Community members recognized at Annual Volunteer Barbecue
Primary Science Camp Coming Up

By Julie Jonas
Special to the Turnagain Times

Photo Courtesy of Sherry Dugan Girdwood Science Campers had a wonderful week long adventure in the Homer and Kasitsna Bay areas at the beginning of June. Girdwood Science Camp is directed by Sherry Dugan and is sponsored by Four Valleys Community School. The camp has been in existence since 1988. Primary Science camp is July 14-18.

Volunteers make it happen. On June 1, Four Valleys Community School hosted the annual Volunteer Barbecue at the Marlow Pavilion. All local non-profit organizations were invited to attend and recognize those volunteers who have made outstanding contributions this past year to their organizations. In addition, the overall Community Service awards were given to those individuals who have made a significant impact on our community through their volunteer efforts.
The Girdwood Library and Community Center Task Force volunteers include a group of stellar volunteers. This group (Kate Fariday, Denise Dargan, Julie Doepken, Lynn McNamara, Chuck Hinson, Brooks Chandler, and Diana Livingston) have organized, coordinated, and implemented the most significant local fundraising effort in the history of Girdwood. They have worked for more than three years to bring the community’s long expressed desire for a new branch library and community center to fruition, using a combination of private donations and public funding. The result is a public space the community will be able to enjoy for decades.
Mary McCoy has been a dedicated, model volunteer in the Girdwood Valley for close to 25 years. Her tireless efforts to promote art and art education are seen in the growth of the Girdwood Center for the Visual Arts, Forest Fair, Girdwood Community Mural, and Beautification. She is a tireless worker for the community Spaghetti Feed and Art auction, Rotary, and Girdwood 20/20 fundraisers. She is also an election worker/volunteer. Unknown to many is the fact that she has provided soup and food for “shut ins” on numerous occasions. It’s hard to find another member of the community whose volunteer efforts encompass so many Girdwood community activities.
Pat Preis is one of those quiet, behind the scenes volunteers, who has steadfastly given his time for decades. He has been a soccer coach for 6 years, a basketball coach for 5 years, a baseball coach for 2 years, and a Teen Night Volunteer for FVCS for 1-2 years. He assisted with the Disaster/Emergency Preparedness program at Girdwood School and currently volunteers in the Kindergarten class now that he is retired (is he starting all over?). You’ve seen him at the Little Bears Rummage Sale, Sports Swap (he built the clothing racks for the swap), Beach Blanket Bingo, Parking for Forest Fair, and the annual Volunteer BBQ. It seems that Pat is at every event that takes place, and he does it willingly and without fanfare. He is very deserving of acknowledgment for all that he has done for the Girdwood community
Also nominated were Jim Doepken, John Patrick Scardina, the 2007-8 Girdwood Board of Supervisors, and Cleary Donovan. Many thanks to all for their valuable and overall contributions to our community.
The Girdwood School PTA recognized Lou Theiss for his unending support of our local school via his work with School Bonds Yes. Lou’s child now attends South High, yet he is still advocating on behalf of all future Girdwood school children. The Girdwood Rotary noted Joyce Kiana’s community awareness for her willingness to facilitate the ever-valuable post office bulletin board, among other contributions. Four Valleys Community School awarded a plaque to Gloria Blackstone. If you registered for a FVCS class, chances are you received a timely reminder call—a much-appreciated service that Gloria has continued for about ten years.
Upcoming and coming, don’t miss it! Calling all those entering grades one through three, join us for Primary Science Camp, July 14-18. Cost is $200. This camp is directed by Sherry Dugan and has been in existence since 1988. Watch a live fox presentation; wade through local creeks to collect bugs; take the tram up the mountain to study alpine ecology; hike the Winner Creek trail to find who lives there; take a behind the scenes tour of the Zoo and more! Register by calling Four Valleys Community School at 742-5317 or go to www.fourvalleys.org and click on “Summer.”
Over 130 youth are participating in Four Valleys Outdoor Soccer. Every Tuesday and Thursday, the Arlberg Field is full of kids who are dribbling, passing and shooting on goal. The annual Soccer Jamboree season finale is Saturday, July 19. Thanks to all the adult volunteers who help to make this outstanding program a popular local option. Coordinators Eileen Halverson, Robyn Kenny, Betty Charnon, Doug Penn and Heather Durtschi, along with many coaches deserve a big round of applause.
Mark your calendars for the Girdwood Fungus Fair, September 5-7. Go to www.fungusfair.com for info on what looks to be a fun filled weekend! There will be a Fun-guy/gal running race co-sponsored by FVCS. Stay tuned.