Contributed by Angie Lewis
This beautiful Husky Mix is only seven months old and yet finds himself in a situation where he soon will be without a home. For some reason he is not getting along with the family and their Great Dane Mix. The family feels he would be better suited to a home with teenagers or adults and might be happier as the only dog in the household.
Please e-mail Alaska Animal Advocates at akaarescue@hotmail.com
or call Angie at (907) 841-3173
Contributed by Nan Potts
The wishes for new risers were granted to the Mat-Su Community Chorus (MCC) with the last minute aid of The Palmer Community Foundation (PCF) and a latent grant from Matanuska Electric Association (MEA).
Like many nonprofit organizations who borrow or rent worn performance equipment, it became apparent to the chorus that it was time for something new.
In the Spring of 2019, the Mat-Su Community Chorus submitted a grant application to the Palmer Community Foundation that was awarded in July. This grant, combined with an earlier 2017 grant from MEA, provided the substance for the chorus to purchase a series of new concert risers.
The fundraising for this project began nearly six years ago and the pursuit of grants commenced. Competition proved fierce. However, with perseverance and the support of the community, these two generous grants were secured. Research for the make and model of risers was completed and the race was on to procure and have them arrive in Alaska in time for our Christmas concerts.
Transportation from Minnesota to Alaska was the next hurdle, overcome with a private donation. In October the risers arrived in Anchorage.
Lastly, the need for accessible, local storage and transportation was answered by a 2019 grant awarded by MEA. A trailer to transport the new risers was purchased from White Spruce Trailer Sales. All of our riser wishes came true.
Our new Wenger risers were first showcased at the chorus’ 2019 Christmas concerts in Palmer. If you missed them, this April in Willow and May in Wasilla, you will find the chorus performing the inspirational music of Americana and showing off the new concert risers. In order not to be stingy with our gift, these risers with also be made available for use by non-profit organizations throughout the Palmer community.
For the Mat-Su Community Chorus, 2019 was a year of granted wishes. MCC is very grateful for the support of MEA and PCF, and for their dedication to the wellbeing of our local community — a grand finale. Thank you!
Palmer Community Foundation’s (an affiliate of the Alaska Community Foundation) goal is to support projects that enhance the quality of life for Palmer area residents, addressing intimate needs while working toward long-term improvements. They are continually listening and learning about what is important to us. You’ll find them online at, palmercf.org.
MEA’s Charitable Foundation (Operation Roundup®️ Program) awards annual grants to local programs. For more information go to, mea.coop.
Contributed by Joe Ford
I unintentionally caught some of Murky 'never give a strait answer' Murkowski's empty oratory the other day. Her annual homage to placate the local plebes was infecting the airwaves.
It sounded like the suits in Juneau swallowed it gleefully in their competition to be the biggest suck-up.
I found myself asking; why is this talking points blowhard representing us?
The reason became obvious to me almost immediately.
She fits right in.
Right in with the self-serving 'public servant' pretenders congregating in D.C. and Juneau and 49 other gatherings in gaudy architecture strewn across this country claiming to be hard at work legislating to serve their constituents.
Apparently our definitions of constituent have diverged.
You're supposed to be working for us...oh, that's right, the supreme kangaroos determined that corporations are people too.
To look at the results of their work you'd be forgiven if you figured the constituents they are working so hard to serve, the ones benefitting most from their efforts, look to be the corporate creeps funding their malfeasance and not the working stiffs they purport to care about in their campaign claims.
They're all millionaires. Money is their motivator. They don't give a damn about the rest of us. Our political class sucks. Elites? Please! And not just here, everywhere.
We're not them. We don't get to vote ourselves raises and premium healthcare packages and tax breaks and free travel and legal fees, and, and, and...
The BS Murky spew's; small footprint nukes out in the bush, expedited development of resource extraction infrastructure, old growth trees, let's punch roads in and take 'em out, anywhere there's oil open it, pave it and start pumping it.
These are dreams and the people selling them are dishonest and uninterested in our welfare let alone the survival of our species.
Portraying the expansion of our extraction industries as a positive shows a complete lack of understanding or a willful misdirection in service to corporations and the system that is destroying our habitat.
What about us?
More than 300 million of us here.
Why is an overwhelming majority of that number willing to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to buy into the calculated, scientifically designed, focus group tested idiocy driving this insanity?
Is it a lack of imagination? Fear of change? Our senses sedated? A mindless mob? A bewildered herd?
Are we stupid?
OK boomers, you f**ked it up now fix it.
There's still enough of us around, over 24% of the population of this dog-forsaken part of the planet, and we had good ideas in the '60s. But then we found cocaine and other shiny baubles. We should have stuck to LSD.
It's long past time for a revival and we should not be leaving it to children to be the teachers and show us how.
Can we help?
We should help.
We have to help.
Helping?
Helping!?
We should be leading.
We have a debt to settle and time's running short 'cause we're getting old and our habitat is being sold to the highest bidder in this system we were willing participants of. We did more than our share to expand and evolve this consumerism to an art form.
It's bad art.
Burn your wellness books, cancel your gym memberships and cut your credit cards into tiny pieces.
Buy a bike and a shovel. We have some work to do, some wisdom and knowledge to impart.
Higher education was still education at a higher level 50 years ago and a lot of us hid out in those institutions soaking up humanities and liberal arts. Hopefully we came away with something.
Now we need complete and total system change.
Nothing less will do.
No more tweaking around the edges. No more minor modifications to appease restless factions that threaten business as usual. We have to be one faction 'cause it's all gotta go. Food, energy, economics, institutions and the rule of their law obscured by language and loopholes and buried under layers of complexity in a bureaucracy that generates mountains of paper records and clouds of digital detritus.
None of it's fair and it's all designed to allow a few to live fabulously off the efforts of everyone else at the expense of our environment and our sanity.
We have to reject the script we're given by power and money PR people coercing us to honor and adhere to their structures, norms and traditions.
Let's get back to thinking for ourselves 'cause that crap's phony, as phony as Murky's speech of brightness and positivity in our future.
Start where you are.
Change what you're doing.
Get creative. Find fellow travelers and let's ween ourselves off of this destructive way of life.
Embrace inconvenience and revel in discomfort. It won't kill ya. Probably make you stronger, physically and mentally.
Stop being so greedy, self-centred, soft and fluffy.
Remember living?
Come on out, the weather's fine, most people are good and the natural world is fascinating.
Contributed by Mike Widney
It’s really quite simple. We know the games that have been played for years down in Juneau. We know exactly what that’s gotten us. We know the politicians that want to preserve the status quo, that don’t have the intestinal fortitude to make a stand and not back down, no matter what. The other thing we know is that District 10 Voters sent a different kind of politician to Juneau in 2016. He didn’t come to play games and maintain the status quo that has facilitated the disaster we now face, he came to fight ! Fight for his constituents against the entrenched special interests and their lackey politicians. And not a minute to soon either ! Folks, let’s face it, we are losing big time because of “go along to get along” politicians and I’m not just talking about the traitorous RINOs. We all have to take a hard look at our Representatives and make a judgement call. In my district, district 8 we have concluded that our Representatives are not the fighters we need at this critical juncture and we are supporting challengers to both our incumbent legislators. They aren’t in the RINO camp but they aren’t warriors and with the beatings we have taken lately nothing less than warriors will do ! That’s why I urge District 10
conservatives to re-elect the best legislator in Juneau to another term! We’re sending reinforcements! And we’re counting on David Eastman’s principled leadership to be there to show the way to these fresh legislators we hope to elect.
Contributed by Dana Mayeaux
Primrose Retirement Community residents and staff will spent Thursday, February 13th dispersing $500.00 in gift cards, goody bags, school supplies, and treats to unsuspecting Mat-Su College students to kick start national random acts of kidness day february 17th. Here at Primrose Retirement we want to give back and encourage everyone to be kind to each other. We also understand collage can be hard! We want to help our students stay focused and never give up. Also to know we see them, and that they are our future.
“We hope that by performing these small random acts of kindness, we can encourage others to pay it forward. Our residents and staff are such a generous group, and they truly come alive when they have the opportunity to give back and interact with the Mat-Su community.”
– Heidiann Gaffney, Life Enrichment Coordinator
“Primrose Retirment Community loves being a part of the Mat-Su community. This is our 3rd year doing Random Acts of Kidness at the Mat-Su Collage and it has become something we look forward to every year.” Dana Mayeaux Sales Director
Contributed by Huhnkie Lee
America has this annual tradition around January or February, the State of the Union speech, which originates from the U.S. Constitution Article 2, Section 3, Clause 1. This year, like many other years, we witnessed the division between the Democrats and Republicans in Congress. The question worthwhile to ponder today is, is this a good thing? A country divided?
A fruitful approach would be to think about other countries. China, for example, has only 1 party, as it run by a totalitarian regime. Would you rather see America with only 1 party? That doesn’t sound like a very good idea. Then, we have this gut feeling that a 2-party system is still better than 1-party system in national politics. So, 2-party system is a good thing.
Now, let us look at Korean peninsula. The Korea is physically and vertically, let alone ideologically, divided into two: North and South. Whether such division in Korea is desirable or not is beyond the scope of this essay, so let us get back to American problem.
America is metaphysically, horizontally, and ideologically divided into two: Left and Right. Let us be rational than emotional in this 5 minute journey of ideas, and keep an open mind. We already posited that 2-party system is better than 1-party system. The question is, why?
One possible answer lies in the freedom of choices. If there are two political parties, you can choose between the two, or you can be independent/undeclared, or you can simply decide not to vote, and go apolitical. So, unlike China, America has more ideological choices. It probably is safe to say that both Democrats and Republicans would agree that, freedom is a good thing.
Now, what would be an ideal system that has 2 political parties? Let us at least envision, even fantasize, what that ideal polity would look like.
Today, we have 2 major parties, Democrats and Republicans. What can we do better than what we are doing today? At the very least, in this auspicious year of 2020, violence between the two-party people is not that common in America. The Left and the Right disagree mostly, but they are civil to each other, 99.99% of the time. And that’s good. So, we can add to the list of things that we know to be true: peace is a good thing.
Next, we know that if there are 2 parties in a nation, it’s better than having only 1 party. Is it because diversity is always a good thing? Is it better then, to have as many parties as possible, like the more the merrier?
Well, the truth is that the 2-party system in most countries, that’s a product of political evolution in those countries. It seems that, if you observe the political history of the world, a 2-party system is more like an equilibrium point where different trials and experiments converges toward. It appears that 2-party system is probably the most stable one of all systems. Why? Because the two parties can alternate the hegemony and strike a perfect balance over the time axis.
Meaning, in America for example, when the political culture becomes too far to the right, the swing voters tend to vote for democratic candidates. Probably that’s what happened in 2008 election, where after 8 years of President G.W. Bush, people wanted some novelty of the leftism, and voted for President Obama. After 8 years of Obamaian liberalism, people missed conservativism and elected President Trump.
When American culture veers too far to the left or too far to the right, Americans do not feel comfortable. The result is the never-ending political pendulum of left-right-left-right election cycle. And probably, this is the most desirable result and possibly the most stable system. With all the party bickering and verbal mud-slinging, American politics isn’t doing that bad. Especially when compared to foreign countries’ political scenes.
Now, is there then, still some room for improvement in American 2-party system? Probably there is. As a Republican candidate running for Alaska State Senate District D (Wasilla and its vicinity) Primary, which will be on 8/18/2020, I should be careful when I say things. But I think I should be open and honest about what my ideas are, because voters have right to know what my agenda is.
If anyone asks me what my vision is as a political candidate, then I will say this. I believe in communication between the left and the right. I want people to mature up, and calm down, and learn how to listen, even if it takes considerable patience. And I want people to be able to give the other side a chance to talk. I want people to be able to maintain civility when yes, when Democrats and Republicans are in the same room. I want them to not debate, but to be willing to listen to each other, and even be willing to learn from each other.
I envision an America where people who disagree would still have a civil conversation, keep an open mind, and think rationally and logically. Is that too much to ask? //:-)
Contributed by Marilyn Bennett
Today we are being bombarded with constant warnings. We have warnings everywhere. Some seem just silly, such as: "Never use a lit match to check fuel level" Or the label on my container of Pam says "Do not spray into eyes or near open flame".
But then again, after just being at the "Wearable Art Show" in Palmer I witnessed three young ladies banging pressurized paint cans on the runway during their dance routine. One of the cans exploded and rained spray paint all over the runway. I don't believe the spray can warned against such use and doubt that a warning on the can would have prevented this event, as no one reads the warnings.
Many of the warnings we do see are almost as silly or can be scary, such as: "For external use only!" -- On a curling iron. or suggest bad things to nasty people "Do not use in shower",-on a hair dryer. We have all seen movies where someone was murdered by a hair dryer while taking a bath. Was the warning label put on before or after the movie or murder?
Then there is the warning for the clueless California driver -- On a cardboard sunshield. "Do not drive with sunshield in place." Also I guess this one is to remind Moms to tell their children when purchasing a rock set called "Popcorn Rocks" that "Eating rocks may lead to broken teeth." Also for the children "Remove plastic before eating." -- On the wrapper of a Fruit Roll-Up snack.
This one I really think is unnecessary as it seems to be much too large for even clueless people to mistake it for something to put in your mouth. "Do not use orally." -- On a toilet bowl cleaning brush" Perhaps the label maker was just a wise-guy.
Now many of these are fun to read, however, there are more serious warnings out there in our brave new 2020 World. The latest from the "Masters of the Universe Twitter Monitors". They are testing putting warning labels on tweets from Politicians and World Leaders that do not agree with the their ideas. The warning would say "Harmfully Misleading" "Twitter Community reports have identified this tweet as violating the Community Policy or Harmfully Misleading information. This tweet's visibility will be reduced." They are also considering letting other Twitter users earn points for being a good neighbor and turning in objectionable tweets. We could call those people "Twitter Squealers" or "Tattle-Telling Twitterers".
Now what could go wrong with that idea? In the book "Brave New World" written by Aldous Huxley in 1932, people were conditioned at birth to think correctly (No need for warnings).
In our country we have freedom of speech in our Constitution. However, I have been reading about people losing their jobs because of having unpopular thoughts that they foolishly broadcasted on Social Media. I know it is impolite to speak hurtful things to other people, but don't like the new trend of calling out people for "Hate Speech" and thinking it is OK for someone to lose their job because they have unpopular opinions.
When I was a child I was punished for saying a bad word in front of my parents My parents felt they had a duty to try to bring their children up to speak in a way that would help them fit into society. Also to teach them not to bully other kids. Out teachers likewise worked to help children speak and behave properly.
As an adult, what your opinions or beliefs were off the job used to be your business alone. Social Media seems to be trying to change that dynamic and wants to become our parent or teacher to help us conform to the world as they see it. Whether they see things the same as I do or not, I do not think they have the right to try to muzzle me or anyone else on our own time. Also, the descriptions of "Dangerous Speech" seems to be getting pretty muddy.
I would think that in order for speech to be dangerous it should be about actual physical harm to a person or place. It is hard for me to believe that a Politician or World Leader would fall into that category. It appears that the intent of the new Twitter Warnings are not to save us from the next school shooter or terrorist. The intent seems to be to limit free speech. Thank goodness I am still free to ignore warning labels.
Contributed by Tom Lamb
When it comes to politics and government, put this in your memory bank: people who have political experience have been doing the same thing for years and the insanity is Alaska is in fiscal crisis.
During the looming fiscal crisis, Governor Murkowski and State Representative Mike Doogan advocated cutting the Senior Longevity Bonus. It was cut, did it stop the fiscal crisis? No.
However, it did make it tough for some seniors who were dependent on it. Remember when the price of oil was sky-high and Governor Palin handed out an extra $1200.00 on top of the $2069.00 PFD? Supposedly the extra $1200.00 was to offset the high cost of energy, but there is a problem: when the PFD drops into bank accounts: substance abuse rises 14% the day of the drop and for 3 to 4 weeks after the initial release, it stays at 10% above the average. In summary to Governor Palin’s decisions to add $1200, did it stop the momentum of the impending fiscal crisis? No. Arguably though, it had a negative impact on sexual abuse and domestic violence.
Currently there is a battle going on in the legislature over the PFD and decreasing it to cover the budget shortfall. Some argue we need to cut more government and leave the PFD alone. We aren't going to cut government services to where we won't touch the PFD.
There is the Fair Share crowd that wants to increase oil taxes through an initiative to cover the budget shortfall. But there is one big problem; the price for a barrel of oil is at $50 a barrel not $60 a barrel. So their calculation of collecting 1.5-2 billion dollars is incorrect. The fiscal reality is: distribution and statues that govern the PFD need to be revisited. Either a state tax on the PFD needs to be implemented or it is deposited into a vested escrow where a hardship ship withdrawal can be made or at the vested timeline. The vested timeline will weed out those who live here for a short time, collect the PFD and leave. The PFD distribution has gone from over 400k in 1982 to over 700K today.
As for cutting state services, an example of going too far on budget cuts can be felt by driving the Glenn Hwy after a snowfall and seeing the numerous accidents and speeders on the Glenn Hwy. The level of road maintenance is not adequate.
The state needs to raise the state gas tax and resolve issues before it is raised. First, the 10 cent gas tax in Anchorage and the federal gas tax need to be eliminated. The 10 cent gas tax hinders the state from raising needed transportation/maintenance funds while federal legislators are looking at raising the federal gas tax to cover the Highway Trust Fund debt which technically is bankrupt or to put it in a more general term, insolvent. Moreover and very important: a raise in the federal gas tax will never make it to fixing roads. Putting the gas tax directly into the State of Alaska bank account ensures the money will be spent on road maintenance.
Another area in the budget that needs to be looked at is the state budget that goes to education.
When I ran in past school board races in Anchorage, I advocated that the State of Alaska pay the entire school budget with one request: the State of Alaska would control the cost of school construction and maintenance. And school districts would be decentralized, the budget for school maintenance for each school would be set by the superintendent, and costs to run each school would be set by the school principal.
The decentralization of a school district allows the state to look at needed costs to run each school without a centralized administration. If there are any large cuts to be made in the state budget, a decentralized system will reveal what is needed and what is not.
And last in the fiscal crisis equation is climate change. This year we are seeing the Bering Sea Ice grow and we saw a prolonged cold spell in Alaska. These events contradict the consensus among certain climate scientists that Alaska is warming at an alarming rate and the Bering Sea
Unfortunately because of a lack of research, investment bankers like Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan Chase feel it is more profitable to invest in carbon credits than natural gas projects, and as such Alaska’s fiscal future has a big question mark hanging over it.It is known that submarine volcanoes create toxic algae blooms which raise the sea surface temperature by 1.5 degrees Celsius and is harmful to the marine wildlife and humans. What is not known is how extensive the heating from submarine volcanoes is along the 40 thousand miles of seamounts in the Pacific.
That question mark can be answered with the help of Congressman Don Young by turning Port MacKenzie into a Naval Oceanic Research facility.
By Debra McGhan
The winter of 2020 is proving to be a wild ride. A roller coaster of temperatures and precipitation has created a lasagna of layers in the snow. Some are extremely weak and fragile. Some polished into slabs by the wind. And many of those layers keep getting buried under mounds of fresh flakes all piling up and waiting for a trigger to release their load. A trigger that for the unprepared, could be you or a friend.
My avalanche practitioner friends are hustling to keep an eye on conditions and share their findings at https://Alaskasnow.org. They can link you with any of Alaska’s regional or national avalanche centers where you can see their forecasts and observations. If you haven’t already, I strongly encourage everyone to check it out.
All across Alaska conditions are such that anyone who rides, skis, hikes or otherwise plays or travels in the backcountry should perk up and listen.
Avalanches are not the only hazard out there either. Last spring, while I was serving as the director at the Alaska Avalanche Information Center, a young man called to share his story about riding near Lost Lake on the Kenai Peninsula out of Seward.
He said riding conditions were challenging due to the heavy, warm snowpack, pretty much just like we’ve seen on multiple occasions this winter. On the day he described the snow began falling hard and steady in the afternoon as the light faded. The challenge got a whole lot worse because he and his friend became separated.
His friend had ridden over a ridge and gotten stuck in another valley and could not get back. Both men were frantically struggling to reconnect. They tried calling on the radio over and over without luck. Finally, from the top of a ridge, the young man telling me the tale said he heard a crackle on the radio and eventually got a signal that connected. The two friends could not see each other, but what they could see was the same island on the lake. They, and a third friend, agreed to try and meet there.
Their elation over their successful reunion was short lived when they realized they were going to have to spend the night.
“Even though I grew up here and I totally know better, I was so not prepared for this,” the young man told me. “We didn’t have some of the most basic survival gear you need. It was insane.”
The boys survived the night, although that’s when the tale got really horrifying. Sheer will and youthful health are the only things that likely kept them alive. The next morning they were met on the trail by worried family members who brought critical supplies to get the young men out. He explained he’d learned a valuable lesson from this experience and wanted me to share it with others.
Be prepared. Make sure you do carry basic things like avalanche beacon, shovel, probe, hot packs, emergency blanket, fire starter (that will work even when it’s wet,) emergency food and water. Bring along a first aid kit and extra clothes. If you end up in a life-threatening situation, you’ll be very grateful you have these things; the items the young man sharing his story said they did not have.
“One space blanket and two wet lighters for three grown men just didn’t get it,” he told me. “I thought for sure we were going to die that night. It’s not something I would ever want to go through again.”
This spring, don’t get blinded by all the snow and your craving to get out and ride. Take the time to learn or refresh your skills and be prepared. There are some great training programs planned across the state this spring well worth the investment.
The Alaska Avalanche Information Center at alaskasnow.org has free programs supported by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, Division of Alaska State Troopers. If you want a class for your club, school or group, call them at 907-255-2242 or email info@alaskasnow.org and request one today.
Here’s to a long, happy spring riding and touring season.
Image captions: 1. Snowcave.jpg photo by L. Agosti, 2. Hpavalanche.jpg, 3. HPtraining.jpg,
4. HPskihill.jpg photos by D.McGhan
Contributed by Susie Fletcher
Former Governor Jay Hammond forewarned us that the threat to the Permanent Fund would come from government overspending. The Alaska State House now claims that by paying us our full, statutory PFD they would be endangering the Fund. They are liars. They have recklessly overspent the share of the money that We The People have entrusted them with to provide government services and we now have a fiscal crisis. They have chosen to “fix” the problem that THEY created by stealing OUR SHARE to continue overspending with ! We MUST BE THE MILITANT RING that Governor Hammond said would rise up in defense of the Fund and our shares that we receive directly in the form of a dividend ! This legislature has been nothing if not haughty and brazen in the disregard they have shown towards the Will of We The People. WE MUST put them in their place ! WE MUST turn out the vote in 2020 and trounce these lawbreakers at the ballot box ! NO CONFIDENCE is our message to the Alaska State House !! NO CONFIDENCE !!
Contributed by Jessica Wright
Many people are blaming the legislature’s biding caucus rule. I agree that we have to abolish it for the sake of our voice within the legislature body. The rule forces the legislators to think twice before they vote. If they don’t vote the way their caucus wants it, they could end up losing staffs and losing leadership committee positions which apparently a way to regulate the legislators because under the binding caucus rule, they cannot vote freely according to their conscious and properly represent their constituents.
It happened when then State Senator Mike Dunleavy was serving in District E in 2017, he stood his ground and voted against HB 57 to protect dividend and ended up with losing staffs. Needless to say, he felt discourage for not being able to represent his district so he ended up running for Governor. It happened last year during the final vote for HB 2001(F) in the State Senate: All but three State Senators voted to take our dividends to fund the bloated budget. This year these three State Senators (Lora Rainbold, Shelley Hughes, Mike Shower) were also targeted because of this very subjective rule cutting the staffs as well as losing the leadership committee positions by shuffling them in the closet, and not allowing them to participate in their leadership positions. Their power to represent their districts were greatly reduced and their voice can’t be heard properly since other legislators are running the shows. Get this, Senator John Coghill now has 7 staffs, pay at $60,000-$80,000 for only 90 days of work, each plus benefits, that’s $420,000+ cost per session for Alaska and Senator Bert Stedman has 6 staffs, $360,000+ cost per session for Alaska, resulting from the cutting staffs of those three State Senators. That’s another government waste, I think every legislator should have at least 2 staff members no more than 3 for leadership.
On March 5th, 2020 , the news from “mustreadalaska” indicates that AKLEG has put House Representative of District 10, David Eastman, to “time out corner” meaning he’s not allowed to fully participate the legislature session. They said he violated some rules: not sitting down during the session and submitting the surprised bill (anti abortion). According to the caucus rule, he’s supposed to counsel with its fellow caucus members first. Just prior to that, Representat ive Eastman unsuccessful ly submi t ted Amendment 1 on House HB 205 (F) which is to return the full dividends to the people. Our current AKLEG has no tolerance towards its own member against their big government agenda. The recent year AKLEG has been anxiously engaged with PFD thefts during the Walker administration and now the they have fighting against the Dunleavy Administration. They practice shady binding caucus rule to regulate its own members. AKLEG is undermining the democracy for shutting down its own member.
You might think this is absurd to have such rule exist in our country considering the United States is the leader of the free world. Believe or not, we are the only state legislature practices the biding caucus rule in our country. It’s a mockery of our democracy. Normally I would only blast the binding caucus rule, but I know the problem is not the binding caucus rule but the legislators who made the rule and legislators who support the rule for their advantage so they could hide behind the rule and claim their hands are tied. By the way, when did AKLEG become such a law binding institution? In the past they passed bills like HB57 or SB26 which took 1/2-2/3 of our PFD. I don’t think it has anything to do with the binding caucus rule. It seemed to me they were willfully passed the bills in spite of the gravity of the bills. For each legislator, he/she can choose to comply with the state statutory and give the people their full PFD like the way it has been the last 40 years or take it from the people and give to the lobbyists to spend on their programs. When it comes down to it, it’s a simple black and white choice: for the government or for the people.
President Reagan said in an interview, “…people keep looking for the government for the answers. Government is the problem.” Looking back, our legislature has created huge problems for us. They passed bills like SB 91 or SB26 which allows the criminal run free, and the private sector got destroyed, and Alaskans haven’t get paid of their full dividends the last four years. As to date, our state owe us each person $9,877 ($6,707+$3,170) of PFD from 2016-2020. That’s close to $50,000 for a family of 5. Even though we are coming out of the recession, our economy is still feeble because our legislature is keen to keep the government programs going and not willing to cut the budget. The way they grow the government is turning Alaska into a welfare state which is only going to hurt the people and private sectors. Sure, the legislature members can blame the existing biding caucus rule and claim, “The Devil made me do it.” In reality, they can abolish the rule all together by not entering into such unlawful agreement but they choose to practice this biding caucus rule so they push their agenda. Alaskans, I hope you wake up and realize how urgent it is for us to fix our legislature by participating coming election. Are we going to neglect the elections in August and November like we did the past or are we going to get out and vote? Like it or not, the binding caucus AKLEG will continue to take our PFD and turn our state into a Socialist welfare state unless we vote them out. Vote, Alaska if you want to protect your PFD and get your $10,000 (per person) back. AKLEG needs to follow the law and give us our full statutory PFD, not POMV reduced PFD and get slashed again because some how our PFD has to pay for the government expenses and for what $2.7 Billion going from our earnings to a un protected spend at will Government (UGF) General fund with 71% of our operating budget going to Health and Social Services…& no dollars being transferred to the people’s PFD Dividend despite the governors request. Remember, AKLEG has no right to take our PFD because changing the PFD formula from Alaska State Constitution without a vote of the people should not be allowed. Time to clean up the House (and the Senate)!!!!!
Contributed by Paula Nance
The Mat Su Sertoma Club is grateful to the many sponsors and volunteers who helped make our 2020 Mat Su Plunge the best ever. As my friend, John Klapperich, says, “If it can be done, the valley can do it!”
Look around you. It’s amazing when you just ASK, people respond. And, that’s what happened this year. Now about the title…
You just have to take pause as you read about the Duke and Duchess relinquishing their thrones and positions of royalty.
Do we have a future of empty thrones? NO! I’m wondering if perhaps there isn’t a throne is waiting for you? Incredulous? Read on.
You’ll find empty thrones everywhere. In villages, cities, states, nations, continents, for lack of leadership. One of those thrones just might have your name on it.
Who owns the condition of your neighborhood, your city? Who owns the condition of your country? Who owns the condition of your culture?
Why are things the way they are? Because people have abdicated their place of leadership.
With elections this fall, perhaps there’s a position waiting for you! There are countless non-profits who might need your help if you ASKED.
To all those who stepped up and made the 2020 Mat Su Plunge a great success this year – We again say THANK YOU for making a difference.
Stay in touch with Mat Su Sertoma – Like us on Facebook!
Contributed by AJ Hoffman and Ben Rowell
The 14th annual Fly Fishing Film Tour is hitting the road and headed to Wasilla with a fresh batch of new films. While the F3T travels all across the nation, anglers young and old alike will get taken on an adventure featuring cartwheeling steelhead, pristine Australian coastlines, fish brought back from the brink of ruin to jungle streams laden with aggressive fish, and so much more! From freshwater to salt, inspiration to conservation, this year's film lineup will undoubtedly get you excited to grab a rod and hit the water this upcoming season.
So, what are you waiting for? Come join us at F3T—the largest fly fishing film event of its kind. Grab your friends, bring your stoke, and prepare yourselves for another amazing year of films at the Fly Fishing Film Tour.
The F3T lands in Wasilla on Saturday, March 28 at Everett’s at Mat-Su Resort. Shows start at 5pm and 8pm.
Tickets are $20 and available at 3 Rivers Fly and Tackle and flyfilmtour.com.
Contributed by Linda Myers-Steele
Senior Education classes are offered free (except for occasional supplies as noted). There are no tests, no grades, and no homework. Wasilla Senior Center, 1301 Century Circle, Wasilla, hosts the classes at no charge, and all the presenters are volunteers who are experts in their field! Please join us. senioreducationwasilla@gmail.com
APRIL 2020 SCHEDULE
Tuesday, April 7, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Dr. Mc Peck, Veterinarian of Tier I Veterinary Medical Center, will share experiences as Vet to military dogs; photos, first-hand knowledge. This is sure, to be very interesting.
Tuesday, April 14, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
OUR LOCAL “JEWEL” – UAF FARM AT TRUNK AND GEORGESON ROADS.
What is happening at the farm currently, historically, and into the future. This farm belongs to all Alaskans. Jodie Anderson, Director, is an enthusiastic speaker and is sure to please.
Tuesday, April 21, 3:00-4:00 p.m. BOOK CLUB “I READ WHAT I WANT TO READ”
(Meets every third Tuesday until May 2020)
Share a book summary and learn from others of interesting books.
Facilitator, Andi Nations, Retired Public School Educator/Non-Profit Facilitator
Tuesday, April 28, 3:00-4:00 p.m. THE CENSUS AND SCAMS
An accurate census report is important to every citizen. However, there are fraudulent scammers working to gain your personal information. Learn warning signs to be aware of ways to protect yourself. Presented by AARP Director, Daryl Royce.
Contributed by Kerry Nelson
Would you believe that people actually come out to visit us in the winter? It's true! We even had a group of folks from Arizona, Las Vegas, Georgia & France come out for a tour of the farm during one of those recent epic windstorms - and they lasted for forty minutes out there! Not only did they get to see our musk oxen in their true winter element, they all have quite the story to tell their friends and family back home.
I guess what we’re trying to say is, if a group of southerners from the Outside are up to the task, we know our local Alaskan community is, too! Just think of it like any other winter activity you all gear up for – but it’s a nice leisurely stroll with musk oxen to meet!
Visiting the Musk Ox Farm in winter is the best time to get a glimpse at these Ice Age animals showing off all of their amazing arctic adaptations. They also tend to be a lot more active, as they love to play in the snow and dance in the wind. Our entire herd is moved up to the front pastures of the property that the tour takes you past, since we don’t need to move any animals around for rotational grazing like we do in the summer months. BONUS: winter is also your best chance to meet our bulls, as they are often put into “hormonal time-out” come summer rut season. Trust us, it’s for everyone’s benefit!
We know that we don’t have to tell our fellow Alaskans what to wear to be winter-prepared (hopefully!), but we’ve created some handy tips for those brave souls who may be visiting you and want to come and see us! As you know, being properly prepared means that your guests can experience the indescribable beauty of winter in Alaska in comfort and style. Alright, maybe style takes a back seat to most winter gear – but your friends and family won’t care what they look like once they’re warm and toasty! Plus, you can promise them that they won’t always be greeted with negative temperatures and winds that will knock them off their feet. (Better yet, maybe just leave those possibilities out altogether)
ONE LAST TIP: call us before your visit to see what the conditions are - we are more than happy to help you outfit yourselves properly for the day. Don’t forget, it may be calm with clear skies a few miles down the road from us, but windy or snowing heavily here at the farm!
WINTER HOURS (until 5/9/20):
Wednesday – Saturday: 12-4
Tours go out at 12:30 & 2pm
$11/adults • $9/seniors 65+ • $5/children 5+
BOOK ONLINE @ muskoxfarm.org!
12850 E Archie Rd. • Palmer • 907-745-4151 • info@muskoxfarm.org
Contributed by Michele N Harmeling
Updates from Your United Way of Mat-Su
March 2020
The 2020 Mat-Su Valley Resource Guide is available for download on our website:
https://unitedwaymatsu.org/our-work/resource-guide/
Please download and use at your convenience.
United Way of Mat-Su Seeks Board Candidates
Do you have a passion for community, the desire to make a change, and a heart for giving? We hope you’ll consider joining the UWMS team as a member of our Board of Directors!
UWMS is recruiting for philanthropy-minded individuals to fill several open positions as members of our Board. You’ll work with other members of the Mat-Su community on vital issues and events like Stuff the Bus and Project Homeless Connect.
For more information, and to apply, please contact Stephanie Allen at 745-5821 or sallen@unitedwaymatsu.org.
McKinley Fire Long-Term Recovery Group Preparing for Spring
The McKinley Fire Long Term Recovery Group continues to assist survivors of the McKinley Fire. The group is currently involved in case management, checking in regularly with families affected by the fires to determine their needs and make sure they are warm, safe and stable. A cabin has been built for a family and is almost move-in ready.
Fire families who are still recovering from the McKinley Fire will need assistance with tasks such as yard clean-up, driveway maintenance, restoring gardens and exterior home repair.
MFLTRG invites the community to pre-register for volunteer opportunities via the United Way of Mat-Su website. Please list any relevant skills or certifications you may hold (eg; construction experience, First Aid/CPR certification) as well as any special accommodations you may need. To get started, visit unitedwaymatsu.org/volunteer.
You will be contacted with further details as volunteer opportunities arise. Questions? Call Michele Harmeling, Volunteer Coordinator, at 745-5824 or email admin@unitedwaymatsu.org.
Donations Management Update
If you are interested in donating to fire relief efforts, a financial donation remains the best way to ensure that MFLTRG and other nonprofit agencies are able to make purchases according to each family’s specific needs, in a timely manner.
To make a financial donation to MFLTRG, visit unitedwaymatsu.org, click the “Donate” tab, and be sure to check the box saying you’d like your donation to support McKinley Fire relief efforts.
After families begin rebuilding, MFLTRG anticipates a greater need for donated home furnishings, appliances, cabinetry, and fixtures. Items must be in good, working condition. Donors must be willing to store items themselves until arrangements can be made for transport.
Donations will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. If you have items to donate, please call Michele Harmeling, Donations Management Coordinator at 745-5824 or email admin@unitedwaymatsu.org. (Please include photos and a brief description of each item in your email.)
Spring Drug Take Back Day
April 27, 2020 from 10am-3pm
Valley residents may bring unused and expired drugs and medications to either Fred Meyer pharmacy location (Wasilla and Palmer) for safe disposal. Talkeetna area residents may visit the Talkeetna Sunshine Community Health Clinic. This event runs from 10AM-3PM at all locations. Help prevent misuse of prescription drugs and keep our community safe by marking your calendar for Drug Take-Back Day! (Please note that we cannot accept medical sharps or medical waste.)
Thrive Mat-Su Youth Retreat Registration is Now Open!
Thrive Mat-Su is now accepting applications for the 2020 THRIVE Mat-Su Youth Retreat. Held at beautiful North Star Bible Camp in Willow, AK, the Youth Retreat is open to students ages 12-18. This event is free of charge, but space is limited. In past years, the retreat has included workshops on self-care, resilience, youth leadership, outdoor skills, community service, and plenty of time swimming or boating on the lake. Text YOUTHRETREAT to 51555 to receive your application via mobile (texts need not be case-sensitive). Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and each student will be contacted regarding their status. Please submit your application by May 22 at close of business.
Questions, or unable to utilize mobile app? Please call Becky Stoppa at (907)745-5827 or email impact@unitedwaymatsu.org.
Early Childhood Partnership Updates
Borough Gym Play Time is coming to a close for the summer. Here are our remaining dates, each on a Wednesday from 10am-2pm.
March 4
March 11
March 18
March 25
April 1
April 8
April 15 (LAST SESSION)
Toys are welcome, but no Razor scooters or pedal bikes please! The Early Childhood Partnership will host an informal, regularly meetup for parents/caregivers and children-find us on Facebook for updates: @EarlyChildhoodMatSu.
Are you a licensed Valley childcare provider? Grants are currently available through ECP to cover childcare facility renovations and repairs. This may include playground equipment upgrades, safety equipment, painting, re-flooring and other improvements. To receive an application, please email admin@unitedwaymatsu.org.
Join the Youth 360 Team and Join the Fun!
Youth 360 is hiring! We are hiring for two (2) part-time Youth Engagement Specialists. Youth Engagement Specialists staff a Youth Club for middle and high school students after school, during school breaks and scheduled summer hours. Youth Engagement Specialists will help youth plan programming for the Youth Club and develop a welcoming, safe, judgment-free environment that the youth feel they belong to.
For a full job description and to apply, visit https://unitedwaymatsu.org/employment-opportunities/.
Contributed by Ryanne Ori
April 16th-19th
Raven Hall, Alaska State Fairgrounds
How would you like to shop from a selection of thousands of high-quality items at 60-90% off retail prices, all under one roof? Consign49 is a four-day event held each spring and fall, in which over 200 local community members bring new and gently used clothing, accessories, and home décor items together to form a large-scale resale pop-up. Each consignor individually prices and tags each item, and items are dropped off approximately one day before the sale begins. Consign49 Team Members work to organize all items, so everything can be easily shopped according to category and size. There is also a dedicated boutique section, in which local boutiques have discount and clearance items for sale. In addition, there is a “vendor row” where local businesses will have booths for sharing their products and services.
The event benefits all involved and is recycling at its best! Consignors get to do some spring cleaning to clear out items from their homes while earning some extra cash. Shoppers get the opportunity to buy brand name items, or much needed seasonal items, for a fraction of retail prices. Additionally, many items that go unsold at the end of the event will be donated to local charities in need.
The Consign49 Spring 2020 Event will be held April 16th-19th at Raven Hall at the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer, Alaska. Admission and parking are free, all major credit cards are accepted, and dressing rooms are available for trying on clothing items. Hours are 9am – 8pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and from 9am – 5pm on Sunday. On Sunday the 19th, many remaining items will be marked half price, depending on whether the individual consignor has chosen to put the item into the half-price sale.
If you are interested in becoming a consignor at the event, please go to www.consign49.com for more information. Consignor spots are limited and will be on a first come basis. Additionally, a limited number of vendor spaces are available. Please send an email to info@consgin49.com for more information.
