Taste of Hope
Contributed by Annette Vrolyk
American Cancer Society
Join the American Cancer Society for the 2nd Annual Mat-Su Taste of Hope: A Chefs’ Competition on Saturday, September 14th at Everett’s in Wasilla!
This event is one of Mat-Su’s hottest up and coming culinary events featuring 3 competitions under one roof – favorite food bite, favorite cocktail, and favorite mocktail. Guests of the event will enjoy a cocktail style tasting from local Mat-Su food and beverage vendors and vote on their favorites. The 2024 competitors confirmed thus far include Palmer’s Bleeding Heart Brewery, Big Lake’s Susitna Brewing Co. (the 2023 Favorite Mocktail champion), and Wasilla’s Meta & Rose. Sure, the event may be about food, drinks, and a fun competition, but it is also an opportunity to support the American Cancer Society in Alaska. Cancer (unfortunately) has touched everyone’s life in some way. The American Cancer Society is on a mission to end cancer as we know it, for everyone! Alaska remains one of the few states in the US that lists cancer as its top cause of death. More than 80% of our state’s communities are off the road system which creates extra hardships for those that need
to travel for cancer treatment. The American Cancer Society helps Alaskan cancer patients with free flights, free lodging, free emotional support, and so much more! ANYONE can call them day or night with questions or to seek help through their 24/7 toll-free number (800-227-2345) and hundreds of Alaskans did just that in 2023. Our state’s residents that needed a helping hand during their cancer journey and reached out to the American Cancer Society in 2023 also received over 100 free flights and 375 free nights of lodging at a Hope Lodge. But that’s only some of the support our friends and neighbors received last year.
As with many things, it takes community effort and financial support to ensure that these programs remain in place when they’re needed. When you attend the upcoming Taste of Hope, you will be among others wanting to make a difference, but you’re sure to have fun while doing it! From the food and beverage tastings to the silent auction and games, you’re sure to have a great evening! So, get your taste buds and wallets ready to see what the Mat-Su has to offer at the 2nd Annual Mat-Su Taste of Hope on Saturday, September 14th. Visit acstasteofhopematsu.org for more information and to buy your tickets. See you there!
Wellness Weekend 2024 promises to be a rejuvenating escape, offering a perfect blend of music, wellness activities, and community spirit. With tickets now on sale, there’s no better time to secure your spot for this transformative event. Reconnect with your body and nature through the magic of ecstatic dance at Wellness Weekend. Join us in the serene outdoor setting for three days of movement and connection with DJ Muse, Love Amplified, DJ Gaia and more! Whether you join us for one day or all three, immerse yourself in the rhythm, embrace the natural surroundings, and
3 Day Kyle Stuckey Portrait Workshop
Contributed by Sammy Taylor
What goes around comes around, they say. This year’s Big Lake summer reading program focuses on those returns of rethinking, repurposing, recycling... To that end, the kickoff of the program on June 5 had a recycling/reusing theme. Randi Perlman read a book to the kids describing the efforts of one Japanese community to stop burning and dumping their waste by reusing and repurposing all of it. Several winners and participants of the Mid Valley Recycling’s recent contest (to use recycled materials to make new items for use in the Valley) came to demonstrate their ideas. Kids practiced sorting materials so they
could be collected by Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS). Some helped move Worms into their new home so that people could use their castings from their old home for garden fertilizer. Then participants got to make something for themselves out of what could be considered “waste” materials.
Mid Valley Recycling (MVR) – with administrative help from Meadow Lakes Community Development Corporation and financial support from Mat-Su Health Foundation - sponsored a contest open to all young people in our Borough. Janet Edgar’s first grade class at Tanaina Elementary submitted four applications
showing ways to reuse some materials. Ms. Edgar’s class, and other first graders, then toured VCRS to get a better look at one of the steps in Valley recycling. MVR had applicants and winners with projects from using scrap lumber to making 3-d printing string. At the June 5 event Kelsey Keene showed how to turn plastic bottles into “greenhouse” spaces. The Casto kids weren’t there to demonstrate but they had ideas for using plastic bottles for Bird feeders and water filters. The Zatalokin family had several ideas like reusing corrugated cardboard for ornaments, making cookie cutters from cans and animals molded from paper “clay.” Grey
Koch had all the materials ready to show other kids how to have their own campfire starters made from waxed boxes and other recycled paper. That’s really useful because VCRS cannot take any waxed boxes even if they are corrugated. Amiah Clements even had a poster to describe her use of all kinds of paper “waste” to make bedding for pets. Hamsters love her idea! Alaska’s News Source reporters were there to interview kids and library staff. Mid Valley Recycling members were happy to share all the kids’ ideas and hope some of them are pursued across the Borough. Questions or comments? Email taylorsammy230@gmail.com.
North Lakes Community Council Annual BBQ
Contributed by Rod Hanson
The North Lakes Community Council (NLCC) is holding an annual BBQ for council residents Saturday, July 27th from 11-4.
Stop by the Boys & Girls Club to meet the board members, enjoy a burger, hourly drawings, visit with your neighbors, let the kids play on the playground and see what’s happening in your area. Bring your NEIGHBOR! North Lakes has over 10,000 residents who live between Trunk Rd and Wasilla
Fishhook from Bogard road north to Pamela Drive. There are 12 lakes in our area including Finger Lake, Cottonwood Lake, Wasilla Lake, Wolf Lake, Hart Lake, Anderson Lake and others.
The NLCC has been working hard to keep their residents informed on MSB and State transportation upgrades and on future plans to alleviate our overcapacity streets and roads. We represent residents making sure their voice and concerns are heard at the borough and state level for all new developments
that affect your neighborhoods. If you cannot attend the BBQ, we hold monthly meetings at the Boys & Girls Club and share all information with our residents through emails, Facebook, and www. nlakes.cc. To be included on our email list please contact us through the website. LOOK FOR OUR SIGNS! We hope to see you there!
Pictured left are the North Lakes Board: Rod Hanson, President; Pat Purcell, Secretary; Jolleen Collman, Treasurer; Franklin Conaway, Director at Large.
and Upward’s 2nd Annual One Health Festival
healthcare workers included: “I just wanted to say thank you and how much I appreciated it. I stopped to see a friend who had a booth there and had no idea what I was walking into. I feel very appreciated as a nurse. It meant a lot.”, “It was SO wonderful. Loved nature journaling and laughing yoga. We all need more of that!”. And overheard from a giddy couple “Oh my goodness! I can’t believe they are celebrating the US!!” We are excited to be back again this year for the second annual One Health Fest! It will take place Sunday, August
11th at the Palmer Depot in downtown Palmer. This year we will be celebrating EDUCATORS, many of whom have had a challenging couple of years, are underpaid, overworked, and often under appreciated. We want to show our educators a small token of appreciation by dedicating this year’s festival to them! They will be celebrated and given tokens of gratitude.
Join us for a free community event featuring a variety of activities for everyone. We’re excited to offer workshops, live music performances by Braided River, Diana Z & Jim Lewin, and 3000-21, along with delicious food from Fish on Camp Grill for purchase. Enjoy refreshments, massages, and even try your hand at our climbing wall. Throughout the day, there will be numerous free sessions and activities such as yoga, 15-minute chair massages, tea making, arts and crafts, nature journaling, healing drum circles, and more. We’re also thrilled to host community vendors focused on “One Health,” including Chickaloon Native Village, Southcentral
Foundation, APU Kellogg Farm, AK Dept of Fish & Game, Valley Center for Recycling Solutions, Mat-Su Rebuild, Mat-Su Trails & Parks Foundation, local farmers, and artisans. Come and join us for a day filled with fun, relaxation, and community engagement!
Onward & Upward is an AEE accredited, local 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to fostering a culture of One Health across Alaska, promoting sustainable practices through evidence-based action. We accomplish this by engaging our students in adventurous, inspiring, meaningful, and empowering experiences with varying degrees of challenge that are methodically designed for positive growth, and development. Course offerings are diverse- ranging from open enrollment summer adventure courses to year-round after-school and homeschool opportunities.
Visit our website at www. onwardandupward.org to find out more or email us at info@onwardandupward. org to see how we can customize a course for you!
Girl Scouts of Alaska Honors Local Members of the 2024 Gold Award Girl Scout Class
Contributed by Maya Narang
Girl Scouts of Alaska proudly recognized the four members of the 2024 Girl Scout Gold Award class who earned the highest award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award. Gold Award Girl Scouts make positive impacts on local communities by addressing some of our most pressing issues.
Gold Award Girl Scouts become innovative problem-solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally. As they take action to transform their communities, Gold Award Girl Scouts gain tangible skills and prove they’re the leaders our world needs. Nationally the 2024 Gold Award Girl Scout class identified issues in their communities, took action, and found or created solutions to earn their Gold Awards, addressing real-life problems such as environmental sustainability, racial justice, mental and physical well-being, and gender inequality in STEM.
“The 2024 Gold Award Girl Scouts demonstrate the breadth of issues American teens feel are most prevalent in society today. In Alaska, the four Gold Award Girl Scouts addressed such issues as elementary art education, early literacy for blind/visually impaired students, veteran memorial sites, and mental health. We celebrate all four Gold Award projects,” said Jenni Pollard, CEO, Girl Scouts of Alaska. “These remarkable Girl Scouts each identified a need and designed projects that would change something in their community for the better. In the process they are becoming community leaders for today and tomorrow.”
According to recent research, Gold Award Girl Scouts are more likely to fill leadership roles at work and in their personal lives and are more civically engaged than their non-Girl Scout peers. Eighty-seven percent (87%) of Gold Award Girl Scouts agree that earning their Gold Award gave them skills that help them succeed professionally. Seventy-two percent (72%) said earning their Gold Award helped them get a scholarship. Changing the world doesn’t end when a Girl Scout earns her
Gold Award. Ninety-nine per-
cent (99%) of Gold Award Girl Scout alums take on leadership roles in their everyday lives.
This year, Girl Scouts of the USA awarded a scholarship to one Gold Award Girl Scout from each council across the Movement. Ashley Conlon in Anchorage received the scholarship for the Girl Scouts of Alaska council for her “Story Boxes to Support Early Literacy” project. Children with visual impairments require more than pictures and text to engage in a book. Ashley created a set of story boxes, a collection of items in a box that correspond to items mentioned in a story, working with the Anchorage School District (ASD). “The objects can bring the text alive for students with visual impairments just as illustrations do for children with vision,” Ashley explained. “To address this challenge, I first talked to professionals in the field about what ASD needed and what I could do to help change the lack of accessible materials.”
“We congratulate Ashley on her achievement,” said Pollard. “She is bringing stories to life for our visually impaired elementary students while also providing a tool for their teachers to use in the classroom. We are excited to see how her project grows.” Ashley’s story boxes are available to check out today at the Special Education Service Agency Library and through ASD. Next year Ashley will attend American University in Washington D.C. to pursue a career in Russian Language. “With the skills I have learned through Girl Scouts and my Gold Award, I plan to continue to be a leader and a changemaker in my future endeavors.”
Girl Scouts of Alaska is the premier girl leadership organization in Alaska, serving close to 3000 members from Wasilla to Ketchikan to Bethel. Our mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. To learn more, visit girlscoutsalaska.org.
Auction Alert: Carr Family Journey
Contributed by Jillyan Hendrickson, Webb Auction & Appraisal
Over 6 decades have passed since Red and Mary Carr chased their dream purchasing a potato farm along Fairview Loop Road in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley; land previously owned by Mary’s uncle, Ted Knutson. They had never farmed before, but boldly accepted the
challenge of becoming potato farmers. They joined a partnership with Mary’s brother and sister-in-law, to begin their new venture.
In the spring of 1962, months after their arrival from Tacoma, Washington, they cashed out of the Knutson land to buy the homestead of Herb and Jewel Holstein (parents of Ruby Church - namesake of Wasilla’s familiar Church Road).
The Carr’s newly acquired 120-acre plot, had previously been operating as a dairy farm. The soil was fertile and ideal to grow potatoes. Red began his career at B&C Supply in 1964, the major auto parts store in the Valley at the time. He became a firstrate parts man. He retired after 30 years as their operations Manager and every customer knew the name Red Carr. Since the age of 14, cars were his passion. He’s owned many classics, which he still loves tinkering on at the age of 92. He’s been a member of the 49th State Street Rodders for years and had entered his 54 Mercury in several of their car shows.
Mary has also led a colorful life as an Alaskan pioneer. During her early years in the Valley, she always planted a large gar-
den, processed and canned moose and vegetables, and picked berries to sustain the family through the winter. Making time for fun, in the mid 60s, she became a member of the Plump Stump Sister’s Band. Mary played the washboard. They dressed the part as hillbilly homesteaders and had great fun performing.
Their home still showcases the 1930’s Sears Roebuck Model 200 wood-fired cook stove that Mary honed her skills at wood-fired baking when they first arrived in Alaska. Mary later enjoyed a career as the Head Baker at the Mat-Su School District. She is not only known as an excellent baker, but an artist as well. She spent many years oil painting and firing ceramics that featured her painted Alaskan scenes. In the 80’s, they subdivided their property which connects to Fairview Loop Road. The Carrs remain a close-knit family. To this day, they and their three adult children Gary, Paula, and John live on the Carr family land. Both 92 years old and still active today, Red and Mary can be seen every weekday at the Wasilla Area Seniors Center for lunch. Every Friday and Saturday evening without fail at the American Legion Post 15, Red sings old-time country western karaoke songs. They are truly living their best lives. As they downsize you can bid on many of the items featured in this article such as the 1930s Sears & Ro. Stove, Artwork and more during there living estate online auction. Open thru August 1st at 1pm Bid online
A Chocolate Mess
Contributed
by
Alexander Harmon
Sometimes, much like making chocolate, life can get…a little messy. Sometimes we dump the pot and start over. Sometimes we stick our finger in and embrace the deliciousness of the mess. Other times we want to throw it all out, clean up, and end the experience all together…but is that really worth it? Your taste buds say NO WAY! Times can get tough, but a delicious piece of dark chocolate covered with lingonberry fresh from the Alaskan wild is exactly what you need! You don’t even have to stop there…with so many options happiness can only be a bite away. The Chocolate Den in Wasilla is a great place to find the best chocolate option to turn your tough day into a day of pure bliss and turn that rough day into a great day!
ATV Safety Awareness Month
Contributed by Debra
McGhan
Driving along Seldon Road, my vision became obscured by a cloud of dust boiling up through the air. Although the road is paved, the dust billowed out behind an off-road vehicle racing along in the dirt. And then suddenly, the air began to clear and I spotted a side-by-side flipped on its top and a group of kids scrambling out of the crashed vehicle.
I pulled over to make sure everyone was okay and realized one of the kids was trapped inside. I dialed 911 and reported the incident and then went to see if there was anything I could do to help.
I hate moments like this. I’m not a trained medic. I have a wilderness first-aid certification but this situation required far more medical training than I have. The minutes waiting for help to arrive slugged by slowly as I did what I could to console the girl caught in the vehicle while her friends huddled close by and called their parents.
Fortunately, being close to Wasilla, it didn’t take the paramedics long to respond and they promptly took over the situation and worked to extract the victim. Soon parents arrived on scene to check on their kids and I was finally free to leave. As I drove away, all I could do is shake my head. Another fun adventure destroyed in an instant due to the inexperience of drivers playing with machines that are bigger and more powerful than they are trained to handle.
This scene plays out far too frequently in the Mat-Su Valley and all across Alaska where more people own ATVs and side-bysides per capita than any other place in the nation. According to Alaska Vital Statistics, this state also has the highest rate of
Contributed by Tabitha W, All About Herbs
Springtime in Alaska, with its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant blooms, is a sight to behold. Yet, for many, this beauty brings an unwelcome guest: seasonal allergies. The itchy eyes, sneezing, and relentless runny nose can turn a walk through the Alaskan wilderness into a battle against nature. But what if relief could be found in nature itself? Let’s explore how stinging nettles, bromelain, and quercetin can help you combat these pesky symptoms naturally. Understanding Allergies and Antihistamines
Seasonal allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to airborne substances like pollen. This overreaction releases histamines, chemicals that trigger inflammation and allergy symptoms. Antihistamines, whether over-the-counter or natural, work by blocking these histamines, thereby reducing the symptoms.
Stinging Nettles: A Natural Antihistamine
Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments, including allergies. The plant contains compounds that act as natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories. Research suggests that stinging nettles can inhibit the body’s histamine production, providing relief from symptoms such as sneezing and itching. To incorporate stinging nettles into your routine, consider nettle tea or supplements. Fresh nettle can also be used in soups and stews, though
unintentional injuries and deaths related to the operation of all off-highway vehicles. A statistic that isn’t something we can be proud of.
That is the reason Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared July ATV safety awareness month and calls all parents and operators of these off-highway vehicles to action. Before you let your children drive or ride on an ATV or other off-highway vehicle, get them educated. Alaska Safe Riders (ASR) offers lots of training opportunities, with many sessions at no cost. There is even an online class at https://alaskasaferiders.org/atv/ you can do with your children to ensure everyone understands the rules of the trails and the laws for your community.
In May I had the opportunity to take one of the ATV rider classes offered by ASR at Jim Creek. I was surprised that not more people were taking advantage of this free course. As for me, I felt fortunate to have the chance to learn from some of the nation’s top professional trainers. Plus it was a blast to ride a new machine making the entire day extra special. I learned some valuable new skills and had the thrill of a fast, fun, off-road experience with a group of other riders.
By the end of the session, I could totally understand why the kids, especially those between 12 and 18, love this sport so much. What I don’t understand is why so many parents give their children the keys to these machines yet don’t require them to first take a safety course and wear the proper safety gear to protect them from unintentional injuries and ensure they have a fun, safe adventure.
This July, if you or your family own or operate an ATV, make sure you are properly prepared so that you don’t end up in the emergency room at the local hospital or trauma center. Ensure all riders wear over the ankle boots, long pants, long-sleeve shirts and helmets at a minimum. Gravel rips skin like paper when it is not protected. And traumatic brain injuries alter or end lives in an instant.
You can learn more at https://alaskasaferiders.org Make sure your summer ATV adventures provide fun, positive memories, not life-long scars.
handling with gloves is advised to avoid its sting.
Bromelain: Pineapple’s Secret Weapon
Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce swelling and inflammation in the sinuses, easing congestion and other allergy symptoms. Bromelain can also enhance the absorption of other allergy-fighting nutrients, making it a valuable ally. You can find bromelain in supplement form, but incorporating fresh pineapple into your diet is a delicious and natural way to benefit from this enzyme.
Quercetin: The Antioxidant Hero
Quercetin, a flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables, is another potent antihistamine and anti-inflammatory agent. It stabilizes mast cells, which release histamines, thereby reducing the overall allergic response. Apples, berries, grapes, and onions are rich in quercetin, making it easy to include in your daily diet. For a more concentrated dose, quercetin supplements are available and often combined with bromelain to maximize their anti-allergy effects.
Integrating Natural Remedies into Your Lifestyle
While these natural remedies can significantly ease allergy symptoms, it’s essential to remember that everyone’s body responds differently. Start with small doses and observe how your body reacts. Combining these natural antihistamines with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good sleep hygiene will further enhance your body’s ability to handle seasonal allergies. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
Embrace the Season with Confidence
Seasonal allergies don’t have to keep you from enjoying the stunning scenery and outdoor activities that Mat-Su has to offer. By harnessing the power of stinging nettles, bromelain, and quercetin, you can find natural relief and embrace the beauty of each season with confidence.
ATV training at Jim Creek with the Alaska Safe Riders and the ATV Safety Institute. Photos provided by Mike Buck with Alaska Safe Riders.
Alaska Warrior Partnership's mission is to Empower Alaska to Empower Veterans. www.alaskawarriorpartnership.org
Our Commitment
The Alaska Warrior Partnership™ (AKWP) is committed to improving veterans' quality of life in the state of Alaska through the coordination of local services and opportunities; from housing and employment to enrollment in VA ebenefits, healthcare, recreation, and more.
WARRIORS’ CORNER
Our Goals
The goal of The Alaska Warrior Partnership™ (AKWP) is to build a partnership of local Alaskan resources, improve the quality of life for all veterans, their families, and caregivers, and end veteran suicide. More info available at alaskawarriorpartnership.org or 907-312-7229.
Hitting a Brick Wall with the VA? Let Your Social Worker Help!
Contributed by Katie Fulmer, LCSW
Who has been irate and wanting to throw a phone through a window by calling the x4700 number just to be disconnected after an hour of waiting on hold? Ever tried navigating the VA and get so overwhelmed you just give up? Do you know who your PACT Social Worker is? Do
you even know what a PACT Social Worker is? Let me start by explaining and introducing myself!
Hey y’all! I am Katie Fulmer- a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, USAF Veteran, lifetime volunteer, legislative advocate, mother, and spouse to a 19-year active dusty USAF member. I am also the Social Work Supervisor to the VA PACT Social Workers here in Anchorage, AK.
What is a PACT Social Worker? PACT stands for Patient Aligned Care Team, and we are Social Workers attached to medical teams in the VA and we also work with your community doctors and medical teams. PACT Social Workers are here to assist with things like Supporting Counseling, Housing, Long Term/ Elder needs, Caregiving resources, Mental
Health and Substance treatment options, Transportation, coordinating care between providers so the ball doesn’t get dropped, and End of Life planning needs- along with so much more!
Our team is here to help you navigate the VHA (medical side and programs) as well as assisting with coordinating with the VBA (benefits side). Of course, like any awesome federal system, there’s always red tape and our systems don’t talk to each other- yay- but we can help take the headache away by being your liaison between the two!
While our Social Work team is always busy, we will do our very best to help you or find someone/resources that can, but it is also up to you to put some elbow grease in as we cannot do the work for ya! But we will be there to assist you along the way.
Please know that every single VA in the country has this Social Work team, most Vets don’t know about it- and to be honest, I didn’t either until I started working here (9 years after my medical retirement). I’m sure you’ve heard the saying- “if you’ve
HRT K9: How Service Dogs are
Contributed by Heather Hart
I almost lost my husband, Justin, to suicide.
Four times that I’m aware of, but I know there were other attempts. The first time came as an earth-shattering shock. I had no idea he was struggling, that depression and worthlessness had been a part of his life since childhood. Like so many others fighting this battle, he hid his pain really well. One minute we were making weekend plans, and the next… I still thank God frequently that I got there in time.
Over the following three years, he went to inpatient treatment six times, both for depression and PTSD and for the alcohol addiction that became part of his attempt to control them. Nothing seemed to have a lasting effect. After being medically retired from the Air Force and joining the civilian work force, my husband spiraled worse than ever and relapsed. Again. We were desperate. HE was desperate. He wanted to get better. He had heard good things about a program called Warrior’s Heart in Bandera, Texas. He called them and asked for help. Just before Christmas, he entered inpatient treatment for the seventh time. That decision changed everything.
Warrior’s Heart has a kennel program where patients are given the opportunity to train their own service dog under the guidance and teaching of experienced trainers. Justin really enjoyed the training process and discovered that he had a natural gift for dog training. When he would text pictures of his day he looked HAPPY for the first time in years. There was a light in his eyes that I had wondered if I would ever see again. After such a long road our kids and I began to experience hope.
During his time in the kennels, Justin formed a strong bond with a little German shepherd/Belgian
been to one VA, you’ve been to ONE VA!”, Not all are led and managed the same. But I will say- I take pride in our team here in Alaska as it is my goal, as a Veteran, to help change the stigma for my fellow brothers and sisters and their families.
So, how do you reach your PACT Social Worker? You can start by contacting the clinic closest to you- and ask to be scheduled with the Social Worker. If you need help enrolling, please contact Enrollment at: Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson Campus of the Alaska VA Healthcare System 1201 North Muldoon Road Anchorage, 907-257-4700, ext. 3323
Email: vhaanceligibility@va.gov
Schedule with a Social Worker: ANCHORAGE: 907-257-4854 opt 1
MATSU: 907-631-3100
FAIRBANKS: 907-361-6370 OPT 2
SOLDOTNA/HOMER: 907-420-3219
JUNEAU: 907-796-4300 OPT 2
Looking forward to assisting youThank you for your service!
malinois mix named Lexie. They went on hikes together and chilled together in her kennel after particularly stressful days. Lexie began attending therapy sessions with Justin and learned to tell when he was anxious or disassociating and how to help him during a flashback. When Justin came home seven months later, Lexie came too. Adopting Lexie as his service dog saved Justin’s life. Having her at his side gave him the ability to start living again- engaging in community, regaining his independence, and looking forward to the future.
Working with dogs gave him a sense of purpose and enjoyment. We were overjoyed to find ourselves in a new season of reconciliation and so grateful that God was faithful to restore relationships that felt too broken to fix. We knew, as a family, that dog training would be a part of our next chapter.
We started our nonprofit, HRT K9, because we know first-hand that a service dog can be the difference between life and death. More than anything, we want to bring the same hope and healing that we experienced to other individuals and families who are walking through the same struggles that we did. At HRT K9 we train and provide service dogs to Veterans at no cost to the Veteran. Typically, a fully trained service dog costs anywhere from $20,000-$40,000- well beyond what most disabled Veterans can afford. We don’t want that to be a barrier to the life-saving impact a service dog can bring, and we believe that Veterans have already paid enough.
Our intent is to source the majority of our service dog candidates from local shelters and rescues. Right now, in our kennel we have five one-year-old rescue pups- Jessie, James, Nora, Theodore, and Eobard- who will be ready to be matched with a Veteran this winter. Additionally, if a Veteran already has a dog that has the correct temperament and aptitude for service work, we can work with the Veteran to train their dog. We are currently working with seven Veterans and their dogs.
Our vision is about more than just the dogs, though. While service dogs change lives, it’s also true that recovery doesn’t happen in isolation. We want veterans and others in our community who are living in isolation and without any hope to have a place where they belong. Where they can gather and experience community and family. Our future goal is to build a kennel facility to house and train up to 10 dogs at a time. We will also build a community gathering space for reunions and doggy play dates as well as family style dinners and game nights.
Long story short, we want what God has done for us to spread across this valley, and further. We want to see individuals in recovery and families united and whole. It’s a big mission and it will take the support of our community to make it happen. Because we do not charge for our services, we rely on donations and fundraising to be able to continue the work that we’re doing with dogs and Veterans. If you would like to learn more about us and consider partnering with us to save lives, check us out at hrtk9.org
Opinion: Alaska Raceway Park Is Not 60 Years Old
Contributed by Mitzi Van Asdlan
I see from a front-page article in your Mid-May “The People’s Paper” that our friends at the Alaska Raceway Park are still chronically challenged. The “Alaska Raceway Park” entity has not been there for more than about twenty years since E. Sullivan Avenue has only existed since the late 1990s.
In the early 1990s a friend and I started building a house on property directly across from what is now the Red Gate at the track. There was no access to the property from the Old Glenn Highway. What is
now E. Sullivan Avenue was a gravel road that only extended to within a couple hundred feet of Bodenburg Creek. A stand of large cottonwoods blocked the view of the creek which did not have a bridge across it at the time. We entered the area off of E. Plumley Road and S. Caudill Road. Even that was an adventure because after S. Butte Airmen Road there was only a faint trail up to the small entrance road to the land some men had leased from the state. They built a dirt drag strip there and on a few weekends during the summer they brought their cars out there to work on
them and do some racing. These were not the big buck, high horsepower, very loud machines that now frequent the “new” track. On the weekends that someone was at the track area in the old days we could hear them but they were ordinary vehicles that made little noise in comparison to today.
In the late 1990s the Borough took down the trees near the creek and built a bridge across it. The road was a narrow two-lane gravel lane that the present day racers would not dare use to bring their shiny new racers out on. Paving of E. Sullivan
Avenue did not take place until the early 2000s. So, the racetrack couldn’t really function well until then. The citizens of the area tried to object to the building of the racetrack but were outnumbered by all the money and people coming out of Anchorage. They didn’t want a noisy track in their backyard but ours was just fine with them. So now most summer weekends are filled with noise and air pollution in our formerly quiet community from an enterprise that has existed for some twenty years, not the sixty they would like everyone to believe.
Response: Alaska Raceway Park Celebrates
60 Years of Motorsports Entertainment
Contributed by Liz McFarland
Alaska Raceway Park, formerly Polar Dragway, was built on leased land in 1964 by Lee Nelson. Nelson bought another piece of property off of Old Glenn Highway to build a
road leading to the track, now called Larynel Drive, which goes over Bodenburg Creek on a bridge that Nelson built.
In 1967, Hot Rod Magazine printed a full article on Polar Dragway highlighting our track, drivers, and racing rivalries. In the 70s, Nelson changed the name from Polar Dragway to Polar Raceway Park and expanded the property to have a road course and an oval dirt track, both of which were short-lived. At this point, the drag strip was NHRA-sanctioned which allowed several classes to race.
In 1994, Top End Inc., formed by a group of racers, bought the track from the Nelson Family and changed the name to Alaska Raceway Park and was sanctioned by IHRA. After buying the track, the corporation added an entrance to the track via Sullivan Ave. In 1995, Earl Lackey became a member of the ownership group Top End Inc., and in October 1998, Earl and his wife Karen became sole owners of the track.
In 2000, the Lackeys repaved the track and paved Sullivan Ave. from the bridge to the entrance of the pit gate. In 2003, Alaska Raceway Park was named Track of the Year by IHRA. By 2003, ARP was already mentioned in several publications across the country.
The newest edition to ARP is the paved oval track which was built in 2016 and is NASCAR and INEX sanctioned. In 2018, Michelle Lackey took over the management of Alaska Raceway Park. In 2019, the drag strip returned to sanctioning by NHRA.
Through 60 years of changes in track layout, property lines, and ownership groups, the track remains thriving and growing each year. Now, 60 years later, ARP will host over 30 events in 2024 with over 175 drivers across both tracks.
For a more in-depth history of Alaska Raceway Park, scan the QR code to watch “Alaska Raceway Park: A Brief History” on YouTube.
6 Ingredient Crustless Cast Iron Pizza
limit yourself if you don’t want to! This is quick and easy and fits the low carb lifestyle too if you want. For that matter, it could fit vegan options too…yeah, like I said, it’s PIZZA!!! Ingredients You’ll Need: 1
dried oregano,
each garlic powder and crushed red pepper
Instructions:
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Meanwhile, coat a 10- or 12-inch cast iron skillet with cooking spray and set over medium-high heat.
Crumble in sausage. Add in onion and pepper and cook, until the sausage is cooked through, and the vegetables are softened, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in oregano, garlic powder and red pepper and remove from the heat. Mix the pizza sauce into the sausage mixture. Top with cheese and arrange pepperoni on top.
Bake until bubbling hot, about 12 to 18 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving…if you can wait that long! OH YESSSS!
About Ken: Besides enjoying cooking and working on his first cookbook, Ken spends time helping people enhance life and home as part of the Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group RMG Team. Call or email for your real estate needs: 907.306.7230 ken@rmgrealestate.com.
The Lead Dog Hot Dog Cart: A Bite Ahead
Contributed by Randi Perlman
Alaskans are out & about enjoying the summer season with all the accompanying sights, scents, and sounds. Birds have made their way back to our great state and are busy nesting and rearing their young, flowers and shrubs are showing off their perennial beauty, RVs and ATVs are spitting up dust alongside roadways, and our beloved roadside food carts, trucks and vendors are everywhere!
Mushers say the scenery never changes unless you’re the lead dog, but for food cart vendor The Lead Dog, one of the earliest to set up for business in its temporary location along the Parks Highway near the Mug Shot
Saloon in Wasilla this spring, the scenery is a constantly changing blur of vehicles passing by. Jana Griffin, owner of The Lead Dog hot dog cart, counts on many of those vehicles stopping to indulge in one of America’s, and Alaska’s, favorite foods.
The Lead Dog cart holds four varieties of delicious hotdogs, grilled and piping hot. Choose from reindeer sausage, bratwurst, spicy reindeer sausage, and allbeef jumbo dogs. Each one is served on a hearty toasted bun that does not fall apart before your dog is halfway down. Jana will smother your choice of dog with deliciously seasoned cooked onions if desired, at no additional cost.
The reindeer sausage is a meaty bite, providing good jaw exercise and hearty flavor. The bratwurst is a chubby, wonderfully mild bite for your buck. The spicy reindeer sausage has a delightfully zesty flavor and goes well with a cold beverage in your other hand. And the all-beef jumbo dog is your classic all-American eats. All dogs are quite substantial and will leave you tastefully satisfied. A complete selection of condiments is at your fingertips, including ketchup, several types of mustard, sliced jalapenos, chopped fresh onions, sweet and dill relish, shredded cheese, and sauerkraut. The price is reasonable these days at $9 per dog, and because they are large, one
Senior Athetic Events: Octogenarian Triathlons
Contributed
by
Doug Ferguson
Our nation is experiencing an increase in people living longer. Alaska is no exception with seniors being the fastest growing demographic. This being true, it’s time for more creative thinking about how to enhance the “quality of life” for this segment of our population!
Recently in several weekly grocery shopping trips, as I have transitioned into my 80’s myself, and now that I have become dependent on the use of canes to get around, I have noticed a new category of potential athletes. I call them “Octogenarian Triathletes”! These are people who are in their 80’s, have mobility problems of some type
who use their shopping cart to augment their cane or walking limitations, and who manage to shop at our three Mat-Su Valley general purpose grocery stores (Fred Meyer, Carrs and Three Bears) all in one day!
Doing some research on this whole topic after experiencing some “three store” days myself trying to get everything on my shopping list and ending up feeling like I did back when I was a teenager after running the mile in a track meet, I’ve also noticed others in my age group having the same experience!
Using Google Earth views of these stores and the distance scale provided for each view, you can estimate the length and depth of the shopping area of each store, in this case in Palmer. If your shopping list
contained the items listed below, then for each store you would have to go from the senior parking lot into the store back to the one end and then go to the other end and back out to the parking lot, assuming you didn’t have to go up and down any more isles for other things on the list!
Fred Meyers: Computer Ink and fresh fish
Carrs: Bread and lettuce
Three Bears: Bird Food and Shampoo
For those that shop in Palmer and are familiar with each store, these items are currently at opposite ends of the buildings! Not counting extra trips up and down the isles to find other items, I estimated a total of traveling a minimum of at least 3/5
is probably enough (for most). Cold soda cans are $2, water & juice $1, and bags of chips $1. As a built-in bonus, particularly for fanatical recyclers like me, your delectable dog is wrapped only in aluminum foil, meaning you can take home the wrapper, rinse it off, recycle it, and there are no excess throw-aways. Help support Alaska’s food entrepreneurs who keep things local, exciting, and sustainable! The Lead Dog can be found at the Wednesday Market in Wasilla, Friday Flings in Palmer, and various other spots and events around the Valley. Follow Jana on Facebook to find her most current location. On your next jaunt about town, whether on your lunch break, headed home, or to points unknown, stop by and grab a quick bite of a thick dog, unleash the delicious potential, and watch the scenery change…
of a mile pushing the cart as a walker to do these three stores in one day! This is even more of a workout if you get a cart with bad wheels! Of course, spreading merchandise out over the whole store is a marketing technique used by all stores these days, thus encouraging us to buy items not on our list.
Thus, I make this modest proposal: Maybe once a year we could organize this concept into a real Octogenarian Triathlete Event! Of course, someone would have to test the carts to eliminate those with stuck wheels to make the event fair!
If this ever happens, I, for one, would recommend having a rest area with free snacks and drinks for all to enjoy afterwards! Oh! And I almost forgot! Free “T” shirts for all who participated saying, “I Shopped the Octogenarian Triathlon”!!
COMMUNITY
100+ Women Who Care, Matsu Chapter, Effortlessly Supports Local Nonprofit Organizations
Contributed by Tonya Bruechet
The non-profit organization, “Helping Escaped & Lost Pets-HELP,” recently received a generous donation from a remarkable group of women in the Mat-Su Valley. This donation will be utilized to continue assisting lost or abandoned pets and their owners. The “100+ Women Who CareMatsu Chapter” is an inspiring group of women who are deeply committed to the Mat-Su community.
The group gathers quarterly for a onehour meeting, where each member contributes a $100 check to a charity chosen by the group. This collective donation has a significant impact without the need for time-consuming fundraising events and planning. Their mission is to support those in the greatest need within the Mat-Su area. We invite you to join us at their next meeting September 12, 2024, from 6-7pm at Everett’s, to witness how effortless and enjoyable it can be! You can also visit them at 100pluswwcmatsu.com or on Facebook at 100 Plus Women Who Care Mat-Su Chapter.
R is for Reading, H is for Hawk
Contributed by Alys Culhane
The Bright Lights Book Project is a nonprofit organization. Our work originally (and still) centers around our mission statement, which is “To put free books into the hands of appreciative readers.” Our primary word of mouth advertising has enabled us to keep books moving. The percentage of books that we deem unfit for reading consumption is minimal. Add restore and repair books to the list of things we do, in order to increase the shelf life of existent books.
This spring, we resumed stocking the Bugge Park Little Library, and put an additional little library, donated to us by Beacon Hill Family Services, in the City of Palmer Amoosement Park. And we added several painted newspaper boxes to our routes. We’ve also continued to stock BLBP bookcases. We’ve cast a wide net in that BLBP bookcases are located in Palmer, Wasilla, and Eagle River businesses. (For a list of our distribution sites, check out our website, www.brightlightsbookproject.org).
Our volunteer base has been growing, with book cleaning, sorting, and distributing children’s books. Book cleaning has evolved into a form of social networking. Here, book lovers meet and talk with other book lovers. This has enabled us to further talk with volunteers as to what we do and why we are doing it. As of late, we’ve been putting more of a focus on our vision statement. It reads: “Envisioning the power of literacy to change lives.” The above-mentioned, all-important statistic that has given BLBP Board members and volunteers reason to pause is this statistic: Alaska has the lowest third grade reading level in the country. Read this statement again and think about it. The consequences of these individuals being subliterate will have a deleterious effect on us all, because being unable to read narrows one’s world view. It also curtails the ability to make sound decisions as an electorate.
Making books readily available to those of all ages was, the BLBP board agreed, a step in the right direction. However, we all concurred that we need to do more. This, I knew, was going to be a tough call because we have a limited volunteer base. Expanding our efforts in order to honor our mission statement thus seemed daunting.
I wanted to wait until we had our own building, one with enough space for a full-blown literacy project. However, I soon realized that Alaska’s subliterate population cannot wait. We began work-
ing with limited space by first hosting inhouse events. Since January, we’ve held two Dr. Seuss Days, a D is for Dog Day, and an Open Mic Reading. Our two most recent events were in May. The first was Who Let the Books Out? And the second was H is for Hawk. Interactive activities (and this includes a story time) are now a mainstay of our Eagle Hotel based events. H is for Hawk is a good example. We read books, and using instruction manuals, made paper airplanes, which we put to the test outside the hotel. After, a dozen children remained rapt as Pam Hucyk read a book acquired from the Mat-Su School District Warehouse. The high point of the event was the appearance of Rhett, a Red-Tailed Hawk. He sat quietly on the arm Shannon Jenson, the Executive Director of the Alaska Wildbird Rehabilitation Center, as she talked about him and hawk behavior in general. This, I thought, as the children sat rapt, is an example of environmental literacy.
Our literacy-based focus has extended to external events. Story time and interactive events, which are a focal part of our vision statement, are synonymous with our mission statement, which will always center around getting books into the hands of appreciative readers.
The BLBP board has also been casting a wide net, research-wise, in attempting to figure out what, in the future, literacy-based programs we might offer. For example, BLBP Board Member and Volunteer Coordinator Pam Huyck and I attended the Science of Reading Symposium in Anchorage in April. There we talked with countless educators about what might be most realistic and beneficial to individuals in the Mat-Su Community.
We’ll expand upon our literacy related efforts by holding more formal classes, starting in September. Our programs will include but not be limited to Parents read to Children/Children read to Parents and Seniors read to Children/Children read to Seniors and Teens Read to Children/Children read to Teens. We’ll include a writing component as well. I am also going to teach a class called Memoir, Memory, and Memorabilia. Here, writers of all ages will use objects, triggers, in coming up with their own stories. And who knows? We might also publish a book at the conclusion of this class. Our volunteer base will include seniors, parents, and teens. If you are interested in giving us an assist with our fledgling program, contact BLBP Executive Director Alys Culhane at Director@BrightLightsBookProject.org
Back by Popular Demand
Contributed by Joseph & Cheryl Homme
This book offers a comprehensive and illustrated history of Palmer’s businesses and buildings, chronicling individual business owners and dates of business operation from 1897 to 1970. It discusses the challenges of operating a business during the frontier days of Alaska and the efforts by business owners to build and eventually incorporate the City of Palmer. The book spans 314 pages, is fully
indexed, and includes 410 photographs. It features an inventory and timeline of more than 1,000 businesses, as well as biographical sketches of selected business owners. The 2nd Edition will be available in 2024: launching on September 16th at Palmer Moose at 7pm with a book launch and presentation. Starting September 17th, it will be available at Fireside Books, 720 S. Alaska Street, The Colony House Museum, and the Visitor’s Center in Palmer. Additionally, it will be available on November 18th at Palmer Moose at 8pm after Historical Society History Night. The book is priced at $39.95 and can be identified with ISBN: 978-0-692-95257-3.
Other books by Joseph and Cheryl Homme include:
Cures and Chaos: The Life & Times of Dr. Vincent Hume and His Impact on a Frontier Alaska Town (Palmer)
Retro Romance: Classic Tips for Today’s Couple Storybook Culture: The Art of Popular Children’s Books
Palmer Pioneer Cemetery Tour
Contributed by Bridgette Preston
The Palmer Historical Society, the Palmer Pioneer Cemetery Assn, and Grandmother Raven Productions are pleased to announce their collaboration to present Stories in Stone, A Palmer Pioneer Cemetery Tour. Tickets for the tour go on sale this week through Eventbrite online ticketing. All profits from the tour will go to the Palmer Historical Society and the Pioneer Cemetery Association.
The Stories in Stone Tour will be held July 30 and 31, at 7 pm, at the Pioneer Cemetery. Tickets are $15. Advance ticket sales only and no on-site ticket sales at the cemetery. Due to logistical and insurance criteria, only 40 tickets per tour will be sold, and organizers expect to sell the tour spaces quickly. Tickets are available at: https://palmercemeterytour2. eventbrite.com/.
Bridgette Preston of Grandmother Raven Productions says, “As a 45year Palmer area resident, I’ve long been fascinated with local history
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
and cemeteries are unique spaces that inspire curiosity about the people, places, and events that have shaped the Palmer landscape. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to attend a number of cemetery tours in the Anchorage, Seattle, Portland, and Boston areas, and I’ve always found the tours quite fascinating and educational. The local Historical Society and Cemetery Assn have been great collaborators in making this first Palmer cemetery tour possible.”
Preston says that the first tour will feature 12 eternal residents; some who were well known and lived very public lives, and some who lived more private lives. This tour will include the stories of an early homesteader, a Colonist, a miner, a farmer, a businessman and woman, a doctor, and more. “I’ve loved learning many new pieces of Palmer history in my tour research,” Preston said.
For more info contact Grandmother Raven Productions at 907-7752166.
Boost Your Child’s Immune System Naturally: A Back-to-School Guide
Contributed by Tabitha Wooster
As the new school year approaches, parents are eager to ensure their children are healthy and ready to tackle the challenges ahead. One crucial aspect of this preparation is boosting their immune systems to help fend off the common colds and flu that often come with school environments. Natural remedies can play a significant role in this. Let’s explore some effective herbal immunity boosters and how to incorporate them into your child’s routine.
Elderberry: The Immune Powerhouse Elderberry is a well-known herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to support the immune system. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, elderberry can help reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu. You can find elderberry in various forms such as syrups, gummies, and lozenges, making it easy to include in your child’s diet.
How to Use Elderberry:
Syrup: Add a teaspoon to their morning juice or smoothie.
Gummies: These are a kid-friendly option that can be taken daily.
Lozenges: Perfect for older children, especially when they’re on the go.
Propolis: Nature’s Antibiotic
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees, is another fantastic natural immunity booster. It has powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for preventing and fighting infections. Propolis is available in tinctures, capsules, and even throat sprays.
How to Use Propolis:
Tincture: Mix a few drops into a glass of water or juice.
Capsules: Easy to swallow and perfect for daily use.
Throat Spray: Ideal for soothing a sore throat and providing a quick immune boost.
Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin
Vitamin D is crucial for a healthy immune system, yet many children are deficient in it, especially during the winter months. It
helps regulate the immune response and can reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
Sources of Vitamin D:
Sunlight: Encourage outdoor playtime to help their bodies naturally produce vitamin D.
Food: Include vitamin D-rich foods like fortified milk, fish, and eggs in their diet.
• Supplements: Vitamin D drops or chewables can ensure they get enough, especially during the colder months.
Vitamin C: The Immune System’s Best Friend
Vitamin C is a well-known immune booster that helps protect against infections by encouraging the production of white blood cells. It’s essential to include this vitamin in your child’s daily diet.
Sources of Vitamin C:
Fruits and Vegetables: Oranges, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, and broccoli are excellent sources.
• Juices: Fortified juices can be a tasty way to increase vitamin C intake.
Supplements: Chewable tablets or gummies are a convenient option for picky eaters.
Incorporating Supplements
While whole foods are the best sources of these nutrients, supplements can help fill in any gaps. When choosing supplements, look for high-quality products that are age-appropriate and free from artificial additives.
Boosting your child’s immune system as they head back to school doesn’t have to be complicated. By incorporating natural remedies like elderberry, propolis, vitamin D, and vitamin C into their daily routine, you can help ensure they stay healthy and resilient throughout the school year. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements, especially for children. Individual needs can vary, and professional guidance ensures the best care for your child’s health. Learn more at allaboutherbs.comor call (907) 376-8327
Wing Chun Alaska Presents: Kung-Fu Seminar Comes to Anchorage
Contributed by Kendall Stewart
Wing Chun is Bruce Lee’s original style. When Bruce was young, Grandmaster William Cheung introduced him to Great Grandmaster Yip Man. Many stories are told about Bruce Lee, but one stands out the most. Grandmaster Cheung recalls Bruce Lee’s early training, describing how, in the first year and a half, they practiced together frequently. As Bruce’s senior, Grandmaster Cheung encouraged him to move beyond the basics. However, Bruce insisted on practicing the same moves repeatedly, teaching Grandmaster Cheung the power of repetition. They practiced forms slowly, quickly, with force, and softly to learn as much as possible. After over a year of training, Bruce began handling most of Great Grandmaster Yip Man’s top students. Their jealousy led them to reveal that Bruce wasn’t fully Chinese. Consequently, Grandmaster Cheung was tasked with continuing Bruce’s training. When Bruce moved to America and wanted to teach martial
arts, he was initially denied because Wing Chun was reserved for Chinese practitioners. Bruce then added throws and kicks to Wing Chun and called it Jeet Kune Do.
Kung Fu is the ultimate equalizer. The reason I got into Kung Fu was to level the playing field in fighting. If someone is bigger and stronger than me, I don’t want them to have an automatic advantage. While I can’t make myself taller, I can become stronger and develop martial arts skills to equalize the field. Kung Fu benefits the mind, body, and spirit.
A recent revelation for me has been the power of repetition. In the past, I played football and basketball but only practiced during the season. Now, I practice Kung Fu daily, and the benefits are immense. The best athletes and successful people achieve greatness through repetition. I challenge you to find something you’re passionate about and make it a priority to practice it daily. Kung Fu is more than just fighting; it provides confidence and teaches
efficiency in movement. Imagine learning one of the most effective fighting arts in the world—would you do it? You have the opportunity!
Join our event on July 20th at 9 o’clock at WellSprings Ministries. Don’t miss your chance to learn the style that made Bruce Lee famous. Embrace the power of repetition.
“I
Bruce Lee. For
HOUSE REP. DAVID EASTMAN is the LAst MAN stANDiNG
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
www.badbobsalaskanbeardproducts.com
Celebrate July & Independence & Become a Treatment Book Sponsor!
Contributed by Jason Manalli
Make a heartwarming impact any time of the year!
Support Set Free Alaska by sponsoring treatment books and essential costs for our special clients in recovery, located in either the Mat-Su Valley or Homer. Every new client at Set Free Alaska receives a personalized list of treatment books for their group therapy sessions. By becoming a treatment book sponsor, you can play a crucial role in a client’s journey towards freedom and independence.
Set Free Alaska is a Christian treatment center that employs a mind-body-spirit approach to recovery. Our multi-generational programs facilitate hope, healing, and resilience, resulting in lasting change in the areas of substance abuse and behavioral health disorders. Our trauma-informed approach ensures that we address substance abuse and mental illness comprehensively.
A donation of $49.00 provides crucial financial assistance to a client in need of essential treatment books. Your contribution helps clients utilize these resources on their path to recovery, making a lasting
POLITICS & OPINION
Idealizing Eagleexit
Contributed by Clinton Holloway
The previous two editions of The People’s Paper have hosted features by Forrest A. Nabors, PhD., providing a broad overview of the historical and philosophical lineage to the republican impulse charging the Eagleexit movement. Eagleexit is an ambition to “detach” the communities north of Anchorage from the Municipality of Anchorage, creating a new borough with a smaller, more responsive government, one purportedly better aligned with the area’s residents’ ideals.
Communities separating from a parent community for political purposes—based on philosophy, economics, and other considerations—is an American tradition. Sometimes such actions are for worthy reasons, such as our country’s separation from Great Britain in the Revolutionary War; sometimes separation is for less upright reasons, such as the secession of Southern states in the Civil War. (Hooray to West Virginia, who separated from its pro-slavery, secessionist parent state of Virginia!) Regardless, such separations are big deals, ones where ideological differences take front stage. Hence, it is odd—though not uninformative—that Nabors, as Eagleexit’s
frontman, devotes little print to explaining the cause’s specific rationale for separation. Instead, he devotes 1,400 words to his version of how American republicanism developed from 3,000 years of religion-based egalitarian impulses, with but a few words to state it is in danger and that Eagleexit is a way to recapture its pure form. For the record, Eagleexit does have fiscal reasons for its intended separation that are thoughtful and detailed. Whether its contentions are accurate about area residents not receiving sufficient services for tax monies paid—and that Eagleexit can provide better services at less expense— demands real attention, though that’s not what readers find in Nabor’s writings. Regarding Eagleexit’s political rationale, all that Eagleexit offers are general statements about the importance of self-government, pronouncements about small government’s virtue, and complaints that the area residents’ mindsets are incompatible with those of greater Anchorage. Nabor’s articles, as official philosophical background to Eagleexit, do provide informative context to the movement, though their content should give pause to members of our community. His glib review of egalitarianism’s evolution suggests Eagleexit’s leadership
impact on their lives.
Donate with confidence, knowing that each dollar you contribute makes a significant difference. To donate, visit our website, setfreealaska.org, and click on the blue GIVE button. Enter a gift of $49.00 and select Treatment Books from the Fund drop-down menu.
Set Free Alaska is a Christian treatment center that uses a mind-body-spirit approach to recovery. Our multi-generational programs facilitate hope, healing, and resilience, resulting in lasting change. We provide services to the community by addressing substance abuse and mental illness through a trauma-informed approach. Our services include comprehensive substance use and mental health assessments, psychoeducational and evidence-based education, and group and individual therapy settings. We have served thousands of people, seen incredible miracles of breakthrough, and witnessed God’s power to transform lives.
Thank you in advance for your heartwarming gift! Your support helps us continue to provide these essential services to those in need. setfreealaska.org
have an overly idealistic view of this history and may indicate their philosophical outlook is not all that egalitarian after all.
Nabors’s review reaches all the way back to Hebrew judges, political leaders of ancient Israelites. Although Nabors frames this period as a “republican form of government . . . the only form of government that God ever ordained,” it is conventionally interpreted that the god of that tradition appointed the judges—they were not formally voted upon. (That the historicity of these stories is questioned by secular and spiritual scholars alike is a worthy sidebar here!) From asserting that the ancient Hebrews believed “all men are created equal”—even though this did not apply to women, slaves, or unbelievers when it came to material existence—Nabors jumps to that bastion of enlightenment, the Catholic Church of the Middle Ages. This institution, which he asserts was “reminding monarchs that they are the servants of the people” and encouraging them to “soften [their] conduct,” was busily subordinating women and exterminating the pagans— culminating in those wonderfully inclusive movements, the Spanish Inquisition and the conquest of the Americas.
Fast forward to those forebearers of American democracy, the Mayflower Pilgrims, and the reader is assured that these “coequal citizens,” with a premium on the “natural equality” of all, governed themselves with pious fairness and frugal
effectiveness. Never mind that only male freemen had a say in government, a government with the sort of religiosity interwoven in it that will lead to the excesses of the Salem witch trials, one that will permit slavery and decimate local indigenous peoples after relying upon them for survival... Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty heroic and commendable to these traditions and histories, but to whitewash them in service of rhetoric is a disservice to the past and the hard work of governing. Eagleexit’s detachment from Anchorage is a very complex proposition, not one well served by facile and constrictive comparisons. Sure, as Nabors characterizes the Plymouth colony, he is focusing on our “embryonic republic,” one not fully developed into maturity. But, notably absent from Nabor’s lineage are the significant contributions of non-Christian cultures such as the pioneering innovations of the Ancient Greeks and the influence of the Iroquois Confederacy. It is hard not to read in Nabor’s commentary the desire to take us back to idealized olden-days, when the unconverted of this land could be relegated to a “howling” in the “wilderness,” and that one’s “results” in life are exclusively due “to God.” Eagleexit’s vision seems rooted in Leave It to Beaver simplicity, but our world is much more complex and diverse than that. Democracy didn’t stop developing with the Revolution, and it shouldn’t stop now, but let’s move forward, not back.
Liberty, Liberally
Volume IV - Issue VII
Love And Fear And Gun Control
By Josh Fryfogle Jan 5, 2013
Gun control is a stupid idea. At every point in history where gun control has been instituted, people were soon subjugated. However, there’s a spiritual mechanism at work within the debate on this issue.
Fear is a powerful tool, and on a mass scale, fear of a common threat can sway the masses. You might think that I’m referring to the obvious fear-mongering of the gun control lobby, telling us that we need gun control to keep us safe from lunatics who might walk into a public place and shoot everyone. Well, that’s a good example of fear tactics, but not the subject of this article.
The fear that I’m referring to is the fear of having our gun rights infringed.
The spirit of fear is one of uncertainty. It is not a power position, but a position of weakness. While the practical need for guns is obvious, to ensure liberty, the spiritual need for love is even greater.
We’ve allowed a government gone mad, both Republicans and Democrats, to use fear to guide our nation’s war machine. They tell us to fear the terrorists, then we allow them to invade and destroy countless countries, countless lives. And they use guns to do it. Meanwhile, you’re much more likely to be killed by police brutality than by a terrorist. And that’s not very likely either. Actually, you’re more likely to be killed by a host of things than the boogeymen of terrorism, or police brutality.
These instances of madmen with guns, randomly killing innocent men, women, and children are horrific. But still, they pale in comparison to the war machine, the ‘military industrial complex’ as Eisenhower called it.
As Americans, we used to act with boldness and faith. We believed in Americans’ abilities to create the greatest country on earth, not as an arrogant slogan, but as a noble mission – a purpose. That’s how this country was built. Now we act out of fear. All of our resources are devoted to fear. Everything is reactive rather than proactive. Our society is sick.
We fear people with guns. We fear having our guns taken away. We fear the fiscal cliff. We fear terrorists. We fear healthcare. We fear not having healthcare. We fear natural disasters. We fear the coming apocalypse. We fear government. We fear anarchy. We fear each other. We fear ourselves.
I’m of the belief that there are really only two emotions: Love and Fear. Every other emotion can be filed under these two categories. Sometimes anger is a fear emotion. Sometimes it’s a love emotion. The reason for emotions determines the spirit with which it is felt.
Right now the political leaders on both sides of the illusory left/right are using fear to sway us, to divide us. In the end it matters not whether we have guns, as much as it matters if we have fear or love as a guiding force.
Why do you want a gun? To protect your loved ones? Well that is love. However, wanting guns to protect your self comes from fear. The second amendment is about protecting our way of life, our children and their children, from tyranny.
It’s not about self-defense. Most adults would gladly die for their children. This is the ultimate love.
Let’s not lose our love for one another. Love can prevent fear. Actively loving dispels fear. Like a single candle in a dark room dispels the darkness, love illuminates us. There’s no reason to be scared of the darkness, if love lights your way.
If we lived in a society that actively loved, we wouldn’t have madmen on psychotropic drugs killing innocents. If we could remember our purpose, to overcome fear through love, then we wouldn’t be sending our indiscriminate war machine to far away lands, spreading fear throughout the world.
Let’s not fear one another, or the government, or some foreign enemy. Instead, let’s actively love those who hate us, until we transmute their hatred to love. Love, like light, is the most powerful force on earth. No gun can kill love.
So my point, as I emote through my keyboard, seems to be this: There is a powerful force at work, and it truly threatens our way of life. More than guns, madmen on SSRI drugs, terrorism, violence in media. But we shouldn’t fear this threat, because the threat is fear.
Just don’t.
Just love.
“It’s easy..” - The Beatles All You Need Is Love
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” - Franklin Delano Roosevelt
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” - 2 Timothy 1:7
"Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule." - Buddha
“When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty.”
- Thomas Jefferson
"Among the many misdeeds of the British rule in India, history will look upon the Act depriving a whole nation of arms as the blackest." - Mahatma Gandhi, "Gandhi, An Autobiography", - M. K. Gandhi
“If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed.” - Albert Einstein
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” - Romans 8:15
“Don't let the fear of striking out hold you back.” - Babe Ruth
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” - Mark Twain
“Advance, and never halt, for advancing is perfection. Advance and do not fear the thorns in the path, for they draw only corrupt blood.” - Khalil Gibran
“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.” - Frank Herbert Dune
“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” - Plato
“A man that flies from his fear may find that he has only taken a short cut to meet it.” - J.R.R. Tolkien The Children of Húrin
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” - 1 John 4:18
Written Well
By Joshua Fryfogle
December 2, 2023
Well-written can be wrong And poorly can be right
But well-written words will always Always win the fight
Smartly written prose A writer strives to perfect
So the reader might suppose That the ideas are correct
But badly written on the page
Like a wise man with a stutterOr a stammer, so bad grammar Undermines the word he utters
ABOUT: “Joshua Fryfogle, the owner of The People’s Paper, Make A Scene Magazine, and Liberty, Liberally, is heavily involved in the local community. In addition to creating a monthly paper that prints what community members submit, he also owns 95.5 The Pass, KNLT, one of the only stations in the nation to play local music in regular rotation! Josh is a lifelong singer/songwriter, and serves as booking agent and sound engineer for countless other Alaskan musicians.”
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... 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
You can respond to what you’ve read, or write what matters to you.
Of Church & State
By Joshua Fryfogle
October 12, 2015
To pay your tithes with usury
Must surely not be good
It wouldn't be acceptable
If you understood
A tithe is just flat tax tenth
On work that you have done
A decimal of your wealth
The inheritance of sons
Usury is debt based coin
Lent into creation
The only way that it can pay
Is to increase circulation
It really doesn't make much sense
So, so few really get it
There is more paper than the stuff
That you could purchase with it
Money doesn't equal wealth
Its nothing more than paper
That doesn't represent our wealth
Instead, our future labor
In this way we chase all day
And never quite catch up
We can never get ahead
Of the interest piling up
Because of this, I do declare
These tithes are illegal!
To pay a tenth of less than zero
Surely must be evil
The Debasement of Diogenes, From Delphi to the Dollar
By Josh Fryfogle
Written July 21, 2020
Our money - like most currencies in the world - has been debased. This is the cause of poverty.
Let me say it again, for those who haven’t heard this before... Poverty is caused by debasement of money.
One more time - printing money doesn’t create wealth, it creates a debt.
And those impoverished souls so burdened by the dollar’s debasement, unlike Diogenes, have not chosen to be poor. Their poverty - our poverty - is the result of people like Diogenes, who debased the currency in the first place. Diogenes lived a life of poverty, but he was making a statement by doing so.
He was pushed out of his hometown for doing something that, at that time and place, was quite illegal. In the USA and most nations on the earth today, it’s normal practice. But historically, devaluation of currency by clipping coins or adulterating their mint or issuing bank notes for non-existent deposits was a fraud of the worst kind. Diogenes did that.
He debased the currency!
His dad had a job with the government, minting coins, and Diogenes was his apprentice. Coins themselves served as a measure of wealth, because they were perfectly weighted - the job of the minter was to make sure that each coin weighed exactly the right amount, and was made of a pure metal. But why? Because each type of coin was made of the same precious metal, and were therefore worth exactly that amount when weighted correctly.
Diogenes, the debaser, decided to change the value of the coins, making them ever so slightly less valuable, and keeping the extra precious metal for himself. Diogenes was a criminal. He stole from everyone.
The people in his community ran him out of town over it!
I wonder if his later choice to live in abject poverty might have been his response to that early rejection. Those folks in Sinope, Greece, in the fourth century BC, they understood something most modern people do not.
It is a heinous act against everyone to debase the currency.
Did Diogenes decide that he would live in poverty, living with dogs, for no reason? Even today, he is often depicted with a dog at his side. Diogenes, like a stray dog, lived off of society’s scraps, barking at passers by. He also defecated and masturbated in full view of the public. He debased himself.
Checking in with the local Oracle,
over in Delphi, she told him to “deface the currency”, which he took to mean something more metaphorical, as a directive for his life moving forward. His life would become a symbol of the devaluation of all life.
Diogenes left a myth of his life behind. No writings survived, and perhaps never were written. In that mythos, he is supposed to have said “...you do not choose painted figs, but real ones...” This is ironic, since his early life was a portrait of deception. The debasement of currency was no different than painted figs instead of the actual fruit. Whether myth, or art, or the debasement of currency, all require a bit of deception. This cynical man became contrary in every way. Imagine the people he offended, as he walked about in the daytime, carrying a lantern, announcing to everyone around that he was looking in vain for an honest man. He had misspent his youth, debasing currency, stealing from everyone. This bad rep followed him around. Now, here he was calling everyone out, pointing out that everyone is dishonest.
Who knows how Diogenes actually lived. This could all be fiction, a mythos leftover from a life that didn’t happen that way. But people prefer the myth, they prefer to idealize what defined a person. For Diogenes, he committed the crime of stealing from everyone, exploiting his position of prestige, being the son of a banker. Later, he chose Cynicism, asceticism, and poverty. He chose these things, reducing his standing even further, debasing himself like he had debased the currency, and then from this lowly lesser life, like a yapping dog, he barked and barked.
I find the juxtaposition of the debasement of currency and self-imposed poverty, and his supposed death by holding his own breath - all of this reads like mythto be conveniently symbolic.
What is that teaching?
The whole world has debased their currencies, not just Diogenes. This is no less self-destructive than Diogenes choice to live as an animal, destroying his own humanity. The whole of humanity is flawed, imperfect, and we do not always know this about ourselves. Occasionally, some criminal comes along that is honest enough to show us our true nature, to shine a lantern light and challenge us, metaphorically.
The stories of Diogenes the Cynic are conflicting. Just as our own perspectives on poverty and prosperity are conflicting. Just as our printing of money at interest is in conflict with our own self-interests. We are all implicated in these crimes against ourselves.
When Diogenes was called out in public for his crimes of debasement, he replied: “That was how I became a philosopher, you miserable fool!”
You can respond to what you’ve read, or write what matters to you.
ACCESSIBILITY & MOBILITY
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ANTIQUES & VINTAGE
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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
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CANNABIS RETAILER
Matanuska Cannabis Co. ...... 745-4211
COFFEE & CAFÉ
Alaska Artisan Coffee ........ 745-5543
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EDUCATION
Gille Learning Center ..... 357-1100
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Mr. Taxi ........ 707-6011
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POLITICS & OPINION
Last Man Standing: After 9 Years of PDF Theft One Legislator Still Standing for Us
Contributed by Mike Widney
In 2016 lawyer/Governor Walker “vetoed” half your PFD. In what has since been deemed by outside legal Scholars as a bad ruling, judge Morse left the veto/ theft stand. Fast forward 8 years and here’s where we find ourselves. 2023 Governor’s budget includes a full PFD, State House rejects with a 39: 1 vote. 2024 Governor’s budget includes a full PFD State House again rejects with a 39: 1 vote.
The story of our fight to preserve the
State Treasure we call the Permanent Fund, and the Permanent Fund dividend could go on for thousands of more words but I’m not a writer, I’m a cab driver and a part-time volunteer activist for your PFD these last nine years so I’ll make one final obvious point. Last year and again this year Governor Dunleavy delivered on his promise of a full PFD but the Alaska state House 39 of 40 legislators blocked your rightful statutory dividend from getting to you and your children’s bank accounts. Only one legislator has remained strong for your PFD and voted for the Governor’s
full PFD budget, yes, the one versus the 39! The “Last Man Standing” for your PFD is representative David Eastman of Wasilla. In closing I’ll leave you with some advice that I’m pretty sure you’ve already figured out, re-elect
Founder and Chairman Save The PFD For more info visit Save The PFD on FB.
Your Legislators Flew Off to Juneau and Abandoned You
Contributed by David Eastman
If this is how you feel, you are not alone, and you are not wrong.
Picture this: Every two years you go to a dance. When you get there, your partner (the one you brought to the dance) insists on dancing, but with someone else. Then, two years later, they want you to take them to the next dance where they can do it all over again. They tell you what a grand time you will have together. They show you the pictures of the last time, hoping you don’t remember what happened once they got there and suddenly discovered so many other interesting people to dance with.
Juneau might as well be in another galaxy. Few Alaskans will ever have the time to visit the state capitol building where the beautiful people congregate. Alaskans voted to move the state capital, twice. Legislators in Juneau blocked it both times.
Alaskans voted against using the PFD to fund pet projects. Legislators spent the money anyway. In October, you will get a check for whatever’s left because legislators have already spent most of this year’s PFD. If you are a government contractor you may get to see some of that money in your next contract, but if you are like most Alaskans the success of special interests in Juneau will come at your expense.
Years ago, Alaskans voted to shorten long legislative sessions in Juneau to no more than 90 days. This year, legislators chose to ignore that law and remain in Juneau until Day 122. During his first year as governor, Dunleavy selected Wasilla as
the location of a 30-day special session. In response, 39 legislators ignored the session, thumbed their nose at the Constitution, and flew down to Juneau anyway. Legislators are eligible for per diem in Juneau. Most legislators are not eligible for per diem in Wasilla.
This year, legislators refused to allow public testimony before passing a series of bills even though state law requires opportunities for public testimony.
That is the status quo today. Those who advocate, as I do, for following the law when it comes to the PFD, spending no more than 90 days at a time in Juneau, and honoring laws that require the legislature to allow public testimony, are in the extreme minority today. The vote to cut the PFD this year was 39-1. The vote to ignore the law limiting sessions to 90 days was 34-6. The vote to honor the right of the public to come and testify on bills was 7-33.
The prevailing wisdom in Juneau is “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”. Unfortunately for the Mat-Su, that means abandoning Mat-Su voters and supporting special interests. Very few Mat-Su residents have the time or the inclination to closely watch what happens in the capitol building. Fewer still will ever fly down to Juneau in person.
Those in Juneau know this, just as they know that few Alaskans will ever file to run for public office. There are nine legislators that represent parts of the Mat-Su in the legislature. Most will have no opponent in the coming election. Of the 60 legislators in Alaska, more than 20 will not face a
Founding Fathers Fight the British
Contributed by Lawrence D. Weiss
The Continental Army was formed by the Second Continental Congress after the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. General George Washington was the commander-in-chief of the army throughout the war, and he had his hands full. His recruits were typically poorly trained, fed, and equipped. On the other hand, Washington was facing tens of thousands of British soldiers -- the best trained and equipped in the world at the time.
But Washington faced an even more dangerous enemy...disease. Among the Continental regulars in the American Revolution, 90 percent of deaths were caused by disease. Variola, the smallpox virus, was the most feared of them all. It’s ugly. According to the Mayo Clinic,
“Following the incubation period, a sudden onset of flu-like signs and symptoms occurs... A few days later, flat, red spots appear first on your face, hands and forearms, and later on your trunk. Within a day or two, many of these lesions turn into small blisters filled with clear fluid, which then turns into pus. Scabs begin to form eight to nine days later and eventually fall off, leaving deep, pitted scars. Lesions also develop in the mucous membranes of your nose and mouth and quickly turn into sores that break open.”
Ick! Moreover, smallpox is extremely contagious. It can put a victim completely out of action for about a month, and in 20-30% of the cases it was fatal. Easy to see how, if left unchecked, it could defeat an entire army. In fact, it did. A smallpox epi-
single opponent on Election Day. Most will easily win reelection.
Some legislators are running for their third or fourth term and have never had an opponent on Election Day. This should tell you something: These legislators are not a threat to the status quo in Juneau. Unfortunately for the Mat-Su, the status quo in Juneau is hellbent against giving Alaskans the type of government that they want and that they have repeatedly voted for. There is what the people want and there is what Juneau wants, and Juneau is used to winning.
For those few legislators who insist on “dancing with the one that brought you”, Juneau has prepared a series of carrots and sticks. Some respond to the carrots, others to the sticks, but most legislators quickly discover that aligning with the status quo is much more comfortable than the alternative. Inevitably, being labeled a threat to the status quo also means having an opponent on Election Day in August. Those in Juneau will make sure of it.
If you believe, as I do, that the status quo needs to change, find out which candidates are being supported by those in Juneau. Once you’re pretty sure who Juneau is supporting, vote for the other guy. If they have no opponent, it’s usually a safe bet that Juneau isn’t worried about who your next legislator is going to be. Rep. David Eastman serves in the Alaska House of Representatives representing the Mat-Su. He ran on a platform of fighting for genuine conservative reform, fiscally and socially, and remains committed to that promise.
by Embracing Vaccinations
demic struck Continental army troops that invaded Canada in 1775-1776. Ultimately about 50% of the troops became infected. Their fighting capability was wiped out, and the Americans had to retreat. Smallpox was a decisive factor that helped destroy the campaign to bring Canada into the revolution.
Both Benedict Arnold and Benjamin Franklin, after reviewing the devastation wreaked by smallpox in the Canadian campaign, expressed fears that the virus would be the army’s ultimate defeat. Washington didn’t need convincing. He had caught it as a teenager, suffered greatly, and was knocked out for a month. He knew all about it from personal experience.
Smallpox was endemic in the British Isles. Consequently, many of the British soldiers had caught it in their youth and were immune. In addition, the practice of “variolation,” a kind of vaccine, was widespread throughout Europe. As a result, most British troops were immune to smallpox, giving them an enormous advantage against the much more vulnerable colonists. To make matters worse, there was an active anti-vax sentiment in the colonies which briefly led to the Continental Congress to issue a proclamation in 1776 prohibiting Surgeons of the Army to inoculate.
Pushing past the inoculation prohibition, on February 5, 1777, Washington wrote John Hancock, president of the Second Continental Congress, “The smallpox has made such Head in every Quarter that I find it impossible to keep it from spreading through’ the whole
Army in the natural way. I have therefore determined, not only to inoculate all the Troops now here, that have not had it, but shall order Docr. Shippen to inoculate the Recruits as fast as they come into Philadelphia.”
According to the Library of Congress, here’s how it played out...
“Weighing the risks, on February 5th of 1777, Washington finally committed to the unpopular policy of mass inoculation by writing to inform Congress of his plan. Throughout February, Washington, with no precedent for the operation he was about to undertake, covertly communicated to his commanding officers’ orders to oversee mass inoculations of their troops in the model of [earlier pilot vaccinations of soldiers at] Morristown and Philadelphia. At least eleven hospitals had been constructed by the year’s end.
“Variola raged throughout the war... Yet the isolated infections that sprung up among Continental regulars during the southern campaign failed to incapacitate a single regiment. With few surgeons, fewer medical supplies, and no experience, Washington conducted the first mass inoculation of an army at the height of a war that immeasurably transformed the international system. Defeating the British was impressive, but simultaneously taking on Variola was a risky stroke of genius.” --John W. Kluge Center, Library of Congress Now I have to get used to thinking about George Washington as my latest public health hero. Gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling inside.
The Mat-Su Valley’s Community Newspaper and Entertainment Magazine.
POLITICS & OPINION
Rob Yundt for State Senate
Contributed by Rob Yundt
to stop three terrible pieces of legislation the left was trying to force through during COVID. Their goal was, and still is, to turn the Mat-Su Borough into Anchorage. Since then, I have fought passionately as Deputy Mayor of the MSB to prevent that from happening. Now, I want to do the same in Juneau as your State Senator.
Senate has not prioritized the needs of the people in recent years. Honestly, they are still supporting the Bill Walker agenda even though Alaskans overwhelmingly rejected that mentality after a single term as Governor. I am running because this is not a Senate, I can be proud of nor is it one who has my children’s best interest in mind. nately, our current Senate passed legislation (SB240 & SB24) that strips parents’ rights away. Thankfully, the State House & Governor shut this down for now.
radical left, who attack their rights daily. Washington and Oregon both crowned men as state champions in girls’ track and field divisions this season. Twenty-four states have passed legislation to prevent this, but Alaska is not one of them. I will make it my life’s mission to protect women and girls’ sports, private spaces (such as restrooms) & overall rights.
need stiffer laws against drug dealers. The same goes for predators found guilty of sexual assault; penalties must be much harsher.
God-Fearing
Contributed by Lopez-McKeown
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me” Psalm 23:4 words that bring back the white dresses which have walked under church lights and our gloves stained of wine. I think of it fondly when I unpack and repack a collection of vintage baptismal infant gowns, which remain crisp and like new as if nothing ever happened as if those children didn’t grow and fade away. shadow of death I should ever read certain familial names in
NOW! TEENS AGES 13-18!
SUMMER A UdMAdventures SUMMER A UdMAdventures
&
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Northern Valley Community Celebration
Contributed by Sierra Winter Smith, President of the Northern Valley Health Coalition
Join us for the Northern Valley Community Celebration on August 10th, a vibrant gathering hosted by Sunshine Community Health Center and the Northern Valley Health Coalition. This annual event brings together communities from Talkeetna, Trapper Creek, Willow, and beyond for a day of connection, fun, and community support.
Last year, we hosted over 40 vendors and raised funds for Sunshine Community Health Center’s scholarship program through a lively silent auction. We also distributed 90 backpacks filled with school supplies to local students, making a meaningful impact in our community.
This year promises even more excitement with activities for all ages, including FREE traumatic brain injury screenings by the Alaska Brain Bus, educational booths from the Denali Education Center and Links Resource Center, valuable information from the Medicare Information Office and Department of Veterans Affairs, and creative offerings from local artisans like My Tye Dye and Artwork by Sierra Winter. Delicious food will be served by favorites such as White Moose Kitchen and The Mayor’s Salsa, ensuring everyone’s appetite is satisfied.
are
Calling All Vendors: We invite you to apply for a FREE 10x10 booth space to showcase your products or services and connect directly with our engaged Northern Valley audience. Whether you’re promoting a business, organization, or creative endeavor, this is a prime opportunity to reach a diverse and enthusiastic crowd.
Join our Monthly Meetings: Don’t miss out on valuable community resources and events! Join the Northern Valley Health Coalition’s monthly meetings via Zoom to stay informed and connected. Our August meeting, scheduled for August 13th at 10:00 AM, will feature Kellie from the Denali Education Center presenting their programs and community efforts.
Visit www.nvhealthco.org to register for this upcoming training, subscribe to our community newsletter, and learn how you can become a member of our team if you are passionate about community growth and connection.
Visit www.nvhealthco.org to apply as a vendor or register as a guest for the event. Registration is not required; it helps us plan for the best experience possible for all attendees. Join us in celebrating community spirit, supporting local initiatives, and enjoying a day filled with entertainment and camaraderie. See you on August 10th!
Preserving Food at Home
With fishing underway, gardens beginning to produce vegetables, and berries and fruits budding, summer is a great source of Alaskan’s food. Canning, drying, freezing and pickling are ways to preserve fish, fruits, meats and vegetables. In-person workshops are being offered at the Matanuska Experiment and Extension Center, 1509 S Georgeson Drive, Palmer, through the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service. There is a fee for each class.
The Alaska State Fair begins in Palmer August 16, 2024. Note the entries of nonperishable items, like canned foods, crafts, photography, and more is August 2 and 3, 11 am to 7 pm.
More information is available at https://www.alaskastatefair.org/site/exhibits/ To show wonderful flowers and vegetables you’ve grown, your animals, or baked goods you’ve made check for their entry dates.
Thursday, July 18, from 1-5 p.m. Canning Fish in Jars
Learn about heat processing low-acid food in jars, how to prevent botulism, the equipment needed, types of pressure canners and how to use a pressure canner in this class. How to smoke and preserve smoked fish will also be discussed. Register at https://bit.ly/CanningFishMatSu.
Thursday, July 25, from 1-4 p.m., Canning Fruit and Tomatoes.
Using a boiling water canner, which types of jars and lids to use, the selection and preparation of fruits, and how to pack the jars and types of tomato products, including salsa, occurs in this hands-on class. Register at https://bit.ly/CanningFruitMatSu.
Tuesday, July 30, from 1-4 p.m., Pickling and Sauerkraut. This class will go through types of pickles, the equipment needed and methods of processing and preserving pickles. The process of fermentation for making sauerkraut is also
covered. Participants will make quick-pack pickles or relish using a boiling water bath canner. Register at https://bit.ly/PicklesMatSu.
On Thursday, Aug. 8, from 1-4 p.m., Dehydrating Food, This class reviews dehydration as a food preservation technique. Methods of dehydrating food, the steps involved in drying fruits and vegetables, making fruit leather and how to store and rehydrate dried foods will be covered. Register at https://bit.ly/DehydratingMatSu.
On Thursday, Aug. 15, from 1-4 p.m., Preserve Meat and Vegetables in Jars. This class will go through heat processing low-acid food in jars, how to prevent botulism, how to select the food, and the use and care of a pressure canner. During class, participants will can meat, poultry or vegetables in jars using a pressure canner. Register at https://bit.ly/ CanningMeatMatSu.
Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The classes will be at the Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center, 1509 Georgeson Road, Palmer. For more information, contact Cascio at 907-745-3677 or jmcascio@alaska.edu.
Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Cascio. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to individuals with limited English proficiency upon request to amnorris2@alaska.edu.
Already confirmed
stalwarts like Talkeetna Community Radio, Alaska Family Services, and the State of Alaska, among others, who are eager to engage with our community.
Contributed by Julie Cascio
Call: 907-354-3331
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Contributed by Xavier Lechleitner
Summer is still happening, and we have a lot to do before we lose too much daylight! Hiking, camping, fishing, projects, the list can go on and on! It’s easy to get caught up in the go-go-go mindset during the summer and forget to maintain energy levels and hydration. This is where the right nutrition products found at AKtive Soles comes in. Here is a guide to help fuel your summer adventures to keep you going strong all summer long!
Understanding Your Body’s Needs
Before diving into specific products, it’s essential to understand what your body needs during intense physical activity, especially in the summer. The primary concerns are:
1. Hydration: Sweating leads to a loss of water and essential electrolytes, which are crucial for muscle function and overall energy.
2. Energy: Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred energy source during prolonged physical activities.
3. Recovery: Protein is necessary for muscle repair and recovery post-activity.
Top Nutrition Products at AKtive Soles for Summer Adventures
1. Electrolyte Drinks and Tablets
When you sweat, you lose more than just water. Replenishing electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium are key for maintaining fluid levels and staying ahead of muscle fatigue. Products like Saltstick, Tailwind, and Skratch Labs Hydration Mixes are excellent for replenishing these lost electrolytes. They are convenient to carry and can be easily mixed with water.
2. Energy Gels and Chews
For sustained energy during long activities, energy gels and chews provide a quick source of carbohydrates. Brands like Skratch, Huma, Maurten, Neversecond and Hammer offer a variety of flavors and formulations designed to provide a fast energy boost
Adopt Moki
Location: 14041 W Big Lake Rd
The Power of Nutrition: Fueling Your Summer Adventures
without causing digestive issues. They are small, portable, and easy to consume on the go.
3. Protein Bars and Shakes
Post-activity recovery is just as important as fueling during the activity. Protein bars and shakes help repair muscles and replenish energy stores. Look for products that offer a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, such as Jambar, Naak, Tailwind, and Skratch. These products are not only convenient but also packed with essential nutrients to support recovery.
Tips for Using Nutrition Products
1. Plan Ahead: Determine the duration and intensity of your activity to choose the right products and quantities (it’s better to have more than not enough).
2. Test Products: Before your big adventure, test different products during training to see what works best for your body and digestive system.
3. Stay Consistent: Consume smaller amounts over a duration of time, rather than a whole bunch all at once.
4. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to signs of dehydration or low energy and adjust your intake accordingly.
Dialing in your nutrition while on adventures can be challenging, especially when there are so many options! Stop in to either AKtive Soles location to learn about the nutrition brands and options that we carry! We have more than ten different brands sure to meet your needs!
Stay Fueled, Xavier Lechleitner
Contributed by Kelleigh Orthmann
I LOVE attention! I am a beautiful Maine Coonish looking girl with a heart ready to give to loved ones. I am very affectionate after living outside for a couple years. As a lost kitty, I was fed by a kind woman and given a shed to sleep in. But it was not a real home and family, which is what I want more than anything in the world. I love pets and being picked up and carried around. I am incredibly happy to be in a home. Food is not my motivation for human contact. Play is not my focus. Being with my people is what makes me happiest. I meow if I am left alone, and I need to know that my humans are there for me and will give me cuddles, pets, and love forever. I don’t yet know how I will do with other cats or dogs. I was not a fan of the feline competition where I lived outside, but that could be different in a stable loving family. I am about 3 to 5 years old. To meet me, please call or text 907-980-8898. To see other adoptable kitties, please visit https://clearcreekcatrescue.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/clearcreek.catrescue.
Adopt Gruffalo
Contributed by Kelleigh Orthmann
I’m here to win your heart! I’m a big cat (maybe a bit of Maine coon), about a year or two old, and I love to play. I can get a little rough when playing and sometimes use “love bites” when I want attention, so I would be best in a home that doesn’t have small children.
I am super smart and excellent with other cats. I need a kitty friend who will want to play and wrestle and chase me around. I am the kind of cat who will follow you around the house and will meow little questions about what you’re doing and have a chat with you.
I’m so amazing that I will capture your heart in no time. I am waiting for the right human to bond with and be their chatty, intelligent loverboy forever. To meet me, please call or text 907-980-8898. To see other adoptable kitties, please visit https://clearcreekcatrescue.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/clearcreek.catrescue.
Clear
Creek Cat Rescue Barn Cats
Barn kitties available! Do you have a rodent problem?
In exchange for a cozy shelter (barn, shed, outbuilding) apart from people, as well as daily food and fresh water and any future needed medical care, Clear Creek Cat Rescue has experienced hunting cats to help control the rodent population around your farm and gardens.
They are not cuddly house cats. They prefer to live in their own area and do their hunting job. Some of the cats do come around to enjoy the company and pets of their caretakers. But, generally, they prefer a life separate from humans.
They are fixed, vaccinated, and microchipped. They are adopted in pairs (or more if you would like) so that they have a cat buddy and will tend to stick around more closely to their home. There is no
Pets And Fireworks
Contributed by Kelleigh Orthmann
adoption fee, but a good forever home is required. Someone from the Rescue will come to your site and help get the cats set up for the initial three-week settling-in period. We provide heated beds and water bowls.
Adopt a barn cat, and you will be just like traditional farmers in the Fertile Crescent when they teamed up with cats 10,000 years ago to control rodents. And you will be giving a feral cat a chance at a good, natural cat life.
To get more information on our barn cats, please call or text 907-980-8898. To see other adoptable kitties, please visit https:// clearcreekcatrescue.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/clearcreek. catrescue.
Contributed by Angie Lewis
Many animals are very stressed by fireworks, particularly dogs and horses. The lights, sounds and smells that coincide with fireworks can cause your pets to run away, often resulting in loss or injuries. There are various strategies for helping your pet cope with fireworks. Provide a safe space for your pet – away from the chaos of fireworks. This could be a closet or a crate that is covered by a blanket. Provide alternative sounds – such as music or a movie. Comfort your pet with your presence, touch and words. Be sure not to over comfort your pet – this could make matters worse. Be patient - Thankfully, fireworks only happen a few times a year and you can certainly offer comfort for your pet. Also, be sure to have updated contact info for your pet. In case he gets lost you need to have current information to help identify him. There are a variety of medicines that can help your pet to calm down during fireworks. Speak with your vet to review some of these meds. These include melatonin, CBD treats, and other sedative types of drugs. You can provide your pet with ear coverings such as a hat, shawl, or earmuffs to help to muffle the sounds of fireworks. There are items such as Thunder Shirts, which offer a snug straddle for your pet. Angie Lewis 907 841-3173, President of Alaska Animal Advocates
COMMUNITY
Contributed by Mark Lackey,
Executive Director, CCS Early Learning
The Mat Su Borough is well aware of the process of building new structures. We often see new businesses and new homes and new roads springing up around us. But how often do we stop and think about the process of building people?
As science and our knowledge of the brain have developed in recent years - and as technology has allowed us to see inside the workings of the human brain - we have discovered and can now actually see just how rapidly children’s brains grow and mature in the earliest years of life. When we see a new road in our neighborhood spring to life or a new building rising from the ground - we know that it didn’t just start with the asphalt, or the walls didn’t just get thrown up.
First, a solid foundation had to be built that would support these things. The same thing is true for people - and the vast majority of the foundations for life are built in a child’s brain during their first 5 years of life.
We can see this foundation building taking place. Young children make rapid gains in their gross motor control, their fine motor control - the development of their speech and language, and in their social and emotional development. And of course, they have so many “Why?” questions. As infants turn to toddlers and as toddlers turn to preschoolers all of the things that are happening around them must be sorted, processed, and prioritized. The prefrontal cortex of the brain does the work of acting very much like an air
Building Strong Foundations
that is seen, heard, felt and experienced - and putting it into a logical order. This is called Executive Function and a child’s ability to use and act on this information (or not) is called Self-Regulation. Building these foundational skills are two of the most crucial aspects of human development. For the rest of our life, we will use Executive Functioning and Self-Regulation in our everyday lives - in our work, our play, our relationships and in our interactions with others.
So, how can we as adults help children to build these strong foundations? The first and most important thing we can do is we can be caring and trusted adults in their lives. The more positive and supportive adult relationships that children have the better! Parents, extended family members, friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, the clerk in the grocery store - we all have the opportunity to model our own Executive Function and Self-Regulation! We are responsible for guiding and engaging with children and of course protecting them at all times from people or situations that could be harmful.
The next thing we can do is to support them with healthy activities. This might look like us providing a healthy diet and sufficient exercise - but it also could be us exposing them to a variety of other adults and other children - helping them to learn to navigate social interactions.
The activities we introduce them to should also build on each other and slowly get more complex so they can learn new skills by being challenged - without get
And finally - we can help build strong foundations by making sure that children are in environments that are safe and stimulating. You can think of this from a big and broad perspective - for example the air they breathe and the water they drink needs to be free from toxins and pollutants. Or you can think about children being in appropriate child safety seats being driven on safe roads, and in homes that are free from hazards and are warm and dry. The places that children are at should allow them to be creative, allow them to explore, and give them the opportunity to both safely fail and to excel… and in all instances allow them the opportunity to learn and grow from those experiences.
At CCS Early Learning we work in very close partnership with families in this process of building strong foundations. We know that all the skills related to Executive Function and Self-Regulation developed in early childhood will impact this child for a lifetime. In fact, these skills developed in these children will continue to impact the generations that follow - their children, their children’s children - they are the builders of future foundations! At CCS Early Learning we strive to BE those caring adults both for children and for their families. Together - when we all do our part and pitch in to support children and familiesour community will be able to stand strong because we will stand on
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Off-road vehicle accidents are a leading cause in injury in Alaska
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COMMUNITY
A Good Coffee, A Pleasure We Can Give Ourselves
Contributed by Christian, Owner of La Montaña Coffee
At La Montaña Coffee, we believe that coffee is not just a beverage—it’s an experience, a tradition, and a daily pleasure that enriches our lives. Let us introduce you to our premium selections, especially “Colombia,” “Castillo,” “Yellow Bourbon,” and “Pink Bourbon,” and how they can transform your coffee moments into something extraordinary.
The Gems of La Montaña Coffee
Our “Colombia” coffee is a true gem, hailing from the fertile soils of Caicedonia, Valle del Cauca. This coffee is celebrated for its balanced flavor, featuring notes of caramel and a pleasant acidity, making it a versatile choice for any time of the day. “Castillo” stands out as one of our star varieties. Renowned for its resilience and quality, this coffee delivers a robust cup with hints of chocolate and dried fruits, perfect for those who crave a more intense and profound flavor. For the most discerning palates, our “Yellow Bourbon” is a treat. This coffee boasts sweet and fruity notes, derived from a special genetic blend that creates a unique and sophisticated flavor profile, ideal for a refined coffee experience. Lastly, our “Pink Bourbon” is an exotic variety that merges the best attributes of red and yellow Bourbons. With a medium roast, this coffee strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, offering an unforgettable sensory experience with every sip.
Alaska’s unique climate and lifestyle demand a coffee that is both invigorating and comforting. La Montaña Coffee meets these needs perfectly:
Warmth in the Cold: In the harsh, cold Alaskan winters, a hot cup of our “Colombia” or “Castillo” coffee provides much-needed warmth and comfort, making those long, chilly days more bearable.
Energy for Adventure: Alaskans are
known for their adventurous spirit.
Whether you’re preparing for a hike, a fishing trip, or simply tackling a busy day, the caffeine boost from our premium coffees will give you the energy and focus you need. Connection Amidst Solitude: Alaska’s vast landscapes can sometimes feel isolating. Sharing a pot of our “Yellow Bourbon” or “Pink Bourbon” coffee with friends and family creates moments of connection and joy, bringing people together in a state known for its rugged individualism.
The Health Benefits of Premium Coffee
Beyond its delightful flavor, coffee from La Montaña comes with numerous health benefits. Moderate consumption has been shown to enhance concentration and mood, thanks to the caffeine that boosts energy and cognitive ability—making it an excellent start to your day.
Moreover, coffee is rich in antioxidants that combat free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It can also improve metabolism and assist in fat burning, supporting a healthy lifestyle.
Coffee: A Social Connector
Coffee is more than just a drink; it’s a social connector. In many cultures, coffee is the reason for gathering, sharing stories, and strengthening relationships. At home, sharing a cup of coffee offers the perfect moment to disconnect from distractions and connect with loved ones.
At La Montaña Coffee, we cherish these moments. Our premium coffees are crafted to be enjoyed in good company, turning each sip into a shared experience. Whether it’s a family gathering, a chat with friends, or a break at work, a good coffee is always the catalyst for meaningful conversations and lasting connections.
Cultivating Relationships and Empowering Communities
We aren’t just about delicious coffee; we’re about cultivating relationships and
empowering communities, from Alaska to Colombia and beyond. Every purchase of La Montaña Coffee supports the hardworking farmers who carefully grow and harvest our beans. By choosing our coffee, you’re not only enjoying a wonderful product but also contributing to the wellbeing and prosperity of coffee-growing communities. We are committed to fair trade practices and sustainable farming, ensuring that our farmers are rewarded fairly for their efforts and that the environment is preserved for future generations.
La Montaña Coffee is more than just a beverage; it’s an experience that enhances daily life, especially for Alaskans. Our premium selections—“Colombia,” “Castillo,” “Yellow Bourbon,” and “Pink Bourbon”— offer unique flavors and health benefits that cater to both individual enjoyment and social connections. Embrace the warmth, energy, and togetherness that our coffee brings to your Alaskan lifestyle,
while knowing that you are supporting communities near and far.
To enjoy La Montaña Coffee whether it’s at work, at play, on the go, or in the comfort of your own home, visit our website and order your favorite blends directly from our store at lamontanacoffee.store
Experience the rich flavors and the positive impact of every cup.
Find your Alaskan
Contributed by Kelleigh Orthmann
Hi! I’m Shakira and I am a total love bug. I will flop down and show you my belly for some gentle tummy rubs and won’t leave your side. I have a gorgeous dilute tortoiseshell coat that you don’t see very often. And my golden eyes with a tint of brown! Wow! Don’t let my petite size fool you, as I have the heart of a lion, so full of love and a personality to match. I was born a feral
Adopt Shakira
kitten who was tamed to trust people. It didn’t take me long to settle into my foster home, and now I just crave attention. People mean love, pets, and soft voices! What could be better? I like to do a dance at your feet when I want your attention! Being young (just over a year old), I have a lot of energy, so toys and a kitty friend who likes to play chase is a must in my new home. A nice dog who respects my space is just fine too. A settled home with one or two older kids would be ideal for me. I don’t really like being picked up, so it’s best to just give me love and attention on the floor where I am most comfortable. With my curious nature, I will need a safe place to spend some time outside.
To meet me, please call or text 907-980-8898. To see other adoptable kitties, please visit clearcreekcatrescue. org or www.facebook.com/clearcreek. catrescue.
Adopt Triste and Chandler
do best in a relatively settled quiet home with no young kids and a family that is willing to give them time to adjust to a new home. They don’t mind a nice well-mannered dog either. Being very bonded, they will need to be adopted together. Once they are feeling very comfortable, they will need a safe outdoor area to feel the cushion of grass and explore what nature has to offer. To meet me, please call or text 907-980-8898. To see other adoptable kitties, please visit clearcreekcatrescue. org or www.facebook.com/clearcreek. catrescue.
