Northern Susitna Institute

BP Alaska Grant Strengthens NSI Programming

When NSI executive director Joe Page recently answered the phone, he received unexpected good news from Karen Cowart, director of external affairs for BP Alaska.  She had called to inform him that NSI had been awarded a $50,000 grant.  “I was speechless,” he explained.  “Erin Aulman and I talked with Karen about our organization last fall, but we never expected anything like this.  It came as a wonderful surprise.”

Northern Susitna Institute is a non-profit hands-on learning organization based in Talkeetna, Alaska whose focus is “Real Learning in the Real World”.  Erin Aulman, NSI board president, noted that despite being in the midst of a major capital campaign, the BP funds would be used to advance programming. “Sure, we still need funds to purchase the facility we’re leasing, but we believe that by focusing on the development of our individual programs, it will strengthen our entire organization. ”

Mat Su Central School principal John Brown and counselor Laura Porter will be at Su Valley School 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, to discuss the Mat Su Borough School District home school program along with opportunities for high school students to earn credit this summer.   The CEAL Academy, one of Northern Susitna Institute’s programs, has collaborated with a team of area residents, Mat-Su Central School, trades people, non-profits and business owners to create a comprehensive program of job shadow, internship and service learning opportunities. This program is designed to engage students in real life experiences and help them understand the issues and challenges of different careers before high school graduation.   Academic credit can be earned by completing tasks outlined in the CEAL Internship Manual.  Open to all public, private and home school students, this program is most appropriate for students in the northern Susitna Valley.

Internships are available:

Cubby’s Market

Alaska Mountain Magic

Golden Pond Veterinary

KTNA Public Radio

Youth Conservation Corps

National Park Service

Denali Arts Council

Northern Susitna Institute

Talkeetna Elementary

Contact NSI to connect with a different local business or organization!

Full scholarships available!  Contact Mat-Su Central School (352-7450) or Northern Susitna Institute (733-7111) for more details!

When: 9 am to noon, Monday through Friday, June 18th – June 22nd, 2012.
Where: Talkeetna, AK
What: Students ages 11-13 will participate in a five-day course in Leadership.  Students will learn skills, theory, and styles of leadership as well as group dynamics and apply what they’ve learned with a leadership practicum. Learning will be interactive, active and fun.
Cost: $170 for the 5-day course
Scholarships available!
Enrollment deadline is June 10th.
Call 733-7111 or contact
info@ClassroomwithaView.org

“In recognition of inspirational and enthusiastic commitment to mentoring youth through leadership of the Talkeetna Build-A-Plane program,” Dallas Haman, lead mechanic for the Cherokee 6 rebuild project, was recently honored by the Alaska Air Carrier’s Association as the 2012 Mechanic of the Year.  TBAP students are extremely fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated instructor as their guide.  If you see Dallas around town, over at the MEA hangar, or at work at K2 Aviation, be sure to tell him congratulations.  Thanks Dallas.

1912 Belmore Browne Expedition in the Chulitna River Canyon

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 1912 Belmore Browne Expedition into the Alaska Range, a journey that started in Seward, Alaska by dog team and ultimately reached a point about 300 meters short of Denali’s summit in late June ( they were turned back due to extreme winds on two separate summit attempts).   This amazing journey, as well as Browne’s earlier explorations in the Alaska Range are documented in his book, The Conquest of Mt. McKinley.  (He was part of the 1906 Frederick Cook expedition after which Dr. Cook falsely claimed the summit of Denali, and he led the 1910 expedition that discovered Cook’s “false peak” off the north east fork of the Ruth Glacier.)  Along with Charles Sheldon, Belmore Browne was instrumental in the 1916 Senate hearings that led to the creation of Denali National Park. Mr. Browne moved on to a career as an artist (an oil he painted in 1907 is the first known painting of Mt. McKinley). His work can be seen at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, the American Museum of Natural History in New York, the Smithsonian, and the Seattle Art Museum among others.

This summer, thanks to a generous grant from the Alaska Humanities Forum, Northern Susitna Institute will sponsor a Belmore Browne Centennial Commemoration featuring a presentation by Brian Okonek and a collection of 153 glass slides that “were used by Belmore Browne to illustrate the many lectures he delivered to audiences around the United States after his return from the 1912 Expedition.”  Brian Okonek co-founded Alaska Denali Guiding, Inc (ADG) in 1983 and directed the company until 2001, overseeing sixty expeditions to Denali.  He has climbed throughout the world and Alaska though his favorite stomping grounds are near his home in Talkeetna where he has traveled many miles by foot, skis, and dog sled exploring his backyard wilderness.  Brian’s name is referenced in countless Alaskan climbing guidebooks and he  has numerous first ascents to his credit. “Brian has as much or more history in the Alaska Range and Alaskan mountains than anyone,” said Dr. Bradford Washburn.

Details of this event will be forthcoming…

Alaska Folk School is currently seeking course proposals for the May-October 2012 season. We encourage local and statewide teachers, artists, artisans, and others interested in promoting “traditional” and “sustainable-living” skills to submit proposals.

There will be a planning meeting for the Folk School on February 22nd from 6 – 8 pm at the Northern Susitna Institute in Talkeetna. This is an opportunity to learn more about the Folk School, what we’ve accomplished thus far, and what we’d like to do in the near future. We invite you to come with your questions and ideas. We’ll supply the supper! For more information contact Diane at 733-7111.

Are you interested in getting started in a college program?  Adding to college classes without having to travel to Palmer? Recertifying in Talkeetna instead of Palmer or Anchorage?  Teaching a college-level class?  If so, please fill out this short online survey.

Or if you prefer,   you can download the survey as a Word Document and return to NSI via email.

Or even print out this PDF version, and mail it to us: PO Box 46, or drop off at the Institute office.

We need a few more students to make this class happen!  Be sure to sign up soon if you’re interested!

February 4 & 5 – Swiss Chip Carving with Phil Marshall Learn the traditional Swiss style of carving wood with two knives.    Fairbanks wordworker, Phil Marshall will teach students layout, design transfer, carving techniques, and sharpening in this 2 day course.  The time honored craft of decorating wood with carved designs is one that students of all abilities can pursue and enjoy.  It’s easier than it looks and Phil’s a great instructor!  Saturday & Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm.  Cost $140 ($10 discount for Denali Arts Council members).  Includes materials.  Learn more about Phil at his website.  Other info about Swiss Chip Carving here.

Sign carved by Phil Marshall

Please excuse some construction debris while we finish up the new look for NSI on the web.