ONE PLANET


By Randi Perlman, Board V.P.

Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS)

Our planet is changing in so many ways

It’s warmer, it’s wetter, it’s not just a phase

The grass is confused, it’s green and it’s growing

Rivers and streams are ice-free and flowing

This wouldn’t be odd, but you need to remember

We’re not still in summer, we’re now in December!

It takes just a little to help a real lot

Just small steps from many and a little deep thought

Like turning the lights off when they’re not in use

And recycling as much as we can of our refuse

Try plugging your car in at twenty degrees

You can turn off the water when brushing your teeth

We can take little steps and make a real difference

We can show others how with education and patience

We share the same planet and I know we all care

‘bout the water, the air, and the ground

If we all walk the walk and teach the good talk

TOGETHER, WE [still] CAN TURN IT AROUND !!!


Senior Education Classes


Senior Education is a program for those 50+ years who want to keep active and continue life-long learning. Classes are offered free (except for occasional supplies as needed). The fun part is there are no tests, no grades, no homework! Wasilla Senior Center, 1301 Century Circle, Wasilla, hosts the classes at no charge and all presenters are volunteers. Volunteers who are experts in their field! Please join us. No registration required unless noted in the class description. (senioreducationwasilla@gmail.com)

JANUARY 2020 SCHEDULE

Tuesday, January 7, 14, (skip 21st), 28, Feb. 4*, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

A SERIES OF WRITING CLASSES

Have you ever thought of writing about memories of your family or even your own autobiography, or about something that interests you, but you don’t know where to start? This is the class for you. A talented instructor, Tara Wreyford, will help you draw those thoughts out and put them to paper.

Tuesday, January 21, 3:00-4:00 p.m. BOOK CLUB “I READ WHAT I WANT TO READ”

(NOTE: Book Club will meet monthly every third Tuesday until May 2020.)

Participants will be given an opportunity to share a summary of their book of interest with others. Learn from others about books that might interest you. Facilitator: Andi Nations, Retired Public School Educator/Non-Profit Facilitator

 FEBRUARY 2020 SCHEDULE

 Tuesday, February 4*, 3:00-4:00 CONTINUE WRITING CLASS

 Tuesday, February 11, 3:00-4:00 DE-CLUTTER – FREE LIVING!

It’s silent. It’s sneaky. Suddenly, clutter is there! Clutter is all around us and is a growing problem. Let’s explore what clutter is, how it occurs, and emotions involved. Learn declutter techniques, downsize strategies, clutter buster ideas and paper clutter control.

Facilitator: Julie Cascio, Home Economist, Cooperative Extension Service

 Tuesday, February 18**, 3:00-4:00, BOOK CLUB “I READ WHAT I WANT TO READ”

 Tuesday, February 25, 3:00-4:00 COMMUNICATING FOR BETTER LISTENING & TALKING

Are people mumbling more often? Are you interrupting others by speaking when they are without realizing it? Are you frustrated by feeling you’re not being heard? Learn tips for listening and talking regardless of your hearing abilities.

Facilitator: Dr. Joyce Sexton, Doctor of Audiology, Northern Hearing, Wasilla & Anchorage


The Fate of the Three Musketeers


Contributed by Nan Potts

           Silver, reflected in golden eyes. If you looked closer, bits of blue and red accessorized the metallic surface. It stared. Neither twitch nor blink but a steady gaze, almost insatiable, on a target — with one goal.

            I held witness to this type of engagement before. Most of the time it was deadly. Now, the odds were in my favor and I was determined to succeed!

            A pinkish tongue appeared, taking a swipe of a fleshy lip, yawned and licked again. Teeth showed. Although worn over time, still endured with strength, capable of removing limbs or even small heads.

            I swallowed hard, preparing myself to oppose my foe. I shifted in my seat, trying to seek an advantage over this cleaver beast.

            An ever so sight change in position and I knew the time was ripe to make the first move. The yellow head lowered in such a stealthy manner that was difficult to detect. But there, it was going in for the kill!

            How should I counter? I startled myself by asking that question. No time, respond! No longer rational, I instinctively kept one hand on the steering wheel as the other darted forward and snatched the target. He lunged as well, jamming his wet black nose into the back of my hand. I heard a crackling sound as my fingers closed around object. The cur rapidly withdrew, its yellow body slipped and skidded on the center console to regain its composure. It, had missed!

            Drawing the prize to me, I laughed aloud, rejoicing in my triumph. Quickly, I placed a corner of it between my teeth and tore the shiny wrapper apart, spitting it on to the car floor. With such swiftness and deftness, I popped it into my mouth. A wave of exhilaration and satisfaction swept over me. An aaaah escaped from me as the morsel began to melt and ooze down my throat.

            Not allowing my eyes to leave the road assisted my adversary to save face. I stole a brief tousle behind one ear and gave a gentle word, “Dogs can’t eat chocolate.”


Keeping Hatcher Pass Accessible


Contributed by Debra McGhan

Access to prime riding in Hatcher Pass could soon be a thing of the past. But not if Rob Uphus and the volunteers and members of Hatcher Pass Snow Riders (HPSR) have anything to do about it.

“I can’t stress enough how important these access trails from Hatcher Pass are if you want to get out and ride,” said Uphus. “The state has limited funding from the SnowTrack grant and State Parks informed us they will not facilitate or apply for any funding after this season. Grooming this year will be minimal as they only have about $7,000 from Snowtrack for this season. With all this snow we’re getting, if we don’t start shaping and packing the trails now we’re going to lose access.”

Club volunteers from both Hatcher Pass Snow Riders and the Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center (HPAC) have stepped in to make sure that doesn’t happen. They have been putting in countless hours of volunteer time to organize, plan and execute the operations of grooming and avalanche safety and research.

Today my friend and I had the chance to check out the pass and were thrilled by the condition of the trails; both motorized and non-motorized. If you appreciate these trails like we do, we all owe them a big thanks.

It always fills my heart with joy to see happy, healthy people out playing in the snow. We saw smiling sledders, back country skiers, Nordic skiers, riders, boarders and snowshoers, all glowing with vitality from the youngest still in diapers to the oldest. This is the sign of a truly healthy community. If we want to preserve this opportunity and keep it safe for everyone, it will take an army of community support and volunteers.

“We are meeting with the Alaska State Parks Superintendent, Stuart Leidner, next week and hoping the Snow Riders club will be able to step in and get all the required permits and support necessary to take over the grooming of Hatcher Pass Trails,” said Uphus.

A lofty task indeed. The good news, community support has already started flowing in. Wes Coyne, former director of BAART (Backcountry Avalanche Awareness Response Team) donated $5,000 to the Snow Riders to help in the effort.

BAART came to be in 1999 after Keith Coyne of Wasilla was caught in a fatal avalanche in Hatcher Pass on December 26th. The pain and frustration this family experienced, along with the family of Aaron Arthur who was killed in early 1999 in Turnagain Pass, provided the fuel to do something about the deficit of avalanche safety information in Alaska. BAART ceased operations a few years ago when the effort finally proved too much and the Alaska Avalanche School and Alaska Avalanche Information Center began to fill the public avalanche education needs providing more than 75 classes each year across Alaska with support from the Alaska Department of Public Safety.

A portion of the funds BAART still held after their 501c 3 non-profit ceased operations, have now been donated to HPSR specifically for snowmachine education.

“Those funds were designed to educate riders in Hatcher Pass,” explained Uphus, “and that’s what we’re going to do.”

The HPSR will be joined by the HPAC, State Parks and numerous other supporters on January 11th in Hatcher Pass for the annual ‘Avalanche Awareness Workshop.’ This event typically attracts more than a 100 riders, skiers, boarders and sledders who want to sharpen their skills and knowledge about avalanches.

“We also have our annual Easter Egg Hunt fundraiser in the spring planned,” said Uphus. “These two events help raise awareness and bring in much needed dollars to keep this effort going.”

If you and your family recreate in Hatcher Pass, Uphus encourages you to get involved and support your local avalanche center.

“It’s going to take all of us to keep access open so everyone can get out and ride safely.”

Photos: 1. HPSRVOLUNTEER.JPG – Photo by Adam Greening (from left Kellin Turner, Lin Turner, Adam Greening and Ranger Dan Amyot) 2. AmyotTurner.JPG. (Ranger Dan Amyot and Lin Turner) 3. RIDINGUP.UPUS.JPG – Rob Uphus takes in the View from the top of Royal Penny Glacier. Photo by Sean Rudd.

Keeping Access 1.jpeg

Mat Su Plunge is Coming!


Contributed by Paula Nance

Last summer a small Chickadee was caught in my greenhouse. It took about 15 minutes to finally catch the frightened bird in my hands and I took it to the greenhouse door to release it into the air. With perfect timing, my Australian Shepherd Lexie, caught the little bird just as it was soaring to leave like a ball. I screamed at Lexie and told her to let the bird go. Amazingly, Lexie opened her mouth and the Chickadee flew away.

All that to say, we all get second and third chances, and now it’s yours! Take the challenge and JUMP!

The “frosty” plunge is set for Saturday, February 22, 2020, and is sponsored by the Mat Su Sertoma Club. The event will be held at the Everett’s Mat Su Resort again this year.

All funds raised stay right here in the valley. This year, our Summer Camp Scholarship Winner, Malia Batchelder will be attending the Gallaudet University Summer Youth Camp. Funds raised will also be used for free ASL classes planned for the community in 2020.

Take the plunge, get a group together now and be part of the “Original Valley Dip!” Pledge sign up sheets and on-line pledging can be found on our website.

Check out www.matsuhearing.org or www.matsuplunge.org for further information.


Christmas Wish


Contributed by Wes Keller

Do you exist in “a state of quiet or tranquility [with] freedom from disturbance or agitation”? If so, Webster’s 1828 defines you to have as one who owns “peace”. To use modern terms, if you are typically “stressed out”, you don’t have “peace”. When our nation is at war with other nations, when we are in turmoil because of bad presidents or elected politicians, when we have civil war, when we are entangled in private quarrels, law suits, or are agitated by fears, terror, anxiety… we are not experiencing peace!

To stop and reflect on what “Peace” actually means, raises us above the average passing greeting, with no real meaning or value in a well-wishing. I grew up when “Peace” was the cool word to use as a greeting… and I watched it become like the parrot’s “hello” as it became over-used and annoying. Different cultures and races use variations of “peace” as a common greeting: "As-Salam-u-Alaikum" (Arabic for peace be unto you); the ancient “kiss of peace”; or the two-fingered symbol has become a form of dismissal. We throw the term “peace” around a lot, even as we are totally immersed in a passionate, frenzied society. We innately hunger, for the quietness of mind, tranquility, calmness, and a clear conscience that define peace. While we all approve of the harmony, reconciliation and public tranquility associated with peace.

Christmas is the Holy Day (Holiday) of the Holidays! This Holy Day was introduced by Angels; “And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,’Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased’.” Luke 2:13-14

Christmas is recognition of ancient, anticipated prophecies. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace

there will be no end.” Isaiah 9:6-7

When Christ foretold his death, he told His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27

The Christmas proclamation is not exclusive or racist in any way. “He (Jesus) came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit”. Ephesians 2:7 Peace was made available to the Jews and to any race or people.

My desire with this editorial is to wish you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS with a sincere desire (wish) for you to experience the PEACE offered to all mankind several thousand years ago this Christmas. I intend no offense by referencing Jesus, the Prince of Peace as I know Him. I realize, mention of His name is anything but peaceful to some who have a negative reaction to Him, but that does not mean I cannot personally wish Peace for you in His name. I do desire you to enjoy genuine peace, and I can vouch for the only Source I trust and know.

Our society tends to refrain from use of traditional Christmas greetings in a nominal attempt to not offend anyone who may reject the message of Jesus, the incarnation of God. My wish is that you will see past this and experience real Peace this Christmas season.

Wes Keller | WesKeller.com


‘Tis the Season to Rejoice and Give Thanks…to All!


Contributed by Randi Perlman

Yes, ‘tis the season…of holiday parties and homecomings to plan, of making new memories as we gather with clan, of family traditions and recipes to share, of shopping and wrapping and toasting good cheer! It’s a time to be thankful for all that we have, to pay homage to the richness of life, and to treat all those around us with kindness and love.

I began writing this with the desire to proclaim my gratitude once more for all those folks who pitched in to assist with, and be supportive of, our two recent fundraising events: the Recycle Revival Music Festival at Settlers Bay Golf Course in late September, and the Mat-Su Orchestra’s Veterans Day Concert at the Glenn Massay Theater in November. At Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS), we can’t thank everyone enough for the incredible turn-outs at both events, for the remarkable display of talent, and for the generosity of spirit and funds that helped create two superbly successful events!

As I wrote, my mind kept drifting to the bigger picture. I couldn’t help but think of the multitudes of non-profit organizations in our Valley, the meaningful missions and visions of each and every one of them, and the way our Valley community never fails to dig deep to help support them all. It was then that I realized it was time for a ‘BIG PICTURE THANKS’ to our entire Mat-Su community for rising to the occasion whenever needed; for reaching out to help those less fortunate; for welcoming with open arms the new and the different; for donating over and over again to the many fundraising auctions that run throughout the season; for cooking and baking to provide goods for others to enjoy while raising money for the many organizations that work so hard for others; and for happily supporting the missions and causes most meaningful to each one of us.

Many communities, indeed hopefully most, around the country and the world pull together in times of need or tragedy to do what they can for each other. From wildfires to earthquakes, high winds to flooding, and from one end of this enormous borough to the other, our huge slice of paradise has had its share of unfortunate situations in recent years. But our own, mighty Mat-Su Community is there for each other all year round. The large, diverse, intriguing group of unique characters that we embody, all of us who call the Mat-Su Valley home, rises to any occasion, be it to celebrate or console, with a steady, strong show of support & encouragement, to help our friends and neighbors grow and spread their wings, and to lift each other up when we stumble.

The holiday season is a time to be joyful, and hopeful that life will continue to get only better. This year, as we gather with loved ones to celebrate good tidings with group hugs, it’s OK for each of us to give ourselves a little hug, as well, for being part of the BIG PICTURE and creating a caring, loving and supportive community, one of unbounded strength, love and indomitable spirit; it’s a community I feel blessed and proud to be part of. Thank you to ALL for making it so, and Happy, Merry whatever holiday[s] you celebrate…!!!


Cheers to 85 Years!


Contributed by Kerry Nelson

This year’s season of thanks could not have come at a more appropriate time for us here at the Musk Ox Farm, as we settle into our newly renovated Colony Barn & Education Center – a project that has successfully breathed another eighty-five years into its old bones, beautifully intertwining the past with the present. The list of what we have to be thankful for will surely only continue to grow as the fresh reality of what it means to be moved in to this incredible, functional, plumbed, heated space after the very long, highly anticipated wait sinks in.

We held our Colony Barn Renovation Grand Opening & Building Commemoration before the Thanksgiving holiday, opening our very new doors to the public while highlighting the rich history of our organization as the Musk Ox Farm and the original Lentz colony family residing here before us. The event was a smashing success, with an incredible turnout and showing of support from local media, local leaders and community members. A giant ribbon was cut, toasts were made, and smiles were had as visitors made their way around the new space to satisfy their curiosities.

We would love to extend an enormous thank you to all who were able to come out and show your support. We are so grateful to our wonderful community and the love you have shown us over the years. This project is as much for all of you as it is for our organization. Those who were not able to attend were on our minds as we celebrated this unforgettable milestone in our history. Special thanks to Wolf Architecture, H. Watt & Scott, Pipit Construction, Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau, Barbara Lentz-Thomas and the Palmer Chamber of Commerce for helping us commemorate the building, and for sharing your thoughts and experience of the project. It made the day truly special, and we are tremendously lucky.

As we bask inside the glow of our shiny new building, we welcome the holiday hustle and bustle with open arms, ready to take advantage of the years of hard work that went into this project and finally share it with all of you. We’ve eagerly begun the next phase of designing an interactive musk ox museum, and cannot wait to launch educational programming for the benefit of all. Come out for a visit to truly take in this next chapter of our organization, of your Musk Ox Farm. See an incredible piece of Palmer history, and of course – say hello to the musk oxen!

WINTER HOURS: Wednesday – Saturday, 11am – 4pm, with farm tours running at 12:30pm & 2pm. Tours can be booked online at muskoxfarm.org, or call 907-745-4151. Continue to shop locally with us this season for unique holiday finds! Our gift shop is filled with loads of qiviut yarn & garments and a variety of musk ox-inspired gifts made by local artists.

The Musk Ox Farm is also proud to be a participating business in Palmer Chamber’s Shop Palmer this year! Every time you spend $10 with us, you get a stamp. Spend $100 and you get entered to win a $1000 VISA gift card – drawing to take place on Friday, December 20th. BONUS: one skein of qiviut or one qiviut garment will fill up your whole card. It’s a win-win!


Glad Tidings


Contributed by Brenna Rath

When Angie Wellborn took her young daughter for a treat at Vagabond Blues, in Palmer, she had no idea that it would lead to her daughter requesting a lot more than cocoa and cookies. On December 5th she shared the following on FB:

"It started as a lovely treat at Vagabond with my precocious 1st grader. We were discussing her brother, who is stationed on the USS America, would not be able to come home for Christmas and how most of the service men and women may not be able to fly home. Her already saddened face turned to concerned when she, suddenly, perked up with, "I know, maybe, we can send all the sailors a Christmas card?"

I'm pretty sure I bit off more than I can chew when I agreed! I proceeded to message the Commander and her teachers at school.

Monday, her teacher told me that they set some time aside this Friday (half day) to have their classes help us accomplish this endeavor.

Tuesday, I reached out to the commander, a second time, to obtain permission and verify details. The commander responded and informed me that there are over 1000 service men and women aboard and they would need to be mailed by Tuesday the 11th to get there in time for Christmas.

I have several donations coming in but, could use some more ideas (and maybe some donations?) to make this Christmas wish come true!

Thank you for reading this all the way through"

Angie commutes daily to her full time job, and supports her kids at home on their activities. She juggles all the other day to day tasks we all do. Gathering 1,000 or more cards in a week seemed unlikely. Bolstered by her daughter's spirit of generosity, she never faltered in her belief that as a community, we could reach this goal. My kids had already written a few cards, but one comment on Angie's FB post, from a local service member, motivated all of us to write more. (Photo of comment included.) It inspired one of my kids to write longer letters on paper, tucked into the cards, so sailors could fold them and keep them if they wanted. My youngest helped by decorating blank stationary and signing his name, letting me write letters around his art. Friends who visited would fill out a card. My brother, my mom, my grandmother - all added inscriptions to a card or helped the kids write notes. Though seemingly small, if these letters can boost morale, they're more than worth the time taken to write them. We'll be handing them off to Angie tomorrow, but the memory of participating in this community effort is exactly the kind of Christmas spirit I hope my children carry with them forever. I'm proud of Angie for following through, and glad to live in a community that joined her effort.

If you're bummed that you didn't hear about this project in time to contribute, I've got good tidings for you: writing to service members isn't just a Christmas thing. There are always service members who would love to hear from you!


Gift Wrapping for a Cause


Contributed by Jeanette Tingstrom

The Wagon Wheel Marketplace (located in front of CARRS Wasilla), is offering gift wrapping to help raise money for a non-profit organization. You can get your gifts wrapped at the marketplace all year long, but during the Christmas season you are encouraged to bring all your gifts to The Wagon Wheel Marketplace. The donations you give go to Guiding Influence. An Alaska registered non-profit organization, Guiding Influence provides opportunities for youth to attend camps and other life enhancing programs. Guiding influence raises funds through a variety of fundraising options, including gift wrapping at The Wagon Wheel Marketplace. The staff at The Wagon Wheel say to bring gifts, no matter where you purchased them, and they will wrap them in pretty paper, bows and ribbon. A suggested donation of $3.00 to $8.00 a gift is recommended. You can drop your gifts off and return later in the day to pick them up.

The youth that have attended Guiding Influence’s Camp Iron Sights have been provided with tools and skills to help overcome life challenges. You can learn more about these opportunities and other ways you can become involved at www.guidinginfluence.org and www.campironsights.com


Kabayan Annual Christmas Celebration A Success


Contributed by Lhing McNeal

Kabayan Inc. 4th Annual Peace & Love Community Christmas Celebration Event was a huge success; almost 400 guests attended the event including Palmer Mayor Edna Devries, Representative Colleen Sullivan-Leonard and Alaska Job Corps Center Director Malyn Smith.

Our featured presentation was a song from Ms. Arianna Wedekind, AFFA INC dancers presented a cultural dance, the youth bamboo dance was fascinating to where at the end of the dance the youth dancers ask the audience participation to teach guests who are willing to learn the steps.

The Kabayan Inc. little kids also did a Christmas dance and the highlight of the presentation was the array of different traditional dresses from 3 regions of the Philippines Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Kabayan Inc. Dancers did the Senorita & Git Up to end the presentation.

I can say that this is probably the biggest potluck gathering in the Valley, and the uniqueness of this event doing a potluck in order for us share Filipino authentic food in the community so we have two roasted pig was on the menu, lots of lumpia ( fried spring rolls but it’s never enough) pansit (rice noodles), chicken adobo, leche flan and of course... rice.

Santa was there too handing goodies and gave gifts to the kids.

We draw the winner of our Fundraising Raffle

First prize - Rifle - MSRP $ 1,100

Second Price - Diamond Back Binoculars worth $280

Third Price - $ 50 gift card

Adult raffle $ 50 Walmart Card

Kids Raffle - Birthday Package from Alaska Club worth $290

and we have drawn lots of doors prizes.

Congratulations DARIAN CABALES - Kabayan Inc. 2019 Scholarship Recipient

We would like to thank all the people that supported our event. In behalf of the Kabayan Inc. Filipino- American Community of Mat-Su we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Thank you and have a fabulous day.

Lhing McNeal

907 322 9463

Event & Fundraiser Coordinator

Kabayan Inc.

Filipino American Community of Matsu

kabayaninc.com


Time for Wasilla to shine again!


Contributed by Justin Giles

Alaska is nationally known for quite a few things, many of them bad. Crime, unemployment, and crooked politicians seem to dominate the dreary local news cycle. One local event, however, shines as an example of good to the rest of the state, and even the nation.

The Wasilla Christmas Friendship Dinner is a tradition that was started by Bob and Judy Bowers and a few close friends nearly 30 years ago. It has steadily grown into, we believe, the largest event of it's kind in the United States! About 600 volunteers prepare around 800 pounds of ham, 150 turkeys, hundreds of pies and enough fixings to serve over 5,000 meals. A fleet of buses picks up people in need of rides and brings them to the Menard Center. Hundreds of meals and gifts and more importantly visitors are delivered to the lonely home bound. The logistics of this completely volunteer-run event are massive. Organizational meetings begin in February. Hundreds of volunteers donate their whole Christmas day to make this happen. Many donate dozens of hours helping prepare and clean up. Some like Bob and Judy Bowers donate many hundreds of hours throughout the year.

Our final preparatory push this season involves securing additional turkeys and all ages gift bag items such as socks, hats, and gloves along with small entertainment items including coloring books and crossword puzzles. If you're able and willing to donate to this great cause please drop off items at Matsu Line-X on the Palmer Wasilla Highway just on the Palmer side of Trunk.

Our biggest need, however, is YOU! That's right, the kindness and friendship so many of us take for granted is lacking in the lives of so many. Come make a friend, be a friend, and be a part of one the the nation's greatest community events!

When: December 25th from 11am-3pm.

Where: Menard Sports Center, Wasilla.

What: Community party, free meal, music and brotherly love.

The Christmas Friendship Dinner is the feel-good event of the year here in the MatSu. The event is far more than just the sum of it's considerable parts. Jesus taught to give to the poor, visit the lonely and love one another. You can do all three every Christmas at the Menard, and help shine a little light into a dark world.. For more information find Christmas Friendship Dinner on Facebook or call (907)354-6115.


The 36th Annual Wasilla Gun and Outdoor Show


Contributed by Kim Prayner

The 36th Annual Wasilla Gun and Outdoor Show will be held on Saturday, January 18th from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday January 19th from 10 am to 4 pm at Wasilla High School, 701 E Bogard Road, Wasilla, AK. The event is sponsored by the Wasilla High School Hockey Booster Club.

This year’s event includes over 200 vendors.

If you are amongst the 1st 200 attendees each day, you are automatically entered into a drawing for a gun, so come out early.

Admission is $7 per person, free parking, kids 5 and under are free!

There is a little something for everyone. Guns, ammo, knives, gun safes, jewelry, food just to name a few!

All proceeds from this event support the Wasilla High School Hockey Team.


Adopt Powder!


Contributed by Kelleigh Orthmann, Clear Creek Cat Rescue

Guess who's ready for his forever home?! POWDER!

This boy was found as a stray with a horrible wound on his neck. He started out super shy; but as you can see, he's not so much anymore thanks to our amazing volunteers and all their hard work with him!

Powder is about 4 years old, neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. He has been sprinkled with love and wrapped in awesomeness for his new home! Powder has done well with other cats; as for dogs, we are not sure how he will do. He has done excellent with men as well!

If interested, please call 980-8898.


Affordable Catering Shows How to Save Money


Contributed by Sammy Taylor, Mid Valley Recycling

The average American household saves 75% of its trash bill by recycling and composting. But what about businesses that have the potential for huge waste bills? One local small business proves that the percentage of savings is fairly accurate for profit enterprises as well as families. Affordable Catering near Big Lake has been recycling and sending its food waste to a farmer for four years. As owner Andrea Thistle says, “We have just one Earth, so we need to keep it healthy.”

“I’m not a bunny hugger; I’m a bunny eater,” she says, showing her understanding that clean water, air and land keeps our food and us healthier. To that end, Andrea does what she can by buying local, keeping her overhead low and by reducing waste. She buys local meat, wild fish and produce in season. Her food waste is kept separate in a small container, stored outside at the end of each day and picked up by a local pig farmer. She separates what can be recycled at the Big Lake transfer site for free on weekends, not far from her Parks Highway location.

Those efforts alone have reduced her weekly trash fees to the cost of one or, at the most, two bags. Andrea says once her employees (one to three part- or full- time employees depending on the season) are familiar with her setup they embrace recycling and food waste separation. She emphasized that it is essential to wash recyclable items. Without cleaning they can create a nuisance (and a potential health hazard) for her business as it does in our homes. Now that she knows she can take glass and other recyclables not taken by VCRS to Target, she may save even more!

After eight years of operating, Affordable Catering Andrea knows her customers appreciate her conscientiousness. She provides them with recyclable food containers whenever possible. She uses drink dispensers of #1 and of #7 plastic. Often the #7 compostable ones must be doubled for extra strength but at least her customers don’t have to throw them in a dumpster when recycling is preferred. She has even purchased some plates made of sugar cane waste, but the cost is prohibitive for some applications.

Andrea looks forward to the future of recycling, sustainability and responsible waste management in the future. “The benefits are beyond the saving of money and I’d recycle regardless.” She would like to see all of us get involved. She feels that the most effective means to encourage more recycling is through regulations and incentives. The Mat-Su Borough government could provide leadership in this regard. Perhaps the government could even provide tax incentives for the local remanufacture of recyclables. This will probably require regulations regarding recycling so all the recyclables that currently end up at the landfill can be channeled into a reliable supply for any remanufacturing effort. Andrea knows that this would make everything more sustainable and even provide local jobs. . (Currently, Thermokool in Palmer is the only user of local recyclables.)

Staff at Valley Community for Recycling Solutions has gotten calls from those re-manufacturers looking to start a business in the Valley. However, the current supply of materials falls short of their needs. So more recycling is needed.

In the meantime, Andrea continues to do her part by keeping Affordable Catering recyclables and food scraps out of the landfill.

Thank you, Andrea!

Here’s a tip she provided:

“If fruit flies are bothering you near your compost or food waste containers, add a bottle with a little yeast, sugar and water. The flies can’t resist, but don’t get out.”


How to Eliminate Homelessness & Wildfire


Contributed by Huhnkie Lee

Greetings, this is Lee, running for Alaska State Senate in District D in 2020. I have an idea to eliminate crimes and homelessness. I first thought that the Mat-Su needs a borough-level police department. Then I learned that it would raise property tax to fund the new police department. How about we change the state law so that we give Alaska National Guards (“ANG” hereafter) the police power?

I understand Posse Comitatus Act prohibits the use of federal military personnel to assist local police, but we are talking about activating state military personnel. So, let us assume that state legislators manage to make a law that endows police power to ANG so they work with local police. Then the sky is the limit.

ANG has the man power, are trained in combat and weaponry, and they have rifles, ammunitions, bulletproof jackets and helmets, tactical vehicles, everything that they need to fight off crimes.

If I were an Alaska Senator, I would go even one step further: I would convince our two U.S. Senators and U.S. Congressman so that they propose a House/Senate Bills to abolish Posse Comitatus Act. Then, we can supply manpower to the state/local police/firefighters with federal military personnel and equipment.

Imagine we come up with a technology of a missile that is equipped with fire extinguishing chemicals. Upon a wildfire in Alaska, U.S. Airforce jets from JBER can fire the ‘fire-extinguishing’ missiles to that burning forest. The possibilities are endless.

Regarding the homeless, we will have to change the laws so that police can escort them so that they live in a place that we may call, “Institution of Improvement”, or IOI. The idea is, we should get back to the basics, hence the name 101.

Why do crimes and homelessness exist? It is because not everyone has good parents like we did. We, law-abiding and hardworking citizens were fortunate enough to have parents, teachers, mentors, role-models who taught us, disciplined us, loved us, strengthened us. But there are people who never had such nurturing environment and some of them become homeless and criminals because they can’t contain anger, or they are not strong and patient enough to handle the stress and pressure at work.

As long as criminals stay criminal, it is us whose lives and limbs are in danger. If we allow the homeless live in parks and street corners, our neighborhood will be filled with human wastes, needles, fleas and bedbugs. It is time that we, Republicans and Democrats, come together and solve this problem. With partisan politics like ideological warfare, we cannot achieve anything.

So, the idea is that we change the laws so as to allow ANG and federal military personnel to work with state/local police to imprison criminals and escort the homeless to IOI. Or for simplicity, we may just put them all in jail and rename the prison as IOI. In those correctional facilities, we will make them work. First kind of work for prisoners will be sorting out trash in landfills. We should coordinate with trash collection companies to achieve this.

Working with trash serve both liberal and conservative purposes. Inmates will learn to work, and get disciplined. The proceeds from recycling will help pay for the operation of the prisons. Reducing the trash will save the environment. Everybody wins.

If inmates refuse to work, then we will discipline them. We can reduce their daily portion from 3 meals a day to 2 meals a day; take away gym-usage/visitation privileges; or even reduce the room temperature heating level by 1 degree in winter; solitary confinement, etc. We will educate inmates just like our parents educated us when we were children.

If inmates prove themselves in recycling in landfills, we will give them a better job, which is the second kind of money-making prison job. Again, we will have to work with federal and state legislators to change laws to achieve this. The idea is, to farm Alaskan wild animals in prison. Let the well-behaving inmates raise bears, moose, etc. Instead of killing bears that live in Eagle River or letting moose becoming road-kills in Glenn Highway, we sedate them and send them to prisons. The IOI animal farm will be open to public so the citizens would come with their left-over food to feed bears, moose, etc. Inmates will clean the farm/zoo/safari and take care of the animals.

Such prison safari system will satisfy both conservatives and liberals. Animal activists will love this because we are saving the animals. Conservatives will like this because inmates will be working and prison will pay for its operation without state fund or taxpayer’s money. How? Inmates will carve farm animal bones, tan bear hides and sell them. We can even have them process slaughtered bear gall bladders and sell them to Asian countries. We will be farming them with latest biotechnology so that the animals can reproduce in captivity. The prison farm/safari will be big, as Alaska has big lands.

If you elect me as Alaska State Senator next year, I will make the projects above my personal and professional mission.


An Elf with Anxiety


Contributed by Melissa Martin

“Some kids are scared of me,” cried Elf as he rested in my flurry office chair. “Because parents say bad kids won’t receive gifts from Santa when I tattle.” I told Elf that spying on others is naughty, not nice and can be considered creepy. And spying can make children feel paranoid.

I asked Elf if he knew what other doll comes to life when nobody is watching. Chucky, a horror film star.

“Elf,” I said. “When you blab to Santa when kids argue with siblings or refuse to clean their rooms, kids start to resent you.”

Elf sniffed and blew his plastic nose. “I know I’m a tattle-tale, but that’s my job.”

I invited Elf to talk more about his emotions. “I’m a hot mess,” he muttered.

“And now Jimmy Kimmel is using me as a political poking joke with Trump on a Stump and Pence on a Fence.” Elf proclaimed he is a bipartisan pixie. He doesn’t want to see Bill and Hill on a Window Sill or Barack in a Clandestine Sock or Nancy P. in an Ambush Tree.

“Talk about why some elves are sooo ornery,” I said. We discussed how he is supposed to role model appropriate behaviors.

“I know I go overboard sometimes and spill flour on the floor and roll it or fish in the toilet. But give me a break. The parents make me do it.” Elf sobbed as snot bubbled out his nostrils. I handed him a half of a tissue.

Some parents are tired of ho-ho-hoing and moving Elf around every night. And spending money on special clothes and accessories.

FYI: Elf on the Shelf doesn’t know he’s not real. He was created by humans.

He showed me Facebook pictures of the wacky stunts adults make him do with Barbie and Ken. “I’m the victim,” he declared. Elf denied abusing alcohol and smoking marijuana.

Elf did confess that he slipped Ritalin into Rudolph’s water bowl before take-off last year. And he admitted to putting reindeer poo in Sarah Elizabeth Sander’s stocking. I suggested that Elf work on his low impulse control.

“This year, I’m on the holiday menu at IHOP. Pancakes with sweet cream cheese icing and whipped topping,” Elf bragged. “And Kellogg’s Elf on the Shelf Sugar Cookie with Marshmallow Breakfast Cereal features me.”

“Elf,” I replied. “I’m not supposed to judge what clients do, but do kids really need more sugar?”

Elf watched me for quite a while without speaking. I just knew Santa would leave a lump of coal in my stocking.

“Why don’t you focus on the behaviors the kids are doing well? Like when they share, take turns, and help around the house.” We discussed positive behavioral tools.

“What about an elf alternative?” I suggested that he consider becoming a Pocket Pixie that encourages intentional acts of being kind to others over the Christmas holiday and beyond. “Just talk to Mrs. Claus,” I recommended.

To make a long story short, I referred Elf to a 12-Step program called Tattle-Tale Anonymous. And the Human Resources office at the North Pole.

Melissa Martin, Ph.D., is an author, columnist, educator, and therapist. Contact her at melissamcolumnist@gmail.com.


The Artist: A Tribute to Charles Reid


Contributed by Yvonne Moss

I read about his death in an artist’s magazine. It moved me.

I attended a workshop led by him I’m my home town early in his career. I didn’t know he taught workshops in Europe and USA. He was that well-known.

I hadn’t realized his impact on my life until I read about his demise.

He was the influence (inspiration?) for my own impressionistic watercolors and helped me develop my own style of painting with feeling. He was the starting point and made me more confident.

He was only one year older than me which brought home how lucky my life had been (but made memore conscious of my own mortality).

What he did for my art was marvelous to say the least.