Ninilchik

Hi, neighbors.

An advanced horse camp sponsored by the Trailblazers 4-H club begins today and runs through June 11. So, if you see a string of horses going on a trail ride along the road, the club asks that you take extra caution and be careful not to scare the horses.

A big thanks to all the Ninilchik neighbors who were on the look out for Dreamer, Tim-aney Anderson's new horse that broke out of their fence last week.

I know that some neighbors searched by horseback, some looked by way of their airplane and others prayed for Dreamer's safe return.

Apparently, after being missing for almost a week, the horse found some companions in John and Deloris Lindeman's corral.

Photos of Ninilchik by local artist and photographer Sue Dionne will be featured at Ptarmigan Arts in Homer. Sue does traditional photography in black and white and color, but also works a lot enhancing photos on her computer.

This summer the Ninilchik Traditional Council's Youth Program will sponsor weekly kickball games Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8. This opportunity is open to all the youth in our community. Families with kids of all ages also are encouraged to attend.

After a game of kickball, which is for fun only, hot dogs will be served and there will be a time to get to know your Ninilchik neighbors better.

The pool will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. for teen swim. This could be a way for teens to get fit and keep in touch with their friends during the summer months. There is no cost.

The Ninilchik Community Library is starting its summer reading program titled "Joust Read, It's Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds." The program is open to everyone from preschool age through grade 12.

When you register at the library participants receive a bag of items to get started with. Everyone who completes the program will be invited to a final party with certificates and rewards for all.

The goal of the program is to help youths maintain their reading skills through the summer. Every Tuesday, beginning June 7 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., there will be a story time and crafts.

Congratulations to all the Ninilchik seniors who graduated last week. Even though school is now out I will continue to feature the school's seniors during the next few weeks.

Salutatorian Katarina Hall, daughter of Jim and Elaine Hall, was home-schooled for seven years and attended Ninilchik School for five years.

She was active in student government, student council, yearbook staff and the National Honor Society and served as president, secretary and treasurer during her sophomore through senior years.

During her senior year she earned a varsity letter for cheerleading and led as captain.

Jobs she has held were at Ed's Kasilof Seafood's and Jersey Subs in Ninilchik.

She also is an active volunteer in our community. Some of her activities in the past have included organizing a blood drive, helping with Project Grad, volunteering at the fair and acting as assistant coach for the Wolverine cub cheerleading group.

She will use a scholar's scholarship to attend the University of Alaska Anchorage and plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in biology with a focus on marine mammals.

She says she is thankful for all the friends she has made and for all the fun they shared in high school.

"Each memory is special and will stay with me for the rest of my life,"she said.

I continue to welcome any news from our neighborhood. Let me know of your achievements, special guests you are entertaining this summer and any events you want everyone to know about.

Until next week, I am enjoying some grilled king salmon, freshly dug razor clams and delicious halibut all harvested from right outside our front door.

Wow! Aren't we blessed to be able to live in Ninilchik?