PIST: Politically Incorrect Straight Talk

Contributed by Katherine Baker

China, the quiet, defiant, giant is no longer that quiet! China, after many, many years of effort, has obtained substantial muscle and influence in the USA. Influence in the USA means influence over Americans. (The federal government’s primary purpose in the USA is the nation’s security and the people’s safety). China’s influence, as well as China’s forceful aggression, has exponentially increased during this brief but perpetual agony of the people at the downward spiral of the USA orchestrated by the Biden-Harris Administration. It feels at times, as though the country is being led to slaughter. The radicals have done what they said they were going to do in the late 1960s and early 1970s - get inside the system. They’ve made it all the way to the tippy top of our system. It took them less than 30 years, until the day Bill Clinton became POTUS. Remember Bill Clinton’s questionable receipt of huge infusion s of cash from China donors? That alone, should ring alarm bells. Alinsky’s radicals are persistent AND serious. (See Saul D. Alinsky’s book, Rules For Radicals. It is a psychological warfare manual. His “jujitsu” is what we know today as “spin”. Alinsky, by the way, is one of Hillary’s heroes.

Back to China… It has not gone unnoticed that Swalwell, a representative from California is still in his swampy DC office despite having an unidentified, confirmed Chinese spy as his arm candy (or his handler?). Another California Congress person, Dianne Feinstein, a senator, is still in office despite having a Chinese spy as her chauffer for over twenty (20) years. Twenty (20) years and Feinstein never suspected a thing which is not representative of and does not currently describe the sentiment of the American people. Something is definitely amiss. The people have questions and want answers. Feinstein’s judgment is obviously questionable, and even more so for a United States Senator. I wonder if Feinstein even did a background check, especially since the average American struggles with constant background checks. Have they ‘spun’ racism to such a ridiculous extreme that it is now racist to conduct a background check on immigrants? (What if some enemy of the USA thinks of sneaking in some spies and/or terrorists? I’m thinking they would and that they have thought of doing just that and that they have done that repeatedly!!!) Yet Americans endure background checks for just about anything and everything, including purchases, licenses, rentals, jobs, education, etc. After all of that, there’s probably no resources remaining in the system to conduct background checks on immigrants-whether legal or illegal entry. (Again, the primary purpose of our federal government is the security of the nation and the safety of the people.

Voltaire said, “Common sense is not so common.” These are basic, yet wise words. (Some colleges have “safe places” for their adult students (18 and older) because of harsh reality words such as these. They are teaching their students how NOT to be equipped to face the harsh realities of life. They are being mind-controlled and behaviorally conditioned to be able to function ONLY in environments of continuous and constant praise. The exact opposite-a spin-of what most parents were expecting their children to be learning for all that money. (Once again, the primary function of the federal government is the security of the nation and the safety of the people.)

Without much of a stretch or one could argue, without any stretch at all, the actions and policies of the Biden-Harris-Pelosi-Schumer Show are helpful to the two primary communist countries-China and Russia. And so are, by extension, helpful also to China and Russia’s partners in crime, particularly North Korea and Iran as well as other communist countries and radical enemies of the USA, who are attempting to get spies and terrorists inside our country. I can think of a list of reasons “why”, but I suppose it depends on whether or not they, like communists everywhere, strongly believe communism is inevitable as the worldwide future form of governance and whether or not they have a will to power. For all these reasons, whatever is happening in California doesn’t look good.

The Pelosi political family dynasty has a firm, tight grip on California’s power regardless of Gavin Newsom’s shortcomings and his insatiable will to power, and will to more power and will to even more power. And then there’s his scorched earth policy for everyone else’s environment when he doesn’t get that power which he thinks he is entitled to have. No wonder Joe Biden is referred to as their Uncle Joe. The dynamics make it seem like one big, organized political crime family, just like communism does, just like communism IS. And per pattern they provide protection to their friends. They certainly seem to have sanctioned the hardcore left’s enthusiasm for burned cities, anarchy and violence in the streets. And so far, the Democrats are in lockstep with protecting criminals over and above law abiding citizens which, in effect, punishes the law abiding and rewards the criminal, another spin. (Dem policies such as open the prison doors and set them all free and also no cash bail required).

And Pelosi is forming a committee to investigate January 6th? Isn’t that like Communist China investigating COVID? If the Biden-Harris-Pelosi-Schumer Show have been representing China, instead of the people, that would certainly explain a lot regarding their outrageous out-of-touch with the American people policies. Okay, Okay, I don’t have confirmed confessional evidence. BUT I have something even more reliable. Confirmed repetitive patterns of their psychological warfare games; their spins, fake narratives and mass confusions, their coded language and their messaging through the media: on videotape, books, mags, TV shows, movies going all the way back to the 1930s. It is their coup tactics and strategies happening right before our eyes. Anybody with a little knowledge and awareness can see and hear it. It’s extremely repetitive which establishes patterns. They use what works and they use it over and over again. They want a guaranteed outcome-a sure thing result. All of this works well for them when no one is aware because they are invisible. (They hoped to stay invisible by making truth politically incorrect and by making their lies everyone’s lockstep ‘new reality’.) However, since they are not invisible but absolutely naked on the world stage, they have revealed their psycho-warfare game playing secrets and have revealed themselves for all to see. (If you missed it, some aspects and details can still be seen in news clips, newspapers, mags, books, and more, all going back decades). But nature in this world does not long tolerate perfection. They had polished their covert strategies and tactics. They had power because they were invisible, and no one saw their strategies and psycho-warfare game plays. They lost all that power simply by thinking they were still invisible, when in reality, they were completely naked. A con first cons their own self before they ever con anyone else. And that strategy is called “turning the tables”.

Here’s an example: No justice, no peace. We have heard it over and over again for decades. It works so they keep using it. It’s more of a communist strategy to usurp or a coup strategy than anything else. It’s an ultimatum-a strong arm tactic. It’s also a gloat and a message. Either they get their way or no one in this country will ever experience peace. But when they get their way, it’s never enough power, so there’s still no peace.

Here’s how their strategy works; First, justice is redefined as mob rule. That’s a constitutional violation.

Second, either the mob rules or no one gets any peace from their unreasonable noise, violence and demands. This involves additional constitutional violations. (Their point is to make the Constitution null and void. And if it can’t be enforced then it is basically null and void.)

Third, when they get their way, they’ve gained GROUND. They have a proverbial foot wedged in the door and that means they now have a little more power and access and control than before, over each and every American life. And with their foot wedged in the door, they keep pushing and pushing. And because they keep pushing and pushing, conflict is inevitable. It is conflict which is inevitable NOT worldwide communism. Worldwide communism is the psychopathic paradise longed for by criminals, thugs, socialist fascists, communists, etc. And they are the cause of that conflict, and they won’t stop. They now have incentive and momentum. Given enough time, an accumulative effect can be seen. They bring no peace. They have no peace to bring. Only more of the same sick strategies and games, frustrating and confusing the people and shaking the very foundation of our nation until it can no longer stand. These patterns have been evident for decades. These same patterns were and still are evident during and now, almost sixty (60) years after the JFK Assassination. How is this country, the United States of America still standing? These are working Communist propaganda strategies designed to usurp individuals, groups, workplaces, communities, states and eventually the targeted nation. These strategies confound and confuse, and these strategies assume and consume the people’s power. These strategies make it impossible to identify and determine who is who. It is management by confusion. It is absolutely psychological warfare. And it has accumulative adverse, even severe psychological effects on targeted individuals. Ask me how I know that. Clearly somebody developed these strategies and tactics.

No justice, no peace is essentially, at its core, the Communists telling us that until our nation falls, until we lose our freedom and independent thinking, until we get in lockstep, they will give us no peace.

Message received. The line is drawn. The sword is plunged.

The other giant, the reliant giant, the USA will stand. We will stand for our freedom. We will stand for our nation. The people will not be sold out by sleazy politicians. The people will determine the course of the United States of America. The people will not abandon this nation and our nation will not abandon the people. The nation and the people are one. There is no USA without the people. Our government functions with the consent of the governed-our government functions of, by and for the people. The people will decide the destiny of the USA. Message sent.

Site Summit Bus Tours Set for August 7th & 21st

Contributed by Doris Thomas, Friends of Nike Site Summit

Friends of Nike Site Summit is hosting morning and afternoon bus tours of Site Summit on Saturday, August 7th and Saturday, August 21st. Hiking tours of the former missile site in July and September have already been filled by those who had been on an advance notification list.

The online registration link for all four tours is http://reg.planetreg.com/NSS-Bus-2021. Those without internet access can reserve by calling (907) 929-9870 and making payment and reservation arrangements.

The tour price includes round-trip bus transportation to Site Summit from the Arctic Valley Lodge parking lot. Tour prices range from $55 for students 12-17, veterans and senior citizens, to $60 for adults. All participants must be at least 12 years of age. No infants in carriers are permitted.

Reservations are required no less than three days in advance.

Site Summit is culturally significant as the only one of eight Cold War-era Nike-Hercules missile sites in Alaska still standing. Tour participants will talk to veterans who were stationed at Site Summit, find out how the missiles were launched and learn about Alaska’s role in the Cold War.

About Friends of Nike Site Summit:
Friends of Nike Site Summit was formed by local volunteers in 2007 to advocate for the preservation of Site Summit. In 2009, it partnered with the U.S. Army (now JBER), the National Park Service, and State Historic Preservation Officer to preserve the historic mountaintop fortress overlooking Arctic Valley. FONSS' mission is to preserve and interpret the site for the education of current and future generations about the Cold War, and, by doing this, memorialize the millions of veterans who served during the Cold War. FONSS is a committee of the Alaska Association for Historic Preservation, and works in cooperation with JBER.

Contact:
Doris Thomas
Public Relations Chairman
(907) 694-3570
fonss2007@gmail.com

Knik Museum Annual Picnic & Musher Induction

Contributed by Robb Robbert, Wasilla-Knik Historical Society

Knik Museum Annual Picnic & Musher Induction
7/18/2021 – 1PM
Knik Museum
Mile 13.9 KGB, Wasilla
FREE Admission

Please join us Sunday, July 18th at 1:00pm for the Knik Museum Annual Picnic & Musher Induction, located at Knik Museum, 13.9 KGB.

After the potluck picnic, we will induct Jeff Schultz, Iditarod photographer, to the Mushers’ Hall of Fame.

After the induction we will have a raffle and the dog team will deliver the mail (caches) with Jeff’s image to the Bjorn Cabin.

So Long America, It’s Been Good T’Know Ya’!

Contributed by Doug Ferguson

Sadness and gratitude are two emotions I’ve intensely been feeling lately. Gratitude for having had the privilege (there’s that nasty word again!) of living in five distinct regions of the United States in my lifetime, and, in each one lived and seen what wonderful opportunities existed for a full life that were present in each. Sadness to see this land of freedom and promise in which I was born disappearing before our very eyes, most likely forever, or at least in its present form.

I’ve previously written about this sad process hoping that enough people see it for what it is, thus to offer resistance to what is happening. No more. Either people see it or they ignore it. It’s staring them in the face.  Esteemed historian and scholar Victor Davis Hanson’s most recent opinion piece in “American Greatness” titled “The Cruel Progressive Creed Undoing Civilization” probably does the best job of stating this plight of Western Civilization today, America being the focal point of the huge changes underway. You should read it.

His first paragraph sets the tone for the rest of his very pointed and unsettling article:

“Debt is suffocating us. Our currency is on its way to being Lebanonized. Most major American cities are broke, dirty, unsafe, and run by either corrupt incumbents, neo-Marxists, or both. The law is optional, and applied asymmetrically on the basis of race and ideology. The past is found guilty by the laws of the present and so it is being undone.”

He then talks about the boarder crisis and our military decline:

 “------There is no U.S. border; it is an abstract construct that millions will illegally cross in the next few years, ostensibly because they will become future soldiers in the progressive wars for America to come. The idea of merit that built America is a dirty word, replaced by medieval tribalism of hiring and promotion by superficial appearance.

In just five months, Joe Biden created a desert and called it progress.”

After reviewing the range of actions and events in almost every aspect of our culture, he ends with the following:

“The new progressivism is not the old Democratic Party, or even 1960s’ liberalism. It is a cruel creed, a faith-based ideology that allows no apostasies. Progressivism envisions humanity as a marbleized abstraction, not incarnate humans. If need be, it will alter language, change names, cancel people, erase events, and destroy elements of existing civilization. It stereotypes both adherents and opponents as either useful or disposable. And the carnage it wreaks on the masses is always acceptable damage for these terrifying visions of the anointed.”

I completely share his pessimism about the future and will not be writing again to convince others of this, but will be documenting and celebrating the life I have had for future generations to read about. At the same time, I mourn the sadness of it not being there for my descendants and the youth of our country.

In that spirit I offer the following verses:

Ode to My Native Land

I am an American native son, My forebearers came here for freedom and opportunity,
My seed was planted here.

My Childhood showed me how to stick up for myself,
It also taught me to how to fail, then succeed with others and learn life’s wonders..

In my teenage years, I learned how rules and work get results,
But yet how life still could be fun.  

As a younger man I learned important work skills,
And gloried in being needed and free.

As a peacetime soldier, I learned to respect,
And honor those who had been in combat and fought for me.

As a worker I found the satisfaction
Of leaving something better than it was before. 

As a young adult, I had the freedom to marry,
Regardless of my parent’s wisdom or my lack thereof.

As a Father, I learned to be a parent, a teacher, and mentor,
Not always the best, but still loved.

As a Man, my close friends were of different races and religions. 

As a grownup I had complete freedom to make mistakes,
And managed to make some big ones!

In midlife I learned that in America, one can always
Start over, despite their mistakes, if one is honest and owns up to them. 

As a Senior, I have learned true love, peace, compassion and
To have gratitude for all these life lessons.

In America, my beloved native free land,
During my lifetime all these things were possible.

So long America! It’s been good t’know ya!

Doug Ferguson is a retired engineer living in Palmer, Alaska who has had a life-long interest in science, math, earth sciences, astronomy, history and of course, human behavior.

The OOpsie False Narrative

Contributed by Katherine Baker

(This title meets “new reality” spun and politically correct requirements. In
politically incorrect, unspun, “old reality” this was blatantly referred to as
vicious organized gossip and character assassination)

Mouth reveals not just expression,
verbalizes all oppression.
Persuasive gossip, poisons' paw,
a pesticide produced by gall.

Exposed vibrations shake forth spills,
forgeries, changing sincere wills.
Encouraged good to criticize,
the character reviled by lies.

Hade's abduction, all surround,
while helpless long. let truth be found.
Objective never out of sight,
a toy for hates' despised delight.

Respect for Tam Boeve

Contributed by Christian M. Hartley

I have the utmost respect for Tam Boeve in her role as the Borough Assembly representative for District 7, and hope that she will be re-elected to that seat.

District 7 is blessed with many qualified people who can run for the seat and serve the community. Like any organization that has an opening, we want the most qualified and most dedicated candidate to fill that role. When you vote for weak candidates, you end up with boondoggles and we all know how many of those we’ve had in the last decade. But did you notice that we haven’t had many since Tam Boeve was elected? Can you name one since 2018 when she was elected? Tam Boeve has been a voice of reason and a stalwart presence demanding equal treatment of all Borough residents for the same quality of services received by those in the core area.

Before she was elected, Tam Boeve was serving. During the Sockeye Wildfire, Tam Boeve was there. Rebuilding homes after the Sockeye Wildfire? Tam Boeve was there buying and donating supplies for the effort. Southcentral Floods, Tam Boeve was there. Montana Creek and Malaspina Fires, Tam Boeve was there. 

Since she was elected, she is still there every time. When public safety needed support to effect changes that many legacy representatives had rejected, Tam Boeve was there. Christmas floods in Willow, Tam Boeve was there. Southcentral Earthquake, Tam Boeve was there. McKinley Fire, Tam Boeve was there.  

And most importantly, she has been to every single meeting regarding the budget and listened to every minute of public testimony. 

A life of service to the people was the reason she was elected, and the fact that she continues to serve the community on top of her role on the Borough Assembly is the reason to re-elect her. She has kept her promises and not hidden from any of the hard questions thAt anybody has asked her. 

As taxpayers to the Borough coffers, we need someone who respects the costs of doing business along with the needs of planned growth. Tam Boeve understands both.

Christian M. Hartley
907-354-2564

Still Waking

Contributed by Rosetta Cason

And death has changed me...It came like a giant unrelenting wave, crashing through my being. All at once, who I was, vanished. I wept and wept, and I went to look for her.

I, me, she...was gone... That cutting taste of death has yet to leave me. In fairies and dragons, in glitter and lace, in kisses and moonlight, death still has stolen my whimsy. In the sweetest highs, and prettiest valleys, in the longest hugs and tastiest treats, death has stolen my delight. I still
weep for the sweet ignorance I once frolicked in. My blind mind could conquer all things.

Oh death, you brutal beast, you churning, bottomless pit… My ears hear death’s hollow ticking clock, just beneath my own jubilant laughter. The damage death has done is permanent. My eyes see death’s cruel magic trick. Now it’s here, and now it’s not, in every face that greets me with a smile. The damage death had done was pervasive.

Life matters, oh yes, and I wake, I walk, I participate, I talk. But death... Death left behind a blazing fire. All my timber, all I had ever mustered is still smoldering. I am still only just soot and ash. I am only just now waking from death’s loud destruction.

Marilyn Chapter #3: Chase & Nite

Contributed by Charles Dean Walker

The moon was a crescent in a sky painted a deep blue. Bert’s story took hours as always, never did Marilyn imagine it would eat up the day. Bird opened the door, her surprise with visitors was written on her face. “Hi!”, Marilyn said. Jackson ran to his mom, Bagels followed along always happy to see Bird.

Bagels reached his forepaws up to Bird’s leg, trying to kiss her. “Bert, who’s this?”, she asked. She moved the dog and Jack from her so she could walk further in. “This is Marilyn.She’s a friend of Nathan’s.” Bert said. Bird walked towards Marilyn, seeing her pleasant smile.

“Nice to meet you, and nice to see you, Nathan. How are you?”, She said hiding her true thoughts of sudden guests. “I’m doing great Bird, thanks for asking.”, Nathan said. “Bert, come talk to me in our room a moment.”, Bird said passively. “I’ll be a moment guys, please keep an eye on Jackson and Bagels.” Bert said to Nathan and Marilyn. He knew by her tone, he was in
trouble.

Moments later, they came back out. Bert’s face visible upset with his wife’s lecture. He hated being treated like a child. However, Bird kept a pleasant look, she hated when she had to lecture her husband. “Bert and I would love to have you over for the night.”, Bird said.

“Bird, that’s sweet, but we really shouldn’t burden you. After all, we came here today without warning.”, Nathan said apologetically. “No, it’s my treat, Nathan, really!”, Bird said. Into the night, Jackson and the rest of the family had gone to bed. Nathan lied on the couch while Marilyn was on the floor. It was a courtesy from her. Nathan was thankful, but felt bad still.
Marilyn was still awake, with a black blanket to cover her and a white pillow for her head.

“Nathan?”, she whispered. She let some time pass. “Okay, never mind.”, she said to herself. She lifted her arm up to see her left hand. A rash irritated her skin. It was from a split she’d gotten earlier today.

“Damn it!”, she thought. “Why is this happening to me?”, she wondered. Yet, deep down she had an idea why. “D’wellric why?”, she thought in pain.

The noise of skin ripping from the middle of her palm, was heard in her ears. Marilyn beat her head down on the pillow, to hide her sounds. “Damn the Gods!”, she screamed silently. Tears well water falling on to her pillow. A moment of flesh-tearing time passed, before she sat up to look.

Her right hand grasped her left making a slapping noise. The skin had stopped opening, and in its place was a new layer, but not of skin, it was bark. A stem protruded up at her with a leaf. Slowly the pain began to numb. With each passing second a segment of bark fell, the stem shortened, and new skin in place of the fallen bark.

“What the hell?”, Nathan said. “What?! I thought you were asleep!”, she said back in a quiet yell. “How? You’re making too much noise for to!”, Nathan said. “How good is your hearing?!”, Marilyn said.

“Very!”, Nathan answered. Marilyn stopped saying anything to look back at her hand. All the pain now left her, along with the mystery stem and bark. Nathan got up from the couch to turn a small light on. Has he did, the pitch-black bark was on top of Marilyn’s blanket.

“Now, let’s slow down a bit here.”, Nathan said. He walked back to the couch to sit again. “First off, who is D’wellric?”, Nathan asked tiredly. Marilyn now looking at Nathan had let go of her arm. “He’s a god known in my kingdom. He gives prophets prophecy, and the chosen their power.”, Marilyn explained.

“That’s how I got my power.”, Nathan thought. Marilyn looked at him thinking. She didn’t care to ask, she’d rather move on now. “Why were you crying?”, Nathan asked. “Because my skin was ripping open!”, she said.

“I assume the bark was from the power you possess then, but how do you think you got yours?”, Nathan asked. “Earlier in the woods, a tree gave me a splinter, I didn’t say anything, because it wasn’t a big deal. At least that’s what I thought”, she explained. “Interesting.”, Nathan thought.

“There was a stem that formed, then slowly got shorter as the healing began.”, Marilyn continued. “I wonder what else you’ll be able to do, to be frank.”, Nathan said.

“Nathan! This is hardly the time to say something so outright!”, she said in an angry whisper. It made her wonder how he could be so stupid, to say something like this now. The fear of everything that has just transpired, had flooded her head, as it would anyone. Nathan put his head down, burying his face in his hands. “Marilyn, I know everything is happening so fast, but we can’t do anything about this. We need to see what time has to show of this power.”, Nathan said tiredly. Marilyn thought about what he meant.

Obviously, he was right, and it was very late in the night. There wasn’t time to be arguing amongst one another anymore. Despite only knowing this man for such a short time, she felt he was a new friend. Marilyn never having a friendship was, at the very least welcoming to this idea. “Okay, I understand. It’ll be hard for me, but, let’s rest up.”, she said.

“I’m sorry.”, Nathan said. They looked at one another. “I know, it’s okay. Goodnight.”, she said. They got back into their beddings, then fell asleep.

The sun held a nice red, in the clear blue skies above, the grass was the greenest Marilyn had seen thus far. A gentle breeze was cool on both her, and Nathan’s skin. “Are you ready to head into town?”, Nathan asked. “Absolutely!”, she said. Without another word they waved goodbye to Bert.

“Take care!”, Bert yelled. Bagels ran out the door to follow, Jackson chased after him. This was their chance to leave. “Hey, get back here!”, Bert yelled. Jackson stopped in his tracks while the dog kept running.

“Oh come on, Dad.”, Jackson said. Bert thought a second whether to let him go. “Alright fine, but stay with Nathan.”, he said. Jackson then continued running. Bagels jumped up to Marilyn’s leg.

“Get down Bagels!”, she said. Then the continued into town. Nymirria’s layout was two infinities. Each with many buildings, some of simple cookie cutter cube designs. Some were the famed Doghouse structures.

“Wow, this place is weird to see.”, Marilyn said. “Shh, don’t say that out loud.”, Nathan said. “Oh, come on Nathan!”, she shot back. “Look you can’t be so rude, this place is a second home to me.”, he said. “Alright, fine!”, she said.

They walked to a doghouse shaped restaurant. It was a bright red, mixed with white. A grey roof, a giant glassless window. All the tables were in five rows of four. In the third row of the fourth table was a young man and an owl.

He wore a light grey hoodie, the hood up, the owl asleep on his right shoulder. His hands were clasped together. His skin was a light ebony. The owl was a different story.

To Nathan, he was a white owl, while for Marilyn he was a brown and white barn owl, while Jackson saw him as a grey and white owl. None of them brought this up. He was just a random person with a bird, and Jack had seen him before. Bagels ran towards them, which made the three of them to run after. Bagels put his forepaws on the man’s side. Baying at him. This hurt the man’s ears, so he lightly pushed Bagels, all the while the owl had awoken.

The owl starred down at Bagels, rightfully angry at his rudeness. And the horribly loud noise, and sudden movements. The owl soon looked back up to see the man, who in turn saw Nathan and Marilyn. Jackson was grabbing his dog. Bagels yelped, again adding annoyance.

“Hey! Quiet over there! Just because you’re the only ones here, doesn’t mean you can be loud as you like!”, the owner called.

“Sorry!”, they all said in unison. Jackson stood beside the man holding Bagels. “Hi, Chase”, he said. “Morning.”, Chase said. His voice was slightly deep, with a hint of sadness. Nathan went over to the owner.

The owner was skinny, had olive toned skin, and slightly tall. They wore a red shirt, tan pants and a tag with blue ink, their name was written in bold: [MIKE]. His equipment was visible, nothing not seen in a typical kitchen, except for a television. It was a jet-black flat of 10 inches, there was a small AC conductor to power it.

“Hey Mike, again sorry to cause all that noise. What’s that rectangular device?”, Nathan said. “It’s what they call in Spark a teslavision.”, Mike said. He had his arm on a honey mustard yellow serving table. His back hunched with his scared face looking at Nathan. “Huh, ha, that’s amazing.”, Nathan said.

Back to Marilyn, Jackson, and Bagels, Marilyn was sat on the other side of the table. “You know Jack?”, she said. “Yes…”, Chase said in a standoffish tone. He was hesitant to meet new people. “Hoot!”the owl injected. “Huh, well, I’m Marilyn, I just met Jack yesterday.”, she said. The man said nothing. Marilyn didn’t like this. “Who may you and the owl be?”, she asked. “Why do you want to know?”, he asked back, wishing he’d just stayed quiet. “Because I like meeting new people.”, she said. “Well, I don’t!”, he said back. Things went quiet again. The owl shut his eyes.

Jackson and Bagels left to go play near Nathan and Mike.

Marilyn felt bad for trying to talk to this man now, clearly he didn’t want to be bothered. “Sorry for bothering you.”, she said. The man felt the owl move it’s wing to his ear. A hoot was then let out. Then there was a sigh.

“I’m Chase the Second, and this is Nite, my owl.”, he said against his personal wishes. The owl was still as stone after this. “I like your names, Chase the Second and Nite, the owl.”, she said. “You can just call me Chase.”, he said. “Why are you here Chase?”, she asked.

“I’m just here specially to sit and rest, why I’m here in this town is a long story.”, he said. “Would you like to join us later to look around?”, she asked knowing the obvious.

”No thank you, I just need to be alone.”, he said.

Nathan, Jackson and Bagels came back. Bagels barked at Chase and Nite. Which made Nite open an eye at him, angry at his dog “friend”. When the rest looked at the two animals, there was a feeling a message was given to one, and received by the other. “Be quiet or leave already!”, Mike hollered.

Jackson lightly bopped his dog. Bagels didn’t like that. “Alright, well, you ready?”, Nathan asked. “Yeah, let’s go. See ya, Chase.”, Marilyn said. Chase lightly waved goodbye as they left.

“You know, you shouldn’t be so standoffish!,” Nite said. Only Chase and Bagels could actually understand him. “It’s not easy with this cursed blessing.”, Chase said. “Is that what you call your abilities?”, Nite said. “What else do I call this? Every time I breath from my nose, I smell burning bodies and feel guilt for almost every action!”, he said.

“Well, that’s why you shouldn’t run from your problems in one world to hide in another.”, Nite said. “Just be quiet, Nite! Go to sleep!”, Chase said. “Fine, but remember what Bagels told me. Soon we fight the bear.”, Nite said. “Of course I won’t forget.”, Chase said. The day went on.

Connect Palmer 2021

Contributed by Sherry Carrington, Connect Palmer

Thank you everyone who has supported and volunteered at Connect Palmer. We celebrated our 7th anniversary in May 2021.

We are excited that we will, once again, be offering our work ready program called “God’s Work Design”. We offered this program several times during our first few years, but our key volunteer coordinator moved out of state.

We had scheduled and were gearing up to re-start the program in May 2020. We had to cancel because, like the rest of the world, COVID-19 happened and we were unable to host it at that time.

Last month we were very happy to hire Amy Lalor as our new God’s Work Design Program Manager. We are thrilled to announce that this year’s first God’s Work Design will be held August 9th through August 27, 2021. We will run it again November 1st through November 18, 2021. In 2022, we will run the program once each quarter throughout the year.

God’s Work Design is a 3-week program. There is an application and an interview process to participate in to be accepted into the program. Those wishing to apply can find the application online at www.connectpalmer.org or at our training center at 202 S. Alaska St. We take six students each session.

The applicants that are accepted as students will experience a workplace setting. They clock-in Monday through Friday for the three weeks, from 8am to 4pm. The first week, students will work with staff and volunteers to create an application packet, which will include job applications, a resume, a reference letter and a cover letter. They will also participate in practice interviews and receive valuable feedback.

The 2nd and 3rd weeks, they will apply for jobs and attend workshops taught on many work-related topics by members of the community. They will also be asked to participate in local volunteerism and as opportunities open, job-shadowing.

There are several incentives available to qualifying students. Lunch is provided each day for all students and staff by local volunteers. Weekly gas vouchers are available for those who qualify. Thrifters Rock donates a voucher for work appropriate clothing and for the August 9th program, Emma Rose Hair Design is offering haircuts to qualifying students. Students that complete the program may qualify for rental or utility assistance (the maximum amount is $150). It is awarded on a sliding scale, based on the participation of the student. A minimum level of participation is required to qualify.

The goal for each student is apply for a minimum of 30 jobs during the three weeks. These jobs will be applied for both in-person and online.

The cost of this program is $375 per student. There are scholarships available for anyone in need. A scholarship application may be requested by contacting Connect Palmer at 907-746-9675 or Amy@connectpalmer.org.

There are also many ways to volunteer, from signing up on the meal train, https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/wkv537, to helping with computer skills and resumes. We also need transportation volunteers to assist in taking students to volunteer sites, to drop-off applications or resumes and to job interviews.

So, if you or someone you know needs help looking for work, please contact us at 907-746-9675 or Amy@connectpalmer.org.

If you are interested in volunteering; there is a volunteer application on our website, www.connectpalmer.org, or contact katie@connectpalmer.org.

15th Annual Fireweed Festival

Contributed by Debbie Filter, Trapper Creek Community Services Assoc., Inc.

15th Annual Fireweed Festival
7/24/2021 – 11AM
Trapper Creek Community Services Assoc., Inc.

Trapper Creek Community Park
Mile 115.2 Parks Hwy, 9971 E. T.C. Park Cir. Trapper Creek
FREE Admission

The fireweed flowers are blossoming in Trapper Creek and that means the Fireweed Festival will be in full bloom on July 24th!

Bring the family, your friends and visiting guests to a fun-filled day! All ages will find something to enjoy! Children’s activities will include wilderness skills and knowledge will be shared. The playground and humongous bubbles will keep your little ones entertained while you shop at amazing craft booths, dine on delectable treats, enjoy live music and partake in a Goat Yoga class! Goat Yoga classes will be held between 1:00p.m. and 2:30p.m.

Other adult activities include a kayak raffle and a table raffle with an amazing assortment of items, including cash value gift certificates. Need not be present to win! Also, split-the pot and rippies will be there for your enjoyment!

The festival begins at 11:00a.m. and will finish up at 8:00p.m. We have plenty of free parking and no admittance fee.

 Thank you, in advance, for supporting this annual FUNdraiser to keep our community park building, ski trails and cemetery the beautiful place it is.

Musicians:

Bands:                                 Stage Times:

Taylor Finkenbinder         11:00a.m. - 11:45a.m.

Kat Straw                          12:00p.m. - 12:45p.m.

*Available*

Wash Your Hands             2:00p.m. - 2:45p.m.

Mountain Waxwings         3:00p.m. - 3:45p.m.

Gregor                               4:00p.m. - 4:45p.m.

Phil and Friends                5:00p.m. - 5:45p.m.

Boot                                   6:00p.m. - 6:45p.m.

Trapper Creek Jam Band   7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.

Sponsored By:
Trapper Creek Community Services Assoc., Inc
www.TrapperCreek.org
tccommunityservices@yahoo.com
907-733-7375

The Joy of Volunteering with the MatSu Food Bank

Contributed by Lauralynn Robison, MatSu Food Bank Board Member

Recently, I had the honor and pleasure to drive the MatSu Food Bank minivan in the Wasilla July 4th Parade. I heard a lot of clapping and “Thank you for all you do” being yelled at us, from many families in our community. As a volunteer board member, i must admit this was the most heartwarming experience ever!

Our volunteers, Melissa and Diana, passed out many treats to the children who attended this parade, and they too received many “thank yous”. We have individuals who volunteer in the Pantry every day and receive a multitude of “thank yous”.

Volunteering is the most rewarding experience you can imagine. Giving your time, talents and treasures to our community, will be appreciated by not only the organization for whom you volunteer, but appreciated by the community in which you volunteer. The MatSu Food Bank has many opportunities coming up over the next few months, for which we would be delighted to have you come visit us and sign-up to volunteer. We can always use volunteers in our Panty, located at 501 East Bogard Road. Help us, help the families who need our services. By helping us, you too, can be a huge part of giving back to those in need and hear the many “thank yous”.

The MatSu Food Bank will be at the Alaska State Fair five days this year, collecting canned food at three entrance gates.

No One should go hungry!

Please take a minute to visit our web page, www.matsufoodbank.org. See the many ways you can contribute, by volunteering and making donations, us help our community. Please contact us at (907) 357-3769 to schedule time to volunteer. You can also follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/MatsuFoodBank.  

Thank you for all your continued support, we deeply appreciate our community!

Valley Republican Women of Alaska August 19th Membership Meeting

Contributed by Cathy Mosher

Valley Republican Women of Alaska Membership Meeting
8/19/2021 – 7PM
Valley Republican Women of Alaska
Evangelo’s Restaurant
2530 E Parks Hwy. Wasilla
FREE Admission

Watch for changes for our August 19th meeting and our awesome line up for August’s program.

We are having our Chili Cook-off on Saturday, September 18th at Palmer Depot. We are looking for chili cooks. The winner of the cook-off will receive a trophy with their name on it. The winner is picked by popular vote of the public. Do not forget to put it on your calendar! Hope to see you there.

See us on our Facebook page, “Valley Republican Women of Alaska”, and visit our webpage, www.vrwak.com.

Cathy Mosher
cmosher@mtaonline.net

Paid for by VRWAK
P. O. Box 876739 Wasilla AK. 99687

turn-A-Leaf Thrift Store Backyard Birding Challenge

Contributed by Kiki Kellar, Valley Charities, Inc.

turn-A-leaf Thrift Store is encouraging kids (and parents) to get outside to learn more about the backyard birds that visit frequently. 

Kids can pick up our free Backyard Birding Challenge checklist at the turn-A-leaf thrift store register area.  The checklist provides 10 birds that are known in the Mat-Su Valley that are consistent visitors to Alaska.

Once young birders have completed their search of identifying the birds on the list, they can bring in their checklist to turn-A-leaf thrift store and receive a Backyard Birding Challenge Button and Certificate of Achievement.

Parents can even take it a step a further and teach their kids more about each species from Google searches on the internet to learn fun facts like an American Robin can fly 20 to 35 miles per hour.

Help Dash

View fullsize

Contributed by Angie Lewis, Alaska Animal Advocates

Dash finds himself in a bad situation. His original family is in the military and has been sent to Japan. Dash was not able to transfer with them. Instead, he has been fostered by a family who no longer wants to keep him, and they are ready to take him to the pound. He will not do well at the pound, because he is a very sensitive dog.

Dash is a beautiful, smart, loving boy. He is not familiar with cats and so would most likely chase them. In fact, Dash would do well as an only dog. He is not aggressive, but easily becomes anxious and stressed with other dogs.

Please call Angie at Alaska Animal Advocates at 841-3173 to learn more about this boy.

Helping Your Dog Deal with the Fear of Fireworks

Contributed by Angie Lewis, Alaska Animal Advocates

Watching fireworks can be a very enjoyable experience for many of us, but some people and animals find little joy in this ritual and are very stressed and anxious. The loud noises and bright lights can be quite frightening to these individuals, both animal and human. Dogs in particular have been seen to hide, shake, run and try to jump over fences. It has been reported that the 4th of July holiday is the busiest day for shelters because so many animals run away from home in fear. There are things that you can do to make this less stressful.

First, make sure that your pet’s identification information is current – microchips and collar tags. Check to be sure that your pet’s name, your phone number, and address is accurate.

We typically do not have control over the amount of fireworks that happen, but we do have control over how we help our animal family through this experience. Setting up a safe room in your house is a good strategy, such as a bathroom or bedroom. If your pet is crate trained, she might feel more comfortable in her crate.

There are calming products that help to alleviate fear issues. ThunderShirts, a tight-fitting shirt, will swaddle your pet and provides constant pressure, which theoretically helps soothe your anxious pet. Make sure to use the shirt on a trial basis beforehand, so your dog does not feel shocked at the feel of it on her body.

There are also calming pheromones that can be sprayed or used with a plug-in diffuser which releases calming pheromones into your room. CBD, made from the hemp plant, can offer a variety of products that help calm your pet, without getting them high. These products can typically be found in pet stores. For some dogs, having the television on or playing soft music can offer a welcome distraction to this stressful time.

The best strategy to calm your dog is YOU. Without being overly dramatic or anxious yourself, which will just make matters worse, be there for your dog. Stay close and love her through this ordeal.

Bella Needs You

View fullsize

Contributed by Angie Lewis, Alaska Animal Advocates

Beautiful Bella is desperately needing your help. Bella’s family is moving out of Alaska, and they are not planning on bringing her with them. She has lived with this family her entire life and now is finding herself about to become homeless after 9 years of loyalty and love. Help me prove to Bella that there is kindness in the world. Call if you can help, even if it is just to foster her until a permanent home is found.

Call Angie at Alaska Animal Advocates at 841-3173.

Join Us at the Alaska Whole Life Festival this August!

Contributed by Cindy Calzada

Alaska Whole Life Festival
August 6, 2021 – 12PM
August 7-8, 2021 – 11AM
Alaska Whole Life Festival
Palmer Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer
Cost: $5

The Alaska Whole Life Festival will be at the Depot in Palmer, 610 S Valley Way, on Friday, August 6, 2021 from 12pm to 6pm, Saturday 11am to 6pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm, with a special musical presentation after the festival on Friday night from 6pm to 7pm put on by the Whirling Rainbow Foundation and Grandmother Drum International Peace project. 

Stop by and see all that the metaphysical and healing arts community has to offer you. Five-dollar entry with free lectures and demos each day once you're in the door. See vendor list and lecture schedule on our Facebook page: “Alaska Whole Life Festival”. 

See you soon!  

My Position Paper

Contributed by Dick Palmatier

I am writing this because, after a lifetime of thinking about the following, I have come to certain conclusions about religion and why I am here, and would like to share some of them if anyone is interested.

I mostly have opinions, subject to change upon presentation of good evidence, and only a few beliefs (also subject to change). I don't believe in a god, gods, angels, devils, elves, ghosts, abominable snowmen, Santa Claus, the tooth fairy or any other supernatural-fictional being. I believe I am a product of a haphazard random occurrence where a particular sperm penetrated a particular egg cell, and which resulted in my exiting my mother's womb nine months later. I came into this world a product of evolution, with no designated purpose other than to exist, make myself happy, and to aid in the happiness of those I soon learned to love. Being an aware animal, I decided early on that how I viewed myself was of utmost importance. I consider myself, mainly, a person who tries to behave in a good manner toward others. I care what those whom I love think of me, but have decided it's none of my business what any others think of me. When I die, I believe, that will be the end of me. No afterlife. No rewards or punishments by a spooky entity counting my sins, adding up my good deeds, and deciding whether I should spend the rest of eternity burning in Hell or playing a harp while floating on a cloud. I will be dead! This is my life. Here and now. In this span of time. I have some regrets, but realize that most of my mistakes were made because of my ignorance at the time, and I would do better now.

I like science because of the way it finds it's truths; by testing, retesting and proving mostly beyond a reasonable doubt, that something exists. Scientists hypothesize, then test and open their findings and their minds to the retesting by other scientists. Their methodology is such that the possibility for error is minimized by blind and double-blind testing. I find all of this reassuring in that the facts given to me by true scientists are less likely to be compromised. 

FAITH is usually the reason most religions give to explain their beliefs because they really have no facts to explain them. A belief based on Faith alone, not open to review, serves no purpose other than to allow the person involved not to have to think about that question any further. Because a person believes something is no reason for you or me to believe it. A belief is a belief, and a fact is a fact. That thousands, or even millions, of people believe in a particular supernatural phenomenon does not make it so. The supernatural is by nature unproveable. The Faith-believers may believe the way they do out of fear of the unknown, or because of their need to be accepted by their affiliated tribe. Other reasons, throughout history, has been the threat of punishment or even death by the leaders of the existing religious cults. 

The universe is enormous. It is about 93 billion LIGHT-YEARS wide. Light travels at 186,000 miles per SECOND. Nothing travels faster. It is 13.8 billion years old and contains hundreds of billions of galaxies, each containing hundreds of billions of stars with untold planets surrounding each star. The Milky Way, our home galaxy, stretches some 100,000 light-years across. Andromeda, the next nearest galaxy is 2.5 million light-years away. (Heaven is where?)

The Dutch philosopher, Spinosa, said that you can't find God in the scriptures as it is nature and all of its laws, which comprise “god”. Personally, I find happiness and contentment in being outdoors where I can see and listen to the sights and sounds of nature. Not to be happy in the "church" of your choosing would suggest you need to find another.

I opine that faith is the stubborn adherence to a belief, both unproven and unproveable. If there are facts supporting your belief, your belief is not based on faith, it is a real belief. Therefore, faith remains as something only supportive of the unbelievable and is proof of nothing. Science and logic tells us we cannot prove a negative. This is why scientists hypothesize before testing a theory. We non-believers cannot prove the non-existence of a god. It's up to the believers to prove he exists, and they haven't done it yet. And please don't use the Bible to prove the Bible.

To conclude: This is all indicative to me that no entity who looks like you and me and possibly has 99% the same DNA as a chimpanzee, as we do, could possibly have created and be controlling it all!