VETERANS / COMMUNITY Friday, November 6 6:00pm-10:00pm 333 W Fourth Ave Suite 227, Anchorage $3.00 Entry Fee The Alaska Veterans Museum has been open for 4 years. Have you been down to visit? No? That’s ok. Chances are, you didn’t even know Alaska HAD a veterans museum. But now you do. We are located in downtown Anchorage, at Fourth and D Street (333 W Fourth AV, Suite 227). We are small, but pack a punch well worth the $3.00 entry fee.
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Imagine a man held in a POW camp trading silk from his parachute for life saving staples. Now imagine he refuses to trade it all – he’s saving enough to make a silk nightgown for his beloved wife when he returns home. A swagger stick, canned water, tributes to fallen heroes, and memorials to civilians who lost their lives in battle. Stories of sacrifice, bravery, honor, and triumph – quite often told by those who lived them, as our 100% volunteer staff is made up of many veterans and historians who live to share them.
How much of a punch? Will it really be worth the $3.00?
Now that you know a little about the museum, you should know that we are having a fundraising event November 6th from 6-10pm at the Anchorage Museum.
Do you know where the last shot of the Civil War was fired? Did you know we were actually occupied by the Japanese?
INFORMATION Tickets are available online at tellinghistory.org, the Alaska Veterans Museum or Great Northern Guns.
The 3rd Annual MYHouse Radiothon November 13th From 6 AM to 6 PM Q 99.7 Local schools and service organizations estimate that there are over 700 homeless youth in the Valley age 14-24. Join MY House and Valley Radio, Q 99.7, for the 3rd Annual MY House Radiothon, as we raise much needed funds and awareness for homeless youth and young adults in the Mat Su Valley. During the 12 hour radiothon, you’ll hear the stories of our local youth, living out on the street, some in dangerous situations, and not knowing
where their next meal will come from. As you’re listening, you’ll also hear great stories of progress and the wonderful work MY House does to get these kids out of a bad situation and back on their feet. Last year, over $75,000 was raised, thanks to generous listeners in the Valley. Money raised from The MY House Radiothon, stays right here in the Valley, and makes an impact on the lives of Valley youth.
“Giving a hand up, not a hand out” Please tune in and become a “Partner in Progress” on November 13th.
About MYHouse: MY House offers food, clothing, shower and laundry services, employment services, public health care, mediation services, help with legal issues and support and referral for mental health and substance abuse treatment. Our Mission: To provide safe shelter for homeless youth with a goal of connecting kids to a network of caring individuals and agencies able to assist them in becoming self-sufficient. Please call 373-HELP(4357)
About KMBQ Radio: Valley Radio KMBQ-Q 99.7, has been serving the Greater Matanuska-Susitna Valley since 1984. Providing Adult top 40 music and community awareness. 7610 E. PalmerWasilla Hwy., Ste. 1B, Palmer, AK 99645. (907)745-4222
PETS & ANIMALS
Adopt Radar!
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The S.C.A.R.F. Project
Radar is a beautiful five-year-old Lab/ Husky Mix. This boy loves to be inside adoring the people around him. He is good with children and other dogs. Radar is also house trained. His only fault is that he cannot be around cats, and this is through no fault of his own. He was taught to go after cats by children who would throw kittens at him – a practice that is common in the area that Radar comes from. Give Radar a chance to prove what a gentle, loving dog he is. To meet Radar, email Alaska Animal Advocates at aaarescue@yahoo.com
Contributed by The Journey Photography, Cris Skinner Contributed by Angie Lewis, Alaska Animal Advocates Trimming your dog’s nails is a vital part of caring for your best friend. Long nails can break and get infected. They can also cause a problem with your dog’s ability to walk. In addition, when a dog has nails that are too long, people tend to get scratched. Dogs’ nails grow constantly. Some nails are worn down if a dog walks on pavement or gravel. You can tell if your dog’s nails are too long if you can hear them clacking on the floor when he walks. This typically needs to be addressed every couple of months. Despite all the sensible reasons for keeping dogs’ nails trimmed, guardians often neglect to do so. Many dogs are very sensitive to having their feet handled and trimming nails can be uncomfortable for them. Some dogs have experienced having their nails clipped too short and this is quite painful for them. Teach your dog to associate nail trimming with something pleasant, such as treats, chew toys, or lots of attention from you. So, you might clip a nail and then give your dog a delicious treat immediately thereafter. Continue on in this manner and your dog will find the experience quite pleasant. You might also try to clip only two or three nails a day. How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails: This process could take a few days.
> Choose a pair of clippers – talk to groomers, friends, your veterinarian. > Find a comfortable, quiet, well-lit area. > If you have not ever trimmed your dog’s nails, prepare him by handling his paws a few days in advance. After each paw handling, give your dog a favorite treat. > Pick up your dog’s paws and touch the clippers to the nails, without actually cutting. Give him treats immediately afterward. > If your dog seems relaxed, then clip a nail or two, offering treats afterward. > Know where to trim – clear nails offer a better view of the nail quick which often looks pink. If your dog has dark nails, this process is a bit more difficult. If you have someone helping, he can shine a flashlight at the back of your dog’s nails, which will make the quick visible. > Cut the dewclaws as well – mostly found on the front legs. > Have Styptic Powder available to quickly stop any bleeding caused by clipping into the quick (which contains blood vessels). If you don’t have Styptic Powder, you can substitute with flour or corn starch. > An alternative to nail trimming with clippers, is to use a Dremel-like grinder, which sands the nail, much like an emory board. If this all seems too overwhelming, you can take your dog to a groomer or your veterinarian to have his nails trimmed. Remember, never punish your dog because he is resistant to having a nail trimming. This will only worsen his behavior.
Looking for a fun and creative way to receive memorable photographs of your dog while helping a dog in need? The Journey Photography is excited to announce The S.C.A.R.F. (Safe & Cozy Animal Rescue Friends) Project, which is near and dear to my heart. The S.C.A.R.F. Project is a fundraiser conceived from my love and compassion for animals. The scarf within this project symbolizes comfort, coziness and love. The goal is to lend a hand to a paw and raise money to help foster rescue dogs. Rescue dogs are not broken. They are just victims of unfortunate circumstances. Like every dog, they have hearts full of unconditional love and souls full of deep devotion. They just need a second chance. Money raised through this project will do just that, by providing them food, medical care, and a safe, cozy environment until a loving forever home can be found. Dogs rely on us…to protect…to be their voice…to be their hope. Join me in this journey to help rescue dogs get a second chance and to be their hope through the S.C.A.R.F. Project. Here’s how it works: When you book a photo session of your dog with The Journey Photography’s S.C.A.R.F. Project, you will receive a special pricing package for $125. The Journey Photography will donate $50 of that cost to Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue (ADPR). Simply bring a scarf to your photo session. Any scarf will do; perhaps, it is the one you like to wear the most, one that has a special meaning or one you purchase just because it will look fabulous on your fur baby.
We will take several photos with your dog wearing the scarf, as well as several without, all while capturing the unique personality of your fur baby. In addition, your dog will be featured on The Journey Photography blog and FB page with a short story about your dog and our shoot, as well as recognition for him/her becoming a Safe & Cozy Animal Rescue Friend (S.C.A.R.F) and the donation to ADPR. ** Your photo session will take place at one of several locations in and around the Wasilla and Palmer, Alaska area. The S.C.A.R.F. Project ends on December 15, 2015, so don’t delay on booking your session. The Journey Photography’s S.C.A.R.F Project is honored to be teamed up with Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue (ADPR) for this fundraiser. ADPR is a fantastic, all-volunteer organization here in the Mat-Su Valley and has played a vital role in rescuing and caring for dogs in need for several years now. 100% of the funds raised will be used to provide funding for food, vet bills, rehabilitation, training and a warm home volunteered through a kind foster parent while the dogs are waiting to be adopted. If you are interested in adopting a dog or becoming a foster, I encourage you to contact Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue. To book a session please contact me for special pricing at 907.315.1791907.315.1791 or via email at contact@thejourneyphotos.com. Thank you for reading! I look forward to meeting you and your fur baby at your upcoming photo session as you join me on this journey for a worthy cause and make this project successful in helping dogs in need.
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MOTIVATIONAL
9 Ways to Painlessly Part With Your Decluttered Stuff Contributed by Jeanette Gardiner My last article struck a chord with many; thank you for the positive feedback! It was obvious from the response that simplifying your office or workspace by clearing the clutter is a priority for many small business owners. One of the challenges with clearing the clutter is figuring out what to do with all of your decluttered “stuff.” If you’re like me, you don’t like the thought of contributing to landfills, so how do you painlessly part with all of those items? One thing to do is think about all the ways your “stuff” can benefit others. And here are 9 ideas as you continue to declutter this back-to-school season. 1.) Recycle. With so many recycling options these days, there are very few things you have to send to a landfill. Contributed by Antiqua Lisha Libbey Are you hiding from your dreams? Wishing things were different? As a visibility specialist, I ask my clients this all the time. I have found there it boils down to 2 things.
Recycling toner cartridges? Valley Business Machines offers a free toner cartridge recycling program (vbmalaska.com/recycle.html) For outdated or broken office equipment and technology items, check with national retailers such as Staples or Best Buy. Both have trade-in and recycling programs. To recycle other items such as paper, plastics, packing materials, magazines and more, be sure to visit our very own VCRS (valleyrecycling.org). 2.) Donate still functioning, usable items to a non-profit. Recycles.org is a great place to start your search for organizations where you can donate computers, laptops, cameras, projectors, copiers, accessories, phone systems, storage media, office furniture & more. 3.) Donate those usable items to a new start-up business. Find them through your local networking groups, or contact our local Small Business Development Center that may be able
other than Alaska, but that is just not true at all. This week I get to go to Lyon, France and Sacramento, CA to speak about living a fulfilled life, being visible in the world and this week I was featured on 3 shows. Little ol’ me, a previous yoga teacher and single mom living in Alaska can travel the world, speaking and working in a field I love, so can you.
First – The past. Specifically old beliefs, definitions or regulations that you are still trapped believing and living in the past rather than creating a new normal for yourself.
My clients ask me all the time how I get lucky enough to do what I do. Well, it’s not luck, it’s hard work and a lot of tenacity. A bulldog commitment to my DECISION to get my message out and it did come with a price.
Second – Overwhelm/Uncertainty. You don’t know what you don’t know. How to achieve your particular goal. Most likely there are so many options and maybe no guarantees it will work out. This uncertainty and overwhelm stop you in your tracks. Unsure HOW to make it happen.
This leads me to the first block getting in the way of you living your dream life style.
I am going to share with you; my top tips and tools to get these two dream catchers out of your way, so you can LIVE your dreams. Years ago I thought to live my dreams I had to become a multi-millionaire and live someplace
Limiting beliefs and old news. The little negative or safe voices in your head telling you to play it safe. For example pretend, you LOVE art and painting but when you were 5 year old someone told you that painting is not a job and you should be a lawyer or a doctor when you grow up. So now go to a job you tolerate everyday and dream about the day you will have time paint again. I have a friend who makes $25,000 + a
to connect you with new start-ups. 4.) Host an office supply/office equipment swap meet with other small business owners. 5.) Donate to a local school. 6.) Repurpose! Granted, this option may not clear extra stuff out of your office, but if you just can’t part with an item, see if there’s a new way to use it that takes up less space or helps you more efficiently organize. Real Simple Magazine offers a slideshow of 69 new uses for things in your office. I like the idea of using old gift tags as file labels – cute (www.realsimple. com/new-uses-for-old-things/new-useshome-office)
participate in a community sale at a local school or church (usually a nominal fee to set up a table). And again, if you’re decluttering your bookshelves, look for a local independent bookstore that may offer a program for your used books. Fireside Books in Palmer is a great place to start (www.goodbooksbadcoffee.com/usedbook-policies) 9.) Hate the thought of selling? Outsource the prep/selling process to someone who LOVES to do this. Pay them outright or offer them a percentage of sales. Finally, remember to CELEBRATE all of your new-found focus and energy once your decluttering is done.
7.) Sell it online: Facebook “Yard Sale” groups, Craigslist or Ebay. Have a lot of books to sell? Check out Bookscouter. com. It’s a handy site that compares prices from 57 book-buying websites.
About Jeanette Gardiner Jeanette Gardiner lives in Palmer, Alaska, and is the Owner of SeaStar Strategies LLC where she helps time-strapped small business owners discover the gift of time by streamlining their administrative and marketing systems.
8.) Sell it offline: Host a yard sale or
Learn more at seastarstrategies.com
month on what I consider silly paintings, and she coaches artist how to make money for a hobby. ANYTHING is possible, when we believe it is.
your ideas out into the world to be received or rejected this overwhelm and uncertainty can be daunting. A downright show stopper. To move both these road blocks out of you way there are 6 major steps. But for the sake of this article I will give you the top two.
Moving beyond our old new programming and limiting stories is key to being successful at anything whether it is releasing 25lbs, traveling the world, or writing a best-seller. The second road block between you and your dreams is the absolute overwhelm or uncertainty most of us feel when we think about making a dream come true. If you are like my clients (genius’s) you have a hundred ideas about getting started. Seriously, the to do list can be scary. Imagine your dream vacation to travel for a 6 months around the world. It starts with an idea then we get all logical – with our limiting beliefs “I’ll never get the time off work. I’ll never have the money.” Those are the big ones, but let’s say you get past those and you find the money and the carve out the time. Now the overwhelm set’s in the planning, packing organizing. For a little tip you can usually get through it, but when opening a business, launching a dream, or putting
1) Moving beyond your past – Ask yourself WHO is making this decision? With every decision you make. When I started this practice I was amazed how often I wasn’t making decisions for myself at all. I recognized my parents, husband, or fear were making my decisions for me. 2) Overcoming overwhelm and uncertainly – Ask yourself – What is ONE thing I can do today to take a step towards my dream? Then do that ONE thing, you will be amazed at how often doing this one thing will lead to more inspiration. Do you remember the saying – slow and steady wins the race? One step at a time will get you far. Plus, as you do one thing everyday towards your dream the uncertainty goes away as your confidence builds, one sure step at a time. MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.antiqualisha.com
PETS & ANIMALS PRESS RELEASE October 23rd & 24th October 30th & 31st Mat-Su Animal Care Shelter 7:00PM-11:00PM A Scary Haunted House, Halloween Activities, refreshments and games, that’s what you will find at the MatSu Animal Care Shelter’s 5th Annual Halloween fundraiser. The fun begins at 7:00pm and goes until 11:00pm, for two weekends, Friday and Saturday nights October 23rd and 24th, and October 30th and 31st. Tickets for the Haunted House are $5 and are available at the Animal Shelter or the Wasilla Perfect Look Salon in October, or at the door each night. Entry to the Halloween activities is free. All proceeds from this event benefit the animals at the Shelter. The Shelter is
located off the Palmer-Wasilla Hwy on 49th State Street between the Landfill and Recycle Center. Our Haunted House is sure to be a hairraising night of fright recommended for people 12 and older ready for a screaming good time. For those who are faint of heart, wear your Halloween costume and enjoy the free games and activities or enjoy our goodies for sale including pizza, cupcakes, punch and more. The Halloween fundraiser is made possible through the hard work, energy and commitment of the dedicated Volunteers and Staff of the Mat-Su Animal Care and Regulation Shelter. For more information please contact the Mat-Su Animal Care Shelter at 746-5500
HEALTH AND WELLNESS Heart Attack? Contributed by Dr. Anna Altair
A dear friend of mine had a heart attack which damaged her heart -- her recovery has not been easy. It wasn’t just her heart. Her heart didn’t go into spasm and lock up all of a sudden, her body had been calling out to her for months – and she is a relatively health minded woman. After evaluating her health she discovered what really happened: She was grossly depleted of magnesium (Mg). One of the symptoms of depleted Mg is ABNORMAL HEART RHYTHMS.
“Who doesn’t have high hopes for a healthy baby?” The March of Dimes is partnering again this year with the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center for the 4th Annual High Heels for High Hopes. Monica Martin, this year’s chair, is making some exciting changes in the event.
She also had gall bladder (GB) attacks for 5 years. One of the jobs of the GB is to check the heart. The GB cannot function if it is filled with stones. When the GB is compromised, there is no ‘safety net’ for the heart. Thus, the heart went into spasms without the ‘safety net’ of the GB, causing permanent damage to her heart. What steps has she taken to recover? She takes supplemental Mg daily for muscle spasms. She did a special GB cleanse to remove the stones.
The 18 celebrity models will be entertaining us not only modeling wedding gowns and vintage clothing but also dancing, singing and participating in a kick boxing fight. There are five returning models who participated in previous years: Rick Allen, Kimberly Emmi, Kimberli Stengrim, Lolly Symbol and Roxie Mayberry.
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She also takes regular walks to heal the heart.
Preventive health care is always the best health care.
Here are a few problems with Mg deficiency: - Poor Sleep - Constipation - Muscle spasms, weakness, and cramps - Nervousness - Irritability - Headaches - Hormone problems, and increased PMS - Fatigue, low energy
By no means am I saying that this is the only reason anyone has a heart attack, but for my friend, her gallbladder was screaming for her attention and these solutions she is now taking to prevent another attack are amazing.
SOLUTIONS: Natural Calm is a good source of Mg - which may be purchased in local grocery stores. We also carry it in our office. (Bonus - It helps children sleep)
It is our intention at Altair Chiropractic to help you keep your spine healthy and organs happy.
Clean the Gall Bladder to get the stones out. If you need help with this one, you will need to make an appointment with us at Altair Chiropractic in Wasilla.
Denise Christopher will be the emcee giving the audience a detail description of the evening’s event ending with the announcement of the top model who raises the most money for the March of Dimes. Following the show, guests will adjourn to the casino parlor for a little gambling while they enjoy dessert and coffee.
FITNESS EXERCISE YOUR WRITE
Your body is a perfectly organized working machine, every part working together for your ultimate health.
Dr. Altair is a chiropractor who, over the past 11 years, has helped hundreds of patients toward vital health and healing. Her office is located at 3161 E PalmerWasilla HWY 907-357-1818
We are pleased to have as our presenting sponsor Ptarmigan Pediatrics, and returning sponsor Kendall Ford of Wasilla. Join us on November 12, 2015, Raven’s Hall, Alaska State Fair Grounds, 6:00 p.m. For tickets contact Janie Odgers, state director of March of Dimes at (907) 276 4111
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“I've lost about 70 pounds since starting this journey, and its made the journey easier, not packing that extra weight along the way..” By Josh Fryfogle [This was written with my thumbs, on my phone, while at the Alaska Club gym, during my workout.] As my journey to a healthier lifestyle has progressed, I have set aside many misconceptions, but more important have been the new conceptions new thoughts I’ve never thought. Strong, physically and metaphysically, metaphorically. It’s all in my mind. Everyday, before I work out, I stretch. Physically it prepares my muscles to do the work. Metaphysically, it is a
metaphor, stretching my self. The result over time is flexibility, and other abilities. After reestablishing my commitment to stretch my self and be flexible with the challenge before me, I take the necessary initial steps along the imaginary magical path: the moving stairs. It’s uphill, both ways. But thats okay because I am made strong by, and for, the journey. Its artificial like civilization. Man-made, you might say, all airconditioned inside the gym, with a fan for my comfort and at my convenience. But the real work, it’s all in my mind.
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I’ve lost about 70 pounds since starting this journey, and it’s made the journey easier, not packing that extra weight along the way. I’ve gotten light and strong. Resistance training, bearing burdens as it were, is what life is all about. I push my self, pick my self up. After traveling up that mountain, I still have work to do. I can overcome the pain. I can go through it - I’ve come this far. It’s all in my mind. I only want to be strong because of my weakness. Confronting my weakness is the beginning of strength. My weakness is the weight I carry, lessening as I grow strong.
Weakness is the path to strength. Artificial world, false. But in conception, in my mind, it is beyond real. A surreal world I imagine, where progress is made. A metaphysical world - the physical world is a reflection. I reflect on the meaning of it all, in my mind. I look in the mirror, like a pool of still water along the way. Over two years later, and I see the physical appearance is changing, just how I had imagined. I am still on that path, carrying my own weight, making my way... And it’s all in my mind...
POLITICS
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Special Session: Why in Juneau? Contributed by Senator Bill Stoltze This October, the Alaska State Legislature, under the call of Governor Walker, will convene in Juneau to take up his agenda for a natural gas pipeline. While the specific components of the session are uncertain, (we have been told by his administration that they are still engaged in development, and the eventual drafting of his proposed legislation). One thing is certain – this special session will be held in Juneau beginning October 24th. This decision was made with no consideration other than politics. Wherever you may fall on the debate as to whether the Capital or the Legislature should be relocated (I favor relocating the Legislature), there is no logical reason that we are being politically force-fed the agenda of a single community. The City of Juneau is not prepared for a special session. The Capitol Building is undergoing extensive reconstruction for structural defects.
Contributed by Nathan MacPherson By what standard shall we judge proposed tax reform plans? Let us assume for argument’s sake that it “be found necessary to curse this land with these hateful excisemen,” (Antifederalist 30-31, 10/31/1787.) and therefore leave open the question of whether taxation be wholly inconsistent with liberty. The Declaration of Independence contains an indictment against the King of Great Britain. An excerpt follows: “He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation for imposing Taxes on us without our Consent…” We again suffer such tyranny: our tax rules are drafted by a body of the executive branch and reviewed by a tribunal that is part of that same executive branch body, in violation of Article I Section 1 (“All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States”) and Article III Section 1 (“The judicial power of the United States, shall be vested in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.”) of the Constitution for the United States. “The authority to lay and collect taxes is…the great engine of oppression and tyranny in a bad [government].” (Antifederalist 1, 10/18/1787.) To return to the liberty for which the War
Even the Governor has relocated his offices to a site away from the building. Any presence of the Legislature will be disruptive and cause delay in the final work. I understand that the Governor is faced with intense political and social pressure to hold the special session in Juneau at all costs, and when we see the price tag afterward, we will be more acutely aware of the “all costs” aspect. During the spring special session, the Legislature met on the road system in Downtown Anchorage, over the unanimous objection of all Anchorage Democrats who demanded that we meet in Juneau. I was so ecstatic to work in proximity of my constituents that it was actually a pleasure to not collect per diem. Note: My Juneau colleagues have collected per diem for living in their own homes during regular and special sessions for many decades. While I didn’t enjoy some of the Anchorage special session outcomes, I did greatly appreciate meeting with my constituents on a near daily basis, on our turf – post offices, grocery stores,
schools, and many other venues. That was the greatest benefit of meeting near our homes. I can understand why the special interests want to keep the status quo; I just couldn’t disagree with them more! Bringing government closer to the people, and definitely out of isolation, remains for me a top goal. It will be an uphill fight. Even when there was just a rumor that I was considering introducing a bill to move just the Legislature, Juneau went into DEFCON alert, and the Governor pledged to veto any bill I might introduce. We have a long fight ahead. I just find it silly that the Governor and the entrenched
for Independence was fought, taxes must be: (1) locally determined, (2) locally collected, and (3) indirect (no provision of information under penalty of perjury). Locally Determined: “The mode of levying taxes is of the utmost consequence;” and should not be “determined by those who have neither knowledge of our situation, nor a common interest with us, nor a fellow feeling for us.” (George Mason, speech to Virginia Ratifying Convention, 6/4/1788.) Our fifty states united are diverse; forms and objects of taxation that might be valid in one state are clearly invalid in another. For instance, while taxation of orange crops might prove fruitful in Florida, in Alaska such taxation would yield no fruit. Only a local body politic has the ability to determine what works best for the People. Locally Collected: “[I]f ever it should be found necessary to curse this land with these hateful excisemen, [no] one, but a fellow citizen, should be entrusted with that office!” (Antifederalist 30-31, 10/31/1787.) Local collection protects both the People and the local body politic. Our Founders presciently warned that, when subjected to federal taxation, the citizens of the several states will be hailed into distant court when charged with a tax crime; we now have lawyers sitting in Washington, D.C. working both civil and criminal cases against citizens of the several states. Indeed, even the “local” Anchorage IRS office
is staffed by IRS personnel residing in Washington and Oregon. What of the executive branch tribunal called “Tax Court”? The members of the federal executive branch who sit on that tribunal fly in from D.C. to hear cases in the several states; so much for the Common Law right to trial by a jury of citizens from your vicinage. Local collection of taxes also ensures funding of the local government. Otherwise, the states “must dwindle away, and, as before observed, their powers absorbed in that of the general government.” (Antifederalist 1, 10/18/1787.) Prior to 1913, each state legislature elected that state’s U.S. senators and the states funded some of the federal budget. The system has since been turned on its head, and the federal government (often unlawfully) now pays the States to do its (rather than the People’s) bidding (Common Core being one example). This problem is eliminated if the money flows downstream from the People to the local and state governments to the federal government.
interests of Juneau are so adamantly dug-in against a special session on the road system, which makes so much more sense in light of Juneau’s lack of preparedness. And for an issue as important as the natural gas pipeline, why does the Governor want to hold the hearings away from the people most affected by any potential benefits or risks of a natural gas pipeline project? I look forward to hearing from you during the special session – call, email, Facebook, or send a letter. I just won’t have the opportunity to communicate in person over the next month, nor will over two-thirds of Alaskans on the road system.
Indirect: Under the proposed 1754 Excise on Spirituous Liquors in Massachusetts, consumers would have been obligated to declare, under penalty of perjury, how much alcohol they had consumed. This was declared by John Lovell, Boston schoolmaster to the likes of John Hancock and Samuel Adams, to be the “Most pernicious attack upon English liberty that was ever attempted!” The governor refused to sign the bill, calling it a violation of “natural rights.” For this reason, our Constitution of 1787 forbade direct taxation. Today, the IRS requires taxpayers to sign an information return under penalty of perjury, declaring such things as: income, marital status, number of children, and religious affiliation. Such a requirement is incompatible with liberty. “I never will give up the power of direct taxation but for a scourge.” (Patrick Henry, 1788.) If there be any taxation consistent with liberty, it must be (1) locally determined, (2) locally collected, and (3) indirect, not requiring the provision of information under penalty of perjury. (This article is based upon my speech given at the Gathering of Alaska Patriots in Wasilla on 10/10/15, video of which is available on my Website.)
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VETERANS
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Apply Now for Agent Orange Benefits Contributed by Major Mike Dryden, AVN USAR Retired Alaska Veterans Healthcare Reporter Veterans exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War – January 9, 1962 through May 7, 1975 – or near the Korean DMZ between 1 April, 1968 and 31 August, 1971, have been determined to have a presumptive service-connected disability for certain illnesses (see VA and VVA websites for full list) and are entitled to compensation as well as medical care. If you served in-country in Korea or Vietnam during these dates, you are eligible for compensation for many illness including Type ll diabetes, Parkinson disease, prostate and lung cancer. Many other illnesses and types of cancer are listed on both the VA and Veterans Health Council’s website. What this means is you no longer have to prove a link between your exposure and the onset of these diseases. Your
service record and statements from your doctor or the VA is all you need to apply. The best and fastest way is to contact the VFW, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America or any of the other fine veterans’ organizations to assist you with the paperwork. Be sure to check with the nearest VA center or clinic for these representatives’ times of availability.
its name from the orange stripe on the steel drum containers.
Below are some helpful websites and phone numbers;
Vietnam veterans for years had higher incidence rates of cancer and other diseases than non-veterans; 20 million gallons were used in Vietnam alone and exposed ground troops as well as air crews, ground personnel, and container ship workers to this ticking time bomb.
VA Agent Orange Helpline 1-800-749-8387 or go to the website: benefits.va.gov/compensation/claimspostservice-agent_orange
The VA process from the submission to determination is not quick but upon approval, compensation is backdated to the date of submission. If you are a surviving spouse of a service member that has passed away from one of these illnesses, you may be entitled to compensation under certain conditions. All veterans who served in that era need to check the websites since many other veterans are eligible.
Many Vietnam veterans died claiming their illness was service-connected. It wasn’t until 1991 that Congress finally passed legislation to compensate veterans for their service-connected disability. However, with the policy of presumptive service-connected illness, the path to compensation is clearly a vast improvement.
Agent Orange was a tactical herbicide called Dioxin used to defoliate vegetation along the Korean DMZ and in the jungles of Vietnam where the dense foliage was allowing the North Vietnamese troops cover to infiltrate the south. The liquid was clear but got
You may use the VA’s Guide to Agent Orange, which can be downloaded, to learn how much the rate of compensation is and which illnesses qualify. I would urge all Vietnam and Korean veterans in this category to check the list of diseases because many will qualify you for this well-earned benefit.
Vietnam Veterans of America has an excellent website: www.vva.org/Committees/ AgentOrange/ Military.com has an outstanding informational website: www.military.com/benefits/veteranshealth-care/agent-orange.html The damage done by Agent Orange to our veterans was overlooked for almost a quarter of a century but has now been addressed. By classifying certain illnesses and diseases as presumptive causes, thus making veterans with these diseases eligible for compensation, Congress, and the VA have closed the loop on this chapter of the Vietnam Era.
POLITICS ANCHORAGE, AK – U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), issued the following statement about the Department of the Interior’s announcement that it's refusing to extend current leases and canceling future planned lease-sales in Alaska's Arctic.
sign that the Obama Administration has caved to the demands of extreme environmentalists by locking up our country’s vast Arctic resources, regardless of the fact that such resources would provide much-needed jobs and energy security for our country.
“Today’s announcement is yet another
The Administration cites lack of
commercial interest and lack of a plan for development, but that justification is duplicitous at best. First the administration creates regulatory obstacles under which success for any company would be nearly impossible. And then it cites lack of commercial interest as justification for locking up the resources. It’s an affront to the process, to
Alaskans, and to the country. Make no mistake, the Arctic’s resources will continue to be developed, but will be done so by countries like Russia and China with little regard for the environment. Because of this Administration, the jobs and the energy will go to those countries, not ours.”
FAITH Pastor Paul Riley - A True Friend Contributed by Vic Kohring One of the darkest and most terrifying moments of my life was facing prison in June 2008. I had just been wrongly convicted, thanks to cheating prosecutors who bamboozled a jury into thinking I was guilty of bribery that centered on a $100 cash gift to buy my step-daughter Easter eggs. The ridiculous conviction was eventually overturned by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, but not before I suffered in jail and had a year of my life stolen away. Two days before I was required to turn myself in to the U.S. marshal’s to begin my sentence, I was invited by a friend to attend a Christian men’s prayer breakfast in Wasilla to seek support. I accepted the offer as I urgently needed prayer with less than 48 hours before I faced incarceration. But after the men finished breakfast and began taking prayer requests, I learned that the group’s leader - a local church pastor - refused to allow the group to pray for me. It turns out he opposed me politically from my years as a legislator, and worse, believed what he read in the newspapers that I was supposedly a bad guy. I was stunned to be rebuffed so rudely, especially by a leader in the Christian community, as I always believed that the hallmark of Christianity was to love your fellow
man regardless and to be forgiving if you thought a person did something wrong. Even Jesus, while dying on the cross, forgave the man hanging next to him who was accused of a criminal act. As I sat rejected with my heart sunk into my stomach, someone approached me from behind and gently touched me on the shoulder. It was Pastor Paul Riley, who came to my aid after having just learned of his colleague’s dreadful decision to deny me prayer. Pastor Riley was appalled and asked if he could pray with me separately from the group. His concern for me and his prayer for my safety and wellbeing was so profound and heartfelt, that it brought me to tears. I shall never forget that moment and will always be grateful to Paul for his love and support. Pastor Riley passed away suddenly this past month. It was shocking to receive the phone call from my same friend who invited me to the 2008 prayer breakfast. When attending Paul’s service last week, I wasn’t surprised to see the church packed and to hear testimony of so many who saw the same qualities in Paul as I did. He was a wonderful and supportive friend whom I’ll always remember. May God bless him.
Contributed by Tom Stearns WASI Chaplain 907 715-4001 Veterans Day is November 11th -We honor the men and women who have honorably served our country in the Armed Forces. No one can better appreciate what it means to be an American then one who has had the opportunity to defend it. Life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and religious freedom are all reasons for defending this country. The Bible states in Matthew 24:6, “And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” Although wars will continue there will be a time of peace during the thousand year reign of Christ. Revelation 20:6 states, “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” During this time Christ will reign and there will be peace. Has it ever occurred to you that we could avoid wars if we just applied this principle from Romans 12:17-19, “ 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil.
Provide things honest in the sight of all men.18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Thanksgiving Day is November 26th -- This is a day we should reflect on the goodness of God. Psalm 105:1-4 tells us how that might be done. “O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.2 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.3 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.4 Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore.” Where is your focus? Is it on all the wicked and evil things going on in our world or is it on God and His Son Jesus Christ. There is no true peace or blessings without a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Looking for peace, look to Jesus. Please contact me to find out how, Tom Stearns WASI Chaplain 907 715-4001
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forget to assign someone to roll it up and remove it. You want to make sure the runner gets back to you especially since it has your personalized artwork. Contributed by Donna Turner D’s Tuxedo Rental Did you know there use to be a Spiritual Myth behind using an aisle runner for
your wedding? Aisle runners have been used from the beginning of time and are steeped in folklore and mythology. Long ago, when streets were unpaved and muddy, guests would arrive tracking dirt and mud into the church. Not wanting the bride to drag her hem along the grime, an aisle runner was laid down the pathway to the altar.
According to Spiritual Myth, it was believed that evil spirits lurked beneath the earth’s surface. Fearing these spirits would rise up through the floor boards of the church, an aisle runner was
placed upon the floor for the couple to walk on protecting them from those spirits. The white runner symbolized a pathway to purity. Depending on the type and purpose of your aisle runner, the protocol will vary. If you have chosen a custom hand painted aisle runner as part of your ceremony décor, your intention is to draw attention to the path you will walk down to take your vows. It is the focal point of your entrance and should be unroll and put in place after the floral décor is complete. I recommend that you rope off your center aisle with beautiful satin ribbon, tulle or chiffon fabric and instruct your Ushers or Groomsman to seat guests from the side aisles. After all, the center aisle should be sacrosanct for the bridal party or just for the Bride. As a tip, make sure your wedding photographer takes a photograph of the runner and don’t
choose to use fresh flower petals inside the church or wedding venue, ask about the rules. Most establishments do not allow fresh petals but will give permission to use only silk flowers.
A simple runner requires less organization. It should be placed in front of the ceremony site and should remain unroll until all the guests and close family are seated. Once the mother of the Bride has been escorted to her seat, no other quest should be seated on the aisle.
Having an aisle runner typically adds an inexpensive way to decorate your wedding site. Although there is some organization and planning that has to be remembered, it does add a touch of class to the beginning of your wedding ceremony.
Although some roll the aisle runner out for the wedding party, normally the runner is “saved” for the Bride. In either case, an assigned person such as, an Usher or Groomsman, should unroll the runner which could also be an indication that the ceremony is to begin. If your wedding ceremony is planned to take place outdoors, a material aisle runner can be replaced with flower petals. I recommend this to most of my brides since breezes tend to blow runners out of place and it makes for a safer path to walk and not trip. If you
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HALLOWEEN
PARTYOctober 31
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Featuring Band 907 A Costume Contest Great Food & Atmosphere
COMMUNITY Contributed by Tracy Irsik Saturday November 14th 8:00 AM - 5:00PM Academy Charter School An amazing time to spend time with family and look at the things that the people of Palmer have made or are selling Come join us at Academy Charter School for the eighth grade Holiday Bazaar! The eighth grade class at Academy Charter School is hosting a holiday bazaar to show their gratitude and to pay off what we owe for being able to
The People’s Paper COMMUNITY
go to Washington D.C in August. The administration is free and there is still room for more venders. The Bazaar is Saturday, November 14th from 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Everyone senior, adult, teen, and child are welcome to participate in this Holiday Bazaar. The categories consist of Jewelry, Clothing and Accessories, Seasonal Gifts, Bath and Body Products, Unique Gift, Children Activities, and Delightful Holiday Concessions and so much more will be sold and will be provided for people to enjoy.
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There will be a holiday concession stand that is run by the eighth graders and will be available for everyone.
The Kids Corner will also be run by eighth graders and it will have a variety of games and crafts to partake in.
There will be delicious snacks to munch on and savor while walking around and looking at the incredible products that the citizens of Palmer are selling or have made.
So if you are looking for something fun to do on Saturday, November 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m., swing by Academy Charter School and take a look at what some people in Palmer have to offer.
If you have young ones with you, they can go and participate in activities and games at the Kids Corner. While you are looking at the amazing things that the venders have to offer, your child could be playing some fun games at the Kids Corner.
It will be fun and kid friendly. Just remember that we still have room for more venders and that admission is free. Hope to see you there!
Halloween Hollow at Raven Hall, State Fairgrounds Contributed by Mari Jo Parks Q99.7, the Mat-Su Special Santa Program, Toys for Tots, I.B.E.W., MTA, Carpenters Local 1280 and the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman are proud to announce the 14th annual Halloween Hollow. This annual trick-or-treat carnival has become a community favorite.
Saturday, October 31, 2015 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm Raven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds Admission: $5.00 per person or a new unwrapped toy. Please no stuffed animals. Over 35 Games to Select From Safe and Warm Handicapped Accessible Concessions: Hot Dogs, Nachos, Drinks & More No Pets Allowed (Documented Service Dogs are allowed)
COMMUNITY Annual Home Market Saturday, October 31st 9:00am – 3:00pm Alaska Laestadian Lutheran Church 1341 E Sue Lane, Wasilla (425) 268-6173 Is that time of year again for the Annual Home Market! On Saturday October 31st starting at 9 AM to 3 PM. This sale is filled with fun refurbished furniture to add a fresh look to your home. There will be handmade home décor that make awesome gifts for someone
else or yourself! Accessories include items, such as hand knitted booties for the little kiddos. Please note we changed location this to 1341 E Sue Lane, Wasilla AK 99654! Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/akhomemarket to stay up-to-date on sale information and for sneak peeks. All proceeds from this sale support the non-profit Alaska Laestadian Lutheran Church.
The People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 9
Contributed by Barbara Hunt It took Robert exactly 12 seconds to figure out how to spend his entire Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend check. “Send it to my grandma,” is what he said with a big smile. “She lives in Hooper Bay and fuel costs are really hurting out there.” Johnathan from Kalskag said the same thing essentially. “I gotta give it to my family.” Was he sad that he didn’t get to keep it or spend it? “Nah. My family is more important.” Elise from Chugiak was certain: “The money will help me and my roommate buy a rig.” Dover, from Trapper Creek, said, “I’m giving 10% to my church. I’m investing 50%. And I am going to spend the rest.” All of these decisions weren’t made in a vacuum. Alaska Job Corps students were given an opportunity to hypothetically “pre-spend” their PFD, two weeks ago. Community members helped Job Corps students make wise decisions regarding their money. This Financial Realty Fair helps students with budgets, decision
OUTDOOR SAFETY
These words echo like a hollow thud every time we learn that another rider, skier or hiker, who does not typically recreate in the mountains or take risks, has been caught in a deadly snow slide.
Matt Sanford, the Marketing Operations Manager for the Matanuska Federal Credit Union set up the two sessions with the entire Job Corps student population. Individuals from the following organizations assisted: True North Federal Credit union; Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union; Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union – Eagle River and Wasilla branches; Alaska Districts Federal Credit Union; Interact Ministries; Credit Union 1; Double Eagle Real Estate; University of Alaska Matsu; Northern Skies Federal Credit Union; Alaska USA Federal Credit Union; Matanuska Valley Financial Services; Combs Insurance; Matanuska Electric Association; George Lochner Family; and the Heartreach Pregnancy Center.
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“I don’t need to worry about avalanches because I never ride or play on the mountains.”
the side of the slope, as long as it’s all connected you could be at risk.”
That’s exactly what happened to Richard Strict Jr. of McGrath in 2006 while setting trail for the Iditarod Sled Dog race. Strict was leading a group of riders on a lower flank of a slope through the Dalzell Gorge when a massive slide from a connected slope caught him by surprise and pushed him into a 10 foot deep terrain trap. “It’s scary when you’re at the bottom because you think you’re safe. But if the terrain you’re on is connected to a much bigger, open slope, you can still trigger it from below,” said Chabot.
Especially because these folks are generally not prepared with avalanche rescue gear and the skills to effect a rapid companion rescue.
This year, it was slightly in access of $2000. For some people, the PFD is a treat; for some people, like Alaska Job Corps students, it is a way to invest or help their families. In some parts of Alaska, a gallon of milk is nearly ten dollars, and a large container of laundry detergent is over 30 dollars. Much of this cost is the shipping costs involved in sending materials to distant villages.
The People’s Paper COMMUNITY
I’m not a Mountain Rider… Contributed by Debra McGhan
making and understanding the real costs of living. The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) check is issued to all qualified residents once a year from the State of Alaska, as a dividend paid to the public from sale of the state’s natural resources.
A family near Cantwell learned that lesson when they were sitting at the base of a slope watching a group of snowmachiners highmark.
Doug Chabot, a nationally acclaimed and respected avalanche expert with the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center near Bozeman, Montana, explains that when conditions are right, you don’t have to be on the slope to trigger a slide.
A huge slide caught them from behind. Everyone managed to escape but the man who came running and yelling to warn the others when he spotted the avalanche headed their way. He was the father of an eight-month old baby boy who has had to grow up without his dad.
“We’ve seen this happen over and over,” said Chabot. “You can be below or to
In 2010, on a blue-sky February day, a group of 10 riders met up and headed
into the Grandview Area near Moose Pass on the Seward Highway for a weekend ride. A few of the riders carried avalanche rescue equipment but not all of them. Their plan did not include big mountain riding. They just intended to enjoy the scenic valley and have a picnic. According to witness interviews, some of the riders visit this area regularly, while others were new to or far less familiar with the region. The group approached the area at the base of a small slope. The official report said that the region where the group was riding in is a classic terrain trap consisting of a 20 foot deep
ravine/creek bed next to a stand of hemlocks at the base of a slope that ranges between 300 and 500 feet high with a slope angle that ranges from 3342 degrees. Not a huge mountain by any measure. And too often not recognized as a terrain trap by the unexperienced.
OUTDOOR SAFETY
I’m not a Mountain Rider‌
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 avalanches. Do you know what to look for, what equipment you should carry and how to execute a companion rescue? Are your skills sharp and efficient and tuned up for the season? If not, attend a free training program at the Loussac Library in Anchorage on Saturday, November 7th to get prepared. Learn more or register at alaskasnow.org. Here are a few key points worth remembering: You do not have to be on a mountain to trigger or be caught in an avalanche Avalanches can be deadly on slopes less than 500 feet Ride one at a time on or near slopes keeping your partners in sight
One rider got his snowmachine stuck on a bench at the base of the slope. Another rider was on his sled a couple hundred feet ahead while a third rider circled above and stopped his machine downhill of the first rider to try and provide assistance. Rescue personnel believe that it is likely the combined weight of riders on the snow may have caused an initial failure that propagated uphill and ultimately released a massive avalanche. The rider who had circled above to provide assistance had taken two or three steps away from his machine when he spotted the snow
coming. He headed downhill toward his machine and had his hand on the handlebar when the slide hit, throwing him forward onto the throttle which propelled him downslope and out of the debris. The third rider, who was continuing south on the bench at 15-20 mph, did not see the avalanche coming and made no attempt to escape. He was ultimately buried in the debris. It took between 30 and 40 minutes to locate and recover the first rider, who was wearing an avalanche transceiver. But that proved too long. Attempts to resuscitate were unsuccessful.
The third rider, who did not see the slide coming and was not wearing a transceiver, took more than a week to recover his body. In all of these cases, the riders were not high-marking on big slopes. They were merely riding or sitting at the base of a slope. The lesson to be learned is that unless you only ride on a wide-open flat area such as a track on a lake, you could at some point find yourself at risk of an avalanche. November is Avalanche Education month and your opportunity to take advantage of free training to brush up on skills or learn more about
Get out of the way. Do not park or sit at the base of a slope Carry proper avalanche rescue gear and know how to use it Always check weather and snow conditions before heading out. New snow, wind or rain adds weight to the snowpack and should be allowed to settle and bond before riding on it Recognize and avoid terrain traps Avoid riding alone and travel with partners you trust that are knowledge and carry rescue equipment they know how to use Learn more at alaskasnow.org