, Jeannette Butts, Travis Ackerson, Alex, Levi, and Eric Espelin, Diane Dahlia, Kamille Sparks, Dan McDonald, Shelby Chad, Linnea Hribernick, Dave and Cindy Beardsly, Cody Wagner from Oregon, Earl and Caren Liebelt, Jerey Sands, Catelynn Hettick, Joey Hettick and all who chipped in with time and/or money to help us get this far.
The accomplishments made possible by these contributions include:
• securing a 12-acre lease from the city at the Seward Marine Industrial Center;
• hosting a very successful Mud Bog Competition;
• designing the layout for the leased land that includes a truck and four-wheeler obstacle course, a mud bog course and a motocross/snowcross racetrack;
• and helping the Lions Club purchase a eye-screener for the Kenai Peninsula.
For 2008, we are looking forward to our second annual Mud Bog Competition on Saturday, July 5, improving the parking lot and opening the obstacle course mud bog pit to members on a regular schedule.
For all of this to all of you, including especially anyone I have missed listing here, thank you.
— Jean Petersen,
Secretary, Seward Racing Lions
Thanks for the mural
Have you noticed the magnificent building with the Mount Marathon mural on the top of Third Avenue lately?
It is another example of community collaboration in Seward. This building houses the Seward Museum, Senior Center and the Teen Center, provided as an in-kind donation from the city of Seward.
We are grateful here at the Senior Center for the city’s ability to provide new siding, paint, windows and structural repairs: Thank you.
The new flags and benches were provided by Holland America and First National Bank of Alaska and the pocket flower garden was donated by Ace Hardware: Thank you.
These organizations understand and support the beautification of Seward, helping neighbors one by one.
Thanks also to the following volunteers and staff: Luddy Everett, J.B. Woods, Amber O’Dell and the Seward Parks and Recreation Department for the implementation of improvements.
Seward never looked so good, shining with pride, as businesses and individuals participate at the community level.
Community matters in Seward.
— Dana Paperman, executive director,
Seward Senior Center
An ocean of thanks
For the first time in its 11-year history, the National Ocean Sciences Bowl, an academic competition for high school students, held its final competition in Alaska last month.
Twenty-five teams from across the country, each consisting of five students and a coach, converged on Seward on April 25-27 to compete for the championship. The event went smoothly, thanks to a legion of sponsors and volunteers from around the state and country.
The organizers would like to thank those who generously donated funds or services in support of this event, as well as those who generously donated their time and talents.
From Seward we had tremendous support from Tom Tougas and Renown Tours, Alaska SeaLife Center, Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward Marine Center, Wells Fargo Bank, the city of Seward, Seward Fisheries/Icicle Seafoods, Alaska Railroad Corp., Seward High School and many, many individuals.
The organizers would like to say thank you all for contributing to the success of the 2008 National Ocean Sciences Bowl final competition.
For a complete list of financial sponsors, visit the UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences online at www.sfos.uaf.edu/nosb/donors.html.
For more information about the Alaska Region Tsunami Bowl, visit seagrant.uaf.edu/nosb/index.html.
- Phyllis Shoemaker,
Alaska Region Coordinator
National Ocean Sciences Bowl
Thanks for the clean scene
Seward Parks and Recreation hosted the annual Super Saturday cleanup on May 3. Due to the outstanding efforts of the community and the support of Alaska SeaLife Center, our sponsors and Alaska Waste, Super Saturday turned out to be a “super” success.
More than 50 participants registered for our afternoon cleanup as individuals or groups, and they picked up more than 300 bags of trash.
Thank you to all of the community for your support. Thanks to local businesses for donating a total of $1,500 worth of prizes: Kenai Fjords Tours, Renown Tours, Alaska SeaLife Center, Ray’s Waterfront Restaurant, Petro Marine, Sweet Darlings, Helly Hansen, Safeway, Metco, Harbor Street Creamery, Apollo’s, Seward Bike Shop, Starbird Studio Oriental Garden, Seward Parks and Recreation and the Lion’s Club.
Special thanks to the guys that hauled away all the trash, Micheal Vandervegt and Matthew Mooter from Alaska Waste, the Public Works Department for their help with Amnesty Day, to those classes that participated in the cleanup from Seward Elementary and to everyone who helped beautify Seward.
The town definitely improved its appearance over the weekend.
- Melanie Hauze,
Seward Parks and Recreation,
Seward
Bear smart garbage
The Seward Wildlife Conservation Community Program has been two years in the making and is finally coming to fruition.
A total of 650 bear-resistant garbage cans (BRGCs) are being delivered to Seward for distribution to all Seward and Moose Pass area residents.
BRGCs are being sold for $50 each for 32-, 65- and 95-gallon sizes, which is a fraction of their retail value. This reduced price is made possible by generous grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, $108,150, and ConocoPhillips, $35,000.
The Seward public works department will soon install signs around town announcing Seward as a wildlife conservation community.
The program is sponsored by RBCA, the city of Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park, Chugach National Park, the Alaska SeaLife Center, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, ConocoPhillips, Alaska Waste and Glacier Towing.
Using a BRGC will make your neighborhood safer for your families, pets and for area bears.
We look forward to seeing residents from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, May 19, at our BRGC Barbecue at Leif Olson’s campground, located behind the small pond just north of the airport.
For more information, call Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance at 224-4621 or visit www.rbca-alaska.org/.
- Matt Gray,
Resurrection Bay Conservation
Alliance director,
Seward
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