The People's Paper February 2017

“The reason that the foundation was created was because of the cost of hockey - some kids may never get an opportunity to skate...”

Contributed by MaLane Harbour, MTN Solutions Inc & Carlos Gomez, the Scotty Gomez Foundation Born in Modesto, California to croppicking parents, Carlos Gomez never could imagine that he would one day have a son playing in the National Hockey League (NHL). Shortly after Carlos was born, his entire family was deported for not having proper paperwork, landing them two hours from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

While living here, a family tragedy occurred which caused Carlo’s mother (Maria) to pack up her ten children, separate from her husband and move Tijuana with family. Maria was determined to escape poverty.

Within a year of living in Tijuana, Carlo’s father (Salvador) followed his family, only to fall ill and have to move back to Guadalajara. At the young age of 42 years old, Salvador passed away, leaving behind Maria with ten children.

In order to survive, Maria had to make the tough decision to send most children to live with relatives.

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A United States citizen by birth, Carlos was able to cross the border to San Diego with his Aunt Esperanza.

Over his school years, he lived with various family members and friends but had very little guidance, except for in sports.

“I’ve always credited my love of sports to saving my life. My coaches always looked out for me and gave me the direction and guidance that I needed.”

Carlos played football throughout high school and also worked full-time to support his siblings and mother.

Upon graduating from high school in 1971, Carlos followed his older brother, Juan, to the north - finding his new home in Alaska. In 1972, Carlos met his future wife and mother to his children, Dalia.

Together they had three children, his daughters Monica and Natalie and his son, Scott.

Although Carlos had never even ice skated, Scott picked up his dad’s love of playing sports as well as his competitiveness and eventually became one of the best hockey players to ever come out of Alaska.

“I never had a dad to lean on while growing up, so I made sure that Scott got all the love and support he needed while growing up.”

In 1998, Scott Gomez was selected as the 27th pick of the first round in the NHL Entry draft. The rest is history.

Carlos knows first-hand that economically disadvantaged kids don’t always get the chances they may deserve. He knows the lives they live and the challenges they face, and also that disadvantages can be overcome.

“I lived it and survived. Through the Scotty Gomez Foundation, I am determined to give kids an opportunity to participate and succeed. Hockey is a life sport and even though the kids we support may not grow up to skate in the NHL, they’ll participate into their adulthood in this great sport of hockey.” Carlos is the director of the Scotty Gomez Foundation, a non-profit founded by Scott and his family.

The reason that the foundation was created was because of the cost of hockey - some kids may never get an opportunity to skate.

The foundation is committed to helping every young skater (girl or boy) at least gets a chance to pursue the dream that Scott Gomez lived.

The Last Frontier Pond Hockey Classic is the biggest fundraiser for this organization and will take place at Burkeshore Marina on March 10th, 11th and 12th, 2017. Saturday the 11th, there will be a firework show and H3 in concert – all for free for the community to attend.

For more information and registration go to akpond.com

MAT-SU CONCERT BAND

page 10 of MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE Contributed by Josh Fryfogle I asked the father of a young woman who died, where is the heroin coming from? My first thought was wrong.

I thought it was coming from the Middle East. He corrected me.

“Some of it is coming from over there,”

he said, “but most is coming from Mexico.”

“Coming through Mexico? So it’s grown in the Middle East and smuggled in through Mexico?”

“No, they are growing it in Mexico.”

I googled it. You should too. He’s right.

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LOCAL BUSINESS Contributed by Josh Fryfogle Lots of things are happening lately, so just to collect my thoughts I decided to write a bit about each item.

FryfogleNetwork.News This is my special brand, of just my thoughts. I’ve been doing the Freedom of Press proxy routine for a decade for you. The publication business has always been about allowing everyone to express themselves, but as the steward of that publication business, I am the only person in the community who can’t fully express myself in that same print publication.

Funny, right? If I were to use it in that way - in the same way that I hope everyone else uses it - then I would undermine its reputation. People would assume that my altruistic effort to engage the public in their first amendment rights (this is my life’s work, my true vocation, my calling) was disingenuous. I recognized this from the beginning and adhered to this philosophy throughout, limiting my own voice to amplify yours. A worthy sacrifice, considering my passion for self-expression.

But FNN bears my name for a reason.

This is a separate brand, my brand.

You can count on my commitment to

Contributed by Hillary Saffran Lipgloss & Leadership Women In Business Summit 2/25/2017 - 8AM Alaska Business Women’s Network, Glenn Massay Theater, Palmer Have you ever been around people excited about something they are working on? Ideas and conversation seem to draw others in, and their enthusiasm seems to be contagious.

express myself fully through this outlet.

I will also be using FryfogleNetwork.

News to measure statistically what the public is thinking, based on social media activity and web traffic. I will publish the results by submitting those articles to The People’s Paper, the ones that show the most online activity.

Also, I will be offering my own creative services through this company.

Contact me through my website, FryfogleNetwork.News, for more information.

The People’s Paper & MAS Mag That brings me to The People’s Paper and Make A Scene. We have changed things up in our submission department. We are publishing your article submissions immediately online - well, at least during business hours - before we go to print. In the past we’ve timed them together, but no more. Now we publish them as they come in, and this allows us to measure their interest with our online activity.

This is a natural and philosophically consistent development in our mission to proxy the first amendment’s freedom of press to our community.

Now, by measuring online activity, we see what the community is truly interested in, and will publish that as well! But what’s more - and this is really exciting! - by telling you how it works, you, the reader, can help shape our community paper by your own intentional activity online. You’ve always been able to write articles, but

I have found this to be true when I am in the presence of entrepreneurs and business owners. Whether it is a small business, a direct sales venture or a product created by one’s own hand, it is an invigorating experience to share ideas in the midst of these kind of individuals.

I remember the first time that I attended a meeting of the Mat-Su Women in Business Heartlink Chapter, now called Alaska Businesswomen’s Network.

I had just completed an intense day in my social services position as a job center supervisor and case manager,

COMMUNITY & LOCAL BUSINESS

now you can affect public perception of those articles! It is a beautiful development, unfolding the holistic potential of media! We are inspired every day to strive for this idea!

VoteLocal.info The Vote Local campaign is a campaign we started last year, to promote shopping locally as a political action.

The economy is in our hands, folks! In the time that I have worked on this campaign, I’ve received a lot of input from people, and not just business owners either. Real people have been candid with me, telling me what they think about the campaign and its goals. The most common theme, the most practical and valid reason for not shopping with locally owned businesses, has been simply: “I don’t know where to do to find what I need. I would spend all my time traveling around looking, and maybe not find what I need.”

I was discussing this with one business owner, and he suggested that we create an online database where people could search for goods and services, and find a locally-owned business to meet their needs. So that’s what we did! Well, we’re doing it. Well, I’m doing it. Our small team of three in our small office is very very busy, all the time, so as time allows I will add business info to this database, which you can see online now.

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at the top. Simple form at first, and we will follow up with you.

Free Online Ads I had a meeting with a fellow in the media business and he suggested that we consider putting ads on our website for free - an added bonus to our advertisers and additional content for our readers. Well, duh. Why didn’t I think of that? But I’m a good listener. We have added tremendous potential value to our already loyal advertising customers.

If you are currently advertising with us, you are already receiving these additional ads! They even click through to your website - check it out!

This new bonus, combined with the other efforts I’ve described above, is part of this expanding effort to empower real people in our community.

Altogether, these efforts are to empower you, and everyone else - but more than that, it’s an effort to listen to each other. If these efforts are to succeed in making people heard, we must also be good listeners.

We must empathize with others, see things from their subjective view point, in order to expand our objective awareness. True objectivity will never be realized. The best we can hope for is a cross section of awareness of each others’ subjective experience.

If you would like to have your business included, go to the VoteLocal.info website and click on “Submit Your Info”

Thanks for reading, watching videos, liking and sharing and commenting, too! I’m listening.

and thought I would see what this group was all about, as I had heard about it from a bookkeeper friend of mine.

women. If you would like to catch this spark of inspiration and creative cooperation, then you must attend the Lipgloss and Leadership – Women in Business Summit. It’s the Alaska Businesswomen’s Network, Mat-Su Chapter’s signature event.

As soon as I walked in the room, I felt the electricity in the air as I found myself among an energetic and upbeat group of women, excitedly sharing with the group what their business was all about.

It was truly an inspiring atmosphere to be in, and I found myself excitedly developing business ideas of my own, almost by osmosis after just a short time, as I found myself eagerly participating in the group. I knew that I just had to join this invigorating collective of creative and outgoing

The day begins with a showcase of local businesswomen and community leaders, presenting a series of six motivational and inspirational talks.

(Like TED Talks).

The speakers will be Antiqua Lisha, Elizabeth Maxson, Hillary Saffran (yours truly), Jeanette Gardiner, Misty VanderWeele and Winona Benson.

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LOCAL BUSINESS / ADVICE Contributed by Jeanette Gardiner Note: This is the final article in my five-part productivity series. For access to the entire series and journal exercises in one convenient .pdf workbook (free), send an email to jeanette@seastarstrategies.com.

One of the must-have marketing tools I recommend for my clients is social media. Social media networks can help you: • • • • •

Nurture relationships with your community.

Grow your business.

Stay on the cutting edge of your industry.

Communicate in real time.

Quickly receive feedback from your community.

But the downside of using social media is that it can quickly turn into time quicksand. You may log on to post a quick update and before you know it, you’re still browsing three hours later.

Social media is too valuable a marketing tool for most small business owners to stop using it altogether, but that doesn’t mean you have to be consumed by it.

To help you stay out of social media quicksand, use these four productivity tips to manage your accounts

Lunch and a fashion show is part of this fun day, and networking begins when the doors of the Glenn Massey Theater open up at 8:00am on Saturday, February 25. The event continues until 5:00pm, with shopping at the various vendor tables included.

Tickets are only $20, which includes the lunch and talks portion. Following the reserved portion of the program, we will open the Glenn Massey

more effectively.

Use Apps to Track Your Time: Do you really know how much time you’re spending on networks like Facebook and Twitter? You may be surprised. To help you acknowledge your social media habits, monitor the amount of time you spend by installing time tracking software on your laptop or computer. There are several out there, including: • • •

RescueTime (free & paid versions) TopTracker (free) Due Time Tracking (free)

The time tracker reality check helps you take control of your social media usage and will prompt you to create (and implement) a more effective social media marketing plan.

Log Off: After every social media session, log out of your account completely.

When you stay logged in constantly, the temptation to “check updates for a minute” is too easy. Having to take the extra step of logging in is often an effective deterrent to keeping you out of social media quicksand.

Unplug With Scheduled Down Time: Despite what you may believe, you don’t have to stay constantly plugged into social media. It’s not healthy and distracts you from what you’re working on in the present.

Determine the block of time that you will schedule for “unplugged” down time. Actually write this block of time on your calendar so that it becomes part of your routine. These down times

Theater venue for the public to join us, meet our members and network while continuing to shop at the vendor tables.

A portion of ticket sales will be contributed to our local food bank, as this organization is all about community support and charitable contributions for those in need in the Mat-Su Valley.

Special Note for Managers and Team Leaders: Please arrange for your staff/

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help prevent overwhelm and can boost your mood. It also shows you that the world won’t crumble if you don’t respond to every comment the moment that it comes in.

Go Offline When You’re Working: One of the biggest productivity killers is constantly checking social media.

When it’s time to get down to work, block your internet access for an hour or two. You’ll be amazed at what you’re able to accomplish. If you can’t find the willpower to block yourself, look for an app to help you. A popular one is Freedom.to (pricing varies).

Some apps will lock down your internet access for a period of two or more hours at a time. This works well because the only way to regain internet access is to shut off your device and reload your operating system.

Social media networks are valuable marketing tools, and like any tool, are most effective when used consistently and properly. To help you develop a new, healthier social media habit for your business, I’ve created a short 3-question journal exercise that you may access by sending an email to Jeanette at jeanette@seastarstrategies. com.

About Jeanette Gardiner Jeanette Gardiner lives in Palmer, Alaska, and is the owner of SeaStar Strategies LLC where she helps time-strapped small business owners discover the gift of time by streamlining their administrative and marketing systems.

Learn more at seastarstrategies.com

team to attend. This event is sure to get their year off to a fabulous start!

When doors open at 8:00am for seat selections a light continental breakfast will also be served.

Go to www.eventbrite.com/d/akpalmer/events or contact Tammy Gray at 907-982-8744 for more information.

Ticket sales are online through 2/20/17.

Networking is not only fun, but a necessity to help build relationships and help your business grow! See you there!

HEALTH & WELLNESS Contributed by Dori Cranmore RN Sprouts are the ultimate locally grown food.

Growing them yourself assures no unwanted chemicals are added.

The list is quite impressive of the health and nutrition benefits of sprouts. They have been known to help alkalize the body, improve the digestive process, be a metabolism booster, promote energy, increase enzyme activity throughout the body, help prevent anemia, assist with weight loss, help lower cholesterol, reduce stress on the heart and vessels, help prevent neural defects in infants, be

Contributed by Noel Crowley-Bell In December 2016, the Surgeon General issued a warning and call to action regarding the use of e-cigarettes. The significance of this report is the fact that e-cigarettes are now the most commonly used tobacco product among youth and young adults. Alaska is not exempt from this fact; in 2015, 18% of high school students reported using e-cigarettes compared to 11% who currently smoke cigarettes.

There is much to be concerned about in the facts found in the Surgeon General’s report. The report “written and reviewed by more than 150 experts is the first comprehensive federal review of the public health impact on e-cigarettes on U.S. youth and young adults.”

“All Americans need to know that e-cigarettes are dangerous to youth and young adults,” said U.S. Surgeon, General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, in

Contributed by K.T. McKee So open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) is over. More than 19,000 Alaskans signed up for 2017 coverage during the last few months and that’s awesome. However, many people will still be able to apply for coverage this year if they fall into certain income or circumstance categories.

For Alaskans who were covered with a Moda plan through healthcare.gov in 2016, you still have time to shop online for a Premera Blue Cross policy through your Marketplace account for coverage in 2017. There is a Special Enrollment Period open to you through March 1, 2017, and I’d be happy to help with that.

Those who qualify for Medicaid due

Contributed by Paul Johnson Last month’s Alaska Quitline ad was a very lame attempt to vilify vapers and the industry by implying that somehow, in some convoluted way, we are responsible for Alaska’s youth vaping rate that we are all horrible child abusers, more deplorable than even cigarette smokers.

Nothing could be further from “the

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a protector against cancer, work to boost skin health and vision while supporting the immune system and helping increase energy.

The highest concentration of available nutrients happens about a week after sprouting. Importantly, much of the nutritive value of sprouts is lost when they are heated. For the most nutritional impact, sprouts should be added to a meal in the raw form.

Sprouts contain significant amounts of protein, enzymes and fiber. In addition, they have folate, vitamins A, C and K, lysine, essential fatty acids, pantothenic acid, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, potassium, manganese, copper, zinc, magnesium, iron and calcium. The vitamin content can actually increase by

releasing the report. “Any tobacco use, including e-cigarettes, is a health threat, particularly to young people.” Of concern is nicotine addiction. “The report finds that, while nicotine is a highly addictive drug at any age, youth and young adults are uniquely vulnerable to the long-term consequences of exposing the brain to nicotine, and concludes that youth use of nicotine in any form is unsafe.”

The report also states that secondhand aerosol that is exhaled into the air by e-cigarette users can expose others to potentially harmful chemicals. The report notes that the second hand aerosol “can contain ingredients that are harmful and potentially harmful to the public’s health, including: nicotine, ultrafine particles, flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease, volatile organic compounds such as benzene, which is found in car exhaust and heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead.”

to their annual household income can apply any time of the year through healthcare.gov or at a local public assistance office year round. There isn’t a deadline for Medicaid. And some people can still qualify for a Premera Blue Cross policy with tax credits during special enrollment periods if they’ve had certain “life changes” and their adjusted gross household income is within the range for tax credits that help cover monthly premiums.

If you lose your health coverage due to the loss of a job, get married or divorced (and lose coverage due to the divorce), move from another state where you’d been enrolled, or add to your family, you likely will qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) and be able to sign up for coverage through healthcare.gov. You can’t have any other coverage (from a spouse’s job, Medicare or VA) and you

truth,” but the ad’s tagline implies that. Vapers of legal age, the industry in general and anyone with a shred of decency knows a minor who drinks alcohol, does drugs, smokes cigarettes or even vapes, surrenders their innocence from that moment on.

That’s AQL’s modus operandi though, to use half-truths and innuendo to scare you away from vaping. Something that could potentially save 10 to 15 million lives in the U.S. alone and they are hiding behind “the children” to do it!

20 times after sprouting.

Vegans and vegetarians typically don’t get enough protein in their diet and sprouts can help fill that space. Quality of the protein in beans, nuts, seed and grains improves substantially when it is soaked and sprouted. Protein is necessary for almost all bodily processes like creating and maintaining cells, organ repair, skin regeneration, bone growth and muscle development.

With up to 100 times more enzymes in sprouts than uncooked fruits and vegetables, the body gets those nutritional building blocks it needs to work more efficiently. Enzymes are an important part of the digestive process and help to break down food and increase absorption of nutrients.

The report links youth and young adult use when exposed to e-cigarette advertising which is available through “a wide variety of media channels and approaches that have been used in the past for marketing conventional tobacco products to youth and young adults”.1 The report notes, “In 2014, more than 7 out of 10 middle school students had seen e-cigarette advertising”. This information is connected to an earlier 2012 report which found that “tobacco product advertising causes young people to start using tobacco products”.

1 In reviewing current advertising for e-cigarettes it is easy to recognize “approaches and themes similar to those that were used (in the past) to promote conventional tobacco products”.

An additional reason for the rise in use included in the report is the use of flavoring. While the flavoring of conventional tobacco products has been banned since 2009, due to its impact on youth and young adults usage, e-cigarettes currently offer over 7,500 flavors to try.2 The Surgeon

still must meet income qualifications to be able to get the tax credits. You also must apply within sixty days of the qualifying event to be eligible for an SEP. Speaking of tax credits, if you were covered through the ACA in 2016 and received tax credits that helped cover your monthly premiums, you will need the 1095-A form (should have received it in the mail by now) in order to fill out the 8962 form to reconcile the tax credits.

If your income was lower than you had put on your ACA application, you might have some tax credits coming back to you, but if you made more money in 2016 than you had estimated on your application and you didn’t report the change at some point last year, you might owe more taxes. You can get more information about that on healthcare. gov or from the IRS or by calling the healthcare.gov call center at 1-800-3182596 or by asking a tax professional.

Some people also will qualify for

Lack of enforcement of the laws that already exist and too weak penalties are part of the issue, and you can’t blame that on vapers or the industry. That’s failed enforcement plain and simple.

If the penalties were stiffer and affected the minors and the parents of those minors (ex. - community service for the child, after school of course, and a $500 fine to the parents, progressively), it wouldn’t take long to get the message out. No one wants our youth to grow up too fast.

The high fiber content can help with weight loss by binding to fat and toxins and move them quickly out of our body.

Fiber helps stimulate gastric juices and work with the enzymes in breaking down food efficiently. Sprouts are a great way to clear up constipation and diarrhea and a great prevention of colorectal cancer.

The great thing about sprouts is they are inexpensive, full of nutrition and very low in calories, so you too can eat healthy!

Dori Cranmore RN is the owner of All About Herb,Inc. 376-8327 in Wasilla, AK. This information is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, cure or treat any disease.

General’s report shows “more than 85% of e-cigarette user’s ages 12-17 use flavored e-cigarettes, and flavors are the leading reason for youth use. More than 9 of 10 young adult e-cigarette users said they use e-cigarettes flavored to taste like menthol, alcohol, fruit, chocolate or other sweets”.

The report closes with the following statement, “Protecting our nation’s youth from the harms of tobacco and nicotine is a top priority for HHS and this Administration. And this report, outlining the harms of e-cigs and providing clear steps to reduce their impact on our kids, is an important step in our fight,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services, Sylvia Burwell. “We cannot let the enormous progress we’ve made toward a tobacco-free generation be undermined by e-cigarettes and other emerging tobacco products.”

If you are a parent, teacher or mentor interested in ways you can make a difference I encourage you to visit e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov

an exemption from the tax penalty.

There are hardship exemptions, income exemptions and others. More information on what qualifies for an exemption and how to apply for it can be found on healthcare.gov as well.

As for the possible changes coming to the Affordable Care Act, no one is sure what that entails and when it might occur. The latest from our new administration is that it probably won’t happen in 2017. There could be a few changes to the law this year, but it appears that those who signed up for coverage during open enrollment (Nov. 1st - Jan. 31st) and those who qualify for a Special Enrollment Period this year will still be covered at least through 2017.

If you need help with applying for coverage or simply have questions, there are several of us available in MatSu. I can be reached at 891-6940 or ktmckee@alaskapca.org

The figures stated in the ad are also questionable. AQL claims, “Nearly 1,500 students were surveyed.” The number is actually 1,418 from 41 high schools across the entire state and by the survey’s own admission, 910 of those students were “high risk”. Compare these figures to West High’s most recent enrollment figures of 1,842 (Wikipedia) and you can begin to see just how slanted this Alaska Youth Risk Behavior Survey is.

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HEALTH & COMMUNITY Contributed by Rene LeMay According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, the definition of equine is “of, relating to or resembling a horse or the horse family.” It follows then, that equine-assisted therapy involves horses. But what, actually is equine-assisted therapy?

There are distinctive types of equine therapy, but they all involve the use of horses. There’s equine-assisted therapy (EAT), equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) and equine-assisted learning (EAL), equine-facilitated learning (EFL) and equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP).

Equine therapy is practiced around the world. Originally used to help patients recover from traumatic injuries, it then became a widely-used therapeutic method to treat physically handicapped individuals. In recent years, equine therapy has branched off into other areas – treating a wide variety of psychological and mental disorders and addiction.

EAP in Addiction Treatment: Treating addiction is a complex and comprehensive process involving multi-disciplinary programs or modalities. Among the many healing therapies that are available in addiction treatment and rehabilitation centers, equine-assisted psychotherapy has been shown to be beneficial for more than two decades.

EAP is an effective treatment method for: • • • • •

Teaching teamwork, communication and problem solving.

Helping individuals face fears, increasing confidence and self-esteem.

Providing a safe environment in which to address emotional roadblocks.

Developing new ways of interacting socially.

Providing challenging, fun and therapeutic healing.

There are several Equine Activities and Therapy programs in the Mat-Su: Aurora Equine Therapy in Wasilla www.AuroraEquineTherapy.org Caballada Equine Therapy Palmer-Wasilla (907)-277-7444 Hearts On Fire Equine Therapy Palmer www.HeartsOnFire4U.org 907-841-4913

To find out more about Equine-Assisted Therapy in the Mat-Su Please join us at the 4-H Horse Symposium on February 18th, 2017 from 10am -2pm.

The presentation on Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies will be held from 11am-12pm in Room #1, at the Real Life Church 10697 E. Palmer-Wasilla Highway

Besides treating addiction, EAP is also useful in addressing issues of co-dependence, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and psychological and emotional issues such as depression, grief, anxiety and anger management. It is especially helpful in helping treat the entire family, since addictions and psychological/emotional problems affect everyone, not just the individual seeking treatment.

Contributed by Sarah Merrick Sled For Eternity 3/11/2017 - 9AM Adult & Teen Challenge Trapper Creek Elementary School 6742 Petersville Rd. Trapper Creek Registration: $50 Early, $75 Regular

and the announcement of the grand prize winner for the Renegade Ski-Doo. You will hear some amazing stories of changed lives from the ministry of Adult and Teen Challenge.

Come join the fun, all you ski-doo and snow machine fans! Come and ride to support recovery for substance abuse here in Wasilla. On March 11th at the Trapper Creek Elementary School, beginning at 9 AM, the second annual sled event will be happening.

Riders can expect to have fun riding and racing with their friends and others on a trail marked off from the school to a gold mine. The halfway point will be 40 miles approximately. It will be a break at a gold mine with some cabins there to look at, and a shop where some moose stew and cornbread will be served as a warm up meal. The main meal will be back at the school.

If you’re not a rider, but would like to be a donor and don’t know a rider, you can support this Ride for Recovery by looking at the event’s website. The program’s goal is to raise $50,000. The program has space for twelve at this time and is full with a waiting list. With renovations to other buildings, the program will be able to service a total of 26 in need of recovery.

Participants who want to register will seek sponsors to donate money in their name to support the needed services of the Adult and Teen Challenge located at on the KGB road. The rider raising the most money in sponsorships will win and take home a brand new 2015 Ski-Doo Renegade 600 ACE donated generously by the CC Team Dealership in Wasilla.

Teen Challenge was originally founded in 1960 by David Wilkerson who moved to New York City and worked with teenage gang members. The first residential program opened in a house in Brooklyn in December 1960.

The programs are 501(c) 3 non-profit corporations.

The event will end with raffle prizes

Contributed by Michelle Overstreet At MY House, we like to focus on outcomes, not outputs. We focus on what our clients accomplish that makes their life better, not how many clients we have.

We reflect on how we were able to empower them, facilitate change and goal attainment.

In 2016, MY House on-site partner Nine Star offered 42 interns the opportunity to train for jobs through MY House programs, and some are still in training.

Of those, 31 received food workers cards and 10 were trained with Alaska Host Customer Service training (new opportunity), recognized as a gold standard for the tourism industry. Sam Nerguson is a client who was trained in the café and is now training to be a manager.

Ten clients earned their driving permits, and seven passed the test to be licensed drivers. We had eight donated vehicles that were given in 2016, all to youth with licenses, jobs and insurance.

Register online at www.events.tcpnw. com or call 907-202-8850 for more information. The fee for registration is $75, and early bird registration by February 15th is $50. Once registered, you will receive a packet with sponsorship forms and information.

People can sponsor riders online by giving, or they can fill out sponsorship forms and send them in.

After the ride, a free hot meal will be served for the registered participants prepared by the clients of the Wasilla program. Family and friends supporting the riders can purchase the meal for $25. Complimentary drinks and snacks will be available throughout the day for the supporters of riders.

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There are 200 programs in the US. In the world, there are 1100 Teen Challenge programs in 110 countries.

The program has been found to be very successful. The Wasilla Adult and Teen Challenge Program opened its doors in April 2016 and is nationally recognized as an accredited Teen Challenge Program. Each program needs to support itself, which is why we are hoping for the generosity of the people of Matanuska Susitna Valley.

Five clients graduated from four different local high schools, and four of those started college. (For those who are counting, four of the five youth who started college last year are still attending!) One went to Job Corps for continued training. We had two weddings, four babies, and currently have three former interns as managers in the café and boutique! While we continue to connect with former clients to check in, we are proud of them all and can’t wait to see what they do next!

Bring it!

In 2016, Steamdriven Boutique provided over $9000 in clothing to homeless youth from the Mat Su Valley! Clients get vouchers from case management and can shop amongst the other patrons of the store, finding shoes and boots, coats and clothing for school and work, and even household items if they have their own place. Our prices are kept intentionally low so that clients in job training programs can budget and plan for purchasing items they want to buy, moving from

Iowa’s nine terms - 34 year, Attorney General, Tom Miller discussed these exact manipulations of the figures in a speech he gave at the Food and Drug Law Enforcement Tobacco Conference, Oct. 27 2016. He stated, “Overall, once in the last 30-day use, has been in a range of 13 to 16 percent. (Re: the national survey) A significant number, obviously. But, it’s overwhelmingly experimental. And, the reason I say that is that the kid-use of e-cigarettes on a daily basis is 1 percent. The kid-use of e-cigarettes on a 20-to-29 day basis out of 30 is 1 percent. So, for regular use or semi-regular use you have 2 percent, for experimental use you have 14 percent. So that’s the first thing to really recognize. And you really shouldn’t talk about one figure without talking about the other, because to say that there’s

vouchers to being independent consumers.

If you are considering donating, please know that 100% of the profits from this store are used to support job training and case management services, and our training programs work! Watch for custom Steamdriven designs at the Valley Arts Alliance Wearable Art Show on Feb 18th at the Palmer Train Depot.

Tickets online or at Town Square Art Gallery. This steampunk wedding dress was the Steamdriven entry for 2015.

Last July, MY House hosted a meeting to discuss the opiate overdose rate and addiction that has plagued our Valley and state. It was a very moving gathering, with people sharing and grieving. We are happy to report great progress!

The group consists of about 50 active community members, and includes Karl Sodorstrom and Kerby Kraus, founders of Fiend2Clean (see their Facebook page of the same name) and their local peer support program. Also on board is John Green, after losing his daughter this past year, he became a strong advocate for opiate recovery and prison detox reform. Michael Alter is an ER doctor who was tired of pronouncing young addicts dead and wanted to be part of the solution. It’s a passionate, educated and on-point team!

“Project Lazarus” is a pilot program offering ambulatory detox and long term maintenance. A five day detox with the Bridge Device (see details at www.prweb.com/releases/2016/11/ prweb13859838.htm), a non-narcotic withdrawal protocol and then a shot of Vivitrol (Google this if you don’t know about it, it’s a methadone and suboxone alternative in the form of a shot every 28 days.). Then long-term treatment and peer support combine for promising outcome. Vivitrol is generally discontinued after 5-8 months and the addict is drug free!

The Opiate Task Force also hosted the First Annual Candlelight Vigil at Leo Nunley Park for families who have lost a loved one to addiction. Over 100 people sent 45 paper lanterns up into the sky, in memory of their children, spouses and parents. It was beautiful and devastating.

16 percent of kids who use e-cigarettes really is misleading because so much of that is experimental, without mentioning that. And to say that only 2 percent use it regularly or semiregularly without recognizing the experimental use is deceptive as well.

The Truth Initiative, in one of its surveys, found out that of kids that use e-cigarettes, more than half of them don’t buy e-cigarettes. They only use them when they’re shared by their friends. There have been some surveys and some information that at first I didn’t really believe much of it. But I think it should be explored, that is the number of the percentage of kids that use e-cigarettes without nicotine. We need to find out more there. And on the plus

MOTIVATIONAL/EDUCATION Contributed by Devynn Maclure It’s a tale as old as time for many millennials, and as much as I wish it were a fairytale about the importance of inner beauty as told by dancing animated silverware, it’s far from such. The debate between higher education and career experience is a looming reality that nearly all of us will deal with at some point. Including me.

This past week I had the privilege of attending the Alaska Forum on the Environment, an annual meeting where environmental activists and professionals come together and discuss Alaska’s unique environmental issues through seminars and career networking opportunities.

As a sustainability major, this was like Comic-Con for me. Perusing the booths of the major environmental corporations had me feeling both star struck and excited for my post-grad future. That is, until I began speaking with company vendors about future career openings and heard that classic, disheartening phrase, “Sorry, we’re looking for people with experience.”

Well shoot. I’ve been so busy focusing

Contributed by Quentin Algood Meet Alyssa Akers, a Colony High School student who was born deaf. With encouragement from her teacher, Sally Hoople, Alyssa entered an essay entitled ‘How has technology changed the world for the deaf and hard of hearing?’ in the Mat-Su Sertoma Club’s Summer Camp program.

The club’s new program was sending the lucky winner of the essay contest

on education and immersing myself in environmental studies that I didn’t even think about making time to work in my field. Did going to college waste my time and money? I began considering alternative outcomes. What if I hadn’t gone to school and tried to get a job right out of high school? Wouldn’t they have told me the same exact thing?

What if I did get an opportunity in my career field, but needed a college degree to move forward? The vicious cycle spun around my head until I realized I couldn’t reach a conclusion.

Millions of people, especially young adults, are finding themselves in this exact situation. With 40% of us currently pursuing degrees, it’s easy to see why this common dilemma might be causing additional stress, anxiety and in some cases, depression. So, what do we do? How can we gain experience if no one will hire us based on a lack of experience? No, seriously. I’m asking.

How the heck are we supposed to work around this major roadblock?

While I can’t offer a concrete solution, I can give a nugget or two of optimistic advice and suggestion. First and foremost, remain true to yourself and stand up for your decisions. Beating yourself up over a choice you made years ago is a huge waste of energy. If

COMMUNITY

you spent four years getting a degree in something you love or even just sort of like, then it clearly wasn’t a mistake, especially if you got to make friends and try new things along the way.

or grant writing course and art students can throw in a business or financing course. This ensures that although you lack actual experience, you have the skills that experience can grant you.

If you find yourself in need of more education because you’ve been in the work field, then you’re at an okay spot to take a pause and get some courses under your belt. The cool thing about college is that there are no age restrictions and you can go at your own pace. When you’re consumed in panic over prior decisions and future plans, remember that being flexible and trusting yourself can take you as far as you need to go. You’ll be okay.

Maybe you decided college wasn’t for you, or have personal or financial reserves on attending a university. If this sounds like you, know that there is no cookie cutter way to attend college.

There are junior colleges and vocational schools that can offer you the skills and education you need without the hefty tuition and four-year commitment.

Also, some companies will pay for the furthering of your education, so be sure to inquire about higher education benefits and reimbursements.

For those who are working through college and are in need of career experience, take every opportunity you can get to do something related to your career field. Internships are a wonderful way to get your foot in the door at either a company you’d like to work for or a field you’d like to go into.

If you’re beyond the internship phase, then you can gear your classes towards the technical skills needed for your future job.

For example, science majors might want to try a GIS or scientific writing course, English majors can take a clerical skills

to a summer program for the deaf and hard of hearing called Aspen Camp, in Colorado.

to learn that Gallaudet is Alyssa’s first choice for continuing her education after she graduates.

The Mat-Su Sertoma Club not only selected Alyssa as the essay winner, but when they learned that she would be turning eighteen prior to the summer 2017 Aspen Camp session and therefore would not be eligible, they arranged for her to attend Gallaudet University’s Summer Youth Camp ‘Discover Your Future’ in Washington D.C.

In her thank you letter to the Mat-Su Sertoma Club, which Alyssa read in sign language to the Club’s membership at their January 19th meeting in Wasilla, Alyssa said:

Gallaudet University is the only university where all programs and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students, and the club was thrilled

PAGE 6

“This summer, when I go to Washington DC, I’m going to be learning how to go to college, exploring potential different careers and experiencing what exciting Washington DC has to offer. And I will be meeting people like me who can sign. I will not be left out.”

How you can help? The Mat-Su

Finally, if you’ve tried a little of both college and work and you feel stuck, have no fear.

This situation can provide the perfect opportunity to broaden your scope and try something new. Life isn’t about sticking to one thing for forever, it’s about being resilient and collecting experience in every endeavor. It might be scary or exhausting or downright annoying, but the benefits that come from discovering a newfound passion or interest are well worth the journey.

Sertoma Club raises funds to support hearing health and other non-profit organizations in the Mat-Su valley through its annual fundraiser, the MatSu Polar Plunge.

2017 marks the 10th year these brave souls will have plunged into Finger Lake during the dead of winter – Freezin’ for a Reason.

You can take the Plunge, or pledge on one or more of the dedicated plungers already registered for the February 25th event to be held at the Palmer Elks Lodge on Bogard Rd. Learn more at matsuhearing.org or on Facebook.

COMMUNITY EVENTS Contributed by Amy Lalor, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska Bowl For Kids’ Sake, Mat-Su 2017 3/18/2017 - 4PM Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska Mat-Su North Bowl 3250 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Wasilla Register Online, Donations Accepted Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska (BBBSAK) is a unique service organization. We match youth (Littles) with carefully screened mentors (Bigs).

Mentoring has been a long tradition in many cultures. BBBSAK offers a way to continue those traditions through professionally supported 1:1 mentoring.

party for everyone who participates in the fundraiser. Teams that participate in fundraising are invited to bowl for free from 4:00-7:00 on March 18th and free food is provided. The local business community has donated some amazing prizes, raffle, and silent auction items.

We are able to do this through carefully screening volunteers before they become Bigs. We also interview each Big, Little and Parent or Guardian and try to always make the best match possible based on preferences and interests.

There will be prize packages for top fundraising individual as well as top teams. We have some really cool items this year and we post items on our Facebook page as they come in @ bbbsakmatsu.

Mat-Su Bowl for Kids’ Sake is a lot fun every year. The event itself is a thank you

A strong, healthy, resilient community starts with strong, healthy, resilient

youth. Building resiliency in youth builds a foundation for a lifetime of positive decision-making and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Having a caring adult that a youth can trust and turn to for guidance and support has been shown again and again in studies to be the number one key factor to building resiliency in youth.

For more information about volunteering as a Big, enrolling a youth or participating in Bowl for Kids’ Sake contact our Mat-Su office at 907-376-4617 or amy.lalor@bbbsak.org

POLITICS of religious belief, our words, actions, thoughts…

Contributed by Wes Keller “Freedom of choice” has a lofty and deep meaning… Or at least it did until some unknown decided it was a good label to rob for a political agenda! The label ‘stuck’ and now defines a modern moral and political value. The actual historical meaning of the terms need to be revisited.

When studied, our human ‘owner specs’ reveal we have amazing, profound freedoms, built right into us, including the ability to choose the focal point of our mind! No other living creature has such a remarkable capability. Our choice

All are ours to make, restrained only by our freedom to choose what to restrain ourselves, accommodating the needs and choices of other humans.

Ideally, we honorably inhibit ourselves, by choices we are free to make, based on what we learn about “truth”. Good choices, based on truth, are referred to as “wisdom”. One of life’s many options is to submit or not, to civil law (society’s collaborative rule compilation).

These ‘group rules’ can provide peace, prosperity and security to society if they are founded on truth, or they can become oppressive when they accommodate greed or other human corruptions of truth.

When “freedom of choice” is lost due to death, drug abuse, mental illness or brain injury, it is tragic and dehumanizing. It is also tragic when “freedom of choice” is lost because of bad choices – whether individual or the result of someone else’s.

Herein lies the enigma: To what extent do we interfere with someone else’s choices to “protect” them or others?

Any parent knows a child’s choices often need to be thwarted for physical safety and to nurture the child’s discovery of truth and knowledge. A child becomes an adult when he or she gains wisdom to fully embrace their “freedom of choice”; both the benefits and consequences of those choices, not simply by turning a specific age.

A parent’s reward is to watch a child become wise and responsible in this freedom.

America has paid the highest honor to mankind by ensuring every human is ultimately guaranteed “Freedom of Choice” (all men are created equal). This is the great American experiment! Did you know? Freedom is a noun meaning “the state of being free from the control of power of another” - and it’s first known use is before the 12th century (merriamwebster.com/thesaurus).

Choice is a noun regarding to selection, options or having to do with degrees of quality - and its first known use was in the 14th century (merriam-webster.com/ dictionary). Pro is also a noun meaning “an argument or evidence in affirmation; the affirmative side or one holding it” - and its first known use was in the 15th century (merriam-webster.com/ dictionary). In comparison, the term “Prochoice” is considered to be an adjective

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VETERANS/POLITICS Contributed by Carrielee Dunphy Benefit Dinner 3/1/2017 - 6pm – 9pm Big Lake Lions Recreation Center 2942 S Lions Ct, Wasilla Cost: $10 Bud Smyth came to Alaska in the 1950s and homesteaded in Houston. He built a log cabin using sled dogs, a swede saw and an ax. He has been involved in sled dogs and promoting the sport ever since.

In 1983, Bud was the first musher to utilize a major dog carrier and started Iditarod with 36 dogs. It was George Attla’s idea. Bud just adapted it and put it into use. Bud has always helped any person or musher in need. He has a passion for giving advice to and helping beginning mushers. He has helped multiple generations of mushers learn the ropes. He is not done with that passion yet.

He was close friends with mushing legends, Joe Redington and George Attla. He was involved in the early stages of supporting Joe Redington’s dream of the Iditarod. He raced in multiple early Iditarods including the first race from Anchorage to Nome. He contributed heavily to the flavor and lore of the Iditarod.

Bud was very involved in the early stages of planning for the Yukon Quest with Leroy Shank. Bud was rarely mentioned, but was an important force. He re-pioneered the first hundred miles of the first Yukon Quest trail with his own dog team. He has been involved with the Aurora Dog Musher’s Club for many years and one time his team took down a moose while mushing to the Aurora Club race start in Big Lake.

In 1976, he placed 4th. In 1977, he dedicated his whole year of training to Colonel Norman Vaughn’s dream of finishing Iditarod. Bud even went as far as leasing his 4th place team to another musher and training an entirely new team to support Vaughn with. Norman Vaughn did not end up racing that year, so Bud ran the Iditarod as Vasily Zamitkyn, the Russian, finishing in 22 days 9 hours 6 minutes and 6 seconds.

Bud is a true pioneer of Alaska. He has more bear stories and tales of all kinds of Alaskan adventures than most folks would believe. He built his own wooden boat to fish in Bristol Bay and partnered with Joe Redington for permits. He helped build the Alaska pipeline, homesteaded in multiple places in Alaska and operated a fish wheel and barge on the Yukon to name a few of his Alaskan adventures.

What he is best known for is his kindness to strangers, living the life he believed in, helping all in need and an ability to be friends with anyone. He is honest to a fault and sincerely believed everyone was good inside if given a chance. Kathleen Harms was one of his major partners in life and deserves recognition for supporting a man with so much passion and idealism.

Bud Smyth is a living legend and true Alaskan pioneer.

On December 28th, Bud and his wife, Kat, were involved in a terrible car accident on their way to Anchorage.

Kat was flown down to Seattle by Flight for Life and both Bud and Kat have been receiving extensive medical care in Seattle at Harborview Medical Center since the day of the accident.

This benefit dinner is to raise funds to help with the numerous expenses that have accrued over the past five weeks.

Please join us for a social evening and enjoyable dinner. Spaghetti with homemade sauce, fresh garlic bread, tossed salad, cake and coffee will be served.

For further information please contact Carrie at fishcrk@mtaonline. net or Becca at becca_moore@yahoo. com. We look forward to seeing you!

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Contributed by Major Mike Dryden USAR Ret. Since the Yukon gold rush days, a road from the lower 48 states (outside) to Alaska had been discussed, but it took WWll to jump start the project. The Lend-Lease Act of 1941 which authorized the transfer of military equipment to our allies before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor necessitated the construction of a land link between airstrips in western Canada and Alaska. These airfields were for refueling and maintenance points for aircraft being ferried to Ladd Field (now Fort Wainwright) from the contiguous 48 states. Once in Fairbanks, Russian pilots would continue the journey to the Soviet Union, our ally at the time.

Several routes were under consideration, but the Dawson Creek, BC to Fairbanks was selected for strategic reasons. The coastal routes were considered to be too vulnerable from a seaborne attack as the Japanese invasion of Kisha and Attu later demonstrated. The 1500 mile project had to be built over and around the permafrost, the Canadian Rockies, muskeg, lakes and rivers that lay in its path.

Army engineer regiments disembarked at Skagway and Dawson Creek in early spring of 1942 to begin the most ambitious project for the United States since the Panama Canal. Over 12,000 Army troops were assigned to the project with a goal of completing the highway within a year. Included in this deployment were colored engineer regiments of mostly conscripted black southern troopers who would

and has only been used since 1973.

I have very deep resentment at being thought of as “anti-choice” because the label “Freedom of Choice” was successfully stolen! Using historical Webster definitions, I may be one of the most pro-choice people you know!

We are talking about the foundational

challenge the validity of the Army’s policy of not assigning southern colored soldiers to cold weather climates and who would pave the way for the integration of our armed forces

by President Truman in 1948.

The goal of punching a pioneer road to Alaska would challenge every person and piece of equipment deployed for this vital project. New methods of dealing with permafrost laden ground and bodies of water that vacillated in depth had to be invented on the spot.

Methods for temporarily stabilizing the quagmire of wet soil found in areas of permafrost were tamed by laying small trees that had been felled across the mud resulting in a method called corduroying.

Temporary sawmills were set up to saw and mill the timbers needed to span the many rivers and streams. What seemed like good roadbed would turn out to be muskeg. When the spring sun thawed the ice, the resulting bodies of water had to be circumnavigated. And for goodness sake, let’s not forget the mosquitoes and bugs that were so ubiquitous.

Logistical support for personnel and repair parts for the equipment was in short supply. Cannibalization of unserviceable graders, dump trucks and bulldozers for repair parts was the norm and essential if the project was to be finished on time. For years to come, the rusting carcasses of stripped equipment would stand as a tribute to the sacrifices made during construction.

But almost lost to history were the African-Americans primarily from the deep south, who played a pivotal role in the construction project. Black

soldiers were in separate units in the Army in 1942 and were relegated to “housekeeping” duties like cooking, cleaning, clerks and guard duty. The Alaska Highway construction project would change the minds of the Army “Brass” about the capabilities of African-American soldiers.

2017 is the 75th anniversary of the completion of the Alaska Highway.

To honor the memory of the Colored Engineer Regiment and their contribution to the War effort, The Alaska Highway Project is raising awareness about this lost piece of Black Military History. The project has a website about the effort and a short 5-minute film featuring a 101-year-old veteran of one of the colored engineer regiments. Links to other sites and print material are also listed.

Help celebrate Black History Month by getting behind this project that was so vital to Alaska.

Links: www.gofundme.com/alaska-highwaymemorial-project 28 October 1942 by Major Mike Dryden is a fictional account of the perils and dedication of the Colored regiments.

The historical fiction novel chronicles a young tenant farmer from Mississippi to Alaska. Sgt Aaron Park is in charge of the 95th Colored Engineer Regiment.

The book is on sale at Amazon in print and eBook at: www.amazon.com/s/ ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=searchalias%3Dstripbooks&fieldkeywords=28+October+1942.

meaning of freedom that untold thousands have laid down their lives to attain and protect. Freedom has been cheapened by re-defining the term “pro-choice” to mean killing an unborn child. Ironically, the evil hijacking of the terms dehumanizing a child before he or she can choose anything; how antiAmerican!

are created equal.” Then God said,“Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So, God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. - Genesis 1:26–27

The unborn are not guaranteed “freedom of choice” or even considered, even though we say we believe, “All men

Wes Keller WesKeller.com

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POLITICS / OPINION

COMMUNITY & POLITICS PAGE 8

and put in the back of a car).

Contributed by Tina Smith, MVCBA President Recently, AMCO did a massive sweep of raids on marijuana retail licensees looking for one type of product only.

The culprits being CBD products, specifically.

I was informed of the raids by Bailey Stuart, one of the owners of Green Jar, near Wasilla. She said her store had just been raided by the MCB and all CBD products were seized.

She said that one of the enforcement officers told her that it all started at the US Postal Office. It would seem that a shipment of CBD products broke open at the post office. Of course, being an independent branch of the federal government they called in enforcement.

The story goes that the MCB were notified by the postal service of illegal substances being mailed through the US Mail, the attorney with the MCB then decided that anything CBD related is to be included under the definition of marijuana as defined in AS 17.38.900(7) which states that marijuana means all parts of the plant of the genus cannabis whether growing or not, the seeds, the resin extracted from any part of the plant and every compound, manufacture, salt derivative, mixture or preparations of the plant, its seeds, or its resin including marijuana concentrate.

3 AAC 306.900 of the regulations of marijuana under definitions and says

Contributed by Pamela Goode I called my sister to see how things were going and to check in. After a friendly greeting I asked, “So what are you guys up to? There was a long pause as though I asked a “trick” question. Then she answered, “Watching the Super Bowl.”

I broke out in laughter as I thought about all the people across the country and Alaska glued to the TV while I was clueless that the most popular yearly event in America was taking place.

How different my priorities were from my fellow countrymen. That morning, I had been focused on the legislative session analyzing the activities of our elected employees (legislators). I broke away briefly to check in with my family.

My sister then commented during my

Contributed by Beth Fread Senator Michael Dunleavy has responded to his many constituents’ calls for cutting the budget, leaving the permanent fund alone and not looking for new revenues until the budget cuts are in place.

Sen. Dunleavy went to the Legislative Finance Office and the Permanent Fund Corporation and asked them to “run the numbers” for a budget-cutting plan. After 2½ months of collaborative work, Senator Dunleavy began publicly sharing that plan in January.

The plan basically makes $1.1 billion in cuts, $300 million for 3 years and $200 million the final year, over governmental fiscal years (FY) 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Existing end of FY17 reserves of about $13 billion fill in the 4-year plan’s shortfalls of $7.4 billion. In FY21, the remaining reserves are estimated to be approximately $15.6 billion. So, the plan uses reserves to carry us through the $1.1 billion in cuts and government still gains about $2.5 billion in reserves over that time.

The reason the reserves will grow as the legislature works on the plan is that they are statutorily replenished each year. For example, the earnings from the Permanent Fund Corpus (PF) are transferred into the PF Earnings Reserve on an annual basis. Because this is done annually, our essential services savings accounts continue to replenish themselves as we use them.

That’s why our reserves can keep growing while we’re spending them.

In the meantime, Senator Dunleavy’s staff and others are carefully considering Alaska’s budget so that cuts can safely occur across a spectrum

very close to the same thing.

Now I do understand with further research where this would be considered in violation by some. I also understand that the MCB’s director and enforcement agents are able to exercise the enforcement powers of a peace officer when marijuana product isn’t logged into the inventory tracking system, or if it isn’t packaged by regulations. However, acting in capacity of peace officers they are subject to follow the procedures and statutes of peace officers.

These procedures which are set out in Alaska Statute and would include AS 17.30.114 and AS 12.35.025 which both cover procedure for seizure of property.

Bailey claimed they neither showed her a warrant, court order or even a supporting affidavit. Neither was she given a receipt of property taken.

AS 17.30.114. Seizure and Custody of Property. (a)(3) There is probable cause that the property was used, is being used or is intended for use, in violation of this chapter or AS 11.71 and the property is easily movable; property seized under this paragraph may not be held for more than 48 hours without a court order obtained to continue its detention. (b)(1) Place the property under seal. (b)(2) Remove the property to a place designated by the court; (Items from Green Jar were just placed in an open box

laughter that the halftime show was about to begin.

My laughter accelerated again as I thought about the timing of my phone call, and how many were super glued to the TV awaiting the halftime show and the commercials. We both confirmed that all was well on both ends, said our goodbyes and sent our love.

Still laughing, I then started to wonder how many people knew the name of the quarterback of their favorite team and did not know the name of their State Representative and/or Senator, what they do and how they vote.

It was Mark Twain who said, “No man’s life, liberty or property are safe when the legislature is in session.” This is so true!

The legislative sessions are when the excessive spending of your money take place. These sessions are when bills are passed that affect every aspect of your life, your liberty and your hard earned property. I cannot imagine any sports/ event season more important!

of governmental services. This process will allow us to minimize the impact on Alaska’s essential governmental services as defined by our constitution.

To ensure that we finish this process with a sustainable budget, the Senator and others, are developing bills that will reduce the constitutional appropriation limit. The current constitutional and statutory limiting algorithms result in a much higher budget limit than Alaska regularly spends.

Modifying those calculations will provide a stronger control over governmental spending than we currently enjoy. Remember that the best part of this plan is that it includes no new or increased revenues (taxes, fees and fines), no Permanent Fund changes and cuts the budget.

The last two pieces of this plan are biennial budgeting (2-year) and a joint Legislative/Administration budgeting committee. Rather than receiving the governor’s budget, changing it, sending it back to the governor and having the governor send it back to the legislature or vetoing parts of it, the agreement will be reached in conference between the Administration and the Legislature. Just think of all of the special sessions that could be avoided using this method.

There are links to the documentation for this plan on Senator Dunleavy’s press release page for the plan.

The address is: www.alaskasenate. org/2016/press/news/dunleavy-offerspath-to-fiscal-sustainability.

Please, go and read the Senator’s plan, and then become actively involved in supporting this common-sense strategy for cutting our way to a sustainable budget.

AS 12.35.025. Seizure of Property. (b) When property is seized under this chapter, the peace officer taking the property shall give to the person from whom or from whose premises the property was taken a copy of the warrant, a copy of the supporting affidavit and a receipt for the property taken, or shall leave the copies and the receipt at the place from which the property was taken.

It seems as if a few steps may have been ignored in this massive sweep of raids, maybe a bit of jumping the gun. I’m not a lawyer, but this seems very clear even to me.

Kerby Coman, owner of Green Degree on KGB shared that, “Today was the most bittersweet day of my life!”

of the owners, suspects it was only because they were closed today. Lucky scheduling for them. This could cost the industry upwards of $100,000.00 minimum if my calculations are correct.

I hope it doesn’t cause some businesses to have to close their doors.

I’m very interested to see what happens next regarding the CBD products that are currently being offered at a multitude of average retail stores across the state. I’m interested in what might come of the MCB staff not following Alaska state statutes regrading search and seizures? Some may even call them Snatch and Grabs when these “seizures” are done without due process. Is this the type of actions we can expect in the future from the MCB staff?

His final inspection was last week, everything seemed perfect. The MCB enforcement came to visit him and gave him his new cultivation license, a reason to celebrate in most cases. However this time, the very next thing the agents did was inform Kerby that he was being served with a notice of violation, his CBD products were being seized.

While this was taking place, at least six customers were turned away for the CBD products that gives them real relief. These are products that treat inflammation, anxiety and seizures with no psychoactive effects.

The only shop that I spoke to that didn’t get raided was Enlighten Alaska in Anchorage. Leah Levington, one

The legislative session only lasts three months, January to April unless they go into overtime, and it is not a spectator sport. It is interactive. Phone calls, public testimonies, emails, group efforts, education opportunities abound, etc.

Whole families can participate. Children learn most from those they love most and will grow up empowered knowing not only their authority, but also their duties and responsibilities when it comes to their government.

Alaska’s government is not some far away planet that you can’t get to or do anything about. They are accessible and only a phone call away. With what they have been doing the past decade, their phones should be ringing off the hook, but they are not. Public testimonies for the return of the PFD had spans of dead air. Shocking!

More intrusion may be coming with a 1400% tax increase on studded tires, 15% income tax, capital gains tax, triple gas tax increase, penalties on trappers and the list goes on.

This wall isn’t racist. The wall is necessity now, because of the failed war on drugs - which has always been a war on addicts. People here are dying because of their black market

import system.

Now another man, James Hastings, who I consider a friend - and a friend to countless people in our community - is affected. His family is hurting.

My friend’s daughter is in a coma, because of this heroin. From Mexico.

Someone needs to do something to stop this, no matter the cost. The government needs to protect our daughters and sons from what is essentially chemical warfare.

Both of these men’s daughters, one gone, one in peril, are the victims of our politicized immigration system. Polarized by partisan politics, these young women, our young women, are under attack.

The very least we could do is build a wall. I hope that’s only the beginning.

Protecting your liberty and ensuring constitutionality at all levels of government is your duty and responsibility that carries with it homage to all the lives damaged and lost of our military personnel who defend those very same liberties against enemies foreign that you may not have had to.

The destruction of the highest level of personal freedoms found in the world today, Alaska is underway in Juneau right now. This is like watching in slow motion, year after year, the killing of the last buffalo.

Football season is now over, so I’d like to encourage folks to move on to the season that counts most - legislative.

Duty calls! The easiest and most entertaining way to start learning and engaging is by joining the Facebook group, HAC & SAC |Alaska, and check it regularly. This “Accountability Caucus” is in its 3rd year and is now focusing on the legislative session. Come 2018 elections, you’ll know with confidence who to hire and fire!

I hope they use state of the art tech to make sure that the wall isn’t breached.

I hope they pull our troops out of the Middle East and station them along the border.

I hope my friend’s daughter awakens to a world where we protect our women and children from those who would use chemical warfare against us, mercenaries from Mexico willing to kill our people, while hiding behind their own.

I hope my friend’s daughter wakes up from her coma. I hope we wake up, too.

Related content: John Green’s daughter died from heroin withdrawal. www.facebook.com/makeascene. alaska/posts/10207685016511909 Wizard of Oz Scene - Poppies. https://youtu.be/RG2keYgBiZc Border? What border? https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/ pubs38/38661/movement.htm

James Hastings’ Facebook Page www.facebook.com/james.c.hastings.7

side – and it’s been alluded to some extent – on the plus side of e-cigarettes and kids, there’s at least one survey – and we need to get more information on this – but 1 percent of kids are using e-cigarettes to get off combustibles.”

will always be a certain percentage of youth all too eager to grow up too fast.

He goes on to say that 10 to 15 million lives across the U.S. could be saved if the FDA and health orgs would embrace the potential tobacco harm reduction of e-cigs, rather than demonize them. Sadly, one of the things to consider is the fact that there

Like A.G. Miller, saving lives is my sole motivation for submitting these articles. I do not represent any manufacturer, retailer or organization.

Unlike some other contributors and their cohorts, I don’t get paid one penny for doing this.

That my friend, is the whole truth. If you are a tobacco smoker, I implore you to at least try modern vapor products.

POLITICS / OPINION Contributed by Casey Steinau, AKD Party Chair

Them Out.

Up Here We Are Active, And Last Year’s House Majority Was Not. That’s Why Alaskans Kicked

Last spring, if you were to ask the average Alaskan their opinion of the legislature, you would probably receive a lot of frustration, impatience and even anger. Criticisms of sitting legislators mainly the Republican caucuses in the House and Senate - echoed throughout Alaska.

While the state was burning through our savings to pay for essential services like schools, road maintenance and law enforcement, Republican Majority committee chairs refused to hear legislative proposals that could have

Contributed by David Eastman This week, I was reminded of a photo that appeared in ADN last Thanksgiving of two bull moose locked in combat and frozen in clear ice. If you haven’t seen it, it’s quite a photo.

During the fight, one of the bulls managed to pierce the skull of the other moose with its antlers. It was a knockout blow at the end of a hard fought battle.

The tragedy for the victor was that in his moment of triumph, his antlers were locked in his adversary’s antlers and when his adversary went down in the water, both moose drowned together.

It’s the kind of victory no one wants to brag about; when you win the battle, but go on to lose the war.

It is hard for me not to see that battle unfolding this week as I listen to fellow conservatives discuss efforts to reduce the legislature’s budget. By the way, under the governor’s currently proposed budget, the three branches of government breakdown as follows: The Executive Branch ($8.3 billion), The Judicial Branch ($115.6 million) and the Legislative Branch (78 million).

Contributed by Representative Lora Reinbold The conversation around the state budget hasn’t been exactly truthful.

The “cuts” have been exaggerated in an attempt to gain public support for “revenue options”, i.e. taking your money!

The current state budget is comprised of an operating budget of $8.08 billion and a capital budget of $1.55 billion, for a total state budget of $9.63 billion.

For the budget wonks, this is the Fiscal Year 2017 (FY17) “enacted” budget.

The enacted budget is the final budget after the governor exercises veto power on the legislature’s approved “Conference Committee” budget, and does not include supplemental budget requests. Current and historical budgets are readily available at the State Office of Management and Budget website: (www.omb.alaska.gov).

The easy, but not necessarily wise, “cuts” have been made. Significant budget cuts have been made to the capital budget, the budget that funds infrastructure. Typically these are onetime expenditures for building necessary public facilities like schools, roads, bridges, airports, etc. The FY17 Capital Budget is $392 million lower than the enacted FY15 Capital Budget of $1.94 billion, representing a 20% reduction.

Arguably, these are not really “cuts” because capital budgets are constructed from the ground up, and represent discrete investments in tangible public

significantly lessened our budget crisis.

Instead, they chose to spend weeks debating the open carry of firearms on college campuses and the instructing of age-appropriate sex education in schools.

But then last summer and fall, concerned Alaskans got to work.

Volunteers from all over the state knocked on doors, participated in phone banks and talked to their neighbors about change. People got active.

With their help, Zach Fansler and Dean Westlake were victorious over legislators who caucused with the Republicans and contributed to the culture of inaction.

Those wins, in addition to two more general election victories, provided a Democratic-led majority in the State House for the first time in 24 years. And for the first time in our state’s history, an Alaskan Native was seated in the

Now if we can learn one thing from human history,it is that government grows. It grows because it wants to.

Sometimes it grows simply because it can. And because of this it is important to question every area of government growth and excess. Is the growth reasonable? Does creating or expanding a particular government program better protect the rights and property of Alaskans, or is it simply an example of succumbing yet again to government’s natural desire to be bigger, and once bigger, to stay that way?

Today, many in the legislature (especially those who identify with the governor) find it popular to reduce the funding available to the smallest branch of government. Case in point, I have more than a dozen items that are currently waiting in the queue for the legislature’s attorneys to work on because the legislature’s legal team was recently reduced by five people, and this for the branch of government that America’s founding father’s designed to be the most powerful.

If you want to know how many attorneys work in the state executive branch, I’ll give you a hint: It’s a lot more than the 12 currently working for the entire legislative branch. What happens

facilities. Unlike cuts to the operating budget, reductions to the capital budget are not necessarily sustainable, and they do not reduce expenditures in future budget cycles.

The operating budget defines the annual spending plan or simply put, the cost of the operating state government every year. The budget discussion should focus on managing the operating budget, simply because it is an ongoing annual expense that is taking a big bite out of savings every year. When the Executive Branch claims they have made cuts, look closer. Taking a part of your permanent fund dividend is not a cut to agency operations, rather it’s a cut to your pocketbook.

The operating budget is broken down between “Agency Operations”, essentially the cost of running state government (fourteen departments, the University of Alaska, the legislature, the governor’s office and the court system), and “Statewide Operations”.

In the enacted FY17 Budget, “Agency Operations” total $7.50 billion, or 93% of the total state operating budget.

The remaining 7% ($0.58 billion) of the operating budget is for “Statewide Operations” paying primarily for debt service ($0.28 billion) and payments to the state retirement fund ($0.22 billion).

The Office of Management and Budget reports “Agency Operations” has been reduced from $7.75 billion in FY15 to $7.50 billion in FY17. The governor’s FY 18 plan calls for reducing spending on “Agency Operations” to $7.40 billion.

The data, easily accessible to the public, indicate that savings of only 3.3% ($258 million) have been achieved during the

COMMUNITY & POLITICS PAGE 9

Speaker’s chair. This was all made possible through grassroots activism and sheer Alaskan fortitude.

ideas and actual work toward solving Alaska’s critical fiscal issues.

Alaskans by nature are not fans of inaction. We generally don’t like to sit around and do nothing. Even in the most frigid winter temperatures, most of us can be found outside, with frosty eyelashes and mustaches, taking in the fresh air and enjoying the mountain landscapes. Rural areas and even some of the more urban places, are filled with people that live in dry cabins and without the convenience of turning on a tap.

Changing the makeup of the State House alone might not be enough.

The Senate Majority, still stubborn in their refusal to recognize that we are in the middle of a massive financial crisis, seems reluctant to act in any significant way besides cutting an already barebones budget. Many Alaskans share the fear that Republicans in the Senate will contribute to inaction, kicking the proverbial can down the road, with obstruction and excuses by Senate President, Pete Kelly.

They rely on their own elbow grease and energy to haul in their own water because that’s what needs to be done.

In Alaska, we build our own houses, fix our own cars, catch our own fish and hunt our own game. We are doers, not do-nothings. So, after last session it became clear that it was time for new

If that’s the case, we know what to do. Our volunteers will continue to make their voices heard and in 2018, obstructive legislators will be replaced by folks who get things done. We can get a Senate Majority that will actually do the work. Alaska’s future is too important to wait.

now when one of the other two branches of government encroaches on the power of the legislative branch by for example - taking the PFD or ignoring laws that require a governor to propose a balanced budget to the legislature, or by refashioning state law according to policies more pleasing to a majority of lawyers currently serving on the state supreme court (by say, overturning parental notification laws and awarding money to Planned Parenthood)?

In these types of situations, should they ever happen, how is the legislature to defend the rights of the people?

Listening to some of the proposals for additional cuts to the legislature, I’m not even sure that some legislators want us to.

And that’s the thing. For those who support whatever policies a governor is promoting at any given time, there may be no need for a strong legislature (or judiciary) to stand as a check against the power of the executive branch. It can be tempting to cut things you don’t need at the moment, and in conservative parts of the state you may even get votes for doing so. But in further weakening the smallest branch of government, you also increase the temptation for the other two branches of government to

first 2 years of the Walker Administration.

If the governor’s FY18 plan is enacted, an additional reduction of 1.3% ($101 million) is anticipated.

So you ask, how can this be? Many public figures are reporting 20%, 30% and even 40% budget cuts! Well to be honest, it’s misleading at best! Here’s why: The “cuts” are relative to an artificial high in FY15 when Governor Parnell wisely appropriated $3 billion to pay down the state retirement plan obligation.

The $3 billion was simply a transfer of funds from the Constitutional Budget Reserves to “Other” funds. This one time “expenditure”, was included in the Total Operating Budget (Statewide Operations), creating the artificially high FY15 of $11.8 billion.

Additionally, when the budget wizards spin a story about large budget cuts, they are referring only to Undesignated General Fund (UGF) spending. The UGF is a “funding source”, think of it as an account, and only represents a fraction (52% in FY17) of the state operating budget. The governor’s FY 18 budget proposal calls for a total operating budget of $8.07 billion, with $4.22 billion in “UGF” spending.

Focusing attention on only one portion of the budget can lead to misguided perceptions, and unusual budgeting behavior. The OMB data indicated that the enacted plan for UGF spending on Agency Operations was reduced by 14% from FY15 to FY17, while at the same time all other funding sources increased, with the Designated General Fund (DGF) up by 18%, Other state funds up by 10% and federal funds up by 10%.

It’s time to start being honest with the public about spending their money.

expand their influence in the public policy process. And while that expanded influence may be welcome today, what happens when a new candidate is elected governor who uses that power in ways that you find appalling?

Unfortunately, when that happens the legislature may not be in a very good position to stop, or even slow down a governor. My takeaway from all this is to remember that each battle is indeed part of a larger war. We can win the battle of streamlining the legislature’s budget. But if in doing so, we make the strongest branch of government even more powerful, will that victory take us closer to where we want to go as a state, or farther from it?

I am committed, as a legislator, to reducing the overall size of government.

As individuals and families, we are obliged to lives within our means, and the state must do the same. I simply offer one caution as we pursue that effort: Let’s target our efforts so that when we do have victories to celebrate, we don’t have to mourn losing the war for the future of our state at the same time.

Rep. David Eastman is a freshman in the Alaska State House of Representatives, representing rural Mat-Su from the border of Denali National Park to the Wasilla City Limits.

Let’s not forget every dollar that funds government comes out of the private sector’s pocket. We need to start talking about total operating cost, and not one isolated budget funding source, e.g. the Undesignated General Fund (UGF).

The public deserves better and should demand honesty, and clarity when discussing the state budget.

Managing the state budget, by targeting reduction in only one area of the budget is not the way that a responsible business would look at the cost of running their organization. And certainly their shareholders would not tolerate such behavior. The total operating cost of State government must be considered.

Before we consider “other revenue” sources, i.e. taking your money in the form of new taxes, or restructuring the permanent fund to feed government, we must reduce our spending. Our spending is significantly above the national average. Compared to our own historical spending, our operating budget is still about $1 billion high compared to a 2006 benchmark adjusted upward for inflation and population growth. Additionally, Alaska spends nearly three times the national average per capita according the Kaiser Family foundation.

If we are to seriously address the issue, we must be transparent and talk about total operating costs, and the necessary level of state services. We need to conduct, with the assistance of experts, serious benchmarking to demonstrate what a normal level of state spending looks like. Only then, can we gain the public trust, that government is not squandering the wealth of the State of Alaska.

PETS & ANIMALS

Contributed by Sumitra Shinde, Animal Care Dispatcher Angus is a super handsome Pit Bull Terrier that doesn’t know the meaning of “no”! He’s high energy - some would say hyper, some would say infectiously boisterous!

He is treat motivated and has been trained to sit, though he is so wiggly his sit doesn’t last long.

He is choosy about his friends and he cannot live with small animals, including small dogs, or small children.

Mat-Su Borough Animal Shelter 907-746-5500

Contributed by Angie Lewis, President of Alaska Animal Advocates This is a topic of heated debate among many dog guardians.

There are varying opinions and staunch supporters on each side of the issue.

Free feeding is a method that involves leaving a bowl of dog food out all day long and allows the dog to eat whenever he wishes. Scheduled mealtimes, on the other hand, involves the guardian providing food at specific times of the day – depending on the age of the dog.

Free Feeding: Pros Food is constantly available to the dog, so he can eat whenever he is hungry.

This method of feeding a dog is much easier and less time consuming for the guardian.

Some advocates of this form of feeding feel that this limits food aggression, but

PETS & ANIMALS

Contributed by Sumitra Shinde, Animal Care Dispatcher

Contributed by Sumitra Shinde, Animal Care Dispatcher Cast is a young Labrador retriever that’s trying to figure out his place in the world! He’s just over 1 years old and would love to go home with a family that’s experienced with dogs and has time to train him.

Contributed by Angie Lewis, President of Alaska Animal Advocates

He does not do well with young children, but is great with older kids.

He often doesn’t get along other male dogs, so if you have a dog at home, please bring them in to meet Cast before adopting him.

Grover might have a masculine name, but she is all girl! At four years old, this bully breed has plenty of energy and loves car rides. Grover is very fond of people, especially children. She prefers not to be left home alone. She is house and leash trained. Grover likes to think of herself as the queen of the house and would do best as an only pet.

MORE INFO: Email Alaska Animal Advocates at aaarescue@yahoo.com or 841-3173

MORE INFO: Email Alaska Animal Advocates at aaarescue@yahoo.com or 841-3173

there is no data to support this.

Some feel that this method helps your dog determine how much food he wants to eat. So that on a day your dog has had a lot of exercise, he can eat more and vice versa.

Free Feeding: Cons This method of feeding can lead to obesity, as many dogs may overeat particularly when they are bored.

Guardians have a more difficult time monitoring food intake, which is very important for noticing a dog’s health problems. House training a puppy can become challenging because it is difficult to determine when the puppy has last eaten, and therefore when it would be best to take him outside to go potty.

In terms of positive dog training, treats become less motivating because food is always available.

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Having food out all the time can encourage bacteria, insects and other pests to access it. Such food can spoil if not eaten on a regular basis.

Scheduled Feeding: Pros The amount of food intake can be monitored when food is only offered on a schedule.

If a dog becomes ill, it is much easier to notice that your dog has stopped eating. House training your pup is easier because you are aware when your pup has eaten last and can make an educated guess as to when he needs to go out to relieve himself.

If you have a multi-dog household, the dogs can be separated to ensure that one dog does not eat all the food, while the other goes hungry. Dog treats or food offered as a reward during training will be a great motivator with this method of feeding.

Sebastian is approximately 3 years old, and is a cat full of personality and fun! He’s very talkative when he wants something and will make sure to let you know if he’s feeling ignored! He can be shy at first, but eventually warms up and makes friends with most everyone he meets!

He would like to live in a home with adults and maybe some smaller dog friends. He’s a play-biter that likes to stay active, and he’s a good mouser.

Thank you to Cris Skinner for the wonderful photo!

Mat-Su Borough Animal Shelter 907-746-5500 Your dog comes to understand that you, the guardian, are the giver of food and this can enhance the bond between you and your dog.

This method can be used with a wider variety of food, such as raw or home cooked food, without spoiling.

Scheduled Feeding: Cons This type of feeding is more time consuming. Your dog may feel that he needs to eat everything in his bowl, even if he is not hungry, because he is worried about when he will get his next meal.

Ultimately, the best method for feeding your dog is what is best for your family, including your dog. This really depends upon your dog. I have one dog that just eats to stay alive and is not food motivated, My other dog would overeat until he died of bloat.

Remember that pups should eat three times a day and two times a day for most adults!

COMMUNITY Contributed by Carla Swick In times of uncertainty and change, it is rewarding to see the community come together to support world languages and our students. On February 4th, more than 40 volunteers helped put on the Mat-Su Regional World Language Declamation Contest at Palmer High School. Over 150 students from Colony High School, Palmer High School, Redington Senior Jr/Sr High School, and Wasilla High School competed in French, Japanese and Spanish language competitions.

minutes to brainstorm without notes or a dictionary. Level one competitors have to speak on topic for at least 1.5 minutes and up to 2.5 minutes. The time requirement increases by one minute per level.

“We’re friends and love working with each other,” laughed Mack. “And it’s also fun to be able to bounce off each other in the conversation,” added Dick. They drew the pet shop topic and had to pretend to be a customer purchasing a new pet from the sales clerk. “It was so much fun and the judges seemed to really enjoy it. They kept laughing” Mack proudly recalled.

COMMUNITY

student studied abroad in Bolivia as a Rotary exchange student and competed in Spanish poetry, monologue and trivia.

For her monologue topic, she had to compare a teenager’s live in Alaska to that of a teenager in another country in Spanish. She choose Bolivia. “In Bolivia and South America the weekend atmosphere is completely different.

Parents have a big influence on what you do. We might have a lunch with the mom’s side of the family on Saturday, but then spend the day with the dad’s side on Sunday,” she explained.

For PHS freshman Kaj Taylor, the French cultural trivia exam was the perfect fit.

He could take the fifty question written test individually and at his own pace. “It was fun recognizing lots of cultural points I learned in Madame Easter’s class, but I discovered new ones too. For example, I didn’t know that in France a spoon is usually placed upside down at the top of the plate,” Taylor explained.

Sophomore Hailee Godfrey wanted to challenge herself with the monologue competition. Similar to the dialogue competition, the speaker draws two topics, chooses one and then must talk about the topic in front of a panel of judges. “I’m usually a shy person,” confessed Godfrey, “but I really wanted to improve my Japanese conversation so I signed up. I wanted to break my inner shell and put myself out there.”

According to Crowley, one big plus in Bolivian school life was the 1.5 hour siesta. “We would leave during lunch, go home and eat. It was fantastic.” For Crowley, the best part of Declamation was seeing so many Valley students interested in world languages and willing to put themselves out there.

“Studying another language takes a lot of hard work and dedication. It was inspiring to see students in high school compete at such a high level,” she exclaimed.

Best friends, Sophie Dick and Emily Mack, signed up for the new Japanese I class at PHS in August and decided in November to compete in dialogue. In the dialogue competition, student pairs draw two topics out of an envelope, choose one, and then have two

PHS senior Katie Crowley agreed that the most competitive competition is poetry. Students have to recite two poems and are judged on memorization, pronunciation, intonation, delivery, poise and expression. Crowley, a Spanish 4

Palmer High School would like to say a big arigatou, gracias, merci and thank you to the countless volunteers, teachers, alumni, judges, monitors, runners, tabulators, artists, hospitality room, registration table and award room workers, artists, and more!

Contributed by Kaitlin M. Rock Alaska Chicks Vintage Home Market April 1-2, 2017 - 9AM Alaska Chicks Company Alaska State Fairgrounds 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer Cost: $3 Saturday, FREE Sunday Alaska Chicks Company is getting ready to host their 3rd Annual Vintage Home Market Show! In 2015, Charity Folcik, Founder and CEO of Alaska Chicks Co., was inspired to create a special event where local businesses could set up booths to display their vintage-themed home décor, clothing, furniture and art.

“We love helping support other small local crafters,” Charity commented, adding that most of the vendors do not have stores of their own.

Charity rented the Palmer Train Depot and began inviting vendors to help make the show a reality.

As the date of the first Vintage Home Market Show approached, vendors, family and friends expressed concern that the event wouldn’t draw enough interest from the community. However, their worries were quickly laid to rest when the tiny depot first filled,

then overflowed with people!

In 2016, the second Vintage Home Market Show was held at Raven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds, allowing room for even more vendors, and by popular demand Alaska Chicks hosted a holiday themed show in November 2016 with overwhelmingly positive community response.

Upcycling, the process of finding or buying old, useless things and breathing new life into them, continues to be a theme at the show.

The 2017 Vintage Home Market Show will include avid upcyclers like Alaska Picker, who has a background in police work, Brown Chicken Brown Cow, founded by a retired doctor and lawyer,

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The top five award winners in each category of the Matsu Regional Declamation have qualified for the State Declamation competition which will be held on March 4th at South High School in Anchorage. Visit asaa.org/ activities/world-language/ for details.

Let’s go Mat-Su!

and many, many more! Alaska Chicks would like to invite you to come to Raven Hall on April 1st and 2nd, 2017 to shop an incredible variety of Alaskan crafters and artisans, listen to live music by local artists, and try food and beverages from some of Alaska’s best vendors. Come enjoy life with us!

COMMUNITY 50th Annual Gun Show March 4-5, 2017 – 10AM Palmer Lions Club Raven Hall, Alaska State Fairgrounds 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer

The show includes over 300 tables of venders for hunting, fishing, trapping and so much more for the avid Alaska Outdoorsman. Beyond being an outstanding gun show, this event is a

Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show March 24-26, 2017 Friday @ 12, Sat & Sun @ 10AM Menard Sports Center 1001 S Clapp St, Wasilla On March 24-26, 2017, the Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show will again bring in the spring for all Alaskans.

This first outdoor show of the season is just what we need to start our spring-summer-fall planning in earnest.

Rafting trips, guided fishing charters,

fundraiser where all the proceeds go back into helping our community.

The Palmer Lions Club makes a huge impact on our community by giving back all money raised through our events to organizations helping our community including: The Salvation

outdoor gear and large, outdoor toys will all be available at the show. And the large toys will again be displayed indoors for your convenience.

And don’t forget the tremendous amount of free information available at the show.

Experts and average outdoors people alike often provide those invaluable bits of knowledge that mean the difference between fishing and catching, or between an average trip and an extraordinary experience. This aspect of outdoor shows is sometimes overlooked by the average attendee.

When you attend this show, listen for those places, times and gear types

We also provide vision screenings at elementary schools/children events and have given out reading glasses at the Project Homeless Connect to those in need. The Lions Club truly helps and focuses on our local community.

The gun show is a family friendly show where there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Come join us Saturday March 4th from 10:00am-6:00pm and Sunday March 5th from 10:00am-4:00pm at the Alaska State Fairgrounds in the Raven Hall.

that will make these coming seasons exceptional - even by Alaska standards.

Admission to the show will still be free for kids 12 and under, all military personnel and their dependants.

Food is always plentiful, ready and hot, parking will be free and as always there will be dozens of outdoor-related seminars.

The show date is still the very first spring outdoor show in Alaska, one week prior to the Anchorage show. So mark on your 2017 calendars the dates of March 24th-26th so you don’t miss the 12th Annual Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show.

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Come look, trade, swap and talk shop with numerous vendors. Door prizes given away every hour.

Army, The Palmer Food Pantry, MatSu Special Santa, Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home and the local 4-H Club.

This year the Palmer Lions Club will be celebrating their 50th Annual Gun Show at Raven Hall in Palmer.

Their gun show is the oldest and most continuous show in Alaska!

COMMUNITY

Admission is $7.00 per person or buy a 2-day pass for $10. Kids 12 and under are free. Come join us March 4th and 5th for the Lions 50th Gun Show!

If you’re interested in being a vendor email palmerak.lions@gmail.com or call 907-360-8428 For vendors who want to participate in the show, a few booths and bulk spaces are still available, so sign up today and be part of the largest outdoor trade show in the Valley.

See you there!