Briefcase

Post Offices close for Presidents Day

All U.S. Post Offices are closed Monday in observance of Presidents Day and will reopen Feb. 22.

MEA OKs rate adjustment

Matanuska Electric Association has announced that its board of directors voted to authorize an increase of 1.89 percent in its base rates, effective the second quarter of 2011.

The average MEA customer uses just under 800 kilowatt hours of electricity per month, the cooperative reports. The increase would mean a hike of about $1.54 to the monthly bill of the average customer. The new rate will take effect the first week of April, pending approval by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.

New business model opens in Valley

The Working Place is leasing space from the city of Wasilla in the Meta Rose Square center and opened for business this month. The Working Place is a co-working community and the first of its kind in Alaska, featuring a membership similar to a gym.

An open house is planned Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. The business offers desk space, wireless Internet, printing, receptionist and mailing services, with 24/7 access. It’s a partnership between owners Chevin Chase of Anchorage, Jesse Jones of Palmer and Dave Spear of Sutton. Jones also owns Mat-Su Technical Services in Palmer.

For more information, contact Jones at jesse@theworkingplace.org or call toll free at 888-806-2587.

Powers joins IAP

Board-certified radiologist Kelly Powers, M.D., recently returned to Alaska to join Imaging Associates of Providence. Powers, who reads for both IAP locations in South Anchorage and the Valley, is fellowship trained in women’s imaging. She completed her fellowship at Brown University.

Anchorage is Power’s hometown and now she lives in Eagle River, where she plans to raise her family and further her career.

Wells Fargo gives thousands

Wells Fargo team members from Barrow to Ketchikan donated a record $287,000 during the company’s annual Alaska Community Support/United Way fund-raising campaign. The $287,000 donated by Wells Fargo team members in Alaska is the highest total ever and a 39 percent increase over 2009. Wells Fargo contributed an additional $150,000 for a total investment of $437,000 in nonprofit organizations throughout the state.

State fair board adds new member

Alaska State Fair has announced its 2011 theme as “75 Years and Growin’,” and selected board members for the coming year. Joining the board as a new member is Daniel Consenstein. Also re-elected to the board were John Erickson, treasurer, and Secretary Carol Kenley. The rest of the board consists of President John Harkey, Vice President Bonnie Quill and directors J. Bruce Bush, Sarah Cimino and John Tracy.

AEA hosts Railbelt open houses

Alaska Energy Authority will host Railbelt hydroelectric energy open houses in five communities starting Feb. 24 in Fairbanks and concluding March 15 in Kenai.

In November, AEA announced its recommendation that the Low Watana site on the Susitna River should be the primary hydroelectric project for Alaska’s Railbelt.

The Open Houses will provide opportunity for the public to learn more about the Susitna Hydro Project.

• Fairbanks: Feb. 24, 5 to 8 p.m. at Princess Riverside Lodge.

• Talkeetna: Feb. 28, 5 to 7 p.m. at Talkeetna Elementary School.

• Palmer: March 1, 5 to 8 p.m. at the Palmer Depot.

• Anchorage: March 2, 5 to 8 p.m. at Dena’ina Center.

• Kenai: March 15, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Challenger Learning Center.

Legislators sponsor public meetings

Alaska Sen. Charlie Huggins and Rep. Mark Neuman are sponsoring three public meetings. The second meeting is from 10 a.m. to noon, Feb. 26 at Meadow Lakes Elementary School. The last is from 10 a.m. to noon, March 19 at the Willow Area Community Center.

Palmer Lions Club 44th annual gun show

Palmer Lions Club 44th annual gun show is March 12-13 at Raven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds. The annual event includes more than 300 tables of guns, knives and outdoor gear, as well as a free chance to win a fishing charter, hourly door prizes and a rifle raffle. The event is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., March 12 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 13. Park at the state fairgrounds purple gate and a free shuttle will deliver people to Raven Hall. Cost is $5 and children under 13 are free. For more information, call 761-3750.

Shred it up at Wells Fargo

The Better Business Bureau’s free document shredding is coming to the Mat-Su. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 16 at Wells Fargo Bank, 1701 E. Parks Highway, people can drive up and drop off up to three bags or boxes of unwanted documents per person. Items will be securely shredded free on-the-spot by Shred Alaska. No cardboard or three-ring binders. For more information, visit alaska.bbb.org/secure-your-id.

Toastmasters meets Tuesdays

Toastmasters group meets from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Tuesdays at Wasilla Area Seniors Inc, 1301 S Century Cir. Toastmasters helps people develop better communication and leaderships skills, think quicker and more clearly on their feet, builds self-confidence and strong leadership qualities. For more information, contact Dennis Moore at djmoore611@gci.net; Angela Ritchey at angritchey@yahoo.com, or visit matsutm.org.