Writing contest! Since 1981 writers of every age from every part of Alaska have participated in the annual UAA/Alaska Dispatch Creative Writing Contest. For several past winners, this contest was the first public recognition of their work and helped launch successful writing careers.

For complete rules, list of prizes, and submission guidelines, visit http://bit.ly/1tP0USm. Send your best fiction, nonfiction or poetry. Winners will be announced in mid-May.

Deadline to submit is February 10.

It’s Oscar season! In celebration of the film industry’s most prestigious award, Loussac Library is celebrating by showing past Best Picture winners.

From noon to 5 p.m. they’ll show two best picture winners – one for each decade the category existed.

Come enjoy the show and drop off your ballot for the 2015 Academy Awards.

Most correct guesses wins dinner and a movie!

All films are FREE and open to the public. Please contact Stacia at mcgourtysa@muni.org for more information.

If you’re trying to find ways to get outside in this snowless winter, why not check out Anchorage School District’s many community skating rinks?

Find one in your neighborhood here ==> http://www.asdk12.org/community/icerinks/

Scholarship! If you are interested in a career in public service and education, consider applying for the Nick Begich Scholarship Intern Fund for the 2015/16 school year.

The highest scoring applicant is awarded the Eugene A. Kennedy Award, which is a $2,000 annual award renewable for up to a full four years. A number of additional grant awards are given up to $1,750. Applicants must be Alaska residents at the high school senior level or above.

The deadline to apply is February 28!

For more information visit http://www.nickbegichfund.org/

Art Contest! The Federal Subsistence Management Program Student Art Contest invites Alaska students K-12 to submit artwork around the theme of fish and shellfish.

The winner’s artwork will be published on the cover of the Subsistence Management Regulations for the Harvest of Fish and Shellfish on Federal Public Lands and Waters in Alaska book.

The deadline to submit is February 2.

Don’t miss Aloha Days at the Dimond Center Friday and Saturday, January 16 and 17. Hula hoop contests, musabi cooking contest, live performances and more!

For a full schedule of events, visit http://www.dimondcenter.com/sales/aloha-days#.VLhFqmTF_T3

Volunteering opportunity January 28!

Media Club (formerly Video Club) is back at the Loussac Library! Head over every Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and learn about media production from the professionals at Alaska Teen Media Institute.