November was a semi-slow month in our office, but out and about the walls of our workplace it bounced with excitement!  I spent the first part of the month continuing grant close out and assisting at the office during our annual audit.  On the 21st of the month, I went to Anchorage to attend the Alaska Tribal Council on Environmental Management conference. ATCEM is an annual gathering of environmental professionals covering all ranges of environmental issues and concerns.  This year it took place at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Anchorage.  I attended a workshop on safely transferring fuel to your bulk fuel farm, mostly because I wanted to know the precautions to take and what steps to follow in case of a spill.  I also listened to concerns in communities that have major dust problems. This struck me as interesting because it is a challenge we deal with in Igiugig every summer. 

On Tuesday afternoon, I am home, skipping out on the conference luncheon, when I a text pops up on my Blackberry, “U R nominated for an award.” In excitement, I reply, “Really…for what?  Did I win?”  In response, “I will let you know in a min.” Ten seconds later, “You won.”  I jump up, tell Jack to get ready, we have to head to the Hilton, I just won an award!  If we hurry, I can receive it!  By the time I make it there, my Auntie Lydia, the informant of the nomination, is standing by the door holding it up for me!  Although I missed out on receiving the honor in person, holding my award for Environmental Excellence, I was just as tickled pink as I would have been on that stage!  It was an exciting end to my trip; my time at the conference was cut short for the Igiugig No-See-Ums were due in Kokhanok for the District 3-Man volleyball tournament.  Coming in December, AJ Salkoski from RurAL Cap, will finally be making an appearance to review our Demo-Grant and visit our community.