Harp Twins will be performing, along with the Volfgang Twins, at the 2023 Alaska Scottish Highland Games, June 24th and 25th, at the Alaska State Fair grounds.
Read more5 Important Steps to Mortgages and Home Buying
5 Important Steps to Mortgages and Home Buying
Contributed by Ken Hagler
Buying a home is a major financial decision that requires careful consideration and preparation. One aspect that can make or break your dream of homeownership is mortgage approval. Before you even think about looking for a home, it is crucial to understand the mortgage approval process. Lets walk through, together, some of what you need to know about mortgage approval to help you make an informed decisions when purchasing your home.
1. Consult with a Mortgage Lender First
The first and most important step in getting approved for a mortgage is finding and consulting with a mortgage lender. They will provide you with the guidance and resources needed to make informed decisions and get you on the path to homeownership. It is important to work with a lender that fits your needs and can provide you with a mortgage that is suitable based on your income and expenses.
2. Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval
There is a difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-qualification refers to a lender providing an estimate of how much you are eligible to borrow based on your financial information. Pre-approval, on the other hand, is a more rigorous process that involves a hard credit check and the submission of financial documentation. So, it is best to obtain pre-approval from a lender before you start shopping for homes.
3. What Should I Expect for Mortgage Pre-Approval?
When going through mortgage pre-approval, lenders will expect you to provide financial documentation to prove your income and expenses. This will include pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements. They will also run a hard credit check to assess your credit score. With this information, lenders will determine the maximum amount they can lend you to buy a home.
4. Start With a Budget
As you get into your home search, make sure you have a budget to ensure you don't over-commit or overspend. A budget will help you understand what you can, and cannot afford, based on your income, monthly expenses, and pre-approved mortgage amount.
5. Time to Shop Around
Once you have been pre-approved for a mortgage, it is time for the fun part: shopping around for the home of your dreams. It is essential to consider all factors, such as location and price, when looking for a home. You will also need to ensure that your offer is competitive enough to be accepted in the housing market. Finding the right Realtor is important for this!
Mortgage approval is not something to take lightly when preparing to purchase a home. It requires careful consideration of your financial situation, so it is best to consult with a knowledgeable mortgage lender who can guide you through the process. Understanding the mortgage approval process from pre-approval to final approval can help ensure a smooth process when buying your home.
Ken Hagler
Alaskan Realtor®
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Dream Makers, Wasilla, AK
1051 E Horvath Dr Suite 103, Wasilla, AK
(907)891-8830
www.alaskahomesforsale.realestate
Technology: For “Good” or “Evil”?
Technology: For “Good” or “Evil”?
Contributed by Doug Ferguson
I recently had a life changing medical experience that, among other things, required my receiving a state-of-the-art electronic pacemaker right here in Alaska. Without going into the details, this is beginning to return much of my health life back to normal.
Back in December of 2020 I published an article here titled “Modern Media Technology: Good or Evil?” where I addressed this question specifically to the communication world. At the beginning of that article I said:
There has always been a concept of “Good” and “Evil” in the history of the human race. “Good” being defined as those actions by humans that are intended to help other humans to experience reasonable levels of freedom, joy and happiness. “Evil” being defined as those intended human actions that do the opposite for self-serving purposes. There are more secular terms like “Beneficial” vs. Non-Beneficial”, but they don’t address the moral aspects of these actions based on the traditional values of our country. There have always been debates over whether or not gun powder, the atomic bomb, and similar inventions have favored “Good” or “Evil” in history. The same holds true for most forms of technology development.
I then made the case for the “Evil” side in the communication arena where a few people and organizations can control the information and/or propaganda sent to millions of people overnightand thus affect election outcomes. I didn’t even mention the potential terrible human destruction that modern nuclear technology can achieve if some humans decide to use it.
My health being the recent beneficiary of modern technology, once more this has caused me to reflect on the controversial subject of human’s development and use of technology: Is it for good or evil? Clearly for my health, and many others like me around the world, electronic pacemaker technology has been “good”. Without addressing the question: has everyone’s receiving one extended quality of life been “good” or not, from a health point of view, the case for “good” is overwhelming.
Has everyone who has had their life extended by medical technology actually had an improved quality of life? Or did their misery, real or imagined, just continue? It would be interesting to see data on this. Certainly those with extreme pain or physical discomfort might not. However those with a sense of continued purpose in life would value the extension. Thus an individual’s situation and/or mental state would determine whether the extension of life was “Good” or “Evil”.
As a retired electrical engineer who was been involved and close to the electronic technology industry for most of my forty year career, I sometimes find it hard to believe how fast the electronic technology that is the basis for pacemakers and other health devices has progressed.
For example, early computers using solid state technology (as opposed to relays and vacuum tubes) contained transistors measuring in the thousands for the entire computer. Now a single silicon chip in a pacemaker can contain millions! The 2-chip package in Apple’s latest microprocessor used in Mac products released last year contains over 120 billion transistors!
Medtronics and some others have recently developed micro pacemakers the size of a vitamin capsule for some conditions that is installed directly in the heart chamber, doesn’t require leads threaded through blood vessels and has a battery life of more than 17 years!
For those of us graduating in the late 50’s and early 60’s, this advancement of “good” technology was what most of us young and idealistic engineers thought we were doing to improve the world! Certainly in the medical field this has been the case and provides a counterpoint to the “Evil” use of advanced technology my previous article featured.
Reflecting on both “Good” and “Evil” scenarios, it remains to be seen whether humans can advance technology for the benefit of the human race or whether that advance destroys it. We can hope and pray for the former.
Doug Ferguson is a retired engineer living in Palmer with interests in nature, gardening, technology, history and human nature.
When Is It OK To Kill a Human
When Is It OK To Kill a Human
Contributed by A True Follower of Christ
When is it okay to kill a human? Is it when they’re threatening you? What about if they said mean things behind your back? Is it when they’re annoying, or infuriating to be around? Is it when they are an..inconvenience? I’ve seen this issue come up many times in all circles of life where of course varied answers are expected, but how is it that so many self-proclaimed Christians are divided on this? Even in the May edition of this paper Alaska’s very own Charles Dean Walker gave his opinion on this topic with a so-called “Christian” view that was as anti-Christ as a view can be.
God’s Word is clear, we’re us from the moment we’re conceived and we’re made in the image of Him. Even embryologists with an atheistic view of the world can agree that life begins at the moment of conception(1), so why is there so much confusion in the minds of “believers”? “Believers” like Charles who claim to care that people are dying while not caring about the most vulnerable population in America being slaughtered by the hundreds of thousands each year. Ripped apart, getting their skulls crushed, sucked out of the womb through a vacuum, and disposed of like garbage, that’s what is occurring to our most precious population every single day. It’s the most satanic thing we do in this country, yet where is the voice of one crying in the wilderness? Where is the voice for the voiceless? I’ll be that voice for the moment, but it is all of our responsibilities to be that voice. This modern day genocide is only going to continue until we put a stop to it.
Think about the question at the beginning, when is it okay to kill a human? The only difference between you, the reader reading this and a human life in the earliest stages of development in the womb are four things: 1. Level of development 2. Level of dependency 3. Cognitive awareness 4. Location. Due to which of these is it okay to rip them apart and destroy them? As to the first point, none of us are done developing until our early-mid twenties. Could a mother suffocate her 2 year old son because he’s not done developing yet and she wants to save some money on bills? Could a father smash his daughter apart days after being born because she’s not developed yet and he changed his mind on wanting her? As to the second point, while a baby in the womb is dependent upon its mother, is not every other child outside of the womb? What 1 year old can live independently from a loving parent or guardian? Does that give us a right to end their life? What about the third difference between the average adult and the baby in the womb, cognitive awareness? Is it okay to kill them because they aren’t as..aware? Do babies not startle in the womb? Recognize their mother’s voice? Move, and kick, and wiggle? If we can kill them because they can’t do college algebra or they don’t have object permanence then can we kill the man in a coma? What if someone has mental disabilities? Can we end their life too because they can’t do what the average human can? Lastly the fourth point, location. Too often I hear “my body my choice” yet that argument falls flat in the face of science because..it isn’t just “your” body. The baby is its own independent and unique creation, simply in the mother for a short time. If a mother can kill her child due to being in her, what about my property? If I decide my child is no longer wanted due to convenience, can I just end their life since they’re on my property? That’s what most abortions come down too at the core anyways, convenience. “I’m just not ready”, “I’m not financially stable enough”, “I don’t want kids right now”,”It’s all about me”. It’s a selfish lack of accountability and responsibility plaguing our country.
The same arguments made today to dehumanize children in the womb are the same arguments used during the transatlantic slave trade in America to dehumanize Africans and the same arguments used to dehumanize Jews during the Holocaust. “It’s my property, if you don’t like it you don’t do it then!”, “They’re not even as aware as we are, they’re just like an animal!”, “It’s just a clump of cells..who cares?”, “They’re lesser than us, undesirable”. It took abolitionists to step up against the societal standard and say enough is enough, these are humans too. It took soldiers to bring down the Nazi regime and say..enough is enough, these are humans too.
Finally I have a few warnings and a message of hope. We’re given a grim reminder by God Almighty that hands that shed innocent blood are an abomination unto Him (Proverbs 6:16-17 KJV). What blood is more innocent than that of the unborn child? What sin have they committed? If you’ve ever had an abortion, the time to repent is now. Jesus Christ died for all of our sins and if you turn away and call on His Name then you can receive mercy and grace. Live your life for the Lord and don’t look back. If you’re considering an abortion, I plead with your soul. There are resources available(2) that will help you, and a loving God who created you too. Don’t commit a selfish act that will haunt you for the rest of your life. Lastly I have a warning for you Charles and any “Christian” like you who thinks this disgusting act is acceptable in the eyes of the Lord. You better repent, because He is returning soon with eyes of fire and a sword for a tongue and He warns what will happen to those who call his Name but do not know Him. Read Matthew 7:21-23.
1. https://www.princeton.edu/~prolife/articles/embryoquotes2.html
2. https://www.heartreachalaska.com/
Mat-Su Water Setbacks in Jeopardy
Mat-Su Water Setbacks in Jeopardy
Contributed by Jean Holt
Mat-Su Residents, we have a problem!
Our Mat-Su Borough is re-doing the only regulations for water body setbacks. Ordinance Title 17.55 was established 50 years ago. The 75-foot setback was established to protect all water bodies in the Mat-Su Borough. It is disturbing Mat-Su residents are continuing the need to defend the setback to protect water quality but here we are again 35 or more years later.
In September 2022, two Mat-Su Assembly members asked the Planning Department to address setback issues. Since then, there have been three revisions to MSB setback code of regulations. Those dates in 2023 were March 6th, March 20th, and the third revision introduced May 15, 2023.
In brief, the first/second revisions were written allowing dwellings within the 75-foot setback with specific requirements. The third/current revision includes a dwelling setback down to 25 feet with specific requirements. The problem is who will enforce the new requirements with the costs involved. The MSB does not enforce codes – they create more problems by changing what codes are on the books.
The Mat-Su Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) was established by the Mat-Su Borough Assembly in 2007 to advise and make recommendations to the Assembly, Borough Manager, various boards, State, etc., regarding fish, wildlife, enforcement, habitat, etc., on these issues.
FWC opposed the change to the 75-foot setback. In their resolution, they wanted the Assembly to fail the ordinance. The first two revisions included FWC recommendations. However, the MSB third revision by MSB Planning had no FWC recommendations whatsoever!
The FWC resolution indicated Mat-Su Borough spent 20 million dollars over the years for protection of fish habitat with aquatic restoration projects. This setback change will undue what is accomplished to date.
Another problem! Currently over 800 violations are within the 75-foot setback. The third revision ‘eliminates’ all existing violations not in compliance of the 75-foot setback. Over the years, MSB did no enforcement to prevent buildings that are in violation of their code. This speaks loudly for the residents following rules and abiding with the 75-foot setback.
The third revision added Section F. This section allows structures within the 75-foot setback BUT NO LESS THAN 25 FEET with {costly} mitigation measures.
Bottom line is we are going backward. MSB has conducted multitude studies to protect water quality and shoreline habitat over the years. The setback revisions are inconsistent with what the FWC resolutions indicated.
It is of utmost importance that individuals need to attend the meetings to oppose the proposed changes for the setbacks. Letters also should be sent to the Assembly on the Friday before the meetings.
The information for setback meetings are as follows:
Planning Commission – Public Hearing – Monday, June 5, 2023- 6 pm – MSB Bldg.
MSB Assembly -Intro to Setbacks – Tuesday, June 20, 2023 – 6 pm – MSB Bldg.,
MSB Assembly – Public Hearing – Tuesday, July 18, 2023 – 6 pm – MSB Bldg. ,
Jean Holt, Palmer,AK.
They Stole My Castle! (Part 4)
They Stole My Castle! (Part 4)
Contributed by David Bartels
$10,000.00 reward upon My approval for a member of the Bar (Judge or Lawyer) who
can “prove” by clear and unquestionable authority of “law”not by mere
“say so”) “NO”following point Is true and NOT fraud, unlawful, and VOID
(which the servants used to deprive Me of my Castle etc.) Including but not
limited to:
1. The outside the Law “Code”of Civil “Procedure” created by/of the servants over rules theSupreme Law of the Land of We the People in our Warrant and due Process of Law clauses.
2. The “boundaries” of the “Third Judicial District” are prescribed by “Law” in which to toexercise jurisdiction. (None exist, only by SCO)
3. After the fraudulent “notice” of deprivation of My Castle in the Decree of Divorce NO scheduled “hearing” was provided before transfer of title.
4. NO separate Final “Judgment” document was ever rendered. (None exists!) (124)
5. NO authority of law was demonstrated that the Plaintiff has a superior “legal right” to mine to the whole of “their” castle and other private property in our no fault divorce. (None exists).
6. NO clear and unquestionable authority of law a superior court of the Alaska Court System has “power” prescribed by law in our no fault divorce to violate our Warrant clause and involuntarily deprive Me of My Castle and other private property (None exists).
7. NO “persons” prescribed by law under or subject to the jurisdiction of the code of civil“procedure” in our no fault divorce. (None exist).
8. Employee Cutler fraudulently hand wrote on my 2nd Order withdrawing all of My consent: “It ‘appears’ the relief sought is unavailable”. (Citing no authority of law to support her lie, andopposing Counsel Barron in ACS Supreme Court hearing said: “Frankly, Judge Cutler and I did NOT know what to do with it.” “it” means my timely formal withdrawal of ALL of my consent.
9. servants are engaged in Crime NOT Justice and violated “the supreme Law”)? Everyone knows much injustice exists in their court System and many servants and Lawyers are Indifferent to and advocates of violations of the universal supreme Law,” Thou shalt not Steal, and the Supreme Law of the Land of man in our Warrant clause: the right of the people to be SECURE in their persons, HOUSES, papers and other property “SHALL NOT be violated!”OurWarrant clause essentially secures our ALL from being deprived without a Warrant which inproper cases issues for criminal activity: or violations of law in a “criminal case.” Not in a mere private civil matter under “equal protection of the Law”in a NO-fault divorce which proceeds NOT “in Law” and involves NO crime and No violation of the Law and “a private realm offamily life which the state CANNOT enter.” Servants cease and desist in your Crime, fraud, and injustice NOW! Blessings to ALL!
The Latest PFD Steal: Part II
The Latest PFD Steal: Part II
Contributed by Cindy Calzada
Last month I told you about the latest idea by the State Senate Finance Committee to get their hands on more of the PFD. 75% of our PFD checks to be exact…the 75/25 steal of the PFD. They get 75% of our dividends and give us 25%. Last month it was just a bill going through the Senate and I explained to you that it still needed to pass the House. The House had wanted a 50/50 split of the PFD but apparently since my last article, the House didn’t have enough votes to get a 50/50 PFD and in Day 1 of the special legislative session the House also passed the budget with the 75/25 steal of the PFD included in it.
The things that go on in the Legislature each year can be very complicated and it’s hard to keep up with what our individual legislators are doing to help or hurt us. I personally think the steal of the PFD is hurtful to Alaskans and I researched how our legislators voted on this issue. I told you how the Senate voted in last month’s issue of the People’s Paper and now I’d like to make sure you know how the House ended up voting on the 75/25 steal of the PFD. Hopefully, you know who your legislators are and will call their offices to tell them how you feel about their votes to take 75% of our PFD’s.
There are 40 Representatives in the House. Legislators voting Yes concurring with the Senate’splan to steal 75 percent of the PFD from Alaskans were: Jennie Armstrong, Ashley Carrick, Mike Cronk, Maxine Dibert, Bryce Edgmon, Zack Fields, Alyse Galvin, Andrew Gray, Cliff Groh, Sara Hannan, Rebecca Himschoot, Craig Johnson, Delena Johnson, Andy Josephson, Kevin McCabe, C J McCormick, Tom McKay, Donna Mears, Genevieve Mina, Dan Ortiz, Josiah Patkotak, Calvin Schrage, Will Stapp, Andi Story, Louise Stutes, and Jesse Sumner. It’s because of these legislators, along with the Senators that I told you about last month, that you are losing 75% of your PFD this year.
No Votes – those House members that refused to concur with the Senate’s plan to steal 75 per cent of the PFD were: Jamie Allard, Ben Carpenter, Julie Coulombe, David Eastman, Neal Foster, Mike Prax, George Rauscher, Justin Ruffridge, Dan Saddler, Laddie Shaw, Cathy Tilton, Frank Tomaszewski, Sarah Vance and Stanley Wright. Thanks to these legislators who stood by Alaskans in the fight against this 75/25 steal of the PFD.
The bill now goes to Governor Dunleavey to sign. Will he sign it? He’s always said he’s for giving the people their full PFD’s. Will he now allow the legislature to take 75% of our dividends? A budget needs to be signed by the fiscal year end, June 30th. I’m not sure what choices he has now but I hope he comes up with some way to stop what I’m calling the steal of the PFD.
It appears there are many legislators that no longer respect the original purpose of the PFD,which was set aside as the people’s share of our oil wealth starting in 1976. It was never meant to be used for government services. A few times it was put up for a vote whether the people of Alaska wanted to let legislators use the PFD for government services and each time the vote was a resounding “NO”. However, we voted legislators into office who decided to ignore the will of the people and do it anyway. So now you have the names of the legislators who “took” the PFD from you and those who fought on the side of “Not” taking it from you. If you care, like I do, it’s your responsibility to make changes in the legislature next time you go to the polls to vote. My suggestion is if they voted to take 75% of your PFD, vote them out of office.
If you think I’m harsh, that these poor legislators had no choice but to use our PFD, think again. You don’t know the whole story. The PFD should have been the last place they went to pay for government. It was clearly their choice to take the PFD from us and not from a fairer tax or by correcting the oil tax credit system that has been taking billions of dollars from the State of Alaska every year and giving it to the wealthy oil giants: Exxon, Conoco Phillips and Hillcorp. They are robbing from the poor and giving to the rich. As I mentioned in last month’s article “The Latest PFD Steal”, there was a bill in the Senate, SB114, which would have corrected the corrupt tax system that has taken billions of dollars from Alaska and caused us to be in the situation we are in now - not having enough money to pay our bills. Instead of passing this bill, they left it on the table and pushed for taking more of the PFD instead. Bert Steadman and others had the nerve to say they left us with a reasonable dividend. It was not reasonable. It was theft of the majority of our PFD’s and I don’t think they’ll stop till they get it all. You better start watching more closely what’s going on with these legislators. We need to start putting more legislators in office that are on the side of the people and get rid of those who aren’t.
EAGLEEXIT: PART 3
EAGLEEXIT: PART 3
Contributed by Sean Murphy
This is the third part of our series of articles to describe an education model for the new Chugach Regional Borough.
This third article discusses the effects of federal law on school district authority in Alaska. The federal government has had a major impact on delivering a strong posture of influence into the foundation strength and authority of Alaska School districts.
In 2018, former Eagle River/Chugiak State Senator Anna MacKinnon stated, “We always see districts asking for more money to do exactly what they’re doing. And I’m telling you: It appears the system is broken.”
With Senator MacKinnon’s words echoing throughout this series of articles, the need for our community to participate becomes more critical.
Federal Education Funding
In addition to state funding, which we will discuss in later articles, public schools in Alaska also receive federal funding through programs such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The intent of these programs is to provide funding for specific identity populations of students, such as those with disabilities and those from low-income families, to help ensure that they have the resources they need to succeed in school.
With the respective definitions of these identity populations, IDEA sets forth a variety of definitions which are very broad and subject ultimately and solely to the school district’s discretion and interpretation.
IDEA is a federal law that governs the education of students with disabilities in the United States. The IDEA defines a "disability" as:
● Autistic
● Deaf-blindness
● Deafness
● Emotional disturbance
● Hearing impairment
● Intellectual disability
● Multiple disabilities
● Orthopedic impairment
● Other health impairment
● Specific learning disability
● Speech or language impairment
● Traumatic brain injury
● Visual impairment, including blindness
IDEA also states that a student with a disability is one who "has been evaluated and determined to have a disability and needs special education and related services." In other words, the student must have a condition that affects their ability to learn and benefit from their education and must require special accommodations or services to succeed in school.
It's important to note that definition of disabilities and the way it's applied by the State of Alaska.
Title I of ESEA is a federal law that provides funding to schools to support the education of disadvantaged students, including students with disabilities. ESEA does not have its own definition of disabilities, but instead references the IDEA for the definition of a "child with a disability." So, the definition of disabilities in Title I of the ESEA is the same as the definition of disabilities in the IDEA.
Title I of ESEA provides funding to schools with high percentages of low-income students to help improve their academic achievement. The funding can be used for a variety of purposes, such as hiring additional staff, providing professional development for teachers, or purchasing educational materials. Schools are required to use Title I funds to provide additional support to students with disabilities, so that they can participate in the same programs and activities as their non-disabled peers.
Ironically, the funding mechanisms of Title I are designed to incentivize poor student performance and outcome and disincentivize excellent performance and outcome. In other words, school districts receive more Title I funds for poor student performance and less Title I funds for excellent student performance.
Another relevant federal statute is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The ADA is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on disability in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications. The ADA defines disability as "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual."
The definition of disability under the ADA is quite broad, and it covers a wide range of impairments, including but not limited to:
● Physical impairments, such as mobility impairments, hearing or vision impairments, or chronic health conditions
● Mental impairments, such as depression, anxiety, or intellectual disabilities
● Cognitive impairments, such as memory loss or difficulty with concentration
It also includes conditions that are episodic or in remission if it would substantially limit a major life activity when active. Additionally, the ADA also covers individuals who are regarded as having a disability, whether or not they actually have a disability. This includes individuals who are discriminated against because of their perceived association with an individual with a disability.
It's important to note that the ADA applies to employers with 15 or more employees, and to state and local government entities.
The ADA is a federal law that supplements state laws. It is intended to guarantee that individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against in the workplace or in public spaces.
In our next article we will discuss the Correspondence School Allotment Program (CSAP) which is a program that gives families the option to use a portion of the state education funding allocated for their child in a public school to pay for private school tuition or homeschool expenses.
We encourage you to get involved, too! Feel free to call us anytime, and don't hesitate to come to our weekly Tuesday evening meetings at the Cozy Carpet Warehouse behind the store at 7 pm.
Direct Health Care: A Proven Model in Montana
Direct Health Care: A Proven Model in Montana
Contributed by Quin Townsend
Imagine Alaskans’ having better access to affordable, individualized health care. Costs can go down, even as more Alaskans increase their access to the providers they need. This future will require multiple changes in policy and attitudes, but one reform that should play a big role is protecting the direct health care (DHC) model, sometimes known as direct patient care (DPC).
DHC involves a contractual agreement between a patient and a provider for health care services in the form of a membership or subscription. It eliminates the price-distorting influence of third parties like insurance companies for basic care, and, instead, allows patients to pay flat (typically monthly) fees for routine visits with and regular access to their providers without having to worry about unforeseen bills.
DHC does not rely on health insurance or cost-sharing groups and should be legally classified differently. With inappropriate regulation out of the way, services can flourish. In Montana, for instance, legislation protecting DHC practices fostered a boom across the state, producing better health care access and lowering costs for Montanans. Alaska should do the same.
Montana passed its legislation, SB 101, in 2021, authorizing direct patient care agreements. The law establishes that DHC is not health insurance, while making the agreements subject to consumer protection laws. Prior to that, the DHC model existed under Montana regulation but was not protected by statute.
Now, the state has at least 17 DHC providers, according to the Frontier Institute, including primary care doctors, naturopaths, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists. One DHC team/facility focuses specifically on diabetes care and management, while another DHC provider visits patients in their homes or other locations — increasing access to the kind of individualized, affordable care many people need. Since the implementation of SB 101, Montana’s average monthly membership fee for DHC is just $77 for comprehensive primary care.
The Frontier Institute estimates that Montana’s DHC industry provides approximately “5,000 Montana patients with affordable, high-quality health care.” If the direct care model were to work as well in Alaska as it does in Montana — and why wouldn’t it? — thousands of our neighbors would benefit immensely. The model has been proven in Montana, and Alaska should join the movement to usher in this innovative approach to delivering health care.
Quinn Townsend is the Policy Manager at Alaska Policy Forum.
Tom Cat
Tom Cat
By W.S. White
Tom Cat
No longer afraid of being alone
In the dark
A yearning, fragile moth
Delicately clings to the warm window
Where the yellow glow is blind
To the pre-morning, cool dark
Asking to be age once remembered
Awkward, indoor violet
Lacks the minor struggle to endure
The dependence on a whim
Afraid to run out of daylight
Stones like small, smooth egg shells
Sit at the foot
How long has it been? Bright, glowing
Sun sifts through plant leaves
Making an intricate, lacey shadow
On dimpled surface
A striking surprise of chilled air
Makes you tense
Anticipating easy warmth of being inside
Who's work is this?
Ready for reward of day to day
Subsistence
Grey Matter
Grey Matter
By Karly O’Loughlin
Early morning finds pale light peeking through the kitchen window
The wind whispers through the leaves on the tree by the front door
A coffee cup turning cold by the sink
Bathroom floorboards creak with the gentle weight of her bare feet
Dusty secrets are swept into the corner by the toilet
She leans into the broom, letting it press into the crook of her arm
A heave escaping the lungs
The abdomen recalls a memory
Muscles contract and swallow; the process of elimination on repeat
Digestion held hostage by density and grey matter
She blinks and recovers herself, wiping a tear against her palm
Carry on, dear one
The dust will find its way out of your heart in fragments
Vibrancy demands cultivation
Children in the World
Children in the World
By Katherine Baker
The sun, the moon, the light and dark,
enters the world, a new life mark.
Forced forward from an inner warmth,
into a strange and hostile swarth.
Experience from moment one,
every cell this fate begun.
Innocent eyes, so appealing,
personality revealing.
Growing, changing, sharing laughter,
understanding even faster.
Curious, looking for answers,
grown-ups tend to most disasters.
Developing fear of unseen,
exploring sometimes finds things mean.
Wondering why people get mad,
comprehending there's good and bad.
Troubles and cares, not really grasped,
whenever scared, a hand to clasp.
Interaction has attraction,
'specially those of like action.
Desiring with each to speak,
as everyone seems unique.
Venturing further to inspect,
a deep found treasure-retrospect.
Duplicating and then balking,
independence comes a-stalking.
Wanting to make own decisions,
seeing all with blinded vision.
Problems before unknown, perplex,
demanding answers are complex.
Playing, learning, finding pleasure,
while pursuing new endeavors.
Goals, objectives, unknown 'til now,
accomplishment excites know-how.
Stimulating plans for future,
dreams to be and dares to nurture.
At First
Adopt Missy
Adopt Missy
Contributed by Kelleigh Orthmann
After being rescued by a kind man in Homer, I am now in a foster home in Eagle River and am looking for my very own forever family. I am around 10 years old and am super sweet and loving.
In the mornings, I leave my cozy cat bed to come sit on your chest in perfect cat “loaf” form and purr and purr with happiness. I will administer some scratchy tongue kisses and love to be kissed back and petted. After that, I may have some breakfast and will start my day supervising and patrolling the house. I am quiet and will only really meow (a cute, scratchy meow) when I am looking for you. My favorite entertainment is my cardboard scratchers, which I love and keeps me from scratching your furniture. If you sprinkle some catnip on them, it’s just pure kitty joy! When the mood strikes me, I’ll chase a toy mouse on a fishing pole, but I'm happy most of the time to just laze around and hang with my people. I love to curl up on your lap with a soft blanket and will stay there for some time, just purring away.
I would enjoy being an only cat, or maybe with one other cat friend that does their own thing. I don’t know how I feel about dogs. I do LOVE to go outside, as I spent quite a bit of time out before I was rescued. Once I'm settled with my new family, I would enjoy some safe outdoor kitty adventures. To meet me, please call or text 907-980-8898. To see other adoptable kitties, please visit http://clearcreekcatrescue.org/.
Meet Aries
Meet Aries
Contributed by Angie Lewis
Aries has been waiting for a forever home for most of his 6-month-old life. He is content living in his loving foster home, but he is so ready for a family of his own. Aries is vaccinated, dewormed, and neutered.
Give this sweet puppy a permanent home, please. To meet this loving pup call Angie at Alaska Animal Advocates. 907 841-3173
Caption: "Brew for Birds last year, added Trivia and renamed Passerine Party this year!"
Caption: "Brew for Birds last year, added Trivia and renamed Passerine Party this year!"
July Events with Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation
Contributed by S. Jensen
Yard Sale & Guided Tours
Saturday, July 1st from 10-5:
We are excited to invite people out to the center to browse the yard sale and take a guided tour of our facility. See what is going on and learn about plans for future developments at AWBRC. We will have hotdogs, chips and drink for purchase, touch and educational activity stations, and a couple of other vendors to round out your afternoon. Tours will happen at the top of each hour starting at 11 and Rhett, the red-tailed hawk, will be presented at 1pm.
Location: AK WildBird Rehabilitation Center
2235 Birch Rd, Houston, AK 99694
Free Event
Bird Trivia, Beer and Games Galore! Passerine Party!
Friday, JULY 28th from 6:30-9:30:
For a mere $30 you will have access to socialize, drink local beer/cider, play giant yard games, and participate in Bird Trivia (prize & bragging rights for winning team). Come out solo or with your flock. This is a 21+ event. Help us raise some funds to further our mission of caring for injured, orphaned, and sick wild birds with the goal of returning them to the wild; and to educate the public about these birds and their habitats.
Location: Big Lake Lion's Club
Tickets are available online at akwildbird.org
Bird Rehab is in full swing, if you see a bird in distress give us a call before handling! 907-892-2927.
Adopt Jessica
Adopt Jessica
Contributed by Kelleigh Orthmann
I am a beautiful tortie-point Siamese girl, and a real sweetheart. I am declawed, have blue eyes, and a lovely coat that has a subtle camouflage design on my back. I am a small girl, neat and lovable.
I am gentle and easy to have as part of the family. I tend to be happy just doing my own thing, hanging out around the house, and sharing love and a quiet life with my humans. I would love a little yard that is safe where I can go out and revel in the birdsong on a warm summer evening. I can live with other cats who leave me alone, but I am happiest in a home where it is just me and my beloved human.
When I was rescued, it was found that I had multiple fragments of nails and bone growth in her toes. Every declawed toe had to be repaired because of the damage that the declaw surgery had done, but I am doing great now. I am about 8 years old.
If you're looking for a sweet girl who is easy to love and live with, and who is strikingly beautiful, please contact us at 907-980-8898. To view other adoptable kitties, please visit http://clearcreekcatrescue.org/.
How Fostering a Homeless Animal Saves Lives
How Fostering a Homeless Animal Saves Lives
Contributed by Angie Lewis
Fostering a homeless animal is one of the most important practices in the quest to save them from euthanasia or another horrible life. To begin, by removing an animal from the shelter/animal control facility, frees a space for another animal to be rescued. So, two lives are saved because of fostering.
Becoming a foster family allows you to focus on the specific needs of each animal. You can cater your training, interactions, and time on the individual needs of your foster animal. Much of the training is basic things such as potty training, crate training, and basic commands.
For a pregnant animal, a foster home will provide a quiet, nurturing environment to give birth to their babies. A dog with separation anxiety can begin the training process to learn to become more comfortable alone in the house. When an animal has spent too much of their lives in a shelter environment, they can become depressed or socially inept. A home can make a huge improvement in their mental health. Many animals have led terrible lives and need to learn to trust humans again. Elderly or terminal animals benefit from the foster home providing nurturing during their last days. This cannot happen in a shelter.
Without foster homes, many rescues are not able to save needy animals. Most groups do not have a facility and so all the animals are placed in foster homes. This is the predicament that Alaska Animal Advocates is currently experiencing. So, please find it in your hearts to foster for us. We provide all the necessary supplies – leashes, collars, bedding, crates, food and treats. Any medical needs are also taken care of. Fostering a homeless animal might just save your life as well.
Angie Lewis
Alaska Animal Advocates.
The “Feist” in Granny
The “Feist” in Granny
By Nan Potts
My Granny was pugnacious,
Full of life and canny, too.
Troublesome at times, was she,
But always loved us two.
An animated creature,
Whose past paints in artists’ hues.
Though colorful she had been,
To me, t’was not new news.
Gobs of mysteries entwined her,
Dark rumors our folks did tell.
Sharp gasps from all the grownups
Intensified their spell.
As kids, we used soft whispers,
Quietly behind her back.
Wondering who, what or when
Put “feist” in Granny’s sack?
Much baggage she surely bore,
To invigorate her so.
And we, precocious kids, dreamt,
While electrified to know!
The day before her passing,
A brave question I did ask,
“Why do they call you feisty?”
I, in her sass, could bask.
“Child, if you grow to my age,
Life’s adventures show you much,
You’ll find there is one chapter
That you had dared to touch.
Of the loves I’ve won and lost,
Of the glories and times bleak,
The one most inspiring —
Kids’ honesty to speak.”
Upon these words her breath ceased,
She departed quietly.
These I pondered scores of years,
And did so, piously.
Then, when my young son asked me,
“Mom, are you a ‘feisty queen’?”
I thought of what Granny said,
Had I opt her demean?
Gran, was not dispirited,
Nor she lifeless or morose —
Was blessed with the spark of life,
And shaped me, operose.
Tarot: Fun in the Sun
Tarot: Fun in the Sun
Contributed by Brittani Grace
Hello everybody, happy June. Welcome to my new column.
Each month I will draw a Major Arcana tarot card which represents one of many possible paths to follow. Major Arcana cards represent the archetypical themes of life, presenting the overall possible experiences.
Today’s Deck: Mermaid Tarot By Leeza Robertson Illustrations by Julie
As we get caught up in our day-to-day lives, stress can weigh heavy on our shoulders.
Make yourself a priority. Make time to find beauty and joy in everyday life. Allow yourself to exhale!
Make time to laugh and play. To dance and be silly.
Pull out your favorite childhood games and find comfort in the peace that nurturing your own self brings. You deserve laughter - every day!
Celebrate all that you are, all that you have accomplished and realize how far you have come in your journey.
Today’s card: The Sun. #19.
Brittani with Grace
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