The People's Paper January 2024 by The Peoples Paper

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The Original Valley Dip: Mat-Su Plunge MORE ON PAGE 2 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER

Alaskan Sisters Strive to Save Palmer's Pioneering Past

Contributed by Sarah Lorimer What happens when two sisters embark on a mission to preserve a piece of Palmer’s rich pioneering history? They unleash a torrent of transformation! Sarah Lorimer and Jennifer Johnston are two Alaskan sisters who

strive to save the historic Matanuska Colony barns of Palmer. Sarah and Jen bought their first two colony barns at auction with no warning and no plan. Next, they scrambled to find and buy 2 acres of lakefront property to house them on. Then, they had to transport the barns through the country roads of Palmer to their new forever home. All of this caught the eye of Magnolia Network, and they were offered an episode on “In With the Old.” The sisters are huge fans of Chip and Joanna Gaines and were honored at the idea of being featured on their network. This sisterly duo proved to be a formidable force in their quest to bring these iconic structures back to life for generations to come. On December 29th, viewers tuned in to watch the barn sisters rekindle Alaska’s historic hot spots, one ‘colony barn’ at a time. “In With the Old” is now streaming on Discovery+ and HBO Max.

2024 Last Frontier Pond Hockey Classic

MORE ON PAGE 10 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE

Contributed by Emerald Kroeker Marketing Manager Arctic Winter Games

MORE ON PAGE 8 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE

HELP POWER YOUR COMMUNITY BY SERVING ON

YOUR ELECTRIC CO-OP BOARD OF DIRECTORS Visit www.mea.coop/2024elections for more information on how to apply for MEA’s two District Board Seats up for election.

COMMUNITY Contributed by The Scotty Gomez Foundation The Scotty Gomez Foundation in partnership with Lynden; Alaska’s leading transportation and logistics company, and

Contributed by Maya Narang It’s January which means Girl Scout cookie season is here! Not merely a time to indulge in delicious treats, the cookie season celebrates girl entrepreneurship, empowerment, and community. The Girl Scout Cookie Program began in 1917, when the Mistletoe Troop in Muskogee, Oklahoma baked cookies and sold them in their school cafeteria as a service project. The tradition lives on today, helping girls unbox their potential. Through participation in the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls develop essential business, marketing, and financial skills. From handling money to creating

Contributed by Paula Nance The fresh scent of Alaskan air and people jumping into freezing water! Say goodbye to cabin fever, it’s getting wild in Wasilla, Alaska. It’s the event people love! Mat Su Sertoma’s 14th Anniversary of the Original Valley Dip expects substantial numbers to join in the shenanigans! This year’s event is hosted by the Palmer Elks Lodge, on Saturday, February 17, 2023. Participants from all over the world dress head to toe in colorful costumes to help raise money for hearing health and the local community. In fact, the local Sertoma Club is honored to have the National Executive Director of Sertoma, Jason Camis, his daughter Luciana from Kansas City, MO present along with the

WRITTEN BY THE COMMUNITY www.makeascene.media

The Seattle Kraken, announced that the 2024 Last Frontier Pond Hockey Classic will take place live at the Burkeshore Marina February 23rd-25th 2024 in Big Lake Alaska. The Last Frontier Pond Hockey Classic

booths to interacting with customers, girls gain real-world business experience. One of the most valuable skills girls practice is goal setting. Girls set cookie goals and create a plan to achieve them. As a result, girls realize that they can accomplish their goals, their voice matters, and that they can make a difference in the world. “Something I learned about myself I learned that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to, even when it’s extremely hard I can do it if I try.” –9th Grader Beyond personal development, the cookie program supports the activities of local Girl Scout troops. Girl Scouts troops use their proceeds to travel, to fund troop activities, and participate in community

Mountain West Regional Director, David Oppenheim. All three have signed up to jump so we’re pleased funds are flowing in from everywhere! Jean Stanefski, the president of the Mat-Su Sertoma Club, said that although the event requires a lot of preparation and challenging work, the outcome is always worth it. “The weather usually cooperates, and the community at large turns out to support our annual event. Alaskan’s never stand for the status quo, that’s why the local plunge has been so successful,” said Stanefski. The event needs lots of volunteers and our sponsorships are second to no other. To jump at the event, each participant must raise a minimum of $100 while most jumpers look to score the Annual Biggest

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is the only hockey tournament of its kind in Alaska and proudly hosts over 100 teams of all skill level across 11 divisions including: Youth U10, U12, U14, and U18, The 49’ers, Women’s, Co-Ed, Elite, Open, and Novice Divisions Skate on 20 polished

ice rinks and features a family skating rink. The three-day event will host two concerts, a fireworks show, food vendors, beer garden, family skating rink, and much more. Family fun for all ages! See you there!

Cookie Rally 2023

Troop 20003 wins the Bling Your Booth 2023

service projects. Next time you savor a Thin Mint or enjoy a Samoa, remember you are investing in the future of a strong, capable young woman. Beginning January 12, Girl Scout

cookies can be purchased from a local Girl Scout. Watch for cookie booths in your local area in March—use the cookie finder to find a booth near you at www.girlscoutsalaska.org

Fund Raiser Iceberg Award. Sertoma has numerous scholarships available to local youth and young adults. Funds go to Mat Su Sertoma Summer Camp Scholarship Winners and a substantial donation was provided to the Colony High School American Sign Language Honor Society Club.

Stanefski said “Life is short. So come on and join us! You’ve got to have a little fun! It’s something everyone should try at least once. So, scratch this one off your bucket list and come have a blast.” More information can be obtained at www.matsuhearing.org or contact Paula Nance at 907-232-1506. See you there!

SAVE 15%

CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS OR PROMOTIONS. VALID THRU FEB 29 2024

COMMUNITY Contributed by Kierre Childers Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation (MSTPF) is excited to announce our 2024 Winter Discovery Day event on Saturday, February 24 from 10AM-2PM at various trailheads in the Hatcher Pass area. Local businesses, nonprofits and clubs will be hosting a variety of gear demonstra-

ANY PURCHASE $25 OR MORE EXPIRES 2/31/2024

WRITTEN BY THE COMMUNITY www.makeascene.media

More information is available on the Revel website: www.reveltreksandtours. com/events/winterdiscoveryday

Nutcracker, The Night Before Christmas, and the like soon graced our Palmer, Eagle River, and Wasilla bookcases. And on December 8, 2023, a handful of BLBP volunteers descended upon the Kolosky Building lobby and handed out an additional four boxes of books to children and their parents during the Colony Christmas parade. The volunteers had, when cleaning and stamping books, set aside those that were torn, tattered, marked up, overly worn, and/or water stained. They put these books in two boxes, leaving me to decide what to do with them. I wasn’t looking forward to having to make what I knew would be some rather weighty decisions. Behind every half joke is a truth. I knew that some agonizing would be involved. I took each book in hand and assessed the situation. I deemed Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer and The Grinch that Stole Christmas to be salvageable since both had torn pages but otherwise were in good condition. I deemed The Christmas Pony and a Child’s Christmas

in Wales to be unsalvageable because the covers were missing. I put these and a handful of other unsalvageable books in the back room discard box. It didn’t seem right, throwing these in with books that had an expired shelf life. But, I thought, no one would want these books. But wait. I had an idea. I’d recently met with Sacha Pettit’s Colony Middle School Leadership students and told them about the Bright Lights Book Project. I then passed out a dozen books and asked the group as a whole, is or isn’t this book salvageable? The kids looked carefully at a dozen books and decided that all were worthy of saving. Some were old favorites, some had beautiful illustrations, and still others (they thought) were valuable. And so, in answer to my question, would you be interested in learning some about book restoration, the students said yes. The following week, a Mat Su College librarian talked with the students about book restoration. This was at the semester’s end, so the students didn’t do any hands-on repairs. However, they set the wheels in motion. I am now planning on reducing the number of books that end up in the recycle boxes by offering book restoration classes. No, not all the books that come into the hands of the BLBP volunteers can be salvaged. But many of them can. And, as importantly, (as I learned from Sacha’s students) looking closely at a book opens literacy-related doors. Book repair is then a literacy-related activity. I have since retrieved the Christmas books that I’d previously considered to be unsalvageable and put them in what I’m now calling the restoration box. There. I made a short story long. I’m going to include it in a book I’m now writing: Shelf Life: A Book about an Overabundance of Books.

a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and a master’s degree in business administration, reflects her diverse skill set and commitment to excellence. Stacee’s horticulture degree, she explains, nourishes her soul during moments spent gardening or hiking in the Alaskan wilderness. Meanwhile, her master’s degree has elevated her business proficiency, enabling her to lead Home Instead with a unique blend of compassion and strategic acumen. As a pioneer in the industry, Stacee played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Alaska Chapter of the Home Care Association of America. Emphasizing collaboration, she notes, “We are collegial in the market space. There is such a need for service in the community, and each company serves a particular niche. Home Instead does not try to be all things to every family. But what we do, we do very well. We are Alaska’s most

trusted source for non-medical in-home care for seniors.” Beyond her professional achievements, Stacee is a testament to balancing work and personal interests. Married, with three dogs, including a Russell Terrier and two Belgian Tervuren, Stacee is not only a pilot but also an avid bow hunter. Her support for the Becoming an Outdoors Woman events hosted by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game reflects her commitment to community engagement and fostering a love for the outdoors. Drawing inspiration from her parents, who imparted practical life skills acquired during their service in the United States Air Force, Stacee was motivated to give back to veterans who shared a similar commitment. To honor their collective commitment, as well as her husbands who served in the United States Navy. Stacee and Home Instead proudly extends its support by providing dedicated home care and respite services for veterans in Alaska. This initiative reflects Home Instead’s deep-seated commitment to serving those who have selflessly served our country. As Stacee continues to lead Home Instead with a commitment to providing top-notch care for seniors and veterans alike, she has left an indelible mark on the community she holds dear.

Contributed by Jayme Carr & Ashley Jaynes In the heart of Alaska, Stacee Frost Kleinsmith stands as an example of compassionate care and community service through her role as the franchise owner of Home Instead®. Anchorage-born and raised, Stacee’s life story intertwines seamlessly with her commitment to providing exemplary care for aging adults, veterans, and those with the desire to stay in their home while coping with chronic health conditions. As the eldest daughter of Dr. John “Jack” Frost, a well-known retired orthopedic surgeon. Stacee was instilled with a sense of responsibility and a desire to uphold her family’s reputation in the community. Her journey into the world of senior care began during her college years at Penn State University when she became a family caregiver for her grandparents. Witnessing her grandfather’s resilience for 10 years after a stroke and caring for her grandmother until her passing fueled Stacee’s deep-seated passion for helping seniors. Upon returning to Alaska in 2006, Stacee opened a Home Instead office, driven by her personal experiences and a genuine vow to making a difference in the lives of seniors and their families. Her academic background, which includes

Made in Alaska, for Alaskans, by Alaskans!

tions, educational activities, hot chocolate stops and more for recreationists. Discovery Day questions can be directed to event organizer, Kierre Childers with Revel Treks and Tours.

Contributed by Alys Culhane A visitor recently dropped by our distribution center, the former banquet room of the historic Eagle Hotel. She was a newcomer who wanted to see what we were up to. Like most, she gazed in awe at the rows of carefully labeled boxes. I gave her a tour and showed her where the children’s books and the fiction and nonfiction books were located. I also showed her our back room, which contained several boxes of books that were soon to be taken to VCRS, the Palmerbased recycling center. There they would be recycled. A brief conversation followed; it went something like this: “You’re discarding books? “Yes.” “Well, how do you decide what to keep and what to scrap?” My off-the-top-of my head response was that this is a book-by-book decision. My answer satisfied her, but not me. I continued to mull over her question long after she was gone, just in case someone else asked it, or a similar question. My example-related context was Christmas books. I began saving this year’s supply on December 26, 2022. Over the following year, books were donated to us by a variety of sources including Title Wave Books, private donations, thrift stores, and VCRS. I put them in boxes and labeled them Christmas with the sub-titles being Crafts, Children, Adult, and Cookbooks. In July, Georgie Hollander, the founder of Borealis Dancers, took seven boxes of Children’s Christmas books that she distributed to kids on December 25th, 2023 at the Menard Center holiday dinner. The day after Thanksgiving, BLBP volunteers cleaned and stamped an additional 15 boxes of books. After, I put roughly half of these books in the distributor’s boxes. The Polar Express, the

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Contributed by Alaska SBDC In the heart of Alaska’s Eagle River, Kai’s Coffee and Barkery has emerged as more than just a coffee shop—it’s a vibrant hub where the love for dogs and the coffee hut culture unite to create an unparalleled experience for both twolegged and four-legged patrons. When Jeremy and Emily Anderson first set foot in Alaska, they were immediately drawn to the unique charm of the local coffee hut culture. The friendly baristas and the delight their dogs experienced receiving free bones at the coffee windows ignited a spark in their minds. This inspiration led to the birth of Kai’s Coffee and Barkery, a place where coffee enthusiasts and dog lovers converge in a harmonious blend. Beyond a simple coffee shop, Kai’s is a haven for dog lovers. The Andersons envisioned a place where humans and their canine companions could enjoy a shared experience. Inspired by their dogs eagerly awaiting treats at coffee hut windows, they introduced a drivethru concept that caters to both human and canine tastes. The menu is a delightful array of homemade dog treats, including pupcakes, gourmet biscuits, and Barkuterie Boxes, ensuring every dog leaves with a wagging tail. What sets Kai’s apart is its commitment to local partnerships. The shop sources its espresso beans from Aethereal Coffee and drip and cold brew from Farm Loop Coffee, both local roasters in Palmer, AK. This not only guarantees top-notch coffee quality but also strengthens the bonds within the local small business community. Adding a unique touch to the business is the owner who brings a special

local dog-centric businesses, fostering a strong sense of community spirit. Taking their passion beyond the shop’s walls, Kai’s Coffee actively participates in various markets to showcase and sell their gourmet dog treats. These events have become instrumental in building connections within the community. What further makes Kai’s stand out is their use of SHOTT syrup, a specialized natural syrup from New Zealand known for its real and concentrated flavors. This unique choice underscores their commitment to quality, positioning them as the only coffee hut in Eagle River utilizing this exceptional product. Acknowledging the vital role of working with the Alaska SBDC, Jeremy Anderson emphasizes the support that helped them open with Anchorage Center Director Carlos Machuca providing essential resources and expert advice on developing a comprehensive business plan and financial projection model, Carlos played a key role in identifying a suitable lender and securing a small business loan for Kai’s Coffee and Barkery.

perspective to the coffee shop. Kai’s Coffee and Barkery goes beyond the ordinary by offering holiday specials such as pumpkin pup-pies, apple pies for dogs, custom birthday cakes, and Christmas stockings filled with homemade treats. The shop also engages in holiday giveaways in collaboration with other

Contributed by Brenda McCain The wonderful Alaskan tradition of the State Winter Carnival in Willow Carnival will continue February 2-4th 2024. The interesting and exciting events will be held inside and outside the Willow Community Ctr at 69.5 Parks Highway and take off on trails all around the community! This historic event has continued so long because there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. It begins Friday February 2nd the Carnival Kick off Dinner. Doors open at 5 pm with the local Artist’s Quick Draw and the start of the Alaskan Art silent auction. Roast Beef dinner will be served at 6 pm. This dinner is usually a sell-out. Tickets must be purchased in advance at Newman’s Hilltop Tesoro or Willow Library. $23.00 age 16 and up, $12.00 age 8-15. Free age 7 and under. The Carnival King and Queen will be crowned during dinner and the evening will conclude with a spectacular Fireworks display by Gorilla Fireworks. Saturday & Sunday- 8 am-11:00 am Willow Elementary PTA will serve their famous breakfast. Admission to the Carnival is free! Parking is $1.00 per carload, but every person gets a door prize ticket! Some competitions have an entry fee. Daytime activities are 10:00 am – 4 pm. Friday January 27th is Carnival Bingo. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Bingo starts at 7 pm Saturday Febr the Fire Dept is hosting

907-775-1877 curtisnickerson@icloud.com

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a Family Dance. Inside activities include Diverse stage acts, cribbage tournament, local vendors, ice cream eating contest, Pie Auction, Mini-raffle, Magpie shirts, Carnival kitchen and more. Outside activities include Vintage snowmachine show, Outhouse races, Snowshoe softball, Kid’s Mushing game, Historic Sven Erikson 25 k run, ski, bike, skijor tour, Homesteader games, Poker run and other snowmachine competitions and much more. For full carnival schedule see: https:// www.waco-ak.org/waco-events/ This the THE State Winter Carnival and all are welcome to come celebrate winter in Willow.

Jeremy expresses his gratitude, stating, “The SBDC was integral in our success as a startup, offering us guidance from small business resources, to helping create a strong business plan, to securing a small business loan. We wouldn’t be where we are today without their support.” Located at 12551 Old Glenn Highway, Eagle River, AK, stop by this unique haven, where coffee and canine companionship intertwine, creating a community that celebrates the joy of shared moments and wagging tails.

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COMMUNITY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 To the North, the games extend all the way to Sutton Elementary, where participants will compete in the Dene Games Snowsnake and Pole Push. To the South, biathlon participants will compete in snowshoe and ski based biathlons at Kincaid Park. In between - a slew of other games and cultural learning, and even a community carnival can be found at 20 different locations in Wasilla, Palmer, Eagle River and Anchorage. Countless resources have been pooled to make this event a reality. Anjanette Steer, Director of Care & Comfort, and her team of volunteers have ensured meals for over 2000 people, bus routes, sleeping arrangements, airport logistics and more. Mandy Mitchell, Volunteer Manager, has been working tirelessly to ensure that every piece of the puzzle has the hands they need to represent our Valley well. Cheryl Metiva, Sponsorship Coordinator, has been working with local businesses to ensure

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them maximum economic return on such an event. The community support needed to get these games to the finish line is great, and we have seen so much support rise up thanks to Cheryl’s efforts. Sponsorship is not just about supporting the Games, though. Sponsoring the Games also means sponsoring your community. Aside from the 2000 youth participants coming in from across the Circumpolar North, the Valley will see hotels at maximum capacity as dignitaries and support staff, families, media members, and special guests from each of these participating countries come in to support their homes on foreign soil - and they come by the thousands. What does this mean for the Valley? It means a week-long tourism boost during winter that can otherwise be bleak for local businesses. These ladies, Anjanette, Mandy, and Cheryl, are just a few of the great minds working behind the scenes at Arctic Winter Games. Get ready, Mat-Su Valley, Arctic Winter Games is coming up fast, and we can’t wait to share our hard work with you!! To learn more about Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games, visit awg2024.org, email hello@awg2024. org or stop by our offices at 902 E. Palmer-Wasilla Hwy.

Contributed by Marilyn Bennett One of the first things we did when we moved into our home in Palmer was to build a deck and put up a bird feeder. Almost immediately this attracted not only lots of darling little birds but a feisty red squirrel. Being from Minnesota I was used to having a pair of grey squirrels living in the back yard tree and another pair living in the front yard tree. Since we had bird feeders in both the back and front yards we fed a lot of squirrels along with the birds. We always enjoyed the antics of the little guys and so did not make war on them as many of our friends did. We could see that it was a losing proposition to try to outsmart those little guys. A close neighbor of ours constantly demonstrated the folly of going to war with a squirrel. He put his bird feeder in the center of a clothesline only to watch the squirrel deftly walk along the clothesline like a high rise acrobat or daredevil. I personally thought his constant battle against these super smart grey squirrels was rather hilarious. However, I was careful not to laugh when he talked about his ongoing losing war as he was quite serious and was sure he would eventually outwit the little guys. I was reminded of my friend’s war with the squirrels when we moved up here to Alaska and found we had moved into the territory of red squirrels. I thought it was interesting that the red squirrels did not behave the same as the grey squirrels that I was used to. Instead of the apparently happy couples that the grey squirrels seemed to be, the red squirrels lived a solitary un-neighborly life. When we first put up our bird feeders we had a red squirrel at the back yard feeder and another at our deck feeder. Then we noticed the squirrels chasing each other around and thought they were playing, until we realized we now only had one squirrel. Then last year our squirrel had babies and I began to worry as there were now six squirrels in the big tree across from our house. That was when I decided to check on the internet to learn more about red squirrels. I found out was that female squirrels are pretty loose women as they race around the day of ovulation to find as many males as they can to ensure they will get pregnant. According to the internet males compete with one another for the opportunity to mate and the females will mate with between 4 to 16 males in that one day. I

Contributed by Kimberly (Kiki) Kellar A Mat-Su wide project for homeless children, youth, students, single adults, seniors, and families of the Mat-Su Borough is returning to the Menard Center on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. This event will offer free haircuts, clothing, and food as well as access to numerous services from Mat-Su Valley nonprofit organizations. Project Homeless Connect 2024 is a one-day, one-stop event to provide housing, services, and hospitality directly to people experiencing homelessness in the Mat-Su Valley. It is a way to bring service providers, government agencies, and the general community together to address a problem that affects everyone. The goal is to move from simply managing homelessness towards making progress in ending it. This event is quickly becoming a very popular event in communities across our nation and as our tradition grows here in the Mat-Su Borough, it has also become very popular here. This year, the leadership team has set the specific goal of gathering over 125 caring commu-

can certainly understand why she only does it for one day a year. That summer we got to watch her child rearing. I was amazed that she never allowed the little ones to come anywhere near our feeders. Also, as soon as they were full grown she made them leave home. If young squirrels are to survive their first winter, they must acquire a new territory and enough food to make it through the winter. Not surprisingly they have a pretty low survival rate. Then when all the little ones were gone I noticed that she seemed much more aggressive on my deck disturbing many of my potted plants. I was beginning to wonder if I did want to have a red squirrel at my feeder when the five Magpies showed up. They woke us up in the morning with their noisy cawing and they attempted to take over the two bird feeders. This is when I saw just how aggressive our little squirrel was as she took off after those big birds with a vengeance. It was amazing to watch her leap around the deck and up to the bird feeder to keep them away. Then when they tried to eat the seeds on the ground she raced back and forth from the deck to the fenced back yard until she chased them all off. Over the next few weeks a Magpie or two would show up, but ever vigilant she quickly showed them who was in charge of these particular feeders. This certainly changed any prior feelings I might have had about how much this squirrel was dominating my bird feeder. Now I only had admiration for how tough this little squirrel was against those big birds. Also, I had to admit I was grateful that she chased away all those noisy birds and seems content to live in harmony with the sweet chirping little birds who share her yard. What a joy it is to be allowed to be an audience to the birds and the squirrels who share our yard with us.

nity volunteers, over 40 service agency/organizations, and assisting over 150 homeless, or near homeless, individuals and families. Additionally, we have the added goal of demonstrating the positive aspects of collaboration in our community. This event will enable us to gather muchneeded data on the needs of the homeless, and near homeless, to share with our community and state agencies. This information is vital and will assist us in gathering the proper resources to meet those identified needs. Our goal is to serve our Mat-Su Borough residents who don’t have permanent, adequate, or a regular night-time residence. The Mat-Su Project Homeless Connect 2024 also strives to connect with 150 homeless individuals and families. Free transportation is available on the day of the event, call 907-631-1542 for a ride. SAVE THE DATE | PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT 2024 Tuesday, January 30, 2024 10AM to 2PM Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center 1001 S Clapp Street, Wasilla, AK 99654

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We’re more than a community paper! We also run 95.5 The Pass KNLT-FM, and offer other media services too!

COMMUNITY Contributed by Ken Hagler

WRITTEN BY THE COMMUNITY www.makeascene.media

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The Mat-Su Valley’s Instructions: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Take your skillet and drizzle in a little vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom. Mix it up: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry cake mix and chocolate chips. In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, oil, and brown sugar (if using) until combined. Wet meets dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Then pour it in the skillet. Bake to melty perfection: Pop your skillet in the oven at 375°F and bake for 12 minutes, or until a nice golden brown. Rest and devour: Let the cookie cool for a few minutes in the skillet before digging in. Slice into “pie” slivers and if you got ice cream, add it to the dessert…boom!

Tips from Ken: Make it large: Use the whole box and double the other ingredients and use a 12” skillet. Egg Alternative! Save your eggs! Use 1 ½ tbsp of vegetable oil, 1 ½ tbsp of water, and 1 tsp of baking powder for each egg needed when baking. Remember, in Ken’s Cast Iron Kitchen, it’s all about having fun and letting your creativity sizzle! So, grab your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and whip up a batch of these irresistible Chocolatey Chip Cake Cookies. Follow my Reels on FB or on YouTube at “Alaska Life Southern Fried” Oh Yes!!!!

Community Newspaper and Entertainment Magazine.

Get ready for this cast iron cookie, that is simple, quick and requires just 5 ingredients. It is bursting with melty chips and comes together in a flash. No fancy special skillets you can only use once, a simple 8” skillet is all you need! Ingredients: -½ box yellow cake mix -¼ cup chocolate chips (feel free to go wild and add more!) -1 egg (or your favorite egg alternative) -¼ cup vegetable oil -1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for extra depth of flavor)

Contributed by Shawna Mobley-Murray I enjoyed creating an ad for Nine Star Education and Employment Services regarding a Keyboarding class that is starting soon. I find myself naturally thinking up scripts for radio advertising, print advertising, and social media. The thing is, my job is as an instructor. I just can’t help myself. This organization is very

Contributed by Ken Hagler Trying to find ways to save money after the Christmas bills come due and you know tax season is coming? Well, have you ever wondered why your electricity bill seems high even though you don’t feel like you’re using that much energy? It might be... Phantom Loads! Phantom loads are the sneaky amounts of electricity your devices use even when they’re turned off. Think of it like a vampire slowly draining your energy bill in the night! These loads come from devices still plugged in but not actively being used. Common culprits of phantom loads include: > TVs and other entertainment devices > Computers and peripherals > Kitchen appliances like coffee makers and toasters

in high school is eligible to enroll. Keyboarding is one of a number of classes being offered (both in-person and online) at Nine Star this quarter. GED prep classes include Writing, Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies, but English Language Learner classes are also available as well as Intro to Office Skills and Technology, and Veterinary Assistant. Ages 16-116 are welcome. If interested, call or email the Nine Star office: 907-3737833, matsuadulted@ninestar.org

special to me, one that is easy to want to promote and share what they are doing for the community. For example, for ONE price of $40 can enroll a student in any and ALL classes. Our quarters go on for approximately nine weeks. So, for nine weeks, an adult learner can go to school for seven hours a day to brush up on their education or to learn new skills. On the other hand, if an adult

learner wants to just go to one class, $40 covers that. If a student cannot afford $40, vouchers are available. Due to a grant that helps make all this possible, all learners have to take a TABE test in both math and reading to join classes. This is covered under the $40 fee. Jessica, our Program Assistant, will schedule this before the first class. Anyone who is not currently enrolled

> Chargers for phones, laptops, and other devices > Electronics with standby lights or clocks While each individual device might only use a small amount of power in standby mode, the larger effect of all these devices can add up to a significant cost on your electricity bill. In fact, studies have shown that phantom loads can account for up to 10% of a home’s total energy consumption! Find them. There are a few ways to identify the phantom loads in your home: > Look for devices with standby lights or clocks. These are a dead giveaway that the device is still using power. > Feel the power adapter. If it’s warm to the touch, even when the device is off, it’s using power. > Use a kill-a-watt meter. This handy

device can be plugged into any outlet to measure the amount of power being used by whatever is plugged into it. Turn them off. How to save money on phantom loads. Once you’ve identified the phantom loads in your home, there are a few things you can do to save money: > Unplug devices when you’re not using them. This is the simplest and most effective way to cut off phantom loads. > Use power strips with on/off switches. This makes it easy to turn off a whole group of devices at once. > Look for devices with energy-saving features. Many newer devices have built-in features that can help reduce phantom loads. > Take these steps to reduce phantom loads and you can save money on your electricity bill and help the environment. It’s a win-win!

Here are some extra tips: > Consider using smart plugs, which allow you to control devices remotely and even set schedules for them to turn on and off. > Look for Energy Star certified devices, which are designed to be energy efficient. > Make sure your home is well-insulated to prevent heat loss, which can also help reduce your energy bills. By following these tips, you can easily identify and eliminate phantom loads in your home and start saving money on your electricity bill. Remember, every little bit counts when it comes to saving energy! For more tips about enhancing life, home, and your knowledge of Alaska Real Estate, follow me at www.kenhagler.com or youtube.com/@kenhagler

The Eklutna Hydroelectric Project, located about 30 miles northeast of downtown Anchorage, is owned by Chugach Electric Association, Matanuska Electric Association, and the Municipality of Anchorage. When the owners bought the hydro project from the federal government in the 1990s, we agreed in the 1991 Fish and Wildlife Agreement, called the 1991 Agreement, to work with the State of Alaska and federal fisheries agencies to recommend to the governor a program to protect, mitigate damages to, and enhance fish and wildlife impacted by the hydro project. The Draft Fish and Wildlife Program out for public comment is the result of four years of collaborative study with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Departments of Fish and Game and Natural Resources, the Native Village of Eklutna (NVE) and several conservation-based organizations. Based on the study results, the owners invited state and federal agencies and interested parties to suggest alternatives to meet our commitment of mitigating the impact of the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project on fish and wildlife. We conducted a comprehensive alternatives analysis of more than 30 proposals from this group of stakeholders, including a deep dive into the technical and economic feasibility of each option. The draft program out for public comment uses the existing water supply infrastructure to provide year-round water

flows to 11 out of 12 miles of the Eklutna River. The studies and analysis indicate it will significantly benefit four species of salmon that are currently observed in the lower river, while balancing fish habitat with protection of the public water supply and renewable energy. You can read the entire draft program at www.eklutnahydro. com The 1991 Agreement specifically requires the owners and the governor to consider eight items: > Efficient and economical power production > Energy conservation > The protection, mitigation of damages to, and enhancement of fish and wildlife > Protection of recreational opportunities > Municipal water supplies > The protection of other aspects of environmental quality > Other public uses > Requirements of State law Among all 30 options investigated, each has pros and cons when considering the eight required items, and there are none without controversy, including a wide range of costs. There is no question the draft program is the result of tradeoffs and tough choices. We believe the proposed program strikes a reasonable compromise among all eight required elements that creates significant fish habitat while protecting this important renewable energy asset and controlling ratepayer costs. We recognize the co-op members served by this project are facing unprec-

edented times. The Cook Inlet gas supply used to power and heat our homes and businesses is uncertain and predicted to sharply escalate in price. Water returned to the river reduces available, dispatchable, renewable energy that cannot be replaced with wind or solar. Eklutna hydro power is also the least expensive power on the Railbelt, with the only reliable replacement for this power currently generated by natural gas, which grows more expensive and uncertain. At a time when the call for more use of renewable energy is getting louder, it is the member-owned utilities’ obligation to act responsibly to ensure the clean, lowcost energy provided by the hydro project is not unduly compromised while meeting the obligations of the 1991 Agreement. We respect the history of the Eklutna people. We enjoy the Eklutna River watershed as many Alaskans do and understand its cultural significance to the Eklutna people. We believe the draft program proposed will promote fish habitat while continuing to provide reliable, clean, and affordable energy to Alaskans for decades to come. The owners are continuing to work with the agencies who signed the 1991 Agreement and NVE to find common ground so we can bring a satisfactory and successful Final Program to the governor this spring. Signed – Kolby Hickel, Deputy Municipal Manager, Municipality of Anchorage Andrew Laughlin, Chief Operating Officer, Chugach Electric Association Tony Zellers, Director, Power Supply, Matanuska Electric Association

Written by Alaskans, for Alaskans. We’re more than just a newspaper!

Contributed by Jennifer Castro Eklutna Hydro mitigation program is out for public comment. Here’s why it matters. Over the next few months, there is an opportunity for you to make your voice heard about the future of the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project. The project currently supplies the cheapest renewable energy in the Railbelt, however, the not-for-profit utilities that own the project are working to balance the affordable and sustainable energy needs of the communities we serve along with the cultural and fishery resources of the region. We want to hear from our impacted co-op members and other Alaskans to help ensure we strike the right balance among renewable energy, drinking water, and fish habitat in the final fish and wildlife program we submit to the governor this spring. The public is invited to come and learn more about the draft program at multiple open-house events this month, have the opportunity to ask questions of subject matter experts, and submit comments. Public comments can also be sent by email to info@eklutnahydro.com Upcoming public meeting schedule: January 16 – Palmer Community Center (Depot)2 pm to 4 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm January 17 – Arctic Rec Center (Anchorage) 2 pm to 4 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm January 18 – The Workplace & Event Center (Eagle River) 2 pm to 4 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm

A LOCALLY OWNED MULTI-MEDIA COMPANY IN THE MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

COMMUNITY Contributed by Debra McGhan “It’s absolutely not safe to ride your snowmachine on glaciers,” says Jim Whisman, a self-described explorer and life-long Alaskan. “But I’ve been doing it for more than 20-years and here’s why.” Handing over his phone displaying a breathtaking photograph of spectacular snowfields rimmed by rugged mountains and brilliant blue ice, it’s easy to see the draw. “I’m still alive,” Whisman points out, “so it can be done safely. But you gotta learn how before you even try this. And you gotta follow the rules. Rule number one, you stay in the tracks of your guide until they tell you otherwise. No exceptions. Not ever.” Too many riders have learned this lesson the hard way, including Whisman. Even just a few feet off course have meant death for those who have fallen into crevasses or moulins (cracks or icy drain holes in a glacier that can be hundreds of feet deep). Mike Buck, Executive Director of Alaska Safe Riders, agrees. “You need to go with a very experienced person and do some scouting by doing a visual flyover in the fall or use Google Earth or other quality satellite images to find the safest route possible. Because there are really not many other ways to reduce the risk in any significant manner. After a helicopter scouting trip to Eureka with a pilot friend of mine from Valdez, the crevasse dangers that we saw made him vow to never ride across the route again. Tracks are not always an indicator that the route is safe unless they are put in by a very experienced route finder, just like tracks on an avalanche slope don’t indicate safety, the second machine across a weak crevasse snow bridge can be the one that breaks through.” Mountaineers use ropes, harnesses, crampons, and ice picks when they travel on glaciers. If you’re on a snow machine it’s a whole different game. “You could literally be playing Russian Roulette,” said Buck. “So, while we teach glacier travel techniques to help minimize the risks, it’s not something we recommend you should ever try without training, the proper gear and an experienced team. Whisman, now closing in on 70, has driven close to five million miles around Alaska since 1971 either by long-haul big rig, snowmachine, ATV or motorcycle. He’s flown even more miles. “If the wheels ain’t turning, you ain’t earning,” he used to say with an infectious laugh. In all the years he’s been riding the glaciers in the Chugach around Whit-

Contributed by Bridgette Preston Premiere of One-Woman Show, “Alaskan Wonder Woman: The Dorothy Page Story,” Set to Open at the Musk Ox Farm Performance Loft The Musk Ox Farm and Grandmother Raven Productions are thrilled to announce the premiere of “Alaskan Wonder Woman: The Dorothy Page Story,” a captivating one-woman show that pays homage to the legendary Dorothy Page, known as the “Mother of the Iditarod.” The show will coincide with the Iditarod Race, the Arctic Winter Games, and Women’s History Month. Written and produced by Bridgette Preston, “Alaskan Wonder Woman: The Dorothy Page Story” delves into the extraordinary life of Dorothy Page, an influential figure whose historical imagination left a profound mark on Alaska’s heritage. Through a series of vignettes, the audience will be taken on a remarkable journey, exploring Page’s life from her humble beginnings as the daughter of an Italian immigrant in a northern Michigan mining town to her adventures in Pojoaque, New Mexico, and eventually her

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PAGE 7

tier, Grand View, Seward, Turnagain and beyond, he’s had only one accident. “That was my own damn fault,” he readily admits. “I moved over about 50 feet off the track and was tooling along when all of a sudden I see this roll over and realize there’s a hole. I couldn’t stop so I punched the throttle and stuck my machine into the bank on the opposite side. “I jumped off my sled and I’m standing there waving my arms trying to stop everyone else following but they couldn’t see me until it was too late. “First my son goes in, then my wife bails as her machine sticks on the rim. But then our friend goes in on top of my son. Fortunately, our boy landed on a shelf about 25 feet down and was able to jump out of the way, but our friend’s hand got pinned between the two machines and shattered into about 40 pieces.” Whisman said he felt sick because he couldn’t see into the hole and had no idea how big it was or even if they had survived the fall. “I’m just thinking, I gotta get down there and get them out.” But first his wife’s machine, which hung precariously on the rim of the crevasse, needed to be pulled out of the way. “There was a lot to deal with,” he says, recalling the incident. Whisman’s story ended with no lives lost but a huge reminder that glacier riding, no matter how many years you may have done it, is a high-risk activity that can never be taken lightly. “If you want to experience glacier riding,” said Whisman, “make sure you go with someone that knows the route, has medical training and the gear, equipment and knowledge to use it in an emergency situation.” Buck agrees. “I’ve been riding on glaciers for 45 years and I’ve had a few close calls and one fall into a crevasse. It’s a scary, risky, and potentially deadly concern. There have been many serious injuries and about 5 snowmachine fatalities on glaciers including a student I had at Valdez High School a few years after his graduation. I cannot stress enough that you should be sure that you get training and only go with an experienced team. Most crevasse rescues must be accomplished in minutes, so your team needs to be rescue ready. The victims are usually in an immediate life-threatening situation.” The beautiful photos may be the reason to take the risks, but that reward will not be worth it if you don’t make it home to share the experience. To learn more or to sign up for a glacier travel seminar, check out https://AlaskaSafeRiders.org.

settlement in Wasilla, Alaska. Page’s contributions played an important role in shaping the unique Alaskan culture we know today, including the Iditarod Race, Wasilla and Knik Museums, and the Wasilla Public Library. Describing the work as a “docudrama,” playwright Bridgette Preston utilizes a historical timeline to construct the narrative of Page’s life. Although Page’s personal papers and artifacts were tragically destroyed in a cabin fire after her passing in 1989, Preston has meticulously employed historical context and creative license to breathe life into these engaging scenes. Preston began researching Dorothy Page before the COVID-19 pandemic and has since dedicated herself to crafting a production that will reintroduce this remarkable woman to a new generation of Alaskans. Taking on the role of Dorothy Page is the talented Palmer resident Diana Bailey, whose inspired performance is sure to bring Page’s character to life, immersing the audience in her remarkable story. Bridgette Preston, a 48-year resident of Alaska, attended her first Iditarod race start in 1978 (the

epic race that ended with a photofinish). With 20 years of experience as an educator in the Mat-Su School District, Preston’s passion for local history is evident in her frequent contributions of historical and observational photo essays to the Palmer Buzz website and producing the first “Palmer Underground Tours” in 2009. “Alaskan Wonder Woman: The Dorothy Page Story” will be showcased at the Musk Ox Farm Performance Loft on March 1-2 and March 8-9. Tickets are priced at $15 and can be purchased by at https://www.muskoxfarm.org/ events or by calling 907-745-4151. It is important to note that all proceeds from ticket sales will go towards supporting the Musk Ox Farm, a cause that aligns with the preservation and celebration of Alaska’s rich heritage. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the incredible story of Dorothy Page, a woman whose legacy continues to inspire and shape the Alaskan spirit. Join us at the Musk Ox Farm Performance Loft for an unforgettable evening of theater, history, and admiration for a legendary local woman.

WWW.MAKEASCENE.MEDIA 907-373-2698

HEALTH & WELLNESS Contributed by Dr. Josh Christensen Dr. Josh at Bee Well Chiropractic is hosting an event for parents who are interested in learning more about ways to regulate the emotions and behaviors of their children. During The Perfect Storm, Dr. Josh will dive deep into the science and neurology behind your child’s struggles, from

Contributed by Dr. Jon Hinman Hi, I’m Doctor Jon Hinman, a Veteran, MD, Anesthesiologist, Board Certified Pain Doctor and Integrative Medicine Doctor. Have you ever wondered what Integrative Medicine is all about? Let’s talk! Integrative medicine is an approach to healthcare that combines conventional Western medicine with complementary and alternative therapies to treat the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of illness rather than merely alleviating symptoms. As a doctor in the Integrative Medicine space, I view our patients as active participants in their healthcare journey and seek to create personalized, holistic treatment plans. Differences from Traditional Medicine: Holistic Approach: Integrative medicine goes beyond symptom management and aims to understand and treat the underlying causes of illness. It recognizes the interconnectedness of various aspects of a person’s life, including physical, emotional, social, and environmental factors. Patient-Centered Care: I have learned over the 30 plus years in my career that provider and patient must place a strong

Contributed by Andrei Chakine Alaska Health Fair, Inc. Let’s take a moment to shed some light on this often misunderstood and overlooked aspect of our wellbeing. Mental health isn’t just about whether you’re feeling happy or sad at any given moment - it’s a complex tapestry that weaves itself through every facet of our lives, from our relationships and careers to our physical health and overall sense of purpose. It is a concept that encompasses an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It refers to our ability to think, feel, and behave in ways that enable us to navigate through life’s challenges, form meaningful relationships, and contribute to our communities. If you find yourself struggling with your thoughts, emotions, or behaviors on a regular basis, it may be a sign that you’re experiencing a mental health issue. These issues can manifest in various ways, such as feelings of persistent sadness, anxiety, or anger; difficulty concentrating or making decisions; changes in appetite or sleep patterns; social withdrawal; and even physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue. If these symptoms are interfering with your daily life and relationships, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional. Taking care of your mental health is just as crucial as taking care of your physical health. By acknowledging and addressing

Contributed by Trisha Magee Your elbow starts hurting. A little at first. Now it’s more frequent. It’s gotten to the point where you can’t lift the milk jug out of the fridge with that arm. So, you stretch the elbow. Ice it. Rub it a little. Heat it. But that only provides momentary relief. After a few weeks, you decide to get it checked out. Maybe you go to a massage therapist, physical therapist, chiropractor, or acupuncturist and they treat your elbow. And it helps for several weeks. But then the pain creeps back a few months later and now you struggle to pour your morning coffee. Sometimes elbow pain isn’t caused by an issue with the elbow. Oftentimes there’s a shoulder instability that causes increased forces to be transmitted to your elbow, which isn’t equipped to deal with on an ongoing basis. So, it gets “overused.” And the elbow pain likely won’t go away permanently until the shoulder problem is addressed, even if the shoulder has never appeared to be a problem.

emotional regulation and behavioral challenges, to focus and concentration issues, and more. This event is important because it touches on the impact of stress and isolation in the lives of the children in our community, both of which have run rampant over the past year or so. Dr. Josh is making a BIG impact on the wellbeing of families in our community and giving them tangible

emphasis on the patient’s role in their healthcare. It is imperative to work together with patients to introduce cutting edge technologies and help educate patients as to available treatment options. Combination of Therapies: Too much of present-day traditional medicine relies on high volume, cookiecutter protocols and pharmaceutical interventions that for a growing number of providers lends itself to dissatisfaction, burn-out and early retirement. Integrative medicine emphasizes individualized evidence-based complementary therapies such as proper nutrition, hormone and immune rebalancing. This multidimensional approach allows for a more comprehensive and personalized treatment strategy. Preventive Focus: Integrative medicine emphasizes preventive care and lifestyle interventions to maintain health and well-being. It encourages patients to adopt healthy habits, stress management techniques, and nutritional strategies to prevent the onset or recurrence of illnesses. Treating the Whole Body as a System: I.e., Mind-Body Connection. Integrative medicine recognizes the intricate connection between the mind and the body.

WRITTEN BY THE COMMUNITY www.makeascene.media

HOPE, ANSWERS, and ACTION STEPS. “Parents, maybe you’re worried about how a label (anxiety, sensory, ADHD, or even autism) will impact your child’s life? But what if they didn’t have to be confined by a label? What if what you really need is to help them sleep through the night, have less meltdowns each day, handle transitions easier, regulate their emotions a bit easier, and get sick less often? If this

Stress, emotions, and mental well-being are considered integral to overall health. Nutritional Support: Dietary interventions are tailored to individual needs. Nutritional therapies may be used to address specific health concerns. With so much misinformation in this area and the rapid deterioration of the quality of our food supply this is a very important issue that requires attention. Individualized Treatment Plans: There is no one size fits all to healthcare. Integrative medicine acknowledges that each person is unique. Treatment plans are customized based on an individual’s health history, genetics, lifestyle, and preferences. Focus on Wellness: Rather than focusing solely on the absence of disease, integrative medicine promotes overall wellness and vitality. It encourages patients to actively participate in their health journey, making informed choices that support their well-being. The comparison between integrative medicine and traditional medicine is nuanced, and the superiority of one over the other depends on individual preferences, health conditions, and treatment goals. It’s essential to recognize that both

these issues, you can pave the way for a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life. Here are some simple ways to maintaining good mental health in 2024: 1. Physical Activity: Ready to dance like nobody’s watching? Or maybe you prefer the feeling of a sweaty workout in the gym. Either way, moving your body releases those happy hormones and keeps stress at bay. So why not put on your favorite tunes and shake it up? 2. Social Contact: Got a bestie who always knows how to cheer you up? Make sure to keep in touch! Regular social interactions can make us feel connected and supported. Invite your friends over for a movie night or plan a fun outdoor adventure - the possibilities are endless! 3. Meditation: Ever tried closing your eyes and just breathing? It might sound simple, but meditation can work wonders for our mental health. It helps us become more aware of our thoughts and feelings, allowing us to let go of negative emotions. So, take a deep breath, and let’s give it a try! 4. You-Time: Need some quiet time to recharge? Whether it’s a bubble bath, a cozy book, or a DIY project, spending time on activities that make you happy is crucial for maintaining good mental health. So go ahead, treat yourself to some me-time! 5. Hobbies: Have a passion for pottery or a flair for fashion design? Pursuing hobbies that you love can provide a creative outlet

and a sense of accomplishment. So why not pick up a new skill or dive deeper into an old one? The journey to mastery is not only fulfilling but also great for our mental wellbeing. Taking care of your mental health is a lifelong journey, and it’s never too late to start prioritizing your wellbeing. AHF Health Fair offers useful and affordable blood tests, but your healthcare provider is needed for a comprehensive health evaluation. Getting a Thyroid screen ($35), Vitamin D screen (D2, D3) ($50), Vitamin B12 screen ($35), and Ferritin ($35) tests can detect potential deficiencies linked to mental health issues, neurological symptoms, and fatigue. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice. New Schedule of Health Fairs and Affordable Blood Tests Unveiled for 2024 2024 is here, and we’re excited to announce the new health fair schedule! With the first events mere weeks away, now is the perfect time to mark your calendars and make plans. This season promises to be one of community, care, and connection, and we are thrilled to welcome all of you to join AHF during 2024. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, exhibit, or take advantage of the affordable blood tests, there are numerous opportunities to get involved. Please visit www.alaskahealthfair. org for pricing, event schedule, volunteer opportunities and more.

What about the person who is performing a back squat, but experiences hip pain or pinching with these? Every lifting session involves hip stretching, joint mobilization, and more stretching. The pinching seems to lessen a bit, but it must be addressed at every lifting session, over and over again. So many times, there is a lack of ankle mobility that the person is unaware of, thus resulting in a change in forces transferred up to the hip with each squat. Stretching, mobilizing, heating, and massaging the hip will never truly address the problem because the REAL problem isn’t at the hip; it’s at the ankle. Fix the ankle and the hip issues resolve largely on their own. These are just two common examples I’ve seen in the many years I’ve been practicing. There are many more. An experienced clinician, whether it be a physical therapist, chiropractor, or orthopedic surgeon, will look at the entire picture to truly assess and treat the dysfunctional area, even if the problematic area isn’t at the site of pain.

Our body is a beautifully designed system of levers and pulleys, created for movement. Sometimes even a “small” injury can set off a cascade of abnormal movement patterns that go unnoticed for years. Like putting a fitted bed sheet on a mattress, if one corner is removed, the tension changes elsewhere within the sheet. The same thing happens within the human body; a change in tension of one area of the body (due to swelling, scar tissue, tight muscle) can affect an area of the body other than the injured area. And oftentimes, it’s in this secondary area where we feel pain. But just as repeatedly tugging at the fitted corner opposite the one that was removed won’t make the sheet fit correctly, treating the painful site only won’t truly treat the problem. Pain is like the “check engine” light in your car. The light itself isn’t a problem; it only indicates there’s a problem that needs to be investigated. Replacing the lightbulb or the wiring to the lightbulb won’t resolve the engine problem. Pain is your body’s warning system that something’s not right

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sounds like you, then the Perfect Storm Workshop is perfect for you! Get your HOPE back, your questions ANSWERED, and ACTION STEPS that are easy and effective!” The workshop is on Friday, January 26th at the Palmer Alehouse. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Must Register by Monday, January 22nd! Please share this information with our community! *If sold out please register for our waitlist!* https://go.beewellak.com/workshopregistration-beewellak

approaches have their strengths and limitations. Here are some aspects as to why some individuals may prefer integrative medicine over traditional medicine: a holistic approach, individualized treatment, preventive focus, complementary therapies, emphasis on patient education, reduced reliance on pharmaceuticals, and treatment of chronic conditions. It’s important to note that while integrative medicine has its merits, traditional medicine also has a robust evidence base and is often critical in managing acute and severe health conditions. Additionally, integrative medicine should be practiced with a foundation in evidence-based approaches, and patients should consult with qualified healthcare professionals to ensure that integrative therapies align with their specific health needs. Ultimately, the choice between integrative and traditional medicine is highly personal, and an integrated approach that combines the strengths of both may be the most suitable for many individuals. Open communication with healthcare providers is crucial to creating a comprehensive and effective healthcare plan. For more information call Phoenix Integrative Medicine at (907) 631-0794 where science and tradition meet for your ultimate health and well-being! Visit us in Wasilla or at www.pimAlaska.com.

About AHF Alaska Health Fair, Inc. is a nonprofit serving Alaskans since 1980. We are committed to providing communities with affordable blood screenings and valuable health education. Our mission is to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Join us at one of our upcoming health fairs and take a step towards a healthier you. Optional Poem About January, Mental Health Month In January’s glow, let’s find our cheer, For Mental Health Awareness is here! A time to focus, to understand, Our minds and hearts, hand in hand. If shadows linger, seek help, don’t delay, In understanding and care, find your way. For it’s okay to ask, to reach out, In seeking support, there’s strength, not doubt. Then, with a heart open and light, Embrace self-care, shining bright. Dance in your room or jog in the park, Move your body, ignite the spark. Ring a friend, share a laugh or two, Connections heal, this much is true. Close your eyes, breathe deep and slow, In meditation’s peace, let worries go. Carve out some me-time, just for you, In joyous solitude, let spirits renew. Embrace a hobby, let creativity flow, In every stitch and brushstroke, let it show. In these simple acts, combined with grace, A stronger, happier mind we’ll embrace. As we journey through this year, With these simple tips, let’s persevere. For in every step, small or great, Lies the power to rejuvenate.

and ought to be investigated. It has nothing to do with how tough somebody is or whether they have a high or low tolerance for pain. Pain merely indicates something isn’t operating correctly. It would be prudent to not ignore the warning before more damage is done. I would encourage you to get that nagging pain checked out, by someone who looks at you as an entire human being, not with tunnel vision only to the area that hurts. Get to the root of the problem for a real solution. I would love the opportunity to help you.

WWW.MAKEASCENE.MEDIA | 907-373-2698

From the Journal of Joshua Fryfogle

Liberty, Liberally Volume IV - Issue I

January 2024

Don’t Blame Me, I Voted For The Loser

September 24, 2023 You should be most critical of the people you voted for, not the ones for whom you didn’t vote. You can and should be critical of your elected leaders, more so if you voted for them. That’s the way self-governance should work, if we, the People, did our part. Instead, if you’re critical of the politicians you’ve put in power, then you’re rejected and they are protected by the ‘party’. The party is not part of our Republic, mind you. It’s an add on, unnecessary, and arguably contrary, to our Constitutional system. No, you shouldn’t be criticizing the politicians you didn’t support, while cheerleading for the ones you did. No. You should be doing the opposite. If you supported their election, you’re part of the majority. You won the contest, because most of your neighbors agreed with you. The ones who didn’t agree, and who were in the minority, shouldn’t have to complain one damn time. The people who voted should feel incredible pressure to keep them on task, these public employees they’ve vouched for. Those of us who didn’t support them, perhaps because we thought them lying, we’re proven right when they do you wrong. We shouldn’t have to complain.

Alaska

Nothing New, Vanity

You, the majority should. Those of us in the minority clearly don’t have the power. That’s democracy for ya! Instead, the parties have inverted our system, diverting our ire against the other side, whichever that happens to be. Me, I’m always voting third party, so I’m literally never to blame, and always outnumbered by the masses. I shouldn’t have to complain to your two-party problem, and honestly, they don’t care what I think. I didn’t vote for them. In fact, they don’t care about anyone who won’t vote for them, and they know that most people will vote whichever candidate claims their party initial. They vote for R’s and D’s, and the elect know this. And they know that those voters who voted them in are conditioned to defend them like their favorite sports team.

“All Is Vanity,” by Charles Allan Gilbert, Life, vol. 40, no. 1048, 27 Nov. 1902

By Joshua Fryfogle July 17, 2015 There is a dark place in my world A place I fear to go The watcher sees me in the dark And I don't want to know

If you’re a two-party voter, flip the script.

Why the light Will not shine

Start complaining to the ones you supported when they stray from the task. Keep them on course, because only you can. Hold them accountable when they come up short, and don’t accept the blame game when they blame the other party. They made promises to you, not those who didn’t vote for them. And those who didn’t are literally in the minority; these politician couldn’t care less about the rest of us.

A mystery to me And God Will surely shed his light As I Am meant to see Watching from that place so dark A face beyond the glow Looks out from the night to light To see the well-lit show We go about our day-to-day Just doing what we do Afraid to face the place of fear For fear it might be true That all our deeds are little more Than moving things around Seeing how in dark or light Nothing new is found

From the Journal of Joshua Fryfogle www.LibertyLiberally.com Liberty, Liberally

www.LibertyLiberally.com

From the Journal of Joshua Fryfogle

Liberty, Liberally Volume IV - Issue I

January 2024

Alaska

Partisan Politics Is Identity Politics

We’ve gotten a surprising number of donations from community members at The People’s Paper and Make A Scene Magazine over the years, and recently it’s increased with the publication of Liberty, Liberally. We’ve also received many requests for subscription services, requests to mail Liberty, Liberally, and our other publications to people near and far...

January 29, 2018 Partisan politics is identity politics. When those on the right criticize ‘identity politics,’ my head tilts. Both the Republicans and the Democrats have consistently employed identity politics, denominating their identities with invented terms like ‘democrat’ and ‘republican.’ Over time, these arbitrary labels have seen their meanings shift, at times even reversing, because they are just as arbitrary and illogical as the idea of there being 32 different genders. (Feel free to call yourself a Republican or Democrat if you choose, but please don’t force it on me, alright?! Haha, hahaha... ha.) ‘Identity politics’ is the concept that we can align our existence with a larger corporate body, whether it’s a church, a political party, a state, a state of mind, sexuality, or anything else. In essence, it’s all made up. The innate desire to belong to something greater than oneself is as natural as monkeys climbing trees. It’s within us. However, the individual inherently conflicts with the community simply by having any selfserving desires at all. The transformation of self-serving desires into actions that benefit humanity, in theory at least, could mitigate these inherent shortcomings. While illiberal liberals seek equity through government action, the emerging conscientious conservatives aim to reshape reality to account for the unchangeable human selfishness. The public perception of conservatives, especially since the days of Blueblood Redneck Dubya, has been all hokum and “aw, shucks.” The right has been portrayed as the common folk, while the left is seen as the intellectual elite. Nonetheless, the belief that self-reflection and intellectual pursuit cannot serve conservative objectives is unfounded and indicates that the liberal side of the political duopoly is losing its stronghold on reasoned and reasonable arguments. Perhaps the left will continue to move in various directions without a clear focus, challenging every societal norm and

alienating everyone eventually, while the right will assume the role of guardians of reason and guide the way for some time. In any case, both sides have strayed from the path of individualism. We must always remember that as individuals, we don’t need to be tethered to our opposition to find direction. Through learning and selfimprovement, we can remove the blinders, and the biases that bind us. The resurgent retro right will not embody these past clichés. Corporate media will increasingly struggle to ignore the logical reasoning of the new right and will instead focus on whatever convenient sensationalism they can find. This fertile ground of bullshit will be used by the New Retro Right to cultivate its garden. A growing community of intellectual and knowledgeable thinkers is striving to evolve their ideology beyond the outdated John Wayne image that has defined them for decades. The older liberal generation is likely aware of this shift, even if they aren’t openly discussing it. Bookstores are also taking notice. We see writers and intellectuals from various backgrounds penning books for the masses, akin to Jung’s ‘Man And His Symbols,’ which the late 1960s liberals embraced. Jung lent a certain gravitas to readers, allowing them to engage in philosophical discussions using the terms he coined, appearing just as educated to those less familiar. People rushed to read such works, absorbing ideas from these brilliant liberal thinkers and integrating them into their political outlooks, exploring their hidden aspects while shunning the light. Those days have passed, and the retro right is rising toward a brighter future, searching within and ahead to find the words to articulate their philosophy. In time, this new right will also go through cycles, in keeping with the pendulum effect initiated by the partisan parties themselves. But undoubtedly, for the next several decades, we will witness a fresh intellectual exploration of ideas that the left often mistakenly labels as a subset of Nazism. This illustrates once more that the left, as a whole, has been intellectually compromised by its political partisan-ism and its attempt to rally the population around what they mistakenly assume to be the liberal position.

So we thought, why not make it easier to donate, and get something in return, too? With a minimum $8 per

month donation, you’ll receive a copy of each publication - and even special publications and other things that might fit in a Manila envelope! Thanks so much for your words of encouragement and financial support over the years. We take your trust very seriously, as we steward content from you and your neighbors onto the printed page. It’s an American tradition which we are blessed to uphold. More info available at: www.LibertyLiberally.com

“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” - Frederick Douglas “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” - Dr. Seuss “Reading brings us unknown friends.” - Honoré de Balzac “The person who deserves most pity is a lonesome one on a rainy day who doesn’t know how to read.” - Benjamin Franklin “My alma mater was books, a good library... I could spend the rest of my life reading, just satisfying my curiosity.” - Malcolm X “Man reading should be man intensely alive. The book should be a ball of light in one’s hand.” - Ezra Pound “The man who does not read ... is no better than the man who can’t.” - Mark Twain “To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.” - Victor Hugo “Show me a family of readers, and I will show you the people who move the world.” - Napoléon Bonaparte “Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren’t very new after all.” - Abraham Lincoln

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Liberty, Liberally

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From the Journal of Joshua Fryfogle

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POLITICS & OPINION Contributed by Kathy Kysar Mat-Su Borough Code 4.40.020 clearly states that library board members should be active members of one of the library support groups or an active patron of one of the libraries. It goes on to state that at-large members are to be recommended by borough librarians and/or library advocates. The three individuals that Mayor DeVries appointed to the Mat-Su Library Board, and were approved by the assembly at the December 19, 2023 meeting, did not meet these requirements. Those appointed were Karen Crandall, Adam Jenkins, and Chad Scott, none of whom are members of library support groups (Big Lake Library Advocates,

Contributed by Da CNN I’d Bartels Only the Truth is True: JRW Help defeat the No fault divorce FRAUD SCAM in ACS, connect with the Alaska Grand Jury Association, and Alaska STATE of corruption: learn about Grand Jury right and DUTY to indict bad actors/public servants violating our rights etc., hence violating the supreme Law. FRAUD: concealing/ not producing sufficient “proof” of the “whole relevant Truth of the Law” to our assent (because the Truth SHALL set us free especially injuring no one). Discover whether or not servant acts violate the supreme Law, and in the interests of Justice (and honesty) fraudulently refusing to ascertain the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth

Contributed by Brett Ahern History matters. It sets truth in context. Take a problem, read its history and truth will be exposed. History is problem-solving skills in action and peoples’ commitment, or lack thereof, to values. Wisdom is made clear. History is a scientific experiment of what works or doesn’t because truth is real. Let’s review Israel’s relationship with Palestinians and see what it tells us. Before Israel became a nation it was proposed the Jews should be resettled in their ancestral homeland. There always remained Jewish communities there and they usually got along with Arab neighbors. Work flowed into Palestine because European Jews moved in, bought land, and started farms. Word spread so Arabs migrated to where the work was. After WWI the British were responsible for the Middle East, per the Balfour Declaration, from the League of Nations, which became the United Nations. Jews resettled in Palestine. Welcoming Arab leaders were assassinated and revolted against. An anti-Jew movement grew, and Britain lost control. ‘Palestine’ was an area, not a people. Jews were referred to as ‘Palestinians’, as well as Arabs. Because of Arab protests a portion of the land designated as Palestine was agreed, by the Jews, to be separated and given to local Arabs, to form their own nation. Two thirds of the Balfour land was given to Palestinians, and a new nation was formed: Jordan. Eighty percent of Jordanians are Palestinians. So, the first

Friends of the Sutton Library, Friends of the Talkeetna Library, Trapper Creek Library Association, and Willow Library Association) or were recommended by borough librarians or library advocates. Karen Crandall was appointed to the Big Lake Member position. Without knowledge of what she was actually applying for, on her application to the board, under the item, “Board and Title for which I’m applying,” Crandall wrote, “Big Lake Library book screening committee,” above which an employee of the Clerk’s Office wrote, “Library School.” After she was approved by the assembly on December 19, she admittedly did not understand all the duties involved in her new position, believing instead that she would just be reviewing

about whether or not everything is lawful with power or not as and mere “NAICS businesses 9200 public administration” in the nature of private authority (administrative “actors”) requiring our consent fraudulently scheming to deprived of us of Liberty, security, or private property (essentially your ALL, via our ignorance of the Law and failing to “object” to their actions when you injure no one (NO fault) in a place deceptively called a court advertising it’s “mission” is to do Justice for ALL according to the Law in every case; (free of ALL FRAUD) to deprived our Liberty and property, Happiness and Tranquility etc. for “NO fault” (divorce), involving NO wrong as a matter of Law, NO crime, NO public offense, NO violation of the Law and deprived is more “punishment” than

Arab Palestinian nation was formed before Israel was a nation, from Israeli land. In 1948 the UN declared Israel a nation. 7 Arab nations attacked and occupied 2 sections: the Gaza strip and West Bank; by Egypt and Jordan respectively. Neither nation said anything about these people being Palestinian nor having historic grounds for their own nation. They just owned these territories. Most regional Arabs considered themselves Syrian, not Palestinian. After Israel won the 1967 war and reclaimed these 2 territories a new player entered. An Egyptian, Yasser Arafat, moved in and ascended in the ranks of the new PLO. Now that Israel had control of these 2 territories and Jerusalem, “Palestinian” entered the local vocabulary. And Jerusalem ascended in Islamic theology, after being ignored. The Jews accepted these Arabic values. They negotiated with Arafat and reached a historic agreement – almost everything that they negotiated for in the Oslo Accords. Then Israel offered them 98% of the requested territory, which was refused. They responded with elevated organized terror, the intifada: increased Western hatred for calling their bluff. Israel also gave Gaza to the Palestinians. Israel forcefully removed the remaining Jews and handed the keys to the Palestinians, with both the USA and Israel’s offers to assist in creating their self-governing system. Declined. The Palestinians now had two states, free and clear, of Israeli oversight. They ruled themselves. A year later Gazans voted in Hamas to govern them. Hamas just used the loca-

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challenged books for the public libraries. Owner of the Garden Gallery in Big Lake, Crandall submitted her application to the board on December 4, 2023. She is not a member of the Big Lake Library Advocates. Adam Jenkins was appointed to the Willow Member position for which another Willow resident, Sidney Bertz, had previously applied. Bertz application was received on November 22 and Jenkins application was not received until December 1. Bertz has lived in the Mat-Su Borough for 8 years and Jenkins has only been in the Borough for 2 ½ years. While Jenkins admittedly has no experience with libraries, Bertz does have experience as a library volunteer and youth mentor in Willow. Jenkins is not a member of the Willow Library Association, nor is he known to the Willow librarian. Chad Scott of Wasilla was appointed to

the one available at-large Member position and also, admittedly, has no experience with public libraries. He was not recommended by borough librarians or library advocates as required by the MatSu Borough Code. His application was also received on December 1. This code violation was brought to the attention of the assembly during the public comment period at the December 19 meeting by Kathy Kysar, president of the Sutton Friends of the Library and Sutton Member of the Mat-Su Borough Library Board; however, the assembly still voted the new appointees into their respective positions. Of the three newly appointed Mat-Su Library Board members, Jenkins holds a one-year term ending December 31, 2024, while Crandall and Scott both hold twoyear terms ending December 31, 2026.

for most crime: and Shocks the Conscience as absolutely NOT Liberty and Justice for ALL in a more “perfect” Union in the Land of the Free! That’s InJustice/violating the supreme Law and our rights is serious “CRIME and Sin, NOT Justice” see 8th COMMANDment of God/YHWH plus 18 USC 241 Cons-piracy against rights: is law of, by and for public servants, bound by Oath to obey the Law as guardians to SECURE our rights! NOT authorized by the People to Induce us into their fraud and “outside the Law” to deprive us via “government servant deception” in ACS knowing the Law abhors fraud and VOIDS everything!” (CR 60(4,6) WOE unto the Lawyers (Luke 11:52 ) and NOTICE of failure to correct their FRAUD/ Wrong/CRIME = “misprision” of felony (18 USC 4) Thou shalt not STEAL and ALL that with NO exception for public “Servants” especially Judges/servants bound by Oath

to obey the Law who violate said supreme Law: see WARRANT requirement! and DUE Process of “Law” clauses resulting in SIN and felony Crime NOT “Justice! The Law abhors FRAUD, unravels and VOIDS “everything” into which it enters even the most solemn government servant acts resulting in Unconstitutional and void: FRAUD ON THE COURT $ NO time limit to attack it. 1. “The Judiciary” vs. “Alaska court System”: private Co. aka administrative “Department 41” in executive branch under servant Dunleavy bound by Oath to obey the Law and execute it faithfully! NOT allow violations by government ‘servant’ deception/fraud. 1. No facts NO evidence found of incompatibility and concealing what it means as a matter of Law. 2. SCOTUS: NO rule or legislation can abrogate rights secured by the Constitution, Miranda v. Arizona. Blessings to ALL! Woe unto the Lawyers!

tion and resources to better fight the Jews. Israel continued to supply most of Gaza’s water, electricity, tons of daily supplies, and work visas into Israel. Israel also supplied free medical treatment for serious children’s health problems. The parents are often shocked that Israel treats them like humans, free of charge, since the extremist Islamic propaganda uses the Nazi mindset that Jews are an amalgamated non-human race causing all the worlds’ problems. Since Gaza’s liberation, Israel built a wall between them, to stop the suicide bomber attacks, with over 1,000 deaths. Israel set up special brigades to fight fires, since the Gazans weekly sent floating fire pots over the fence, starting forest fires. Israel is now building tunneled sections on a main road, due to terrorist attacks on all drivers. Israel experiences two or more weekly terror attacks and are hated by their neighbors, who insist that all Israeli land must be returned to Islamic peoples. Check for yourself – the case is much worse than I briefly portrayed here. You can freely subscribe at www.dailyalert.org for weekly reports. Hamas exercises sheer unadulterated hatred. They decided to destroy Israel and exterminate Jews. They clearly brag about October 7th and promise to repeat it. We are silent. Silence usually means agreement. Where is our call for accountability? They live in freedom when they should be pursued worldwide until arrested. We are steeped in moral poverty and pretend we are rich! Like with WWII, we have a choice. We stopped antisemitism before. Will we live our morality and be an area that is celebrated as one of the “Righteous Among the Nations”, like the WWII valiant people, who are memorialized in Jerusalem? Can you imagine the diabolical imagina-

tion that went into attempting to annihilate Palestinians at the hand of Israel, by keeping Hamas fighters deeply embedded with Palestinians? The central leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, spent years in an Israeli prison and was released in a prisoner swap. He said he used the time in prison to understand the Jews’ weakness: their passion for life, liberty, solidarity, and freedom. As a result, the leaders of Hamas knew if they butchered Israelis in an all-out brazen attack, they would have to respond as they are. Hamas thinks ‘sacrificing’ Palestinians is worthy to rid the world of Jews. They expect the world to abandon Israel due to their methodical response to Hamas’ insanity. Here is an example of how far Hamas must go to counter Israel’s extreme attempts to reduce Palestinian casualties. https://www.facebook.com/ watch/?v=289987660229541 Why is the world not calling Hamas on the carpet? No accountability? Why is the media doing a suffering Palestinian focus? Arabs are causing the Palestinians’ sufferings! Suffering matters, but this is selfinflicted. Palestinians need to stand up to Hamas and say, ‘Never Again!’ Eliminate Hamas’ efforts, don’t placate them. That is compassion in action! There is no room for half-measures. Didn’t we learn from our 20 years in Afghanistan that half-baked wisdom produces nothing permanently? And now the West is insisting Israel should do likewise! Israel broke their arm because they tried to stab them to death. The UN is sympathizing with the Arab’s broken arm. Take a problem, read its history and truth will be exposed. History is problemsolving skills in action and the commitment, or lack thereof, to values. History is a scientific experiment of what works or doesn’t. Wisdom will be known by her children. Truth Is-real.

We’re more than a community paper! We also run 95.5 The Pass KNLT-FM, and offer other media services too!

NEXT THE THE UMV IN FRONT OF HOME DEPOT WASILLA, ALASKA www.ROCKSFORAGES.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS Contributed by Dr. Shannon Gulley I am Dr. Shannon Gulley, and I am the owner of Glacier Med Spa. We offer a full-service medical spa with a full complement of lasers to treat a multitude of conditions. I wanted to take an opportunity to give you a peek into the journey that led to our current location and Medical Spa in downtown Palmer. My journey into aesthetic medicine began almost 20 years ago when I was a general surgeon in Montana. My girlfriends wanted me to learn to do Botox injections so I could do their treatments. I was honestly somewhat reluctant but

Contributed by Joshua S. Medina Becoming a father to a daughter was a profound turning point in my life, where I not only became painfully aware of societal issues through a different perspective, but also of my own contributions to them. Like many parents, I felt a newfound responsibility to create a better world for my child but grappled with the question of how to do so. It dawned on me that building a better community starts with personal growth. I needed to grow internally before I could affect change externally. Support and inspiration from my partner, family, friends, and community were instrumental in starting my journey towards becoming a better person, man, friend, and partner. Starting this journey fueled my dedication to creating a safer Alaska, free from the threat of victimization, not just for my daughter, but for everyone. While Alaska boasts natural beauty and diverse communities, it faces a pressing issue demanding collective attention: violence. Studies highlight the long-lasting impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as violence in households, which can cause toxic stress that permeates deep into adulthood. Luckily, protective factors and healing can disrupt negative outcomes; those who experience ACEs can and do thrive. While Alaska’s rates of violence are extremely high, so is our capacity to change; we can take action to prevent trauma from happening. For

Contributed by The Alaska Club Looking for a way to beat the winter blues? Move a little and be good to yourself a lot! You may have heard that movement is medicine and the more you take it, the better you’ll feel. At The Alaska Club, our vision is to deliver a rewarding experience that inspires a drive in our members towards ongoing fitness, ultimately improving the quality of their lives. Whether that’s taking a group fitness class, going for a swim, or just relaxing in a steam room, The Alaska Club supports its

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body contouring including CoolSculpting, TruSculpt, and laser enhanced liposuction. We are excited to begin offering this year medical supervised weight loss with GLP-1 receptor injections (Semaglutide), along with nutritional and lifestyle modification coaching. We are committed to helping our patients to achieve their best possible results while offering a caring and relaxing environment. We offer complimentary consultations and have online booking options at glaciermedspaak.com or you can always call with questions or to book an appointment at 907-745-1524.

found that I had a knack for this avenue of medicine and enjoyed learning new techniques. I subsequently added my first laser machine about a year later and I continued to expand my knowledge of cosmetic techniques. I moved to the Matanuska Valley in 2014 and continued to expand my offerings until I opened Glacier Med Spa nearly 6 years ago. Our current location in downtown Palmer allowed me to combine my surgical practice location with Glacier Med Spa. We love being part of the downtown Palmer businesses and enjoy participating in many of the events throughout the year. Since opening in Palmer, I have added

both a Nurse Practitioner, Kristen Alcorn, who has many years of experience as an aesthetic nurse as well as Tarah VanNatta, a very accomplished RN and nurse injector who has now been with me for over a year. They both are very committed to continued education and learning the most advanced techniques for injectables, PRP, PDO threads and laser treatments. We are now offering laser treatments for skin rejuvenation, hair removal, pigment and tattoo removal, and vein treatments. We offer the latest in radiofrequency microneedling with Potenza, as well as skin tightening options with Tempsure. We have multiple options for

far too long, the weight of solving this issue has largely fallen on the shoulders of women. Now, it’s time to change that. Tony Porter, founder of ‘A Call to Men’, an organization dedicated to transforming society through healthy, respectful manhood said: “If women could end violence against women by themselves, they would have by now; violence against women won’t end until good men become part of the solution.” It is time for us, as Alaskan men, to do just that in Alaska. But how? The Strengthen campaign offers an answer. Statistics show that while most violence is perpetuated by men, only a small percentage of men perpetuate violence. Alaskan men are already doing so much good: from starting their personal growth journeys to practicing gentle parenting. Strengthen creates a platform to highlight that good and turn inspiration into action. First, we can harness the power of our influence, acting as mentors to young men. Most of us are already role models. We can help end violence by intentionally teaching youth in our lives about respect, managing emotions, and recognizing that rigid gender roles and stereotypes, as research has shown, causes harm by contributing to interpersonal violence. To best do this, most of us need the chance to learn more and practice in our own lives. Strengthen provides that opportunity by inviting participation through story sharing, offering support through resources, and connecting men who want to be part of the solution by

creating a space to have discussions on men’s wellness, gender roles, and healing. Additionally, men and boys are survivors of trauma and violence, too, and need space to heal. Strengthen encourages help-seeking by acknowledging it as a sign of strength not weakness and providing a supportive space for men throughout Alaska. Strengthen is supported by organizations like the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (ANDVSA) and Alaska Children’s Trust (ACT). More specifically, ACT’s efforts to support and fund programs, like parenting classes and cultural camps for youth, encourages men to play an active role in breaking the cycles of abuse impacting Alaska’s kids, while ANDVSA and its member programs help Alaskans statewide through its advocacy and prevention programs. Are you ready to join the movement by sharing your story or voice? Go to: www. strengthenalaska.org Bio(s): Joshua (he/him), like many other Alaskans, immigrated to the United States at a young age. Coming from the Philippines, the transition was stark, but Alaska quickly became his home. Growing up in the small town of Kodiak, Alaska, Joshua grew up fishing and hiking. However, Joshua’s appreciation for Alaska and its natural beauties only deepened with time. Wanting to give back to Alaska and the communities that helped raise him, Joshua’s career has been devoted to serving others. in addition to working for the Alaska Network

on Domestic Violence as a prevention specialist, Joshua works as a juvenile justice counselor for the McLaughlin Youth Center, helping adjudicated youth make positive changes in their lives. George Kosinski is an Alaska Fellow at the Alaska Children’s Trust. After growing up on the East Coast and attending college in Iowa, he’s now thrilled to live in Alaska and committed to supporting children, families, and communities across the state. George believes in the powerful role of prevention in addressing interpersonal violence and enjoys working on a team that focuses on upstream prevention. Alaska Children’s Trust is the statewide organization for the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Alaska’s children, youth, families and communities can thrive when they have the resources, supports, skills, and tools they need for safety and stability. Learn more about ACT: www. alaskachildrenstrust.org With appreciation, Joshua S. Medina

members and guests’ fitness, and wellness needs no matter how they choose to spend their time at the club. If you’re looking to start a fitness or wellness routine (or maybe get a jump start on your 2024 New Year’s resolution), then take advantage of The Alaska Club’s 12 Days of Fitness Pass for just $25. That’s 12 visits to The Alaska Club to lift, run, swim, play in the splash park, take a group fitness class, play pickleball, shoot hoops in the gym, relax in a sauna, and so much more! The pass can be purchased at any staffed location of The Alaska Club now

through December 31, 2023. It includes privileges for a family of up to 2 adults and 2 children. In addition to enjoying the benefits of taking time for yourself or spending active time with your family, you’ll also be entered to win prizes such

as TAC merchandise or services, if you visit the club at least five times using your 12 Days of Fitness pass. Learn more by visiting www.thealaskaclub.com/12-days-offitness and feel better this holiday season at The Alaska Club. You deserve it!

The Chickaloon Village Traditional Council

TRUE NORTH RECOVERY INC.

MYHouse Mat-Su Youth Housing

Our mission is to perpetuate our ancestors’ beliefs, customs, traditions, values, and steward our environment to help our community thrive. The Health and Social Service Department, Tribal Opioid Response Team actualizes the mission by providing services to anyone in the community that include case management/ care coordination, referrals to treatment that best fits them, assistance with basic needs, transportation, housing assistance, wellness check-ins, harm reduction, naloxone training, as well as, distribute naloxone kits we receive from our collaboration with Project Hope.

As a leading Alaska drug and alcohol treatment center, True North Recovery Inc. is on mission to provide our community with client centered, culturally competent behavioral health treatment with same day access to services through: Evidenced based best practices, partnerships, and authentic community-based recovery support services for alcohol addiction, drug addiction, and treatment for other addictive lifestyles.

MYHouse is a homeless youth drop in center with two for-profit businesses that train and employ homeless youth. Gathering Grounds Cafe is a coffee shop with homemade soups, sandwiches, salads, and baked goods.

Please reach out to us if you or someone you know may benefit from our Tribal Opioid Response (TOR) Program. The TOR Program services are open to all members of our community. PHONE: 907-745-0704. EMAIL: skolson@chickaloon-nsn.gov WEBSITE: www.chickaloon-nsn.gov

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We work to foster a safe and supportive environment for peer-centered education, services and engagement. Our programs and partnerships open pathways to recovery by removing social barriers and creating opportunities for those seeking and maintaining long-term recovery. PHONE: 907-313-1333 EMAIL: admin@tnrak.org WEBSITE: www.tnrak.org

SteamDriven is a trendy thrift shop featuring Steampunk items made from repurposed donations by our youth designers. True North Recovery and Young People in Recovery offer support for substance abuse recovery with activities and events. We offer transitional housing for qualified 18-24 year olds, outreach services to connect homeless youth, organizations and groups to services, and access to public health and job education services on site. PHONE: 907-373-4357 EMAIL: myhousematsu@gmail.com WEBSITE: www.myhousematsu.org

Looking to add your business or organization to this list? Need help finding support? Call 907-373-2698.

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Lighting Times Jan/Feb in Mat-Su: January 19

4:07PM

January 26

4:26PM

February 2

4:46

February 9

5:06PM

February 16

5:26PM

Blessing: Baruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-hei-nu Melech Ha-olam A-sher Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitzvotav Ve-tzi-va-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Sha-bbat Ko-desh.

Shabbat candles are lit by Jewish women and girls, as young as the age of three, 18 minutes before sunset or one and a quarter daylight hours before sunset, on Friday afternoon or on the eve of Jewish holidays. They light candles to usher in peace and blessings to their homes and to the world.

Translation: Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat.

For more information, visit chabad.org or contact the Mat-Su Jewish Center Chabad 907-350-1787

HEALTH & WELLNESS Contributed by Melissa Rigas At the MATSU Food Bank, part of our mission is to provide other institutions, pantries, and organizations with items they need – be that food, hygiene products and sometimes other specific items for specific organizations. One of these organizations, YoungLife/ YoungLives is very special to our hearts. We were contacted by them this past summer and a colleague noted what they needed, so we started putting things aside to help out. I had a sit down with the Valley Coordinator of YoungLife/YoungLives, Brittany Reed, last Monday and she explained and elaborated on what exactly they do and how they help our community. To begin with, YoungLives is focused on ministry

Contributed by Doug Ferguson Last month I pointed out the very obvious cultural difference in how the Japanese treat their elders compared to much of the Western world, especially here in the United States. In America, especially since the end of WWII, we have come to glorify a “youth” culture in both media and actual practice, and more recently, label any traditions or wisdom from seniors as “old school” Ideas. Our younger generation views these as “not cool” and should therefore be discarded. Many just see seniors as “Grandparent Babysitters”. As more and more of the younger generation have moved into adulthood and are now running our country’s institutions, we are seeing this in how our older generation is treated, especially in the ever-growing health field. Recently I have had a series of medical problems that have put me in a position to see how seniors with either temporary or permanent physical handicaps are treated in the environment just described. Last year an emergency back operation left me first in a wheelchair, then a walker and now with canes. For my physical reha-

Contributed by Candice Vialpando January 1st marks the first day to complete your Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) application and give to your favorite charities at the same time with Pick.Click. Give thread is a proud participant in Pick. Click.Give. As you fill out your PFD, please Pick.Click.Give to thread! For more than three decades, thread has been working to advance childcare in Alaska. Many families have limited or no access to quality childcare. Businesses are struggling to retain employees who need childcare. The childcare workforce is

How can you help?

Our mission is to help the most vulnerable Alaskan animals by way of rescue, veterinary intervention, spay and neuter services, and community outreach. Many hands make light work, and make a big difference, one animal at a time!

bfarak.org (907) 531-7323

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for adolescent parents. They exist to help teenage parents grow in life, leadership, and faith. As the organization is not specific to Alaska, I wanted to know what their mission was specifically in the Valley? Brittany emphasized a multigenerational approach, empowering young women and young Moms and Dads to be successful in their parenting skills to raise healthy and balanced children. These parents range from 11 years old to 24 years old, so as you can see, some of them are still children themselves. My next question was what do they provide for these young parents and what do they need? As you can imagine, the list is not short. Motherly products, diapers, baby food and cereals, clothing, bibs, birthday gifts and cakes, etc... They offer an opportunity to become a sponsor for

Moms’ life packs and Heartreach offers parenting classes. In addition, they provide resource support, community and weekly events and relationships. The weekly events create healthy communities for teenage parents and ways of healthy living on life mentorship. What really struck me throughout our conversation was that decisions in all cases are made on an individual basis and this creates an atmosphere of TRUST, a crucial component in our dealings with people. What touched me the deepest was knowing that these young people felt that because they are young, they aren’t necessarily taken seriously and that they are used to being loved ‘conditionally’. Brittany also mentioned to me that Alaska is ranked 12th out of the 50 U.S. States for teen pregnancy. Our kids must never have to go through this alone. YoungLives offers this and so much more to our young parents, but it is

difficult to run an organization without volunteers when you are a 501(c)3 and you are understaffed. Yes, Brittany needs VOLUNTEERS! They are very serious at YoungLives. Brittany is out there, but she is one person. By creating partnerships with community agencies, like the MSATSU Food Bank, they can build bridges to connect parents to the resources that help them evolve into strong and healthy families. By meeting these practical needs, YoungLives earns the right and trust to build deeper relationships with our youth and THIS, this creates HOPE. You can contact Brittany by phone at 907-315-3033 or at her e-mail brittany. younglivesmatsu@gmail.com where she can go into more depth. A visit to their website, ylvasps.org, will give you the opportunity to see for yourself what they do! I’ll end this article on something that Brittany said to me before we concluded, “We are not giving them a handout; we are giving them a hand up”. Rock on...

bilitation I was admitted to a senior care facility for a month or so. Of the population of the facility at the time, only about 20% of us were there for physical rehab. The rest were permanent long term care patients. During this period the excellent re-hab staff got me started on walkers and canes to transition back to living at home. I was happy with what they did for me. During my stay, taking myself in a wheelchair to their cafeteria area for meals each day, I had to chance to meet other patients. Some were there for rehab like myself, and others there for long term care. While the staff was basically helpful to all, you definitely got the feel that the patients with the most obvious handicaps like mobility or speech problems were being treated like children. One lunchmate in his 60’s, who had a lifetime of experience throughout Alaska as a Forestry agent, was learning to speak and achieve some level of mobility again after a serious stroke. He managed to tell me sarcastically that the lady who was responsible for wheeling him back and forth to the cafeteria was acting like “his mother”! Another 90-year-old lunchmate was a broad-shouldered man who now didn’t have the use of his legs and was also be-

ing brought to meals in a wheelchair. As I started to get him into conversation, he seemed very depressed. It turned out he was a former firefighter in New York City where he spent an exciting career fighting big time fires! Now he was “immobile”, in his terms and “can’t do anything anymore”. Here was someone who had given up on life. I wasn’t sure what his family situation was, but he sure needed some social contact and respect! Back up on the floor, it became very obvious that the nationwide shortage of nurses extended to Alaska! Since only registered nurses could pass medicines, this was almost a full-time task for each RN available. This situation was exacerbated by another problem: the increasing quantify of drugs fed to seniors, many to deal with their depressed mental states caused by pain, isolation or both. Most other routine tasks were by necessity handed off to mostly younger trainees who were much more into treating seniors as children or at least dismissing them as “old school” or else not into forming any serious interactions with them. While some group social activities like Bingo were organized for those who would or could leave their rooms, there

was virtually no time for social interaction for these “room-bound” patients except for visiting hours if they were fortunate enough to have friends and family that came. Regarding interaction with seniors in the public domain, most people are kind and try to be helpful, holding open doors, letting mobility limited seniors like myself pass first, get in lines and other forms of courtesy. I have learned to thank them for their kindness. However, in most of these cases where conversation is limited, one still can detect an attitude of their dealing with someone else’s child! What is the solution to all of this? Obviously, there is no “silver bullet” given we don’t have a cultural history like Japan. However, if we could somehow get our youth and care taking adults to realize every senior, they meet has had a lifetime of experiences and stories. No matter what their disabilities are, it would make their day if you could find the time and the way to ask them to share some of their memorable ones with you! Besides, you just might learn something!

struggling to stay in the field because of low wages. Change is critical! You can help by choosing a thread when you Pick.Click. Give. When you choose thread, you support the future of young Alaskan children and their families. Together, we can ensure families find quality childcare and support childcare programs and early educators. A strong childcare system creates futures. Today’s workforce is supported while tomorrow’s workforce gets a strong foundation for school and life. Families are less stressed. Businesses are more productive. Alaska’s economy grows. It’s an investment

that serves our entire community! When you Pick.Click.Give. to thread you contribute to stabilizing the childcare system today — and in the future. Your gift to thread supports: · Families finding quality childcare so they can work and go to school · Early childhood educators and programs · A thread advocating to ensure childcare is more affordable, accessible, and higher quality for all Alaskans · Communities and the Alaska economy thriving If you’re unable to pledge at this time,

you can show your support in other ways: · Sign up for threads action alerts and share your opinion with policy makers at threadalaska.org · Sign up for threads newsletter and stay informed about the latest childcare issues at threadalaska.org · Follow thread on Instagram or Facebook, simply search thread Alaska on the social media platforms to find us · Donate supplies to your childcare program · Advocate for high-quality, affordable childcare in Alaska Every child in Alaska means the world to us, and so does your support. The future of childcare starts now! Please give to thread through Pick.Click.Give. Thank you!

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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PAGE 12

ACCESSIBILITY & MOBILITY 101 Mobility ........ 521-7101 ANTIQUES & VINTAGE The Estate Sale ........ 357-7050 The Winter’s Cache ...... 745-3911 APPAREL & CLOTHING All Seasons Clothing Co. ........ 357-0123 ART & CRAFTS The Gallery ........ 745-1420 AUTO REPAIR Fairview Loop Automotive .. 887-6137 BOOKSTORE Black Birch Books ...... 373-2677 Fireside Books ........ 745-2665 CANNABIS RETAILER Matanuska Cannabis Co. ...... 745-4211 COFFEE & CAFÉ Alaska Artisan Coffee ........ 745-5543 Gathering Grounds Cafe ........ 376-4404 Vagabond Blues……..745-2233 EDUCATION Gille Learning Center ..... 357-1100 Learning Essentials ........ 357-3990 EPOXY SUPPLY & INSTALL Alaska Resin Supply ........ 671-9900 FOOTWEAR Northern Comfort Shoes ........ 376-5403 HOME DÉCOR The Wagon Wheel ........ 671-0189 MUSIC LESSONS Wood & Wire Guitars .... 745-7457

Contributed by Terry Lemerond For anyone dealing with acute pain, the temptation to find quick answers for pain relief is understandably overwhelming. The problem is, even commonly found over-the-counter options come with a host of potential dangers and side effects. Fortunately, a combination of curcumin, boswellia, and black sesame seed oil has been shown to be as fast-acting and effective as over-the-counter acetaminophen – but without the negative effects. Curcumin and boswellia are already well established as pain-fighting herbs. Curcumin fights COX-2 inflammation – and modulates virtually every other inflammatory pathway as well. It has been used for reducing delayed onset muscle soreness, relieving rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, and alongside boswellia, has shown excellent effects for individuals with osteoarthritis. Boswellia works primarily through the 5-LOX inflammatory pathway, making it a good partner to curcumin for pain relief. And sesame seed oil compounds reduce anti-inflammatory responses that that cause rheumatoid arthritis joint damage, help increase type II collagen and prostaglandins, and prevent the breakdown of joint-supporting fatty acids. In clinical research, sesame seed supplementation decreased pain scores and relieved symp-

toms for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Additionally, sesame seeds assist in nutrient absorption, which is one of the reasons researchers chose to use the oil from black sesame seeds (which contain higher levels of beneficial lignans phenolic compounds than white sesame seeds) to test this pain-relieving combination. In a clinical trial, the combination of curcumin, boswellia, and black sesame seed oil was just as effective, and essentially just as fast, as acetaminophen for reducing pain – about an hour on average. In fact, the results regarding the relief of pain intensity and magnitude were so close as to be negligible in their differences. That alone is reason to celebrate. Acetaminophen (one brand name is Tylenol) may be common, but it certainly isn’t safe. Consider these numbers: From 2008 through 2012, there was an average of over 100,000 calls per year to poison control centers in the United States due to acetaminophen. About 67 percent of those calls were because of unintentional poisoning, that is, most people were simply trying to relieve pain, and didn’t realize the danger of acetaminophen overdose or buildup. What’s additionally interesting about this study was that the combination of curcumin, boswellia, and black sesame seed oil also reduced the negative emotional aspects of pain 8.5 times better than

FAITH & OPINION

acetaminophen, too. This is an extremely important aspect of pain relief; I think there’s no denying that emotions play a major role in how we perceive pain and how quickly we can recover from it. These ingredients are potentially even more effective if the curcumin is blended with turmeric essential oil for enhanced absorption, and if the boswellia is standardized for higher levels of acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), one of the herb’s compounds known for fighting 5-LOX inflammation. But the bottom line here is that you can get an option that works as quickly as over-the-counter medicines without causing dangerous side effects. To me, and I’m sure to many out there seeking a natural solution to acute pain, this herbal combination provides great hope and true relief. All About Herbs Nutritional Supplements & Wellness Center 4621 E. Palmer-Wasilla Hwy #104, Wasilla www.allaboutherbs.com

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PAGE 12

ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS www.alaskamarketplace.com www.gunsalaska.com PRINT SERVICES L&B Color Printing ........ 376-2081 REPAIR & RESTORATION Alaska Resin Supply ........ 671-9900 Comtronics ........ 373-2669 S&S Drilling ...... 746-0225 Steve’s Toyostove Repair ..... 376-9276 The Powdercoat Shop .... 841-1300 Wood & Wire Guitars .... 745-7457 RESTAURANTS Locals Pub & Pizzaria ........ 357-3100 Mekong Thai Cuisine ........ 373-7690 SNOW REMOVAL SERVICES Mr. Plow ........ 521-2376 SPECIALTY GIFTS Alaska Midnite Scents ........ 357-7364 Non-Essentials ........ 745-2258 The Wagon Wheel ........ 671-0189 The Winter’s Cache ...... 745-3911 THRIFT SHOPS Steam Driven Boutique ........ 376-4404 Turn-A-Leaf Thrift Stores ........ 376-5708 TOYS Just Imagine Toys ........ 357-1543 Learning Essentials .......... 357-3990

Contributed by Bishop Nathanyel Israel The broken-hearted are the twelve tribes of Israel. They are commonly known as the people scattered in North, South, and Central America and fit the curses in Deuteronomy, the 28th chapter. These are the broken-hearted that the Bible speaks of. The broken- hearted is also mentioned in Ezekiel 37, which discusses the dry bones. It points out that the whole house of Israel, the so-called Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans, are the dry bones. We went into captivity because we broke the laws of God. Our disobedience led us to be broken-hearted as we look towards a nation that cannot save us, so our hope is in vain. Hosea 5:15 “I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.” The scriptures say we will seek God in our affliction, not the other nations. The Lord is the one who punished us for not keeping the commandments. We refuse to turn back to the Lord, yet we are constantly getting doors closed in our faces by not receiving the help we expect from these other nations. We do this in ignorance because we don’t know that we were brought here into captivity for disobeying the Heavenly Father. The Bible reveals that the Lord will smite us with madness. A broken heart led to many problems in our communities, including drug abuse, violence, hatred, adultery, and much more. This trauma is happening because our hearts, our minds are broken. We

COMMUNITY Contributed by Juliah Barnett REDEMPTION is a therapeutic job training program designed for clients of MY House to have the opportunity to feel and heal through clothing design. We provide a safe space for clients who are survivors of trafficking, domestic violence, and other traumatic life experiences to gain confidence in learning new skills and collaborate on creative designs that serve as an outlet for their healing journeys. This year we have revamped our job training program into a t-shirt printing business with a collection designed by MY House staff and clients. Inspired by the Art Nouveau movement of the 1910s, “The REDEMPTION Movement” collection highlights Alaskan flowers with symbolism and meaning. Featured Design: The Forget Me Not Alaska’s State Flower, the Forget Me Not, symbolizes remembrance.

must turn to the one true God who put us in these conditions. We must acknowledge our offense, and he will give us the Kingdom. Understanding that this is the condition we face, our people need vision. This is where leadership comes in. Jeremiah 3:15 “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Our people are continually being left broken-hearted, without any leaders or vision. How can we call on the Lord if we do not know the Lord? God had to send his spirit down here to give us preachers and leaders for the people. He blessed some of us to hear his Word. We learned from our elders, and we were able to take the truth and expand it to where we are now. Isaiah 61:1 - 3 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to

preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” What’s written in Isaiah 61 is our mission. The leadership at IUIC is on a mission to ensure that our people hear the gospel of Christ. We have to have a vision to bring to the people. We have to be able to see the future by knowing the Bible and understanding the plan God has outlined for his people choosing to repent. The Cause of Our Broken Hearts We forgot our God and that caused us to be broken-hearted collectively. The Bible says that the Lord requires us to keep the commandments. It’s written very clearly in the book of Deuteronomy. We reached a point in history where we wanted to be like the other nations and follow their customs. All the prophets, men of the Lord, kept warning the Nation of Israel to stay away from the ways of the heathen. Even when we got our first king, that idea was inspired by wanting to be like the other nations. God gave us King Saul, which still wasn’t enough for us. We continued to break the laws of God until the Lord was moved to anger. We were all sent into captivity until we learned to acknowledge our offenses.

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At REDEMPTION, we believe our lost loved ones live forever in our hearts and minds and even visit us through spirit animals such as the moose. The Forget-Me-Not Hoodie reminds us to speak their names because although they may be gone, they will never be forgotten. Shop the entire collection online at redemptionapparelak.com and check out our booth at the Trend Alaska Fashion Show on February 17th, 2024. Tickets are on sale now at trendalaskaak.com. Follow our journey on Instagram and Facebook @redemptionapparelak. Your support in purchasing products from our store helps us provide opportunities for clients to learn to live again knowing they are loved, and they can thrive! For more information about the services offered at MY House, visit myhousematsu.org or call 3734357. Thank you for supporting MY House!

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DON

SIMPLE

PETS & ANIMALS

Contributed by Angie Lewis I am one of those people who firmly believe that every child should grow up with a dog. As long as the relationship is equally beneficial to the dog as it is to the human members of the family. Dogs are the most joyous creatures on the planet, and this rubs off on all of us. Dogs are good for a child’s social and emotional development. Caring for a dog teaches a child responsibility and dependability. Dogs teach children patience, because as we all know, sometimes they require a patient individual to deal with training or negative behaviors. Studies have shown that babies who grow up with dogs have less allergies and other health problems. In addition, these children get more physical exercise than do children without dogs.

Contributed by Victoria Stocking In a bid to address the safety concerns surrounding sled dog accidents, a dedicated fundraiser called “Light Up The Lead Dogs” has emerged with a mission to provide light up collars for the lead dogs of mushing teams. This innovative solution aims to enhance visibility and prevent potential accidents, ensuring the well-being of these remarkable canine athletes. Sled dog racing, a popular winter sport in many regions, relies heavily on the coordination and skill of mushers and their teams. However, the lack of visibility during low-light conditions has posed a significant challenge, leading to unfortunate accidents and injuries. Recognizing the need for a proactive approach, Cherie Lovely, the founder of “Light Up the Lead Dogs” took it upon herself to make a difference. The primary objective of this heartfelt initiative is to equip as many sled dog teams as possible with light up collars. These collars, designed specifically for the fundraiser, serve as a safety precaution by increasing their visibility in challenging environments. By illuminating the path ahead, these collars can help prevent potential collisions and ensure the safety of both the dogs and their mushers. The inspiration behind “Light Up the Lead Dogs” stems from a deeply personal experience. Cherie, who had previously worked at one of the kennels affected by a tragic sled dog accident, witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of inadequate visibility.

PAGE 13

Children with dogs have lower levels of stress, as do adults. One of the most wonderful aspects of a dog’s influence on a child is the companionship he provides, without being negative or critical. Childhood can be difficult at times and dogs provide the most unconditional, loyal love. It is very gratifying for a youngster to receive this kind of love. A dog’s presence in a child’s life also helps with leveling out negative behaviors. Aspects such as kindness, sharing, calmness, lowering stress, and anxiety are all benefits of a dog’s companionship. Of course, as the adult, you will need to provide guidance and training to both your dog and child to help enhance the relationship between the pair. Whether you should get a puppy, or an adult depends on the dog and your child. Each has benefits and drawbacks. Work with a professional dog trainer to assure for a best beginning to this new relationship. Make certain to monitor interactions, especially at the beginning. At the first sign of a problem make sure to intervene with advice from a professional and researcher. With proper training and work, your new dog will become a positive fixture in your family. You will never find a better playmate and friend for your child and your entire family!

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Driven by a passion for the mushing community and a genuine love for dogs, she resolved to take action and prevent further tragedies. The fundraiser’s ultimate goal is to provide light up collars to as many sled dog teams as possible, ensuring that these remarkable animals can continue to participate in their beloved sport without compromising their safety. By rallying support from the mushing community, the organizers aim to raise the necessary funds to purchase and distribute these collars to mushers in need. The “Light Up the Lead Dogs” fundraiser invites individuals, businesses, and organizations to contribute to this noble cause. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a significant impact in safeguarding the lives of sled dogs and their mushers. Additionally, the organizers are actively seeking partnerships with local businesses and sponsors to maximize the reach and effectiveness of their efforts. The mushing community, known for its resilience and camaraderie, has embraced the “Light Up the Lead Dogs” initiative with open arms. The collaboration between passionate individuals and organizations has already begun to yield positive results, with several collars on their way, the first round of collars will be being distributed soon. As the fundraiser gains momentum, the hope is that the wider community will recognize the importance of this cause and join hands in supporting the safety and well-being of these incredible canine athletes. Together, we can ensure that sled dog teams no longer have to endure the tragedy of preventable accidents and continue to thrive in their pursuit of excellence. To learn more about the “Light Up The Lead Dogs” fundraiser or to make a donation, please visit the Facebook page “Light Up the Lead Dogs” or contact lightuptheleaddogs@gmail.com Let us unite in our love for dogs and our commitment to the mushing community, ensuring a brighter and safer future for all sled dog teams.

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Alvin and Ace were born/found living outside with their friendly mom the summer of 2022. These brothers are shy at first but would make a great pair for anyone who enjoys watching cats play for hours and then cuddle together for naps. Please contact Alaska’s Forgotten Felines at 907632-4797. Handsome Cotton would love a forever home-preferably along with his brother, Chaos. Both are friendly, talkative, comfortable with other cats, love to be around

people, and are currently living with a cat-friendly dog. Please contact Alaska’s Forgotten Felines at 907-632-4797. Poor Markus has been living/surviving under a kind person’s house all winter. A very sweet, handsome Seal Point Siamese approximately 2-3 years old. Once he feels secure, he becomes the most loving couch lap cat, but the other male cats in the home see Markus as an intruder and are not accepting him, so he may do best as an only cat and an indoor/outdoor cat as he likes having a barn and outbuildings to explore in the summer, and primarily only

uses the bathroom outside. Please contact Alaska’s Forgotten Felines at 907-632-4797. Gorgeous Gwynnie! 8± months old (guesstimating born approximately May 2023), very affectionate and definitely a QUEEN personality! She is also polydactyl (has extra toes) and will read the newspaper and watch your favorite t.v. shows with you. What a special valentine she would make. Please contact Alaska’s Forgotten Felines at 907-632-4797. Say hello to Toulouse! This big (and we mean BIIG) buff orange guy is a just hunk of love! Found wandering the streets of

Alvin

Cotton

Gwynnie

Ace

Contributed by Kelleigh Orthmann I am a beautiful young girl (about a year old) with a great personality. I came into rescue from a hoarding situation and am hoping to find a forever home where I can get as much attention as I want. I LOVE pets and am very persistent until I get them: I will meow, rub against your

Chaos

leg, or follow you around. I am very good with other cats and tend to protect them from dogs. However, when other cats are not around, I am great with dogs and have no problem being around them! I came from a situation where I had freedom to go outside and wander the yard, I will need a place to enjoy the outside when the weather is nice. And I would love the company of my family when I’m roaming about the yard.

Toulouse

PAGE 14

Spenard in early winter searching for food, he was brought in by a kind neighbor, nursed back to health, and spoiled like all cats deserve We think he is just a couple years old and is a sweet boy, but is not liking the dogs in the home! Perhaps a bad experience when he was out on his own? He seems to do ok with other laid-back cats but could do just fine as an only cat. Please contact Alaska’s Forgotten Felines at 907-632-4797. OTIS what big mittens you have! This fella needed a bit of medical care from injuries sustained while being homeless, but his bags are packed, and he is ready for a loving home where he can be absolutely spoiled rotten. Please call Alaska’s Forgotten Felines at 907-632-4797. THANK YOU!!

Otis

Markus

Because my early life consisted of competing for food and then having kittens, and finding food for them and protecting them, I didn’t get a chance to be a kitten without worries. But I bet that I will learn to play and have fun in a worry-free home. I am not a fan of being confined in a hard-shell carrier and will need a soft shell carrier. To meet me, please call or text 907-9808898. To see other adoptable kitties, please visit https://clearcreekcatrescue.org/.

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OPEN 12PM - 5PM WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY Contributed by Kelleigh Orthmann I am soft spoken with impeccable manners, and quietly rule the household with gentle paws. I like to wander about checking in on all my subjects. I’ll sniff the dogs, but don’t prefer their company. I love to get pets and will reward you with lots of purrs. When there’s too much activity, I will watch from a perch on high and may even take a nap. I trust human hands and being held like a baby will make me feel like a part of the home in

Contributed by Kelleigh Orthmann I am an adorable and resilient year-old kitty looking for her forever home. I got my name, which means red leaf in Japanese, because I was rescued as a stray in the fall-time. I braved the first year of my life as a stray, so I am independent and smart, and still a little cautious about humans. But I am blossoming into a curious and trusting kitty. I am still getting the hang of being pet by humans, but I’m getting there. I have started to nap at the foot of the bed and on the couch and, after

Contributed by Kelleigh Orthmann Some cats just have it! That special charm. I have a way of capturing your attention with a gaze. My curious little face tries to figure you out in the cutest way and my curiosity is captivating. I lived outside with a heated garage to go into where I was fed by a nice woman. But I was not allowed in the house. So, it was really exciting when I went to my

Contributed by Linda Von Bose Are we seeing TRIPLE?! These 3 sisters are up for adoption...but they are shy around strangers, so they haven’t gotten

no time. I have a unique Siamese mix girl with a dilute calico coat and blue eyes. I am about 4 years old. I have done fine with other mellow cats and dogs in foster, but I would also be very happy to be the only ‘pet’ in the house. I am ready for a happy stable family, and a home where I can go outside and enjoy the natural world. I am a sweet princess ready to put down roots and devote myself to my forever family. To meet me, please call or text 907980-8898. To see other adoptable kitties, witnessing foster kitty siblings get pets, I look up at you with my big yellow eyes and offer a slow blink invitation for a few pets. I am playful and friendly with other cats and need at least one cat buddy in my forever home. One of my cute quirks is carrying around a plush cookie toy filled with catnip in my mouth while meowing, then rolling around on the floor and kicking it around. Since I was a stray, I probably have not been around dogs in a friendly setting. Therefore, I may prefer a home without dogs (but it’s also possible I may do fine with them after a slow introduction). I am still young and curious and, while still skittish, I am fairly brave and interested in the happenings of the household. So, I would probably do fine with kids foster home. I am still figuring it all out and I am so entertaining to watch as I learn all about inside the house. I was born last summer and am probably about 6 months old. I will be a great new family member for a home where I have a kitty friend (I have 3 siblings and I’d love for any of them to be my forever best buddy). I will also need a safe place to play outside when it’s spring! To meet me, please call or text 907980-8898. To see other adoptable kitties, please visit https://clearcreekcatrescue. org/ or https://www.facebook.com/ clearcreek.catrescue.

much attention. They also have a brother who is just as sweet and playful. Call AFF today for more information at 907-6324797.

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MELVIN SAGE-EL who are respectful of cats’ boundaries. I will slap if over-stimulated or unsure, so older kids would be best. To meet me, please call or text 907980-8898. To see other adoptable kitties, please visit http://clearcreekcatrescue. org/.

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COMMUNITY Contributed by Sue Wallin Long time Valley resident Helen Sullivan lost her barn to fire on 12-31-23. Please use this account to help her garner funds to rebuild. Phase one will be demolition and haul away. Phase two will save toward building supplies. Phase three will be for contract labor. We hope the public will realize this is a long-term ongoing project. We appreciate your continued support.

We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to cheer on athletes, keep scores, wave flags, and spread high-fives (our athletes love those!). There are various other fulfilling roles available too, all of which are a breeze. By volunteering, you'll have an incredible experience and make plenty of new athlete friends!

WRITTEN BY THE COMMUNITY www.makeascene.media

Donations in Helen’s name gladly accepted at MVFCU. Please use account #770000189230, routing number 325272335. There is also a GoFund.Me/6121cdae opened to help out. Helen raises cashmere goats and in years past she’s produced 200 chickens per summer month and 50 per winter month to help supply Valley residents. Helen is a permaculture farmer working

toward sustainability. She is a member of Fiber Arts guild. Her goat fleece has won state fair ribbons. Helen also lost all her old hand tools and all her modern battery-operated tools. For example, the old 100-foot tape measure is now a crispy frisbee. There is so much to scrape up and haul away the task is daunting! The cost of replacing everything lost is staggering. Any amount donated will be used frugally and truly appreciated.

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