Alaska State Society

Mor-ROCK'n New Year's Bash

2012-01-08T16:27:00.001-05:00

Happy 2012 Alaskans!

After many of you retreated to blustery Barrow, wintery Wasilla, snowy Seward, or even North Pole for the holidays, it is time to warm up and celebrate the new year. Please join us for a Mor-ROCK'n New Year's Bash with all your Alaskan friends!

Thursday, January 12
6 - 9 PM

Marrakesh P Street - Second Floor Lounge
2147 P St NW
Washington, DC 20037
(metro accessible from Dupont)

We'll have a variety of Moroccan tapas and other appetizers, beer, wine and even a belly dance performance in the lounge upstairs.

We appreciated your support in 2011, and please join us again in 2012 by renewing your membership today. To do so, you may print out the attached membership form, or you may join online. Membership dues for 2012 are $5 for students and interns, $25 for individuals, $40 for couples, $50 for families, and $500 for corporate memberships (includes membership for all employees).

We look forward to seeing you there!

AKSS Summer Happy Hour and Ice Cream Event

2011-07-20T22:47:00.001-04:00

It is a well known fact that Alaskans eat more ice cream per capita than residents of any other state. With scorching days like these in Washington, its pretty clear that we could all use some rocky road, Neapolitan, or even just plain vanilla. So join the Alaska State Society for a happy hour featuring food, drink, and ice cream with a great rooftop view.

Where: 444 N. Capitol St, NW (the Hall of States rooftop)

When: Thursday, July 28 from 5:30 to 8pm

This event is being sponsored by our Alaskan friends at BlueWater Strategies, and we couldn't do it without them!

It should be warm next week - but a bit cooler. In case of rain, the event will go on with an inside location in the same building, because we know you will enjoy ice cream no matter the weather outside.

See you all next week!

Save the Date for the AKSS Summer BBQ

2011-07-20T22:46:00.002-04:00

Our annual summer BBQ and softball game will be Sunday, September 18!

AKSS Cinco de Mayo happy hour

2011-04-28T22:03:00.000-04:00

Dear Alaskans and Alaska Enthusiasts-

You won’t have to go South of the Border to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo. We invite you to join the Alaska State Society for a Cinco de Mayo party with some Mexican cerveza and appetizers.

When: Thursday, May 5^th, 6pm-8pm

Where: Jack Ferguson Associates

203 Maryland Ave., NE
Washington, DC 20002

If you haven't already, please be ready to join Alaska State Society. Its easy (forms will be at the event) and membership is only $25 for individuals, $40 for couples, and $50 for families per year.

A special thank you to AKSS sponsors Jack Ferguson Associates and the North Star Group for hosting this event! Events like these are not possible with out the generous support of all our sponsors.

One thing is for sure: you will need a siesta after this fiesta!

Alaska State Society Cherry Blossom Reception on Thursday, March 31

2011-03-15T17:06:00.001-04:00

The first Alaska State Society event of 2011 will be our annual Cherry Blossom Reception celebrating the arrival of spring, anticipating the imminent appearance of the cherry blossoms, and sending off Alaska’s Cherry Blossom Princess to a week of events in style. Every year, one lucky Alaskan is chosen to represent our state in Washington’s Cherry Blossom Festival, and the 2011 Princess is Grace Abbott of Anchorage.

The reception will be Thursday, March 31 from 5:30 to 7:30pm in Kennedy Caucus Room (325 Russell Senate Office Building). It will feature our favorite beverages courtesy of Alaskan Brewing Company, delicious fish care of Pacific Seafood Processors Association, and generous support from BP.

So come out and meet Grace and have a great time. We look forward to seeing you there!

PS- If you haven’t already renewed your AKSS membership for 2011, please do so by mailing in the attached form. Or you can simply make the appropriate donation amount ($25 for individuals, $40 for couples, and $50 for families) online at https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=11051238 or email us for more information.

AKSS Holiday Party is on Wednesday, December 8

2010-12-02T11:16:00.000-05:00

It's not exactly an Alaskan December out there, but we're only one week away from the Alaska State Society annual holiday party. This year's party will be generously hosted at the home of Gordon Parker and Domini Boucher on Capitol Hill at:

127 3rd Street NE

Washington, D.C. 20002

6-8:30pm

There will food and drink, including beverages from the Alaska Brewing Company and a cookie decorating station. Santa Claus will also be making a visit to our party with all sorts of door prizes, care of the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau. Needless to say, it's going to be a great time, and we hope you'll be able to make it. As always, this event is free for members, and non-members will be asked for a $5 entrance fee.

AKSS Fall Happy Hour

2010-09-20T17:56:00.000-04:00

With Labor Day and the August Recess behind us, Washington is quickly moving into more pleasant fall weather and even a (very) few leaves have changed color. While we are probably still along way away from seeing any Termination Dust around these parts, we thought it would be a good idea to come together for a Fall happy hour. Please join us:

When: Thursday, September 23, 5:30-8pm
Where: Jack Ferguson Associates

203 Maryland Ave., NE
Washington, DC 20002

If you haven't already, please be ready to join Alaska State Society. Its easy (forms will be at the event) and membership is only $20 (single), $35 (couple), or $45 (family) per year.

A special thank you to AKSS sponsors Jack Ferguson Associates and the North Star group for hosting this event! Events like these are not possible with out the generous support of all our sponsors.

Battle of Alaska softball game results

2010-07-31T13:38:00.000-04:00

It's better late than never to announce the results of the Battle of Alaska softball game at our annual picnic on July 18: Team Anchorage edged out Team Rest of Alaska for a victory this year. With temperatures north of 95 degrees, it was a determined effort by all who played! In addition to the game, winner of the potluck competition for the second year in a row was Pam Day (buffalo chicken dip) with runners up Leslie Ridle (salmon rolls) and Gayle Burroughs (mint brownies)!

AKSS Summer BBQ and Softball Game this Sunday! *UPDATED TIME

2010-07-12T10:45:00.000-04:00

Please join us on Sunday as we enjoy Alaska State Society's annual summer BBQ potluck, and step up to the plate as Congressman Don Young throws out the first pitch at our second Battle of Alaska Softball Game!

When: Sunday, July 18 12:30-4pm (softball begins at 1:30) *NEW TIME*

Where: Joe Hensley Park, Alexandria - (a long walk from the Eisenhower Ave Metro Stop, but a quick drive with ample parking)

As always, we'll be having a family-friendly BBQ along with a potluck. Prizes will be awarded for the best side dishes in the potluck. We'll also have some refreshing, cold beverages on hand to beat the DC summer heat.

In addition to the great food, we'll be having the second Battle of Alaska Softball Game. Last year, "Team Anchorage" and "Team Rest of Alaska" ended in a hard-fought tied score, so we there's a lot on the line in this year's game! If you're interested in playing on one of the teams, respond to this email and let us know which team you'd like to play for. All levels of experience and ages are encouraged to participate, and there are still spots available on the teams.

Special thanks go to VanNess Feldman for offering their generous support to help sponsor this event.

See you on Sunday!

Mark your calendar for AKSS summer BBQ and softball game

2010-07-07T21:56:00.000-04:00

If it's summer in DC, it's time for very un-Alaskan weather and the annual Alaska State Society Summer BBQ. Here are the preliminary details of the event:

When: Sunday, July 18 10:30-2pm

Where: Joe Hensley Park, Alexandria - (a long walk from the Eisenhower Ave Metro Stop, but a quick drive with ample parking)

As in years past, we'll be having a family-friendly BBQ along with a potluck. Prizes will be awarded for the best side dishes in the potluck. We'll also have some refreshing, cold beverages on hand.

In addition to the great food, we'll be having the second Battle of Alaska Softball Game. Last year, "Team Anchorage" and "Team Rest of Alaska" ended in a hard-fought tied score, so we expect that this year's game will be a quite a grudge match! Congressman Don Young will be throwing out the first pitch of the game to get us started. If you're interested in playing on one of the teams, respond to this email and let us know which team you'd like to play for. All levels of experience and ages are encouraged to participate.

Special thanks go to VanNess Feldman for offering their generous support to help sponsor this event.

We'll be providing more information on the event and potluck closer to the date, and please make sure you become a 2010 member of AKSS if you have't already.

Yup'ik Eskimo exhibit opening this weekend at the Smithsonian

2010-04-13T18:59:00.001-04:00

AKSS Members,

We have been alerted to the opening events this weekend for "Yuungnaqpiallerput/The Way We Genuinely Live: Masterworks of Yup'ik Science and Survival," at the National Museum of Natural History. Opening weekend festivities will include consultations with Yup'ik artists, dancing on Saturday evening, and a film festival on Sunday, April 18.

The exhibit was organized by the Anchorage Museum and the Calista Elders Council, and funded by the National Science Foundation. It opened in Bethel in September 2007, traveled to Anchorage in 2008, followed by stops in Fairbanks and Juneau. It will be showing at NMNH through July 25, 2010, after which the objects will be returned to the many museum who loaned them to out. This is your last chance to view an exhibit that had it's beginnings in Alaska and would not have been possible without Native and non-Native Alaskans working together to create it.

Along with an array of 19th century objects, the exhibition includes films, science interactives, and hands-on activities. Visitors of all ages will enjoy it. If you want to learn more about the exhibit and opening activities, you can view the Smithsonian website at http://www.mnh.si.edu/exhibits/yupik/index.html

Good luck to Jade and "thank you" to our sponsors

2010-03-25T17:33:00.002-04:00

Alaskans in DC enjoyed our 2010 Alaska Cherry Blossom Princess Reception last night. Prince Jade (pictured here with Congressman Don Young) will be attending a series of Cherry Blossom Festival events next week and representing Alaska well.

Thank you to Alaskan Brewing Company, Pacific Seafood Processors Association, and Alyeska Pipeline Company, and all of our 2010 corporate sponsors for making this event a success!

Alaska State Society Cherry Blossom Reception on Wednesday, March 24

2010-03-14T11:34:00.000-04:00

The first Alaska State Society event of 2010 will be our annual Cherry Blossom Reception celebrating the arrival of spring, anticipating the imminent appearance of the cherry blossoms, and sending off Alaska’s Cherry Blossom Princess to a week of events in style. Every year, one lucky Alaskan is chosen to represent our state in Washington’s Cherry Blossom Festival, and the 2010 Princess is Jade Aldrighette of Juneau.

The reception will be Wednesday, March 24 from 6:30 to 8pm in Natural Resources Committee Hearing Room (1334 Longworth House Office Building). It will feature our favorite beverages courtesy of Alaskan Brewing Company, delicious fish care of Pacific Seafood Processors Association, and generous support from Alyeska Pipeline Company.

So come out and meet Jade and have a great time. We look forward to seeing you there!

PS- If you haven’t already renewed your AKSS membership for 2010, please do so by mailing in the form. Or you can simply make the appropriate donation amount online at https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=11051238

Alaska State Society Holiday Party is Dec. 8

2009-11-25T13:32:00.000-05:00

As we approach the end of 2009, it is once again time for the Alaska State Society Holiday Party. This year promises to be fun with plenty of salmon and beverages provided by Alaska Brewing Company. There will be door prizes, including a pair of plane tickets generously donated by Alaska Airlines and all manner of Alaska courtesy of he Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau. All your Alaskan friends will be there, including Santa Claus!

This year the event will be held Tuesday, December 8 at 5:30 to 9pm in the Indian Affairs Committee Room (628 Dirksen Senate Office Building).

Please also bring some non-perishable food items that can be donated to a local food bank.

We look forward to seeing you there!

2009-10-16T10:41:00.000-04:00

Hi Folks!
To celebrate Alaska Day and our state's 50th anniversary, the Alaska State Society has been invited to attend a performance by some fellow Alaskans on Monday, October 19, 2009!

What: Alaska Day Performance
Where: 3rd floor of the Library of Congress Madison Building - Mary Pickford Theater
When: Monday 9:00am-10:00am

The three part entertainment program starts with the Alaska String Band.

Second part of the program is Jeff Brown, Juneau's Minister of Magic- the Commissioner of Merriment. Jeff has a great Alaska history magic program that has toured Alaska this year.

Part three of the program is John Venebles, dressed in period attire, presenting stories as William Henry Seward, Judge James Wickersham, and Senator E. L. "Bob" Bartlett relating the Journey to Statehood.

Please try and come by this event on Monday morning!
Thanks!

2009-09-08T21:45:00.002-04:00

Members of the Alaska State Society have been invited to attend a screening of "For the Rights of All: Ending Jim Crow in Alaska" at the National Museum of the American Indian at 6:30pm on Tuesday, September 22. The event is co-hosted by Senator Murkowski, Senator Begich and Congressman Young.

At 6:30pm the event will open with an hour reception with wine, beer (Glacier Brewhouse) and Alaskan appetizers prepared by Chef Kinneen, executive chef of Orso with seafood from Alasks Seafood Marketing Institute (and a few more of your favorite Alaskan treats!)

At 7:30pm the PBS documentary will be shown in the Rasmuson Theater. The one hour documentary will premier on your local PBS stations in November.

The event ends at 9pm.

In addition, the sponsors are seeking 8-10 volunteers to help out. Volunteers would help with check in, assisting guests at the event and a few volunteers will be asked to help after the film with guests. It should be a fun night for all, and as the film is a celebration of the passage of Alaska's civil rights law. The hosts are hoping to show their guests some great Alaskan hospitality, cuisine & film.

To volunteer or RSVP (space is limited), please contact the email on the invitation above.

Anchorage v. Rest of Alaska softball game

2009-07-28T18:51:00.003-04:00

After a hard-fought 7 innings, the first Battle of Alaska Softball Game ended in a tie. Both teams are certain to soon begin determined training for the rematch next year. Thank you to all that played!

Summer Potluck and Softball Game this Sunday

2009-07-22T15:38:00.001-04:00

Please join us on Sunday as we enjoy Alaska State Society's annual summer BBQ potluck, and step up to the plate as Senator Lisa Murkowski throws out the first pitch at our first Battle of Alaska Softball Game!

When: Sunday, July 26 12:30-5pm (softball starts at 1:30pm)

Where: Field 1 and Pavilion at Joseph Hensley Park, 4200 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria (use www.wmata.com to find public transportation - we also recommend carpooling)

We'll be having a family-friendly BBQ along with a potluck. Prizes will be awarded in the potluck for the categories of "side dish" and "dessert." We'll also have some refreshing, cold beverages on hand to enjoy.

Next to the potluck, we'll be having the first Battle of Alaska Softball Game. "Team Anchorage" and "Team Rest of Alaska" will spar for a year's worth of AKSS bragging rights. If you're interested in playing on one of the teams, email and let us know which team you'd like to play for - there are still spots left. All levels of experience and ages are encouraged to participate.

There is a covered pavilion at the park, so we'll be partying come rain, shine, or heat! We suggest that you bring sunscreen, beach towels, bug spray, and camping chairs along with your potluck dish.

The BBQ is free for members and $5 for nonmembers and held in partnership between the Alaska State Society and the National Conference of State Societies.

See you on Sunday!

Save the Date: Alaska State Society Summer BBQ on July 26

2009-07-16T15:04:00.004-04:00

Mark your calendars for the Alaska State Society Summer BBQ!

When: Sunday, July 26 12:30-5pm
Where: Joe Hensley Park, Alexandria - at the Eisenhower Ave Metro Stop

As in years past, we'll be having a family-friendly BBQ along with a potluck. Prizes will be awarded for the best side dishes in the potluck. We'll also have some refreshing, cold beverages courtesy of Alaska Brewing Company.

In addition to the great food, we'll be having the first Battle of Alaska Softball Game. In this showdown "Team Anchorage" and "Team Rest of Alaska" will face off for a year's worth of AKSS bragging rights. If you're interested in playing on one of the teams, email and let us know which team you'd like to play for. All levels of experience and ages are encouraged to participate.

We'll be providing more information on the event and potluck closer to the date.