Community News

Intern application deadline approaches

Applications are available for graduating high school seniors and college students for summer internships in Sen. Ted Stevens' Washington, D.C., office.

The forms must be completed and returned to the senator's office postmarked no later than March 30.

Forms are available at high school counselors' or principals' offices at www.senate.gov/~stevens or by calling 283-5808.

The intern program provides graduating Alaska high school seniors with the opportunity to work at Stevens' office during one of two month-long sessions. Interns assist in the day-to-day operations of the office, including monitoring committee hearings, conducting research, answering phones, typing, filing, carrying messages to the Senate floor and assisting with production of Stevens' weekly radio report.

The first session is from June 2 to June 30, and the second session is from July 7 to Aug. 4.

New PEO officers announced

Anita Necessary was named president of Chapter M, PEO Sisterhood at a recent meeting in the home of Renie Cannava. Others elected to office are Kelli Stroh, Liana Bigham, Nancy Cranston, Jane Stein, Constance Jackson and Deborah Sounart.

PEO is an international philanthropic and educational organization interested in bringing to women increased opportunities for higher education. The local chapter awards scholarships to women attending Kenai Peninsula College.

It also contributes to five international projects: a low-interest educational loan fund, Cottey Junior College, a Peace Scholarship Fund for women of other countries to take graduate study in the U.S. or Canada; a program for continuing education for women whose education has been interrupted and who find it necessary to return to school to support themselves and their families; and scholarship awards for women who are engaged in advanced study and research.

Ping pong tourney results

The results of the Soldotna Elks Club weekly ping pong tournament are:

First place: Brannon Ames and Andy Sczcesny

Second place: Gary Brumley and Chad Botirius

Third place: Joe Sczcesny and Joe Hanes

Fourth place: Wayne Brooks and Skip Dove

The tournament, held every Wednesday night at the Elks Club in Soldotna, is open to anyone who'd like to play. There is a $5 entry fee, and partners are drawn at random before play begins. For more information, call Ray Debardelaben at 262-7415.

Group in need of donations

The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of the Kenai Peninsula received it's 501 C (3) status as of Jan. 28 and is currently in the process of finalizing road access to the property for its new shelter. The group is seeking financial and in-kind donations to begin clearing and getting the shelter built. Donations are 100 percent tax-deductible by the Internal Revenue Service Code.

For more information, call 262-8800, or you may mail your contribution to: SPCA of the K.P. Inc., P.O. Box 4243, Soldotna, AK 99669-4243.

Pageants seek talented women

The Ms. U.S. Continental and Miss Teen U.S. Continental National offices are searching for Ms. Alaska and Miss Teen Alaska U.S. Continental candidates.

To be eligible for entry into the Ms. Alaska U.S. Continental pageant, contestants must be between the ages of 20 and 60 and may be single, married, divorced or widowed. The program recognizes the women of the new millennium for their accomplishments at home, at work and in their community.

To be eligible for entry into the Miss Teen Alaska U.S. Continental pageant, contestants must be between the ages of 12 and 19 to compete for scholarships. The program recognizes teen achievements in school, at home and in the community and gives teens the opportunity to showcase their accomplishments.

Areas of competition for both groups are: fitness in aerobic wear/swimsuit -- 33 percent, private interview -- 34 percent and evening gown competition -- 33 percent.

All interested applicants can make requests by calling (561) 837-2669, e-mail to MsUSContinental@aol.com or mail to P.O. Box 1147, Loxahatchee, FL, 33470. Requests should be made by March 20.

Nominations sought for first lady's award

First lady Susan Knowles recently announced that nominations are being accepted for the 20th annual First Lady's Volunteer Awards. The award honors Alaskans who have volunteered countless hours to the programs, events and services that make Alaska a better place to live and work.

Any individual or organization may nominate a person who engages in unpaid volunteer activities within the state of Alaska. Nominees must meet the following criteria:

Lengthy service to community or state;

Extraordinary personal commitment;

Participation in an innovative or creative volunteer program, event or project; and

Significant impact on, or benefit to, community or state.

Twenty winners will be selected. The final decision will be made in May by a statewide, nonpartisan panel of judges.

Nomination forms may be obtained by writing to the Anchorage Office of the Governor at 550 West 7th Ave., Suite 1700, Anchorage, AK 99501 or call (907) 269-7450. Returned applications must be postmarked by April 2.

Host an exchange student

Cultural Homestay International, a nonprofit educational exchange program, allows area residents the opportunity to share their life and home with students from Europe, South America or Asia.

All students come to America with medical insurance and their own spending money. For more information, call Maria at (800) 210-6080.