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Good Monday everyone.

Last week I wrote about the Cooperative Extension Service's weed workshop. My apologies, as the class location should have been listed as the Kenai River Center on Funny River Road.

Dare I say it is spring? As the Sterling Neighbor previously pointed out, making any speculations on the weather is a risky idea at best. Nonetheless, I hope you are all enjoying the spring whatever the weather may be by the time this column hits the paper.

A few weeks ago, I shared a bit of news about a newly formed group called "Impacting Together."E I had a nice conversation with Peggy Morris, one of the co-founders of the local group. Peggy is pleased to report that $3,700 was raised and went directly to three families who were experiencing medical and other challenges. Peggy also said the gratitude from the families was heartwarming. EAccording to Peggy, the response was so positive that the group decided to meet again. EFor more information and meeting time , e-mail Peggy Morris at morris.dp@gmail.com.

The Soldotna Toastmasters meet at noon Mondays at the Church of God in Soldotna. Last week Katherine Parker gave her first "ice breaker" speech and won the Best Speaker trophy. Katherine amused the audience with her tales about what it was like living in Soldotna in the "good old homestead days." Who knew that one of the first Progress Days parades featured a float with an outhouse on one end and a real toilet on the other? Each commode was said to have had pretty girl seated on the throne. For more information on the Toastmasters, call Rosie Reader at 262-2908 or Randy Richeson at 283-7378.

Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. the Soldotna senior citizens will be in the foyer at the Soldotna Safeway Store giving away clean up bags to the public. The bags are for individuals, families or groups to use as they clean up the local highways and by-ways that accumulate litter over the winter.

Congratulations to the May Soldotna Chamber of Commerce Students of the Month Skyview High School's Mallory Millay, Soldotna High School's Garrett Redford and Soldotna Middle School's Mason Galbraith.

Happy birthday wishes to Ruth Osborn on May 6; Katherine Parker, Richard Brown and Hazel Robinson on May 7; and Ann Curtis on May 8.

As always, remember to send me your news, updates, anniversaries, celebrations and/or announcements.

This week's Soldotna Spenard Builder's Supply readerboard message is "To feel rich, count all the things you have that money can't buy."

Beekeepers to meet

BeeKeeper's Educational Exchange on the Peninsula will meet at 6 p.m. Monday at the Soldotna Middle School library. Kathy and Cliff Cullings will share a presentation on beekeeping in New Zealand.

A discussion on summer meetings also will be held. For more information, call Steve at 260-6121 or Rosy at 398-7604.

Raffle winner announced

Tom Martin of Kenai drew the winning raffle ticket for a getaway to Seattle, including airfare, lodging, golf and tickets to a Mariners game through the Kenai River Rotary Club of Soldotna. The raffle proceeds will go to help eradicate polio.

SoHi Class of '98 seeks information

The Soldotna High school Class of 98 is seeking contact information for its 10 year reunion. Reunion Dates have been made and the information for the reunion is available at www.sohi1998.com. Participants must R.S.V.P. and purchase tickets by this month.

SoHi Class of '88 seeks information

Reunion organizers for the Soldotna High School Class of 1988 are seeking information of classmates. For more information, call Shelly at 262-5361 or visit www.alumniclass.com/soldotna.

Public radio fundraiser scheduled

Pickle Hill Public Broadcasting will hold the "Winter Blues and All That Jazz Raffle" as a fundraiser for KDLL 91.9 FM. Five prizes will be awarded. First prize is a Boston Acoustics Receptor Digital HD radio, second- and fourth-place prizes are $300 gift certificates from Sweeney's Clothing in Soldotna, the third- and fifth-place prizes are 10 seats on Upper Kenai River Scenic float trip from Alaska River Adventures.

Ticket prices are $5 each or five for $20 and are available at KDLL or from any boardmember.

The drawing will be held May 23 at KDLL. Participants need not be present to win. For more information, e-mail allen@kdllradio.org.

Library hosts boat raffle

Friends of the Soldotna Joyce Carver Library are selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a fully equipped drift boat and trailer, and other equipment and cash.

The cost of tickets are $100. One thousand tickets are available and may be purchased at River and Sea Marine and Trustworthy Hardware and Fishing in Soldotna.

The drawing will be held at the community picnic during Soldotna Progress Days. The proceeds will go toward the library expansion project.

For more information, call Ed at 262-7913.