Briefcase

Childers raffles laptops in Kobuk 440

Mark Childers planned to compete in the Kobuk 440 sled dog race that takes place the second weekend of each April. Although a family emergency prevented him from riding the in the “toughest race above the Arctic Circle,” Childers did leave his own mark on this year’s race, according to a ColorTyme press release.

Childers owns ColorTyme franchise stores in Fairbanks, Wasilla and Anchorage.

At each of the seven villages the Kobuk trail passes through, Childers raffled off an Easter basket and a laptop computer for older children. Childers said the villages have a long tradition of raffling Easter baskets, but he decided to add the laptop for older children this year.

Childers got his first sled dog in 2010 and said he plans to tackle the Kobuk next year, and hopefully the Iditarod in 2013.

The Kobuk is a qualifying race for both the Iditarod Trail Sled Gog race and the Yukon Quest.

New physician to care for Alaska's children

Pediatric gastroenterologist Claire Wilson, M.D., has joined the Providence Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic. She is Alaska's second pediatric gastroenterologist. Dr. Wilson will provide care to Alaska's children alongside Gregory Semancik, M.D., and Kimberly Longcake, ANP, at the clinic.

Dr. Wilson was born and raised in Los Angeles, Calif. She received her undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Southern California before specializing in pediatric gastroenterology.

George joins Better Business Bureau

Better Business Bureau welcomes Kristin George as Alaska public relations manager. A lifelong Alaskan, George's background work includes business management, customer service, event direction and promotions. She will help BBB in its mission to advance marketplace trust through public relations, and increasing business and consumer awareness of marketplace issues.

Settlers Bay Golf Course has new management

Settlers Bay Golf Course has undergone a complete reorganization of its management team. As part of this reorganization, Amos Stephens has been promoted to the position of superintendent of golf course operations/general manager.

The six years prior to his promotion, Stephens was head of the maintenance department and course superintendent. Currently a GSCAA class A golf course superintendent, Stephens has embraced his new position and has immersed himself into every aspect of the golf course’s daily operations with a focus on maintaining a complete customer service-based operation.

Another new face at Settlers Bay is its new enthusiastic golf operations manager, Sherrie Albright. Albright is responsible for the overall management of golf shop operations and personnel.

MEA board elects new officers

At its May 9 Matanuska Electric Association board meeting, newly installed board of directors were seated and officers were elected. President Lois Lester was again elected president of the board, an office she has held for three years. David Glines was elected vice president and incumbent and newly re-elected Peter Burchell was voted secretary/treasurer. Glines represents the Eagle River area and Burchell represents an at-large district.

MEA board approves third-quarter rate adjustment

The Matanuska Electric Association Board of Directors has voted to authorize a decrease of 1.33 percent in base rates, effective the third quarter of 2011.

The average MEA consumer uses just over 700 kilowatt hours of electricity per month.

“These consumers can expect to see a monthly decrease of about $.96 as a result of the base rate adjustment,” said spokesperson Cheryll Heinze.

Under terms of rules set by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, MEA is allowed on a quarterly basis to file for limited increases of decreases in base rates, provided the adjustments stay within certain financial parameters established by the RCA.

The rate filing is based on the test year ending March 31 and will take effect during the first week of July, pending approval by the RCA.

Mimi's Closet Trunk Show is May 21

Meet designer, author and artist April Cornell at Mimi's Closet Trunk Show from noon to 5 p.m., May 21 at the Meta Rose Square shopping center. Refreshments, gifts and fashion show start at 1 p.m. For more information, or to reserve a table, stop by the store or call 376-2661.

Alaska Small Business Resource Guide available

From a martial arts school in Anchorage to a village store serving numerous communities in Southwestern Alaska, small business thrives in all corners of the state.

The “2011 Alaska Small Business Resource Guide” features stories about successful businesses and the local entrepreneurs running them. It also includes helpful tips and important information integral to helping companies flourish.

The guide is a joint effort between First National Bank Alaska, the Alaska Small Business Development Center and the Alaska Journal of Commerce. Free copies are available at First National branches.

Free estate planning workshops offered

Attorney Connie Aschenbrenner will present free workshops on estate planning from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., June 3 at the Wasilla Senior Center. Learn about the benefits of a will, living trust, power of attorney and Alaska health care directive.

For more information, contact caschenbrenner@gci.net or visit akwillstrusts.com.

Booth space available for July 9 garden fair

Booth space is available now for the second annual Mid-Summer Garden and Art Faire, set from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., July 9 in downtown Palmer. This year’s theme is “Creating a Fertile Networking Environment for Gardeners and Friends” and funds raised benefit the Mat-Su Special Santa Program, which gave gifts to 3,500 Mat-Su Valley children in 2010. Booths costs $100 for the day. For more information, or to apply for a booth, email midsummergardenfaire@gmail.com.

Toastmasters meets Tuesdays

Toastmasters group meets from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Tuesdays at Wasilla Area Seniors Inc., 1301 S Century Circle. 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.