Nikiski Community News

Hello to all of my Nikiski neighbors.

There has been a frosty chill to the early morning air the past few days. The gigantic harvest moon lit up the sky last week, I hope everyone enjoyed the view.

I saw many Nikiski residents when I attended the O'Brien Orchard apple tasting recently. It was a beautiful fall day to be in an apple and cherry orchard and visiting with others in the community.

The Nikiski pool will reopen Tuesday at 7 a.m. after a 20-day closure for maintenance. The pool will offer an American Red Cross Lifeguard class Wednesday though Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call Nigel at 776-8800.

The North Peninsula Recreation Service Area offers a youth arts and crafts class for children in first- through sixth-grade. Grades alternate each Wednesdays. For more information, call Tammy at 776-8800.

The Lighthouse Community Church offers a Kidz Night Out on Sundays from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Rides are available by calling 776-5351.

There will be a Nikiski North Star PTA meeting Thursday at 3:45 p.m. in the library.

There will be a NASA Build It festival Friday from 6:45 to 8 p.m. at the Nikiski North Star Elementary School. There will be a spaghetti dinner starting at 6 p.m. before the meeting.

Nikiski Girl Scout leaders are hosting an annual Nikiski Girl Scout Roundup at Nikiski North Star Elementary from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9.

Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. The weekly scout meetings will be held at the school Tuesdays. For more information, call Michele at 776-8559.

Picture retakes will be held Oct. 17 for Nikiski North Star Elementary students.

The Nikiski North Star Elementary will host a book fair in the library the week of Oct, 22.

Nikiski resident Taylor Calderwood has been named the 4-H'er of the Month for October because of her ready smile and willingness to help and guide younger 4-H members, according to Hara Hansen, Calderwood's leader.

"(She) demonstrates the qualities of a good 4H'er and leader for not only her club, but for her community as well," Hansen said.

The 4-H'er of the month receives a $50 savings bond from former 4-H leaders and the award is based on citizenship, leadership, service, creativity and productivity.

Happy birthday wishes go to Sallee McClure and Skipper Cowgill on Oct. 5; and Pam Estes on Oct. 6.

Other Nikiski news

Prime rib fundraiser set to dish

The 13th annual Thelma McConnell scholarship prime rib dinner and auction will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Nikiski Community Recreation Center on the Kenai Spur Highway.

The auction will begin at 7 p.m. The price of admission is $15 for adults or $10 for children 10 and under.

Tickets are available for purchase at the Nikiski Senior Center or at the door. For more information, call 776-7654.

Schwenke becomes an officer

Nikiski resident John G. Schwenke graduated from Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps leader development and assessment course, Operation Warrior Forge, at Fort Lewis, Wash.

Schwenke has been commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army.

The training provides professional training and evaluation for all cadets in the aspects of military life, administration and logistical support. The cadet command assesses the cadet's performance and progress in officer traits, qualities and professionalism while attending the course.

He is the son of William K. Schwenke of Nikiski and a 2005 graduate of Nikiski High School.