The People's Paper May 2022 by The Peoples Paper

MUSIC IN THE PARK, 2006

Contributed by Josh Fryfogle

Art on Fire Iron Pour Art Fest 2022

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COMMUNITY Contributed by Sally Barnes Vinyasa is commonly referred to as “flow” yoga. This style of yoga is characterized by putting postures together so that you move from one pose to another, seamlessly, using breath. Vinyasa classes offer a variety of postures and is beneficial for beginners as well as more experienced yoga participants. No two classes are ever alike. This yoga is more of a work-out type yoga class, but can be tailored to each individual’s needs.

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Vinyasa Enhances Core Stability, Improves Mobility, Heart Healthy , Reduces Stress, Boosts Mood, Grants Flexibility, and more! Classes are taught by Omaira Gould 3 days a week in the Club 50 Fitness Center located at Wasilla Area Seniors. Omaira brings years of experience with her to our Club 50 classes. Our current schedule is Tuesday at 10:45am, Wednesday 11:15am and Friday at 1:00pm. Stop in and try a class. For more information call 907206-8807.

treatments, which allowed her body to better heal itself. The more she focused on self-love and joy— on those activities that brought her happiness— the more she realized that she could make it through even the hardest of challenges. She referred to this lifestyle as living with sparkle. Her joy and “sparkle” was infectious and spread to the staff and patients around her “When we sparkle, from the inside out, it’s contagious. All we have to do is give ourselves permission to sparkle,” she said.

Contributed by Sarah Lapidus There it was. On the ultrasound in front of her: a black mass the size of a golf ball in her right breast. “This was concerning. Something was happening,” said Astrid Mueller, a recent Palmer transplant. She had traveled to Anchorage from Kodiak for a biopsy to figure out what the lumps in her breast and armpit were. The results of the biopsy showed that she had stage four breast cancer. Mueller, a graphic designer and business coach originally from Switzerland, rushed back to her home on Kodiak Island, and packed up her belongings with the help of community members. She had to leave almost overnight and move to Anchorage for several months for treatments, in an effort to save her own life. “That was insane, just giving up everything that quickly and finding a room to stay in a noisy city I didn’t care for, without friends, and the nature I was used to,” Mueller said. It was a dark and difficult winter for her. Not only was she in a new place without her community to help her, but the side effects of chemo were difficult to navigate. She felt nauseous and weak, often finding it difficult to take care of herself. But amidst this darkness and the challenges, she made a conscious decision to start taking care of herself, prioritizing self-care and selflove. “I made it through that (winter)

and I started taking care of myself in that way,” Mueller said. “I also became kinder to myself with my inner selfdialogue. Instead of beating myself up, I focused on what I could do, and started to choose things that would bring me joy.” Joyful things were not just activities that brought her immediate, fleeting happiness, but rather, activities that would be good for her in the long term, like taking a walk in the sun (even when she didn’t feel like she had the energy,) or packing two heavy bags of feel-good items that she brought to chemo sessions. Mueller recalled that the clinic she visited for her treatments was drab and uninspiring with “puke-colored” walls and harsh lighting. Every time she visited, her clinic surroundings made her feel sick and unhappy. So one day, she decided to spruce up her surroundings during her treatment sessions. This eventually became a habitual occurrence. Mueller dressed up “sparkly,” and brought headphones to listen to positive music, healing sounds and songs of meditation. She also brought lamps with better lighting and plants with her, as well as inspiring cards and books. “That made me feel better, and I visualized all kinds of things to make it a good experience,” Mueller said. Mueller noted that these little actions of self-love and joy began to add up. She felt more relaxed during

These positive thoughts supported and relaxed her body, and positively impacted her healing. After her last set of treatments, her doctor said she was stunned that Mueller’s bloodwork kept improving even during the harsh chemo sessions. In her doctor’s experience, for most patients, blood work tended to worsen during the harsher treatment sessions. Not for Mueller. In the words of her doctor, she walked away with the blood of a healthy person. Since going through cancer treatment, she has discovered a deeper sense of purpose in her work: to share what she has learned, and to inspire others to create their own “joy sparkle lives!” In April 2021, Mueller left Anchorage where she had lived temporarily for treatments, and moved to Palmer, after falling in love with the quaint little town. “The small town was so cute, and had such a welcoming and warm community,” she said. Mueller is a published author, a founder of two musical groups, and a design and consulting business owner. She also conducts creativity empowerment workshops. One of her bands, “A Sparkling Surprise” will perform their first gig at Palmer’s Friday Fling, Palmer’s premier outdoor farmers market on May 20 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mueller also has a fun, virtual event coming up: A dress-up SPARKLE PARTY, a three-day workshop event to help people achieve their dream lives. Palmer’s boutique “The Cobb Street Market” is participating as a sponsor. Mention SPARKLE and get 20% off on all things that sparkle, until the end of the month!

COMMUNITY Contributed by Jeni McDaniel The Alaskan Scottish Club is pleased to Present the Alaska Scottish Highland Games at the Alaska State Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26 2022!

Drumming, Kilted Mile, Scotch Tasting, Tea Tent, Salmon Tossing, Highland Coo, Tug-Of-War, Vendors, Historical Demonstrations, Musical Guests, Axe Throwing, Children’s Events, and so much more! There is something for everyone to enjoy!

Featuring all things Scottish: Bagpipes, Heavy Athletics, Celtic Dance,

Visit alaskanscottish.org for more information

Contributed by Hannah Metcalf This June 18 marks the annual running of HeartReach Center’s 5K for Life. Over the years, a lot has changed in the world of pregnancy help − laws, culture, and technology, to name a few. Through all the changes, one thing remains the same: women, men, and families face pregnancy with feelings of fear and hopelessness. HeartReach exists to offer hope to those individuals through practical classes, medical services, mentorship, and ongoing support. Our annual 5K for Life is a celebration of what it looks like when a community commits to building one

Contributed by John Rozzi Did you know that an active program to recognize and combat homelessness in the Mat-Su started in the summer of 2012? This program entitled ”Neighbor to Neighbor: A Community Solution to Homelessness”, has helped thousands of residents at risk of homelessness; or already homeless to secure housing. What Homelessness looks like in the Mat-Su Valley? When we hear the word homeless many of us automatically picture a person that panhandles, pushes a shopping cart and lives in a tent. Although true, most of the people we have assisted are fellow neighbors who hit a rough patch. Unfortunately, for

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another up. My favorite part of the 5K is seeing past clients bring their families to participate in the event together. It’s wonderful to see what we work towards every day in the center being lived out by community members. We’d love to see you at the race − in your running shoes, on your bike, or pushing your stroller. Make sure to stick around after so we can meet you, have some snacks, and give away a few door prizes! Early Registration is open now at www.friendsofheartreach. com/5kforlife On-site registration will be at 9am Bike Heat - 10am Run/Walk - 10:30am The Toddler Dash at the Kid Zone – throughout the event day

many of our Mat-Su Valley neighbors, living paycheck to paycheck is not uncommon. And a situation like a car repair or reduced work hours puts the family at risk of homelessness because they’re short on money to pay the rent. Additionally, this grant program has assisted a large population of residents at risk of homelessness or already homeless who are single unaccompanied youth (18-24) or adults. In the coming weeks I would like to continue corresponding with you about topics regarding Homelessness in the Mat-Su Valley. Areas I’m going to address are “Defining Homelessness or being Homeless”, “Solutions to Homelessness”, “Not in My Back Yard”, and others.

Collaboration is huge. I wanted to extend a big thank you to the following Mat-Su Agency Partners who have collaborated to help many residents avoid being homeless; Alaska Family services, Blood-N-Fire Ministries, Daybreak, Inc., Family Promise, MyHouse, Salvation Army in addition to Valley Charities, Inc. And thank you to the landlords and property owners for making affordable housing available over the past seven years. Without your partnerships we could not have been successful. Additionally, thank you to the churches, volunteers and advocates for this cause. John Rozzi, is the CEO of Valley Charities, Inc.; Serves as the Operating Board Chair of the Mat-Su Coalition on Housing and Homelessness.

COMMUNITY Contributed by Emerald Kroeker Nonkie Bé’s Cajun Faves Food Trailer is hosting a Summer Solstice Food Truck Fair on June 18th! “We’re inviting everyone to come to our hometown of Palmer to enjoy a funfilled day relaxing under the midnight sun,” says Jeanean Fontenot of Nonkie Bé’s Cajun Faves. The Summer Solstice Food Truck Fair will take place Saturday, June 18th

Contributed by Randi Perlman As summer approaches, it’s fun to spend time in the park. Have you ever visited Alaska’s ONLY state-of-the-art Resource Recovery & Training Park? Officially called Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS), your local recycling center is a bustling operation where you can drop off clean & sorted recyclables, pick up re-use items you may need at a very reasonable price, shop in our Rescued Books Store, and bring your children into the classroom to look through our ‘window on the [recycling] world’ down to the processing floor below where they can watch heavy equipment operators bale all those sorted materials, which are then sold as individual commodities, shipped all across the U.S.A., and remanufactured into products with a new life – a true example of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Residents from around the Valley

from 12-7pm at the downtown Palmer Pavilion on Valley Way. With rising gas prices, mobile vendors are taking the opportunity to create another home-grown celebration Palmer is known to love in lieu of travelling to longer-standing events out of town. “Shop at one or all of our local gift shops, eat your way through any or all of our Food Truck options while in your lawn chair under the pavilion or at one

and beyond have become regular customers, and enjoy purchasing one or more of the many types of re-use items supplied by the center. They find items they’re looking for, and their purchase helps support various recycling programs. VCRS supplies 12 different re-use materials for sale, at prices that simply can’t be beat! These include: Shredded office paper; bubble wrap (bags of assorted wrap); packing peanuts (cornstarch & styrofoam); books (all genres, for all age groups, in the Rescued Books Store); kitty litter buckets & sometimes 5-gallon buckets; plastic milk jugs (used by gardeners to create miniature greenhouses); plastic soda bottles, 2 litre or other sizes (used by teachers for school projects like building rockets, terrariums, or other creations); egg cartons (12 & 18 pack paper ones only); cardboard boxes (for moving or storage); bundles of newspaper (for packing, lining, burning); compost (once it’s ready; not necessarily every summer)

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of the picnic tables and then wrap up your day by burning those calories off at a concert on the lawn of the Palmer Ale House,” says Fontenot. Local, award-winning, cover band Nothin’ But Trouble takes the stage at Palmer Alehouse at 7pm.

Dough In The Snow, Grandma Wei’s Homemade Dumplings, Moosequito Eatery, Patriot BBQ and Nonkie Bé’s Cajun Faves.

Vendors participating in the Summer Solstice Food Truck Fair include 9-O’no7, Alaskas Lemon Earthquake Shakeup & Last Frontier Funnel Cakes, Birdhouse Sandwich Co., DallyMac & Cheese,

For more details on this event follow Nonkie Bé’s Cajun Faves - or for all things food truck, follow Matsu Food Truck Finder on Facebook.

It’s always good to call ahead and make sure the re-use items you’re looking for are ‘in stock’. Cardboard boxes and egg cartons are almost always available, and the shelves of the Rescued Books Store are usually well stocked with great reading choices for all ages.

some odd-shaped item for mailing or moving) should be kept separate so it can be made available for re-use. Both packing peanuts and bubble wrap are provided in 30 gallon bags for purchase at $2 a bag – now, that’s a steal of a deal! NO block or sheet-style Styrofoam is accepted for recycling or re-use.

For some of the other listed items, supplies come and go, so they are not always on hand. Sometimes they need to be gathered (milk jugs, two litre or other size soda bottles), and sometimes they cannot be gathered; it all depends on what has been dropped off by community members, which is constantly changing. Some items, like bubble wrap and both kinds of packing peanuts, have been in high demand at VCRS since the early days, and are regularly requested. Bubble wrap is accepted for recycling in the Plastic Bags & Film category, as long as it’s free of excess tape. BUT, bubble wrap in GOOD condition (not torn or mangled when it’s wrapped around

Visit our website at valleyrecycling.org, or call your friendly Resource Recovery & Training Park at 907-745-5544 with any questions or to check on availability of re-use materials. Remember, try to REDUCE the amount you use, REUSE things when you can, and then RECYCLE… Keep it from becoming trash – Don’t Feed the Landfills – Make it a Habit! Together We Are Turning it Around! PICK UP NEXT MONTH’S EDITION OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER/MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE FOR RECYCLING REPEATS ITSELF, EPISODE 7

started teaching at our high school in 1952. I also wasn’t aware of what he accomplished the rest of his life. I only became aware of this since I received his obituary from a friend.

Contributed by Doug Ferguson An obituary from five years ago recently came to my attention and has reminded me of another “Great American” whose experience I can share in this series of articles about Americans by whom I and many others have been influenced in our lives at a time when America was at it’s prime. His name is William G. Dykins, otherwise known as “Dyke” to his students, and he was my senior high school English Teacher in the 1954-55 season in Boardman, Ohio. He passed away in 2018 in Sebring, Ohio at age 94 after a long, productive, and inspiring life. By the time we started our senior year in 1954, a significant majority of our graduating class had made plans, if not actual admissions to colleges in our state and across the country, a very unusual occurrence for that era. This also was three years before the Soviet Union had launched “Sputnik”, the world’s first satellite which then sparked a national discussion of where America was educationally and technically. However, Mr. Dykins was ahead of his times in questioning the need to “toughen up” our educational systems! He and math teacher Ed Istnick on their

own decided to take actions probably not possible in today’s educational environment. They decided that fostering a more intense, disciplined teaching model based on “critical thinking” was needed. As I recall, for his part Mr. Istnick pushed college level algebra. As my English teacher, however, Mr. Dykins asked which members of his classes were planning to go on to college and then assigned each of us to write a weekly essay on any subject we wished, which he would then individually review at our desk each week while the rest of the class did a reading assignment. The reason for this, he pointed out, was that we were going to need to be doing a lot of writing in college and the only way to be prepared was to actually do a lot of writing. Thus, we were to do this weekly for the whole school year! He also put the following conditions on these essays. Since they were homework and we had access to the dictionary and our English text with grammar rules, there were to be NO spelling or grammar errors in the essays that he would personally review with us at our desks! As it turned out, he would enforce this policy by the following: As he went

through your essay, he would comment on things like, “This is good here, but next time try this” or “You argument is weak here, but I like your ending” and other constructive comments. Then he would say, “However, there are two spelling errors!” and then proceed to tear out the essay from your notebook and crumple it up for the waste basket! For this he became known as “Dyke the Ripper”, a nickname that humorously followed him the rest of his career! We quickly learned to double-check our work at home and also to keep a rough draft in the event we had to do the essay over! In conversations I have had since with former class members, it turns out that because of Mr. Dykins’ “tough standards”, we all “aced” our Freshman English in college and for many like myself, started a long career of writing in our jobs, hobbies and other enterprises. In spite of being “Dyke the Ripper”, he was a great friend and teacher to all. He also was the Drama teacher at our school and actually wrote and directed our senior play! At the time I was a senior I was not aware of his WWII experience nor his educational background as he had just

It turns out he served in WWII as a Combat Engineer and was the recipient of five Bronze Stars! He then attended Youngstown College and Westminster College and started his teaching career in the late 1940’s. After 39 years of teaching, he retired as head of Boardman’s English department and also Ohio High School League “Hall of Fame” Speech Coach. Along the way he started the “Show Van”, a traveling truck and troupe of young students/actors who traveled throughout the Mahoning Valley bringing theatre to the various communities. With the Youngstown Playhouse he volunteered his time and directed many plays including “Macbeth.” Among many awards, he received two “Honor a Teacher Initiatives” from the Harvard Graduate School of Education by former students for outstanding performance in education. Another truly “Great American” that I was fortunate to have as a part of my life back when such a person could be effective and inspirational in what they did! Doug Ferguson is a retired engineer living in Palmer, AK who has had a lifelong interest in science, American history and human behavior.

COMMUNITY Contributed by Lauralynn Robison Community is at the heart and soul of our mission at MatSu Food Bank. We feel so blessed to be a part of this amazing community and thank all of you for your continued support of the MatSu Food Bank! Summer is officially here and that means a lot of wonderful and amazing events for the MatSu Food Bank and Pantry. Starting on May 23rd, the MatSu Food Bank Food4Kids will begin their Summertime program of providing nutritious lunches for the children within our community. You can get these delicious lunches at one of our three (3) locations in our Valley, Food Pantry of Wasilla, Newcomb Park, and Wonderland Park. Times and locations are provided on Facebook and our website.

Contributed by Travis Sherrer Almost 50 years ago Mat-Su Youth Activities Council (MYAC) was founded. There were eventually four branches of MYAC – football, basketball, baseball and soccer. That was the beginning of the Palmer Soccer Club (PSC). Palmer Soccer Club was started in 1975. It was the first soccer program in the Mat-Su Valley and, over the last 47 years, thousands of children have learned to play soccer with PSC. With the passing of so many years, today’s PSC includes the children and grandchildren of the people who originally volunteered or played in the club. We are approaching our fourth generation of Mat Su Valley soccer. It is something our community can be proud of. The Purpose of the Palmer Soccer Club has always been to promote and provide affordable recreational and developmental soccer for the youth of the area, ages 5 to 18 years old. PSC’s primary goal is to improve the health, welfare and morale of the children and young adults, as well as building a sense of community in our local families, within the Greater Palmer Community, Matanuska Susitna Borough, Alaska. In a nutshell, PSC is family oriented and here for everyone who wants to be part of it – to have fun, learn soccer skills, make friends and build community. We work hard to provide a quality program for any child who wants to play. We work hard to keep our costs low and offer scholarships so no child

This program will run from May 23rd through August 18th, Monday through Friday. If you are out with our little ones, please stop by and say Hello to our volunteers and collect a free lunch. In June, every Friday, MatSu Food Bank will be at the special event “Music in the Park”, at Wonderland Park, 6:00-9:00pm. We will be collecting food and donations, while sharing information about the food bank and all the delightful programs we offer to help our community combat food insecurity. So, if you are looking for something fun to do on a Friday night, stop by and say Hello, enjoy some music, and have a dinner in the park, from some of our great local food truck vendors! Now for the big one! KHITZ 107.1 and Settlers Bay Golf Course will be co-

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hosting our very first ever GOLF TOURNAMENT, that will benefit the MatSu Food Bank! The Golf Tournament is on Saturday, July 23rd, at Settlers Bay Golf Course. We are looking for 120 individuals who love to golf! To register, visit settlersbay.com. There will be coffee, food, and lots of fun! We are looking for Golfers and Sponsors. There are many opportunities for Sponsorships, contact Erin Moore at (907)203-9499 for more information. So, dust off your golf clubs and come have some fun in the sun! The MatSu Food Bank and Pantry is looking for businesses or individuals who wish to hold food drives. Our community is growing leaps and bounds and the ability to keep up with our nutritional needs is starting to become a challenge. We are providing food donation containers at our events this

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summer and appreciate your generous donations and continued support. If you wish to sponsor a food donation drive, please contact the Pantry Office 907) 357-3769. Remember - no one should go hungry! Please contact us at (907) 357-3769 if you have any questions about our programs, making donations or would like to schedule a time to volunteer. You can also call United Way’s Helpline at 211, which is a multilingual & confidential service that connects community members to vital local resources. We again thank everyone who helps support our mission and makes it possible for us to serve our local communities. We are honored and immensely grateful! We also invite you to visit and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ MatSuFoodBank.

is excluded because of finances. We work hard to have training available for coaches and referees. We work hard to build community – providing an annual thank you picnic to all our players and their families for being part of Palmer Soccer Club. The focus of Palmer Soccer Club has always been the children - to provide a positive, fun learning experience on the soccer field with a focus on teamwork and good sportsmanship. We strive to have a healthy environment for children to play. Players are encouraged to improve their skills and, if it’s right for them, to move into the competitive leagues. Over the years Palmer Soccer Club has fielded teams to play in Anchorage tournaments, been a feeder for players into competitive leagues both in the Valley and in Anchorage, been a feeder for players into local high school soccer programs, hosted tournaments, won tournaments and looked for ways to serve our MatSu Valley community. PSC works with Crossfire and the Polar Vortex Rush soccer clubs within District #3 of the Alaska Youth Soccer Association, a member of US Youth Soccer. Why soccer? Soccer allows every player an opportunity to excel individually and learn how to be a team player. Soccer allows average kids, from families with average incomes, the ability to play the sport and, possibly excel, or just spend time with their friends or make new friends. And it’s just plain fun!! For players and parents alike. With dedicated volunteers and commu-

nity support the 2020 and 2021 seasons were very successful, with over 400 players being served each year, participating in an Indoor Season, Outdoor Season and a Soccer Camp. We are looking forward to the 47th season in 2022. PSC has kicked off the 2022 season with our Indoor Season. The Outdoor Season will start May 24th, with registration now open. As always, volunteers are the heart of the club. We are a 100% volunteer nonprofit organization and without our many volunteers there would be no Palmer Soccer Club. Volunteers are needed for the board, for coaches, for field prep in the spring, field take down in the fall, sorting and handing out uniforms and more. Please

feel free to email the club at contact@ palmersoccerclub.com for open positions and the job descriptions. Check the club website for meeting times or player registration at www.palmersoccerclub.com. The board meets once a month throughout the year and we would love to have you join us. We will end this with a heartfelt THANK YOU to all who have volunteered and supported Palmer Soccer Club in the past and present. And a request for the current players’ parents and community members to become involved with PSC. Please consider volunteering. “Many hands make light work.” We look forward to seeing you in the future. Please visit www.palmersoccerclub.com.

COMMUNITY

Contributed by Clayton Allison Commercial and industrial spaces present unique needs for organization, safety, durability, and longevity when it comes to flooring. Epoxy is one of the most versatile flooring systems available for commercial, industrial, and even residential spaces. No other type of flooring offers the variety of options you get with epoxy. When choosing a new flooring system for commercial or industrial use, carefully consider the reasons below. Durability & Strength – Epoxy flooring offers unparalleled resistance to impacts, shocks, abrasions, extreme temperatures, acids, and chemicals. Epoxy’s strong chemical bonds make it ideal for high-traffic spaces and facilities with heavy lifting, machinery, or vehicles. Epoxy floor coatings are popular due to their ability to resist breakdown caused by prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals. Longevity – The lifespan of your flooring is extended after being coated with epoxy. Many floors can last an additional 10 to 20 years after being coated. Most industries can expect 5 to 10 years of use before the coating needs to be touched up. Epoxy is by far one of the longest-lasting floor coatings available, but its longevity depends heavily on the selection of appropriate epoxy products and proper installation. Affordability – The per-square-foot cost of epoxy flooring is very comparable to other flooring systems. In fact, they are often the same or significantly lower than other systems when you include labor costs. Fast-curing installation options result in savings in construction downtime for your facility. Epoxy flooring is cost-effective because it can reduce lighting, floor maintenance, and cleaning costs. Easy-to-clean, seamless

Contributed by Alys Culhane Last January I sent twenty boxes of books to the Kiita Learning Community, an alternative high school for eleventh and twelfth graders in Utqiagvik. After, Pamella Simpson (the then acting principal), and I kept the lines of communication open. She one day remarked that that the school could also use library shelving. The seldom used fifth wheel in my head began turning. Pete Praetorius and I had acquired library shelving from the Willow Community Center in November and stored it in our hay barn. I told Pamella that we could ship the disassembled shelving north, along with more books. I added that I’d also like to visit Utqiagvik. She offered to buy me a ticket, using her Alaska Airlines air miles. She suggested, and I agreed, that Kiita could then host a book fair. In April, Northern Air Cargo donated three pallets of cargo space to the BLBP. Getting the 1,600 pounds of goods into and on top of our Toyota Tundra was no easy feat. Checking the materials in was by comparison, relatively simple. Alaska Airlines provided also me with a baggage waiver. I was accompanied by videographer Raymond Chapman (Chappie) who . works for Nomad Cinematics. The local video production

floors prevent bacteria from growing while making cleanup more manageable for staff—saving time and money. Over time, the flooring will pay for itself with its longevity compared to other flooring options. Aesthetics – Epoxy floors come in a wide variety of colors and patterns to match any environment and company branding. They are highly customizable to any design scheme and leave a sleek, smooth, seamless surface. From safety floor striping to company logos, colors can be applied in any pattern. Decorative flake or quartz can be added to enhance texture and provide anti-slip properties. High gloss options are also available and improve lighting conditions, to a large extent because of reflection. Enhanced Safety – Epoxy flooring can increase workplace safety by adding impact, slip, chemical, and fire resistance. It also improves safety in a work area by improving brightness by 300% and outlining safety zones. Two key options to consider are epoxy floor striping and an anti-slip topcoat. Particularly helpful in warehouses, floor striping is a popular organization and safety feature. In an environment where employees are sharing space with forklifts and other heavy machinery, striping keeps everyone in their own lane and helps traffic flow more efficiently. Another important safety feature to consider is slip-resistance through a combination of textured coatings and anti-slip additives. Some epoxy surfaces can become slippery when wet, so slip-resistant additives help protect your business from workplace injuries. Sanitary Properties – Commercial epoxy flooring supports hygiene and infection control programs by eliminating spaces and seams where bacteria can grow. Anti-microbial epoxy coatings

company is currently making a project documentary so it seemed fitting to include him on this adventure. We left Palmer on Thursday, May 5, and we returned home on Saturday, May 7. Chappie and I arrived in Utqiagvik and retrieved the four boxes of books and his tripod. There was considerable jostling as the other passengers retrieved bins, totes, boxes, and suitcases. Chappie remarked that the Will Rogers Airport was unlike other airports in which passengers are encouraged to stand back until their baggage is in sight. This, Chappie remarked, is indicative of the fact there’s a strong sense of community in Utqiagvik. We agreed that the weather also has a great deal to do with this. Even in early May, temperatures are in the 20s, there’s snow on the ground, and moderate winds, meaning that year around, survival is a group effort. No pun intended, but we were greeted warmly by the staff and students and by Jeff Buerger, the Kiita Alternative Learning Community principal. Jeff first introduced himself and then introduced Thunder Bun, the resident rabbit. Jeff, holding him close, said that he’s provided students with an incentive to keep coming to school. We followed Jeff and teacher Pamella Simpson into the main classroom. There, spread out on tables, were the BLBP children and young adult books

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can prevent viruses, bacteria, mold, and germs from growing in your flooring. This is a huge benefit for hospitals and medical facilities as well as food and beverage production and retail facilities which are subject to strict health and safety standards. Epoxy flooring is easily cleaned and maintained to prevent viruses and bacteria from spreading. Epoxy flooring is available in USDA- & FDA-approved options that are environmentally friendly and make “going GREEN” affordable and easy. Electrostatic Dissipative (ESD) Options for Conductivity & Static Control – ESD conductive epoxy floors offer protection against electrostatic discharge in areas like high-tech test labs and automated assembly. These epoxy coatings are best for environments where there are electronics, technology, or volatile chemicals where static electricity would pose a risk of injury or damage. These coatings prevent and reduce the effect of static discharges, thereby protecting equipment and workers. These floors are highly recommended for spaces that contain flammable materials.

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Solutions for Moisture Vapor Transmission (MVT) – Controlling moisture vapor transmission is critical to the long-term durability of any slab-on-grade flooring. When moisture is present in concrete, it can cause the failure of any floor coatings. Whatever the source, MVT can be both problematic and expensive. The solution is a properly installed epoxy moisture vapor barrier. Not all coatings offer the protection that you need to fight moisture-vapor-related damage. Having a moisture vapor system can be the solution to create a barrier for concrete slabs to keep your floors safe and dry. On-site moisture testing is extremely important to identify the correct product system to install. Unfortunately, not everyone is experienced or has the proper product to moisture-proof their commercial or industrial concrete. To select the right epoxy products for your company’s needs and get your job done right, you can depend on our team of experts at GH Alaska. For more information, please call (907) 414-4941 or visit us online at AlaskaResin.com GH-Alaska.

Pathfinder Hangar Homer, AK

that were donated to us by the Anchorage School District. Pamella next showed us the new library room. She added that the students had assisted in putting up the library shelves and unpacking the boxes. “These books will be a part of the curriculum,” she said, pointing to the donated BLBP geography and social studies books. We spent the first of two nights in Itinerant Housing. The one-story building has several rooms and a communal kitchen. The absence of windows gave the place a cave-like feeling. I found a kid’s scooter and zipped up and down the long hallways. On the morning of our second day, Jeff contacted several representatives in North Slope villages. I sat at his desk and told a dozen educators about our project. Most said that they’d welcome book donations. As always, I wondered if we’d be able to come up with the funds needed in order to get BLBP books to their destination. Another Kiita staff member gave me the name of a representative of the North Slope Regional Corporation, perhaps making it possible to continue our good work. That afternoon, Jeff drove us out the peninsula, four miles from the furthest point north in North America. We saw, on the far side of snow berms, faded, tattered flags flapping in the stiff breeze. They flew high above umiaks,

sealskin dories that are used by the whaling crews. On our return trip to town, we met Tommy Oleman, a whaling captain, who with his crew, had just finished a successful hunt. Tommy explained that the meat from this and the other ten harvested whales had been divided among community members. On the morning of our third day, Cheryl Heitman, a Kiita staff member, escorted us to the Native Heritage Center where we watched a Native elder fashion a handle for an ulu from a whale rib. The book fair was held that afternoon. Pamella cautioned that because it was high school graduation day, that there might be a low turnout. I didn’t say that I’d be disappointed for she’d put considerable time and effort into putting together the book fair. My fears mounted, as for the first fifteen minutes, the staff, Chappie, and I hung out and talked. Then they came in droves, mothers and children looking for books. Chappie, who is tall, but fortunately agile, moved about, getting footage. Then, there they went, BLBP books, out the door, in the bags that Pamella had given them. It was difficult to leave Utqiagvik, for I felt as though the Kiita Learning Community members were now family. My final words to Pamella were, “I’ll be back.” And my final words to Jeff were, “take care of Bun Bun.”

POLITICS & OPINION

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

takes about thirty minutes and can be done on an individual basis. Contributed by Kurt Hoenack Hello Mat-Su Valley, my name is Kurt Hoenack, I work at Mat-Su Youth Housing, better known as Myhouse. I train and distribute Naloxone nasal spray.

Contributed by Isaac Smoldon On June 1st, Anchorage will be closing down the Sullivan Arena as a congregate shelter, and exiting the homeless that are currently housed there. For many this will be considered a victory, the nightmarish conditions inside the building have been well documented, with stories of death, drug use, and discord frequenting local news for over two years now. But before residents of south-central Alaska break out the confetti and celebrate the ending of a policy that has done irreparable trauma and damage to not only the building, but also the population of Anchorage that have experienced homelessness

Because of the recent increase in fentanyl showing up in opioid and nonopioid drugs, there has been a recorded seventeen deaths as of last month from drug use. I am available to train and distribute Naloxone, a training that only

over the past two years, one should consider how this closure will impact local residents and neighboring communities. While Wasilla and Palmer currently have relatively low numbers of panhandlers operating inside the city limits, (and there is good reason why that is compared to Anchorage’s situation) after June 1st, The Valley can expect current residents of the Sullivan to make their way out to the greener panhandling pastures of the Mat-Su. Does that mean that the Sullivan should remain open as a congregate shelter? Certainly not. Based off of the stories of individuals, (especially youth) that have spent time inside the makeshift shelter, the current

It is important that as a community we strongly urge individuals receiving Naloxone to visit the hospital after Naloxone is administered because there is still a risk of death from secondary overdoses and other medical complications. Naloxone helps us bridge the gap

situation is completely unacceptable. The Mat-Su’s homeless response system has a model that relies on crisis stabilization, networked partnership, and a variety of housing options. Notice that the words “congregate shelter” and “coordinated entry” do not appear in that model. That is because these systems do nothing to solve the underlying and pervasive issues that cause both youth and adult homelessness in the first place, and that is also why residents of the Mat-Su should be very careful when Anchorage organizations talk about why the Valley should adopt these practices. Clearly if these methods worked for Anchorage, this article would not have been written. The Mat-Su’s lower homeless numbers have everything

as well as adults to visit the borough building and my office for a short lesson on how government works and how you can influence the decisions that are made. Contributed by Mayor Edna DeVries Spring is in the air and summer will soon be here or maybe this is it. The January wind storms maybe in the distance past for some but others like ourselves, we just finished repairing our fence this last week from the wind damaged. Assembly public budget meetings have concluded, and the administration’s proposed budget is currently under deliberations by the assembly. It seems to me that the assembly is actively seeking ways to reduce the mill levy for the borough’s taxpayers. The assembly recently awarded 200 acres to Alaska SCTP Non-profit for the purpose of development of a youth shooting range. The Borough has several projects in both the Senate and House Finance Capital budget – time will tell whether they survive. Worthwhile projects such

Contributed by Katherine Baker We all live busy lives with limited time to pay attention beyond our families. That’s one of the reasons our Congressional representatives are so very important to us. If we find ourselves questioning the loyalty of our representatives-that’s probably an indicator we are being inadequately or inappropriately represented. Today the general consensus on many news and commentary programs, as well as in Washington, D.C., is that Putin and Russia’s slaughter of the innocentsincluding children, the elderly, disabled,

Contributed by William G Little So, what has Journey Church been up to this summer? I’m glad you asked! For a number of years now I have partnered with other churches from my own community and around the world to do things I couldn’t do by myself – not me personally, but as a small church. We have hosted over 450 short term volunteers since 1997. This year is no different. This summer we had about 12 folks from three states and many of our local Journey family reach out to the

as funding for Arctic Winter Games, funding for a facility for First Responders facility that will serve the Palmer, Butte, Sutton, Fishhook areas. This will also serve as a training facility which is currently not available for these areas. Additional monies were requested to assist with payments for the Road Transportation Projects that you as voters approved in November 2021 by a margin of 2 to 1. Recently we had 5 Third Classes from Sherrod and two Third Classes from Butte Elementary visit the borough where we held ‘mock’ assembly meeting. The students were very engaged and well-behaved. Sherrod students considered whether they should purchase a fire truck or clean up the Palmer ‘Amoosement’ park. Butte students debated whether they should purchase an ambulance or a fire truck. Earlier this year, I also hosted several homeschoolers ranging in age from third grade to high school. They discussed the Youth Shooting Range. I welcome students

infirmed, hospitalized, those who are simply seeking shelter and a safe place from the terror and horror and the everyday working-class men and women-is due to Putin and Russia being scared and afraid. (Anybody else wondering what Putin and Russia has been deceptively doing to be so afraid of the West? Perhaps Putin and Russia should stop doing those things.) Remember when, not so very long ago, during the Bush and Obama Administrations, when our leaders tried to convince us how a shirtless, horseback riding Putin (looking very much like a Hollywood scripted

community in a variety of ways. One group, a couple, performed a puppet show at the church and went to local parks to talk to people about Journey Church and Jesus. Another local couple helped organize a block party with the businesses from the Crossroads Center near the corner of Bogard and Seldon. We had several local bands, gave away free hotdogs, and had lots of games for the family. Many of the businesses showcased their business on the sidewalk. Our group from CA was the biggest, and they gave away water at local parks. Perhaps you were given some FREE water. That was Journey Church providing FREE water! We gave away over 12 cases of water along with

I have maps available in my office showing the new redistricting lines for the assembly and school board seats. All three cities have copies also as well as Willow and Talkeetna Public Libraries. This question will be on the Borough Election on July 12, 2022. Recently Valley Recycling Center honored Janet Kincaid who has been an active recycler since the beginning. Theme was Janet saves the planet ‘one can’ at a time. Very festive event with live music and Janet was making more people aware of the great resource that the recycling center is. Governor Dunleavy this last week held a press conference on the drug challenges that we face in our community as well as the state. He addressed the fentanyl crisis in Alaska, highlighting the effort of healthcare officials and others to spread the warning: one pill can kill. He has proposed several pieces of legislation that will assist. He is asking for the Legislature to increase the penalties

western) was a reasonable man who seemed nice and personable and was someone with whom they could work? But it didn’t stop there. Then they told us Putin ONLY had nuclear weapons because the USA had them and was... (wait for it)...bullying and aggressive towards Putin and Russia and they were afraid! (How dumb do they think we are? Don’t answer that.) Our leadership and the media ‘spun’ blamed the USA! (The people, when given access to all the pertinent information through our Constitutional Freedom of Speech, are always right). I wonder what would be happening now IF the USA had destroyed it’s nuclear arsenal back then so that Putin

snacks, coloring sheets and crayons, and energy bars. Our last event was the state fair. This year Journey Church helped sponsor the Christmas Card signing booth on the 24th and 31st. We collected signatures and well wishes from Alaskans and others to be sent to the deployed troops all over the world, especially in Afghanistan and other hostile places. Last year there were over 15,000 people who signed a card. This year we were on track to have even more signatures. Why do we do all this stuff? Because we want to meet people and discover how we can help enrich their lives and hear about their Journey. We can’t do it sitting inside a building. We have to get

PAGE 7

in our continuum of care to save lives until more detox options are available for people struggling with Substance Abuse Disorder. If you would like to receive training for Naloxone please call 907-373-4357 and our organization can schedule a time to train you. Stay safe Alaska!

to do with the excellent job of local organizations getting upstream of the “homeless problem,” with organizations like MY House, True North Recovery, Set Free Alaska, Mat-Su Health Services, Choosing our Roots, Valley Charities, Family Promise, Daybreak, Knik Tribe, and Sara’s House providing excellent youth and adult housing, and addiction and behavioral health treatment services. In fact, most of the panhandlers currently in the Mat-Su are stably housed, a fact that most Valley residents would probably be surprised by. This leads to the main point. The Mat-Su has to do something to make panhandling in the Valley as unappealing as possible, before this latest wave of Anchorage drifters hits in less than a month. ARTICLE CONTINUES ONLINE: www.thepeoplespaper.news/homeless

to the maximum extent possible for anyone who deals fentanyl or fentanyllaced drugs. Deaths by drug usage hits all segments of our population. Two prominent members of our state community spoke about their personal journeys regarding loosing sons to drugs. In our valley, we have several very successful treatment centers – don’t hesitate to reach out - many in our community have or are walking the journey that you are. Law enforcement officers in South Central Alaska are aggressively investigating the source of illicit narcotics. If you or anyone that you know has any information about drug trafficking in the Mat-Su area, please call Alaska State Troopers at (907) 352-5401, or to remain anonymous, submit a tip on the AKtips smartphone app or online at: https:// www.tip411.com/alerts/81954. Together we can reduce the drug overdoses in our community. Enjoy your summer. Mat-Su Borough Mayor Edna DeVries, 907-861-8682, edna.devries@matsugov.us

and Russia could feel ‘safe’ as had been suggested. Does Russia and Putin care that little Ukrainian school children have no place in their own country to feel ‘safe’, not even their homes, their schools, their playgrounds? Interestingly and oddly, during the same time span, and working 100% in Putin and Russia’s favor, USA college campuses went national news with their ‘safe places’ for students who don’t feel ‘safe’ in the USA. That served to overshadow Putin’s newly emerging and unflattering image of being scared and afraid. It preserved his false rugged, shirtless cowboy horse riding image. ARTICLE CONTINUES ONLINE: thepeoplespaper.news/katherinebaker

outside the four walls and be the church at the fair, at the park, and at the lake – to go where the people are. Now, don’t misunderstand, we still want people to come to the church. They need us as much as we need them – the church is great place to build relationships and find answers about God’s will for your life. And we want to help with that, too! One way we try to do that is to keep an open door for people to come check us out with a meal on Wednesdays and a short Bible study afterwards. The meal is free for guests and starts at 6:00 p.m. But, you have to call and let us know you’re coming. You can call the church at 704-785-6200 or email at pastowlittle@gmail.com.

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

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Contributed by Quinn Townsend

ACCESSIBILITY & MOBILITY 101 Mobility ........ 521-7101 ANTIQUES & VINTAGE The Estate Sale ........ 357-7050 APPAREL & CLOTHING All Seasons Clothing Co. ........ 357-0123

March 25 was Alaska’s Tax Freedom Day (TFD)—the day Alaskans and businesses in Alaska had worked enough days to pay all state and local taxes for the year. This is the earliest state TFD of the year, meaning Alaskans have the lowest average tax burden in the U.S. We should keep it that way. TFD in Alaska is the day taxpayers in the state have earned enough money to pay

ART & CRAFTS The Gallery ........ 745-1420 AUTO REPAIR Fairview Loop Automotive .. 887-6137 BOOKSTORE Black Birch Books ...... 373-2677 Fireside Books ........ 745-2665 CANNABIS RETAILER Matanuska Cannabis Co. ...... 745-4211 COFFEE & CAFÉ Alaska Artisan Coffee ........ 745-5543 Gathering Grounds Cafe ........ 376-4404 Vagabond Blues……..745-2233 EDUCATION Gille Learning Center ..... 357-1100 Learning Essentials ........ 357-3990 EPOXY SUPPLY & INSTALL Alaska Resin Supply ........ 671-9900

its total tax bill for the year. It is calculated by adding all state and local taxes and dividing them by the state’s income. In Alaska, TFD typically falls on March 25, 84 days into the year. Oklahoma, Florida, and Louisiana have the next earliest TFDs, on March 30, April 4, and April 4, respectively. In comparison, New York has the latest TFD of the year on May 30, 67 days after Alaska’s. New York taxpayers have the highest average total tax burden in the nation. At the national level, TFD is all federal, state, and local taxes combined, divided

Contributed by Jason Goldsmith

stupid, or too sensitive. So, it’s not really surprising that people are reluctant or even fearful to try something like mental health therapy.

“I just can’t take it anymore!”, “I feel like the world is falling apart!”, “I don’t want to be here anymore!”, “I’m always afraid!”, “I want to punch them in the mouth!”… In discussions with clients, we are often confronted with the statement ‘I’m crazy, right?!’.

Recently, I watched a video in which an individual shared that post-traumatic stress or PTS, should be the term we use and leave the disorder off. The thought, which I find myself more and more happy with, is that PTS is the natural response to a terrible event in our life.

In every case, counselors will answer with no. This often does little in the face of being emotionally overwhelmed. After all, we have all heard the words repeated often enough. If she changes her mind and/or mood too often ‘she’s bipolar’. If he says ‘I’ too much ‘he’s a narcissist’. In addition to these beliefs, we fear the diagnosis which often ends with words like ‘disorder’. We fear others will look at us and call us weak, crazy,

The symptoms of PTS are the brain and body’s natural response to a mental injury rather than the result of some dysfunction. Each of us has a certain level of physical strength or are lucky to have a particular skill. Mental resilience and strength are no different and require practice and exercise to build. And just like going to the gym, these strengths and talents take time to improve and grow.

FOOTWEAR Northern Comfort Shoes ........ 376-5403 HOME DÉCOR Peak Boutique ........ 746-3320 The Wagon Wheel ........ 671-0189 MUSIC LESSONS Wood & Wire Guitars .... 745-7457 ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS www.alaskamarketplace.com www.gunsalaska.com PRINT SERVICES L&B Color Printing ........ 376-2081 REPAIR & RESTORATION Alaska Resin Supply ........ 671-9900 Comtronics ........ 373-2669 S&S Drilling ...... 746-0225 Steve’s Toyostove Repair ..... 376-9276 The Powdercoat Shop .... 841-1300 Wood & Wire Guitars .... 745-7457 RESTAURANTS Locals Pub & Pizzaria ........ 357-3100 Mekong Thai Cuisine ........ 373-7690 SNOW REMOVAL SERVICES Mr. Plow ........ 521-2376 SPECIALTY GIFTS Alaska Midnite Scents ........ 357-7364 Non-Essentials ........ 745-2258 The Wagon Wheel ........ 671-0189

Contributed by Cambrie Schultz An analysis done on prison inmates who use drugs like heroin, crack, and powder cocaine on a daily basis have the highest rates of admission that their crimes were committed in the pursuit of drug money. Drug use and lacking consistent and legitimate income are the leading contributing factors for a person to commit an economic crime (Felson & Staff, 2016). Economic crime refers to illegal acts committed to obtain a financial advantage with the principal motive being economic gain (Europol, 2022). Economic crimes affect both the individual drug user and the community as a whole. Individuals can become incarcerated, lose connections between friends and family, and find themselves caught in a cycle of drug use causing crime and committing crime to enable drug use. The community is affected by economic crime in that it creates an unfair market, diminishes the work force, decreases tourism, and an increased financial burden required to pay for incarceration of those that are committing the economic

crimes against the community. If drug use and the lack of consistent income are the factors contributing to users committing economic crimes, providing assistance in those areas could lead to a reduction in economic crimes’ occurrence. An estimated half of state and federal prisoners abuse or are addicted to drugs, but very few receive treatment while incarcerated. Studies show that drug-addicted prisoners who received medication and behavioral treatment while in prison, and continued treatment after release, had reduced drug use and criminal activity compared to those who did not receive treatment efforts in prison (NIDA, 2020). The other area to target the issue of committing economic crimes in the pursuit of drug money would be job placement aid for prisoners following their release from prison. Programs in prison that focus on work training and placement have proven to be effective (James, 2014). Researchers suggest that the best reentry programs for prisoners, as related to reducing drug use and economic crime, are those that begin during a prisoner’s incarceration and

TAXI & TRANSPORTATION Mr. Taxi ........ 707-6011 THRIFT SHOPS Steam Driven Boutique ........ 376-4404 Turn-A-Leaf Thrift Stores ........ 376-5708 TOOLS & WEAPONS Polaris Security & Conult ........ 764-7643 TOYS Just Imagine Toys ........ 357-1543 Learning Essentials .......... 357-3990

by the national income. In 2019, the year with the latest data, it occurred on April 16. According to the Tax Foundation, “In 2019, Americans [paid] $3.42 trillion in federal taxes and $1.86 trillion in state and local taxes, for a total tax bill of $5.29 trillion, or 29 percent of national income.” Tax Freedom Day comes early in Alaska, signifying one of the greatest aspects of the state—Alaskans’ freedom. We should strive to keep Alaskans’ hard-earned money in their pockets rather than in the state coffers. Introducing new taxes or increasing current ones would stifle that freedom. It may be helpful to think of counselors as personal trainers who are able to help us make the improvements ourselves and work one on one to give us the attention and guidance needed to regain control of ourselves and our lives. It may come as a surprise that many counselors have struggled with the same feelings, such as fear or rage and that their journey has given them a purpose in helping others overcome their own internal battles. Here at HOW we would like to make ourselves available to you in answering some of the questions and concerns you have about mental health issues in order to remove the stigmas so easily felt. Please contact us and we will reply in the next edition while keeping you anonymous. We look forward to hearing from you. hatsofwisdom.com extend through the release and societal reintegration process (James, 2014). Encouraging the widespread use and availability of drug treatment and job placement programs for those convicted of economic crimes for drugs will bring aid to the community in terms of reduction in crime, increased work force, safer communities, reduction in drug abuse, and easing the burden that substance use and economic crime place on the justice system. As for the individual drug users incarcerated for economic crimes, being provided with treatments for the two main causes of their crimes, substance use and lack of legitimate income, will decrease the likelihood of reentry to prison, boost their social standing in the community, and decrease the harm they bring to themselves by engaging in the dangerous system of drugs and crime. Punishing people out of drug use and criminal behavior is not an effective or encouraging way to solve those issues. Harm-reduction efforts such as treatments for substance use issues and programs for job placement are how we are going to more effectively reduce the harmful effects caused by the committal of economic crimes in the pursuit of drug money. even fathom that it ever would.”

Contributed by Cal Pappas Where we are now and ranked 14-27 in the world (depending on the source) in education. With all the changes happening in public education, after my retirement in 2006 I moved to Willow and began over thirteen years subbing at Su Valley School in Talkeetna. By the end of my tenure there I knew education could not sink much lower. Su Valley held on to tradition for a decade but progressive administration brought changes. Scrapped first was behavior and expectations of civility among students. The problem as I see it is school districts keep track of each school’s graduation rate, the number of failing grades and discipline issues in each school. Schools with the highest graduation rates and the lowest rates of poor grades and fewer discipline issues are seen as successful schools. Those schools that do score lower are seen as needing improvement. What is the solution to principals who want to show their school as successful and to superintendents who want the same for their school district? The answer, while disturbing, is both understandable and expected. I was visiting a classroom next to the one I was subbing in. The teacher asked a student to put his cell phone away and the student ignored the teacher. On the fourth request the kid looked at the teacher and said, “F—k off.” The teacher let the kid continue to play on his phone. Why? He was instructed by the principal not to send discipline issues to the office (where they are recorded and tabulated). I saw a student sitting in the hall doing his work. I asked him why he was not in class and he replied he swore at the teacher. When I told him he was better than that he replied, “Yeah, but nothing will happen anyway.” At lunch and even class time I see students playing violent computer games rather than study. Beheadings, disembowelments, how many

bad guys get killed, etc., are the the thrill on the school’s computers. When I proctored a college entrance exam the instructions required students to complete the first page of personal information in cursive. Not one student write in cursive, and the students did not even know what cursive was! Schools today do not teach penmanship and very little emphasis is placed on spelling. Computers will do it all. A teacher was failing two students. Their grade average was almost zero for doing absolutely nothing in class. The principal pressured him to do anything to bring the boy’s average to a C. Another teacher who was close to retirement mentioned to me the new political correctness was not worth the headache. “I just won’t grade below a C” he said. One young and fairly new teacher mentioned to me how disappointing the educational system was. “It doesn’t matter how well I know my subject or even how well I teach. All that matters here is looking good.” While I knew the answer I asked what the meaning was. “You know, look good. No grades below a C and the kids don’t get in trouble for their actions.” And then was the boy who called his teacher a “f—king c—t” in class, His punishment? To sit for the remainder of the day in the office. As an interesting side bar, I mentioned the above instances (and many others) to teachers I meet in several southern African countries as I go there almost yearly to vacation and hunt. In fact, I speak to schools about life in Alaska as the Alaska reality shows fascinates everyone! When I ask the consequences to the students there who cuss at a teacher, who refuse to work, who refuse to put away their cell phones I am first met with a look of disbelief. “I can’t tell you what would happen because not only that it would never happen here but we can’t

I tutored a young lady via the internet through her four years of high school in Zimbabwe. In that, the most corrupt country on the planet that is tied with Haiti in nearly every indicator of modern civilization, her lessons were far more advanced and demanding than any I taught or subbed for in my career. Education is taken seriously there as it is the only chance to rise above the abject poverty that is everywhere. Very few kids drop out or are expelled. Those that do are seen daily at stop lights, filthy and dressed in rags, begging for pennies. American high schools used to teach Latin and Greek. Now colleges teach remedial English. Take it from someone who spent 40 years in public education. The destruction of western civilization begins with western education. We are not losing the war. We have already lost. Can it be fixed? Yes! Dress codes, removal of cell phones and computer games from the classroom, severe consequences for misbehavior or foul language, kids must earn their diploma rather than be given one, grade point averages based on academic classes only—not to include teacher aide and other giveaway A grades, an attendance system based on the expectations in the real world of work, and return teachers to teaching rather than the kids using Google Classroom daily (where often games are played behind the laptop). Will this happen? But, the realistic answer is “No.” Too many progressive freedoms are now the rule. Our destiny is to be behind third world countries such as Zimbabwe in education. Everything written above has been personally witnessed by the writer. Cal Pappas AA, BEdu, MA, MS 26 years certificated public school teacher 14 years certificated substitute teacher

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COMMUNITY Contributed by Beatrice Adler I am writing in response to the article in the April issue of the Peoples’ Paper submitted by Larry Wood titled “Health Foundation has Woke Agenda”, which states that the CEO of the Mat-Su Health Foundation should be fired and the Foundation be investigated for promoting Marxist doctrine, in guise of supporting a healthy Mat-Su community. The article contains too many inaccuracies to let stand without comment. First, I urge anyone with an interest in this topic to visit the Mat-Su Health Foundation’s website at www. healthymatsu.org. If you click on Who We Are, you can read for yourself the actual purpose of the Foundation and it’s partner, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. The relationship between the two organizations was established when the old Valley Hospital Association split into management of the for-profit Mat-Su Regional Medical Center (MSRMC) and its non-profit arm the Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF). The Foundation was formed specifically to invest a percentage of the hospital’s profit into community projects. Reading the Health Foundation’s 2020 Annual Report referenced by Mr. Wood reveals the nature and source of the thousands (no, not millions) of dollars in assets (no, not expenses). While you’re at the MSHF website take a look at the lists of local grant recipients and visit their websites to learn the truth of how the

Contributed by Antonio Loffredo Religious hope and support have helped many cope. Abigail Hill grew up in Ninilchik, longing for something better than the life she experienced as a child. She wanted something greater, something bigger. Hill moved away at a young age, and when she was 20, got married and had two children. Soon, the better life she was looking for took a turn for the worse as her — now ex — husband became abusive, repeating the cycle she had tried to leave behind.

“As life got the best of me, I definitely started leaning on alcohol to help me cope with stress, just to be able to take a breath and relax for a minute,” said 37-year-old Hill. “But there was always this dark emptiness waiting on the other many side of it for me.” rule. Following her divorce, she moved to orld Anchorage and met her future husband. ucaEventually the two began studying the Bible together with Jehovah’s Witnesses. n per- Hill said that her study of the Bible showed her the hope she had always wanted, “Hope for the future was huge for me, because I grew up with no hope.” However, Hill still suffered from anxiety, panic attacks and depression. Her situer ation was so serious that she spent a week in the mental health unit of Provi-

Foundation’s funds have been invested into the health of our community. Elizabeth Ripley, CEO of the Foundation sits on the board of Directors of MSRMC. That is not a conflict of interest as Mr. Wood insists. She provides a direct line of communication between the boards and is part of the hospital’s mission and connection through the Foundation. Mr. Wood singles out MSHF’s support of ROCK Mat-Su as an example of wrongdoing, though he admits to knowing nothing about the organization. ROCK stands for Raising our Children with Kindness. ROCK Mat-Su’s goal is to end child abuse by providing access to counseling, peer support and related services, not as Mr Wood assumes, to indoctrinate our children in Marxist belief. In the article Mr Wood appears to have conflated equity and equality with Marxism and Critical Race Theory. Not knowing what to make of Mr. Wood’s comments, I looked up the definitions of those specific terms. The American Heritage College Dictionary, third edition contains the following definitions: Equity: The state, quality, or ideal of being just, impartial, and fair. Equal: Having the same quantity, measure or value as another. Marxism: An ideology in which the concept of class struggle plays a primary role in analyzing society, which is seen as inevitably progressing from bourgeois oppression under capitalism to a socialist society and thence to Communism.

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

Finding no definition of Critical Race Theory in my dictionary, I turned to the Internet. Here’s what I learned: Critical Race Theory (CRT) grew out of its predecessor Critical Legal Studies (CLT). CLT emerged at Harvard Law School in the 1960’s. It assumed as a fact and put forward as a basis of argument that race and racism are social constructs and that the American legal system was structured to benefit the wealthy and powerful at the expense of the poor and marginalized, primarily those of black or brown skin. It is an adaptation of Marxist theory which calls the monarchy and ruling class to account. Lacking a monarchy to blame for the disparity in application of the law, CLT pointed at socially-based racial inequality as the culprit. When Marx & Engels published the Communist Manifesto in 1848 they were critiquing the centuries old social hierarchy controlled by the ruling class in Europe. They envisioned an economic and social revolution with each citizen, regardless of class, deserving of the basics of life. The rise of the European bourgeoisie, a merchant-based middle class, would lead, they posited, from capitalism, to socialism on the way to the ultimate perfection of economic and social expression in Communism. The American rebellion against the British monarchy declared equality as its cornerstone. In 1776 the concept of equality applied only to white land-owning males; a tacit understanding that informed much of the jurisprudence that followed. It took

dence Hospital. “During that time, I got the help that I needed as far as getting the proper medication for myself,” said Hill. Such mental and emotional distress haunts millions. A recent government survey showed a doubling since 2019 in the proportion of Americans reporting anxiety or depressive disorder symptoms.

congregation have helped many others turn the corner in their recovery. “While the Bible does not indicate that spirituality cures medical problems, many have derived comfort and strength from what the Bible teaches and the practical guidance it provides,” said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses.

In addition to medical help, Hill said support from her congregation during that time was instrumental in learning how to handle what she was going through. One important aspect of that support was “being able to open up and freely talk about what I was going through with people who I knew weren’t going to judge me.” Hill added, “Real relief comes in the form of hope and love.”

Hope, support and positive coping skills aid mental health—whether these are built up by professional or faith-based sources, noted Lawrence Onoda, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist based in Mission Hills, California.

Hill now enjoys life with her husband and three children in Big Lake. She and her husband were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Russian River in August 2020. “I still deal with anxiety and panic, but on a super manageable level. Some of the things that help me maintain my joy and stay positive during the hardest times are my personal study of the Bible, good spiritual routine and public ministry,” Hill said. Hill’s transformation is no isolated phenomenon. Faith and the support of a

Even those with serious mental health conditions may find some aspects of religious participation help them cope with their symptoms, he said. Keith Thompson was alone again with his thoughts, and, as usual, it wasn’t good. Recently divorced, drowning in debt and facing a fourth back surgery for chronic pain, the 48-year-old trucker no longer cared whether he lived or died. The pandemic increased the number turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as alcohol and substance abuse. That’s what Thompson had tried since his teenage years as he battled de-

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Americans nearly 200 years to realize how entrenched and pervasive that attitude was and that it was important to make meaningful, moral change. The civil rights movement of the 1960’s called for racial equality, echoing the words of the Declaration of Independence. The harsh reality is that all men (and women) are not created equal. Equal means the same as, and that’s just not true. We each have different interests, strengths, weaknesses and abilities. We’ll never be equal, but we can all strive to live in an equitable society where everyone is treated with equality of justice and fairness under the law. The MSRMC website defines equity as follows: when every person has the opportunity to attain his or her full human potential (physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually) and no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of social position or other socially determined circumstances or systemic and institutional barriers. We shouldn’t need indoctrination to motivate us to treat our fellow human beings with fairness and compassion. Actually something we can all agree upon does exist... Commonly known as the Golden Rule, it says: “Do not do unto others what you would not want to have done unto you.” That language comes dangerously close to the Marxist tenets of legally enforced fairness, compassion and equity. At least as Mr Wood would have us believe. pression and self-hatred. Then an unexpected phone call changed everything for the Hebron, Ohio, resident. Just days before his surgery, Thompson spoke to one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a group known for their public preaching but now pivoting to phone calling and letter writing to share their Bible message during the pandemic. It was a wake-up call for Thompson. “I tried it my way for some 40 years, and look where it got me,” he said. “I thought I’d try God’s way for a change.” After his surgery, Thompson started studying the Bible in earnest. His instructor became his confidant and mentor, helping him use Bible principles to work through his intense negative feelings. Thompson then began to help others by sharing in the ministry alongside the Witnesses. “I got to the point where I felt, ‘I want to be alive,’” he said, “like I had done something worthwhile.” Amid the pandemic, he became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and made it his life’s work to reach out to comfort others with the Bible’s message of hope, love, and forgiveness that helped change his life. More resources for coping with mental illness and emotional distress, can be found on Jehovah’s Witnesses official website, www.jw.org.

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ating their own weather destroying everything in their path.

Contributed by Debra McGhan Spring, that beautiful season for the rebirth of amazing plants, the return of waterfowl to nest and the end of hibernation for many animals. It’s also a time when the snow slowly melts uncovering dry leaves and brush and the start of fire season. You might think all that snow would saturate the ground making it hard for brush to burn, but you would be seriously mistaken. As of May 10, 2022, the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center, a coordinated effort of agencies to predict wildfire and smoke concerns in Alaska, is already tracking five active wild fires in our state. One recent fire near Wasilla was found to be an unattended burn pile that had reignited. Fortunately, this was reported by the Wasilla Police Department Matcom division and Forestry responded, quickly extinguishing the blaze before it got out of control. A strong reminder that we humans are the key to either scorching our community or keeping it safe. I for one hate the thought of Alaska turning into another California where wildfires are a daily, horrifying threat. But as Smokey Bear would remind us, only we can prevent this from happening. Starting April 1st, you must obtain a burn permit if you plan to burn and there’s good reason for that. The process is free and pretty simple and will provide you with great tips to help you prevent an innocent fire from becoming a life threatening disaster for yourself and your community. Just go to https://dnr. alaska.gov/burn and you’ll be provided with the form and all the information needed to ensure a safe, legal fire. According to the Alaska Division of Forestry, in the past 20 years Alaska

has seen a trend toward earlier, longer and more intense fire seasons. We have all seen this trend escalate across the planet. Just look at states like Arizona, New Mexico, California and Colorado if you need more evidence. I remember one summer in Wasilla, while sitting at my desk working late one night, I spotted a flash of a silver row boat on the lake outside my window and noticed three young men fishing. For the next hour I glanced up occasionally to watch as they caught fish and then built a fire on the opposite shore to cook their catch. I worried. Lack of rain had left everything tinder dry. But several hours later, the men left and everything remained quiet and calm. I assumed they had extinguished their fire and everything was going to be just fine. Until the next day. It was early afternoon when I spotted a sudden flash of bright red sparks shooting into the sky and I realized in horror, the tops of several dry swamp spruce were ablaze with flames. The campfire the fishermen had left reignited and was now threatening the entire area. Tamping down my panic, I quickly alerted the division of forestry and my neighbors and we were able to smother the fire and prevent this would-be nightmare. It makes me wonder just how many times our community has been spared by luck and chance interventions like this. Because it hasn’t always been that way. The Sockeye Fire near Willow in 2015 and Miller’s Reach fire around Big Lake in 1996 burned nearly 45,000 acres and destroyed more than 400 structures. If you have ever been impacted by a wildfire, you understand that they can grow out of control quickly, and when driven by wind, actually start gener-

This spring, take the time to ensure your home has defensible space cleared, obtain a burn permit if you plant to burn, and never throw a lit cigarette out of a moving vehicle. According to the US Department of Interior and Firewise here are a few simple steps we can all take to prevent wildfires. Check the weather and drought conditions which can affect the flammability of vegetation Build your campfire in an open area far from flammables Always douse your campfire with water and dirt until it’s cold Keep vehicles off of dry grasses Use caution when using flammable liquids Never burn debris when it’s windy or restricted Carry a shovel, bucket and a fire extinguisher in your vehicle to put out fires Always check conditions and regulations before using fireworks Dragging chains or car parts can throw sparks – Always secure these things and keep your vehicle in good condition to avoid this from happening If target shooting, always shoot in areas clear of dry vegetation Let’s all do our part this spring and summer to keep the Matanuska-Susitna a beautiful place to recreate and live free from wildfires.

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Contributed by Angie Lewis Alaska Animal Advocates These beauties are 6 months old, and their dad is a White German Shepherd and mom is a Bully Mix. Summer is the boldest of the two, while Diamond is very shy - but also very treat motivated. They’re good with other dogs. We don’t know how they are with cats. These babies need either a foster home or a permanent home. If you are interested, please call Angie at (907) 841-3173. Another option for these girls is a foster to adopt situation, where you get to foster them for a couple of weeks, while you decide if you want to adopt them.

Having your dog come along with you on car rides can be a great deal of fun, for both you and your dog. Making sure that your dog is safe is of the utmost importance. Although the back seat is the safest place for a dog, a loose dog is not really safe anywhere in your car. Using a crash-tested crate is a great way to transport your dog. This will provide safe siding, thereby protecting your doggie.

can get a better understanding of what each offer. Variables to think of is the type of dog you have, the age and weight of your dog. Also think of the personality of your pup – is he a laid back boy or a maniac who can’t sit still for a moment.

NEVER allow your dog to sit in the bed of your pickup. Studies have proven that this is an incredibly dangerous way for your dog to travel.

Other factors to think of are keeping your car windows and doors locked. This will assure that your dog does not escape from your vehicle. Having a first aid kit and food and water bowls in your car will benefit your pooch as well. Make sure that your dog has a tag and is microchipped, so that, if he does get separated from you, he will be able to be returned to you.

There are a variety of harnesses, seat belts and booster seats that offer protection. These are easily reviewed online and many are rated so that you

Now have fun, knowing your pooch is safe in your car! Angie Lewis Palmer 746-0864

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enter the west driveway, pick up plants and exit east on Bogard.

Contributed by Susan Wallin

tools and so much more!

Valley Garden Club is proud to announce our annual spring plant sale Saturday May 28, 2022.

Our sale is indoors and outdoors at the home of MatSu Boys and Girls Club 3700 East Bogard Rd; just east of Seward Meridian intersection. PLEASE don’t park on Bogard road! Neighboring properties to the east have oﬀered parking space for this event. Play it safe! We have a holding zone for paid plants, and you can walk back to your vehicle,

Come see hundreds of locally grown veggie and herb starts, annual and perennial flowers, a nice selection of houseplants, native Alaskan plants, trees and shrubs, gently used garden

Contributed by Christa Wallace Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much! Please consider Volunteering at the Alaska Scottish Highland Games June 25th and 26th in Palmer. This event relies on its volunteers. In 2021, approximately 600 hours were donated by 200 volunteers to fill the roles needed to make the event successful. These numbers do not include the countless hours that are donated for the athletic events or those of us on the planning committee. Please consider the donation of your time and talents to help with sales at the merchandise tent, scotch tasting or the Welsh Cakes Booth. Perhaps you would like a sit down spot at the entrance gates scanning tickets or stamping hands to return. Did you come to

see the pipe and drummers? How about an up-close position as an aide to the judges that would set your heart a fire. Want to encourage the next generation of Highland athletes? You can volunteer with the children’s games. This is a short list of the many opportunities to volunteer at the games. Choose your volunteer position, dates, and times at: https://alaskanscottish. regfox.com/2022ashgvolunteers Volunteers are not paid, not because they are worthless; but because they are priceless! Please donate your priceless talents at the 41st Annual Alaskan Scottish Highland Games. You can go online and volunteer for your choice of dates, times, and events. You may, text or call 907-242-2103, Christa Wallace or email volunteers@alaskanscottish.org. We’d love to hear from you!

LOOK for signs all over the Valley by local High School students announcing our event. Take time to vote for People’s Choice at the sale. Top winning artists will receive prizes donated by Xtreme Fun and Valley Cinema. MARK your calendar for this Family Friendly FUN Event 10 am to 4 pm Saturday May 28, 2022. We appreciate your continued support of local growers! HAPPY SPRING!

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