Seated around tables in a U-shape with microphones and remote voting devices, discussing Alaska's hot-button issues with confidence, it wouldn't be a big surprise if this group were the Alaska State Legislature. In 10 or 20 years.

...ceremony on July 17, 1988, in downtown Juneau. The statue was commissioned in 1984 in honor of the silver anniversary of Alaska's statehood. This ceremony marked its placement at the plaza adjacent to the Dimond Courthouse and Capitol.

...586-1053. Contract bridge, 1-4 p.m., Valley Senior Center. Details: Ellen, 463-6175. 50th Anniversary of Alaska's Statehood planning meeting, 1:30 p.m., downtown library. Volunteers to work on projects and events are needed...

...586-1053. Contract bridge, 1-4 p.m., Valley Senior Center. Details: Ellen, 463-6175. 50th Anniversary of Alaska's Statehood planning meeting, 1:30 p.m., downtown library. Volunteers to work on projects and events are needed...

The Juneau Assembly is hosting a town-hall-style forum on Saturday morning at Centennial Hall to solicit ideas for improving the city, recruit potential volunteers and generally stir up citizen participation in government.

In all the excitement of the 4th of July, the importance of the 30th of June in Alaska's state history is often overlooked.

...p.m. on Monday at the House of Wickersham, 213 Seventh St. "What a great way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Alaska's statehood than to remember the man who changed Alaska destiny on his birthday, at his home," said Wickersham impersonator...

...transfers. Also, state officials have asked that the federal land claims be settled by 2009, the 50-year anniversary of Alaska's statehood. But environmentalists are worried that the bill will allow corporations to cherry-pick valuable lands...

Sculptor RT "Skip" Wallen wants to commemorate the 50th anniversary of statehood on a grander scale than he did with his silver-anniversary bear sculpture outside the Capitol.