In gear
Officials at the University of Alaska Fairbanks have signed an agreement with the Russian Academy of Sciences to establish a marine science training and education laboratory in the Russian Far East city of Vladivostok. The agreement calls for a new laboratory to be established in the city at the Pacific Oceanological Institute. The lab will serve as a training center for UAF and Russian fisheries and oceanography students. Researchers from both countries also will conduct joint studies of Bering Sea oceanography, population dynamics, fisheries conservation and management methods, and climate change effects on the region's ecosystem at the facility.
Locator
Juneau GuestHouse Inn & Suites has changed its name to Aspen Hotel of Juneau. The Juneau hotel opened in May 2000 and was the first property for the expanding hotel chain which operates in Alaska under its own name as well as the Guesthouse Inn & Suites brand. The Valdez GuestHouse also will change its name in mid-January to the Aspen Hotel of Valdez. The chain will open a 63-room Aspen Hotel in Soldotna on March 1 and a 90-room facility in downtown Anchorage June 1.
For the first time students can apply online for privately funded scholarships at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Scholarship awards to UAF students for 2001-2002 are expected to reach $500,000. The application deadline for students to apply for 2002-2003 academic year scholarships is Feb. 15. A list of the nearly 250 scholarships available are located at (www.uaf.edu/giving/scholarships).
Kudos
The Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce presented the following awards at its recent annual banquet. WebWeavers was honored with the Bill Bivin Small Business of the Year Award. The Fairbanks Web site development company was co-founded by Ginger Stock and David Duplessis. The award pays tribute to businesses that exemplify leadership, ethics and organization. Gary Roth and Joe Usibelli were presented the 2001 George Nehrbas Award. Roth is president of Denali State Bank, and Usibelli is chairman of the board of Usibelli Coal Mine. The award recognizes chamber members who have made outstanding volunteer contributions to the community. Cliff Allison was presented the 2001 Golden Nugget Award for making the community a better place to live. Allison is general manager of the Bentley Mall Safeway Store.
The Anchorage Home Builders Association recently presented ReMax the 2001 New Construction Brokerage of the Year award in the less than 74 agents category. Prudential Vista Real Estate won in the more than 75 agents category. Pat Baker was honored as Overall New Construction Agent of the Year. Ev Honegger was selected Overall Selling Agent, and Steve Shell was chosen Rookie of the Year. All three award winners work for Prudential Vista Real Estate. Linda Garrison of #1 Buyers Agency was honored as Buyers Agent.
Media
The Alaska Natural History Association has released a new book, "Gus and Annie: Glacier Ice Worms." Pamela Laurila wrote the rhyming text, which was illustrated by Anchorage artist Dan Miller. The publication is the first board book produced by the nonprofit group which publishes educational materials about Alaska's natural and cultural history in partnership with public lands agencies. "Gus and Annie" was produced in cooperation with Chugach National Forest. The book costs $6.95. Books are available through the association's Web site at (www.alaskanha.org) or by calling, 866-274-8440.
Much obliged
Wish Upon the North Star has received a donation of $23,389.57 as the result of last summer's BP Classic Dream Team Hockey Game. The Anchorage-based nonprofit organization has been granting wishes to Alaska children with life-threatening illnesses since 1984. Carla Beam of BP presented the donation Dec. 18. Dirk Smit, employees and contractors at BP's Northstar Metal Recycling Group on the North Slope donated $9,297.92 to the organization earlier in the year.
The Anchorage Home Builders Association filed articles of incorporation Dec. 11 to form an endowment to offer long-term aid to victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Anchorage Home Builders Care will raise funds to help survivors of the attacks and will also support area nonprofit organizations. Chuck Spinelli of Spinell Homes and 2002 AHBA president formulated the idea of the foundation. Initial board members of Anchorage Home Builders Care include Tim Sullivan, Weed & Seed; Marilyn Porter, NCP Design/Build Construction; and Elaine Taylor of Taylored Restoration Services.
Sundries
The Alaska Club Network is offering a free healthy living seminar entitled "Feeling Good" at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17 and again at 10 a.m. Jan. 19 at The Alaska Club West, 1770 W. Northern Lights Blvd. Dr. John Schlife, author of "Meal Planner - Around the Kitchen Table," will lead the session. For more information, call 907-274-5510, Ext. 221.
