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DENALI PARK - The Denali Chamber of Commerce has a grand plan for the upcoming year.

To kick off its new vision, the chamber held an end-of-season mixer at its log building headquarters on the Healy Spur Road.

About 35 people showed up for the casual gathering and president Vickie Lausen reported that six businesses signed on as new members.

The board is new this summer and the space is new too. The “office” portion of the chamber has moved into the loft with its newly painted walls. When I complimented the new white paint job, I learned the walls are not white — they are “butter cream.”

Regardless, it looks great and provides a lot more space for activities downstairs.

Here’s what new members learned:

The chamber plans to educate and promote new and existing businesses. The board hopes to employ a part-time person at the chamber building. In the past, volunteers have staffed the building periodically.

An exciting new plan is to build a large auditorium for business and the arts, where concerts, art exhibits, weddings and receptions can be held.

“Whatever will promote a cohesive community,” Lausen said. “It’s not just for businesses, but for all of the borough people.”

The chamber’s goal is for Denali to be the top destination for in-state travel and recreation.

Folks had a chance to preview the chamber’s new Web site, which will debut soon.

The chamber is coordinating the annual Winterfest Celebration, held during the last weekend of February, with Denali National Park.

I met owners of some new businesses that offer web design, dog care and a new commercial greenhouse.

It was fantastic to discover earlier this week that Gaddis Services can order and install new tires for my truck, which saved me a trip to town. Of course, my daughter won a free tire change from Gaddis the next day. She traded it in for a sweat shirt from First National Bank of Alaska.

Music finalist

Candace Mudge, music teacher for the Denali Borough School District, is a finalist for the Alaska State Teacher of the Year Award. Those of us who have seen her work musical magic with students are not surprised.

Other candidates include Dary Galgolich, Kodiak High School; Jackie Johnson, Pioneer Peak Elementary School; and Dorena Montgomery, Bartlett High School.

The Alaska Teacher of the Year and an alternate will be chosen by a committee composed of members of major educational associations and the current Teacher of the Year, Robert Williams, who teaches at Colony High School. The committee will meet on Oct. 21, 2010. The committee considers a written application, a video snapshot of the teacher in the classroom and an interview. The Alaska Teacher of the Year might be called upon to speak at education conferences and participate in various statewide education working groups. The teacher is the Alaska nominee for national teacher of the year.

Variety show

While awaiting word on Teacher of the Year honors, Mudge announces this year’s Variety Show will take place Saturday at Tri-Valley School. The first variety show, several years ago, opened to a small crowd with a sparse group of performers. It has grown so large it had to be split into two groups.

Schedules are moved up a month this year, because of the impending arrival of a baby Mudge, tentatively scheduled for Dec. 2.

Students, community members, faculty are invited to participate.

Playground sponsor

Thanks to Matanuska Telephone Association which recently sent a donation to the new McKinley Village Playground project. The borough assembly will get its first look at the completed community project during its October meeting at the McKinley Village Community Center.

All American Award

Tri-Valley School alumni and Healy hockey star Ben Jordan is captain of his Northern Arizona University hockey team, and at last week’s home game against Fresno State, he was awarded an ACHA All American Award for 2008-2009 for Pacific Region First Team.

Ben is on the first line for NAU, which has moved from Division 3 to Division 2.