Plenty of events to help kick off holiday season in Valley

November 27, 2005

Kari-Out/Kari Sleight

This week, The Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce meeting will feature Chuck Logsdon from the governor's office. Logsdon will update attendees with current information on the gas line and how it affects Alaskans. There is sure to be a packed crowd, so arrive early. The chamber meets at noon on Wednesday at the Palmer Moose Lodge, and is led by this year's chamber president, Kristy Bernier.

Two of the recipients of this year's Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce community awards were unable to attend the annual meeting Nov. 16. Outgoing president John Klapperich asked those in attendance to keep mum on their awards until the following week when the awards could be presented. Ben Harris, a senior at Wasilla High School, was chosen as this year's Youth of the Year. Harris is involved in sports, acting and leadership, while managing an impressive 4.0 grade-point average; Wendy Divas, owner of Aurora Boutique, was honored as the Small Business Person of the Year. Congratulations to Ben and Wendy, and thank you for your many contributions to our community.

Congratulations also go out to Mat-Su Borough Mayor Tim Anderson for receiving the Vic Fisher Local Government Leadership Award. Anderson was honored during the Alaska Municipal League's annual conference in Anchorage, Nov. 9-11.

Fun, food and crazy contests highlight the annual Wilderness Woman contest and Bachelor Auction next Saturday in Talkeetna, hosted by the Talkeetna Bachelor Society. The festivities kick off at 8 a.m. with an &#8220All You Can Eat” breakfast at the VFW hall. The Wilderness Woman contest begins at noon, followed by the Bachelor Auction at 7 p.m., concluding with the Bachelor Ball at 10 p.m. at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar.

Proud military mom Debbie Harrison is continuing her community volunteer efforts by organizing a school supply drive. Harrison's son, Earl, is currently stationed in Iraq, and the school supplies are for a school his unit has adopted. The goal is to raise $5,000 or the equivalent in school supplies. Contact Harrison at 352-1809 or 355-8691 to help.

The city of Wasilla gets in the holiday spirit on Saturday with the Wasilla Community Christmas Kick-Off from 3 to 5 p.m.

Speaking of cities and holiday spirit, Palmer Mayor John Combs is encouraging local businesses to get in the holiday spirit by decorating with white lights to welcome visitors and shoppers to the city. Participating businesses will compete for &#8220Mayor's Holiday Spirit Award,” with ribbons awarded to the winners on Dec. 8. Mayor Combs is also encouraging the businesses to keep the lights up and lit through February to help keep the city bright through the long, dark winter.

Kari Sleight is the publisher of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiers-man. Contact her at 352-2255 or kari.sleight@frontiersman.

com.