The People's Paper February 2020

Contributed by Kerry Nelson Bacchus Meets Muskoxus Saturday, March 21, 2020 3pm – 9pm The Musk Ox Farm 12850 E Archie Rd. Palmer Tickets: $50 Non-Oxoholic Tickets: $35 Bacchus meets Muskoxus: A Musk Ox Personality Wine Pairing We are thrilled to announce the inaugural Bacchus meets Muskoxus wine tasting event at The Musk Ox Farm! At long last, the God of Wine will meet the God of Musk Oxen. Alright well, if there isn’t a God of Musk Oxen, we argue that there should be!

This is no ordinary tasting, rather it’s an ox-traordinary wine walk around the farm that pairs tasting notes with the different personalities of our musk oxen! Big bull musk oxen? A dark, robust red perhaps. Our Golden Girls? Maybe a glass of only the finest of wines aged to perfection will do.

You’ll have to come and taste for yourself! Ticket includes a tasting at each of our five stations as you tour the farm, a commemorative glass, full pour of your favorite wine tasted, music, light appetizers, and more!

Choose your tour time for the wine walk upon ticket purchase. The first tour will head out at 3pm, with the last going out at 8:45pm. Let our farm sommeliers tell you the tales of the

musk oxen’s personality traits as our wine sommeliers pour and describe the tasting notes, setting the scene for a perfect personality pairing!

Finish your ox-perience in our newly renovated hayloft for a full pour in your new commemorative glass, looking out over the pastures and listening to some classy live music.

The Art of Theater in the Mat-Su Valley MORE ON PAGE 6 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE

Tickets are $50. Non-oxoholic tickets are $35, and include all of the same perks but with fun oxohol-free drinks to taste along the way! This is a 21+ event, and as a nonprofit all proceeds go straight back to our organization and the care of our animals. To stay up to date on further event details and to secure your tickets, head to www.muskoxfarm.org

Kyle Hollingsworth Band Comes to Palmer MORE ON PAGE 10 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE

COMMUNITY Contributed by Khrista Huntley Agent 907 here. I’ve been gathering some important intelligence, tips and tricks. I’m on a mission to share them with you. Today we’re going to focus on the roles of Agents and Brokers.

What do you need to know before you shop for insurance?

Who is working for who? Do you have a double-agent?

Agents are employed directly by the Insurance Company. They may own

a franchise or district office of a nationally recognized insurance brand.

They represent the Company, not the Business Owner. Specific rules apply to their insurance appetite and sometimes that means they can’t insure you.

Brokers represent the Business Owner. Their duty is to find the best coverage on the best terms from among a range of different insurers.

Most Brokers can help you no matter how tough, unusual or risky your business might be.

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

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Here’s the scoop: Alaska Insurance Solutions blends the best of both options! Call us today and let us turn your insurance problems into insurance solutions.

Khrista Huntley, Agent 907 907-376-1030 www.insure907.com

to the valley on March 21st in a rematch! Our closest local competitor, it’s always a good time on and off the track with Rage City.

Contributed by Melinda Peterson With a late start to the Boom Town Roller Derby home game schedule, Boom Town trainers had plenty of time at the beginning of the season to get newly “graduated” Rookies up to game play skill levels.

Six rookies, Lineblocker, Castle, Addaconda, So Sorry, and Casstastrophe recently played their first live roller derby game, with AirWrecka working equally as hard in a vital bench support role keeping players in line and ready to go out jam after jam. Players must pass Womens Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) skill testing as well as a 100-question knowledge test of the WFTDA game play rules, safely scrimmage at home team practices, and maintain an attendance percentance in order to earn a roster spot on the 15-member game roster. The new players made a good showing in Boom Town’s away game on February 1st, as BTRD played Rage City Roller Derby’s Sockeye Sallys in Anchorage. The action was intense with both teams showing no mercy and the score remained tight with Sockeye Sallys just slightly in the lead until near the end of the second half

of the game. Boom Town answered back with a big jam, successfully gaining a lead score change. BRTD and Sockeye Sallys traded lead change several times in the final minutes of the game, with Absol-ute Chaos scoring the 4 winning points in the final jam of the game.

Boom Town Roller Derby’s home season schedule opens with the Brew Bash on February 22nd, sponsored

by Bearpaw River Brewing Company in Wasilla. Skaters from across Alaska will be split into two teams representing signature beers Bill’s Real Pale Ale and Mat Maid Milk Stout.

Skaters will find out which team they’ve been placed to skate with on February 15th, at a roster reveal party at the brewery. Bearpaw brews will be featured in the Beer Garden at the game. Halftime contests include a beard competition, with a gift certificate to AK Lady Barber in Palmer to be awarded. Get your table reserved early, you won’t want to wait to buy it at the door! Tickets and tables are available online at Brown Paper Tickets, event number 450526.

Mark your calendars now for May 9th! BTRD’s fundraiser Triwizard Tournament will sort skaters into the three largest wizarding schools of Hogwarts, Durmstrang Institute, and Beauxbatons Academy of Magic in a round-robin type tournament rich with spell casting and fun for the entire family. Audience members control the outcome of the games by purchasing spells that impact game play. Jammers may be stricken with the Cruciatus Curse, causing them to complete a set of burpees prior to taking the track. Referees may fall under the Confundus Charm, or an entire team of skaters may be released onto the track at one time! You never know what will happen when magic meets live roller derby.

All local games are held at Menard Sports Center in Wasilla. Keep track of events by following Boom Town on social media @boomtownrollerderby or by visiting boomtownrollerderby. org Leavin’ on a jet plane… to Rome, New York! Over the weekend of April 4-5, BTRD will competing in Siege of CNY tournament to climb up that WFTDA ranking board in the sky!

Did you know that travel is funded partially by generous sponsors and donors, but that significant portions of trip expenses fall on the skaters, coaches, and officials? That’s right.

This is vacation time away from work, school, and families, out of members’ pockets. BTRD is grateful for the generous support of this community in assisting to fund travel to tournaments!

It’s going to be an early red salmon run as the Sockeye Sallys come North

www.boomtownrollerderby.org

Contributed by Don Dyer Farmer, Polaris Poultry

pletely unprepared. Or as some say…

“With their pants down”.

for myself. Just as I had surmised, it was 10:00 AM, and the shelves which had essential items were mostly empty. The anxiety of the shoppers that were too late to get the basic essentials was palpable.

Did it run through your mind… “Is this another 64 quake?”

There were long lines for gasoline, and even longer lines and empty shelves at grocery stores. The “officials” will tell you that there is a “three-day supply” of food in the grocery stores. I had always been suspicious of that statement. So, I visited some local grocery stores just to see

How bad is it? How disruptive will this be? Do I have enough …? You could see it in the looks on people’s faces, and by reading their social media posts- They were caught com-

Thankfully, earthquakes are a relatively rare event. However, a more common event is a shipping disruption. Just last week, one of the shipping companies that supplies Costco experienced a mechanical breakdown and many of the shelves

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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Contributed by Dana Maywaux Primrose Retirement Community (889 N. Elkhorn Dr. Wasilla) invites you to our 3rd annual Healthy Living Fair as we welcome local healthrelated vendors into our building. The Healthy Living Fair will be held here at Primrose Retirement Community on Friday, February 21st from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This event is no charge, open to the public, and a great way to explore some local companies with the convenience of once localized indoor location. Healthy living is more to us here at Primrose Retirement Community than just physical health, it also includes our social, mental, intellectual, spiritual health and wellbeing.

Our vendors will be a variety of business that represent different aspects of healthy living including, home health, physical therapy, activities centers, financial planning, spine health, holistic alternatives, sleep care, local resource groups and much more! These Vendors will have topics to present on, materials to pass out, games or falles to participate in, and

Contributed by Sharon Aubrey

Relevant Publishers LLC is excited to announce the release of Me-Now, The Adventures of Mickey the Mushing Cat by Leon S. Mensch on February 17, 2020. Leon lives in Kasilof, Alaska, with his wife, Beth, and 22 sled dogs at the Winds of Time Kennel. Inspired by a real stray cat named Mickey, Leon’s debut book is a memoir told from the cat’s perspective and combines details from Mickey’s early life with the fictional twist of him learning to mush dogs.

Leon’s attention to detail brings a unique vision to the story, as he includes events from Mickey’s real life and integrates his knowledge of dog sledding. Readers experience the wonder and excitement of dog sledding through the eyes of a cat. Additionally, 2020 Iditarod musher Kristy Berington inspired a character named Kristy in Leon’s book, who is not only an amazing dog musher but saves Mickey’s life along the trail. Written in a humorous style, kids ages 9 to 90 will enjoy Mickey’s adventurous spirit and struggle for survival.

Leon Mensch will be signing Me-Now and available to greet the public at Barnes & Nobel in Anchorage on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 1pm to 4pm.

Book Synopsis: These are the memoirs of Mickey who was born a stray cat. Alone and hungry, Mickey tries to brave the world in search of food and shelter but is thwarted at every turn. Mistreated by cruel people and attacked by other animals, angels find him starving and injured. They rescue Mickey from the rough streets and place him in an adopted home in Vermont. After years of enjoying Vermont, he travels across the US to move to Alaska, where his owners start

even some goodies to hand out.

cheese and fruit.

Primrose Retirement Community will have a drawing for a Healthy Living basket valued at over $50.00 in our Gardenside café, each visitor will get one entry! We will also be hosting a heart healthy happy hour in our Pub at 2:30pm complete with red wine,

Please join us Friday, February 21st from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm as we end American Heart Month on a positive note looking into a happy healthy future for all Alaskans! For more information please feel free to call 907-373-5500.

a dog sled kennel and begin learning the art of dog mushing. Mickey hates snow! He isn’t very fond of dogs either, but he’s determined after his childhood never to be left alone again. One day, Mickey sneaks out of the house and into a dog sled loaded on top of the family truck. There he accidentally drifts off to sleep. Later, he wakes up on the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, a world-famous race from Anchorage to Nome. Can Mickey and his team survive the 900+ mile journey in bitter cold with many frozen rivers, deep gorges, and thin ice, not to mention the other dog teams on the trail that want to eat him?

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support a child’s healthy development and can create experiences for learning, children grow up with curiosity and confidence they need to succeed in school and life.

Contributed by Laura Wagner Replacement workshop for Myth, Meaning & Magic Bullets will be “How Child Maltreatment Impacts Attachment”.

You will learn how maltreatment impacts a child and their relationship with caregivers; how survival behaviors developed by youth are brilliant rather than maladaptive; how maltreatment causes a child to develop survival

behaviors; purposes of survival behaviors of lying, dishonesty, defiance & cruelty to animals; and specific parent driven, strength based interventions.

Remember, when adults know how to

By ensuring that all the adults in the child’s lives, are equipped with the best information, coaching, resources and support they need to help their children thrive.

Save the date May 30, 2020! laura@akattachment.org

replacing a quarter of the structure with new framing and wall construction. Then interior partitions needed to be constructed. The next steps are the installation of electrical wiring and plumbing before insulation and dry wall work is done. Building inspections are completed at various points in the project to insure that the building is in compliance with all building codes.

Contributed by Isreal Nelson There is a Phoenix House rising from the ashes at 1036 Ronda Way in Palmer. The Phoenix was a mythical bird that has long been part of ancient Greek mythology. The long-lived bird regenerated, or was born again, after being consumed in fire, thus rising from the ashes of its predecessor. The house on Ronda Way is a project of Habitat for Humanity MatSu, rising from the ashes of a fire over two years ago.

Since 1995, Habitat for Humanity Mat-Su has provided a “hand up, not a hand out” to individuals and families in need of housing assistance at a reasonable cost. The goal is to provide safe,

Contributed by Melissa Keefe The Alaska State Fair invites Alaska high school students to apply for a 2020 Fair scholarship. The Fair will award $7,500 in scholarships to five students this year. All Alaska high school students planning to attend college or vocational school are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is Monday, March 30, 2020, at 4:30 p.m.

The 2020 scholarship awards include $3,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place, $1,500 for third place, and two honorable mentions of $500 each. Every student who submits a completed application will also receive two free admissions to the 2020 Fair.

All Alaska junior and senior high school students who plan to attend college or vocational school are eligible to

Contributed by Kelly Marre Building healthy connections between releasing inmates and community members is extremely important. I would like to formally invite you to the first-ever Mat-Su Reentry Fair for reentrants who have released from incarceration in the past twelve months.

This exciting event will take place at True North Recovery Center from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on March 20, 2020. This reentry fair is my Capstone Project for my Master's in Social Work degree through the University of Alaska, Anchorage. I believe that after making healthy connections at the reentry fair, there will be a positive increase in connectivity between community members and those who are reentering the community after incarceration. The event will aid the reentrant in recovery, support, and employment. The longterm goal is for the reentrant to become a contributing member of society and reduce recidivism rates.

According to the Research Analyst for the Department of Corrections, the Mat-Su Valley had the second-highest

simple and affordable housing. A Board of Directors, composed of volunteers, supervises the projects. Habitat for Humanity Mat-Su is part of a network of community organizations that are all part of Habitat for Humanity International, a non-denominational Christian organization. Former President Jimmy Carter continues to work on projects even at the age of 95! Every applicant and family is required to contribute 500 hours of “sweat equity” to each building project. Family and friends of the family accepted in the program may also contribute to the project. Each house constructed—or renovated—is sold to the recipient with two mortgages. The first, or primary, mortgage is based in a zero-interest loan. The second mort-

apply. Students who applied last year should prepare a new application, as resubmissions from the previous year will be disqualified.

Applications should include: • Cover letter including student’s name, address, phone and email, school name and phone, counselor’s name, and the name of the college or vocational school he or she plans to attend • Extracurricular resume including interests, clubs, community service and/or employment • One letter of recommendation • A photo that may be used for publicity purposes • Written essay (1,000 words or less) or creative project (audio, video, performance or visual arts, business plan, social media campaign, arts and crafts, photography, etc.). Please

releases into the community after incarceration, with 727 men and women returning to the community in 2018 (M. Matthews, personal communication, June 19, 2019). This number accounts for 727 people who may be experiencing a loss of connectivity due to lengthy incarceration, stigma from their crime, broken family relationships, or failure to make a healthy connection with others. 95% of offenders will be released from incarceration. They are going to be our neighbors. Do we want to help them be good neighbors? If so, we need to show them love, grace, and support.

During the event, there will be a keynote speaker sharing his story of success after serving almost 20 years in prison. Additionally, there will be several breakout sessions offering reentrants classes on budgeting, interview skills, mindfulness, art therapy, and an Alaska Native cultural activity. There will also be free haircuts, and reentrants will be able to take home donated professional clothes for interviews and employment, and local group, “Newsense,” will bring music of hope and recovery. Evidence shows that the increased recidivism

gage is forgiven over the life of the primary loan so long as the recipient lives in the house. Recipients of the program file an application with the Board of Directors who assign the application to a Family Selection Committee that works with the family to develop the loan criteria for that family. The funds derived from the sale of the property are recycled to develop more funding for more projects. So far, over the course of the program in the last 15 years, 15 houses have been built and sold.

Working on Saturdays, volunteers with construction experience are completing the renovation. This is the third project utilizing the same collection of volunteer laborers. These volunteers are derived principally from Valley churches. In addition, other volunteers from churches provide lunches for the Saturday work crews. The United Protestant Church in Palmer and the Trinity Lutheran Church in Palmer have provided the Saturday lunches.

Renovation of the Phoenix House has been extensive. Removal of half the roof over the burned portion of the building was necessary before a new roof could be installed. Renovation also required

For more information or to volunteer as a construction worker or lunch provider, please contact Habitat for Humanity Mat-Su at 373-7278 or by email at hhumanity@gci.net or on Face Book at Habitat for Humanity Mat-Su.

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note that DVDs will not be accepted.

Students should instead submit videos through the application on the Fair’s website.

The written essay or creative project should address one of the following topics: In light of the Fair’s mission statement, how can the Fair have a greater benefit on your community or in the state of Alaska?

The Alaska State Fair is always looking for innovative and fun events, activities and contests that are free with fair admission to fairgoers.

Create a new event, activity or contest that has minimal cost for the Fair.

The Alaska State Fair’s primary purpose is to educate fairgoers. How could the Fair improve its educational programming to be more relevant to youth?

How would you use a 12-foot by 12-

rates are linked to failure to reintegrate into the community because of barriers of limited availability of housing and employment, transportation, and relationships with family and others.

Drug convictions can further limit reentrants from accessing food stamps, public assistance, and federal funding for higher education. Felony convictions preclude employment in many occupations.

There is overwhelming evidence that social stigma and community isolation significantly affects people reentering society after incarceration. If there is limited community support, how can we expect people to change behaviors?

It is essential to give reentrants a sense of belonging and to encourage them to think of themselves as people who have value and purpose and who can indeed contribute to their community.

It is crucial to cease the labeling of the reentrant. Rather than referring to them as "felons, ex-convicts, drug addicts, thieves, etc., "we can refer to this population of people as merely "reentrants," as they are reentering society after incarceration. Negative labels only weigh people down. This

foot booth space at the Fair to start your own business or to sell goods or services?

Ideas submitted become the property of the Alaska State Fair. Completed applications should be mailed or delivered to the Alaska State Fair, 2075 Glenn Hwy., Palmer, Alaska 99645 no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 30, 2020.

In 2019, the Fair awarded five scholarships to Alaska high school students: Sofia Main of Anchorage, Maria Parez of Anchorage, Collin Herbert of Palmer, Citshiab Yang of Anchorage, and Wyatt Chadwick of Palmer.

For more information, visit alaskastatefair.org or email kelly@alaskastatefair.org

population is being offered another chance to be successful.

If you would like to participate in this event as a reentrant or community member, please contact me at 5212800 or by email at kellymarre5@ gmail.com. We certainly need landlords and employers willing to offer second chances to reentrants, as well as mentors for those reentering our community. I am also looking for practical door prizes for reentrants such as cab vouchers, free haircuts, gift certificates for food, inspirational books and journals, and more. Additionally, we could use more professional clothing and shoes for men and women.

All clothing needs to be in good condition and cleaned before drop- off.

I sincerely hope that this event will bless the reentrants returning to our community. Every single person deserves respect and another chance.

By offering our support and services, we can provide that support so they may feel valued and supported in our community. If you are a reentrant, please join us! This event is for YOU!

COMMUNITY Contributed by Denise Christopher The Mat-Su Miners Baseball Club is pleased to announce their all-decade baseball team!

The team was compiled from rosters from 2010 through 2019, which included over 300 players. By pouring over stats from the decade, many hours of research went into the selection process.

The selection committee was made up of General Manager Pete Christopher, Vice President of the Board of Directors Terry Johnson, Mat-Su Miners Historian

Contributed by Randi Perlman Even while fierce winter winds howl across the Valley, it’s never too early to think fondly about our Alaska State Fair (ASF). Everyone has different reasons for loving the Fair: favorite fair foods we simply MUST have, rides or attractions we enjoy year after year, and certain booths that can’t be passed up, no matter the weather.

Have you ever dreamed of running your own booth at the ASF; of being an integral part of the hustle-bustle and heartbeat of the Fair itself? Well, here’s your opportunity to do just that!

The Boardwalk booth has been a fair staple for going on 33 years now. The Hugli family applied for a fair booth while they were still in business as the

Contributed by Glen The DUDE Butts

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

Chuck Griffin, and Sports Editor of the Frontiersman Jeramiah Bartz.

We ended up with 27 players on our 2010-2019 Miners All-Decade Team.

This is less than 10% of the 302 players who wore the green and gold during those 10 years.

The Miners had some great teams, winning 62% of their 471 games during the decade, with 291 wins and 175 defeats.

They were Alaska Baseball League Champions 4 times, playoffs runners-up 2 times, and 2nd place team in 2 of the

Boardwalk Restaurant on Knik GooseBay Road in Wasilla, back in 1987, and it has been family-owned and operated since then.

The Boardwalk booth started off with Beer Battered Halibut, Fish & Chicken Kabobs, Baked Alaska, and Peanut Butter Cheesecake on a stick. The Hugli’s worked on perfecting their menu for several years. Having a peach orchard in the family prompted them to try getting tree-ripened peaches to Alaska from California. When their attempts were successful, they decided to add fresh peach products to their menu.

As demand grew, they had to source peaches from other orchards. The peaches are purchased from a farm

The time is NOW to reach out to others within our community and help those around you in need of assistance.

valley, and drop them off... BOOM that simple, and you will have helped any number of people through ONE simple act of kindness, AND I promise you’ll feel TOTALLY AWESOME afterwards.

That’s the simple thought that was made by the Bikers Fighting Hunger Food Drive 9 years ago, and still is today.

We are asking YOU to consider helping, and it is so simple, even a caveman can do it. All that is required is a little looking into your food pantries and drawers, and find those items you know that you don’t want, won’t need, or just simply won’t get to, by the time it would expire. Make use of it so that it will help another life of a neighbor that’s in need.

Then load them up, and take them to any of the pick-up sites throughout the

The food bins for collecting are located at ALL 4 Three Bears grocery stores in the valley - 4 Corners, Knik, Pittman, and Big Lake. Both Spenard Builders Supply stores - Wasilla, and Palmer, as well as Denalo Harley Davidson, Extreme Fun Center, Coming Attractions Theatre, Performance Yamaha, House of Yamaha, and Bright Minds Learning Center. Or you could go a different route of just a monetary donation at any number of coin jars throughout the valley, located at Body Piercing Unlimited, The Tub House & Tanning, Diamond

early years in the decade. Miners players were voted Alaska Baseball League’s Player of the Year in 6 of the 10 years.

Miners All-Decade Team Roster Below: Wesley Thigpen, Catcher (2010) Nick DiBiasse, First Base (2010) Levi Jordan, Second Base (2016) Bret Schwartz, Shortstop (2010) Stephen Branca, Third Base (2011) Erik Webb, Outfield (2019) Pablo Bermudez, Outfield (2010) Quin Cotton, Outfield (2017) Christin Stewart, Outfield (2013) Cam Newell, Outfield (2014) Andy Mee, Utility (2010) Brick Paskiewicz, Utility (2015)

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Spencer Henson, Utility (2017,18) Tanner Nishioka, Utility (2015) Michael Donadio, Designated Hitter (2016) Joe Bircher, Starting Pitcher (2010) Tyler Stubblefield, Starting Pitcher (2014) Eli Morgan, Starting Pitcher (2015) Kyle Simonds, Starting Pitcher (2015) Ian Churchill, Starting Pitcher (2018) Calvin LeBrun, Starting Pitcher (2015,17) Thad Ward, Relief Pitcher (2017) Jordan Floyd, Relief Pitcher (2016) Josh Green, Relief Pitcher (2017) Bryce Tassin, Relief Pitcher (2018) Jacob McNairy, Relief Pitcher (2019) Corbin Martin, Relief Pitcher (2015) Russel Raley, Head Coach (2010)

on the Columbia River in Washington State. Fair preparation always includes a trip to the farm to pick up over a ton of sweet, ripe peaches and then deliver them to PDX, where Alaska Airlines ships the family and all those peaches up to Alaska! They stay with the peaches from orchard to fair booth to ensure the superior quality and flavor their customers have come to expect…

discussion, and many mixed emotions, the family has decided to move on to other endeavors. The Boardwalk business at the ASF is for sale.

The most popular menu items include Nana’s fresh peach pie, Peach Odyssey – a fresh peach sundae, and now their most popular dessert, son Jesse’s Fried Peaches, a culinary experience in itself… Lines for these delectable treats, along with their chicken wings in homemade peach BBQ sauce, often block traffic in this heavily-traveled area of the Fair! After 33 years, much group

If you have some business, especially restaurant business experience, have always wanted to be part of the Alaska State Fair, or have dreamed about owning your ‘piece-of-the-pie’, this could be your opportunity of a lifetime.

Plate (formally Mr. Lube), also Spenard Builders, Denali Harley Shop as well.

Members from C.M.A’s Midnight Son Riders chapter will be picking them up, and distribute them to the community food pantries throughout the valley.

We have 2 special events to help boost the collection in the food drive:

The drive has been running since the 1st of January, and will run till the end of February, at the usual rate the drive would’ve had many pickups by now, but we have yet to achieve a full bin at anywhere besides the Harley Shop.

We are DESPERATELY asking for donations to fill the shelves of the local food pantries and donation sites in the Valley. This is simply the hardest time of the year for anyone, and especially those financially impaired.

It has a perfect location and great exposure on the Green Trail, right across from the always busy carnival rides, and remains in place all year long. Sales have increased annually since 1987.

If seriously interested, contact Sheree Hugli at 907.232.2526.

Roses for Taco’s @ Denali Harley Davidson Saturday 2/15/20, at 12 to 4 pm The Annual Spaghetti Feed @ MatSu Alano Club Sunday 2/23/20, 2 to 5pm Both events are 12 cans of food per person, or $12. There will be lots of friendly people, and fun times PLUS door prizes!

So as the Father shows love to us, show love to others and help.

For more information look us up on Facebook @ BIKERS FIGHTING HUNGER.

ADULT PIANO LESSONS Hitchcock Piano Studio ........ 745-3134 APPAREL & CLOTHING All Seasons Clothing ........ 357-0123 D’s Tuxedo ........ 707-6585 Mila’s Alterations ........ 830-8339 ART & CRAFTS Artists Uncorked… 982-2675 The Gallery ........ 745-1420

POLITICS / OPINION

BOOKSTORE A Black Sheep Shop ......... 376-8198 Black Birch Books ...... 373-2677 Fireside Books ........ 745-2665 CAFÉ & COFFEE Alaska Artisan Coffee ........ 745-5543 Gathering Grounds ........ 376-4404 Vagabond Blues……..745-2233 CANNABIS RETAILER Matanuska Cannabis Co. ...... 745-4211 CLEANING SERVICE Liz’s Cleaning Service ......... 982-9545 CREATIVE ENTERTAINMENT Artists Uncorked ........ 982-2675 EDUCATION Learning Essentials ........ 357-3990 FOOTWEAR Northern Comfort ........ 376-5403 HEALTH & WELLNESS All About Herbs ........ 376-8327 Just Botanicals ....... 414-3663 Lone Wolf Aura ........ 631-0482 HOME DÉCOR Peak Boutique ........ 746-3320 PIZZA Humdingers Pizza ........ 745-7499 PHLEBOTOMY SERVICES Valley Phlebotomy ........ 376-6435 PRINT SERVICES The UPS Store ........ 746-6245 REPAIR, RESTORATION Comtronics ........ 373-2669 S&S Drilling ...... 746-0225 Steve’s Toyostove Repair ..... 376-9276 The Powdercoat Shop .... 841-1300 SPECIALTY GIFTS Alaska Midnite Scents ........ 357-7364 Non-Essentials ........ 745-2258 The Boardwalk Shop ........ 357-8980

Contributed by Jessica Wright How do you describe a RINO? I used to think the perfect term for RINO is “a wolf in the sheep clothing.” Recently I think a better term for RINO is “a poison pill in the candy wrapper.” I think that’s a better term to describe the Democrats/RINO of Alaska because they are ruining our state by not balancing the budget, not giving the people their full PFD, because they redefined what a full PFD is based on half of the available earnings via SB26 (which makes our half or the earnings a budgetary item competing with special interest), and have turned our state to a welfare state which is going to bring only destitution and reduced prosperity to our state.

On November 6th, 2018, Alaskans celebrated the victory of having a Republican Governor, a Republican majority Senate, and a Republican majority Senate. In early 2019, we found out strangely our State House elected their House Speaker, Bryce Edgmon, who claimed he’s Independent, aka Democrat. So our House was essentially controlled by the Democrats. We thought at least our State Senate is controlled by the Republican Party since the majority of the Senate are Republicans.

As time went by we found out many of our Rino Republican State Senators are not different from Democrats. In fact, they had formed a collation with the Democrats to continue their agenda, that is, ripping off people’s PFD by halving it, reducing it and changing how much earnings are included in each years budget. This non perfor-

mance non formula dividend payment approach is based on an agenda that forces our dividends to be restricted by competing in a budget with incomplete non-formula driven rules that restricts our earnings and puts big government into the budget via the SB26 draw, building up more government agencies/programs with the bloated budgets that are out of control.

Recently the Senate President Cathy Giessel shut down the Conservative Senators Mike Shower, Shelley Hughes, and Lora Reinbold by banishing them from Committees and reducing their staff because they didn’t comply with the Biding Cactus rule and their speeches weren’t acceptable. Only those who chose to go along to get along were rewarded because they voted with the Caucus while voting for a budget that once again halves our dividend. Time to stand against these illegal unpublished caucus rules that give some Rino legislatures greater power over our real legislatures effectively diminishing our voices. We must fight back against this attack on our rights. On the other hand, the Democrat Senators weren’t punished for breaking the Binding Cactus rule and they weren’t punished in anyway and they were given more committee memberships. By doing so the Senate have shifted their power to the Left.

It makes people wonder what kind of “Republican” State Senators or House Representatives we have elected.

Someone pointed out that former Governor, Bill Walker, was a longtime Republican Politician then he finally switched to Independent. Our infamous RINO Senator Lisa Murkowski who is also a lifelong Republican politician but the whole nation knows that she’s nothing but a Democrat. Before Bill Walker got elected when asked would he touch the dividends and he denied it. Similarly, State Senator

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Cathy Giessel implied during her 2016 campaign that she’s the person would protect the dividends. Looking back, we all know they lied. Governor Bill Walker started the trend and stole our dividend in 2015. The following three years it’s AKLEG’s turn to steal. Now it’s year 2020 and they are feverishly determined to steal our dividends regardless Governor Dunleavy’s wish for giving back people the statutory PFD. The strategy of Democrats in Alaska use to control both Senate and the House is by placing RINOs in Republican Party. RINOs hide their true identities and lie about their ideologies. Like Lisa Murkowski, they have to claim they are “Conservatives,” because they know that’s only way for them to get elected in the Conservative districts. People would vote for them simply because they are Republican candidates. Once they get elected, they are “free agents” to pursuit their liberal agendas because they now in power and they easily stay in power.

We have seen them taking our dividends last 4 years and now they want to tax us more. What’s next? When are we going to finally learn to distinguish fake Republicans from real Republicans and throw them out of the office? Because of them, we no longer have the Conservative legislators to represent us. At a recent 2nd Amendment Rally, I talked to two people, one is originally from California and one is from Oregon, and they mourned how much worse their previous home states have become since they left. Do you wish to see this happen to our beloved state Alaska? If not, stand up and fight for our freedom and our rights and challenge them because liars and cheaters should not be in charge of AKLEG and ruin our lives. Alaskans, don’t forget this August election is your chance to take our state back by voting out these Fake poisonous legislators.

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Contributed by Wes Keller America, Land of the Free! Are we able to appreciate this as much as we should? Many of us who have never really known anything but America’s freedom may unintentionally take it for granted. Periodically, I’m reminded why Arlington Cemetery holds the remains of over 400,000 people. The inspiring 1828 Webster’s dictionary definition of “freedom” (and “liberty”) includes appreciation for civil, personal, political, and religious freedom. America has been a demonstration of societal development when freed from the control of slavery and government oppression.

America has confirmed liberation of the mind can also be a result. Americans have proven capable of astounding production and creativity when restraints are removed from exploration for truth and meaning in craftsmanship, arts, religion, and politics. The constitutional mandate for government to ensure liberty displays the high level of respect, honor, and dignity the framers held for each human being.

Liberty can allow peace, justice, joy, self-respect, producing a society with heart-warming, self-sacrificing love and generosity. The obvious question is why does it not always work?

Freedom is wonderful indeed. It is a fair question to ask, why then, do we humans find so many ways to enslave ourselves (addiction, debt, pride, fears, appetites…)? Obviously American freedom does not guarantee complete liberty. Our constitutional freedom cannot guarantee we will use it! We sometimes resist analysis of this challenge because of a false application of separation of church and state. Governing and “religion” overlap more than some admit.

Freedom itself must be limited by laws in order to function. History documents incriminating proof of what happens when there are no rules. Anarchy

(not paradise) is always the inevitable consequence of absence of authority!

The analysis of “why?” is unavoidably “religious”. Whose law should limit freedom? Do we just make them up or are there over-riding moral absolutes to guide civil law?” This was a less troubling question for our framers who documented their belief in Nature’s Law and God, referring to Him as the “Supreme Judge” in the Declaration.

They clearly formed our Nation on what latter became our motto, “In God We Trust”. There are more “religious” questions because we find we don’t do the right thing even when given “perfect” law and “perfect” freedom!

What keeps us from keeping laws even when we know they are right? I raise these questions in this political column because I’m convinced the only way our freedom can survive/thrive is if the populous (We the People) pursue the answers for ourselves. Government does not supply Truth! Rather, it must be revealed by an educated and free society in a republic that does not engage in thought-control. I share the framer’s hope; if all options are honestly on the table, truth will win out. To avoid religious truth because it might offend is ridiculous and dangerous when it squelches reality. Our Government is rightfully prohibited from establishment of religion, but it guarantees individuals the right to choose – religious freedom.

Doubling down the elephant in the room; we humans are evidently fundamentally flawed! There is no civil law, no civil freedom, to eliminate selfishness and pride! America is built on the hope that those things will be controlled in a society when true religious freedom allows applications of truth. Religious truth is expected to influence government to be applied indirectly through representation.

Because we have a universally flawed human nature, there can only be one

radical, “religious” solution: Forgiveness is the only fundamental source of genuine, internal, personal Freedom!

Yes, Forgiveness!

Most of us in America are very familiar with forgiveness because of long-time Christian influence. The cross is the ultimate memorial to forgiveness… we often use it to mark graves or death sites. “Forgiveness” CANNOT be practically applied in civil government policy even though it is the key to ultimate freedom. Forgiveness must be an independent, personal optional act for any free individual, politician or not.

Forgiveness cannot be legislated or banned by law. The “rule of law” would be quickly destroyed if we were to give police and judges the authority to forgive robberies, rape, arson, assault, etc.

Justice would be quickly undermined.

Besides, all public servants require some level of forgiveness themselves.

Forgiveness is a key-note element of freedom, whether we like the implications or not.

One of the greatest historical novels of all time, “Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo contemplates law vs. forgiveness in a gripping story. A telling part of the drama is when the policeman finally has the option of enforcing civil law but cannot deal with it because forgiveness is not an option of his job description.

The freedom of forgiveness overcomes things like addictions, obsessions, and even phobias. Forgiveness is the source of peace and liberty — and— it is a radical, religious act. It becomes part of civil government only when legally exercised “unofficially” by free “religious” people (politicians or not).

My advice Is to consider the “religion” of those you select in the voting booth.

And, don’t avoid discussing and mixing religion and politics! (continued on the blog: www.weskeller.com/freed-fromall-things/) Wes Keller | WesKeller.com

POLITICS / OPINION Contributed by Josh Fryfogle “The Press” is not what you might think it is. “The Press” is not synonymous with “The Media”. “The press”, as it’s described in the First Amendment, is a reference to the printing press, which was a relatively new, and controversial technology that, at the time the Amendment was written, had already disrupted religion, culture, and politics all over the known world.

This idea that the so-called ‘Fourth Estate’, this supposedly valid, yet certainly unelected, quasi-branch of the government that keeps the other, elected branches of government in line... Well, that’s a major departure from the intent of the First Amendment.

The First Amendment does protect the activities of media professionals, but only because media professionals, themselves as individuals, have First Amendment rights. The companies they work for don’t even have a ‘self’ to express, so the First Amendment protection of conscientious selfexpression cannot be accessed by these companies, except that they hire a human person to work for them.

No, the intent of the first amendment is clear, to allow for free expression of human People who already inherently possess the Liberty to express themselves, in any way they see fit, but also through speech, the printing press (or other modern media), or in peaceable gatherings where they proactively self-govern by addressing the People and their representatives, and petitioning for redress.

The First Amendment’s ‘press’ clause is not to be taken out of the context of the single sentence that conjoined the clauses of the total amendment.

This First Amendment is not a random

Contributed by Marilyn Bennett During the winter I always become restless. This tends to lead me to museums and libraries. I have always been curious about the history of any area I have lived in or driven through.

Now that I am pretty settled here in Palmer I thought it time I find out more about this area.

Imagine my surprise to find that one of the original residents of our fair city thought it would be a good site for the State Capital. John Bugge arrived in Palmer in 1914 and homesteaded 320 acres of land. He never married but one of his sister's grandchildren has given us a window into his life here in Palmer.

As a matter of fact according to his Grand Niece he had determined to give a portion of his property to the Territory of Alaska for a Capital when Alaska became a state. Unfortunately he died in 1956 and so never saw his dream become a reality. Instead of a State Capital a small playground is named

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grab bag of rights, but a purposeful and powerful combination of particular rights, that empower the individual voice to engage the system of selfgovernance through their ability to communicate to the community at large. Creating a public record in this way, and presumably a consensus of the People, is the best check on government overreach we could possibly hope for. The People having an accurate measure of the consensus, as common knowledge, is the best way to assure that our representatives are re-presenting what we’ve presented to them.

varied congresses. The Fourth Estate in America is often referred to simply as ‘The Press’. This is a misnomer.

The corporate media today, which has been called ‘The Fourth Estate’ - a term that is rife with implications - is simply reverting to a time in Old Europe, before the printing press and it’s use were made public domain by the First Amendment. A little look into the history of the term alone is enough to raise questions about the place of such an institution as this, being archaic and rooted in a medieval paradigm.

Literally, historically, the idea of a Fourth Estate is, itself, an affront to the values of a free society.

It’s modern use to describe the media industry is completely off-base. And the fact that ‘The Press’ has come to mean something completely different in common parlance does absolutely nothing to affect the actual freedom of the press or those who hold that right: The People.

This is so simple, yet so important. ‘The Press’ is a term that is taken from our First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

The human, natural persons who have a voice to speak with, who have a hand to wield the press, who have the mind to invent new ways to better communicate with their community these are the inheritors of these rights that keep us free.

Our First Amendment was revolutionary, because it was encouraging and accommodating the average person to speak candidly, and for themselves! It was trusting that if we are peaceable in our approach rather than the Adversarial approach that mires modern politics - that we could come to a consensus. It’s the trust that, if the People were free to do so, they might leave behind the medieval concepts of Lords and Peasants, of Commoners and Nobles, and inform their representatives and the public at large of what their individual concerns are, and the collected result would serve as guidance to those we elect to re-present that consensus in our

Reporters, editors, camera crews, the list goes on. All of these people are lending their own, personal, first amendment rights to these companies, in order for these companies to engage in the First Amendment activities that they do.

Bugge Park after the old Norwegian who donated the land.

for a new capital city in Willow got a resounding “no” from 74% of voters.

Juneau had been named the capital of the District of Alaska in 1906, when the government was moved from Sitka, the old Russian Capital of Alaska. The move made sense at that time as Juneau had grown significantly because of the gold rush. In 1912 Alaska became a Territory with Juneau as the Capital. After World War 2, Alaskans began talking about moving their capital out of South East Alaska to a more central location. In 1960, 56% of voters defeated a measure moving the capital to “the Cook InletRailbelt Area, then in 1962, a measure moving the capital to “Western Alaska within 30 miles of Anchorage” went down with 55% of voters opposed to it.

Then nothing happened. In 1982, a resolution to fund the move was put again before the voters. The resolution was defeated. Votes in 1984 and 1996 also failed.

The 1974 ballot committee came up with three sites: Larson Lake, Mount Yenlo and Willow, the last of which got over 53% of the votes in 1976. In November 1978 a bond issue asking voters to approve $966 million in debt

The fact that many people do not make use of these rights, that does nothing to change the fact that these rights belong to them, and them alone. As proof, consider that the media industry pays for 100 percent of it’s content creation budget, employing human persons.

In 2010 the population of Juneau reached 31,275. Estimated median income was $87,436, which is 17% higher than other Alaskans. Just like Washington DC a lot of lobbyists live in Juneau. The "Special Interests" of the Rich and Powerful are well served.

It is only us ordinary people who can't afford to go there that are reduced to sending e-mails that are easily ignored.

Willow, this past Thanksgiving, would have been a much different place had that vote 40 years ago been different.

Alaska would be different, too. The average person would have better access to his elected representatives and would hopefully make his representative more accountable. It

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News You Can Trust - that’s not a rational statement. The idea of the First Amendment is to protect our ability to create a consensus, by making our own thoughts and concerns into a public record, so as to guide and inform our elected representatives in their task which is to re-present those concerns in the offices of the People.

This is not meant to be a trough to consume your daily ration of rationales.

It’s a tool to be held in your own hand, a mechanism of democracy, a powerful protection against tyrants and despots.

With this in mind, I remind all of my neighbors that our true and sincere conscientious expression of self is the only way the government will every be able to serve those concerns.

I remind those around me, regardless of your perspective, that we’ve all agreed that there are certain rights that all humans have, that we cannot infringe upon lawfully, but of those other issues that are not inherent rights, we can reach a consensus on these issues and create a government that truly serves the people. We can institute laws that the majority supports, but first we must measure the consensus. We can create a justice system that is just, but that too requires an established understanding of the consensus of the People.

The First Amendment is an interactive opportunity to shape the communities we live in. It’s not an industry, even though some industrious souls have found financial compensation for their creative output.

First and foremost, the freedom of the (printing) press, and all other tools of self-expression, is the right of each individual person, so that all might be heard, who choose to speak, and all might hear, who have ears to do so.

looked like our Governor tried to move some of the debate to Wasilla to be accessible to more people. He met with stiff opposition from those that want to keep the status quo. I don't know what the answer is, but do know that having an inaccessible Capital City is not a healthy situation in the short or long term.

On the other hand, I for one am very happy that the government did not accept John Bugge's gift of land and put the capital in Palmer. I am content with the small town feel of Palmer and certainly wouldn't want it cluttered up with politicians. it is enough to have them visit during the State Fair.

Bugge Playground is the best use of the donated land in Palmer. But it would be nice if the Capital would move to Willow.

Those of us who can't afford a lobbyist could drive to Willow from time to time to harass our good representatives.

That's what democracy is all about.

COMMUNITY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 and cases sat empty. In my 15 years in Alaska, I have seen this happen numerous times.

The hard fact is, that Alaskans import 96% of the food they consume. We depend on producers and distributors that are at the other end of a 1,700+mile supply chain in the lower 48. Most of our food makes its journey to the ports of Seattle or Tacoma, and is then delivered to the Port of Alaska, in the city of Anchorage.

The supply chain that delivers Alaska’s food is vulnerable to many disruptions, such as: labor disputes, natural disasters, weather, financial failures, computer systems failures, pandemics, regulatory issues, dredging, dock repairs, and mechanical failures, just to name a few.

Another consequence of choosing to be dependent on imports is Taxation Without Representation. All South Central and Central Alaskans will pay this new tax in the form of Municipality of Anchorage Port tariffs. Alaskan consumers will be shouldering the burden for the $2 Billion of Anchorage port repairs. That will amount to an average of $11,500.00 increase in the prices paid for goods for every Central and SouthCentral Alaska household.

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Back in 1955, Alaskans supplied Alaskans with 55% of the food consumed.

So, what changed? Why did Alaskans surrender their food independence for complete dependency? This question is especially troubling when you realize that today, there are 496 other Americans in the lower 48 states, for every individual in Alaska. Essentially, if push came to shove, Alaskans are outvoted 496 to 1. If someone at the origin of the food supply is forced to make a choice of who receives food, it’s not even going to be a coin toss.

Independence vs Dependence? Most of the answer lies in consumer behavior that Alaskans have been conditioned to do. Let’s take milk, for example. Our local Mat-Su Havemeister Dairy produces about 600 gallons of milk per day, or 220,000 gallons of milk per year. Their product always sells out. However, MatSu consumers buy just under 2 million gallons per year. So, the Havemeister Dairy has about an 11% market share.

You might ask: Why doesn’t Havemeister just buy more cows, expand their production and crowd out the imported milk? One of the answers is… consumer conditioning.

The average consumer has been conditioned to pay approximately $3.50 for a gallon of imported milk versus Havemeister Milk at $5.60 per gallon.

So why would someone pay 60% more for milk? Answer: Perceived value.

Contributed by Jeanette Gardiner

and handlers that have allergies.

Bell Creek Agility and Obedience, LLC has opened a training facility in Wasilla.

In recent years, agility classes and workshops were held in one location, while obedience, Rally and scent-work classes were held in another facility.

Agility equipment is fully adjustable, built to not reverberate which helps instill confidence in dogs of all levels, is easy to move, and meets AKC requirements. Training tools, such as hoops, stride regulators, guide-wires, channel weaves, and more are available to help assist dogs while they learn. The obedience equipment includes AKC Utility and Open obedience competition jumps, Rally signs and equipment, as well as a variety of different proofing tools. Fit-Paws equipment is also available for those that want to work on conditioning their pups.

“Demand for classes and workshops has steadily increased over the last couple of years, so we’re excited to bring all of our classes and students together under one roof,” said Bell Creek’s founder and lead instructor, Patti Engleman. Engleman founded Bell Creek Agility and Obedience in 2016 because she wanted to teach the way she trains: by having fun at both ends of the leash.

The training facility, located at 651 E. Railroad Avenue in Wasilla, emphasizes a safe environment for both dogs and handlers. The half-inch thick antifatigue agility matting provides a safe and consistent footing for both handler and dogs, and has good traction. The flooring helps lessen the impact on dogs’ joints, and is great for both dogs

People who buy Havemeister Dairy milk do so because they invest in value that exceeds the basic cost of the imported commodity. The things that lift the value of Havemeister’s milk by 60% in the minds and hearts of Mat-Su consumers are based on personal preferences and product education.

First, the most obvious value is freshness. Havemeister milk is processed and delivered to the store the same day it is given by the cow. It doesn’t get any fresher unless you milk the cow yourself.

Secondly, beyond the product features, people that buy Havemeister milk also passionately value things like: community, local employment, local agriculture, a minimal carbon footprint, the Havemeister Dairy legacy, and of course- Alaskan Food Independence.

And what about poultry and eggs? By applying the national average, the MatSu consumes about 3 million chickens and 30.6 million eggs per year. But how many poultry farms do you hear about in the Mat-Su? That’s why I own one!

Finding people who wear “Alaska Grown” apparel is easy. Finding consumers who are willing to hike their food budgets by 30, 60, or even 100 percent for local grown food is more challenging. Farmers won’t invest in expanding production unless they know

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that consumer demand is there to consume it. It is a chicken and egg stalemate. To break the stalemate, Alaskans need to challenge fellow Alaskans to invest in the long-term value of Alaskan Food Independence.

When I say challenge, I don’t just mean “Buy Alaska Grown”. It’s bigger than that. I’m challenging you to join the Ag economy of Alaska. Yes, be a farmer.

You can start small with your own vegetable garden, flock of chickens, milk goat, beehive, etc. Just get started.

YouTube can teach you most of what you need to know, and there are many local resources.

Just do something to move toward being self-sufficient and produce a little extra to sell or trade to cover your costs. We all need to grow the scale of the local food economy to create more supply, create competition, and make local food affordable. That, in turn, will recruit more consumers who are passionate about local food and Alaskan Food Independence.

So, take the challenge… And maybe when the next “big-one” hits, there will be fewer people caught with their pants down.

Don Dyer is a consultant and farmer in Palmer Alaska. You can find him on Facebook at Polaris Poultry or www.polarispoultry.com

Bell Creek strives to teach you how to work with your dog in a fun and positive manner, so they learn to enjoy working for you. Whether you are just getting started in your journey or are looking to take your training to the next level, Bell Creek can help you achieve your goals.

Learn more about Bell Creek and see all upcoming classes and workshops

at www.bellcreek.net, on Facebook at @bellcreekagilityandobedience,

or contact Patti Engleman at 907-631-0773.

Contributed by Angie Lewis

One human and one dog. All “hides” should be done in the same area, preferably inside at first.

Dogs get bored, just like we humans do! Providing mental stimulation is as important, if not more so, than providing physical exercise. Most of us are aware that a dog’s sense of smell is far superior to our own. A human has approximately five million cells devoted to smelling, while a dog has over 200 million cells. Many people think that nose work is only important for dogs that are working or hunting dogs, but that is not the case. The fact of the matter is that dogs use their noses all the time, just in an unstructured manner.

You can help stimulate that sense of smell by combining your dog’s sense of smell with his desire to hunt. All dogs can take part in nose work, no matter what age, size, or breed they are.

It isn’t difficult or expensive to start nose work and just takes a bit of preparation and time. You will need the following supplies:

Place some deliciously scented foods in a few of the boxes on the floor, allowing your dog to see where you have placed them. When your dog finds the treats, make a big deal. Dogs love to please us, so let them know you are thrilled with their behavior. Remember, do not interact with your dog as he is search for the treats. This is not a time to be encouraging. Don’t direct him or pull him with his leash. Let him figure it out on his own.

When first starting out, make it simple for your dog. Once your dog has the hang of this, expand his indoor search to other rooms. When he is successful with this, time to go outside, This will be more challenging as there are many more distractions and smells.

A leash (6 feet), a collar or harness, approximately 6 sturdy boxes, your dog’s favorite treats.

Do some research online or talk with dog trainers to learn about adding excitement and complexity to your scent games. Nose work is an enjoyable, easy way to spend fun time with you dog.

If you have multiple dogs, work with one at a time, at least in the beginning.

Alaska Animal Advocates, 907-841-3173

POLITICS / COMMUNITY Contributed by Carolyn Porter The Matsu Republican Women’s Club, est. 1947 is the oldest Republican club in the state. We diligently work to support conservative values and candidates not only in the Matsu, but throughout the state. We provide an environment in which like-minded people can meet and share ideas. A fun filled fundraising event is planned for Saturday, March 21, 2020. We are

Contributed by Linda Myers-Steele Senior Education is a program for those 50+ years who want to keep active and continue life-long learning.

Classes are offered free (except for occasional supplies as needed). Wasilla Senior Center, 1301 Century Circle, Wasilla, hosts the classes at no charge and all presenters are volunteers.

Volunteers who are experts in their field! Please join us. No registration required unless noted in the class description. (senioreducationwasilla@ gmail.com) COMMUNICATING FOR BETTER LISTENING & TALKING Tuesday, February 25, 3:00-4:00 Are people mumbling more often? Are you interrupting others by speaking when they are without realizing it? Are you frustrated by feeling you’re not

hosting our 2020 Vision event which will take place at Evangelo’s Restaurant, 2530 E. Parks Highway, Wasilla.

An admission ticket includes social hour from 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm. This is a time when attendees can visit with our elected officials who are in attendance. Dinner begin at 6:00 pm followed by the program. Dinner will be provided by Evangelo’s and is certain to be delicious! A silent

being heard? Learn tips for listening and talking regardless of your hearing abilities.

Facilitator Dr. Joyce Sexton, Doctor of Audiology, Northern Hearing, Wasilla & Anchorage FUSED GLASS CLASS Tuesday, March 3, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Make a glass flower suncatcher. Each student will have an opportunity to make two unique suncatchers.

Students will have the liberty of making whatever they would like with the materials supplied. Fee of $15 CASH (pay directly to instructor). Lori will teach, student will design, Lori will place glass in kiln and return to students the following week.

Instructor Lori Koutsky of Blue River Glass. LIMIT 12 STUDENTS, REGISTRATION REQUIRED at senioreducationwasilla@gmail.com

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

auction, live auction with Wasilla Mayor Bert Cottle as our auctioneer, and a wall of guns will be part of the evening’s activities.

We will have speakers with an exciting clear vision for 2020. Tickets are $60 if purchased early and $65 at the door.

They are available on our website, matsurepublicanwomensclub.org or on our Facebook page under events.

There are links for paying securely

BEEKEEPING IN ALASKA Tuesday, March 10, 3:00-4:00 P.M. Presented by Wiletta Stehlik, owner of Bee Magic Honey, Lazy Mt. Apiary, Palmer. Learn how to get started as a beekeeper, bee season, types of bees, and honey production. This is sure to bee a sweet class!

BOOK CLUB “I READ WHAT I WANT TO READ” Tuesday, March 17, 3:00-4:00 Share a summary of a book you’ve read and learn from other readers as well.

Facilitator Andi Nations, retired public educator and non-profit facilitator MAPLE SPRINGS SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY Tuesday, March 24, 3:00-4:00 MAPLE SPRINGS SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY Administrator Nathan Dahl will present options and opportunities for seniors

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on PayPal. For questions feel free to contact Sandy at 907-315-3297 or Carolyn at 907-903-9353.

Come spend a fun evening with us and help support conservative Republican candidates.

2020 will be an extremely important year for our state and nation. Now is the time for us to become involved, educated and active.

in the new Maple Springs Senior Living complexes in Wasilla and Palmer.

Learn firsthand what services are available for senior citizens.

GARDENING: PREPARING FOR SPRING Tuesday, March 31, 3:00-4:00 Presented by Linda Myers-Steele, Master Gardener. Waking up your garden, learn the best time to divide plants, make seed tapes, and ponder what we will do about growing in the new weather?

COMMUNITY

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

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in the days following they returned, some with friends, and purchased more books.

As importantly, prior to, during, and after the sale, all involved were picking up books and either talking about what a good read the book might be or once was. Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie was a huge favorite, as was Garth Stein’s The Fine Art of Dancing in the Rain. My two best finds were a signed first edition of Alaska Explorer Norman Vaughn’s With Byrd at the Bottom of the World and children’s author Maurice Sendek’s Higglety Pigglety Pop. The pen and ink illustrations in Sendek’s book were so beautiful that they brought tears to my eyes.

Contributed by Alys Culhane alysculhane@hotmail.com (907) 745-4747 Remember the old joke? What’s black and white and red (read) all over? The answer to this riddle is, of course, a book. As kids we all knew this. Nowadays most children know the answer.

However, here in Alaska some kids will be mystified. This is because, sad to say, some have never had a book read to them or even held one in their hands.

The recent finding is sobering. Apparently, Alaska now ranks fiftieth, yes, fiftieth in the nation in terms of literacy for those in the third grade or lower. The question isn’t how did this come to be, but rather, what might we do about it?

The answer is, get books into the hands of parents and encourage them to read to their kids. This, right now, is the primary goal of those involved with newly formed Bright Lights Book Project, a Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) based program. The secondary goal is to get books into the hands of those of all other ages.

The project began last October and in a rather auspicious fashion. At

about same the time, VCRS Volunteer Sue Benz and I both discovered that the VCRS Quonset hut was filled with 20 or-so chest-high boxes of books.

Like Sue, I pulled forth several books, took several home and gave a few to friends. We were subsequently told that the books in the boxes were slated to be shipped out to a paper mill as a “mixed paper” commodity but with a market downturn for that material, shipping was on hold.

It occurred to us both that some of these books might be salvaged and passed on to a general readership; we were willing to devote some time and energy to the possibility.

Sue and I then decided to put aside the best books and have a pre-holiday book sale. Enter Bill Schmidtkunz, the owner of Matanuska Woodworks. Bill assisted with the sorting, which initially took place on the VCRS warehouse bale storage floor. We went through the big boxes, pulled forth books, and put them in small boxes, categorizing by subject matter as we went along.

I came up with the project name.

Bright Lights Books seemed most appropriate given that our first sale was scheduled for December 21, the solstice. The sale was a huge success.

All day, readers came in the door and walked out with books in hand. And

The project has since continued to ride on the wave of good will and fellowship that materialized on the solstice. We began a distribution program and are now providing books to area schools, daycare centers, restaurants, hospitals, and hair salons.

Our neighbors at the Mat Su Animal Shelter have their own literacy program, and so welcomed our donation of several animal training, how-to, and narrative based books. And we have continued to encourage individuals to come and purchase books for a nominal fee.

We’re currently organizing a second sale which will take place on February 15th , this event being our gala book store opening celebration. We’ll again be selling baked goods. In honor of this sale being on Valentines Day weekend, we’ll have plenty of cookbooks and Romance novels for sale; this in addition to numerous books in a variety of other genres, children, young adult fiction and nonfiction, autobiography, and self-help included. We’ll also have music as well as a featured reader; Bill Schmidtkunz, the poet Laureate of Sutton, will be reading from his poetry collection, entitled Home.

The Bright Lights Book Project is community-based so volunteers will continue to be greeted with open arms. We can always use an assist with sorting, cleaning, labeling, stacking, and distributing books.

For more information check out our Facebook pages, @Valley Community for Recycling Solutions and @Bright Lights Book Project, or contact me, Alys at alysculhane@hotmail.com

PETS & ANIMALS

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

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Luna is a purebred Cane Corso who lost her home through no fault of her own. She lives with a military family who is getting transferred to the East Coast.

Airlines do not fly this type of dog and military bases have breed restrictions.

So, sadly the family must part with this sweet girl.

She is a big girl, weighing in at 120 pounds. Luna is approximately 2.5 years old.

She is potty trained, kennel trained and loves children and babies. Luna does require lots of snuggles and love, but is not at all a high maintenance dog.

To meet this loving girl, please call Angie at 8413173 or email Alaska Animal Advocates at akaarescue@hotmail.com

Contributed by Jerica Clear Creek Cat Rescue Tolla is a kind little girl found after her nice lady passed away and she was left to fend for herself. Tolla is shy and not sure about strangers but has the most magnificent purr and loves having her ears rubbed.

Her super soft fur makes petting her a pleasure! She

is a very low maintenance cat. She prefers quiet spaces and warm laps.

Windows where she can sunbathe are her favorite landing spots. Feather toys on wands seem to be her thing. She loves them!

About a year old, ready to take on her new home!

Tolla is located in Houston. Call 315-9510 for more information.

he cleans up nicely without needing assistance from his people. He had surgery to repair a colon issue; he is fine now but he should have a mostly wet food diet.

across his face! He’s a shy guy. But he still likes for his foster mom to pet him, play with him, and even pick him up!

He has trust issues that stem from being on his own for a long time, but he has proven to be such a gentle soul.

Contributed by Jerica Lund Earl is a very petite little man at 6.5 pounds. He’s got big, gorgeous, green eyes that almost speak to you. His emotions are almost always written

He has amazing potential at becoming a lap cat, and we are certain that, with the right kind of people, he will be just that. He needs a quiet, calm home where he can unwind and learn to trust people.

He is extremely food motivated and often makes a mess of his meal on himself, but usually just on himself.

He’s quite the adorable little piggy, but

He also opens up better with a couple pinches of catnip mixed in his food.

He is used to being loved on while he eats, he will accept treats out of your hand, and he is intrigued by a laser light. He especially enjoys the company of another cat, and it is best that he is adopted with a cat companion.

He really comes out of his shell and opens up when there is another kitty to give him confidence. He needs someone who will give him plenty of time to adjust. He is a wonderful little guy who will be the love of some lucky person's life.

He is located in Palmer Call 980-8898 for more information.

COMMUNITY Contributed by Gena Chastain Join us at Mat-Su Central School for this fundraiser on 6 PM Friday, February 21st to paint this gorgeous moose at sunset! Great for all painting levels, even if you have never picked up a paint brush! The instructor will take you step by step in painting this fun design. $40 per person; all supplies included to paint! Register now as seating is limited and this fundraiser WILL SELL OUT!

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

• Date: Friday, February 21 • Time: 6:00 PM • Location: Mat-Su Central School, 600 East Railroad Ave. # 6, Wasilla, AK • Cost: $40 includes all materials Proceeds will support Mat- Su Central's Grad Blast for the class of 2020! We will provide pizza and light refreshments Questions?

Contact Gena at 352-7457 Register at www.paintwithsara.com

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