Around the Peninsula

Reading council hosts 'Eat Dessert First'

In honor of Love of Reading Month, the Kenai Peninsula Reading Council and Phi Delta Kappa will host "Eat Dessert First," starting at 4:30 p.m. today in the Soldotna Elementary School library. Brett Dillingham, Alaska State Literacy Association president, will present a workshop on performance literacy, which includes poetry, storytelling and reader's theater.

The hands-on class will be followed by a dessert buffet. Admission for reading council members is free. All others are asked to bring a new children's picture book to be donated to Kenaitze Head Start.

Soldotna chamber meets today

The Greater Soldotna Chamber of Commerce will hold its weekly luncheon at noon today at the Riverside House. Marie English and Pascale Dilley of the Peninsula Job Center will offer a career and job fair update. For more information, call 262-9814.

Trappers to host demonstration tonight

The Kenai Peninsula Trappers Association will host a fur skinning and pelt care demonstration at 7 tonight at its shop on Kalifornsky Beach Road. For more information, call Craig at 262-2816.

Class teaches stress reduction

The Small Business Development Center will co-sponsor a class on "Stress Reduction for the Small Business Manager," from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Red Diamond Center, suite 16. The cost is $15. For more information, call Lou at 262-7497.

Builders plan membership meeting

The Kenai Peninsula Builders Association will hold its monthly dinner meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Rueben's Restaurant. Steve Bonebrake, city engineer for Soldotna, will speak on recent changes in building codes. For more information, call 283-8071.

North Peninsula chamber to meet Thursday

The North Peninsula Chamber of Commerce now meets at the North Kenai Baptist Church. The next meeting will be at noon Thursday. Mary Ann Pease, vice president of Alaska Communications Systems, will speak. The public is welcome to attend.

Preschool fund-raiser planned for this week

Soldotna Cooperative Preschool will host a dinner auction Saturday to raise funds for the school. Cajun gumbo rice, beverages and dessert will be served beginning at 6 p.m. and the auction will begin at 7 p.m. A children's meal will be provided and child care will be offered during the auction. For more information, call 262-4102.

Bear viewing permit application deadline approaches

Applications are now being taken for permits to view brown bears at McNeil River State Game Sanctuary. All applications must be postmarked no later than March 1 and must arrive in Anchorage by March 15. Up to three people may apply on a single application, but the non-refundable application fee is $25 per person. Applications will not be accepted in person or by facsimile. Approximately 250 permits will be awarded by lottery. They will cost $150 for Alaska residents and $350 for nonresidents. Regular permits are good for four days. Viewing is limited to 10 people per day. For more information, call the Alaska Department of Fish and Game at 267-2269.