Contributed by Justin Giles Covid-19 is the Grinch that is trying to steal Christmas in 2020, but a modified Christmas Friendship Dinner is a go! The Wasilla Christmas Friendship Dinner is a tradition that was started by Bob and Judy Bowers and a few close friends nearly 30 years ago. It has steadily grown into, we believe, the largest event of it’s kind in the United States! This year, to keep everyone safe, we are holding a drivethru at the Menard Sports Center. A completely free hot meal with turkey and all the fixings, and gift bags for the kiddos can be picked up without even leaving your car. We’ll have lights and music, and are encouraging folks to decorate their cars if they’d like. Santa Claus should be on hand along with our pastoral staff to visit with families as well. For the truly home bound we
have a limited delivery service that we expect to help around 500 Valley residents this year. Normally we would have hundreds of volunteers helping, but due to Covid-19 we will only have a very small, carefully screened crew inside the Menard Center. These volunteers, from all walks of life, will be working hard preparing and packaging the nearly 2 tons of turkey, 800 pounds of carrots and mind-boggling amounts of other food. This amazing event is proof that your Valley neighbors care. Our biggest need this year is volunteer home delivery drivers. If you’re willing to help with our expected large home delivery load, please give us a ring at 354-6115. In spite of the Grinch of 2020, the Christmas Friendship Dinner is a go! Please help spread the word, donate or volunteer if you’re able, and come see us!
When: December 25th from 11am-3pm. Where: Menard Sports Center, Wasilla. Drivethru only, please remain in your cars. What: Outdoor Drive-thru community party, free meal, music, gifts for kids and brotherly love. The Christmas Friendship Dinner is the feelgood event of the year here in the Mat-Su. The event is far more than just the sum of it’s considerable parts. Jesus taught to give to the poor, visit the lonely and love one another. You can do all three every Christmas at the Menard, and help shine a little light into a dark world. For more information, to request home delivery, or to donate or volunteer find Christmas Friendship Dinner on Facebook or call (907) 354-6115
The Mat-Su Plunge is Happening!
MORE ON PAGE 3 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER
Contributed by Caitlin Buxbaum
bib for both days (so hang onto it). Fewer start lanes and an extended start area will be provided for greater participant distancing.
As Alaska’s coronavirus case count climbs, tensions are understandably high, and it’s more important than ever to be mindful of our physical and mental health. Skiing can improve both of those things, but what better way to supercharge the effort and raise one’s spirits than to have a training goal in sight?
All participants and spectators will be strongly encouraged to wear face coverings in the start area, for the first part of the race, and at any time not actively exercising. Physical distancing is also encouraged during warm-ups and cool-downs; upon completing a race, participants should leave the finish area as soon as possible.
I’m talking about Mat-Su Ski Club’s 2020 Icicle Double. This year’s annual event will be held, as usual, at Government Peak Recreation Area, over the weekend between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Classic races will be held on Saturday, December 26, with freestyle races to follow on Sunday, December 27. Wave starts for the 30-kilometer race will begin at 11 a.m. each day, followed by the 15k at noon and the 5k after that. The early registration fee is $50 whether entrants register for one or both days, and fees must be paid by December 15. Late registration — $60 for one day, $75 for both — ends December 25. Entry comes with an Icicle Double neck gaiter, and participants may choose different distances each day, but any skier who
completes both 30k races will receive the coveted 2020 Icicle Double pint glass. Here’s what will be different: COVID mitigation. All Icicle Double volunteers will be required to wear masks, and all entrants will be required to complete a health screening questionnaire before participating (early registrants will receive an email in advance of the event). Paper bibs will be supplied to each racer, who will use the same
Palmer Author Reaches Kids Around World MORE ON PAGE 10 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE
“At risk” individuals are recommended not to participate, and MSSC will follow any new mandates or guidelines that may be issued by the CDC, DHSS, or Mat-Su Borough prior to or on race day There will be feed stations with individually packed snacks during the races, but unfortunately, the ski club is not able to host a raffle or awards ceremony this year. New rules and safety precautions notwithstanding, the 2020 Icicle Double is designed to be a fun and competitive family event. Register on the MSSC website at matsuski.org or directly at bit.ly/2020IcicleDBL. We hope to see you there!
Local Singer-Songwriter Follows Dream MORE ON PAGE 14 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE
COMMUNITY
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Contributed by Eddie Ezelle In looking back over the years and what I have submitted to The People’s Paper, the vast majority has been thank you’s to the community. With the COVID issues starting about March this year, we have really had to step forward to help.
all these years. Our diversity here in the Valley is wide and deep, but we support each other in so many ways.
Even with their own problems, loss of jobs, loved ones and generally having to change lifestyles and become more introverted, things have not been very good for anyone in 2020.
The holidays around Christmas can be tough on families one way or another, but our volunteers always are the ones to comfort, greet with a smile and try to make someone’s day better. Without realizing it sometimes is me.
But the sacrifices our volunteers endure is phenomenal. The disregard for some personal comfort to help others is not seen by a lot of the public. They are your unsung heroes, your frontline soldiers and neighbors. These are some of the very people
Contributed by Joan Klapperich Bye, Bye 2020! As we look forward to the City of Wasilla’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks and the coming New Year, we are reminded that we are still following COVID0-19 CDC guidelines, and City and State mandates and recommendations to keep our community and families’ safe. Aurora Pyrotechnics will be putting
Contributed by Ember Haynes Plan a trip to Talkeetna and enjoy Alaska’s favorite mountain village. The winter nights are chilly and the days bright with picturesque Denali shining through the clouds. It’s easy to experience our village at your own pace, with plenty of room and cozy lodging options for social distancing and the chance to appreciate the greatland by yourself or with your family. Savor the variety of delicious restaurants, quaint boutiques and shops brimming with local art & creations, delectible bakeries and a beverage at our favorite coffee shop. Go ahead and take a brewery tour, bike excursion, scenic flight or dog sledding tour. Days can easily be filled with hiking, skiing, exploring on snow shoe or mountain bike, lounging with a book in front of the fire, walking miles of trails with your dog, chasing the Northern Lights, or finally discovering your favorite quilt pattern and unique vintage find. A must-stop in town is Susitna Valley Naturals; the year-round host to the “Spirit of Talkeetna” a charming miniature rendition of the Talkeetna Village carved out of balsa wood by beloved artist Jim Gleason. A stunning Curt Wagner painting of Denali completes this visual treasure curated by Talkeetna’s own Suzy Kellard. Lights twinkle on roofs and railings, fluffy snow borders the streets and
The MatSu Food Bank has grown in the 11-12 years I have been the Director and is not in any small part because of your support regardless of the changing times.
sacrificing their health and safety to help others. Not everyone can do this, most that do, do not even realize the bravery and courage they have to help others. In spite of all this, so many of you have stood up and continue to stand up and see the need of others that makes me appreciate the community that I have chosen to be a part of
on a display of festive fireworks based out of Iditapark at 8 p.m. December 31st, New Year’s Eve. Allowing an early celebration allows our kiddos to catch a glimpse of the amazing fireworks that light up the sky on this special night. The City is asking everyone’s cooperation with staying in your cars to watch the show.
glitters on the walkways, and stars gleem in the night skies. A trip to Talkeetna in the winter months is like a winter wonderland stroll through a Hallmark movie. Fall in love with Alaska and remember why you live here! We wish you safe travels, and whether you choose transportation via train or vehicle keep your eyes peeled for moose and mushers!
So, I would like to salute my volunteers and hope you will too by supporting our cause that “no one should go hungry”. Merry Christmas and may your Holidays be safe... And let’s look for 2021 to be better!
Special thanks to Gorilla Fireworks for adding some dazzling fireworks to this year’s show. There will be a lot more aerial shots, with no groundwork displays. Madame Mayor Glenda Ledford and the City of Wasilla employees and staff wish everyone a truly happy holiday season, and a healthy happy New Year filled with great hope and joy.
COMMUNITY
Contributed by Paula Nance
upcoming Mat-Su Plunge.
Difficult times bring out the best in people, don’t you think? Despite lock downs, sheltering in place, wearing masks and social distancing, we’re making it through the pandemic.
The “frosty” plunge is set for Saturday, February 20, 2021, and will be held at the Palmer Elks Lodge. The Plunge has been sponsored for more than a decade by the Mat-Su Sertoma Club.
Nicholas Sparks once said, “Don’t think there are no second changes. Life ALWAYS offers you a second chance… it’s called tomorrow!” And now, it’s YOUR chance to take the challenge and JUMP in the
All funds stay right here in the valley. This year, our Summer Camp Scholarship Winner will hopefully be attending Gallaudet University Summer Youth Camp. Gallaudet University is located in Washington D.C. and is the only university that
Contributed by Pastor Robb Robbert
guests to feel obligated in the least to support our congregation.
At King of Kings Lutheran, we are not into sheep stealing (trying to lure people away from another Christian congregation). However, if your church is not offering an in-person Christmas Eve service we would be honored to have you join us.
However, if you do not have a Christian congregation we would ask you to fill out a Connection Card and put it in the offering receptacle that will be in the back of church(we will not be passing around a collection plate Christmas Eve at King of Kings Lutheran, 1601 N. Lucille St at 7:00PM.
For those of you who do not already have a Christian Church Family in the Valley, we would also be honored if you would join us. As a New Testament church there are no tithing requirements at our church for our members so we do not want our
Contributed by Marilyn Bennett The adorable picture is my granddaughters sitting on Santa’s lap, last year. This year will be their first COVID Christmas and so there will be no more smiling faces, no more sitting on Santa’s lap. It will be a COVID Grinch of a Christmas. There are of course, holiday face masks to help them celebrate safety and adorably. Just imagine how their friends will be shouting out with glee when they spot them in their new reindeer and snowman face masks? Just think, you could be the hit of the ho-ho-holidays for your grandchildren with a fun Santa Claus mask. It almost makes one giddy just thinking of all the holiday masks that will be out in the stores this year. Then for those of you who celebrate the holidays in a more traditional way by sending out Holiday cards. Just see what new cards are available. Face Mask Christmas Cards, sending
We have a sanitation station when you enter church if you want to check your temperature, sanitize your hands or pick up a mask. Mask are not required but are encouraged if talking to people over 70 or people
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has deaf and hard of hearing staff and student population. Take the plunge, get a group together now and be a part of the “Original Valley Dip!” For more information check out www.matsuhearing.org or www.matsuplunge.org. We’re excited to present a combination virtual and live event. As with the last year, we’ll be innovative in our approach so everyone can participate!
who are wearing masks, or if you love to sing loud and have a spitting problem. Come let us adore Jesus and celebrate His birth and the salvation that He brings the world! Merry Christmas Wasilla! - Pastor Robb Robbert
one of these face masked-themed Christmas cards will make family and friends chuckle, while also nagging them to mask up. But back to visiting with Santa. I have looked and found that there are several stores that have decided to sanitize the Santa visit to conform with our new COVID lifestyle. First up, the jolly old elf, in some stores will greet children from an open-air cottage, by appointmentonly. The visitors will need to wear masks, undergo temperature checks, and sanitize their hands. The visits will be limited to five per hour to allow for plenty of cleaning time. There won’t be any physical interaction with Santa and visitors will be spaced six feet apart. Some Santa places are considering using a walkie talkie for the children to chat with Santa Claus He would be seated behind Plexiglas while the masked kids would have their tem-
peratures taken and then be allowed to take socially-distant pictures. However, we have it on good authority that Santa Claus is coming to town and he’s not bringing COVID-19. At least, that’s the word from Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
COMMUNITY infectious disease expert. Fauci told USA TODAY that, “Santa is exempt from COVID because Santa has a lot of good innate immunity,” But for good reason children have been worried about Santa. On Christmas Eve, he travels to so many houses and there’s no denying that he is chubby and not so young anymore. Perhaps children should only see Santa this year on Zoom. That way no one has to worry about social distancing and Mom could always photoshop a picture to send to the relatives. Just set the kids on a bench take a picture and photoshop Santa into the background. So safe, no masks or social distancing required. Then we have the Christmas parades. All spectators are encouraged to wear
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your favorite “Happy Holiday Mask”. Since it is difficult to social distance while watching the parade we will be making a video of the parade so you can wear your festive mask in the safety of your own home while watching the parade and drinking hot chocolate.
keep in mind the current Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. So make a note to be sure to pack your face masks, hand sanitizers (with a minimum of 60% alcohol), and tissues.
Then there is the newest in 2020 keepsake ornaments. It is a cute Santa carrying a sack full of hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes and even a tiny thermometer. What a fun way to remember for years that 2020 was a Merry COVIDChristmas.
Check the website for your local tree farm to find out what restrictions they have so you are properly prepared. They’ll likely require you to stay socially distanced (six feet apart) from other visitors while you’re examining the trees and taking magical pictures to send to your friends.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We need to find the perfect tree to celebrate this special year when we will all be home together under that special tree. But before you go, it’s crucial to
Because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, you should wear a mask and stay at least six feet apart from others. The farm will probably have disinfectant available, but it is always wise to bring
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your own. When taking a picture near the tree of your choice make the most of these guidelines by posing with your arms out showing that you are staying safely away from others, including the nearest tree. If you bring a tape measure along for an added prop it will make for a cute picture. Don’t forget a fun Santa or Elf mask to make a picture that you will treasure in the years to come. I hope this informative article helps you to have a wonderful masked Christmas at home with the same people you have been at home with for the past ten months. Don’t be discouraged, I have it on good authority that everything should be back to normal by 2022. Merry Christmas to all from Marilyn and Doug.
summer, we started to enjoy the good again. Jobs were opening, the sun was out, the feeling that maybe we would get back to ‘normal’ again. Then, another wave of the virus hit. People getting sick in large numbers, the threat of another shut-down, the fear of isolation, and political unrest. How do we get through it? Small Steps. As we come to the end of 2020, I wish for you these things;
Contributed by Winona Benson This morning I met my girlfriend at 6:00 at the base of Lazy Mountain for our first hike in the dark of winter. Lisa and I have been hiking together for nearly 11 years. We have had many great adventures. This morning was going to be another good first for us as we started up the hill in full snow gear, crampons, and head lamps. I felt pretty confident about the hike, I had eaten well the night before, drank plenty of water, and had a good night’s sleep. I ate some healthy carbs before I left the house, and so as we began the climb, I felt confident. There was some fluffy snow on top of the trail so even with crampons on, I was still slipping. Taking several steps up and sliding back gets exhausting. My confidence slowly waned. Once we got to the 2,000-foot marker, I stopped for some needed rest. It was at this point that I shared with Lisa that I was stepping in time to a silly little song in my head to keep myself going. Lisa shared an article she read about
climbing mountains. As soon as it becomes difficult, keep your head slightly down and take one step at a time. Don’t look too far up the trail because it can psych you out. She repeated, “just don’t look too far ahead”. As we trudged forward and upward, I thought to myself that this was true in life, we’ve got to take small steps to get to big outcomes. Around the 4,000-foot marker, I noticed that I was sliding a lot more than I should have with spikes. I worked my way to a semi-level spot and did a check of my crampons. The crampon on my right foot upside down! I adjusted the spikes so they would bite into the snow for the rest of the hike. Somewhere between the 4,000 and 5,000-foot markers, there is an incredible view of the valley. Being up there in the dark, you could see all the lights, from Knik up the Glenn towards Sutton, and into Wasilla. The stars were bright in the clear sky and a quarter moon was glowing brilliantly. It is at those moments that you don’t think about the climb, you just embrace the fact that you have the privilege of seeing things from this vantage.
As we climbed up the final feet of the trail, I thought of some successes throughout the week which boosted me up the final elevation. Just before reaching the picnic table, I heard Lisa shout, “Woo-Hoo! Our first dark morning climb!” I smiled. Lazy Mountain is steep and I often dread the descent more than the ascent. It can be hard on the knees and toes. However, in the winter, it is a game changer! Just as we were coming up on the first steep descent, we dropped to our butts and began the slide down the mountain! Laughing and whooping our way down the hill! At the bottom, we congratulated each other on another workout done. A mountain climb could be paralleled with 2020. The Coronavirus and the state of our world has caused pain, fear, unrest, and insecurity. It has also provided us with opportunities to embrace the good that is around us, to savor precious moments and people we love. After the slowing of the virus this
Christmas Season to provide a small gift, not more than $75, a basket of locally made treats, and holiday cards from Alaskans cheering them on and sending support to the clients. Contributed by Lindsey Cashman Dear Alaskans, Set Free Alaska, is a local non-profit serving men, women, and children who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. I’m writing to ask for local support this Christmas.
many of us are able to stretch and extend grace and love to those in need. To help support Alaskans facing some of their most difficult days on the journey to sobriety, we have a women’s residential facility in Wasilla and the men’s residential facility is in Homer.
Our main purpose is to show each person who enters our building love and dignity as they walk the journey to a sober, healthy life.
The home-like properties is where we help our clients, we love them and teach them to love themselves, we work on healthier habits and address mental health straight on.
We believe, if we love others and show them grace and mercy the way we’ve received it from God, the client will begin to value themselves and live impactful, sober lives. As we enjoy the comforts of our blessed life and even endure a difficult year
Sadly, during the holidays, many of our clients will receive nothing. No phone calls, holiday cards, gifts or special meals. The holidays can be especially difficult to stay healthy and sober. At Set Free Alaska, we work with community partners during the
It’s humbling to see what our clients ask for when prompted for Christmas ideas: towels, pens, warm clothing, gas cards, etc. Would you partner with us this year? One way is to donate a gift for Christmas by visiting our website www. setfreealaska.org/donate Another way is to drop off a card of encouragement (addressed to a male or female) to our main office at 7010 E Bogard Road Wasilla, AK 99654. You can reach out to me, Lindsey Cashman and arrange a tax-deductible sponsorship or call our main office at 907-343-4732. We can showcase your business logo as supporters of Set Free
- Embrace the hard times with the knowledge that you are becoming stronger. When you are on a hill, a difficult time, a bad day, stop and be thankful for what you are learning. Along your journey, push aside fear and exchange it for a smile, a laugh, a silly thought. - Bring along a friend, the nearness of someone can push you past what you don’t think you can do alone. - Check your gear. Stock up your kitchen with healthy food, use your calendar to schedule quality time with friends & family, get dressed for movement to strengthen you physically. Stop and breathe - incorporate meditation and prayer. - Laugh. Watch a funny movie, play a game, sing a silly song, play with your kids or dogs! - Take small steps. When life gets hard it’s easy to give up on our goals and our expectations. Remember to keep moving forward – even when you feel like you are sliding backwards. Merry Christmas! Winona Benson Holistic Health Coach, Nutrition Educator and owner of Nourished Health Coaching Services
Alaska in our marketing materials. I can be reached at lindsey.c@ setfreealaska.org or 907-350-9593. If adding Set Free Alaska to your prayer list is possible, we’d greatly appreciate the support in prayer to help these beloved individuals fight for freedom from addiction. This message is intended to hasten the stigma for those suffering from addiction and encourage you to love, first. I pray this is received as my heart intends it. Thank you for reading more about our mission. May you remember the reason for the season and have joyous time with your loved ones! Merry Christmas, Lindsey Cashman Development Director Set Free Alaska
COMMUNITY Contributed by Randi Perlman
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needs to hear about it! Here’s your chance to tell your story and let folks know what you do, who you serve, and how you can be reached. If you have a Nugget to share, contact The People’s Paper at 907.373.2698 or contact@thepeoplespaper.news, and let’s get YOU on the air…
ing in person for any reason, we can even do it over the phone.
My radio show, Non-Profit Nuggets, airs on KNLT 95.5 FM, Hatcher Pass Radio.
You and I will get to meet & chat about one of your favorite subjects, your nonprofit, and once edited, we’ll air it several times a day for a week or so. It’s short and sweet, and an easy way to promote your mission and get your information out to the listeners, at NO COST to you! And, if you don’t feel comfortable meet-
Contributed by Linda Myers-Steele
or senioreducationwasilla@gmail.com.
Senior Ed is directed toward adults who are interested in keeping mentally active, curious, learning and having fun. No tests, no grades, and no homework! At this time, classes are being presented virtually. The instructors volunteer their time. WASI (Wasilla Area Seniors Inc.) hosts the classes. Each class has a separate ID number and Passcode. For questions contact WASI at 376-3104
SPECIAL NOTE: Book Club meets the third Tuesday of the month and will now be presented on the ZOOM platform.
ZOOM Meeting ID: 841 3115 0998 Passcode: 797795 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8413115099 8?pwd=QytLc2Y5Q0NOd0ZQWGJ4S1d oM1NyZz09
“I Read What I Want To Read” Book Club Tuesday, JANUARY 19, 2:00 Facilitated by Andi Nations, Retired Educator.
OTHER JANUARY CLASSES Mat-Su Senior Housing Options Tuesday, January 12, 2:00 By Wasilla Area Senior Center Staff. Pre-
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/ install/888438701
Contributed by Kianna Wilson
interest. In the course of one meeting they gave speeches that painted stories, and evaluations that gave insightful feedback. I was surprised upon learning there was a club designed to help with public speaking, so I went back a few more times before I got the courage to participate in Table topics.
swiping its vicious claws at me every time I tried to get by. Instead, there stood a bear with knowledgeable eyes, soft velveteen paws, and a bowl of porridge that was neither to hot or to cold waiting for me to succeed.
everyone who joins, it’s not always easy, and it can be scary at times. But the adventure is made easier with the help and encouragement of your fellow Toastmasters. And that hill isn’t quite as hard to climb anymore.
I had gone from the little red riding hood, afraid of the big bad wolf, to Goldilocks surrounded by friendly people waiting to help her through.
Every meeting is different, every member is unique, and every club is it’s own family. So, what can Toastmasters offer you? It can offer you a safe, and adventurous place to grow and develop into the leader and warrior you know you can become.
Are you a non-profit organization operating in the Mat-Su Valley? Here’s a fun, legal way to expose yourself…
What can Toastmasters offer you? That is a question every potential member should ask before joining any Toastmasters club. After all, you should know what you are getting into before joining a club right? Well, as a Toastmaster myself, I feel I can better speak on this subject. Before I joined Toastmasters I was incredibly shy, and I had problems even talking to another person. The very thought of being approached by someone else terrified me, it scared me enough that I never took opportunities when they came my way. I felt as though I didn’t deserve anything because I lacked the courage to speak up and make myself known. It took my father bringing me to a Toastmasters meeting to peak my
From that 1 minute shamble full of stutters and pauses, I knew I was going to join Toastmasters. You see, while I absolutely failed to deliver an eloquent answer to the proffered question, I was still able to provide one nonetheless. And I only had that courage from visiting the club multiple times. Afterwards, they gave me a smile and told me I had done a good job. For the first time in quite a while, talking to someone didn’t seem as scary as I made it out to be. Gone was the giant, vexing, wolf that stood in my way
Alaska is third in the country for the most charitable organizations per capita, so we know you’re out there, doing great things for our communities every day, in so many ways, and everybody
This of course didn’t happen overnight, but it did come to pass over time. Since joining Toastmasters I have blossomed into an advent story teller unafraid of venturing into uncharted waters. I have also had the pleasure of seeing other newcomers grow into wonderful leaders, setting out on their own quests because of the courage they gained from Toastmasters. The Toastmasters journey is different for
POLITICS / OPINION Contributed by William Hibler Emeritus Professor, UAF A recent trenchant election article in the National Review by Charles Cooke pointed out that it is “…no great overstatement to say…the media did not so much cover the Biden campaign as they were the Biden campaign.” Combining this with Trump’s lack of discipline and self-indulgence via claims that he won the Election big time now ongoing, it is not hard to see how Biden eked out a win. However, while the Media’s claim of a massive 7 million vote
Contributed by Andrew Brewer The crisis facing the American Republic is not going to end with “a” political decision. Trump, at this hour, has not yet regained the Presidency, which is to be hoped; but even if he does, what can he do that he has not done already? Has he proved to be effective against the mandates and restrictions associated with a virus which the medical establishment refuses to treat? Instead we are told to implement measures, like masks and social distancing, which cannot work, except for their universal ability to shut down our way of life ! We are being killed by the policies of the CDC, the NIH, the AMA and the FDA, which are being mandated by our elected bodies, governors and mayors. How can they be doing this? The first answer is that the mainstream media is
differential muddies the water, the real point is that the winning margin was only ~120 thousand votes in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona combined; less than Trump’s victory in 2016. Biden won by a hair’s breadth! With substantial Congressional losses, the real question is whether the National Democratic Party has now become a permanent Minority Party. Their unwillingness to compromise is legendary. They filibustered the Senate pandemic relief bill and Tim Scott’s Police Reform Bill after the endless summer of ‘mostly
backing the overthrow of the American Republic. How we got to this point is another matter, but it is sufficient to note that it is so. This provides the cover and the narrative to proceed with the dismantling of America, as it occurs before our very eyes. This is what enables our politicians to act with impunity against our rights, our liberties, and our prosperity! The goal is to bring America to its knees… If sufficient resistance can be mustered at the political level, the consolidated media could be busted up. In fact, it must be, or eventually the Global-Left takeover can only be forestalled. The relentless message of the networks, the Press, the magazines, and the News is writing the story we hear. That it is creating a false reality, a corruption of the Truth, somehow does not matter to them. Their goal dictates what they
Become a Non-Profit Nugget and let your voice be heard and your mission shared. For 95.5 The Pass, The People’s Paper, and Make a Scene Magazine, I’m Randi Perlman.
sented via your web browser, https:// www.gotomeet.me/WasillaSeniors, meeting ID #888438701 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (224) 501-3412 Access Code: 888-438-701
If you are interested in checking out our club, you can join us Tuesday evenings at 6 pm AKDT over zoom. You can find our club website here, and you can text or call 907-539-7111 for more information. I hope to see you there!
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peaceful’ demonstrations. Ostensibly, Democrats have drunk the ‘cool aid’ and actually believe the slanted Press coverage and nonsensical poll numbers. But Trump, who makes the most incompetent reporting seem sensible, will soon be gone. What will media and Democrats do then? As noted by William Shirer early in his monumental work ‘The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich’, you can’t decode Nazi Germany without understanding how Goebbels’ Press was clouding what was actually happening. Now rather than
write, print, and say to a public that depends on them for information. This Goal is not the goal of America, but the transition into a New World, which will be dictated by the Big Money interests whom they serve. If the people we elect to public office are beholden to these interests, and it’s apparent that they are, and not the good of America, its freedom, ideals and prosperity, then the scope of the problem is magnified, and the way forward more tenuous. The day when Teddy Roosevelt was able to bust up the Trusts was over a hundred years ago. That success needs to be duplicated on several levels, if we are to regain what is quickly fading away, our American Independence. How long is it necessary to argue with the lies and foolishness that masquerades as good science? The hoax has gone on for way too long. We know what we are dealing with and how to cure it. How to deal with the onslaught
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Goebbels we have Amazon’s Jeff Bezos’ Washington Post. While they claim they speak “Truth to Power”, the suspicion among many Scientists is the Press can’t distinguish between fact and fiction if it hit them in the face. To do so requires recognizing that there are other points of view. Indeed, to listen to a hubristic Elizabeth Warren, a former Harvard Law Professor, it is clear that like the Puritanical New Englanders of Yore the underlying operative assumption (or Faith) of Democrats is that ‘rightly informed consciences all reach the same conclusion’. This myth ultimately led to the downfall of the Puritan Religious State. Will it lead to the Demise of National Democrats?
of the New World Order is the greater problem, because the enemy operates within our own Country. Yes, the People will back the President. But does He have enough support within the Government itself to eradicate the Enemy within? That is the deadly game that is being played out before our eyes, while the mainstream media supports the downfall of our Nation. The times are being called “unprecedented”. And indeed they are. With the perversion of the Truth, and the designs of the Global-Left being manifested throughout our Culture, the situation is tenuous at best. The Left vows not to allow a return to “normal”. The oppression of America is slated to persist until we are rendered into obedient servants of the New World Order. Mind and body-altering vaccinations are next! We are at the beginning of the reign of a worldwide terror! Let the word get out! American Patriots know what is happening and what is at stake. We will take action to preserve our Nation!
MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA
POLITICS / OPINION 2400 stations! National Public Radio has over 1000 stations in the U.S. reaching roughly 25 million weekly listeners. We aren’t even addressing Twitter or TV numbers here. The heads of these organizations thus have unprecedented power for their small numbers to control, edit and stoke fear with this information affecting billions compared to anything that has existed in the past.
Contributed by Doug Ferguson There has always been a concept of “Good” and “Evil” in the history of the human race. “Good” being defined as those actions by humans that are intended to help other humans to experience reasonable levels of freedom, joy and happiness. “Evil” being defined as those intended human actions that do the opposite for self-serving purposes. There are more secular terms like “Beneficial” vs. Non-Beneficial”, but they don’t address the moral aspects of these actions based on the traditional values of our country. There have always been debates over whether or not gun powder, the atomic bomb, and similar inventions have favored “Good” or “Evil” in history. The same holds true for most forms of technology development. However, since the first telegraph and radio transmissions in the early 1800s heralded the beginning of the modern era of electronic communications, there has been something unique about the direction this technology has taken. From the dawn of time, humans’ ability to transfer information was always done physically. This was true whether
Contributed by Velvet Beiswenger The Alaska General Jural Assembly hereby gives public notice to the people of Alaska, the corporate State of Alaska, CEO President Trump, et alia: We the People of Alaska have
it was done verbally, visually, or in written form. Even after the invention of the printing press and mass distribution was possible, it still was a physical process . This physical spread of information to other regions or societies took time. This time allowed this information to be absorbed by its recipients for translations, changes, rebuttals, corruptions or it being discarded completely ending further distribution. Fast forward to our current state of electronic communications technology where large communication networks exist to instantly transmit text, voice and video to vast billions of humans all over the world, even the illiterate. Most of these are controlled by a few huge commercial or government supported alliances and include social media, news and entertainment networks and public radio networks. For instance, Facebook has 1.73 billion daily users! YouTube has over 2.0 billion monthly active users! ABC News Radio is the largest radio content company in the US - reaching 74 million people on
History has always seen those who have used whatever means of communication existed to further their personal agendas. There have been many attempts to do this in the past. In the presidential election of 1948 for example, when Republicans had the most influence on it, national radio and newspapers announced, preprinted and distributed the headline “Dewey Wins!” long before the polls had closed on the West Coast. We now know this attempt to influence voters failed. When the final tallies were made, Harry Truman soundly defeated Tom Dewey and third party candidate Strom Thurmond in what was then the biggest upset in American history. For the current era it’s been the Democratic Party leaders and it’s Progressive “One World” billionaire supporters who have had this media influence during election cycles. Compared to 1948, the propaganda power today for these few elites to control and censor our communications is unprecedented. This should be obvious to anyone witnessing their recent four year media blitz to discredit Donald Trump’s real accomplishments and try to get him removed from office, or, for even running for that office. As a consequence, Saturday, November 7, 2020 will go down as the grand finale of the most brazen attempt in media annals to try and write American history. At approximately 10:30AM EST, all the major networks, news outlets and social media simultaneously called Joe Biden the new U.S. president.
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This despite the fact that due to the high volume of COVID-based “mail-in” ballets, very large percentages of the votes had yet to be counted in critical key states. Other results were being challenged legally in multiple court battles around the country where widespread significant real and apparent voter fraud had been observed in this very close race. Since that Saturday, these same media giants have introduced outright censoring of anyone trying to offer alternate information on voting fraud, actual COVID death rates or any other important data the citizens should know. Anyone doing so is labeled a “conspiracy theorist”, a “public health menace”, or even worse, a “racist”. Facebook, in addition to actual censoring, now “fact checks” people’s posts. This is just another way of calling them “liars” whether the information posted is valid or just an opinion being expressed to their friends or family. YouTube is now also censoring and removing content it feels “doesn’t meet their standards” where they had no such “standards” for similar content prior to the election. After the above mentioned “Saturday Call of Presidential Election for Biden”, respected pollical columnist Roger L. Simon head-lined his column the next day with “Media ‘Calling’ Elections in a Democracy Is Post-Modern Fascism” Many of us would agree with Roger. Back to the original point about electronic communications technology and the national media. By the scale outlined at the beginning of this article, most would also say that scale has definitely tipped toward “Evil” where truth, civility and especially freedom of speech are concerned. It’s already having a profound effect on our traditional freedoms and way of life. You will think correctly and obey! Doug Ferguson is a retired engineer, having worked in the electronic industry for 40 years, now living in Palmer, AK.
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POLITICS / OPINION
MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA
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Contributed by Wes Keller Analogies can be dangerous! Comparing the presidential election to a gently swinging pendulum every four or eight years may have set us up to be unprepared for reality! Most of us alive have never experienced anything but peaceful power transitions, but this one is not over. Presidential campaign losers are typically expected to graciously step aside with no more than hollow promises and platitudes for the next four-year cycle. Now it looks like American history is on the cusp of an anomaly — an abrupt mutation of governing authority! Presidential elections will likely never be the same again. The analogy has worked ONLY because voters trust election results. If a loser believes the majority has spoken, the only honorable credible reaction is to graciously bow-out… no matter how personally humiliating the loss may be. Now it looks like voter trust has been horribly ruined. The mainstream media is telling us the choice of 70 + million patriotic Americans is a loser and refusing to report the overwhelming evidence of election fraud! (I use the word “evidence” because that is EXACTLY what credible public testimony is!). Of course, all public testimony must be carefully verified and tested before it becomes the basis for judicial conviction and sentencing, but an election is not a judicial action! (Remember, credible accusations are exactly what grand jury’s act on). The media is way out of line to ignore (hide) documented public testimony, the best of the fruit of the of free speech. We-the-People know we are not the
judge and jury for justice, but we are the authority that authorizes and pays taxes to maintain a judicial system based on the Rule of Good Law. “We the People” own and are the power behind the US Constitution (the “contract”) we are supposedly governed by. (We even reserve the right to amend it as needed!) It is embarrassing to see the mainstream media posing as a judicial or electoral authority as if they are our legal representatives! They have no right to declare winners and losers — or to censor and hide testimony to support their declaration! They are authorized to report, not manipulate. This is especially ridiculous in light of the scope of information out there. Freedom of Speech requires listening, especially to coherent, recorded, public testimony in particular when the testimony comes from whistle-blowers charging treasonous election fraud. If either Biden or Trump is actually confirmed without a transparent, unbiased Congressional (legislative) investigation to vindicate the win, you (we) will have been overthrown (fired) by those supposedly working for us because our voting power will have been lost. The 2020 “transfer of power” election would no longer be about our choice for president. It will have become a coup — a transfer from the authority of the voting majority to some nebulous oligarchy! This disregard of voter choice would include the chaos we always see when “sovereigns” (in this case, “We the People”) are overthrown. All constitutional promises would be off! Don’t expect SCOTUS to come to our rescue if our State legislators concede and allow this vote to be certified before illegal votes are identified and eliminated.
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Contributed by Bill Brokaw 2020 is a year we’ll never forget. The arrival of the world-wide virus has changed our lives completely and forever. Only God knows what the future holds. We have to rely on him to supply us with the wisdom to handle the huge changes necessary to survive. We are all very social beings. Physically, we have
to distance ourselves from so many of our good friends and relatives. This distancing is so difficult, since tradition has always allowed us to physically enjoy relationships with these folks we love. Since we are in the age of technology, communication via phone and computer are possible and enjoyed, but not in the same way as is face to face.
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Why would SCOTUS act on behalf of the Constitution when the alternative is to be counted in a new ruling oligarchy? We must do whatever we can to make sure illegal votes are identified and eliminated whether it confirms Trump, Biden, or the House’s choice! The Republic is ultimately doomed if we tolerate the destruction of trust in the election system. It will be dead or dying at the hands of media and cheaters! If voters have no faith our vote will be fairly counted, a rapid mutation of our republic will be underway. Public testimony must be evaluated in our court system in a process that will inevitably go well beyond December 14. In any event, a pre-mature inauguration will put us in dark, uncharted waters. I am very convinced there are enough 2020 voters who are hard-core constitutionalists to get us through this mess given the chance, but it is unclear to me how this can happen without voting. I cannot imagine an America where our civic duty to vote is despised because it has been demonstrated to be a sham! We can survive loss of trust in the media, maybe even the loss of some state sovereignty, and maybe some loss of faith in court system justice — but, there is no recovery if “We the People”, the Constitutional power source, is overthrown! If we have no reliable voting system, the pendulum analogy is proven a farce. Without honest, fair elections, our constitutional government based on the “the rule of law” cannot even exist! Instead, we would have “the rule of TV”! We become subject to the rule of whatever “mob” grabs our government assets and pretends to represent us – not comforting thoughts. It would truly be a tragic, cruel irony if the very product of freedom as represented by the Statue of Liberty (We the People) — surrenders to self-destruction! Wes Keller | WesKeller.com
Stay-at-home is now necessary! Our immediate home-bound families are the recipients of our stay-at-home actions and conversations. As the virus continues to grow, we have to grow in our adjustment to the actions and communication that are necessary for a healthy, stay-at-home existence. May the arrival of the vaccine bring a change-back to our lives before the virus. Written by Bill Brokaw who is located in room C37 of the Palmer Vets and Pioneers Home. 907-707-0927
pick a candidate only from that list. No latitude is allowed. But, the process does not start there.
Contributed by William R. Satterberg, Jr. I have been practicing both civil and criminal law since 1976. For several years, I have been asked why I did not become a judge. There are numerous reasons. One primary reason is because I have a serious skepticism over the current selection process used for judges in Alaska. While proponents claim it is solely a merit-based system, I dissent. Selecting judges in Alaska involves a rather unique method. Interested candidates must first submit their names to the Alaska Judicial Council. The Council is made up of six members drawn three each from the public and the legal profession with a tie breaking seventh member being the Chief Justice of the Alaska Supreme Court. As designed, the Judicial Council was intended to be an organization which would vet candidates who had applied for judgeship. After engaging in this vetting process, the Council would then forward names which the Council voted as acceptable potential judges to the Governor, who would then appoint a judge only from that list of approved Judicial Council candidates. Regretfully, the system does not work as intended. In 1990, I was a
campaign coordinator for then-to-be Governor Walter J. Hickel, who ran on Joe Vogler’s Independence Party ticket. After the Governor had been elected, I was encouraged to apply for a judgeship. I answered that the likelihood of me ever getting an appointment was dismal. After all, I did not have the experience at the time, having only been practicing for fourteen years. In addition, my self-esteem had always suffered. A timid person by nature, I did not want to see the results of the required Bar Polls. One staffer suggested that I should still submit my name. If my name did not get referred from the Judicial Council, he said the administration could simply keep rejecting names until mine eventually showed up. Although that is not how the selection process actually works, I still was flattered. However, I did not believe in participating in such a charade. I declined. Which brings me to my personal opinions to follow. Alaska’s Judicial Council has become a politicized organization in many respects. Presumably, the Council objectively analyzes the qualifications of various candidates, investigates backgrounds, conducts impartial interviews, and then forwards “the most qualified” candidates to the Governor. The Governor’s obligation is to then
Rather, even before prospective candidates are reviewed by the Judicial Council, they must first submit to the “Bar Poll.” The Bar Poll is supposed to be candid evaluations of the candidates by fellow legal practitioners, who must sign a statement that they intend to be truthful in their evaluations. In practice however, the Bar Poll is often an opportunity for answering attorneys to take shots at any applicant that they may dislike. For years, the Bar Poll has been slightly more than a sophisticated blog, long before blogs became commonplace. And, to make the insults even worse, respondents can submit their comments anonymously. Because disclosing one’s name is optional, the Bar Poll has very little practical credibility. The considerations which go into evaluating attorneys for potential judgeship as expressed in the Bar Poll often have nothing to do with the qualifications of the candidate. To the contrary, Bar Poll responses are often calculated to take advantage of geographical location, gender, and other political considerations. Traditionally, the perception is that Anchorage votes against Fairbanks candidates, and Fairbanks votes against Anchorage candidates. No one knows what Southeast Alaska does. And it goes on – Prosecutors vote for Prosecutors. Defenders vote for Defenders, etc. ARTICLE CONTINUES ONLINE: www.thepeoplespaper.news/ williamsatterberg
HEALTH & WELLNESS Contributed by Kimberly Ziegler Our current pandemic has brought to light many changes for all of us. One benefit we have found is the importance of what is called aging in place. Keeping our seniors in their homes and out of care facilities is important in this new pandemic age but also to go back to generational family living situations. Did you realize that every 20 minutes an older adult dies from a fall, and many
more are injured? For the age group 65-74, falls become the leading cause of preventable injury-related death. One in four older adults fall every year and fewer than half ever tell their doctor. 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments each year due to fall injuries and more than 800,000 patients are hospitalized because of injuries due to a fall, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture. Because of these astonishing numbers
we have created a client-focused approach that has helped 101 Mobility to successfully identify and implement the best mobility solutions for so many families and businesses. Scott Heim and his team of Mobility Specialists are dedicated to improving your quality of life, and you can count on us to go the extra mile to accomplish that goal. We offer Outstanding Service & Support, Free On-Site Consultations, Flexible Options, Expert Installation & Service, and 101 Warranty Protection 101 Mobility Anchorage is here to guide you through the entire process. We know our products inside and out,
MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA
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and you can count on us to provide you with unbiased accessibility advice from the very first time you call or visit us. From there, our team of professionals will conduct an on-site consultation to identify your personal mobility goals or analyze challenging access points within your home or business. Then, our factory-trained and certified Mobility Specialists will safely and efficiently install your new solution, demonstrate your new product, and conduct any necessary maintenance and repairs following installation. We also know that some mobility needs are only temporary, which is why 101 Mobility Anchorage offers a great rental program.
control of their lives. Recover Alaska is thrilled to be able to offer this help free of charge for people in need.
Contributed by Tiffany Hall Recover Alaska is encouraging Alaskans to be more mindful of their drinking habits during a season often synonymous with overindulging in treats and spirits, especially amidst a global pandemic. Through their partnership with an Alaska-made mobile app called Step Away, users are able to identify triggers and habits early on. Since the pandemic started, 1 in 3 Alaskans have reported using more alcohol than pre-pandemic, according to the Department of Health and Social Services. As a way for people to understand their relationship with alcohol, University of Alaska Anchorage Department of Psychology Professor Patrick
Contributed by Stephanie Figon, MS, RDN, LD This is the time of year clothes are getting tighter and many people start making plans to lose these extra pounds along with the ones from past holiday seasons. This year may be particularly tough if pandemic baking has become a part of your life. Soon the ads will start popping up promising effortless weight loss with the “before” picture showing a gloomy overweight person contrasted with their beaming happy self about 4 months later and 50 pounds lighter. These ads are part of “diet culture”, an unjust and sometimes infuriating cultural belief that equates a person’s body size and food choices with moral virtue and value as a human being. For some, it drives a relentless pursuit of thinness that distracts from everything that is truly important in life. But, when a third of Americans have a BMI of 30 or more (the point at which health problems really start showing up), it’s time to recognize that there’s
Dulin, Ph.D., created the Step Away app as a tool for users to reduce their drinking, maintain their sobriety, and understand their drinking habits. “Not only are people struggling with their sobriety right now, there are also people out there using more alcohol due to stresses related to the pandemic,” said Tiffany Hall, executive director of Recover Alaska. “The Step Away app is an amazing tool anyone can use that really gets to know you through a series of questions and personalizes solutions based on your specific habits and needs. It helps you understand your relationship with alcohol and what you can do to make healthy changes. Best thing, it’s always there for you when you need it.”
a lot more going on than a couple of months of dieting is going to solve. Stress hormones, sleep cycles, gut microbiota, hunger and satiety hormones. All these are playing their part in influencing a person’s food choices and making a person’s weight go to where it does—for most people, that would be up, and then, up further. It can feel like your weight is on autopilot and, just like your blood pressure and cholesterol, sometimes it just goes where it wants to go and doesn’t ask your permission. But just because the body makes it difficult, that doesn’t mean you can get out of the rigged weight management game. The body you’re in needs to last you a long time, and carrying extra weight is just too costly. Whether it’s hunting, hiking, or playing with kids or grandkids, weight affects your ability to do the things you want in life. What the dieting ads won’t tell you is that most people who start a diet won’t stay on it long enough to lose significant weight, because it’s darn hard to follow all rules of a diet long term. Any calorie-restricted diet will produce
Recover Alaska has partnered with Step Away after it launched in July. While many of us indulge in mindless eating and drinking out of stress or holiday cheer, the nonprofit is encouraging Alaskans to check out the app to see if you really should “step away.” “Staying sober during the holidays is already tough, and with a pandemic in the mix, it’s making it even more challenging as triggers are everywhere and in-person help is harder to come by,” said Hall. “Whether you’re sober or even sober curious, this app really keeps you accountable. Between the visual graph of progress and the alerts that warn about possible triggers, this app supports and empowers people to take
weight loss; the real problem with the dieting approach is that it’s actually a lot easier to lose weight than it is to keep it off. Dieting is a temporary solution to a very permanent problem, that the body always wants to go back up to a higher weight. Since your body has such a predisposition to defend its highest previous weight, dietitians recommend putting a lot more emphasis on preventing overeating during the holiday season and rejecting the popular, but flawed idea that the new year’s diet will fix things later. By all means—enjoy every bite of these special holiday foods, but focus on mindful eating and adapting your food environment *now* to help prevent weight gain. Here are our top recommendations: 1. Put those tempting foods out of sight. Research has found that cluttered kitchens cause overeating. 2. Jot down everything you eat (when you are eating) in a small notebook.
The Step Away app is available to download now on Apple and Android app stores for free using a special access code provided by Recover Alaska. Otherwise, it’s free for the first week, and then can be purchased for a monthly fee of $4.99. About Recover Alaska Recover Alaska is a multi-sector action group pursuing a solutions-based approach to reduce excessive alcohol use and harms across the state. Partners include the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, Mat-Su Health Foundation, Providence Health and Services Alaska, Rasmuson Foundation, Southcentral Foundation, State of Alaska’s Department of Health and Social Services, and University of Alaska Anchorage. The vision for Recover Alaska is for Alaskans to live free from the consequences of alcohol misuse, so we are empowered to achieve our full potential. For more information, visit recoveralaska.org.
This will cause you to unconsciously plan ahead. 3. Be mindful of physical signals of hunger and satiety. Stop and ask yourself if you are really hungry, and then stop when you feel full. 4. Take time to thoroughly enjoy each bite. So, whether you ultimately decide to try that new year’s diet or decide not to, the research clearly shows that maintaining weight loss and preventing next year’s holiday weight gain is going to depend on long- term mindfulness and figuring out what habits are really causing that upward weight trend. At Alaska Weight Management and Diabetes Counseling, we’ve found that this is often a very eye-opening discovery process for our clients. For dietitians, weight management counseling is all about equipping clients with all the positively proven tools for achieving long-term health. Many people are surprised that their private health insurance preventive care benefits cover nutrition counseling at 100% for anyone with a BMI above 30. Find details at Nutrition907.com. As always, we wish you a happy Christmas and wellness in the New Year.
PETS & ANIMALS
MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA
Contributed by Angie Lewis Alaska Animal Advocates Separation anxiety issues seem to have become one of the most common problems for dogs. With this, your dog becomes very upset, stressed and panicky when left alone. The behaviors that result from separation anxiety include nonstop barking or whining, chewing up household or personal items, and soiling in the house when your dog is left alone. Some people have become so frustrated with the negative behaviors resulting that they give up on their dogs and try to rehome them or take them to the pound. Even worse, some of these dogs are being euthanized because their humans have become so unhappy with them and don’t know what else to do. I think we need to try and understand where this anxiety comes from and what causes it. First, we must accept that dogs are very social creatures, and they love being with us. Sometimes they love us so much that they simply cannot stand to be without us. How should we deal with these problem behaviors? We need to teach our dogs how to be comfortable alone. Punishment is not as effective as more humane methods. Try to ignore the negative
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life at an early age. I used to keep my dogs in a separate part of the house, where they could see me, but not be able to come sit with me. This lasted only for about 15 minutes or so, but started them on the road of feeling comfortable when not in my direct company. I also left them with lots of toys to occupy them.
behaviors and reward the positive behaviors with treats, praise, or toys. Leaving the house routines are important aspects of this process. Experts advise us to keep departure routines low key. Ignore your dog for about 15 minutes before you leave the house. Leave a special treat, such a Kong toy, filled with a desired treat. This will hopefully set the pace for your dog’s emotional state. In addition to occupying your dog for a while, it can also associate your departing with a pleasant experience. Remove the Kong when you return, so that your dog only associates the Kong with your leaving. Providing enough exercise time for your dog is vital. If you can, try to provide some exercise before you need to leave the house. We all know that a tired dog is a good dog. Another preventative strategy is to build some alone time into your dog’s
There are also natural pheromones that help make your dog feel safe and calm, while you are gone. In addition, a snug body wrap, such as a Thunder Shirt can help many dogs relax. Returning home is another important piece of the puzzles. Remember that you want to reward good behavior, not bad. If your dog jumps on you or is too excited. Ignore him until he has calmed down and then reward him with treats or praise. Sometimes, separation anxiety is so severe that the help of a veterinarian or an animal behaviorist/trainer must be enlisted. Your veterinarian may suggest medications that can help to calm your dog down. A behaviorist can help with developing strategies to address your dog’s stressful responses to being left alone. The sooner you address these separation anxiety issues, the better. These problems do not usually resolve on their own. Intervention is critical.
To meet these lovely kitties, call Alaska Animal Advocates and ask for Angie at 907-841-3173 Contributed by Angie Lewis Alaska Animal Advocates These beautiful kitties were found as strays, freezing and starving. A kind family took them in and showed them that not all humans are cruel. Since then, they have been well
fed and well loved. They are now ready to become part of a forever home. They are a bit shy initially, but easily overcome that with attention and tenderness. Call Angie at 907-841-3173.
Mat-Su Summer Festival 2021 Announced Laretta, Age 6
Eleanor, Age 7
Riley, Age 11
Cooper, Age 12
MORE ON PAGE 11 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE
PETS & ANIMALS Contributed by Kelleigh Orthmann Kitty is a lovely tortoiseshell girl with dappled highlights like sundrops over her coats. She is a senior cat, maybe 13 or so. She is not quite ready to retire, although long naps with her loved ones are great. Kitty still has energy to explore and she likes to hang out with her friends, which could include gentle dogs, friendly cats, and loving people. She’s very sweet and easy-going and seems to do well with anyone who is kind and loving to her. She fits in easily with a loving happy family and is ready to be your beloved Kitty girl for the rest of her life. She would love a yard to enjoy the sweet scent of spring when it comes and the delight of birdsong and rustling green leaves. To meet sweet Kitty, please call 980-8898.
MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA
Contributed by Angie Lewis Alaska Animal Advocates This charming 5 month old Pitbull/Bulldog Mix has the most wonderful personality. He has lots of crazy, puppy energy, but he knows when to be gentle and loving. Speckles loves treats and therefore will be a pleasure to train. He is neutered, has a lifetime enrollment in a microchip program, is vaccinated, and dewormed. If you would like to meet Speckles and give him a good belly-rub, call Angie at Alaska Animal Advocates at 841-3173
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