Around the Peninsula

DEC closes mussel harvesting in Kachemak Bay

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has closed commercial mussel harvesting in an area in the Kachemak Bay, known as Kachemak Bay East. High levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning have been found in mussel samples from the area. DEC is encouraging people not to harvest mussels for personal use in Kachemak Bay East.

The closed area is east and south of a line in Kachemak Bay starting at the mouth of Martin River, extending to the northwest tip of of Chugachik Island, then southwest to Barbara Point. The area is closed to all commercial harvest and sale of mussels. The only allowable harvest and sale of mussels will be from those companies that submit samples for PSP analysis and hold the product pending satisfactory lab analysis.

PSP is a potentially lethal toxin and can lead to fatal respiratory paralysis. It comes from algae eaten by shellfish such as mussels, clams and oysters. Symptoms of PSP may appear soon after ingestion and include tingling or numbness in the lips and tongue.

Grief support for bereaved mothers offered

On Tuesday, Hospice of the Central Peninsula will begin the fall 2000 session of the Healing Hearts grief support program for mothers who have experienced the death of a child. Registration is required. This is a closed group that meets for nine weeks.

Hospice also will conduct a Share Support group, beginning Sept. 14, for women who have experienced miscarriage, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or other infant loss. Registration is required.

Hospice also will be offering programs for homicide survivors, widows and an ongoing grief support group.

For more information or to register, call Sue Bezilla, bereavement coordinator, at 262-0453.

Back to school night scheduled

A back to school night will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Homer High School. The event is open to all parents and students.

Computer workshops offered

PCI Skills Resource Center is offering the computer workshops. Windows 98 and Office 97 will be held Wednesday and Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. An Excel workshop will be held Sept. 12 through Sept. 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Quickbooks 2000 will be offered Sept. 18 through 21 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Space is limited and preregistration is required. Call 283-4099 to register.

Library fund-raiser planned

The Friends of the Kenai Community Library will hold a fund-raising raffle through Oct. 25. A dinner and drawing for cash prizes, including a grand prize of $7,500, will be held 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Kenai Elks club. Another dinner with entertainment will be held Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. The cost of tickets is $100 and are limited to 300 total. Tickets are available from board members and at the check-out desk at the library.

For more information, call 283-4378 or a board member.

Radiothon for WRCC planned

The 16th annual KSRM/WRCC Radiothon fund-raiser, to support the Kenai-Soldotna Women's Resource and Crisis Center, will be Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on KSRM Radio 92 AM. This is the WRCC's only fund-raising event.

Cash and in-kind donations pledged during the radiothon support the center's services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and their community and school prevention programs.

To make a pledge during the radiothon, call 283-5811 on Sept. 11, or mail a pledge to: Women's Resource and Crisis Center, 325 S. Spruce St., Kenai, AK 99611.

AYEA training session slated

Alaska Youth for Environmental Action, a teen environmental group sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation, will host a training for youth in Seward Sept. 15 and 16. Teens will learn about conservation issues in their communities and way to get involved.

Those interested can call (907) 258-4825 to register. The cost is $5, including dinners and breakfast during the duration of the training. Lunch is not included.

AKC agility match scheduled

The Kenai Kennel Club will hold an American Kennel Club sanctioned dog agility match Sept. 16 at 11 a.m. outdoors at the Soldotna Sports Center. The judge is Cindy Mildbrand. Entry fees are $10 for the first class and $5 for subsequent classes. Entries close at noon Wednesday and go to show secretary Wendy Nickel.

A Web site with the premium list and downloadable entry forms can be found at http://www.ptialaska.net/~iliamna/kkcagility.html. For more information, contact match chair Ronda Oglesby at 262-5012 after 5 p.m. or Peninsula Dog Obedience Group at 262-6846.