Career Fair, Russian Church and the first time the USCGC Bertholf (WMSL-750) visits Dutch Harbor!

Ok Folks so, I've been Busy, but Just wanted to Catch you up on a few events on the Island.
First, although I may be cursing myself later for tempting fate, it looks like winter is finally over!
And With the beginning of our all too short spring/summer it's time for May Madness, when more events are seemingly held than at any other time of the Year. This week was Career Fair, Next week Prom and the following week the Senior Party and graduation.
As usual the Police, Fire Department and the Military we all big hits with the students.
But of Course one of my favorite people on the Island was there, Zoya from the Museum.
Who always says I never take a good picture of her. So here are three to choose from.
Of course, personally I think it's impossible to take a bad picture of the beautiful Zoya, who by the way is just back from her run in the Annual Paris Marathon.


The Students of course had lots of fun, especially eating all the treats at the Hospitality station.
And is that Manderzz over there chatting with the Marines? The Enemies of America best Beware!!


Like I Said Spring has Sprung and the Eagles are already out and starting to get territorial over nesting sites. Pretty soon it will be time to put up the Eagle Warning signs at the Post Office and Clinic.


And in Nautical News the USCGC Bertholf made it's first trip to Unalaska.

USCGC Bertholf (WMSL 750) is the first Legend-class maritime security cutter of the United States Coast Guard.

It is named for Ellsworth P. Bertholf, fourth Commandant of both the Revenue Cutter Service and Coast Guard.

In 2005, construction began at Northrop Grumman's Ship Systems Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She was launched on September 29, 2006,christened November 11, 2006,and commissioned on August 4, 2008. The vessel's home port is Alameda, California. Bertholf was the first to fire the Bofors 57 mm gun aboard a U.S. vessel on the 11th of February 2008 by Electronics Technician First Class Matthew Magaro


The Bertholf is the lead ship of the National Security Cutter design and the first large ship to be built under the Coast Guard's multi-year Deepwater acquisitions project. The NSCs are to replace the fleet's aging 378-foot Hamilton-class cutters.


The Bertholf's Features Include
Automated weapon systems
Medium-caliber deck gun (57 mm) capable of stopping rogue merchant vessels far from shore
Helicopter launch and recovery pad with rail-based aircraft retrieval system and two aircraft hangars
Stern boat well for small boat launch and recovery
bow thruster
State-of-the-art C4ISR improving interoperability between Coast Guard and DoD
Detection and defense capabilities against chemical, biological, or radiological attack
Advanced sensors for intelligence collection and sharing
Real-time tracking and seamless Common Operational Picture/Maritime Domain Awareness via integration with Rescue 21
Advanced state-of-the-art Ships Integrated Control System (Machinery Control, Steering, Navigation) for reduced manpower requirements and improved automation
Cassidian (EADS) TRS-3D/16-ES Air Search Radar for area surveillance

You Can Find Out more at the Bertholf's web Page at http://www.uscg.mil/pacarea/bertholf/


A very Impressive ship, hopefully they will give a tour soon.
Have a great Day Everyone!

Sam's Birthday!, Phone call with Sasha, Easter Snow, The USS CONNECTICUT, waterlogged truck, and The CVB Wine Tasting WHAT A WEEK! Roger and BJ for K!

So the Amazing Sam turned 39 this week. Can you believe he has two grown Daughters almost his same age? Nothing and no one can keep Sam Down!

So, Sasha called and could not believe that we were having a pretty nice snowstorm this late in the Year, So I took these videos while I was on the Phone with her in sunny warm California.

I really think I am going to use the TwitVid to post videos on here now because there is no upload limit and the video Quality is better than on blogger.

Our Easter Snow storm has pretty much continued all day with no end in sight, in fact it seems to be getting colder as the day goes on. Of Course this is Unalaska so it can all change in a half hour but we may be on track for a "White Easter"


So, The other Day The USS CONNECTICUT, a SEAWOLF class nuclear powered Attack Submarine caused quite a stir in town when it came by and dropped off some "Scientists" that had spent the last few months Under the Ice.

Besides being one of the quietest and most powerful warships on the planet the USS CONNECTICUT is perhaps best known for it's ability to punch through yards of Ice and for being the only nuclear powered anything to be attacked by a polar bear.

I'm Sure you all remember these photos from a few years ago of the Polar Bear Attacking the Rudder. No harm was done to either the Polar Bear or the Sub.


But it did cause a little excitement in town on an otherwise Dreary Day.

Dreary? Yup, because it has not been all nice and white this week. mostly it's been raining
As our one chef Ron found when he parked his car at night right before a big melt and a rainstorm overnight.
The Van Dropped him off in the truck cab and he climbed the rest of the way.

He made it in without getting more than a little soaked and more success the truck actually started!!
So, this post is a week late but with Elizabeth's passing I delayed it, so now on to the Fabulous and most successful Unalaska Convention And Visitor's Bureau Wine Tasting Ever! As those who follow the blog know this is the Major Fundraiser for the CVB Each year and pairs exquisite wines with food all designed by the Hotel's Executive Chef Richard Bye. As you will soon see Richard and his staff outdid themselves this year, crafting food worthy of a Michelin Star!
Of Course no event sets itself up, many thanks to our Board President Bobbie Lekanoff!
Another Board member Vicki and Volunteer Don Graves.
CVB Board Member Belinda Sunderland Joins Brina Fraser & Debbie Sensky at one of the most popular tables of the night


George Halas explains to all the Sommeliers about proper pouring for the Wine Tasting. Don Cook (with the binder)was the Winery representative.

Alaskan Cod with a White Wine Herb Beurre Blanc
California Style Sushi Rolls from the Harbor View Sushi Restaurant paired with the Champagne

George Halas shows CVB Board Member Belinda Sunderland How to safely and Correctly open a Champagne bottle

The Cheese Platter
Sommeliers of the evening City Councilmember Katherine McGlashan and Mark Labert served..... ...The Star of the Event, Mandarin Barbequed Pork Belly served with Taltarni Heathcote Shiraz. Amazing! (I actually had 4 pieces)
Police Chief Jamie Sunderland and Jeff Hawley served....
...Lamb Ragu over Penne Pasta paired with the Taltarni 3 Monks Cabernet/Merlot 2005
Mayor Shirley Marquardt and her Husband Bob served...
Moroccan Chicken Stew over grilled Polenta. (I love Polenta!!!)
Reid & Sarah Brewer along with George Halas the Wine Distributor...
served Chervil, Apple and Arugula Bruschetta paired with the 2008 Kato Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Elegant and I would say the best pairing of the night besides dessert
Roger and Bille Jo For Kay!
The Evening’s Chef Willie Pilande discusses the food with Ardis Maugotauga and Theresa Salu
People Bidding on the Silent Auction Items. (I won an Afternoon on A Deadliest Catch Boat generously donated by Original Productions!)
Shots of the Crowd at this crowded event.

Even some of the Housekeeping staff and Kyle Attended. Dont they look nice all dressed up?
Our Fabulous Mayor and her wonderful husband prove that behind the best Mayor in Alaska is one of the hardest working men!

More Roger and BJ for Kay!

Andrew Ogilvie from Alaska Airlines congratulates The Grand Prize winner William Wallace. Mr Wallace Won two round trip Airline tickets ANYWHERE Alaska Airlines Flies. This prize was generously provided by Alaska Airlines!
And Finally, just to prove that I have no problem making fun of myself I show you all how to correctly eat the Chocolate Mousse tarts Drizzled with a Dark Cocoa Crème Sauce that was served with the Fonseca Bin 27 Port Wine




Yeah, they and the event were really that Good!
Have a Blessed Easter Sunday Everyone!