Mayor Mark Begich, First Lady Deborah Bonito and their son, Jacob, attended this year's Yarn Expo III on October 1, held at the Egan Center.  Fiber artists and knitting vendors exhibited their cozy wares and supplies, while hands-on craft tables provided Jacob with an opportunity to teach his father how to spin wool.  Anchorage Daily News covered the event with a description of the First Lady's Military Family Initiative  holiday knitting project.

Local knitters and knitting clubs can help show our community's appreciation for the military by donating hats, scarves, and toys for the November 24th Tree Lighting Ceremony event.  There will be a special reception for military families from 3:30 to 5pm at the Performing Arts Center Voth Hall.  At the reception, we will give military family members a warm welcome by distributing phone cards, goodies and warm weather accessories!  So, please knit away and drop your donations at your local yarn store or take them to the Mayor’s office downtown in City Hall at 6^th and G Street.

Children are encouraged to bring a home-made ornament in honor of their military parent or relative and place it on the Tribute Tree outside of the reception. Then, join the festivities outside on Town Square Park as the tree is lit, and Santa and his reindeer arrive.  For more information, contact Diane at 343-7105.