The People's Paper August 2017

MAT-SU MINERS WIN AGAIN! READ MORE ON PAGE 12

ADOPT JILL THE KITTY READ MORE ON PAGE 10

COMMUNITY Contributed by Taylor Berberich

COVER STORY

I am a lifelong Alaskan, the daughter of an accountant and a high school ag teacher. Unfortunately, I did not inherit my mom’s aptitude for numbers, but I did develop an affinity for agriculture at roughly the same time I learned how to walk. I loved to tag along when Dad went to the high school agriculture building and “help”

benefits that local foods have on our health and economy. However, many Alaskans never have the chance to observe food growing; urban and extreme rural living make growing food difficult.

Jan Newman, founder, manager and operator of Grow Palmer, is challenging the ideals of where food should grow.

Jan started Grow Palmer in 2013 with the vision that everyone can share the rewards of growing and eating great food. She found local businesses

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Five years later, her idea has grown into a thriving operation with sixteen locations around Palmer to harvest delicious vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits. This includes the expanded Edible Rail Trail, the raised beds outside the Palmer Train Depot and the planting at the corner of Evergreen and Colony Way. Jan works tirelessly all summer to nurture each planter and loves to see residents and visitors harvesting the fresh produce for their lunches and dinners.

If you are in Palmer and aren’t sure what to eat for lunch, just swing by any of the planters with the Grow Palmer logo and pick a few things. Remember to take only what you need – please harvest responsibly. Jan encourages everyone to come harvest: “The garden beds are flourishing this year, stop by any one of the growing areas and sample Palmer’s amazing local food. And if you’re looking to purchase specific local products, we know all the farmers, so don’t hesitate to get in touch!”

water plants, pull weeds and imagine I was Indiana Jones (among a tangle of tomato vines) in a jungle somewhere fighting bad guys.

I grew up with the ability to grow my own food, and I understood the

throughout the city willing to sponsor a planter barrel or two, and filled the barrels with vegetable, edible flowers and herbs. Anyone visiting Palmer can harvest the crops as they grow, creating easy access to sample healthy local food.

To contact Grow Palmer, send an email to growpalmer@gmail.com.

You can also find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/growpalmer.

Feel free to send questions or comments and of course, to donate to this fantastic local foods effort.

Happy harvesting!

COMMUNITY Contributed by Michelle Overstreet MY House was recently recognized by Governor Bill Walker for starting the grassroots Mat Su Opioid Task Force and impacting the opiate epidemic on a statewide scale with their work.

A bill signing ceremony was recently held at the MY House Gathering Grounds Café, celebrating a law that creates an opioid prescription database, prevents “doctor shopping” and imposes limits on the number of opiate pills prescribed for medical procedures and the length of time a person can receive opiates for pain, with exceptions for those managing chronic pain. These measures are all designed to prevent addiction and overdose, and save lives.

This is in the wake of a national announcement that death from opiate overdose is now the leading cause of death for youth ages, 14-24, which has a significant impact on the clientele that MY House is serving. In addition, Chris Christie, Chair of President Trump’s Federal Commission on Opiates has stated that more people are dying every three weeks from opiate overdoses than died on 9/11.

As the death rates continue to climb,

Contributed by Sherry Carrington, Executive Director of Connect Palmer Palmer has been my home now since 2003. I’ve found it a very friendly and generous town. The last three years have been amazing.

While I lived in Fairbanks, I started a ministry called Father’s House, Single Parent Family Center. It helped single parents, with everything from car care clinics (where we changed oil and offered a maintenance checkup on their vehicles) to budgeting workshops. We had parenting classes and the Great Alaskan Coat Swap, where families could come get winter gear for their families.

We also held bike care clinics where we would gather some bike mechanics to help with those garage sale and hand-me-down bicycles. This was such a blessing for many moms, including myself who as a single parent of three, I had a difficult time fixing a bike chain or repairing a flat tire. It was a great ministry that I loved and was sad to leave.

After a few years in Palmer, my husband and I with a few of our friends had it in our minds to start a ministry in Palmer that helped people with practical needs. Not just single parents, but others that were struggling. From my time with Father’s House, I learned that with most practical needs assistance, usually the greatest underlying need for those struggling is work. There are a variety of reasons that can make it challenging for some to get a job or keep their job. Before leaving Father’s House, I had begun to write up the beginnings of a back to work program.

God’s Work Design, was a program to

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states like Alaska are taking matters seriously and finding solutions, like the new law.

The Mat Su Opiate Task Force has also sent members to Juneau and Kodiak to talk about how to start effective Task Force work in those communities, and have been invited by others to share the strategies that have marked their success.

These strategies include close and cohesive partnerships between agencies who work with highrisk populations, like MY House and treatment providers. It also emphasizes the value of peer-to-peer support programs, like Fiend2Clean, owned and operated by two addicts in long-term recovery who have made it their mission to help others.

And the continued battle to increase access to affordable treatment for addicts remains an important part of the Task Force’s mission. Building a community that offers various entry points to recovery, and many supports for long-term recovery is priority. It all comes down to saving lives and working together as Alaskans to make a difference.

Valley Legislators Oppose Opiate Legislation: While the reader board for the House clearly indicates opposition for the Opioid Bill from

help individuals focus on getting a job and addressing the challenging that could be hindering their success.

We started Connect Palmer with that being our primary goal. We wanted to help people get the tools they need to look for work and have the tools they need to keep the job they get. But as it is with many grassroots ventures, especially when you’re looking for God’s plan in what you’re doing, our vision began to shift. In the first year of offering the God’s Work Design program, almost 70% of the ladies who applied for the program where without homes. These ladies were living on the Mat-Su River, in cars, trucks, tents or couch surfing.

In October 2015, my husband and I become aware that one of the two apartments above our training center was becoming vacant. We looked at each other and he asked, “Do you call the landlord or do I?” We both felt strongly that God had not allowed us to be confronted with such a great need and not try to address it in some manner. So we rented the apartment to allow us to offer a safe and caring place for the ladies to stay while they participated in our God’s Work Design program and the LIFE Connect program. LIFE Connect is a life skills program to help them set goals and make plans to move toward the changes they want to make in their lives.

local legislators, the measure passed, bringing Alaska to the forefront of aggressive legislation designed to keep opioids from being overprescribed, and preventing addicts from having more than one doctor at a time prescribing the addictive medications.

As a result of this legislation and work done by the Mat Su Opioid Task Force, a recent article in the Huffington Post applauds Alaska for the work being done, partnerships being built to change the recovery climate and for covering a wide geographical area with communication and coordinated services.

By bringing together local providers who can coordinate services and work with a diverse group of organizations and individuals, we save money, lives and family anguish.

We painted and put out the call for furnishings - bunk beds to toilet bowl cleaner. We were pretty much furnished by the time we moved in our first lady on Dec 30, 2015.

We’ve had over twenty-five women stay at Sarah’s House over the last year and a half. We’re coming up on Sarah’s House’s two year anniversary and we have rented the other apartment that’s above our training center.

We’re excited to have eight beds available for women who are needing a safe and caring place to stay while they enroll in our work-ready and life skills programs.

Esther Greene, one of our newest board members shared her heart about becoming part of the board, “We care about the people here. Every time we go down to the Butte and we see the people camping out by the river, we know that may be somebody that is homeless. That is somebody whose world has turned upside down and they don’t care anymore.

And Connect Palmer, one-by-one is changing lives. Isn’t that kind of what the Bible says - one by one?”

Our tag line from the beginning has been “Connect Palmer to the Love of God, One Need at a Time.” And that’s still our goal. One lady at a time, trying to show them God’s love and kindness.

Sherry Carrington, Executive Director. Connect Palmer is a 501c3 non-profit organization.

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Contributed by Major Mike Dryden, USAR Retired Contributed by Betsy Woodin, Alaska Center for Resource Families I nominated Rozann Kimpton for the 2017 Alaska Angels in Adoption Award based on her commitment to her two great grandchildren and support for other relative caregivers in the Mat-Su. I have known Rozann

grandparents that enjoy meeting monthly to do fun activities with the kids while providing support and encouragement to each other.

Most of the year, we meet in the Turn-A-Leaf Thrift Store Community Room in Wasilla and do holidaythemed arts and crafts like making sugared Easter baskets or gingerbread igloos as well as suetfilled mesh bag bird feeders and tied fleece blankets to be given to the children being adopted from the foster care system.

During the short Alaskan summer, we usually meet at Rozann’s property which has a creek that the kids can play in while we cook hotdogs and have a bonfire. Everyone brings food to share and the children get to play in the water, on the trampoline or with the dogs. Even the older youth enjoy getting together to visit with each other. Over the years, friendships have developed and it has become more like an extended family than a support group.

for over ten years and have seen her go from being an unlicensed caregiver to foster great grandparent to adoptive great grandparent of her two great grandchildren, Luke and Amanda. In addition, Rozann is the volunteer coordinator of our local Grandparent Support Group.

Originally this group was part of the Volunteers of America statewide Grandfamilies Program, but VOA did not have staff in the Valley.

Over the years, we developed a local group with some assistance from organizations in the Valley, but stay connected to VOA in Anchorage. The support group is composed of relative caregivers, foster grandparents and adoptive

As the foster, relative and adoptive parent trainer at Alaska Center for Resource Families, a small nonprofit, this is my absolute favorite group to work with. Whenever I do outreach in the community, I include Rozann as she invites other relative caregivers to visit the Grandparent Support Group since many of them are raising their grandchildren with little to no financial support or agency involvement.

At eighty-one years of age, she does a lot to dispel the myth about being too old to raise grandkids, or as in her case – great grandkids! We are very pleased that she was selected for this award.

My column has been AWOL for the last couple of issues, and I apologize. I became one of the “walking wounded” in early June after a fall which broke my right arm.

Despite having an extensive workplace safety enforcement background, I willfully and stupidly violated the three points of contact rule by not using the hand rails. My fall broke my right arm and rendered me incapable of independent living for several weeks.

First, mobility devices are available almost everywhere at reasonable prices. The time to pick them up at thrift stores, yard sales and from friends is before you need them. Your attitude during the first week of your recovery will not be conducive to creative thoughts (unless you count new and better ways of using profane language when you forget your arm is broken). My first five days of recovery were spent at the JBER’s 673rd MSU wing. Three hots and cot with nurses servicing my every need was wonderful. However, I must confess having a self-administered morphine supply enhanced my mood.

Ask for help and pay it forward. When you see somebody struggling in the parking lot, offer to help them. Ask an older adult if you can return their shopping cart to the store or cart pen. This small gesture says a great deal about your upbringing.

beat, he said,”Five years ago.” Then he asked me when was the second best time to plant a fruit tree.

I wasn’t about to bite on that one, having just been adroitly castigated. He said the next best time to plant a fruit tree is today.

Whether you are talking about a pear tree, a retirement plan or making some new friends, the process is the same. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

Finally, if you don’t already know this, then sit down. You don’t heal as quickly and completely as you once did. Yes, this is a shocker but the older you are, the longer the recovery time. I am sanguine that most of us in Alaska spent the winter months planning in detail what we are going to accomplish after breakup. I had many plans for each day this summer, but my plans will have to wait until next year.

My annual reminder why some jobs should remain the providence of younger professionals will also have to wait. I normally rent a piece of heavy equipment and move dirt around on Far North Fubar Farm. The cost is less than a couple of payments on a new ATV and much more fun. I hope my herd of free-range moose and black bears will understand. This season, that D3 Cat dealer will have to wonder where this old grey-headed fool is.

“Wait until next year.” was the most used phrase fans of my college football team most used. Therefore, I have adopted that phrase for my injured reserve status season. It looks like I will be fishing at Freddy’s for silvers this month.

Check out senior centers and church loan closets for equipment and services. Most of these agencies are not government operations which mean less red tape. Join your local senior center and volunteer your time. What goes around, comes around.

The same goes for your neighbors. When you are lying prostate and injured in your front yard may not the best time to introduce yourself to the neighborhood, but any port in a storm. I was somewhat surprised by the volume of support I had at home. I live alone in a condo complex.

The neighbors are friendly and couldn’t do enough in my time of need.

In conclusion, I hope I have shed some light on the ramifications of fall injuries and some methods to mitigate the damage. My purpose was to ignite the thought process in the event of a loss of mobility injury. Learn, before the injury, methods to eliminate barriers in your house. Having a comfortable chair or couch on the ground level is important.

Rails on your outside steps need to be installed. Grab bars in your restroom, and a chair in the shower is a necessity.

Brainstorm with your family and friends to formulate a game plan now.

I once asked a friend in the landscape nursery business, when was the best time to plant a fruit tree. Without missing a

Remember, the best time to plant a fruit tree was five years ago. The second best time is today.

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ACCOMMODATIONS Houston Lodge Marketplace…. 892-5124 Sunset View Resort ........ 892-8595 ADULT PIANO LESSONS Hitchcock Piano Studio ........ 745-3134 APPAREL All Seasons Clothing ........ 357-0123 D’s Tuxedo ........ 707-6585 Mimi’s Closet ........ 376-2661 ART & CRAFTS Shane Lamb Gallery… 746-3343 The Gallery ........ 745-1420 BOOKSTORE Fireside Books ........ 745-2665 A Black Sheep Shop ......... 376-8198 CAFÉ & COFFEE Alaska Artisan Coffee ........ 745-5543 Espresso Café ........ 376-5282 Gathering Grounds ........ 376-4404 Vagabond Blue……..745-2233 COOKWARE All I Saw Cookware ........ 376-3177 CREATIVE ENTERTAINMENT Artists Uncorked ........ 982-2675 EDUCATION Learning Essentials ........ 357-3990 FLOWERS & GIFTS Charlotte’s Flowers ........ 745-5550 FOOTWEAR Northern Comfort ........ 376-5403 HEALTH & WELLNESS All About Herbs ........ 376-8327 Invest in Yourself Fitness .... 830-6072 HOME DÉCOR Cover Ups Designs ........ 746-4739 PIZZA Humdingers Pizza ........ 745-7499 PRINT SERVICES The UPS Store ........ 376-6245 RADIO 95.5 The Pass ........ 631-0877 REPAIR, RESTORATION Comtronics ........ 373-2669 Steve’s Toyostove…. 376-9276 SMOKE SHOPS Alaska Pipe Dreams ........ 746-1500 Light It Up Head Shop…. 745-5483 SPECIALTY GIFTS Alaska Midnite Scents ........ 357-7364 THRIFT SHOPS Red Barn Thrift Store ........ 745-5050 Steam Driven Boutique ........ 376-4404 Turn-A-Leaf Thrift Stores ........ 376-5708 Willow Rose Thrift Store ......... 495-ROSE TOYS Just Imagine Toys ........ 357-1543 Learning Essentials .......... 357-3990

POLITICS / OPINION Contributed by Rep. Colleen SullivanLeonard As I return home from my first six months as a freshman legislator, I want to take a moment to share my thoughts and concerns on the growth of government and the need to reduce this growth.

As a new legislator, I worked hard to learn proper decorum and about the legislative process of how bills are crafted and moved through the committee process.

The operating budget is one of the most important responsibilities for a legislator and the legislative body to work on and not a job to take lightly. I spent many hours studying the operating budget from the last five years through the audited (CAFR) Comprehensive Accounting Financial Report, so I could compare it with our present budget, and found that most of the reductions have come from the capital budget and not the operating budget as many have proclaimed.

I have also heard time and time again that our state operating budget has been “cut to the bone” and that we “need to tax our residents to bring in more revenue.” A gas tax, an income tax, a sales tax and more! Sadly, what I am not hearing is the most important question of: “How can we reduce the size of government to an efficient and accountable level?”

I can attest to the fact that combing through the finance sub-committee process and studying and analyzing department after department that the state has not cut to the bone and there are still operating costs that can be reduced to the tune of millions. What I repeatedly heard in the sub-committee work from the Democrat members was that, “We needed to tax more so that we could increase the number of state employees, state programs and to have more money to spend.”

For an example, efforts were made

by Department of Transportation to outsource engineering and design work, which would have saved the state millions of dollars. This effort

Contributed by Lawrence Lease The right to protest is an integral part of a well-balanced democracy, but recent protests throughout the United States have shown just how volatile these situations can be. Everything from property damage and mass arrests to the illegal use of force are now

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came to a swift halt when state unions sent their leaders and lobbyists into committees’ and legislators’ offices to voice their objection and resistance to bring this idea to a quick halt; unfortunately, it worked.

During key debate on the House floor this session, we had identified nearly $300 million in reductions to the operating budget only to be shot down on every amendment brought forward. No compromise, no discussion, just the partisan 22-18 vote of no. After over 150 days in session, the final operating budget did make it to the House floor and I was a no vote as were my Mat-Su colleagues. In the end, the House Democrats would rather tax you than accept our wellthought-out amendments.

As we look at accountability in government, we must be assured that we are not taxing our citizens to a point that they are under increased hardship that forces them to make a choice of keeping their small businesses open or calling it quits to go on the state welfare system to make ends meet. The late Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall rightly noted, “The power to tax is the power to destroy.” The more we tax hardworking Alaskans at the state and local level, the more we cause harm to the economy and to our families.

We know that Alaska is still reeling from the recession that we are in.

Mat-Su is faced with a 2016-2017 unemployment rate of 9.0% and the loss of over 3,000 North Slope jobs of which many were Mat-Su residents; our Valley residents and businesses are feeling the sting of this recession. Many are tightening their belts and fighting hard to make ends meet. Instead of hearing that government is going to tighten their belts too, government is proposing to tax you more through various forms of taxation, ie. a motor fuel tax, an income tax, sales tax and yes, half of your PFD! It is time to right-size government and reduce operating costs. Raising taxes during a recession is highway robbery on hardworking Alaskans. I encourage you to say no to any increase in taxes until we see a right-sized government.

becoming commonplace in the news, and the single most powerful weapon that a citizen can have during these situations is knowledge about their own rights and responsibilities.

Protests Are Both Important & Volatile: The first thing that recent protests have

Contributed by Sabrena Combs Elections are probably the furthest thing from your mind right now – 2017 is a “nonelection” year for the most part. No state or national elections are taking place. But there is an election that should still be important to you - city elections! Often times, it’s these local elections that can make the biggest impact on your life. They can affect the things that matter most to you and your family right here at home.

So, it is very important to get out and vote, no matter what.

Palmer’s City Council election is on October 3rd. I am running for one of the two open seats. Some of you may know me from my volunteer work around town. I like to stay very involved and help where I can when it comes to keeping Palmer “Alaska at its Best”. I love this city and I love the direction we’re headed; Palmer

shown us is that they are not only an important tool for disgruntled citizens, but they are exceptionally volatile.

The average protest does not involve some miniscule disagreement that can be corrected with a single vote or law.

Protests are generally the result of major ideological beliefs or human rights being violated. When these topics come up, there is a fine line between a legal right to protest and anarchy or violence.

is evolving with the times and new and exciting things are always happening. It’s a great time to be a part of the community and the ways to get involved are endless. I’ve always believed that Palmer has one of the greatest volunteering spirits of any Alaskan community as made evident in the endless events we have to offer. I’m ready to take that public servitude to the next level by serving on the City Council.

I encourage you to visit my website, www.votesabrenacombs.com, to learn more about me and my background here in Palmer. I also urge you to get out and vote on October 3rd - remember you can vote for two candidates in this election. There are three other folks on the ballot willing to devote their time and energy, as well. Help me make a difference in our community and do your civic duty this October!

Feel free to contact me any time to talk about your concerns and ideas for Palmer’s future.

Protests & Riots Are Faceless: A few key leaders will always stand out during any public discussion, but it does not take much for a mob of people to become a faceless entity. Anyone involved in a protest should realize that law enforcement officials will quickly begin to see a large mass of outraged people as a faceless and potentially dangerous group.

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POLITICS / OPINION

Contributed by Dan Mayfield I am a hardworking community leader and fiscal conservative. It has been my honor for nearly three years to represent the communities of Settlers Bay, Knik, Big Lake, Point Mackenzie and Hollywood on the Mat-Su Borough Assembly.

During my time on the Borough Assembly, I have represented our common goals with an emphasis on the core duties of government to support programs such as public safety, education, infrastructure and safe recreational opportunities. My goal has been to make local government work for citizens, so that we can jointly make our Mat-Su Borough the best place to live, work, play and become educated.

Those of you who are familiar with me, know of my long history of volunteer work on transportation, economic

Contributed by Linda Combs The years go by rather quickly when you are busy and involved in your community, and here we are once again getting ready to have a local election. Yes, on October 3, 2017, you will be asked to step into your local polling site and choose those whom you wish to represent you and your community.

I am asking you to consider allowing me the privilege of representing you and the City of Palmer for another term by voting for me in this election. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve these past ten months as deputy mayor and the past six years as a Palmer city council member.

I have been involved in Palmer these past thirty-one years in various capacities and have loved watching Palmer recover from the recession of the 80s to develop and refine the identity it enjoys today as the trademark slogan that we applied to our town, “Alaska at

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Even if the protesters operate well within their rights, it should be understood that emotions will run high, and this means that mistakes can and will be made on both sides. Are Protestors Protected By The Law? All citizens have a constitutionallyprotected right to protest, but there are situations in which they may knowingly or unknowingly break the law. When this happens and issues such as property damage, injuries or deaths take place, then it is vital for everyone involved to immediately seek out legal help. These events are exceptionally complex and the most miniscule of details will not only ensure that victims are protected, but that innocent parties are not targeted by the law.

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development, trails and easements.

More importantly, you know of the leadership I has demonstrated on the Assembly in support of fiscal responsibility and the core values of government.

I have the energy, dedication, work ethic and judgment to be successful in representing our common interests throughout the next three years and bringing forth your concerns in the Assembly.

Hard work, perseverance and patience will continue to pay off in solutions that benefit us all. My experience on the Assembly facing the challenges of our current economic climate reminds me how critical it is to work together as a team in pursuit of keeping a lid on taxes and making the Matanuska Susitna Borough affordable for our residents.

Please vote Dan Mayfield for Assembly on October 3rd!

its Best” has grown to be recognized and celebrated.

Relationships in our community involving the municipal entity (City of Palmer) with the commercial endeavors and volunteer organizations provide us a life that I like to compare to a rich tapestry. I have spent over two decades contributing whatever I can to that tapestry to keep it robust and vibrant.

It is possible to preserve our history while moving forward with our town’s growth. Over the past five years, I have attended multiple grand openings of businesses that make our town unique.

The individuals that have taken the momentous steps to be a part of our sensational community are to be applauded. Those of us who choose to live, work, play, raise families and support those businesses deserve to expect the best from our elected officials.

Please mark your calendar and plan to vote on October 3rd to make your voice count in your town!

When Protests Become Riots: The word “riot” is used quite a bit, but in legal terms it means a public assembly of three or more people that are carrying out or threatening to carry out violence towards people or property.

It does not take much for a protest to devolve into a riot, and even peaceful protesters are often grouped in with illegal rioters. Those that are injured or have their property damaged are often unsure of who to blame or even where to turn to for assistance. Whatever side of a protest or riot you may happen to be on, it is always advisable to seek out professional legal representation.

These complex and convoluted situations must be carefully scrutinized in order to ensure that the rights and safety of all law-abiding citizens are protected.

Contributed by Emery Schramm My name is Emery Schramm. I would like to introduce myself and request campaign support in the hopes to become the next Mat-Su School Board representative for District 6. At age 7, my family and I moved to Palmer, Alaska. I public school in the Mat-Su Borough. After graduation, I entered the Civil Engineering Program at UAA. I volunteered as a teacher/librarian aid at Pioneer Peak Elementary School and Palmer High School and a Vacation Bible School teacher and helper at my church congregation during my first years of college. I was also a diving coach at West High School.

I entered the workforce as a barista during the same time I was volunteering. In spring 2007, I interviewed and accepted a seasonal position at R&M Consultants, which is my current employer. Since 2007, I have earned a full-time position and am now an engineering technician. I have obtained several certifications and am continuously training to grow my skills and value the company. My office engineering duties include obtaining and organizing documentation for payment of projects, ensuring environmental documentation is complete, emailing for and organizing meetings. As a special inspector, I ensure buildings are built to specification and approved plans and testing soil, aggregate, concrete and asphalt to ensure project specifications are met. I also conduct grade inspections of projects and document the progress of the project. I have worked on roads, bridges and buildings and have helped build Alaska’s future through construction, and I want to help build Alaska’s future through our children as well.

has wise funding, as well as to benefit the students. Absolute necessities have to be met before wants are funded. Efficiencies need to be found and used, i.e. private contracts and sharing services with other borough departments. Money has to be used wisely and has to benefit the students, meaning the money needs to go towards the classroom. Saving money is important for unexpected repairs or when a school does come to the point that a replacement or remodel is needed.

Money in the budget needs to be used as it is intended. For example, the maintenance and operations budget needs to be used for maintenance and operations. If not all the money is used, it needs to be saved for emergency purposes. Bonds should never be for budgeted normal maintenance and operations. The district has to stay within its means. I would vote against new taxes. Throwing more money into the budget will not help the situation.

Alaska pays close to the most money per child and yet ranks at the bottom for U.S. schools.

The ratio of teachers to students needs to increase. This will reduce the class sizes and allow more efficient teaching.

The number of administrations needs to be reduced to an efficient level to allow more teachers to be hired.

Counselors are important, but we need to use them efficiently. One school may need fewer counselors than another.

A solution is to make counselors go to where the crisis is.

My wonderful husband and I celebrated our 7th anniversary in January. We hold conservative values and are registered Republicans. Our children are becoming school-aged, and I want to ensure the taxes we pay will benefit them. It frustrates me when my hard earned money that I pay to the government is not used wisely.

Students need to be taught facts and not opinions, which allows for students to develop their own opinions based on facts. Teachers need to be reprimanded for pushing their personal agendas. This includes the current bathroom situation.

Children are at school to learn facts and not be part of a social experiment.

Biology determines if you are a boy or a girl, and not politics or mental health. Standards need to be based on national tests so students can be ready for the next grade, graduation or life after high school. This will help determine if a teacher is performing.

Teachers need to be evaluated based on the performance of the students.

A budget is an approved plan to ensure funds are used for known functions and to stay within that approved budget. I would ensure the budget

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by email at 2010. eschramm@gmail.com or on Facebook at EmerySchramm4SchoolBoard

POLITICS / OPINION Contributed by Mike Dryden, Wasilla City Councilman The last Wasilla City Council meeting was an example of the American political system at its grassroots level. Of the many items on the agenda was a proposal to ask Wasilla residents’ approval for a temporary sales tax increase to forward-fund a new police station.

The ballot measure passed after hearing many citizens’ feedback about public sector spending priorities. All were passionate, and many expressed concerns about a tax increase in the slow state economy Wasilla has found itself in as an unintentional participating partner.

As most of you know, the drop in global cruel oil prices has sent the state budget into a panic. The most obvious cutback has been the reduction in the PFD checks all expected to receive last fall. When you take that amount of money out of the state’s economy, it has to show up somewhere. Whether we like the situation or not, Wasilla and all other self-sustaining Alaskan cities are feeling the pressure. The state has cut the capital budget on almost every level except for federal funds which require a small matching percentage.

The mayor and city council members traveled to Juneau during the session.

In the past few years, our trip has not been to lobby for additional state funding, but just the opposite. We now are focused on keeping the state from shifting necessary infrastructure and public safety funding to the cities. Unfunded mandates are an easy solution for state and federal governments. The state cuts the funds to the borough; the borough cut funds to the city and Wasilla is at the bottom of the hill.

The City of Wasilla has picked up several roads once maintained by the state that will result in local funding in the future. With more feet of water and sewer line than ever before, our maintenance cost has risen accordingly. The roads and service lines will have to be maintained by the city without financial assistance from the state. The Mat-Su Borough faces the same situation and is in the process of adjusting. The same dilemma exists for the Mat-Su School District. If easy reductions in spending were available, local governments would make them.

The reality is one person’s investment is another person expense.

The Wasilla voters will decide this October if a temporary sale tax increase for a new police station is

justified. This new police station has been in the city’s long-term plan for several years with public input. One of the most heated council meetings was during the discussion of the purchase of the old Iditarod school property from the borough, the future site of the new police station. Not everyone was happy, but all had a chance to express their opinion.

The Wasilla Police Department is now the operator of the borough-wide 911 emergency system. This service is being funded jointly by the cities, borough, the Chickaloon Native Village and AST. The new operation occupies the upstairs of the present Wasilla Police Station. If in the past you have called 911 and been put on hold for another office to pickup the phone, then you know when you need help, you need it now. The new 911 dispatch system will be a vast improvement.

Times are tough, but the fiscal situation will improve. If the voters approve the increase, the new rate will start in January 2018. When the $12,000,000 goal has been reached, a construction contract RFP will be let with construction beginning in 2019. We expect the move to the new structure in 2020. The sales tax collection timeline will be adjusted as sales tax receipt warrants. After the $12,000,000 has been collected, the sales tax rate will drop to 2.5%. The additional tax revenue will be used to cover the added expense resulting from the state and borough cuts.

I should state this article is my opinion and doesn’t consist an endorsement by any other official. Next month, I will present a detailed (as much as I can at this early stage) plan for the proposed police station. During every city council meeting, you have three minutes to express your thoughts on any subject. If the North Korean missile situation animates you, we will listen.

If you are upset at the state, borough, our congressional delegation or the post office, it’s your time to opine freely. We will politely listen, take your concerns to heart and respond as appropriate. You don’t have to catch a plane to be a part of your government, just show up and sign the roster.

However, the city does not have a frequent flyer or a rollover policy that will extend your three minutes. Our buzzer is a nonpartisan analog timer, much to the irritation of some frequent participants.

It is my duty and a honor to serve you.

Be a part of the system. Check the City of Wasilla website for times and dates for the council meetings.

Come on down; the water’s fine.

COMMUNITY & POLITICS PAGE 8

Contributed by Kenni Linden “Psenak”, www.

VoteKenni.com The precious days of summer are quickly morphing into the crisp days of autumn. With changing leaves and back-to-school excitement, there is something else to look forward to the City of Palmer Election!

On Tuesday, October 3, 2017, we have the opportunity to elect two dedicated community members to the Palmer City Council. As a candidate for one of those two open seats, I am excited to share my love and commitment to our city. I am an active volunteer and passionate advocate for our community, and will carry that enthusiasm onto the city council.

This summer has been magical. From drizzly bike rides down to Friday Fling to sunny, Monday night Happy Runs around the Palmer Airport to serendipitously bumping into family members at Colony Days, I love getting out and enjoying our community. I consider myself incredibly fortunate

Contributed by Barry Dorman According to Atlantic magazine (April 2017), growing secularization in our culture has led, perhaps surprisingly, to greater rather than less intolerance, polarization and incivility. From 1992 to 2014 the proportion of those having no religious affiliation rose from 6% to 22% (35% among millennials).

The percentage of white Republicans with no religious affiliation tripled since 1990. To quote from the article: “Trump does best among evangelicals with one key trait: They don’t really go to church.”

“When cultural conservatives disengage from organized religion, they tend to redraw the boundaries of identity, deemphasizing morality and religion and emphasizing race and nation.”

Continuing to quote: “Secularization is transforming the Left too. In 1990, slightly more than half of white liberals seldom or never attended religious services. Today the proportion is 73 percent.”

to have been born and raised here in Palmer. My husband and I were excited to buy our home within walking distance of downtown and start our family here.

I graduated from Palmer High with an International Baccalaureate Diploma and attended college out of state.

After traveling, studying and living internationally, I chose to move home and give back to the community that has given me so much. Palmer has a rich legacy of citizen involvement. In the rocky funding years ahead, I know that we can cultivate innovative and sustainable fiscal solutions to our budget, while also preserving and growing our quality of life.

As our community faces new challenges and embraces our indomitable potential, I look forward to being a fresh perspective on the city council. With your vote, I would be honored to ensure Palmer is the best place to live, play and raise a family.

I’d love to hear from you! Questions?

Concerns? You can find me at www.VoteKenni.com or on Facebook

“African Americans under thirty are three times as likely to eschew a religious affiliation as (those) over fifty. The black church has been abandoned as the leadership model for this generation.”

Reformists like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King, Jr. focus on persuading and forgiving those in power. Revolutionaries don’t.

This is discouraging news for those interested in dialogue, discussion and civil conversation and does not bode well for the future. Is there anything you or I can do about it? Very possibly and here’s how: A group calling itself, Inklings, meets monthly in a home in order to delve into matters of faith and culture. We use the writings of C.S. Lewis as the basis for discussion as well as those of G.K.Chesterton, George MacDonald, J.R.R. Tolkien and others. There are only a few of us at present but we welcome all, no matter their denominational background or church affiliation or non-affiliation.

If you are interested in thoughtful conversation among kindred spirits, contact Barry Dorman at barry. dorman@yahoo.com

POLITICS / OPINION / FAITH

Contributed by Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain On August 19, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5847, declaring August 21st as National Senior Citizens Day. “For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older - places in which older people can participate to the fullest and can find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance and services they need to continue to lead lives of independence and dignity.”

(President Ronald Reagan – August 19, 1988 Proclamation 5847)

This is the mission of Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. We strive to encourage, accept, assist and serve the senior population in the Mat-Su. It is the seniors who have paved the way for our current generation.

Are today’s seniors done serving?

Never! Each senior has a wealth of knowledge, abilities and empathy that needs to be shared with others. They have skills that must be passed on. It was our seniors who fought for our country, our rights and freedom.

The Bible suggests some of these same characteristics.

Characteristics and Responsibilities of Seniors: 1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine. 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate and sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3

COMMUNITY & POLITICS PAGE 9

The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

6 Young men likewise, exhort to be soberminded. (Titus 2:1-6) Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to everyone that is to come. (Psalm 71:18) It is the seniors’ responsibility to teach younger men and women. Not so much about technology, but about character.

This is a great task.

God’s Sustenance: I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. (Psalm 37:25)

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. (Psalm 23:1-3) Seniors Serving Anna: 36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, she was of a great age and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord and spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:36-38) If you are a senior, thank you! If you know a senior, tell them how much you appreciate them. Listen to their stories and be amazed.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain 907 715-4001

PETS & ANIMALS

PETS & ANIMALS

Contributed by Tracy Smith Animal Care Dispatcher Sheeba is a one year old sweetheart who needs help learning that the world around her is a safe place. She has exhibited a great deal of anxiety here at the shelter, to the degree that she could have unintentionally harmed herself if not placed in the safest area.

However, Sheeba has also shown the ability to learn that maybe things aren’t so bad. She spent some time in one of the staff offices and just one day later, she was like a different dog.

Sheeba does like people, but she has shown that she will be protective of her territory. She has not been taught many manners and so doesn’t have much awareness of spatial boundaries.

Because of this, Sheeba must go to a home with no children so that she doesn’t accidentally harm them.

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Sheeba knows how to sit and she is treat motivated as long as her anxiety is not too high. She is a smart girl who will need a very safe place to live as she has a very keen ability to climb.

A chain link fence will not likely keep Sheeba in.

She loves and craves human attention and would be best suited in a home where she spends the majority of her time with her person/people. She will need work learning how to remain calm when alone. If crate training is started slowly and patiently, it may be that a crate for Sheeba could become a safe quiet place for her to be if she is alone. However, if she is expected to learn this overnight without a lot of praise and reward, it is likely she will destroy a crate or harm herself in an attempt to escape and find her person.

Mat-Su Borough Animal Shelter 907-746-5500

PETS & ANIMALS

Contributed by Randi Perlman, AWBRC Board Member Wild Bird Wonders 9/23/2017 Alaska Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center Best Western Lake Lucille Inn 1300 W Lake Lucille Dr. Wasilla FREE Admission

Donations Acceptable.

Alaska Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center (AWBRC) will bring back its almost-annual fall fundraiser, Wild Bird Wonders, on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at the Best Western Lake Lucille Inn in Wasilla.

Back by popular demand, this unflappable event features

PETS & ANIMALS

entertainment, hearty appetizers, quick draw artists, out-cry and silent auctions and of course, spotlights our famous and feathery wild bird ambassadors.

Come meet our engaging education birds and their handlers, learn about the birds’ history and discover the many ways AWBRC improves the lives of these amazing avians - and how you can help!

as well.

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COMMUNITY

MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA

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to Napoleon Bonaparte. Even he knew of the effects food has.

Contributed by Eddie Ezelle, Executive Director of MatSu Food Bank Here we are another month into 2017 and somewhere I missed summer it seems. August, eight of twelve months gone. We need to be more like our dogs - live in the moment. Don’t worry over the past or the future. One we cannot change and the other we only hope we can. Live as our best friends do; for today, live in the now. Laugh, love and live for the moment.

It’s great if we can philosophize about this, but reality sets in and for some of us, we can only wonder and worry about where our next meal is coming from and how long is it from now?

Especially for kids.

Something so simple, but so profound that it can change the course of history.

“An army marches on its stomach. To be effective, an army relies on good and plentiful food.” This is attributed

Here at the MatSu Food Bank, we understand. We do food. We have been doing food since 1984 and have not strayed from that goal of helping to feed people. Food is one of the basics for people to survive and thrive, along with clothing and shelter to allow you to be involved and a productive part of a community. There are of course things we need like air and sleep, but basic food and shelter are what most of us think about. If you do not have the basics, you cannot think of anything else until that is acquired. Then and only then can you think of other things such as education, jobs or any of the many things we all take for granted because we already have them.

I ask you to think of others who may be that one step away from being safe, secure and fed. We offer a hand up not a handout. The MatSu Food Bank works toward that goal of no one being hungry. If you think about it, if everyone had enough food, our crime rate would probably drop significantly.

Children could grow and thrive and who knows, it might be that child we feed today that grows up to be a great leader, doctor, lawyer or that scientist that solves a major world issue. It is one of many reasons we provide free meals in the summer for children eighteen

and under through the Food4Kids program. School starts, (sorry kids) and money gets tighter for families. We ask that you help us achieve that lofty goal that no one should go hungry by donating any amount you can help us with to feed folks in need, your neighbors.

Keep in mind that what you eat, someone else would be grateful to have too. I encourage people to help by donating an ongoing sustaining

amount, such as $20.00 a month. Not much and equals about four lattes. To help a neighbor struggling to get out of a bad situation, we ask you for whatever you can give.

Please visit us at www.matsufoodbank.org for more information on how to donate or volunteer, and a list of suggested items we can always use. I hope you are enjoying summer and thanks for reading!