September 17th - October 18th 2015
MATANUSKA VALLEY, ALASKA
Vote Oct 6th
MODELS: Richard Allen, Anna Clark, Nicole Caldarea, Kaelynn McCollough, Roxie Mayberry, Heidi Walter, Lolly Symbol, Kim Stengrim, Cindi Heal, Kim Emmi, Debbie Bushnell, and siblings Marta Kopperud and Peter Kopperud
“Who doesn’t have high hopes for a healthy baby?”
but also dancing, singing and participating in a kick boxing fight.
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.
There are five returning models who participated in previous years: Rick Allen, Kimberly Emmi, Kimberli Stengrim, Lolly Symbol and Roxie Mayberry.
Monica Martin, this year’s chair, is making some exciting changes in the event. The 18 celebrity models will be entertaining us not only modeling wedding gowns and vintage clothing
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 the guests will adjourn to the casino parlor for a little gambling while they enjoy dessert and coffee. 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
receive $5 off
any purchase of $20 or more www.907surplus.com
521 West Parks Hwy, Wasilla
907surplus.com | 907-373-9780
GLENN MASSAY THEATER MAT-SU COLLEGE CAMPUS SEPTEMBER 24TH
IF4™ consists of short and feature-length films produced by professional filmmakers from all corners of the globe, showcasing the passion, lifestyle and culture of fly fishing.
Railbelt Entertainment is pleased to announce the International Fly Fishing Film Festival™ (IF4™) on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 7:30pm at the Glenn Massay Theater located at Mat-Su College in Palmer.
The films at this popular event are capturing the attention of anglers around the world. IF4™ contains exclusive content and is a must see experience!
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTED By June Gerteisen, Co-founder & Creative Director, Arkose Brewery We are excited to be celebrating our 4th year of brewing in Palmer this coming October and have much to be thankful for! The MatanuskaValley, as well as the entire state of Alaska, is filled with craft beer lovers who appreciate great beer and we thank you for making our first 4 years a success. To help celebrate, we are planning a celebration beginning on Blue Skies Day, Thursday, October 8th with the following events: Blue Skies Day, Oct. 8 The first beer to be served in our taproom was “Blue Skies” and we brew this beer every fall in celebration of our founding as the first ever craft brewery in Palmer, Alaska. Our anniversary ale is a golden ale using organic ingredients. The name came about, because I found myself singing this jazz standard every morning as we approached the opening of our brewery. We hope you too will be filled with optimism and delight as you sip this crisp ale.
We are excited to announce the coming of our 7th Annual Home Market Sale! Each year more and more people start the tradition of shopping this amazing sale to either kick off the holiday shopping or find gems for their own home. Come browse a wide selection of home décor, unique furniture, accessories – including children’s, and a delicious spread of baked goods including the popular Finnish Pulla.
Anniversary Beer Meets Chocolate, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. $25 Arkose Brewery and JB Chocolatier of Palmer have been collaborating on this event ever since Arkose opened its doors and this is a tasting not to be missed. A custom chocolate adorned with the Arkose logo was specially designed for the tasting. You will receive four 8oz pours of our artfully crafted ales paired with four handcrafted chocolates. You will also get to take home an anniversary glass as our gift. There will be additional door prizes throughout the evening to include our new Stainless Steel Growler. To sign up, please call 746BEER (2337). Anniversary Beer Meets Canvas, Oct 10 at 2 p.m. $30 Arkose Brewery fosters creativity in the community by offering the opportunity to “Sip. Relax. Create.” while enjoying a tasty brew. What better way to celebrate 4 years of beer and art making here in Palmer than to sip one of our beers while you create your own masterpiece? One beer and all art supplies are included, plus you get a FREE anniversary glass to take
NEW LOCATION! 1341 E Sue Lane, Wasilla Like our page on Facebook to view sneak peeks and more information www.facebook.com/akhomemarket
The People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 2
home. There will also be door prizes for attendees as our thanks! This will sell out soon, so make your reservations by calling 746-BEER (2337).
We chose 22 oz bottles because it is the best way for an independent craft brewery like ours to get a variety of beers out to customers. The labels will be screen-printed, because a well designed screen-printed label adds a distinctive touch and directly reflects the creativity and value of each of our hand-crafted beers. The bottle became our canvas and the beer our inspiration. Arkose Brewery was established in Oct. 2011 in Palmer, Alaska and is Palmer’s first Brewery. The taproom is located at 650 E. Steel Loop and is open Tuesday - Friday at 2 - 8 p.m. and Saturday at noon - 8 p.m.
Bottling of Flagship Beers Begins in October We are busy planning the bottling and launch of our four flagship beers in 22 oz bottles. Bitter Earth ESB, No 5 Boxcar Porter, High Ridge Double Red, and Steed Rye IPA will be available on retail shelves beginning in October.
A free tour of the brewery is offered every Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. The taproom serves glasses and flights of beer with Kegs and Growlers-ToGo. Arkose also offers one-of-a-kind tastings such as their popular “Beer Meets Chocolate” and “Beer Meets Canvas” events. Check out additional information about Arkose Brewery at arkosebrewery.com or 746-2337 Alaska Family Services offers a comprehensive array of services for women, children and families in need, including the only nationally accredited Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault shelter in the state. Other major services include, but are not limited to, behavioral health and substance abuse counseling, WIC, Child Care Assistance, ASAP, parenting workshops, family violence intervention and case management for Alaska Temporary Assistance clients. All of our programs are designed to strengthen and support individuals and families in the Mat-Su Borough. TO LEARN MORE www.akafs.org or call 746-4080
PETS & ANIMALS
The People’s Paper PETS & ANIMALS
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Some dogs and cats may never become accepting of one another, while others may become good friends. Contributed by Angie Lewis President of Alaska Animal Advocates Dogs chasing and biting cats can be a very stressful experience for both the human family members, as well for the cats. A dog might chase a cat for two reasons, one being to play with the cat and the other to harm the cat because she is seen as prey. The latter is a far more serious issue. Dogs and cats are basically both predators, and as such, are genetically inclined to hunt and chase smaller creatures. Some dogs and cats may never become accepting of one another, while others may become good friends. It is important to ease each participant, the cat and dog, into a supervised introduction. Do not allow for unsupervised interactions. These introductions might take as long as weeks or months.
Mukluk just had six beautiful puppies, all of whom got adopted. Now it is her turn. Contributed by Angie Lewis Alaska Animal Advocates Mukluk is a gentle soul.
Mukluk would benefit from learning how to walk on a leash, along with some other basic training skills.
She is a Husky Mix that is approximately two-years-old and has lived a great deal of her life outdoors in Nome.
Mukluk just had six beautiful puppies, all of whom got adopted. Now it is her turn. This girl deserves a loving home, please give her the chance to have one.
Mukluk gets along with other dogs, and although she chases cats that run, she will not hurt them.
If you are ready to give this sweet girl a home, e-mail Alaska Animal Advocates at aaarescue@yahoo.com
To begin, isolating the new addition to the family is a wise move. This way, each animal can adjust to the smells and sounds of the new animal. If possible, isolate the new pet into another room and allow for minimal contact, maybe even just behind closed doors at first. Then, place a baby gate in the doorway between the two animals. Give treats to each pet and be prepared to remove the animal that shows aggression. Gradually allow the cat and dog to get closer to the gate, keeping the dog on a leash.
If all goes well, then move on to allowing the two animals in the same room together, supervised of course. Allow the cat an escape route, as it is usually the cat that is at greater risk of harm. Gradually increase the amount of time that the cat and leashed dog are in the same room together, assuming that the interactions are positive. You may need to purchase a muzzle for your dog. Place a treat in the muzzle, so that the dog will put his snout inside to get the treat. Do this a number of times, finally putting the muzzle on your dog. Another technique that might help is putting the cat in a carrier and putting the dog on a leash. Do not do this if you have a shy cat, or one that is easily stressed. Offer the dog treats when he either ignores the cat or shows no sign of aggression. One strategy that works fairly quickly is clicker training. Leave your cat free to wander in a room and have you dog on a leash. Offer your dog irresistible treats and something only used for this exercise. Each time the cat moves or gets the dog’s attention, click and give your dog a treat immediately thereafter. This should only happen when your dog is calm. Hopefully your dog will relate the cat’s presence with delicious treats. Eventually, the leash can be removed. Utilize a dog behaviorist to help you with training your pet. Be prepared that your cat and dog may, at best, tolerate one another, and they may potentially never be safely left alone together.
10 YEARS OF SERVICE
IN THE VALLEY LET’S GET ACQUANTED OFFER
Reg. $94.89 Cannot be combined with any other specials or discounts. Expires October 18th 2015
Complete 45 Point Inspection Change Oil & Filter Top Off All Fluid Levels Check Tires For Wear Check Belts & Hoses
HEALTH Contributed by Altair Chiropractic
cannot break down nutritious foods enough to get the sugar for your brain.
How many years did I overeat trying to satisfy my “Sweet Tooth”? Two hours after eating a huge meal I was HUNGRY AGAIN. TRUTH IS, if you are craving sugar, you are probably starving your BRAIN.
DIGESTION SHOULD TAKE TIME AND BE SATISFYING: The digestive tube is 28 feet long.
All foods have to be broken down into simple sugar to be used in the brain. Nutritious foods go through many reactions in the guts to become simple sugar. Sugars, like soda, alcohol, and candy, don’t have to be broken down and go straight into the bloodstream from the stomach with little or no digestion. This sugar used very quickly - then you need more for your brain. Thus the cycle of EAT - CRAVE - EAT -CRAVE ---traps you and holds you in bondage. Truth is, if you are craving sugar, your digestive system is so weak that you
Other organs use different byproducts of your digestion as food goes through; every cell has to be replenished and given nutrition. SUGAR CRAVING CAUSES: > Depressed immune system - it is easy to be sick often. > Acid system - easy for fungus, parasites, candida, bacteria, & viruses to thrive. > Cancer - thrives in acid. We all have abnormal cells all the time. With a weak immune system - killer cells aren’t able to eat these abnormal ones. > Anxiety is hightened with lots of sugar.
> Sugar is the enemy of the bowels constipation and diarrhea.
3) Cleanse your digestive system with a 10 DAY CLEANSE - it works wonders!
> Sugar interrupts the mineral balance in your body. Reactions need minerals to happen. If the reaction doesn’t happen, it is called AGING.
4) Eat fruit alone - it furments fast when it has to wait for protein to digest = smelly gas 5) Eat starches with vegetables - not with protein
HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO GET HEALTHIER: 1) Get a strong digestive enzyme to take with food, so you start breaking down food.
6) Eat protein with vegetables - not with starches.
2) Take enzymes between meals to clean out sluge that builds up when food is not digested properly and furments in your guts.
Hopefully, you have lots of questions and want more information! 907-357-1818 Dr Anna Altair of Altair Chiropractic in Wasilla has helped many on the road to healthier living and THRIVING.
COMMUNITY Contributed by Valley Community for Recycling Solutions Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) will hold its 2nd Annual Recycle Harvest Fest on Friday, October 9th, 2015, from 7 to 9:30pm at the historic Palmer Depot. Celebrate our bountiful Valley harvest and support recycling at the same time! Ticket price for this fundraiser is $50 and includes locally-harvested fare, freshpressed cider from Valley apples, brew from the Mat-Su’s own Arkose Brewery, and door prizes. Attendees will have a chance to bid on silent auction items from around Alaska, including a 6-pack of Iditapoop, made from recycled crap, er, newspaper. Really, who doesn’t need more crap?
They were quite a hit at our first Recycle Harvest Fest, and promise to be even more entertaining at our second one! Our special guest this year will be the talking plastic bag – see what she has to say about being treated like Valley trash… So put on your polka-dancing shoes and come out to eat, drink and be merry. Help us celebrate the seasonal treasures produced in, and provided by, this wonderful place we call home, while helping ensure the sustainability of your community recycling center. VCRS is conveniently located next to the Borough landfill and animal shelter, where your recyclable materials are accepted by helpful and knowledgeable volunteers, at no cost to you! (However, donations are always appreciated) Together, we are turning it around! For more information about this event, or about recycling in the Mat-Su, please visit www.valleyrecycling.org
Marge Ford and the Alaska Polka Chips will be performing once again this year.
call 907-745-5544, or check out our Facebook page at Valley Community for Recycling Solutions.
POLITICS CONTRIBUTED BY REPRESENTATIVE BILL STOLTZE I sponsored Senate Joint Resolution 12 to place before the voters the question of whether Alaska should amend the Alaska Constitution to make the Office of Attorney General one of three positions elected statewide by the people of Alaska. Alaska is one only seven states that currently does not allow its people to elect their Attorney General.
Similar to Alaska, only Hawaii, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Wyoming leave selection of the Attorney General to an appointment by the governor. So we would not be breaking any new ground by electing ours. The Attorney General in Maine is elected by the Legislature and the Tennessee Supreme Court elects their Attorney General. The selection of Attorney General by the people is the best process.
I believe the citizens of Alaska would support an elected Attorney General – but placing it before the voters requires a two-thirds vote of the Legislature. A minority in the Legislature has been able to block the bill of the people in the past – but I’m not ready to give up. I plan to hold committee hearings in the Valley before the start of Session. Stay tuned!
Standing Up for Personal Use Fishing Families Senate Bill 42, the Alaskans-First Fishing Act, is a simple bill that would provide for an Alaskan resident fishing preference in times of low fish returns. Current law states that when a fishery’s runs are low, personal use, sport, and commercial fisherman are restricted from harvesting, with the exception of subsistence users. Under the Alaskans-First Fishing Act, in the event of low fish returns, subsistence and personal use, these two fisheries, the only Alaska resident only fisheries, would be granted a preference.
Did you know?
there is not just one, but THREE shops that carry yarn in our little town of Palmer?
Did you know – there is not just one, but THREE shops that carry yarn in our little town of Palmer?
primarily a store catering to quilters, carrying luscious quilting fabrics and supplies.
Not only that – they are within a three block range starting on the east and west sides of Alaska Street and ending on Bailey?
They have started carrying Cascade and more recently Noro. They will have other yarns as well, depending on what becomes available.
When Fantastic Fibers closed its doors in October 2013, the cry soon went up “where will we (in the Valley) get our yarn?”
They also carry an assortment of fine crochet cotton, felting supplies, knitting and crochet notions.
Just Sew; next to the Palmer Depot; a branch of the Quilt Tree in Anchorage, is
Across Alaska Street; in the Koslosky building is Forever Endeavor, run by the Pollock family. This delightful art supply shop carries so many fun
art supplies, jewelry, signs, and other fun things! Plus YARN! Free Trade Yarn from Darn Good Yarn, and alpaca from Windborne Farm – Some pretty fun stuff. They also have needles and other notions. Down one more block, on the corner of Bailey and Dahlia, in the Palmer Business Plaza, is AK Frayed Knot, which opened September 8th. Owner Becky Oviatt states AKFK is a collaborative effort between local artists featuring work from Arts of The Apocalypse, Moose Wallow Yarns, Susan Designs, Ravenwing Designs, Stonekettle,
HEALTH EXERCISE YOUR WRITE
Working Wood Productions, Touch of Alaska and other Mat-Su Valley Artisans. They also have a complete line of knitting needles, crochet hooks and notions. Classes are being offered Call the store 521-YARN (9276) for details.
When Fantastic Fibers closed its doors in October 2013, the cry soon went up “where will we get our yarn?”
The People’s Paper PETS & ANIMALS
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My Weight Loss – What I Gained A TESTIMONY FOR THE ALASKA CLUB by Cecil Lambert Associate Pastor, Church On The Rock
I always lived in a “cycle” of gaining weight in the winter months (20-30lbs), then I would lose weight in the summer (15-20lbs). The problem is, I did not really consider that I was slowly gaining weight consistently every year for the past 20 years or so.
I was very slowly robbed of the many enjoyments that I once had earlier in my youth and young adult years. I was in great shape in my teens and early adulthood.
Last summer I came to a crossroads when a good friend challenged me that my being overweight might become a “barrier” to others. I had stated publicly that last year I was going to “transform” before the congregation to whom I was preaching. Only thing is, I had not followed through with that promise by taking action. Months had passed by with no progress -- when my friend gave me that challenging word.
I realized that I had to be honest with myself and with God... After all, being a Pastor and serving in the ministry trying to lead others into freedom was my vocation and calling, yet I had let this area of my life fall into such a state of bondage. That morning I prayed a simple prayer of repentance to God and asked for His help to be freed and delivered from the sin I had fallen into. God answered my prayer. Immediately I joined an online website called “The Lord’s Table”, which my Wife had recommend to me months earlier. The Bible study walked me through the disciplines and healing that I needed over the course of 60 days. Many of the “key” things that have led to my miraculous and successful transformation were simple everyday living disciplines. For example: I don’t eat after 7:00pm at night. I “listen” to my body telling me it’s time to eat. I cut out some foods that I knew were unhealthy, such as all soda pop
and lots of sugar filled processed foods. I also joined the Alaska Club Gym in September 2014, 3 weeks after starting TLT Bible Study. My wife and I work out four to five days a week. Much of our workout happens at the gym, and we also take bike rides and hikes throughout the year as weather permits. Having a workout partner for accountability has been another strong key to my success. Both my wife and I have experienced wonderful health benefits from an active and healthy life style that now includes regularly working out and taking care of our bodies. Our children have also been extremely blessed by the benefits of a healthy life style and belonging to the gym. My transformation is really not as much about what I’ve lost (145lbs), but it is truly about what I’ve gained...freedom to enjoy life, to live life, and to really serve others and see them set free and healthy as well.
LOCAL POLITICS CONTRIBUTED BY JIM SYKES MAT-SU BOROUGH ASSEMBLY
understood which election they would be voting in.
This October Mat-Su voters face a proposition to move the Borough’s election to the same day as state elections in November. While it sounds simple, some serious questions need answers. How much does it cost? Will it increase voter participation? How will it change the election process?
Local city elections would remain in October unless each city votes to make the change. The City of Palmer would have to change its charter. How the city elections would be affected by the Borough’s proposal to move them are not part of the Borough ballot proposition, but there are consequences.
Currently the Borough elections, together with local city elections, take place the first Tuesday in October every year. The Borough borrows the state’s voting machines and piggybacks city elections during the same voting process. In even numbered years the state holds a general election a month later in November. Moving the Borough election to November would not actually combine it with the state’s general election held in even-numbered years. The State and Borough would each run their own election with separate ballots, separate polling areas and separate voting machines. Polling areas would need to be carefully organized so voters clearly
When the idea of combined Borough and state elections was last floated in 2012, the cost for new machines was estimated at $125,000. The Borough would have to find, train and hire a second set of 160 election workers instead of employing the experienced people who currently work both October and even-year November elections. Only the sparsely populated Denali Borough, with less than 1700 registered voters, currently holds its election in November. Even numbered years with state general election tend to bring out more voters. Odd-numbered years far less. In Mat-Su, with 64,000 voters,
The People’s Paper PETS & ANIMALS
annual local election turnout is more consistent year to year, fewer than Denali in even years, more than Denali in odd years. Denali’s last odd-year election of 2013 saw less than 9% of the voters casting ballots. Low turnouts also happened in 2007 and 2009--14% and 10% respectively. Mat-Su voters turned out 18.83% at the 2013 October election. 23% and 25% in 2007 and 2009. In reality, election interest can peak or dive depending on the candidates and hot issues at each specific election. This year three of seven Assembly seats are open, the mayor and three of seven school board seats—the largest election in the three year cycle. If odd year elections in November tend to decrease voter participation, it’s a strong reason not to make the proposed change. Local elections in Alaska are nonpartisan by law. Separate municipal elections give some breathing space to local problem-solving. Local issues can be free from the entanglements of
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legislative, state and federal partisan bickering that often boils over in the November general elections. The real question is whether this change is needed or not. Costs and complications would be more, not less. Splitting up borough, state and city elections in a different process does not guarantee an improvement. Like our everyday life decisions, think about the upsides and downsides. Then cast an informed vote.
Jim Sykes serves on the Matanuska Susitna Borough Assembly. The preceding opinion is a personal one, not an official one. The Mat-Su Borough Assembly has not taken a position on this issue.
Kelsey Trimmer for School Board Seat E Contributed by Kelsey Trimmer CANDIDATE FOR MSB SCHOOL BOARD I was selected in April 2015 by the current school board to fill vacated seat E. During my time of service, I have been a part of a board that approved a fiscally responsible budget in a tough year. I am asking for your vote on October 6th so that I may continue the important work that I have begun with my fellow board members on challenging budget issues, as well as one of our major board goals of implementing technology to help make our students ready for success in the 21st century. Education is one of the most important services provided by the government to the public and community, and has consistently proven to have one of the highest rates-of-return on money spent. Why am I the right candidate to represent you? As an 11 year Alaska resident, 8 of which have been spent in the valley, I have a vested interest in quality education and
resources in our community. I am a happily married father of two, and my wife and I have been foster parents to children in the community as well. Continued growth of a thriving educational system focused on the customers (students) we serve is in the best interest of our children, youth, and community. Providing our students with excellent teachers who are qualified to meet the needs of a diverse and multicultural population, rich in native heritage, is critical to building strong supports and cooperative relationships among our young citizens. It is our responsibility to provide a safe environment for all children to learn and develop so they may become educated, productive members of our community, the state, and the nation. It is critical to not only graduate students, but to build lifelong learners who can stimulate our local economy, provide a variety of goods and services, and assume leadership roles in both local and global communities. Stability and fulfillment of the term is crucial to doing the best job for students, teachers, our district and our community.
As a local business owner, I not only live and work in the valley, but I am involved in numerous community organizations. It is my responsibility as your representative to be easily accessible to the students, parents and community members I serve. I am a member of the Palmer Chamber of Commerce, Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, an associate member of the Valley Board of Realtors Young Professionals Network and I served as President of the Palmer Chapter of Business Networking International in 2014. I have served in the Navy and the Army National Guard and I am a lifelong member of Veterans of Foreign Wars. Board members must act as good citizens that children of the community view as role models - representatives who care about the academic success, well-being, and services provided to the families they serve. Personal interests should not drive decision making, rather all decisions should be based on sound research and study. It is my commitment to you to hear, research and address your concerns utilizing evidence-based data. Choice in education is extremely
important. Our diverse student population creates the need for a variety of school choice. Our district is relationship-focused and we offer alternatives for students who need additional support. Learning is about so much more than academic content and our teachers understand that students who are not engaged cannot learn. I firmly believe in meeting our students’ needs on an individual basis – every student learns differently and every student matters. “You can’t have a child’s head until you have a child’s heart” (Flippen, 2012) Students should be provided the opportunity to excel in the areas where they are strongest, whether academic or vocational. Workforce development must be a fundamental objective of the education system. Training for educators, and embracing innovative tools and ideas are also necessary to keep up with today’s high pace of advancements in technology.
LOCAL POLITICS Contributed by Barb Doty M.D. District 6 representative, Mat Su Borough Assembly Fall is fast upon us, and as usual the challenges of getting back into school routines and preparing for winter snows and darkness keeps us on our toes. As a longtime physician in our community, I always encourage my patients and friends to find a healthy way to stay physically active during winter months and to gather with friends and family regularly for fun and support. One way to get engaged and survive the long cold Alaskan Winter is to speak out to your local government’s decision-making body. Issues with new subdivisions, road connectors, school funding, public safety, sewage and solid waste, recreational development, trails and pathway connectors and capital projects are all part of the decisions addressed at city council and assembly meetings. As a newly appointed member of the Mat Su Borough Assembly, public input is always welcome, especially constructive feedback about how we can together make our community a better place to live. The Borough Assembly meets twice monthly starting
This past season, over 36,000 households used personal use fisheries to feed their families. Board of Fish Battle this Session Maintaining a balance between commercial and sportfish members on the Board of Fish is important so all of Alaska’s best interests are fairly represented. Last Session, there was a concerted effort by Governor Walker, some members of the Legislature, and commercial interests to tip the scales in favor of commercial fishing and abandon a balanced board. Along with fellow members of the Valley
at 6 pm in the Assembly Chambers in Palmer or you can listen in on the live stream (radiofreepalmer.org). There is also great information on the Mat Su Borough website or posted in the Frontiersman about upcoming meetings and issues. www.matsugov.us Wasilla, Palmer, and Houston City Councils meet monthly as well. Consider getting engaged in your community council, which is an excellent way for you and your neighbors to discuss changes needed for your area. Contact info is on the Borough website. Have a dream about Nordic skiing on lighted trails this winter? The Mat Su Health Foundation has funded lighting for a significant portion of the Hatcher Pass Nordic Trails. Check out the new Government Peak facility, or use the Crevasse Moraine Trail System behind Mat Su College. Love to Downhill ski but tired of driving to Hilltop or Alyeska and don’t have a driver for the Hatcher Pass route? Your assembly recently approved moving already allocated monies to a fund to explore a small community downhill ski operation at Hatcher Pass. We are looking for volunteers to help develop! Caring for an elderly family member and in need of skilled nursing services?
Delegation, I fought hard to protect the balance between commercial, subsistence, sport, and personal use fishing. We prevailed, but only by a two-vote margin. I support commercial fishing, and am currently serving my 9th year on the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute Board. I just want other voices in the process to represent the majority of non-commercial users. Film Production Subsidy Repeal I sponsored Senate Bill 39, a bill which repeals the film production subsidy program. This action will save Alaskans up to $200 million. While there were some benefits accrued, neither I nor Governor Walker felt it was justified.
The People’s Paper LOCAL POLITICS
There is pending development of a 120bed Skilled Nursing/Rehab Center at the current log cabin location of the Mat Su Visitors Center next to the hospital. Our community desperately needs more facilities and resources to help our Seniors age gracefully and to address their health needs in a timely manner. And what does the future of economic development hold for Mat Su residents? We have watched new residents attracted to our low housing costs, our top notch educational system, our major road improvements, stable taxes, better high-speed internet access and great recreational opportunities. This year the Mat Su School District had 600 more students than expected show up for class, a bigger rate of growth than has been seen in over 10 years. Is it time to focus on what type of services and tech/manufacturing business opportunities can be attracted to the Mat Su? What do we need to do to assure that affordable utilities and transportation of goods is available for potential start-ups? I personally am especially interested in the formation of a University Med District partnership between Mat Su College and Mat Su Regional Medical Center, where we can attract additional health resources for non-acute care that can also serve as sites for training our young graduates in the health
Most people have only recently begun to become aware of the vulnerabilities that come with an externally rooted lifestyle. The Federal government and the State are telling us there is no more money in the money well. We need to take that seriously. My reading of the early history of the Susitna and Matanuska drainages around 1910 has given me an appreciation for the self reliance and sustainability of the culture that existed at that time. Essentials were shipped in annually to the port at Knik and the heavy mining equipment for the booming mining district in Willow and Hatcher pass was arriving the same way. Most of the vegetable, eggs, and milk were generated locally from homesteads that had been staked on unsurveyed land emanating from Knik as a result of the 1898 Federal Homestead Act. Meat and berries were also largely from the harvesting of wild game and fish. The advent of ships that could navigate the gulf in the winter, deep water ports, rail, an interstate highway system, and air transport has ushered us
incrementally into an era that is more than 90% dependent on the slender thread of goods that come up here from the West Coast. At the same time we have been able to build out a lot of capital infrastructure and receive revenue sharing and fill a lot of nonBorough jobs as a result of the North Slope oil production. We are now living in a bubble where our most basic needs, and our revenues and jobs are outside the Borough.
Learning from our mistakes and failures is critical to survival. Farming is a business that has to adjust to the boom and bust cycles of the free market and weather conditions. I have learned that successful Alaskan farming ventures limit their dependence on credit and debt. I believe sustainable communities should plan the same way. As Mayor, I have used my veto pen to keep the area wide property tax mil rate flat. We have absorbed necessary growth in services such as education and emergency services with the growing income from new construction and the rising free market assessed values on property. We have been blessed with matching money for most of our schools, roads and emergency infrastructure, for which I publicly thank our legislators. Borough voters have been very
professions and provide jobs for them when they complete their training. Our community is only as good as what its citizens do to make the Mat Su a terrific place to live. It is our responsibility to assure that housing is affordable, that the roads are maintained and connect to each other, that our kids have terrific educational opportunities, and that our families are safe and have excellent fire and emergency protection. We have to consider what types of industry and economic development we want to attract, how to make our visitors feel welcome and cared for. We must assure that our farmers feel valued and our fish and wildlife protected if we want our tourism success to continue. The Mat Su is at a crucial turning point and despite the current economic challenges, I see great opportunities to build our community with the right resources to prevail as the terrific Alaska community that it is. Join me in being a part of our local government process. Have a voice! Vote for your choice in leadership October 6th. Come make your voice heard by our community decision-makers!
This year’s tour hosted a number of policymakers, including six legislators and five state commissioners.
I commend the Governor for signing the bill, despite intense lobbying and political pressure from the film industry. Always Promoting Agriculture! With the help of Representatives Shelley Hughes and Cathy Tilton, I hosted the 13th annual Legislative Farm Tour of Matanuska Valley farms.
Learning from Our Roots CONTRIBUTED BY LARRY DEVILBISS CANDIDATE FOR MSB MAYOR
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We visited the Mt. McKinley Meat & Sausage, Palmer Produce, Glacier Valley Farms, and Todd Pettit’s Little Pitchfork Ranch. Following the tour, attendees were able to join my constituents, Todd and Roxann Pettit, at the Alaska State Fair as they received the 2015 Farm Family of the Year Award. Todd graciously accepted the award on behalf of the entire family; including his Grandparents, Jack and Jane Seeman. Educating people outside of my farming district, especially decision-makers, is an important and continuing process.
We need to encourage our communities to be self-sufficient, rather than depend upon massive government support systems.
supportive by approving the bonds for roads and schools, the most recent of which was the largest school bond proposal ever passed in Alaska. Our legislators supplied the 70% match for those bonds. My support for that $215 million new school construction came with a promise that there would be no more school bonds for five years. I used my veto pen to successfully deliver on that promise. We are facing a new era economically. We should plan to pay our own way. It’s my belief that our resilience in the future is going to be in direct proportion to our level of debt.
We need to encourage our communities to be self-sufficient, rather than depend upon massive government support systems. We need to nurture local commerce for local jobs. As we bring our economy closer to home we shift the balance of our tax load to corporate commercial infrastructure rather than relying only upon our personal residences. Reducing government waste and inefficiencies remains a priority to me however the Borough must also balance growth and progress.
Currently we are paying enough in interest on long-term debt each year to build a new grade school. It would be smart, in my opinion, to finance future capital projects with a dedicated, voter approved, mil rate that would forward fund voter approved projects that sunset upon completion, instead of using bonded indebtedness. Wasilla has already shown us how to do that with the Menard Sports Center and the new library. Out of necessity, the Mat-Su Borough will probably build out more slowly but we will not be asking the next generation to pay for it. It is time to move toward the selfreliance and sustainability model we historically enjoyed.
I would be deeply grateful for your vote on or before October 6th! Sincerely, Larry DeVilbiss Candidate MSB Mayor
SMALLER MORE RESPONSIVE GOVERNMENT VOTER APPROVED PROJECT-BASED TAX RATE INCREASES & DECREASES FLOOD CONTROL THROUGH GRAVEL HARVESTING
KEEP THE VETO PEN ALIVE! << AND MANY MORE SUPPORTERS!
POLITICS / OPINION CONTRIBUTED BY Sarah R. Welton MSB SCHOOL BOARD Vote NO On 1. The ballot initiative to change school board seats from borough wide to small districts is ill-thought out and appears to be based in politics and not the best interests of our children, all of our children. As it stands now, each seat is borough wide and therefore one has to gain a majority of the electorate in the whole borough. This is hard work and it should be.
Contributed by Nathan MacPherson AND Brent Allan Winters Our Constitution of the United States requires that the President of United States be a “natural-born Citizen”: a citizen not by oath or exception but by nature. Bottom line, to be a natural-born citizen means that the one in question must fill both of two requirements: first, both of his parents must have been citizens of the United States at the time of his birth; second, he must have been born within the territorial boundaries of one of the 50 States of the United States, or its property. Anyone who is not a natural-born Citizen, but nonetheless takes the oath of office, in so doing violates not only our Constitution but also his oath of office. Can such a person—who would as his first act violate our Constitution and his oath of office—be trusted to otherwise “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States”? Lack of good faith in what some consider such a small matter brings in its train injustice in great matters: “He that is faithful in the least,” says Jesus Christ, “he is also faithful in much: and he that is unjust in the least, is unjust also in much.” (Luke 16:10 GNV) The office of President is unique in that its requirements are beyond those of any other office of government our Constitution allows or otherwise sets forth. To be sure, a man’s citizenship of one of the several States of the Union may qualify him for every other office our Constitution mentions or to which it otherwise alludes—U.S. Congressman and Senator, State legislator, State governor, judicial officer, judge of a federal or State court. But being a citizen of one of the several States of the Union or of a territory of the United States, standing alone, fails to fulfill the two-fold natural-born citizenship requirement of our Constitution for a person to serve as President. This
Additionally, the current school board has members who are residents of all but one of the assembly districts. Think about it. This one district while it does not have a “resident” board member has, in reality, seven board members who represent that assembly area, the students, and the schools in that assembly area. Mat Su Borough School District has to function as a whole. Students may move from school to school regardless of where they live. A student may enter elementary school in one assembly area and may attend a middle and high school in another.
two-fold requirement for the office of President—also called citizenship by nature—is apparent in the nature of the matter. This first-principle of sound government requiring that our Presidents be natural born (citizens by nature in every respect) not only arises in the crucible of experience through the gathered sense of centuries, called the laws of nature; but is also rooted deep in the laws of nature’s God, called the Bible. Common-law history provides the recorded observations of this principle arising naturally from the nature of the matter; the Bible provides the written record of this principle among God’s people. The Bible puts this first principal of good government clear, requiring that those holding positions of power among us must be from us, by us, and for our benefit.[3] Of note, John Wycliffe, about the year 1375, is said to have written on the flyleaf of his translation of the Bible—the first entire translation of the Bible into English— that he did his translation so that the boy behind the plough may read and that the government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the land. Thus also is the reason behind Deuteronomy 17:14–16, requiring that leaders among God’s people be both from and by the people, thereby insuring that they will also be for the people. To tolerate anything less is to risk split loyalty in our land’s most-powerful office. Verse 14 requires that only, “from among thy brethren shalt thou make a King over thee: thou shalt not set a stranger over thee which is not thy brother.” These words are clear and strong. Simply put, that a man for President was born within the jurisdictional boundaries of one of the 50 states of the Union, or within one of the territories of the United States, or on property of the United States does not, standing alone, qualify him to be President; likewise, that
The People’s Paper POLITICS / OPINION
The Mat Su Borough School District has worked tirelessly to provide choice for families and students and to provide equity across the district. To reduce to smaller regions, representing the assembly districts, does not make sense as there is no equity in the number of students or schools in each district. Mat Su Central School draws students from all over the borough so how does it make sense to have one person representing Mat Su Central as a resident of Wasilla? The board member who represents Mat Su Central would also represent Wasilla Middle and High School, Burchell, and Iditarod.
one or even both of his parents were citizens at the time of his birth, does not, standing alone, qualify him to be President. Rather, both must be true: (1) he must have been born in our country or its possessions (2) to parents (plural) having U.S. citizenship. Thus is his undivided, full affection[4] for our country best insured. Our Constitution of the United States, says the Supreme Court, is a brief of common-law government, setting forth common-law standards: The Framers of our Constitution were born and brought up in the atmosphere of the common law, and thought and spoke its vocabulary… . [W]hen they came to put their conclusions in the form of fundamental law in a compact draft, they expressed themselves in terms of the common law, confident that they could be shortly and easily understood. Ex Parte Grossman, 267 U.S. 87, 108–09 (1925).
In light of our common law, the U.S. Supreme Court has had occasion to examine the meaning of our Constitution’s standard “naturalborn citizen” and found its definition comprises two-parts: (1) birth in a country (2) of parents who were citizens of that country: The Constitution does not in words say who shall be natural-born citizens. Resort must be had elsewhere to ascertain that. At common law, with the nomenclature of which the framers of the Constitution were familiar, it was never doubted that all children born in a country of parents who were its citizens became themselves, upon their birth, citizens also. Minor v. Happerstett, 88 U.S. 162, 167 (1874).
But what is this “common-law nomenclature” to which the Supreme Court referred? One such source is Emerich de Vattel’s The Law of Nations or the Principles of Natural Law (1758). In this work, well known by the framers of our Constitution, de Vattel sets forth the common-law definition of natural-born Citizen: “The natives, or
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Think about Alaska Middle College. It also draws students from all over and it is in Eagle River on the UAA campus there. Who would represent that borough school? As it stands now all board members represent all. There is no benefit or need to divide up the districts. Currently, each person in the borough has seven board members who represent them and all of the students and families in the entire borough. I represent my neighborhood and everywhere else in the borough. I travel to other areas and visit schools and communities on a regular basis as do all members of the board.
natural-born citizens, are those born in the country, of parents who are citizens.” This wording is nearly identical to the Supreme Court holding quoted above and accords with John Locke’s Second Treatise of Civil Government (1690), also well studied by the framers of our Constitution. When a father, says Locke, is under the law of a civil government and bears children within its territories, the child is also under the law of said civil government. Indeed, the New Englander and Yale Review, Vol. 13, of July 1845, also reviewed the common-law definition of “naturalborn citizen” as used in the Constitution of the United States. Conclusion? The term natural-born citizen “excludes all persons owing allegiance by birth to foreign states,” whether or not such persons were later “naturalized under our laws.” In this way, these authors, citing our common-law history stemming from before Magna Carta, and citing Vattel, differentiate between a “natural-born citizen” (a citizen by nature) and a “naturalized citizen” (a citizen by ceremony of oath). It is well settled, then, that our U.S. Constitution requires that a President must be natural born, which means two things: he must be (A) born to parents who, at the time of his birth, were citizens and (B) born within the territorial boundaries of one of the 50 States of the United States, or its property. © MacPherson & Winters 2015
SMALL BUSINESS
The People’s Paper SMALL BUSINESS
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Declutter Your Office for Renewed Energy & Focus Contributed by Jeanette Gardiner SeaStar Strategies I love the backto-school time of year. It’s a time of fresh starts, clean slates and new pens and notebooks J. Even though I don’t have kids and it’s been a few (ahem) years since I last shopped for my own school supplies, it’s one of the times each year when I clear energy-draining clutter and organize my office so I can experience more energy and focus in my business. Clutter clearing and organizing is often considered a New Year or springtime task, but I find back-to-school the perfect time to clear the energydraining clutter from your office and get organized so you can end your year on a high note. If you think clutter clearing isn’t important to the success of your business, consider this: according to a survey conducted by a Boston marketing firm, the average American wastes 55 minutes a day - roughly 12
weeks a year - looking for misplaced items. I don’t know about you, but I could sure use an extra 12 weeks each year! And it’s more than days that you lose searching for misplaced items. Had I kept the clutter clearing and organizing appointment that I’d scheduled for my business during last year’s back-to-school season, I could have saved $99 and a trip for supplies after I discovered a toner cartridge during a clearing and reorganization of my storage closet. Are you ready to reclaim some of those 12 days this back-to-school season? Get a fresh start and a clean slate when you begin organizing by eliminating the clutter in your office. Just follow these simple steps: Set aside - Specific, uninterrupted clutter clearing and organizing time, that is. The scenario you want to avoid is getting elbow-deep in the organizing process, only to have to dump it all back in the drawers and boxes because you have to stop to host a webinar or run to a meeting. How much time you need will depend on the size of your space (and your mess), so a good rule of thumb is an hour for a desk, bookshelf or file drawer.
Pull it all out - Even though it will make a BIG mess, the quickest and easiest way to start your organizing process is to clear out the drawer, shelf or desktop. Strip it down to the surface and wipe the area free of dirt, dust and stray paperclips. Then you’ll have a fresh surface (your clean slate) to work from. Sort - Sort the items you pulled out into categories, such as paper, writing implements, books, manuals, etc. As you are sorting, toss out any obvious offenders, such as scraps of paper, broken items or outdated receipts. Decide - Deciding can be one of the toughest steps to clutter clearing. If this step stymies you, try the Rule of Three: Keep your three favorite items in that category and recycle or donate the rest. Also think about what you have space for as well as what you’re likely to use in a reasonable amount of time. You might have room for seventeen replacement cartridges for your printer, but will you use it all before you upgrade to a new printer (or before they dry out)? Organize - Replace your remaining items in a logical manner. Printing supplies near the printer (note to self ) and business books on a single shelf,
OUTDOOR SAFETY CONTRIBUTED By Debra McGhan Pat and Judy Wake woke early one September morning to the sound of gurgling water. Pat went downstairs to see what was going on. Judy, still in bed, remembers him suddenly shouting, “Get up! Get up! We have to go now!” Judy said they had been warned that the Matanuska River could flood but it was far enough away at the time they had never believed it would actually affect them. And certainly not in an instant.
“There is never time to get ready if you wait until disaster strikes,” said Bea Adler, member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee. “That is why we support the effort of an annual emergency safety fair to help people think about and get ready.”
“The water broke through a mud dike and just rushed down the road in a flash flood,” said Judy. “I was still half asleep when I stumbled downstairs and opened the front door to find our porch floating.” There was no time to think, or plan or prepare. We just had to grab what we could and go.”
It’s the little things in an emergency that can make an enormous difference. “It’s amazing how something as simple as a clean pair of underwear can make you feel better,” said Judy.
September is National Preparedness Month. This is a great time of year to ensure you have a communication plan with family and loved ones, supplies needed to survive for at least three days, and a bag packed and ready to go so that if flood, fire, earthquakes or other unexpected disaster strikes, you’ll be ready to evacuate quickly. It’s also a good time to consider other potential emergencies and get the skills you need to respond.
for example. Keep the most frequently used items in the most accessible place, and less-frequently used items in more remote storage. Maintain - Remember that organizing is not a one-time event; you must set aside regular times to file paperwork, clear your desktop and purge outdated or unused items. Take five minutes at the end of each day to keep the piles from building up. Schedule an appointment on your calendar today to clear the clutter and organize your office during this backto-school season. And when you’re finished, celebrate fall with a clean slate and renewed energy and focus for your business! About Jeanette Gardiner Jeanette Gardiner lives in Palmer, Alaska, and is the Owner of SeaStar Strategies LLC where she helps timestrapped small business owners discover the gift of time by streamlining their administrative and marketing systems. Learn more at: www.seastarstrategies.com
The People’s Paper COMMUNITY
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In the Wake’s case, preparation made a huge difference. “Thankfully we had a bag packed,” said Judy. “But still, as you’re closing the front door you think of all the things you’re leaving behind.”
The other thing the Wake’s had going for them was a positive attitude and good friends who quickly responded to help. Friends made all the difference for Brad Johnson. He was riding in Hatcher Pass with a group of friends one early spring day when his entire world changed in an instant. “We were filming a promotion video when I launched off this big cliff on my sled. Unfortunately I misjudged the landing and slammed so hard on the landing I broke my back.
“I knew it wasn’t good because I couldn’t feel my legs,” he said.
whatever you want or need to do as long as you don’t give up.”
Fortunately for Johnson the friends he was riding with included several trained medics who were able to stabilize and evacuate him quickly. In an emergency, it’s all about the resources you have with you.
A positive attitude goes a long way to ensuring survival.
“I would have died without their help,” he said. Doctors told Johnson he would never walk again but he was determined to prove them wrong. “My goal is to show others that you can do
“I think you just have to laugh and do what has to be done,” said Judy. “I’m not one to sit down and cry. I knew we would be okay the day the flood hit if we just did what we had to do and stayed focused on that.” Tim and Lindsey McGhan, who live on Rocky Lake near Big Lake, sat down to
SEPTEMBER IS THE MONTH TO PREPARE
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watch television one night when they noticed thick black smoke across the water. “At first we were just watching it thinking, wow that doesn’t look good,” said Lindsey. “But then we realized, this fire was headed our direction. When the wind suddenly came up, we knew we had to get out. I remember Tim flew our plane to Wasilla Lake and I went to Grandpa’s place. We just left and then I realized, we didn’t have anything. Not even a toothbrush. That’s a horrible feeling.” Lindsey said that while they may have lost their business in the Miller Reach Fire of 1996, they were lucky they succeeded in saving their home and their lives. “We learned a lot from that experience and are much better prepared for disaster these days.”
The local chapter of AARP is sponsoring this year’s annual emergency safety fair to be held at Mat-Su College on Saturday, September 19th from 11am to 3pm. This is a free, family friendly event that provides resources to help you and your family be prepared for any emergency or disaster. The fair will feature more than 30 exhibits including the popular ‘Disaster Experience.’ These are interactive shows presented by the Alaska Avalanche Information Center (AAIC,) Alaska Safe Boating, and the North America Outdoor Institute (NAOI.) Attendants have the opportunity to experience a simulated emergency to find out if they will know what to do in a real situation. Best of all the fair is free and the Red Cross and Salvation Army will be serving free food.
Her advice: “Take photos of everything you own. If you have to evacuate, take a survival bag with some basics and think about taking things like jewelry, pictures, computer hard drive…
Come join us and make this September the month you get prepared.
“Everyone should take the time to plan and prepare because you may not think it can happen to you, but it can,” said Lindsey. “And when it does, it usually happens fast.”
Register for the fair or learn more at eventbrite.com/e/ mat-su-preparedness-fairtickets-17717756286 www.naoiak.org
COMMUNITY
Tragedy Strikes Family Twice
Contributed by Sandi Sagerian Tragedy and loss seem to follow Terri Oakes like a sinister shadow lurking around the corner for the next chance to strike, yet through it all, Teri remained strong and self-reliant until now. New Year’s Eve 2014, Terri had family and friends over to celebrate the start of the New Year. Everyone was having a wonderful time until 9:27pm. Terri recalls the hour and minute her world came crashing down. Her home was on fire. Despite the heroic efforts of the Big Lake Fire Department, Terri’s home was a total loss, again. She could only wonder why this had happened again. In June 1996, she lost her home to the Miller’s Reach Fire. The difference is that she had insurance in 1996. In 1998, Terri gave birth to quadruplets, but tragically lost one of the boys. Five years later, her husband
left her to raise the four remaining children by herself. It was very tough economically, and took a toll on Terri’s health. In 2005, she suffered a major heart attack, even needing CPR to bring her back. Multiple heart procedures depleted her already meager finances, and she had to let the home’s insurance lapse. Now, because she only has 25% function of her heart, she’s been unable to work and unable to set aside enough money to rebuild. The property has been in her family for 3 generations now. Her parents died in the home, her children were raised in the home. All sentimental items are gone…except for her grandmother’s bowl that she was able to recover from the ashes. Kyle regained the safe he’d made in welding class, the safe that held all the money he’d saved since he’d started working. His grandfather’s knife was also discovered amongst the rabble.
After the fire, Terri and the triplets moved in with her in-laws, an arrangement that lasted only 10 days. She then moved the family to a motel for 2 days. While in a quandary of what to do next, a friend offered his mostly finished house to the family, but problems with the septic system in April forced Terri to move out. Since April 15th, Terri has been living in a small dome tent inside a portable shelter. Her children are living with family friends and only get to see their mother on weekends or an occasional evening. Terri feels the loss of family greatly. She would love nothing more than to have her children back with her. Catlyn, Kathryn, and Kyle are high school seniors now at Houston High, and all express the same desire. They don’t grieve over the losses of the material possessions as most teens would, but they each expressed the loss of the family unit as being the most devastating outcome of this tragedy.
Terri is proud and not one to reach out for help, but with winter approaching, and her children scattered, she’s reached out to Wasilla HomelessCommittee for help. There is a lot to accomplish. The well and septic system must be checked for functionality. The detritus of the fire must be removed, and a dwelling placed on the property. All of this will take money, and that is why we are asking for donations to help this family get back together. An account has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank specifically for the rebuilding of the home, or even the placement of a mobile home on the property. The account number for donations is 7663569809. Any donation, no matter how small will help tremendously toward rebuilding their lives. Please find it in your heart to give to this very deserving family.