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Ongoing Alaska Chat ~~ New for December!

6K views 148 replies 26 participants last post by  Pure_AK_Crystal 
#1 ·
Welcome to December!
: (I won't lose the thread this month, lol!)

How's everyone doing in their winter holiday shopping/crafting? I've just about got everyone's gifts done, and I'm extra impressed with myself because they're all handmade this year again.

I'm hoping it stays above zero tomorrow here in Delta so I can take the boy out for a little while! Below zero is just too hard on him for our afternoon walks anymore.
:
 
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#2 ·
subbing so I don't lose the thread either


very cool on the handmade gifts! I wish I was crafty/motivated.

I mailed out gifts to the nieces and nephews... everyone else is (hopefully) getting a birth announcement and some photos, which I'll have to deal with later. Still haven't shopped for DDs or DH. I have no clue what to get DH this year- oh wait, he's getting another child- that should do, right?
 
#4 ·
Hi girls, thought I would hop in and get to know you!

My name is Erica, and I'm in Anchorage. I'm a FT nursing student at UAA, and sometimes I do a little photography as a side business. Although I was born and raised in AK, I met my husband in Colorado and we lived there (and in Texas) for a bit. Right now we're in AK just so I can go to school, than we'll probably move back to Texas. I'm the proud mama of Emma (2.5) and Addison (1) and one on the way (EDD 7/4)

We're on the last day of our texas vacation (to visit the in-laws) today, not sure I want to see all the snow that has fallen while we've been away!
:
 
#7 ·
Know a high school girl who could use a RUNNING START?

Applications are now being accepted for a 4-day Young Women's Political Leadership Program - July 15-19, 2009 in Washington, DC. Application deadline is February 16, 2009.

Here is the scoop:

Jump Into Politics!

July 15-19, 2009

For more information and to apply: www.runningstartonline.org

~ check out a video about the program! ~ http://www.runningstartonline.org/video/young-women.php

Running Start is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to inspiring young women and girls to run for political office. Our goal is to increase the number of women in the United States who serve in elected office by planting the seed early that women are needed in politics. Our training programs emphasize that political leadership is an attainable and exciting goal for young women to pursue.

By educating young women and girls about the importance of politics, and imbuing them with the skills they need to be leaders, we give women the "running start" they need to achieve greater political power. With an earlier start in politics, women will climb higher on the leadership ladder, allowing more women to share in the decision making power of this country.
For more information, or to get involved, please email info@runningstartonline.org

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

UAF Women's Center
fywoc@uaf.edu
112 Eielson Bldg.,
University of Alaska, Fairbanks, 99775
(907) 474-6360
http://www.uaf.edu/uafwomen
 
#11 ·
Erica, welcome! I'm out in the valley with my Emma


We've been so stinking busy lately. Between the business and getting the light show up and running and a sick kiddo, we've been running like chickens with our heads cut off.

For all of you that want to come take a look, you can get directions on our website www.christmasinak.com I really like what hubby did this year.. he totally kicks my butt in the programming department. It's pretty obvious pretty early on which song I did and which he did
 
#12 ·
Anyone know where I can find a good deal on wrapsacks? I think the Museum store carries them, and Natural Pantry, and I think New Segaya, but looking for CHEAP holiday ones.. I found a handful that were new on ebay for less than the website price, but not very holidayish.. I am very nearly OUT of holiday wrapping paper, and I don't want to buy anymore..
 
#14 ·
I need to remember to sub to the Alaskan chat thread


I'm doing good...working on getting things done for Christmas just so I don't have to think about them anymore. I only have a few more gifts to get before I'm done but I have to wait until payday
:

So out of curiosity does anyone have MyODSAlaska insurance??? My dh's work is switching over to them in Jan(right in the middle of my pregnancy
and I'm wondering if they'll cover my hb. We currently have BCBS and my mw says they will pay her so I am pretty sure I would've been covered at my normal 80% but now I have NO clue. I went to their website but they had NO providers listed for the Valley. I am NOT driving to Anchorage to have this baby...I don't think I'd make it, last time I delivered 35 minutes after getting to the hospital. So does anyone know anything about them? Thanks!
 
#15 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by roadfamily6now View Post
well, not the feed store. Sorry.


PS, I got a job at AK mill & feed. I'll be there for the better part of most days. maybe i'll see some of ya if you come in for Feed?

Yeah! We HAVE been going to mill and feed for the keet food that the vet wanted us to get. It has seeds AND pellets... but the birds have been eating AROUND the pellets like nobody's business, so I am starting to wonder why in the world I am paying extra for pellets that nobody wants..


I was surprised how many gifty things mill and feed also sells, and am therefore a bit shocked they don't have wrapsacks.
 
#16 ·
I actually don't know what wrapsacks are, but a friend of mine wraps all of his gifts in fabric. I love this idea, I always get a neat piece of fabric that I can then use for quilting projects or whatever and my kids like using the smaller ones for doll "blankets".
 
#18 ·
Winter activities for kids, Fairbanks area.

WINTER BREAK
December 22nd - January 5th

Back to School January 6th, 2009
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District 2008-2009 Winter Break Activities for children and families Also includes resources for tutoring and homework help during the regular school year

Tutoring and Homework Help

Alternate Learning Styles458-7323

Specializing in developing reading, writing, and spelling skills using internationally acclaimed programs. Comprehensive classes for building math skills. Available for all ages.

Boys & Girls Clubs-Fairbanks457-5223

Offering many programs including tutoring/homework hour (Power Hour) daily from 4:00-5:00pm. Tutoring any other time of the day as needed. Emphasis on High School Graduation Qualifying Exam. Fully equipped computer labs.

Club hours: Mon.-Thurs. 2:00-8:00pm; Fri. 2:00-10:00pm (8-10pm teens only), Sat. 1:00-5:00pm. Cost: $30 per year membership.

Boys & Girls Clubs-North Pole488-7838

Offering many programs including tutoring/homework hour (Power Hour) daily from 4:00-5:00pm. Tutoring any other time of the day as needed. Emphasis on High School Graduation Qualifying Exam. Fully equipped computer labs.

Club hours: Mon.-Thurs. 2:00-8:00pm; Fri. 2:00-10:00pm (8-10pm teens only), Sat. 1:00-5:00pm. Cost: $30 per year membership.

Literacy Council of Alaska456-6212

Cross-Age Tutoring is a summer enrichment program that provides one-on-one teen tutors for grade school children referred through the school district.

Parenting Resources

The Alaska Parent LineStatewide:1-800-643-5437
Fbks: 452-4588

A statewide phone line for parents, guardians, or childcare providers to call and talk to a staff member about their parenting questions. The phone line is staffed 24 hours a day,
7 days a week. Callers will also get referrals and find out what resources and services are available in their community.

Camps

Orion's Belt School of Self Defense456-2358

Winter Taekwon-Do Day Camps
Dec. 22-23; 29-20, 8:30am-3:30pm.
Camp is geared for students 7 years and older and will be held at OrionÕs Belt School of Self Defense. 1755 Westwood Way, Suite 210 (next to Toy Quest on College Road) in the Artisan's Courtyard. Students should wear comfortable clothing to work out in, bring a sack lunch and a water bottle. Cost: $50.00 per day. Space is limited so early registration is encouraged. Call for further information.

Winter Break Activities

Alaska Public Lands Information Center456-0528

December 13, 12-4pm Holiday Open House. Join us for a day of holiday cheer! Bring your family downtown to welcome the spirit of the season. Enjoy music, make a craft, and warm up with hot chocolate. Activities include the film, ÒRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a reading of "Yes, Virginia," music from the 9th Army Band, and music from the Young Native Fiddlers with fiddler, Bill Stevens.

Also, come watch a movie!

Week of Dec. 24-29: "Alaska's Coolest Animals" (60 min), 10am. "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" (55min), Noon. "The Chain of Life" (30 min), 2pm.

Dec. 27, "Spirit of the Wind," 12pm True life story of George Attla-famous AK dog sled musher. Cost: Free! Closed Dec. 25 & 26; Winter Hours: M-Sat. 9am-5pm

American Red Cross456-5937

Babysitter training course on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 9:00am to 3:30pm. No age limit.
Cost: $55 per student. Class size is limited to 10 participants. Registration is payable in advance by calling 456-5937 or stop by the office at 725 26th Ave. Ste. 201.
Class will be held at 725 26th Ave. (The Food Bank building) Visit ww.alaska.redcross.org for Wells Fargo Scholarship information.

Boys & Girls Club457-5223

Dec. 22-Jan. 5, holiday hours are 12:00pm-6:00pm (no charge for members).
Early bird services will be available if needed from 8:00am-12:00pm for an additional $50 per week per child. Members can participate in gym activities, cooking club, tech club, sports tournaments, and field trips to Glow-Putt, Arctic Bowl, Ice Skating and many others. Note: Dec. 24 and 31-The Club will have Early Bird Services only and will close at 12pm. Dec. 25 and Jan. 1-Club Closed. Questions? Please call Boys and Girls Club or email Clubhouse Manager Sara Battiest at sbattiest@bgcalaska.org

Fees will not be accepted on a per-day basis.

Children's Christmas Party389-2164

Dec. 20 at the Chatanika Lodge. Each child receives a gift and a free buffet.
Party starts at 5:30 and Mr. & Mrs. Claus arrive at 6:30pm.

Fairbanks Arts Association456-6485

December 5-27, The Bear Gallery in the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts will feature the All Alaska Juried show. The gallery is always free and open from 12-6pm Tuesday - Saturday.

January 2nd will be the First Friday celebration for the New Media: art via digital technology

Juried Show. The opening reception will begin at 5pm and end at 7pm. The show will run until the 31st.

Reading Series: On January 3rd at 7pm the Fairbanks Arts Association will host their Monthly reading series in the Bear Gallery at the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts.
There will be readings from the Ester Republic Press.

Fairbanks Community Band Holiday Concert488-4483

"Sweet Sounds of Christmas", a Christmas concert will be presented on Saturday, Dec. 13th at 7:00 pm at the Pioneer Park Arts Center. Admission is FREE, but donations are appreciated!

Fairbanks Drama Association456-7529

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
A new adaptation of Charles Dickens classic by Romulus Linney Directed by Stephanie Stowman. A fine, new version of the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's redemption. Scrooge journeys from an embittered, ungenerous creature to a giving, caring human being at the hands of three spirits, who, one Christmas Eve, show him what life means. Adaptor Romulus Linney says: "I vowed to stick to the bones of the story...to try and find, as he goes, the child within him that slowly emerges from his ordeal to such bountiful happiness."

November 28 - December 14 Fri - Sat: 7:30 PM, Sun Matinee: 2:00 PM

Friends of Creamer's Field452-5162

Saturday, Dec. 6th, 6-8pm, Annual Lighting of the Spruce Tree. Join us for the annual lighting and caroling followed by cookies and hot drinks in the farmhouse!
In December; Saturdays only (12/6, 12/13, 12/20), Noon-4pm, join Friends of Creamer's Field for family fun at our annual Holiday Open House. We will be making holiday ornamentsand crafts using natural materials in the Farmhouse Visitor Center!
December 20, 1-3pm come celebrate the joys of winter with a Winter Solstice Walk on the Refuge trails on the shortest day of the year. Join us after the walk for cookies and hot drinks! Meet at the Farmhouse Visitor Center.

Ft. Wainwright Youth Center361-4095

Winter Break hours of operation are M-Thu., 1:00-7:00pm, Friday, 1:00-9:00pm, & Sat., 12:00-8:00pm. Some of the activities (depending on staffing) will be field trips, Birch Ski Hill snowboarding/ski/tubing, laser tag, dinner & movie, drama & theatre shows, hockey games, Holiday Dance & Festival, Army vs. Youth basketball games, ice skating, video tournaments, sport nights, and movie nights at YS on Saturday.

Joel's Place452-2621

An after-school place for teens to skate, ride, eat, play games, or just hang out! Indoor skate/BMX park, free pool tables, foosball, video game room, snacks, and internet. Newly remodeled cafŽ and a skate shop filled with new merchandise. Located at 1890 Marika Road.

Holiday schedule:
Friday, Dec. 19th 2:30-6pm, free skate for members, 6-9 pm Christmas Party Saturday, Dec. 20th 2-5pm skate session, 5-8pm BMX, 8pm Nitengale in concert Dec. 22-23, 29-30; 12-3pm two day skate camp for ages 8-14. $50 includes t-shirt, 2 sessions Mondays, Dec. 22, 29th Regular Sessions 3-6pm BMX, 6-9pm skateboarding Tuesdays, Dec. 23, 30th Regular Sessions 3-6pm skateboarding, 6-9pm BMX Wed. Dec. 31st 3-6pm, 6-9pm regular skate session Fridays, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2nd 3-6pm free skate session for members, $5 for non-members 6pm: 3-D dinner, devotions and dodge ball Saturdays, Dec. 27 and Jan. 3rd 2-5pm skate session, 5-8pm BMX session, 8-11 skate

Closed Dec. 24-25, January 1 and Sundays

Cost: Skate/ride sessions are $5 per session and all skaters and riders must have a waiver signed in person by a parent or legal guardian; no exceptions. Unless otherwise noted for special events, there is no cost to just come and hang out!

Noel Wien Library-all activities are free!459-1052

Dec. 22-Drop-in Craft, Monday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Stop by the Berry Room anytime between 1 and 5 p.m. to make a stuffed paper bag whale. For ages 3 and up.

Dec. 23- Drop-in Craft, Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Stop by the Berry Room anytime between 1 and 5 p.m. to make a pinwheel craft. For ages 3 and up.

Dec. 26-Feature Film Fun! Scooby-Doo and Disney, too! Noel Wien Library Auditorium, Friday, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Join us for a short Scooby-Doo adventure, followed by a short Disney animated cartoon. Movie munchies will be served. For ages 3 and up.

Dec. 29- Drop-in Craft, Monday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Stop by the Berry Room anytime between 1 and 5 p.m. to make a New YearÕs party hat. For ages 3 and up.

Dec. 30- It's Summer Somewhere!, Noel Wien Library Auditorium, Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. Ð 2:00 p.m. Want to escape the cold and dark of winter? Join us for some hot activities at the library. Dress for summer weather and get set for a great time. For children ages
3 and up. No registration required.

Jan. 2-Feature Film Fun " Finding Nemo", Noel Wien Library Auditorium, Friday, 1:00 p.m.
- 2:40 p.m. The fretful Marlin and his young son Nemo become separated from each other in the Great Barrier Reef. Buoyed by the companionship of a friendly fish named Dory, Marlin embarks on a dangerous trek and finds himself the unlikely hero. The movie is 100 minutes long, and is geared for children aged 3 and up. Goldfish crackers will be served.

Jan. 2-TEEN PROGRAM (7th to 12th grade only) Pizza and Duct Tape, Noel Wien Library Auditorium, Friday, 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Learn the fine art of duct tape creation. We'll be making duct tape wallets. Duct tape will be supplied. No registration required. Pizza, drinks, snacks and door prizes provided. Program is for teens only (no siblings or parents, please).

Jan. 5-Drop-in Craft, Noel Wien Library Berry Room, Monday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Stop by the Berry Room anytime between 1 and 5 p.m. to make a swoozle (based on an early American noise-maker toy). For ages 3 and up.

North Pole Branch-Library 488-6101

The North Pole Branch Library will be providing drop-in crafts on these dates:
Friday, 12/26 1-5 pm-Paper Plate Snowman

Friday, 1/2-1-5 pm-Collage Calendar

Also, we will be showing full length feature films once per month, and the next movie during

Winter Break will be on Tuesday, 12/30 at 6:30 pm. It will be an animated comedy about a panda that does Kung Fu! The movie runs for 1 * hours. Those interested are welcome to call us for details. Movie attendees are welcome to bring their blankets and pillows, and even wear their PJs if they wish. Covered drinks are allowed in the library.

All programs are FREE!

North Star Ballet451-8800

"The Nutcracker". This holiday classic will be presented at Hering Auditorium on Dec. 5, 8:00pm; Dec. 6, 2:00 and 8:00pm; and Dec. 7, 1:00 and 4:00pm. Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2pm, there will be a tea to meet the dancers in full costume after the performance. Ticket prices: Reserved $24, General Adm. Adults $18, General Adm.
children $8, General Adm. seniors or college students $16, Active Military * off admission price.

Northland Youth Choir388-0543

Northland Youth Choir Holiday concert and basket auction Sun. Dec. 18 7:30pm in the UAF Davis Concert Hall. Tickets can be purchased at the door one hour before performance.

Play N Learn Pearl Creek479-5437

Not a normal school day You still have to come to school, but there is no homework, no tests! Just fun with your friends!

We are going to do things you wouldn't normally do at school like an indoor snowball fight, playing with your food, scribbling, making messy art projects, sledding on the playground (weather permitting), and silly storytelling.
You're going to be busy and secretly learning things too! If you have not already signed up, please do so. We want to count you in!

Dates: Dec. 22-24, Dec. 29-31, and Jan. 2 & 5 For more info or enrollment packet, please contact Shelly Mensch at 479-0900 x 3

UA Museum of the North474-7505

Annual New Year's Eve Sparktacular Celebration, Dec. 31. The gallery will be open so stop by the museum before and after the fireworks. ItÕs a great way for families to stay warm, and there's plenty of parking available behind the museum. Cost: Free!

Special holiday hours are 11:00am-5:00pm daily Dec. 26-Jan. 4, including Sundays, and New Year's Day. We'll have a 2 p.m. double feature of our "Dynamic Aurora" and "Winter" auditorium shows, available for $5 in addition to regular museum admission. Activity guides will be available for families; available at the front desk.
Closed Christmas Day and New YearÕs Day. Visit us online at www.uaf.edu/museum
Cost: Regular admission.

Winter Solstice Celebration 452-8671
Saturday, Dec. 20 from 4:00-8:00 pm we invite you to join us for this downtown holiday tradition that is sure to bring smiles as a family-focused afternoon full of fun, live music, reindeer, carols, hot cocoa Ôn cookies, and the famous Downtown Window Decorating Competition. This season's theme is the Gingerbread ManÑdo your shopping in a festive, downtown atmosphere filled with fun, cheer and laughter!
For more information, visit www.downtownfairbanks.com under the Events tab

Sports

Arctic Bowl456-7719

Open bowling. Call for lane availability.

Big Dipper/Parks & Recreation459-1104

Ice skating, recreation hockey. Call for open skate times.

Birch Hill / Ft. Wainwright 353-1998 or ski school: 353-9131 Downhill skiing, snowboarding, and a tubing hill. Call 353-7053 for snow conditions, hours of operation and ski report.

Glow Putt Alaska374-4965

Open Monday through Thursday 3:00pm-9:00pm; Friday 3:00pm-Midnight, Saturday 10:00am-Midnight, and Sunday Noon-8:00pm
COST: First round (18 holes) $8 for adults; $6 for military, univ. students, & seniors;
$5 for children under 12 (must be accompanied by an adult); Private party arrangements are available. Call or stop by for further information.

Hamme Pool459-1086

Open Swim 1:30-3:45 pm and 7-9 pm weekdays, Saturday 2:00-4:30 pm and Sunday 1:30-4:30 pm. Closed on Christmas and New YearÕs Day.
Closes at 4 pm on Christmas Eve and New YearÕs Eve.

Mary Siah Recreation Center459-1082

Open Swim Mondays 4:00-4:45 pm and 6:30-8:45 pm, Tuesdays 3:30-4:45 pm and 6:30-8:45 pm, Fridays 4:00-4:45 pm and 6:30-8:45 pm, Saturday 2:15-3:45 pm, and Sunday 9:30-11:45 am. Closed on Christmas and New Year's Day. Closes at 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Moose Mountain 479-8362

Call 459-8132 for snow conditions, hours of operation, and ski report.

Mt. Aurora/Skiland456-7669

Call 389-2314 for snow conditions, hours of operation, and ski report.

Mushers Challenge Race #1457-6874

Sunday, Dec. 7; Skijoring, 4-dog, 6-dog, 8-dog, open and mid distance classes starting at 10:30am at the Mushers' Hall on Farmers Loop Road. Indoor and outdoor spectator viewing. Free admission.

Mushers Challenge Race #2457-6874

Sunday, Dec. 21; Skijoring, 4-dog, 6-dog, 8-dog, open and mid distance classes starting at 10:30am at the Mushers' Hall on Farmers Loop Road. Indoor and outdoor spectator viewing. Free admission.

Polar Ice Center 488-9525 or 488-1565
Call for open skate schedule.

Wescott Pool488-9401

Open Swim with Water Slide 1:30-3:45 pm and 7-9 pm weekdays, Saturday
1:30-3:45 pm and Sunday 12:00-1:45 pm and 3:00-4:45 pm. Closed on Christmas and New YearÕs Day. Closes at 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Zip Zaps490-6808

Laser tag, batting cages, and mini-golf at Indoor Park. Party room available. Call for hours.

Arts and Crafts See also: Noel Wien Library and North Pole Branch

Ben Franklin Crafts (301 Santa Claus Lane-North Pole)488-8544

Schedules available the first of each month at the store.

Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts458-7177

Schedules available the first of each month at the store.

Michaels Arts and Crafts456-6046

Schedules available the first of each month at the store.

This resource list is provided for informational purposes only and does not reflect an endorsement of the programs or agencies by the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District or the Community After School Programs.

Updated 11/25/08.

Brought to you by:
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District 21st Century Alaska Community Learning Centers Community After School Programs
 
#21 ·
Well, the roof is still on and I think the grill is still on the patio (have had it blow off before), so I think all is well here. Had to go out yesterday a couple of times and the truck was getting blown around, which is crazy, as I have a rather large truck. Seems to be much calmer today, though.

Karen -- did the light show make it through okay?
 
#22 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by tallanvor View Post
Karen -- did the light show make it through okay?

Thank goodness yes! After last years disaster, we went back to the drawing board. This year the mega tree is on 2" steel pipe and is guy wired with aircraft cable. If anything happens to it, it's likely that the house would have flown away first
: We got nothing more than lots and lots of branches, an inflatable santa that's spikes were pulled from the ground and he flew into the fence and a couple of little christmas trees knocked over (which are just a pick them back up thing). So, in comparison to last year... we are A....OKAY
 
#24 ·
Our wussy dog had to sleep in our room last night because she was afraid of the wind (she's usually in her crate). 0* isn't bad by itself, but with huge ol' gusts of wind, holy crap does it get cold! Texas heat, here I come!
 
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