The Bright Lights Book Project: Volunteers Welcomed with Open Arms

The Bright Lights Book Project: Volunteers Welcomed with Open Arms

Contributed by Alys Culhane

I didn’t have a long-term vision when I started salvaging books locally.  I didn’t want to see local books get shredded, pulped, or sent to the landfill, which was then their fate.  I felt compelled to end this practice because I am a life-long reader.

My routine was then purposefully simple.  I wrote in the morning, rode horses in the afternoon, and read in the evenings.  My routine changed in December, 2020, when I began to salvage, sort, clean, and categorize discarded VCRS books.  My father called his New Hampshire-based bookstore Country Lights, so in honor of his venture, I named mine the Bright Lights Book Project.  

The question that surfaced after I amassed a few thousand books was, what do I do with them all?  The answer materialized in a serendipitous fashion.  I was one day flipping through a copy of Make a Scene, and noticed the resource listing entitled Non-Profit Directory.  

I thought that perhaps these community-based organizations would welcome free book donations. In making the first of several random phone calls I became a part of a community of local care-givers who in their superhuman efforts provide much needed emotional, financial, and moral support to those in need in the Mat-Su Valley.

I first spoke with United Way representative Michele Harmeling and told her about the Bright Lights Book Project. We had a great deal in common. She was also a book lover, and like me, she had acquired her MFA from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Michele was personable, thoughtful, upbeat, quick to laugh.  As importantly, she assisted me in opening numerous book project doors.

Michele’s two most important bits of advice were to partner with other organizations and to apply for a 501(c)3.  In quick succession I spoke with Connect Palmer, Valley Art Alliance, Connect Mat-Su, and Mat-Su Youth Housing (My House) representatives.  All welcomed book donations.  And all provided me with names of like-organizations. In making these connections, yes, I forged partnerships with these individuals and their nonprofits.  In time, I was also providing books to Kid’s Kupboard, Family Promise, Alaska Family Services, and The Palmer Senior Center.  In addition, the Mat-Su Health Foundation gave us a grant and continued to provide us with administrative support and feedback.  

The representatives of these organizations also suggested that I apply for a 501(c)3.  These first phone calls seemed to me as being akin to going to the dentist and having teeth pulled.  But the more I thought about it, the more sense it made.

The BLBP would never be a profit-based organization.  However, future growth would be dependent upon funding.  Last November Pete Praetorius (husband) and I did the numbers.  We’d need money for additional bookcases, office supplies, gas reimbursement, and a larger storage building. We agreed that the acquisition of funds would have to come from outside sources. 

Pete filled out the innumerable forms required by the state and the IRS.  In the meantime, I continued to handle the now more than 20,000 books that had come our way.  

The state approved our request for nonprofit status last December.  The IRS was slower on the uptake.  And time was a waste.  We’d miss out on upcoming grant deadlines unless we got the nod.   Amy Petit at Alaska Farmland Trust suggested that I contact Lisa Murkowski’s office and see if our nonprofit status might be expedited.

Congressional approval was the ticket.  We received our nonprofit status on February 21, and we received a letter from Murkowski’s office verifying this on February 25. 

We have since formed a BLBP board and put up a BLBP website. We’re now applying for grants, thus assuring that the Bright Lights Book Project will continue to grow and prosper.  Most importantly, we are now identifying ourselves as being a part of a socially-responsible non-profit network, which is one that provides readers locally and state-wide with free books.

For more information about the Bright Lights Book Project, check out our website: www.brightlightsbookproject.org.  Or contact Executive Director Alys Culhane at director@brightlightsbookproject.org.

Snow Kiting and Biking in Avalanche Terrain

Snow Kiting and Biking in Avalanche Terrain

Contributed by Debra McGhan

Sean Wisner, Fire Chief for Alyeska Pipeline Service Company in Valdez, decided to give snow kiting a try. He’s spent a considerable amount of time in the mountains and prides himself on leading by example. In addition to his career in fire safety, he’s a world-class triathlete, big mountain alpine skier, and served as the snow safety director for big mountain events like the World Extreme Skiing Championships and Tailgate Alaska. He also served as President of the Alaska Avalanche Information Center for many years. This man knows a lot about safety protocols and avalanche danger.

He started by kite boarding in the warm waters of the Baja years ago and perfected his skills kiting in Prince William Sound and Anchorage’s Turnagain Arm. 

“I’m pretty comfortable and good at kite boarding so when I heard about snow kiting I thought, I want to try that.” 

At the beginning he played with the kite in a large, wide open area in Thompson Pass. He likened it to riding on flat ocean waters. “I was only lifting a few feet off the snow when I started,” he said.

But then one day he found himself having a ‘panic attack’ when the wind lifted him up in the air so high he was suddenly skiing uphill and watching the snow get further and further away. 

“In just seconds I was way the heck up in avalanche terrain with no guide, no gear and no plan,” said Wisner. “And no one knew where I was or what I was doing. I was so focused on riding the wind higher and further than ever before that I lost sight of the real situation until I thought, wait! I have kiteboarding gear but no avalanche gear.

“I knew if I got in trouble on this mountain and triggered a slide, I would likely die.”

To his fortune, he maneuvered the kite back to a safe landing but walked away angry at himself. 

“I should have recognized the potential risk and been more prepared. I realized if this could happen to me, it would likely happen to other people. I just want to share my experience and maybe warn someone else before they get into serious trouble.”

Snow kiting is far from the only sport or recreational equipment exposing people to potential hazards. Wisner, who rides snowmachines and a snowboard, is also an avid biker. In the winter, you’ll often find him on the trails riding a ‘fat tire’ bike, another winter activity that continues growing in popularity.

“These bikes are simple for anyone who rides,” said Wisner. “You can ride on the frozen trails left by snowmachiners where you could easily find yourself crossing avalanche run out zones, exposed to overflow or thin ice or confronting a moose vying for trail rights.”

And then there are Timbersleds or ‘snow bikes.’ “Timbersled users are doubling every year, with approximately four-thousand in use today,” reported Sarah Carter, with the Alaska Avalanche Information Center, in her International Snow Science Workshop White Paper - Snow Kiting and Biking in Avalanche Terrain. 

Carter, a nationally recognized avalanche instructor for the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education, presented research showing a mix of people who decide to try snow biking. They range from the curious to long time snowmobile riders looking for something different to dirt bikers who have never ridden on snow but buy the snow bike and head for the mountains in winter for the first time.

“With all these new user groups heading for the mountains, there is a real need to raise awareness about what you should know, carry and do in avalanche terrain,” advised Wisner. “I tell people, ‘here’s what I like to do and where I screwed up so they might avoid getting in the same situation and ending up with a tragic outcome. 

Kiting and Biking could easily put unsuspecting riders in avalanche terrain. If you plan to give one of these exciting new recreational activities a try, you would be wise to increase your backcountry awareness and avalanche skills before heading into the backcountry.

Wearing an avalanche transceiver and carrying a pack with probe and shovel inside should be added to your ‘essential gear list’ when kiting and biking in the mountains. After all, you never know where adventure will come or the wind might blow.

“Alaska is one of those places that will jump up and bite you if you’re not careful,” warned Wisner. “You need to make sure you not only take the right gear but get educated and practice so you’ll be prepared.” 

Learn more at www.alaskasnow.org or www.alaskasaferiders.com  

Bee Well Chiropractic Is Hosting a Event for Parents!

Bee Well Chiropractic Is Hosting a Event for Parents!

Contributed by D.r Josh, BeeWell Chiropractic

Dr. Josh at Bee Well Chiropractic is hosting an event for parents who are interested in learning more about ways to regulate the emotions and behaviors of their children.

During The Perfect Storm, D.r Josh will dive deep into the science and neurology behind your child's struggles, from emotional regulation and behavioral challenges, to focus and concentration issues, and more.

This event is important because it touches on the impact of stress and isolation in the lives of the children in our community, both of which have run rampant over the past year or so. D.r Josh is making a BIG impact on the wellbeing of families in our community and giving them tangible HOPE, ANSWERS, and ACTION STEPS.

"Parents, maybe you're worried about how a label (anxiety, sensory, ADHD, or even autism) wil impact your child's life? But what if they didn't have to be confined by a label? What if what

you really need is to help them sleep through the night, have less meltdowns each day, handle

transitions easier, regulatetheir emotions a bit easier, and get sick less often? fI this sounds like

you, then the Perfect Storm Workshop si perfect for you! Get your HOPE back, your questions ANSWERED, and ACTION STEPS that are easy and effective!"

Theworkshop is Tuesday, April 4th at the Palmer Alehouse. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Must Register by Thursday, March 30! Please share this information with our community!

****If sold out please register for our waitlist! https://go.beewellak.com/workshop-registration-beewellak

Spiritual Energy Touch Therapy

Spiritual Energy Touch Therapy

Contributed by Daniel N. Russell, MS, Energy Therapist

People often report feeling lighter on their feet, feeling better, and having more power, after having energy touch therapy. An advantage of energy touch therapy is that it enhances one's faith and health. It also accelerates, balances, and centers a flow of life energy, called qi, throughout the body more quickly and easily than Shiatsu Acupressure and Acupuncture techniques. More and more people have been seeking out energy therapy, as an adjunct to massage, because the spiritual aspect adds to the health benefits. 

In energy touch centering one pulls excess heat toward areas of the body where there is not enough energy. This accelerates a flow of life energy (qi) throughout the body, which may increase both healing rate and energy level in patients. Sensitive heat sensors are located in the palms of our hands, and just below each lower eyelid. So, by placing one's palms over a patient's body and concentrating the mind, with training, one can detect where there is too much heat energy or not enough heat energy. 

In this way it may be determined where to place a cold stone to help pull excess energy to center and balance it. It is often desired to pull energy toward the sixth tsubo on the Conception Vessel (CV-6), also known as the hara or tanden in Shiatsu and Acupuncture therapy, and to center the qi or life-force energy there. This tsubo (acupressure point) is 2 finger-widths below the belly button. I have observed, when a large cold stone is placed on the tanden, or CV-6 tsubo, that excess heat dissipates from areas of excess energy, and heat energy builds up, quickly, under this cold stone. 

I encourage my patients to use their mind together with my mind to move the energy. I also, silently, ask God to send the Holy Spirit to help the patient to heal. The stone serves as a tool to help concentrate the mind on centering the qi energy, and on healing. So, I have founded a non-verbal, touch ministry. There is no charge for this ministry! I use a single, large, smooth, black basalt stone, because these stones are good black-body radiators, which means they absorb a lot of heat and then radiate it. You can find such stones on Alaska's beaches and riverbanks, where they have been deposited and ground smooth and round by glaciers over tens of thousands of years. Most types of stones work fine, though, as long as they are not porous. 

Room temperature of about 600 F is fine for the temperature of cold stones placed upon the body. One may think that it would be uncomfortable to have a cold stone placed on their belly, but it pulls and gathers heat quickly from areas of excess energy in the body, and one can actually feel heat building up under and around the stone. You may contact the author at 907-444-5647 or by email: dnrussellms@yahoo.com.

Daniel N. Russell, MS is a physics consultant, former Term-professor at both Physics Dept. and Massage Therapy Program, University of Alaska, and ordained spiritual energy touch therapist in Anchorage, Alaska.

Welcome to CannaBasics: Endocannabinoid System

Welcome to CannaBasics: Endocannabinoid System 

Contributed by Bailey Stuart 

Have you heard about the Endocannabinoid System within your body? I had not when I first started consuming cannabis many years ago. Over the last few decades we have slowly learned more and more about one of the largest system in our bodies. However, this is a system within our bodies your average doctor does not know about. That presently is not a part of the medical school curriculum. But with education it has the potential to improve many of their patients’ lives. 

 The Cannabis plant protects itself by producing a viscous resin in structures known as trichomes on its leaves and flowering parts. These trichomes are what produce cannabinoids we commonly call cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). There are approximately 113 known cannabinoids to date. Each plant comprises different cannabinoids, some that are active such as CBD and some that are euphoric or mind-altering such as THC. Until recently we only found these cannabinoids on the cannabis plant. However, current research has now found cannabinoids on other plants such as carrots, broccoli even black pepper. The discovery of these cannabinoids is what lead to scientists to the discovery of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).

The ECS regulates and controls many of the critical bodily functions, including learning, memory, emotional processing, temperature, pain control, sleep, eating, immune responses. The ECS is a vast network of chemical signals and receptors that are throughout our brains and bodies. The receptors in the brain we call CB1 receptors and outnumber man of the any other receptor types in the brain, who knew? We certainly didn’t until the late 1980’s (1989-1990) thanks to a man named Raphael Mechloulam, a top cannabinoid scientist and pioneer for our scientific research of Cannabis Sativa L. The CB1 receptors he discovered are now known to be the receptors that regulate activity of systems in the body that need adjustment like hunger, temperature, and alertness. 

CB2 receptors were discovered in 1993 also by Professor Mechloulam and his team. The CB2 receptor is a second type of receptor that mostly is engaged with our immune tissues and is critical to helping control our immune function, and plays a role in bowels like intestinal inflammation, contraction, and pain in inflammatory bowel conditions. This receptor is of great interest in drug development because they are not associated with euphoric effects or the “high” that the CB1 receptors are known for. For some, those particularly looking at the health benefits, the euphoria associated with cannabinoids use is an unwanted side effect. 

You may be shocked to know this but did you know that Israel has led the charge on today’s understanding of cannabis? Cannabis studies have been going on for decades, they are the leaders in cannabis research. And in particular Professor Mechloulam work is largely the reason why they have led this research. Professor Mechloulam is now 93 years old, and we all should thank him for the dedication of his life’s work and the path he has created for us all in our understanding of the plant Cannabis Sativa L. 

After these discoveries pharmaceutical companies started working on drugs that affect our Endocannabinoid Systems. One drug truly showcased the importance of having a healthy ECS. A drug called Rimonabant was created to block the CB1 receptors. This was an anti-obesity drug that went very wrong. Patients that were using Rimonabant found themselves losing weight because of the block on the CB1 receptor but were also becoming suicidal and very commonly patients were experiencing nausea and upper respiratory tract infections. This drug was pulled from the market in 2008 after many suffered the side effects of blocking their CB1 receptor. The Rimonabant drug truly showcased the importance of having a healthy Endocannabinoid System.

With all this said, I’m only touching on the large subject that is the Endocannabinoid System. I feel this is one of the most important days. In my class I bring in experts on the subject for day 2 and we end with a question and answering session. There is so much still to learn about cannabis and its effects on our bodies, but the ECS is something worth taking the time to learn and understand. 

Author: Bailey Stuart 

Adjunct Professor UAA 

Green Jar COO | Owner

Going Up Stream: Local Musician Navigates A New Era of Music

Going Up Stream: Local Musician Navigates A New Era of Music

Contributed by A Face In The Crowd and Anonymous Music Lover

Many artists have discovered that CD sales have declined significantly in recent years, and that streaming has become the primary method of music consumption. Platforms such as Spotify, Amazon, and iTunes have become crucial for musicians to promote their work.  That’s exactly what Everret Hamilton has done, from right here in Alaska. 

Playlists, in particular, have become an important tool for artists like Hamilton to gain exposure. Most streaming platforms use playlists, and to get on these playlists, musicians must submit their work to the playlist curators. Sometimes this information is public, but other times it requires some research to uncover. 

Additionally, Spotify has its own curated playlists, and artists can submit their music for consideration.

Regarding video game music, Everret Hamilton has composed soundtracks for several projects, including podcasts, indie films, and video games. The artist also accepts commission work for those who want custom music for their projects.

Hamilton is married to his wife Stefanie, with whom he has been in a relationship for 12 years. They have a 15-month-old daughter named Lillian. He has been playing music since he was 14, following in the footsteps of his drummer father. He has played in various bands throughout the years, and has also published several video games and apps. Everret and Stefanie have built their home in Palmer. 

Becoming a father has been a wonderful experience for the musician, and he and his wife have relished every moment of parenthood. Despite the challenges that come with raising a child, they have thoroughly enjoyed every stage of their daughter's growth. They look forward to continuing their journey as a family and are excited to see what the future holds for them.

Everret Hamilton’s music is available on various online platforms. Fans can listen to his music on Spotify, as well as on his personal YouTube channel, which he operates under his name, Everret Hamilton. He posts visualizer videos of his music on this channel. Additionally, his classical music can be found under the name "Warlock Symphony," while his heavy metal can be found under "Eternal Outrage," and his electronic music can be found under "DJ Revenge." Fans can access his music easily and enjoy it on their preferred platform.