Kenai
Howdy, neighbors.
I hope by now you have had enough turkey sandwiches, soup, tetrazzini, leftover stuffing and gravy to last you for a while. There's nothing better than that first turkey sandwich on a leftover dinner roll (usually indulged in about three hours after the pie is served after Thanksgiving dinner) but there's nothing worse than having it for the fourth day in a row. I'm ready for chili or spaghetti by then. I hope all of you had a holiday full of food, friends and family, and that you took the opportunity to remember what you are thankful for.
One of the things this household is thankful for is all the people who make Kenai such a great place to live. I hold to my previously stated opinion that Christmas Comes to Kenai is the best celebration we have here. This year's parade was possibly shorter, but certainly as delightful as in years past, full of happy people and some of the most outstanding floats I think we've ever had.
The fireworks were as varied as promised, and the grand finale was spectacular. The craft fair was wonderful and all the other events were equally enjoyable. Do you know what the best thing of all was? Community support. There must have been a zillion people lining the street for the parade, and they all seemed to be in a holiday mood.
The First Thursday event at the Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center is "From the Woodpile," an artist reception for woodcarvers Deb Lowney and Dave Brann. It is open to the public and held from 5 to 7 p.m. Slide by and see their carvings.
Other First Thursday events include a shopping night in Kenai. This will happen from 5 to 7 p.m. and feature several businesses in the Kenai area that will be open later for the holiday season. If you have trouble getting out to shop because of your job, this may be a perfect opportunity for you.
Anyone interested in trying out for the musical production of "Brigadoon" should meet at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Renee C. Henderson Auditorium at Kenai Central High School. Singers, dancers and actors are needed, especially strong male dancers and singers. Call Carol Ford of the Kenai Performers at 776-8308 or 398-0756 if you have questions.
The Kenai Historical Society will have its Christmas meeting at 1 p.m. Sunday at the United Methodist Church of the New Covenant on the Kenai Spur Highway next to the Boys and Girls Club. Members will take turns telling about their first Christmas in Alaska and-or other memorable early Christmases here. It's open to everyone.
Linda Hibberd said there is a project happening in Kenai right now. Since this is the season to share all of our many blessings with others, Sears Elementary, Kaleidoscope, Mountain View Elementary and Kenai Middle schools are offering a holiday opportunity to help with their Christmas drive.
The drive will help kids in need from these schools to have a special Christmas. Call Kimb at 283-4826 or Linda at 283-0804 to sponsor a child or family. Each child will receive two toys, clothes, winter gear, if needed, and a Christmas dinner for the family. Your help would be appreciated.
The Kenai Cooperative Preschool is selling See's Candy bars. They have dark chocolate with almonds, milk chocolate with almonds, milk chocolate bars with toffee, and plain milk chocolate. If you are a fan of these perfect stocking stuffer delectables, call 283-3100. They will even deliver them.
Senior citizens: Did you know you can get help paying your utilities bills through the Heating Assistance Program? It is a federally funded program that provides assistance to low income households to offset the high cost of home heating. This program runs through April 30. For renters, if your heat is included in the rent, you can still apply for the assistance as long as the rent is not subsidized and your income is below $1,454 monthly. See Kathy at the Kenai Senior Citizens Center office for more information or an application or call 283-4156.
Happy birthday today to Jake Galley, Joyce Ross, Jeanine Walters, Tim Navarre and Kelly Croskey; Wednesday: Virginia Jordan, Rubin Tikka, Marvin Brazington, Trish Roderick, Louis Gjosund and Austin Hansen; Thursday: Rhoda Turinsky, Donna Vaughn, Marie Bates, Maxine Purugganan and Jory Spotts. Friday: Patty Little and Bettina Merchant; Saturday: Dorothy Hermanson, John McGarry, Betty Lou Curtis, Nancy Burton, Caroline Cookson, Doug Vance, Larry McKenzie and Jayton Rizzo; Sunday: Ann McCartney, Chriss Huss and Marlene Duffy; and Monday: Karleen Cantin, Karen Williams, William Hays, Rose Hughley, Neil Armbrecht, Holly Maw, Roy Wooden and Shannon Wilson.
A happy 50th wedding anniversary wish to Frank and Ardeth Arbelovsky on Sunday.
Joan Hansen can be reached by phone at 283-5872 or by email at hansjoan@alaska.net