The People's Paper April 2015

Recycling Now!

CONTRIBUTED BY ANGIE LEWIS, ALASKA ANIMAL ADVOCATES

CONTRIBUTED BY KATIE WrITEr Alaska, The Last Frontier, the land of vast amounts of pristine wilderness has attracted people from all over the world to be amongst its natural splendor. Denali National Park, Wrangell St. Elias, the Gates of the Artic, Prince William Sound and Wood Tikchik State Park are a few places known to be closest to heavenly on this terrestrial plane.

Cities such as Anchorage and Fairbanks are hubs for accessing these wild lands. Palmer, Wasilla and Willow are also growing populations creating an incredible amount of garbage. Managing solid waste is becoming more complex and landfills in these regions have their hands full.

Recycling is slowly coming into focus as becoming a mandatory practice.

One may think, why is it taking so long for recycling to be a mainstream practice in Alaska? One would think that The Last Frontier would not be the Last Frontier in regards to recycling.

Yet, there is no greater reminder that Alaska is lagging on getting on the band wagon of an extremely important movement that involves landfills, trash, consumer choices and recycling. Travelling ‘outside’ has got to be one of the biggest stimulants to my desire to see this state prioritize recycling.

There are always recycling bins next to trash cans at airports that trigger one’s reflexes that it is not okay to drop an aluminum can or plastic bottle in the trash. The airliners recycle as much as possible and as soon as one jets off of ‘outside’, this functioning system of recycling that

is established almost worldwide becomes a desirable goal in my mind here in beautiful Alaska.

Valley Community for Recycling Solutions in Palmer has given me hope that this movement is soon to become the way for more than a minority of the population.

The Mat Su Borough has collaborated with establishing its well -loved

neighbor, VCRS as a highly functioning recycling center that will greatly reduce the amount of trash entering its neighboring landfill.

and of course, trash…much of which is recyclable!

My hope is that businesses shift their awareness that making an extra effort to provide containers for recyclables next to every trash can is good for Alaska… and that the extra money spent here is saving money for future generations and more importantly… honoring Mother Earth.

I admit that I felt completely perplexed after a tour of VCRS this past February. It was an uplifting experience to see how much matter was being recycled in this finely organized facility. Afterwards, I stopped by Carr’s in Eagle River and did the amount of consumer goods in plastic ever daunt the scene.

At first, it is hard to look at Flower and know the pain that she has experienced in her young life.

Soon, you forget that pain, and you start to see the spirit and resilience that make her who she is. Flower is a nine-month old puppy, maybe Hound and Cattle Dog. She has a leg that was broken months ago, but she was never taken to the vet and so she favors it, but also uses it when she runs.

Flower may need surgery in the future, but at this time, the surgery is on hold.

If yOu ThINK ThAT yOu MIGhT rESTOrE fLOWEr’S fAITh IN MANKIND, pLEASE CALL 841-3173 Or EMAIL ALASKA ANIMAL ADVOCATES AT AAArESCuE@yAhOO.COM

One step at a time, VCRS has become quite advanced in managing large amounts of recyclables. After taking a tour with director, Mollie Boyer, I was so inspired that there was hope for extending recycling to a broader population base.

Thanks to the support from the Mat-Su Borough and the efforts of Solid Waste Division Manager Macey “Butch” Shapiro, the ‘zero waste’ practice is becoming a priority for communities such as Big Lake, Willow and Talkeetna. All of the community councils are on board to establish sustainable recycling programs and timing could not be more perfect.

We all know that summertime is sneaking up as the ice thins and shifts on the wonderful rivers. Along with this shift comes the influx of tourism

I snapped some photos of all of the ends of the aisles filled with this and that in plastic. It was completely breathtaking.

Ugh! I walked out with a bunch of bananas and a sandwich in a plastic container feeling hungry, guilty and somewhat depressed.

CONTINuES ON pAGE 6

The People’s Paper, Make A Scene Magazine Office: 907-373-2698 Fax: 888-383-9909 makeasceneak@mac.com www.makeasceneak.com

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pETS & ANIMALS PAGE 2

Remembering Selma

SELMA, ALABAMA. ANNuAL COMMEMOrATION, 2015 PHOTO BY MIKE MCCORMICK CONTRIBUTED BY MIKE MCCOrMICK On March 7, 1965 police and other officials attacked, tear gassed, and beat 600 marchers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama...

The marchers had set out on the first mile of a 54 mile walk to the state’s capital city of Montgomery, Alabama.

The marchers walked hoping to draw the attention of President Johnson, Congress, state officials and the world to need for national voters’ rights legislation.

Footage of the attacks was beamed all over the world. American citizens were outraged and demanded action.

In part because of the public fury over the brutal beatings in Selma, as well as over murders and other police attacks though out the Deep South, President

Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 into law in August. Approximately 100,000 people, including Presidents Obama and George W. Bush, travelled to this poverty stricken city of 19,000 plus to take part in the annual commemoration. Although the reenactment of the march takes place annually, this year’s 50th anniversary was by far the largest in history..

My wife Katy and I took two hours to drive 70 miles in hopes of hearing the President and other speakers. When we finally reached Selma after parking and taking a shuttle bus ride, we joined tens of thousands of others waiting to clear security in a line that stretched six blocks.

The vast majority of the crowd was elated to hear the President. While we heard criticism of him (too much

SELMA, ALABAMA - MArCh 7Th 1965 attention to Wall Street for example,) the people at the commemoration still strongly support him. Many applauded fervently when, prior to his arrival at the event, a speaker declared that he was one of the greatest presidents of all time.

The positioning of the President’s podium at the foot of the Edmund Pettis Bridge could not have been any more symbolic.

Without the sacrifices of those who risked their lives in 1965 at the Bridge and elsewhere, an Obama Presidency never would have come to pass.

President Obama and other speakers reminded us that because of the efforts of thousands of people in the 60’s Civil Rights Movement, the country is a better place for all Americans.

John Lewis, who led the march in 1965 across the bridge stated that anyone who thinks that progress has not been made since the attacks on the bridge needs to walk a mile in his shoes.

Although most people at Selma acknowledged progress since the 60’s, everyone agreed that there is much work to be done.

Concerns about the Michael Brown shooting the erosion of Johnson’s 1965 Voting Rights Act, and poverty in places such as Selma (50% of children there live in poverty) were cited.

John Lewis told us that we all have our own Pettis Bridges to climb. Many people left renewed and refocused on taking actions to better their own lives, and the lives of others in our world.

SPORTS CONTRIBUTED BY SuSAN SKVOrC, MSTA VICE prESIDENT In spite of the Easter morning snowfall, Spring really is here. Kids are out on their bicycles, parasailers are jumping off of the Butte, hikers are climbing the local peaks, and tennis players are waiting for the nets to be installed at the local courts.

The Valley community from Palmer to Wasilla and surrounding areas is being served by the Mat-Su Tennis Association (MSTA). Now in its third season, MSTA is a grass roots organization that invites all valley residents to join.

Formed by a handful of tennis enthusiasts who played in high school (as far back as the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s) and still love to play tennis, this group is dedicated to bringing more opportunities for tennis players of all ages and abilities to the Mat-Su. If you have been looking for people to play tennis with, look no further.

Friday April 10 MSTA held an event to court new members and returning members. Attendees came to find out about our local tennis organization.

If you missed it, watch for the spring play day event coming up soon. See our Facebook page @ Matsu Tennis

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Association, or go to our website: www.matsutennis.org. Joining the association will net members great benefits such as tennis lessons, leagues and information about places to play and new tennis partners. Learn how it will be to your advantage to join us in developing tennis in the Valley.

Help us promote the sport and fulfill the dream of building indoor courts for year round play. We will be a tax exempt non-profit in the very near future and will be applying for grants to help reach our goals.

To get you in the swing of things this summer, we will be offering six weeks of teen tennis (ages 12 – 17) from June 22 – July 28, one week of Quick Start camp for ages 6-11 in early August, and a flex league for adults starting June 1. These activities are free for members.

The adult league is one in which teams can schedule matches at the convenience of their team and play them out before the tournament August 1 – 2. The tournament grand prize is a one month full membership at the Alaska Club, including child care. A tennis club at Colony High School is in its second year and began practicing April 7.

Due to its popularity, next school year it will be an ASAA sanctioned interscholastic sport if all goes as currently planned. Coaches Susan Brunner and Jane Bulovsky are United States Tennis Association certified instructors and invite all interested Colony students to join them.

Anchorage tennis pro Aaron Haines will be providing a tennis clinic on May 8, hosted by Colony High School Tennis Club. A second clinic is planned for the end of May.

All valley youth are invited to participate but space is limited, so contact Coach Brunner (Susan.

Brunner@matsuk12.us) or Coach Bulovsky (Jane.Bulovsky@matsuk12. us) soon to reserve a spot.

AS SOON AS ThE NETS GO up AT ThE pALMEr COurTS (BETWEEN E. ELMWOOD AND E. FIREWEED) AND ThE COurTS AT WASILLA WONDErLAND pArK, GET ON ThE BALL AND STArT GETTING IN ShApE!

Roller Derby: It’s A Bout Time lost without our officials keeping us up-to-date on current rules, so why would we expect our fans to know everything?

The roller derby basics are easy enough to learn from a video online, but the rules are a bit more complicated. And we want you to ask questions. That is why we have Question Mark girls at all of our bouts.

Believe me, if we could, we would have them on the track with us to answer our questions. Why am I going to the box again?

CONTRIBUTED BY rAE CuNNINGhAM

“There are countless benefits to playing roller derby. You could probably ask a thousand different roller girls what they like most about the sport and receive a thousand different answers.”

With so many perks you would expect recruiting new skaters to be easy, but it tends to be the most challenging task for us. How do you convince people to join your amazing group of life-changing awesomeness without sounding a little bit crazy? We all feel the fatigue of coaxing outsiders whom we know would love roller derby to join it. After a while, it’s a little bit maddening.

And then I thought maybe it just sounds too good. Maybe some people are intimidated by how popular the sport is and they’re afraid they will be over-looked. Perhaps they’re worried they will say the wrong thing. Like any subculture, roller derby has it’s own set of expectations.

Hopefully this list helps you understand what we are looking for in future skaters, officials, fans, and volunteers. We hope you’ll find it’s easier than you thought!

1. Don’t Just Tell us you Want to Join We have all been there. The first time someone we know wants to join roller derby, we get really excited.

We answer all the questions, tell the team, find information, and even buy or borrow gear for new people to try.

Then nobody shows up.

Forgive us if we aren’t that impressed to hear you want to join. We’ve just been burned too many times. If you want to impress us, go to our practices. You’re already way ahead of most people once you walk in the door. And once we know you’re a serious investment, we will give you all the help and support you need to keep coming back.

2. Ask Questions Want to know all the rules about derby before coming to a practice?

Yeah, so do we. Unfortunately as roller derby grows, the rules change constantly. We would be completely

3. Don’t Talk Trash About Other Derby Girls Like blood relatives, we don’t always get along super well with one another. But that doesn’t mean we want to hear you say anything bad about our fellow derby sisters. It takes a lot for a group of 40 women to get along, but the first rule is respect.

We show that same respect to other leagues in Alaska and we expect our fans to follow suit. Roller derby is a small community, so be careful what you say.

4. Don’t Wait Any Longer Each person on our league probably has a story about how they wanted to wait for the perfect time to join roller derby. Maybe they wanted to have enough time, or some money saved up, or get into shape first. If this sounds like you, then you have already waited too long.

If anyone on the league has any regrets about joining, it is probably that some of us waited longer than we should have. It might be difficult and scary at first, but the only person who will try to talk you out of getting better is yourself.

To learn more about the Boom Town Derby Dames visit us on facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

If you are over 18 and want to join us there is no experience necessary to begin our Fresh Meat Program.

Practices for new members are Sundays from 5 – 7pm and Wednesdays from 6 – 8pm at The Borough Gym in Palmer.

Come watch our local games in Wasilla at the Curtis D. Menard Center April 25th and May 9th. Doors open at 6pm and the wheels start rolling at 7pm.

Tickets are $12. Discounts for military, children, and seniors are available.

WE hOpE TO SEE yOu ThErE!

HEALTH CONTRIBUTED BY MIChELLE A. rOuNTrEE, rN AND DEBOrAh GIEDOSh, EDD, rN

Vaccines are often referred to as a victim of their own success.

With little to no modern first-hand experience of the devastation caused by childhood diseases by the general public, it is easy for some to downplay the fear that drove parents to their health care providers to immunize their children years ago.

As a result, today’s parents have begun in greater numbers to question the need to vaccinate their children shifting parental fear from disease to the vaccine itself.

Contributing to parental hesitancy are unscrupulous researchers, public complacency and opinions of celebrities exploiting their popularity regarding personal health decisions for their children onto the public Part of this view is a common misconception that epidemics only

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take place in faraway undeveloped countries leading to a false sense of security for those of us living in the US. However, the recent Measles outbreak in the U.S. and Europe demonstrate that this is a false and dangerous belief.

Not only are unvaccinated children at-risk themselves, but they put others who are medically unable to be vaccinated in jeopardy and by extension the greater community as well. This is a daily challenge for those of us in public health as our mission is the health and wellness of the community as our patient.

Understanding how vaccines work and why they are given at certain stages of life can go a long way to increase a better understanding by hesitant parents. Toward this end, Public Health Nursing strives to bring reliable and understandable information to hesitant parents to assist them to make informed decisions for their children.

While Public Health Nursing is cognizant that parents have the right to vaccinate or not, it is our ethical responsibility to inform parents of the consequences of immunization

inaction on the health and wellness of their child. This is why each Public Health Nurse spends considerable time reviewing immunization records of each patient, provides appropriate, understandable educational information to each parent and makes face to face time to explore parental fear to respond to questions and to offer options. One frequently cited reason by parents not to immunize is community immunity.

Community Immunity is the means by which the population is protected from communicable disease through appropriate immunization. While this is true, the caveat is that 95% of the community must be immunized in order to provide adequate herd immunity.

Our community is nowhere near this percentage leaving our population at risk for vaccine preventable diseases.

Therefore this argument does not hold up and should be considered by parents. Another concern parents express is vaccine safety, yet it is interesting to note that parents don’t seem to express the same anxiety

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and apprehension directed at other common medical treatments and prevention. Even over the counter (OTC) drugs are more routinely used with a lot less concern for product safety.

The bottom line is this; vaccines have been researched and reviewed for safety for many years under stringent criteria. And while all medication carries some risk having a Vaccine preventable disease is a far greater risk to the health and wellness of the individual child and the larger community.

Public Health Nurses understand that parents want to make the best decision they can for their child and we appreciate that this child is so very precious to each parent, but preventing disease is a serious business and as such takes serious consideration.

We see a responsible parental role as making the best informed decision possible when weighing risk with health benefits.

A GOOD pLACE TO STArT IS TO TALK TO yOur puBLIC hEALTh NurSES, WE ArE hErE fOr yOu!

Paid tax fee for being uninsured last year? See if you can still get 2015 coverage

BY K.T. MCKEE Some of you may have had a rude awakening when you did your tax return for 2014 and realized you had to pay a fee for not having health insurance last year.

If you fall into that category and also were not aware that the Open Enrollment Period to get Affordable Care Act coverage this year ended Feb. 15, you have until April 30th to take advantage of an unusual Special Enrollment Period to get covered for the rest of 2015.

If you don’t qualify for that Special Enrollment Period (SEP), you might qualify for the main SEP for those who’ve lost health coverage due to the loss of a job or the expiration of Medicaid coverage. Otherwise, the next Open Enrollment Period for the Affordable Care Act is Nov. 1, 2015, to Jan. 31, 2016.

In all cases, you would still need to meet income guidelines to qualify for the tax credits that would help cover monthly premium costs and cost-sharing reductions that would help cut the costs of deductibles and other out-ofpocket costs.

ThOSE INCOME GuIDELINES AND COST SAVINGS ArE AS fOLLOWS: · Your estimated adjusted gross income for 2015 is at least 100% of the Federal Poverty Level for Alaska and not greater than 400% above that poverty line.

For example, if you are single and don’t have tax dependents, your adjusted gross would need to be at least $14,580 and no greater than $58,320. The greater your income, the less help you would get paying for the insurance. For a married couple with three children, they would need to have a minimum combined income of $34,900 and no greater than $139,600 to qualify for help. · Tax credits are available to reduce the monthly premium at all metal levels, but the monthly cost would be lowest at the bronze level. However, bronze plans have high deductibles because they are not eligible for the cost-sharing reductions that reduce deductibles.

This is why for most people, choosing a Silver plan is the best bet. Silvers incorporate both the tax credits and the cost-sharing reductions, but only the cost-sharing reductions if income is no higher than 250% above the poverty level. For a single person, that cut-off would be $36,450. For a family of four, that line would be $74,550.

· Tax credits are funds that would go directly from the federal government to the private insurance company (Moda Health or Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield in Alaska) to cover the costs of premiums. The policy holder would pay the difference between the amount of the tax credit and the regular cost of the health insurance policy. · Policy holders are given a choice of either taking all of the tax credit immediately in order to reduce their monthly costs as much as possible; taking a portion of the tax credit now and paying more per month, but getting the rest back when they filed their taxes the next year; or taking none of the tax credit now, paying full price for the premium, and getting all of it back when they filed their taxes.

Most people take all of it right away with the understanding that if their adjusted gross income turns out to be several thousand more than they reported on their ACA application they might have to pay some of it back when they filed their taxes the next year. This is why it’s important to adjust your income figures on your ACA application before the end of the year if it’s higher than you had originally anticipated.

This will cause an adjustment in your tax credit amount and you likely will owe more per month for the insurance.

However, there are caps on how much would have to be paid back in tax credits if your income does go up and you don’t adjust your application.

Only those whose incomes go above 500% of the poverty line have to worry about paying back all of the tax credits.

See kaiserfamilyfoundation.files. wordpress.com/2013/01/8154.pdf for a breakdown of those payback amounts.

For those who don’t have insurance through an employer or a government program and have income falling below the Federal Poverty Level and so don’t qualify for the tax credits that help cover ACA insurance, Medicaid Expansion would be vital.

Governor Walker is hoping we will have Medicaid Expansion here by this summer, but he’s getting a lot of resistance in the legislature. If it does get implemented here and you think you might qualify, you will want to fill out a Medicaid application at the Wasilla Public Assistance Office. fOr ANy QuESTIONS, pLEASE DON’T hESITATE TO CONTACT ME AT MAT-Su hEALTh SErVICES AT 352-3225. ALL Of My hELp IS frEE AND CONfIDENTIAL.

K.T. (Kate) McKee is a Certified Application Counselor for the Affordable Care Act at Mat-Su Health Services in Wasilla.

WITH PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTIONER KRITINA KRUCHOWSI Open house Event, friday May 22nd, 12pm-6pm Meet our staff, Tour our offices, and Check out our initial visit discounts.

907-357-1999 Call for a appointment.

WhAT IS A pSyChIATrIC NurSE prACTITIONEr? A psychiatric nurse practitioner, or mental health nurse practitioner, performs a wide range of mental health services, including patient assessment, psychiatric diagnosis, and medication management. Psychiatric

nurse practitioners offer holistic, long-term and short-term assistance to patients. They assess, diagnose, and prescribe medications while taking into consideration the biological, psychological, and social contexts and development of their patients.

Psychiatric nurse practitioners are master prepared and are educated in family and group therapy, symptom management, psychopharmacology, mental health assessment, highrisk families, and psychotherapy techniques.

Kristina Kruchowski, ANP is a board certified Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

She holds a Masters of Nursing Degree from Valparaiso University. Kristina also attended Valparaiso University for her undergraduate degree in nursing.

She is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Kristina has more than 20 years of service in mental health and 14 of those years as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Kristina’s goal is to provide a therapeutic alliance with patients to help promote positive mental health.

She holds with a fundamental belief: “There are no limits except the ones we set on ourselves.”

Kristina's office is located at 1689 S. Knik-Goose Bay Rd. Suite 700, in Wasilla, Alaska.

Kristina accepts most major insurances.

She does not except Medicaid or Medicare.

COMMUNITY

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Kelly’s Story, Continued In the March 2015 edition of The People’s Paper, the first part of Kelly’s Story ran.

Kelly Marre is from the Mat-Su Valley and has been a blood and bone marrow advocate since losing her son Logan to Leukemia on October 24, 1998. Kelly was diagnosed with Leukemia herself in October 2014.

The following is more of her story.

CONTRIBUTED BY KELLY MARRE

I remember sitting in the chair while my husband, Patrick, used an electric razor and shaved off what was left of my hair. I loved my hair. I would get up an hour earlier than necessary each morning just to fix it before leaving the house.

Still, I knew this would happen and I thought I was ready. I sat there with tears running down my cheeks. It was not just the hair I was grieving, it was the fact I had no control over anything anymore, not even my hair. Patrick declared I had a beautifully shaped head. I remember smiling weakly, saying thank you, and lying down in bed to take a nap.

Five and a half months ago, I was told I have a rare type of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. I took the diagnoses better than most expected me to after losing a son to Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia sixteen years prior. It is not as if I had any control over it, so I had no choice but to accept my fate.

From the beginning, I was determined to have a positive attitude and make the best out of the hand we have been dealt. I am fortunate to have a strong faith and an amazing group of friends and family willing to stand beside me as I fight the disease I call "Leuk." My mission has been to destroy Leuk and never let him control my body again.

From the beginning, we prayed for Plan A to work. Plan A consisted of me being on a study and going through induction chemotherapy and three rounds of consolidation chemo. After completing chemo, I would go home and resume my life. I was so excited when I was accepted for the study.

The study gave me one additional chemo drug called Vorinostat. I was sure this extra drug would aid the process of killing Leuk. Things started out very well. I took three days of Vorinostat in pill form, and then was admitted to the hospital for five days of oral chemo. I tolerated chemo better than I thought I would. It helped to have round the clock antinausea meds.

I was told I would be in-patient for a month, but my doctor let me out after sixteen days.

My hair started falling out on Day 14.

At first, I just laughed when I started to lose it. "So it begins," I remember thinking. After a couple days of dealing with it coming out by the handfuls, I said, "It has to go". My mom and husband asked me if I was sure I was ready. I emphatically declared I was.

I put the covers over my head and silently cried myself to sleep. I was angry with myself for being upset over my hair when I was fighting for my life; my hair loss was the least of my problems. On November 18, we celebrated my early remission. Plan A all the way was going to happen. I got to return to Alaska for ten days and mentally prepare to crush Leuk with Plan A. Round two started December 2, which is my grandma's birthday.

Interesting I was diagnosed on my grandfather's birthday and now doing chemo on hers. Round two went as easy as induction. I was released after four nights. But then I had an issue with my third central line and was readmitted for two additional nights.

Still, we were on schedule and doing great. Mom and I joined a fitness club and we were walking the track and doing water aerobics. I was feeling well, but my blood counts were not coming up. On January 19, I was given the results of my latest bone marrow biopsy; I had relapsed.

Plan A was discarded and Plan B preparations were made.

Plan B consists of a bone marrow transplant. Seventeen years ago when Logan needed one we could not find a match for him. We had to go with an umbilical cord transplant for him.

It was great to have that as an option, but the biggest problem with a cord blood transplant is the length of time it takes for engraftment. Logan did not have the ability to fight off infections.

About two months after his transplant he contracted a fungal infection and died. I was terrified the same thing would happen to me. I was assured there would be a match for me because so many people have joined the Registry since Logan died.

"We will find you a match" I was reassured. A search for my donor was implemented right away. I was dismayed when I was told no one

matched me. No one. History has a way of repeating itself. I was recently told they found two cord bloods to use.

The nice thing about cord blood is it does not have to be a perfect match like bone marrow. They do a double cord blood transplant, but only one cord will take. The other one just goes away. My doctors try to reassure me they have better drugs to fight fungal infections. I am supposed to have my umbilical cord transplant the middle of May. I have not had chemo since the beginning of February. I am greatly concerned that Leuk will come back and try to kill me before the transplant is completed.

I am frustrated that neither Logan nor I could find a bone marrow match.

The process of becoming a potential bone marrow donor is easy- it is a simple cheek swab. Only one in five hundred ends up matching a person.

Some people are terrified at the thought of donating marrow.

What I recommend to those who are considering being on the Registry is to go on www.bethematch.org and read how the bone marrow is collected. More often than not, it is taken out in a process called apheresis.

That means it is taken out of the blood stream intravenously. I will not lie and say it is a discomfort free process, but I have talked with two people who have been donors and they had nothing but positive things to say about the process.

They emphasized that saving a life was worth any discomfort they experienced.

For those who are asked to donate by having marrow extracted from their hips, let me assure you it is not a big deal. I have had six bone marrow biopsies in five months. It is not the most comfortable thing I have ever done, but it certainly is not the worst. I did all six of mine awake. The donor is giving anesthetic and sleeps through the process.

I have found my back is sore anywhere from three-seven days, depending on who does the procedure. I have been able to resume all my activities right after my bone marrow biopsies.

Unfortunately, Alaska is not one of the states participating in umbilical cord donations. However, we Alaskans can still help by promoting the cause and encouraging our pregnant friends out of state to consider donating their child's umbilical cord. There is no charge for donating a cord.

It is too late for me to find a match on the National Registry. I am thankful for everyone who has gotten on the Registry because my story is being shared. Thank you for wanting to help me survive. My story is being shared nationwide to promote the National Registry. I believe in the cause.

For those who have not registered, you can still help by registering at the next bone marrow drive on April 25.

There are many deserving people out there just waiting for a kindhearted person to match them. I will be honored to know someone is going to live because you chose to register after hearing about mine and Logan's need for a match. Please strongly consider saving a life.

YOU CAN fOLLOw KELLY ON hER bLOg AT www.KILLINgLEUK.COM UPCOMINg EVENTS IN hONOR Of KELLY MARRE: - bone Marrow Drive April 25th - 10am to 4pm Downtown Palmer Plaza – Turkey Red hallway as part of Who Let the Girls Out - bone Marrow Drive May 3rd - 8:30am to 4pm at Church on the Rock 8:30 am to 4:00 pm in the church café.

3171 W Machen Road, Wasilla - Prime Rib Dinner fundraiser for Kelly Marre to offset the costs of out of state cancer treatment at the Palmer Moose Lodge 1136 S Cobb, Palmer. Contact Carol Fritz for more details at 355-4123

whY bE A bONE MARROw DONOR? Each hour, more than six people die from a blood cancer.

Patients are searching for a cure. If you are between the ages of 18 & 44, you could be someone’s cure. Doctors choose registry members between 18 & 44 more than 90% of the time. They need people like you When you join the Be The Match Registry®, you become part of every patient’s search for a bone marrow donor. Thousands of patients with blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, sickle cell and other lifethreatening diseases need a bone marrow transplant. You could be the one to save a life.

Doctors request donors in the 18-44 age group 90 percent of the time. www.bEThEMATCh.ORg

COMMUNITY Alaska Veteran’s Healthcare Report CONTRIBUTED

BY MAJOr MIKE DryDEN, uSAr rETIrED ” I am shocked — shocked— to find that gambling is going on in here!”

This much paraphrased line of Claude Rains that he said to Humphrey Bogart in the great film Casablanca should be the tagline of this monthly article on Veteran’s healthcare.

I am shocked---shocked---to find the Federal government has promised more than they can deliver!

Yes, I hope you were sitting down when you read that line but sadly for all veterans this is true. It was easy to promise to provide Veterans healthcare coverage for life when the money from taxpaying baby boomers was coming into the general fund at a rate that outpaced needs. The Social Security so called “trust fund” has been used to pay for everything not covered by the annual taxes raised by all other sources and now the Social Security “trust fund” is just a few decades from becoming insolvent according to the SSA Trustees.

Baby boomers are retiring and are in need of healthcare at an increasing rate and soon this source of funding will become a liability budget item. If the “greedy corporations” were doing is this sort of off- the- book accounting, the whole Board of Directors would be frog marched into a congressional hearing and lectured by the very people who have been doing the same thing to the taxpayers for decades with camera rolling. 24/7 coverage won’t be enough but not a single cable news network will give any legs to a report on this coming crisis.

The good news is our Federal government is as experienced as any nation on earth to handle insolvent deficit budgeting. Crank up the presses.

Pay back all of these promises with cheaper dollars and forget cost of living allowances. Devalue the US dollar and that will get us by another election.

Wait; let’s distract the masses red meat subjects like the names of a pro football team or the agenda of an infinitesimal portion of the population’s fund raising issue. Yes, that should do the job.

HOWEVER, an independent budget forecast report for 2015 authored by stakeholders such as American Legion, VFW, DAV and other fine service organizations with input from many other sources projected a $5,000,000,000 shortfall in direct VA healthcare and construction projects alone. But the $25,000,000 shortfall in VA medical and prosthetics research is very disturbing and shortsighted.

Thirteen years of fighting in the Middle East has put tremendous strain on the VA and must be addressed in the long term and not be held hostage as a political bargaining chip. The VA is now serving Veterans from age 18 to WW ll Veterans in their 80’s who have served their country and the nation should not turn their backs on them.

A recent report by CNN on the VA backlog of simple gastrointestinal procedures, such as a colonoscopy or endoscopy, at the Williams Jennings Bryan Dorn Veterans Medical Center in Columbia, South Carolina has resulted in the deaths of at least six and may be as many as twenty veterans have died due to the backlog. There, veterans waiting months for simple gastrointestinal procedures have been dying because their cancers aren't caught in time to treat.

Promises made by our elected officials are the responsibility of all of us. Please call Alaska’s congressional delegation and express your opinion.

For more detailed information and the sources for this article can be found at www.independentbuget.org www.stripes.com ssa.gov

NAACP says NO

to “Religious Freedom Restoration Act” NAACP responds to reports of Alaska Family Council president Jim Minnery’s advocacy for RFRA legislation in Alaska prESS rELEASE A recent report says that Alaska Family Council president Jim Minnery is calling for Religious Freedom Restoration Act legislation here in Alaska. There has been widespread backlash to the Indiana law, even prompting many business leaders to speak out against the legislation.

The type of legislation passed in Indiana uses the guise of religious freedom to allow private businesses to discriminate against LGBTQ citizens, and use religious beliefs as a legal defense for their discrimination.

“This type of legislation has no place in Alaska,” said Kevin McGee, 1st Vice President and Chairman, Political Action Committee.

“Jim Minnery is doing Alaska a disservice by advocating for such hateful, bigoted, and misguided legislation. Because Alaska does not have its own standalone anti-discrimination law, we need to do everything in our power to block legislation like RFRAs. We have taken a lot of steps forward in the treatment of our LGBTQ brothers and sisters, now is not the time to take a major step back.”

The Original Valley Homeschool Prom 2015 SAT. MAY 9TH AT THE PRIMAL MARTIAL ARTS BUILDING fuN! fOOD! DANCE! prIZES!

By AArrON pINNICK The Valley Homeschool Prom is a nonprofit, volunteer based, open to all homeschool programs. The prom has been held for the past 7 years and will be completing its 8th prom this year on May 9th.

The prom has been run by students and their parents on a complete volunteer basis, the students choose the theme, decide on the decorations, gather the materials, and sometimes even create custom handmade decorations.

The People’s Paper

COMMuNITy

PAGE 6

Recycling Now!

CONTINUED FROM COVER STORY The plastic industry has got to shift the formula to a biodegradable material and nip the problem at the source.

Alternative materials do exist and we as consumers need to demand a change.

The Talkeetna Recycling Committee has been working hard in establishing a sustainable recycling program with the help of Mat Su Borough agreeing to transfer a refurbished container from the transfer site to VCRS. The community is raising funds for the $10,000 container and goals are being met. With the help of a Target Wellness Grant from the Mat Su Health Foundation, a refurbished container for recyclables will be located at the Talkeetna Transfer Site this summer. Many local businesses are pitching in and the recycling program is feeling momentum of a terrific shift to reduce the waste entering the landfill. It is a borough wide effort and may it become main stream to recycle.

An evening fundraiser on April 18th at the Hanger is a wonderful example of how a community can work together and make a change. Talkeetna Recycling Works is the theme of the upcoming Earth Day Celebration/ Recycling Drop Off at Northern Susitna Institute on April 25th, 2015 in Talkeetna. Hundreds of residents are anticipating a major shift in the appearance of their yards as their recyclable piles will be gone like the remaining dirty snow. And soon, vibrant grasses and Alaska flora and fauna will replace the gray leftovers of winter. Long live the vibrant and beautiful Alaska.

Katie Writer is a pilot, artist, writer and photographer raising her family Alaska style in Talkeetna, Alaska.

Wasilla Soil & Water Conservation District Presents

3rd Annual Arbor Day Tree Sale!

WhO: Calling all “Johnny Apple seeds”/ planters to celebrate Arbor Day & plant trees!

WhAT: WSWCD is sponsoring a Tree/Plants Sale to encourage planting trees to improve yards/ landscaping, provide aesthetic beauty, serve as sight & sound buffers &/or to commemorate a special person.

WhEN: Reserve & pay for your Tree order now through Monday, May 11 @ Noon. Trees will arrive & be available for pick up in Wasilla (site to be determined) on Sat. May 16th 10 a.m. – NOON. WhErE: Please remit payment via the WSWCD Office, located in the Frontiersman Building, 5751 E Mayflower Ct. Wasilla, 99654 or via mail; 9:30 am – 2 pm, Mon – Thurs. Please make checks payable to: “WSWCD”.

29th Annual Coal Miner’s Ball The 29th Coal Miner’s Ball will be held Saturday April 25th at the Alpine Inn in Sutton. This event will begin at 4:00. come celebrate the work, contributions and memories of those who labored in our local mines.

We have honored those individuals who have supported our community faithfully throughout the years.

The Old Timer’s Induction will take place at 6:30pm. Honoring into the Coal Miner’s Hall of Fame will be Herb Kopperud, Jim Ord, Bob Bettini, Leif Kopperud, Ted Deland, and Owen Butcher.

We will have live music from The Rockin’ Candys Tickets at the door will be $12.00.

On May 26th, 2015 the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Military Appreciation Luncheon at the Grand View Inn & Suites.

The prom committee also offers graduation gowns, and caps to rent for high school graduates.

The doors will open at 11:30 am and the event will take place from 12:00 to 1:30 pm. Please help us to honor members of our military on this date.

This luncheon is open to all Chamber members and the public is also welcome to attend. Payment of a meeting fee is collected at the door -$7.00 for each Chamber member and $10.00 for non-members.

The prom has also been supported by local businesses by receiving donations from Primal Martial Arts, Walmart, and 3 Bears.

A luncheon buffet is provided by the management and staff of the Grand View Inn & Suites for $15.00 per person.

The prom committee is also helping out in the community by providing an option for attendees to bring some canned goods or non-perishable foods to the prom to receive a discount on their admission ticket.

This luncheon includes an entrée, side dish and vegetable, salad, desert and drinks in the form of soda, tea, coffee or water. If you would like to sponsor the lunch cost for a member of the military ($15 per lunch), you may do so by contacting the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce at (907) 376-1299 no later than the close of business on April 24th, 2015.

HEALTH

The People’s Paper

EDuCATION

PAGE 7

“Currently, many of the foods and beverages Americans eat and drink contain Empty Calories - calories from solid fats and/or added sugars.”

CONTRIBUTED BY JEff ChABOT hEALTh COACh - 907-268-4212 Currently, many of the foods and beverages Americans eat and drink contain Empty Calories - calories from solid fats and/or added sugars. Solid fats and added sugars add calories to the food but few if any nutrients.

For this reason, the calories from solid fats and added sugars in a food are often called empty calories. Learning more about solid fats and added sugars can help you make better food and drink choices.

Solid fats are fats that are solid at room temperature, like butter, beef & chicken fat, and shortening. Some solid fats are found naturally in foods.

They can also be added when foods are processed by food companies

or when they are prepared. Added sugars are sugars and syrups that are added when foods or beverages are processed or prepared.

Solid fats and added sugars can make a food or beverage more appealing, but often add a lot of calories.

ThE fOODS AND BEVErAGES ThAT prOVIDE ThE MOST EMpTy CALOrIES fOr AMErICANS ArE: · Cakes, cookies, pastries, and donuts (contain both solid fat and added sugars) · Sodas, energy drinks, sports drinks, and fruit drinks (contain added sugars) · Cheese (contains solid fat) · Pizza (contains solid fat)

· Ice cream (contains both solid fat and added sugars)

These foods are often called "empty calorie foods."

· Sausages, hot dogs, bacon, and ribs (contain solid fat)

However, empty calories from solid fats and added sugars can also be found in some other foods that contain important nutrients.

These foods and beverages are the major sources of empty calories, but many can be found in forms with less or no solid fat or added sugars.

For example, low-fat cheese and lowfat hot dogs can be purchased. You can choose water, milk, or sugar-free soda instead of drinks with sugar.

Making better choices, like unsweetened applesauce or extra lean ground beef, can help keep your intake of added sugars and solid fats low.

Check that the calories in these products are less than in the regular product.

In some foods, like most candies and sodas, all the calories are empty calories.

LOCAL MEDIA

Objectivity is a Myth

BY JOSh fryfOGLE Journalistic Objectivity is complete hyperbole.

The idea of actually achieving objectivity in its truest sense - is absurd!

To make such claims shows disdain for your audience. Unless, of course, your audience is in on the joke - satire.

Nope, not possible.

Building from an artificial foundation, modern journalism is nothing like the organic concept of Freedom of the Press, and Speech. The first amendment made no statement of objectivity. In fact, the opposite concept (subjectivity) is exactly the point. It's about you.

The first amendment protected the Individuals' rights to say what each of them think. It acknowledges that every human being, endowed by a Creator, was given a right to think, speak, and make known that they do both.

Now, let's go back to the word 'objectivity'.

This word is a necessary part of journalism, modern, corporate journalism, because of the artificial make up of corporate body.

The words they choose cannot help but be led by subconscious associations that represent the writers' truest feelings.

The idea that someone else, from somewhere else, is the only one trained in the mystical art of objectivity is superstitious.

The mental construct of 'corporation' represents many potential failures that might arise. Because there exists no conscience, no soul, the corporation itself exhibits none. So, the journalist working for a third party is not writing from their true self, but on behalf of the corporate body, a third party, in the third person. The corporate body takes on all liability for the words and writings that are produced for the corp.

In this way, the idea of the first amendment simply acknowledged that what arose naturally from the People's minds, taking form in words, would remain unhindered - free.

The high priests of the press are not any better than you, although they might be more well-spoken. They may be trained in all forms of hypnotic repetition, writing and reading from a script that creates the illusion of consensus - but it's a show! All a show.

Objectivity, in the context of Artificial Corporations that are producing 'news', is a necessary thing, though unattainable. The danger of not having objectivity would be that the 'News' agency could amass an army of paid propagandists, waging a war of words on psyche of the People.

Did I mention that Objecctivity is a Myth?

The act of observation, going into a place with the intention of 'reporting', is an action. Actions cause reaction.

The observer cannot help but affect the story.

Now, instead, we have disinterested, impossibly objective, underpaid writers, churning our formulaic, AP style emptiness.

The passion of the People, what they care about, is what the first amendment is intended to protect.

Plain. Simple.

Objectivity literally means that you don't care about the topic!

A complete reversal from the intention of Freedom of the Press!

Your thoughts matter. They affect matter. The first affect would be to write them down, to impress them into clay tablets or paper, to carve them into stone, to leave an impression. To make an impression.

Your thoughts, where you are, are important. And a free press allows you to share that with everyone where you are - enabling a true consensus, if there is one to be had.

The internet is the perfect medium for revisionist theology. I'm not saying it's bad. The internet is good for what it's good for, and nothing else. It can never replace print.

Print, not just on paper, but imprints in anything, exist in reality. The three dimensional space around us is physically affected and changed.

Everything we know about history is based on the real things left behind.

The internet does not leave that record. Humanity needs that record.

PETS & ANIMALS

The People’s Paper

Do dogs feel grief when an animal companion dies?

CONTRIBUTED BY ANGIE LEWIS, ALASKA ANIMAL ADVOCATES Most dog experts say that it is not unusual for a dog to grieve the loss of an animal friend that they have bonded with. The symptoms of mourning are similar in both dogs and humans.

These symptoms can involve sleeping more, loss of appetite, slower movements, and less interest in play.

Some dogs may not exhibit any signs of depression or grief.

PAGE 8

“Most dog experts say that it is not unusual for a dog to grieve the loss of an animal friend that they have bonded with. The symptoms of mourning are similar in both dogs and humans.”

It is difficult to know if dogs understand the concept of death. Certainly they are sensitive to our emotions by being in tune to our body language and our tone of voice.

time. Providing more exercise and stimulation is vital to helping your dog deal with this loss. So, go for extra walks, provide mental stimulation, or start an obedience program.

Our sense of loss is evident in our voices and our movements. Dogs often respond to our tears and crying with distress at our sadness.

Often, friends will suggest getting another dog to ease the pain of your dog’s loss. Should you get another dog? There is no easy answer to this.

Make sure that you are ready for the commitment that bringing a new dog home will create. Make certain that your dog will accept a new dog. Your current dog may not be ready for a

One of the best ways to help your dog deal with the loss of another animal is to stick to a normal routine, such as feeding, going for walks, and play

COMMuNITy

relationship with another dog. Let him help you select a new dog friend.

Allow for the dogs to meet in a neutral area, such as a dog park or on a trail.

Serious behavioral problems, resulting from the death of a canine housemate are rare. However, if your dog is showing signs of extreme stress or demonstrates behavior problems, be sure to access a dog behaviorist. Above all, enjoy your dog and he will help you overcome the grief you feel over the loss of your canine friend.

OPINION CONTRIBUTED BY rOGEr MErrILL Fellow Alaskans, I am of the opinion that we are only a severe earthquake or terrorist attack or an electrical grid failure away from famine.

ThESE ArE SOME Of ThE COLD, hArD fACTS, AS I SEE IT: 1) We are only growing 3-4% of our food here in Alaska.

2) Any one of the above listed disasters could very likely stop all incoming freight by land, air or by sea. That means food too!

3) Most Alaskans are not physically equipped to subsistence hunt to provide for their own families adequately.

4) More Alaskans than we realize purchase food supplies for only a day or a week at a time. Very few store up food ahead by canning, drying or freezing.

And of course, the freezer only works as long as one has a power supply.

5) Further more, most Alaskans do not have the space, know-how, or tools and seeds on hand to be able to grow their own gardens.

As a farm boy growing up in Oregon, we grew everything for perfect health.

Our bees pollinated our berry fields, orchards and garden crops. Along with our sheep, cattle, turkeys, chickens and horses almost all of our needs were provided for. It was a busy, hardworking, and very productive life, just what an active boy like myself needed for self discipline, character development, and optimum fulfillment.

I look back on those years with fond regard and so appreciate my parents foresight in providing that agrarian lifestyle for my sister and me.

Benjamin Franklin so succinctly stated: “There seem to be but three ways for a nation to acquire wealth. The first is by war, as the Romans did, in plundering their conquered neighbors. This is robbery. The second by commerce, which is generally cheating. The third by agriculture, the only honest way, wherein man receives a real increase of the seed thrown into the ground, in a kind of continual miracle, wrought by the hand of God in his favor, as a reward

for his innocent life and his virtuous industry.”

How time has flown. Now in 2015 we must, without delay, get into action toward sustainability before it is too late.

Our glacier silt and volcanic ash provide mineral rich soils capable of growing super foods, not only in size but rich in nutrients which, if eaten in abundance, instead of junk and fast foods, could restore health and happiness, helping to protect us from cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity which are now raging out of control across the land.

(2) Prince Charles once said “Fast food may appear to be cheap food and, in the literal sense it often is, but that is because huge social and environmental costs are being excluded from the calculations.” and “It is vitally important that we can continue to say, with absolute conviction, that organic farming delivers the highest quality, best-tasting food, produced without artificial chemicals or genetic modification, and with respect for animal welfare and the environment, while helping to maintain the landscape and rural communities.”

We can do something positive to reverse this trend if, as some already are, we take action, as much as possible, to change over to an agrarian, plant based lifestyle as a way of life in Alaska.

My recommendation is to begin a serious, required agricultural training program within our public, private and home school system statewide.

Getting the youth into food production at an early age would be of therapeutic benefit, as has been proven in more and more schools across the nation.

These youth could then be helpful in home garden cultivation. I know of numerous families working together as family teams in gardening, bee keeping and animal husbandry, growing and preserving almost all of their own food.

I may step on some toes here but sports programs offer visual awards as in plaques, medals and trophies, which often keep the youth away from home at great expense for much of the time.

Instead, what enormous satisfaction

can be had, as well as significant family bonding in the worthwhile effort of agrarian, sustainable planning and providing for the family working together.

Thomas Jefferson stated. “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness.”

unproductive, yard into a glorious garden laden with fabulous food. We need to greatly accelerate a teaching program for our fellow Alaskans encouraging them to grow their own food and for more skilled farmers to grow enough for the mass to become self-sustaining in a serious way now, before it is too late.

I also recommend on commissioning several honest, experienced men to round up farm equipment, like at Richie Bro. Auctions. (There are seventy-five upcoming farm auctions in the U. S. and Canada as I write this.) Form a staging point for shipping this farm equipment to Alaska for our youth in prison systems and school programs here in the state, to become skilled in refurbishing good farm equipment.

God's Word cautions “A wise man foresees the evil and hides himself.”

Proverbs 22:3 and the promise is “He that tills his land will be satisfied with bread.” Proverbs 12:11.

I believe that there are Alaska based freight companies that have a heart for youth who could be pleased to ship for free or at least at a greatly reduced rate. You see, I may seem out of touch to many of the younger generation who just go out and purchase everything new, but how are we ever going to get out of debt if we keep spending like there is no tomorrow? We need to teach frugality as well as industry, character development and to love having accomplished an honest days labor.

(3) I appreciate the skilled folk in our state who are already striving to make agrarian living the sensible, and even trend-setting thing to do. But then, right here in the Matanuska Valley, I drive by housing developments with expansive lawns around huge homes, covering some of the richest former farmland in our state, and feel great sorrow for those folk who should rather seriously consider putting their lawns into productive grow beds.

It would be well to consider hefty tax breaks to encourage folk to aggressively switch from lawns to supportive agricultural landscapes. Who needs to spend money on a gym membership and run around the block for exercise when one can enjoy the fruits of their labors in tasty, nutritious veggies and fruits from their own efforts right at home! There are a profusion of colorful, informative and exciting newsstand magazines on how to turn your, now

right thing to do. I see it as a mission to expose evil for what it is.

CONTRIBUTED BY VIC KOhrING "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14-15 I write this column on Easter Sunday, almost nine years after my legislative office in Wasilla was raided by a swarm of armed FBI agents in 2006. I've struggled to accept the abhorrent acts committed against me by the so-called Justice Department and an authoritarian, dictator-like judge with a personal grudge who denied me my most basic constitutional rights.

Deep wounds still linger, but the passage of time is gradually making it easier to accept what happened as I work to soften my heart against my transgressors.

Pastor Bill Little of Journey Church in Wasilla reminded me recently that everything in life is a spiritual battle.

He explained that the Apostle Paul had

many enemies as I have. Some resented Paul, others hated him and others wanted to kill him. Some, who were supposedly on his side, sought to harm him. But in spite of the persecution he faced, Paul never lost sight of his real enemy - Satan.

When people attacked him, he knew they were not his real opponents. They were simply unwitting instruments of the spiritual forces of darkness. I relate Pastor Little's words to my case and believe that spiritual dark forces were driving the judge and prosecutors.

I've forgiven those who caused me harm, but will never forget. Nor will I stop working to expose the real corruption in our government in hopes that others won't suffer the same fate. Radio talk show host Alex Jones recently said, “Resistance to tyrants (in government) is obedience to God.” In other words, fighting our government when an injustice is committed is the

I've forgiven those who caused me harm, but will never forget.

Nor will I stop working to expose the real corruption in our government in hopes that others won't suffer the same fate.

The Bible also says to be firm with your enemies, but also forgiving. Jesus explained that if your brother sins, rebuke him and if he repents, forgive him. As difficult as it is, I forgive all those who've trespassed against me even if no remorse was shown. I don't wish to go through life with hardness in my heart and want to be a positive example to others that I can overcome adversity with grace and dignity. As hideous as my experience was, I’ve chosen to move on and be better, not bitter. Few things are more precious in life than forgiveness. It's wonderfully freeing to forgive those who've wronged you.

Forgiveness is not a spiritual gift, a skill or an inherited trait. It is a choice.

Jesus said that the measure in which

There are numerous agricultural, educational opportunities available besides formal college courses: When we were on the Big Island of Hawaii recently we met numerous hitchhiking “Woofers”, mostly college age youth seeking adventure and the exchange of their labors for room and board on organic farms and macadamia nut orchards.

Here at Sanctuary Ranch near Talkeetna, Alaska we are striving to mentor teachable folk in wilderness and agrarian skills in a simple, humble way.

We live off-grid on a 760-acre, secluded, gated, densely forested acreage surrounded by state and native land and do not solicit government grants.

We are blessed with an abundance of good well water as well as gravity flow spring water all summer to our organic gardens, large greenhouse and to our modest log lodge “Welcome Inn”.

Besides organic gardening and green house production we teach delicious plant based food preparation and preservation, chain saw maintenance, firewood gathering, timber felling, sawmill operation, cabin building, welding up wood-burning stoves, recycling useful materials of all kinds into amazing beautiful and useful creations. We also teach nature crafting as in birch baskets, birch and willow furnishings and light fixtures. Native medicinal plant use and food foraging are also taught, all in their appropriate season. fOr furThEr INfOrMATION WE CAN BE rEAChED AT 733-1844 Or 841-1301

we are forgiving is the same standard God will use in forgiving us. As we truly understand God's gracious forgiveness in our lives, we will naturally want to express the same to others as Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13 notes.

Jesus looked down on those who had ruthlessly nailed Him to a cross, yet cried out: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” How then, can we refuse to forgive those who have committed offenses against us? If Jesus can forgive those who killed him, certainly I can forgive those who nailed me to the cross of big government.

My experience was a gut wrenching example of government at its worst and a perversion of justice from a system that failed me. Yes I made mistakes, but we all do as we live life. Benjamin Franklin once said, “To err is human.” I may have erred in my conduct as I’m only human even though my mistakes weren’t egregious or criminal. But I'm not about to let this catastrophe ruin me. If God will forgive our most relentless adversaries in life, I can do no less.

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OPINION

The People’s Paper

pOLITICS

PAGE 9

Comments on Article Rebuttal: Influenza Part I In the February, 2015 edition of The Peoples Paper I wrote part I of an article entitled Influenza.

In the March issue of the paper, another author published an article rebuttal, challenging Influenza Part I and claiming there were several errors in the article. There were, however, several issues asserted in this rebuttal, which I believe were factually in error. Out of respect for the opinion of readers of The People’s Paper, I wish to address these issues in detail.

BY r. E. LyONS Jr.

Encyclopedia of the Modern World

I. “His description of the action of a vaccination (using one type as an example) is not one for a vaccine, but for an anti-biotic.”

Additionally, in researching for this rejoinder, I also searched the following source:

To begin with, I only described one example of immunologic activity because I was only discussing the viral disease of influenza. Secondly, in Influenza Part I, I made no mention of any antibiotic mechanism of action. Antibiotics do not kill viri. The viral particles are too small for the molecular structure of antibiotics to affect them.

Additionally, the Amino-Penicillin class of antibiotics work by disrupting synthesis of the bacterial cell wall (which viral particles do not have).

The Aminocyclitol class of antibiotics such as spectinomycin, inhibit protein synthesis at the 30s ribosomal subunit.

The tetracycline class antibiotics, such as Doxycycline, work at the 30s ribosomal subunit to prevent peptide formation. The amino glycoside class of antibiotics attack the lipopolysaccharides in the bacterial cell wall to kill the bacteria. And the Flurorquinolone Class of antibiotics inhibit the action of bacterial topoisomerse IV. (Schlossberg & Samuel; Antibiotic Manual: A Guide to Commonly Used Antimicrobials; 2011: People’s Medical Publishing House) None of my research has resulted in any evidence of antibiotic antiviral efficacy. Additionally, none of my research revealed any antibiotic mechanisms of action centered upon Hemagglutinin or Neurominidase glycoprotein spicules on the influenza virus, which is the site of immunological activity of influenza vaccines.

(Longo et al; Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 18th Edition; 2012: McGraw-Hill

II. “The amount of vaccine normally

used is arithmetically insufficient to act as described anyway” With regard to this assertion, I would point out that in writing Influenza Part I, I researched the following sources: Longo et al; HARRISON’S PRINCIPLES OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 18TH EDITION; 2012; MCGRAW-HILL Stearns, Peter N.; Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World; 2008:Oxford University Press, United Kingdom World Health Organization; Infection Control Measures for Health Care of Patients With Acute Respiratory Diseases in Community Settings; 2009: World Health OrganizationOxford

(Elgert, K; IMMUNOLOGY Understanding the Immune System; 2009: John Wiley & Sons; HOBOKEN NEW JERSEY.) None of these sources made note of any specific amount of vaccine, either in cc’s, milligrams, nanograms, picograms, or femtograms as a standard against which to compare the “arithmetic sufficiency” of the current influenza vaccine doses.

III. Any doctor who parrots the mantra that everyone needs to be vaccinated is in violation of the medical Hippocratic Oath.

Below is an English translation of the Hippocratic Oath: hIppOCrATIC OATh “I swear by Apollo Physician, by Asclepius, by Health, by Heal-all, and by all the gods and goddesses, making them witnesses, that I will carry out, according to my ability and judgment, this oath and this indenture: To regard my teacher in this art as equal to my parents; to make him partner in my livelihood, and when he is in need of money to share mine with him; to consider his offspring equal to my brothers; to teach them this art, if they require to learn it, without fee or indenture; and to impart precept, oral instruction, and all the other learning, to my sons, to the sons of my teacher, and to pupils who have signed the indenture and sworn obedience to the physicians¹ Law, but to none other.

I will use treatment to help the sick according to my ability and judgment, but I will never use it to injure or wrong them. I will not give poison to anyone though asked to do so, nor will I suggest such a plan. Similarly I will not give a pessary to a woman to cause abortion.

But in purity and in holiness I will guard my life and my art.

I will not use the knife either on sufferers from stone, but I will give place to such as are craftsmen therein. Into whatsoever houses I enter, I will do so to help the sick, keeping myself free from all intentional wrong-doing and harm, especially from fornication with woman or man, bond or free.

Whatsoever in the course of practice I see or hear (or even outside my practice in social intercourse) that ought never be published abroad, I will not divulge, but consider such things to be holy secrets.

Now if I keep this oath and break it not, may I enjoy honour, in my life and art, among all men for all time; but if I

transgress and forswear myself, may the opposite befall me.”

I would submit in all honesty, there are many physicians in the United States performing procedures on a regular basis that stand far closer to violating the Hippocratic Oath than any clinician honestly discussing the risks and benefits of immunization with a patient using facts and documentable data.

IV. Governments decide dictatorially that it’s okay for some people to be harmed or killed “for the greater good” – when they make vaccinations mandatory.

This I believe is an opinion, which is irrelevant to Influenza Part I. Nowhere in the article is a demand made for a government mandated compulsory vaccination program. And indeed, I have never been aware of any patient frog-marched by state police agencies into a clinic, held down on the table and forcibly vaccinated against their will in the United States.

I would also point out that I do not equate control of a disease with prevention. Control by its very definition means a certain number of people will sicken, suffer and die.

Additionally, it is too subjective a term; for no one defines the exact number of people who must suffer and die before the admission is made that the natural measures it was hoped would reduce the spread and infectivity of the disease have failed, and now the disease is uncontrolled.

Natural methods of disease control are of little consequence to the unfortunate patients with progressive and irreversible deterioration of cardiac, pulmonary, or renal function as a complication of influenza – a complication that is always fatal.

VII. I do thank Mr. Lyons for bringing this topic up for public debate.

V. It is painfully obvious that the US Center for Disease Control – populated by many ex-Pharma employees – will exaggerate disease outbreaks into epidemics so there is commercial advantage to be had.

I appreciate the courtesy of that statement; however, it was not my main motive for writing the piece.

Public debate on this matter would be beneficial if by debate we mean bringing our conclusions and assertions to the table, together with the data from which we drew those conclusions; and allowing the public to read the data and the sources for themselves.

It is the right of every citizen in the United States to express his or her opinion. If however, this is asserted as a fact, it would be interesting to see the data supporting the percentages of ex-Big Pharma employees as opposed to the whole number of CDC employees, or more specifically, the percentage of ex-Big Pharma employees among the physicians and epidemiologists, actually researching the data on epidemics.

By this manner, the public would be able to decide for themselves regarding the quantity and credibility of the evidence backing up the assertions. The more important goal, however, and the one which motivated me to write the piece, is to spark a serious discussion between the people and their health care providers regarding the risks and benefits of immunization based upon facts and documentable data.

Also, the data specifying which disease outbreaks were exaggerated into epidemics by the CDC would be enlightening.

Being neither a practicing clinician, an ex-Big Pharma employee, nor a government bureaucrat; I have no economic axe to grind on this matter.

VI. Lastly, Mr. Lyons has omitted

I speak solely as a citizen of the United States (with the same right to formulate and articulate an opinion as any other citizen of the United States) when I state that I believe the issue is far too consequential to be decided solely on unsupported opinions and dogmatic assertions.

mention of the vast influence of quarantine and hygiene over disease control.

In the second to last paragraph of Influenza Part I, I specifically mention good hygiene, hand washing and avoidance of large crowds as methods of reducing risks of infection with influenza.

These measures, however, have not worked so well in the past as evidenced by the deaths of 19,000 people in the United States per flu season from 1976 to 1990 and 36,000 deaths per flu season from 1991 to 1999. Nor did it do well for the roughly 226,000 US citizens hospitalized annually from 1979 to 2001 as a result of influenza.

For like it or not, when one has made the decision to receive or decline immunization, one has made a life and death decision — a decision by which, in the next few years, one may well be called upon to live or die.

For in my opinion, I believe John Barry in his book The Great Influenza: The Greatest Plague in History,was correct when he said that the alarm clock of the next lethal pandemic is ticking — we just do not know what time it is.

COMMUNITY

The People’s Paper

Landscape trends

CONTRIBUTED BY LOI rICKEr We all want it… A great looking, useable yard that has interest, color and texture. Gardening, landscaping and maintenance are equally important to achieve the look most of us strive for.

We all look at the beautiful photos on the front of magazines and dream of “the look” We all do it, we buy the magazine and hope the instructions are included!

Then ask yourself Where? How? and When? Some of us rely on facebook groups to get the answers or simply proceed with random attempts to add this or that. Even though I have decades of experience, I still rely on a plan. Here is where my notes and photographs meet my creativity and experience.

This is how a good plan begins and you will need to decide if you can design the plan yourself or hire a professional.

Either way, it is worth the investment of your time or money.

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We all want it… A great looking, useable yard that has interest, color and texture. Gardening, landscaping and maintenance are equally important to achieve the look most of us strive for.

To get you going, head outside and take some photographs and notes, enlarge you’re as built and begin the design process. Yes there is a lot to consider starting with the existing grade and incorporating the key features you desire.

Key features are decking, patio and for some a water feature and theme gardens are a priority. In each feature you propose, consider the construction materials available to meet the needs of the build. Put together some visuals, there are plenty in magazines or online.

Here are a couple of tips to help you make the decision.

1. The location and materials to build your dream yard are most important.

2. The use and impact of your idea should compliment the architecture/ style as well as utilize your outdoor space.

3. The cost and budgeting to bring to life…the plan. All right here in the great state of Alaska where fine gardening challenges are as hard as they get.

What are the options you may ask as you begin to add visuals to support your vision? Think of landscaping as a structural textured style all in one.

Walls of stone, block terracing, or multi level decking verses a on ground patio.

Decorative trees and shrubs, mulches, raised beds, containers, lawn and theme gardens are all a part of landscaping.

The texture of plants, their blooming time and complimenting tones will enhance your home and share the look with the other landscape components.

The most difficult challenge is a balance of the material choices with the scale of the home. We all want that special space to entertain family and friends.

Now trending, is the desire to grow our own vegetables in raised beds or even a greenhouse. In finalizing your plan, don’t forget the accessories that add character or complete a theme. This may be a statue, a planted antique, or bench.

The decking, patio areas or even an outdoor seasonal tent are perfect for outdoor furnishings. This is a landscape master plan that will avoid mistakes and provide the information you need for short and long term goals.

Loi RickeR iS a LandScape deSigneR, conSuLtant and gaRden coach aLaSkaLandScapedeSigneR@gMaiL.coM

521-7872

IBEW Professional Women’s Clothing Exchange If you’re new to, or re-entering the professional field, you won’t want to miss the Professional Women’s Clothing Exchange sponsored by IBEW Local 1547.

The exchange will take place at the Palmer Moose Lodge, 110 S. Cobb St on Saturday, April 25th from 9am – 5pm, with a fashion show at noon.

Bring in clean, gently used professional clothing, shoes, purses and/or accessories and “exchange” them for items brought by other participants.

The models will be wearing professional outfits put together with the clothing that is donated. We will have fashion dos and don’ts, and demonstrate

Save The tDha, t2e0!15

April 24th-25 r!

Al l Aro u n d Do w n t o w n Pa lme

how you can obtain professional business attire on a shoe string budget.

Going on during Who Let the Girls Out! IT’S TOTALLy frEE!

SMALL BUSINESS

The People’s Paper

EDuCATION

PAGE 11

A Self Proclaimed Starving Artist CONTRIBUTED BY AuTuMN TETLOW

had a heart attack and immediately purchased more wheels and a larger kiln. After acquiring a large kiln, eight pottery wheels, and a slab roller I started looking to other mediums. I started teaching a beginning stained glass class and a mosaics class. Life was not without it’s problems though.

When first starting my business I really had to talk myself into holding on many times. The building where I started my business had many management problems as well as being downtown and having some major parking setbacks.

I am not writing this article as a self glorification. I hope that those who are hoping to fulfill a dream read this and know that it can work out to do what you love for a living.

My name is Autumn Tetlow and I am a twenty four year old business owner in Anchorage. I started my own art studio four years ago and though I was not as organized as I should have been at first I have learned so much about life, people, and growing up after working towards a dream I have had since I was old enough to hold a paint brush.

In middle school I got the “most artistic award” at the end of the year and anyone who grew up with me would tell you that the shoe fit. I used to carry a big bag around that was filled with art supplies. It was my Mary Poppin’s bag of chalk pastels, pencils, drawing pads, and whatever else I could afford from Blaine’s or Michaels.

I use to cart my creations from door to door and sell them to neighbors. I do have to pay a special tribute to my mother for supporting me while I ruined every carpet in every house that we ever lived in. Sticking with my passion thus far has paid off for me.

It all started when a friend’s sister started a paint-your-own ceramics business. She needed a roommate to help with the rent and I was just looking for a space to use my new pottery wheel. It was in this small, cramped, and hard to get to space on 4th Avenue that I gave my first pottery lesson to a friend.

With her encouragement I started advertising lessons. I had often used Groupon to find fun things to do and thought I would try them as a form of advertising. My first Groupon deal sold over nine hundred lessons. I nearly

Though there was occasional security it was not enough to keep vandalism and the occasional man sleeping in the hall wall at bay. I tried to keep my business professional however with noises from the night club next door rattling my pottery off the shelves I knew it was time to move. Having just started out it was difficult to find the means to pick up everything and make a start somewhere new.

I found an awesome new space for my business and have been so successful here ever since. My worries with the previous building did not end when I moved out resulting in multiple court visits, including being a witness for other frustrated tenants. I somehow knew that this new location would make it all worth it.

If you are thinking about starting a business please please please take my advice. Location is everything but not so much geographically but do your research on who your landlord in. My landlord now is very responsible and helps me succeed in my endeavors.

So here I am four years later. I have had someone propose to their wife in my studio. I have had a couple return for their one year anniversary after having their first date in my studio and I have had many students become my close personal friends. I find success in these things the most. I have met so many wonderful people with great stories. Many have been coming in and spending time with their families for years now. I would not do anything different if it meant that I would not have met some of these amazing people who come to enjoy art together.

I am not without my unprofessional moments though. When I was first starting out I still had to work full time and run the studio part time to acquire

all the equipment I needed. My job was an amazing job with benefits in an accounting office. It was coming to the point that I was so busy with both commitments I could not do well at either. Calls were going unanswered, emails were going unreturned, and projects were left unfinished. It came to a point where I had to choose giving up the security of a gaurunteed paycheck for the chance to be the art teacher I always wanted to be.

I spent months thinking on it. I knew that anyone would be lucky to have my job but I also knew that if I didn’t give the studio my best shot I would regret it. So I put in my two weeks and with the encouragement of my clients set out to do a better job running my business. And for all those out there who came to my studio and did not have a good time I sincerely apologize.

Running a business has taught me that business owners have life events that prevent them from doing their best job pleasing customers. It was the realization that I was not making EVERYONE happy with their experience that made me decide running the studio full time was the only option.

I have had very few complaints though.

My groupon rating for the customer survey has showed 95% satisfaction and sometimes I giggle at the compliments clients leave on my page. “ Autumn is like snow white, she hums and flutters around the studio while she share her talents with those experimenting with art” this comment still stands as one of my favorites. I’ve had clients tell me that they love me at the end of the day and

they share personal details about their lives and that always makes me feel good. I do wish that the 95% was 100% but all I can do is work on it.

My point to all this in that living your dream is possible but it’s not without it’s risks. If anyone asked me if being an artist pays well for the amount of time and work you put into it I would say no.

However it makes me happy, it makes other people happy, and I’m willing to except the risks for the lifestyle of being able to create and helping others create. Now I produce more paintings.

My work has been featured in Midnight Sun Café, the Whales Tale in the Captain Cook, Kaladi Brothers, and Brown Bag Sandwich company.

The crochet baby hats and toys I make have been kept fully stocked for the fairs such as the Forest Fair, the Blueberry Festival, and the Holiday Food and Gift Festival that I try to participate in each year. Since I have been here full time I produce twenty to thirty pieces of pottery a day and have picked up several wholesale accounts.

It is possible to do what you love. It’s hard but along the way you will find supporters that remind you that you are on the right track like I did.

I don’t regret giving up my full time job at all. I went from having acid reflux and miserably entering data all day to creating works of art and sharing the love of art with the wonderful people of our community. Thank you to all of you and I hope that I contribute to your life as much as you have contributed to mine.

The 13th Annual Mat-Su Rotary 5K All children (0-18) will be able to participate free, thanks to some of Mat-Su’s local healthcare professionals who are underwriting the fees. Moms and Dads please remember to use the coupon code “thankyoudrs” when registering your children. ruN IS SET fOr SuNDAy, MAy 3 Runners, walkers, and strollers of all ages are encouraged to participate in this year’s event, which kicks off at Colony High School at 2 pm. According to race organizers, this year’s event will continue to be a sanctioned race qualifier, which draws some of Alaska’s top runners.

Last year the organization discontinued paying cash prizes to the top finishers in the race, which allowed for more scholarship funding opportunities.

This Year, The Rotary Club is donating $12,000 in scholarships to local high school seniors who demonstrate a commitment to both community service and higher education.

All school age children are encouraged to participate in the 5K School Challenge. Every school within the Mat-Su Borough has the opportunity to enter a team. The school with most participants receives a traveling plaque.

Students should contact their school track coach for more information.

CONTRIBUTED BY KIMBErLy D. yADON My name is Kimberly D. Yadon. I'm the proud new owner of Knik Barber Shop. I have lived in the Valley for many years, and many more to come. I love My job as a owner/barber, and the people who come to the shop are great. We have some of the best prices in town, $12-$15 dollars. We are located next to Value Village on the Parks Hwy. I am now looking for a barber/hairstylist to come work in our busy barber shop! So come on in and see all the changes. We offer a variety of hairstyles for men and boys. hOpE TO SEE yOu AT ThE KNIK BArBEr ShOp!

WhAT ELSE yOu ShOuLD KNOW ABOuT ThE 2015 MAT-Su rOTAry 5K

Register early (first 200 registrants) to make sure you get a t-shirt! · Race Day Registration: Colony High School: Sun. May 3, 12-1pm · All kids (8 and under) win a medal when they finish the Kid’s Fun Run. · Mat-Su students can team up and represent their schools in the 5K ”School Challenge”.

SpECIAL ThANKS TO 2015 MAT-Su rOTAry 5K SpONSOrS! Mat-Su Health Foundation Mat-Su Regional Medical Center First National Bank Alaska Valley Business Machines State Farm-Linda Brandon, CLU Alaska State Fair Country Legends 100.9 Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman Matanuska Telephone Association Valley Dermatology Center Dr. John C. Boston MD, DO Wasilla Dental Center Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union Mat-Su Title Agency, LLC Alaska USA Mat-Su Seahawkers, INC. Silvertip Design Jolt Construction & Traffic Maintenance INC

SATurDAy MAy 9Th, BETWEEN 10AM – 4pM, STOp IN AT ThE BOArDWALK ShOp fOr MOThErS ApprECIATION DAy. Bring your Mom and your own tea cups to enjoy a FREE cup of tea and cookies.

There will other fun surprises including live music. So come on by and enjoy your time together. (Bringing your own tea cup is part of the fun, of course there will be cups available).

The Boardwalk Shop is centrally located in Wasilla at the Carrs Shopping Center.

Blended together, a variety of local shops offer trendy new gift ideas and unique treasures from the past. The espresso bar serves up great hot and iced beverages with a seating are to enjoy time with one another. Visit the Boardwalk Shop and you will find a variety of new, handmade, and antique gifts , home décor, apparel, books, and more. Happy Mother’s Day. BEAuTy fOr AShES BOOKS & GIfTS , MOVES INTO ThE BOArDWALK ShOp Beauty For Ashes, a Christian book & gift store recently moved. Over the past five years people have enjoyed shopping at their Bogard Road location in Wasilla.

Now, You can find them inside The Boardwalk Shop. Conveniently located in the Wasilla Carrs Shopping Center, The Boardwalk Shop is a combination of stores.

Under one roof you will find Gladheart Acres, Alaska Chicks, Cranberry Cottage, Home Again Décor and now Beauty For Ashes Books & Gifts. Together these shops make a delightful place to spend time. The Coffee Corner was recently added with a seating area so you can get a hot or cold beverage while in the shop.

With the addition of Beauty For Ashes, The Boardwalk Shop offers a wide range of gifts, books, cards, journals, apparel, jewelry, accent furnishings, home décor and more. Come and take a look! We are constantly adding merchandise to the store that is new, handmade, unique and antique.

Stop in soon to welcome Beauty For Ashes to our corner store! 701 E. Parks Hwy. Wasilla ( in Front of Carrs). 357-8980 Open Monday – Saturday 10am – 6pm

Saturday, May 16th is a date everyone should definitely mark on the calendar- the 2nd Annual Academy Duck Derby & Festival is an event with fun for the whole family! Held on the grounds of Academy Charter School in Palmer, this year’s Duck Derby & Festival boasts something for everyone: games & activities for kids, an indoor craft & vendor bazzar, the Academy Greenhouse plant sale, a variety of food booths and of course the big event –the Duck Derby. In heats spaced throughout the day, up to 6,000 rubber ducks will race down the lazy river with the first ten duck of each heat advancing to the final race. The winning duck of the final race will win $2000!

The festival is open to the public and admission is free! Anyone can get in on the Duck Derby fun & the chance to win the $2000 prize by purchasing Duck Derby tickets. Tickets can be purchased online visit the Duck Derby website at https:// sites.google.com/site/academyduckderby/home, from Academy students, or by contacting the Academy Charter front office at (907)746-2358.