Alaskans Must Reject Corruption in the Courts and at the Ballot Box

Contributed by Holly Sheldon Lee

As Alaskans anticipate the 2022 elections this November, we must insist that state government be held accountable for what has happened through our public institutions, including the Division of Elections and Alaska Judiciary. Widespread corruption has occurred in the face of untold wealth since construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and continues through today with the Permanent Fund Dividend grab and gridlock, according to Holly Sheldon Lee. Violation of state law and statutes regarding distribution of PFD earnings by elected officials in Juneau have caused distrust in government throughout the State. Abnormalities in the 2020 elections deepen the mistrust and must be addressed before the next election, declared Sheldon-Lee.

“I was tricked by the attorneys I was paying into doing something which was not in my best interest. The large Alaska law firm and State of Alaska bond counsel Birch Horton Bittner and Cherot think they are untouchable in the Alaska legal system,” stated Sheldon-Lee. “I know many Alaskans who have horror stories about their experiences in the Alaska Court System—including inside dealings between attorneys—where everybody loses but those running the system.”

In this blog post, Sheldon-Lee tells her story after seven years of seeking justice in the Alaska Court System. You may read her story here: https://alaskataskforce.online/ak-court-corruption

Before the elections in 2020, the US Supreme Court ruled that States were not permitted to delete the witness signatures on election ballots. “In Alaska, judge Dani Crosby over-ruled the United States Supreme Court and deleted the witness signatures off our ballots. On November 4, 2020 after all 441 Alaska precincts reported their tally, Rank Choice voting lost 105,161 to 81,048. Beginning six days after in-person voting ended, 158,074 witness-less ballots without any chain of custody were added to the final tally, every few days, through the end of the month. On November 30, 2021 the Division of Elections announced that Rank Choice won by less then 1%. Without a forensic audit of the ballots they cannot prove that the Initiative won. “If they get away with forcing us to vote by their tricky, foreign rank voting system, every Alaskan man, woman and child’s freedom will be lost forevermore, as you cannot hand count or audit rank choice voting,” said Sheldon-Lee.  

“We know the Ranked Choice voter initiative/proposition was funded by an Outside dark money sponsored campaign, that touts their manipulation of traditional voting methods, was against dark money” said Sheldon-Lee. “We know the stats show over 100% of registered voters voted in our precincts during the general election. We know that the election of the people who are now in the Alaska Legislature could have been impacted. We also know the Alaska Legislature is comprised of a majority coalition that began as a minority Democrat organization and became a majority because fake Republicans were bought off. Alaskans are exhausted from this spectacle,” states Sheldon-Lee.

Sheldon-Lee’s case against the law firm that she believes defrauded her and her Talkeetna business Sheldon Air Service, is scheduled to be heard by the Alaska Supreme Court in the coming months. What began as reaching out for legal help for fair distribution of family assets from the estate of legendary pilot Don Sheldon and his wife Roberta, “has turned into a fight to save Sheldon Air Service and our life savings from the claws of ruthless and greedy Anchorage lawyers,” states Sheldon-Lee. That story has also been told previously at this link: https://donnliston.blogspot.com/2021/08/what-would-don-and-roberta-sheldon-have.html

For more information, contact: Holly Sheldon Lee, 907-232-4063.

The 2022 Election Season Fast Approaches...

Contributed by Katherine Baker

It is the season when politicians maximize & habitually embellish their accomplishments while simultaneously, those same politicians, minimize & ignore their previous campaign promises.

Quick to promise but not so fast at generating any action, they usually simply utter more of their words. If we don't start holding politicians accountable AND responsible, they will continue to 'play' the people and the peoples' votes. We have the power to do something about this. Don't let the politicians convince you that you have no power unless you vote for them! Don't let politicians steal your vote through clever word games. We're all tired of politicians trying to steal the peoples' power. if the politicians aren't representing the people, who are they representing? Don't let the politicians scare or discourage you. Many politicians don't want you to vote unless you are voting for them. We are not their mindless, remote-control robots. VOTE.

All of us turning out to VOTE scares the worst of them-those entitled ones who consider the voice of the people, a mere nuisance, which they can ignore. Simultaneously, the voice of the people, emboldens those politicians working towards real solutions, using facts to develop solutions rather than emotional button pushing to distract from the issues. The voice of the people emboldens those working towards genuine problem resolution rather than punishments for the people. The Biden-Putin discussions didn't serve the American people. Do we want to be punished with astronomical gas price hikes, war or both? Aren't their endless hypocritical rants and lectures enough punishment?

We've seen a lot of strange political happenings in the USA & in Alaska in recent years. But none of them stranger than Democrats supporting their favorite Republican candidates who wouldn't support a moderate Republican POTUS but now support a radical Democratic POTUS & his Communist/Socialist/Fascist agenda. Now why would the Democrat base support CERTAIN Republican candidates? (criteria 'appears' to be a deep-seated hatred of Trump! Disgusting. They can all stop with the humanitarian lectures). Anybody buying it's because the Democrats aren't partisan? Most of us know the difference between burnt toast and well-done steak & eggs.

Those politicians, whether they are a self-described Democrat or Republican, who arrogantly disregard the voices of the people, who give the people empty promises and frustrating unfulfilled hopes-those same politicians will be listening on Election Day! That's the power of the people, the ballot box. Don't let power-hungry politicians steal your power. That's the real coup. we are a government of, by and for the people. And this is our country-one nation under God.

Pass A Constitutional PFD Now

Contributed by Joe Geldhof and Juanita Cassellius

For a long time, significant issues about our Permanent Fund have been bungled and avoided.  How long?

Too long, since 2016, when then Governor Walker decided to ignore the long-standing formula to pay the dividend embedded in Alaska law.

The failure to pay the dividend according to statute has created political chaos.  Every legislative session since Walker vetoed the dividend payment has seen political fighting over the size of the dividend.  Without a fix to the dividend fight, Alaska cannot adopt a sensible fiscal plan.

The time to act on the dividend formula is now. Pointing to higher oil prices or using the upcoming election as an excuse to continue avoiding decisions is unacceptable.  The financial well-being of Alaska is deteriorating because of the inaction by our elected officials.  Action is needed now, not down the trail.

The best way to solve the annual dividend brawl is to put a workable dividend formula before the voters as part of a constitutional amendment.  In order to fix Alaska’s fiscal uncertainty, the first step is to address the dividend and then work on government needs and revenue measures.  Alaska’s citizens and their dividend must be addressed first, not government spending, taxes, or any other issue related to solving the fiscal situation of our state.

The Permanent Fund is the greatest thing we have done for Alaskans since statehood.  The Fund takes a portion of our current non-renewable revenue from oil and holds those funds in trust for the future.

Instead of allowing the current generation to spend all the funds on themselves, we wisely saved for the future. 

Providing a fair dividend to every Alaskan prevents a raid on the fund in multiple ways.  Without a dividend, individual Alaskans are without a stake in their savings account and the Fund will quickly become less than permanent.  As Gov. Jay Hammond once warned: “As go the dividends, so goes the Permanent Fund.” Without dividend protection we risk losing the Fund in the future.

The annual failure of our elected officials to adopt a fair and sustainable dividend formula is corroding Alaska’s political discussion.  Instead of acting decisively on the dividend, too many politicians have avoided difficult choices. Since 2013, the Legislature has gutted Alaskans’ savings accounts spending over $20 billion to fund government.

Now, with oil prices elevated and federal funding flowing into the state’s treasury, far too many politicians are seemingly content to avoid dealing with the citizen’s dividend or putting our fiscal house in order.

We need to act now.  But we need to act responsibly.

Current proposals to use the Percentage of Market Value (POMV) formula to fund government and a dividend have potential to erode the value of the Permanent Fund. 

The current dividend proposal based on a 5% POMV payout is set too high. With inflation running at over 5%, the 5% POMV (with 50% to government and 50% to dividends) presents an unacceptable risk to the fund’s growth.

Other threats to the Alaskans Permanent Fund loom.  There is increasing evidence select individuals and special interests are salivating at the prospect of investing the Permanent Fund in pet projects that are not competitive based on normal prudent investment criteria.  We are dangerously close to politicizing the investment criteria for the Permanent Fund.  If we allow this to happen, the best idea we Alaskans adopted in our statehood history – the Permanent Fund - will be destroyed.

Alaska’s elected officials have repeatedly demonstrated an inability to spend money responsibly.  Saving money has also been a problem.  Many of these elected officials overpromise and underperform when it comes to dealing with Alaska’s finances.  The legislature has spent too much and saved too little of our mineral wealth.

That’s why we call on Alaskans to demand that dividend legislation is passed in this 2022 session.  The citizens need a constitutional formula and one that works for all Alaskans, not just government. 

The formula needs to protect the fund from inflation.  And, the formula needs to grow the Permanent Fund, not just government. 

The formula should provide every Alaskan with a guaranteed dividend derived from their Permanent Fund.

We must avoid converting the Permanent Fund into a development slush fund to back dubious projects advocated by special interests.

The only way our elected officials will protect the Permanent Fund and your dividend is if voters demand constitutional protection of Alaskans’ commonly-owned resource wealth.

Joe Geldhof is a lawyer in Juneau and a board member of the Permanent Fund Defenders. Juanita Cassellius is a nurse in Eagle River and coordinator for Permanent Fund Defenders. (www.pfdak.com)

Partisan Solutions

Contributed by Wes Keller

Do you identify as a Democrat, Republican, or Independent? Whichever label you accept for voting is a respectful “courtesy” statement to others! Any label you wear, political or not, provides valuable, low-level information about who you are and what you prioritize. Some wear their labels loudly, some resist being identified with any group, including gender, race, religious preference, and political groups. When the goal is searching for and applying governing truth in a free republic, it is rude and harmful to insist on the right to privacy and cling to an “undeclared” label. Being forthright about identifying with a political party saves a lot of time and moves past the tedious group task of repeatedly “inspecting our naval”. Political parties work at producing value platforms to allow people to sort themselves, so every premise does not have to be established anew for every group action. Every group communication must include some revealing common presumptions to allow time to be spent accommodating freedom of speech. The clearness of a party label definition is critically important for obvious reasons. Resistance to political stereotyping is understandable because of the fear of inevitable envy, discrimination, racism, pride, prejudice, and other painful human shortcomings; however, the hiding of our world view is a harmful over-reaction.

No label is comprehensive. I am comfortable labeling myself as “Republican”, but I quickly qualify my position explaining I am also a “constitutional conservative” to make sure I am not being included with the “Republicans” who think our US Constitution is obsolete! I also feel compelled to add that while I see my party label as compatible with my total identity, it is subservient to my real identity and values tied to belief in Jesus Christ. Partisanship is not a religion even though it may look like it sometimes, but nobody is expected to embrace partisanship at the cost of violation of his or her conscience!

Elected legislators and governors are expected to wear partisan labels for good reason: to provide information to the voters they are proposing to represent. Like all States, Alaska is just now finalizing a redistricting plan (akredistrict.org) to adjust the “weight” of every Alaskan’s vote to reflect the 2020 census results. In your voting district all three recognized parties should be busy re-organizing according to their respective rules and traditions. The process includes identifying party officers, candidates, and issue advocates and platform planks starting with the grassroots precinct level, to be finalized as the official reorganized State Parties. It is your call whether you are going to involve yourself in what too many now view as a waste of time. Many of you are engaged at some level, but judging by recent embarrassing low voter turnout, most are not. Disdain for politics has done incalculable damage to the proper functioning of our republic. Alaska has become particularly vulnerable because we have a legislative branch of government constitutionally weighted to be weaker than normal. The legislature is supposed to be the most responsive branch to the access and will of the sovereigns (We the People), so our government, in effect, has far less voter influence to make and enforcement of good laws than we should. I won’t insult you with details to inform you about how to get involved; but I will “prod” you by declaring we have exactly the Juneau representation we deserve. Especially if you are one who chose to hide your political identity!

Wes Keller

WesKeller.com

Mayor’s News: Mat-Su Borough

Contributed by Mat-Su Mayor Edna DeVries

Recently I was interviewed by a Third grader from one of our local elementary school.  As I prepared I realized that many of you may have the same questions. 

What does the Mat-Su Mayor do – the Mayor is the chairperson for the borough assembly meetings, has veto power over any assembly action (except for school budget), appoints members of the public to serve on borough boards and commissions, meets with other elected officials (recently meet with US Senator Lisa Murkowski) regarding infrastructure monies coming from the Federal government to assist with such projects as our Port at Port MacKenzie, roads in our borough, and Knik Arm Crossing, and meets with citizens concerning their concerns in their neighborhoods.  

I am elected – I was elected on November 2, 2021(but didn’t take office until November 22, 2021), my term is for 3 years, Mayor and assembly can serve for two consecutive terms.     I can be removed by dying, resigning or recall by the citizens of the borough.  I can come back if removed by being re-elected. 

What powers do I have?  I sign all official documents, I can veto assembly action and then they have opportunity to override my veto, I chair the assembly meetings, I recommend citizens appointments to borough boards and commission subject to the assembly approval – we have 53 of them ranging from road service areas, to animal control, senior health, borough planning, platting (approval subdivisions), and fire service areas.    I meet with other government officials showcasing the boroughs projects and achievements. I speak to groups regarding the great opportunities that we have in  the Mat-Su Bogough. 

What can I do and can’t do?  - I need to be a good model for all citizens, must be honest, ethical, and a good listener.  I must obey all borough code, state laws and federal laws.   I can veto assembly action.    I work with the borough administration for the betterment of all of our citizens. 

How long can one person do the job?  I don’t think that one person can do the job of mayor.   I have lots of people that help me, I have an executive assistant, all borough staff is available to assist me, and I have lots of people in the borough that help me in making good decisions. I appreciate the ideas that the public brings to me to assist in making the Mat-Su Borough a great place to live, work and play. 

Why did I want to become Mayor?   I really like people and enjoy helping them and lots of times, the government seems to be against their citizens rather than assisting them.  I believe that elected officials are servants of the people and that our government is by the people not by elected or appointed people.

Requirements for job – you must a voter and resident of the borough; you must registered to run for the office and then get the most votes at election time, and you must be a resident of the borough for one year immediately prior to the election.

Limitations – no vote on the assembly – not permit to make motions and only vote in case of a tie.

Did I become mayor for my family?   No, but my family that resides in the valley will enjoy the benefits of good, honest, trustworthy government.

Did my mom ask me to become mayor?   When I was growing up, my parents encouraged me to become whatever I wanted to be – set my sights and goals of things that would take a lot of training, wisdom, and hard work to accomplish.   I don’t remember us talking specify about the mayor position but public office yes – many discussions.

Is my family proud of me – I would say ‘yes’ but they also realize that I am human and could easily make mistakes and not everyone will agree with all of my decisions. 

If you have further questions, please reach out to me. 907-861-8682

Upcoming agenda items for the Assembly – Tuesday, Feb. 15, an ordinance appointing a Task Force to review and make recommendations to the Assembly regarding road service area services in Big Lake Road Service Area 21 and potentially other areas. 

The Gift To My Valentine

Contributed by Yvonne Moss

The gift, my Valentine gave to me,

Bound us together with twine;

Hearts and flowers and ring and things,

Asking for me to be thine.

My heart ceased to beat on the sad day,

When the twine did snap, a coup.

Will my broken heart ever mend thyself,

And find a new Valentine true?

The Dance

Contributed by Nan Potts

The dance is when

Two hearts join in

To synchronize as one.

And make it known,

Love has shown,

It’s strength compares to none.

The dance then starts,

With flaming hearts,

The passion to enjoy.

Each other’s hue,

They’ve come to view,

And talents to employ.

Each dancer brings,

Sometimes with strings,

Gifts which charm or glower.

Thus, each allows,

Missteps and bows,

If performed a howler.

It’s carried on,

This dance and song,

To which it has no end.

If, both elect,

Not to neglect,

Each other’s heart to tend.

— For My Valentine

Gather

Contributed by Robert Lyons

When Liberty screams for thundering hoofs

Since the days of Ypres, Vimy and Passchendaele

Hail of hell, seeping fumy death,

Canadians held their breathe

Americans have tales to tell, of frozen Hells

River crossings to slice Hessian throat

They have also the blood that bore heavy weight

Racing through veins true, lessons bore of floating bodies

From Tarawa to Iwo Jima, Utah, Omaha, and Juno

these places sacrosanct in the lore of liberty

but reality has worn the families thin

So again, the call goes out to ALL

We the PEOPLE keep STANDING TALL, AND THE CONVOYS WIN!

GATHER, GATHER, this is outstanding

TAKE IT TO THEM

WE the People are demanding it!

FROM A SON.

Contributed by C.MacFarlane

From a son to his father on the occasion of his first major screw up as a man.

You were always careful with my small body,

wiping gently when I was wet and snotty.

Forgive me for stepping on your heart,

I didn't think it would all fall apart.

God was kind when he gave me to you,

your love always sees me through.

Father, I'm asking for your grace,

on those times I move at too fast pace.

Have patience with the dumb things I do,

it's hard living up to a man like you.

Dead O’ Winter

Contributed by Jeffrey Winke

time

in the gelid emptiness

letting go

heavy bootfall

yelling about something --

upstairs neighbor

bare branches

above the snow crusted ground --

feeling warmth within

stereo's be-bop --

cratered translucent moon

glows frozen in gray sky

frosted window --

the patchwork quilt

of her warm whisper

Can We Live by Ancient Rules?

Contributed by Maxine Franklin

Dear people and animals that without

Reservation deserve to live

Forever but nevertheless have passed into oblivion.

Over the course of life on earth,

This has occurred

Countless times.

Thus our hope of an eternity - an endless pause in time's relentless passage

That would spare all of us - a living

Suspension of cruel physical laws.

Can we change

Definitions to make these less inexorable?

Can we allow a suspension, a long endless eternal

Day with no night in sight?

Where flowers bloom without

Fading. Where the kitten plays in an endless summer?

Where my love and I hold sunset

And moonrise in our smooth hands?

Our joy

Slowly witnessing the gentian opening?

Endlessly blooming?

Blue

Contributed by Karly O’Loughlin

Your lips, these sweet entryways for me to slip inside.

The way my bone marrow longs to be sucked dry;

and your hands, these warm cradles that cup the jawline of my reckless spirit.

Drowning out the wild in me in a feverish whirling of smoke and steam.

Fabric interlacing between flesh, skin rubbed raw against bone, pressing, pressing, deepening my curves and eroding sharp edges until I am a smooth stone in the palm of your riverbed. Quenched entirely in blue; a universe of you

Stop Falsely Claiming Your Dog is a Certified Service Animal

Contributed by Amber Martin 

Hello Mat-Su Valley friends! Long story, but this is an extremely important situation. 

I am writing this hoping to make this situation known to everybody out there claiming that their dogs are service dogs. (In no way whatsoever is this the grocery store’s fault!) Recently there was an incident at the Wasilla Carrs Grocery Store with my three-year-old (soon-to-be four-year-old) and a big, beautiful bully breed. My child was in a shopping cart, sitting down with the balloon that we had just picked out from the picture included here. I was walking, with her in the cart, passing the hot food section where you can pick out pizza pockets and burritos, Sushi, corn dogs and all that deliciousness. There was this beautiful tan fawn colored bully on a leash with this lady standing there. The dog was not at a heel by this lady’s side or sitting down waiting as the lady waited for her food. There were two ladies together with the dog. As we are rolling by and slowly approaching this dog, I start to realize that the dog's body language is super tense, and the leash is extremely taught, and he's waiting and watching my child as we are approaching. 

Let me just give you a little bit of information about myself: I am a dog trainer. I’ve trained service dogs for 5 years for the Army, for post-traumatic stress. I now do behavior modification and I go into people's houses and help them with dogs so that they can learn and have tools in order to be able to keep their dogs, and not have to give dogs away that seem unmanageable. 

As I’m walking by, I realized that this dog’s stare is not nice. 

One of my specialties is being able to read a dog's body language and stop a fight or an action before it happens. If you know your dog well enough, you are able to stop your dog from doing the bad behavior. Before I can do anything, this dog starts lunging at my three-year-old in the shopping cart. The owner who is holding the end of the leash is not being mindful of the dog, and he pulls the owner to the cart. The dog almost bites my child in the face, not only once but twice, and I whip the cart behind me and start charging, almost in a stance like a mama bear because if anybody's going to get bit it's going to be me - and I'll be damned if my child is going to get hurt!

I instantly tell this lady that her dog has no business being inside the store, especially if he's going to be acting like that. She tries to tell me that this dog is a service dog. She doesn't know that I'm a service dog trainer. 

A service dog should be desensitized to anything related to children (balloons, loud noises, etc…) to prepare them to help their owner in a public situation. This is why it takes at least 2 years to 4 years to fully train a service dog. 72% of service dogs fail the program. You can tell which puppies will be a good service dog at the age of 6 weeks old. 

Obviously this dog is not a service dog. I offer absolutely no discouragement on any breed... I love all breeds, all animals, all dogs and reptiles. But to claim that your dog is a service dog, and bring it into a store where children are in danger, this is not okay with me. She's lucky that I had my child with me and that the dog didn't try to lunge at me, because that would have been a lot different situation. I was so frazzled by the situation, trying to check myself out, while demanding that a manager come right there at that instant. 

They needed to get that dog out of this store now! 

Other parents and customers are coming up to me trying to calm me down because I'm so frazzled about the situation, telling me that I'm a good mom and I handled it really well. They saw what happened and that it was absolutely insane. The lady with the dog sat there and argued with me profusely about how her dog is a service dog and my child was waving a balloon in the shopping cart. 

No service dog should be lunging and trying to bite my child in the face like that. 

Moral of the story, guys, is please, please, please do not try and pass your dog off as a service dog and bring them into the store. 

First, it is extremely disrespectful to those that are in need of the service dogs for you to abuse the situation, only making the problem worse. 

Second, if you can't leave your dog in the car on a hot or extremely cold day then leave your dog at home. Dogs are going to be a lot safer and happier at home than being in a hot car or a frozen car. 

And thirdly, if another dog comes at my child, this mama bear is going to rip it apart!

How to Stop Your Dog From Barking Excessively When On a Walk

Contributed by Angie Lewis

Occasionally, when you are walking your pooch, she will bark at other animals or people. This can become problematic when your dog is out of control, barking and lunging.  These behaviors are not only embarrassing, but can also be seen as a sign of aggression by other dogs.  There are strategies to address these negative behaviors. 

If your dog is a puppy, that is the best time to begin training.  Make certain that your dog is fully vaccinated, before taking her out into the world.  Training when your dog is young, is an easier task, but it is certainly possible to “teach an old dog new tricks.”  Make sure that you have an appropriate collar or harness for your dog.  Have a good amount of treats available, as a reward for good behavior.  Treats can eventually become less important, but they are invaluable to begin.

Hold onto your dog’s leash firmly, but not too tightly because this will increase the likelihood of her pulling.  Teach your dog the “heel” command.  Reinforce your command and positive responses with an immediate treat.  Get your dog’s attention by asking her to heel and then requiring eye contact.  If she is focusing on you, she will be less focused on the other animals or people around her.

Add some challenges to your walk, such as going up/down stairs, vary your speed, and walk around obstacles.  Give your dog a treat if she walks by a distraction without barking.

Purchasing a pheromone collar can provide calming down scents for your dog.  There are various oils that help with this.  Visit your pet supplies store to explore the various products available. 

You can also throw treats on the ground ahead of you.  This will help with her not becoming obsessed with the other dogs.  If this doesn’t work, ask her to “heel” and make a sharp 180 turn away from the distractions.  Her brain might just require a reset.

Be patient with your dog and remember that it will take some time to develop these good habits.  Also, formal training can be very beneficial to develop positive behavior in your dog.

Angie Lewis, President of Alaska Animal Advocates

Don’t Wake Me Until I Have a Foster or Forever Home!

Contributed by Angie Lewis

Meet Socks, Patches, Spencer, and Penelope.  They are ready for a foster of forever home.  They are tired of being in different temporary homes.

These Black Lab Mix pups are three and a half months old – three females and one male.  They are ready – vaccinated, dewormed, life enrollment in a microchip program and spayed or neutered.  These critters are going to be fairly large dogs, so open your heart wide!!!

To meet these sweet souls, call Angie at Alaska Animal Advocates at 841-3173

A Visit From Robert Frost: A Message For Our Times

Contributed by Doug Ferguson

This month’s “Great American” is the poet Robert Frost. Those following this series based on outstanding people I have either met or experienced personally in my lifetime know that some are not well known, and others are very well known. Robert Frost is, of course, the latter.

Many years ago when I was an engineering student at Case Institute of Technology (now the engineering school at Case University in Cleveland, Ohio) we were honored with a day long visit from this Pulitzer Prize winning poet who later would be seen and heard by the nation on national television on a chilly January day as he was chosen to speak at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961.

While certainly known as an outstanding American poet today, many are not aware that he spent a good deal of the later half of his life lecturing at colleges, mostly in the east, and actually had month long lecturing arrangements with Amherst College in Massachusetts and Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. Reading accounts of historians and others who knew him well, he apparently had a “love/hate” relation with science and it’s potential for detracting from the human spirit. Looking back all these years today, it seems he had a reason for wanting to come and talk to a bunch of young engineering students.

He arrived on campus Monday morning April 5, 1959, submitted to a press conference, and then spoke to a very large audience in our new gymnasium. Afterwards he then went to a reception at the student union attended by a smaller group of 50 or so students who gathered around him to ask questions in a relaxed atmosphere for a good two hours and, as our student newspaper The Case Tech reported, “—wound a spell with his colorful answers and remarks.”

Many of his answers were quite humorous, but were very subtle and provoked thought.

Again from the Case Tech:

Initially the poet claimed that “science is the great enterprise” and built his remarks around this theme. He reminded the people that we all are the scientists and this led him to the question of “Who are we?”

At the more informal reception meeting with students he was asked:

Are you shocked by ballistic missiles and rockets to the moon?

Frost: Who are scientists, but you and I? I suppose this will change our lives. We’ll all have a Sputnik for the Fourth of July.  That would make a good song title. We’ll all have a Sputnik for the Fourth of July!

(The Soviet satellite Sputnik was fresh in everyone’s mind as it had been launched in 1957 and shocked the world as it’s first orbiting object placed there by man. Later that year after Frost’s visit, the first human-made object to touch the Moon was the Soviet Union's Luna 2, in September 1959.)

Do you realize that scientists will soon send rockets to the moon?

Frost: I have considered the idea of some poets that science can ruin the moon for lovers. All I can do is laugh at this until they get to the moon!

(Frost didn’t get to see men on the moon as he died in 1963 and the moon landing was in 1969)

Of course there were many other questions ranging from whether engineers need English and grammar to how good really are eastern colleges for which to each he gave an entertaining answer.

I wish I could find the exact quote, but I remember him making a point of saying that science was man’s great enterprise, but we should remember it is only a tool with which to understand the physical universe, while implying that it’s probably not the one to understand the spiritual one. It’s certainly a much needed lesson to be remembered today!

At the end he was asked:

Why do you avoid giving opinions?

Frost: I make my stand in books. I have no campaigns. I am merely interested in history and poetry. Perhaps this couplet will help you out:

It takes all kinds of in and outdoor schooling,

To understand my kind of fooling!

A great limerick from a Great American!

-------------------------

Doug Ferguson is a retired engineer living in Palmer, AK who has had a life-long interest in nature, science, history and human behavior.

The Wild Women of Winedale at Valley Performing Arts

Contributed by Garry Forrester

The Wild Women of Winedale is a “laugh out loud and roll in the aisles” comedy from a team of writers that brought were responsible for so many memorable episodes of NBC’s hit sit‐com, The Golden Girls. This writing team is also responsible for other hit comedies that VPA has done in the past including The Dixie Swim Club, The Hallelujah Girls, and The Savannah Sipping Society. The play has all the Southern charm and wit that we’ve come to expect from writing trio of Jones, Hope, and Wooten so you won’t want to miss a single wry look or one‐liner!

THE WILD WOMEN OF WINEDALE opens for theatre performances on March 4th and runs through March 13th. Ticket prices for these performances are $19 Regular Admission, $17 Seniors 65+/Students 18 and younger. The theatre performances will be at Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Avenue, in Wasilla. VPA will also do six dinner theatre performances at Evangelo’s Restaurant in Wasilla between March 17th and 26th.

Purchase tickets for the theatre performances online at www.valleyperformingarts.org or call our office at 373‐0195 for more information. Tickets for the dinner theatre shows must be purchased through the VPA office. Be sure to follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/Valley‐Performing‐Arts.

Outside

Contributed by Charles Dean 

George could here the noises of the infected outside again tonight. Tomorrow he’d have to leave this safe haven for the first time in years. He wore a worn out white long sleeve shirt, and equally worn out blue slacks. His hair was long and unkempt. His eyes had tired black rings, while his skin looked sickly.

He’s been here alone for two years, all the others left, or, perhaps they died. He wasn’t quite sure. Tonight he ran out of food and water, he shook hungry and licked his lips thirstily. To keep his time he’d starting writing on the walls and floors. “ I must leave, I must go, I must survive!” His writings said in example.

Besides the sound of moaning, there was an aged oak grandfather clock ticking and tock. His heart’s pulse was fast and felt hard, it sounded like a drum. It was just another sign of exhaustion. Why was he still awake? The thought pressed him like a button on an arcade machine.

He knew the answer full well. Keep the dead out! Although, his barricade made of bookcases of various colors and shades was sturdy enough. Why take the chance? To be fair he often drifted off some nights, and those days; the sun would be out and the dead were still there.

They seem to stand like rotten puss filled statues. Not a single utter of sound. Only the look of a thousand cataracts. Expressionless even. Still, he wouldn't take a chance!

He had his legs up to his head, rocking slowly in the middle of the dirty floor. Sweat beads like bullets on his goose bumped skin. He chuckled in uncertainty and of stress. The moans of dead even louder now. Every shamble he swore was like a mini quake.

“I’ll kill any I see, it’s best for my survival!” He yelled internally. It sounded like a thundering echo in a cave. Strange as it was, it’d be the best he could describe it. It wasn’t them moving he was afraid of, it was their eyes watching. Could they memorize his location?

He had to believe zombies weren’t like the depictions. No way they’d been accurate! After all, those were just canonized lore. Nobody truly knew what an undead person’s weaknesses could be. Nor, their abilities!

For minutes maybe hours had passed before he’d looked up at the window in front of him. He needed too, he suddenly remembered. It showed the moon and sun, his one saving grace here! Just above his barricade to the exit of this dilapidated, decaying mess of a building. The light of the moon was the only thing left, soon, the sun would come.

Stopping his rocking, he extended his right hand out to the floor. Dragging his pointer finger along the dust caked floor. He made tiny lines to represent the seconds. He followed every tock of the clock. Every tick began a second, and even tock ending a second.

Tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock… on and on. Hours flew as he drifted with sounds. Was he asleep? Perhaps micro-sleep. Who knows but the sky?

The light of the moon was gone now. The sun was painting the skies pink. Shambles slowly dissipated, so too the moans. Soon the world was silent. His eyes were bloodshot, the tired black rings even darker.

George quickly got up to move his barricade away. It was the clock going off that truly set him off. His heart beating fast again. It didn’t take long for the door to be cleared. He opened the door.

There’d been something standing there. It spooked him, he jumped back. Shielding his tired eyes. Shaking violently, he slowly moved his arm out of his view. Then he saw it.

It wasn’t a zombie, it was a manikin. And as he walked outside he saw nothing else standing still. What he saw was the modern world. Cars driving and people  living life. He’d survived a delusion.

Experience Robert Service Like Never Before

Contributed by Kaelan Paulson

Inspired by childhood memories of Sam McGee, and the haunting tale of The  Shooting of Dan McGrew, award-winning Alaskan cartoonist K.Paulson has illustrated and released in the soft cover format:

The Cremation of Sam McGee. 

The Shooting of Dan McGew. 

The Spell of the Yukon. 

Published originally in 1907 in the critically acclaimed book "Songs of a Sourdough," these classic examples of Alaskan literature are largely credited as a driving force which inspired the Alaskan gold rush, and the eventual course to statehood. 

These timeless works live on in the hearts and minds of Alaskan performers and outdoorsman alike. Passed from generation to generation through campfire stories, antique recordings, and impassioned recitals which stand the test of time. 

All recontextualized, and given new life through the signature vibrant K.Paulson style that readers of all ages are growing to know and love.

Ring in Fur Rondy this year by taking home a signed copy of each. K.Paulson will be attending a book signing at Anchorage's own "Titlewave books" on Northern Lights Blvd. February 26th. 12:00 am to 4:00 pm. 

Colony High School Presents: Anastasia the Musical

Contributed by  Brenda Davis

In November of 2017, Colony High School Marching Band, Color Guard, and Choirs flew to New York City to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.  It was on this trip that the group of over 200 students, staff, parents and family members attended Anastasia the Musical on Broadway. Inspired by this beautiful production, CHS choir director Kelly Rentz and CHS band director Dr. Jamin Burton decided to bring the production to our hometown.

This February Anastasia will be performed at the Glenn Massay Theatre.  Over 70 cast and crew members and 21 musicians forming the orchestra have been rehearsing for the past four months and it promises to be a gorgeous event.

Actor Porter Reynolds says of the production, “Being a part of this show has been amazing! Despite a few challenges, such as losing a week of rehearsal due the windstorm, our directors Kelly Rentz and Jamin Burton have done a great job putting this show together. Our choreographers and costumers have been wonderful to work with. Prepare to be in awe by the talent of this cast!  This is the perfect show for the reopening of the Glenn Massay Theatre!”

Inspired by the beloved films, Anastasia transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920’s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

Colony High School Senior Charly Rentz plays the role of Anya (Anastasia).  When asked what challenges the production has presented, she says “The most challenging thing about bringing this story to life has been making my character my own, and getting into her brain so that I can portray her authentically. Growing up I love the animated film and Anya was the first princess I saw that was sassy and stubborn – a lot like me. She is royal blood and has those characteristics in her subconscious, but she’s funny and haughty and genuine because she’s also had to find her own way around as a commoner. 

Broadway’s Anastasia took a sweeter approach with her character, but across the board, Anya has this unshakable passion to find her truth. She also has deep rooted trauma regarding her past, which is something we can all relate to and interpret in our own ways. It’s really been trial and error when figuring out how I personally want to portray her – what tonality to use here and how to carry myself there – but we are very similar in a lot of ways, so when something sticks, it really sticks. And I think it carries off onto the rest of the cast.”

When asked who should see this production, Charly responded, “Anyone who has ever been lost and had to find their way through it. It isn’t just Any’s story – every character in the show has a story with thorough depth, and a different way of coming into themselves. I think that the most heart-wrenching story is that of the main antagonist, Gleb. He’s a Russian deputy who is torn between his sense of right and wrong throughout the show because of something that happened to him in his childhood. In the end, the only way of accepting himself is through love, just as it is for Anya, her grandmother, and everyone else. I’ve struggled with being lost a lot in my life, and so has everyone in the cast, so it’s interesting to see them take their experiences and use them in their performance. It’s beautiful to see, and I think the audience will feel that w ay too.”

Band and orchestra director Jamin Burton says, “This is one of my favorite musicals because it is great music and is a perfect blend of fairy tale and reality.  It presents some of the realities of the turmoil in Russia from the 20th century, with just enough light heartedness to really be a show that has something for everyone. The music is challenging but it’s a great opportunity for students to develop. The costumes, lighting, music, sets, dance and acting all come together in a stunning way that is absolutely captivating.”

With its opulent settings, dazzling costumes, and a soaring score including the song favorites from the hit animated film, “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December”, Anastasia is the spectacular new musical about discovering who you are and defining who you’re meant to be.

Anastasis runs February 24 – March 12 with shows at 7pm as well as Saturday matinees. 

Tickets can be purchased at:

cdrama.Bootktix.com

Sources:  Broadway.com,  Porter Reynolds, Actor,  Charly Rentz, Actress