The People's Paper December 2018

Contributed by Josh Fryfogle Publisher, The People’s Paper

as Bob Bowers led the agenda according Robert’s Rules of Order.

Bob Bowers ended the meeting with a heartfelt prayer, in the name of Christ, and his sincerity was palpable.

It was a straight-forward meeting, like any you might expect for a community event, covering everything from transportation to the to-go containers used for the meals that are sent out to homebound folks on Christmas day.

The meeting started with me showing up late. I made my apologies, and settled in to the relatively formal gathering,

Contributed by Michele Harmeling United Way of Mat-Su has long been known for its quick and compassionate response to natural disasters locally, including in the aftermath of the Sockeye Fire of 2014. So, although your United Way of Mat-Su staff and board were certainly rattled by the recent earthquake, we took immediate action in assisting Mat-Su Valley residents with disaster recovery.

Homeowners whose homes may have sustained structural damage in the quake are encouraged to fill out an application for State Individual Assistance online. Visit Ready.Alaska.

Gov to complete this form. Questions?

Call the State Disaster Assistance Hotline at 1-855-445-7131.

EARTHQUAKE HOTLINE AND WATER TREATMENT UWMS has established a hotline for those in need of further assistance after the earthquake. If you or someone you know has a need directly related to disaster recovery, please call (907) 745-5826 and leave a detailed message, including your name, location or address, and a description of your needs. A UWMS staff member will return your call promptly to guide you through available resources. For those still experiencing potential water contamination, water treatment drops are available at the UWMS office, free of charge. You may pick up drops at 550 S Alaska St, Suite 205, Palmer, AK (located above the Palmer Downtown Deli).

MEETING BASIC NEEDS AFTER A DISASTER In times of strife, United Way of Mat-Su works to identify and assess where basic needs are not being met and implements fast, collaborative solutions.

We received word from the Red Cross of Alaska’s Wasilla office that residents of Creekwood Park Apartments were without water and sewer on December 3, 2018. Working quickly, the Red Cross of Alaska-delivered pallets of bottled water, and UWMS oversaw the rental and delivery of Port-A-Potties to the Creekwood Park parking lot. Property

management and inspection crews worked hard to confirm the safety of all units, and residents were able to fully return to their apartments just two days later.

Additionally, we continue to identify residents whose heating oil tanks may have been destroyed or damaged, and will be purchasing, delivering and helping to restore heat to homes in need. If your heating oil tank or Toyo stove was damaged, please call the UWMS Earthquake Hotline at (907) 745-5826).

THE GIFT OF WARMTH As the dust settled, it became clear that many Valley schools were severely affected. In particular, Houston Middle School has been deemed a total loss. HMS students will be moved to Houston High School for the remainder of the school year, but many were evacuated from the middle school building without their personal belongings, including winter jackets.

The Mat-Su Borough School District contacted UWMS with this news, saying that many HMS students do not have backup winter gear at home.

Through the generous partnership of Mat-Su Health Foundation, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Fred Meyer, Wal Mart, and with the help of MSBSD faculty and staff, United Way of Mat-Su purchased over 300 new winter coats for HMS students. During a joyous event at Houston High School, on Monday, December 10, students and their families were able to visit the Houston High School library for a “shopping” event, choosing from tables loaded with brightly-colored, warm coats. Other community partners, including MTA, Target, Three Bears Alaska, and the local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, came together to provide replacement school supplies, snacks and gym shoes.

What a joy it was to watch students excitedly trying on coats of all kinds, modeling for their families and friends before deciding on a favorite!

UWMS will also be delivering coats for students in need at Big Lake Elementary and Houston High School.

We were honored to contribute to

THE MAT-SU SKI CLUB 2018 ICICLE DOUBLE MORE ON PAGE 3 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER

ensuring a happy, successful school year for our local students.

Updates to school re-openings, schedules and closures continue to be posted to the MSBSD Earthquake Update page. Visit https://sites. google.com/apps.matsuk12.us/ msbsd2018earthquake/home ADDITIONAL RESOURCES The Red Cross of Alaska continues to collect contact information and answer questions regarding disaster recovery across the Mat-Su. For more information on their ongoing efforts, please call (907) 357-6060.

ENSTAR’s Facebook page has featured a series of informational videos on checking your home gas lines for leaks, turning off your gas meter, and what to expect after a disaster. To view, please visit https://www.facebook.com/ ENSTARNatGas/ If you have further questions regarding your natural gas service please call 1-877-907-9767.

The Salvation Army Mat-Su Valley Corps assists Valley residents with basic needs at all times. Visit the Salvation Army at 12271 E Palmer-Wasilla Highway, or call (907) 745-7079 for details.

For tips on water cleanliness, please visit ADEC page at www.dec.alaska. gov/commish/public-serviceannouncements/earthquake-recoveryhomeowners

INSIDE/OUT MUSIC SERIES IN PALMER

MORE ON PAGE 10 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE

COMMUNITY & EVENTS

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Contributed by Michael McKiernam Wasilla, Alaska - It’s hard to write the recipe for love into a grant, but one innovative and passionate organization provides that missing ingredient to homeless and vulnerable teens every day in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.

Organizations and community leaders nationwide are paying attention.

MYHouse, which provides housing opportunities, employment training and access to food to homeless youth, received a national award for its work in Wasilla. Its executive director, Michelle Overstreet, was nominated by NeighborWorks Alaska for the Dorothy Richardson Award, which she accepted with two of her staff in Houston, Texas, on October 12th.

Overstreet has tackled the challenge of a growing number of suicides, drug abuse and homeless youth in her community in Southcentral Alaska. With a passion for lifecoaching and helping young people grow into their best selves, she confronted this crisis after seeing a youth forced to sleep in his car with no safe alternative at home. “He had nowhere to go, had everything in his car and lived there in the school parking lot. All I could do to help was

Contributed by Gordon Fletcher For those unaware of what the YAK is, I can clarify first what it is not. The YAK is not a musky, majestic, pint sized, mammoth looking cousin to the bovine. The YAK is Palmer’s very own, non-profit, community supported, adult staffed, faith-based youth center.

To students 6th to 12th grade, the YAK is a fun place to hang out after school. To parents, the YAK is a safe alternative to idleness, wandering around town or the solitude of home when perhaps both parents are at work. To the community, the YAK has been a blessing to local businesses who need not worry about their space filled with unsupervised teens.

To me, the YAK is much more.

I have supported and co-chaired the YAK since its inception, five years ago. I have ten years’ experience as a youth minister. Four years were spent operating youth centers similar to the YAK. I can tell you first hand, the impact these places have on students is immeasurable.

I tend to be a very straight shooter, so I will not mince words as I define where we are in the scope of societal influences. Morality, ethics, logic, reason, and the differentiation of right and wrong have fallen on some hard times. Blame has been cast on a plethora of factors from the media,

give him a sleeping bag and some money for gas.”

She went home that night and couldn’t sleep, thinking about the boy’s plight.

“My husband got up and asked, ‘What’s going on?’ I replied, ‘I feel like we have to do something for these kids.

This is our home, where we want to raise our daughter. We can do better; I want our community to be better than this.” My husband said, ‘Then let’s do something to fix it.’”

The mission of MYHouse is to end youth homelessness in MatanuskaSusitna Borough - an area the size of the state of West Virginia. First, there was the coffee shop (Gathering Grounds), which serves as a jobtraining program. Then came the Steamdriven Boutique, a secondhand clothing store.

Across the coffee shop and boutique, 20 homeless youth are employed and trained at any one time. The third piece of the operation is 14 beds of transitional housing, with the average length of stay a little over a year. Another 14 beds, along with supportive services, are offered

for youth battling substance abuse by local partner organization, True North Recovery, founded by a former MYHouse intern.

After Michelle was selected by NeighborWorks Alaska to attend a Community Leadership Institute, the two non-profits joined forces to try to change the way youth homelessness is treated across the state. One of the outcomes is a youth advisory board.

“Too many organizations try to serve youth without any youth voices at the table,” Michelle muses.

How does Michelle define success?

Outcomes. Ninety-seven percent of those who complete job training internships are in housing up to three years after training is completed. Another measure is the percentage of clients attending school or working in a job for which they were trained for or better (92 percent).

“Our clients move on by design, and they come back later to celebrate with us, share and tell us how they are doing,” Overstreet says. “We truly care about them and they feel it!”

to the educational system, even the aftermath of broken or dysfunctional families. I, however, am not here to play the blame game. Causation for a listless or hopeless teen is a quagmire of events and circumstances known only to the individual.

Rather than looking to blame and attempt to, “fix”, the cause, a teen is better served when given opportunities to be mentored.

These are the most formidable years for students. These are the years which too often determine their future; whether it be one of promise and productivity, or a future of hopelessness.

This month, the YAK is moving locations and we need all the help we can get, to minimize the length of time our doors will be closed. MidDecember, the place students have called a second home loses its lease.

The YAK provides a much-needed sanctuary, an environment for mentorship. Often, all that need occur is finding an ear to listen or shoulder to cry on. The goal of the YAK is quite simple. Healthy teens lead to healthy adults. Healthy adults lead to healthy families. Healthy families create healthy communities.

Think of the YAK as a type of societal preventative maintenance. The YAK is a proactive, preventative measure, versus a reactive treatment. Students and parents have been given one more resource to help navigate the treacherous years of adolescence.

There are several ways you can help us through this transition. First and foremost is financial support. The YAK is currently running the annual, 50 in 50 campaign. This event raises the majority of our operating budget.

You will find a link on our website and through our Facebook page.

The YAK’s new home is one block south of our current location and will reside next to Humdinger’s Gourmet Pizza. Our goal is to be operational in the new space before February 1st.

According to the CDC, Alaska has the highest rate of teen suicides per capita out of all 50 states. This is not a record to balk at. This is not a record to ignore. This is a record to attack one student at a time. The YAK is but one weapon in the arsenal of prevention.

The second way to help is with time.

We are still in the beginning stages of planning the buildout, but once the plan is complete, time will be of the essence. We need, electricians, framers, plumbers, mechanical contractors and finish carpenters who might be willing to donate their time and expertise. Lastly, if you are a business specializing in any of these crafts, there is plenty of opportunity to donate materials.

Students need hope. They need someone who cares, when they falsely believe no one does. Involved parents are the first line of defense, often times coaches, teachers, close family and positive peers are a second. The YAK is one more opportunity of hope, mentorship and encouragement.

If you have read this entire piece, we thank you for your time and your heart. In the end, even our smallest effort will reap innumerable dividends. I believe with all my heart, that the YAK should remain a cornerstone of our community. Join us in helping the teens of the valley keep another place to call home.

COMMUNITY & EVENTS Contributed by Jeff Kase What are you doing after Christmas and before New Years? The Mat Su Ski Club (MSSC) is scheduled to host a two-day Nordic ski event on December 29 and 30. Both days of the Icicle Double will have 30k, 15k, and 5k distances available for skiers to participate in (distances subject to change). Saturday will be conducted in the classic technique and Sunday will be conducted in the skate technique.

Last year was a great success! Thanks to the MSSC, local government and businesses, and Mother Nature, we were able to incorporate some of our new competition trails into the race course. On race day, the weather was clear skies with views of Pioneer and Matanuska Peak, and moderate temperatures in the low 20’s. The 5k event took participants out on the intermediate trails of the Matanuska and Susitna loops. The 30k event was 4x7.5k laps that challenged skiers on the Denali loop and then out on the Mat and Su loops.

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can bestow upon its participants is the parade of pint glasses. If skiers complete both days of 30k skiing, they get an Icicle Double pint glass (participants are responsible for filling their own pint glass). Cash prizes were awarded to the top three overall 30k finishers. Skiers from the Mat-Su Valley, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Talkeetna, Eagle River, Truckee CA; MSSC, AWS, APU, FXC DNSC, NSCF, Auburn Ski Club provided a diverse group.

You can register for the Icicle Double by going to the MSSC website at www.matsuski.org. The Icicle Double ski event is a family, recreational, and citizen racer ski event designed to be very affordable for those who register early. The idea is you can early register the entire family (5), for any combination of both days of skiing for one low price of $50 (plus fees). Late registration starts December 15 and the price increases to $50/day for the entire family. Day of race registration $60/day/person. There is a $10/day coupon available to high school skiers.

The Icicle Double is a well-timed event; after all the Holiday eating, and before the New Year’s celebration.

Did you train enough in the last year?

Find out by doing back to back 30ks.

Are you going to a costume party?

Test out people’s reaction by wearing your costumed while you ski. Is your new year’s resolution to ski more?

Get an early start by skiing with us all weekend.

Spirits where high during the awards ceremony that was held in the warm chalet. “Woodal” awards were presented to those who participated in both days of skiing and placed in the top 3. Thanks to our sponsors there were so many prizes for the raffle, some people got two prizes.

The greatest honor the Icicle Double

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The Icicle Double is scheduled to be conducted at Government Peak Recreation Area (GPRA), which is located about an hour from Anchorage, at the base of Hatcher Pass in the Mat Su Valley. The stadium area is at an elevation of about 900’ which often receives snow when other lower elevation trail system may be getting rain. Because the GPRA trails are tucked up against the Talkeetna Mountains, we often are spared from the destructive force of the winds that Palmer and Wasilla commonly get. If GPRA is un-skiable, you can probably just keep driving

to Hatcher Pass and have a good ski anyway. On averagely nice days the view of Pioneer Peak from the parking lot at GPRA is almost worth the drive.

There might be 30 people; there might be 130 people ready to go when you get to the start line. One thing for sure, is that the crowd will be diverse.

Multi-generational families with kids in backpacks, kids on hand-medowns, adolescent high schoolers, caring parents, and grumpy grandparents line up next to each other at the start. Solo recreational skiers, college team members, dedicated master skiers, and elite professional racers make up the front of the pack. Do you have what it takes to finish the course, or do you have what it takes to make the podium?

The Icicle Double is the premier event hosted by the MSSC. This two-day event is held at the perfect time for you to do lots of skiing during the darkest days of winter. Whether going to Hatcher Pass or GPRA, the Valley is easy to get to and often provides the best early season conditions. Bring the family or wax with HF, either way, you will be in good company.

We are very proud of our growing trail system and want to share them with you. Thank you to the wonderful community support in the form of prizes, money, and participation.

“It’s a great day to be a skier”!

for BTRD, with a final score of 220-92.

Boom Town jammers displayed tricky footwork and powerful pushing to start the game with Lead Jammer status in the first jam, putting up the first points on the board, with no change of points lead throughout the game. The Sockeye Sallys posted up a strong defense against Boom Town jammers as well as providing a bruising offense for their slippery jammers that were stuck behind green walls of doom. BTRD came away from the game with purpling “derby kisses” and the strong feeling of a game well prepared for and executed.

Contributed by Melinda Peterson January 12th, 2019, opens the home game season for local roller derby league Boom Town Roller Derby!

BTRD will be hosting the Petersburg Ragnarok Rollers for the first time in a regular season game. The two teams have battled previously in 30 minute bracket games during the United We Roll Alaska State Roller Derby Tournament, but have never gone head to head in a full length game.

BTRD has been training hard and is anticipating a challenging game against the team from Southeast Alaska.

Going into Season 8 home games, we recently inquired of Head Referee Web Stalker exactly how many games he has refereed. Stalker, who has been officiating since October 2009, and has been Head Referee for Boom Town since January 2015, says he has lost

track of his total number of games, but estimates between 50 and 60 just in the time he has been with Boom Town. Officiating roller derby in Alaska takes a hard-working, dedicated crew. The very low number of trained referees and non-skating officials (NSOs) locally in the Valley and Anchorage means that it takes officials from all local leagues to complete an officiating staff for any game. Skaters often cross-train as referees and NSOs to supplement an officiating crew for a game they are not rostered to play.

Officials often travel with their teams for away games, usually within Alaska; Boom Town considers ourselves very fortunate that both Web Stalker and NSO Catydid were able to travel with the team to Hawaii in May 2018 for sanctioned games.

On November 17th BTRD traveled to Anchorage to play Rage City’s Sockeye Sallys, putting a tick in the Win column

Has the infectious Derby Bug bitten you?

You can always be part of the action as a member of Boom Town Roller Derby.

New league member intake will be held Sunday, January 6th, 2019 at 10 a.m. in the Mat-Su Borough Community Gym in Palmer. BTRD is always accepting new volunteers, officials, and skaters.

Volunteer opportunities include medics, bout volunteers to help set up for games and tear down afterwards at the Menard Sports Center, and much more. Officials (skating and nonskating) and new skaters will all begin practices immediately in January.

Visit the Boom Town Facebook page @boomtownrollerderby or email recruitment.btdd@gmail.com!

Home games are played at the Menard Sports Center in Wasilla, doors open at 6 pm. Tickets may be purchased at Brown Paper Tickets, or at the event. Games start at 7 PM.

HEALTH & OPINION Contributed by Dori Cranmore R.N. Did you know that hibiscus herbal tea is not only delicious, but also a very healthy beverage?

Pretty much any herb can be used to make tea, but one of the prettiest is that of Hibiscus. It is served hot or cold and contains no caffeine.

This healthful hibiscus tea has several characteristics that make it much more valuable than conventional teas.

All over the world, people drink hibiscus tea for health; (hibiscus tea can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar) for cooling; (hibiscus tea is a refrigerant and helps cool the body when needed). Other benefits include

Contributed by Dr. Anna Altair It was a beautiful day out, near Laguna Beach, California, when we decided to go Boogie Boarding. We grabbed our boards and drove to the beach, at Crystal Cove State Park.

That is when in a blink of an eye, our worlds where literally flipped upside down. Maybe you have been following my story on our Facebook page.

If not, the short of it is, I broke my back when a wave hit my board and sent me tumbling. I shattered T-6 and fractured 6 others, bruised my left side and luckily, didn’t drown.

For those of you who don’t know me, I have been a patient of Chiropractic since 1972. I became a Chiropractor 20

preventing bladder infections and constipation, if taken regularly.

Unquestionably, brewed hibiscus is a stunning refresher, bold, tart and beautiful.

Unlike tea, however, it is not made from leaves, or the flowers. The tall, slender hibiscus plant produces tiny pink flowers, which wither quickly and fall off, leaving seedpods behind. Big, fleshy, red calyxes grow around the pods, and it is these juicy calyxes that are harvested and dried in the sun, to become the blackish-red bits used in teas.

The species Hibiscus Sabdariffa, is also known as Red Tea, China Rose, Red Sorrell, Roselle, Jamaica Tea, and Sudanese Tea. It was used by the

years ago because I believe in it so very much. But this accident has helped me to appreciate it and its preventative help more than ever.

At first, we did not know if I would ever feel or move my legs again. But as the swelling in my spinal cord went down, I began to wiggle my toes. That is when I knew that keeping my spine limber through regular adjustments, yoga and Pilates, had paid off big time.

At 72 years young, an accident like this can easily have you end up in a wheel chair or at the very least facing a long recovery.

For me, I have faced many phases of the recovery over the past 2 months, with Ken, my sweetheart, by my side to help. As the swelling in my spinal

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Chinese to treat dandruff, hair breakage and help stimulate hair growth. Making a tea and using it as a rinse for the hair works well.

Drinking a cup of hibiscus tea after meals can reduce the absorption of dietary carbohydrates and assist in weight loss.

Newer studies are indicating drinking 3 cups of hibiscus tea may help keep blood sugar in a normal range. Hibiscus is rich in Vitamin C, so it is a great immune booster to aid in fighting off viruses. Hibiscus juice, with salt, pepper, and molasses, can be taken as a remedy for nausea.

Because of its muscle relaxing abilities, it is not recommended for pregnant women. Children can benefit by drinking hibiscus tea, and they love it for the bright red color and tangy flavor.

Over the last several months, we at Alaskan Sweet Vapes have worked to help educate the public on the true danger of smoking cigarettes.

Don’t get us wrong, vaping is not perfect. It still has risks that are involved, and it does still contain nicotine, the addictive substance in cigarettes. However, as we have discussed in past, cigarettes have a burning action that contains 90% of the toxins that vaporizers do not. Also, devices and mods are making vaping more affordable and safe every-day.

This is where cost comes into play.

According to ecigarettereview.com, “The Awl has made compiling the

cost of smoking in different US states something of an annual tradition, and in their post for 2015, they calculated an average cost for a pack of Marlboro Red across the US as $7.26, ranging from $4.98 in Virginia right up to $13.50 in New York. For a pack-a-day smoker, this puts the average annual cost (to the nearest dollar) at about $2,650.

Depending on which state you’re in, it can range from $1,818 to $4,928.”

When estimating the cost of vaping, we have to include the juice, devices, and replacement parts. Thanks to previous surveys done by Mclaren in the Big Study 2014, we are able to identify the common usage of 2-5 ml of juice per day. Even those that had recently quit smoking started around 2ml a day.

E-liquid can vary in price from $7-$18 on average for a 30ml bottle of juice.

Even if you consumed 5ml a day, it would cost $400 a year for cheaper

HERE IS A FUN RECIPE: - 4-6 cups water - 4 TBSP organic dried Hibiscus - 1 cinnamon stick & grated lemon or lime peeling - Add ¼ cup Agave syrup or honey to taste.

Bring water to a boil and remove from heat. Place ingredients in the water and cover, to steep for 10 minutes (longer is not better). Strain and serve over ice.

This will surely be a hit at any gathering.

Dori Cranmore is a registered nurse and owner of All About Herbs, Inc. in Wasilla. 376-8327

cord continues to go down, I continue to gain more control. I have learned how to use a wheel chair, retrain my feet, then legs to move, and began walking with a walker 8 weeks after the accident.

I plan on dancing and skiing sooner than later and I accredited much of my recovery to making sure my spine was in optimal health through regular adjustments.

The time to get an adjustment is when you are feeling good, so if an accident happens your spine can heal with more ease. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Tara today (907) 357-1818.

I hope to be back in the office soon. I miss you all and thank you for all your prayers and healing wishes.

liquid and around $1,000 if you wanted “premium” e-liquid. This helps us with one piece, but what about equipment?

Contributed by Tony Delarm

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When it comes to vaporizers, the possibilities are endless. Brand, coil type, battery size, the list goes on and on. However, even at the high end, you might pay $130 for a great device. We recommend the higher quality devices to increase safety and quality. This ensures that you will still save money, but have a strong, lasting product.

Even with a more expensive vaporizer, you could be saving $2,000-$4,000 a year, according to (Lindsey,2016). That means even on the high end, with a great device and constant vaping you could still save over 50%.

With a lower quality device and less vaping, you can save 80% by switching to vaping! If you’re interested in learning more or saving tons of cash today, stop by our store on 224 N. Yenlo St. and we would be happy to help you make the switch!

Quit smoking cigarettes today with Alaskan Sweet Vapes!

References: Fox, Lindsey (2016) Smoking vs.

Vaping: The Ultimate Cost Comparison, retrieved December 10, 2018 from: https://ecigarettereviewed.com/ smoking-vs-vaping-cost-comparison Mclaren, Neil (2014) Big Survey 2014 - Initial Findings Eliquid, retrieved December 10, 2018 from: https:// vaping.com/blog/data/big-survey2014-initial-findings-eliquid/

COMMUNITY & EVENTS Contributed by Carly Louise Celebrating the life of Terry Walley through local Alaska music...

12/15/18 - Gathering starts at 5 pm Klondike Mikes/Main Street Grill 820 S Colony Way, Palmer The man, the myth, the legend behind 95.5, Hatcher Pass Radio, Terry Walley, passed away unexpectedly in his home in Fairbanks on November 30, 2018.

Terry was born April 18, 1963 in Fairbanks. His father was Bill “wee willie winkie” Walley, a television and radio personality from the 1950’s to the 90’s as well as being Mayor of Fairbanks.

Terry had over 40 years of years of

Contributed by Eddie Ezelle, Executive Director of the Mat-Su Food Bank

I ran across an article just recently by Lisa M. O’Neill in the Opinion section of the Anchorage Daily News for the 25th of November edition.

It was titled, “Americans are wildly generous at the holidays. And then it stops.”

In it, she talked about working in social services in San Francisco and how every Thanksgiving they got truckloads of donated food. Volunteers came out and were so many they had to have a wait list to help feed people, and the most valued was the donated money.

Then, come January, it dried up and people forgot about them and their needs for the most part.

It seems this is a theme in all nonprofits. I often like to remind people, as politely as I can, that all of

experience in broadcasting, and in 2011 he was inducted into Alaska Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame. He was kind man. He kept his family history alive though stories he would tell. He loved his family and friends, he was a big kid at heart. He loved to travel. You couldn’t ask for a better friend. His laugh was contagious, and his smile would light up a room.

Terry had a passion for local musicians and their dreams. In honor of Terry, a celebration of life will be held at Klondike Mikes & Main Street Grill on Dec. 15th with a Singer/Song-Writer Showcase. We start to gather at 5pm and make a toast at 6, showcase to follow. Be sure to bring your appetite!

our clients, be they Veteran, Senior, homeless, or just a family and children needing a little help- all are needing whatever we supply as nonprofits, year ‘round.

People are not just hungry at the holidays, or needing clothing and shelter for the holiday month, but they need help during other months of the year.

Keep in mind it is not just one family that may be cared for all year, but rather a rotating group of folks that move on as they get their feet under them. This can take months, depending on circumstances. So, the Veteran that came to see us in December is not necessarily the same Veteran that we see in April.

Everyone in the nonprofit world sees this, but few mention it to donors.

I applaud Lisa for speaking out about it.

All nonprofits try to gather and store during this “giving season”, in order to spread the bounty out over the leaner

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There will be an all you can eat taco bar for $10.00. Terry enjoyed the sweeter things in life, so if you have a favorite dessert dish to share, it would be greatly appreciated. Please dust off your favorite purple or silver tie, shirt, dress, or your finest Hatcher Pass t-shirt.

Please bring a nonperishable item or clothing attire, such as a coat, hat, mittens, socks, or personal hygiene items, to be donated to The Yak, a local nonprofit for youth in the Valley, in honor of this great man.

Thank you for making this world a better place. Fly high, rock the skies... Till we meet again... “There are no strangers here; only friends”

months. I tell folks to pick a charity they believe in and can support. Hopefully it will be us, but there are other areas that need support also. I will always tell you to support your cause locally first to help those closest to you, but any donation wherever, is greatly appreciated.

Some think we are supported by the government, and in some areas, we are, but most small local nonprofits depend on you! Your monetary donations help keep the heat and lights on and a roof over our heads. It helps provide staff to maintain buildings, volunteer lists or storage for items donated just to mention a few.

The biggest needed item, however, is money. If you think nonprofits don’t need money, then I ask you to dig deeper. Some nonprofits have a business that helps support them. The difference? The money must go into the nonprofit to continue their mission, not to create a profit for employees or board members.

Money is spent wisely to keep the nonprofit productive in providing their services for as little as they can. It’s why we use volunteers instead of using only paid employees.

HISTORY & LITERATURE Contributed by Helen Hegener Local author Helen Hegener focuses on the history of Alaska in her non-fiction books, including Alaskan Roadhouses, The Matanuska Colony Barns, The First Iditarod, The Beautiful Matanuska Valley, and many others. Her interest in the Alaska Railroad began many years ago, when her father worked for the railroad, programming the computers which made everything run like clockwork. Now she has written a history of the construction of the railroad, beginning long before the first ties were laid, titled The Alaska Railroad 1902-1923.

History of local interest includes the beginnings of coal mining near Sutton and Chickaloon. An excerpt: “There were two huge coal deposits which played major parts in the Alaska Railroad’s history and development.

The first was located along the Matanuska River, 25 to 30 miles north of Palmer, where coal tested by the U.S. Navy in 1914 would be found suitable for naval use. The Eska Mine at Sutton opened in 1917 and soon reported a daily output of 35 tons; that same year the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce reported two Matanuska area coal companies were producing 200 tons daily. The Evan Jones Coal Mine would open in 1920 and supply coal to the military bases near Anchorage until

1960.” Also interesting locally, is the history of the towns of Matanuska and Knik, both long gone, and the effect the railroad construction had on Palmer, Wasilla, Talkeetna and other Valley communities. Fascinating, but often little-known facts add to the construction details, such as President Harding driving the train from Wasilla to Willow, and the role the railroad played in the 1935 Matanuska Colony Project.

The Alaska Railroad: 1902-1923, subtitled Blazing an Iron Trail Across the Last Frontier, is the story of the Alaska Railroad and its predecessors, from 1902, when pioneer real estate promoter John Ballaine built the Alaska Central Railroad north from Seward; the Northern Alaska Railroad which took over that route; and the Fairbanks-area Tanana Valley Railroad which formed the northernmost base of operations for the federal project. The history details the construction through 1923, when President Warren G. Harding drove the Alaska Railroad’s ceremonial Golden Spike at Nenana.

The 400-page book is a wide-ranging look at the many ways in which the railroad played a major role in Alaska’s growth and development. From dynamiting the railbed out of the rocky cliffs along Turnagain Arm, to spanning the deep chasm of Hurricane Gulch,

PAGE 5

In today’s climate of dwindling government support and foundation grants, your donations can make the difference in survival of, or the closing of a nonprofit that helps others. So, what can you do? There are lots of ways to help, from the giving of your time, giving of items that are new or in good shape and that others might need, to donating food to your local Food Bank or Pantry.

Regularly donate money. There are many ways to give and I encourage you to contact the organization dearest to you to find the best way to help them with money. Even small amounts can add up.

Find your passion: share your skills and work with the nonprofit to improve things for them and others, and possibly yourself.

Get your children/family involved.

Starting as early as possible to teach the value and good feelings in giving and helping others, it will last a lifetime. It’s never too late.

But most of all, give. Give from the heart. Even small things like a smile can help change a life. Maybe even yours.

Merry Christmas!

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

PAGE 5

and from crossing the endless miles of muskeg swamp to bridging the mighty waters of the Tanana River, the story is told through historic documents, photographs, and publications.

This is more than the just the story of constructing the railroad, this is also the story of how the U. S. Government built towns and cities across the territory, including Seward, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Nenana, and Fairbanks. It’s the story of coal mining in Alaska, from the Guggenheim Syndicate’s notorious attempted monopoly of Alaska’s resources, to the government’s own private coal mine to service the U.S. Naval fleet in the Pacific.

It’s the story of steamboat travel on Alaskan rivers, and how the railroad’s own fleet of steamers and gas-powered “tunnel boats” came to dominate the watery transportation corridors.

It’s the story of the role a fledgling conservation movement played in dividing a major political party. And it’s the story of how steam shovels which dug the Panama Canal were brought north to claw at Alaskan hillsides.

The 500-mile long Alaska Railroad runs from the seaport town of Seward, on the Kenai Peninsula, to Fairbanks, the Golden Heart of Alaska. Along the way it crosses two formidable mountain ranges, several broad and daunting rivers, and numerous deep gorges and canyons. It winds along the tidewater edge of Turnagain Arm, past Bartlett and Spencer Glaciers, and skirts the

highest point on the North American continent, the Great One, Denali. From running its own opulent luxury hotelliterally in the middle of nowhere-to developing the telephone, water, and sewer systems of Anchorage and other towns, the history of the railroad is largely the history of Alaska, and a richly fascinating period in America’s past.

The book is available at Fireside Books, or it can be ordered for $24.95 plus $5.00 postage from the author’s website: www.northernlightmedia. wordpress.com/2018/12/07/alaskarailroad-1902-1923/ Also available from Amazon, and as a Kindle edition

ADULT PIANO LESSONS Hitchcock Piano Studio ........ 745-3134 APPAREL & CLOTHING All Seasons Clothing ........ 357-0123 D’s Tuxedo ........ 707-6585 Mila’s Alterations ........ 830-8339

COMMUNITY & CHARITY

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

PAGE 6

ART & CRAFTS Artists Uncorked… 982-2675 The Gallery ........ 745-1420 BOOKSTORE A Black Sheep Shop ......... 376-8198 Black Birch Books ...... 373-2677 Fireside Books ........ 745-2665 CAFÉ & COFFEE Alaska Artisan Coffee ........ 745-5543 Gathering Grounds ........ 376-4404 Vagabond Blues……..745-2233 CANNABIS RETAILER Matanuska Cannabis Co. ...... 745-4211 CREATIVE ENTERTAINMENT Artists Uncorked ........ 982-2675 EDUCATION Learning Essentials ........ 357-3990 FOOTWEAR Northern Comfort ........ 376-5403 HEALTH & WELLNESS All About Herbs ........ 376-8327 Just Botanicals ....... 414-3663 Lone Wolf Aura ........ 631-0482 HOME DÉCOR Peak Boutique ........ 746-3320 PIZZA Humdingers Pizza ........ 745-7499 PHLEBOTOMY SERVICES Valley Phlebotomy ........ 376-6435 PRINT SERVICES The UPS Store ........ 746-6245 REPAIR, RESTORATION Comtronics ........ 373-2669 S&S Drilling ...... 746-0225 The Powdercoat Shop .... 841-1300 SPECIALTY GIFTS Alaska Midnite Scents ........ 357-7364 Non-Essentials ........ 745-2258 The Boardwalk Shop ........ 357-8980

Contributed by Rabbi Mendy Greenberg Three years ago, together with a small group, my wife and I established the only independent community center for Jewish life in the Valley.

At the new Mat-Su Jewish CenterChabad Lubavitch, we embraced a philosophy of education and proactive community involvement in an inviting and nonjudgmental environment.

Simply put, our mission is to reach out to others with acts of goodness and kindness. We’re a community-based nonprofit organization whose efforts are rooted in traditional Jewish values –and many of our programs help the entire Valley.

Our community services benefit people of all backgrounds and beliefs, whether it is a child or educator who

is inspired to act from the Education & Sharing Day initiative, a teen who stopped at our State Fair booth, an adult in search of purpose at our accredited courses, or a senior citizen who needs a friend. We have holiday programs, like the giant menorahs all around town and the Chanukah celebration at the Depot.

The booth at the fair is a great way to learn more about Jewish values for humanity, try some challah or chat with a visiting student rabbi.

The adult education classes offer continuing education credits and insightful discussions on Talmudic law, mysticism, and ethics.

This is in addition to the various programs for the Jewish community; from Passover Seders and High Holiday services, to kids’ clubs, women’s programs, and Shabbat experiences. There’s something for everyone at the Mat-Su Jewish Center;

TANNING The Tanning Hut ........ 376-3324 THRIFT SHOPS Red Barn Thrift Store ........ 745-5050 Steam Driven Boutique ........ 376-4404 Turn-A-Leaf Thrift Stores ........ 376-5708 TOYS Just Imagine Toys ........ 357-1543 Learning Essentials .......... 357-3990

Contributed by Melony Green Christmas season is here! Trees are up, gift shopping is at hand, and many are preparing those recipe favorites for the Christmas Dinner.

Well, let us help you do just that! Frontline Mission is giving away free Christmas food boxes soon!

If you find yourself needing a little help with that Christmas meal this year, please come to Frontline Mission and receive a food box with all the trimmings including a turkey, new socks, and a bag of goodies (the goodies are while supplies last). We offer two days in which you can pick up your box. The days are Tuesday the 18th or Wednesday the 19th, from

we strive to be a home where we can connect through meaningful conversation and acts of kindness.

Now, we have a very exciting opportunity to purchase a beautiful building located in the heart of the Valley.

YOU can build a center for adult, teen, and youth education. YOU can build a community. YOU can build a home where everyone participates meaningfully.

YOU can be a founder of the new Jewish Center in Alaska’s fastest growing community. YOU can build the future.

FUEL THE GROWTH NOW! Pre-donate and your donation will be multiplied by three on the day of the campaign.

For more information, visit MatSuJewishCenter.org or call Rabbi Mendy at 907-350-1787

11am-2pm both days. You must call us at (907) 357-8600 to sign up to get your box! Merry Christmas to everyone!

If you would like to be a Sponsor and Adopt-a-Box for $10 and feed a family, please go to our donation page at fronlinemission.org, or call the office to do so.

We thank you for your heart in helping to feed the less fortunate and thank you for your contribution.

be performing. AkLadyBarber will be hosting a Beard and Mustache Competition. Along with great Auction items, food and brews for the benefit.

Contributed by Sherri Lilly Check us out on Saturday, January 26th from 5-9 pm at Klondike Mike’s and the Main Street Grill for a Fundraiser to benefit the Palmer Food Bank! If you are a seasoned Beard competitor or novice, or just proud of

your ability to grow facial hair this is an event for you! Ladies, this includes you too! Create or show off your naturally grown beards.

Bands, Beards and Brews came together as a fundraiser for the Palmer Food Bank. The Carrhart Brothers will

Pre-registration fee is $10 at 4:30 for the Beard Competition.

Contact Sherri Lilly (aka AKLadyBarber) (907) 982-5201 Sponsored by Permafrost Beards and AkLadyBarber

businesses – and people jumping in all the time to help out with this drive.

Contributed by Glen Butts This is a local food drive to benefit the Food Banks of Matsu! (Distributing to the Mat- Su Valley area food pantries only) With the New Year comes a new hope, and a new beginning for all; but, some families are in a tough spot, and could use our help to make ends’ meet through the rest of winter.

During the holiday months, we tend to give or donate to others in abundance, but after that, the local food banks fall way short with donations in the months between New Year, until Easter. Our goal is to fill the gap in

Contributed by Cheryl Metiva Kudos to Susitna Rotary Club for sponsoring Santa at the “Lunch with Santa” event, hosted by the Extreme Fun Center on Saturday,

these months, we hope you “CAN” help us, by continuing to donate to the food banks in the valley – for families still in need of help this New Year!

So, please help and donate at one of these locations: Three Bears (Big Lake, Pittman, KGB, Palmer-Wasilla), Denali Harley Davidson, Performance Yamaha and House Of Yamaha.

There will be a spaghetti feed dinner – with fixings to honor those who helped in the food drive.

Also, this is a large part of donations that are gathered for the food pantries.

Spaghetti Feed: Matsu Alano Club 901 Snowhomish Ave. Sunday February 24, 2019 2PM-5:30

Many other Businesses are helping as well: Alano Club Of Matsu, Q99.7 KMBQ, Carrs, Fred Meyer, Walmart, Great Alaska Pizza Company, Subway, The Tub-House & Tanning, Body Piercing Unlimited, Kaladi Brothers, Matsu Water, Extreme Fun Center, Franz Bakeries, and many other

12 canned goods entrance fee, or $12 at the door.

Kids 10 and under free – 1 child per paid adult Please feel free to bring a side dish, or desert, all help is welcomed!

December 15th. The variety of support Susitna Rotary offers our community is commendable; from “Josh the Otter” water safety & Kid’s Don’t Float, to kitchen cleanup after the Community Friendship Dinner

on December 26, at the Menard Complex. Rotary Cares!

Thank you, and God Bless.

Susitna Rotary Club Website: www.portal.clubrunner.ca/3185

COMMUNITY & EVENTS

Contributed by Josh Fryfogle It’s hard to imagine a Republican Senator in this context, and he’s one of many Republicans who are coming around to the unavoidable truth about cannabis as a dietary supplement. Hempire is a company that is specializing in education about the cannabis plant as a whole – and not as some counter-cultural canard.

Seeing through the smokescreen around the cannabis plant is going to take a while still, as more and more medicinal applications of cannabis are discovered. Clearing the air is really a matter of time. The list is growing of things that medical science is slowly

Contributed by Edie Grunwald Do you know of a senior who will be alone on Christmas?

The Santa Cop & Heroes Program has been in existence since 2007. The Santa Cop & Heroes mission is to support emotional well-being by providing gifts and companionship to Mat-Su Valley seniors who will be alone on Christmas.

This is not a needs-based program; the only requirement is that the senior will be alone on Christmas. The forms are all on our website. To sign up for this program go to: www.santacop.net

Do you want to be a Santa to a senior?

acknowledging about this plant’s medical applications; and let’s not forget the larger applications in food and industry as well.

It is telling that Senator Sullivan would stop by a small shop in Wasilla; both that perceptions of cannabis are changing, and that Anthony and the crew at Hempire are up to some truly groundbreaking work.

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

decades. Seeing how this renewed interest in hemp in America is growing, it makes sense that the Senator would want to gain some knowledge as to its applications.

PAGE 7

What did the Senator learn?

The focus of the conversation was on exactly what cannabinoids and botanical terpenes are, and how they interact with our body to bring benefits that are still being discovered.

Why else would Senator Sullivan make time to stop in and learn about their work?

According to Anthony Dellapietro, owner of Hempire Co., one person in the Senator’s entourage initially expressed disapproval of cannabis, but by the end of the educational discussion, that staffer was inquiring about how specific blends of terpenes and cannabinoids could help a close family member.

Perhaps because the new farm bill, recently passed by Congress, allows hemp cultivation for the first time in

That’s the change that’s occurring, all across Alaska, as cannabis reclaims its rational place in the economy.

One thing that seems evident, Hempire Co. will be at the forefront of this new frontier of cannabis in the Last Frontier.

We get applications from the seniors with their wish lists. We will forward that list of items to you and you would shop for them. We do ask that you spend around $100 per senior.

We will put you on the sponsorship list in the order we receive the sponsorship requests.

Christmas morning, ensuring they are not alone or forgotten on that most special day.

A wish list will be sent to you as soon as they come in and fits your request for number and special requests.

2018 Santa Cop Wrap Party: This is a community event. Come wrap all the gifts for the seniors. There will be music and snacks provided.

In addition, the program aims to create a positive bond between seniors and the Palmer Police Department, Wasilla Police Department, Alaska State Troopers, Palmer Fire Department, Anchorage Police Department, MatSu Emergency Services (Fire & EMS), State & Federal Probation and our local military and their families.

If you would be interested in participating this year, please fill out the form on the website. Please include the following information in the comments section: - Number of seniors you would like to sponsor - Any special requests, like gender, area in which the senior lives (Palmer, Wasilla, Willow, Talkeetna, Sutton) - Do keep in mind that special requests may slow down how soon you receive a senior to sponsor since we will try to find someone who meets your criteria.

Where: Palmer Senior Center When: Saturday December 15th, 2018 from 10AM - 2PM

On Christmas Morning: Our law enforcement and emergency services personnel, often with their families, deliver the gifts and spend a little time with each senior on

As the prohibition of cannabis slowly rolls back, we are going to find more and more applications for this ancient cultivar crop. Knowing that our Senator is interested in this, and that our local leaders like Shelley Hughes as well...

Well, you have to wonder what we can expect in coming years.

Our Partner~ Christmas Friendship Dinner. The Christmas Friendship Dinner has delivered meals to our senior who are home alone for over 5 years. They are always looking for volunteers. www.christmasfriendshipdinner.org

POLITICS & OPINION

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

Ryan, voting instead to elect Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House and you have a pretty good idea of what happened in Juneau last year).

Contributed by Rep. David Eastman Yesterday, Rep. Gary Knopp (RepublicanKenai) declared he wanted to create a “counterweight” of Republican and Democrat legislators to oppose Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s agenda. One item he singled out in particular was Dunleavy’s support for constitutionally protecting the Permanent Fund Dividend.

In a press conference in February, Rep. Knopp declared that the state could do what it wanted with the PFD, including using it to fund state agencies instead of distributing it to the people. Despite running in a conservative district, no candidate ran against Knopp this year.

He was elected without opposition.

I’m honored that Rep. Knopp chose to single me out as the one legislator who was unacceptable to be part of his “counterweight” to Gov. Dunleavy.

I only wish that all of our other Republican legislators had made that list as well.

It is likely that some Alaskans voted for Republican legislators (including Knopp) this year assuming that those Republican legislators would support a conservative agenda put forward

by Gov. Dunleavy. On that point, they would be sorely mistaken. In too many cases, political candidates choose a party (or to run independent) based on what is most likely to get them elected, instead of where they stand on the issues. Voters should always look closely at candidates before casting their ballot.

Already, some have attributed Rep. Knopp’s recent announcement as an empty threat designed merely to increase his leverage when it comes time to pick positions of power in the legislature. Whether his announcement is to be taken literally, or more skeptically, I am honored that he thought to mention me as the legislator least likely to be on board with his agenda.

This week is a pivotal time for legislators heading down to Juneau. After every election, the campaign to consolidate power in Juneau goes into overdrive.

The push to consolidate power never entirely subsides of course, but at certain key times (like right after an election) it reaches a fevered pitch.

“Give Me More Power” is the rallying cry of the Juneau Swamp, and in no place is this pursued more transparently than in the state legislature.

I recently met with a legislator from another state who is observing this same phenomenon in his state as well.

To be fair, it is a staple of every state legislature. But in no state is the drive to consolidate power pursued with more reckless abandon than here in Alaska. The stories that take place here in Alaska are the stuff that legislators in most other states could only dream of.

On Election Day two years ago, Alaskans elected Republican majorities in the state house and senate. But on election night, three Republicans (LeDoux, Stutes and Seaton) from strongly Republican districts decided to cast their votes instead to elect Democrat leadership in the state house (picture Don Young, instead of voting for Paul

These three legislators cried “Give Me More Power” and their request was granted. They gave Democrats control of the Alaska House of Representatives, and were rewarded handsomely by their Democrat colleagues with positions of power which they still hold today. Holding a position of power in the legislature is no small thing.

It means access to larger campaign donations come election time, and the ability to block legislation, forcing other legislators to come to the negotiating table.

Two years ago, voters elected a majority of 21 Republicans in the state house only to see three Republican legislators trade away that majority in exchange for positions of power. This year, voters have elected a majority of 23 Republicans. And this year, as before, three Republicans have indicated that they are willing to trade away that Republican majority in exchange for more power.

When there were only 21 Republicans elected, that would have been enough to elect some number of Democrat leaders to power, but with 23 Republicans today that simply leaves a 20-20 split between the 40 legislators in the Alaska state house.

A Republican legislator from a strongly Republican district declaring publicly his desire to create a “counterweight” to the popular agenda of a newly elected Republican governor would be unheard of in many other states.

But here in Alaska there is a much lower expectation that legislators will act according to the wishes of their constituents.

Building in Anchorage… but not in our highways.

Contributed by Roger Bruce There’s never time to do it right, but there’s always time to do it twice. This was a popular saying when I was a soldier, whenever you had a guy who goofed things up and had to redo them.

A few years ago, I had a very cheap car that had an issue with the right front wheel. So, I whipped off the road and a guy happened along who lived right nearby, who swore he was Alaska’s greatest mechanic (We hear that a lot). I could see the guy was hurting for cash, so I hired him to do some work on the thing. I came back a couple days later and here this guy was dead drunk and the boot on that side of the axle had been torn all the way around. This genius was under there with a needle and sewing thread trying to sew the boot back together. Well, that was the end of that repair job.

This seems pathetic, but we’re seeing something very similar here when it comes to road construction. We have

Contributed by Boadicea Victoria The Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) and the GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network), with the help of the NEA, are rapidly implementing political agendas at the expense of our public school building walls, classrooms, nurse’s offices, administrative offices, and places where young students congregate. These are some of the largest homosexual political lobbies in the United States and they have come for your children.

The agenda is not an anti-bullying one

roads that are so pitifully designed as to be embarrassing. I went out to Vine road after the earthquake and looked at the damage there. Certainly, that hunk of road would have been destroyed, or at least damaged regardless of the type of construction… well maybe. But it doesn’t take an earthquake to destroy Alaska’s roads.

Again, if you go to northern Europe you find frost heaves and all that just like we have here, but you don’t see roads being demolished by them. Why? Because they do quality work, that’s why. They don’t “sew the boot together with thread” knowing it won’t work there. They build their roads like they build fine watches and such. They build roads there of concrete that is three feet thick and they build them with rebar and road mats to reinforce them.

My Dad made road mats for his last 15 years at the steel mill in my birth town.

Those things are the standard throughout the country. Shoot, I saw them being used in the construction of the new parking garage at the Old Federal

as it is disguised to be. This is America.

All students are safe at school. These “LGBQT safe space for itself and its allies” signs are unnecessary because we already have no place for bullying.

This is what our red, white and blue flag stands for. Freedom and equality for all.

No, the way Alaska builds its roads/ highways is to tamp the dirt down and lay six inches of asphalt right on top of it. And we wonder why our roads disintegrate every time there’s a shake? After this shoddy work, we’re expected to act like they’ve done some great thing.

Sometimes I feel like we are parents and they are small children who make a poor crayon masterpiece and we hang it on the fridge to make them feel good about themselves. Isn’t it time we called a spade a spade and demanded better?

Some folks just became angry at me.

Say, “Bruce, that’s the way we’ve always done it.” Then you’ve always done it wrong.

They now have the big craters on the Glenn fixed… but for how long? I say again, the president has promised to push $1.5 trillion into infrastructure and has also promised emergency funds to help Alaska rebuild. I Pray that with our new governor it’ll be put to good use. We need the Glenn and the Parks widened by one lane in each direction at least to the interchange. We need to reopen and relay the old Glenn all the

to a clinic. That sends a pretty strong message to one who isn’t of part of this group.

So why is the LGBQT agenda alone so protected? The rainbow flag, the one that you see upon entering classrooms and admin offices and schools, stands for pride in homosexuality.

In a certain high school, I counted more than 30 signs/rainbow flags posted.

There were more gay pride flags than American ones. And how about that ‘Pride Pledge” said every morning right before the Pledge of Allegiance at a certain Elementary school? Is this so innocent anymore? I think not. “Oh it’s just a rainbow” doesn’t cut it.

These signs and flags are sometimes the only sign one sees at the entrance to administrators’ offices, the entrance to a reception area, and the entrance

What started as an equal rights platform is rapidly becoming a gang that is ruining school climate and rights for anyone who doesn’t subscribe.

PAGE 8

Some attribute this to the distance between Juneau and the rest of the state. Certainly that is a huge factor. The ability to confront a legislator face-toface immediately before or after a vote is something every lobbyist can do.

Not so for the vast majority of Alaskan voters.

Some attribute the disconnect between legislators and voters more to the logistical difficulties of holding office and the small number of candidates willing to leave their homes, families and careers to head to Juneau for six months or more at a time.

These challenges are real, and help explain why legislators in many parts of the state face no challengers come election time. This is true of some legislators representing liberal districts as well as some representing very conservative districts, such as the one Rep. Kopp represents.

While these are all factors, perhaps the greatest reason legislators turn on their constituents in Alaska is because there are too few people willing and able to keep voters informed about the decisions being made in Juneau.

Many Alaskans are blissfully unaware of the way their “business” is conducted in the state capital. At present, battle lines are being drawn in the legislature, and leadership is being chosen. But the lines that legislators are being asked to line up behind have to do with power and influence rather than support for particular policies that will help the people of Alaska. This has to change.

Rep. David Eastman has served in the Alaska State House representing the Mat-Su since 2017; He ran on a platform of fighting for genuine conservative reform, fiscally and socially, and remains committed to delivering on that promise.

way from Peters Creek to the off ramp near mile 28 so that if all else fails, you at least have that road on which you might drive. And above all else we need the bridge. When or if it is ever built, it must be six lanes wide or it will do us no good at all. And when or if it is built, it must be designed to withstand an earthquake like the one we just had.

I was at Fort Lewis, Washington, just outside of Tacoma, when that rather large (6.8 officially) earthquake happened there. There was some destruction, but as with this recent one here, no lives were lost except one person who had a heart attack assumedly associated with the quake. But the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, once the longest suspension bridge on earth I think, suffered little to no damage. Since then, they’ve built a brand new one right next to that one. It can be done. In fact, I’m convinced anything can be done, if we want it badly enough. That remains to be seen.

I could say I told you so, but I won’t. I will simply say, let’s join in as one voice, in a chorus of “We Demand Better.”

We’ve got the right president and now we’ve got the right governor. Let’s see if we can do things a bit better, huh?

Further, the agenda is controlling the lives of people through a culture of fear (for those teachers who refuse to hang up signs) while pandering obscenities to minors. And the sad part is that most parents don’t even know this is going on.

What these signs really are is a new tool for gauging public commitment to the LGBQT agenda. And is anyone thinking of the impact it has on our children when this is really a private sexual issue?

What this agenda really is, is a direct attack on traditional family values at the expense of our tax dollars.

POLITICS & OPINION Contributed by Wes Keller Can anyone argue that “government” is not needed? Wherever we find groups of social organisms we will find mutual behavior management systems (government); whether in the form of our highway safety rules, or a poultry “pecking order” in a chicken coop. Any creature with autonomous choice must come to terms with the choices of fellow creatures. Government happens!

And, don’t pretend to be “non-political”humans can’t help it! The exact moment you utter the words “ought” or “should” pertaining to behavior, you reveal your innate nature to be political! To some degree we all actively coordinate and manipulate rules to make them “fair” and least restrictive ... at least for ourselves. We are not entitled to even one little opinion without implicating ourselves as political, likely in the worst sense of the word.

We all have apparent “conflicts of interest” needing to be declared because of our instinctive selfpreservation interests! A conflict of interest is identified and declared to ensure equal, protection under any law. Any opinion on what rules “ought” (or “ought not”) be exposes our political nature. All history confirms my point. Even the great commandment

Contributed by Vic Kohring

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

especially about empowering others to make them, enforce them, or interpret them for us without our oversight. This is why America has robust checks and balances to prevent abuse of power of government. Humans will always be in a quest for the perfect standards on which to build government justice!

Study of Jurisprudence is inevitable and essential in this quest! “The study of Jurisprudence next to that of theology, is the most important and useful to men.” (Webster’s Dictionary, 1828)

says we should “love others as we love ourselves”, assuming “self” as a reference point! The “rule of ought”: our irresistible urge to have an opinion or to make rules proves us human.

To pretend this is not true for you is childish deceit. Modern education has become dull in the exciting study of the “Science of Law” (jurisprudence).

Secular institutions of learning are inadequate because they avoid seemingly “religious” studies. I dare say many (most?) law schools don’t recognize jurisprudence as a living science, but rather presume and apply theories as if they were fact!

It is profoundly foolish to claim there is no value in government- to declare ourselves non-political or the unimportance of religion. The value and significance of government, politics, and religion must be re-discovered as priority issues before they can be of any value to us. Our current tendencies to take government for granted, to despise and ridicule it, is dangerous!

Foolish, because we have inherited the very best, (if we can keep it); dangerous, because tyranny is a terrible, inevitable alternative!

They miss asking rhetorical, simulating questions: - Is there a “Supreme Judge” … Does anybody “out there” care what we do?

- Are there really inherent laws common to all societies, whether or not they are written down or officially enacted (“Natural Law”)? (How could anyone teach our Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights which are heavily based on “Laws of Nature and Nature’s God” without exploration of answers to this question?)

- If there is an overseeing “Creator”, how is he engaged in government affairs? (“Divine Providence”)?

History proves we must be very cautious about our “oughts” (laws),

When I served in the Alaska Legislature many years ago, humility was as scarce as palm trees growing in Alaska. With a swarm of egomaniacs scurrying about the capitol trying to take credit for everything short of the sun rising in the morning, it was an unpleasant environment I could do without.

As an elected representative, tooting one’s horn is sometimes an unfortunate necessity, so your constituents are aware you’re working hard on their behalf and getting things done. And it helps get you reelected. However, many politicians carry it too far. Too often, I found my fellow pols rushing to take credit for bills they didn’t sponsor or budget items they had no role in securing. I once worked closely with the Department of Transportation to fund pedestrian tunnels under the

Legislative heads swell for other reasons too. When bestowed the title “State Representative” or “State Senator,” it’s easy to feel full of oneself. The halls of the state capitol are loaded with people who stroke legislators’ egos. People practically bow down to you as they seek favor. Lobbyists pull on your arm and special interest groups attempt to sweet talk you into backing their pet project. Moreover, having control of multi-billion-dollar state operating and capital budgets, and being in a

Here are some expressions of disappointment in America: - Peace and truth are the chief enemies of those in power over us Americans.

- Paying people for cleverly bearing false witness, for supporting prejudice with verbal violence, and for orchestrating threatening mobs is creating American slavery.

- Playing on popular gullibility and the orchestrated ignorance of too

Honest reflection on your reactions to our recent 7.0 earthquake will reveal the same thing. It is very “natural” to appeal to an authority higher than yourself when you lose control! If terror prevented you from praying, “Oh God, help!”, as everything around you shook and fell, you likely have considered

position to create new laws, we’re all bound by representatives’ significant power, which often goes straight to a ruler’s head. One of the most annoying acts of narcissism is when the daily prayer is delivered on the House and Senate Floor at the start of each session.

There’s typically a mad scramble to be the one selected to offer the prayer.

During the prayer, heads are bowed low in exaggerated fashion, knowing that cameras are rolling, and people are observing back home.

Parks Highway. After a year of hard work and success, another politician took full credit, announcing their alleged achievement in a newsletter.

Another time, I was successful getting a bill through the legislative process which authorized the Department of Fish & Game to issue permits to private individuals for keeping certain “exotic” animals, a very popular issue at the time. After an entire session’s work and eventual success, a colleague issued a press release claiming credit.

Contributed by Stuart Thompson

Government happens! The “rule of ought” reveals its inevitability, but merely as evidence of the real point; our need for something (or someone) bigger than ourselves to be running things.

To me, a measure of one’s character is how you conduct yourself when no one is looking, and the cameras are off. Most of my work was done quietly in my office, where my staff and I helped literally thousands through the years with various problems involving government. We took great pride in working quietly and discreetly - and sometimes anonymously - to improve the lives of our constituents. No standing on a hilltop shouting our accomplishments.

praying during any one of the numerous aftershocks. Yes, I am saying “government happens” because we are created to be under the protection and authority of a creator!

In a 7.0 earthquake, we quickly understand the limits of ourselves and mere human government. No law can be written to prevent earthquakes, hurricanes, or errant comets! We couldn’t do much in those few minutes of utter chaos. We were stripped nearly naked of any illusion of control or authority. Don’t let the lessons get past you; your “religious self” is showing and you can likely figure out what to do about it without government help!

Christmas is the perfect time of year to contemplate the birth of God’s son and how His gift affects you.

A government that implies there is no higher authority than itself is tyranny waiting to happen because it will ultimately establish selfish laws. America’s government does not establish religion because it bets on Americans choosing to be religious and finding truth without its help.

The direction and guidance of “Nature’s God” (“Divine Providence”) is a presumed, stated axiom of the Declaration of Independence.

If God-fearing citizens lose the majority, we are destined to be nothing more than yet another historical demonstration of man’s inability to govern himself!

Wes Keller | WesKeller.com

walked in, faulting himself with his offering of gold coins and making a big “look at me” scene. Then a widowed lady quietly and without fanfare entered and offered two small copper coins, giving up everything she had.

The same flaunting goes on in Juneau with far too many hot shots and far too few exhibiting humility.

Jesus said in Luke 20 to beware of the teachers of the law, because they enjoy walking around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with their important seats and places of honor while making long prayers for show. This is exactly the scenario I witnessed repeatedly in Juneau.

I greatly admire humility in people.

Jesus was critical of show-offs. Once, when he and his disciples observed people in the temple, a rich person

There are some I know who are genuine, sincere Christians and most importantly, humble - those I aspire to emulate. I’m by no means perfect as a Christian and admit my ego occasionally gets in the way. But I’ve tried to make a conscious effort to be humble in all walks of life, as Jesus instructs.

buildings- containing condoms, drugs, pornography trash, and broken-up data storage devices- is starting to block city sewer lines.

how he can tell who is naughty or nice.

This is to fix the horrible intelligence problems that makes our all our current military confrontations unwinnable.

- It’s reported that the Pentagon is planning a pre-emptive nuclear strike on Heaven to block further American natural disasters.

- Have you heard? Behind closed doors, Congress is listening to expert testimony that we Americans are no longer capable of practicing freedom under the Constitution. Instead, we desperately need benevolent elitist rule to protect us from 1) ourselves and 2) “useful” enemies (brought about by unelected bureaucrats and popularized

by MSM news).

- We’ve all seen the prominent Media stories about the trans-gender discrimination issue. In typical government style, it’s being proposed to legally enforce gene-editing inoculations on pregnant women- so that all babies born are physically genderless.

- The Washington DC Public Works Department has reportedly asked Congress for emergency funding.

Sewage from US government

- It’s also rumored that the US Air Force has orders to capture Santa Claus while he’s on his Christmas travels.

Apparently, the CIA wants to “extract”

many Americans is the chief political practice that’s leading to our country’s extinction.

It’s these conditions that generate satirical humor like this:

HISTORY & LITERATURE Contributed by Sharon Aubrey

PAGE 9

Relevant Publishers LLC proudly announces their latest release: Johnny & Me: The Story of Two Alaskan Children Growing Up Wild, Hilda LusterLindner’s amusing sequel to Small Moccasin Tracks.

Johnny Luster. Alaska’s pioneer families led difficult lives filled with many hardships before and following Statehood. Yet, in the midst of their adversity, the imagination and ingenuity of children brought laughter and fun to even the dreariest chores and difficult situations.

Hilda is the daughter of the famous Alaskan hunting guide and pioneer,

In Johnny & Me, Hilda delivers more humorous tales from her childhood

Problems solved - for a generation anyway!

What to do? Be true to yourselves and stand for things you personally verify to be true. This is still possible in Alaska.

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

adventures with her little brother, Johnny, and their friend, Harry Buzzby.

Explore Alaska’s wilder days, through the eyes of two rambunctious children. Available through local bookstores or order online at Amazon.

Offered in two formats: 978-0-999260548 (paperback, $19.99) 978-0-999260555 (ebook, $5.99)

PAGE 9

PETS & ANIMALS Contributed by Angie Lewis After living the rough life for a long time, Sadie is ready for her “fur ever” home.

This beautiful soul is approximately two years old, spayed, vaccinated, and has a lifetime microchip. Sadie gets along with other dogs, but can occasionally be a bit bossy. She is so ready for a family and a settled life.

To meet Sadie and learn more about this sweet girl, call Angie at (907) 8413173 or email Alaska Animal Advocates at akaarescue@hotmail.com

Contributed by Angie Lewis, President of Alaska Animal Advocates Celebrating the holidays can be such a wonderful experience for many of us.

The smells, foods, decorations and gifts make this time of year very enjoyable.

Being surrounded by our pets is a true joy this time of year. However, the holiday season can be very dangerous for your pet if you are not cautious.

Let’s start with the Christmas tree. If you use a real tree, make sure the water in the stand is covered so that your pet cannot drink it. The pine sap is not safe for ingestion.

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

Pets might chew on the cords and get electrocuted. Pets can get tangled up in the cords as well. Do not use tinsel, ribbon, or other glittery items, as these can be very enticing to pets, particularly cats. Ornament hooks can

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Contributed by Susan Fujimoto Cruzer is a very spunky, neutered, 12 year old Rottweiler mix. He is super friendly and enjoys long walks and plenty of attention.

He is very food motivated and knows a few basic commands. We find he prefers some dogs over others at the shelter so if you have other dogs, please be sure and bring them in to meet him.

His identification number is A028521.

Located at the Mat-Su Animal Shelter.

Call us at (907) 746-5500 for more info.

Contributed by Kelleigh Orthmann Valeris is a young boy who is dropdead gorgeous. He is about a year or two old. Valeris is very sweet, though he is cautious with strangers.

All he needs is someone willing to give him the time to trust and he will be a lovebug. He seems fine with other nice cats; we don’t know his history, so we don’t know how he would be with dogs. In Wasilla. Call (907) 315-9510.

Contributed by Angie Lewis They are both ready to move out of their momma’s home and venture forth on their own. Whitey and Brownie are approximately four or five months old and are a bit shy, but that will change once they are around more people.

If you are interested in sharing your life with one or both of these gals, please call Angie at (907) 841-3173 or email Alaska Animal Advocates at akaarescue@hotmail.com

be swallowed and cause damage to intestines. Decorating the bottom part of your tree with ornaments made of wood or plastic, that won’t break, can prevent intestinal blockages.

Gifts that contain human food can present problems for your pets as well.

Chocolate, raisins, onions, coffee, tea, and alcohol are delicious to us humans, but are quite dangerous for animals.

Foods such as yams, sweet potatoes, and canned pumpkins (minus the spices) are safe for your pets to eat.

Although plants add to the ambiance of our holiday celebrations, there are more than 700 plants that are toxic to pets. Poinsettias and mistletoe are dangerous to animals. So, keep these plants out of reach of your four-legged companions or buy artificial ones.

Burning candles can be a concern this time of year. Put these candles in areas that are not accessible to your pets. Do not leave the house with candles lit at

any time. There are battery operated candles that can be used with safety in mind.

this time of year, or any time of year, without your faithful companions at your side.

So, if you are feeling as though there are too many restrictions on your holiday experiences, just imagine

This will make the decision to be safe an easy one. Enjoy the holidays with your animal friends!

COMMUNITY & EVENTS Contributed by Debra McGhan In the aftermath of recent earthquakes plaguing Southcentral Alaska, my thoughts turn back to 1964, when I was just nine years old and the largest earthquake to ever hit the US devastated Anchorage, where I lived.

That quake registered 9.2 and lasted more than four minutes. We lost our home. We lost our way of life. But most importantly, we survived.

I learned much during that time, as well as over the next 50 years, about the importance of sharing life lessons; I call it ‘Passing it on.’ I don’t want other people to have to experience some of the preventable tragedies I’ve been through, so I have been working with the Mat-Su Borough Emergency Services for more than a decade, hosting Preparedness Expos, to help people deal with emergencies and disasters. I hope some of that effort has proven valuable and helpful for others, especially everyone who survived this most recent period of upheaval from the earthquakes.

Iron Dog Champions Chris Olds and Tyler Aklestad, competitors during the race, are unified while off the course, in their passion to ‘Pass it on’ by sharing their life lessons. Olds, who broke his back in 2013 while on a fun ride with friends, understands how being

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

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prepared and traveling with the right partners can make all the difference between life and death. This is a message he shares with his children, family, friends and all those interested in experiencing the best Alaska has to offer.

Aklestad has also faced life and death situations during his snowmobile adventures and agrees that being well prepared and riding with solid partners is one of the biggest keys for every successful ride.

Olds and Aklestad support the Alaska Avalanche Information Center by helping others who ride and recreate in the backcountry of Alaska, as well as attending and participating in special events.

Aklestad was the Keynote address at the 2018 Alaska Snow Safety Summit and featured speaker at the Snowfest, sharing tales of his race experiences and harrowing adventures. He encourages others to take the time to get educated and learn ways to stay safe in the backcountry of Alaska.

volunteers encourage everyone to take advantage of the many free avalanche and backcountry travel safety workshops offered across the state including right here in Hatcher Pass, designed to get you on the path to safe backcountry adventures. Get the training; Learn to recognize the red flags nature provides to help you

Olds was featured at the 2012 Snowfest, and has joined AAIC instructors during training courses over the years to share his life lessons, in an effort to help others.

The Alaska Avalanche Information Center Hatcher Pass, the Chugach National Forest Service, Alaska Avalanche School and a host of

Contributed by Rebecca Turnipseed

Contributed by Frank Gerjevic

The Mat-Su Animal Shelter would like to announce a Home for Holidays Name Your Price Event on December 22, 2018. All animals will be eligible. We will be open from 11am-6pm.

Anchorage AK- Alaskans living in the areas affected by the Nov. 30 earthquake will have 45 extra days to enroll in health care insurance through the Affordable Care Act.

So, come early to see all the animals. We have dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, a turtle, and gerbils. As always, please be patient, we will likely be busy. We hope to see you there, and to get all the animals a home for the holidays.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced that although the open enrollment period for 2019 health insurance ends on Dec. 15, a special enrollment period has been opened through January 29 for Alaskans living in the Municipality of Anchorage, Matanuska-Susitna Borough or Kenai Peninsula Borough at the time of the quake and were unable to complete enrollment.

All available for adoption animals can be viewed on our website at www.matsuanimalshelter.com.

For questions please call 907-746-5500, leave us a message if we are unable to get to the phone.

We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information about the extra time and for help in completing enrollment, call United Way’s 2-1-1 line or 800-478-2221, or call the healthcare. gov call center at 1-800-318-2596.

Frank Gerjevic at United Way of Anchorage, 2633824 (contact Jane Straight, 263-3880 for more)

avoid trouble. Get the gear; Make sure you have the tools necessary and know how to use them, in the event you do run into trouble. Get the forecast; learn to check and understand snow and weather forecast so you’ll know what to expect.

Get the picture; Learn to recognize dangerous terrain and conditions.

And finally, get out of harm’s way; Learn to avoid getting caught in terrain traps by understanding where you should and should not be when recreating.

Don’t head out to ride without taking the time to get educated. Your family will thank you.

Learn more, and see all the training opportunities available at www.alaskasnow.org

COMMUNITY & EVENTS Contributed by Josh Fryfogle

was palpable.

Bob Bowers ended the meeting with a heartfelt prayer, in the name of Christ, and his sincerity

The meeting started with me showing up late. I made my apologies, and settled in to the relatively formal gathering, as Bob Bowers led the agenda according Robert’s Rules of Order.

It was a straight-forward meeting, like any you might expect for a community event, covering everything from transportation to the to-go containers used for the meals that are sent out to home-bound folks on Christmas day.

Transportation is a big part of the success of the Christmas Friendship Dinner. I learned that First Student (the bus barn) donates four buses, fuel and drivers to transport people from all over the Mat-Su, to and from the event, which certainly contributes to the incredible attendance that the event draws. They also deliver to those who cannot attend.

The buses run all the way to Talkeetna and Sutton, and the rest of the Mat Su. (Anything that has to do with transportation, the public can call or text Christine, at 907-792-9199. She can take your info over the phone and schedule a pick up.)

FEEDING 5000 They served more than 5000 meals last year, and this year they are preparing for 6000. Over 140 turkeys, 750 pounds of ham, 1200 pounds of potatoes and carrots, 30 gallons of gravy, not to mention other side items and desserts.

HOW TO DONATE No donations at the door, except for desserts. Talking with Bob and Judy, I learned the reason for this rule. One year, early on in their effort, someone donated $20 at the door, and the

Contributed by Jim Rogers Working with homeless and at-risk youth has more than its share of sad moments.

It is the rare and elusive “happy” moments that leave us with a sense of peace, joy and deep satisfaction in our chosen profession.

Recently, I was at my desk entering data, when I began to observe one of our clients. He is normally quiet and sullen with anger; fear or frustration being his most common expression.

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

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poor family behind them turned and walked out, thinking that there was a cost for the meal. They went after that family and turned them around, assuring them that they were welcome.

Thereafter, a rule was strictly instituted no donations at the door.

“We try not to talk about the value of the individual donations, because one man might give $1000, while another woman might only give $10, but to the Lord, their contribution is the same,” she proclaimed with tears welling in her eyes. Any well-versed Christian will immediately reflect on the allusion to yet another Christian story, a particularly powerful parable.

TARGET WELLNESS GRANT Mat Su Health Foundation recently awarded the Christmas Friendship Dinner with a grant for new steam tables, to keep that mountain of food warm and ready for all of us neighbors to enjoy. Judy Bowers applied for that grant, and it was awarded, with this being the first year to use the new food service tables. Considering the quantity of food being served, these tables will surely add to the experience for everyone involved.

OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER! This type of event requires an incredible cooperative effort from volunteers and organizers. I spoke with Ami Giles, volunteer coordinator, who said they need 300 volunteers to pull it off. They currently have 100, but these things seem to happen right when they’re needed, right up to the last minute.

(354-6115 call to volunteer).

“We try to give all of our volunteers something they can do, no matter who they are, their age...” Judy Bowers told me. She made it a point that for many people in the community, the opportunity to volunteer, to connect with their community in a meaningful way, is what is needed most.

There has been a misunderstanding for all these years, 26 so far, that this dinner is only for the financially poor, or destitute, but really, it’s for everyone.

Everyone needs something, and this event offers that fulfillment. Some folks have lost their spouses to old age, and this event fills that need, not just their bellies.

DEDICATION TO CHRIST I remembered something Bob Bowers had said, right before his prayer: “If you’re doing things for the Lord, and

not to make yourself look good, what needs to happen just happens...”

the act of charity must, by design, be between the people themselves.

Kurt Jarmers, a faithful servant to this annual event for over 20 years, followed Bob’s statement of faith, telling about one year, when they were out of desserts, and someone showed up at the back door with hundreds of donated pies. You have to admit, it fits Christ’s M.O.!

Anything else is something else.

Speaking with Bob and Judy Bowers after the meeting, amidst the hustle and bustle of the other 12 people who were at the meeting, who were now unpacking decorations for the upcoming event, I was inspired all the more by the driving sentiment behind the event.

We hear an awful lot of stereotypes perpetuated, about the hypocrisy of the Religious Right in America, not wanting government to do what Jesus would do. This narrow narrative is oft-repeated among modern sophists. In fact, this non-religious, outsiders’ perspective of American Christians, that they don’t live up to the mandate of their faith, because they don’t expect government to play a role in their religion, is itself steeped in irony - and built upon the shifting sand of their own elementary understanding of other people’s belief systems.

Those who would criticize some Christians for not wanting their government to be the vehicle of their religious beliefs, these are often the same folks who demand a separation of church and state in most other cases.

The fact is, if these modern, secular critics of religion were to actually understand the Christian concept of charity, they would also understand that Christian charity is as much about the giver as the receiver, and that

He has had a rough life to be sure, one that escapes explanation but is told every day in his posture, demeanor and lack of joy in his life. On this day, this young man’s life was made better by warm cookies and milk.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church donated some cookies to be served with our daily “Supper Club”. Upon discovering the cookies, he asked if the café could heat some up for him. After they were warmed, he asked sheepishly if he could get a glass of milk to wash them down

Another very inspiring thing about Bob and Judy’s effort to serve, in the name of Christ. They are NOT associated with any particular religious organization.

They worship daily and are not members of any group or church. They are inspiring in that their own religion is active, it is service, it is showing love for their whole community.

They do not allow any group or denomination to proselytize at the annual Christmas Friendship Dinner, but the presence of Christ is fully represented throughout the event.

Just another example of how they focus fervently on the mandate to serve others and love us neighbors.

No matter how one feels about Christianity, all are welcome to attend this wonderful event. But as an honest writer, I would be remiss if I did not communicate to my readers that which Bob and Judy made so abundantly clear to me. Repeatedly.

This event is inspired by a devotion to Christ, and the resulting desire to serve others.

TO DONATE...

Visit the website: Christmasfriendshipdinner.org Or mail to: Christmas Friendship Dinner PO Box 870845 Wasilla, AK 99687 Or donate by check to the Mat Su Food Bank - please include a note of “CFD” in the memo. Tax donation receipts available upon request.

with. Watching the sheer enjoyment that these cookies brought to him was amazing. For a moment, he was at peace, grinning from ear to ear with excitement that was contagious to even the most jaded of us.

While cookies and milk doesn’t sound like much to most of us, to this man it was a moment in which he was not fighting to stay warm and dry, struggling against drug or alcohol abuse, or raging against the effects of a lifetime of abuse or neglect.

It was a moment in which he could peacefully enjoy the goodness of warm cookies and milk and live in the moment.