Alaska Pacific University Partners with Mat-Su Valley Healthcare Facilities

Alaska Pacific University Partners with Mat-Su Valley Healthcare Facilities for a New Nursing Program

Contributed by Toni Riley

Alaska Pacific University has partnered with Yuncarista and collaborated with several Mat-Su Valley healthcare providers including Pioneer Home of Palmer, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, Maxim Healthcare, Primrose Retirement Community and Maple Springs of Palmer and Wasilla, to expand its Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program. The program aims to deliver outstanding nursing education focused on cultural safety and clinical excellence for rural and Alaska Native populations.

APU is working to meet a statewide demand for nurses by preparing students to care for others and qualify for licensure. According to Indeed, the average LPN in Alaska makes almost $45 an hour, which is about 30% above the national average. The outlook for this profession is bright, as it is expected to grow faster than the national average.

This is the third practical nurse partnership the university has developed in the state. The first cohort graduated this month out of Bethel, Alaska, in partnership with Yuut Elitnaurviat. A second cohort, developed with Foundation Health Partners in Fairbanks, starts in January. The first cohort in the Mat-Su Valley area will begin in August. The program, delivered over two semesters, includes didactic, active learning of skills, and clinical practice.

Applicants must have prior clinical experience in healthcare. Some positions that qualify as health experience include medical assistant, health aide, paramedic, EMT, and more. Clinical Nursing Assistants, or CNAs, also qualify. Mat-Su currently offers a CNA training program, and Pioneer Home of Palmer offers a CNA apprenticeship—fueling efforts for the partnership to develop. Interested students must complete an anatomy and physiology class with lab, submit an online application, and have an interview with APU’s nursing faculty. To practice as an LPN, graduates must pass the NCLEX- PN national licensure exam and be licensed by the Alaska Board of Nursing.

Toni Riley

Alaska Pacific University

907-564-8300

triley@alaskapacific.edu

Wasilla Area Seniors - BINGOCIZE

Wasilla Area Seniors - BINGOCIZE

Contributed by Sally Barnes

Starting on January 3, 2023, Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. is offering a new BINGOCIZE class. This 10-week program combines exercise and Bingo for a fun and exciting way to learn about Fall Prevention.

The exercises start out slow and build up stamina over the 10-week period. This class meets twice a week, on Tuesday and Friday at 10am.

Play Bingo with the chance to earn prizes all the while learning safety techniques to assist you and your loved ones in fall prevention.

A great way to exercise, have fun and meet new friends! The class typically runs for about an hour, so stay and eat lunch afterwards.

Best of all, the cost is FREE!

Contact club50@alaskaseniors.com to get involved.

Concerned Conservatives of Alaska

Concerned Conservatives of Alaska

Contributed by Mike Coons, President of CCAK

Concerned Conservatives of Alaska (CCAK) is up and running. Our last meeting on 17 December had a full agenda. We finalized our Bylaws then we had Ron Johnson, District 2 Chair for the Alaska Republican Party (ARP), Senators Shelley Hughes and Mike Shower and Representative David Eastman make presentations. 

Although CCAK is not an exclusively Republican organization, conservative values are found in the ARP Platform throughout. We welcome all who have conservative values, be they non-affiliated, Alaska Independent Party (AIP) and of course Republicans. As I have said in the past, Blue Dog Democrats, who share conservative values of freedom, liberty, standing for our Republic and who are seriously considering leaving the Democrat Party, like Ronald Reagan and now Tulsi Gabbard have, are welcome as well. 

A large amount of the discussion was on the results of this election. Specifically the State Senate. How is that even though 65% of voters voted for Republicans and the values of the Republican Party, the left of center or as we call them RINO Senators combined with the Democrats vs maintaining a Republican Majority in the Senate. This has now caused three of the strongest conservatives in the Senate, Senators Shelley Hughes, Mike Shower and Rob Myers to be put in a situation, that to stand for all their constituents who value our Republic, they are now in a 3 person minority. Senator Hughes, Shower and Myers reached out to Senators Bert Stedman, Gary Stevens, Click Bishop, Cathy Giessel with a solid plan to maintain a Republican Majority in the Senate. What is most important to state here is that not one of the above or others responded back. It was a very loud silence! In point of fact, along with that silence, the above and others went on personal attacks with vicious lies that are provable! There was a lively back and forth on what has happened and how Shelley, Mike and Rob will work to advance legislation or just as importantly try to block future legislation on things such as:            (Income Taxes, Eliminating the PFD, Increased Spending, etc.) 

The bottom line is that they will be opposing legislation, as just stated, from a policy standpoint. Those RINO's, who push for such legislation, will be called out on what they are supporting, not as they have done on a personal attack aspect. Will people go against those RINO's, you bet we will. Focusing on their policy and their actions and comments. Will Bert, Click, Cathy and many others we will stand against take that as personal attacks? Of course they will, but they are the ones pushing for bad policy for personal reasons and gains. What was asked to the membership was to stand for conservative values, to be effective in any and all communications and most importantly, to call, write and testify in committee hearings, support and oppose that legislation being brought forward, in a positive manner! 

There was also a lengthy dialogue as to the direction of the ARP, specifically the vote by the State Central Committee (SCC) to end the censure of Senator Lisa Murkowski and Rep and now Senator elect Kelley Merrick. The bottom line as stated by Ron Johnson was that the censure against a sitting US Senator who has millions of dollars had no real effect. Kelley Merrick used that as a badge of honor. Yes, voters are encouraged to continue to voice our disdain of these two's actions and of course to support others against them in 2024! We are going to work hard to try and repeal Rank Choice Voting (RCV). RCV will still be in effect in the 2024 races. We must reevaluate how we effectively vote for conservatives in both the House and Senate as well as remove those RINOs that have thumbed their noses at the voters! This means being involved at the Republican District meetings, planning to be a delegate in the coming ARP Convention and of course being an active member of CCAK. 

We ended with Representative David Eastman, his views on the House, and of course his court battle, which I am so glad to report he has won! At this time the make-up of the House is up in the air and it is very possible that like two years ago, the House may not be decided on who is the Majority for an unknown period of time. As was pointed out, Alaska is very different from all the Lower 48 Legislatures. If the elected legislators are even a majority by one, that party is the Majority. The Democrats and Republicans stand with their fellow Democrats or Republicans. Our Legislators have put fingers in the wind and flipped to the other party which has harmed our State! This is another reason why the use of RINOs is even more prolific in use and why non-affiliated voters do not join the ARP. 

Our next meeting will be January 21st at 11 AM, again at the Real Life Church in Palmer. Since this meeting we have gained another location to meet at, the Chugiak Senior Center. Thus the February meeting will be there, again, at 11 AM. So please put on your calendars if you are interested in joining or coming and being part of future CCAK meetings every third Saturday at 11 AM to about 1:30 PM, alternating between Real Life Church, Palmer and Chugiak Senior Center North Birchwood Loop exit. 

The January meeting will have as guest speaker Ron Yundt, discussing repeal of RCV and other potential ballot measures his organization is looking at and supporting. After the guest speaker, I will be discussing a section out of the State of Alaska Constitution and related ARP Platform. This is part of the education within our Mission Statement. Hope to see many more people in January.

I wish you all a Happy New Year!

Heating with Wood, Again

Heating with Wood, Again

Contributed by Cherime MacFarlane

The furnace died in November, shortly before Thanksgiving. The company I called did everything they could to resurrect the old thing. No go. That meant I needed a new one. Since this is a home-built cabin, not any old furnace will do. 

Then, there is the age of the owner, 80, and the age of the cabin, 40.

First on the to-do list, was locating a furnace Outside and getting it shipped up here. Along came the snow apocalypse and a series of weird things happening all at once. It became apparent I wouldn’t have any heat for all of December other than two small radiant electric heaters and my tiny wood stove.

This is where we come to the meat of the story. I had some wood but not enough to make it to furnace delivery time. After rounding up what looked as if it might do the job, I set about getting the stove ready for a month of hard labor.

I usually use the small stove with a glass insert in the door to help ease the heating situation when the temperature drops below -15. The electric heaters, with both going full blast, will keep the downstairs at about 45 degrees. With a nice wool blanket, the loft stays warm enough for sleeping. But that’s too cold for comfort downstairs where everything else is.

The wood stove had to work properly. I’d installed a draft inducer years ago. Best move I’ve made in a while. If it’s very cold and the wind is howling, that blower makes all the difference in getting and keeping a fire going until the bed of coals is hot enough to light every split you toss in. 

The glass needed a new seal. When you know if you break that glass, you are flat out of luck, removing it and installing the new seal is a hold your breath operation. Since the woven stuff is tubular, it needs to be compressed ever so gently while you try to get the nuts back on the studs. 

A few prayers and patience got me through that one. Now I had to remember a lot of things I learned out in the Copper Basin the first nine years I lived in Alaska. Heating with wood is a science. You don’t just throw a hunk of wood on the stove and expect it to heat you. What kind of wood are you using to start the fire? What do you use to build the bed of coals that will radiate the heat you need? 

It all came back quickly. I hope to have the furnace in the first week of January. If it isn’t, it will be time to buy more wood. I want a mix of birch and spruce. The spruce gets it started and the birch burns slow and steady. Once I have the dampers set right, that little stove that barely holds three splits sixteen inches long will heat the entire house. I keep glancing at the glass in the door so I can gauge when the next log should go in. It burns efficiently.

I need to clean out the excess ash about every two days. So it's messy but, I have and will always maintain it. Nothing heats like wood, nothing. I will be glad to get the oil-fired furnace going. I do hate getting up to a cold house. As my husband used to say, “Needs must when the devil drives.” If I find it necessary to buy more wood, I have a phone number and will call. It’s been years since I had to depend on a wood stove, but it can be done, and I will if I must. Time to throw in another log. Stay warm, y’all.

Rock

Rock

Contributed by Katherine Baker

Motionless

a solid mass,

of continuity in form,

aesthetically carved,

silent, yet voluminous,

sharp and smooth,

yet rigid,

enduring though weathered,

an unseen sculpture,

of universal beauty,

without predator-

ROCK.

Drought

Drought

Contributed by Katherine Baker

That prying, drying

heat does curse,

laments the earth,

expecting worse.

Arise the dying

waters, stir,

the lakes and streams

and rivers as were.

Respond, please pond,

which is no more,

and tell the lore

of times before.

Awake the sake

of thirsty falls,

so far away

from which it calls.

Emerge the surge

and wrong the fear,

earth longs to hear,

those heavy tears.

Brief not this fate

of no relief,

moisture of late,

comes from deep grief.

Thank Goodness It Is 2023

Thank Goodness It Is 2023

Contributed by Marilyn Bennett 

Are you as happy as we are that 2022 is over? At our house we are so ready to have a new year. Last year was crazy. To start the year off, we had a wind storm on New Year's Day which took down two of our fences, blew away our small greenhouse and ripped the cover off our camper. It was a tough start to the year. As the year progressed we both had significant health problems. Then the year came to an end with another huge windstorm.   

Thank goodness that 2022 is over and we can all start over again. 2023 has to be a great year if only because I survived last year. Also, I have begun this year with several new resolutions. To begin with, I have made several great New Year’s resolutions. I even wrote them down, and made a day-to-day plan, to ensure I won't forget. I know you think I will weaken in a few days or certainly by the end of the month. However, I have been spending the past year reading motivational books and listening to podcasts. I am determined to completely reorganize my life to be more positive no matter what happens. So here is what I have learned: 

Most of the self help programs begin with getting up each morning at the same time. Ok, I can do that. 

Next most of them go something like this: Make your bed. Ignore your phone. Go outside. Set a program for the day Brush your teeth. Say you are wonderful in your mirror. 

I might have to skip the saying I am wonderful as when I look in the mirror first thing in the morning, I am in no mood to tell myself anything. Decided to wait until I had my first cup of coffee before trying that part of the program.  

I was pleased that one of things most of the self help books thought important was making the bed first thing in the morning. That is the one thing that I have always done and I regularly brush my teeth before my first cup of coffee. 

Ignore your phone! That part is easy for me as I have refused to become attached to my phone and in fact only have an (old fashioned) flip phone. I know that sounds almost medieval (as my daughters would say) but with my eyesight I prefer a big screen and so only use my phone for what it was originally intended for....calling a friend or for use in an emergency. 

Then there was the suggestion that I should keep a log of all the good things that happen each day because of my positive attitude. That actually sounds like a lot of work and if nothing good happens it could be depressing so I have decided to skip that part of the program. 

Make plans the night before for the next day. As I noted earlier I have actually planned the entire year out and so only have to get up each day and follow the plan.   

Go outside. Now that is something that has taken on more importance to me since the windstorm just before this Christmas. It piled up a four foot drift in front of our front door and a five foot drift on our deck and patio door to effectively trap us inside over Christmas. Luckily we were not expecting company, as both daughters went south for Christmas. We did have heat, intermittent electricity and plenty of great food so we were fine. It did, however, make both Doug and I appreciate the freedom of being able to leave the house. We also marveled how the pioneers existed up here before central heating and well insulated houses.    

I am so looking forward to this new year and would like to share one of my favorite New Year Quotes:   

"The New Year is a painting not yet painted;  

a path not yet stepped on, 

a wing not yet taken off!  

Things haven’t happened as yet!  

Before the clock strikes twelve, remember that you are blessed with the ability to reshape your life!” Mehmet Murat Ildan, Turkish Author 

Also, remember your New Year's resolution and let it inspire you to have the best year ever, no matter what outside events conspire against you. I have found that adversity helps all of us appreciate the good times and shows us the kindness of our neighbors and friends.   

Wishing you the best New Year ever. As for me, I will be writing more, painting more and getting out and about. Hope to see you and share good times with you and yours in our delightful little city of Palmer. 

A Great American Naturalist: Edwin Way Teale

A Great American Naturalist: Edwin Way Teale

Contributed By Doug Ferguson

In this series of stories about Great Americans that have not only influenced me in the past, but also many others as a result of their life’s work, two of these have been naturalists. For my last and final Great American in this series, I want to add one more,  Edwin Way Teale.

In the early 1970’s in Upstate New York, after buying a 30 acre remnant of what was originally a 200 acre century old family dairy farm, I found I was looking for reading material related to growing and nature rather than fiction for relaxation! Shortly afterward a book came into my possession, “North With The Spring: A Naturalist's Record of a 17,000 Mile Journey with the North American Spring” first published in 1951, that started my adventures with author Edwin Way Teale.

In this book naturalist and photographer Teale and his wife Nellie embarked on a 17,000 mile quest to “chase” the spring on the North American continent starting at the tip of Florida recording and photographing nature’s wonders during spring as they observed them on their way north through all the eastern states to the tip of Maine.

His descriptive, yet down to earth style as he described these spring events and their historic roots, helped me appreciate the nature that existed on my own farm, and encouraged me to seek more of his writings.

Over the next twenty years the couple made three more such trips around the United States during the summer, fall and winter seasons traveling over 100,000 miles to write and publish three more books. 

First “Autumn Across America (1956)”, covered a northern journey from Cape Cod on the Atlantic coast to Point Reyes on the Pacific, visiting sites from the Great Lake region to Louis & Clark territory on their way to the west coast to chase significant fall events.

Next was “Journey Into Summer (1960)”, that began in Franconia Notch in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, in the same spot he and his wife ended their spring journey 10 years earlier. From there they skirted the northern edge of New York and spent a great deal of time in the Great Lakes region and then moved on winding north to south through the Great Plains before spending the final few weeks in Colorado.

Finally “Wandering Through Winter (1965)” which reversed direction and began this journey on the coast of Southern California, and finished on the northernmost coast of Maine, traveling mostly a southern route until they reach Washington, D.C. where they traveled up the Eastern Seaboard and finished on the coast of Maine.

In all his writing he had a gift for keeping the reader fascinated. For instance his account of their June trip to Kelleys Island in Lake Erie just north of Sandusky, Ohio in time to see the remarkable spectacle of one of the world’s most dense hatching of Mayflies in “Journey Into Summer” in the chapter “Mayfly Island” stands in my mind as one of the most vivid descriptions of huge clouds of millions of insects I have ever read!

Together these four books written almost seven decades ago, cover and document nature’s seasonal changes over much of the United States. Filled with Teale’s poetic and yet accurate descriptions of natural seasonal phenomena in each area with his skillful photographs, they have become classics in the lexicon of nature and conservation literature. They also have provided a wide range of snapshots of natural environments across the United States back in the 1950’s and 1960’s that can be compared with those places today to see how the effects of man’s development over the years since have had on local wildlife.

Over his lifetime he wrote over 30 books and wrote many articles. Among the many honors he received over his prolific writing career, in 1966 he became the first naturalist to win a Pulitzer Prize for non-fiction for “Wandering Through Winter''. In 1978, his last work, “A Walk through the Year” summarized a year with his wife Nellie at their Trail Wood farm, highlighting the memorable experiences they shared. On October 18, 1980, Teale died of prostate cancer at the age of 81.

“Trail Wood” in Connecticut where he and Nellie spent their final years was named the Edwin Way Teale Memorial Sanctuary in 1981 and became the steward of the Connecticut Audubon Society. Nellie lived there until her death in 1993.

To me, besides expressing the wonder of nature, he was a champion of conservation in his writings, keeping a balance between promoting a healthy “wild” world, but also a healthy one for man.

Unlike some of his counterparts, he never became political even though I didn’t agree with some of his causes toward the end of his career. However, his artful and heartfelt way of expressing the wonder of the natural world spoke for itself. You don’t have to have everyone agree with everything you say or do to still be a great writer and a Great American!

TUTKA’s CHRISTMAS PRESENCE

TUTKA’s CHRISTMAS PRESENCE

Contributed by Randi Perlman

[Prologue: This past November, after an injury to my knee as a 13-year-old, I finally had knee replacement surgery. Three days earlier, one of my 13+-year-old dogs had to be put down. Anybody who’s lost a beloved animal friend/member of the family knows how hard that is, and I worried about how it would affect his twin brother after spending every day of their lives together…]

Something woke me up. I squinted at the clock. It was 5am Christmas morning. An aching throb in my recently replaced knee was the culprit. It was over an hour until my next scheduled dose of pain meds, but lying still in the darkness, I knew it would take another hour beyond that before they kicked in; I had to act sooner.

I sat up, stretched, and fumbled around my nightstand for the small white 5mg Oxycodone tablet, prescribed for temporary use by my surgeon for serious pain post-surgery. After a brief stroll to the bathroom, I remained seated on the bed’s edge, hoping to coax the tiny but potent Oxy down my throat and all the way to my knee, quickly.

Finally, I sank back on the pillows and drifted off into a narcotic-induced slumber. I felt a presence in the room and reached out my hand. It encountered a soft, warm head with a prominent knob on the top – Tutka was there, right next to the bed! I felt so happy and continued to pet and rub his noble head and sleek body. When he made his way down the hallway I followed him into the living room, and there he was on his dog bed, right next to brother Sage on his bed. I was so overjoyed and excited I started yelling, “Steve, Steve, Tutka’s back, can you see him?, he came back!”.

Then Steve was at the foot of the bed, rousing me gently and asking if I was alright. I was so confused; Where was I? Where was Tutka? Steve told me I had been moaning and yelling in my sleep, which had woken him up. My whole body was shaking, the room was spinning, and my mind refused to awaken.

I remained in place for quite a long time, sobbing and asking myself what had just happened. It was so real, so SURREAL, so earth shattering and yet so calming. I tried to make sense of the entire experience, and to wonder why my brain had played such a cruel trick on me. I’d woken up to remembered dreams before, but never accompanied by such a powerful life force. I FELT his warm head with the knob on top, and his soft, smooth coat. I KNEW he was there.

It was then I recalled talking to him about a week or so earlier, telling him how much I missed him and hoping that he was OK, asking for some kind of sign that would reassure me. Because of my knee surgery (combined with wild weather events), I had done no holiday shopping of any kind and had not even left my house for several weeks. I viewed healing from surgery as the best gift possible.

Now I know that Tutka’s visit was the MOST PERFECT PRESENCE I could have asked for or received. It still hurts my heart to know that he’s gone, but our spiritual connection will bind us forever, and I am so grateful he reached out to tell me that. May he rest, play, and love, in peace.

[Epilogue: As I continue to heal from my surgery, Steve and I are showering Sage with as much love and attention as possible. Along with extra helpings of his favorite treats, he (along with both of us) is slowly adjusting to life without his brother. We all feel comforted and relieved to know that Tutka is doing well, and keeping in touch…]

The History of Sled Dogs in North America

The History of Sled Dogs in North America

Contributed by Helen Hegener

Local publishing company Northern Light Media announces a new book, The History of Sled Dogs in North America, by Helen Hegener and several contributing writers, which showcases the history of the working sled dogs which helped shape the future of the North American continent.

This full-color, large format, elegantly illustrated book features historic photographs, illustrations, and beautiful original art by the award-winning Colorado artist Veryl Goodnight. A one-of-a-kind book, this will become a landmark reference on the interdependence of men and dogs, from their first steps along the shores of the Bering Sea to the exciting races of New England and eastern Canada in the 1930s.

Included are stories of the great fur trapping and trading empires of the Hudson’s Bay Company, the life-saving Serum Run to Nome in 1925, the great teams of the Arctic explorers, the sled dog teams who served in the military, the intrepid mushers who drove their dog teams thousands of miles for fun and profit, the sled dogs of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the dog teams which delivered the mail from Maine to California and to the farthest reaches of the North!

An early Amazon reviewer gives the book five stars and writes: “Plenty of books have been written on this subject. There are none that I know of, that are this in depth. Author Helen Hegener did an outstanding job providing a highly detailed history of sled dogs in North America, as the title states. Everything is broken down and categorized very nicely. Artists Veryl Goodnight, Jon Van Zyle and many others grace numerous pages with their art throughout this Sled Dog Bible. Loads of newspaper articles, photographs, maps, race standings, etc. provide the reader with a wealth of historical data. The amount of time and research spent on this amazing and accurate piece of work I'm sure was exhausting. This, in my opinion, is the Gold Standard on sled dogs.”

Softcover paperback printed in full color on premium stock paper, 416 pages, 8.5″ x 11″ format, dozens of b/w and color photographs, images, and artwork, extensively annotated, resources, bibliography, indexed. Published by Northern Light Media. $69.95 plus $6.50 shipping and handling. https://northernlightmedia.wordpress.com

Also available at Amazon.

Cabin Fever Reliever

Cabin Fever Reliever

Contributed by Marissa Bieger

Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center (HPAC) is excited to welcome you back to our annual party and fundraiser, the Cabin Fever Reliever, on Saturday, February 4th from 6 PM to 10 PM. The event will be hosted at the Palmer Moose Lodge and will feature live music by Alaskan favorites Hope Social Club.

This event was started in 2017 and serves as an annual gathering for our community of snow-enthusiasts – skiers, snowboarders, snowmachiners, and hikers, alike. We’ll have appetizers from Turkey Red and beverages available for purchase from some of our local breweries. HPAC forecasters and volunteers will be selling our latest merchandise and raffle tickets for prizes including a helicopter ski day with Chugach Powder Guides!

All proceeds from the event go directly to support our mission. HPAC was founded in 2009 by Allie Barker and Jed Workman to meet the need for avalanche information that is both publicly accessible and understandable and meets professional standards in Hatcher Pass. Now a non-profit, community-supported 501(c)(3) avalanche center, we are the only forecast center and provider of free public avalanche safety education in our area. We also provide scholarships to local youth seeking formal avalanche training.

Join us at the Moose Lodge for a night of music, friends, and celebration, and don’t forget your dancing shoes!

Tickets are available directly at hpac.brownpapertickets.com and through our website, hpavalanche.org.

Resolutions

Resolutions

Contributed by Debra McGhan

1. Arctic Man 2015 1 – Riders heading for the starting of the race

For many, the turning of the calendar includes sharing tips, tricks or messages about resolutions. Vowing to start, change or do something to improve your life; to help you on your path to grow and become a better, healthier, happier you. Maybe you want to eat better, sleep more, work out, make money, ride your snowmachine… whatever the goal, it’s all about choices and building new habits that will maintain the energy required to achieve these goals.

In years past, safety protocols and building awareness skills have been a big focus in my world. Having lived through numerous life challenging experiences which required tools, knowledge, supplies and determination to overcome, I understand how critical those things are in times of crisis.

I survived a twenty-below-zero ride on a snowmachine because I was dressed warmly and when we broke down miles from home, the person I was with knew how to start the machine with his belt instead of the starter cord.

I survived a white water lake crossing in an open canoe during a raging storm because we all wore life jackets, stayed centered in the boat and paddled into the waves to keep from capsizing.

2. Arctic Man 2015 2 – Training camp at Arctic Man

I survived falling through the ice because I was taught to carry something sharp in my pocket when traveling over ice so I’d have a way to pull myself out if I fell in. I had a stubby screwdriver that day.

In my career, I have also heard many stories of others' close calls. One year while camping at Arctic Man in the Alaska Range just north of Paxon at Summit Lake, a man walked into the avalanche forecast safety center where I was working with two of his friends and told me he had a story to share.

The three friends had been high-marking (riding as far up a steep face as possible) around the area when they set off an avalanche.

“I wasn’t paying attention until I realized this thing was about to swallow me and I was down in a little gully,” said Robert Woods. “I managed to throttle out but it scared me and made me realize, you really do have to take riding around here serious. I heard about a guy killed here last year and now I really understand just how easy something like that can happen.”

3. Kevin Salys – with the Alaska Avalanche Information Center teaching proper probing techniques

“Yes,” I told him. “Last spring we lost two riders in this area. One, a young mother who left behind two small children, and then, the very next day, the man you are talking about. He, like you, was just out riding with his buddies.”

He thanked me for being there to raise awareness and share safety tips and tricks. All three wanted to sign up for a training session. I thanked them for sharing their story. Those shared stories help us learn, grow and avoid tragic endings.

My resolution this year is to continue supporting avalanche and snowmachine safety. Continue writing stories that enlighten, encourage and motivate people to learn and think about their actions and the potential consequences of those actions before they set out to explore Alaska. And always continue striving to be the best human I can be.

This year I want to be present and thoughtful in all my actions. I want to share the skills and knowledge I have acquired along my journey with others who want to learn how they can come back to ride another day.

One of the organizations I’m supporting is Alaska Safe Riders. The board, made up of Iron Dog Champions, community business leaders and retired teachers, offers free school and community outreach training thanks to grants, donors and members.

If one of your resolutions is to get out and explore Alaska more, I hope you join Alaska Safe Riders, or one of the other non-profit organizations offering outdoor safety education classes around Alaska. You can learn more at alaskasaferiders.com or Alaskasnow.org.

4. Sarah Carter – with the Alaska Avalanche Information Center teaching children safe protocols for playing in the mountains

Our Take on the Governor’s Budget: FY 2024

Our Take on the Governor’s Budget: FY 2024

Contributed by Quinn Townsend

Every December, the governor of Alaska is required to release a budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. In this upcoming legislative session (in 2023), policymakers will be enacting the FY 2024 state budget. 

Released on December 15, 2022, the Governor’s FY 2024 budget proposal comes in at a total of $11.36 billion, with $6.52 billion of that coming from state funds (not included here is the ERA draw for the Permanent Fund Dividend payment to citizens). In comparison, the FY 2023 enacted budget plus supplemental spending is currently sitting at $13.45 billion, with $7.41 billion coming from state funds.  

Alaska Policy Forum is encouraged by the almost $1 billion decrease in state funds appropriations between FY 2023 and FY 2024. However, the proposed budget draws from both the Constitutional Budget Reserve ($245 million) and the Statutory Budget Reserve ($20 million), which are Alaska’s savings accounts, often referred to as “rainy day funds.” Drawing down those accounts should only occur during truly “rainy days,” and while Alaska’s economy is not strong right now, the state has certainly seen “rainier days.” To have a lasting and consequential impact on the size and scope of state government so that it does not compete with the private sector, hinder free enterprise, or burden residents, reductions must be made to areas of the government that have grown too large.

We encourage policymakers heading to Juneau next month to approach the budget process with a mindset of needs versus wants. Due to the low revenue forecast for the upcoming year, it will be absolutely essential for policymakers to demonstrate fiscal responsibility by cutting the budget. The Governor’s FY 2024 budget is headed in the right direction.

Quinn Townsend is the Policy Manager at Alaska Policy Forum with an M.S. in Resource Economics and Management from West Virginia University.

FOAST Charity

FOAST Charity

Contributed by Ron Vigil

In 1968 The Fraternal Order of Alaska State Troopers (FOAST) was founded with the goal of improving benefits for the Alaska State Troopers; it has since grown into a cornerstone 501(c)3 non-profit organization focused on taking care of not only Alaskan law enforcement but the communities they serve.

FOAST is partnered with the Alaska State Troopers to maintain the Safety bear program for Alaskan youth. This includes the Child ID program held at the Alaska state fair every summer; with over 4,000 IDs created for Alaskan youth in 2022 alone. The long standing Safety bear program with reflectors and safety lessons focused on things relevant to Alaskan families, which are unique to Alaska such as bears, moose, earthquakes, and avalanches.

FOAST also helps fund the purchase and training of Trooper K9 dogs which are used for both search and rescue operations state wide, which have been a large aid in Alaskan law enforcement for almost a century when it comes to finding lost individuals in Alaskan terrain and weather. In 2022 FOAST is sponsoring the purchase of four new K9s for the Alaska State Troopers.

We have been fortunate enough to fund programs in local communities that directly benefit youth today, as well as help them find their footing for tomorrow. In 2022 FOAST sponsored the purchase of safety equipment for Alaska Wildlife Troopers youth hunter safety programs, donated funds to local interior Alaskan JROTC programs, donated funds to youth sports, and held several Crime Scene Investigation High School level camps in collaboration with the Alaska State Crime Lab to help those young adults who are thinking of going into these fields after graduation.

Annually FOAST facilitates training and education at the Alaska Law Enforcement Museum in Anchorage Alaska such as the US BATF sponsored Media training, the AST Commanders Conference, and the First Responders conference in Anchorage. Along with the procurement of memorial wreaths for Police week, situational preparedness simulator training, commemorative plaques for retiring Alaskan law enforcement, and programs for families left behind after an Alaskan officer's end of watch.

The Fraternal Order of Alaska State Troopers has evolved alongside the community over the years, but one thing has remained constant- as a 501(c)3 non-profit we need your continued support so we can maintain programs benefiting families around the state of Alaska. A one time or recurring donation can be made on our website www.FOAST.org

Or by mail at 245 West 5th Ave #112 Anchorage Alaska 99501

IRS ID for the FOAST 501(c)3 Charity Corporation is 92-0091086.

Thank you for your continued support.

For further information FOAST can be reached at 907-279-5050 / Admin@foast.org

ACM Thanks Bishop's Attic II

ACM Thanks Bishop's Attic II

Contributed by Karen Wilbanks

Alaska Correctional Ministries (ACM) is honored to receive a grant from Bishop's Attic II to help with the cost of consumable items used by Chaplains, Inmates & Volunteers in prisons throughout the state.

​Thank you, Bishop's Attic II, for your dedication and support of nonprofits in the Valley and throughout the State of Alaska!

Now in its 43rd year, the mission of Alaska Correctional Ministries is to proclaim God’s redemptive and unfailing love to Alaska’s prisoners and form a bridge of transformation and hope as these returning citizens find their place in society. Working together with the Department of Corrections (DOC) we provide life-changing core ministries and programs to Alaska’s prisoners and ex-offenders that offer hope and real solutions in their lives through the transforming work of God.

Individually, and in concert with each other, ACM’s Christian discipleship and Core Ministries work together to assist men and women exiting prison to be successful in their integration into their communities. We help them to form pro-social networks, and, through our education and counseling work, our clients learn to identify bad behaviors and utilize the tools they are taught to think situations through and make better choices leading to lasting positive changes in their lives. In our safe living homes, these men and women are provided stable, Christ-centered housing and help finding meaningful employment with a goal of self-sufficiency and full, lasting integration back into society as a whole.

ACM is a non-profit 501(C)(3) ministry. Anyone interested in learning more about us, volunteering or financially supporting ACM is encouraged to reach out to us at 907-339-0432.

The Human Garden Experience

The Human Garden Experience

Contributed by Taylor Jordan

(TRIGGERING EVENT WARNING) Black Birch Books is hosting a Great and Terrible event in a presentation format not often seen. Join us Saturday, January 28th from 1pm-3pm for The Human Garden Experience: Planting seeds of understanding in your garden of thought and acceptance.

We have five, safe, guest speakers sharing their real, unfiltered experiences with those who wish to attend. Experiences include: Drug addiction, criminal convictions, human trafficking victim, sexual assault victim and military PTSD. Each individual has their own labeled table for small groups of people to transition through. As we expect the moment to become overwhelming, we have an on site professional to assist in breathing exercises and calming techniques as needed.

This is a free event for the community. There will be a donation jar available if you feel so moved.

* Our facility is fully handicap accessible.

Only those attending the event will be allowed entry.

No children under 12 are permitted.

(TRIGGERING EVENT WARNING) All guest speakers will be sharing their real, unfiltered experiences with those who wish to attend. This is always a safe space. By hosting this event we are planting the seeds of understanding in your garden of thought and acceptance.

~ Black Birch Books is a female, disabled veteran owned small business who exclusively hires homeless youth from the community. We are the only bookstore in Wasilla and the only bookbinder in the state of Alaska. ~ 2901 E. Bogard Rd. Wasilla

Knik Arm Bridge Revival

Knik Arm Bridge Revival

Contributed by Daniel N. Russell

A main problem with the proposed Knik Arm Bridge, crossing Knik Arm of Cook Inlet, is that tolls would need to be so high that too few people would choose to take the bridge and pay the toll. This would force the toll to be even higher, so even fewer drivers would pay and so on. So then, it would never yield enough money. Charles Wohlforth stated in Anchorage Daily News (Opinion section), on 9/12/2016, "State spent 10 years and more than $100 million ... on administrative costs and studies" (on Knik Arm Bridge). In June, Gov. Bill Walker killed the project. Let's revive this worthy project, and not allow all of that money to be wasted and lost forever!

I propose that 2 sources of revenue be added to the bridge project to reduce tolls, so enough people would take the bridge and pay the toll. A main bridge support should include a 500 foot tower with topside rotating restaurant, and should include attachment points placed on the tower above the restaurant for broadcast antennae. These additional tenants would provide additional revenues needed to pay for the Knik Arm Bridge.

Another problem is that conventional steel/concrete supports would sink in our bottomless silt and gravel moraine, especially during strong earthquakes. We should follow nature, as taught by Lao Tsu in Tao Te Ching, instead of fighting against it. We should substitute open-mesh carbon fiber hollow cones, instead of steel, to reinforce concrete. We should add quicklime (CaO), as the Romans did, to make concrete that heals itself and lasts for thousands of years even in our salt water, freeze-thaw conditions. 

(See:https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/01/ancient-roman-concrete-could-self-heal-thanks-to-hot-mixing-with-quicklime/ ). 

I refer you to why bamboo is the fastest growing tree. Bamboo trees build minimum weight hollow tubes to make the walls of their hollow stems with minimum raw materials to support tall structures with wide root bases. I have been awarded 2 US Patents for "Fractal Tube Reinforcement" US Pat. 5928450, and 5707724, introducing the new field of fractal tube microengineering. My patents are on the public domain, so they are free for all to use. Engineers and interested parties may read my patents and consult with me at dnrussellms@yahoo.com to help make this bridge and other challenging structures feasible.

The author, Daniel N. Russell is a Physics Consultant and formerly, Term-Professor, Physics Dept., University of Alaska.

The Bright Lights Book Project: Donations Now Most Welcome

The Bright Lights Book Project: Donations Now Most Welcome

Contributed by Alys Culhane 

The Bright Lights Book Project is now three years old. It is much like Margret and H.A. Rey’s Curious George – somewhat independent, but as always, in need of constant supervision.

When I began this project, I thought that the overhead would remain low. There was just me, who volunteered my time. And because I was distributing just a handful of books a week, my gas costs were negligible. Here’s what happened:

I discovered that there were literally hundreds of books in chest-high boxes, on the VCRS processing floor. I was further told that paperbacks were being shredded by a cadre of dedicated volunteers, and the hardbacks were being pulped. That day I took a few boxes of books, some of which I kept, and some of which I passed on to friends. Shortly thereafter, I resumed literary dumpster diving. I continued to pass books on to appreciative readers. I attribute the continued growth to community support. The common refrain became “Free books! What a wonderful idea!”

It worked both ways. There was never any shortage of books. The Mat-Su and Anchorage School district, community members, and family members donated what became an endless supply of books. And young and old began taking the salvaged books. As Logan Dillinger of Alaska Nomad Cinematics once remarked, “you created a need!” There were so many books coming into VCRS that the staff opened their own bookstore, Rescue Books. There, for a pittance, readers could acquire additional books. BLBP volunteers came from out of the proverbial woodwork. They continue to salvage, sort, clean, categorize, and distribute books.

This past summer the Bright Lights Book Project was a mainstay at the Palmer Museum and Visitor’s Center during Friday Fling. We also passed out BLBP books at the Menard Center Emergency Preparedness Fair and at the Nutcracker Performing Arts Center nonprofit rehearsal. Additionally, books were included in bags of goodies passed out on Christmas day at the Menard Center Family Christmas Dinner. We sent several boxes of books to several Alaskan villages – air cargo carriers donated freight space. I flew to Barrow and assisted Pamella Sampson in organizing a book fair at the Kiita Alternative School.

We eventually moved our basecamp from VCRS to the Meeting House/Church of the Covenant at 415 S. Bailey Street. This location was a perfect logistical fit in terms of our local book distribution network. It began with my contacting local business owner Janet Kincaid, who allowed us to stock bookcases in the Valley Hotel and the hallway by Vagabond Blues. Turkey Red owner Alex Papasavas followed suit. This was just the beginning. We now have twenty-five plus bookcases located in Palmer, Sutton, and Wasilla. And the books go fast; in fact, they go so fast that on some days we distribute them in some locations twice-daily.

This past February (with the assistance of Senator Lisa Murkowski) the Bright Lights book Project acquired 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. The Mat-Su Health Foundation, the Palmer Community Foundation, MTA, and Saltchuk provided us with funding. And shortly thereafter, the Bright Lights Board of Directors held its first meeting. When asked, I say no, I never thought that the Bright Lights Book Project would become what BLBP supporter Timothy Miller calls, “A Community Mainstay.”

First, there was a mission statement, which was “to get books into the hands of appreciative readers.” Then came a vision statement, which is “envisioning the power of literacy to change lives.” We’re now looking to the future. I, along with BLBP board members, are envisioning the creation of a literacy center, one in which local educators will focus on their specific areas of expertise in teaching reading, writing, and ESL classes.

The vision and mission statement combined have created a need on our part for two buildings. The first will be a book distribution center. The second will be the above-mentioned literacy center. To do this, we’re going to need financial backing. We’re currently compiling a list, one which we’ll draw upon when asking local business owners, corporate entities, and community members for financial support.

We’ll do this directly (by contacting potential donors) and indirectly, by asking potential contributors to go to our website, www.brightlightsbookproject.org, and make an online donation.

Sometimes I look at how far we have to go. And sometimes I look at how far we’ve come. Other times, I shake my head and go “wow.”

Bikers Fighting Hunger Food Drive

Bikers Fighting Hunger Food Drive

Contributed by The Dude Glen Butts

Host:  Midnight Son Riders (chapter 801 of CMA), Matsu Alano Club and Denali Harley Davidson

January- till the end of February, this is a local food drive to benefit “Food Banks of Matsu”.                                                

 Every year there is a gap in the resources at the local food pantries that help feed families in need. Months after the Christmas season, the shelves are empty. But this is Alaska, the winters can be harsh and hard on families. 

We decided to try and fill that gap! To help those that need assistance through the food pantries in the Valley. Our food drive will be running January through the end of February. We want to do what God has asked of us by helping our Brothers and Sisters in need, spiritually as well as physically.

Please donate at one of the bins or coin jars at one of these local locations: 

THREE BEARS ALASKA - Big Lake, Pittman, Knik, Palmer-Wasilla

DENALI HARLEY DAVIDSON

PERFORMANCE YAMAHA 

HOUSE OF YAMAHA

Q99.7 

BODY PIERCING UNLIMITED

SPENARD BUILDERS SUPPLY- Palmer

CARRS- Wasilla-Palmer

EXTREME FUN CENTER

COMING ATTRACTIONS THEATER

UPS-#2050 Wasilla.

Other businesses are helping as well by donating time and/or supplies, such as: The Alano Club Of Mat-Su, FredMyers of Wasilla and Palmer, Walmart, Target, Great Alaska Pizza Company, Mat-Su Subway, The Tub House and Tanning, Kaladi Brothers, Mat-Su Water and Wasilla Fly Trampoline Park.

There are “many” other businesses and people jumping in all the time to help.

There will be the Annual Bikers Fighting Hunger (The Spaghetti Feed Dinner) with all the fixings and to honor those who helped in the food drive. 

This event brings in a large part of donations that are gathered for the food pantries.

Please bring a side dish, or desert, all help is welcomed!

WHEN: Sunday- February 27, 2022 @ Matsu Alano Club

WHERE: 901 Snohomish Ave, Wasilla AK

TIME: 2pm till 5pm

Also, The Denali Harley Davidson shop will put on The Annual Tacos for Tires @ the Denali shop. Awesome tacos will be served up by the friendly staff of The Harley Davidson Shop to all while they collect food for the Bikers Fighting Hunger drive.

WHEN: February 18, call shop for details @ DENALI HARLEY DAVIDSON

BOTH EVENTS COSTS ARE: 12 canned goods entrance fee, or $12 at the door. Kids 10 and under free- 1 child per Adult, half price per extra child.

The Lifespan of a Fact

The Lifespan of a Fact

Contributed by Garry F. Forrester

The Lifespan of a Fact is a timely portrayal of how information can be presented, situations can be interpreted, and how circumstances can be seen through the window of emotion or the lens of hard fact. Jim Fingal is a fresh-out-of-Harvard fact checker for a prominent but sinking New York magazine. John D’Agata is a talented writer with a transcendent essay about the suicide of a teenage boy—an essay that could save the magazine from collapse. When Jim is assigned to fact check D’Agata’s essay, the two come head to head in a comedic yet gripping battle over facts versus truth. Please be aware that this show has mature themes, adult language, and discussions regarding those affected by the trauma of suicide.

The Lifespan of a Fact opens January 13th and runs through January 29th. Ticket prices are $19 Regular Admission, $17 Seniors 65+/Students 18 and younger. The production will be at Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Avenue, in Wasilla.

Purchase tickets online at www.valleyperformingarts.org or call our office at 373-0195 for more information. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and please consider supporting us through Pick.Click.Give. when you file for your PFD.