Permanent fund dividend applications are out
The application period for the 2005 Alaska Permanent Fund dividend checks began Jan. 2. The application deadline is March 31. Alaskans may file online at www.pfd.state.ak.us or by paper application. Permanent Fund Dividend Division began sending application booklets Jan. 3 to private and U.S. Postal Service mailboxes, and additional forms are available at community locations, including libraries, city clerks' offices and legislative information offices. Dividends will be paid by direct deposit on Oct. 12, and checks will be mailed beginning Oct. 26. All applicants can check the status of their applications at www.pfd.state.ak.us.
YWCA business basics course slated for February
The women$finances program of the YWCA Anchorage is scheduled to launch an online version of its new brasstacks business basics course on Feb. 22. Brasstacks is a 10-week course that covers starting and growing a successful business. The online version is an instructor-led course and is scheduled to be run concurrently with the brasstacks class held twice a week at the YWCA Anchorage between Feb. 22 and May 5. Women$finances is a program of the YWCA Anchorage that is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. It provides capital and technical assistance to guide and support Alaska's women in becoming financially independent and is open to both men and women. For more details on the program visit www.ywcaak.org/finances.htm.
CIRI-affiliated resort in Texas moves ahead
Detailed development plans have been unveiled for the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa Captures Charm, located 20 minutes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas. The resort is a joint venture among Anchorage-based Cook Inlet Region Inc., affiliates of Dallas-based Woodbine Development Corp., Oklahoma City-based The Oklahoma Publishing Company and Chicago-based Hyatt Hotels Corp. The more than 50,000-square-foot resort is scheduled to open in 2006.
Job fair for veterans
The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development holds the Veterans' Job Fair Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Anchorage Job Center Muldoon, 1251 Muldoon Road. For more information, contact the Anchorage Job Center Midtown at (907) 269-0071 or (907) 269-4728.
Wholesale gift show is coming
The 21st Annual Wholesale Alaskan Gift Show is scheduled to be held Feb. 4 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Feb. 5 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Egan Convention Center. The show's products range from souvenirs to fine art. Most of the show's vendors are Alaskans, who manufacture, represent or sell products in the 49th state. Qualified buyers, including gift shops, hotels, lodges and department stores, are invited to attend free of charge. This show is not open to the general public. For more information call Dee Carpenter at (907) 452-7469.
Adopt a stop
Anchorage People Mover has more than 1,200 opportunities to adopt a bus stop. Individuals, civic groups, private companies, public agencies, churches, students and scout troops are invited to join in the effort to make Anchorage's bus stops safer, cleaner and more accessible. The adopter is responsible for picking up litter at a designated bus stop. In the winter, adopters help brush snow off a bench seat and clear a path between the bus stop and the road. Call the coordinator of the adopt-a-stop program at (907) 343-8230 for information.
AARP looking for Tax-Aide volunteers
The AARP is looking for volunteer tax counselors for its Tax-Aide program. Tax-Aide is administered through the AARP Foundation in cooperation with the IRS. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to join the volunteer force. Volunteers do not need to be an AARP member or retiree to volunteer. Tax counselors get free tax training and become IRS-certified after passing an IRS exam. They help customers, one-on-one, at tax sites or volunteer as Internet tax counselors for approximately four hours a week starting Feb. 1 through April 15. This courtesy return preparation assistance is available to those who cannot afford professional tax help such as senior citizens, those who are disabled and low-income, and non-English speakers. The Anchorage training class is scheduled for Jan. 24-28 at the BP Energy Center, 1015 East 35th Ave., Anchorage. Please call the AARP Information Center at (907) 272-1444.
Locator
Central Environmental moves
The Central Environmental Inc. has moved to 311 N. Sitka St. The company's phone number at (907) 561-0125, accounting fax number at (907) 561-1125 and contracting fax number at (907) 561-0178 remain unchanged.
