The People's Paper April 2014

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MATANUSKA VALLEY, ALASKA

brianna gregory memorial supershoot 6th annual event from THE BRIANNA GREGORY FOUNDATION

The People’s Paper

SOMETHING NEW The first amendment

was never intended to protect the rights of corporations. Of course, by default it does, but that is not the intention. The intention, upon reading the first amendment, is clear: to protect the natural born individual’s rights.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” - The First Amendment of the United States Constitution However, we have largely become used to the idea of big corporations disseminating the ‘news’. We’ve given over our primary freedoms to large organizations, in what is basically an apathetic sidestep of our individual responsibility.

NEIL MOSS TAKES AIM PHOTO COURTESY OF THE brianna gregory foundation

We lost our daughter, Brianna, to

Cystic Fibrosis on June 11, 2003, the day before her 13th birthday. She had a vibrant, charismatic personality. She was compassionate, and had a heart for special kids.

She was also an avid shooter.

In her memory, we host a 100-Bird Sporting Clays Walkthrough each year as a fundraiser for Alaska’s children with life-threatening illnesses and Children’s Hospital at Providence.

100% of the proceeds stay right here in Alaska to benefit Alaska’s children.

Brianna used to tell us “if I grow up, I want to be a Pediatric Oncologist, because those kids with cancer have so much to deal with.”

Our chosen project this year is creating a kid-friendly space in the new Pediatric Infusion Center in the Susan Butcher Cancer Center at Providence.

This area has 10-12 Infusion chairs, a Nurses Station and two semi-private Infusion rooms. It is our goal to help convert this space from a sterile, medical environment to a place that will feel more welcoming, more

Interested In a busIness career?

• business Administration programs • Fully online with on-campus support • Fast-track

call or visit chartercollege.edu for a complete list of programs.

877.205.8891 charter college Wasilla WA 2698 - mAke A scene mAy - biz Admin-online | 2.5 x 2.5

comforting to a child and their family members.

The Brianna Gregory Memorial SuperShoot is a fun-filled day of shooting games, good food, great people, door prizes, raffles, and awards.

We will be offering a gourmet breakfast buffet for $15 the morning of the Shoot. Reservations for breakfast must be received no later than Wednesday, May 7. Lunch is provided with your shoot registration, and guest lunches are $20. 2014 registration forms are available on the website, by email, or at Neil’s Lock & Safe in Wasilla.

This year we are offering a special recognition for all our team sponsors: Any company or organization that sponsors a squad of five shooters for $500 will have the opportunity to have their banner or logo displayed along the course (banner provided by sponsor). Station Sponsorships are also available at $100, with approximately 12-15 stations the day of the event.

Please call us if you would like to participate in one of our recognition programs.

The Brianna Gregory Foundation is a 501c3 Non-profit Corporation All ages and levels of experience welcome. Awards based on Five Lewis Classes: High Overall Shooter, High Ladies, High Junior and Sub-Junior Shooters Annie Oakley’s will follow lunch.

Registration forms available online at: www.briannashope.org Information on Grouse Ridge Shooting Grounds and directions to the facility: www.grouseridge.com 376-2473 For more information contact: 907-373-0961 Saturday, May 10, 2014 Grouse Ridge Shooting Grounds 100 Bird NSCA Registered Sporting Clays Walkthrough $120/shooter or $500/squad of five Flight Time: 10:00 a.m.

In Memory of....

Brianna (Superwoman) Gregory June 12, 1990 - June 11, 2003

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But it wasn’t our generation that dropped the proverbial ball. No, I doubt that anyone living had anything to do with it. We just perpetuate it. Previous generations, when our nation was young and free, when our laws were just and few, they were the ones who first let go of our freedom; our ancestors who lived off the surplus created by a free nation, they were just so busy enjoying it, they forgot to protect it.

Our generation, however, is the one left to fix it.

Of course, that’s what this new publication that you’re holding might facillitate. The forefathers of our nation, after fighting to break the chains of tyranny, put the first amendment first for a reason. It’s the foundation. When people speak freely, write freely, gather freely, worship freely, then, and only then, are they free.

It could be argued that a lot of our nations problems could have been prevented, had we vigorously made use of, and viciously defended the first amendment.

It seems that our rights weren’t stolen, as so many people on the Left and Right have claimed. No, we gave them away, because we were apathetic about them.

If we do not use the first amendment rights, do we have them? It’s like a fire extinguisher, covered in dust, sitting in a crawlspace, forgotten. It is useless when a fire breaks out.

Don’t blame the corporations, either.

I mean, sure, they are the agents of propaganda, but who can blame the fox, when the henhouse is left open.

I try not to complain about a problem without offering a solution. And this paper, The People’s Paper, is my offering. Right here, right now in the Mat-Su Valley, we can start making a difference. Simply by expressing our truest thoughts, we will learn that very few of us actually believe the Left or the Right. By being part of a public dialog, we begin to build a collective voice that can affect everything in our community. This is the peaceful route to COntinues on PAGE 3

Community

The People’s Paper community PAGE 2

NIKE SITE SUMMIT INVITES PUBLIC

UPPER NIKE SUMMIT SITE PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE

Friends of Nike Site Summit (FONSS) invite the public to tour historic Site Summit in Arctic Valley this summer.

By Doris Thomas Friends of Nike Site Summit (FONSS) invites the public to tour historic Site Summit in Arctic Valley this summer.

Four tours are planned: a Solstice Tour on June 20 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Aug. 16 from 2 to 5 p.m.; and Sept. 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and from 2 to 5 p.m.

Site Summit is culturally significant as the only one of eight Cold War-era Nike-Hercules missile sites in Alaska still standing. The admission prices, which range from $35 to $50, include bus transportation from the Arctic Valley Lodge lower parking lot. Children ages 12 and older are welcome.

To comply with Joint Base Elmendor f-Richardson security requirements, reservations are required 30 days in advance.

Tour participants will talk to veterans who were stationed at Site Summit, discover how the missiles werelaunched and learn about Alaska’s role in the Cold War.

Attendees can make reservations at the FONSS Web site, www.nikesitesummit. net.Those without Internet access can reserve by calling (907) 929-9870.

Friends of Nike Site Summit was formed by local volunteers in 2007 to advocate for the preservation of Site Summit.

In 2009, it partnered with the U.S. Army (now Joint Base ElmendorfRichardson), the National Park Service, and State Historic Preservation Officer to preserve the historic mountaintop fortress overlooking Arctic Valley.

buildings at Site Summit and prepare for the National Nike Reunion and Cold War Conference, Sept. 4-6, in Anchorage.

An expanded tour schedule, including tours for school groups, is planned for 2015.

FONSS' mission is to preserve and interpret the site for the education of current and future generations about the Cold War, and, by doing this memorialize the millions of veterans who served during the Cold War.

FONSS is a committee of the Alaska Association for Historic Preservation and works in cooperation with JBER.

Seven tours were conducted in 2013, but FONSS is doing fewer public tours in 2014 so members and contractors can try to complete stabilization work on

Visit the FONSS Web site for more information about the tour, the organization, the reunion and Cold War Conference.

FONSS is on Facebook at Friends of Nike Site Summit, and on Twitter, @_FONSS.

Remembering the Great Alaska Earthquake

By Vic Kohring I was five years, seven months old the day

the Great Alaska Earthquake struck on March 27, 1964. It has been 50 years, but I remember the day well.

My family and I moved to Alaska from a Chicago suburb only nine months before and had settled in Chugiak, on Birchwood Loop Road. We bought a little house on 2-1/2 acres for $8000 in August, 1963.

At 5:27 pm on that fateful day, I was with my mother, sister Pat and brother Chuck inside our house when it began to shake violently. The house rocked so hard, I could hardly stand and kept falling over. I remember a loud rumble as if big trucks were rolling by. Despite the noise and violence, Chuck, who was three at the time, remained asleep from his daily nap.

I remember looking over his play pen and seeing him sleeping soundly as if nothing was wrong. Jim, my older brother, was outside in the yard shooting baskets. He described the trees as “jumping out of the ground.”

My mother was trying hard to maintain order inside the house as it shook. It was a chaotic scene. I was bawling my head off from fear as she tried to keep me calm.

IN VALDEZ On the night of the earthquake, oil from broken piping at the Standard Oil tank farm was ignited and floated into town.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VALDEZ MUSEUM

I can still see mom dashing across the living room to keep a large piece of furniture from falling over. But what I remember most is the duration of

the quake, which seemed to go on forever.

The record shows it lasted about four minutes, practically an eternity when you’re talking 9.2 magnitude.

It was more powerful than the 2011 Fukushima, Japan quake that killed over 15,000 from the resulting tsunami, and 20 times stronger than the one in Kobe, Japan in 1995 where 6434 perished.

It turns out the earthquake was the largest in North America and second largest ever recorded in world history to date. Our house in Chugiak was a short distance from the epicenter in Prince William Sound - about a hundred miles northwest if you draw a straight line on a map across the Chugach Mountains.

We were also about 15 air miles from Anchorage, where much devastation occurred including loss of lives. Our 400 square foot house, built from surplus wood from nearby Fort Richardson in the 50’s, didn’t have a foundation, but rather sat on creosote posts from old telephone poles.

Fortunately, it remained secure as it could have easily toppled over. But we incurred other damage. When the quake stopped, we discovered our septic system and hand dug well had caved in. For the next couple years, we hauled water, mostly from a mountain COntinues on PAGE 5

Community SOMETHING NEW CONTINUED revolution. The alternative route will not be peaceful. Those who will not communicate their differences are sure to wage war over them, eventually.

I urge you, fellow Alaskans, to take the time today to write something. Anything. It doesn’t have to be groundbreaking, profound, or genius. It just needs to be what you truly think - those things we all think but are all hesitant to say. I’m not referring to risqué fluff, but rather, things that really matter. Because chances are, you’re not the only one thinking those things.

Why wait until everything falls apart to speak our hearts?

Now is the time, People, and this is your Paper.

The People’s Paper.

Some quotes of interest: “The job of the press is to encourage debate, not to supply the public with information. “ - Christopher Lasch “No government ought to be without censors; and where the press is free no one ever will.”

- Thomas Jefferson “A free press can, of course, be good or bad, but, most certainly without freedom, the press will never be anything but bad.” - Albert Camus “When the public’s right to know is threatened, and when the rights of free speech and free press are at risk, all of the other liberties we hold dear are endangered.” - Christopher Dodd “The press is our chief ideological weapon.”

- Nikita Khrushchev

The People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 3

The Polar Plunge 2014:

My View From Under the Water

By Wylemena “Minnie” Williams Wow! I’m here, standing in line to register. I’m so excited, I feel

like I could flutter away, like hummingbird. I ask my sister “Are my feet touching the ground?” It sure doesn’t feel like it.

There are so many people here, some great costumes too! Still can’t believe I’m doing this! Ok, I’m next in line, number 35 to jump! It’s about 11:00AM we have to wait till noon, when the first jumper will start.

We go back upstairs, where everyone else is waiting. The silent excitement is so thick you could cut it with a knife. Everyone is visiting with each other.

I just talked with the second in line to jump, a 72 year old lady. She is so vibrant, she doesn’t seem scared at all. While I was wondering if myself being 57 was to old, could the cold water stop my heart? Well, I guess she answered those questions!

Wow! They just called numbers 1-20 to come downstairs to start getting ready. So many things are running

through my mind, and before I know it they call numbers 21-35.......that’s me! Now we’re all downstairs getting in line, waiting for our numbers to be called. Too fast, the announcer is saying my name and number. I go out the door, they have a red carpet!

It’s rolled out over the stairs, all the way down to the ice!

The Polar Plunge Bear is right there, wishing all jumpers good luck! Might be my last kiss, I think, so I grab him right by the snout and kiss him.

I turn and face the frozen lake. To my right I see my family, their all yelling and ya-hooing, the crowd goes crazy for every jumper. My nephew suddenly appears right next to me, he’s late! We’ve been planning on jumping together. He grabs my hand and says, “ Sorry Auntie, but I can’t hold your hand while we jump. I’m doing a backflip!” The announcer starts counting .....one....two....... three......we jump! OMG!!

I’m going down deep, my eyes are open, I look up through the water, I can see my family on the edge of

the ice, it seems like their swirling through the water. I yell to myself “SWIM, SWIM!” It’s sooooo cold, I don’t know if I can. First kick- my shoe fell off! The end seems to far away, I think, but somehow I make it to the ladder. I haven’t even thought of my nephew till now!

I didn’t even see him in the water, but then again I was in the swim for my life, literally. He must have made it. All I can do now is follow the red carpet to warmth.

There’s a kid at the end, he has a spray hose with hot water. I make it to him, he sprays me down from head to toe, my nephew is next to me again, I still can’t breathe!

Did I hold my breath the whole time? We go back up the stairs, into the dressing rooms.

So excilerating! I’ve never felt so alive! I just went through a life changing experience........maybe I found the Fountain of Youth!

Beware of Split Second Decisions

“When one makes a Revolution, one cannot mark time; one must always go forward - or go back. He who now talks about the ‘freedom of the press’ goes backward, and halts our headlong course towards Socialism.”

- Vladimir Lenin “If those in charge of our society - politicians, corporate executives, and owners of press and television - can dominate our ideas, they will be secure in their power. They will not need soldiers patrolling the streets. We will control ourselves.”

- Howard Zinn “The most important service rendered by the press and the magazines is that of educating people to approach printed matter with distrust.”- Samuel Butler “The power of the periodical press is second only to that of the people.” - Alexis de Tocqueville

I urge you, fellow Alaskans, to take the time today to write something. Anything.

It doesn’t have to be groundbreaking, profound, or genius. It just needs to be what you truly think - those things we all think but are all hesitant to say. I’m not referring to risqué fluff, but rather, things that really matter. Because chances are, you’re not the only one thinking those things.

Josh Fryfogle Owner, Publisher Bryce Burkhart Lead Graphic Designer, Sales Associate 907-373-2698 (office) 888-383-9909 (fax)

Jacob Shultz makes a split second decision to jump in this freight sled for a ride up the mountain.

A split second decision delivers a story that will change one of their lives forever.

Spring sunshine floods the mountains as a group of writers,

photographers and athletes set out on a week-long adventure to film and capture stories in the backcountry.

“The week had been absolutely stellar,” said Christian Mason, a sales representative for Ortovox, (an outdoor safety product company that specializes in avalanche gear,) who traveled along on the journey.

“The experience was amazing. We’d captured all these incredible photos and everyone was having a blast and feeling pumped. We were on our last day when I made a split second decision to tie up to a snowmobile to get some turns in on my skis. That proved to be the dumbest decision I have probably ever made.”

In the blink of an eye Mason’s life took a horrible wrong turn.

“Looking back I realize there were some red flags I ignored,” he admitted.

“The driver had never actually pulled a skier before and we didn’t really have the right equipment for the

task. We were totally improvising.”

Mason gave his driver a few quick instructions. “I told him to keep his speed steady and look back now and then to check on me.”

As they set out, the driver hit the throttle and failed to notice the slack rope. When he reached full speed, he still didn’t look back to see the rope go taunt and wrap around Mason’s ski, twisting his leg and jerking him off his feet.

“It all happened in the blink of an eye,” said Mason. “I saw the rope drop between my skis and then I felt my leg snap as I was being drug behind this fast moving snowmobile. It was horrible.”

When the driver finally realized the situation and stopped, the damage had been done.

He felt awful and Mason suffered a life-threatening femur fracture that set a rush of emergency response into action.

“I know I was actually pretty fortunate because we had some super skilled people with us that knew how to

help. But we were still more than eight hours from a hospital.”

Mason admits that last minute decision nearly cost his life. “It certainly proved to be a long, painful experience. Worse than I could have imagined. I’m lucky I survived.”

It took more than seven hours to shuttle Mason to a hospital where he underwent surgery to pin and screw his leg back together. A year later, he’s still undergoing intense physical therapy and struggling with constant pain.

“It’s those last-minute, split-second decisions we make when we’re feeling really good and not thinking about the potential consequences that often get us in the most trouble,” said Mason.

You can learn more by visiting urocksafety.com.

The North America Outdoor Institute is also offering courses in backcountry preparedness and emergency medical care worth checking out at www.naoiak.org.

Pets & Animals

The People’s Paper pETS & ANIMALS PAGE 4

Meet Scrappy

By Angie Lewis, ARRF Scrappy is a total love bug. He is a young Chihuahua mix who loves to play, particularly with other small dogs.

Scrappy is house trained, but will use piddle-pads if left alone at home for longer periods of time.

He also knows how to use a dog door.

To meet Scrappy, please contact Bev at 727-6728 or 538-4717.

Email ARRF at rescueadogtoday@gmail.com

“Scrappy is ready to walk right into your heart!”

Alaska WildBird Rehab Center

Hop Aboard Our Monthly Flights

By Randi Perlman The Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center (AWBRC) continues its series of mini-programs, focusing on a particular theme each month. The themes are designed to loosely correspond with wild bird activity around us, and the programs will capture your attention while highlighting each of our education birds on a rotating basis. Our mini-programs are part of the Valley Arts Alliance Second Saturday events, and take place from noon to 2:00 pm at AWBRC’s new home in Houston.

April’s theme was ‘Migration Madness’, featuring several of our migratory bird species that will soon be arriving here in Alaska to breed.

Please join us at our next Second Saturday event for ‘Cinco de Flyo’ with Rhett, the Red-tailed Hawk, Taku, the Black-billed Magpie, and Skuya, the Great Horned Owl on Saturday, May 10. When asked to join in, Kachina the Short-eared Owl said, “I ain’t wearin’ no stinkin’ sombrero…!”

The center is located at 12235 W. Birch Road, off Kenlar, between Big Lake Road and Hawk Lane, in Houston.

Come meet the birds, tour the center, and enjoy light refreshments.

Contact 907-892-2927 or visit www.akwildbirdrehab.com for more information.

FIRST AID KIt FOR PETS

By Angie Lewis, ARRF Scissors – for cutting fur or helping your animal get untangled.

licking this. Alcohol is not good for open sores or wounds.

Tweezers - for removing splinters or other items from wounds.

Hydrogen Peroxide – to induce vomiting.

Bandage Materials (tape, pads, wrap, cotton, gauze, telfa pad, vet wrap) – to bandage lacerations. Use caution not to wrap too tightly.

Syringe – to flush a wound or give your pet water.

Ice and hot packs – to cool down or warm up an animal or injury.

Betadine scrub and solution – for wound care before bandaging.

Gloves – latex or plastic. Offers protection for you and your pet.

Antibiotic ointment and wash – be cautious to prevent your animal from

Pain medicine – speak to your veterinarian. Do not use human medicines.

Phone numbers – for Poison Control, Animal Control or a Veterinarian.

Benadryl – for stings or allergic reactions.

Muzzle – even a well trained, loving dog might bite when in pain.

Community

The People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 5

Helping Heroes Get Hired

By James Hastings As pretty much everyone knows, searching for a new job is a big undertaking.

Even more so if your current or last “job” had you in a combat zone, or you’re currently still serving part-time in the Guard and Reserve forces.

That’s why the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has sought out and implemented an additional resource to help our local National Guard and Reservist, Veterans, and Transitioning Active Duty Service members of all seven US Military Service Seals, to explore career paths and find jobs with the recent addition of a Hero2Hired to the list of services and support that are already offered.

Created to make it easy for Current and Former Service Members to find jobs, Hero2Hired is a powerful, comprehensive employment program that includes a focused marketing component.

It contains everything a job seeker needs including job listings, career exploration tools, education and training resources,

THE WARRIORS’ notebook

tips for resume writing and interviewing, and networking and mentoring opportunities.

Additionally, H2H gives military/veteranfriendly companies access to job-seeking service members, allowing employers to post job openings, search for candidates and invite them to apply, and participate in hiring events.

“This is a great resource for our troops to search for civilian careers and job vacancies,” said Russell Black of the JBER Soldier Family Assistance Center .

“All branches of the Armed Forces can use this website, but reservists and guardsman have an advantage of being assigned an Employment Transition Coordinator, acts as a “head hunter” in helping the member identify the right job. H2H is very well connected with employers within the Alaskan Statewide community,” Black said.

Hero2Hired is a multi-component program that uses an electronic job and career web platform, virtual and physical career fairs, mobile application, Facebook integration and armory/ reserve center kits and kiosks to provide

means for service members to explore its influential services with support through the Department of Defense’s Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program.

Hero2Hired works hand-in-hand with the Area Department of Labor Job Centers to exend their reach and opportunities for employment throughout the state of Alaska.

There are jobs available from “digging the ditch, to drawing the blue prints for the ditch, to the compliance and research on how and where to dig the ditch, and even the agency who makes the signs to warn you of the ditch”. Alaska HAS WORK. We need workers.

There is a huge number of Alaskan Employers enrolled in H2H and they are all actively seeking Veterans/Military to join their team. Connecting the two is where you comes in.

Through positive relationships and extensive networking efforts, H2H feels very confident that if YOU as the applicant are ready, willing, and able to work, and will depend on yourself and your strengths to be motivated and

actively seek your next career, then there truly is a job for you.

We will help you connect with not only employers, but training outlets, and even help you connect to yourself, to make it happen. First Step: Know yourself and believe in yourself as capable of any reasonable task.

There is no such thing as “I was just an Infantryman, or combat engineer, or whatever.” Veterans are Warriors. Problem solvers. Managers of time, assets, and personnel. Warriors can get the job done.

Start now.

If you or someone that you know fits these categories and is need of Employment Support, your statewide Employment Transition Coordinator is James Hastings, a 22 year Army Veteran with a long successful background of identifying the right “fit” for both the Employer and Employee and assisting in making that link a solid and quality connection.

James can be reached via email at jhastings@a-teamsolutions.com or via Facebook group: Hero2Hired Alaska.

2/15/14

REMEMBERING THE EARTHQUAKE CONTINUED

“Tools were falling off walls and screws and nails flying out from drawers that were opening and closing, so he ducked under a heavy work bench for safety. Power was cut off to the building and some patients were crying in panic.” stream near the Old Glenn Highway at Moose Horn and used an outhouse.

helping restore auxiliary power shortly afterward for heating and lighting.

Our electricity was off for about five days, so we used a propane camp stove for cooking and wore coats inside to stay warm.

Even more frightening was when he went outside to discover ground had collapsed close to the building that was perched along the bluff overlooking Ship Creek. It nearly took a portion of the hospital complex.

Directly across Ship Creek Valley was Government Hill Elementary School which was demolished.

We had no telephone to contact relatives outside Alaska to let them know we were OK, except for an old military crank phone connected to several neighbors from wires strung through the woods.

Also, the Anchorage radio stations were knocked off the air for several days, so we had little contact with the outside world.

The morning following the earthquake when my father arrived home from Anchorage, we learned of his harrowing experience. He was the maintenance man at the old Alaska Native Hospital on 3rd Avenue. When the quake hit, my dad was in the carpenter’s room of the hospital’s basement.

The earthquake caused a submerged landslide that displaced considerable water and brought about a local tsunami.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VALDEZ MUSEUM

Tools were falling off walls and screws and nails flying out from drawers that were opening and closing, so he ducked under a heavy work bench for safety. Power was cut off to the building and some patients were crying in panic. My father was instrumental in

To the west five or six blocks was the downtown area along 4th Avenue where the ground sank ten feet along a fault line, destroying numerous buildings. Another close call involved my dad’s vehicle, a Ford Econoline van purchased new in Chicago the year before for our trip to Alaska.

When he arrived for work that morning, he was early and found a parking spot closer to the building. It turns out all of the cars where he usually parked were destroyed by the quake.

The ground had broken away and they all went over an embankment.

There were lots of aftershocks following the quake which scared folks more than the earthquake itself.

Some people were so troubled that they chose to leave the state. But our family stayed put. Alaska was home.

Politics

The People’s Paper politics PAGE 6

New Outside BEGICH SIGNS “WE THE PEOPLE” PLEDGE Group PRESS RELEASE From the Office of Senator Mark Begich

PRESS RELEASE From Susanne Fleek-Green, Alaskans for Begich, March 18, 2014 As the FEC deadline approaches, another extreme Outside group -- the Club for Growth -- has jumped into the Alaska Senate race.

Club for Growth is endorsing one of Mark’s opponents, Dan Sullivan. The group has quite the track record of being anti-Alaska.

In 2010, they spent more than $300,000 against Senator Murkowski. Over the years, they’ve poured more than $1 million into Alaska trying to influence our elections.

Congressman Don Young said it best when he called the Club for Growth “one of the most extreme groups in Washington, D.C.” Washington groups can’t choose who wins or loses in Alaska. We can do that perfectly well on our own. And we will not sit back and allow groups like this one to buy a Senate seat in Alaska.

U.S. Senator Mark Begich Signs “We the People Alaska” Constitution Pledge

“We the People Alaska” recently launched its statewide campaign to determine whether candidates in the Alaska 2014 elections believe “artificial persons or entities” such as corporations and unions should enjoy the constitutional rights of natural persons.

All candidates and holders of public office are being asked to sign the Alaska Constitution Pledge:

I ____________________________, hereby pledge to support the true intent of the Alaska Constitution, whereby inalienable rights are to be enjoyed solely by individual human beings, and I will support the amendment of existing Alaska laws to

By The Federal Father, Wasilla We have been hearing these words frequently with SJR9 in the news, commonly referred to as “school choice.”

PRESS RELEASE The Alaska Libertarian Party Convention will be held 26 April 2014 at the Best Western Golden Lion Hotel in Anchorage. The Golden Lion is located at 1000 E. 36th Street.

Our featured speaker will be Libertarian Girl.

Some of our Libertarian Candidates will also make presentations.

All are welcome but in order to cast a vote at the Convention one must be a paid member of the Alaska Libertarian Party and a registered Libertarian voter.

Membership is $25.00 and the convention fee is $50.00 which includes meals and beverage service.

You may pay on-line at the ALP website or send Checks to Carolyn Clift, Treasurer ALP 6402 Hampton Dr. Anchorage, Alaska 99504

What liberty loving American could ever have anything negative to say when it is presented with such superfluous Orwellian doublespeak?

I’ve been working hard trying to understand the folks pushing this the hardest. These are people I usually find agreement with in controversial matters of liberty in politics. The best I can surmise is that these well meaning and generally “conservative” activists do not have a long range vision for their plan. And/or they are caught up in the sad state of conservatism as historically practiced. That is: conserving little else besides liberal atrocities that they previously fought against, and abhorring socialism unless it benefits them.

Choice First lets give a short definition of what this “school choice” bill actually is. In short, it simply alters language from the state constitution that currently prohibits tax funds from paying for types of education outside the boundaries of official government schools.

The proponents look forward to some form of an allotment/voucher/food stamp like program that will be able to be used by students in other approved places outside of government schools.

Alaskans already have the greatest and most free choice when it comes to education in the entire western world. Seriously. With great thanks to those who worked with Jack Phelps in past decades you can choose to exit the system and not answer to anyone.

Period. For my Christian brothers and sisters, the education of our children is our responsibility. Thanks be to God that we have the freedom in this state to fulfill our responsibility without intervention from civil government.

The LLC Call Insurance me about lifeStore, insurance 4900 E. Palmer-Wasilla Hwy Ste 3 and educator rates!

Jim Davis 907-745-8030 jim.davis@horacemann.com Call me about Life Insurance.

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The result is that millions of dollars must now be raised and spent to win an election and the control of our elections and the drafting of our laws is shifting from the majority of our citizens to the world’s wealthiest few.

Decisions such as Citizens United and SpeechNow.Org in 2010, and the McCutcheon decision handed down this week allow the world’s wealthiest corporations and their owners to spend virtually unlimited amounts of money to influence our elections with almost no accountability.

Their responses will be posted on our website at: wethepeoplealaska. org

“We the People Alaska” believe Alaska should reject the Supreme Court’s misguided constitutional interpretation, and do what’s right for Alaska. “We the People Alaska” chapters in Ketchikan, Sitka, Homer, Kenai, Mat-Su, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Haines, Juneau, Gustavus and Nome will be asking all candidates to sign the Pledge as they declare to run in the upcoming election.

Please visit our website for more information and to find out how to contact the “We the People Alaska” representative in your area.

Choice, Competition, Better Education

Alaska libertarian party convention

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clarify that the term “person” means only an individual human being.

As the first member of Congress or candidate for federal office to sign the Alaska Constitution Pledge, Senator Begich is challenging his opponents to declare their allegiance: they must either commit themselves to the people of Alaska or to the billionaire corporations from outside of Alaska that profit from influencing our elections and drafting self-serving legislation.The U.S. Supreme Court continues to endow corporations with rights that were meant only for individual human beings, such as our right to free speech.

Annuity

For those who do not yet proclaim Christ as Lord, you walk in the same freedom. The blessings and curses for following or ignoring His perfect law are dealt to us equally. The “choice” that SJR9 brings is a dangerous one.

The proponents dislike public schools and the union that fattens them.

They think that by funneling tax funds into private schools they will somehow defeat “public” schools and the union.

The now public sector may feel some hurt in the short term. But in the end, what besides the source of funding makes something public or private?

The thing about welfare/subsidy/ voucher money is that it creates dependency and a wave of economic unseen consequences that are

antithetical to free market economics and God’s laws.

For more on this I highly recommend the free book, www.garynorth.com/ public/1033.cfm Competition I have little to add to this topic since it is directly related to the economic impacts of the last section. If there is any logic exercised in their claim of increased competition, they are not looking long term, or past the simple desire to spend your money.

Anyone making the claim that opening Pandora’s box of other people’s money, that is currently locked within the walls of public schools, will increase private competition by releasing it to the private institutions needs to begin with reading the same book mentioned in the last section. When other people’s money is involved there is no competition. Businesses know when you are blowing government money.

This is when we see stories of $20,000 toilet seats. Look no further than “defense” contractors to see how much this kind of competition drives down prices and increases options. It does neither, but much of the opposite.

Those of us who refuse to spend your tax dollars fulfilling our God given responsibility will have to spend more and more as the market absorbs your stolen money. It can also be noted that at this point that the previously private schools will become dependent on your money and will have greatly increased their operating budgets and can then afford to hire the union teachers that the proponents of SJR9 are trying to defeat.

Better Education A few decades ago it was the republican platform to abolish the department of education. Today it is a golden calf, or more appropriately, a golden elephant. Since the time conservatives decided to give up and simply conserve that unconstitutional malignant growth, the answer has been the same as the rest of the problems that they look for the government to solve for them. Throw more money at it.

They tirelessly grow the government while preaching “limited” government.

As we have all heard countless times; education spending continues to increase, while results continue to decrease.

Even though they continue to dumb down the tests and standards. The free market and homeschooling offer the only route to better education. We cannot just close public schools tomorrow.

But we will debauch private schools and homeschooling by making socialism a portable

attachment to each student. Look further down the road, it will not end well.

Don’t take the cheese With concerns stemming from common core, people are illogically and irrationally flocking to education welfare programs like IDEA, Raven, and the various other public school at home options.

You still have the best choice available to you in all of the free world, don’t step in the trap. I know there are a thousand ways to justify being on education stamps. There are strings attached. They will soon get tighter.

People who have been in these programs for several years will tell you that they feel the strings and see the teeth of the trap now. Listening to people discuss their favorite programs is more than a little disturbing.

The only thing they talk about is how far their program will bend the state rules to get them to force their neighbors to pay for their overpriced materials that they would never buy with their own money. That is the basis for how good a program is for them, how deceptive and conniving they can be together. When in these programs you have to tell the state that the students are in four approved core secular classes. Many people seem to be encouraged to be less than honest about this by their contact teachers and counselors. “ We’ll just mark you down for this program and purchase the materials for you, but you are free to teach them from whatever system you want.”

Make no mistake, these homeschool at home programs are incredibly profitable for them, they will do what it takes to keep you in the system.

There are private groups who would love to help you. http://aphea.org is holding a convention April 25-26 for those who embrace the freedom of choice in education we have today.

I’d love to see you there and help you avoid or get out of the trap.

Logically consistent solution For my liberty loving brothers fighting for your piece of the cheese, why not spend the effort seeking property tax exemptions or rebates for those who choose to not have any part of government education? If your end goal is to shrink public school this is the most logical route. The root of the problem is not the buildings they are operating in. Your solution cannot be found by diverting the tax money into private hands.

Whoever is doling out the cheese is control of the traps, their approved locations, and the amount of pain they induce. Reject it. There is a scary “f” word that is defined as the collusion of government and private enterprise.

Do not embrace that.

Education

The People’s Paper politics PAGE 7

Senator Congratulates Alaskan Parents, Students, and Teachers PRESS RELEASE from the Office of Senator Berta Gardner Senate Fin. Committee amendment proposes $100 million in additional funding for FY 2015 and 2016

JUNEAU – Senate Democrats applauded the efforts of Alaskan teachers, students, and families who called, emailed, rallied, and visited Juneau to communicate the need for adequate education funding to legislators.

Today the Senate Finance Committee adopted an amendment to the operating budget calling for an addition of $100 million to the Alaska Department of

Education and Early Development in both fiscal year 2015 and 2016.

“I’m so happy to see the effect of citizen activism. This increase in funding is a result of groups of concerned Alaskans rallying around public education.

Great Alaska School and Students with a Voice have done so much to move the dialogue forward in the building,” stated Senator Berta Gardner (D-Anchorage).

While the increase in funding is significant, problems still remain. Schools will receive this money, $100 million in total, distributed by average daily membership each for the next two years.

The Base Student Allocation, or the funds that go directly towards the in-classroom experience, hasn’t been increased in four years. Led by Senator Gardner (D-Anchorage), Senate Democrats have supported a “404 + inflation” adjustment to the base student allocation.

“Make no mistake, the fight is not over and we all must remain vigilant. We will continue to battle for the BSA increase Alaskan students so desperately need after years of flat funding, but this additional money today is an amazing step forward,” said Senator Gardner.The process is long from over, however. While the Senate has

recommended inclusion of the appropriation in their version of the operating budget, the House still needs to take up the changes. The final version of the bill will be decided through a conference committee and final approval by the Governor.

“I’m calling on all Alaska parents, students, and teachers: don’t relax yet. Keep up the effort,” stated Senator Gardner.

“Schools need to know that funds are available. We’ll keep pushing to see this money put in the base so that schools can plan for the future,” said Senator Gardner.

Common Core or Common Brain Washing?

By Raymond E. Lyons Jr. There has been a lot of bloviating across the broadcast media regarding the adoption of Common Core standards of education in the United States.

Teacher’s organizations use earnest looking young people to tell us over and over again how important it is to have a national standard so the children will learn more and “get more out of the educational experience”.

Progressive politicians harp on the need for alteration of the Educational milieu in this age of global economics. As they portray it, Common Core State Standards are similar to the Ten Commandments in that they are a body of regulations handed down from on high which will take care of all the ills of education in America and produce legions of well adjusted, intellectually competent graduates fully prepared to function either in college or the workplace.

Clearly stated in the introduction is the fact the Standards are: “…a vision of what it means to be a literate person in the twenty-first century. Indeed, one of the stated goals is to create Students who…reflexively demonstrate the cogent reasoning and use of evidence that is essential to both private deliberation and responsible citizenship in a democratic republic.

In short, students who meet the Standards develop the skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening that are the foundation for any creative and purposeful expression in language.”

Unfortunately, the introduction does not point out whose vision of literacy the Standards are pushing, nor does it explain who is defining creative and purposeful expression in language.

Are the Standards using a traditional American vision of literacy based upon freedom of expression and concepts of individual achievement, responsibility and ethical behavior; or a vision of social mediocrity, situational ethics and government mandated curtailment of thought and speech?

Do they teach history or merely the visions of history that professors and teachers feel should have been? Is it an innocuous educational tool or an insidious propaganda tool. . . a new step toward higher educational goals or another episode of a thirty year history of plausible deniability in the Federal Government. These are very serious questions in today’s world.

On the surface, the Common Core Standards appear reasonable enough.

Ensuring that at certain grade levels, students should be able to read paragraphs and papers with the ability to describe the main issues and cite the evidence to support or contradict them is not unreasonable.

Indeed, the goals are laudable, for it is normal cognitive function to be capable

of using factual evidence to support or contradict the conclusions put forth by an author. With that being the case, the issue of reaching a consensus among educators, politicians, parents and students is simplified. Yet, the problem is not the goal. The problem lies in the implementation. In essence, the standard is laudable; the program laid out to achieve the standard is flawed.

There are no standard paragraphs or papers for the students to read and analyze. The choice of reading material is left solely in the hands of teachers and educators. As stated in the introduction of the Common Core Standards:

“…the Standards leave room for teachers, curriculum developers, and states to determine how those goals should be reached and what additional topics should be addressed. Thus, the Standards do not mandate such things as a particular writing process or the full range of metacognitive strategies that students may need to monitor and direct their thinking and learning. Teachers are thus free to provide students with whatever tools and knowledge their professional judgment and experience identify as most helpful for meeting the goals set out in the Standards.”

Penetrating the fog of Agenda Speak, it becomes clear that this gives teachers and educators carte blanche to blend evidence with opinion, to distort historical facts and alter the emphasis of written documents to suit their political ideology under the rationale that it is most helpful in meeting the goals set out in the standards. This is further facilitated by the following declaration in the Standards:

Furthermore, while the Standards make references to some particular forms of content, including mythology, foundational U.S. documents, and Shakespeare, they do not—indeed, cannot—enumerate all or even most of the content that students should learn.

The Standards must therefore be complemented by a well-developed, content-rich curriculum consistent with the expectations laid out in this document.

Especially the goal of creating students that appreciate that the twenty-firstcentury classroom and workplace are settings in which people from often widely divergent cultures and who represent diverse experiences and perspectives must learn and work together.)

This is a direct throwback to the one world “global village” mentality that has contributed so much to the chaos and disruption we see in the world today.

From Karl Marx to Mein Kampf to Chairman Mao and the Ayatolla Khoumani, the only criterion for selection is that the educator believes the writings are most helpful for meeting the goals set

Media by the People... ...For the People

out in the Standards (including creating beings able to fit into the one world, global village construct outlined as one of the goals of the Standards).

The world is not now (and never has been) the hand holding, KumBayah-singing mass of humanity the radical left claims it to be.

There are huge groups of people out there neither content nor willing to make a lifelong career of contemplating their navels while stoned on marijuana and hashish in the absolute certainty the world owes them a “happy life”.

Indeed, while the overgrown flower children that are content to do so in the nation’s leadership continue to strip the country of its defenses in the name of wealth redistribution and social justice, there are legions of people across the world just waiting for the opportune moment to slit America’s throat and seize everything she has.

This, then, is the crux of the matter.

There are no standards for the content of those paragraphs and papers from which the students are to analyze and enumerate the issues and the evidence supporting or contradicting those issues.

There are no moral standards, no standards of American tradition or ideals, no requirement that readings be factual and not merely opinion or propaganda. The doors are opened for the most egregious statements and distortions to be taught as fact under the guise of a rational and reasonable yardstick for assessment of the intellectual development of students in the United States. As the Standards admit:

“The Standards also draw on the most important international models as well as research and input from numerous sources, including state departments of education, scholars, assessment developers, professional organizations, educators from kindergarten through college, and parents, students, and other members of the public….3) rigorous, and (4) internationally benchmarked.

In an age when even Western Europe is backing away from the stagnation of sixty years of knee-jerk socialism, America is being asked to place her children under international standards and models of education for the sake of the common good of the “global village”.

Finally, the Standards are not immutable.

Clearly stated within the Standards is the following:

The Standards are intended to be a living work: as new and better evidence emerges, the Standards will be revised accordingly.”

This is an assertion that whenever the progressive powers that be decide it is in their interest to change the standards

- usually by lowering them - they reserve the right to do so. As so often occurs in a secular-progressive environment, there is no concept of a bedrock foundation of achievement and excellence. Everything is relative, which in progressive linguistics means alterable for the best advantage of their agenda.

The sad truth is that few, if any parents are going to go through the monumental effort required to learn what is in those paragraphs and papers the teachers are having their children read and analyze.

Yet, unless this is done, the future will be dismal, for history is replete with examples of disaster resulting from government mandated propaganda and “re-education”.

We have become a complaisant society, far too preoccupied with matters of little consequence. For far too long we have concerned ourselves with fad diets and outward appearances while neglecting momentous issues such as the education of our children and the state of the world we are going to pass on to them.

For whether we like it or not, we are not immortal. For all of us, there will be a time when we pass on the world to our children and it behooves us to consider what their opinion of our stewardship of their world has been.

Common Core is a push for revisionist re-education in the classroom. And unless we as a people wake up to what is occurring, the future will be dismal. It is but a small step from re-education in the classroom to re-education camps.

It happened in Russia. It happened in Germany. It happened in China and Vietnam. And lest we fool ourselves that Western Civilization is so advanced it makes that impossible, I would point out that the concept of mass extermination (employed in Germany and Russia in the first half of the 20th Century) originated in Great Britain among the progressive Fabian Socialists like George Bernard Shaw and their concepts of eugenics.

It was they who first espoused the need for lethal chambers for those in society who were “not pulling their weight”.

Every human social organization that ever existed, which unhinged itself from an immutable standard of ethics and morals, has degenerated into brutality and inhumanity — Without exception.

For that reason, I see the approach of a new barbaric dark age unless America rapidly awakens to the danger occurring in her classrooms on a daily basis.

“There are no moral standards, no standards of American tradition or ideals, no requirement that readings be factual and not merely opinion or propaganda.”

The People’s Paper

Community “Paddlesports America”

The People’s Paper politics PAGE 8

ALASKA SCTP MAKES A DONATION

SAFETY SEMINAR TO THE MIDWAYUSA FOUNDATION

PRESS RELEASE from Flotilla 33, US Coast Guard Auxillary EAGLE RIVER, Alaska – Flotilla 33, U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is teaming up with the University of Alaska Anchorage to present “Paddlesports America,” a safety seminar for novice canoers, kayakers and other paddlesports enthusiasts. The course begins with a three-hour classroom session by the Auxiliary, Friday, May 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the UAA Chugiak-Eagle River campus, 10928 Eagle River Rd., in Eagle River. University instructors will conduct an on-the-water portion at the Wells Fargo pool the next morning, 9 to 11 a.m.

To register and pay the $49 fee in advance, go to www.uaa.alaska.edu/continuinged, or call UAA at (907) 786-6790. The course number is CES 006.

Topics include basics such as understanding paddlecraft characteristics and vessel capacities, selecting the proper paddle and how to file a float plan. Paddlers will learn the proper way to transport the paddlecraft; conduct a pre-departure check; dress for a safe trip; load gear and their responsibilities when paddling with others. Paddlers will learn how to enter and exit a canoe or kayak, be briefed on local hazards, learn to secure the paddlecraft and share the waterways with others.

Boating emergencies such as hypothermia, drowning, capsizing, swamping and falls overboard also will be covered. Legal issues such as life jacket and vessel registration requirements, unlawful operation, Homeland Security restrictions, alcohol and drugs, navigation lights, sound-producing devices, visual distress signals, environmental protection and what to do if in a boating accident, will be explained.

Free Hearing Tests Submitted by Mat Su Sertoma Club On Saturday, May 3rd and on the first Saturday of each month, Mat-Su Sertoma is providing FREE HEARING testing to the community, ages 7 and older. No appointment is necessary and you can arrive between 10am to 1pm. This testing takes very little time and can provide you with a base-line evaluation. Hearing screenings is provided at the Wasilla Physical Therapy office located behind Geneva Woods Pharmacy off Seward Meridian in Wasilla.

Mat-Su Sertoma Club uses an audiometers for the evaluation of hearing loss, purchased with a grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation.

We offer FREE Hearing Screening, although we are not certified audiologists, we can provide you with a report on your current hearing status. We now have two testing rooms so bring your friends.

Noise erodes the small hair cells inside the cochlea of the human hearing organ.

It is a very gradual process, and not a very noticeable one in the early stages. The damage that occurs on a daily basis is at first a temporary hearing damage. With repeated noise exposure the temporary damage turns into a permanent damage. At this stage the damage is irreversible.

The Mat Su Sertoma Club meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the back of Tailgaters Restaurant.

PRESS RELEASE from Alaska SCTP Columbia, MO – In an effort to support in-state youth shooting sports, the Alaska Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) has donated funds to the MidwayUSA Foundation.

The donation of $19,000 will benefit youth shooting teams that attended the Alaska SCTP Sporting Clays Invitational and currently have an active Team Endowment Account with the MidwayUSA Foundation.

Neil Moss, State Advisor and President of Alaska SCTP expressed his thoughts about the recent donation. “We are extremely grateful for our partnership with the MidwayUSA Foundation and the options to provide means to develop new teams and expand participation in the clay target shooting sports for the youth of Alaska.”

Alaska SCTP provides the opportunity for boys and girls to participate in the exciting and challenging sports of trap, skeet and sporting clays in a supportive environment taught by trained and supportive adult coaches focusing on the safe handling and use of firearms.

The state association offers several events throughout the year to allow shooters to participate and compete against other shooters across the state. [change one of the “supportive” statements.

Maybe “trained, experienced adult coaches…”]

Through its Team Endowment Account Program, the MidwayUSA Foundation helps communities and organizations raise funds to support their high school, college and other youth shooting teams and activities. Teams with an active

Team Endowment Account can draw up to 5% of their account balance each year to use for team expenses, such as ammunition, competition entry fees, travel, uniforms and more.

For more information about The MidwayUSA Foundation and its Team Endowment Account Program, please visit midwayusafoundation. org or call 1-877-375-4570.

This donation not only allows both organizations to accomplish their mission, but also brings youth involved in shooting sports closer to sustainable support.

Who’s Running Your House?

By Susan Magestro I’ve yet to have a parent call me up and say, “Sue, life is great, come for tea.”

They are contacting me with stories that often have the same themes: “My child is at the fork of the road and I‘m afraid they are heading down a bad path”

“I’m afraid of my child, they are abusive, even hitting me. I am embarrassed to admit that to anyone”

“My daughter is hanging with a badboy and I’m concerned she is going to get caught up in some really bad activity and go to prison as an accomplice.”

“My young adult child has graduated high school, but won’t look for a job, help around the house, sleeps all day or plays video games”

“My child’s grades are plummeting and I don’t know what to do”

“My child is a victim of cyber bullying and I am afraid he / she is going to kill himself.”

I also get calls from grandparents raising their grandchildren at a time in their lives when they were hoping to take life a little easier and not have to work extra to suddenly have the responsibility of supporting young children.”

Welcome to my world as a Criminologist and Interventionist. It is a rather unique choice of careers, one that emulated and evolved as a sign of the times, rather than one that I simply stepped into. I love my work. I love the families. I get to know

For more information about the Mat-Su Sertoma Club go to their website at www. matsuhearing.org.

FREE HEARING TESTING Saturday, May 3rd 10am-1pm Wasilla Physical Therapy

By Barbara Banks

By Mat-Su Sertoma Club

them at some of the darkest times of their lives. Sometimes, it takes inner strength and calm for me to stay strong and focused when these parents and their children are facing some truly horrific realities. I’ve been working with these families for over thirty years in various settings; in schools, in community centers, in youth detention centers, in prisons, on the streets.

I “get these kids” because I was one of them a long time ago. With the help of some amazing professionals, some really good luck, and a great extended family, I’ve been able to devote my career to working with some extremely high -risk youth, violent youth, and angry people.

I’ve been able to develop skills and strategies to ease the tensions, bring about some positive changes for both the youth and the parents / grandparents and families. Today, I train professionals throughout our state and the lower 48 using some of these skills and strategies. I will share some of them in these columns.

Who are these families? People just like you and I. They love their kids.

They work hard and try to do right by them, the best ways they know how. They try to parent. Most are not neglectful Oftentimes, their parenting was excellent but their child is suffering as a result of things being done to them outside the family unit.

These parents come from all professional backgrounds, all socioeconomic levels, families whom have experienced divorce, death of a parent, blended families, and parents whom are still together.

Some live in beautiful homes and most do not. They are just trying to get through the day the best

they can, and enjoy their kids while they are still at home. How old are the youth I work with? Some are as young as six years old and some as old as twenty-five years old.

So why does a parent call me? A criminologist? An interventionist?

Because try as they all do, they cannot change the chaos, negativity, disrespect, and violence, they see in their children. And they are frightened.

Parents feel like they have lost control of their parenting. They feel like they have lost control of their house. When they are asked “Who’s Running Your House?” They all have the same answer. “Not me!” It feels like my child is running the house and I want to take that power back!”

Or they feel their child has been so traumatized by outside influences, it has affected their family in a profound way.

Who’s Running Your House? Ever feel like it isn’t you the parent?

If none of this applies to you, consider yourself very lucky! That’s because for so many families today, it is NOT the parents raising the children. So who is?

All future columns will have information related to Who’s Running Your House and will also feature a question and answer from a parent who has written me.

We will be accepting emails from parents who want to write in with questions. We will answer your questions in this column. The names of those submitting questions will stay anonymous. We will not be able to provide direct personalized responses from each of the emails we receive.

Please send your questions to: 4magestroassociates@gmail.com

IS THIS ROAD RAGE?

I don’t mind the long drive from the far side of Big Lake to Palmer. It’s such a beautiful drive.

Are you a Politician or a PublioServant?

Send us your PRESS RELEASES MAKEASCENEAK@MAC.COM

With each season everything changes. As I drive the breathtaking beauty captures my imagination and I write poetry inspired by the sights I see along the way.

In summer it’s the dragonflies, fireweed, green spruce trees, green/gray mountains bathed in bands of wispy grey clouds.

In the fall the colors change and the beautiful picture changes to a reddish gold, and green with pink and purple flowers along the road sides.

The view is the same yet different and always incredibly beautiful. This winter my shift changed and I had to drive back and forth in the dark and was complaining, mostly to myself.

I don’t like to drive in the dark.

myself using some pretty bad words on these occasions and I am glad no one else is in the car to hear me.

Now that it’s getting lighter earlier and later, I drive with the sun in my eyes both ways. The problem is, at least three times a week some inconsiderate driver, cannot wait just a couple minutes longer to turn onto the highway.

Even with sunglasses it’s hard to see at times and when they pull out in front of me it’s dangerous. This mostly happens on the section from Big Lake to Wasilla.

They pull right in front of me and cause me to press real hard on my breaks to keep from hitting them, and they act like nothing is wrong.

I don’t like to swear but I find

Don’t these people realize the sun is in drivers’ eyes?

“Is this road rage I’m feeling or just my instant reaction to carless dangerous drivers?”

Community Looking Back

By Alice Renfro Culinary Instructor at Gathering Grounds How far back shall I go, I thought. Should I date myself with numbers? I was about to have another one of those major birthdays!! Well, that didn’t take me long to nix nah that thought!

I am a second generation Alaskan. We lived out of town, WAY out of town. You never knew who or when a relative or a total stranger would knock on our door. However, when they did they always had at least one meal with us.

How many of you have invited someone into your home to break bread? People that you didn’t know. Can you imagine feeding 100 people at one time, and not know one of them when you started? This was my first time with the team from MYHouse, was at Burchell school 3 years ago. As I watched them carefully dish up their plates, it seemed that they didn’t want to take to much.

So many thoughts were racing through my mind, were they just shy, was it not good, what?? I quickly took off my apron went into the great room where they were eating, introduced myself, and told them that I had made this food just for them, so please eat it all. Some said really, I can go back? I assured them they could and further more I would make to go home boxes. The smiles, twinkles in their eyes said it all, I was hooked.

Some of these kids come to school with no food in their tummies. This doesn’t just happen at Burchell High School, it happens in EVERY school, and in EVERY grade EVERY day. How can they concentrate on school work, I wondered, when you can hear their tummies growling. Not only have had no dinner or breakfast but some of these students have either slept in cars, tents, culverts, in a dug out, or slept on someone’s couch.

Today I am blessed to be at MYHouse, Gathering Grounds Cafe, teaching young people Culinary Skills. We make fresh homemade soup every day. Should there be any leftover, we make to go cups and put the soup in the freezer. So at anytime, we can warm up a nourishing cup of soup for a homeless youth. While they are warming up, eating the soup, I sit and chat with them. Sometimes they will take extras for a later bit to eat.

I want to share some of the Thank You’s that I have received that have filed my heart, - “Wow, don’t tell my Grandma, but your Cinnamon Rolls are better than hers.”

- “OH MY GOOSSSHHH these cinnamon rolls are fluffy...”

- “Really? Biscuits and Gravy.”

- “You are the Bomb Diggity Chef” - “Your soup is the best gift I could ever ask for” - “Thank you so much I love you”

In looking back nothing I could never do would mean so much to me as having fed these young people, I didn’t even know. By the time their soup is warmed, they have eaten, I have met another person that has a very special spot in my heart. I invite each of you to step out of your comfy zone, share.

The People’s Paper politics PAGE 9

Read something you don’t like?

Don’t just whine about it! Write about it!

MAKEASCENEAK@MAC.COM

THE CORNER LINK

THE HISTORY OF THE BRIDAL SHOWER

By Donna Turner Did you know that approximately 225 years ago bridal showers involved a parasol?

The bridal shower was originated with the intent to strengthen friendships between the bride and her friends. In this gathering the brides friends would give her moral support and help her prepare for her marriage.

The idea to buy gifts is fairy new and began about 1890. At one shower, a friend placed small gifts inside a parasol and opened it over the bride’s head so that the presents would “shower” over her. The word hit the fashion pages.

People were so taken by the idea they too did the same thing at their showers.

A bridal shower party is a perfect occasion to indulge the bride and shower her with favors. This is one intimate and very personal event where all the ladies gather to give gifts to the bride and have some fun time together before the big event. For most people, a bridal shower party might sound as a pretty useless idea aimed at shooting up the wedding costs. But this isn’t clearly the case.

Bridal shower parties are not new trends, and have been in vogue for quite some time now. Bridal shower parties have a unique history and there are countless stories and legends stating how this old custom flagged off in the past as a replacement to the old dowry system.

Bridal showers in the earlier eras were very different from what they are today.

The modern-day celebration of this old custom is marked with fun, fiesta, food and favors, and sums up as one complete farewell bash for the bride.

However, bridal showers weren’t such gala affair in the past.

This custom, which traces its roots and origin back to 16th century Holland, was initiated as an alternative to the dowry system, where friends and families brought small favors for the bride to help her begin with her married life. If the mother of the bride was too poor to afford a dowry, or if the father was opposed to the alliance, then the friends of the bride would bring her small gifts to make up for the dowry and help her walk down the aisle with the man of her choice.

In fact, there is a very interesting Dutch legend on bridal showers, which narrates the story of a young Dutch girl of high standing who fell in love with a miller’s son. She was so smitten

by the young lad that she wanted to marry him, even though her family was opposed to the alliance owing to the boy’s poor standing.

Her father wanted her to marry a wealthy pig farmer and threatened to withhold her dowry if she disobeyed him. however when her friends and the village folks learned about it, they insisted on bringing her gifts to fill in for the dowry and help her begin her married life.

It’s said that the father of the bride was so touched by this sweet gesture that he agreed to the marriage and also dished out a hefty dowry to bless the new couple. Since then, it has been a custom for the would-be-brides family and friends to shower her with gifts before she embarks on a new journey, namely -marriage.

Bridal showers became a part of elite United States culture in the late Victorian Era, when ladies of high social standing organized bridal showers to fete would be brides. These ladies held bridal showers, regardless of the need of the bride, to gather and gossip and exchange thoughts, ideas and have fun. Plus, the brides didn’t mind getting a few special items to mark off their new roles as wives either.

Although a bridal shower was an alien custom to the English, it became quite a rage in USA during the 1930s. The bridal showers of the early to mid 20th Century were simpler affairs as compared to their modern day avatars. Gifts were more modest and usually included a collection of kitchen implements, a single plate, table linen etc.

Today’s bridal showers have developed into a party of celebrations as her last days before she begins her new journeys of life with the one she loves – her soul mate. Traditionally, guests would bring the bride to be; useful gifts and accessories that would help both the bride and groom with their new marriage and to establish a home, but, the times have changed with bridal showers typically evolving around the bride. Still, many bring bridal gifts, well wishes and their favorite dishes to pass around with bridal shower games planned out for their event. Usually the maid of honor will host the shower, but you’ll find that even a close friend or a family member will host and plan the event.

Many showers are planned and decorated around the theme of the couple’s wedding and their wedding

and bridal accessories. A fairytale theme, beach or Las Vegas style, a traditional style or just opt for a coffee or tea occasion or sometimes they’ll make a day at the spa just to pamper the future bride.

Another change in the history of bridal showers are bridal shower favors. The bride will chose favors typically based on her wedding theme or favors with such phrases as “Lets Celebrate” “Love is Brewing” or even “Two Peas in a Pod” are popular. The use for favors is to spread thanks to all of her guests for celebrating and for sharing the bridal shower and or their special wedding day.

The bridal or wedding favors can also reflect the personality of the bride as well, adding personalization of the bride and groom’s name or just the brides name with the date of her bridal shower party.

Bath favors and candles are another popular favor brides will elect to choose as a small token of appreciation for attending her event. Shower party favors have developed over the years with unique designs and styles that are not only adorable but also reflect the variety of themes events are planned around.

Finally, if you are going to be a Bride, do your friends and family a favor. Register for shower and wedding gifts and let your guest know where you registered with a separate card to be included with the invitation.

By registering, your guests can chose a gift that you want and will enjoy. (Not to mention you will have less duplicate gifts that will have to be returned. (After all, who needs 10 toasters?)

“The bridal shower was originated with the intent to strengthen friendships between the bride and her friends.

In this gathering the brides friends would give her moral support and help her prepare for her marriage.”

APPROVED HOMESCHOOL VENDOR

CLASSES BEGIN: MAY 5TH, 6TH, AND 8TH

Social Issues

The People’s Paper politics PAGE 10

HOPE WHISPERS: STRONG, BRAVE, VICTORIOUS “Yeniel Bermudez has a new dream: to work with the youthful soccer players of Alaska - to reach their dreams of becoming the best that they can be...”

THE STORY OF CUBAN OLYMPIC SOCCER CAPTAIN AND HIS JOURNEY TO ALASKA Submitted by Stephanie Magestro As he landed and touched US soil he thought to himself, “I am finally free”.

Six years ago Yeniel Bermudez, former Captain of the Cuban National and Olympic Soccer team, started a new journey.

Since he was a little boy playing in the streets of Cuba he had one dream and that was to play soccer as a professional.

Yeniel held on to that dream as he learned the ways to survive as a citizen of Cuba. Growing up in a communist country you learn to live for each day.

You learn to survive with very little and you learn the most important thing in life, is your family.

Yeniel was a very determined little boy, always having a soccer ball by his feet. If he was not at school or doing homework he was outside in the streets playing ball. Yeniel worked hard and by age 10, he was asked to join a school that helps develop Olympians. After high school he was selected to become part of the National Team.

Moving to Havana, Yeniel played on both the National and Olympic team while going to collage. He played the political game one has to when trying to survive in a communist country, but in his heart always stayed true to his beliefs. Communism is wrong!

The day came that Yeniel had been waiting for his entire life. The Olympic coach told him he would be traveling to the USA for the Olympic qualifying games. As Yeniel played it cool, he was bursting inside.

His dream was finally coming true.

Even though he was so excited, he was dreading what was to come next.

It was time for him to tell his mom he would be leaving Cuba forever. That was the hardest day of his life as he and his mother held each other, with tears flowing down their faces and the fear in their hearts that they might not ever see each other again. He said good-bye to his family and walked out the front door.

Holding him self-together as if this was not the last time seeing his family again.

As he walked down the street for the very last time, knowing there were people watching him, just waiting to report any suspicious behaviors to the government, he held his head high and kept walking toward the bus stop, telling himself to stay strong As the plane landed in Florida, Yeniel knew he was one step closer to becoming free. Unable to show any excitement, he walked off the plane knowing he was stepping into a whole new world, a world he knew nothing about. Keeping an eye open and being aware of his surroundings, Yeniel was looking for an opportunity to escape from the hotel. When Cuban teams travel, they bring their own security team, who make sure the players do not leave or talk to any non-team members.

On March 11, 2008, Yeniel and the Cuban Olympic Soccer Team played the USA for the Olympic Qualifying Match. Yeniel, who played center back, was ready to take on the U.S. team wanting to defeat and help make history for his Cuban team. Cuba and the USA tied making the Cubans excited for the next match against the U.S. The Cuban team felt confident they had a chance to win the next game against the U.S. Little did the team know that night five Cuban soccer player escaped from the hotel and had asked for asylum? Yeniel Bermudez being one of them felt overwhelmed with emotions.

Feeling excited and optimistic about his new life, but broken hearted he was leaving his family, team, and all he grew up with behind. Yeniel was unsure if he would ever see his family again, but he knew he was their only hope to ever becoming free.

With only sixty dollars in his pocket, not knowing anyone, not knowing English, or an understanding of life here in the US, Yeniel was able to meet some great people who help him and his friends

begin their new lives. After a month in the US Yeniel had the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles to play with MLS team, Galaxy. Yeniel had the opritunity to play with David Beckham and other players he had only seen on T.V. In that moment, Yeniel realized his dream had come true. As Yeniel was trying to understand how to survive in a world he had never seen nor understood, his family was struggling back home in Cuba.

It was then that Yeniel received a telephone call that the Cuban government had imprisoned his younger brother and stepfather. Although no one ever stated they were there because Yeniel defected, they would make comments that would make one wonder.

The Government had nothing on the two men but would not let them out.

As Yeniel struggles to try and help them, there was only so much he could do since the government owns all lawyers and freedom of speach. The two received a ten-year sentence. Yeniel was heart broken, he felt guilty! Yeniel struggled with the idea of his younger brother being in such a dangerous environment because of something he had done. For the first time, Yeniel could not be there to protect his little brother, as he had been growing up.

His family was the only family punished and we think its because he was the captain of the team. Before Yeniel left the government had given him the flag to bring here to the US and represent Cuba. Yeniel disrespected his country) Yeniel moved to Alaska in 2009, for a girl, they married shortly after that.

For the next few years Yeniel played professional soccer traveling back to Alaska during his “off-season”. In the fall of 2011, Yeniel came back to Alaska from his season of playing, with added excitement of becoming a new father to a son. Two weeks after his son was born, a drunk driver hit him and his

son. Yeniel was relieved that his son was not hurt, but devastated that he had injured his back. Rehabilitation became Yeniel’s daily goal, trying to get his back strong enough to play professional ball again. Yeniel was starting to feel hopeless. If Yeniel couldn’t return to soccer, he wasn’t sure what he was going to do with his life.

Playing soccer had been his life, and he was still so young, having many years to go with his soccer career. After a year of rehabilitation, he knew in his heart, his soccer career was over. Yeniel had to find himself again. If he wasn’t a soccer player, who was he?

As he reflected on his life, he was content with his soccer career. He had played with some of the best players in the World, he’d won championships in three different countries, played in the Gold Cup, Olympic qualifying games, and played professional soccer in the USA. He had achieved his dreams.

Life had to go on, so Yeniel began to coach here in Alaska. He asked himself, “How can I make soccer players in Alaska some of the best youth players in the country?” He now had a new goal, to work with all soccer players, in the state of Alaska, to become the best players they could be and elevate the level of soccer in Alaska as well.

Yeniel recalls, “It’s hard for a child or a teen to get very excited about a sport when they never get to watch their role models and heroes play in a game. In the contiguous United States, children watch their favorite players in games and dream about being just like them.”

Yeniel hopes to inspire the youth of Alaska to become the best they can be.

Now Yeniel Bermudez has a new dream: to work with youthful soccer players of Alaska, to reach their dreams of becoming the best that they can be with the AK Internation Soccer Academy.