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First National Bank of Alaska (FNBA) joined the Friends of the Joyce K. Carver Memorial Library and their efforts to expand that facility, recently with a $10,000 dollar contribution. "Many things go into making a community; a place to worship, a town hall, schools, playground, a senior center, a hospital, and a library. That's why we want to be involved in the expansion and it is our pleasure to donate $10,000 to the Friends of the Joyce K. Carver Memorial Library," Charlie Weimer of FNBA, told the Soldotna City Council. "FNBA, their managers, clerks, employees, and everyone there are community minded. I have worked with them throughout Alaska and everywhere they are, they are always involved with the growth of community and local civic organizations. Not just Soldotna, but every community on the Peninsula and throughout the state, and we are proud to have them as our friends and neighbors," said Councilman Ed Sleater. Concurring with Councilman Sleater, Soldotna Mayor Peter Micciche said, "We are simply thrilled at First National Bank of Alaska's contribution and their faith and support of so many projects in our community. It's a strong way to kick off the campaign to expand the library, and we look at sharing with the efforts of the Friends of the Library to bring that project to fruition," said Micciche.

February may be the shortest month of the year, but ice fishing anglers of all ages claim it's the best, thanks to Soldotna Hardware & Fishing's Annual Ice Fishing Derby. "It was the Derby that got me out ice fishing for the first time, but I was the one who really got hooked and this year we had three generations each catch fish. It's different than summer fishing; we talk to each other more." said one participant. Last week Brian and Scott Miller who created the Derby, invited all of this year's winners into their Soldotna store for an awards presentation. As a result of this invitation, the parking lot was packed, and the store isles were full of kids and families stepping up to claim their trophies, prizes, and pictures.

Those suffering from post partum Winter Olympics were treated to a pleasant afterhours cure at the Blazy Mall recently, thanks to the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce. "We try to make our monthly Afterhours business support groups bigger and better, and more fun each time. So this time we centered in on the aftermath of Olympic fever, and Donna's of Donna's Gifts at the Blazy Mall held the opening ceremonies at 5:00pm with an official torch lighting, and then Mug's had a coffee bean toss, and there were other games and events throughout the Mall. Frames and Things had a squirrel toss, and snow golf and premiered their new do-it-yourself framing shop at the Mall. Then upstairs the Kenai Watershed Forum had a water challenge that was quite a challenge indeed," Soldotna Chamber executive director Michelle Glaves told the Dispatch.

A Mitzvah is at the heart of the Jewish Faith, it simply means a good deed from the heart, says Jackie Barsis of the Jewish Congregation of the Kenai Peninsula. "It means bringing relief to those in need. It could be in the form of an item, service or a word of honor and or encouragement. To Mitzvah or not to Mitzvah, is an opportunity we have to make God's creation a better place in our every day experience," she said. The Jewish Congregation of the Kenai Peninsula, Briat Elohim (God's Creation) which has been in existence since 1970, recently was the recipient of a grant from The Jewish Federation of America to provide a public service program for the Kenai Peninsula.

There I was, pedaling my bike down that old country road as fast as I could go. I had just completed my swimming lessons and had passed my test, so now I was finally released to go fishing, and in general, explore the world through the eyes of an 8 year old. My first assault on the outdoor world was at Bears Grass Creek which was a shallow, narrow creek that wound through the farming community and eventually emptied into the Eau Claire River.