Winter Recreation Guide 2012

“The voice of Interior Alaska since 1903”

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Ideas for indoor and outdoor fun in Fairbanks

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, November 30, 2012

Winter: Love it Winter in Interior Alaska is what you make of it. Take it from someone who was raised as a kid on the concrete and asphalt of Southern California but who has enjoyed life in Alaska for more than 20 years.

That “someone” is me.

Skiing, snowmachining, dog mushing — none of those activities rated a mention in my vocabulary way back in Arctic Man, my Golden art, aurora State years. borealis, Nor did splitantiquing, ting wood astronomy (though my wife thinks it still doesn’t) and aurora watching.

My family and I (and our sled dogs) live in Two Rivers, a great community that, like Fairbanks and other nearby communities and neighborhoods, has those winter activities and more to offer if you’re an outdoorsy sort.

But you can’t be outBook clubs, doors all winbasketball, ter, of course. bicycling, And outdoors bridge club, activities in barbecues, winter don’t bonfires, appeal to everyone. brewerys, That leaves blogging, the indoors. board And the games, Fairbanks baking, region is rich bowling in things to do in the warmth of the inside. There’s

By MATT BUXTON mbuxton@newsminer.com

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As the temperature drops, some Fairbanksans hop on a plane south. But for everyone else, a tropical destination can be as close as the pages of a good book and a mug of hot cocoa.

“Reading can take you wherever you want to go, Crafts classeven if you es, curling, can’t afford cabin-dwella flight to ing, crochetHawaii,” ing, cha-cha, said Christy cleaning, Wiskeman, the co-owner cooking, CPR class, ceramof Gulliver’s Books. “You ics, Chena can be readHot Springs, ing about card games Hawaii or other warm places and you can get a mental break from the snow.”

In addition to the latest bestsellers, Wiskeman says wintertime can be a perfect opportunity to catch up on missed reading or learn about something new.

“It’s a great time to be learning about a topic that you’ve always wanted to learn about when it’s too cold to do chores. It’s a great time to read up on a topic of interest.”

Certain genres of books can be seasonal. Gardening and hiking books are popular during the summer. Books about mushing, Alaska history and climbing are more popular in the winter.

And for folks with the impending sense of cabin fever and looking for a free getaway, there’s always the Noel Wien Public Library.

Director Greg Hill said the library, in addition to a bevy of books, has free programs and events throughout the winter, as well as the rest of the year, for kids, teens and adults.

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Rod Boyce photo

books movies, theater and music as well as some of the traditional activities done in most any home in the nation.

Each of us could put together a guide on the ABCs of getting through an Alaska winter. And I’m certain that each one would look different.

This Winter Recreation Guide isn’t a complete list.

It can’t be. Rather, it offers sourdoughs and cheechakos some stories and photographs

that might get you thinking of trying something this winter that you haven’t tried before.

And we’ve included a few other ideas tucked under various over-sized letters of the alphabet. Try adding some of your own.

Have fun this winter, whether you’re inside or outside.

— Rod Boyce, managing editor Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Interior Alaska Green Star www.iagreenstar.org 452-4152

Season a good time to read a book, or two

Interior Green Star is a non-profit organization that encourages businesses to practice waste reduction, energy conservation, pollution prevention and electronic recycling in Fairbanks.

Good for the environment is good for Business The electronics recycling depot is now open to collect your old and unwanted electronics for recycling on the third weekend of every month – Friday and Saturday. Collections are held at the Alaska Waste Recycling Center at 3050 Phillips Field Road from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

“Reading can take you wherever you want to go, even if you can’t afford a flight to Hawaii.”

— Christy Wiskeman, the co-owner of Gulliver’s Books

“Especially if you’re in with your family, it’s a place where you can go out and have a real nice time without spending any money,” he said.

The library has reading groups, movies, art shows, play times and music.

A particularly popular program is the Cabin Fever Reading list, a reading program for adults. Readers can pick up a book, write a brief review of the what they read and be entered to win prizes.

That program usually begins in January, just when the confines of home are the worst for some people.

Overall, Hill said the library is a particularly good place to simply meet other people and enjoy something new, whether it be the latest book or an art film.

“One of the presumptions is that we’re a storehouse of books,” he said. “They don’t realize that we have meeting space and we have programs and we have story hours, but those are all things of that’s part and parcel of our bigger purpose and that’s to provide the interaction between human curiosity and information.”

A list of events is available on the library’s website at http://library.fnsb.lib.ak.us/.

Contact staff writer Matt Buxton at 459-7544.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, November 30, 2012

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, November 30, 2012

Gaming goes beyond pinochle

By GARY BLACK gblack@newsminer.com

games,” said Kevin Collins, general manager of The Comic Shop. “We also host organized Magic tournaments, Yu-Gi-Oh tournaments, Pokemon Dog tournamushing, ments and dancing, Warhammer dusting, 40K and War Denali Marchine, National which are Park table top miniatures.

And we’re always open to new people who want to learn how to play.”

While the average consumer might hear “comic shop” and immediately think of hardcore role-playing games, the store also offers the classics — “We have chess to board games to backgammon,” Collins said — as well as new twists on old favorites, like Monopoly.

In Monopoly world, which has seen incarnations such as Monopoly: James Bond 007, Monopoly: Futurama and Monopoly: Indiana Jones, the categorical get-rich-andstay-that-way game is ever changing. The latest edition?

Monopoly: Dr. Who. “We have that, too,” Collins said. “There is a big ‘Dr. Who’ fan base up here.”

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When it’s 30 below zero and you’ve had all the “Angry Birds” you can handle, shut down the iPad and get out and mingle with folks with like-minded interests: gaming.

“Gaming” is a wide-ranging term and can cover every thing from classic board games like Risk and Trivial Pursuit to more imaginative endeavors, such as Yu-Gi-Oh tournaments or role-playing adventures.

In Fairbanks, you shouldn’t be at a loss for finding your gaming niche.

The Comic Shop, 418 Third St., suite 5B, is Fairbanks’ go-to spot for the gaming community. The store, which seems like it stocks every comic book known to publishing, also is rife with games and gaming supplies, from standard board and video games to modern role-playing and multi-player card games that let you flex your creative gaming skills.

The Comic Shop opened a gaming room within its facility to cater just to the gaming crowd, and many weekends you can find players engrossed in what spell they’ll cast during a hot round of Magic: The Gathering.

“If you wanted to, you Contact staff writer Gary Black could bring in your own board at 459-7504.

News-Miner file photo

Paul Ransom, left, looks back to keep an eye on a sled carrying an ice auger as he and his son, Paul Ransom Jr., 11, depart from a three-hour ice fishing expedition at their usual spot on Chena Lake on a sunny afternoon in January 2010 in North Pole.

Ice fishing can be fun said.

Believe it or not, ice fishing can be fun, and even While some people think comfortable in some cases. of ice fishing as a prison senThe days of sitting on a tence more than a form of plastic bucket in the middle recreation, that’s of a windswept lake at not the case for 20 degrees below zero John Beers. are history, or at least For Beers, ice they can be for a small fishing is just price. another excuse to Alaska State Parks get outdoors.

Embroidering, and the Fairbanks “I like sitting North Star Borough eating, out on a lake and Parks and Recreation entertain taking in the view,” friends Department rent out Beers, a sales ice houses on Birch, associate at FronChena and Quartz tier Outfitters, said. “I like lakes. watching what people are The state has four ice doing, and I like catching a huts on Quartz Lake and lot of fish. five on Birch Lake while the “It’s just one more reason borough has four ice fishing to enjoy the outdoors,” he huts set up on Chena Lake.

By TIM MOWRY tmowry@newsminer.com

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The huts, built by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, are 8 feet by 12 feet, and each is equipped with a small wood stove First Fridays, for heat. fireplace The huts sitting, are relativeFacebooking, ly cheap fly-fish lure to rent making — $15 per day for state and $25 for borough — and have a hole in each corner.

One of the best things about ice fishing is that it’s relatively cheap.

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, November 30, 2012

FISHING

FOR RENT

Continued from Page 4

While sporting goods stores sell a myriad ice fishing rods, lures and jigs, all you really need in most cases is a stick with Indoor golf, a piece of gaming, fishing line, geocaching, a hook and indoor garsome nightdening, gym, crawlers, galleries, salmon eggs gingerbread or shrimp. house “You’re usually contest fishing in 15 feet of water,” said Gerry Hovda, manager of the fish department at Frontier Outfitters. “A hook with a piece of shrimp on it is still the best way to go.”

The only real investment you need to make is to purchase an ice auger to drill

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• To rent an ice fishing house from Alaska State Parks on Birch or Quartz lakes, go to dnr.alaska.gov/parks/cabins/ icehuts.htm or call the Department of Natural Resources Public Information Center at 451-2705.

• To rent an ice fishing house from the Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks and Recreation Department, call Chena Lake Recreation Area at 488-1655 or call the parks and rec department at 459-1070.

holes in the ice, but Beers said that’s not even necessary at popular spots like Chena Lake.

“You don’t even have to drill a hole out there,” he said. “Somebody that’s keeping fish is usually done in an hour or two and you can take their spot.”

Beers usually brings a stove and a frying pan so he can cook his catch right on the spot.

“That’s kind of a tradi-

tion of ours,” he said. “We cook them right on the ice.

They just taste great out there.

All you need is a piece of plywood to use for a Hockey table to set leagues, your stove hunting, on.” hiking, Area manageholiday ment bioloshows, gist Audra homebrewBrase with ing, hot the Division springs of Sport Fish in Fairbanks said she likes to make a full day or weekend out of an ice fishing outing.

“We take the snowmachine out and play around,” she said. “Catching a fish is a bonus for me.”

In addition to ice fishing houses, the state also rents public-use cabins at Birch and Quartz lakes, Brase noted.

“People can rent one of those and make a weekend

of it instead of going for only the few short hours of daylight we have,” she said.

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Sam Harrel/ News-Miner file photo

Caleb Whitworth, right, checks his line while ice fishing with Johann Freeman in December 2010 on Ballaine Lake.

Freeman already had given up as Whitworth continued until he finally decided the next outing would be at Birch or Chena

See what you’re missing… right in our own backyard!

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Starting at just $150 per month, getting the family out in the backcountry does not have to be expensive. For more information on the COMPEAU trail and other fun places to ride this winter, just stop by Compeau’s and we’ll hook you up! Life is short.

Get out and enjoy it!

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, November 30, 2012

Stay busy, socialize through quilting

By MARY BETH SMETZER msmetzer@newsminer.com During the Interior’s cold winter months, quilting is one of those all-encompassing pastimes that satisfies the senses, soothes the soul and provides lots of opportunities for socializing. • Quilting counters dark days and monochromatic landscapes with bright, colorful fabrics. • Quilts provide much needed warmth against the icy bite of sub-zero temperatures. • Gifting handmade quilts to loved ones, those in need of consolation or to raise money for a good cause enriches one’s family, friends and com-

munity spirit. • Quilting groups, quilting bees, quilt guild meetings, all provide a social outlet — a fun way to share an interest and meet new friends.

For more than three decades, the quilting community in the Interior has grown and continues to thrive supporting a number of local businesses that supply sewing machines, quilt fabrics and quilt supplies.

It’s no accident that Fairbanks’ own quilt guild was named Cabin Fever Quilters Guild. Guild organizers were savvy to winter doldrums and how to defeat them, and the group’s educational, community service and leisure activities provide a myriad ways to

avoid the winter malady.

The guild meets the third Tuesday of each month at Monroe High School. Meetings often include educational demos as well as a monthly sharing of members latest projects.

Smaller, satellite groups also meet in members homes during the day or evening.

Since organizing in 1979, the guild delivers quilts to families who have lost their homes to fire, provided quilts to Denali Center and the Women’s Center at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and supplies handmade Amanda quilts to FMH and Bassett Army Community Hospital for parents who have lost a child.

For the past 25 years, the

guild has sponsored Quilting in the Snow, the last full weekend in January at Chena Hot Springs Resort no matter the temperature.

Even at 40 below or colder, the hum of sewing machines fills the main dining room as quilters enjoy a respite from daily routines to sew or learn a new technique, breaking only for meals or a dip in the resort’s indoor or outdoor pools. There are classes on various techniques but many quilters attend to get away and finish a project without interruption.

The interest in quilting continues to grow and quilters’ output is not limited to bed coverings. Quilt designs are used for home decoration

from art wall quilts to table runners and hot pads. Many local fabric artists also creatively incorporate quilt techniques into their artworks.

Area quilt shops such as The Material Girls and Northern Threads feature quilt fabric, quilt supplies, sewing machines and quilting classes year round.

Quilt fabrics and supplies also are available at Alaska Raw Fur Company, Jo-Ann Fabric, Crafts, Blue Ribbon Sew and Vac, and in North Pole at Ben Franklin Crafts.

For more information on the Cabin Fever Quilters Guild, visit www.cfqgalaska. org.

Contact staff writer Mary Beth Smetzer at 459-7546.

Tubing offers plenty of thrills and chills

By KASEY CASORT For the News-Miner Last winter, I did a variety of different things. I read, I sledded down hills, I went to the ice park, I went ice skating, I drank hot chocolate and more. I didn’t have a Casort chance to ski that much, but I will be able to do it more this year.

One thing that was an entertaining part of my winter was going tubing for the first time.

I had never been, but I was full of excitement.

Ice fishing, ice climbing, My friend and her famice skating, ily invited ice carvme to go, ing, Internet and when I surfing, ice arrived, they candles explained how to clip my tube onto the pulley. Sud-

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denly, I was riding up the hill.

When we had been pulled to the top, we clipped our inner tubes together and were given a big push to get us started Jump-roping, going down jewelry the hill. making, We jigsaw whooshed puzzles down the hill, laughing and bumping into each other.

When we slid to the bottom, we moved out of the way of

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News-Miner file

Bill Weis, left, and his son Eric, 11, speed down the Birch Hill Ski and John Wagner/News-Miner Bill Weis, left, and his son Eric, 11, enjoy a mo- Snowboard ment of airtime while speeding down the Birch Area tubing hill. the next group that was coming down and hooked back up to the pulley. We repeated the process until our session was over.

That was the most exciting

part of my winter, and I hope I’ll have the chance to go again.

Kasey Casort is an eighth-grader at Chinook Montessori Charter School. She wrote this short piece while a job shadow at the NewsMiner in October.

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, November 30, 2012

UAF offers variety of winter semester classes room interaction or academic classroom credit, you How to sign up for classes can take an at the University of Alaska FairFairbanks is the flagship banks: astounding campus for the University of 1) Browse classes — To see number of Alaska, and you don’t have to an online listing of UAF classes classes online be a full-time student to take without venadvantage of the spring semes- go to www.uaf.edu/courseLibrary, finder. turing into ter, which starts 2) Register — Go to www. lectures, the 40-below Jan. 14. uaf.edu/reg and follow direclaser tag weather.

DurFrom art to languages to tions for non-degree seeking ing the past music to sports, the university students. few years, offers many classes that might several top U.S. colleges have be appropriate for someone an enormous variety, including opened a portion of their who wants to learn about catalogs to the public at no fly fishing, cross-country skia subject or pick up a new charge by uploading videos of ing to rock climbing. skill. Browsing at www.uaf.

Entry-level classes generally lectures. Harvard, Stanford edu/coursefinder can give you cost $168 per credit for Alaska and MIT were among the first, some ideas of the classes that residents, ranging from one to but check the websites of these are offered. and other universities for five credits. Some have addiRecreation classes like tional costs, such as equipment more information. A number dance, yoga and swimming of free online-only universities often are offered in the morn- fees. To register, go to www. such as the Khan Academy uaf.edu/coursefinder and folings and evenings and are low directions for non-degree- also offer courses. popular with non-university Contact staff writer Sam Friedstudents. These classes gener- seeking students. man at 459-7545.

If you don’t need classally are one credit, and there is

By SAM FRIEDMAN sfriedman@newsminer

SIGNING UP

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Eric Engman/News-Miner file photo

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Knitting, kayaking classes, keeping a journal

1817 College Rd. • 907-452-3455 • 1-800-478-3455 • www.alaskafuncenter.com

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Tim Ciosek, 32, climbs the crack while trying out the climbing wall at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Student Recreation Center. UAF offers a variety of recreation classes, such as dance, yoga, swimming, fly fishing, cross-country skiing to rock climbing.

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, November 30, 2012

STAYING ACTIVE, WHETHER INSIDE OR OUTSIDE Eric Engman/NewsMiner file photo

Madison Clairmont, 4, skips across the dance floor during the Tiny Tots Ballet class at Artisan’s Courtyard in 2009.

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Movies, music, mountaineering, meteor showers, martial arts, Museum of the North

Sam Harrel/News-Miner file photo

Clockwise from left, lead Kevin Brinegar, second Greg Albrecht and skip Chad Carroll watch as their stone heads for skip Mark Carothers during their game in April 2012 at the Fairbanks Curling Club.

Sam Harrel/ News-Miner

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Night skiing, Nenana Ice Classic

News-Miner file photos

Above: Effie Kokrine Charter School senior Tiana Woods races through the woods on snowshoes during the school’s annual Snowshoe Tea-Making Relay Race in 2011. The arctic survival-oriented relay challenges competitors to race three laps around the school wearing snowshoes and then brew a cup of tea by melting snow over a fire. The 10th-grade team won the race.

Cory Bassett leaves a jump at Moose Mountain Ski Resort

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, November 30, 2012

STAYING ACTIVE, WHETHER INSIDE OR OUTSIDE

Eric Engman/News-Miner file photo

Gerd Mannsperger, of Whitehorse, Yukon, sports a spiked helmet while watching competitors pass through the first aid station portion of the course at the 2012 Arctic Man Ski and Sno-Go Classic Race in the HooDoo Mountains.

Sam Friedman/News-Miner file photo

Climbers make their way up and down the ice climbing tower at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

News-Miner file photos

Above: Midnight Sun Martial Arts Academy student Jeremy Selcoe executes a high kick during a training session.

Right: Chris Dauel, bike shop manager at Beaver Sports, demonstrates winter trail riding on his fat bike.

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, November 30, 2012

Big Dipper: A warm place for a winter walk Eric Engman/NewsMiner file photo

By AMANDA BOHMAN For the News-Miner At the Big Dipper Ice Arena, toddlers skipped and played like buzzing bees around baby strollers pushed by moms in yoga pants.

A janitor, wearing a Jesus T-shirt, pushed a vacuum cleaner.

Beverly Ricketts and her husband, Ron, both retired, took their daily stroll.

If it were summer, the couple would be walking along the Chena River or at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. But it was zero outside in November, and the couple sought refuge in a public building where it’s warm and the walking is free.

In the Big Dipper, it’s warm enough to don a sweatshirt or flannel when it’s 20 ice rink. The other walkers, below outside. The secondand a few runners — mostly floor walking track is carmothers with children, office peted and overlooks a busy

A pedestrian is framed by hoar-frost covered branches as he strolls along the Chena River bike path behind the Carlson Center.

For those looking for a warmer walk, the Big Dipper Ice Arena offers free walking.

workers, retirees — are nice.

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It’s nice in the wintertime to get out,” said Cathy Norum, who works for the state of Alaska in an office building nearby. “You just can’t beat it to come over at noon and take 15 or 20 minutes to destress.”

About 4,500 walks were logged at the Big Dipper last January, the peak of the Dipper’s walking season, according to Linda Ingham, manager at the ice arena.

In the summer months, the numbers dip down to the hundreds.

Cass Cerny and Nick Ferree, both office workers, met for a lunch hour walking date. Cerny skis, does exercise videos and takes jazzercise classes. Walking at the Big Dipper is one of several exercise options for the Golden Valley Electric Association spokeswoman.

“In the winter, it’s nice to have this space,” Cerny said.

“We really like that it’s free.”

Walking has taken place at the Dipper for decades but it wasn’t free until six years ago. The program is supported by the taxpayers of the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

Karol Fink, who is in charge of the obesity prevention program for the state

of Alaska, said 150 minutes of walking per week is an acceptable fitness routine.

“Walking at a moderate pace counts as physical activity,” Fink said. Even as little as 10 minutes per day. Littleby-little, it adds up, Obstacle Fink said. course At 150 in yard, minutes origami per week, ornaments, most people organizing experience health benefits, including better balance, muscle tone and weight maintenance or weight loss.

Routine walking decreases the risk for diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol, Fink said.

Fitness trainer Michael Flanagan said walking is a good way to start a fitness routine because it’s easy on the body.

“It’s really all about preventing injury,” Flanagan said. “Those who are nonactive or those who are new to exercise — this is a good way to start.”

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Contact freelance writer Amanda Bohman at aknewsgirl@gmail. com.

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, November 30, 2012

Keep calm during the cold with yoga

By GARY BLACK gblack@newsminer.com Downward-facing dog is more than when your lead dog takes a leap off the trail and ends up in a snowbank.

It’s also one of the more common yoga poses, and if taking the dog team out for a run through Two Paddling, Rivers isn’t your winphotograter gig, then maybe phy, parayou should consider normal, the yoga dog instead polar bear of the lead dog. club, Yoga is a booming painting, industry, with more than 15 million prac- plaster titioners in the Unit- casting, ed States, according plays, poker, to the latest numbers Pioneer Park from www.statis ticbrain.com, and a quick Google search of yoga classes and studios in Fairbanks pulls up a vast selection of classes from beginner to advanced.

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ive l l u

Eric Engman/News-Miner file photo

Jody Hassel leads a yoga class at The Artisan’s Courtyard.

It’s a trend that has gripped the nation with its relaxation and health benefits, said Gretchen Nolan, owner of Infinite Yoga of Alaska, and one that offers a chance to get out of the house and keep active in our long, cold winter months.

“It’s done indoors and the temperatures won’t keep you away,” she said with a laugh. “People like the community of it, the social aspects. It’s

not just yoga and the exercise aspect, it’s the social aspect.”

Social aspect aside, many people turn to yoga for health reasons.

“It’s good for your body and good for stress. It’s a take-time-out-foryourself type thing,” she said.

Among the health benefits Nolan discussed, many practitioners take up yoga for weight loss, to ease arthritic joints, to help with depression and

digestion, or to learn relaxation techniques via breathing methods. Many also do it for body strengthening, she said.

“We’ve had body builders who can lift massive amounts of weight but not themselves,” Nolan said. “It’s just good for your body.”

For the uninitiated, beginner classes help the yoga novice develop body awareness, learn basic postures — called asanas — focus on proper alignment, learn yogic breathing and learn how to link breath with movement. As classes progress, participants can expand into a range of advanced moves and techniques with a focus on body healing, physical restorative yoga, core workouts or prenatal yoga, designed for momsto-be.

For more information about classes and techniques at Nolan’s studio, visit www.infiniteyogaofak.com. It is located at 1755 Westwood Way, No. 4, in Artisan’s Courtyard, or call 458-9642.

Contact staff writer Gary Black at 459-7504.

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, November 30, 2012

WINTER CALENDAR OF EVENTS $3 to $8. For more info, call 907-456-1483 or visit con traborealis. org Dec. 21— BallDec. 1 — How to Make Artroom ist Trading Cards, by Nikki Dance Kinne. $40, includes supClub of plies. 10 a.m. to noon, at Fairbanks, the Co-Op Arts Learning Third FriReading, Center, 535 Second Ave. day Dance Suite 202. Call 452-2787 to redecorating at Pioneer register.

Park Dance Dec. 7 — Preschoolers, ParHall, 8:30ents & Art, Finger Paint11:30 p.m., $5 members $6 ing: Art for preschoolers and parents, plus ideas for non-members. Everyone’s fostering creativity. $20, invited to kick up their all supplies included. 11 heels at this month’s Fria.m. to noon, at Co-Op day Social Dance. Whether Arts Learning Center, 535 you’re experienced or not, Second Ave. Suite 202. Call this is a great way to get 452-2787 to register. moving and meet new Dec. 7 — Gallery 49, featuring people.

“Raven Spirit sculptured No experience or partner Ravens,” work by Mary necessary. Please bring Ann Fortune. Artist recepclean, non-marking shoes. tion Dec. 7 5-8 p.m., at 535 www.fairbanksballroom.

Second Ave, suite 103. Call org 452-ARTS (2787) with quesDec. 29 — Ballroom Dance tions.

Club of Fairbanks, AmeriDec. 7 — Co-Op Arts Learncan Smooth Workshop, ing Center, New Horizon’s Day 1, at Pioneer Park “Miniature Show.” CommuDance Hall, noon waltz; nity wide collectable works 1:15 p.m. tango; 2:30 p.m. of art, or perfect gifts. Artfoxtrot, 3:45 p.m. Viennese News-Miner file ist Reception 5-8 p.m., at waltz. $15 per class. Please Mary Gettinger, left, and John Hanchett, both of Fairbanks, dance together at an event at 535 Second Ave, suite 202. bring clean, non-marking Pioneer Park.

The Ballroom Dance Club of Fairbanks is sponsoring many events throughCall 452-2787 with quesshoes. www.fairbanks tions. out the season at the Pioneer Park Dance Hall. ballroom.org Dec. 8 — Artist Trading Card Dec. 30 — Ballroom Dance Swap, free, bring your experienced or not, this is House and instruction from noon, at Co-Op Arts LearnClub of Fairbanks, AmeriATCs and swap with others, a great way to caller Lynn Basham. ing Center, 535 Second Ave. can Smooth Workshop, building your own get moving and Beginners welcome.

Suite 202. Call 452-2787 to Day 2; at Pioneer Park collection of original art. meet new people.

Admission from $3 to register.

Dance Hall. 1 p.m. waltz, 10 a.m.-noon at the No experience or $8. For more info, call 2:15 p.m. tango, 3:30 p.m.

Co-Op Arts Learning Cenpartner neces456-1483 or visit con foxtrot, 4:45 p.m. Viennese ter, 535 Second Ave. Suite sary. Please bring traborealis.org.

Dec. 1 — Ballroom Dance Club waltz. $15 per class. Please 202. Call 452-2787 with clean, non-markDec. 15 — Contra of Fairbanks, First Saturbring clean, non-marking questions. ing shoes. dance, 8-11 p.m., day dance at Pioneer Park Quilting, shoes. www.fairbanksball Dec. 14 — Preschoolers, Parwww.fairbanks Pioneer Park Dance Dance Hall, 8:30-11:30 p.m., quilling room.org. ents & Art, Play Dough: ballroom.org Hall, with live music $5 members $6 non-mem(paper art) Art for preschoolers and Dec. 7 — Contra

by Gaelic Fusion and bers. Everyone’s invited to parents, plus ideas for fosdance, 8-11 p.m., instruction from caller kick up their heels at this tering creativity. $20, all Pioneer Park Dance Hall, Lynn Basham. Beginners month’s Saturday social Continued on Page 13 supplies included. 11 a.m.with live music by Eel welcome. Admission from dance. Whether you’re

DECEMBER

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Tanana Valley Sportsmen’s Association

• • • • •

It’s best to keep in shape during your off season and condition muscles before participating in winter activities.

Warm up before playing or participating as cold muscles, tendons, and ligaments are vulnerable to injury.

Wear properly fitted protective gear, including helmets, goggles, gloves, padding, and layered clothing as needed for your sport.

Learning how to fall correctly and safely can reduce the risk of injury Drink plenty of water before, during, and after activities to prevent dehydration.

Avoid playing or participatin in sports when you are exhausted or in pain.

Most injuies occur after lunch and when fatigued. Be sure to stop and rest every couple of hours to reduce the risk of injury.

Brought to you by

Willow Physical Therapy

1919 Lathrop St., Suite 222 • www.willowpt.com

456-5990

11405245 11-30-12 WRG

Call 488-2884 for info.

•

11402335 11-30-12 WRG

Open shooting Wed. evenings from 6pm to 9pm this winter.

Public welcome!

Presently limited to air guns in our new building. Guns and ammo included in range fees.

We anticipate .22 rifle and center fire handgun shooting will be available after the first of the year

•

Tips for Prevention of Winter Sports Injuries

13

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, November 30, 2012

WINTER CALENDAR OF EVENTS Continued from Page 12

Dec. 20 — Third Thursday films for adult audiences, 7 p.m., award-winning international and independent films, “Protektor” (Czech Republic; 102 min); “I Was a Child of HoloSkiing, caust Survivors” (Canada; 15 min), snowshoeing, snowauditorium Noel Wien Library, machining, 1215 Cowles skijoring, Street,contact: soccer Georgine Olson: leagues, 459-1063 or gol swimming, son@fnsblibrary. science lecus

Church, sponsored by Fairbanks Choral Society.

456-1144.

nature

Dec. 1, 8, 15 — Holiday Open House, Join Friends of Creamer’s Field for crafty, creative fun at our annual holiday open houses.

We will be making holiday ornaments and crafts using natural materials in the Farmhouse Visitor Center.

Programs are dropin any time during the hours stated. For more information, call Friends of Creamer’s Field at 452-5162.

Noon to 4 p.m.

Dec. 1 — Annual Lighttures, sewing of the Spruce Tree, ing, snow Join Friends of CreamDec. 1 — Sweet angels er’s Field for the annuAdelines Holiday al lighting of the big Show, Pioneer spruce tree and caroling Park Theater, followed by cookies and 3 p.m. Tickets from chohot drinks in the warmth rus members or online. of the historic farmhouse. $15/$10 students, military, For more information, call seniors /children Friends of Creamer’s Field 5 and younger free. www. at 452-5162. 6-8 p.m. fairbankssweetadelines.

Dec. 6 — Preschool Nature com Discovery Program, Dec. 7, 14, 21 — Friday 1-2:30 p.m., Come to nights live music, If Only Creamer’s Field for a pro... A Fine Store, 215 Cushgram designed for ages man St., 457-6659.

3-6 and their caregivers.

Dec. 14 — Fairbanks ComDecember’s program topic munity Band, Christmas is Animal Tracks. Program concert, 7 p.m., Pioneer includes reading a book, a Park Civic Center Theater. craft and a short walk on www.communityband.org. the Refuge. $3 suggested 488-2807 donation. Pre-registraDec. 15 — Holiday Concert, tion is required. Maximum 7:30 p.m., by Northland 15 children per class. To Youth Choir and Aurora preregister or for more Women’s Chorale, Melissa information, call Friends Downes and Marvilla of Creamer’s Field at 452Davis, conductors. West 5162 and leave a message.

Dec. 22 — Winter Solstice Valley Performing Arts Walk, 1 p.m. Join Friends Center on Geist Road. Tickof Creamer’s Field to celets may be ebrate the joys of winter purchased with a walk on the Refuge at the door trails at a time when the beginning sun is lowest in the sky one hour and we experience the before shortest days of the year. the perJoin us after the walk for Trapping, formance. cookies and hot drinks. theatre, Admission: Meet at the Farmhouse $12 adults; tea parVisitor Center. For more $7 for chilties, televiinformation, call Friends dren 12 sion, tai of Creamer’s Field at and under, 452-5162. chi, tubing, military and treadmilling, senior cititweeting zens.

Dec. 2 — Fairbanks Coin Dec. 15 Club Meeting, 7:30 p.m., — 33rd Sing it Yourself at the Round-Up SteakMessiah, house on South Cushman, 3 p.m., First Presbyterian topic “Our Collections and

S

music

Christmas Pasts.” For more information, contact Terry Haynes, Pres. 474-0471 or Ruthe Peterson 488-1652.

Dec. 8 — Family Day: Raptors, UA Museum of the North. Learn about birds of prey and see specimens up close. Our Family Day series of events connect children to the museum’s collections through cultural, science and educational programming. Call 474-7505.

Noon to 4 p.m.

Dec. 15 — Gingerbread House University Contest, 29th annu- classes: al event at Winterthe Carlson mester Center. at UAF Viewing is from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and you can vote on your favorite entry until 2:30 p.m.

News-Miner file photo

The 29th annual Gingerbread House Contest, takes place Dec. 15 at the Carlson Center.

The viewing is from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Continued on Page 14

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special events

11403466-11-30-12WRG

3480 College Rd. • 479-2494 Mon.–Sat. 10–7 • Sun. 11–5 www.beaversports.com

14

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, November 30, 2012

WINTER CALENDAR OF EVENTS Eric Engman/ News-Miner file photo

Jesse Warwick and his four-year-old pointer/lab mix Joba take an afternoon skijor through Creamer’s Field in February.

Warwick was basking in the warmth and sunshine during the 4-mile run, commenting on the nice day afterward.

Continued from Page 13

Winners announced at 3:15 p.m. 459-7548 for more information.

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stage

Dec. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 — “The Little Match Girl,” Dance Theatre FairVideo banks, 656 Sevgaming, enth Ave. 7 p.m. volunteering Dec. 7; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Dec. 8.; 2 p.m. Dec. 9; 7 p.m.

Dec. 14; 7 p.m. Dec. 15; and 2 p.m. Dec. 16. For more information go to www.dan

cetheatrefairbanks.com or call 452-1113.

Dec. 12, 13, — Auditions, Fairbanks Drama Association for “The Diary of Anne Frank” at 7 p.m. both evenings at the Riverfront Theatre, 1852 Second Ave. Call 456-PLAY for information.

Dec. 13 — Pink Martini, 8 p.m., Hering Auditorium, $9836. Info and tickets: 490-2858.

Dec. 15 — Auditions, Fairbanks Drama Association for “The Diary of Anne Frank” at 1 p.m. at the Riverfront Theatre, 1852 2nd Ave. Call 456-PLAY for information.

Dec. 22 — Auditions, Fairbanks Drama Association holds audi-

tions for “Smokey Joe’s Café” at 1 p.m. at the Riverfront Theatre, 1852 Second Ave. Call 456-PLAY for information.

bazaars Dec. 1 — The sixth annual Green Holiday Sale, at the Alaska Bird Observatory, 418 Wedgewood Drive. Friends of Creamer’s Field and the Alaska Bird Observatory join with other local environmental agencies to provide environmentally friendly and nature themed gifts. Proceeds support the participating organizations.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dec. 8 — Tanana Valley Farmers Market Holiday Bazaar, West Valley High School, 10 a.m. to 4

THE SNOW IS HERE! IT’S TIME TO SKI! Dedicated to the promotion and enjoyment of cross-country skiing in the Fairbanks community

For Membership, Lessons, Racing & Trail Donations go online to:

www.nscfairbanks.org

For More Information 907-457-4435 or administrator@nscfairbanks.org

JANUARY

art Jan. 4 — Gallery 49, featuring wood work by David Critchfield.

Artist reception Jan. 4, 5 to 8 p.m., at 535 2nd Ave, Suite 103. Call 452-ARTS (2787) with questions.

Jan. 4 — Co-Op Arts Learning Center, 3rd annual “Closet Artist”

W Walking, writing, weightlifting, wood carving, working out, winter solstice events, World Ice Carving Championships, wine tasting

Denali Touch of Wilderness Lodge Onsite trails for walking, crosscountry skiing, snowmachining and more!

Groups Welcome!

907-683-2459 Mile 251 Parks Hwy. • www.touchofwoldernessbb.com

Mile 251 Parks Hwy. • www.touchofwoldernessbb.com

13404054 11-30-12 WRG

www.nscfairbanks.org

18404913 11-30-12 WRG

Don’t forget to donate to our TRAILS GROOMING FUND which maintains 40Km of trails!

p.m. Information at tvfmarket. com or 456-FARM Dec. 8, 9, 14-24 — North Pole Plaza Mall Christmas Bazaar.

488-6308, 490-6599

15

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, November 30, 2012

WINTER CALENDAR OF EVENTS Continued from Page 14

special events Jan. 26 — Annual Open House, UA Museum of the North. Meet curators, collection managers, and exhibit designers. Go behind the scenes to see science in action. Enjoy hands-on activities. Free.

Call 474-7505. Noon to 4 p.m.

stage Jan. 20 — Cirque Mechanics, 4 p.m., Hering Auditorium, $38-13. Info & tickets: 490-2858 Jan. 25-27 — “The Well in the Woods,” Fairbanks Drama Association, directed by Steve Mitchell for show times of Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. at the Riverfront Theatre, 1852 Second Ave. Tickets: $14 for those ages 13 through adulthood; and $7 for children, ages 6-12. For ticket reservations phone 456-PLAY.

X

FEBRUARY

art

Feb. 1 — If Only…a fine store, Handcrafted jewelry made in Alaska.

The store will feature the works of several Alaska artists. Special one-of-akind pieces available for this trunk show only. 5-8 p.m. 215 Cushman St., 4576659 Feb. 1 — Gallery 49, featuring work by Gallery 49 jewelry artists, Becky Anderson, Alex Lewandowski, Dian Siegfried, and Sandra Westcott. Artist reception 5-8 p.m. at 535 Second Ave., suite 103.

Call 452-ARTS (2787) with questions.

Feb. 1 — Co-Op Arts Learning Center, joint art show between mother and son, Judy Ehling and Michael Warwick. Artist reception, 5-8 p.m. at 535 Second Ave., suite 202. Call 452-2787 with questions.

Yoga, Feb. 2 Yahtzee, — Artist Trading Card Yukon Quest Swap, Free, bring your ATCs and swap with others, building your own collection of original art. 10 a.m. to noon, at the Co-Op Arts Learning Center, 535 Second Ave., suite 202. Call 452-2787 with questions.

Feb. 5-26 — Advanced Jewelry Making, by Pauline Tise. Class meets weekly for four weeks, 4-6 p.m. $160, all supplies included.

At the Co-Op Arts Learning Center, 535 Second Ave., suite 202. Call 452-2787 to register. Class size is lim-

Y

ited to 10, and students Arts Learning Center, 535 should have experience Second Ave., suite 202. Call (taken “Basic Jewelry Mak452-2787 to reserve your ing”). spot.

Feb. 13 — Fairbanks Art League, “Applying for grants.” A free, Feb. 2 — “Hearts monthly meetRound-up Party” for ing addressing the Mortgage Maker needs of emerging donors, 7-9 p.m. at and professional the Riverfront Theartists. At Pioneer atre, 1852 Second Ave. Park, Civic Center, The event includes a Zumba, on the top floor complimentary light zoos (Well, (by the Bear Galbuffet and beverages lery) in the Blue we don’t in appreciation of the Room. 6:30-8:30 donors. For info, call have any p.m. Call 479-2695 456-PLAY. but you for more informaFeb. 8-24— “The Diary could check tion. of Anne Frank” Fairout the reinFeb. 16 — Art Supbanks Drama Assoply Swap, Artists ciation performance, deer and rent a table for directed by Stephanie musk ox at $10 to $20 and sell Stowman, on Fridays their unwanted or UAF.) and Saturdays at 8:15 overstocked tools p.m. and Sundays at and supplies. At the Co-Op 2 p.m. Tickets: $22 adults; Arts Learning Center, 535 $18 seniors, military and Second Ave., suite 202. Call University students; and $14 452-2787 to register. teens ages 13-18. Call 456Feb. 28 — Nationally PLAY for ticket reservations. acclaimed artist, Helen Feb. 8 — Alasdair Fraser and Klebesadel, will be sharing Natalie Haas, 8 p.m., Hering slides and conversation on Auditorium, $38. Info and her work. At the Co-Op tickets: 490-2858

stage

Z

MSRP DAYS at

Farthest North Outpost

For example:

Additional models in stock. Must take delivery by December 15, 2012.

Now until December 15, all 2012 & 2013 Harley-Davidson motorcycles will be sold at Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price – no additional dealer mark up or set up fees. Just out the door at MSRP. Purchase $1,000 of accessories & receive: • FREE Installation of Accessories • FREE Delivery • FREE Detail

To sweeten . . . the deal

Offer good on all new Harley-Davidson motorcycles purchased by December 15, 2012.

Stay tuned for our upcoming special events to include boot camps & garage parties!

You can receive the same accessory offer and, in addition, receive: • FREE pick up and delivery • 15% OFF big bore kits, exhaust. windshields, saddle bags & 20% OFF the normal shop rate for all maintenance & service requests performed while your bike is here.

For our existing . . . customers

Offer good through December 15, 2012.

1-800-656-3265 • 1-907-456-3135 1450 Karen Way Fairbanks, AK 99709 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat • www.polarisoutpost.com

11404705-11-30-12WRG

show. Artist Reception Jan. 4, 5 to 8 p.m., at 535 Second Ave, Suite 202. Call 452-2787.

Jan. 7 — Wood Turning Class,

by David Critchfield. $60, includes supplies. Students must be 12 or older, and class is limited to four, 10 a.m. until noon, at the Co-Op Arts Learning Center, 535 Second Ave., suite 202. Call 452-2787 to register.

Jan. 8-29 — Basic Jewelry Making, by Pauline Tise.

Class meets weekly for four weeks, 4-6 p.m. $160, all supplies included. At the Co-Op Arts Learning Center, 535 Second Ave., suite 202. Call 452-2787 to register. Class size is limited to 10, and students must be 13 or older.

Jan. 9 — Fairbanks Art League, formation of Art Salons. A free, monthly meeting addressing the needs of emerging and professional artists. At Pioneer Park Civic Center, on the top floor (by the Bear Gallery) in the Blue Room.

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Call 479-2695 for more information.

Jan. 10 to Feb. 21 — Digital photo manipulations, by Nikki Kinne, Thursdays for seven weeks, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Co-Op Arts Learning Center, 535 Second Ave., suite 202. Cost for all seven sessions is $180.

Class size is limited to 15.

Students must provide their own laptop with an image program already loaded on it.

Teacher will be using Adobe CS5.

Call 452-2787 to register.

Jan. 14 — Wood Turning Class, by Xbox David Critchfield. $60, includes supplies. Students must by 12 or older, and class is limited to four, 10 a.m. until noon, at the Co-Op Arts Learning Center, 535 Second Ave., Suite 202. Call 452-2787 to register.

Jan. 21 — Wood Turning Class, by David Critchfield. $60, includes supplies.

Students must by 12 or older, and class is limited to four, 10 a.m.-noon, at the Co-Op Arts Learning Center, 535 Second Ave., Suite 202. Call 452-2787 to

register.

Jan. 26 — How to Make Artist Trading Cards, by Nikki Kinne. $40, includes supplies. 10 a.m. until noon, at the Co-Op Arts Learning Center, 535 Second Ave., suite 202. Call 452-2787 to register.

Jan. 28 — Wood Turning Class, by David Critchfield. $60, includes supplies.

Students must by 12 or older, and class is limited to four, 10 a.m. until noon, at the Co-Op Arts Learning Center, 535 Second Ave., suite 202. Call 452-2787 to register.

16

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, November 30, 2012