The People's Paper September 2020

Musk Ox Farm: Taking Oxtoberfest Online

MORE ON PAGE 14 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER

The problem is, political party’s suffer from mission drift. The powers-thatbe pull them this way and that, over time.

Among Libertarians you’ll find a surprising diversity of thought.

The guiding principle of Liberty is, at once, something we have in common and everything we don’t.

Contributed by Josh Fryfogle

Allegiance to the party, over the policy; instead of the platform; regardless of the stated beliefs that’s something that never needs to happen in the Libertarian Party, if those involved in the party do it right.

Recently, the Libertarian Party candidate for President of the United States came to Alaska! Dr. Jo Jorgensen visited Alaskans on a 4-day tour of the State, and among other locales, met with her supporters at Iditapark in downtown Wasilla.

Out strength is not in race-based or class-based diversity, but true diversity of thought, from individuals.

As long as everyone is allowed to think, and to speak, and never silenced by the mob, then unique solutions can be found.

My own excitement about Jorgensen is unique, even though I usually vote for a third party candidate, because she’s truly an exceptional candidate.

Normally, I vote third party, avoiding the two-party fiasco entirely, while still performing my civic duty. Usually, it’s a Libertarian candidate. I identify, philosophically, as a libertarian not a liberal or conservative. With Jorgensen in the running, and the mainstream options being what they are, it’s easier than ever to make that decision.

I’ve never felt better about a candidate from the Libertarian Party for President. Knowing that Dr. Jorgensen is a thoughtful, educated, stalwart libertarian (with a little L) makes me feel confident to support her as the Libertarian Party Candidate!

But why?

Loyalty to Liberty, that’s why I identify as a libertarian, and why I will vote for the Libertarian Party candidate..

The Republicans used to honor the Republic. Now, not so much. The Democratic Party once championed democracy, but their own primaries aren’t very democratic at all.

As long as the Libertarian party remains true to the first principle of Liberty, to it’s name’s sake, then I will be glad to add my diverse perspective to that chorus.

When I spoke with her recently, for a video interview online, I was struck by how well-versed she is in the philosophy of Liberty. You can sense that she’s ready to debate - and that’s probably why they are refusing to let her speak.

I’ve heard her in multiple interviews provide clarity to political topics that Republicans and Democrats always frame in the stagnant left/right paradigm that we’re all so weary of.

If we, the People, have any hope to be unified under any idea, it ought to be individual Liberty. That’s what it’s always been, this freedom we talk about, and the mission drift towards factions and adversarial politics is simply not solving the problems we face. We need to reignite the light of Liberty, and we need a President who

truly understands and honors that core principle, that we are one in our one-ness, that individuality is what we have in common, and that it must be protected.

I am happy to have Dr. Jo Jorgensen on my ballot, someone whose bachelors’ degree is in understanding the individual psyche, and whose doctorate is in understanding industrial and organizational psychology.

The fact that she brought her compassionate perspectives to Alaska says a lot about Jorgensen.

Not only that she values the input from independent, individualists in Alaska, but that she is working to find long term support for the cause of Liberty. By gaining traction for the Libertarian Party, she’s bringing validation and consideration to the principles of Liberty - and I am proud to be part of that noble effort.

Community: Talking About Chickens

MORE ON PAGE 13 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER

Alaska is a notoriously red state, with Presidential elections almost certainly going to the Republican. On one hand, you might ask then, “why bother?”

However, because Alaska will surely go to the Republican candidate, and our electoral votes as well, voting for Jorgensen is a no-lose situation.

Your vote for the Democrat nominee will not make a bit of difference, and neither will a Republican vote, but as a Libertarian vote, it has the power to legitimize a third party, a party that offers new solutions to social and economic problems - solutions that otherwise go unheard.

Island Shrine: A Piece by Douglas Girard MORE ON PAGE 9 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE

COMMUNITY

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containers. Properly frozen rose hips will last up to two years.

Dry: Slit the fresh rose hips down the side and remove the seeds with the point of a sharp knife. This is easiest with slightly underripe hips. If the hip is are too underripe they will be hard to pierce and not yield any pulp. If overripe, the pulp will be mushy and difficult to separate from the seeds.

Spread hips with seeds removed on a tray in a well-ventilated room for a few days or in dehydrator at 135°F for a few hours, until crisp and brittle.

Rose Hip Juice: Wash and remove stem and blossom ends of hips.

Combine 6 cups rose hips and 3 cups water in a saucepan. Bring quickly to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. Strain the liquid through jelly bag or several layers of cheesecloth into a bowl. Discard the pulp. Freeze of can for long-term storage. Yield: 2 cups

Contributed by Julie Cascio, MatSu District Cooperative Extension The Alaska Wild Roses, Rosa aciculariso or Rosa nutkana share the small oblong fruit they produce this time of the year.

Fruit of Roses In late summer, the bright red fruit of the wild rose bush, called hips, may be eaten. The fleshy rind surrounds many whitish seeds. The rind is hard, but softens after the first frost - the best time to eat them. The riper they are, the sweeter they’ll be. The stem, blossom end, and seeds of the rose hip should be removed before they are eaten. The seeds have two prongs that might lodge in the intestines and cause intestinal irritation.

Remove them before using the hip, or strain through a fine strainer.

Rose hips are a great source of vitamin C. When compared to oranges, rose hips contain between 20 to 40 percent more vitamin C, 25% more iron, 28% more calcium and 25 times

more vitamin A. This tiny fruit is also a good source of vitamin E, selenium and B-vitamins.

Rose hips may be used for tea, in baked products and in jelly. Or made into puree to make jams, marmalade and catsup. Dried rose hips may be added to cereal or pulverized and added to baked products.

Gather: Pick hips in an area free from pesticides, herbicides, automobile exhaust fumes or other contaminants. Wash them before use to remove dust, insect or animal debris Clean and Store: Rose hips should be cleaned soon after collection.

Remove the stem and blossom ends, wash the hips with cold water and set out to dry. They may be stored covered in the refrigerator for one week.

Freeze: Arrange fresh rose hips in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer. When frozen, transfer the hips to freezer bags or

Rose Petal Jelly 4 cups rose hip juice 6 cups sugar 1 package powdered pectin (1 ¾ ounces) Sterilize pint or half-pint canning jars and prepare lids. Measure sugar and set aside. Measure the rose hip juice into a large saucepan. Add pectin and stir until dissolved. Place on high heat; stir constantly and bring to a full rolling boil. Stir in the sugar. Bring again to a full rolling boil. Boil hard for one minute, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and quickly skim off foam. Immediately pour jelly into hot canning jars, leaving ¼ inch head space. Wipe jar rims and add prepared two-piece lids. Process five minutes in a boiling water bath. Rose hip jelly may take up to one week to set. Yield: 10 cups To learn how to prepare puree, make fruit leathers, and other recipes using rose hips, search for “wild roses” in cespubs.uaf.edu.

Shakespeare, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

Contributed by John Nelson

Alaskan artists will be featured.

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Constitution Day Freedom Rally 9/17/2020 - 6:30PM Denali-Harley Davidson 1497 S Hyer Rd. Palmer FREE Event, Donations Welcome

Food trucks are scheduled, Raffles, auctions and other events are being planned. This is an outdoor event, so dress warm, bring your own seating.

Like us on Facebook: Alaskans for Constitutional Rights www.facebook.com/ groups/568234574091705 Constitutional Freedom Fighters, Alaska Chapter www.facebook.com/ConstitutionalFreedomFighters/

Join us for a fun filled family event by exercising your 1st Amendment rights. Educating, Empowering and Engaging people to stand up for our Constitutional Rights.

Guest performers include: Nashville Country Singer, Kenny Lee. Our own Local National Recording Artist, Stephen Patrick AK and other

Contributed by Michelle Harmeling, United Way of Mat-Su

AARP recently announced three Matanuska-Susitna Valley winners of 2020 Community Challenge grants.

In the largest grant release to date, more than $2.4 million was awarded to 184 organizations nationwide.

Grant recipients, including the United Way of Mat-Su, the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Cooperative Extension Service and the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation, will implement “quick-action” projects to create more livable communities across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The funded Mat-Su projects are: United Way of Mat-Su will work with older residents and local artists to design and create an art and cultural trail reflective of the community’s history.

University of Alaska Fairbanks, Cooperative Extension will create a new area to grow fresh foods and demonstrate how to build a space that is inclusive of people of ages and abilities.

Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation will provide new, stocked lifejacket loaner boards at public-use ADA and accessible facilities to increase access

This is a fundraiser for Alaskans for Constitutional Rights (AFCR). Event is free, but generous donations are encouraged.

Sponsors and volunteers are requested, please contact John Nelson at 907-360-1572. www.eventbrite.com/e/constitution-day-freedom-rally-tickets-

to the outdoors and water recreation.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Alaska’s grantees as they work to make immediate improvements in their communities, encourage promising ideas and jumpstart longterm change,” said Teresa Holt, AARP Alaska State Director.

“Our goal at AARP Alaska is to support the efforts of our communities to be great places for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities.

The coronavirus pandemic has only underscored the importance of this work.”

All projects are designed to achieve one or more of the following outcomes: - Create vibrant public places by improving open spaces and parks and activating main streets.

- Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options by increasing connectivity, walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, and access a wider range of transportation choices.

- Encourage the availability of a range of housing by increasing accessible and affordable housing solutions.

- Increase civic engagement and demonstrate the tangible value of “Smart Cities” by bringing together local leaders and residents from all

“Liberty must at all hazards be supported. We have a right to it, derived from our Maker. But if we had not, our fathers have earned and bought it for us, at the expense of their ease, their estates, their pleasure, and their blood.”

– John Adams, 1765

backgrounds to address challenges.

- Support coronavirus response and recovery efforts by ensuring older adults’ access to information, essential services, and civic life.

The Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages.

View the full list of grantees and their project descriptions at www. aarp.org/communitychallenge and view an interactive map of all of the Community Challenge projects and AARP Alaska’s livable communities work at www.aarp.org/livable.

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, non-partisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment.

AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.

To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

COMMUNITY with kids are back, fully engaged in this school and education process.

And for me, well, it seemed like a good time to start my graduate schooling as well.

Contributed by Rachel Martinez School is in session. Whether high school, elementary school, home school, brick and mortar or even online at home, school is here. Whether you are full steam ahead or taking the slower pace that homeschooling allows, the point is, all us families

Back to school can always seem a little chaotic; now add to it the reality that school this fall (this year) looks different. There are recognizable hints, familiarity that we all know. Yet, we also know, it just isn’t the same.

Whether it’s due to a new teacher, socially distanced desks, or an influx in homeschool families making materials hard to get your hands on, change is here and change is hard.

Every day, I get to talk with my daughters about their day. Our conversations fluctuate from the style of mask one wants to wear, to the “fun” hats with shields the other gets to wear; from the painting project to the new teacher; from 8th grade math to being the kindergarten

in his life. Prior to moving to Alaska in 1997, he also worked various jobs including an ice plant, termite company, cleaning/ maintenance and other part-time jobs.

He was very apt in woodworking, drafting, artwork, and learned many different skills from many sources including family members & friends.

His freelance spirit and lifestyle ultimately helped contribute to his versatility in being able to live just about anywhere, including in his car with wife Carrie and his beloved dog Cosmo for about a year in California following the Grateful Dead concert tour.

Contributed by LuLu Small 23-year Alaska resident, Bryant Timothy Small, passed away in his sleep at his home in Willow, AK on June 27, 2020.

Tim “Tall Small” was born on his mother’s 19th birthday in Glendale, California to Clara Arvella Wells and Bryant Thomas Small. The family included an older sister of 2 years, Alaskan entertainer LuLu Small. They lived in Camino, CA and the parents divorced when he was 2, and both remarried soon after. Tim and sister, LuLu, remained with their mother until 1964, then relocated to their father and family’s in Campbell, CA, where he lived until high school graduation in 1974.

Tim was an excellent student in school from kindergarten in Camino, CA (1962) to Rolling Hills Jr. & Westmont High Schools in Campbell, where he graduated with a B average in 1974. He participated throughout his life in many sports including softball, basketball, track & field, as well as played brass instruments in Westmont high school marching band and performed in theatrical productions. Tim was also a boy scout with many badges and honors.

He married and divorced only once

Tim’s life passion was art, despite being left-handed and given low marks for his handwriting in school.

The precision and intense creativity in his drawings were impeccable. His abilities were virtually unlimited as his imagination soared with an overload of ideas that often reflect in his many unique and sometimes ‘busy’ drawings that were all drawn free-hand and not computer-generated or adjusted in any way.

He drew what he felt or thought, and was commissioned many times for signs, posters, flyers, tattoos, festival shirts, themed greeting cards and random drawings from onlookers as well as various artistic tasks ‘back home for the family’.

Tim was also a very unique and “old-school” tie-dye artist. He created many custom-made designs and gifts for family and friends, also produced and sold quite a few of his art designs on t-shirts and hoodies. His other talents included carving diamond willow sticks/canes, cribbage boards and woodburning.

Tim also loved music especially classic rock and blues. He collected albums, tapes, CD’s and went to as many concerts and festivals as he could, including many of his sister’s performances both in California and later in Alaska. His very first night

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secret student. The point is, I GET to have these conversations with my daughters. Though change is here and it is noticeable, what hasn’t changed is the time I have with my girls.

Change is hard and if I am unwilling to face it, to walk through it with grace, humility, and openness, how will I lead my daughters through change? How will I guide them to the other side of change? How will I show them that regardless of how one may feel about something, being willing to walk through it, being willing to sit in the uncomfortable and not avoid it, is the path to growth? This strange season we all find ourselves in is an opportunity to teach my girls to find the ability to be kind, content, and joyful, not just when things are good, but especially when things are hard. This isn’t just for my girls either, I as well am learning through the change and that is is how I grow.

What have you been learning through the change?

in Alaska visiting in summer of 1991 included a ride with their mother (who had relocated to Alaska in 1990) to the train at Portage to ride through the tunnel to Whittier, where LuLu was performing for the summer season.

Tim was in awe of the daylight at night and the clouds that hovered along the mountains in Turnagain Arm. He was also impressed and happy to hear that the bars were open until 5am as it was about 1am when he first arrived in Whittier and he needed a drink after that long journey from California!

Tim moved back to Alaska in November of 1997 to help sister, LuLu, with caring for their mother who had terminal cancer until she died in March ’98, just 2 days after her 61st birthday, which was also Tim’s 42nd.

Later that year, Tim was honored with having his art design on the Talkeetna Bluegrass Festival posters and shirts. Tim also worked with Karma Kontrol festival security, and was a participant with both LuLu and their mother at prior festivals selling their combined goods of artwork, tie dye shirts, sewing crafts and clothes.

Tim also played pool and won many league tournaments, and worked as a bartender for Big Su Lodge and doorman for The Fairview Inn. “Tall Small” always loved to have a good time, therefore his ALASKA Celebration of Life is being planned for April 20, 2021 possibly in Willow.

Details will be announced on sister LuLu’s Facebook page by April 1, 2021.

A family celebration will take place in California, TBA. Tim is preceded in death by birth mother, Clara Arvella “Pat” Bethea (’98), and survived by father, Bryant Thomas Small, and stepmother, Janice Small of Campbell, California; Sisters, LuLu Small (Alaska), Sandra Small-Wolf (Florida), Jill Bank (California); brothers, Mark Small (California) and Eric Small (Texas); and a multitude of in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts uncles, and cousins among five generations.

Tim always idolized the band and music of Pink Floyd, and looked forward to his journey one day ‘through the spectrum’, and now he is truly there and comfortably numb...

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

COMMUNITY Contributed by Sue Fujimoto, Mat-Su Animal Shelter The Shelter is holding our annual yard sale on Friday, September 18th and Saturday, September 19th, from 11am 4pm both days.

We have dog beds, cat supplies, animal toys, cages, bowls, leashes, harnesses,

on this campaign after connecting with him years ago on his own battle with suicide. The last three years, Stay Day has been used to connect those around the community and help raise awareness in a more uplifting and positive way. Stay Day has connected over 50 different businesses over the last three years and continues to grow each year, providing t-shirts that say, “Stay, Discover What You Are Made For” to community partners and businesses to help provide that positive message.

Contributed by Justin Pendergrass Stay Day started three years ago on the first week of September after the staff at MY House watched the Netflix show, “13 Reasons Why”. During a staff meeting,

a MY House employee suggested that they begin focusing on suicide prevention and 13 reasons why NOT. The director of MY House brought in Justin Pendergrass to begin working

This year for Stay Day, we will be mixing things up to accommodate those in the community who are protecting themselves from COVID-19. We will still be providing shirts to community members, but we will not have an in-person meeting.

each year. This kind of club growth is only possible with the dedication and love of its members. Toastmasters also provides a safe learning environment with a superior online education program.

Contributed by Kianna Wilson Join us, as the Palmer Toastmasters Club celebrates 10 years of creating and developing leaders in the Mat-Su community on October 6th, 2020. If you have never attended a Toastmasters event or club, we hope you will join us in celebration!

Since the very first meeting held in 1905, Toastmasters has been a club

Contributed by Tiffany Hall, Recover Alaska Recover Alaska and partners across the state are celebrating Alaskans in recovery and educating the public about substance misuse through virtual activities and events for National Recovery Month.

September 1st kicked off the monthlong celebration with the launch of Recover’s first virtual sober lounge, where visitors can navigate an interactive room set up with everything from a Spotify playlist featuring artists in recovery to an app designed to help people manage and better understand their relationship with alcohol. With COVID-19 concerns in mind, Recover Alaska is making sure all the activities are easily accessible from home.

A recent study by the Alaska Department of Public Health indicates that 58% of respondents reported that their mental health has gotten worse during the pandemic, while 1 out of

dedicated to bettering its members from the start. Toastmasters has grown and adapted to its environment over time, and in doing so, this once small club has managed to not only stand the test of time, but also make its mark on the community by reaching out and giving a helping hand when and where it was needed. Now, more than a hundred years later, Toastmasters has expanded to 141 countries with the number of individual clubs growing

The Palmer Toastmasters Club has been cultivating and training leaders in the Mat-Su for 10 years now. I believe that is cause for celebration! Please join the Palmer Toastmasters club as we celebrate 10 years of success.

Our club is an award winning club known for its excellence, having also produced two World Champions as competitive speakers. We strive to celebrate member growth, as well as aspire to better connect with our local

3 respondents who consume alcohol or marijuana report using more of the substance than they did before the pandemic.

celebrating true stories of Alaskans overcoming alcohol addiction.

- Calendar filled with Recovery Month events.

- Story collection booth where Alaskans can share their stories.

- And more surprises to be released during the month.

“Living in recovery is not always easy. It’s a huge accomplishment that deserves to be celebrated,” said Tiffany Hall, executive director of Recover Alaska. “Issues like substance misuse and mental health have really been magnified over the last six months due to the pandemic, so it was important to us to make sure to honor those who continue to push through these difficult times and create a virtual environment that provides safe access to educational activities and resources.”

The Virtual Sober Lounge is accessible from the Recover Alaska home page.

The virtual hangout features: - Access to a sober-friendly music playlist.

- Audio stories from Alaskans in recovery, thanks to a partnership with Arctic Entries.

- Recover’s Day 001 video series

This month, Recover is partnering with the Step Away app, designed

by University of Alaska Anchorage Professor Patrick Dulin. Step Away tracks alcohol consumption and works toward goals to manage drinking habits. It even alerts users of potential triggers and offers alternatives.

Throughout September, Recover is providing free subscriptions to Alaskans in need of help and committed to making a change.

“Recovery Month is really about letting people know that a life free from alcohol misuse is possible,” Hall said. “I do miss the face-to-face interactions of past Recovery Month events, however, the advantage of having a virtual Recovery

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collars, carriers, housewares, linens, and so, so, much more! The sale is our largest fundraiser and all proceeds benefit the animals at the Shelter.

The event will be held outside with COVID precautions in place. Masks are requested.

Call 746-5500 for more information.

Instead, we ask that members of our community take a short 30-second video of why they stay on their phones and send them to Justin@myhousematsu.org to create a community video leaving a positive message. If you are a business please take photos of your team and you in the shirts Friday, September 25th and post them on social media tagging the MY House page. You can find us on Facebook throughout the month of September providing information on suicide prevention and telling stories of those who have made it through the fight.

For more information or to sign-up for t-shirts, please contact Justin Pendergrass at (907) 373-4357 or by email at Justin@myhousematsu.org.

area through events and activities designed to benefit our community and encourage people to partake in all that Toastmasters has to offer.

In doing so, the Palmer Toastmasters Club has grown exponentially with the knowledge and skills every member brings individually. With every individual achievement being one for the entire club, our club has had 10 prosperous years and will have many more as our club members continue to prosper, and new members join.

Palmer Toastmasters Club celebrates 10 years on October 6th, 2020. For further details, contact Diana 8417245

Month is that no matter where you are in Alaska, you’re included in the same conversation, which creates healthier communities.”

For more information about Recovery Month events and how to participate, visit RecoverAlaska.org or check Recover Alaska’s Facebook page.

Recover Alaska is a multi-sector action group pursuing a solutions-based approach to reduce excessive alcohol use and harms across the state. Partners include Rasmuson Foundation, The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, Mat-Su Health Foundation, Providence Alaska, Southcentral Foundation, State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, and University of Alaska Anchorage.

The vision for Recover Alaska is for Alaskans to live free from the consequences of alcohol misuse, so we are empowered to achieve our full potential. For more information, visit recoveralaska.org.

HEALTH / OPINION / POLITICS Contributed by Nicole Gossett Four out of five people will suffer from back pain in their lifetime. For many, it’s debilitating and impacts their quality of life.

Their pain can go on for years without relief.

One common cause of low back pain originates from the sacroiliac or SI joint.

The SI joint is located in the pelvis and links the iliac bone (pelvis) to the sacrum (lowest part of the spine above the tailbone). This joint transfers weight and forces between your upper body and legs. It is an essential component for shock absorption to prevent impact forces during walking from reaching the spine.

“Sacroiliac joint disorders are commonly misdiagnosed in patients with low back pain due to the similarity of symptoms with other spinal conditions such as a herniated disc or sciatica,” says Dr. Curtis Mina, orthopedic surgeon at Orthopedic Physicians of Alaska.

“In my practice, I find that about 1 in every

Contributed by Bill Brokaw

Aging and Alzheimer’s caused Bill and Pat Brokaw to move into the Palmer Vets and Pioneer’s Home over two years ago. Bill is 84 years of age, while Pat is 81.

Pat, the victim of Alzheimer’s, is the reason that a new lifestyle was necessary for this senior couple. Pat’s incurable disease caused her to lose her memory and her ability to knit, sew, crochet, write and all handcoordinated activities in which she excelled before Alzheimer’s.

Life in the home has been tough for both of them. Especially Bill, as his whole life has gone from the enjoyable retirement he had planned for, to a life of commitment to Pat’s care. Fortunately, because of their veterans status, they both qualified for admittance to the home, and have found their existence in this beautiful facility to be very satisfying.

Satisfaction for Bill is centered on seeing his wife get the 24/7 care she needs.

Also, as an independent resident, he has the freedom for bicycling, bowling, churchgoing and in-home activities offered by the Pioneer Home. Satisfaction for Pat centers on food, a warm bed, wheel chair operation

5 patients with chronic low back pain has a component of SI joint involvement.”

Pain generated from SI joint disorders occurs in varying degrees on one or both sides of the low back. The pain can also be felt in the groin, hip, thigh, buttocks and down the back of the leg. Certain movements or positions can provoke pain in the SI joint.

Many people experience pain when sitting and will shift their weight to the opposite side. Moving from a seated position to standing, twisting, climbing stairs, crossing legs, rolling over in bed, getting in/out of the car, and lifting may also cause pain.

SI joint disorders affect both males and females, but they are more common in women. Many women experience low back pain during pregnancy when hormones are released to relax and enlarge the ligaments in preparation for childbirth. The growing uterus may stretch or weaken muscles around the pelvis. Added weight and compensatory changes in walking patterns

and the many visits from her husband.

She gets extremely bored with nonstructured time.

With this background information about Bill and Pat and their situation, we now need to look at the effect of the virus on both them and the Palmer Pioneer Home.

About the time the virus was causing many deaths in New York, Bill was trying to market a book he had written and had published titled, “Alzheimer’s, Life’s Darkest Disease”.

The writing of this book was a consolidation of the many journals that Bill had written during the SEVEN years of his wife’s walk down this dark trail of life. He suffered more than she did. The title of a more recently written book could be,”COVID-19, Life’s Darkest Disease”.

Since there are going to be multiple books written about life with the virus, Bill is not going to write a book on the subject, but rather share a virus-caused experience at the Home that affected both he and his wife.

Being 84, and starting to feel a large touch of Dementia, Bill will share this memory before the terrible disease of Dementia takes over.

Contributed by Sen. Shelley Hughes, Candidate for District F

the hard questions in our minds, and show up at the polls?

Across our nation, across our state, people are experiencing similar and uniquely 2020 impressions to varying degrees.

As individuals go about their daily lives, they are encountering an inner sense of uneasiness and instability due to the modified routines and the disruption of in-person connections. Simultaneously, as the weeks pass, a sense of vulnerability and disquiet is hard to shake loose as images of violent protests and messages of harsh divisiveness surround us.

The temptation to gravitate toward political neuropathy is because it is difficult to assess such recent drastic shifts and where they could leads us. A mere four years ago when Bernie Sanders, the only professed socialist in the US Senate, ran for president, his ideas were considered radical. Today, they are the platform of the Democratic Party; He pointed this out himself in his most recent run for president this cycle:

As we head toward the big day, the November 3rd election, no matter where we self-identify along the political spectrum, we all seem to understand that the outcome will be historically pivotal and destinydefining as far as what our nation and even what our state will look like, what our very near future will be.

With the ‘weight of the fate’ resting on our collective shoulders, each of us has a preliminary decision to make. Will we wiggle out from under this civic burden, succumb to “I’m just one person - I have no impact”?

Will we grow comfortably numb and be lulled into a slumber? Or will we face the fears in our brains, stay alert, be ‘woke’ to the pressing challenges, work through the hard issues, critically analyze the input, answer

“Those ideas that we talked about here in Iowa four years ago that seemed so radical at the time, remember that? Shock of all shocks, those very same ideas are now supported not only by Democratic candidates for president but by Democratic candidates all across the board, from school board on up. In 2016, Iowa helped begin the political revolution. Now as we move to 2020, our job is to complete that revolution.”

during pregnancy can also place strain on the SI joints resulting in inflammation and pain.

For most women postpartum, the SI joints revert to their normal, tightened, and locked position. For 20% of women, full tightening does not occur, and they develop varying degrees of chronic low back pain.

Pain in the sacroiliac joints can also be caused by age-related degenerative changes, trauma, previous lumbar fusion, degenerative sacroiliitis, or may be caused by another condition like Ankylosing Spondylitis. Most people respond to conservative treatments including SI joint injections, physical therapy, chiropractic manipulations, and/or radio frequency ablations. When conservative therapy fails to provide lasting relief, patients may want to consider surgical options.

The most commonly used surgical option for the treatment of some causes of SI

Saturday, August 15th, I was asked by a nurse to leave Pat’s living area in the Home. I had my mask on, which was necessary when visiting her, but had never been asked to leave. It was then explained to me that a care-worker in the Home’s adjoining hallway was found to have the virus.

To protect all residents in the two hallways, both hallways were put on lockdown. I was then told that until all residents had been tested for the Virus, I could no longer visit Pat. I was not only unhappy about this decision, but also about an earlier mandate that curtailed my occasional visits to local restaurants, to my church and to my bowling team. And then on top of these NO-NO’s, I could not visit my wife.

She is currently on Hospice, and like the Virus, life is very uncertain.

I was joyful on Monday, when learning that all residents and workers tests were negative. But, joy was short-lived when I was told that I could not go to Pat’s living area, but had to rely on a nurse to bring her to my room for a visit. The nurse supervisor decided her nursing staff did not have the time to do that, so it was decided that I could visit Pat, but only in her very small room. And, of course, I had to wear my mask at all times. Since Pat dislikes being in her very small room, I knew our visiting time would be short-lived. Pat is a move-move type of person.

relatively consistent and steady. This means that the questions with which Americans must grapple focus on the new and revolutionary mainstream-left ideas. Bottom line: how would these policies reshape our nation?

In my view, first of all, they would be costly.

Our debt is already approaching $27 trillion.

The stabilizing force we provide worldwide will erode if we tip the economic scale much more. Do we wish to empower China?

Russia? Secondly, the policies would require massive new powers granted to an already powerful federal government, restricting liberties and opportunities in the states and for individuals. This is a poor idea for our state; do you agree? Additionally, both national security and local security would decrease, jeopardizing the safety of families and the well-being of communities.

Very recently considered radical ideas, Bernie’s positions are suddenly mainstreamleft: the green new deal, Medicare for all, free college, ending immigration enforcement, paying reparations, lifting restrictions to third trimester abortions, defunding the police.

The consequences can certainly be debated as far as how the particular socialist “Bernie” policies would impact us, but the cost factor, the power factor, and the safety factor are highly potential outcomes difficult to dismiss. Even if just one of the three outcomes occurred, the impact would be massive and detrimental to life as we know it. Is this the kind of nation we want? What would this look like here at home?

At the same time, the principles and positions on the right have remained

As I contemplate the uneasiness, instability, vulnerability, and disquiet Americans are

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joint pain is the iFuse Implant System®. The procedure is minimally invasive and only needs a 1 ½ inch incision. “We stabilize the SI joint by surgically inserting three small titanium implants across the joint to eliminate motion,” says Dr. Mina.

According to Dr. Mina, the iFuse Implant System is intended for sacroiliac fusion for conditions including sacroiliac joint disruptions and degenerative sacroiliitis.

“The procedure typically takes less than an hour and is usually able to be performed on an outpatient basis,” Mina says. “Recent, published studies have reported promising results for pain relief and a high level of patient satisfaction.”

To learn more about sacroiliac joint dysfunction and potential treatments, you’re invited to attend a Virtual Patient Seminar hosted by Dr. Curtis Mina on Tuesday, Oct. 20th at 6pm. Register to attend by visiting: bit.ly/2ZirtT2 or contact Cody Ray at (907) 519-7795 or email cray@si-bone.com

She’s always been that way in our 28 years of marriage. Since I started writing this, she has been moved to a much larger room. This room is located in a different area of the Home and allows her much more wheel-chair freedom.

Our home, even though only one worker has been found with the Virus, is now closed to all visitors. Residents can use their phones and talk to loved one through one of many windows. We do hope to have the results of our second test back in a couple days so visiting can be allowed again.

The following resident actions are cause for a 14 day quarantine: - Choosing to leave the building and go to a high environment such as a crowded restaurant, bar, or grocery store.

- Going to a home or outside residence potentially coming into contact with family and others for a visit of any duration.

- Meeting another person such as a relative outside the home.

One can see, from reading this writing, that the Alaskan Veterans and Pioneers Home located in Palmer, Alaska is doing an excellent job of setting a high example for keeping residents safe.

sensing, I urge you to avoid turning a blind eye; to avoid the comfortable numbness.

Stay awake, stay ‘woke” and realize that although we are not a perfect nation, although we need to address problems that the leftist socialist policies over-address (to the point that they would fundamentally threaten our democratic republic), we must not allow the radical liberal tide to creep into our nation, into our state.

I’m not embarrassed to say it: we live in the greatest nation on earth. Flawed, yes. Immaculate, no. But far better than anywhere else when it comes to opportunities, dreams, possibilities no matter a person’s background, ethnicity, gender, or any other factor. We are created equal and all have equal opportunities.

Whether you are filling out an absentee ballot or voting in-person, be ‘woke’ to what’s best for our future as well as for the next generation’s future. Those who truly love liberty know it is a gem like no other and want it to persist and persist and persist.

The weight of the fate of America is on our shoulders. I believe the sleeping giant has awakened and implore you to stay awake, stay vigilant, and stay an active voter.

Senator Shelley Hughes Candidate for District F

POLITICS / FAITH Contributed by Richard Larson My name is R. Ole Larson. I am running to be reelected to the Mat-Su School Board District Seat 3 and have been on the School Board for 12 years.

I retired from the Alaska Department of Corrections as a superintendent after 29 years. As well as serving on the Alaska State Parole Board for 10 years after retirement.

My family has lived in the Mat-Su Valley for 42 years, where my wife and I have raised three children. All three of our children were educated in the Mat-Su school system.

We currently have three grandchildren that are going through the Mat-Su school system. My wife retired from school district after 20 years of educating children. My oldest daughter currently works at Central Office and my youngest daughter is an

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elementary teacher in the district. While on the Mat-Su School Board, many things have been accomplished. We have brought the Alaska Middle College to our students. We have created on-line learning opportunities for all high school students. We have expanded the Career and Technical High School and classes in all other high schools.

the district. While on the board, we have established a school district of choice which includes choice of schools, blended learning, charter schools and distance learning.

During this time safety protocols and programs have been installed throughout

Thank you for your time.

Tro. did you find your soldier?” I said, “Oh, I’m so lucky. His name isn’t here because he lived.”

remember vividly the time I was able to explain the process of long division. Lots of students had been trying to guess why the order of the steps worked, but I was the one who was able to unlock the puzzle and explain it to the class.

back from a soldier. My soldier and I became pen pals for the next two years. In fact, his mother became my second penpal. I was blessed to be able to meet my soldier when he was sent state-side to a military base near where I lived. This experience led to an understanding of the true challenges facing those in combat in Vietnam.

I was certainly reminded of this experience when I read Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried”. I knew even before I read the book, that the title inferred not only the physical things the soldiers carried in the Vietnam conflict, but also the emotional struggles of battle. Certainly, a concern at the time of the Vietnam War was the possibility that my older brothers could be drafted in their senior years of high school.

She created a positive classroom environment that made learning fun and exciting. She was the first teacher who ever told me I was smart, and being told I was smart, I suddenly began to excel in school. In my first few years of school I really struggled. My summer birthday guaranteed that I would be one of the youngest in my class. My constant daydreaming didn’t help me make progress in the early grades.

Miss Danicic had us do cool projects like writing letters to soldiers in the Vietnam War. I was one of the lucky few that heard

I developed a great respect for those young men who sacrificed so much in that service.

Thirty years later when I took my own class to Washington, D.C. I was pleased to have the opportunity to share with them my firsthand experience with a soldier who had fought in Vietnam.

My amazing fifth grade teacher read aloud stories that are still among my favorites today. Miss Danicic read to us Frances Hodgson Burnett’s “The Secret Garden” and “The Little Princess”. I remember her crying when Sarah didn’t have enough to eat in “The Little Princess”.

When visiting the very solemn Vietnam Memorial a fifth-grade student of mine walked thoughtfully along the entire wall, tracing his hand on the 50,000 names engraved in granite. When he got to the end of the Wall, he turned to me and asked, “Mrs.

Hearing those great books inspired me to become a voracious reader. And of course, I read both those books aloud to more than one of my many classes over 36 years of teaching. Miss Danicic challenged us to explain our mathematical thinking. I

Contributed by Rabbi Mendy Greenberg

Nitzovim-vaYelech, Chai Elul, 5742 Brooklyn, N.Y. To the Sons and Daughters of Our People Israel, Everywhere G-d Bless You All!

teach you that each individual is a ‘whole (complete) world.’” Secondly, “For the sake of peace among people, so that no one will be able to say, ‘I am a descendant of a greater ancestor than yours.’”

Contributed by Jeanne Troshynski I love to hear the stories of that one special teacher in a person’s life. That inspiring teacher who left a lifelong impression. For me that teacher was my fifth-grade teacher Joan Danicic. Miss Danicic made school a place to look forward to each day.

Evey human being is a ‘whole world’, they deserve to be treated that way.

Rosh Hashanah the Jewish New Year is celebrated from Friday evening, September 18th through September 20th.

Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of creation; specifically the creation of humanity, starting with Adam. It is a day of judgement for all humankind when we beseech and pray that G-d Almighty bless humanity with a good and sweet new year.

In the days prior to Rosh Hashanah, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, a global spiritual leader would pen a letter addressed to every Jew, with an important New Year message.

In 1982, the Rebbe reflected upon the powerful lesson to be learned from the fact that man was created alone, whereas all other creatures were created in herds.

Knowing that every human being is a unique individual, an entire world, allows us to appreciate our unique role in life and nurture a true and enduring respect for each other.

I find this message so relevant to us today, and I hope and pray it will inform our path to bringing our world closer to a state of peace and tranquility for all.

With wishes for a Shana Tova, a happy healthy and sweet New Year!

Rabbi Mendy Greenberg Mat-Su Jewish Center Chabad FREE TRANSLATION By the Grace of G-d 2nd Day of the Week of

Greeting and Blessing: On this auspicious day of the auspicious month — Chai (18) Elul, the month that all of it, especially the last twelve days of it beginning from Chai Elul, are dedicated to preparing for Rosh Hashono and for the entire new year, may it bring us and all our people Israel goodness and blessing, It is surely the appropriate time to reflect on one of the main features pertaining to said preparations; which, of course, have to encompass all aspects of human life, comprising thought, word, and action, and in accord with the Divine purpose of the creation of man (ordained on the first Rosh Hashono), and in accord with the purpose of man’s life, namely, to serve the Creator in all three areas: Torah, Avodah and Gemilus Chasodim (Torah-study, Prayer, and acts of kindness, namely, mitzvoth). *** It has been discussed many times that although Rosh Hashono is the festival that commemorates the “birthday” of the world (as we say in our prayer, “This is the day of the beginning of Your works”), it is actually the day when the creation of the world was completed with the creation of man, on the sixth day of Creation. Thereby the world attained its fulfillment (and pronounced “very good”), for it is through man that the whole of creation attains completeness and fulfillment, in accordance with the design of the Creator. This was actually achieved immediately after Adam, the first man, was created, as related by our Sages of blessed memory that Adam called upon all creatures, saying: “Come, let us prostrate ourselves and kneel; let us bend our knees before HaShem our Maker.” And so it was, and “HaShem reigned, garbed in Glory.”

One of the aspects in which the creation of mankind differed most conspicuously from that of all other creatures is that man was created as a single individual — a) single — unlike other creatures, both in the animal world and in the world of plants, where creatures were simultaneously created in couples (male and female), b) single also in terms of being one species, the human race, unlike other creatures, both animals and plants, where thousands of species were created right from the beginning.

Needless to say, the Torah, Torah Or, which illuminates and explains all “things”, calls attention to this conspicuous difference.

Our sages of the Mishnah declare: “For this reason man was created single — to

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The question that immediately poses itself is: The said two reasons seem contradictory.

According to the first, the emphasis is on the preeminence of a person as an individual, so much so that every individual is termed a “whole world.” And since the Torah, Toras Emes, declares that “people differ in their ‫( תועד‬opinions),” the sense of personal importance is bound to foster dissent, and in a sharp form, since each individual is a “whole world.” The result, therefore, would be the opposite of “peace among people.”

But, inasmuch as the two reasons follow consecutively in the same context, and each of them is so important that it affected the manner in which man was originally created, we must conclude that the said two reasons not only do not contradict each other, but, on the contrary, are quite compatible and, moreover, reinforce each other.

The explanation of it is as follows: True, a person is a “whole world,” and “people differ in their ‫( תועד‬opinions),” but a person’s opinion need not, and must not, exclude — even in one’s own mind — the possibility that there can be a second opinion, indeed even a contradictory opinion. Moreover, one has to regard other opinions —even a contradictory one — with respect, since the other person is a “whole world.” Hence, he must consider the other person’s view with proper consideration. Then, in addition to such an attitude being conducive to real accord and peace among people, and a durable peace at that — inasmuch as it is based on the rule of the eternal Torah that every individual is a “whole world” — it would result also in reexamination of one’s own opinion, and to more clearly analyze its positive but also its negative aspects, and thus attain the real truth, fulfillment of his own “whole world.”

The same attitude by the next person, and the next, and so on, would eventually bring about accord and peace among people.

It should be noted, parenthetically, that speaking of ‫( תועד‬opinions), we have in mind such as come within their definition in G-d’s Torah, and are in every detail consistent with the Torah, the Wisdom of HaShem; otherwise, it would be contrary to ‫ — העד‬to wisdom and knowledge, as is obvious. Yet, these opinions differ (sometimes also contradict one another) in approach and judgment relating to ‫ירבד‬ ‫ — תושרה‬mundane matters.

Turning our attention to action, since “action is the essential thing,” namely, the general every day conduct — it follows that

I am a fiscally responsible, transparent, and honest board member.

That was one of the most powerful early learning experiences of my life. I discovered in that single event that learning could be an exciting, meaningful thought process.

In teaching math, I always enjoyed those moments when students truly connected with the concepts.

Even today ,I find Miss Danicic still influencing my life. I have decided to run for the Mat-Su Borough School Board because of my passion for education and the power of excellent teachers. It is my desire to support the teachers of the Mat-Su Borough School, so that all students will have a chance to have not only that one special teacher in their lives, but many such positive educators.

You can learn more about me at my website: www.troschoolboard.com

awareness of the abovementioned thought brings the constant practice of the Great Principle in Torah — V’Ohavto lRe’acho Komocho, “Love your fellow as yourself,” with the accent on Komocho — “as yourself.” The idea behind this: Everyone was created by the same Creator, the Creator of the Whole World, and everyone — though merely “your fellow” and not you yourself — is also a “whole world,” “like yourself.” Hence, you should love everyone as you love yourself; and since this is an imperative by the Creator of every person, it is certain that it can be achieved and fulfilled by, and in, every person.

At the same time, since the Creator is “the King, Who is the Source of Peace,” and He demands, that there should be “peace among people,” as mentioned above, and provides the capacity to achieve it, as is understandable — all this makes it still easier to carry out the Mitzvo of V’Ohavto lRe’acho Komocho, Komocho, in actual practice, and in all aspects.

All the above has a special relevance to the preparation for Rosh Hashono, the Day of Coronation of the King of Peace — including, above all, mutual peace and love among our Jewish people in the fullest manner of unity, so that all Jews constitute one entity in the fullest degree, and all Jews “like one man with one heart” acclaim the Supreme One on Rosh Hashono as “King of Israel,” and do so willingly, indeed, joyously; and this is carried out in a manner that influences the whole environment, so that the Creator is recognized as “King of the Universe” — as this happened on the first Rosh Hashono through the first man, Adam, as mentioned above. *** May it be G-d’s Will, that, in accordance with the text of the concluding prayer of each Amidah, every day: “Bless us, our Father, all of us as one, with the Light of Your Countenance” — as explained by the Alter Rebbe (author of the Tanya and Shulchan Aruch): inasmuch as we are “all as one,” it brings about the fulfillment of “bless us our Father, with the Light of Your Countenance” May this be so actually and forthwith, Including the blessing — in the words of our King David ‫אחישמ אכלמ‬, “I will feed him (the Jewish People) with the finest of wheat, and sate (each of ) you with honey from a rock,” And each and everyone, man and woman, is granted a Kesivo vaChasimo Tovo, for a good and sweet year, both materially and spiritually.

With esteem and blessing for a ‫הבוט המיתחו הביתכ‬, /Signed: Menachem Schneerson/

POLITICS / OPINION Contributed by US Senator Lisa Murkowski On September 11, 2001, America fell victim to unprovoked terrorist attacks which took the lives of nearly 3,000 Americans and injured another 6,000.

Today, we pay tribute to the lives that were lost and honor their families and loved

ones. But as we reflect on what was lost on September 11th, we must also remember what we found - the unity that we felt when we saw men and women run to the fire in the service of others.

Today, we are at another pivotal moment in our history, facing unprecedented challenges - a pandemic that challenges us both individually and collectively.

Contributed by Stephen Wright

31st, I filed to be a write-in candidate.

After Alaska Division of Election revealed that I was the 2nd place behind the incumbent David Wilson in the Primary Election State Senate District D race on August 28th, the next few days I was contemplating to give up the fight for Alaskans. However, I thought of the General Election. There would be no Conservative candidate on the ballot for District D because Mayfield is a Democrat, Lamb is a Democrat, and Wilson is a RINO. No choices in District D, the most Conservative district in Alaska. What a conundrum we are facing in the General Election. It’s like been slapped on the face by the Liberals. I just couldn’t bear the thought, so I told my wife, “Someone has to fight back.

Someone has to stand up to them.” On August

Most write-in candidates have failed because it’s hard to win the election if your name is not on the ballot. I hope District D can think me as the fourth candidate even though my name isn’t on the ballot and fill in the bubble that says, “Write-in”, and write my name in. Wright, Stephen. Actually, it’s not difficult.

But compared to simply fill in the bubble on the printed name, it requires one more step: fill in the bubble in the write-in section and write the name in. Wright, Stephen. Some people worry if they spell it incorrectly.

Don’t worry. If your spelling is close enough, it will be counted. The most important task is to let people know that they don’t have to

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

That can break us down and divide us, or, if we choose, can bring us together and make us stronger.

The outpouring of support we showed for each other in the days and months that followed September 11th reminds us that in our darkest moments, our common bonds are stronger than any fears. So today, I call on each of us to remember our American

vote for Wilson or Democrats in November.

They can vote for me, a write-in candidate, because Stephen Wright is the only Conservative in the race in a 80% Republicanleaning district with two Democrats to split the vote what do we have to lose? Mat-Su, let’s show them a Conservative write-in candidate can win with a plurality of the Republican vote.

After the Primary, many people were upset because we didn’t unseat David Wilson although he received only 33% of the Republican vote and 26% off all ballots cast in District D. I felt a sense of urgency. Electing David Wilson is like electing Cathy Giessel because they are both for binding caucus, bot for big government, both were chair/ co chair of Health & Social Services, and both are for cutting PFD even though David Wilson claimed that he’s for full PFD, but he voted for the budget every time in turn cutting your dividends through their new

PAGE 7

ideals - that we are a United States - not battleground states. That we are friends and neighbors, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters - not democrats or republicans.

That fulfilling the promise America provides not just to its citizens here at home, but to those suffering oppression across the world, requires each and every one of us to be better to each other, for each other.

As we remember being attacked from abroad on September 11th, it is my hope that we can use that memory to unify here at home today. God Bless.

budget process. Another reason I have to run is we are short in numbers in Senate to repeal SB 26 and abolish binding caucus.

So District D Wasilla/Big Lake area, if you want to send a Conservative to Juneau instead of a Democrat or a RINO, fill in the bubble in write-in section and write my name in. Wright, Stephen. I’m looking forward to work with like-minded Conservatives next January to abolish binding caucus, so we can balance the budget and restore the PFD. But I can’t do it without your help. Please volunteer or donate. Please tell your friends and families to write my name in this November. District D, don’t give up. We have one last shot to win this battle. We have to win this time or we will regret the next four years. Remember, you haven’t gotten the full dividends while Cathy and David were in charge.

1, Section 8, Clause 15, of our Constitution. *Insurrection, an act or instance of rising in revolt, rebellion, or resistance against civil authority or an established government.

Contributed by Nan Potts

and function as productive citizens?

Constitution Day, September 17th, has arrived! Once again, it’s time for all Americans to take pause to appreciate what “We The People” have in this country, provided by the founding fathers via the United States Constitution:

When I was in school, high schools required U.S. History and Civics or U.S. Government classes for students to graduate.

Today, according to the Education Commission of the States (ecs.org), not all states require classes in U.S. Government for high school seniors to graduate. Instead, “An increasing number of states require all students to correctly answer a certain number of questions from the USCIS Naturalization Exam as a condition of high school graduation.”

Establish Justice Insure domestic Tranquility Promote the general Welfare* Secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity — The Preamble of the Constitution Of The United States (adopted, September 17, 1787) *Welfare; the good fortune, health, happiness, prosperity, etc., of a person, group, or organization; well-being.

In 2004, Congress passed Public Law 108447, Section 111. It set aside September 17th of each year as Constitution Day and September 17th through the 23rd as Constitution Week. During this time, each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year is required to hold an educational program on the United States Constitution.

Last year, I had the opportunity to find out if schools are following through. Several high school students and a few elementary school kids, shared their experience learning about our constitution during Constitution Week.

Here in Alaska, public schools are not required to teach Civics (or the U.S. constitution) for high school graduation, though many do.

NEA (National Education Association) -Alaska, posted an article by Amanda Litvinov, Forgotten Purpose: Civics Education In Public Schools. To read more, use this link: http://www.neaalaska.org/forgottenpurpose-civics-education-public-schools/ This made me wonder. Could a lack of Civics education be the reason for much of the turmoil in our country today? To me, knowing the answers to certain questions on an exit exam doesn’t equate to learning the subject. Especially one that every American citizen should know: His/Her rights and how to properly preserve them.

I was pleased to hear this. Then, I began asking specific questions: How are laws made? How is an amendment made? Who presides over the House of Representatives?

Some of the answers ranged from, “I don’t know,” to, “We didn’t learn about that.”

I carry a pocket Constitution with me. When people say, “You can’t say that!” I pull out my copy and ask, “Show me where that is written?” I hear momentary sputtering.

Most of the time there is no reply. I gently remind them I have just as much right speak my mind as they do, pointing out the First Amendment.

I was disappointed. How can people not know their nation’s foundational principles

Law professors kicked around the idea of a Living Constitution as early as the 1920s.

The claim is, “The Constitution and other constitutions, hold a dynamic meaning, evolving and adapting to new circumstances, without being formally amended. A living Constitution is said to develop alongside the needs of society, providing a more malleable tool for governments.”

— Living Constitution, U.S. Constitutional Interpretation (Knowledge) Does this mean the government should have more control over those who it governs? Our Constitution states in its Preamble, We The People, govern via representatives. Why would I desire a government, divorced from the people, to exert more control over my life, liberty and pursuit of happiness?

There are manifestos and ideas on how to govern all across the globe. Some work, others have disastrous effects. How dangerous is our Constitution that violent mobs wish to destroy it and replace it with “something better”? Has there been anything better? Some answer, “Of course!”

I ask, “Where?”

We, as citizens, should be excited about the upcoming election process. It happens every four years, heralded by a celebratory atmosphere. Have you noticed this time the mood has changed?

Instead of friendly jabs at opposing candidates, there are violent backlashes.

What happened to our freedom of speech?

Change is being demanded through violent action instead of peaceful demonstration (Yes, Chris Cuomo, it is written in our U.S. Constitution, “ . . . the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”). The rioting in the big city streets against the police and federal authorities, by definition are insurrections* and is addressed in Article

As we close in on our general elections, I celebrate our Constitution and every citizen’s right to vote. For me, going to the poles is special and in this time of pandemic, it may prove even more so.

I leave you with a challenge for Constitution Week:

Re-read the Constitution (You’ll need a dictionary and some reliable history books) For each Article and Amendment, ask yourself: “What do the Founders mean?”

“What was the purpose for its inclusion?”

Does this document address the needs of U.S. citizens today? (It may surprise you) Injustice, bigotry, discrimination and corruption have been with Humankind since the beginning. The Founding Fathers knew this and their attempt to limit humanity’s less moral characteristics is reflected in their founding document.

Is the Constitution perfect? I’ll let you decide. But, what a positive start! “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union . . .”

The invitation has been given. Why not take the opportunity and truly learn what our responsibilities as citizens are to our country? Love it or not, our Constitution allows you to make positive changes for yourself and the people living here.

When Benjamin Franklin walked out of Independence Hall after the Constitutional Convention in1787, someone shouted, “Doctor, what have we got? A republic or a monarchy?” To which Franklin replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.”

It’s our responsibility to keep it. Enjoy Constitution Week!

POLITICS / OPINION

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

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Contributed by Dwight Probasco

I am Dwight Probasco and asking for your support as a candidate for the District 6 School Board seat.

Growing up, “How was school today?” was a common question asked of us when we came home from our day at school. And when we became parents, we went from being asked the question to asking our children, “How was your day at school?”

Today, the answers that we receive to this question differ immensely from the

answers that we gave as children. Our children’s answers today are generated from where and how their school day occurs. Multiple options exist today for our children as they receive their education: traditional brick and mortar schools, a variety of virtual education delivery models, and any array of District-supported home school options. Today there is no common answer.

My belief is that an effective school board’s primary function is to establish and implement policy and to monitor and evaluate progress within our remarkably diverse district. In fulfilling this duty, we ensure and support that the important interaction between student and teacher is enhanced, supported, and maintained.

The Mat-Su School District and all publicschool districts in our state and country are facing common challenges. Like all others, our district holds in common the continued effort to maintain a safe learning environment. I support adherence to the district’s mitigation plan as it pertains to

PAGE 8

the COVID-19 pandemic. Our local, state, and national economy has been negatively affected by the virus. Our district will be challenged to develop a fundable budget that appropriately meets the educational needs of our children. Specific to our district, we have a curriculum lying on the table waiting for Board action.

To the residents of District 6, I am pursuing this School Board seat to represent you as well as all residents of the Mat-Su. Developing and demonstrating credibility in successfully fulfilling my responsibilities as a board member - and earning your trust are paramount to me as I represent you in this position.

I would appreciate your vote and hope if elected that when you see me on the street you are comfortable asking, “How are our schools today?”

Dwight Probasco has lived in the Valley for over 50 years. Serving the Mat-Su Schools for 31 years and 18 years as principal of Wasilla High. He and his wife, Brenda, have three children who are graduates of Wasilla High and three grandchildren, one who attends a Valley school.

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Contributed by Janet Johnson, Edna DeVries & Cathy Mosher The Valley Republican Women of Alaska would like to thank the members and guest for a very successful “CHILI CHILI BANG BANG COOK-OFF”. The line-up of chili cooks and their amazing pots of chili were very impressive. It was very hard to choose between all the entries to cast our ballots.

But in the end, Senator David Wilson was able to retain his title of winner for another year. Congratulations Senator Wilson, and thank you all that competed!

We would like to thank each and every one of you that donated desserts and auction items. We appreciate all that attended and purchased auction items, ate chili, and enjoyed the evening with us. We look forward to seeing you next year! Brush up on your chili recipes for next year and enter to win.

This has been a busy campaign season.

Hope you have been coming to our candidate forums and becoming more informed voters. We are having our next

meeting September 17th at the Sunrise Grill at 7 pm. Our meeting will be a forum of the the Mat-Su Borough Assembly candidates Amber Sanchez (4); Colleen Vague (4); Robert Yundt II (4); Mike Alexander (5); Lisa Behrens (5); Ken Koch (5); and Clayton (Mokie) Tews (5). The Mats-Su School Board Candidates are: “Ole” Larson (3); Jeanne Troshynski (3); Leland “Lee” Baugus (6); and Dwight Probasco (6). On behalf of our membership we will have 3 prepared questions for the school board candidates, plus questions from the audience (ranging from 75 to 100 people).

Then we will have three prepared questions for the assembly candidates plus questions from the audience.

Our membership and audience come from all areas of Mat-Su. All candidates for school board vacancies and borough assembly district 4 and 5 are invited. Many of our members will be gathering around 6:30pm in order to talk privately with our group.

There will be an opportunity to talk to our group individually after our meeting has adjourned. Please bring your families, your

supporters, all are welcome. Our group will be a mixture of male and females. If you have any questions or to confirm your attendance, please call or text 907-355-3243.

We look forward to seeing you on September 17th, no later than 7pm at Sunrise Grill, 918 S Colony Way, Palmer, Alaska. If you are unable to attend but would like to participate, you can have a prepared remarks read for you. Questions will not be available until the evening of the event. You can text your remarks or questions to 907-355-3243. Thank you for caring for our community.

Coming Events: October 16th at the Palmer Depot, Ballad Measure 2,Top Four RankedChoice Voting and Campaign Finance Laws Initiative Forum at 7pm.

General information to check who is running in the election: www.elections.Alaska.gov Legislators and voting record of legislators and bills sponsored: www.alaska.gov

THRIFT SHOPS Steam Driven Boutique ........ 376-4404 Turn-A-Leaf Thrift Stores ........ 376-5708 TOYS Just Imagine Toys ........ 357-1543 Learning Essentials .......... 357-3990

Contributed by Dan Mayfield, Candidate State Senate District D Alaska simply can not cut $3 billion dollars from a $4.5 billion budget without sacrificing our constitutionally-mandated responsibilities or stealing your PFD. That is why I am running for State Senate in District D. Alaska is financially floundering with a nearly $3 billion dollar deficit going into next year. The next legislative session promises to be one of the most difficult in our state’s history. For some, the answer to this problem is more cuts that will continue to erode our institutions, infrastructure, maintenance, education and services. We can not continue to “Cut” with wild abandon. We have to build our way out of this recession with good jobs and a robust PFD that lifts all boats.

Alaska needs an actual fiscal plan that sustains us through the ups and downs of unpredictable oil revenues. This requires

Contributed by Sarah Montalbano What is the Electoral College, and how does it work? At its most basic level, the Electoral College is a group of representatives chosen to officially vote for President of the United States. Through various methods, each state chooses members of the Electoral College, also known as electors. In total, the United States has 538 electors, which is the same as the total number of members of the U.S. House and Senate combined and three for DC, to make apportionment of electors simple. To become President, a candidate must win a majority of electoral votes, which currently stands at 270.

With the Electoral College, each citizen’s vote is actually for a candidate’s electors in that state, not the candidate himself. When a candidate wins the popular vote, it means that his electors won, and will go on to represent the state and vote for that candidate as part of the Electoral College.

How are the number of electoral votes per state decided?

Each state has a number of electors equal to their total number of senators and representatives in the U.S. Congress. This means that when the Census is conducted every ten years, the number of electors per state change as seats in Congress are reapportioned; the 2024 presidential election will

diversified revenue streams, a diversified economy, and responsible fiscal management when times are good so that we can fund education, public safety and infrastructure maintenance when times aren’t good.

I have a proven record of effective leadership as a two-term Mat-Su Assembly member and current Deputy Mayor. I will go to Juneau to work for all of us to improve our lives in the Mat-Su. As your Senator, I will vote for what is best for our community – and not what either political caucus may dictate. I oppose a binding caucus. What is best for the Mat-Su and the solvency of our State, will be my focus.

My priorities include: • Restore our historical oil revenue for a full PFD and protect our PFD in the Alaska State Constitution. We need to get the best value for our God-given resources to protect the PFD. • I oppose a “Binding Caucus” that takes

reflect population data from the 2020 Census. However, every state is guaranteed at least three electors regardless of the share of overall population comprised, since they are guaranteed two senators and one representative in Congress. Washington, DC is allocated three electors in the Electoral College as well.

Alaska currently receives three electoral votes, equal to the number of senators and representatives we have. Although reapportionment is possible if population is shown to have grown substantially since the 2010 Census, it is unlikely Alaska will receive more electoral votes anytime soon.

How do states choose their electors?

The Constitution does not dictate how states choose electors, instead delegating this task to state legislatures. Forty-eight states and DC use a winner-take-all system where the state looks at the overall winner of the statewide popular vote, chooses that candidate’s electors, and allocates all the state’s electoral votes to that candidate.

However, Maine and Nebraska appoint individual electors based on the popular vote in each Congressional District, and two electors based on the winner of the statewide popular vote.

Alaska uses a winner-take-all system. Each political party chooses their electors, usu-

away our voice in Juneau • KGB road reconstruction • Good educational and vocational opportunities for all Mat-Su students • A state capital construction budget that puts our people back to work • Senior benefits and affordable housing • Additional troopers and prosecutors • Transportation/infrastructure bond to build Alaska • Opioid/substance abuse treatment to prevent crime • Reduce the high cost of medical treatment • Return fish to our local streams and lakes It is my hope that you will join me in rejecting the failed policies of the incumbent so that we can provide Alaska with the brighter future we all deserve.

Please visit my website at www.danmayfieldalaska.com/ for more information.

I look forward to hearing from you.

ally through party convention. On Election Day, those votes are pledged to the majority winner, whose electors represent Alaska in the Electoral College.

Why is the Electoral College important?

The Founders saw the burgeoning United States as a geographically, economically, and socially diverse nation, and as the nation grew to 50 states, this has only become more accurate. The Electoral College ensures that candidates for the Presidency appeal to an array of geographic, economic, and social interests, which is intended to yield a President who incorporates the nation’s diversity and considers the interests of different areas. The Electoral College thus prevents regional candidates from sweeping an election, especially urban centers.

The Electoral College also guarantees that minority interests are balanced with the will of the majority – this principle is foundational to the U.S. system of representative democracy. State-by-state voting and guaranteed representation of at least three votes in the Electoral College means that rural areas are not discounted in election campaigns. However, more populous states also receive electors proportional to their population, which allows the will of the majority to be considered as well. The Electoral College ensures the President has widespread support across the nation, even if they have not won the popular vote.

Sarah Montalbano grew up in Wasilla and is the Research Associate at Alaska Policy Forum.

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POLITICS / OPINION Contributed by Bill Johnson, Bill Johnson for House Alaska is going broke.

By the end of this fiscal year, we will have depleted our savings accounts. We have had to smash our piggy bank to make up the difference between our income and our expenditures. Next year it will all be gone, and we will have to figure out how to meet the shortfall.

Alaska gets money from three basic sources: 1) the federal government, 2) the interest on our Permanent Fund, and 3) oil taxes.

Federal money only comes if Alaska puts up matching funds, so unless we already have money to spend, there is no federal match.

This clearly does not solve our problem.

Interest on the Permanent Fund is expected to be about $3.2 billion this year. But this

Contributed by Monica Stein-Olson Recently, candidate Monica Stein Olson released the following statement as she advances her campaign to the general election on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

“I am pleased and proud to be on the general election ballot, running to represent Talkeetna, Trapper Creek, Willow, Houston, Susitna, and northern Wasilla for State House in District 10. As a successful 30-year senior Foreign

Contributed by Linda Combs I think about Palmer, its roots, its legacy and the fact that I have been honored to be a part of the leadership and growth of this great community for decades.

Lately, I have given some thought to how the city was formed 70 years ago and how those individuals through their desire to have a strong community worked so very hard to build a remarkable foundation for us in the decisions made that resulted in the City of Palmer’s Charter. The Charter that has withstood the decades faithfully and remains a testimony to the attributes those leaders felt would remain a strong vision of a vibrant community.

As extraordinary as the year 2020 has been so far, the very traditional values that are the guidelines for Palmer’s management show that time and time again those principles will continue to provide a steady course for

year’s budget is about $6.5 billion. In other words, we will get only about half of what we need through the Permanent Fund.

This brings us to oil revenues. Under the current oil tax structure we might take in $.5 billion next year. Simple math (3.2 +.5 = 3.7) tells us we need another $3 billion dollars just in order to keep operating.

Our current oil tax structure has been in place for five years. Over that time period, it has cost the state some $82 million annually, for an average net loss of $16.44 million per year. You read that right. We are literally making nothing, and paying oil companies to take our oil!

Ballot Measure No 1, The Fair Share Act, is a citizen attempt to fix this problem. It simply increases our oil production tax on “The Big 3” - Prudhoe Bay, Kuparuk and Alpine/Colville - from 4% to 10%. This tax will be added to the 12.5% royalty that oil corporations must already pay bringing

Service Officer at the United States Agency for Development, I know I can represent all factions of our district in Juneau.

For three decades, I oversaw and implemented diverse economic development programs around the world, focusing on job creation in small and medium businesses, youth development, health and education, and democracy and human rights. I can’t wait to put my experience to work to promote prosperity and make our district an even

Palmer to follow. Relationships in our community involving the municipal entity (CITY OF PALMER, ALASKA) with the commercial endeavors and volunteer organizations have provided our community a resilient if not always robust, economy. I believe strongly in working within Palmer’s Charter and Municipal Code, and believe I have performed my duties as described in my oath of office very diligently. That is one the strongest reasons that I am seeking and have been urged to seek another term on the City Council.

In order to faithfully fulfill our obligations to all citizens of Palmer, we must with public safety first, take care of our aging infrastructure.

We need to pay attention to infrastructure projects that have been before us for many years, including gravel to pavement street improvements, wastewater treatment facility upgrades, steel main replacement, and upgrades at the airport. These are budget priorities at this time and are doable with

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

the total to 16.5%. In Texas oil producers pay some 30% in taxes! We are not being greedy with our modest proposal. In fact, it’s still less than our historical average of 12.5%, and oil companies will still make an impressive profit here.

This is the only revenue producing plan that will increase Alaska’s income in time to help with next year’s budget. Even in the very unlikely event that the legislature were to convene tomorrow and pass an income tax or a sales tax it would take until at least 2023 for us to realize any money, and it would never be enough.

I see no other course of action that makes any sense. You and I, must vote yes on this initiative. By doing so we will enable our state and our economy to keep functioning.

With what we currently give away to corporations who don’t need it, we will be able to fund education, our ferries, our roads, our emergency services, and to take

better place to live.

“I am running against incumbent David Eastman, and I will run an issues-based campaign focusing on issues of economic development, educational and vocational opportunity for our kids, and my passion— veterans’ issues. I am a moderate Democrat from a patriotic military family—my father is 95 and a veteran of three wars (WWII, Korea and Viet Nam), and was held as a POW in Nazi Germany. My mother is a veteran of the

some serious consideration and attention. I have been pleased with the budget process over the past several years for the most part because the majority of the City Council including myself has been diligent in defining a fiscal policy that provides for a sustainable budget. My background in private, public and non-profit accounting has and will continue to provide me with the ability to affect the budget with a careful and moderate approach.

I have shown myself to be an effective communicator and advocate in community organizations, and as a current City Council Member through a long history of advocating at the local and state level for issues that benefit Palmer. I have every intention to continue as a vocal advocate as issues arise as well as carrying on present work especially that includes the Pioneer and Veteran’s Home and any and all senior issues such as housing and medical care. I also believe that I bring balance to discussions regarding Palmer because of my willingness to serve

and evolution is succinctly described by Yoram Hazony in Quillette.

There are others starting to surface as the reality of the situation is finally starting to be obvious to them also.

Contributed by Doug Ferguson Having lived in five distinct regions of our great country in my lifetime, I have marveled in the natural beauty and potential for having a fulfilling and prosperous life in each. Thus it is with great sadness that I see the divisiveness, violence and destruction occurring in our cities and communities across the nation as we ramp up to the current election. To make this happen, large segments of our young people have joined forces with Marxist radicals that believe our country’s system of government and values are evil and need to be destroyed and replaced.

This is not a surprise. The reasons for this divisiveness have been brewing for a very long time. For the past decade or so, I have written frequently on these. What is surprising is how rapid this movement is

moving to a destructive climax beyond which there is no return, fueled by our modern instantaneous communications technology and it’s world-wide media.

Sadly, while not perfect, the free speech American two-party “check and balance” system of democratic government, that for the average human being has been the best the world has ever seen, that took hundreds of years to evolve from its seeds in Europe, and was a model for democracies around the world, is being irreversibly destroyed before our eyes.

Now that the train has left the station unfortunately, some of our clearer thinking intellectuals are beginning to write about how this has happened. For example…

In recent articles, the current situation is accurately reported by Heather Mac Donald in Imprimis and it’s historical background

While it has never been my style to be a pessimist, I have lived long enough and have been involved in enough constructive and positive enterprises to realize how quickly these can be destroyed if the participants end up not believing in them.

Our young people are our future. To see so many of them not believing in the American ideal and dream of freedom and opportunity is not only depressing, but makes it impossible to see how our country can recover from the current destructive path it is on.

When people form strong ideas and opinions about such matters early in their young lives, very few change them in later adulthood unless they have gone through some form of pain or hardship. I’m afraid too many of them will not do so until it is much too late to save our America, if it already is.

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care of our seniors. We get to keep the Alaska we love, and where our kids will be able to stay and raise families.

Not only must we vote yes on 1, we must vote for candidates who understand the problem and who will work to make sure we get a fair share for our oil, who will fight to protect our Permanent Fund, and who will work for a better future for Alaska.

Think about it. The numbers are simple. The solution is obvious. We must stand up for Alaska, stand up to the oil companies and get our Fair Share. It is the right thing to do.

I’m Bill Johnson and I am running for Alaska State House District 9, which includes Fishhook, Farm Loop, Sutton, Chickaloon, Glennallen, Valdez, Delta Junction and Whittier.

I am a lifelong Alaskan (and resident of District 9) and I would like to bring rational thinking to Juneau for District 9 and Alaska.

Korean War. My brother flew F-15s, and I went to college on a full ROTC scholarship. Keeping promises and providing care and opportunity for those who served is close to home, and close to my heart.

“A vote for me will be a vote for a representative with a core background in diplomacy who can work with others to achieve success – advocating always for the best interest of the communities and people in our district.”

the town in several capacities for as long as I have. It’s that balance that provides necessary perspective when we have discussions and make decisions.

The traditions and values handed down through the decades for our beautiful and unique town have supported Palmer very well. This is not to say that changes have not been considered and enacted. Frankly that is an ongoing process that should never stop and is the means through which Palmer has continued to grow to encompass a most desirable designation as Alaska at its Best. I truly desire to serve Palmer and share whatever assets I have with the community I love. Once again feel free to contact me with any questions through the City of Palmer’s website regarding City policies or issues.

I am hoping that you will vote for me in the Palmer City Election on October 6th using any one of the voting methods provided.

Yet there still are many Americans young and old who don’t agree with what is happening and will fight to the finish to not be swept up by a movement that history has many times shown will be an ultimate chaotic march toward totalitarian rule.

Despite my age, I count myself as one of these. All we have to do is look at Russia, China, North Korea, Cambodia, Cuba and Venezuela and their history and experiences with Marxist type movements. These show that if the acceleration of the current movement in our country is not reversed, we are bound to see mass violence and/or civil war. Is it already too late to do this?

Again, as I think about all this, it brings great sadness to reflect on the future for my children, their children and the citizens of this once great country. I sincerely wish I am wrong.

Doug Ferguson is a retired engineer living in Palmer, Alaska who has had a lifelong interest in science, history, gardening, nature, astronomy, and of course, human behavior.

POLITICS / OPINION Contributed by Wes Keller The pursuit of “justice” is a constant, inescapable, quest of humankind. We naturally fear consequences of injustice for ourselves and others. We insist life must be “fair”! Ensuring justice is the cornerstone purpose for any authentic government exercising authority over humans. The thing is, logically, justice cannot exist without a divine standard to judge by.

The quality of “justice” delivered by government is directly proportional to the quality of the standards (laws) used! The Ten Commandments of the Bible, and the “law written on men’s hearts”, (the “Natural Law” of the Declaration) are ultimately the basis for the “gold standard” for American justice authority. There is an undeniable, amazing correlation between Biblical concepts and the Principles of Liberty established by the Founders (freedom, prosperity, and peace).

According to the Pew Research Center, every state constitution references God or the Divine. I don’t think anybody would argue;

Contributed by Leland Baugus My name is Leland Baugus and I am running for Mat-Su Borough School Board.

I reside north of Palmer with my wife of 15 years and our 5 children (one with special needs). I grew up in Alaska near Fairbanks, left for college and the Air Force, and I am currently an oilfield supply/operations manager. I returned 9 years ago with my family, and we have loved it in the Valley ever since.

Contributed by Janet Kincaid One the ballot in the upcoming City of Palmer election, on October 6th, Proposition 1 will open the city to pot shops. I am strongly opposed to this. In 1976, my family purchased the Valley Hotel.

People suffer when government “justice” is based on bad laws. It stands to reason; if government intends to be the source of justice, it has a vested interest in finding, understanding, and maintaining perfect laws.

Government “justice” deteriorates when those with the authority to write, execute, and interpret laws (the three branches) lose their focus, or intentionally undermine, the “gold standard”.

I challenge you to try to defend any authoritative alternative or standard to justify any government court sanction you can think of – without using Biblical principles!

All of history confirms existence of “laws of nature and nature’s God” referenced in the Declaration of Independence. On what basis could you, for example, demand sentencing for murder without the standard, “Thou shalt not Kill”? Or, violation of property rights without the standard, “Thou shalt not steal,” and, “Thou shalt not covet your neighbor’s house…”? Or, punishing anyone who is not complying with a contract without, “Thou shalt not bear false witness”? The entire Bill

My philosophy of public education is based on my conservative values and beliefs, with school choice and the need for a voucher system at the core. Healthy competition between schools in an area benefits every child. It allows more freedom to parents to choose what their children are taught, exposed to, and where their tax money is going.

I do support an Alaska Constitutional Amendment that would allow public money to support public, private and religious

We had a mortgage and faced a challenge following the crash in the 80s.

We did all we could to make Palmer a desirable place. A few of the businesses got together with the city to form Palmer Pride; this gave those who did not live in the city

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of Rights springs from God’s laws/values we inherited in our Judeo- Christian heritage.

Our founders anticipated our nation’s laws would be written by legislators who would be elected and re-elected by an electorate that embraces the “gold standard”. They believed a truly free, educated, people would give preference to God’s perfect law. History had clearly demonstrated to them how laws based on any given monarch’s human intellect/ or wisdom, as opposed to the Divine standard, leads to oppression and injustice.

It is all spelled out in the Declaration of Independence including grievances against the king. We may be about to find out if the founders were correct or naïve’ to trust a free electorate depending on how individual Americans sort out our response to the current dramatic challenges (rioting, unwise Covid response, media lying and manipulation, campaign and political cheating …).

The “rule of law” is a great way to govern… assuming the laws are “gold standard” laws.

Unfortunately, we seem to have fallen for a twisted perspective, a lie. Government endorsement of our Judeo-Christian heritage is NOT prohibited, is not oppressive, nor is it the establishment of religion! Removal of

schools. A school voucher system would streamline the process and reduce administrative costs for the borough.

I also support outsourcing Mat-Su borough responsibilities if it is determined that we can get things done better and for less so that we can turn around and use those funds to improve our schools, increase teacher wages, or add sports/electives, etc.

I am against sexualizing education. Other than high school human biology class, that

limits a voice in the city. We hung banners and flower baskets, watered them from the bed of a pickup truck, and did what we could to enhance Palmer - and give us pride.

Now, 44 years later, Palmer has arrived. We are known statewide as a family-friendly

Contributed by Glenda Ledford, Wasilla Mayor Candidate

why she is qualified to be the next Mayor of Wasilla.

without the added expense of traveling to Anchorage for training.

“I am the only candidate for mayor who lives in Wasilla, works in Wasilla, owns a business in Wasilla, creates jobs in Wasilla, and has first-hand experience of creating and living by a reasonable budget. No other mayorial candidate has these qualifications.”

Glenda moved to Alaska from the Lower 48 in 1986 and has owned and operated Glenda’s Salon & Training Center in Wasilla since 1990. She is one of the few business owners who has ventured into publicprivate partnerships to deliver education and certification for aspiring students, with the goal of them securing living-wage jobs

Glenda stands in improving the economy and “keeping the green light on for new businesses”, as Wasilla is a place that says, “Come shop with us.” Her extensive experience in creating jobs, making payroll, and navigating the challenges of everyday business, especially during COVID-19, and multiple economic downturns proves her

This is what Glenda Ledford has to say about

EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to innocent human error this essay wasn’t printed in last month’s edition as planned. Please refresh yourselves with the contents of Part 1 on our website: thepeoplespaper.news/stuartthompson Contributed by Stuart Thompson There are things citizens, not just laws and law enforcement by government, can do directly to control the human imperfections behind current government corruption (see Part I of my essay published two months ago). Most arise conceptually from wise people of the past.

Bearing false witness is plainly rampant in American society. So taking anything any official, expert, or media outlet says at face value, without honest personal verification of the facts of the case, makes you an accessory to any dishonesty and resulting corruption. So refrain from it.

In an immoral environment, an individual should apply personal honor and set a good example. This includes encouraging others to do the same. Your expanding influence this way is greater than you think, even to reaching Washington D.C. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. As you wouldn’t care for unthinking punishment for your trespasses, but practical opportunities to be responsible

for any consequences, grant others the same treatment. Contact officials whose trespasses you’ve noticed and suggest they search out opportunities to be responsible for those trespasses. Practicing hatred and violence toward others for their trespasses is the killer of civilization.

Just passing more law against bearing false witness isn’t good enough, since the problem is lack of attention to existing law, like the simple, all-embracive one from God. And obviously making a big production out of punishing people isn’t very effective either. Who can top the biblical eternaldamnation threat for mutiny against the 10 Commandments?

Require that to successfully apply for a PFD as an adult, one must attest that he or she has read at least (!) Article 1 of Declaration Of Rights, Article 5 of Suffrage and Elections and Article 11 of Initiative, Referendum, and Recall of the Alaska Constitution, plus the US Constitution’s Bill of Rights. Government may need to make provision for disabilities and people not fluent in English. This so a citizen becomes aware of his powers and responsibilities to address his government’s inadequacies.

To help you vote your conscience, support enactment of law to convert the present Alaskan election configuration to an instant runoff voting system. This is where a voter selects his/her top 3 choices for each elected

position regardless of party. If there is no clear winner with everyone’s first choice, second choices are counted for a winner, and so on. This should apply to national election choices as well.

Political positions are the only major profession that doesn’t clearly require continuing education on its subject.

Ignorance or miseducation obviously contributes to political misconduct and malfeasance or lack of competence at holding office.

If government requires licenses to practice our professions, then we should demand proof that a candidate knows how to hold political office in a representative government. And no, this isn’t merely practicing addiction to lobbyists or getting free goodies to constituents to appease them. Perhaps Alaska’s civics teachers should provide candidates with testing, the results of which are then published.

To get and keep your vote, demand your public official log all office visitors and their business, including not just lobbyists but also other officials and their aides ,and regularly publish the logs for constituent inspection and questions.

To wean our politicians from addiction to lobbyists, require your elected official to maintain a constituent website to allow constituent postings about concerns and

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the Ten Commandments from our schools, court rooms and other public buildings is a declaration of the intent of some to deny the Source of moral absolutes with some vague value given to naïve’ tolerance. It is truly anyone’s right to reject the ancient standard, ironically because of the very standard being rejected. Religious freedom (including freedom to reject) is inherent to humanity, and the founding fathers’ governmental blueprint when creating America. To reject the ancient standard is to reject freedom. What is the United States of America without freedom?

Beyond ensuring our governing representatives have a valid perspective on the source of authority to ensure justice, there is little we can do except get into humble selfexamination and reaffirm our own submission to God’s sovereignty. “Repentance” for the pride and selfishness that may reveal itself is absolutely appropriate. There is an open question whether this will happen on a wide enough scale. The source of justice in American government must emanate (originate from) a free, moral, and religious electorate. If the majority of Americans will not, (cannot) comply, the future is truly dark indeed! Wes Keller | WesKeller.com

responsibly should always fall to parents and not educators.

If elected, I look to bring strong leadership, fiscal responsibility, conservative values, and a desire to improve academic performance through-out our community.

Thank you for your consideration as your representative on the Mat-Su Borough School Board.

Leland Baugus

place to live and do business. Pot shops do NOT fit in this image.

Please VOTE on October 6th, and note NO on Proposition 1.

Janet Kincaid

ability to solve difficult problems.

Let’s help Wasilla become a more vibrant city. If you want a leader who can make significant change to “how it has always been”, then vote for Glenda Ledford on Tuesday, October 6th.

To learn more about Glenda and what she stands for, please go to www.ledfordforwasillamayor.com.

how to resolve them. Constituents should expect to get informational briefings on pending issues, and referrals to information already presented on the topic that he/ she raises. Postings from lobbyists should be allowed, providing they respond to constituent questions. Misconduct or hateful communication on the website should be managed by a moderator, with privilege suspension subject to direct appeal to the elected official.

Legislative information offices and local congressional offices should provide assistance to computer challenged people. Please look up the City of Juneau’s Neighborhood Association ordinance on how such citizen consultation can work to “secure and transmit to succeeding generations our heritage of political, civil, and religious liberty”. (Ref. Preamble to the Alaska Constitution).

In the interest of supporting respect for each person’s vote, advocate having Alaska change how it calculates the state’s electoral votes. Currently, it is winner (of the popular vote) takes all. It is within a state’s US constitutional power to modify this to assigning electoral votes PROPORTIONATE to the spread of the popular vote. Some states already do this.

It is incredible the amount of ideas that exist in the annals of people-based government,that can be honed to workable usefulness by the confluence of citizen minds.

It just takes looking and sincere practice of mental liberty by individuals. Let’s not let government of the people, for the people, and by the people perish from this earth.

Stuart Thompson PO Box 87070 Wasilla, AK 99687

lookitover@att.net

POLITICS / OPINION Contributed by Sabrina Combs I love Palmer. That’s the answer I give to anyone who asks why I am running for reelection, why I sit on the City Council, why I volunteer, why I raise my children here, why I care. It’s a broad answer without any details, but it’s the ultimate truth. I think anyone who knows me can attest that my love for this town runs deep.

I’m running for one of two open seats in the October 6th election for the City of Palmer.

I’ve been sitting on the City Council since I was first elected in 2017, and I have learned a lot in these first three years. Aside from the details of just learning the different processes involved with passing legislation and the business of each meeting, I’ve learned that the wheels of progress move slowly. Too slow for my taste, actually. I think we can get a lot more done in a faster manner than what we do today. I’m all about streamlining for improvement and our city could definitely use some streamlining.

Change is sometimes scary. Especially in Palmer where we have such an important and rich history to preserve. I love the charm

Contributed by Lisa Behrens I’ve been working on my campaign for Mat-Su Borough Assembly over the past several months now.

Themes of concern I am hearing across the District 5 communities of Knik-Goose Bay, Pt. Mackenzie and Big Lake are road conditions, public safety and crime.

I can completely relate to those concerns, as I have weathered 15 years of direct experience with those issues, myself.

Contributed by Steve Alexander There were two opposing op/ed pieces published in the local conservative online media outlet called “Alaska Watchman” just before the Alaska 2020 primary elections. (They are found at www.alaskawatchman.com.)

The very public fight was about the best way to stop the business of legalized killing of a baby in the womb. It was between two groups who should be enthusiastic moral and political allies. The absurdity of their mutual animosity calls for a third perspective.

The right to say the blunt things that follow arise from my function as a pastor of a small church who invests thousands of dollars of corporate offerings each year into the battle for the lives of the unborn. (We are unmoved by the Marxist threats of IRS retaliation.) For reasons that will become obvious and also demonstrate my freedom from any financial bias regarding the two “ministries” mentioned here, neither of them receives any of those dollars.

The dueling opinion letters came from Alaska Right to Life (Martin/Eastman camp) in opposition to Alaska Family Council (Minnery camp). An alternative response needs

our town offers and the way we honor how it was formed. I would never want to change that. But we also need to remain adaptable to future generations. We are seeing so many young business owners choose Palmer as the place to start up shop and I want to encourage that growth and opportunity.

We need to ensure Palmer remains a viable community for all generations.

It’s this ideology that has started the conversation again toward annexation and growth. Annexation brings about a bevy of emotions for most people. It’s my commitment to the citizens of the Greater Palmer area (not just those who reside in City limits) to listen to public input while we move forward in exploring potential annexation possibilities in the future.

None of this process will move forward quickly and none of it without thorough time for comments from our community.

But I do support the process of seeing how we can responsibly grow as a community to ensure economic stability in very economically uncertain times – it’s something we should all be focused on. I also want to continue to hold our leadership

As a 911 EMT and critical care paramedic, I responded to thousands of calls in every corner of Mat-Su. My crewmates and I experienced poor to hazardous road conditions and traffic safety issues first-hand, on many occasions. My experience in 911 responses across the borough also frequently involved dangerous situations that required us to partner with law enforcement. Over the years, our law enforcement support became stretched so thin that when ambulance crews called for backup, help was often delayed, and on occasion, simply not available at all. This has to change!

In addition to my 15 years in Emergency Services, I spent 16 years as an Alaska Region Air Traffic Controller. Both of my careers taught

to come from someone out here on the Alaska battlefield who has neither a pharisaical political temple to sustain nor the need to cultivate fundraising with controversy. That double-barreled critique is one that I plainly aim at both camps. Even so, neither side is totally in error just as both sides cannot be fully in the right. As you will see however, I find one more grossly in error than the other.

My perspective arises from being one among many relative “peons” outside the political circles trying to be effective without big media voices to facilitate our efforts.

We are just trying to save unborn lives and propagate Jesus’ kingdom in changed hearts across a state being vandalized by addiction and sexual abuse in addition to abortion.

Meanwhile, the Sacarii-styled approach to this conflict by these two high visibility groups helps only those who cannot imagine life without the “right” to kill the only helpless person of the three persons involved in their inconvenient pregnancy.

It seems true that the Minnery/AFC crowd sometimes acts more “political” than “principled” in their “incremental” approach, and such is disliked by those of us in the trenches wanting real concrete change. However, the

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team and my fellow Council members ethically accountable in all decisions we make. Palmer should lead transparently, involving the community in important decisions and listening to our constituents, something I have always maintained.

Public safety is another a huge priority – as Palmer grows, we need to ensure that we have proper police protection in place and a well-equipped fire department to respond to emergencies. I’ll work to make sure this happens, regardless of future growth.

In these days of social-distancing, e-commerce that is efficient and easy to use should be a priority. We’ve been working toward this goal at the City but it isn’t happening fast enough. We still can’t pay business taxes online or use a credit card at the library to pay fees. This needs to change.

I’ll work to make us a more user-friendly city, especially when trying to do business with us.

I hope you can make it to the polls on October 6th. If you want to avoid voting inperson, please request an absentee ballot to be mailed to you. You have until September

me to be a critical thinker and problem solver. I bring significant experience with me in seeking election to our District 5 Assembly seat. As your representative, I commit to work hard to ensure safe road conditions and improve law enforcement availability. I won’t let the recent Borough crime task force report sit on the shelf, but will see that it is followed as a guide to move forward and meet our needs.

Please be aware that for the first time ever, our Borough election will be held on the same day as the presidential and state elections, and the process will be very different from years past. There will be 2 lines, 2 sets of election officials, 2 requests for voter identification, and 2 different ballots; one

Eastman/Martin/RTL crowd, while claiming Christian ethics, engaged in plain personal slander during their political primary battle with candidate Sumner, and their accusation that AFC won’t protect “all” unborn life is transparently deceptive verbiage simply used to assail with animus.

More sadly and seriously, the Eastman/Martin “all or nothing” approach plainly leaves them with blood of the unborn on their own hands because they will not save even one if they cannot save “all.” It is raw unmitigated fact that the death of the way-betterthan-nothing “Heartbeat Bill” in the Alaska Legislature was ensured by the sole actions of one David Eastman with Pat Martin’s support. It may someday come as a real jolt to their theology to face the truth that God Himself could not “save them all” but has been working for 2000 years, incrementally with imperfect partners, to save every single one He can.

Some historical reality could stand to rule alongside the scriptural realties if honesty were to rule in hearts. Thankfully the founding fathers of our nation were wise enough to embrace incremental gains that secured the constitutional freedoms we needed

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29th to request it. Visit www.palmerak. org/2020-regularelection to request a ballot, find your polling location, and get all of the other election information available.

Remember, you can vote for two candidates in this election. I would love to have a fresh voice on the Council with me – Brian Daniels is that voice. He represents a demographic that isn’t currently represented on the Council and I think it’s important to have voices from our entire community sitting together at the table.

Brian is long-time Palmeranian (or is it Palmerite?) who has worked in locallyowned business for over a decade. He has great ideas for helping shape the future of Palmer and has great regard for the character of our town. I hope you’ll consider him for your second vote on the ballot.

I love serving this community. I’d appreciate your support and your vote in this election.

Visit www.votesabrenacombs.com to learn more about me and please always feel free to reach out to me with any concerns, questions or ideas regarding Palmer. I always want to hear from you.

for state and presidential elections and one for the borough election. Lines will likely be long, so many are recommending absentee or early voting which begins on October 19th. Traditional poll voting is November 3, 2020.

Like all candidates, my campaign team and I are looking for support and votes to put us across the finish line. You can reach me by email, Facebook, website and phone. I look forward to hearing from you. Contact me anytime!

Email: lisa.behrens.msbak@gmail.com Facebook: Lisa Behrens for Assembly Phone: 907-775-5683 Website: www.lisabehrensak.com

in this Bible-based Republic. Though they initially could not secure the freedom from the slavery that most of them knew to be an antithesis to the very foundation of their aims, they constructively secured what they could and prepared for subsequent battles.

Without their foresight through incremental gain, our nation never would have survived to eventually eradicate slavery. If the founding fathers could be wise enough to know they could not fight the British and wage an internal war over slavery at the same time, we should be wise enough to know we cannot fight the abortionists and each other at the same time.

As it stands now, the Martin/Eastman camp gets to send yet another wasted voice/ vote to Juneau that refuses all productive partnership with Christians they deem less purely principled than themselves.

Meanwhile, the Minnery camp will have to desperately find funds to replace what this Christian-against-Christian battle has cost.

It has been a “no win” fight for marbles that do not even have sufficient practicality to be used as projectiles in any equivalent of a political slingshot. It is battlefield “friendly fire” that damages our cause. More accurately, it functions as fratricide that assists the business of infanticide in the womb. Just in case either side is listening, there are a lot of rank-and-file soldiers out here that would sure like better of our “leaders”.

COMMUNITY

Contributed by Michele Harmeling, United Way of Mat-Su United Way of Mat-Su will convene an advisory board to assist in the procurement of art pieces to be installed near or on public right-of-way locations around the City of Palmer.

We are seeking community-minded individuals with a passion for art, a love for the Mat-Su, and an active interest in improving our community. A history of active community engagement, particularly with the arts, is preferred.

The ideal candidate for the Advisory Board will bring with them a knowledge of the aesthetics, history, culture and geography of Palmer. Board members should be willing and able to commit 10-12 hours per month toward board activities, particularly during the initial phases of this project.

Board members will review initial proposals by local artists, narrowing their selection for finalists. Finalists will move on to further review. Advisory

Board members should anticipate meeting biweekly during the RFP review period, with meeting schedules adjustable to reflect workload. Meetings may be conducted virtually. Knowledge of virtual platforms such as Zoom and conference calling will be helpful.

While Advisory Board members are welcome to submit art for consideration, any members doing so must recuse themselves of the review process.

Please submit a letter of interest via email to admin@unitedwaymatsu.org.

Questions? Call 745-5824 or email admin@unitedwaymatsu.org.

Stuff the Bus 2020: A Drive-Thru Day of Action Our first Drive-Thru Day of Action was a resounding success.

Thanks to many local volunteers, partners and our Board members, we were able to pivot to an outdoor,

fragility. Age also brings changes to vision, cognition, flexibility, and speed of reflexes. As such, new strategies or adaptive equipment may be needed to ensure safety and comfort.

Contributed by Amy Brown, Center for Safe Alaskan Older drivers are often the safest drivers.

They are more likely to wear seatbelts, and less likely to speed or drink and drive. According to a survey from AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association, 9 in 10 older drivers fasten their seat belts when behind the wheel and more than a third have taken driver improvement courses.

However, older drivers are more likely to be killed or seriously injured when a crash does occur due to the greater

CarFit is a program that can help improve safety of older drivers. It is a FREE driver safety program that guides senior drivers through a 12-point checklist to improve the fit to their vehicles, and to assess the driver’s car for optimal safety settings. The program is a partnership between AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) to enhance safety, comfort and provide the best protection for the driver in the event of a crash.

Findings show that senior drivers often experience safety-related challenges of improper or inadequate fit including: - Distance from steering wheel (59%) - Views from side mirrors (31%) - Seat height (28%) - Head restraint height (21%)

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contact-less event.

We are grateful for the awesome advice and assistance of the Menard Center staff in creating a traffic flow that allowed over 800 Mat-Su students to receive backpacks, school supplies and face masks to help them start the school year right. We know this year has posed many challenges, and we are so glad to have risen to this one with smiles on all faces and willing hands to help.

Sincere thanks to the following volunteers: Sonja Nelson (MTA) Stacie Stigar Madeline Ortiz Abuela and Abuelo Ortiz Rhys Allen Houston Allen Madeline Emmi Dakota Brown Demara Crim Alicia Fields & Family Ana Arreola Samantha Glick Sarah Collins, Mat-Su Home Builders

Some of the areas that CarFit assess are: - Seatbelt fit to ensure correct placement on the strong bones of the driver, not the neck or belly.

- Properly adjusted mirrors to diminish blind spots.

- The proper tilt of the steering wheel and positioning of the air bag: at least 10 inches between the chest and the airbag housed in the steering wheel.

- A properly adjusted head restraint to prevent whiplash injuries.

- A clear line of sight above the steering wheel and dash.

- Easy access to the gas and brake pedal.

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Association Josie Pierson Collette Cook Kim Locke Christian Mulkey, Mrs. Alaska America 2020 Sydney Lopez Brenda McCain and Jo Pendleton, Willow CERT Team Bill Morrow & the Mat-Su American Red Cross staff Teresa Martinez & Dominic, UWMS Board of Directors Tyler Healy, Lauren Hedgecroft, Rebecca Sullivan, Youth 360 First National Bank of Alaska Staff We couldn’t have done this without you!

Your flexibility and willingness to “roll with the punches” during this unique event has made all the difference.

For more information on upcoming service projects and events, visit www.unitedwaymatsu.org Find us on Facebook: @unitedwaymatsu

The drawing will take place on October 1st. To participate, please visit www. safealaskans.org/carfit.

If you have questions or require assistance at any time, please contact us at 907-929-3939 or email, info@ safealaskans.org.

For more information about the national CarFit program, visit www. car-fit.org/.

To ensure safety and convenience through COVID-19, we have created an easy-to-follow 12-part CarFit video series that you can watch from your computer or smartphone.

Center for Safe Alaskans is a non-profit agency funded through a grant from the Alaska Highway Safety Office. Safe Alaskans coordinates transportation safety programs locally for all ages to include CarFit, car seat and booster seat checkups and teen driving safety campaigns.

The total time to watch all 12 videos is around 20 minutes. Viewers that watch all 12 videos will also be entered to win 1 of 10 $25 Fred Meyer gift cards!

Amy Brown is the certified CarFit Project Coordinator for Center for Safe Alaskans and can be reached at amy@safealaskans.org.

PETS & ANIMALS

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Contributed by Kelleigh Orthmann, Clear Creek Cat Rescue Gertrude and Tove! They’re best friends, and would love to have a home together. They are both boys. Yes, Gertrude is a boy, but he is cool and confident and has no problem with a girl name. He is very friendly and loving and he is helping Tove feel more comfortable around people. Tove likes to be pet by the kind humans he knows, but he’s not an insta-cat who will go right up to a stranger and say ‘hello’. Gertrude has told him that’s okay. Not every cat needs to be a greeter. In fact, he lets Tove know that it’s fine to hide out and do reconnaissance before you reveal yourself. After all, the world is a little bit crazy.

Gertrude is maybe 2 or 3, and Tove is barely a year old.

Gertrude has a curious splash on his nose; Tove has half a mask. They are both wonderful, though totally different, and will make the purrfect pair for a family who wants to adopt cats who are already bonded and happy together.

So here they are: the PURRFECT PAIR! Ready to be loved and cherished, to go outside in the yard and explore and then come inside and nestle up together, and with their people, and have a great life.

If you can help them with that and be their forever wonderful family, please give us a call at 980-8898.

chicken to keep the blood away from the house. I chopped off the head, but accidentally let go of her and she took off flying across the lake and we were left with just the head and never did recover the rest of the chicken.

From then on, I cut off their heads where they would have lots of room to run if I was foolish enough to lose my hold on the chicken. My biggest disappointment with my chickens was that since they were free-range, they were slim and trim instead of fat and juicy, which didn’t make for as tasty a meal as the chickens from the grocery store.

Contributed by Marilyn Bennett Sometimes it helps to get away from the everyday bad, sad, irritating or obnoxious news and just have an oldfashioned talk about chickens.

On visiting my daughter and her husband in Valdez, I have been amazed at how they had turned their city lot into a small chicken farm. Yes, they fell prey to the craze that has been sweeping the country for the past 15 years of “Yuppy City Chicken People”. You might wonder how chickens can survive in Valdez under 10 feet of snow. Well, my son-in-law has built a chicken coop that is a marvel of covered patios, sheds and an overhead walkway leading the chickens into the greenhouse in the winter, thereby providing fertilizer for the summer vegetables.

All seemed to go well with their chicken yard until this year when they decided to add several more chickens as the old hens were not laying eggs anymore. This time, they decided to order eggs so their three daughters could enjoy watching them hatch.

The family enjoyed the new chickens until they realized that they now had four roosters. They tried to find good homes for the roosters, but were

having poor luck as adult roosters are not a popular pet.

Having no other options, they decided to kill Blackie as he was a very loud and nasty character. To accomplish this, (being city folk), they purchased a chicken killing cone. The instructions on the cone were: “Simply place the chicken in the cone upside down and pull their head gently through the bottom opening so their beak is facing you, the chicken should pass out. Then cut the carotid artery on the side of the chicken’s neck.”

Well, the rooster refused to pass out and was not quiet about it’s situation, which upset their seven-year-old, daughter who started begging and crying, “Mom, Dad, please. Can’t we let Blackie live just one more day?” Of course, that was the end of further thoughts about killing any of the roosters.

Upon being told this silly story of the non-killing of Blackie it reminded my older daughter of a chicken story from her childhood in southern Arkansas. We had a campground on a lake and had chickens, ducks, geese, guinea hens and what-have-you. She remembered a time when her and I were down next to the lake to kill a

That story then reminded Doug of a rooster they had when he had a farm in upstate New York. Their chickens were free-range and one day, a very nasty rooster attacked his five-yearold daughter. Luckily, her older brother decided to defend his sister and threw a big rock at the rooster, which hit him in the head and killed him instantly. Roosters can be pretty dangerous because of their sharp spurs, if not trimmed back when they were young.

So many chicken stories. My granddaughters main interest in the chickens seems to be painting their toenails bright colors and giving them names. My daughter has even gone the extra mile of training the dog not to chase the chickens. I have a hard time getting my head around having chickens in the city, but each to his own. Then recently, I saw a video of a rooster chasing a dog around a pile of wood. Guess the rooster has gone from just being a meal to a source of amusement.

Regarding Blackie and the other three roosters, my daughter put a free ad in Facebook and they were all adopted and so got to live for at least another day.

If you have a chicken story you would like to share, it would be a good thing to do as then we can all relax, listening to chicken stories while helping ourselves to a nice hot bowl of chicken soup.

COMMUNITY

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Automatic entry into a raffle to win some outstanding prizes! tickets can be purchased online at muskoxfarm.org/oxfest or call 907-745-4151.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKET BY OXTOBER 1ST: Get PRIORITY access to Oxtoberfest 2021 tickets a week before tickets go on sale to the general public! This event has sold out every year, selling out a month ahead of time in 2019. We anticipate tickets selling like hotcakes in 2021!

Receive the link invite for a super special Zoom LIVE concert on the farm with 12-piece traditional German oompa band to commemorate and kick-off the virtual Oxtoberfest celebration on October 3rd!

part of making this event possible for the past five years.

Proceeds from your ticket go directly back to the Musk Ox Farm and Alaska Farmland Trust! For the farm, this has been the largest fundraising event of our year, with tickets selling out each of the past five years we’ve hosted it. The overwhelming response from the community has been incredibly beneficial to both of our non-profits in helping to raise funds and awareness of our missions and the work that we do.

Contributed by Kerry Nelson Oxtoberfest Online October 1-31, 2020 The Musk Ox Farm Tickets: $50 www.muskoxfarm.org/oxfest Join the Musk Ox Farm & Alaska Farmland Trust as we take our annual Oxtoberfest FUNdraising event and celebration online this year!

Normally, we would be welcoming over 400 guests to the farm for a locallysourced and crafted feast to support

both of our non-profit organizations.

Knowing that we could not host the event safely this year, we’re taking it virtual!

The tradition of Oxtoberfest has always been centered around celebrating the local harvest and supporting local Alaskan agriculture. While we may not be able to do that in person this year, we’re so oxcited to honor the tradition by providing a way to not only virtually fundraise for our non-profits, but also to help foster support for all of the wonderful local farmers and small businesses that have been an incredible

The Musk Ox Farm was perfectly poised to take our educational programming and community space to the next level in our newly-renovated building right before COVID landed on our doorstep.

We were forced to put the curation of our museum on hold, and take all of our education and outreach online.

We’re confident that we’ll be back with a force for our local Alaskan and global communities when the time is right.

With your continued support, that confidence becomes reality! You’ll also help us continue to keep those musk ox bellies full.

YOUR $50 VIRTUAL OXTOBERFEST TICKET INCLUDES: • A 6th Annual Oxtoberfest T-Shirt • An Oxtoberfest Stainless Steel Cup • An oxcellent Oxtoberfest Sticker

BUT WAIT...THERE’S MORE! All ticket holders will have the option to get additional entries into the raffle through an Oxtoberfest-inspired scavenger hunt! For the entire month of Oxtober, you’ll have the chance to complete your scavenger hunt oxtivities while supporting local businesses.

Purchase a growler at Bleeding Heart Brewery, have dinner at Turkey Red, head to your nearest Farmer’s Market or farm stand, visit our friends at Bear Paw River Brewery – just a few of many things you can do to gain points towards more entries into the Oxtoberfest raffle, while helping support the folks who have made Oxtoberfest possible over the years!

STAY TUNED! Raffle prizes will include round-trip tickets on the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage-Seward, a staycation getaway at Mountain Field Farm, Musk Ox Farm Qiviut and MORE! You’ll receive the details and instructions on the scavenger hunt once you purchase your ticket. We can’t wait!

As always, all ticket proceeds will go directly back to both the Musk Ox Farm and Alaska Farmland Trust.

Help us keep this wonderful celebration alive this year!

Your support is needed now more than ever for our organizations to survive and thrive.