The People's Paper November 2022

How Photography and The Pika Saved My Life

Contributed by Phillip C. Flippo

Just seven months ago I was walking out of a hospital, a place that had largely been my home for the previous four and a half years, finally able to eat, walk, and function minimally enough that I could go home. I had suffered significant neurological damage from arsenic poisoning and during medical testing discovered I also had a debilitating brain tumor; my corporate life, my home life, my social life, all of it ended in an instant.

My wife (Ashana Flippo) and I truly thought the best life I would ever know again would be one of withstanding the very intense head pain and mental confusion I was now stuck with on a day-to-day basis.

I had always loved to cook, so when I got home I started sharing my cell phone photos of every meal I cooked to help distract myself. One day, my photos got the attention of a local restaurant, and they asked if I could take photos for their menu, and I was so excited! Not simply because someone liked my photos, but also because someone thought of me as a real functional human being for the first time in a long time.

Ashana and I knew I couldn’t just show up with a cell phone (as we would look a tad unprofessional) so we went to Stewart’s Photo in Anchorage, and after many hours of hilarious confusion having camera basics explained to us

for the first time, we bought our first “real” camera. This moment, although I could never have known it, would change my life forever. It quickly escalated beyond taking photos of food, and a week after we bought the camera, we took the world’s absolute worst photo of a Bald Eagle, but something about it transformed us. We stared at this horrible photo for hours, discussing the environment it was in, what it looked like, and started asking ourselves questions like, “Why does it live here? What is it doing? Wasn’t that so cool to see? What else can we see? When can we go out next?” and this became our new life.

I had previously spent an entire lifetime indoors, and now, all I wanted to do, every single day, was to be in nature, learning and observing the wonders of nature with childlike joy. This was a miracle, this was something I could do, this put my pain and suffering out of my mind, this was more healing than any medication or therapy, and I wasn’t just withstanding my days, I was enjoying them.

One day I walked into the Bureau of Land Management and asked a park ranger the following very stupid question, “I have lived in Alaska my whole life, but I have no idea where any animals live, or when they do anything. Can you please tell me where all the animals are?” and they laughed a little too hard before happily pulling out a map. On this map were several animals on the edges with child friendly descriptions with arrows pointing to where they live, one of these animals was something I had never seen or

heard about ever before, the Pika.

I spent the next three days talking to locals and researching them, where they live, what they eat, anything I could find. Then I would drive three hours out to where they supposedly were, and I spent entire days desperately searching for them in the rock piles. On the last day, for only 4 minutes, I saw my first one.

I later applied my learnings and found several local colonies in Hatcher Pass which I spent the entire summer and fall photographing and filming almost every day. For those of who have never seen or heard of the Pikas, they are the world’s smallest member of the Lagomorph (rabbit) family, are about the size of a hamster, are lightning fast, and spend their days collecting colorful mouthfuls of local berries, flowers, and grasses to bring back to their little homes under the boulders to store for winter. They are extremely skittish and are well known for being exceptionally difficult to photograph, so my daily practice with them allowed me to hone my photography skills at a rapid pace.

One of the Pika became increasingly more curious about me, and began having regular interactions with me, and on several occasions even left flowers at my feet. I started calling this one Hatcher, and he was the first true meaningful wildlife connection I ever made, and it absolutely opened my heart to a level of beauty and happiness for this planet and its many creatures that I cannot easily describe.

I started sharing my stories, photos, and

videos with people all over Alaska and eventually all over the world. Now, just seven months after picking up our first camera, our stuff has been used by large companies, featured in galleries, and we even published our first Pika calendar a few weeks ago.

I was even nominated and voted best photographer of 2022 in the Frontiersman’s Best Of Competition, not because I think I am an amazing photographer, but because I think after everything I have survived, I truly love and value not just nature, but all the people I have met and shared my art with along the way.

For more information visit www.flippophotography.com

Cindy Pendleton: Cards That Give MORE ON PAGE 6 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE

Art Show at Houston Lodge

MORE ON PAGE 12 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE

BeeWell Holds Free Event for Parents MORE ON PAGE 5 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE

COMMUNITY

Contributed by Sierra Justis

One of the most common things that we hear from the public about qiviut is, “one day; I’m going to get me some!” Well, someday is coming up soon! On Shop Local Saturday, we offer our gently hand-combed qiviut yarns and garments for 30% off our regular prices!

This is our “thank you” to the community that provides so much love and support for the Musk Ox Farm. For the past six years we have been open for shop small Saturday and Sunday and have loved seeing everyone shining and wind-swept faces. Treat yourself to a piece (or two!) of that coveted qiviut you’ve been dreaming of or become the best gift giver ever!

Support of the farm goes directly into the care of our amazing herd of 76 musk oxen. We will have tours available all weekend long, so book a tour and wear your shopping shoes. You can also shop online and pick up in store.  Shop here or somewhere else this season but remember to Shop Local! www.muskoxfarm.org

With all the tasks involved in making a Thanksgiving meal, having an abundance lets us “make ahead” for other meals. Once your turkey is cooked (reaching 165 degrees Fahrenheit), eat within two hours of removing the bird from the oven. Then refrigerate leftovers at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked turkey can be stored in a covered container, plastic bag or aluminum foil for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Turkey is useful for a variety of different meals.  The sliced breast makes a yummy sandwich. The turkey sandwich could be seasoned with remaining cranberry sauce. Or another option might be to season with a spicy mayonnaise.

Two favorite recipes for cooked turkey are Turkey Tetrazzini and Turkey Enchiladas. Another option is

to substitute the turkey for chicken in recipes.

After the meat has been removed from the bones, put the remaining turkey bones into a huge pot on the stove with some celery and onion; cover with water. Bring to boil, then lower heat; simmer for two hours. Strain. This turkey broth can be used immediately to make soup, or stored in the freezer or canned in jars for future use.

Turkey Tetrazzini

1 8- ounce package spaghetti

3/4 cup finely chopped onion

• 1 Tablespoon butter

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1 10 ¾ cans cream of mushroom soup 1 cup milk

1/8 teaspoon pepper

• 2 cups cooked, diced turkey

• 2 cups grated swiss cheese

1. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In large pot, cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain, discard cooking liquid.

3. In a 10-inch skillet, melt butter. Saute’ chopped onion, bell peeper, and mushrooms until soft.

4. Mix together cream of mushroom soup and milk. Add pepper, turkey and cheese, sautéed vegetables and cooked spaghetti.

5. Bake uncovered in preheated 350 degree Fahrenheit oven until bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes. Serve with a salad or side vegetable.

Option: Double ingredients. Divide in half and put one half into a freezer container. Freeze. To use, thaw in refrigerator, place in oven safe container, and cook as above.

Turkey Enchiladas

• 2 cups finely chopped, cooked turkey

3 ounces cream cheese, softened ¼ cup finely minced onion

For sauce:

15 ounce can tomato sauce

4 ounce can green chilis

• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1 tablespoon oil 12 6-inch corn tortillas

1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese

1. Grease an 7” x 11” pan. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a bowl, mix together the turkey, cream cheese and minced onions. Set aside.

3. In another bowl, stir together the tomato sauce, chilis and coriander.

4. In a skillet, heat the oil. Quickly soften each tortilla in the oil. Set the tortillas on the  clean counter, spread each with a portion of the meat mixture. Sprinkle in a tablespoon of enchilada sauce and of grated cheese. Roll the tortilla up and place in the pan. Pour remaining sauce over the tortillas; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Serve with sour cream.

Note, flour tortilla may be used instead, no need to pre-warm the flour tortilla.

Gifts will be delivered to seniors on our Meals-On-Wheels program on December 22 and to those who visit the center. Oftentimes, the only gift a senior will receive during the holidays is the one you have graciously supplied. Please consider opening your hearts and helping us bring joy during the holidays. You can help us make a difference.

If

Contributed by Julie Cascio, UAF Cooperative Extension Service, Mat-Su District

Contributed by Sally Barnes

COMMUNITY

by Taylor Jordan

Before you start stacking your online carts, or after you’ve stacked them and realize it’s too late to order more, your local small businesses are here for you.

I own Black Birch Books. I’m a female, disabled veteran who exclusively hires homeless youth from THIS community. We are the only bookstore in Wasilla and the only bookbinder in the state of Alaska. This is YOUR community bookstore. I don’t pay myself for owning the bookstore. It’s a space and a service…. With a Café, of course!

Our facility is fully handicapped accessible. We foster an environment that’s safe for all people to network and learn! Events and classes are held on a regular basis and can be scheduled by request. We have an entire wall of handmade items by people right here in the community. I accept a singular percentage and I pay these hard workers in cash for their sales.

All of the youth employed are part of the My House and Nine Star training programs for homeless and at-risk youth. When you are shopping with a small, local business, your money is going right back into the community

in kind or in action. Spend your hardearned money how you need, I’ll make sure what you spend here goes right back into what you expect!

Community

“This was a very competitive year, our project stood out among the 3,200 applications nationwide...” said Marlene Munsell, WASI CEO. The project included creating a new garden area and the purchase of eight benches. In keeping with our mission this project will encourage seniors to stay active, reduce isola-

tion, and promote independence. The benches provide a safe resting place for seniors to enjoy the park, trail, gardens, and outdoor spaces at the WASI campus. For seniors, knowing that benches will be in place takes the

Benches encourage more frequent use of our outdoor spaces, they allow for social interaction, and visiting with fellow peers. We planted six apple

day through Friday. Our Mid-Valley Senior Center, in Houston Alaska provided 3,327 congregate meals in 2022. The number of seniors that are currently receiving support services at Mid-Valley are steadily increasing in comparison to previous years, and we are now offering exercise classes, activities, a computer lab, and will soon be adding Adult Day Services at the site.

WASI also provide meals and services to Knik Tribal Council, Inc. to Alaskan Native, American Indian and Native Hawaiian elders living in the MatSu Valley. In 2022 we served 17,835 meals to Knik elders.

Seniors, Inc.

fundraiser. The community is asked to purchase pies which have been donated by local bakeries or purchased with sponsorship funds. The fundraiser encourages donors to purchase pies for their families, co-workers, or employees. They may also purchase a pie to be donated to a senior toenjoy with their Thanksgiving meal.

The goal is to ensure every senior in our program receives a slice of pie with their Thanksgiving meal. In addition to selling pies, we also have an online auction and sponsorship opportunities. The proceeds from the annual MY-O-MY IT’S PIE! event support the programs that enable Seniors in the Mat-Su Valley to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.

Over the past several years we have seen a rapid growth in the number

of seniors needing our services. In 2022 WASI served 133,079 meals which consisted of Meals on Wheels, To-Go and Congregate meals to 1,112 seniors. In comparison in 2020 we served 85,096. With the prices of food and gas going up it has become more challenging than ever before to deliver the services seniors need.

WASI provides a variety of services to the senior community in the Mat-Su Valley our service area encompasses Wasilla, Meadow Lakes, Houston, Big Lake, and the Willow area.

Our Nutrition Program, one of our main services, includes Congregate and To-go meals at the Wasilla Center and the Mid-Valley Center in Houston, AK. Meals are served Monday - Friday from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. The daily congregate meal not only provides a nutritious meal but also promotes socialization and reduces senior isolation. The Meals on Wheels Program provides seven meals each week to homebound seniors, delivered Mon-

To help those who lack transportation, WASI provides transportation at lunch time for seniors who want to come to eat at the Wasilla center and provides essential rides to medical appointments, senior shopping, and prescription pick-up.

In addition, WASI also provides senior housing at both market rate and low income; in-home chore services, respite care, and case management; exercise equipment in our Club50 gym as well as group classes both in person and virtually at Club50 and satellite sites throughout the valley; health promotion disease prevention; computer lab & library; gardening program; chaplain services; mobility equipment loan, food box pick-up, volunteer engagement opportunities; information & referral services; and various other services throughout the year of interest to seniors such as health fairs, and AARP tax prep.

For more information or opportunities about this event to help with our mission please contact Julie Lugdon at 907-206-8799 or email at juliel@alaskaseniors.com.

Contributed

Contributed by Marlene Munsell

Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. (WASI) is the recipient of the 2022 AARP

Challenge grant.

fear out of not being able to walk the entire distance.

trees, numerous berry bushes and twenty-two garden planters. While the garden planters were finished late summer and the benches arrived early fall, seniors are looking forward to utilizing the gardens next year. Everyone was excited when the benches arrived. All of us at WASI are grateful to our volunteers that helped us complete this amazing project. Over 100 hours of volunteer time and financial support from AARP, TOTE, and MSHF.

Contributed by Sally Barnes

MY-O-MY IT’S PIE! – is a Wasilla Area

annual holiday pie

COMMUNITY

Contributed by Doug Ferguson

Last February I featured the well-known and famous American poet, Robert Frost, as one of the “Great Americans” that had influenced many young people as we were growing up. In 1959 Frost had traveled from his East Coast region to my college in Ohio to spend a day with a bunch of engineering students to talk about the humanities in the era of technology and had left a life-long impression on many of us.

I recently learned this visit from Frost was based on a friendship started years before between Frost and one of my outstanding professors, Baird Whitlock. The real reason Frost had come to our campus was his friendship with Frost and that Whitlock was teaching about Frost’s works. I had always planned to feature this professor as a “Great American”, but never knew about his connection with Frost.

Frost and Whitlock first met in Frost’s cabin in Vermont in 1949 when they both were on the faculty of Middlebury college. Whitlock, in his first teaching job after leaving the WWII military and graduating from Rutgers, was teaching English. Frost at the time was receiving national attention for his poetry and was lecturing at the college. Frost started their friendship by writing a new poem every Christmas and sending it with a special note to Whitlock. From there on they were both colleagues and friends for years up to when Frost passed away in 1963.

From those beginnings, Whitlock went on to teach and lecture at many colleges around the country including Case Institute of Technology where I had him for a course in Western Civilization. There he also was the director of our Glee Club. He eventually became known as an expert in English Poetry, received honors for his scholarship and

academic work, and even became a college president. Taking Western Civilization was a mandatory requirement at Case. A new curriculum initiative had been started several years previously intended to broaden our technical education to include more humanities. Some outstanding professors from some top universities were hired to teach the new curriculum. Baird Whitlock was one of these, being recruited from Colby College in Maine where he was teaching English.

While all these professors were excellent lecturers, Whitlock was unique. As we covered the various historical and cultural aspects of the era we were studying, he would challenge us to tell how the literature, art, religion, technology, and social customs of the day, had affected historical events and their outcome. Thus, as we studied each era, we got an understanding of how all these

cultural factors influenced history. Our campus was right across from Wade Park, the cultural center of Cleveland. Here was Severance Hall (Home of the Cleveland Symphony), the Natural History Museum and The Cleveland Museum of Art. In the semester that I had Professor Whitlock, we were studying late 19th century art in France which included the “Impressionist” artists. Also, it happened that the Cleveland Museum of Art had one of the best collections of French Impressionist art in the country.

One day Whitlock told us to meet him for our next class at the museum. Once everyone was there, he took us on the best lecture tour I ever had! At each impressionist painting, he gave us the artist’s history and how it affected the painting and what impact it had on the art world. I will always now have a visual understanding of what the “Impressionist Revolt” was all about!

everyone here knows everyone, usually, through one person or another, we are all connected. I am friends with many business owners of the valley, and I want to support them and our community.

Contributed by Makayla Gallagher

I made an app solely for MatSu! It is a free app, and I don’t make any profits from it. I made it initially with three people in mind... The first was a local mom who missed out on events, either because she didn’t see them from her endless scrolling, or forgot about them.

The second was my parents who own Fish On Camp Grill. I help work their booth at the state fair, or pop-up events

as needed, and many people ask where you are going to be next. The answer is simply that you’ll have to follow us on social media to see where we are next.

The third is, I am part of a mom’s group on social media, and this group I see weekly moms asking what can I do with my 9-month-old to 6-year-old. I know there’s an abundance of resources in the valley but finding them all and knowing where to look has its challenges. I was born and raised in the MatSu and

The app features a list of categories of events for breweries, local food venues, food trucks, family-friendly events, adult events, and daily/weekly activities for children.

Each event/location for these categories can be favorited, they can visit the business’s website or the event website, and if they choose to get a notification 2 days before the event starts so they

When Whitlock was hired by Case to teach in the new humanities program, he was also given the job of Glee Club director. I have no idea what his musical background was, but he willingly accepted the job.

The past director, who had started the glee club decades ago, had retired the year before. He had written many oldschool songs such as the alma mater. Most of these existed in their original “old fashioned” arrangements. The glee club itself was small and not especially impressive.

In three short years Whitlock not only re-arranged the school songs into excellent modern choral pieces and had introduced many great choral classics to the Glee Club’s repertoire, he increased membership to over 50, made an LP album that was very popular among the alumni, but also took the Club on a tour to Europe! Some thought our performances were on a level with the best college groups in the country!

As he was teaching, leading, and encouraging all of us to do our best to achieve not only academic, but also musical levels we had not thought possible to reach outside of our chosen engineering fields, he did so with humor, enthusiasm and a light touch that appealed to all.

After his long and impressive career, he retired to his home in Belfast, Maine. If still alive he would be 98. Up to seven years ago he was still giving lectures on poets, especially Robert Frost. Unfortunately, I have not been able to contact him recently.

However, he helped me, and many other young people get away from their college experience with a better appreciation for the richness of western culture and the joy of group singing! For that he is a “Great American” in my eyes!

don’t forget about an event they were interested in.

In the category list of events, there is also a section to search for businesses that can post events. Under this, a person can follow/get notified every time they post an event or a location, so no matter what your business is, if you have a following, your customers don’t have to go searching social media daily in hopes they see what events you’ll be having before they could get sidetracked.

Search your app store today for the MatSu Events & Food Truck app!

On behalf of the Valley Thunder Girls U14 hockey team, we are excited to

by Polly-Beth Odom

Connect Palmer and Daybreak, Incorporated are hosting the first Palmer Community Resource Day on December 13th at the Palmer Depot from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. The event will be attended by local agencies and organiza-

announce the first Guns-N-Hoses (Police vs. Fire) hockey game in the Valley! The game is scheduled for November 26, 2022, at the Curtis Menard Memorial

Sports Center in Wasilla. The love of hockey in the Mat-Su Valley runs deep, just as our love and respect for all First Responders.

We are proud to be a part of this community and would like to extend the offer for you to join us in supporting this event. The Guns-N-Hoses hockey game will be played by police, fire, EMS, and other first responder athletes from our community.

Proceeds from the event will go to supporting girls’ hockey in the Mat-Su Valley. We believe that keeping girls involved in sport is extremely important, it provides the opportunity for them to learn about teamwork, goal setting, and the pursuit of excellence while also instilling confidence and self-esteem. These traits follow our Youth as they become successful adults within our community. Along with our girl’s hockey

programs, we have chosen My House as our benefit charity this year.

My House: “My House’s vision is to end homelessness with a mission for all youth experiencing homelessness, and at youth risk of becoming homeless, are empowered to be contributing, self-supporting members of their community. We provide safe shelter and wrap-around services for youth with a hand-up not a hand-out philosophy.”

A portion of our proceeds will go to helping support that mission this holiday season!

We are excited to see everone coming to support our First Responders, Womens Hockey and the Fight to End Teen Homlessness in the Matanuska Susitna Valley. Bring that energetic MatSu Spirit, and follow us on our Facebook page to get more information on the event, and how else you can help out.

tions that are in Palmer (and a few from Wasilla) that provide services and connection to mental health services, substance use treatment services, housing, assistance with application for benefits, information on child care assistance, and information about the food banks available in the community.

The goal of the event is to help to increase awareness of the agencies and services available in Palmer and to assist people in connecting to the services they need in their community.

This will be a great opportunity to let Palmer know about the many folks

that are reaching out to our neighbors that might be struggling. There are so many agencies and organizations doing amazing things. Unfortunately, it can often be overlooked, as the focus is turned toward those who are visibly struggling now and it appears no one is there to help.

Palmer Community Resource Day December 13th 10AM-4PM Palmer Depot

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 501 E. Bogard Road, Wasilla,

Across from Wasilla Middle School Saturday, December 3, 2022. Serving 9:00 am – 12 noon. Breakfast is $12.00 each or $30.00 for 3 or more.

Your donations support local nonprofit thrift stores in the Mat-Su Valley. In most cases, excess revenue from a nonprofit thrift store gets invested back into the community through programs or store and staff enhancements.

The “mindful” donations generate the revenue needed to operate the thrift store and any associated community programs. “Mindful” is just another way of saying thoughtful or sensible.

A donated item from someone’s attic or garage is another person’s hidden gem.

I wanted to take a moment to explain the importance of your donation. The donated sellable items are priced based on what the community will pay, and what’s needed to cover thrift store operating expenses. Unfortunately, the pricing can be a moving target when dealing with operating expenses. You also must take the quality of the item

into consideration when you attach a price. You can offend donors if you under price, or you may turn off shoppers if you price too high. It’s an interesting balancing act.

But what happens to donations behind the scenes? How does it impact local nonprofit thrift store’s operating budgets, and community outreach programs?

Despite the great job staff does in the initial screening many donations, like electronics, need to be tested or screened further. It isn’t until the testing for the working condition that many items are found to be unsellable. Bags of clothing may contain items that are not in suitable condition to be sold.

A significant part of staff time is spent screening clothing looking for stains, rips, broken zippers, or missing buttons. The donations that can’t be sold may be funneled into some of the following categories around the Valley: Mat-Su

All proceeds go toward Five Loaves Two Fish Kitchen Ministries which provides meals to My House Teen Resource Center, Family Promise, Knik Houses, and others in need of nourishment.

Santa will visit 9:00- 10:30 a.m. Bring your camera and take photos with Santa

Claus. Start your holiday shopping at the Silent Auction. Cookie decorating for kids.

Bring the family and kick-off the holiday season!

These behind-the-scenes expenses impact a staff member’s work hours, or the money designated to a social service program. Fortunately, the abundant amount of donations in the Mat-Su

Valley are why we have the positive experiences of shopping at local nonprofit thrift stores where you can find that great bargain or hidden gem.

Mat-Su resident’s mindful donations enable local nonprofit thrift stores to thrive.

Thank you for your support.

Contributed by John Rozzi

Borough Central Landfill, Valley Community for Recycling Solutions, or various church programs (i.e., Wasilla 1 st Presbyterian Church furniture ministry).

Contributed

Contributed by Linda Myers-Steele

Contributed by Doug Massie

The

Bright

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Contributed by V.P. Pingayak, Outreach Coordinator

It is no secret the issue of suicide plagues our Alaskan communities every day.  The mission of Lifeline Outreach is through a program called Feeding Alaska Today, which directly impacts our rural communities state-wide.  It is a boot on the ground, proactive, program that travels into rural communities and not only empowers people with the tools necessary to overcome suicide, but it understands that our mental health is affected by the foods that we eat.  This program supports local Alaska farmers to bring in healthy, fresh produce to the communities as part of their healing outreach for the entire village.

The founder of Lifeline Outreach says, “As an overcomer of suicide (not a survivor), God has given me a gift to help others step into the same freedom.”  - Dr. Maria Krinock

Feeding Alaska Today is all about our Alaskan communities being

empowered for permanent change and healing.  Dr. Maria Krinock has authored the book: “Your Unseen Enemy Revealed” that shares her personal life-story of overcoming suicide and is circulating in over forty Alaskan communities today.

This important and critical resource is also made available to everyone who attends our gatherings, and there are opportunities to sponsor entire Alaska communities.

Our efforts have reached over 20 communities throughout every region of the State from places like Utqiagvik, Chevak, Cordova, and even in villages as remote as Savoonga, and we also serve the Anchorage and Fairbanks area as well.

Right now, we are preparing for the Kotlik Blessing scheduled for November 19 and 20, 2022. There are cargo planes ready to deliver over 2200 pounds of fresh produce for the community of Kotlik, for the upcoming suicide healing outreach.  With a population of

Bright Up the Night is open Thursdays through Sundays from November 25 through December 12, and daily from December 16 through January 1. Hours are from 5 to 9 p.m.

Tickets to the event go on sale Friday, November 12 at alaskastatefair.org. A limited number of vehicles will be allowed in each hour, and ticket reservations must be made online in advance.

Admission purchased by November 24 is $20 for personal vehicles, $35 for vans or limos, and $70 for buses. Tickets purchased after November 24 are $25 for personal vehicles, $40 for vans or limos, and $75 for buses.

New this year, the fairgrounds will host another family-friendly, wintertime attraction: The Ice Maze. Guests to the maze will navigate through a labyrinth of winding pathways, surrounded by solid ice formations created by artist Cory Livingood. At night, the ice will

glow from within by lights frozen inside, illuminating the way. Additional details on this attraction will be available soon at alaskastatefair.org.

Guests can continue their holiday cheer by taking advantage of the Fair’s partnership with The Christmas Factory or The Ice Maze which offers a 10 percent discount to anyone who buys tickets to either event.

At The Christmas Factory, located on the fairgrounds, visitors experience the magic of Christmas by touring Santa’s workshop, delivering a personalized letter to Santa’s mailbox, getting a peek into the elf wrapping room, powering up Santa’s sleigh, enjoying a treat in Mrs. Claus’ bakery, and even meeting Santa himself.

For more information, visit alaskastatefair.org or contact Melissa Keefe, marketing and communications manager, at mk@ alaskastatefair.org.

Many people long for a simpler time when Thanksgiving is fully celebrated on Thursday.

Friday, the retail stores revealed Christmas décor and gift ideas kicking off the Christmas holiday. Yes, a simpler time. Gifts were selected with much thought and delivered in person. People gathered to spend time with one another, the Norman Rockwell picture of days gone by.

The reality of today is that people purchase and ship many gifts to recipients across the USA, in other countries and to our deployed military serving around the world. Did you know, the United States Postal Service (USPS) began the process of hiring 28,000 peak season employees in October of this year?

USPS expects to process 60 million packages daily this holiday season, compared to 53 million last year. To meet postal deadlines for a timely delivery of gifts retailers must begin holiday sales before Thanksgiving.

When I was young, we looked forward to BLACK FRIDAY! Each store would publish an exclusive advertisement of special busy or limited time pricing that would begin at 6:00 am on Friday. This became the traditional holiday shopping kickoff, and it was fun!! Today, Black Friday advertising begins in late October and special pricing runs the entire month of November. The fun and ceremony have been depleted from this once special day. Time rolls on.

New traditions: today, I offer you PINK WEEKEND!! Pink Weekend will be three days of special packaging and special pricing from your local Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant, Diana L. Straub. (If you already have a Mary Kay Consultant, check in with her to see what special deals she has for you.) PINK FRIDAY, SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, and CYBER MONDAY make up my PINK WEEKEND!

Let me restore the fun of seeking the special pricing on Thanksgiving night for 6:00 am on Friday and the hour by hour deals all day on Friday. I’m combining this old tradition with the new ways of online shopping from your cozy chair in your jammies with a warm cup of your best coffee or toddy in hand. You will be posting and scrolling on your social media pages after your wonderful Thanksgiving meal. Scroll on over to my Facebook page @Diana’s Pink Page to see the first reveal of special deals that will be available for shopping at marykay.com/dstraub at 6:00 am on PINK FRIDAY!

What do you need to be equipped for a successful Pink Weekend, you might wonder? You will need a list of people to whom you want to give gifts, addresses for those whose gifts you purchase from me, so that I can mail your purchases for FREE. YES! I am one of the local small businesses that will package and mail your gift to you with NO SHIPPING AND HANDLING FEES. I appreciate your business and my business IS service.

The deals will continue being posted

over 600 people, there will be at least 400 in attendance where the entire community will have an opportunity to receive these powerful and empowering tools to overcome suicide.

Another upcoming event is scheduled for December 10-11, 2022, which is our New Winter Coat

on Saturday to honor SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY. When you scroll to Facebook @Diana’s Pink Page you will find deals for the entire day posted. Gift ideas for: teachers, delivery drivers, hairdressers / barbers, co-workers, your office staff, babysitters, neighbors, your adult children’s significant other, waiter/ waitress, friends both male and female, coaches, scout leaders, Sunday school teachers, etc.

The special deals will continue as I offer CYBER SUNDAY for people who are unavailable for the traditional CYBER MON DAY. This third day of online shopping steals and deals will tickle your toes.

This year, there will be $20 gift packages available for you to purchase and donate to our community members. When you select the Santa Cop & Heroes gift option, that item will be donated to the Santa Cop program for delivery to a Senior Citizen in our community who will be alone on Christmas. Commonly the delivering police officer, firefighter, EMT, etc. will deliver the gift with a warm meal from the community Friendship Dinner and stay for a visit with the senior citizen. This hero also engages in a safety and welfare check often returning with home repair items that pose safety concerns to the occupant. These might be as simple as the need to have an exterior door repaired or a smoke detector installed.

In the past, I recall the need for wood to heat a remote home coming forward. These “heroes” seem to find a way and make a way to dispatch the necessary assistance. Santa Cops & Heroes is yet another gift of time and service from our local emergency responders, my sincere thanks to all. The second $20

To

gift package will be donated to our neighbors who are receiving cancer treatments in our community. Many cancer treatments deplete the skin from its natural oils and devours the moisture barrier. It is our goal to comfort the skin during these treatment times with products to rehydrate and nourish the skin. These gifts will be donated to the cancer centers here in the Mat-Su Valley to be given to the patients receiving treatments during the holiday season. Giving the gift of comfort and safety is a blessing.

Each gift purchaser and recipient will receive a gift certificate to be used in January 2023 for a personal pampering session. You may choose to pamper your dry hands, your face and cheeks that are wind chapped, your feet, or even your beard and mustache. By the way, did you know Mary Kay makes a man’s fragrance and a woman’s fragrance that are designed to be worn together? The ingredients are such that they blend when in a close environment rather than clash giving you a headache.

Whether your Thanksgiving plans include attending the wonderful community dinner at the Menard Sports Complex enjoying many conversations with friends old and new, a big family dinner at grandma’s house or a quiet meal with your first child, I wish you much to be thankful for and people to be thankful with. If you long for some fun shopping over the holiday weekend, join me online for some Mary Kay deals or come see me in person at the State Fair Bazaar at Raven Hall. I will be in the Classy Glass Expressions booth with my friend Vicki Randolph who makes beautiful jewelry. I might have a deal for you there too!

Giveaway for children

and adults. The event will feature live music from Gary Simple at The Egan Center in Anchorage. All are welcome to attend.

learn more information on these life changing events, or to help sponsor an event, please visit: www.FeedingAlaska. Today

Contributed by Diana Straub

Contributed by Melissa Keefe

Up the Night, Alaska’s largest drive-through holiday light display, returns to the Alaska State Fair for a 29-night run, beginning on Thanksgiving, November 25, through January 1. Tickets to the event go on sale Friday, November 12 at alaskastatefair.org.

light display, presented by AT&T, features more than 70 different light displays spanning the entire length of the fairgrounds, from the Purple Gate through the Green Gate. From the warmth and comfort of their vehicles, guests drive through almost a mile of festive light displays while enjoying the holiday music broadcast synced directly to their radio.

Liberty, Liberally

Immoral Superiority

White supremacy is a fascist system. This is very important to understanding how these people think. White supremacy is the idea that white people are superior to other races. It is not a reference to moral superiority, mind you, but evolutionary fitness. Survival of the fittest is an evolutionary concept that was repurposed by fascist ideologues to support their designs for dictatorship. Nazism is a form of fascism, and white supremacy is a continuation of that same stream of thought.

So white supremacy is the idea that white people are, over all, superior in their ability to take power and control other races. Its adherents believe that this predisposition to power and control proves that white people should be in power over others. Fascism doesn’t concern itself with the ideas of right and wrong, fairness, equality under the law - these are notions of classical liberalism, which is the polar opposite of Totalitarian systems like fascism and communism.

It’s important that we understand that white supremacy, being a fascist ideology, agrees whole-heartedly with the modern claim that white people have been dominant throughout history. Real history refutes this idea entirely. Real history tells us of many great societies and peoples who, regardless of racial stock, rose and fell like any of their Caucasian counterparts. Real history, rather than the watered-down, made-fortelevision versions that we’ve been fed, tells us that white people are not superior.

Remember, superiority in the context of this fascist system is not to be confused with moral superiority. Liberal philosophers idealized moral superiority over power and force, not fascists. Fascists focused on the ends, which justified the means. Nazis weren’t claiming to be morally superior to other races.

When we claim today that white people are to blame for all of the inequality and injustice in the world, we are affirming the foundational, and false, belief of white supremacists. We are pushing a narrative that they themselves advanced, alongside the scientific racism that was commonly accepted at that time. They didn’t lean on holy books or moral authority, as did the Monarchs, but instead on

materialism and science. They removed God and good from their equation, and sought only to overwhelm the weak, thereby establishing dominance.

They propagated the lie that they were superior, and the false history that tells of their conquering of the world.

For example, to deny that slavery was practiced by all peoples, and that all peoples were enslaved by others throughout history, is to deny the potential power - the potency - of black Americans. It’s important that we not perpetuate the myth that only white people enslaved only black people, when in fact all peoples were involved in slavery. Why? Because the truth is that all people, regardless of race, are fully capable of using preemptive force and violence to oppress others. This ability to use power to disempower others is not exclusive to white people - it’s the human condition. The fascist, white supremacy concept it that white people are actually more powerful, and their skewed version of history claims that it’s always been that way. But that’s just not true.

Now, once we establish the equality of all races in their ability to use violence and threats of violence to coerce others into submission, then and only then can we transcend that compulsion of the species. This is the wellspring of Liberty of the individual. Once we realize that the myth of white supremacy is just that, a myth, then we can live in reality: that all individuals have life, and liberty.

We cannot be anti-fascist while also affirming the primary tenet of white supremacists - that white people have always been in control of other races everywhere. This disempowers those individuals who are descended from other races, and misconstrues history, too.

Infantilizing races other than Caucasian, and insisting that they can never truly be free unless the white people actively resist their inborn superiority (not moral superiority, but evolutionary), is about the most racist affirmation of white supremacy possible. The fact that we bemoan what they boasted about is neither here nor there; we’re confirming an old lie, built on scientific misadventure, that white people are superior to others.

The best way to test what you believe is to write about it. When we talk about something, it’s easy to use emotion and rhetoric, making affirmative statements with passion. We don’t realize, until we try to write about those ideas, that we’ve yet to develop them fully. Writing is the process by which we test our thoughts, lest we test them in open debate and suffer embarrassment.

As the owner of The People’s Paper, and Make A Scene Magazine before that, I’ve spent 15+ years advocating for people to actually use their freedom of the Press. I’ve learned a lot in that time. Unlike any other print publication, The People’s Paper is exactly what the name implies. It is written by local people like you. It’s social media in print, but unlike social media online, it can’t be deleted later. We print thousands of copies (we’re increasing from 10,000 to 12,000 this month!) of whatever the people send us to print. Social media, like empty rhetoric, allows for emotional outbursts, but when people contribute to The People’s Paper, they have to think it through.

So it’s not just that The People’s Paper is a way for people to express themselves, but also to test their own beliefs. The process of writing out their ideas forces them to reckon with all of the implications of what they

Write to Think Haiku

believe. We’ve become factionalized and polarized, adopting packages of beliefs, never testing those ideas with reason.

I write a lot. I write to think. It helps me, because I have to go back and consider the substance of my stance. It’s easy to make assertions, but it’s challenging to use the language, with logic, to refine those ideas into something useful.

When we write, we lose the power of inflection, and that ability to express emotion as a vehicle for our thoughts. This means that the reader can depend only on the words themselves. A talented, skilled writer can still express emotion through writing, but it’s not a direct connection like speaking to someone. The reader still has to indulge that emotional response, it’s not as easily provoked.

So the writer has to consider carefully how they present their thoughts, so that all of that emotional intention is included in the words. However, this is where emotional intention must be tethered to truth. When the reader reads something that rings true, they feel an emotional response to that truth. However, when they hear something spoken, with passion from the speaker, they can’t help but experience emotion regardless of truth. This is empathy, humanity itself.

by Joshua Fryfogle

There’s an oft-quoted statement among the right-leaning partisans: “Politics is downstream of culture.”

The polarizing personality of Andrew Breitbart, who is credited with that quote, should not distract from the truth of it. Culture is upstream from politics. But that’s a cynical view that won’t produce authentic culture. Authentic culture is an artistic endeavor, and art should not be a means to a political end. That’s not authentic, it’s not real. Art is poignant and powerful when it wells up from within the individual!

Self-Expression

Liberty of the individual is the primary precept of our society. But why?

Culture is created by self-expression. It is cumulative. We all contribute, whether or not we know it. We all, each one of us, perpetuate some influence in the world - some more than others. Regardless of the level of influence that one might exercise, this does not always correlate with the authenticity of their art. Some influence is propped up by propaganda, perpetuated by those in power. Still, real artistic output cannot be stopped, only diverted and displaced.

When we think of culture as a means of achieving political outcomes, we are choosing that propagandistic perspective. It’s cynical. It’s without earnest inspiration. It lacks the true expression of any individual, and is nothing more than a masked manipulation. Art is honest, or it isn’t art. And propaganda masquerading as art is anything but honest.

So it’s true, politics is downstream of culture. The idea is to keep it that way. Don’t try to invert that order. Saying that politics is downstream of culture ought to serve as a reminder that those who seek to put their political pursuits upstream from the culture, and then attempt to create culture with a political goal in mind, are not really fixing the problem with our sociopolitical milieu.

While I support the self-expression of anyone, of any political or partisan background, if they plan to actually restore our culture it must be from a place of personal sincerity. The Marxist influence over our modern culture is undeniable. It’s academically established, even. We must realize that the Marxist mindset was manipulative from the start. They identified, decades ago, that politics was downstream of culture. They perverted it, inverted that balance, on purpose. They write about it extensively. They influenced poetry, art, music - all with a political end in mind. So, it wasn’t Andrew Breitbart who first realized the power of culture over politics. Dictators and freedom fighters throughout history understood this principle all too well, while the general public simply drinks it in.

When it comes to art, it has to come from the heart. It must be inspired. It must evoke something more from those who appreciate it. If it seeks instead to redirect the flow of the river, to affect the culture with political intent, then it is no better than any other totalitarian effort to do the same.

Liberty is about culture creation. It’s about unleashing the potential of all individuals, allowing their altruistic enthusiasm to blossom, and allowing the wellspring of humanity to bring pure water to those who thirst.

While I see many right leaning people and commentators invoking Breitbart’s now famous quote, I worry that they will only compound the real error that has led to this predicament we’re in now. By dishonoring the authenticity of real art, and attempting to create art for the sake of politics, those on the right who are doing so will be our final undoing. We need real art, from real artists, even if it goes against the political preferences of those in power. It doesn’t matter if those in power lean to the right, or the left, if they’re seeking to divert or dam up the river of life, to control it’s flow, they’re not facilitating Liberty of the individual. They’re preventing it.

It’s important that those on the political right learn more about art, but the emphasis must be on learning, not manipulating with the appearance of culture. For the last several decades, the people on the political right have eschewed art and culture. The quote from Breitbart, and it’s subsequent resurgence among the right side of the partisan divide, is a good thing. However, there is a deeper understanding that must be taken from it. A practical, partisan approach to art can never truly produce art, and any culture that results from such will certainly end in disappointment and unforeseen circumstances. Art cannot be simply about correcting the woes of the world, it must first correct the internal reality of the artist. It’s about self-reflection first, and selfexpression second.

People who misuse the word ‘liberal’ so often clearly have not done the work to educate themselves about our culture. The arts, the wellspring of culture, evolved alongside the ideas of individual liberty. Our society, our culture, was built on the Seven Liberal Arts, which most people have not studied, and those who have studied have done so too far downstream. The Marxist philosophies that have grown in influence since the Frankfurt School have made culture downstream of politics, and the modern liberal arts graduate doesn’t even know it. The curriculum itself is geared to avoid the connection between the arts and individual liberty.

However, any individual can tap into that fountainhead any time they want, and drink from that source.

As long as there are insincere efforts to affect the culture, for political gain, we will have to bypass any curricular course that limits our exploration of said culture. The real artists must be the ones who resist the polarization that is indicative of partisan manipulation of the culture. They are the ones who must see through the illusion, the narrative-building manipulation, the propaganda of the politicos. Only the true artists of our society have that true spirit, and they need not address political issues directly to do it. Instead, they can address the human condition in a meaningful way. This does more to fortify the culture with truth than any partisan manipulation can do to divert it.

“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” - Frederick Douglas

“Employ your time in improving yourself by other men’s writings so that you shall come easily by what others have labored hard for.” - Socrates

“You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.” - Ray Bradbury

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” - Dr. Seuss

“Reading brings us unknown friends” - Honoré de Balzac

“The person who deserves most pity is a lonesome one on a rainy day who doesn’t know how to read.” - Benjamin Franklin

“My alma mater was books, a good library... I could spend the rest of my life reading, just satisfying my curiosity.” - Malcolm X

“Man reading should be man intensely alive. The book should be a ball of light in one’s hand.” - Ezra Pound

“The man who does not read ... is no better than the man who can’t.” - Mark Twain

“To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.” - Victor Hugo

“Show me a family of readers, and I will show you the people who move the world.” - Napoléon Bonaparte

“It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.” - Oscar Wilde

“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.” - James Baldwin

“Words can be like X-rays if you use them properly – they’ll go through anything. You read and you’re pierced.” - Aldous Huxley

“I read books and talked to people. I mean that's kind of how one learns anything. There's lots of great books out there and lots of smart people.” - Elon Musk

“Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren’t very new after all.” - Abraham Lincoln

Buy Josh A Coffee

I’m working to find ways for my readers to support my efforts, and that support is greatly appreciated!

“Joshua Fryfogle, the owner of The People’s Paper, Make A Scene Magazine, and Liberty, Liberally, is heavily involved in the local community. In addition to creating a monthly paper that prints what community members submit, he also owns 95.5 The Pass, KNLT, one of the only stations in the nation to play local music in regular rotation! Josh is a lifelong singer/songwriter, and serves as booking agent and sound engineer for countless other Alaskan musicians.” Buy this man a coffee!

www.buymeacoffee.com/joshfryfogle

Liberty, Liberally

From the Journal of Joshua Fryfogle

Thanksgiving Blessing puts faith into action and brings together people of good will for a common goal: provide a Thanksgiving meal for families who might otherwise go without. Rising food costs affect everyone.

Anyone needing assistance can visit one of the many sites in Mat-Su on 11/19, and in Anchorage on 11/21. Or

consider sponsoring a fund or food drive to help support our efforts. Volunteering at a site can provide you with a good feeling inside as well.

Please visit: wwwfoodbankofalaska. org/blessing/ for site information or navigate to Donate or Get Involved tabs at the top.

Happy Thanksgiving and thank you from Food Bank of Alaska.

Did You Know?

Through ongoing support from amazing friends of Friends of Alaska’s Children in Care (FACC) like you, this past fiscal year FACC: Fulfilled over 125 Children & Family Needs Grant Applications; Served over 300 Alaskan Children & Youth in Care; Awarded several educational scholarships to youth in or recently exited from care;

Provided more than $80,000 in direct Children, Youth and Family Reunification support

Continued a three-decade legacy of support to the State of Alaska’s Court Appointed Special Advocate Program. All through an all-volunteer (no paid staff) organization. During this season, we are especially ever thankful for your help in making a difference in the lives of Alaska’s children and youth in care! Please join us on November 25th & 26th for our virtual annual Quilt Auction fundraiser. www.friendsofalaskascc.org

sources available to help our wonderful community. Remember: No One should go hungry! Please take a minute to visit our web page www.matsufoodbank. org.

Contributed by Lauralynn Robison

The Holiday Season is once again upon us. Families in our community are struggling with food insecurities and Holidays are difficult for many of them.

The MatSu Food Bank is blessed that we have so many businesses and individuals who donated throughout the year to help us assist with providing nutritious food so that we may help our community during this time of need. If you or

someone you know is seeking food for this Holiday season, please contact our Food Pantry or schedule a visit, to see how we can help.

February 18th, 2023, the MatSu Food Bank and Alaska Fire & Police Chaplians will hosting their annual event, HEARTS4HUNGER. This event offers silent/live auctions, music, delicious food and of course socializing! This year’s event is focusing on raising awareness for the

need to buy our new warehouse. Our community has grown rapidly these past few years and the need for a larger warehouse is in demand, so that we may house all the donations properly. Tickets for this even will be available within the next couple weeks, be sure to get yours quickly, as seating is limited.

Remember your donations of food and money are really needed this time of year. We are truly grateful for all the re-

You can also follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/MatSuFoodBank. See the many ways you can contribute, by volunteering and making donations, help us help our community. Please contact us at (907) 357-3769 to schedule time to volunteer, or for more information concerning donations… Thank You for all your continued support, we deeply appreciate our community!`

Contributed by Randi Perlman

As our country begins the festive season of celebrations, most of us think of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, and New Year’s Eve, but we can also join together to celebrate America Recycles Day (ARD)! Observed on November 15th each year, and also known as National Recycling Day, ARD is observed all around the United States and is dedicated to promoting recycling across the nation. The day is all about recycling — how to recycle, which recycled products to buy, and how to reduce waste. ARD is the signature recycling program of Keep America Beautiful (KAB), the managing and promoting organization for this heartfelt holiday, and the largest community organization in America.

America Recycles Day wasn’t always a national event. It began as Texas Recycles Day (TRD) in 1994 with an idea from two employees of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality at the time.  TRD was supposed to spread information about recycling in the state and encourage more people to recycle their waste. These employees, Kevin

Tuerff and Valerie Davis, kept up the observance of TRD for as long as they worked with the Texas Commission.

When the two later left their state jobs at the Commission, they proposed the idea of converting Texas Recycles Day to America Recycles Day and brought it to the National Recycling Coalition (NRC), who accepted the proposal and embraced the idea.  AMERICA RECYCLES DAY WAS BORN!

The first America Recycles Day was announced in Orlando, Florida during the NRC’s 16th Annual Congress & Exposition with a parade for about 2,000 gathered people.  Over 40 states participated in America Recycles Day and the NRC and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) co-sponsored a press conference on the event with then VicePresident Al Gore as the honorary chair.

Over the years, the NRC has worked on spreading the events throughout the country.

In 1999, President Bill Clinton published and signed a proclamation on America Recycles Day, making it a national observance.  In the proclamation, the President promoted the environmental

and economic benefits of recycling and emphasized the need for Americans to continue to recycle and to buy recycled products.  All but one President who followed him has continued to issue a proclamation for the observance each year.

The NRC continued advertising for ARD, achieving 3,000 events across all 50 states in 2007.  In 2009, however, the NRC announced they would file for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and ultimately reorganized.  Shortly before that, in the summer of 2009, KAB took ownership of the holiday from the struggling NCR and is still the managing entity for ARD today. ARD is the only nationallyrecognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States.

The EPA has stated that the national recycling rate has increased from less than 7% in the 1960s to the current rate of 32%, in large part due to the work by the Recycling Coalition and the America Recycles Day events. An EPA study found that recycling and reuse activities in the United States accounted for 681,000 jobs and $37.8 billion in wages.

Despite these impressive numbers, the EPA estimates that 75% of the American waste stream is recyclable, but only about 34% of it is recycled. This year, for #AmericaRecyclesDay, we can all do our part by encouraging friends and family to #DoBeautifulThings to #KeepAmericaBeautiful…

The recycling efforts of communities (like ours) and businesses throughout the United States have helped with the success and growth of ARD, and we can do even better! To build on this progress, America Recycles Day educates and encourages individuals on how to be more mindful of what they consume, the importance of recycling, and where and how to properly recycle. During America Recycles Day, KAB asks people to take their #BeRecycled Pledge to recycle more and recycle right in their everyday lives to increase recycling rates in the U.S. Contact YOUR local Recycling Center, Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS), at 907-7455544 or www.valleyrecyclingak.org , to find out how to RECYCLE RIGHT. Happy AMERICA RECYCLES DAY!

Pick up next month’s edition of The People’s Paper/Make a Scene Magazine for Recycling Repeats Itself, Episode 12

line. Frank finally told me that my essay would not be included in the anthology if I didn’t meet an extended deadline.

Contributed by Alys Culhane

A few days ago, I opened my mailbox and pulled forth a book-sized package. I stood, momentarily puzzled. I hadn’t ordered any books, for I had on hand enough reading material to last me the rest of my life.

The package contained a book, entitled Wheels on Ice. There was a photo of a bicyclist pushing a fully loaded bicycle on a snow-packed trail on the cover. My essay, entitled “The Things Bicyclists Car ried,” was included in this anthology.

The story about how my story came to be came back to mind. It was April 2020. The Alaska State Fair had just been cancelled, and Head Gardener Becky Myrold had just been told that she needed to part out the season’s plants. She organized an online sale, and I assisted in passing out plants. I also gave gardeners free books, which were courtesy of the Bright Lights Book Project.

There was a lull midway through the second day. I’d forgotten to bring a book, so I checked my email. There was one message, from a former teacher, Frank Soos, was wondering if I’d like to submit an essay for an anthology that he was co-editing with Jessie Cherry. I immediately said yes. Ironically, Frank had once told me and my fellow

students to reply in the affirmative if a reputable editor asked for a submission.

Frank was reputable. Twenty-five years previously, he’d been hired to teach writing courses at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where I was then a second-year graduate student. Upon meeting, I told him that I was going to go to New Zealand the following semester and do a three-month long bicycle tour. After, I’d write a series of essays, which would comprise my MFA thesis. Frank suggested that I take his graduate-level writing workshop, adding that while most long-distance bicyclists wrote in journals, few got their ideas in print. He wanted assurance that I’d be an exception to this rule.

By the semester’s end, Frank was my writing mentor and coach. My thesis was entitled Road Songs: Exploring New Zealand by Bicycle. I then completed the Iditabike, a 200-mile race, accidently, in reverse. This was all under Frank’s guidance.

I continued to write about my adventure-related exploits after I graduated. I must have been moderately successful, for Frank wanted me to submit an essay for inclusion in Wheels on Ice.

There is always a caveat, and this is that being invited to submit work does not

necessarily mean that it will be accepted. From beginning to end, you have to grab and keep your editor’s attention. This is why I immediately wrote back to Frank and said that I’d soon bicycle and horseback ride from Fairbanks to Valdez. My essay would be entitled “The Things Bicyclists Carried.” I further explained that the title and essay would be based upon Tim O’Brien’s The Things they Carried. O’Brien, I said, wrote about the things Vietnam war veterans carried, and I, following his lead, would write about the things that I, a bicyclist/book project devotee carried. I continued to elaborate, noting that my purpose was twofold. I’d both promote the Bright Lights Book Project, and as well, the book that the Mat-Su School District had previously attempted to ban.

Frank and I corresponded as I prepared for, undertook, and completed my trip. After, I began writing. Every good piece of writing poses a challenge to its author, and this essay was no exception. My challenge was audience related. Frank was the sort of teacher who raised the writing bar. I now wanted him to think that I was not a has been, but rather an exemplary writer.

I hit several stuck points in writing my essay. And in hitting stuck points, I took breaks and problem solved. And in problem solving, I missed my dead-

I finished the essay, then sent it to him. He sent me back a message saying that it was worth the wait. High praise indeed. Higher praise came, when after a subsequent revision, Frank told her that mine was his favorite submission.

Two weeks later I received an e-mail message from Cherry, saying that Frank had died in a bicycling accident, while on vacation in Maine.

As I held this book in my hand, my memories related to the story behind the story came back to mind. Wheels on Ice is a tribute to a most amazing teacher, writer, and editor.

Alys Culhane is a Palmer-based writer, and currently the Executive Director of the Bright Lights Book Project.

Contributed by Diane O’Neil

Contributed by Kimberley Burnett

Contributed by Alaska Trails

Alaska Trails is hiring! We’re looking for someone to lead the planning and community engagement effort for the Alaska Long Trail (ALT) project in the Mat-Su Borough. The ALT is a workin-progress multi-braid trail system connecting Fairbanks and Seward which will incorporate a variety of year-round uses (motorized and nonmotorized) along different braids.

The Mat-Su Borough is at the heart of the ALT and critical to its connection and success. To harness the current momentum and to garner more substantial community support and feedback in the Mat-Su Borough, the ALT Mat-Su Coordinator will lead the ALT project in the borough through community engage-

ment, public outreach, relationshipbuilding with landowners and decisionmakers, and identifying priorities for trail projects.

Learn more @ www.alaska-trails.org/ jobs

“Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” - James Baldwin

With such a quote to be considered, then perhaps there is no better time than Scorpio season to open the doors of the Valley’s first oddities and curiosities shop: LA GALERIA. Owned and operated by Shaina Lopez-McKeown, a lifelong Alaskan -the shop offers a unique variety of taxidermy animal specimens, curated antiques and locally created products that tailor to a more somber aesthetic.

Situated in the Dome style building off the Palmer – Wasilla highway, La Galeria presents a modest first glance. There is nothing outside to yet indicate the experience available once you enter through the door.

“I’m doing that intentionally for now. I want to warm my environment up gradually to the idea of an alternative themed gallery. I’ve received a lot of pushback by other business owners to not have a bold presentation. However, I don’t think the concept of an oddity shop has quite made its way into this state, which is astounding to me considering Alaskan animal products are put up as top-tier in the lower 48 throughout the circuit. I really believe it is time to invest in local oddity culture. “

Both Alaskan and outside animal prod-

Contributed by Paula Burgan

FISH is a non-profit agency providing emergency food deliveries to people in need in the Anchorage area who call our request phone line.  Currently, we are experiencing a deluge of calls and so we are in need of additional volunteers.  There are several jobs:

Callers take requests from their homes by listening to our request line.  After getting details of address, number of family members, etc., they pass on the information by email to the pantry.

Packers at the pantry located at St. Mary’s Church on Lake Otis and Tudor take the information and fill bags with

the appropriate items as in the photo. Drivers come to the pantry and pick up the bags, delivering them to the clients.

Each of these jobs takes approximately two hours.

Volunteers sign up on Sign-Up Genius, one day of more per month as they are able.

FISH can provide food for 20 families on each of four days a week, but this requires 16 volunteers each week!  Can you help?

For more information, call Paula Burgan at 907-346-1991.  We hope to hear from you!

ucts are featured on the shelves. A quick glance through the store will provide you a Burtonesque view of taxidermy bats hanging off of crossbones fixed inside of vintage lanterns. Next to those, some large red bellied Piranhas from Brazil placed to swarm through antique frames back by dark velvet. A common product theme or shadow boxes filled with dried flowers accenting stuffed snakes or skulls.

Wet specimens are also available. Sheep brains placed in old ball jars topped with glass lids. Snakes floating in amber bottles. Most popular tend to be the jarred octopus varieties kept supplied within the stores’ numerous hutches.

Although the goal isn’t simply to shock your senses, but rather to embrace the cycle of life and death through artistic expression while upholding a respectful approach.

“I don’t make things to offend anyone. I don’t deconstruct a crucifix to place inside the construction of Moose buns, attach it to a rusty farm tool to bother you. Rather, I’m thinking about how I grew up around the farmlands in the Butte. Being a kid in a religious family, praying all the time… Then finally running into the woods to find a hunting cabin full of moose bones to drag around. This is a way to encapsulate memories and move time forward.”

La Galeria is open Tuesday-Friday 115pm and Saturdays 11-6pm @ 1705 n Ranch rd in Palmer

Contributed by Shaina Lopez-McKeown

Contributed by Jason Goldsmith

I feel like I’m living with a roommate instead of a spouse. I don’t feel like my spouse values me. I feel myself drifting farther and farther apart from my spouse. There’s just no intimacy in our home. Many out there have had difficult times in their relationship and remain together, and many out there ended things rather than continue what felt like a nightmare.

Marriage is statistically proven to show an increase in the quality and stability of our lives. At least, when the relationship is working. It may be interesting for us to hear that the divorce rate in the US has been falling continuously over the last decade. This may be because mar-

riage rates are also down. What works to maintain a healthy marriage and what doesn’t? Let’s begin by sharing some of the worst ideas used to save a marriage.

One of the more common ideas is having a baby with the idea it will solidify some urge in one of us to become a family and thus increase the love for each other. The unfortunate truth in this decision is that children require a lot of work and will likely place more pressure on an already strained boiler. The resulting explosion will likely just be delayed.

Another poor choice is staying together for the sake of the children, which is often connected to the previous idea. Children get their relationship education from us. Imagine watching from the

POLITICS & OPINION

Contributed by Ray Metcalfe

In 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a decision known as Citizens United, ruled that limiting the money one can spend on political speech violates one’s First Amendment right of free speech. The decision opened floodgates of unlimited dark money pouring into independent expenditure campaigns — money that expects favors in return.

Independent expenditures not coordinated with or controlled by a candidate are not considered to be campaign contributions. Corporations and wealthy individuals can spend as much as they wish to support a candidate, so long as they do not coordinate with the candidate.

On July 30, 2021, Alaska’s campaign limits received another blow. In an Alaska case, as directed by the U.S. Supreme Court in a remand, the Ninth Circuit reconsidered and reversed its previous decision, which pretty much wiped out Alaska’s direct to the candidate contribution limits.

In effect, the courts have increased how much wealthy individuals can pay and how much politicians can accept, for unspoken favors delivered or promised. Commonly known as “pay-to-play,” from

the school board to the U.S. President, selling favors is how America finances political campaigns.

Honest candidates can’t compete, and if elected, they seldom have the money to get re-elected unless they bend to the will of the system and hook up with a political ‘Sugar Daddy.’

In a commentary published Aug. 15, 2021, in the ADN, Sharman Haley, a retired professor of economics and public policy, said, “Our only possible solution for this judicial coup d’etat is to pass a constitutional amendment that will override the courts and establish that we do have the power to enact reasonable and evenhanded limits on the amount of money that can be expended to influence our elections.”

But in fact, there is a much easier and far more effective solution that Professor Haley and his friends have chosen to ignore.

In a 9-0 decision, the Supreme Court guaranteed every state the right to make it a crime for elected officials to reward contributors by voting to give them money from the state treasury or a leg up on their competitors.

In a case involving a Nevada ethics statute requiring elected officials to recuse

perspective of the children. Watching a deteriorating coupling of two people who do not want to be together tells us this is love and something we must strive to achieve. What behaviors will our children be likely to emulate with their partners after that?

A common idea in our current social climate is the “free pass” or introduction of the so-called sexual liberation. Introducing extramarital partners is a wildly dangerous gamble at best. This is not to say that these ideas will fail outright. However, marriage is built upon trust. The introduction of others will likely breed mistrust and resentment in the most dedicated of couples.

It’s important for us to remember that

saving a marriage will often require effort from both partners in ways that we will likely find very uncomfortable, and there are never any guarantees. The most successful and long-lasting solutions require true communication and a willingness to show vulnerability to one another. The hardest step in saving the marriage is getting past waiting for the other person to give ground. One of us must make the first move in repairing the damage, strong and unafraid.

For more relationship tips and warning signs, feel free to contact us. 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 keeping you anonymous. We look forward to hearing from you.

hatsofwisdom.com

Instagram.com/hats_of_wisdom907

themselves from voting if they have a conflict (Nevada Commission on Ethics v. Carrigan), a Nevada court concluded that a contribution created a conflict, and in this case, the receiving elected official was required by Nevada law to recuse himself from voting to give a gaming license to his contributor. The court concluded that the elected official would not have secured a gaming license for someone who had done him no favors. The conviction was upheld 9-0 by the U.S. Supreme Court.

While Citizens United guaranteed wealthy individuals and corporations the right to exercise political speech through political spending but, according to the Roberts Court’s 9-0 decision in the Nevada case, Citizens United did not guarantee corporations the right to receive political favors in return.

Bottom line, the Supreme Court has said not to fix this problem by limiting speech, but by making “pay-to-play” a crime.

To take advantage of this 9-0 decision, states must first pass legislation that complies with the court’s definition of public corruption and makes it a crime to fail to recuse one’s self from voting on legislation that repays contributors with appropriations or delivers unfair advantages over competitors.

Constitutional amendments are extremely difficult, and it is highly unlikely that we will see Sharman Haley’s constitutional amendment fixing this problem any time soon. Women’s right to vote took 70 years. Equal rights for women never made it. If the big spenders see a constitutional amendment on the horizon, they will spend billions to stop it.

Comparatively, 23 states can pass anticorruption statutes by initiative. Anticorruption initiatives are popular with voters and hard to stop.

For the amount of time and money already spent by those seeking a constitutional amendment, many states could have already passed legislation barring conflicted legislators from voting. And even if such a constitutional amendment does pass, contributions limited by reimposed limits given in anticipation of favors would still be legal.

We could have fixed this for a fraction of the money already spent chasing a constitutional amendment.

What corporation would spend a dime to help a candidate if, once elected, the candidate they contributed to would be barred by conflict from helping them access the public purse?

Ray Metcalfe is a former legislator/whistleblower who, in 2006, helped the FBI investigate and convict Veco owner Bill Allen and six legislators for bribery.

Contributed by Mike Coons, President of CCA

Some here may know me as the President of the Matsu Chapter of AMAC. Action, of which I did that for 8 years and really enjoyed it! My wife says I should be paid for all I do, but my answer is I get paid back in ways that aren’t monetary but a simple joy of doing something to help my fellow Alaskans.

Sadly, this September, the AMAC Action leadership fired me because, even though we had discussed it and approved that the Chapter wanted to endorse Ballot Measure 1, the State Constitutional Convention they reneged and used that as the reason (they wanted the leadership in Florida to

approve any endorsement of our Alaska Ballot measure).

Long story short, once I got the word, while on my hunting trip, upon my return our normal meeting in October was presided by Tom Wood, the acting Chapter leader. The agenda was the future of the Matsu Chapter, which AMAC Action in Florida tried to stop. At that meeting the situation was laid out to the membership.

A motion was made to dissolve the chapter, seconded and about an hour of discussion. With about 40 people in attendance, there were only two votes to maintain. Once the meeting was adjourned I asked if anyone would like to start up a new organization for and

by Alaskans.

The discussion was, do we remain a predominately senior group, or open to 18 and above (voting age). We agreed to open and thus the name of Concerned Conservatives of Alaska was born. We held a vote for President, VP, Secretary and Treasurer All including myself as President votes were unanimous.

Our Vision is: Promote The Growth of Conservative Truth & Policy to Voting Age Alaskans

Our Mission is: Be a Focal Point for Fair Conservative Debate, Election Issues, Candidate Information, and Issues that affect the promotion of a just and responsive

government. Increase Knowledge of Conservative Values, Policies, Issues and Support Through Membership, Meetings, and Technological Outreach to Alaskans. Advocating for Responsible City, Borough, State and Federal Government to ensure our Freedoms, & Liberties.

If this is something you would like to explore and be a part of, please come to our first meeting at Real Life Church 10697 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy, Palmer, AK on November 19th at 11 AM. You do not have to be a Republican to be a member. If you are a conservative, have conservative values, love our State and Country and want to learn about the issues, what is happening in Juneau during the sessions, how to have an impact on legislation, same with Cities and Boroughs and so much more, please come visit and see if this is a good fit for you.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Contributed by Sara Williams Bushes Bunches

Everything! The beet goes on everything! Did you know that beets are really good for your heart health? They also are excellent at helping detox the liver and kidneys of all the sugary sweets that we naturally consume during the holiday season!

Beets are also high in folate (vitamin B9) which helps cells grow and function. Beets may also prevent cancer and even slow the progression of dementia. We have many beets down at Bushes Bunches and would love to help you with ideas on how to cook with them to help you stay healthy this winter! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the

Oktoberfest ‘22!  It was an incredibly successful event where we launched 50+ new products into the store and showcased presenters dedicated to food security and improving food access for Alaskans. However, there were so many people in our tiny store that we decided to do it again but this time at the Palmer Moose Lodge.

Please join us for the Holiday Tasting and Food Security Symposium on December 3rd, 2022, from 6pm to 9pm.

This Alaskan Grown dinner will showcase food suppliers and vendors from all over the state.  You will also get the benefits of networking with farmers, producers, logistical providers, and other influential individuals in the food production industry.

The main program will be 90 minutes of presentations regarding food security projects, proposed logistical changes, vendor showcases, infrastructure funding strategies and much more! As we run head and heart first into the winter and continue to feed our customers and grow our capacity to feed more of Alaska, we ask that you join us and be a part of the Food Security Symposium!

Sponsorships and vendor booths are still available!  This event will be Live broadcasted through our Facebook page and professionally produced!  We are committed to this higher calling and if you are too, please join us!

Tickets are $40 and limited to 100 attendees. You can get on the guest list by purchasing tickets at the store or online at the link in the Facebook event on our page. We look forward to moving the discussion forward with you!

Holiday Tasting Food Security Symposium

December 3rd, 2022 6PM-9PM

Palmer Moose Lodge 1136 S Cobb St., Palmer 907-745-1115

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Thaw turkey - in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave oven.

Thaw in the refrigerator; keep the turkey in its original wrapper. Place it on a tray or in a pan to catch any juices that may leak. A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If necessary, a turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator may be refrozen.

ingredients can be prepared ahead of time; however, keep wet and dry ingredients separate. Chill all of the wet ingredients (butter/margarine, cooked celery and onions, broth, etc.). Mix wet and dry ingredients just before filling the turkey cavities. Fill the cavities loosely. Cook the turkey immediately. Use a food thermometer to make sure the center of the stuffing reaches 165 °F

With Thanksgiving coming soon, our thoughts often turn to turkey. It may bring memories of family and friends gathering together, the meal to celebrate the occasion, or its abundance with leftovers to share and enjoy.

When buying a turkey, allow 1 pound per person for the main meal.

Fresh Turkeys: buy one to two days before you plan to cook it. Keep it stored in the refrigerator on a tray or pan to catch any juices that may leak. Do not buy fresh pre-stuffed turkeys. In not handled correctly, harmful bacterial in the stuffing can multiply very fast.

Frozen turkeys can be kept in the freezer indefinitely; it is recommended to cook within one year for best quality. If you purchase pre-stuffed frozen turkeys with USDA or state marking of inspection on the package, cook from the frozen state. Follow the package directions for proper handling and cooking.

Thaw in cold water; wrap your turkey securely, making sure the water is not able to leak through the wrapping. Submerge your wrapped turkey in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes. Cook the turkey immediately after it is thawed. Do not refreeze.

Thaw in the Microwave Oven; Check your owner’s manual for the size turkey that will fit in your microwave oven, the minutes per pound, and power level to use for thawing. Remove all outside wrapping. Place on a microwave-safe dish to catch any juices that may leak. Cook your turkey immediately. Do not refreeze or refrigerate your turkey after thawing in the microwave oven.

Roast Turkey

Set your oven temperature no lower than 325 °F. Place your turkey or turkey breast on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. When your food thermometer registers 165˚F in the innermost part of the thigh, the innermost part of the wing and the thickest part of the breast, the turkey is ready. Let it stand for 15-20 minutes so the juices can settle, then it’s ready to carve.

If you choose to stuff your turkey, the

PETS & ANIMALS

Contributed by Angie Lewis

Separation anxiety occurs when a dog becomes overly dependent on their guardian’s presence. When the dog’s person is not around, he becomes stressed, frightened, and often destructive. This can become a serious issue if, as a puppy, the dog never learned to become comfortable being on his own for short periods away from his person.

Physical symptoms can include: panting, crying, shaking, defecating or urination, and destructive behaviors. It may be tempting to punish your dog, but that approach is not a good idea.

There can be different reasons that dogs can become stressed when left alone and these can be focused on when working with a behavioral counselor. To begin, practice leaving your dog alone, while you are still at home. Put up a baby gate and assure your dog that you are not gone from your house for a lengthy period of time. If you occasionally need to verbally calm your dog down, do so. Gradually increase the amount of time your dog is required to be alone. Hopefully, your dog will become more confident and require to help calm

your dog down. less assurance from you. If your dog seems to be bored, provide him with some activities such as doggie puzzles, hidden treats, music, doggie television shows, etc.

Remember to always portray a calm demeanor, so that your dog does not get amped up based on your behavior. Speak with your veterinarian about natural strategies to use, such as thunder shirts, scents, and medications.

As a dog rescuer, it is so disgusting to see dogs being euthanized because there was no effort provided when they were first brought home. You can make your dog be the kind of dog you want, with some training.

We have three Great Dane/Mastiff mix dogs who need foster/forever homes!

Princess is 4. She is the mother of Persephone (Female 1 yr) and Fargo (Male 1 yr). They have been fixed, are house and kennel trained, and are current on their vaccinations. Their current family says they are good with kids, but may not be good with cats.

For more info, call/text Angie at (907) 841-3173.

For more even cooking, it is recommended to cook stuffing outside the bird in a casserole. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the stuffing. The center should reach 165 °F.

When dinner is over, carve the rest of the turkey from the bone and refrigerate it immediately. For safety, make sure the turkey is refrigerated within 2 hours of coming out of the oven. To make using those leftovers easy, divide the turkey up into meal-sized portions. Use leftovers within 4 days or freeze them. If there is gravy left over, you can freeze that too. Although this future dinner will be safe indefinitely, it will taste best if you eat it within 4 months.

If you have questions about roasting your turkey, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1888-674-6854), or chat live with a food safety specialist at AskKaren.gov

Other options for cooking the turkey include grilling or smoking, “spatchcooking” in which the backbone is removed, flattened then cooked, or fry the thawed  turkey in a huge vat of oil. Check out https://www.fsis.usda.gov/ for more information.

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA PAGE 11

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA PAGE 11

Contributed by Julie Cascio

(UAF Cooperative Extension Service, Mat Su District)

COMMUNITY

MTA, Alaska’s best choice for technology and communications, is donating $25,000 to benefit necessary repairs to the historic Palmer water tower, which was damaged in a storm last winter. Lighting the iconic water tower, erected in 1935, with festive holiday lights has been a popular local tradition each December in Palmer. This project

will upgrade the lights to modern, more durable RBG lights that will be customizable throughout the year.

Led by Palmer-based Alaska Picker founder Kelly Turney and Bleeding Heart Brewery owners Stefan Marty and Zack Lanphier, the project serves as a symbol of hope and perseverance in the area. “We are always looking for ways to leave Alaska better than we found it,” said Wanda Tankersley, Chief Operating

Officer at MTA. “From our perspective, this is the exact level of innovation we are encouraging from members of our community.”

“The community rallied together, and our fundraiser was a huge success,” said Stefan Marty, co-owner of Bleeding Heart Brewery. “A special thanks to Matanuska Brewing for donating a safe spot on their property for the new electrical components.”

Through MTA’s donation and with the help of crowdfunding, the project will be finished in time for Palmer’s annual Colony Christmas, which runs December 9 through 11.

All funds donated to the project will be approved by the Palmer Chamber of Commerce and used to complete the project and support ongoing maintenance.

Contributed by Matanuska Telecom Association (MTA)