FYI – Oct. 7

Sounds of the Sea
Join bioacoustician Michael Stocker tonight at 7 p.m. as he reveals how fish, marine mammals and even jellyfish depend on sound to hunt, avoid prey, communicate, navigate and perceive their often-dark environment.
Stocker will present “Undersea Sounds, Offshore Oil, and Alaskan Fisheries” at Islands and Ocean Visitor Center.
Stocker directs Ocean Conservation Research, a nonprofit research and policy organization seeking solutions to ocean noise pollution.
Experience the sounds of human enterprises in the ocean – including seismic air guns used for oil exploration, shipping noises and communication sonars. Hear sea animal vocalizations, including the haunting and mysterious songs of the Arctic bearded seal and the complex hunting squeals of beluga whales.
For more information, contact Dave Aplin at 235-1995, or go to www.OCR.org.

Chipping in to ‘Share the Spirit’
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hickory will hold its annual wood drive this month, consisting of cutting, splitting and delivering firewood the week of Oct. 21-23. There will be a limited number of 20 deliveries, with a price per truckload of $100. Proceeds go toward adopting a family at Christmas through Share the Spirit, as well as $1,000 toward a scholarship program for a local high school senior. To place an order, contact USCGC Hickory Petty Officer Mark Denton at 235-5174, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and noon. Please leave your name, phone number and address. Payment will be due upon delivery. Thank you for your participation, and be sure to stop by the Haunted Hickory this Halloween.

HEA rate reduction approved by RCA
Homer Electric Association’s blended rate will go down 12.57 percent for the fourth quarter of 2009. The reduction is the result of a 55.7 percent decrease in the wholesale power cost rate adjustment, from 4.439 cents to 1.966 cents under terms of a filing recently approved by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.
The WPCRA is adjusted quarterly to reflect changes in the cost of power purchased from Chugach Electric Association. Homer Electric is under contract to purchase its power from Chugach Electric through 2013. Natural gas is the fuel used to generate more than 90 percent of the power sold to Homer Electric.
The new rate will mean a monthly savings of $14.05 for the average residential member using 630 kilowatt hours per month. The new rates went into effect starting with all billings as of Oct. 1.

Harbor projects get funding boost
Homer Harbor will see improvements thanks to the recently passed Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010.
Projects of interest to Alaska total more than $48 million, with $134,000 going to the Corps of Engineers for investigative work on Homer Harbor navigation improvements. Another sets aside $380,000 for operations and maintenance of the Homer Harbor. The bill passed by a vote of 308-114.

Wanted: Candy, candy and more candy
The Friendship Terrace is seeking donations of candy and other treats for its annual Halloween open house for Homer’s children. Donations can be left at the Friendship Terrace office. For more information, contact Rita at 399-1335.

Alaska USA moves into California
Effective Oct. 1, Alaska USA Federal Credit Union acquired certain assets and assumed the shares and certain liabilities of The Members Own Federal Credit Union located in Victorville, Calif. This acquisition complements Alaska USA’s geographic diversification strategy and provides for further operational efficiencies. The Members Own has deposits of $84 million and serves 11,000 members.
Alaska USA currently serves 370,000 members worldwide, including 16,000 members in California. The credit union operates an extensive network of 72 service facilities, including 56 branches in 32 communities throughout Alaska and in Washington and California.