A Near Thing

A Near Thing

Contributed by Claire Conway

The shoal was but two mile away,

But the wind was fair and strong

We thought that it’d come to stay

But we soon found we were wrong

Soon I could barely see the bow

The fog was choking thick

The voices of the men were hushed

The wind was changing quick.

The cap’ns face was stern and pale

The steersmans knuckles white

From gripping at the steering wheel

As around us closed the night.

The steersmans face was wet and pale

The cap’n stood by he starboard rail

A compass in his shaking palm

Hoping, hoping for a calm

Then the ship gave a sigh

The boom creaked overhead

The wind shifted again

When we’d thought we were dead.

Now a fair wind for home!

A New Sluice Box is Being Built for the 2023 State Fair

A New Sluice Box is Being Built for the 2023 State Fair

Contributed by Melissa Keefe

Palmer, Alaska – As with so many older structures, concerns have grown over the past few years about the safety and structural integrity of the over 60-year-old Sluicebox building at the Alaska State Fair. This winter’s unusually heavy snowfall caused a crack to worsen in one of the crucial beams of the Sluice Box roof and further exacerbated the deteriorating condition of the existing structure. 

Safety is the number one priority for our guests, volunteers, and staff, and the building’s age and structural issues led to the Fair’s decision to rebuild, rather than renovate. Plans are underway to raise a new building on the existing Sluice Box footprint prior to the 2023 Fair, which is scheduled for August 18 – September 4. This rebuild is essential in order to continue safely hosting entertainers and guests for many years to come.

Originally built to house vegetable exhibits, the building became known as the “Beer Hall'' in the 1970’s, and was dubbed the Sluicebox in 1982. The Sluice Box has been an iconic landmark at the Alaska State Fair for over 40 years – a place where friends gather to visit, hoist a glass of beer, and most of all, listen to an eclectic mix of their favorite local bands and musicians from across the state, highlighted by crowd-pleasing appearances by top-notch bands from around the country. Despite its “roadhouse” appearance, complete with gravel floors, long picnic tables, plywood dance floor, and unadorned wooden walls, the Sluicebox has hosted some legendary local and national performers. 

Many pieces of memorabilia have been saved and will be featured in the new Sluice Box, such as the artists’ wall signed by many Sluice Box stage performers. The familiar sign out front, along with reclaimed wood from the old structure will also be included in the new Sluice Box. We look forward to continuing the Sluice Box fun, entertainment and traditions for generations to come.

For more information, contact Melissa Keefe, Director of Marketing and Communications, at mk@alaskastatefair.org.

A Rescue from Chevak

A Rescue from Chevak

Contributed by Hedden Family

We love our dog and here is his tale, 

Grab a tissue, for it may make you wail. 

After losing our first dog to a wolf pack of three, 

We needed a year to heal and be free. 

When we were ready to adopt we looked online, 

And to our joy what did we find? 

The cutest little puppy so sad and malnourished. 

He looked so ragged and discouraged. (See “Before” photo) 

We scooped him up and adopted him that day, 

But our little pup was not ready to play. 

He needed a little bit of training and lots of love, 

And very quickly he became a blessing from above. 

So consider adopting a puppy or a dog, 

If you have the time and energy to go for a jog. 

They need exercise, love and instruction. 

Adoption does not have to be a big production, 

Just go to petfinder.com today, And pray… 

That your heart finds a new little friend and you can say, 

Pet adoption is the perfect way! 

Hooray!! (See “Today” photo) :-)

AI

AI

Contributed by Robert Lyons

Challenging humans

Subtracting the soul from thought

Immortality

As we all become keepers

Serving the servers

Mine and pump, keep on the lights

The hive always takes

The answer bot has no heart

What's best for the rest

An individual gets lost

Humanity gone

From bone to creative song

Intelligence wronged

Everything artificial

Alaska Animal Advocates

Alaska Animal Advocates

Contributed by Angie Lewis

Everyone has a strong opinion about Pit Bulls. People either love them passionately or despise them, mostly because of fear. The term Pitbull refers to a dog that is descended from Bulldogs and Terriers.  Some people bred these dogs to use as fighting dogs, encouraging aggression.  Even these dogs were showing aggression to other dogs, not people. These dogs were trained to hold on to large animals such as bulls, bears or other large animals. When this practice was no longer popular these dogs were trained to fight with other dogs. As a result of random breeding, these dogs have a wide range of behaviors. With positive early experiences, Pitbulls can be loving, Family dogs.  In fact, Pit Bulls were known as the American Family Dog. Any dogs that have not been properly socialized can become very aggressive. 

Statistics show that Pit Bulls do not bite people any more than other dogs do. The problem here is that their bites are much more serious than other dogs’.  Sadly, this has resulted in Pit Bull bans in various cities across the country. As with other general, broad sweeping laws, there are a great deal of unfair practices or laws regarding Pits.  Breed specific legislation is unfair and doesn’t address the individuality found in dogs.  Often, the kinds of strategies dealing with Pit Bulls are the very strategies that help to isolate the dogs from people – the exact thing that encourages negative behavior characteristics.  

In terms of health – Pit Bulls often have problems with their skin, such as allergies, tumors, and even skin cancer. Pit Bulls can have knee problems, because of their high activity levels. Hip Dysplasia is often a problem for Pitties. These dogs can also have problems with their thyroids. This can be exhibited by gaining weight and having trouble walking. 

Another stereotype about Pit Bulls is that they cannot get along with cats or other small animals, presumably because they are seen as prey.  In fact, as long as these dogs have enough parental guidance and know how to accept parental guidance and input there should be no problem.

Alaska's Healing Hearts Launches Free Art Program for Veterans

Alaska's Healing Hearts Launches Free Art Program for Veterans

Contributed by James Hastings

WASILLA, Alaska - Alaska's Healing Hearts, a nonprofit organization that provides outdoor recreational & rehabilitative and reintegration programs for military and veterans  and their families across Alaska and nationwide has announced the launch of a new Art Program. AHH is excited to offer an additional creative outlet for veterans to help in their healing process.

The program will be taught by professional artists who will cover basic shapes, shading, and perspective initially, followed by sketching and color theory and mixing with other art media and techniques. The program will be available to all military and veterans, regardless of their artistic experience.

Classes will be held on the fourth Tuesday of each month from April through October and the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from November to March. The first class will be held on April 25, 2023, from 6-9 p.m. at 2050 North Merciful Circle, Wasilla, Alaska.

According to Alaska's Healing Hearts, the art program is aimed at providing veterans with an opportunity to express themselves creatively and gain a sense of accomplishment. The program also aims to help participants develop new skills, relieve stress, and build relationships with other veterans in their community.

Organizational leadership expressed excitement about the program's launch, saying, "We are thrilled to be offering this new Art Program. Our organizational mission is to help veterans heal from the physical and emotional wounds of war through various outlets focused on expression and communication and we believe that art therapy can be a valuable tool in that process."

Alaska's Healing Hearts has been providing outdoor programs for military veterans since 2010. The organization offers a range of programs, including camps, hiking, snowshoeing, side-by-side UTV and snowmobile trail rides trips among numerous other outdoor activities. The organization's programs are free to all military and veterans, and their families are also invited to participate. 

The new Art Program is part of the organization's ongoing efforts to expand its offerings and help more veterans. The program is made possible through the support of donors and volunteers. Eligible persons interested in participating in the Art Program can sign up on the Alaska's Healing Hearts website. The program is open to all military and veterans, regardless of their artistic experience. Participants will be provided basic supplies to begin this next journey of learning.

 Alaska's Healing Hearts is very proud to add the Art Program to its range of programs, helping veterans heal and connect with their communities. For more information on the Art Program and Alaska's Healing Hearts, visit their website at www.alaskashealinghearts.com/artprogram

And The Winners Are..

And The Winners Are..

Contributed by Sammy Taylor

Mid Valley Recycling is pleased to announce the winners of grant offerings for local remanufacture of local  recyclables.  Last summer Mid Valley Recycling (MVR), with the financial help of Mat-Su Health Foundation, launched a contest in two categories, one for adults and one for youth 21 and under. 

The Adult First Place winner Patrick Simpson has developed a plan for a mobile recycled plastics-to-plastic-lumber  (known as RPL) facility.  In a long development process and formation of his business Alaska Plastics Recovery, Simpson has already produced a prototype currently located near the Palmer Alaska State fairgrounds. Check it out on YouTube.

As Tam Boeve, director of VCRS states, one of the great aspects of this project is that it uses some types of plastic that VCRS does not collect and sell.  Simpson’s facility  recycles molded plastic discarded by the oil industry, plastics picked up during local beach cleanups and items like plastic toys and bottle caps none of which are currently  recycled at VCRS.  A great advantage of this prototype is that Simpson can move his prototype to any location in Southcentral Alaska.                                           

When Marissa Senna entered her Adult Second Place “glass bottle to sand” grant application, all the judges were excited.  Valley recyclers are always asking when and where they can recycle their glass.  Currently, VCRS has no buyer for glass so it is not collected.  Recyclers have to drive to Eagle River or Anchorage or consider making glass bottle walls or greenhouses to use their glass locally.  

Senna proposes an alternative.  She researched and found a small glass bottle crusher which, using water, can turn bottles into sand without the usual dust production.  She also found a business - Meier Lake Resort - willing to house the machine and use the end product.  This crusher has a small carbon footprint so is a very  “green” project.

Working with Meier Lake Resort will allow her to implement a functional system for housing and operating the glass recycling program in a safe and sustainable manner, as well as create a drop-off location that is easily accessible to residents.

Since this second place prize comes from MVR donations, Mid Valley Recycling was not able to provide all the funds needed to get this project started.  Senna is already looking for further funding sources to complete her work. 

A group of seventh grade students from Teeland Middle School calling themselves the Banana Botz won the youth award of three thousand dollars for their Extreme Ecobrick housing proposal.  The six students – Emmerson Michaud, Wesley Quimby, Cyrus Rader, Connor Rush, Ayden Shaw and Mason Szybnski –  with the assistance of their parent-mentor Mary Collins Quimby, researched the feasibility of using recycled forty foot refrigerator containers (think getting  meat and dairy into Alaskan supermarkets) to make affordable housing.  

They researched cold weather insulation, power sourcing  and even developed a floor plan.  They took tours and contacted experts about green building practices.  They developed ideas about powering each housing module separately through solar occupant-produced power using a stationary bike.  These “Ecobrick” homes can be used individually in remote locations or stacked and arranged for urban spaces as shown in their 3-D model.                    

The Banana Botz will use their prize money to travel to a national Lego Robotics competition they have been invited to in Boston, MA this summer.

Looking to the future, the boys are interested in pursuing work in various engineering specialties (robotics, architectural and mechanical engineering) or medicine. In the short term the boys are looking to improve their robotics skills and qualify for the Lego Robotics World Competition during the 2023-2024 school year. 

The judges like this concept and hope these young men continue developing these ideas as they grow.

MVR president Patti Fisher says these middle schoolers give her hope for the future.

Annual Miles for Meals on Wheels Fun Run and Online Auction

Annual Miles for Meals on Wheels Fun Run and Online Auction

Contributed by Danielle Pond

The Miles for Meals Fun Run event began in 1980 and continues today to promote WASI’s mission, “to enable seniors to live independently for as long as possible.”  Miles for Meals on Wheels is WASI’s largest fundraising event of the year. A vital community service, this program provides essential meals to homebound seniors in the Mat-Su Borough. In today’s challenging economic climate, it is more important than ever to support this worthy cause.

Meals on Wheels is not just about providing a nutritious meal. This personalized service delivers hope, health, and nutrition to seniors. One of the comments we hear most often: “Thanks to my driver and staff, it's nice to see a friendly person who shows concern and a smile for me! I am a senior and a shut-in and besides the much-appreciated meals, I enjoy a friendly face. Sometimes I don't see visitors for days”. WASI loves making a senior’s day! 

The ONLINE AUCTION starts on May 6th and ends on May 19th, 2023. The auction is a fun way to participate from the comfort and convenience of your own phone and helps us support the WASI Meals on Wheels program. There is still time to donate items for the auction. Call us today!

WASI’s FUN RUN event will take place on Saturday, June 24th, where you can Run, Walk or Roll at your own pace.  Wasilla Senior Center is located at 1301 S. Century Circle in Wasilla. This is a great opportunity to gather your family and friends and join us to support seniors. If you are unable to make it on the day of the event, you may participate at any time, anywhere, between June 1 and June 24th virtually. Make a video, take a selfie, or stop by the Wasilla Senior Center and we’ll take your photo and place it under our “Finish Line” banner!  Registration is easy and is $30.

Help us make a difference in the lives of seniors and be a part of this fun run event. Sponsor your favorite runner or become a business sponsor by donating to this meaningful cause. 

For more information, please call or email 907-206-8793 or  m4m@alaskaseniors.com.  To REGISTER visit the website at wasillaseniors.com. Like us on Facebook and stay tuned for updates.

Another Great Season for Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center

Another Great Season for Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center

Contributed by Andy Dennis

The mission of the Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center (HPAC) is to provide avalanche information and advisories to assist and educate the public in avoiding avalanches in the Hatcher Pass area of the Talkeetna Mountains in Alaska. HPAC is the sole forecast center and educator of avalanche safety in the Mat-Su Valley. Without HPAC, thousands of backcountry enthusiasts would lack pertinent avalanche information to assist in their decision making on how to travel in avalanche terrain. 

HPAC is a small, grassroots, non-profit, non-agency, community supported avalanche center.  HPAC was founded in 2008 by Jed Workman and Allie Barker. During the season of 2012-2013, HPAC joined under the umbrella of the non-profit organization, the Alaska Avalanche Information Center (AAIC). In 2017, HPAC formed an advisory board. In 2019, HPAC separated from AAIC to form its own independent 501C3 nonprofit organization, HPAC INC. 

HPAC is one of only nine non-government funded avalanche centers in the country. HPAC not only provides specific avalanche forecasting information but also provides general backcountry travel information and advice. HPAC provides free lifesaving information throughout the winter season. Currently, HPAC is publishing two avalanche forecasts per week (Saturday and Thursday). Forecasters curate a public observations platform and update social media several times per week.

These resources are offered to the public for free. HPAC provides 50-60 avalanche forecasts per season, mid-November through mid-April. HPAC also provides 100-150 regular social media posts and weather updates during every significant weather event from October through the end of April. HPAC provides avalanche education at local public high schools, youth organizations, Mat-Su EMS, and MAT+SAR Search and Rescue. 

Weather and avalanche updates on Facebook and Instagram are viewed by anywhere between 1000 and 20,000 individuals per post (larger numbers are generally attributed to posts being shared by local pages run by the Mat-Su Borough and local clubs and businesses centered around backcountry recreation and safety). During the current season, the forecast page has seen 36,000 unique visitors and the weather page has seen 30,000. Educational programming this season reached approximately 1200 individuals.

HPAC works in conjunction with Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Mountain Rescue Group, Alaska State Parks, Alaska Department of Transportation, Mat-Su EMS, and MAT+SAR to help manage avalanche incidents in Hatcher Pass.  

HPAC employs three professional avalanche forecasters, one apprentice forecaster, an executive director, and several part time educators. There is a strong and active board of directors composed of local community members.

Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center is funded through individual donations, corporate donations, and grants. Though the state of Alaska has a mandate to provide avalanche information, this is an unfunded mandate. Visit our Sponsors Page at www.hpavalanche.org/about/sponsors to see a comprehensive list of supporters.

HPAC supports an active scholarship program.  This season eight partial scholarships were provided to Mat-Su Valley residents for formal avalanche education.  To learn more about this program visit https://hpavalanche.org/about/scholarship-fund/

Visit our website at www.hpavalanche.org to get the forecast and learn more about the Center.

Email us at info@hpavalanche.org if you are interested in donating, sponsoring a forecast, volunteering, joining our board, or helping with fundraiser events.  

To donate to HPAC visit https://hpavalanche.org/donate/.

April 19 Anchorage/Juneau Courthouse/Grand Jury Protest

April 19 Anchorage/Juneau Courthouse/Grand Jury Protest

Contributed by David Haeg

Because of the awesome media coverage we received there, we are going to concentrate Grand Jury support efforts at the Anchorage Nesbett Courthouse (825 W. 4th Ave.) and Juneau Dimond Courthouse (123 4th St.) – starting with our April 19 protest starting at 8 AM. 

Grand Jurors arrive for duty at 8:30 AM on Wednesdays at these courthouses; and need to know WE-THE-PEOPLE have their back when they investigate, recommend, and indict corrupt government officials – especially since these same government officials are currently trying to stop the Jurors. And we need to inform the whole world that WE-THE-PEOPLE will once again be enforcing our constitutional right to appeal to the Grand Jury DIRECTLY!

We will man booths at the Kenai Peninsula Home Show (April 22-23); Kenai Peninsula Sport, Rec, and Trade Show (May 5-7); and Palmer State Fair (Aug. 18 – Sept. 4).

We could use volunteers and monetary donations for these; along with monetary donations and suggestions for banners, signs, radio/print ads, etc., etc.

Some thoughts for banner/sign slogans (along with those we already have):

“ALASKA GRAND JURORS ASSOCIATION.org – Protecting Your Right to Inform Grand Juries DIRECTLY of Government Misconduct”

“ALASKA GRAND JURORS ASSOCIATION.org – Protecting Grand Jury Rights to Investigate Government Misconduct Without ANY Government Interference”

Let us know your ideas for short, effective slogans; and your ideas to get the word out or further the cause! Tell your family, friends, and neighbors they should join AGJA, so they know their true power when they get called for Grand Jury duty! (Sign-up link on websites below.)

And please join our April 19 protests at the Anchorage Nesbett Courthouse (825 W. 4th Ave.) and Juneau Dimond Courthouse (123 4th St.). 

See websites below to see TV coverage of our last protest and what the Alaska Supreme Court is trying to stop the Kenai Grand Jury from investigating. (Corrupt judges and someone who appears to have been covering this up for over three decades.)  

Alaska Grand Jurors Association

David Haeg

alaskastateofcorruption.com and alaskagrandjurorsassociation.org 

(907) 398-6403

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

Contributed by Alaska Health Fair 

Here’s How You Can Find Help and Support in Alaska if You or a Loved One Struggle with Alcohol Addiction

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to reduce the stigma associated with alcohol addiction and encourage people to seek help if they need it. Alcohol addiction is a chronic disease that affects millions of Americans and can have serious consequences for their health, relationships, and well-being. There are resources available to help you find treatment and recovery support:

● Office of Substance Misuse and Addiction Prevention: This is a state agency that provides public health approaches to prevent and reduce substance use disorders and support community-based activities across Alaska. You can email them at osmap@alaska.gov or visit their website at https://health.alaska.gov/osmap/Pages/default.aspx.

● You can also contact your healthcare provider or call a national helpline, 800-662-4357 (HELP), for more information on how to start your treatment and recovery journey. 

At Alaska Health Fair, Inc., we offer a library of health education materials and exhibits, including on alcohol addiction and substance abuse, that we make available to local organizations free of charge. Call us at 907-278-0234 to learn more.

Alcohol addiction is not a moral failing or a personal weakness. It is a treatable disease that can be overcome with professional help and support. Don’t let stigma or shame stop you or your loved ones from getting help. Everyone deserves to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Upcoming Health Fairs and Affordable Blood Tests

Walk-ins are welcome at all events. We recommend that you make an appointment online for faster service www.alaskahealthfair.org. 

● Salcha - 4/1/2023, 8am-11am, Salcha Elementary School, 8530 Richardson Hwy.

● Anchorage - 4/1/2023, 8am-12pm, Spenard Community Health Fair, Willow Crest Elementary School, 1004 Tudor Rd.

● Ninilchik - 4/6/2023, 3pm-6pm (Day 1), Ninilchik Community Center, 15763 Kingsley Rd.

● Ninilchik - 4/7/2023, 8am-12pm (Day 2) Ninilchik Community Center, 15763 Kingsley Rd.

● Fairbanks - 4/7/2023, 8am-12pm (Day 1), Fairbanks 50+ Art & Science of Aging (focus on seniors/all ages welcome), Pioneer Park Civic Center, 2300 Airport Way.

● Fairbanks - 4/8/2023, 8am-12pm (Day 2), Fairbanks 50+ Art & Science of Aging (focus on seniors/all ages welcome), Pioneer Park Civic Center, 2300 Airport Way.

● Fairbanks - 4/11/2023, 8am-1pm, Fairbanks Office Draw, 725 26th Ave., Suite 201.

● Glacier View - 4/15/2023, 9am-1pm, 65975 So. Wolverine (Mile 104) Chickaloon (45 miles past Sutton).

● Seward - 4/15/2023, 8am-12pm, Avtec Gym, 519 Fourth Ave.

● Soldotna - 4/21/2023, 8am-1pm (Day 1), Peninsula Center Mall, 44332 Sterling Hwy.

● Soldotna - 4/22/2023, 9:15am-1:30pm (Day 2), Peninsula Center Mall, 44332 Sterling Hwy.Two Rivers - 4/22/2023, 8am-11am, Pleasant Valley Community Center, 7234 Anders Ave.

● Anchorage - 4/25/2023, 8am-12pm, Hope Resources Community Health Fair, 570 W. 53rd Ave.

● Fairbanks - 4/18/2023, 8am-1pm, Fairbanks Office Draw, 725 26th Ave., Suite 201

● Healy - 4/28/2023, 8am-1pm, Tri-Valley Community Center, .5 Healy Spur Rd.

● Willow - 4/29/2023, 8am-12pm, Willow Community Center, 23625 W. Willow Community Center Cir.

● Wrangell - 4/1/2023, 7am-12pm, Nolan Center, 296 Campbell Dr.

● Gustavus - 4/29/2023, 8am-12pm, Gustavus Community Center, 1295 Gustavus Rd.

● Fairbanks - 4/29/2023, 8am-12pm, Fairbanks Community, 725 26th Ave., Suite 201 & 202.

Free Health Ed Classes: Ask Questions About Heath

Join AHF Health Educator & RN to learn about important health topics, ask questions and get answers about health. All you need is a phone and 30 minutes of your time to participate. Visit www.alaskahealthfair.org and see the announcement above schedule to RSVP.

Make a Difference, Volunteer Today! 

Are you looking to make a difference in your community? Join AHF family of volunteers, have fun and help Alaskans stay healthy! Both medical and non-medical duties are available. Volunteering at AHF meets continuing competency requirements for professional license renewal. Visit www.alaskahealthfair.org, click on Volunteer in site menu.

Alaska Health Fair, Inc. is a nonprofit organization serving Alaskans since 1980. With questions please call (907) 278-0234 Anchorage/Statewide, (907) 374-6853 Fairbanks, or (907) 723-5100 Juneau.

Bridging the Gap

Bridging the Gap

Contributed by Robert Shields

How much does it cost to bridge the gap between the environment and the economy?

What is the investment threshold that will allow us to ensure seven generations from now Alaska is still a good place to raise a family, do business, and have fun? 

We wonder if $500Mn will make an impact and are excited to find out.

After years of personal investment, community support, and single-minded devotion, we managed to find a developer and a financial partner, with Alaska roots, who could help move us forward.  In January 2023 they provided a letter of intent on an investment opportunity for the region we call the North Star Economic Development District (NEDD). We have a request for a letter of support before the city and a resolution, put forth by member Savannah Fletcher and Aaron Lowjeski to the assembly that’s on the agenda for the 27th of April.  The scope and scale have grown from one building to potentially 3-5 new 6-8 story buildings and by attracting other investors could grow even more.

The support we are seeking moves this to the master planning phase. Where various options can be vetted, stakeholder views integrated and, before the end of the year, a plan put in place to present to the public for consideration. Support of the resolution and getting a signed letter from the city does not commit anyone to any debt and all terms will be made transparent during the planning process.

In our highly polarized society, environmentalist believe the economists are killing the planet for profit and the economists believe the environmentalist will destroy our modern world. Caught in the middle are a lot of good people who simply want to raise their families in peace without leaving a world drowning in debt or destroyed by rampant consumption. Fortunately, America is renown for our ability to innovate, which is a function of embracing diversity and practicing inclusion.

Many think that the Alaskan economy is built on mineral extraction and resource development, but they are only half right. The reality is the resource we are capturing is the innovative mindset that allows us to reach, develop, and bring those resources to market. Here at the Alliance for Reason and Knowledge, ARK, we believe innovation can be cultivated with robust education and support services. Especially to those individuals who don’t fit in the social square or for those who have stepped outside the system and are struggling to find a place in the world. 

We know how to work together. We know how to be responsible with managing our resources. We know how to live with Nature and not just on her. We know the practices which served us in the past no longer do so, and we know how to adapt. Now we need to take the resource management industry and shift gears into the high speed of the regenerative economy. We will still use oil and coal, but as fire resistant ultra-strong and light carbon fiber at 10x the value. We will still extract resources but included in that industrial portfolio will be the landfills. A transition process that creates three living wage careers for every one job potentially lost to the past. We know societies work best when we seek common ground and build bridges over walls.  We know the economy in our state cannot afford to be a war with the environment and preserving the environment cannot strangle the economy. There has to be a balance, and the regenerative economy is a path we believe will serve us well to create lasting peace and generational prosperity.

In a major city, this level of investment is common.  To keep our state small and beautiful we must find a way to utilize similar investments to set and meet common goals. As a small sample here are six growth industries Alaska is primed for and their economic impact by 2030: innovation management $6.2T, health care $6.1T, aerospace $1.2T, micromanufacturing $787B, geotourism $311B, data management $261B. Diversity isn’t a sign of division but a multiplier of choice. It allows us to make better decisions seeing the big picture.

More information is on our website or the Facebook group we set up to engage the public.  We encourage you to reach out to your representatives at all levels and tell them you support the NEDD expedition. Please watch out for updates, polls, and events so that together we can create a brighter future for us all.

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic now open in Wasilla

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic now open in Wasilla

Contributed by Jessica Cochran 

Alaska Behavioral Health is pleased to announce the opening of a new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) to serve the Mat-Su community. The clinic at 351 West Parks Highway opened to clients the last week of March 2023 and provides comprehensive outpatient behavioral health services to valley residents of all ages, including assessment and therapy, psychiatry, primary care for clients, and peer support.

The clinic is open Monday – Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 907-563-1000. During open hours, the clinic can accept walk-in appointments for those experiencing a mental health crisis. Services may be provided via telehealth based on provider availability.

Expanding to Alaska’s Fastest Growing Region

Expanding services to the Mat-Su has long been a goal of the organization, according to Chief Operations Officer Joshua Arvidson, LCSW.  “We’ve been painfully aware of the shortage of behavioral health services in the Mat-Su for a long time.  We have clients that drive over three hours (round-trip) from the Mat-Su to get their services in our Anchorage clinics. Bringing our services to people who need it in Alaska’s fastest growing region is something I am very excited about.” 

What is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic?

CCBHCs are mental health providers that meet high quality standards in providing mental health services to the communities they serve. Services include crisis services, screening and evaluation, outpatient mental health and co-occurring conditions, primary care screening and monitoring, client-centered treatment planning, targeted case management, psychiatric rehabilitation services, and peer and family support.

CCBHC in Alaska

Alaska Behavioral Health became one of Alaska’s first CCBHCs in 2020 with funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Under that grant, Alaska Behavioral Health worked to improve outcomes for both children and adults experiencing mental health issues in Alaska by expanding and improving our existing services, developing new services to meet the critical shortage of treatment options, improving access to treatments, expanding and developing our workforce, and improving primary care integration and psychiatric medical practices.

Federal Funding for new clinics

In September 2022, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded AKBH additional funding to open the new CCBHC in Wasilla. AKBH was also awarded an Improvement and Advancement grant to continue to develop and implement evidence-based treatments at our current CCBHC clinics in Anchorage and Fairbanks.

About Alaska Behavioral Health

Alaska Behavioral Health, formerly known as Anchorage and Fairbanks Community Mental Health Services, has been providing mental health services to the Anchorage community for more than 45 years and in Fairbanks since 2013. A not-for-profit 501(c)3, Alaska Behavioral Health is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation and is licensed by the State of Alaska. Services include individual and group therapy and skill development for children and adults, psychoeducation, psychiatric services, case management, family therapy, and vocational training. 

Changes to the Waterbody Setback Distance for Lakes in Mat-Su

Changes to the Waterbody Setback Distance for Lakes in Mat-Su

Contributed by Patricia Fisher

Assembly Members Tew and Yundt are at it again.  Their gravel ordinance, after being pulled, was resubmitted to the Planning Commission on a fast track course to be voted on by the Assembly in May.  The amended version does not include provision for public input.

However, I am writing now about a change in the Waterbody Setback Distance for habitable structures on Lakes in the Mat-Su.  The code currently requires that habitable structures must be 75 feet from the water’s edge.  This is a safeguard against septic seepage and chemical runoff from homes. 

The 75-foot limit was established in 1973.  It was in place until November of 1986 when the Assembly reduced the setback to 45 feet.  Six months later, in May of 1987, a ballot initiative returned the setback to 75 feet.  Only 6 months had passed and during that time residents got together a ballot initiative to change the distance back to 75 feet.  It is not easy to get an initiative on the ballot; it requires a lot of signatures. The vote on the initiative was 2 to 1 in favor of returning to the 75-foot setback.  The residents of the valley spoke clearly. They did not want to have homes built that closed to the water.

This change proposed by Tew and Yundt to a shorter distance, with no provision for a riparian buffer, is contrary to recommendations of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, the Mat-Su Fish and Wildlife Commission and a number of Management Plans, such as the Fish Creek Plan.  Our lakes are already suffering from pollution, run off from lawns that are heavily fertilized, septic seepage and road chemicals.  Changing the Setback will only increase the damage to the lakes and wildlife.

Please be watchful of this change and speak out to protect our beautiful lakes.

Clean Air Challenge 2023

Clean Air Challenge 2023

Contributed by Jessica Frey, Director of American Lung Association

On May 13th we invite you to join the 200 hundred bicyclists that will gather in Talkeetna, Alaska for the Clean Air Challenge, in which participants unite to ride for one cause—lung health. The lifesaving ride will benefit the American Lung Association and their mission to improve lung health and help prevent lung disease. 

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The American Lung Association’s work directly touches more than 34 million Americans each year including roughly 100,000 Alaskans living with lung disease. Saving lives through a pioneering model of research, education and advocacy, the Lung Association focuses on defeating lung cancer, creating a tobacco-free future, championing clean air for all and improving the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families.  

The Clean Air Challenge is the largest annual fundraiser for the American Lung Association, Alaska. Each year we challenge riders of every age and skill level to join us as we ride our bikes from the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge up the Highway toward the majestic Denali Mountains and back. Each rider commits to raising at least $350 in fundraising, but many go far beyond that point to help continue funding for the organization’s vital lifesaving work. The money that you raise as a rider goes into our amazing programs aimed at supporting and advocating for Alaskan People. This includes sharing information about lung cancer screening, supporting patients with Asthma Basics education, and tobacco cessation programs. After you use your lungs to power you up the Denali Highway and back to the lodge the American Lung Association will have more information on what we can do as a community to support those living with and supporting loved ones living with lung disease. 

Learn more about the Clean Air Challenge on May 13 and register atwww.cleanairchallengeak.org. or contact the Alaska Office at HeatherL.Johnson@lung.org or Jessica.Frey@lung.org  

When you can't breathe, nothing else matters.