Moose Passings

Willow Hetrick
Turnagain Times Moose Pass Correspondent

Annual Christmas Tree Silent Auction a Success

Although the Alaska Railroads Christmas Train did not make its annual trip to Seward this year, the Y-South (non-profit organization that raises funds for local health care related issues) Christmas tree auction was a success.

Trail River Bridge Construction Update

A 20 MPH speed limit will be in effect for vehicles crossing the affected bridges. A traffic signal is in place at the Trail River Bridge. The posted message calls for a speed reduction for all traffic from the currently posted 55 MPH to 20 MPH while crossing bridges.

Moose Pass Methodist Church Christmas Eve Service

Christmas Eve Service will be on Thursday, Dec. 24, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. If you would like to provide a poinsettia for the church in memory of a special love one(s), please contact Judy Odhner.

Moose Pass Food Bank

The Moose Pass Food Bank is accepting donations throughout the winter months, and is especially gracious of any extra items donated during the holiday season and cold winter. It is located at the Moose Pass Community Church. The food bank does not have regular hours, but please call Bill or Mona Casselman at 288-5101 for assistance.

Yet Another Injured Swan

While driving to Moose Pass, my brother and I noticed a large bird on Trail Lake. At first we thought it was a Canada goose, extremely slow and perhaps lost. We continued to monitor the animal to see if it would fly away. After two days of it remaining in the same spot, a friend and I walked on the lake to investigate, only to learn that it was an immature swan. It was not stuck, it could walk, and seemed like it could fly.

It was very weak and struggled to hold its head up. He would let us get within two feet of him before he struggled to waddle away. We were afraid that he was becoming stressed, and also realized that we were not going to be able to pick up this large bird, so went home to make some phone calls. Unfortunately, it was the weekend on the avalanche at Mile 19, and the Alaska Sea Life Center was unable to reach the swan.

The Bird Treatment and Learning Center was restricted from driving during bad road conditions, and did not make the drive either. By the time we came back, there were snow machine tracks up to and leaving where the swan was, but no swan. I have made several calls about the swan's whereabouts with no luck.

Alaska Sea Life Center

The Alaska Sea Life Center offers free admission to Alaska residents and military personnel (with the proper ID) every Wednesday from November until February.

Avalanche Acres Fuel Reduction Project Meeting

A public meeting will be held to discuss the avalanche acres fuel reduction project from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Moose Pass Community Hall on December 17. This meeting will be in open house format, with Forest Service specialists available to answer questions, address concerns, and receive input on how the proposed actions can be modified to meet the needs of our community. The current proposed actions are: cut dead spruce in all units and make this wood available for firewood; thin from below, cutting trees 5 inches and less in diameter. This treatment would be done primarily near the Seward Highway; and piling and burning of material that is not suitable for use as firewood, lumber, or house logs. To find out more information or to see a map of the project area, contact Marcus Chinat 288-7744 or email mchin@fs.fed.us.

Moose Pass New Year's Eve Celebration

This year's Moose Pass New Year's Eve Celebration will be held at the ball diamond around 8 p.m. There will be a fire, fireworks, and the entire community! Dress warm and hope for a clear night!

Moose Pass Community Church Christmas Eve Service

The Moose Pass Community Church will hold their Christmas Eve Service at 7 p.m.