The People's Paper December 2021

Contributed by Josh Fryfogle This is a story of many local businesses, working together to do what they said can’t be done. It’s a love story.

I love working with locally-owned businesses. I’ve even acted on that love for locally-owned business, with the campaign effort ‘Vote Local’. More on that later.

This story begins with one of my favorite locally-owned businesses, Mat-Su Food Co-op. The food sector of any local economy ought to be

willing to try to do what the internet and others said wasn’t doable.

And when I reached out to him with a seemingly impossible task, he didn’t even hesitate. talking about it. He described it as the worst smell he’d ever smelled.

The meat had putrified in the heat, and my truck smelled of death.

When I returned to Alaska and opened the door, I was overwhelmed by the smell, and then, I was overwhelmed by the summer bugs that literally swarmed me. Even with the meat removed (thanks to my son), the smell of the interior of the truck was so bad that bugs literally swarmed me, to get to whatever rot they were attracted to.

It was surreal, this stink.

After a few days of talking to people about my situation, my unscientific poll of friends and family and my various internet searches, I was not encouraged. I was told by several folks that I would need to replace the interior entirely. Ugh, I did not want to hear that. I wanted to believe that there must be a way.

We talked about the problem, and made an action plan. I followed several internet remedies to help absorb the stank (containers filled with vinegar, containers filled with fresh coffee grounds, Febreeze for days, ozone spray), and we let it sit for a while. This did seem to take the edge off, but it was still a toxic, terrible interior.

To give you an idea of how bad it was, I took a jacket out of the backseat, which never came into direct contact with the rotted meat. I put that single item of clothing in my laundry room, and then went to the store to get some vinegar. When I returned, my entire house reeked of that same rotten smell. I washed the jacket in the washer, on the “heavy duty” setting, over and over and over again.

I eventually got the smell completely out, so I knew it was possible. But how do you do that with a truck interior?

Then, after a couple weeks of replacing the vinegar and coffee grounds, I decided to air out the vehicle. The weather had cooled as fall had arrived, the bugs had relented, and I let the breeze pass through the open doors of the vehicle every day for another few weeks.

This helped, but the truck interior still smelled of death, but with a coffee and vinegar flavor. I still gag a little, thinking about it.

My locally-owned business radar landed on Alaska Detail. I reached out to my friend Tory Rieless, a co-owner of this Palmer business, and longtime musician friend of mine. I first met him when he was in high school, and I in my twenties. He was in bands, and I was facilitating local music stages in the Mat-Su. His attention to detail, his striving for perfection, his will to succeed, all were noticeable even then. Tory was a highly motivated perfectionist.

When I first heard that he had started his own auto detailing business, it just made sense. Of course he did.

Knowing Tory’s will to succeed, I thought that perhaps he would be

Tory’s team at Alaska Detail did it right. They over did it by any normal measure. But still, the smell persisted.

It wasn’t nearly as bad as before progress was made - but I still wouldn’t have offered anyone a ride anywhere.

I took it back to Tory, who wasn’t discouraged in the slightest. He was only more determined. We decided that we needed to remove the front passenger seat and treat it separately from the rest of the problem.

Tory Rieless shared his favorite quote: “You don’t have problems, just more work to do.”

Tory reached out to another local company, Revision Truck Accessories,

of the utmost concern for us all, right? We all eat. What if, God forbid, something happens and they can’t get boats unloaded for some reason, and the supply chain breaks down, and all the shelves are bare? It looks like we’ve gotten a taste of that reality recently, but I digress.

I got my monthly delivery from MatSu Food Co-op, picking it up from my office in Wasilla this past July. I put it in my truck, and rushed home that day. I was a bit overwhelmed, because I was leaving the next morning for the airport, to travel to see my family down South. I would be gone for a week or so.

The next morning I hurried into my son’s vehicle, without considering

the box of meat that was sitting in my truck, in the front passenger seat.

He took me to the airport, and off I went, leaving behind a disaster in the making.

That week was an incredibly hot week in Alaska. Clear skies most of the time, near constant sunlight, and my truck was slowly but surely becoming uninhabitable. It sat in the sun, there in my driveway, while the wonderful, local meat was decomposing for days.

My son called to tell me the bad news, after opening my truck door, the day before I would return to Alaska. He called, and I could hear how bad the smell was by his gagging while ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW FOLD

for help. Before, this was a story about hard work, perseverance, stick-toit-tiveness and all that, but now our tale was about community. And isn’t that the way anything gets done?

By community members working together?

Brad Kiehn, the owner of Revision Truck Accessories, was ready and willing to help. I drove over to his shop on the Palmer Wasilla Hwy, near the Four Corners intersection, and he had the tools and technical know-how to get the electrically-equipped seat out in minutes. I had a great conversation with the guy, too!

Art Courses at MatSu College

MORE ON PAGE 10 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE

I felt a sense of hope and Alaskan spirit, seeing how my truck tragedy was bringing a group of local business people together. It was truly challenging, but not insurmountable.

As I write this story today, the front passenger seat is still removed from the vehicle. We’ve decided to try one more pass through the process at Alaska Detail, but I’ve accepted the fact that, while I might need to replace that passenger seat, the rest of the interior is restored, and honestly, cleaner than it’s been for years.

Student Art Exhibit at Palmer Museum MORE ON PAGE 8 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE

But the big picture here, the moral of the story, is not about auto detailing.

It’s about local people, who actually live here, Alaskans who recognize a challenge as an opportunity. It’s about neighbors and community members not giving up, by not giving up on each other.

Alaskans have a long history of overcoming the odds, and dealing with circumstances that seem impossible. It’s the Alaskan spirit that we hear so much about, driving us to make do where others don’t. Working with Tory and the team at Alaska Detail in Palmer reminded me of what that means.

Chanukah Lights Shine Across Valley MORE ON PAGE 12 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER

My front passenger seat might be a loss, and the locally-grown meat from the Mat-Su Food Co-op, well, I’m still a little sad about the waste. But my faith in community is renewed, just like my truck interior.

Vote Local.

Check out our growing directory of locally-owned businesses, at www.VoteLocal.info

The Nomad Lit for Christmas

MORE ON PAGE 13 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER

COMMUNITY

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

set up with a special visitation from Santa, and he’ll have some toys for the kiddos. Military Christmas trees will be decorated, and a table set for the Unknown Soldier.

Stories are told, compassion and camaraderie are shared, and the love for one another abounds.

Meals are prepared and delivered to the homebound and their families from Sutton to Talkeetna. A drive through service will also be available for pickup of holiday meals.

Contributed by Joan Klapperich The Christmas Holiday Season can be a difficult time for many for a multitude of reasons, and that’s why as a community, the tradition of the Christmas Friendship Dinner is once again a truly joyful experience for many.

What is the Christmas Friendship Dinner? It’s a holiday tradition started over three decades ago by Bob and Judy Bowers for the Mat-

Su community to come together to share a wonderfully home-cooked meal of holiday delectable delights including turkey, ham, stuffing, and all the trimmings, including a fabulous dessert, all without a cost.

All are invited and welcome to come.

While enjoying this festive meal, you’ll enjoy some wonderful live holiday entertainment that includes bagpipes, tuba’s, choirs, and local vocalists and musicians. Santa’s wonderland will be

Contributed by Doris Thomas Give yourself or someone else you want to keep safe in 2022 the gift of a boating safety class. “Boat America,” a six-lesson course for recreational boaters, will be offered Jan. 22-23 via Zoom by the Eagle River Flotilla, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

The class will meet from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday and Sunday. Students will complete the final exam online at home after the class.

Subjects covered will include small boat handling, trailering, legal requirements including Alaska boating law,

Who? The Christmas Friendship Dinner is a non-profit organization of volunteers that donate their valuable time and resources year-round dedicated to the success of the Dinner and event.

Local businesses, individuals, and organizations donate food, money, services for the success of the event. An estimated 400 plus volunteers serve or provide a needed duty for 3,000 plus dinners prepared, and other ‘elf-like’ needs of the event. (That’s 2 tons of turkey, 800 pounds of carrots to give you a little idea!)

families, elderly, and all sorts of local community members. A great event to strike up a conversation and make a few new friends, too!

Where?

The buffet-style dinner is held on the MTA Turf Field of the Menard Sports Center, and drive-through is also on premise at 1001 S. Clapp St. Wasilla.

When?

Meals are served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Christmas Day December 25th.

How? If you need a meal for the homebound or their families, please fill out the form on the website: www. christmasfriendshipdinner.com by 3 p.m. Dec. 23rd To volunteer, call Tia at 907-631-9767; or email: CFDinnerinfo@gmail.com Donations are kindly accepted, but not on the day of the event.

Participate, volunteer, donate, spread some Christmas cheer, and know what it’s like to live in a generous and loving community!

The entire community is invited and welcome to come. You will see children,

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

Hope to see you there!

navigation rules, emergency procedures and personal watercraft considerations. The cost is $25, which includes the textbook and Eventbrite fee.

gmail.com.

Course information is at this link: tinyurl.com/2p8rju8e The direct Eventbrite registration link is tinyurl.com/crdvtn4c Early registration is encouraged so the flotilla has time to mail the textbook to the student before the class.

Anyone who has questions or can’t register online may contact the flotilla at (907) 694-3570 or cgauxeagleriver@

This course meets the requirements for safety certification in many states and some insurance companies will offer a discount to skippers who have completed the course.

U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Alaska: wow.uscgaux.info/content. php?unit=170 Alaska State Office of Boating Safety: www.alaskaboatingsafety.org U. S. C. G. Office of Boating Safety: www.uscgboating.org National Safe Boating Council: www. safeboatingcouncil.org

• • • • People with a GABA deficiency may experience: anxiety/nervousness/jumpy or on edge headaches irritability heart palpitations seizures hypertension A deficiency of GABA in people with autism can contribute to the poor inhibition that allows their brain to become over stimulated, which results in their living in a constant state of anxiety.

Contributed by Dori Cranmore R.N.

nervous tension.

GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) is a non-essential amino acid found mainly in the human brain and eyes. It is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it regulates brain and nerve cell activity by inhibiting the number of neurons firing in the brain. GABA is referred to as the “brain’s natural calming agent”. By inhibiting over-stimulation of the brain, GABA may help promote relaxation and ease

Mostly GABA is used for overactive brain activity such as those with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Autism. ADHD is one of the most common behavioral disorders in America. It has affected millions of children and the process still continues.

Because of the over activity with these disorders the body will use up the GABA leaving the inability to focus and concentrate.

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GABA has also been named as “anxiety” amino acid as it utilizes vitamin B and Vitamin B3. In case of a proper functioning brain, vitamin B3 unites with benzodiazepine receptors, which helps in dealing with stress, properly. If there is a lack of vitamin B3 or improper utilization of the vitamin, it can affect the proper brain function.

Factors that can reduce GABA levels include: • B1, B6, zinc, manganese and iron

deficiency Chronic stress Chronic pain Mercury or lead exposure Inadequate sleep

You cannot get GABA naturally from foods. But a variety of foods contain substances such as flavonoids that influence how GABA works in the brain.

These foods include: Fruits, vegetables, teas and red wine.

Drugs for treating ADHD are often over prescribed and are not always very helpful. The medicines are basically anti-depressants or stimulants. Parents become extremely frustrated with the side effects. Amino acids, however, help in restoring the balance and keeping the mind and body calm.

GABA is not recommended for pregnant women or those with BiPolar disease. Benzodiazapines, barbiturates and alcohol can decrease the effect of Gaba.

Dori Cranmore RN is the owner of All About Herbs, inc. This information was provided for educational purposes only and not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition.

COMMUNITY

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

nitely helps you build confidence.

Contributed by Marilyn Bennett Let me tell you why it would be a good idea to think about Toastmasters while making your New Years Resolutions.

The reason is, that by joining Toastmasters in 2022 you could improve your chances of achieving at least seven of the most common New Years Resolutions.

A recent study shows that most people do not keep their New Years resolutions for more than one week and only 19% can keep the pledge for a year. That being the case I will show you how you can beat the odds by joining Toastmasters.

Looking over a list of 50 resolutions in lifehack.org I can attest to the fact that the following resolutions will be easy for you if you join Toastmasters Improve Your Concentration. Giving speeches and evaluations at our meetings will definitely improve your concentration.

Meet New People. By joining our club you will also get to meet people from all over the world through our new Zoom connections.

Develop Confidence. Giving speeches and receiving positive feedback defi-

Face Your Fears and Insecurities. If you have a fear of public speaking or speaking to new people, Toastmasters is definitely the place for you.

10. Reduce Stress. Speaking week after week in a positive environment definitely will help reduce your stress level.

14. Watch Less TV. Interacting away from your TV is always healthy.

40. Learn More About Music, Art, and Culture. You would be surprised the wide variety of speeches you will be exposed to if you join Toastmasters.

Join for six months or join for a year and you will not regret it . In Toastmasters, we help each other by practicing our

you hire an IEP to perform those duties and report back to you in a concise and understanding way. It is crucial that the IEP have training and experience in Industrial Hygiene, Moisture Management and Building Science.

Contributed by Patrick Hartshorn If you were not able to read my first two articles in the past two months of “The Peoples Paper”, please do so to assure you are reading this as part of a series of discussions. If you don’t have a copy of your paper, you can go to www. makeasceneak.com for past issues.

We touched on the history, the myths, and the mayhem within this industry in past articles, now I would like to talk about the steps leading into the process of dealing with mold in your home (I will use the work home for simplicity, but this applies to any buildings).

When mold growth occurs indoors remediation is necessary, and you will need to make the decision of doing the work yourself or hiring professional remediators. Mold remediation is a physical removal process and requires the use of HEPA equipment, air movers, containment, and several other industry specific tools and procedures, so for some, doing a project yourself can be overwhelming.

Regardless of If you do it yourself or hire a remediator, you need to establish “Baselines” for the area to be remediated and any adjacent areas.

Industry standards state that the initial inspection should be completed by an “Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP)”. The definition of an IEP is, “an individual who is qualified by knowledge, skill, education, training, certification, and experience to perform an assessment of the fungal ecology of structures, systems, and contents at a job site, create a sampling strategy, sample the indoor environment and submit to an appropriate laboratory, interpret laboratory data and determine Condition 1, 2 or 3 for the purpose of establishing a scope of work and verifying the return of the job site to Condition 1.” To help understand that definition better, Condition 1 is, “normal fungal ecology” (in other words: no mold growth issues). Condition 2 is, “settled spores or fungal fragments” (coming from a mold growth issue) and Condition 3 is, “actual growth”. Sounds elaborate, doesn’t it? Well, no need to memorize all the details, that is why

The IEP develops a hypothesis based on past building history, occupant statements and visual evidence and then investigates further with specialized equipment capable of identifying issues that can be invisible to the human eye. An IEP can assess if moisture intrusion exists in materials or areas such as subfloors or wall cavities when there is no visual or physical evidence on the surfaces. Once an IEP completes the initial inspection process, they complete an air sampling plan to determine the “per cubic meter” counts of airborne mold spores within the remediation area and any adjacent areas subject to cross contamination.

It is important to understand this air sampling process is not a determination of the “indoor air quality” or an assessment for occupant health, it is only a measurement of airborne spores to help determine if additional activities are necessary to reduce air and flat surface spore counts in or around the remediation area while the physical remediation is being completed.

The pre-remediation sample results are used for comparison to the results from Post Remediation Clearance samples collected after the remediation is completed to assure the remediation activities did not create an airborne spore count issue. Basically, the air samples are an additional tool assisting the IEP in determining pre-remediation airborne spore levels and then postremediation airborne spore levels to

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speaking in a non threatening environment. Discover more about Palmer Toastmasters at our website: palmer. toastmastersclubs.org. Join one of our meetings in person on the 1st and/ or 2nd Tuesday of each month in the conference room at Turkey red (550 S. Alaska Street in Palmer) at 6 PM or online via Zoom every Tuesday night at 6 PM. We start on time.

For the Zoom link, visit the meeting directions tab at our club website: https:// palmer.toastmastersclubs.org/.

We are a friendly group of positive valley people who meet to help each other grow and have fun together in the process. We invite you to get to know us better by joining one or more meetings as a guest.

help document the overall efficacy of the remediation activities.

Once the initial inspection process is completed, the IEP provides the homeowner with an inspection and recommendations report indicating the findings and guiding them into the physical remediation process.

Remediation firms will require this information for their review to develop an accurate scope of work and provide cost estimates for the project. The primary focus is always the correction of water intrusion issues first and then removal of mold growth followed by proper cleaning methods.

If the baseline airborne spore counts are within an acceptable range, the focus of the remediators is to keep it that way utilizing specialized equipment to avoid cross contamination errors. If the baseline airborne spore counts indicate an issue exists within or outside the remediation area, then the correction measures would be included in the scope of work. If the unfortunate event of cross contamination occurs during the remediation activities, which industry wide is believed to be about 20% of the time, this would be revealed in the post remediation airborne spore count sampling. By having followed industry guidelines with both pre- and post-remediation documentation, the remediation company can then be held responsible for the costs to correct the new airborne spore count issues.

When this happens, the costs of the IEP process could become the cheapest insurance you ever purchased.

Questions or comments: 907-232-1007, info@advancelookak.com. Patrick Hartshorn, IH, CRMI, Advance Look Building Inspections & Environmental Testing.

COMMUNITY Contributed by Lauralynn Robison Christmas is coming this month and many families in our community are struggling not only with food insecurities, but homelessness, and the ability to provide for their families. The MatSu Food Bank will be operating normal pick-up and normal hours through Thursday, December 23rd. We are extremely grateful for all the donations we have received and are receiving.

The generosity of our community is such a marvelous blessing and “Thank You” everyone. Remember, if you can donate food or money, to help your neighbor, we are extremely grateful. Our Pantry is Open Monday through Friday 10am to 1pm, to receive your donations. Also, we are open to the public, if you or someone you know needs assistance with food.

The Staff and Board of Directors for the MatSu Food Bank want to wish our community a very Merry Christmas filled with joy and love.

We are truly grateful for all the resources available to help our wonderful community. Remember: No One should go hungry! Please take a minute to visit our web page https:// www.matsufoodbank.org.

You can also follow us on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ MatSuFoodBank. See the many ways you can contribute, by volunteering and making donations, help us help our community. Please contact us at (907)357-3769 to schedule time to volunteer, or for more information concerning donations…Or for other questions call 211. Thank You for all your continued support, we deeply appreciate our community!

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

Contributed by Kimberly Kellar, Valley Charities, Inc. MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LENDING PROGRAM SUPPORTING THE VALLEY SINCE THE 1960S Did you know Valley Charities, Inc., through turn-A-leaf Thrift Store, offers a Medical Equipment Lending Program? And, did you know, that you can borrow the equipment for up to six months free of charge? This program has supported Valley residents since the 1960s saving our community thousands of dollars annually.

There is more information regarding the Medical Equipment Lending Program on our website at www.valleycharities.org.

If you are an organization with patients who would benefit from the program, please contact me, Kimberly Kellar,

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to request Medical Equipment Lending Rack Cards for distribution in your practice.

Kimberly.Kellar@valleycharities.org

MEDICAL EQUIIPMENT LENDING PROGRAM TESTIMONIAL | TURN-A-LEAF THRIFT STORE: “I want the people at turn-A-leaf Thrift Store to know how grateful our family is for the medical equipment we were able to borrow from you on behalf of my mother. When she came home from the hospital, she needed several things that we could not afford, and she needed them right away. We were able to get a bedside commode, shower bench, and walker which helped her to recover at home safely. Please share our appreciation for this program with everyone that helps to make it possible, it is a wonderful asset to our community.” - D. Willow

Was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Book,” and the second, “Little Bear.”

categorizer, stepped to the front of the room after Bill departed. Sheila, who has a Master’s Degree in Literature literally donned many hats, in making her point that when selecting a book, there are many genres to choose from.

Maryanne Corkle, the proprietor of Palmer-based Fireside Books, next read excerpts from Helene Hanff’s, 84 Charing Cross Road, a compilation of twenty years of correspondences between a discriminating book reader and a bookstore owner.

Contributed by Alys Culhane “Build it and he will come,” is the catch phrase in W.P. Kinsella’s novel Shoeless Joe. The story line is this: A voice says to Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella “If you build it, he will come.” Kinsella is further told to build a baseball field in his cornfield, so that the ghosts of Shoeless Joe Jackson and seven other Chicago White Sox baseball players might have a playing field. All were banned from the game after allegedly throwing the 1919 World Series.

A variation of Kinsella’s phrase came to mind when I, the self-appointed Bright Lights Book Project (BLBP) Outreach Coordinator, began salvaging books locally. It was “build it and they will come, they being appreciative readers.

As the BLBP volunteer staff gathered together in the Turkey Red Restaurant banquet room for the first annual Palmer Festival of the Books, I realized

that for the past two years we’ve been working together to create a literary field of dreams, that is one in which the words “literacy,” “community” and “good will” are synonymous terms.

The day of the festival it was -10 F. Nevertheless, numerous local curious readers browsed the free books and listened as the BLBP staff read from their own and other authors’ published works.

The first reader was BLBP Salvaging and Distribution Manager Bill Schmidtkunz.

The owner of Matanuska Woodworks also built the bookcases in The Valley Hotel lobby and the Vagabond Blues hallway. The Poet Laureate of Sutton read several poems. This included “Laura” which received second place in the 2021 Alaska Daily News Creative Writing Contest.

Sheila Aay, a BLBP book cleaner and

Bea Adler is the BLBP Editor, a task in which she draws upon her many years of teaching grant writing at Mat-Su College and writing proposals for numerous local organizations including the Mat-Su Borough and The Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry.

Bea read selected passages from Merle’s Door, Lessons from a Freethinking Dog, memoir written by Ted Kerasote which describes how bringing a stray dog into his life taught him more than he expected.

At half-time Milena Sevigny, the Community Relations Coordinator for TOTE Maritime and I spoke about the benefits of working partnerships.

(Sevigny coordinates with First Wave Books and sends children’s books to Alaska villages). I noted that since last fall, we’ve been dealing with the logistical tasks inherent to book schlepping and organizational planning.

Palmer resident Lois Liebing also cleans and categorizes Children’s books. The former elementary school teacher read two childrens’ books to a receptive audience; the first was entitled “There

The next reader was Nan Potts, who as the BLBP Circulation Manager, makes sure that all project tasks are done in an efficient fashion. Nan salvages, cleans, categorizes, and distributes books and as well, on occasion lends her editorial expertise to this project. In addition, Nan designed the new Bright Lights logo. Nan read excerpts from several dog books, including Ned Rozell’s Walking my Dog, Jane.

Cam Potts, Nan’s husband, read to us from American Aviator Ernest K. Gaan’s Fate is the Hunter. For many years Potts worked as a cargo pilot for UPS. These days, he flies vicariously.

Hillary Saffran, a local writer, stage entertainer, and actress read the children’s book, The Christmas Armadillo. The late afternoon crowd remained enthralled as she told the armadillo’s story in a spirited fashion, putting us all in the holiday spirit.

Pete Praetorius, the BLBP Jack of All Trades did not do a reading or give a presentation. This was because he spent his day over at the VCRS Recycling Center, salvaging additional books.

The high points of the day’s presentations were duly noted by Daily Buzz Feed Reporter Barbara Hunt and Frontiersman Reporter Jacob Mann.

As at the day’s end, as staff was consolidating books in boxes, the phrase “build it and they will come,” returned to mind along with the thought that the BLBP now consists of a dedicated cadre of hardworking volunteers, all of whom have embraced the adage “reduce, recycle, reuse, read.”

As such, our wish list now includes more bookcases, a larger temporary storage facility, and land for a portable shelter to be built by the students at the MatSu Career and Tech High School. And in time, we hope to acquire a bookmobile, so that we can take our books and festival performance on the road.

HEALTH & WELLNESS Contributed by Julie Cascio Holiday season is here! I start thinking of the yummy foods at group gatherings, traditional meals, my family’s cultural heritage cookies, breads and cakes. I want to eat healthy, too, this season. Is that even possible? Actually, it is. It takes some adjusting, though.

MyPlate.gov offers tips to save time, money, and stress when making meals for your friends or family.

Keep it simple.

Healthy and creative meals don’t have to be complicated. A simpler menu will usually cost less money and will be easier to prepare in the end. A start is to choose foods and beverages that are low in fat, sugar and salt, shares www. dietaryguidelines.gov. This may mean drink a small glass of eggnog and enjoy lots of flavored water throughout the day. Another option for healthy eating is more whole grain bread, tortillas, pasta, brown rice or wild rice, oatmeal or whole grain barley.

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

Allow your family to help.

Divide jobs among family members.

Remember -- kids love to be in the kitchen! With help, you can get more done and have more time to enjoy with your family. Talk with them about ways refined grain foods can be replaced with whole grains.

Stretch recipes by adding ingredients.

Get more servings out of your favorite recipes! Add brown or wild rice to soups or stews, frozen vegetables to favorite pasta dishes, or beans to burgers to serve.

Options for the holidays.

Try having a holiday brunch. Breakfast foods like eggs make a great protein for the main dish. www.incredibleegg.org have a variety of recipes. Or, try a yogurt parfait bar, where everyone can add their favorite toppings.

Make it a potluck.

Potlucks are a great option for large families. If you are hosting, prepare the main dish and leave the sides to the

rest of the family. It creates less work for you and allows everyone to make and sample each other’s creations.

Enjoy this holiday season with ways to eat healthy food.

If your new year’s resolution is form-

portant 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.

Contributed by Kimberly Ziegler Home sweet home… Where you can live safely, independently, and comfortably.

Contributed by Diana L Straub Winter weather is harsh on your skin.

The dry air outdoors to the lack of humidity indoors, skin can easily get irritated and dehydrated, causing redness, itching, and flakiness that makes your skin even more sensitive to soaps, lotions, and creams. The common conditions that occur from exposure to cold air and wind can be comforted and reduce the pain with some simple solutions.

Cold Uriticaria We’ve all heard of sun allergies, but have you heard of an allergy to the cold? Cold uriticaria is also known as cold hives. Large red welts, resulting from an allergy to the cold, appear on the skin. These welts are itchy and uncomfortable and can be as large as an inch in diameter. Some people may receive relief from antihistamine cream, but the most effective way to relieve the pain is by avoiding prolonged exposure to the cold. I suggest keeping your skin well moisturized before you go in to the cold weather by applying Fragrance Free Hand Cream and Satin Body Shea Lotion daily along with your favorite of our six skin care routines.

Winter Itch The cold, outside air is also extremely dry and pulls the moisture out of skin when dawning and removing gloves frequently. Do your hands and feet look and feel like sandpaper? Dry skin is nearly unavoidable when you’re forced to stay inside with the heater or fireplace on during the cold winter months. Heat can dry skin out and

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Our current healthcare situation 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 im-

making it flaky, irritated, and itchy or cause the oil gland to over produce oil making your skin excessive oily. The solutions to both dry itchy winter skin issues are the same: humidifiers are helpful in the home and workplace to replace moisture in the air; Mary Kay Satin Hands Set plus Mint Bliss Foot & Leg Energizing Lotion for home hand and foot exfoliation and deep moisturization nightly before bed.

Winter Itch and Acne As I said, heat can dry skin out and making it flaky, irritated, and itchy or cause the oil gland to over produce oil making your skin excessive oily. It is important your skincare routine have an excellent exfollient. It is necessary to remove dead skin cell build up for the proper function of oil glands. The Mary Kay Clear Proof skin care set is designed for skin experiencing active acne and includes a proper liquid exfollient, rather than an abrasive exfollient.

Windburn Do you enjoy outdoor winter play or sports? Do you go outdoors on windy days? When you return indoors, is your face red and becomes painful as it warms back to body temperature? This is known as windburn; the good news is windburn can be prevented! Apply a ½ pea size amount of Mary Kay Extra Emollient Night Cream to a damp face.

This seals in moisture and acts as a barrier against the wind drying out your skin’s natural moisture leaving the acid mantel intact. It is a good practice to wear clothing that covers exposed skin when outdoors in cold weather.

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 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,

Chapped Lips Lips are a very thin layer of skin and are the most likely part of your face to dry out due to the dry winter air, wind and low humidity indoors. When splitting and cracking occurs it is painful, does not heal easily and can act as a breeding ground for infection, especially in the corners of the mouth. One of the most common mistakes people make is licking their lips when they feel dry. The best solution is to use a lip scrub 3-5 nights a week and lip balm throughout the day and each night before bed.

Mary Kay’s Satin Lip Set is suitable for both adults and children, men and women. The lip balm and lip scrub are also available separately. I recommend one set for the bathroom to use each night plus one extra lip balm to use throughout the day.

Gentle Hand and Body Soaps and Hand Sanitizer Shea Hand Soap is a gentle hand soap for washing hands several times each day. You can follow with your favorite Mary Kay Shea Hand Cream in: Fragrance Free, White Tea & Citrus, or the New Citrus Rose. Mary Kay Hand Sanitizer packaged in a spritzer bottle is perfect for spritzing face masks, clothing, steering wheels, etcetera.

These three items are great gifts individually or bundled together.

Mary Kay has many products to help combat dry skin on your face, body or hands. Consultants have wonderful gift ideas for the holidays and all year long. Connect with a local Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant at www.marykay.com and enter your zip

ing new eating habits for yourself, your children, or for preventing diabetes, a program will begin in January. Connect with Julie Cascio for more information on preventing diabetes jmcascio@ alaska.edu or 907-745-3677.

Flexible Options, Expert Installation & Service, and 101 Warranty Protection 101 Mobility of Alaska is here to guide you through the entire process. We know our products inside and out, 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 a free, 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 of Alaska also offers a great rental program.

Photo Caption: Logan Poffenbarger (Mobility Specialist), Kimberly Ziegler (Customer Care Manager), Scott Heim (Owner)

code to locate a consultant.

As you consider your 2022 New Year’s resolutions, consider an updated skincare regimen. I encourage you to download the newest Mary Kay App, the Interactive Catalogue App, and the Mary Kay Skin Analyzer App. With these Apps, you can analyze your skin with a selfie, get a skin care regimen with product recommendation, learn details about each Mary Kay product, shop online, and connect to your consultant. You can create a Wish List to share. Mary Kay Consultants can serve any person within the USA and we will handle the shipping for you! Let us help you with your gift giving needs all year long. We provide consistency to Alaska’s snow birds, college students, and those who work remotely. Autoships are available upon request.

It is my pleasure to provide you skincare information each month in the year of 2022. Contact me with your skincare questions or concerns. Mary Kay has six lines of facial skincare to meet your needs, including MK Naturally with a COSMOS certification. I am certain Mary Kay can meet your skincare needs. Make 2022 all about YOU! Diana L. Straub Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant Cosmetologist Aesthetician 907-841-7245 MaryKay.com/dstraub

COMMUNITY Contributed by Phoebe Autry In early August, the Mat Su Health Foundation awarded the Alaska Farmland Trust a Healthy Impact Grant. This capacity-expanding grant supports ongoing operations by adding new staff positions to continue our work in saving the soil. The first addition is the Lands Coordinator, which Phoebe Autry now holds. This position will focus on educating landowners about Conservation Easement options and advance our FarmLink program which connects farmers beginning or expanding their operations with landowners who want to see agriculture continue or start on their property. Phoebe brings eight years of farming experience which informs a perspective on the challenges, obstacles and opportunities a young person faces in agriculture today.

As we celebrate this new chapter, we also look forward to continuing our outreach efforts throughout the Mat Su area. Up next, we will be hosting an Informational Landowner Mixer on

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Saturday, January 22nd from 2-5pm at The Palmer Train Depot. Do you own agricultural land in Alaska? Are you interested in learning more about Agricultural Easements, the FarmLink program, or Alaska Farmland Trust in general? We would love for you to join us! Light refreshments and beverages will be provided. There will be several presentations on the various programs of the Alaska Farmland Trust, including an extensive and detailed overview of the Conservation Easement Process.

This mixer is invite-only, so please reach out to Phoebe at phoebeautry@akfarmland.com if you would like to attend or would like more information.

Following our Landowner Mixer, we will host a Community Movie Night which is free and open to the public. Starting at 7pm, we will screen ‘Eating Alaska,’ followed by a discussion on Alaskan agriculture and our local food system.

Keep an eye out for more information in the next edition of The People’s Paper or on the Alaska Farmland Trust’s Facebook page.

techniques. His farming became as famous as his novels. It drew farmers and agriculturists from all over the world.

Contributed by Doug Ferguson Answer: Louis Bromfield. Unless you closely followed the soil conservation revolution in the United States after the Dust Bowl in the 1930’s, or were a literature historian, or from Ohio, you most likely have never heard of Louis or his Malabar Farm. Nevertheless, he is my “Great American” candidate for this month.

Bromfield was a famous Pulitzer prize winning author originally from Ohio who had lived as an ex-patriot in France with other famous American writers such as Hemingway and Fitzgerald and, with WWII brewing, returned to Ohio to establish a famous farm called Malabar in that same area of Ohio where he had grown up. Before becoming an author, he worked for a newspaper in New York City where he met another yet-to-be famous young man named Humphry Bogart and they became friends for life.

One of his early books, “Early Autumn” won a Pulitzer Prize for literature in the 1920’s and launched his successful career. He wrote many of his novels in France while associating with what Gertrude Stein called “The Lost Generation” of American artists. I first read his historical novel “The Farm.” In it he traced

Contributed by Nan Potts Saturday, November 20th, the Bright Lights Book Project (BLBP) held its first annual Palmer Book Festival. BLBP wishes to give a very big, “THANK YOU”, to those who stopped by to peruse, select and/or collect books for themselves or bestow these treasures to their friends and family — at NO CHARGE! Palmer is noted for its shopper-friendly ambience. It’s no wonder folks dropped by from all over the surrounding communities to learn more about the project. BLBP volunteers answered attendees’ inquiries and entertained with them with reading from their own works or selected readings from salvaged tomes. A good time was had by all!

To enlighten those who may not be familiar with the project, BLBP was founded two years ago by Alys Culhane and Sutton resident, Bill Schmidtkunz.

As volunteers for the Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS), they noted the large amount of surplus books, both in paperback and hardback respectively, that came through the center to be shredded and pulped, then recycled. As writers, literature and book

the history of a pioneer family settling in the Western Reserve wilderness in what would become the Mansfield region of Ohio.

As a teenager, Louis had been raised on the family farm and had watched his grandfather and neighbors struggle to make a living while the soil gradually deteriorated. Many gave up farming to work in the factories or moved west to more fertile and virgin soil. “The Farm” not only traced the family history, but also was a recall of the Ohio farm life he experienced as a boy. In it he created unforgettable pictures of the strong personalities of the settlers and their descendants including Johnny Appleseed, a legend in the region.

During his career, one dozen movies were made from his writings. The setting for one of his popular novels, “When The Rains Came” was the Malabar coast of India where he had made two extended visits. When war in Europe appeared eminent in 1938 he returned his family to the United States.

At the same time Samuel Goldwin of MGM bought the rights to the book and when the movie “The Rains Came” was made, it starred Tyrone Power, Myrna Loy and George Brent, three of the biggest stars of their day.

lovers, both Alys and Bill decided too many good books were being lost to our community. They deserved a better fate — something had to change!

For over a year, she and Bill dove into salvaging and recirculating books that were in fair to excellent reading condition. Their passion for this project grew and inspired them to persevere and tackle the obstacles they met to present the Valley community with FREE BOOKS! Alys’ husband, Pete Praetorius, soon joined them. Many other volunteers and community supporters soon followed.

The project is grateful to all of the the community supporters who have jumped aboard along this journey: owner, Alex Papsavas, who hosted this festive event in the Turkey Red banquet room, in Palmer; the staff of the Mat-Su Health Foundation; Sarah Weldon, Pastor of the Church Of The Covenant, for temporarily housing the books to be distributed; Janet Kincaid, local business owner, who made the three book cases in the Koslosky Center possible; Bill Schmidtkunz (owner of Matanuska Woodworks), who has saved many a book and has built many a bookcase; VCRS, one of the many providers of

From the movie money he purchased three adjoining old run-down farms.

These farms, together consisting of 1000 acres, lie a little southeast of Mansfield, Ohio. The combined farms were outfitted with modern equipment, a fine 32 room house (The “Big House”), wonderful barns and everything needed to start his dream project of restoring the soil and running a sustainable form of agriculture that was so elusive to his grandfather and other farmers of the era. He named it Malabar Farm after his novel’s setting.

The basics of his farming philosophy were conservation practices to prevent good topsoil from eroding and disappearing down streams and rivers, plus replenishing nutrients like nitrogen, organic matter and minerals that had been removed by previously grown crops such as corn and wheat. These practices were used, evaluated and then improved at Malabar, for the first time on a modern farm in most cases.

This effort was even more effective because one of the first Co-operative Extension offices in the country was established in Mansfield. Bromfield and the director became friends and the farm became a test bed for many new

books; Milena Sevigny, Public Relations Manger for TOTE Freight; Alicia Fields, Family Advocate for CCS Early Learning; Valley businesses who have donated space for bookcases and a myriad of volunteers which are assisting to forward this endeavor — THANK YOU! This is a huge community effort in which YOU, the community must be thanked as well!

If you have yet to experience the BLBP and its multitude of enchanting, exciting, endearing and informative

For the rest of his life he wrote little fiction, but many books on conservation. He was awarded the Audubon Medal for Conservationism in 1952 and in 1980, he was posthumously inducted into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame.

And Humphrey Bogart? Their friendship continued over the years and in 1945 his old friend married Lauren Bacall at the “Big House” at Malabar. They also spent their honeymoon there.

Bromfield died of bone cancer in 1956 at the age of 59. His daughters tried to keep the farm going for a while, but eventually wealthy philanthropist and garden lover Doris Duke (Whose family was the main benefactor of Duke University) jumped in and “saved the farm”.

In 1976 it was made a state park and is the only operating farm in the Ohio Park system.

While an imperfect and strong-willed individual, Bromfield’s legacy and leadership in the field of soil conservation makes him a “Great American” in my eyes who desperately needs to be remembered in our day.

Doug Ferguson is a retired engineer living in Palmer whose father graduated from Mansfield, Ohio High School ten years after Bromfield did!

books — just ask Alys, she will be happy provide you with the information you desire. Of course, she’ll also direct you to a location nearest you (and of course, all of the other locations) where these caches reside. If you are a business or organization who wishes to get involved, whether helping to recirculate or host books and bookcase, Alys will happily and willingly, get you started.

Welcome to the book recirculation community and a bright future!

(Bright Lights Book Project, contact: alysculhane@hotmail.com)

COMMUNITY Contributed by Marlene Munsell During Christmas week Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. staff and volunteers plan on helping Santa deliver presents to seniors in our programs.

Help us by making this Christmas a memorable one!

Any gifts you would like to share please drop at WASI, 1301 S. Century Circle or at the Chamber of Commerce building

by December 20th. New blankets,

Contributed by Sherri DeCoursey

A significant stretch of the historic Iditarod Trail in Knik, Alaska is accessible to trail users only during the frozen months due to marshes and wetlands that dominate the summer terrain.

It always bothered Iditarod musher and lifelong Knik resident Ray Redington Jr. that a trail so historic and beautiful could only be used for five months out of twelve. Redington pondered, “How could the Knik Iditarod Trail become an all-seasons trail and be enjoyed by more people?”

Rather than let the question linger, Redington followed in the visionary footsteps of his grandfather and Iditarod founder Joe Redington Sr.; he set out to solve that riddle.

By enlisting the support of community members and friends – many who also use the trail for winter mushing – Ray Redington resurrected the Knik Iditarod Trailblazers nonprofit organization that was originally formed over 30 years ago.

Its revitalized goal is to improve, maintain and promote the use of the Iditarod trail between Knik and Skwentna as a multi-use trail to benefit the Alaskan community and visitors, in addition to making it an all-seasons trail. Although Redington only mushes dog teams on the trail, he sees trail improvements as opening a door for other outdoor recreationalist to run, hike, fat tire bike, skijor, bikejor, or cross country ski.

It’s a big undertaking, but initial progress has been swift. The Trailblazers, with Redington as president, mobilized its supporters during July, August and September this year to voice concerns at Mat-Su Borough assembly meetings about a dangerous road and Iditarod trail intersection that put trail users and car drivers at risk of impact, injury and death. The result? The installation of an underpass culvert for trail users was approved and the project is underway and on schedule to be completed by

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socks, hats, gloves or any other type of gifts are welcomed. Email marlenem@ alaskaseniors.com or call WASI at (907) 206-8800 for more information.

All of us at WASI appreciate your support of our mission and the seniors we serve. For some this time of the year can be especially lonely and we hope we can make their holidays brighter.

Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. mission is to enable seniors to live independently as possible for as long as possible.

November of this year.

The nonprofit’s priority initiatives for the next year include hardening the trail in areas where marshy conditions currently prohibit warm-weather use, creating and installing directional signage along the trail, and hosting two sled dog races on January 1, 2022: the Knik 200 Joe Redington Sr. Memorial Sled Dog Race and the Knik 100 Bruce Braden Sled Dog Race. In the future, the Knik Iditarod Trailblazers hope to attract and host competitive events for nonmushing sports and activities, such as a fat tire bike or cross country skiing race.

The Knik Iditarod Trailblazers group is governed by unpaid board members and relies on membership fees, grants, financial and in-kind donations, and sponsorships to fund projects.

It is currently seeking to increase its

membership and funding sources.

“Trail improvements and maintenance are physically doable, but we need community involvement and financial resources to help make it a reality,” says Redington. “Building a trail system that we can all enjoy and be proud of depends on being able to afford the materials and equipment to make it happen. We invite people to volunteer with us in a hands-on capacity or to lend a different kind of hand with their financial support. No donation is too small to make a difference and all donations are appreciated.” Community organizations like the Knik-Fairview Community Council have recognized the importance of Trailblazer initiatives and have lent support, and the hope is that more individuals and organizations will follow the council’s lead.

Redington adds, “My grandfather Joe

and his peers brought the idea of Iditarod to life, and now it’s an event that is known worldwide. Anything is possible when you combine a good idea with passionate people, and that’s what we have with the Knik Iditarod Trailblazers and our plans to improve and better the Iditarod Trail. That trail is such an important part of our past that it has to be a big part of our future.”

People interested in learning more about or supporting the Knik Iditarod Trailblazers are invited to visit the nonprofit on Facebook or at the website www.kniktrailblazers.org.

For more information: 317-501-2099 www.kniktrailblazers.org Facebook: Knik Iditarod Trailblazers Facebook: Knik 200 Joe Redington Sr. Memorial Sled Dog Race

POLITICS & OPINION Contributed by Mayor Edna DeVries I want to thank We the People paper for providing to me this opportunity to keep the borough citizens informed of upcoming events and meetings of the Assembly and other items of interest.

Joint School Board and Borough Assembly meeting is held Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at Borough Assembly Chambers – at 6 pm. Meeting also available online.

Agenda includes: A. Annual Budget, Preliminary Discussion; State Legislative Action Needed (MSB 2.12.075(A))

Contributed by Robert Shields Imagine for a moment, a world in which this statement was factually accurate, “If they put it on the Internet, it must be true”. Prior to 1987, media was held responsible to fair and balanced reporting in a powerfully simple piece of legislation, the Fairness Doctrine. A mandate that in reporting the news both sides must be given the space to share their perspective.

While nothing is perfect, the perfect intent was ensuring the public was exposed to a diversity of viewpoints, and through critical thought arrive at their own logical conclusion on how to proceed. These days, a “diversity of perspectives” and “critical thought” are at odd with the goals of “brand loyalty” and “patriotism”. Constructs that seek, often in fear, to unite small radical groups against one another, while corporate pirate’s rape and pillage our planet in the name of greed and short-term profits.

As attempting to reenact the Fairness Doctrine and applying it to the current media landscape, including the Internet,

Contributed by Quinn Townsend Currently, there are more job openings available than there are people to fill them. Nationally, there are 10.4 million unfilled job openings and 7.4 unemployed workers. In Alaska, monthly job openings are not data that is collected, but the most recent seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 6.1 percent (October 2021), compared to 6.5 percent a year ago (October 2020), while unemployment pre-pandemic (January 2020) was five percent.

Clearly, while Alaska is slowly rebuilding, it has not yet recovered from the pandemic. Unfortunately, federal lawmakers might just make things worse with the Build Back Better bill (BBB).

The BBB bill is a massive spending spree by federal lawmakers that has the potential to completely stall and even reverse the little economic growth that Alaska has made in 2021. While this

Contributed by Sean Murphy I am writing this letter to you as the Chair of Eaglexit. We are small group of citizens who want to educate the citizens of Alaska on process of detaching from the Municipality of Anchorage and creating a new municipality/borough for the state of Alaska.

We have identified Anchorage Assembly District two (AD2) as the area to detach and incorporate. AD2 contains the communities of Eagle River, Chugiak, Birchwood, Peters Creek, Eklutna, Hiland Road, Thunderbird Falls and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. AD2 has 1050 square miles of land and would be a lovely meaningful addition to our state as a new municipality/borough.

We want to educate the citizens about the process of detachment, and the efforts necessary to detach and incorporate as a separate municipality entity.

We want to include a discussion on what services and programs are needed to accomplish the will of the community, their cost, and can we pay for it.

Most importantly, find out if we have the united will of our community for

B. Houston Middle School Update (Requested by Administration) C. COVID-19 Update (Requested by Administration) D. Road Bond Update; Status Of Seward Meridian Project (Requested by School District) VII. ASSEMBLY ITEMS OF BUSINESS RS 21-136 A Resolution Supporting The Alaska Healthcare Transportation Project And Establishment Of An All-Payer Claims Database.

VIII. MAYOR, ASSEMBLY, AND STAFF COMMENT Borough Assembly meeting on Tuesday, December 21, at 6 pm at Borough Building in Palmer.

is a task the Avengers would pass on, we do have the next best thing in a little homespun publication out of Wasilla, called the People’s Paper. The simplistic beauty of this model is content driven by the public and a team diligently working to maintain a fair and balanced approach to exploring a topic from not just both sides, but if the information is available, all sides. Good behavior does not have to be legislated when people are educated with the opportunity to raise the bar. For the last 14 years, these dedicated journalists have given hope to the people by simply providing the space for the truth to find its way to the surface.

With a 10,000 copy per month physical paper currently distributed throughout the central valley of Alaska, the company is growing. Perhaps networking the state can be the next stage. As it should be, the paper is free to individuals and maintained through deep relationships with strategic business advertising and the support of patrons. Would a statewide or even national paper dilute or strengthen this purity of purpose? Is it possible, like the rebels of old, that

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

Setting of rates and fees for the Borough

Continued discussion on the West Susitna Access

Transportation 21 phase 1 funding acceptance and appropriation Borough regular meeting on Tuesday, January 4 – full agenda not yet selected but one item carried over from Assembly meeting on December 7, will be discussion on gravel tax at 3 pm.

Special meeting of borough assembly on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, on the Port at the borough building in Palmer at 6 pm. You can also listen in and participate.

The Borough had requested the International Association of Maritime and Port Executives to prepare a ‘Port MacKenzie Business Development Strategic Action Plan. It was completed in October 2021. This report is very detailed and

each state could organize a network to free the minds of people everywhere from the dogma that drains our spirits, saps our will, and clouds our minds with wet dreams and wild promises? These questions are worth asking and I believe worth exploring together. I am grateful for the opportunity to have the space to share them here.

The doctrines of freedom have always been drafted on hemp. As a primer for the third industrial revolution, every corner of America should be actively seeking how to bring the People’s Paper to their community and as the sun shines on the dawn of 2022, anyone who reads this should be reaching out to form a working relationship to replicate their success and unite in the cause to ensure diversity of perspective is the ultimate protector of freedom, justice, and liberty for all.

Can we explore the implications of growing a hemp economy in the state with the purpose of providing the feedstock to print the newspaper? Perhaps the solution is simply for us to become the farmers of our own future and look at “production sovereignty” as the key

“human infrastructure” bill provides for a wide variety of programs, there are two main aspects of the bill that could cause major economic damage: Medicaid and child care.

In addition to increasing the burden on state spending, this Medicaid MOE will result in even higher health care costs for Alaskans, as increased Medicaid enrollment influences costs in the state.

One very large aspect of the BBB that would affect Alaskans and Alaska state spending is a new Medicaid maintenance of effort (MOE) provision. The MOE would do two things: one, it would force Alaska to permanently keep current enrollees on Medicaid, even if enrollees become ineligible for Medicaid, and two, it would bar Alaska from rolling back current Medicaid expansion, regardless of how expensive it becomes for the state. This means that Alaska would be financially on the hook for able-bodied adults who can work and should no longer be eligible for Medicaid, which will balloon Alaska’s already bloated Medicaid program. The second part of the MOE would force Alaska to pay a fine if the state attempts to roll back Medicaid expansion due to the ballooning costs.

A second aspect of the BBB that would affect Alaskans is a new child care entitlement program. While support for families is important, a one-size-fits-all government-run child care program will not do that. The new entitlement program would pay for 100 percent of child care costs for families making less than the state’s median income ($101,575 in Alaska) by providing subsidies to providers, while families that make up to two and a half times the state’s median (over $200,000) would only pay up to seven percent of their income toward child care. This program sounds nice, but unfortunately, federal money always comes with expensive strings attached. There are burdensome requirements for child care providers to receive the new subsidies, which would end up raising the cost of child

freedom and self-governance.

Our American system rests upon the cornerstone of self-government and the belief that if you give people authority and responsibility, they will do a better job of governing themselves than faraway bureaucrats and politicians who have no skin in the game in governing our community. Our founders believed that people who are closer to the scenes of action are better informed and can make better decisions about matters that directly concern them.

When delegates to our federal and state conventions drafted their constitutions, they confronted a practical problem.

They knew that many communities might not be ready for self-government at that moment. But they foresaw that those communities would grow and mature, and that they ought to be able to cast off outside rule.

The Alaska State constitution allows for our communities to grow and govern themselves. The process takes time and money, but most importantly it takes people. People with the will to stand up and fight for our right to make governing decisions for our communities at the local level.

Will you stand with us and take the time to find out?

The following is a summary of the authorities involved in and process of detachment and incorporation. The Local Boundary Commission (LBC) was created by the Alaska State Constitution. It receives, reviews, and makes final decisions on petitions for incorporation, annexation, and detachment for the State of Alaska. The board is comprised of five Commissioners appointed by the governor.

The steps In the LBC process are as follows: File the petition to detach and incorporate to the LBC. Then the public is notified of the process and provided information to make an informed decision.

The LBC staff will do an analysis of the petition and input.

More public hearings will be held The LBC will approve or deny the petition.

If approved, the people of AD2 will vote on the petition or a recommendation will be given to the state legislature for action.

As Lee Jordan asked on October 29, 1975, “Will the people of Chugiak-Eagle River have the opportunity to control

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very informative to anyone interested in the port. Please reach out to me if you would like a copy of the report.

Boards and Commissions – would you believe that the assembly and Mayor receives input from 55+ boards and commissions. All of these members are recommended by the Mayor and confirmed by the Assembly. Do you have questions regarding what happens to your tax monies that are dedicated to your local road? Do you love animals?

Love the library? Historical Preservation? Yes, you guess it, we have a board or commission for that. Check out the link at the bottom of the borough’s website – matsugov.us.

My email at borough is edna.devries@ matsugov.us or phone # - office 907861-8682 or cell 907-795-8133. Let’s stay in touch.

to cost effective operations. Industrial products that rapidly capture carbon and enable us to end the homelessness issue in Alaska by fostering good jobs and supporting local living economies could well be the by-catch of empowering the growth of free and independent media in the state.

Historian David Ramsey, who served twice in the Continental Congress, wrote that “in establishing American Independence, the pen and the press had merit equal to that of the sword”.

Throughout time, the written word has, as an instrument of change, sharpened the mind and brighten the spirit of those who would see their children grow up in a world where anything is possible. A statewide People’s Paper would give a voice to individuals, a space for critical thinking, and heartfelt engagement in how the next version of Alaska is made better by the people, of the people, and for the people generations to come.

If these words resonate with you then, take up your sword, and share some important news of your corner of Alaska.

Let the space for our collective voices grow and become a choir for how we make the best of what comes next for us all.

care and would prevent the majority of providers (particularly faith-based and in-home providers) from qualifying for the subsidies. The end result of the new child care entitlement program in the BBB would be to raise the cost of child care and reduce families’ access to providers, thus hurting the very people the program intends to help.

The title of this massive federal spending spree is Build Back Better, meaning that the intention is to build back America better than it was before the pandemic. Unfortunately, a more accurate name would be Build Back “Badder” (or Build Back Worse to be grammatically correct). The BBB bill would increase health care costs and child care costs in Alaska and require even more state spending. Higher costs and more state spending is not what Alaska, or this nation, needs to build back after the pandemic, particularly as we also deal with the effects of rising inflation. The federal government instead needs to stop the federal overreach and perhaps receive a refresher on the principles of federalism. The Build Back Better bill will not build Alaska back better.

their own destiny, or must they forever remain subject to what has been decreed for them by Anchorage?”

Eaglexit is dedicated to getting the petition drafted, finalized, and submitted to the LBC in the next six months. It will take money for media, polling, and most importantly and costly is the legal aid. Please consider supporting the creation of the next new municipality in Alaska. Our communities have grown and are now ready to go out on their own and be independent.

It takes all of us!

Time – Help draft the Petition and Charter, get signatures Effort – Share with friends and neighbors Analyze- Review the potentials and decide a course of action Money – Donate at www.Eaglexit.com Sean Murphy, Chair sean.eaglexit@gmail.com 907-632-5307 www.Eaglexit.com Sean Murphy came to Alaska in the Army. Met his wife and moved to Eagle River in 1999 with his family. He is a retired Anchorage School District educator and administrator. He is active with his community council . He is the new chair of Eaglexit.

POLITICS & OPINION

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

real Sovereign authority.

Contributed by Wes Keller

necessary best option for everyone.

We are well into what we call the “Holiday Season”. Millions of Americans are celebrating our most religious and wonderful Holy Days (Advent, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter)!

Perhaps contrary to popular opinion, these holidays have everything to do with politics and government because they celebrate the ultimate source and essence of authority… the essential element of governing. Ignorance and tension between religious and political authority was not the intent of the American anti-establishment clause — just the opposite. Any law only has authority when it is a “legal” law – one endorsed by a higher “religious” authority of a supreme God. (“Religious” as related to belief in the being and perfection of God and His revelation).

Our government is not authorized to enforce a particular religious denomination or sect, but, more importantly, it is to enforce religious freedom without enforcing restraints unless the restraints are necessary to prevent violation of inherent rights of others. Government employees and representatives are not exceptions. They are entitled to religious freedom like anyone else, to apply the “wisdom” of their religion to decisions they make on our behalf. This is why brutal campaign transparency is the

God’s authority was openly acknowledged in our founding to justify the revolution and endorse our sovereign America. The right to govern at all, is about “sovereignty.” We are born with a conscience, preferences, and innate rights – as individuals. America’s sovereignty is assigned to “We the People” (NOT, the government “we the people” created and maintain). The right to self-rule belongs, from beginning to the end, to the People – under God’s authority. Our system of government withholds (limits) authority from what has been called “the swamp”. Governing is bottom-up, with God on top.

Contributed by Marilyn Bennett Was the Christmas Tree Crisis real or imagined? You may be wondering why I am asking the question, but then you have not been paying attention to CNN. Just after Thanksgiving they announced that Mr Li of the National Tree Company in China said that his factory has a backlog of about 150 containers of Christmas trees.

These trees are worth about $3 million and he is unable to ship them because of lack of ships. You might then ask why a communist country even has a Christmas tree company, as I did. It seems they have a partner in New Jersey who sells to retailers like Target and Amazon.

Too bad no one in the United States makes artificial Christmas trees.

The good news is that in the 2020 holiday season, demand for real Christmas trees surged as families stayed closer to home. A good choice would be to go to a “choose-and-cut farm”. Great way to get a nice tree and also get the family out of the house. I can remember in my childhood the Holiday bickering and crying over who picked the best tree. Thankfully, Dad quickly settled the

Contributed by Stuart Thompson In support of Josh Fryfogle’s lead articles in Liberty, Liberally two months ago, I offer some political nursery rhymes I composed in 2007. Because of decades of poor literacy, ill-education and absurdly bad leadership (by officials equally ill-educated), we now have a form of government our Founders would call an elected monarchy, aided and abetted by an elected nobility, and manipulated by special interests.

The degree of actual civic participation in a population determines whether people rule (through law and representation of their ideas) or are “ruled for their own good” by benevolent government officials---using appeasement, propaganda, and force to keep them docile. Thomas Jefferson observed the realty of this civic laziness in the Declaration of Independence. Worse, Aristotle observed that some people were natural slaves in his political essay.

In a word, the number of people willing to do the work of freedom and liberty determines the real type of government they have---and consequently the types of corruption proven to belong to that type. This willingness ebbs and advances as people dishonestly dump or

The authority of government becomes abusive and illegal the very moment it prohibits or forces something contrary to God’s authority and His truth! The very first sentence of the Declaration of Independence is a “religious” justification for our government. “Entitlement” for our governing is by the authority of “Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God”.

The Declaration also includes an appeal to the “Supreme Judge” and “Divine Providence” to make it so! Every patriotic statement and every defense of America expressed is necessarily a religious statement. “We the people” must never lose sight of our responsibility to keep our government and laws under

question by choosing one none of us kids wanted. Such experiences make for great memories of time spent in the cheerful Christmas tree lots or at the farm that you will never forget!

Making a memorable Christmas story may not be what you are looking for.

However, all the stories about a shortage of Christmas trees will of course make more people go out early to get their tree. This then will make other people think that they had better get their tree before they are all gone. It is similar to the toilet paper shortage that the media created last year. Of course, if a lot of people buy their tree early it could make the suppliers temporarily run out of trees and that will panic the next potential customers. Meanwhile, a shortage of truck drivers iscompounding the problem by making it slower and more expensive to transport live trees from farms to stores or tree lots.

This already happened in BC at a Lions Club lot. So many people showed up on the first day that by the time the dust settled, more trees had sold in the first three hours than that Lions Club normally sold over an entire weekend.

take back their social burdens ---when they become complacent with human imperfection or when they recognize that their naïve trust was misplaced. The following political nursery rhymes speak to the full meaning of Government Of, For, & By the people.

Lawmaker, lawmaker I have something to say.

Give me real attention.

You’ll get some help that way.

Lawmaker, lawmaker how do you represent?

Do you harvest ideas or act as an agent?

Lawmaker, lawmaker give people’s minds a try.

Thousands of minds working will make lobbying die.

Lawmaker, lawmaker Here’s what you need to do.

Organize citizens so they research for you.

Lawmaker, lawmaker all futures will condemn, when laws are created for people, not by them.

Fe.Fi.Fo.Fum. I see lobby men and women.

Be they false, or be they true.

They replace what the people should do.

I recently read a public comment by an influential friend claiming America has “the most authority-averse culture in world history!” We may have the tendency, but we have not arrived yet – I hope! Only God knows how many of “We the People” trust Him. Yes, there is evidence of resistance to these holidays and aversion to prayer in our schools — and even to the posting of the Ten Commandments in our court rooms, but tendencies can be temporary or even misunderstood. Just because there appears to be a cultural aversion to Divine authority doesn’t prove anything about what is really going on with any person’s faith in God. American foundational goals for truth, freedom and justice are a very deep commitment and may again suddenly dominate. Consider the host of citizens who have served and paid the ultimate price themselves for these things! It is past time for believers to stop being falsely polite, to break our silence to openly celebrate the real Governing Authority Who has been being revealed since the dawn of time. It seems rather obvious the stunning greatness of America has its roots in the God in Whom We Trust!

Merry Christmas, and may your celebrations be complete with the love of family and friends; plenty of food and joy, gifts, thankfulness, justice, and even contentment and confidence in your chosen “religion”. Please do not foolishly discount or suppress America’s foundational beliefs — especially adherence

B.C. grows a lot of Christmas trees, but getting them to the sales lots is a problem currently as highway closures are slowing deliveries from tree farms.

Then the New York Post says that record wildfires in the Pacific Northwest in June decimated tree farms in two of the nation’s largest growers, Oregon and Washington. So maybe we should go out early to make sure we get the tree we want.

According to USDA statistics, the number of Christmas trees harvested in the U.S. declined by 27% between 2002 and 2017. During roughly the same time (2000-2014), acreage in Christmas trees in Michigan (third largest producer in the nation) declined by nearly 50%, and the number of farms decreased from 830 to 560. But the Michigan Christmas Tree Association says that Unlike toilet paper in the spring of 2020, real Christmas trees will not disappear. So don’t panic, if your artificial Christmas tree doesn’t arrive from China it is OK to go out and buy an Alaska grown tree from your friendly neighbor or cut your own tree down.

Since we live in Alaska can we just go out and cut down a tree? Well according to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources the answer is yes. Cutting Christmas trees on unrestricted state lands in the Matanuska Valley Moose

Fe.Fi.Fo.Fum. I see lobby men and women.

Be they weak, or be they strong.

Fake leaders are what make them belong.

Fe.Fi.Fo.Fum. I see lobby men and women.

Be they dumb, or be they smart.

They aren’t coming from the people’s heart.

Oh enie, meanie, miny, moe.

Catch a lawmaker by the toe.

Look at what he’s really doing, Not at talk that’s always fooling.

He is supposed to represent, yet performs as a hired agent.

Using public will is his job.

Yet he rules people as a mob.

He uses greed and hype with no pain, since appeased people won’t complain.

Making law becomes appeasement, instead of what the Founders meant.

He’s not a bad person at all.

Ignorance just holds him in thrall.

Ethics lapses in government, born of temptations from power.

Like bailing water with sieves, fixing some lets others flower.

Remedies already exist, but are not used or are denied.

In books or on the Internet, There is where these ideas abide.

People can’t maintain their ethics without learning things from the past.

It’s people refusing to learn that brings corruption that will last.

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to Trust in the sovereignty of the very same God acknowledged on our coins.

Join with the millions whose religious faith in the authority given to Jesus as acknowledged in this famous Christmas Carol… Emphasis is mine as I newly recognized these words this year.

Joy to the world! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing, (celebrate) And heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world! the Savior reigns; Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, (The entire earth) Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove. (Including our republic) The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders, of His love.

– Isaac Watts, 1719 Wes Keller WesKeller.com

Range and the Matanuska and Susitna valleys is allowed with some stipulations. Cutting of trees is prohibited in state parks and (DOT), Department of Transportation rights-of-way. It is also prohibited on Alaska Native lands and other private property. No permit or fee is required to cut a tree. Trees must be no more than 15 feet tall and only one tree per household is allowed. Trees should be cut as low to the ground as possible. Christmas trees cut on state land are for personal use only and may not be sold.

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has maps which detail the tree cutting areas. To find out more information about cutting trees in the Chugach National Forest, call 907-743-9500 or go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ chugach/home/.

For information about cutting trees in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, call 907-861-7869 or go to https://www. matsugov.us/.

So there you have it. There is no shortage of trees in Alaska as we all know every time we walk outside. Don’t send your money to China. Either recycle your old artificial tree that you bought from China last year or get a beautiful Alaskan tree to celebrate Christmas this year.

Oh so willing are these state lawmakers.

But so sorry as leaders they’re fakers.

They strut & pose to impress the people.

They just listen to make people sheeple.

Just they know best from what top experts say.

This makes them rule---lobbyists then hold sway.

Clueless leaders can’t make their people think.

Thoughtless people makes society sink.

Our officials--- they try to serve but don’t.

Our heritage---view all of it they won’t.

Lawmakers have gone lazy – they rule and don’t lead.

It’s why whim or prejudice is all that they heed.

They pander to selfishness so money is key.

Fruits of people’s minds aren’t used so reason can’t be.

Lawmaking is appeasement: free rides by command.

Government tries to serve us with mere gifts in hand.

Jacks & Jills come to Juneau’s halls to serve each fellow Alaskan.

But they’re lobbied to rule – letting the selfish duel to get the most for the askin’.

Stuart Thompson 1-877-950-7980 lookitover@att.net

COMMUNITY Contributed by Brittney Kauffman, Daughter Daniel S. Grant, 59, of Palmer, AK passed away suddenly on November 27, 2021.

He was born in Kansas to Karen Severns and James Grant. Dan was married to Sonja Grant for almost 34 years. Dan and Sonja met at Fort Gordon, GA when they were both in training, and were married in Vincenza, Italy.

Dan was dedicated to his family, his community, and his country. Dan served in the US Army for 32 years, initially enlisted but served much of his career as an aviation Warrant Officer.

Dan achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 5, and his decorations included

Contributed by Randi Perlman As the days grow shorter and colder, and the darkness of Alaska’s winter threatens to envelop us, the bright lights of the giant Chanukah Menorah lit up the skies and spirits in Wasilla and Palmer this holiday season!

The eight days of Chanukah came early this year, beginning on Sunday, November 28, and the Mat-Su Jewish Center Chabad held two community Chanukah celebrations to kick off the 2021 holiday season. The first celebration, on the evening of Tuesday, November 30, was the 7th annual event of its kind in the City of Palmer, held outdoors at the Pavilion instead of inside the Depot for the second consecutive year, due to Covid.

There was body-warming food like hot cocoa, home-cooked matzo ball soup, jelly-filled fried donuts, and traditional potato latkes, along with brief, heartwarming words spoken by local dignitaries, including newly elected Mat-Su Borough Mayor Edna DeVries and the new Mayor of Palmer, Steve Carrington.

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the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, multiple air medals, as well as several Soldier of the Year awards. Dan was stationed all over the globe, with tours including South Korea, Kuwait (during the Gulf War), Afghanistan (OEF), and Italy. Dan retired from the Army in 2014 out of Fort Richardson, AK.

(Jerrid), Nathanial (deceased), and Taylor (John).

Upon retirement, Dan volunteered with the MatSu Food bank, flew with Pen-Air, and finally, served as a pilot with the Alaska State Troopers. In their free time, Dan and Sonja enjoyed all that Alaska had to offer, specifically gold mining in their favorite spot, Chicken.

He is survived by his wife, Sonja, his children, Joshua, Brittney, and Taylor, grandchildren Alexia, Benjamin, Scarlett, Charlotte, John David, and Jackson, mother Karen, step mother Mary Lou, and sisters Kris and Janette.

Together, Dan and Sonja had four children. Joshua (Elizabeth), Brittney

To brighten the darkness and enlighten the world, the middle Shamash candle of the 9-foot Menorah was lit, followed by three other candles, one for each of the first three days of Chanukah. Then, to get the crowd really ‘warmed up’, the Sunshine Entertainment Fire Show with its two Michigan performers mesmerized onlookers with dancing balls and ropes of fire, even appearing to swallow fire and ‘spit’ blasts of flame from their mouths! It was a fabulous, engaging show, receiving loud appreciation from the crowd, especially the many youngsters…

A few days later, and for the very first time, the City of Wasilla hosted its version of a community Chanukah celebration at the Curtis Menard Sports Center!

On Sunday, December 5, traditional, home-cooked holiday foods were shared once again, the Shamash candle of the giant Menorah was brought to life in flames, and this time, all eight remaining candles were lit to signify the last night of Chanukah. Along with the candle lighting, local dignitaries shared thoughts about the significance of Chanukah and the Mat-Su Jewish Center’s presence in the Valley, including City of

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Dan is known for his incredible work ethic, patriotism, compassion, and sense of humor. In addition to always having a comb on hand and having an immaculate lawn.

A memorial service with military honors will be held in early summer, date to be announced.

Wasilla Mayor Glenda Ledford and Senate Majority Leader Shelley Hughes.

The Wasilla Touch-a-Truck event brought out another nice crowd to attend the festivities as participants gathered ‘round the Mat-Su Central Fire Dept. fire engine, Alaska State Troopers squad car, dump truck from Rocky’s Trucking, Denali Refuse trash truck, the Recycle Mobile from Valley Community for Recycling Solutions, and the Allrich Recycling Commercial Collection Van. Thank you to all the sponsors above for sharing your vehicles and knowledge with the next generation of troopers, firefighters, heavy equipment operators, and recyclers. Huge thanks also go to Ailis Vann and the Palmer Chamber of Commerce for loaning out their stage & sound system, and to Josh Fryfogle of Make a Scene for working the sound equipment and stage set-up at both events, as well as helping with publicity & marketing on social media, print and radio, venues that are music to his heart!

As we all can attest, Alaskans have been experiencing an Artic deep-freeze of

late, but temperatures rose to a balmy 15-20 degrees ABOVE zero for both Chanukah celebrations, allowing hardy participants to enjoy the outdoor festivities before dropping back to subzero numbers between & after the two events. Another true story of Chanukah miracles!

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well; Chocolate, raisins, onions, coffee, tea and alcohol are delicious to us humans, but are quite dangerous for animals. Foods such as yams, sweet potatoes and canned pumpkins (minus spices) are safe for your pets to eat.

Contributed by Angie Lewis, President of Alaska Animal Advocates Celebrating the holidays can be such a wonderful experience for many of us. The smells, foods, decorations and gifts make this time of year very enjoyable. Being surrounded by our pets is a true joy this time of year.

However, the holiday season can be very dangerous for your pet if you are not cautious.

Let’s start with the Christmas tree: If you use a real tree, make sure the water in the the stand is covered so

Contributed by Alexis Howlett We all know about “Father of the Iditarod” Joe Redington’s Boat sitting in the inlet at Mile 13.5 of KGB. It never gets old to stop and see it, and even snap a picture even though we have a million of them. Residents Mike Mahoney, Lisa Redington and many other residents have been working to restore the boat. To keep it around for years to come.

Although plants add to the ambiance of our holiday celebrations, there are more than 700 plants that are toxic to pets: Poinsettias, mistletoe are dangerous to animals. So, keep these plants out of reach of your fourlegged ,companions, or buy artificial. that your pet cannot drink it. The pine sap is not safe for ingestion.

Also, it is best to turn off the lights on your tree when you are not at home.

Pets might chew on the cords and get electrocuted. Pets can get tangled up in the cords as well. Do not use tinsel, ribbon, or other glittery items as these can be very enticing to pets, particularly cats. Decorating the bottom of your tree with ornaments made of wood or plastic, that won’t break, can prevent intestinal blockages.

Gifts that include human food can present problems for your pets as

There’s just something about the boat that is so breathtaking every time you drive by you glance over and it puts a smile on your face.

Putting a smile on your face is exactly what Mike Mahoney wanted to do when he strung Christmas lights on the boat to light it up. It is not only beautiful, but breathtaking.

If you have the opportunity drive out to mile 13.5 of KGB, see for yourself, I

Burning candles can be a concern this time of year: Put candles in areas that are not accessible to your pets. Do not leave the house with candles lit ta any time. There are battery operated candles that can be used with safety in mind.

So, if you are feeling as though there are too many restrictions on your holiday experiences, just imagine this time of year, or any time of year, without your faithful companion at your side. This will make the decision to be safe an easy one. Enjoy the holidays with your animal friends!

know it will put a smile on your face.

Check out the Facebook page that Lisa has set up, The Nomad Restoration. If you’re interested in donating to preserve history, you can stop by the Broken Boat Knik Bar and Grill and leave your donation with the bartender.

Have an amazing burger while you are there, then walk over and enjoy the breathtaking views and the nomad that sits by itself.

COMMUNITY Contributed by Randi Perlman Recycling... It’s a word heard often these days, in all kinds of company, and with many different connotations, but when did it all begin?

The evolution of recycling dates all the way back to 1776, when patriots pulled down a statue of King George III, had it melted down, and used it to create 42,088 bullets during The American War of Independence. Paper was also recycled as a vital commodity, due to lack of raw materials.

In 1897, the first crude recycling plant was established. A so-called Material Recovery Center (MRC) was built in New York, and usable material was separated from trash in ‘picking yards’. Paper, rubber, scrap metal, twine and more were recycled there.

A real ‘moment’ in the history of recycling came in 1904, when aluminum can recycling factories opened in Chicago, Illinois – the first of their kind in America!

Battle grounds often became the birthing grounds of recycling. The famous slogan ‘Don’t Waste It, Save It’ was penned during World War I (WW1), when the government created a Waste Reclamation Service due to large-scale material shortages. The Great Depression was an infamous time of shortages, when residents were encouraged to recycle or reuse everything including cloth, paper, sacks, scrap metal and other materials. The saying ‘use it up, wear it out, make do or do without’ became a popular phrase of the times. Like in WWI, recycling became critical to the war effort again during WW2. Materials were commonly

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recycled, reused and rationed – everything from rubber to nylon and scrap.

In 1970, a 23 year old college student entered a design competition hosted by the Container Corporation of America, asking contestants to create a symbol for recycled paper. Gary Anderson wasn’t even a graphic designer; he was studying engineering at USC. It took him just a day or two to come up with the iconic recycling logo of three arrows that has become an internationally recognized standard and has been called “a design classic that ranks with the Coca-Cola and Nike marks, for sheer ubiquity”. For his efforts, Anderson won about $2,000, the winning symbol was given to the public domain, and that was it, but what an important contribution toward ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ IT was!

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Stop by your favorite Valley Recycling Center and peruse the shelves of our Rescued Books Store to find the perfect Christmas gift or stocking stuffer for friends and family. Best prices around, and you’ll be supporting recycling in the Mat-Su Valley, creating a win-win, sustainable holiday for one & all!!

Pick up next month’s edition of The People’s Paper for Recycling Repeats Itself, Episode 2.