AroundFIREWORKS!10:30pm, Gorilla Fireworks will dazzle us with a fabulous fireworks dis play. Those who have seen it in the past know it is not to be missed! Houston Founders Day 56th Birthday Celebration starting at 6:30 pm Saturday, August 20th at Mile 57 Parks Highway, Houston, Alaska – “Where the Real Alaska Begins.”
Auditions: AK Home Companion MORE ON PAGE 8 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE Bright Lights Book Project Continues MORE ON PAGE 3 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE Prepared for Disaster MORE ON PAGE 3 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER Fair Poultry Exhibits Paused MORE ON PAGE 10 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER
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Cat Rescue: Adopt Diesel MORE ON PAPER Contributed by Sally Barnes Thanks to a grant from AARP Community Challenge and Totes Maritime Marine, Willow House at WASI (Wasilla Area Seniors) was able to install 19 new raised garden beds for the seniors living there. On July 6th, volunteers lined up to help install these containers as well as moving dirt and supplies. The seniors were eagerly waiting to get their hands dirty, and their planting Futuredone. plans include planting apple trees, berries and installing bench es throughout the garden area to make the area more inviting for our seniors to relax and enjoy. Special thanks to Marlene Munsell for all her hard work to ensure the smooth installation of these garden beds!
Alaska Fire Circus’ Daring and Enchant ing Fire Dance Spectacular! Kid games and family fun are in abun dance at Houston Founders Day! The petting zoo was a big hit and is back for more fun. We’ve got the youth turkey shoot, the 60-foot-long bouncy house obstacle course, the Poker Tournament ($100 Prize), and an Earthquake Simu lator: a safe yet realistic, educational earthquake-like shaking demonstration. What is Houston, Alaska best known for? ...
Contributed by Shelley Brook Get ready for yet another successful cele bration of the City of Houston’s Birthday. Houston Founders Day 56th Anniversary is happening Saturday, August 20th from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm. This local event could not happen without our generous Rocksponsors.along with our rockabilly blues band, the Wild Cat Trio! FREE gourmet hot dogs, games, and entertainment for a night out with the family will rock your world. The classic, favorite events, The Blueberry Pie Eating Contest ($100 Prize) and the Egg Toss ($100 Prize), are back again for the rematch of your life. You are in for a treat! The Aerial View acrobats’ alluring amazement will keep you on your toes. You’ll want to join in on the fight when watching the Medieval Knights Combat. Be thoroughly amazed by Magic Don’s Medieval Magic Spec tacle. Not allowed at the State Fair, we’ve got something very special for you:
MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA PAGE 2COMMUNITY
Concrete polishing is generally more expensive than epoxy because of the heavy labor time involved. Polished concrete can be cleaned easily. It doesn’t take much to properly main tain a polished concrete floor. A pol ished concrete floor enhances light reflectivity. It’s strong and durable enough to handle high volumes of foot traffic every day. While polished concrete can be a viable option for a number of commercial settings, it does present a significant list of limi tations– that’s where epoxy flooring systems come in.
Epoxy Flooring: Epoxy is created by mixing a combi nation of two starting compounds, the resin, and the hardener. Once these materials are combined and mixed, they form a durable chemical compound. This results in a strong quality floor and is commonly used in residential, commercial, and indus trial facilities. If you are looking to implement design aspects into your floors with some flashy or unique colors, epoxy is an easy choice. Depending on the style you want, epoxy can give your floors a modern or classic touch and complement a space with an indus trial look, luxurious, or anything in between. Epoxy coatings are very versatile, so they can be customized to suit your needs. Epoxy flooring is used in many floor ing cases because it is considered easier to install and is a more costeffective flooring solution. Epoxy flooring, unlike polished concrete flooring, is available in many dif ferent formulations that are meant to protect the integrity of the floor. Benefits of epoxy flooring include abrasion and puncture resistance, impact resistance, static control, and more. It’s strong and durable enough to handle high volumes of foot traf fic every day. Epoxy floorings can conceal imperfections with the use of decorative flakes and high-perfor mance non-skid topcoats.
Epoxy floors are a good option for spaces that may encounter water or chemical spills, many pedestrian or machine crossings, or other sub stances and activities that would quickly degrade polished concrete floors. Epoxy flooring is waterproof, provides a non-slippery surface with anti-slip additives and will not be stained as a result of a chemical spill. Just like polished concrete, epoxy flooring can be cleaned easily with out using harsh cleaners. An epoxy coating can enhance the light reflectivity up to three times greater than polished concrete, depending on color and sheen. This is important if you want to make your space brighter. If toughness, safety, and longevity are chief concerns, or your space receives a lot of wear and tear from foot, vehicle, or machine traffic, epoxy flooring is for you. Ep oxy flooring also offers a whole host of unique, customizable finishes that cannot be achieved with concrete alone. If you have any questions about epoxy flooring or polished concrete, get in touch with the experts at Alaska Resin Supply. We provide the highest quality materials and are located at 201 E. Swanson Ave, Suite 1, in Wasilla. Give us a call at (907) 671-9900 and check out our website at AlaskaResin.com.
Contributed by Clayton Allison The main difference between a polished concrete floor and an epoxy floor is that polished concrete reveals the concrete itself, while epoxy is a coating over the top of the concrete. If you want your concrete floor to look like concrete, choose polishing. If you want a floor with a very cus tomizable look and a highly durable coating, consider using epoxy. Epoxy can also provide a non-slip surface, which affects the look as well as the feel of the floor. Epoxy flooring systems are made using multiple layers of coatings, while polished concrete is created us ing specialized machinery to form a burnished and smooth surface. Both offer exciting benefits you won’t see in other flooring materials. Choos ing between polished concrete and epoxy flooring depends on the type of space you want to install it in. It’s worth noting that for both of these flooring solutions, it is recommended to use expert installation. If you are tempted to go the DIY route, you may not experience the benefits you expect. Polished Concrete: Polished concrete is created by me chanically polishing and/or grinding and using a chemical penetrant to harden, densify, and seal the con crete. The primary disadvantage of polished concrete is its tendency to stain. It also must be sealed peri odically for stain resistance, but the sealer can only do so much. Spills on polished concrete should be wiped up immediately to prevent staining. If your concrete is cracked, pitted, or otherwise damaged, you will need to fill it in with an additional material, and the repairs are difficult to hide.
For best results, polishing should oc cur on a new, freshly poured concrete slab that has cured at least 28 Days. When polished, concrete becomes even stronger and more resistant to damaging. Many homeowners take advantage of polished concrete’s high-glossy look to add style to their house. Polished concrete flooring is ideal for flooring that will not be subjected to harsh chemicals.
Contributed by Grandson, Jake Graupmann - Talkeetna, Alaska I would first off like to say thank you, Grandma “Beach”. You are an incred ible inspiration in my life, not only because you continue to amaze me at 100 years old, but because of the encouragement you’ve given me and the impact you have had throughout my years growing up. From being a flight attendant on DC-3 aircraft be tween Florida and Cuba—just after World War II—to living in Naples, Italy and owning travel agencies in Chicago and California, and finally to owning a Talkeetna gift shop on Main Street (at 80 yrs. Old!) and running a bed and breakfast on the Village Airstrip. I can say that you are one of the true reasons for my desire to see the world and experience as much as I can. Hearing stories of your life (like how you had top secret clearance while working under a General dur ing World War II!) makes me realize how much of life there is to live, even if it is not always easy. You were born during the roaring twenties, but the Great Depression quickly overshadowed your child hood. You’ve lived through numer ous wars, the lunar landing, a couple major earthquakes, pandemics, the Cubbies finally winning World Series and other worldly events that I’ve only read about in history books. As a single mother, you raised five children on the south side of Chicago and were still able to travel the world as much as you could. To say that I am in awe of the life you have led, your tenacity and the adventures you’ve had would be an understate ment, for you truly are an amazing person whom I deeply respect. And so, it is with the utmost happi ness and sincerity that Katie, Rhett, and I would like to wish you the happiest of birthdays! Most people would need at least 200 to do all that you have done. Have a fantastic 100th “backyard shindig” at your legendary Talkeetna JakeWithCelebration!love,
The next day the storm subsided and they emerged from their cozy, makeshift shelter and continued on their way. As they traveled, they passed an area along the trail where several crude crosses were erected. “It really hit us hard,” Robert said. “We had a good idea what had probably happened to those people. If we didn’t have everything we needed to hunker down, we would have almost certainly died in that storm.”
COMMUNITY
When a group of riders, including two Conoco Phillips employees, set out in February 2011 with friends, two of them never made it home. Although this group of veteran riders had explored this area many times before, they found themselves lacking the proper safety equipment. They were caught unprepared when an avalanche buried two people in their party and the remaining riders could not help their friends because they did not have the tools needed to search and dig them out in time. Being prepared did save Penny and Robert Albright when their fourwheeler got stuck in the mud while on a hunting trip off the Denali Highway. An unexpected storm blew in dropping the temperature and a foot of fresh snow. “When we saw this storm engulfing us, we quickly abandoned our efforts to get to the lodge and made a shelter instead,” said Penny. “It wasn’t the most comfortable night but we were prepared with a tarp, cook stove, sleeping bags, food and everything we needed to survive. “We never expected anyone to come rescue us,” she said. “We just made sure if we went, we went prepared. Instead of fighting the storm, we set up camp, hunkered down and were just fine.”
The Alaska State Troopers respond to dozens of search-and-rescue calls every year. When they do, a call goes out for a mass of resources such as Alaska Mountain Rescue Group, Alaska State Search and Rescue Association, Matanuska-Susitna Borough Rescue Team…or others to assist. It costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to coordinate and execute these rescues and thousands of man hours. Far too often the results end in tragedy, with lives lost because there wasn’t enough time. People don’t set out on their adventure with the intent of becoming victims who require a search and rescue mission to get home. Often times the unexpected happens and they are suddenly faced with making split-second, life or death decisions. Grant Pearson, a retired Denali National Park Ranger, was quoted in ‘Humility in the Alaskan Wilderness’ by Daryl Miller as saying, “There are no heroes in the wilderness, only wise people who are prepared and those that are not so wise and Theunprepared.”AlaskaState Troopers would like everyone to remember this rule. Lawrence Agosti and his friends learned this lesson the hard way. “I’ve been riding in the Kenai area for years and felt like I knew every inch of this place,” said Agosti. “But it all looks different in a storm.” He prided himself on being a strong rider and one who is generally well prepared. “This day turned out to be pretty humbling,” he said. He had forgotten to check his supplies, which proved critical later. During the ride one of his friends got separated from the group. When darkness began to close in and it was time to return to the parking lot, he and his riding partner set out to find their missing friend. By the time they finally raised the friend on the radio, and everyone made it to a spot where they could all see, snow was coming down fast and they realized they needed to act quickly. They decided to make shelter and just wait out the night. “That’s when I discovered just how unprepared we were,” said Agosti. “We had no way to start a fire, no food and we were soaking wet and exhausted. It was the most horrible night of my life. I really thought we were going to die.”
Fortunately for this group, they were young, strong and stayed focused on surviving. Worried friends and family found them the next morning which doesn’t always happen.
September is National Emergency Preparedness Month and a great time to get yourself and your family and friends prepared for a host of potential disasters and emergencies. Whether you are a veteran or new to backcountry travel, there are some important tips to remember that will increase your chance of survival if the unexpected happens. Whatever you love to do in the Alaska backcountry, make sure you go prepared. Investing a few hours in training can make all the difference for you and your family, maybe not today, but perhaps one day when you need it the most. Learn more by attending the 14th annual Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo on Saturday, September 24th from 10 am to 3 pm. This year the Alaska Safe Riders are co-hosting the event and will be on hand along with more than 50 other exhibitors to provide demonstrations and valuable information presented by Iron Dog champions and professional instructors who understand the value and importance of being prepared. This free annual event is made possible by Mat-Su Borough Emergency Services, Local Emergency Planning Committee, American Red Cross, City of Wasilla, AARP Alaska and Alaska Safe Riders. Find more information at https:// ready.matsugov.us/PhotobyRichLoftin
Contributed by Debra McGhan
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Contributed by Sally Barnes Wasilla Area Seniors (WASI) has the ability to offer seniors in our area transportation to and from appoint ments. To qualify, you must be age 60 or older (unless you have a Medicaid Choice CurrentlyWaiver).wehave a van that is capable of transporting one wheel chair, or up to 4 people that are able to walk without a wheelchair. During inclement weather we do offer rides in our 4wd vehicles for those that might otherwise have a hard time getting Typically,out.our hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30am until 3:00pm. We are available to assist with doctors’ visits, transportation to the Post Office and items of that nature. We can even travel as far as Anchorage for doctor’s visits. For more information or to schedule a ride, please give us a call at 907215-6033.
Photo by J Moskowitz
Contributed by Crystal Howard So, yesterday, I spent the majority of the day speaking to the residents of the Centennial Park compound.
Finally, starting in 1897, she taught nature study at Cornell as the very first female professor there. Later she edited the Nature Study Review from 1917 to and next year the League of Women Voters chose her as one of the twelve greatest living American women to have “contributed most in their respec tive fields for the betterment of the world.” She died in Ithaca in 1930. In 1988 she was posthumously inducted into the National Wildlife Federation Hall of Fame. But to me, besides all these well-earned honors, she was a “Great American” because she possessed the passion to excite young boys and girls of her era about the wonderful world of nature, and also that she had the perseverance to establish the way to do it for many thousands of children in the future! Doug Ferguson is a retired engineer liv ing in Palmer, AK and has had a life-long interest in science, history, sports, and human & wild nature!
Contributed by Brandi Burchett
I met a man who is homeless and stay ing at the camp who was doing much work volunteering, helping campers and brought me to another camp nearby where 12 people had been living in the same weather, without resources and were not interested in being in the Centennial Park because it isn’t safe. I brought in donations, but the Salva tion Army was meeting to figure out the plan moving forward, and everything was on hold and donations were not be ing accepted. I donated what I brought to the other camp nearby, with much gratitude. There were good things happening at the same time. There were volunteers who have been working diligently and showing up every day to feed, comfort and supply people with things that they needed to the very best of their abilities.
1132 S. Chugach St. Palmer, AK 99645 P: 907.745.5454 F: 907.746.5173 matsuseniors.com
Singular community members with unbridled compassion. It was inspiring. I’m not angry at the security as I am wishing they had more training, weren’t spread so thin and were never put in this compromising position. This was all before the shooting. I left 2 hours prior to join with Arciniega Street Productions and Mad Myrnas Emergen cy Mutual Aid to make food & care bags. It was an incredible turn out, so much of the community showed up with such a generous amount of donations. It was incredibly heartwarming and gave a sense of hope. Then while bagging and stacking, we heard word of the shoot It’sing.so important to educate oneself on the barriers that our houseless commu nity face every day. How do you get a job, when you don’t have transportation, a place to shower, an address, a phone that remains con nected to service, not to mention the additional issues which stem from deep trauma and the mental stability from so much abuse and strife. No rental history. Poor rental history (i.e., prior evictions, rent/utility arrears) Insufficient savings. Poor credit history. Sporadic employment history. No high school diploma/GED. Recent or current abuse and/or battering (client fleeing domestic violence housing situation). Head of household under 18 years old. No income. Recent history of substance abuse or actively using drugs or alcohol. Serious health problems/conditions. Limited personal resources combined with lack of stable accommodation. Isolation from services or not knowing where to go. Low levels of literacy and education. Having other essential priori ties and feeling overwhelmed by the many issues they face feeling intimidat ed by the legal system, which they do not believe will work in their interests. Lack of awareness of their legal rights. This is just a tip of the iceberg.
I spoke with and deescalated a man who was terrified to go to his campsite because he has had bears by his tent. The security asked me to leave him be, and proceeded to let another camper speak with him very aggressively be cause he was loud by her tent and esca lated the man until they had enough of a reason to call law enforcement. I spoke to another man who needed a tent because the floor had separated from the rest of the tent and was not able to secure one. His belongings were soaking wet, as was he. I spoke to an other woman who has been completely unable to sleep because after 8pm there are more and more fights, acts of theft and everyone has so little they are des perate to keep their belongings.
I spoke to a woman who had a home in the Valley, but after the earthquake, it had become unlivable and she has since been homeless because she couldn’t afford the rebuild. I spoke to a man, whose girlfriend was self-medicating with alcohol after being hit by a car while riding her bike. The car left. She had broken ribs and other complications. She needed medical attention and because she had been drinking, the staff just called the police on her. We had already called Medics and it was difficult to advocate for her to the security. She cried and fell asleep in the street in my lap.
This month’s “Great American” was a pioneer educator of her era that intro duced the beauty and study of nature to American children on a large-scale basis for the first time in American his tory. Her work continues to live on to this Whenday.Iwas in grade school in the mid-1940’s my mother, a former grade schoolteacher herself, gave me a book that was critical to my lifetime interest in the subject of nature. The book was “The Handbook of Nature Studies” by Anna Botsford Comstock. The introduction in this large book, originally published in 1911, was pri marily for teachers, as few at the time had any background in nature. How ever, it contained hundreds of lessons in easy to read and entertainable style for teachers or grade schoolers of that era. Each lesson contained a short study course on a specific animal, bird, fish, reptile or insect, plus a photograph or drawing of the subject and how to observe it in the wild. These lessons had been developed by Comstock for use in a New York State program on nature for the public schools. In 1939 the book was updated and enlarged by a prominent group of naturalists. Since it has gone through 24 editions, but still retains many of the original lessons she wrote and is still in widespread use today.
Anna’s story is a fascinating one, having been born to a farm couple in a log cabin in rural Upstate New York’s Catta raugus County, to ending up being the first female professor at Cornell Univer sity in Ithaca, New York! Growing up on the farm, her self-suf ficient parents raised their own fruits, vegetables, cattle, sheep, and poultry. She was an only child and her Quaker mother, with her own passionate love of nature, emphasized education as well as spending time with her examining the wildlife in the nearby woods and around their farm. She recalls learning the names of over sixty common flow ers and other wildlife with her mother. There was no high school in her small rural town of Otto, so she attended a school for girls run by the Methodist Church in nearby Randolph, N.Y. After graduation there with honors, she brief ly taught school in Otto, but eventually enrolled at Cornell University in 1874 to study botany and zoology. There she took a course in entomology (the study of insects) taught by John Henry Comstock, just two years into his career as a university lecturer. Their friendship bloomed into romance and in 1878 they were Althoughmarried!never having had formal training, she had always liked to draw. As now the wife of a young professor, in addition to helping him with his papers, started doing some of the drawings for him. For two years they left Cornell as he became an entomologist to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washing ton. When they returned academic life at Cornell in 1885, she finally completed her degree. In that year she was ap pointed to the NYS Committee for the Promotion of Agriculture. By then she was already well known for promoting that students and teachers actually “go outdoors” to study nature. Thus it was there that she proposed and imple mented the experimental nature study course for students that later became state wide and ultimately resulted in the book that exists still today with the “hand’s on” teaching concept it pro motes. This was her real legacy. Meanwhile, she continued to draw and do engraving for books that she and her husband authored. She made engrav ings for more than 600 plates for the Manual for the Study of Insects, Insect Life, and How to Know the Butterflies, the first written by her husband and the latter two co-authored by them. She was the third woman to become a member of the Society of American Wood Engravers and won many honors for her fine engravings.
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matsuseniors.com/activities.
ABOUT MAT-SU SENIOR SERVICES: Founded in 1980, Palmer Senior Citizen’s Center dba Mat-Su Senior Services, has the most diversified nonprofit offerings for seniors in the Mat-Su Valley. The Agency serves a wide geographical area from it’s full-service headquarters in Palmer. In 1983, Mat-Su Senior Services became the first senior service Medicaid Waiver (CHOICE) Program provider in Alaska. Mat-Su Senior Services’ primary mission is to promote honor, dignity, security, and independence for older Alaskans and to assist them in main taining meaningful, quality lives. Our clients include older Alaskans, individu als with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Disorders, and anyone of any age on the Home and Community Based Medicaid Waiver Program.
PALMER SENIOR CITIZEN’S CENTER dba MAT-SU SENIOR SERVICES (MSSS) is excited announceto a new annual event sched uled for Saturday, September 17, 2022 in Palmer, Alaska. This annual event, AGING HEALTHY WALK AND MINI VENDOR FAIR, serves to promote healthy aging and increase social interaction with the senior popu lation throughout our community. The walk is under 2 miles, starting and end ing at the Palmer Senior Citizen’s Center located at 1132 S. Chugach Street, Palmer, AK. There will be food trucks, vendors, a chalk art contest and an obstacle course for children. To learn about the event, purchase a ticket, sponsor a senior, or become a vendor, please visit us online at www.
ments will give our children the best opportunity to be mentally stable. Our children are not messengers. Speak to the co-parent directly. The transi tion and conditions within the homes should remain as consistent and fair as possible. If you are experiencing dif ficulties in co-parenting or parenting in general, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Healthy boundaries for relationships can be difficult to develop and maintain and we are here to help. Here at HOW we would like to make ourselves available to you in answering some of your questions and concerns. Please contact us and we will reply in the next edition, or directly, while keep ing you anonymous. We look forward to hearing from dom907www.instagram.com/hats_of_wiswww.hatsofwisdom.comyou.
Contributed by Sharon Aubrey In the past fourteen years, we’ve lost nine family members and close friends. Three were terminally-ill, to which my husband and I were primary caregivers: cancer, dementia, and COPD. The recent passing of my brother-in-law was our most heartbreaking experience to date. While the loss of a loved one is always difficult, after you’ve personally provid ed for someone’s physical needs, mental health issues, and medical requirements for years, death is far more complex. Grief is not the same for a caregiver than experienced as a close family member or fringer. Many assert grief cannot be compared, but after living through many types, I disagree. Scientific journals also outline caregiver grief as surpassing many others. Not only do caregivers lose a loved one, but long before death, they suffer the loss of independence; freedom; sleep; time; finances; and family harmony. A care giver’s life constantly revolves around the emotionally-draining, physicallydemanding needs of another, who often cannot or does not acknowledge or appreciate your sacrifices. Worse, displaced paranoia and anger from pa tients onto caregivers creates additional frustration, disappointment, and an ongoing sense of loss. Caregiving is the most important and under-appreciated job on the planet. Most never get paid for their time, and statistics substantiate caregivers pro vide financially from their own pockets to meet the needs of the patient. Es sentially, it’s a thankless job you pay and sacrifice everything to keep. Then death Ascomes.family members are contacted for imminent death, the caregiver is displaced. Close family and friends who maintained regular contact with the patient are surprised by a sudden loss. Additionally, fringe family and friends may also feel an unexpected loss. Fring ers aren’t distinguished by relationship status as they might be a sibling, cousin, or grandchild but rather defined by whether or not they stayed in regular contact the patient or caregiver. In death, there are always more fringers than close family members, although most self-identify as a close family Formember.thecaregiver, death is not entirely new. They have been wrestling with it for a long time. As a result, their be havior versus a close family member or fringer looks very differently. Caregivers often express relief or anger instead of excessive weeping. As such, many mis interpret their behavior as uncaring or cruel. Thus, caregivers can be rejected by family members shifting blame. This April, after thousands of hours providing care, my husband’s brother died. He didn’t only lose his brother of seventy years; he also lost his hero, best friend since childhood, cribbage partner, next-door neighbor, and daily companion. And sadly, thanks to the Haldol and morphine given the last week of his brother’s life, he also lost the agreements his brother made with him, resulting in a sense of betrayal. Unfor tunately, his anger was misinterpreted. One person accused him of greed even though he gave her all the assets that were only supposed to be split with her and never spoke an unkind word toward her. Regretfully, as a result of her accusations, my husband didn’t attend the celebration of life service. While the rest of the family has returned to their regular daily lives, my husband is left navigating a new normal, com pletely alien to his daily routine of the past twenty-five years. His grief and loss haven’t subsided. Caregivers rarely have that blessing. Close family members and fringers experience grief moments, but caregivers can experience daily grief for many years. Grief is unequal. For caregivers, it’s a traumatic and permanent scar. Contributed by Jason Goldsmith Co-parenting is a term used for those former couples, having been married or not, living in separate homes who are both present in the lives of the children they share. It is important to remember that co-parenting is about the children’s development into healthy functional human beings and it depends heavily on three key components in order to remain a stable and positive system. Our relationship with ourselves is the first of these and can often times be the most difficult to manage because, let’s be honest, we usually see ourselves in the best light possible. The truth is, we are all flawed and must seek to improve ourselves and guard against visiting our pain and anger upon our children. It is important to acknowledge and assess the painful emotions we are feeling and how they impact our daily life. Our chil dren will often emulate us and if we are trapped by our emotions, our children will emulate that pain and anger. Blam ing the other parent and not practicing forgiveness will only serve to confuse and damage our children. We played a role in the relationship ending and need to rise above our differences to offer a positive and secure framework for our children to build upon. Our relationship with the co-parent is the second part of this equation and can be a great source of support or condemnation. We have all had rela tives, co-workers or friends we did not get along with at some point and despite negative feelings, we worked together at to get tasks accomplished. Showing your ‘EX’ courtesy and respect will aid you in gaining these things from your children. Keeping your feelings under control and concentrating on the shared goal of creating successful chil dren is what we are after here. Maintain a more professional and business-like attitude in your communication. Get ting even with your ‘EX’ should not be a hand-me-down for your children to wear like a leash around their neck. It will suffocate them. Your relationship with your children is the third and likely most important part of co-parenting. Removing all aspects of ourselves and our ‘EX’ disagree
In addition to the sponsors, Volunteers Make It Happen! It takes a village to make the Fair the wonder that it is every year; it takes another village to make the recycling program at the Fair a success. Volunteers are always needed, and groups are welcome & encouraged. Working as a group makes it more fun, and many hands make light work. Donate just four hours to the Fair and receive FREE admission and parking that day! Volunteer your time in the morning and enjoy the rest of the day experiencing all the Fair has to offer, or play early, work later. Volunteers must be 14 or older. If you are interested in volunteering, email pamella@alas Youkastatefair.org.canalsocontact VCRS at commu nity@valleyrecycling.org.
ASF, VCRS and AW have been partners in this endeavor since 2002. During that time, 355 tons of recycled materi als (including 285 tons of cardboard!) have found their way from the State Fair to our local Recycling Center. Divert ing this amount of material from the Borough Landfill is helping extend the life of our landfill cells while providing significant savings for Borough taxpay ers. Thanks to this effective partnership, along with all the efforts of Fair man agement, staff, vendors and volunteers, Together, We Are Turning it Around… While experiencing the wonder of this year’s Fair, don’t forget to stop by the VCRS Educational Booth on the Purple Spur, near the Pony Rides. Learn what’s going on in the fascinating and everchanging world of recycling, discover some of the incredible goods made from recycled materials, and be sure to vote for your favorite Recycled Garden Art. Come often, stay late; Experience the Wonder of the Alaska State Fair! Pick up next month’s edition of The People’s Paper & Make a Scene Magazine for Recycling Repeats Itself, Episode 9
COMMUNITY & OPINION MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA PAGE 5 Contributed by Randi Perlman Partnerships are a great way to combine strengths and efforts to help more than one entity create something fabulous. When two or more hard-working and mission-driven organizations get to gether for the mutual benefit of others, magic occurs! That’s what happens when the Alaska State Fair (ASF) and Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) combine forces to provide a recycling program at the Fair. ASF has a mission to produce a traditional State Fair which edu cates and entertains Fairgoers. When combined with the vision of VCRS to establish the greater Mat-Su Borough as a model zero landfill community, this dynamic partnership provides easy and convenient opportunities for fairgoers to recycle for the long term good of all. With a core staff of just two, the Fair manages a large Recycle Area, from which volunteers are dispersed throughout the fairgrounds with wagons to collect recyclable materi als. Green Recycle barrels are placed in visible and easily accessible areas around the grounds for plastic bottles and aluminum cans. In addition, Fair vendors recycle other materials used in their booths such as paint, industrialsize food cans, and most especially cardboard, which makes up the vast majority of material recycled at the Fair. Collected materials are then sorted by more hard-working volunteers in the Recycle Area. Cardboard is bro ken down by the vendors, collected at least once a day via pick-up truck, and dropped off at the Recycle Area as well. From there, once sorted, all recycled material is hauled to VCRS with the help & support of Alaska Waste (AW). As an ongoing sponsor of the ‘Recycle at the Fair’ program, AW donates all material hauls from the Fair to VCRS. The Fair’s recycle program would not be possible without the generous sponsorship of Alaska Waste, along with new sponsor, Crowley Fuels Alaska.
Contributed by Stephanie Figon, MS, RDN, LD You’re dining out with a friend when the check comes and you suddenly realize that you can’t calculate the tip. You’re driving in a familiar part of town to a place you’ve been a dozen times. Then, you somehow don’t know how to get there. Your spouse keeps insisting that they told you about something but you would swear they never mentioned it. These are the experiences of too many people as they move into the older de cades of life. We ignore the little tell-tale signs for as long as possible. Everyone knows there’s nothing anyone can do to stop dementia. A person reasons visiting the doctor will only get their keys taken away and keep them from ever being able to buy long term care Andinsurance.upuntil recently, that was about right. All the medical profession could do is confirm your fears and tell you to get your affairs in order. A prescription might only give a 3-month delay in the inevitable process of decline that lasts about 7 years. But brain science is changing—and fast. When a client asked me to research nu trition for her husband who was show ing clear signs of Alzheimers, I went to work. That was 8 months ago. I was shocked to find studies on everything from lithium to coffee fruit. One researcher’s work stands out. Dr. Dale Bredesen has been researching the mechanisms of Alzheimer’s for decades. In 2014, Bredesen published his first case series in which 8 out of 10 individuals improved their scores on cognitive tests. One of them even had MRI documented growth in the size of their hippocampus—that all-important memory center in the brain. This was a finding that most doctors thought was impossible at the time.
Second, there is inflammation. This is sometimes related to dental problems or intestinal permeability called “leaky gut”. When bacteria or undigested food molecules get into the blood, they activate the immune system. This causes inflammation that affects brain Afunction.hostof other factors may play a role in cognitive decline. These include trau matic brain injury, sleep apnea, Mold exposure, heavy metals, and vitamin Anddeficiencies.then,there are the thousands of untested chemicals from herbicides and pesticides in food to the BPA in water bottles. These build up in our bodies and affect our brain function. Dr. Brede sen likens our current toxin situation to, “swimming in an Alzheimer’s soup”.
Daniel N. Russell, MS is former Termprofessor, Physics Dept., University of Alaska, Nationally certified in 1997 in massage & bodywork, Ordained energy touch therapist, and may be contacted at 907-444-5647 or email: dnrussellms@ yahoo.com.
We also know the factors that help the brain grow. Optimized hormones-thyroid, estrogen and/or testosterone. Sleep and the mental stimulation of new learning are critical for brain Exercisegrowth. increases oxygen and nutrients to the brain. It also allows us to make more BDNF, which is best described as “Miracle Grow for the brain”. Timing matters. If memory and cogni tive issues are fully addressed in their early stages, there is a great chance that declines can be reversed. It requires dedicated lifestyle measuresdiet, exercise, sleep, and stress manage ment. It requires nutritional supple ments--lots of them. And you may need a few prescriptions. But there is nothing like real-life con firmation to prove that this approach works. I got that when my client texted me to say that her husband’s MRI prov en early Alzheimer’s symptoms stopped after just a couple of months. She’s seen no symptoms since April. Help spread the news. No one is saying there’s a cure for Alzheimer’s. But the new data show that Alzheimer’s should no longer be considered a hopeless dis ease. Dementia can be prevented or put into remission for many. Bredesen pre dicts that future generations will look back on Alzheimer’s disease the way we look back on polio and other diseases of the past. For those of us experiencing “senior moments”, these changes can’t come too www.Nutrition907.comsoon.
Contributed by Daniel N. Russell
An exciting, new, nonverbal, silent, energy touch ministry has been created to help people heal body & spirit. All living beings have an ability to achieve a perfect state of balance in body, mind, and spirit. Energy touch therapy enhances this, so people may better find Energybalance.touch channels healing energy through the hands from the Source of universal energy by laying-on-hands to restore equilibrium (homeostasis) to the recipient. Such healing energy can relieve pain, release blockages, enhance well-being, and yield homeostasis. So, this may be given for any illness, stress, or injury, as complementary therapy. Using conscious intent, I am able to move, center and balance a patient’s energy. Placing a cold stone upon an area of the body low in energy, actually attracts energy away from areas of high heat to that area of low heat energy. From basic physics we know that heat energy always moves from hotter areas to cooler areas, as long as a thermally conductive pathway exists. Recipients often report having more power, after energy treatments. Cold stone therapy balances and centers a flow of energy throughout the body more quickly and easily than Shiatsu Acupressure and Acupuncture techniques. I also apply a hot super-saturated salt solution to the skin to draw out toxins, relieve pain, and smooth the skin. Although cold stones, have been used in the past to relieve congestion, headache, and inflammation, they have never been used to my knowledge to pull energy (qi) from places of excess energy to areas of low energy, and to center the energy at the tanden (hara). Practical application: We are all endowed with sensitive heat sensors in the palms of our hands. So, by laying hands over a patient’s body, one can feel where there is too much heat energy or not enough energy. So, I determine where to place a cold stone to move and balance energy. It is often desired to pull energy away from places of the body having excess energy and toward the sixth tsubo on the Conception Vessel, CV-6, also known as hara or tanden, located 2 finger-widths below the belly button, where the life-force energy (qi) should
In a case series of 100 people published by Dr. Bredesen’s group in 2018 showed that 72 of them improved their scores on cognitive tests. Another study of 25 patients was published in the Journal of Alzheimers in July this year. Results showed that 84% were able to improve scores on cognitive tests.
More than 3 dozen major factors have been identified that affect brain func tion. These either contribute to brain loss or contribute to the development of new connections in the brain. The problem of dementia has been likened to having a barn with 36 holes in the roof. The goal is to patch every single Byone.far, the most common contributor to brain problems is insulin resistance and diabetes. Some have even proposed calling Alzheimers “Type 3 diabetes”.
HEALTH & WELLNESS MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA PAGE 6
be centered. In practice, when I place a cold stone on the tanden (CV-6 tsubo), excess heat dissipates from areas of excess energy, and heat energy builds up, quickly, under and around this stone. I use my mind in conscious intent and I encourage the patient to use their mind, also, to move the energy. I, also, ask God for Holy Spirit to help the patient to heal. So, the stone serves as a tool to help concentrate the mind on healing and on centering the qi energy. I use a single, large, smooth, basalt stone, because these stones absorb a lot of heat. In Alaska room temperature, about 60 F, is fine for the initial temperature of a cold stone. In room temperatures above 72 F, one should run cold water over the stone for one minute, before placing it upon a patient. The temperature of a cold stone should not be lower than 40 F. Do not cool stones by placing them in a freezer! I mentioned, above, I also apply a super-saturated salt solution to the skin. This solution is made by adding 33% sea salt and 66% Epsom salt to water, until no more will go into solution, and then heating it. As water evaporates from this solution, tiny salt crystals form in the pores, which draw out toxins from the skin, smooth the skin, and which cancel pain by the principle of counter-irritation. Lotions and oils may be applied, thereafter, to reduce excess irritation and sooth the skin. I do not charge any compensation for this therapy. [Cautionary Note: salt should not be used on broken or diseased Conclusion:skin.]Energy can be moved easily and quickly from any area of the body having excess heat energy to any areas having low in energy by conscious intent. Proper placement of a cold stone and of the hands help concentrate the mind and speed up energy flow. This is fast and simple to do! One may think that it would be uncomfortable to have a cold stone placed on their belly, but it pulls and gathers heat quickly from areas of excess energy. One can actually feel heat building up under and around the stone. It is also surprising to most people, how smoothly hot super-saturated salt solution glides over the skin. You do not need to be professionally licensed or gifted to help people this way. Try it!
Contributed by Bill Longbrake, Palmer A story my father repeated years ago about a county judge in Ohio has set a high standard for my expectations of those who hold public office. The judge had walked across the street from the courthouse to the pharmacy for a nickel cup of coffee. As he made his order, a friend standing nearby offered to pay for the coffee. The judge quietly said, no thanks I’ll pay. It seemed an insignificant part of the conversations, but everyone in that room and everyone they told of the conversation knew that if they ever came before that judge, they would be treated fairly – because the judge owed no-one a favor, not even for a nickel cup of coffee. That indepen dence gave him the respect needed to judge everyone fairly.
The Alaska school system offers none of these programs that meet CER criteria, so CER gives them an N/A ranking and a 50% score on this issue. However, the CER rating does not include facts about the Correspondence School Allotment Program (CSAP), which is an Alaskan initiative that reimburses up to $4,500 per student enrolled in classes at any private school. Alaska Policy Forum encourages more families to make use of this unique opportunity, which benefits students across the state. If 10% of Alaska’s stu dents used this method of schooling, it would relieve traditional public schools of approximately 13,000 students, thereby increasing the dollars per stu dent available and saving the state tens of millions of dollars annually.
What they are not doing is getting rich off the fruits of Alaskan/American labor force and the backs of future Alaskans/ Americans. Nor are they getting fat off the regulations made to support spe cial interests and bureaucrats. Sadly, governance has become a solid way to become a millionaire. Like trained robots we often view the political landscape in R or D lens. It’s how we have been raised. But what if both R and D are poor choices? Before I had to hold my nose and vote for the Lesser of Two Evils. I despised it. I felt filthy. As a stubborn optimist, I yearned for leadership that would serve Alaskans not the party. De spite promises and such, I was disap pointed and politically disillusioned. Still, I voted because as a Combat Veteran I wanted what was best for Service members. As a battle tested American, I know what it feels like to fight side by side in austere environ ments. Today’s political climate is just as austere. Our choices of R or D candidates are both bad choices. Just look at the historical evidence emanat ing from DC. It’s time Alaska to chart a new course. It’s time Alaska to vote bravely in this critical fight.
POLITICS & OPINION
Teacher Quality CER states that, among other problems, “Alaska fails to meet several critical elements for ensuring teachers have requisite content knowledge to teach.”
Fortunately, Alaska’s future in this area looks substantially brighter due to the recently passed Alaska Reads Act, which will employ the scientific teaching methods that have proven immensely successful in other states. However, the current test scores reflect the lack of training up to this point. According to a study of the 2017/2018 school year, Alaska also had a teacher turnover rate of 22%, compared to a national rate of only 16%. This turnover is highly disruptive, with excessive time being required to train and assimilate new teachers. Because 64% of teach ers are hired from out of state, culture shock and homesickness make them more likely to leave after a short time. Consequently, by CER standards, Alaska currently ranks 47th out of all states in teacher quality, and the state’s score is If64%.Alaska wants to improve the number of home-grown teachers, they will need to improve the options for higher edu cation in the state, as anyone wanting an education degree right now might struggle to even find an accredited program. And once teachers have been hired, Alaska needs to prioritize mea sures that will make them want to stay.
Alaska’sConclusioneducation system is clearly struggling, but it has the potential to become exceptional. By focusing on flexible schooling choices, the CSAP program, better teacher education, and active transparency, Alaska can overcome the unique challenges faced by the state and improve the quality of education for its children. Aubrey Wursten is Alaska Policy Forum’s Summer 2022 Policy intern.
The Rs and Ds are hoping you will stay asleep, their bases are voting, and your vote threatens the status quo. Frankly the status quo sucks. That status quo is making money for professional and groomed politicians and their friends at the expense of us. Always remember typical Alaskans make better decisions than career pro fessional and groomed politicians. Be Brave, Stay Encouraging
AlaskaTransparencyPolicyForum focuses a great deal on fiscal transparency from schools, and Alaska fares quite well in this category by CER’s metrics. They praise Alaska’s records for being “parent friendly” and “easily accessible.” Although CER does not give an exact ranking and score for transparency, they estimate that Alaska is in the 75th percentile. Although the facts about education spending are readily available, Alaskan schools struggle to use this information to improve their fiscal responsibility.
Alaska has the sixth-highest spending per student in the United States, but the money is not always being spent effectively. Notably, too much is spent on support and administration. Part of transparency consists of acknowledging and fixing fiscal inefficiency.
Contributed by Aubrey Wursten Statistics consistently illustrate the ben efits of increased parental involvement in their children’s education, and Alaska Policy Forum supports measures to im prove this engagement. The Center for Education Reform (CER) has established a rating system to indicate which states best enable parents to make proper choices for their own children, and Alaska ranks 49th out of the 50 states, with a “Parent Power Index” (PPI) score of only 57.5%. This article addresses some of the particular areas needing the most improvement in Alaska.
Charter schools Charter schools offer parents the option of tax-funded, government-regulated public schools that provide more flexibility than the traditional public system. Via charter schools, parents are able to select a school that focuses on the individual interests and needs of each unique child. In the 2017/2018 school year, Alaskan charter schools scored 15.06 percentage points higher in English language arts (ELA) and 12.21 percentage points higher in mathemat ics than the public-school average. Unfortunately, CER ranks Alaska 43rd, with a score of 55%, on their charter school opportunities, due to Alaska’s “reliance on districts and state’s defense of traditional schools.” As Alaska Policy Forum has pointed out, “Given the consistent and measurable advantages Alaska’s charter schools demonstrate, it is a surprise and a shame that these schools are not treated more welcom ingly by state law.” Choice Programs Choice programs include measures such as scholarships, vouchers, and tax credits. These all provide parents with financial assistance to tailor their chil dren’s education to their needs.
Every day I hear our legislators and executives identified not as Senator or Representative or Governor, but as Red or Blue or D or R. I don’t vote for a color or letter, I vote for an individual that I trust to weigh all the information avail able and use their independence and negotiating skills to guide our commu nity, state, and nation. I have donated to the Walker-Drygas campaign for Governor/Lt. Governor. I have invited neighbors to meet Bill and Heidi at my home. I have great expectations in return. I expect them only to govern with independence, knowledge, cooperation, and fairness, to arrive with legislation beneficial for everyone in Alaska. Nothing more. Bill Longbrake is a resident of Palmer who owns and operates a farming busi ness.
Contributed by Chris Bye Here in Alaska we have a number of folks who work hard. They invest time, money, sweat, and tears. 50, 60 hours a week is the norm for them and their families. They earn a good living pro viding customers with solid products.
Speaking of term limits, why would you expect the very legislators who des perately want the title or power which comes with the seat to vote themselves out of office? The truth is the people are the term limits every time there is an election, if someone isn’t doing a good job or has been there for a long time, you should probably vote to send them home. The choice is yours; it always has been.
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Contributed by Larry Wood August 8, 2022 marks a watershed in American politics. The home of a for mer President of the United States has been invaded by armed FBI agents and his safe and private residence has been searched under warrant, one assumes, for reasons unknown. The insanity and vitriol of the Washington political class that holds itself above the rule of law, that is raping this country for selfenrichment openly and without fear of criminal liability has taken a step un heard of in the history of this country. In the face of Hunter Biden’s laptop in the possession of the FBI prior to the 2020 election, demonstrating evidence of Hunter’s using his father’s name and association for personal gain and with the knowledge and participation of his father who benefited from his son’s associations monetarily; not to mention Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s open self-enrichment to the tune of at least $30M over the last four years, Trump’s home has been invaded by armed FBI agents?! One cannot make this up.
Look at Washington D.C. for what career politicians give us. Corrup tion, crony capitalism, crushing debt, special interest run amok, and much more. It’s a long list. Some legislators in Alaska have served two or three decades, a few even longer. Very few people, human nature being what it is, can resist the temptation of power and its corrosive effects over time. As Lord Acton once wrote, “power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts Aabsolutely”.citizenlegislature has people from all walks and phases of life, not just a career political class. Some legislators are wealthier or retired, nothing wrong with that, they have a right to run for office. However, a part time citizen legislature has many who must work a job outside the legislature. They are tied to the private sector economy and community in ways which bring a critical perspective to how they govern, thus providing a more balanced legisla tive body. For example, when a legislator returns to their other job, they interact with people struggling to get by and better understand the value of the PFD to average Alaskans. Or how increased government spending, or regulation, may introduce unintended conse quences such as tax burdens or job losses thereby influencing their legisla tive actions. Real world concerns, not just those inside the political bubble of Juneau or political circles. The reality is most working-class legisla tors don’t stay in office too long, they can’t afford to. If they don’t exit stage left after a few terms, they probably had other plans in mind, ergo career Canpolitician.youimagine an Alaskan legislature under the control of just retirees or wealthy? A career political class with little in common to the vast majority of working-class Alaskans who must survive in the private sector? Our state government is already under significant influence from special interest. Why would we want to model D.C. and cede power to a state oligarchy - “rule by a few or dominant class”? A citizen leg islature filled with many working-class Alaskan’s helps prevent that imbalance.
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I am MAGA/America First. I supported President Trump in 2016 and again in 2020. I watched the election get stolen on 3 Nov., 2020. I have followed and read faithfully as much as I could from as many sources as I could find regard ing the alleged 6 January, 2021 assault on “democracy” that was nothing as de scribed by President Joe Biden, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President of the Sen ate Chuck Schumer. I wondered why and how these ideologues who have been entrenched in DC for decades could hate someone so much? When Donald J. Trump declared his candidacy in 2016, it was a case of ‘holy from DC Swamp against a presidential candidate, and, after the election, a lawfully elected President was unparal leled in American history. Death threats and threats of bodily harm to candi date Trump were common, and then against a sitting President by members of Congress and candidate Biden’s staff. Never, in 70 years have I seen and heard such hate against a presidential Icandidate.watchedas the full four years of a President’s first term was made a mockery of by the most outrageous and egregious of unsubstantiated lies. Lies that have been revealed through Special Councils Robert Mueller’s and John Durham’s investigations. Lies that were commissioned and paid for by Hillary Clinton’s Campaign; with open support by the FBI(!), Rep. Peter Schiff (pencil neck), Rep. Jerry Nadler, Rep. Liz Cheney, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi whose open hatred of President Trump was public and without restraint. Lies that since have been admitted and shown to be exactly what they were, lies created to provide the basis for a coup against a lawfully elected President. Speaker Pelosi mounted an attempted impeachment that was nothing more than an open and public coup. Sedition against a lawfully elected However,President.President Trump weathered the first term’s assault, but the alleged loss of the 2020 election was not enough for the DC Swamp and dear Speaker Pelosi, who like Biden, has openly used her office for self-enrich ment arrogantly proclaiming that she is entitled and above the law. Another impeachment was attempted by Speaker Pelosi before President Senator Mitch McConnell (the turtle) twice killed the Speaker’s sedition. If the Senate does not try a President who has been impeached, the impeachment is moot, a show and nothing more. And, then, came the 6 Jan., 2021 pro test. The FBI has since waged an ongo ing pogrom against those who entered the building and even those who did not. Hundreds are now languishing in federal prisons awaiting kangaroo courts manipulated by the Democrats and their cronies, their rights to bail ig nored. All the while those who burned our cities, raped, maimed and killed are let out of jail and their charges dismissed. Felons who Pelosi, Shumer, Waters, and Biden all supported as peaceful protestors. Sedition, screams Biden, Pelosi and Shumer of the largely peaceful pro test on 6 Jan., 2021. 4 people died, people who were killed by the Capitol Police, either directly through the use of deadly force, or by flash-bangs fired indiscriminately into the crowd. Ashli Babbitt was executed by CP Lt. Michael Byrd with a shot to the head. Kevin Greeson and Benjamin Phillips were both killed by concussion of flashbangs fired randomly into a crowd of peaceful protesters. Roseanne Boyland was beaten to death by CP Officer Lila Morris who was videoed repeatedly striking a prostrate Boyland on the head and upper body with great en thusiasm and vigor. Yet, then President Trump’s offer of 10,000 National Guard troops days prior to the protest was ignored by Speaker Pelosi, the Capitol Police and the Mayor of D.C. for reasons that have gone unstated to date. Pray that the rule of law will be re stored, and that the Constitution will once again be the supreme law of the land. What has happened today with the FBI’s ongoing assault against the former President is a clear and open
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Alaskans prefer a full-time legis lature and career politicians? Would we be better off if we did? If so, the only people who’d be able to serve would be the wealthier, retired or Alaskans with a working spouse whose job is good enough to pay the bills. I do not believe Alaskans want an elitist political class.
- Representative Ben Carpenter Jury Investigation of Rep. Ben Carpenter
Govt Corruption; A Letter from
Criminal rule 6(e)(1) directs a specific oath to be ad ministered to grand jurors. That oath requires: jurors to “diligently inquire” and make true presentments of all matters “given to you for consideration” or, “shall otherwise come to your knowledge in connec tion with your present service” as a grand juror. The oath is written to indicate that matters that require “diligent inquiry” may be presented to the juror (pre sumably by the presiding judge, prosecuting attorney, or some other person), or may arrive to the juror in some other manner. The end of the oath also has a re quirement that jurors act appropriately, however the information is obtained. The oath requires the juror to “present all things truly and impartially” without allowing envy, hatred, or malice to color their delib eration, nor fear (of intimidation? of reprisal?), affec tion, gain, or reward, or hope thereof as information “shall come to your knowledge…”. The juror’s oath is clear evidence that matters presented from the usual manner and course of prosecutorial criminal proceedings is not the only matters jurors must be prepared to diligently inquire about.
Criminal rule 6(d) directs the convening of a grand jury at least once a year – without regard for whether or not a prosecuting attorney has information to present to a grand jury. As criminal rule 6(e)(1) directs jurors to diligently inquire about information that “shall otherwise come to your knowledge,” as opposed to matters “given to you for consideration,” criminal rule 6(d) allows for the possibility that the public interest is served by convening a grand jury for reasons other than at the request of the prosecut ing Criminalattorney.rule 6(d) indicates that the presiding supe rior court judge retains the discretion for determining when the public interest requires a grand jury pro ceedings. The presiding superior court judge is likely to determine a grand jury proceeding is in the public interest when the prosecuting attorney indicates there is a public need. The presiding superior court judge could also determine a grand jury proceeding is in the public interest when a member of the public raises allegations of criminal wrongdoing of a nature that would best be addressed by a grand jury, such as public corruption. The very next section of criminal rule 6 identifies the behavior expectations of grand jurors that speaks to whether or not prosecutorial necessity is the only reason a grand jury proceeding may be in the public’s best interest.
The power of the investigatory grand jury is specifi cally designed to combat public corruption. Judges and lawyers must not control grand jury investiga tions for obvious reasons. Judges must follow the constitution, the statutes, and their own rules as they pertain to grand jury investigations. The old saying “if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear from an investigation” still holds true. It will take effort by the people to ensure that they do. Call your legislative representative and raise their awareness to this issue. We may need to compel the Judiciary with legislation. Call your local courthouse and ask what their procedure is for public communication with the grand jury? If they don’t have a policy, request that they institute one. Be polite, be professional, be Pleasepatient!take time today to celebrate our nation’s independence. It is a gift unlike any other! Tomorrow, nurture your desire for maintaining it!
The substantial authority for the grand jury to inves tigate “matters given to them” or “matters that come to your knowledge” and generate indictments from those investigations is further defined in Rule 6(g). Even if some members of the grand jury are found to lack “legal qualification”, as long as the majority of the jurors do not, an indictment shall not be dis missed nor a report expunged upon the ground that one or more of the jurors were not legally qualified. This rule indicates a high level of importance on the deliberations of the majority members of the grand jury, even when the array of jurors is imperfect. When considering the original question above, there is no higher investigatory body with more authority to which individual citizens can present their evi dence of criminal activity. When the usual manner and course of prosecutorial criminal proceedings is not trusted, the grand jury is the only investigatory body to which evidence of public corruption can be presented with confidence.
Rule 6(h) directs the appointment of the foreperson and imbues the individual juror with the power to administer oaths. The power to administer an oath to someone the grand jury demands information from is not at the discretion of the presiding judge nor pros ecuting attorney. The power to administer an oath to compel the truth of the matter from any source during an investigation is an indicator that there is no gate keeper to grand jury authority to investigate.
Criminal rule 6(e)(2) directs the court to “charge the jury” with written instructions regarding their pow ers and duties. Presumably, these powers and duties support and reinforce the oath that each juror just took. Perhaps the jurors may learn about the matter to be considered at this time? Perhaps the matter will be presented at a later date? Criminal rule 6(f) informs about procedures for al ternate jurors and how to deal with objections to the grand jury or grand jurors.
years ago, the American colonies took the firsts steps toward self-governance and independence from the British Empire with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The jus tification for upending order in the New World is pre served in the declaration’s identification of the British crown’s usurpation of natural rights and other griev ances, and the British people’s failure to heed past colonial warnings. The declaration boldly concludes by asserting the intention for self-determination as united states as preferrable to enduring the continued tyranny of the British monarchy. Acknowledging the need for divine protection, and pledging each other their livelihoods and personal honor, the colonists began a new nation: “We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Brit ain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, estab lish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred AlmostHonor.”twoand a half centuries later, Alaskans are facing off against another King George. State ju dicial officers, acting as kings and queens of their own court, on numerous occasions have unilaterally disregarded the constitution that enables our self-de termination. Further complicating the matter, officers of the court employed by the Executive Branch have, until recently, enabled the court to control the Grand Jury to the extent that its authority to investigate mat ters concerning public welfare and safety have been effectively suspended – I suspect for nearly 30 years. Article 1, Section 8 of the Alaska State Constitution reads (emphasis mine): “No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the armed forces in time of war or public danger. In dictment may be waived by the accused. In that case the prosecution shall be by information. The grand jury shall consist of at least twelve citizens, a majori ty of whom concurring may return an indictment. The power of grand juries to investigate and make recom mendations concerning the public welfare or safety shall never be suspended.”
Other Alaskans have been working their own agenda to bring about change. My advice to these Alaskans has remained consistent: be professional, be patient, and work within our systems to affect change. My response to one constituent’s request included my correspondence with the Director of the Criminal Division within the Department of Law. Because my discussions with members of the administration are ongoing regarding improving our grand jury pro cesses, I asked that my private communication not be used for other’s agendas. Because parts of my private communication have been published by at least one online media source, I am providing the full email communication for context: Ms. ThankKemp,you for your swift reply. I believe we may have miscommunicated or my question was not clear. I have conducted my own assessment of the statutes and criminal rules and am providing a fairly lengthy response to your answer. I am very committed to find ing a resolution to this issue that puts Alaskans first. I wanted to know if a private citizen can present in formation about a suspected crime to a grand jury? Criminal rule 6 describes the grand jury process and rule 6(k) should be interpreted as part of that process. I believe you have taken criminal rule 6(k) out of context with your response to my question. Criminal rule 6(k) provides procedural guidance on who is al lowed to be in the room once the grand jury proceed ings begin. Criminal rule 6(k) doesn’t address the circumstances by which the proceedings are initiated nor who presents information to a grand jury. Fur thermore, state statute provides authority for grand jury investigations (AS 12.40.030-040) and for grand juries to act upon indictments presented to the grand jury by the prosecuting attorney (AS 12.40.070(1)). The authority for grand juries to investigate crime is a separate statute than that of the statutory require ment to act upon indictments presented to the grand jury by the prosecuting attorney. State statute doesn’t place the grand jury under the authority or jurisdic tion of the district attorney. Likewise, neither criminal rule 6 nor 6.1 place the grand jury under the author ity or jurisdiction of the prosecuting attorney. Criminal rule 6 lays out in a general sense, and in logical sequence, how grand jury proceedings are to be conducted. Rule 6(a) directs that the presiding superior court judge shall convene the grand jury. The authority to cause members of the public to come together for the purpose of engaging in grand jury proceedings rests with the presiding superior court judge and logically, that judge must have some cause for convening a grand jury. Criminal rule 6(d) directs that at least once a year the presiding superior court judge (in each district) shall order one or more grand juries to be convened “at such times as the public in terest requires” and those jurors may serve no longer than 4 months (unless extended for good cause). The inclusion of a time limit indicates an acknowledg ment that a single grand jury investigation could last a long time (and potentially need to be extended), or possibly, the number of expected proceedings are best addressed with a continuity of individual grand juror members. In any event, it is clear that grand jury pro ceeding occurrences may range from once a year to continuously occurring and that the presiding judge makes a determination of necessity.
On several occasions since I was first elected, judicial officers and officers of the court have prevented in dividual members of the grand jury from speaking to the other members of the grand jury about crimes that they would like the grand jury to consider investi gating. This accusation was brought to my attention several years ago and my own investigation suggests that this behavior has been happening for many, many years. Current bureaucratic processes in our state’s criminal justice system treat the grand jury as a tool of the district attorney’s office, without a bureaucratic process to investigate any matter not brought to the grand jury by the prosecuting attorney. Previous attor ney’s general were either not in office long enough to work with or were unwilling to address this issue. At torney General Taylor has demonstrated a willingness to follow the constitution and state statutes and our discussions resulted in a change of policy from the Department of Law. No longer are prosecuting attor neys to behave as gatekeepers for what grand juries may investigate. This is a major shift from “business as usual” and bureaucratic processes will take some time to catch up. Not much time though. Events last week demonstrated that the new process within the department of law was followed. But the judiciary is its own branch of government and not responsible for adherence to executive branch policy changes. We now have a constitutional crisis. On June 29th the majority members of the Kenai grand jury voted to initiate an investigation into a matter concerning the public welfare and safety upon request by one of the members of the grand jury. As the grand jury pro ceedings are secret, I have no firsthand knowledge of what was discussed. I am told that one of the topics of investigation was to be public corruption within the Judiciary. Witnesses, and members of the public, were present within the courthouse but separated from the grand jury by locked doors controlled by ju diciary staff. Judge Wells permanently dismissed the grand jury thereby preventing members from begin ning their investigation. This outcome is a matter of record and is indisputable. Judge Wells needs to immediately recall the mem bers of the dismissed grand jury and afford them the opportunity to conduct their investigation as they are constitutionally and statutorily empowered to do. Anything less is an injury to justice for Alaskans.
Rule 6(i) directs the prosecuting attorney to prepare all indictments and presentments that the grand jury determines is necessary. The prosecuting attorney shall attend meetings and advise grand jury members and examine witnesses in the presence of the grand jury. AS 12.40.070(1) directs the prosecuting at torney to submit an indictment to the grand jury but rule 6(i) directs the prosecuting attorney to prepare indictments that the grand jury intends to submit to the court. Thus far in Rule 6, no authority has been granted to the prosecuting attorney to determine what matters may come before the grand jury. Rule 6(i) directs the prosecuting attorney to assume a supportive role to the authority of the grand jury. AS 12.40.070(1) authority should not be confused with rule 6(i) authority. Rule 6(j) directs that all proceedings must be elec tronically recorded. Rule 6(k) directs who may be present during the electronically recorded proceedings and restricts who may be present during deliberations and voting. The individuals allowed to be present during proceed ings are limited to the prosecuting attorney, a wit ness (who is likely under oath), a court clerk who is recording the proceedings, an interpreter or person transcribing for the deaf, and any law enforcement officer necessary to maintain custody of the witness. During deliberations and voting, only the jurors and an interpreter are allowed to be present. Rule 6(k) only relates to who can be present in a grand jury proceedings and only in the context of defining meeting procedures. Rule 6(k) is taken out of context if it is used to deny the general public the ability to present information to the grand jury because the rule doesn’t allow for a member of the public to at tend a grand jury proceeding. Should a member of the public present themselves to the grand jury with information of a crime, the grand jury has a duty to investigate. See AS 12.40.30-40 and Rule 6(e) (1). Should the grand jury decide to investigate, the public member becomes the witness referenced within Rule 6(k). I believe that it is possible that our grand jury process has become bureaucratically focused on the AS 12.40.70(1) grand jury process as this is the usual manner and course of prosecutorial criminal proceedings, to the exclusion of the AS 12.40.30-40 investigatory grand jury process. It is vitally impor tant to the rule of law in Alaska that the Department of Law acknowledge the statutory authority for grand juries to investigate crime and sever any perceived supervisory relationships that may exist between prosecuting attorneys and the investigatory grand Ijury.believe I have answered my question with the only answer that exists within statute or criminal rule: The grand jury must be afforded the opportunity by our bureaucratic processes to receive complaints of criminal wrongdoing by individual citizens. If pros ecuting attorneys or presiding judges believe they can be the gate keepers of the grand jury, then “the power of grand juries to investigate and make recom mendations concerning the public welfare or safety is being [SHALL NEVER BE] suspended.” -Art. 1, Sec. 8 Alaska State Constitution. Thank you again for your quick response and I hope that once you’ve had a chance to digest this lengthy email we can talk through next steps. Our form of self-government is messy and frustrat ing at times. It’s also prone to make mistakes because it is made up of fallible humans. It is completely understandable when people walk away in disgust or wash their hands of the burden. But we must never forget that our form of government is better than all other alternatives. It is of the utmost importance that “we the people” continue to pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. In other words, our attention and resources (time and money) are neces sary to maintain this experiment in self-government in good working order. We are currently experiencing dysfunction within our government, and it is a direct result of lack of attention by “we the people.” Not everyone, but enough. Voter turnout speaks volumes. The fact that most Alaskans, myself included, didn’t realize that the investigatory grand jury hasn’t been conducting investigations for decades is louder still.
AK Locals Push for Grand
EDITORS NOTE: This article exceeds our word limit. A local group, Alaska Grand Jury Rights, paid for the pub lication of the additional wordcount. Representative Ben Carpenter agreed to the publication of this article, con tingent on its publication in full. His letter was originally released on July 4th, 2022. For more information, contact David Haeg at 907-398-6403 or visit OnNeighbors,alaskagrandjuryrights.com.thisday[July4th],246
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The 4-H Jr. Market Livestock Auc tion will also take place on Saturday, September 3, with some modifications. While poultry will not be on display during the Fair or auction, 4-H youth will have photos and descriptions of their birds for interested buyers. More information can be found on the 4-H website at alaska4h.org.
For more information, visit alaskastate fair.org or contact Melissa Keefe, mar keting and communications manager, mk@alaskastatefair.org.
Contributed by Melissa Keefe In response to the presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in Alaska, there will be no poultry exhibits at the 2022 Alaska State Fair. “This was a difficult decision for the Fair to make, but after evaluating the risks and benefits, and listening to the expert recommendations, we believe it is best to err on the side of caution in order to keep Alaska livestock healthy and food safe,” said Jerome Hertel, Fair
TheCEO.first case of avian flu was confirmed in Alaska on April 29, 2022. While the risk to human health from this virus is very low, it is highly contagious among birds and can affect all types of domes tic poultry, causing illness and death. While there will be no turkeys, chickens, geese and ducks exhibited, the 2022 Fair will still feature the baby chick exhibit, as the disease does not affect chicks in the egg. The popular exhibit will be in its usual location in Craig Taylor Farm Exhibits.
Contributed by Lauralynn Robison It’s August! You know what that means…the Alaska State Fair is coming to town! The State Fair opens August 19th and runs through September 5th, 2022. MatSu Food Bank is excited to be participating again this year, collecting food donations for our community. Our volunteers and staff will be positioned at the gates, with food collection bins, August 19th & 20th, and then again on August 25th, 26th, & 27th. If you are planning to visit the State Fair, please consider bringing a non-perishable food donation. Also, we accept cash donations. If you would like to offer your volunteer services, please call our office (907)357-3769, ask for Gayle. See you at the Fair! Community is at the heart and soul of our mission at MatSu Food Bank. We feel so blessed to be a part of this amazing community and we thank all of you for your continued support of the MatSu Food Bank! Remember - no one should go hungry! Please contact us at (907) 357-3769 if you have any questions about our programs, making donations or would like to schedule a time to volunteer. You can also call United Way’s Helpline at 211, which is a multilingual & confidential service that connects community members to vital local resources. We again thank everyone who helps support our mission and makes it possible for us to serve our local communities. We are honored and immensely grateful! We also invite you to visit and follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/MatSuFoodBank.at
Summer warms up to you in time with some love and treats. Has been good meeting new people. Good when introduced to older children. Might be too much with younger children as she is learning not to jump up and get in your face because she is still young and gets very excited. Done well when introduced to other dogs. She is house trained, has been crated with no issues. Would love to go to an active family home. Wakes up happy and ready to play. Loves to have her ball to carry around the house with her. She is working on the words down, wait and come while walking. A dog harness would be best, she is working on leash manners, and as she will tend to want to pull and explore in new places.
Tia and Abby are absolute sweet hearts! They wake up happy every morning. Like to snuggle, especially Abby! Total lap dogs! They do not need to be crated when left alone in the home and have not been destruc tive with anything. Tia can be vocal when they are left alone when she hears noises outside the home. They are potty pad trained; they poo out side. If you let them out enough, they do not seem to be needed much. We do not know how they are with cats. They have got along with another bigger female dog that lives on same property. They have been around the fosters two nieces who are ages 7 and 9 years old. They will be shy when first meeting them the first day, but warm up in no time and just want to be on your lap! They have done excellent off leash and like to take short slow walks.
Contributed by Angie Lewis Alaska Animal akaarescue.weebly.comAdvocates
Hello! I am a big-cheeked boy with a most gentle, confident, and amiable demeanor. I was a stray outside, but I am so sweet and was loved by a family at one time. I had been seen around for a while and then, one day, I fell through the ceiling...or something like Ithat.don’t remember the whole story about falling from the ceiling, but here I am, with nothing more than a gash on my leg to show for my fall that landed me in rescue. I love people, follow my foster dad around wherever he goes, and always want pets. I want to hang out with my human and seem very calm around the laid-back girl cat in my foster home. I am very friendly and very loyal. If my human is not close by, I will go look ing for him. I will be a most devoted and loving boy. I am about a couple of years old, and I am ready for a home that will make me a part of the family, care for me, and give me lots of pets forever! To meet me, please call 907-980-8898.
Contributed by Angie Lewis Alaska Animal Advocates Although it is not uncommon, altering a dog’s body surgically is a very con troversial topic. The surgeries involved in these modifications are ear crop ping and tail docking. Organizations such as the American Kennel Club require certain qualifications for a purebred dog’s appearance, and these are related to the function that the dog provided originally. For many of these dogs, this means ear cropping and docking tails. The American Kennel Club refuses to change their expectations for these dogs’ appearance, despite public opin ion to stop these requirements.
A consequence of the change in the appearance of these dogs is that they are viewed as more aggressive. Dobermans, Great Danes, Schnauzers, Brussel Griffons, and Boxers are some of the dogs that are viewed as danger ous as a result of these surgeries. Even the dogs’ owners are seen as more Thesetough.procedures are cruel and inhu mane. A human being has a choice about whether or not they decide to have cosmetic surgery, but a dog cannot do so. Typically, these dogs are just 8 to 12 weeks old when they have these surgeries imposed upon them. The pain and trauma is monu mental and the psychological impact is equally dangerous. Dogs use their ears and tails to communicate and are damaged when they can no longer do Manyso. countries around the world have made tail docking and ear crop ping illegal. However, the United States is not so humane and restric tions are rare.
Contributed by Kelleigh Orthmann Clear Creek Cat Rescue
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Eska Falls: The Eska Falls Trail is a classic ATV ride and is appreciated by locals and visitors. The Eska Falls Trail traverses gorgeous scenery as you make your way through spruce and aspen forest before emerging into alpine tundra on the final approach to the Falls. A newer non-motorized hiking trail departs from the same trailhead as the motorized Directions:route.
Purinton Creek Trail: The Purinton Creek Trail is a 9-mile, wide trail lead ing from the Glenn highway. This is a popular hunting trail in the fall and is used year-round for recreation. The trail navigates steep rolling hills through tundra. The trail is often muddy, with deep 4-wheeler ruts, but pleasant in dry weather. The parking area is a wide pulloff at mile 91 of the Glenn Highway.
Rippy Trail: This multi-use trail offers lovely views of Pioneer Peak, Knik Arm and Knik Glacier and nearby wetlands. While the trail is near residential neigh borhoods, it is not usually crowded. Just after crossing the metal bridge across Jim Creek, the Chain Lakes Trail continues onward, while the Rippy trail splits into a turnaround loop. This area is a premier salmon, bird and wildlife Directions:habitat From downtown Palmer take E Arctic Avenue towards the Old Glen Hwy and the Butte. Take the old Glenn Highway 2 miles, and then turn left onto E Maud Rd. Continue on E Maud Rd for 2 miles, until it becomes Maud Rd Exd and continue for 2.5 miles. The Rippy Trail starts after the shooting range at a curve where the road turns south down to Jim Lake.
Chase Trail: This scenic multi-use trail follows the Alaska Rail Line north of Tal keetna and is an access route for Chase community residents. The trail begins as a flat, gravel trail from Chase Trailhead and continues across a scenic bridge over the Talkeetna River just above where it merges with the Susitna River. The bridge limits vehicles or equipment to 45 inches wide. ATVs, hikers, and bik ers frequently traverse this trail, which becomes increasingly hilly and muddy several miles in. The Chase Trail starts in Downtown Talkeetna, near the intersec tion of the Talkeetna Spur Rd and E 2nd St, near the Talkeetna Airport. The Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation is a local 501(c)3 non-profit with offices in Palmer Alaska. The Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation mission is driven by the hard work and generosity of volun teers, partners, funders, and grantees who understand that beautiful parks, open spaces, and well-maintained trails are at the very foundation of a physical ly, mentally, and economically healthy Ifcommunity.youareinterested in learning more about our work, applying for grant funding for a trail or park project, or want to learn about how you can support trails and parks in the Mat-Su, please visit www.matsutrails.org. Get monthly trail, park, and event recom mendations straight to your inbox by signing up for our e-news! We’ll see you on the trails!
From Sutton go north on Jonesville Mine Road for two miles. The road turns to gravel. Slipper Lake Road will be on your left. Continue north to the first fork in the road and veer left. Stay left at each fork for the next 1.75 miles. A short walk to a cul-de-sac marks the start of the trail. Tight parking spaces are here. Keep in mind that the hiking trail ends when it intersects with the ATV trail. The ATV trail leads to Eska Falls. You can also park at Slipper Lake. Craigie Creek Trail: If you’re looking for a trail with great scenery in a historical setting, Craigie Creek Trail is the place. The trail is an old gravel/rock mining road that travels 4.5 miles from near Hatcher Pass Road to Dog Sled Pass and Schroff Lake above. The elevation gain of 1,400’ is gradual at the begin ning but the increases the last mile to the 4,200’ level at the pass and lake. The Craigie Creek area is rich in mining history which you can see by remnants of buildings and equipment along the Directions:trail. From downtown Palmer take the Glenn Highway (Hwy 1) North for two miles. Turn left onto Palmer Fishhook Rd drive 8.5 miles, and turn left to stay onto the Fishhook-Willow Rd (this road is only open during the sum mer). Drive five miles, trailhead will be a pullout on the right.
COMMUNITY
Contributed by Taylor Raftery Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation Whether you’re hitting the trails for the mud and the berms, or transporting the whole family to moose camp, late summer and early fall are great times to explore the Mat-Su on your ATVs. The Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation staff have put together a list of Mat-Su motorized and multi-use trails to get you out exploring the mountains. While you’re out enjoying all the wonderful trails the Mat-Su has to offer, remember to be respectful of other users on the trail and at the trailhead so everyone can enjoy. Scan the QR code to access trail and park information on the free-to-use OuterSpatial Trail app developed by the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation, Mat-Su Borough, and Alaska State Parks. Free app download is available on the App Store and Google Play.
