By Joshua Fryfogle
Frozen over, frost
It’s that time of year again
When the cold sets in
Meet Honey
Contributed by Angie Lewis
Honey is a sweet Pit Bull/American Bulldog Mix. Just a young gal, only about a year old and ready for a foster or permanent home.
Honey is housetrained, knows basic commands, and likes people and kids. She is spayed, micro-chipped and vaccinated. Honey would prefer to be the only dog in the household.
Call Alaska Animal Advocates, Angie at 841-3173 to meet this awesome gal.
How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat
Contributed by Angie Lewis
Some dogs and cats can live in the same household and become best friends, while others will never be able to do so safely. Individuality is crucial here with personalities playing a huge part in certain dogs and cats developing friendships. Introductions will therefore need to be dealt with individually as well.
A knowledge of body language, for both dogs and cats, is vital. Pay particular attention to the dog’s body language. Look for a stiffening body, staring, whining, and barking. When this happens, do not allow the dog to go near the cat. A relaxed, loose body stance is what you want to see. If the kitty’s ears are pinned back and her tail is swishing back and forth, she is not in the happiest of moods. Remember that the location of the interaction is important as well. The animals may do well inside the house, but outside is often very different. Cats are more often seen as prey when they are outside.
Be flexible when choosing a method for introducing a dog and a cat. It is best to have at least two people available – one for the dog and one for the cat. If you have more than one dog, just introduce one at a time.
If your dog seems too fixated on your cat, you will want to desensitize him to the kitty by gradually increasing his exposure to her. Put the cat in a room, that your dog cannot access, and separate them with a baby gate. Do this various times of the day. This way they are separate, but they can still see each other. Make sure that your cat cannot escape over or under the gate. Stock the kitty’s room with food, litter box, or toys to meet her needs.
To begin desensitization, let the dog view the cat briefly through the gate, and then get the dog to focus on something else, such as playing with a toy or practicing training cues. Sometimes it helps to keep the dog on leash so that you can move him away from the cat when you try to refocus his attention. Praise and reward the dog for being able to focus elsewhere. Continue to give the dog short viewings of the cat throughout the day. If the dog is too excited to see the cat, simply close the door and feed each animal on his/her side of the door. Feed them close to the door, this way each animal associates good food smells with proximity to the other pet.
This process might take days, or it could take months. It is possible that the dog and cat will never get used to each other and you will have to keep them separate in your household. Keeping them safe must be your first priority.
Another faster introduction technique is the face-to-face introduction. One person should hold the dog on a loose lead, constantly monitoring the dog’s body language. If the cat is not showing aggressive or stressed body language, then she can be allowed to move around freely. Have your dog sit or lay down. If he is maintaining his composure, reward him verbally or with treats.
There is another strategy called, “Look at That” and it would be best to talk to an actual dog trainer about this. This involves you teaching your dog to look at your cat momentarily, but then to look at a treat in your hands. He will discover that it is more rewarding to look at your treat, than it is to pay attention to the cat.
Animals with good past experience often adjust well and quickly to a new pet in the house. But if introductions don’t go well, seek help from a professional dog trainer or behavior consultant. Don’t ever use punishment: It will not help and it could make matters much worse.
Angie Lewis
Palmer
Publisher’s Clearing House and Meeting Ed McMahon
Contributed by Anonymous
I got a call earlier this morning on my work phone. I get weird calls on that phone all the time. The number popped up as someone from Jamaica. I thought, “Hey. I like Jamaica. Let’s see what this person has to say.”
Someone called the other day. That call was also from a Jamaican number. A guy named David said he mailed me a letter from Publishers Clearing House. He asked me if I got it. I told him, “Yes I did.” I thanked him profusely. Then I said, “Please send me the money that I won to that same address. Thanks a MILLION!” and I hung up. I needed to jump on a call, or perhaps David and I would have had a longer, more cordial conversation.
Today’s call happened to be a guy named David too! He also said he was with Publisher’s Clearing House. What a coincidence! I didn’t mention that to “today’s David” though. I just thought, “Ok. I have a couple minutes. I’m gonna make this fun for me.”
So…
I really wanted to make sure I was talking to someone I could trust so I asked David if he was with the guy, the main guy, the real guy, the big guy, the one and only guy, the Publisher’s Clearing House guy, Ed McMahon.
To my delight, David said, “Yes.” So I asked him, “Do you really know him?” He said that he did! I was so happy to hear that he actually KNEW Ed McMahon and I told him so, about a dozen or so times, all fan-girling over Ed McMahon. So, just because I’m inquisitive, I thought we should talk a bit more about his good friend Ed. I asked David, “Well, how is Ed McMahon doing these days?” David said that Ed was doing very well. I was a little taken aback by his answer, so I asked him to clarify. I said, “HE IS? Ed McMahon is OK?”
A couple times I asked David to assure me that Ed McMahon was doing well, because I was worried about him. A number of times, David told me that Ed was just fine. I said that I didn’t think David was being honest about Ed McMahon’s health, and I told him so. I let him know that to me, Ed hadn’t looked very good lately.
David tried to talk over me a couple times, but you know, I was more worried about Ed McMahon’s well-being than any amount of money David was going to give to me.
I again asked David a few more times to confirm that he was REALLY with Publisher’s Clearing House. David insisted each time that he was. Then I felt compelled to switch back to the topic of his buddy Ed and asked David if knew how old Ed McMahon was now. Without hesitation, David said that Ed McMahon is 54 years old. I questioned that a bit, but David said he was Ed’s friend, and he knew this stuff, so I stopped talking about Ed’s age. I did ask what day was Ed’s birthday, because I really wanted to know that. David didn’t answer my important question about Ed’s birthday, and was kinda rude, and even changed the subject. David asked me if I wanted the 3.5 million delivered to my house. I said, “But what if I’m not home???”
I felt he needed to be informed that I DO have a life and that sometimes I might go somehere for a bit, or maybe even for a little bit longer than a little bit, or maybe I am even at home, but I don’t hear the doorbell. I asked again, “What will you do if I’m not here when you come with Ed to visit me?” He said they would just show up when I was home and he’d be here with the FBI, the IRS and get this, the Better Business Bureau, which of course increased my trust in his word. I asked, “Is Ed gonna be here too? Please tell me that Ed is coming with you, because he needs to be with you when you come to my house.”
At that point he sounded a little angry and raised his voice saying, “Look Mama. I am trying to give you some money.” I asked him NOT to call me Mama.
That’s when he decided to hang up.
Yeah. I think David’s good friend Ed McMahon died over 10 years ago.
After David hung up on me, I’m just left wondering how long it will take Jamaican David, the ghost of Ed McMahon, and those other really important people to get to my front porch with the balloons and all that money.
Publisher’s Clearing House and Meeting Ed McMahon
Contributed by Anonymous
I got a call earlier this morning on my work phone. I get weird calls on that phone all the time. The number popped up as someone from Jamaica. I thought, “Hey. I like Jamaica. Let’s see what this person has to say.”
Someone called the other day. That call was also from a Jamaican number. A guy named David said he mailed me a letter from Publishers Clearing House. He asked me if I got it. I told him, “Yes I did.” I thanked him profusely. Then I said, “Please send me the money that I won to that same address. Thanks a MILLION!” and I hung up. I needed to jump on a call, or perhaps David and I would have had a longer, more cordial conversation.
Today’s call happened to be a guy named David too! He also said he was with Publisher’s Clearing House. What a coincidence! I didn’t mention that to “today’s David” though. I just thought, “Ok. I have a couple minutes. I’m gonna make this fun for me.”
So…
I really wanted to make sure I was talking to someone I could trust so I asked David if he was with the guy, the main guy, the real guy, the big guy, the one and only guy, the Publisher’s Clearing House guy, Ed McMahon.
To my delight, David said, “Yes.” So I asked him, “Do you really know him?” He said that he did! I was so happy to hear that he actually KNEW Ed McMahon and I told him so, about a dozen or so times, all fan-girling over Ed McMahon. So, just because I’m inquisitive, I thought we should talk a bit more about his good friend Ed. I asked David, “Well, how is Ed McMahon doing these days?” David said that Ed was doing very well. I was a little taken aback by his answer, so I asked him to clarify. I said, “HE IS? Ed McMahon is OK?”
A couple times I asked David to assure me that Ed McMahon was doing well, because I was worried about him. A number of times, David told me that Ed was just fine. I said that I didn’t think David was being honest about Ed McMahon’s health, and I told him so. I let him know that to me, Ed hadn’t looked very good lately.
David tried to talk over me a couple times, but you know, I was more worried about Ed McMahon’s well-being than any amount of money David was going to give to me.
I again asked David a few more times to confirm that he was REALLY with Publisher’s Clearing House. David insisted each time that he was. Then I felt compelled to switch back to the topic of his buddy Ed and asked David if knew how old Ed McMahon was now. Without hesitation, David said that Ed McMahon is 54 years old. I questioned that a bit, but David said he was Ed’s friend, and he knew this stuff, so I stopped talking about Ed’s age. I did ask what day was Ed’s birthday, because I really wanted to know that. David didn’t answer my important question about Ed’s birthday, and was kinda rude, and even changed the subject. David asked me if I wanted the 3.5 million delivered to my house. I said, “But what if I’m not home??
I felt he needed to be informed that I DO have a life and that sometimes I might go somewhere for a bit, or maybe even for a little bit longer than a little bit, or maybe I am even at home, but I don’t hear the doorbell. I asked again, “What will you do if I’m not here when you come with Ed to visit me?” He said they would just show up when I was home and he’d be here with the FBI, the IRS and get this, the Better Business Bureau, which of course increased my trust in his word. I asked, “Is Ed gonna be here too? Please tell me that Ed is coming with you, because he needs to be with you when you come to my house.”
At that point he sounded a little angry and raised his voice saying, “Look Mama. I am trying to give you some money.” I asked him NOT to call me Mama.
That’s when he decided to hang up.
Yeah. I think David’s good friend Ed McMahon died over 10 years ago.
After David hung up on me, I’m just left wondering how long it will take Jamaican David, the ghost of Ed McMahon, and those other really important people to get to my front porch with the balloons and all that money.
The Mat-Su Holiday Marketplace
Contributed by Kourtney Shannon
The Mat-Su Holiday Marketplace is a one stop holiday shopping extravaganza for Wasilla and the Mat-Su Valley. This event takes place November 6 & 7, 2021 at the Menard Sports Center and gives the area an opportunity to shop for unique and one of a kind gifts, right in their neighborhood, without that long commute to Anchorage.
There is a $5 admission charge, kids 12 and under are free, and Sunday is free to Military with ID or anyone who brings 2 cans of food for a local food bank.
Artists and craftsmen will fill over 100 mini specialty shops with literally thousands of holiday gift ideas. Jewelry, furs, original artwork, fleece, pottery, metalwork, woodwork, glassware. you'll find unique items from all around the state.
No need to waste a tank of gas looking for the perfect gift! Make Santa proud this year and get all of your holiday shopping done in one location at the Mat-Su Holiday
Marketplace.
Weaving a Bit of Joy
Contributed by Charice Chambers
A wise woman once said, “When you weave a basket, you weave a bit of yourself into it: your joy and your energy. “ Colleen Anagick likes to believe that she leaves a bit of herself in each basket she makes.
Weaving reeds into useful and beautiful works of art is her best stress reliever. As a crisis clinician since 2008, Anagick works as a part of a behavioral urgent response team dealing mostly with suicides. Anagick has successfully dealt with stress for over twenty years through the relaxation brought on by crafting beautiful baskets. In 2007 she injured her foot, and was immobile for nine weeks. Used to a lot of activity, she searched for something to do, and discovered basket-weaving classes. One class led to another, and by 2009, she was the instructor!
In 1997 Anagick met nurse Sharon Hamilton at the hospital. A California transplant with a very decidedly creative and adventurous side, Hamilton’s avocation was flower arranging. She and Anagick shared not only their creativity, but discovered a common passion for racquetball. Together they participated in weekly games, leagues, and tournaments for nearly twenty years. It was natural that Anagick would introduce Hamilton to the art of basketry as a part of that friendship. Soon Hamilton, too, was hooked on this new adventure. The duo spent many hours crafting baskets for friends and relatives. They even organized and taught a few basket making classes.
Then Covid hit.
While many others were working hard at gaining their Covid twenty, the friends were busy birthing their infant business: Soul Sisters Basketree. Often, when they got together, they listened to Darren Hardy podcasts. The sessions were oriented to goal setting, business organization, and tools for success. Anagick and Hamilton thought that they should apply what they were learning, and start a business. Basketry was the obvious choice. For them, it was a way to finance their hobby and share their love of basket making with others.
Soul Sisters sells a wide variety of baskets from small wall hung conical creations, great for dried flowers, attractive storage for silverware or napkins, or a variety of other storage solutions, to large hearth style containers ready to display your treasures. Anagick and Hamilton also produce coin baskets. These medium sized woven wonders feature Alaska quarters set in the base of a colorful basket, a perfect gift to send outside. The duo’s most unique basketry is the Adirondack backpack. This type of reed backpack, trimmed either in decorative braid or leather, is often used for grape harvesting in France and Italy. It hints of many other unique uses as well. Soul Sisters also hosts a variety of basket making classes. With Christmas just around the corner, Soul Sisters basketry can take the guesswork out of shopping. Each basket is unique and these two designers are constantly working to create new and different patterns and products. Hamilton recently created a multicolored platter anchored on either side with horn handles, a truly magnificent piece.
Matsu Senior Services Gift Shop is proud to add Soul Sisters Basketree to their fine collection of local artist-rendered products. Anagick and Hamilton will even be hosting basket-making classes at the Center.
The gift shop is located in the Palmer Senior Center building at 1132 S. Chugach Street in Palmer. We invite you to follow us on Facebook, check us out at www.matsuseniors.com, or contact us at giftshop@matsuseniors.com.
Prayer Simply Breathe? Can Prayer Be That Simple?
Contributed by Ken Hagler
What do you say to God?
Really, how many of us have ever had a class on prayer other than clergy? In his new book, “Prayer Simply Breathe,” Ken Hagler, a local pastor and spiritual director helps everyone, even clergy, learn a thing or two about prayer.
“I might wish I could give you a list of prayers God has answered in miraculous ways but I can’t,” writes the author. “On one side, I can look at the prayer of a kid that God seemed to answer, and on the other side, I can look at the prayers for the healing of my late wife and it seems God didn’t answer.”
But is that what prayer really is? Just getting what we want?
“No. Prayer is the act of turning our mind, our emotions, our body and our spirit to God,” Ken notes. In fact, “Prayer Simply Breathe” encourages people to pray simply, to pray as they breathe following the “other prayer” Jesus taught in Luke 18:9-14, called “The Jesus Prayer” or the prayer of the tax collector. Prayer isn’t about getting “stuff.” It is about knowing God.
Ken’s book contains 52 prayers and reflections to guide the reader in their prayers. He includes some of the history of the practice and his own experiences. Then, Ken turns his attention to helping the reader to listen to God and create their own breath prayers.
Fellow pastor and former Pastor of Chugiak United Methodist Church, Carlo Rapanut offered these thoughts, “That this book is coming out during the middle of a global pandemic that attacks the respiratory system is not a coincidence but a welcome blessing. May this book be a reminder to breathe, literally and spiritually.”
Ken is pastor at Anchor Park United Methodist Church and writes regularly on his blog at www.kenhagler.com and weekly publishes new breath prayers on Instagram under his online persona of “Jedi Pastor Ken” (or @jedipastorken). You can find “Prayer Simply Breathe: 52 Breath Prayer Devotions and How to Create Your Own Prayers” on Amazon in paperback, hardback, and Kindle.
Is it Art or is it Craft?
Contributed by Marilyn Bennett
I will confess, I never gave much thought to the question until after going to the State Fair this year. Since I knew several of the peopleI was also surprised this year to learn that the designation of a professional painter was given to anyone who had accepted money for a piece of art. It was amazing for me to discover that I was a professional. The reason being, that I have actually sold a few of my paintings. For that reason, I did not feel I should enter my paintings into competition.
Previously I was judged as an amateur and never, ever won a ribbon. Therefore, I was pretty intimidated that this year I would be competing against "real" professionals. I have since re-thought this, as why would a "real" professional enter his or her work into the State Fair?
I am digressing from the question of whether it is Art or is it Craft. I went from the Art Exhibit to the Crafts Exhibits of the Fair, where all the lovely quilts were on exhibit. There I saw a beautiful painting, that was painted on wood, so it had been put in as a craft, instead of in the art exhibit. It did win a blue ribbon,
but I was confused as to why it was in Crafts instead of in the Art Exhibit.
Then to make my confusion even greater, a member of our art Group came in with several sanded pieces of wood for us to paint on. As you can see above I painted a girl on a horse, Taylor painted a ship on stormy seas and Jerry painted that wonderful bear.
Were these all arts and craft items? I willingly admit my works could be considered arts and craft, but the other two surely should be judged as art.
Decided to get a dictionary definition and it is as follows: According to the Oxford dictionary, craft means Òan activity involving skill in making things by hand.Ó Unlike craft, art has a lengthy definition which goes as follows. "Art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.
So now I am even more confused as I saw many of the items in the craft exhibit that were definitely expressions of human creative skill and imagination.
Going to the trusty internet the differences were clearly laid out as follows:
Art is something that expresses emotions or imagination.
Craft has a more tangible form like moulding or carving and is the creation of goods of a utilitarian nature to serve a purpose and can be easily reproduced. While art appeals to the mind and makes an emotional connection.
Based on these definitions I think the paintings we made on wood do qualify as art. However I would be loath to argue with the judges at the State Fair as I am only very recently a professional artist having sold the sum total of four small paintings. If you are still confused about what is art and what is craft you may want to join our fun art group.
We meet every Thursday from 1pm to 3pm at the education room of VCRS (Valley Recycling Center) which is located off 49th State Street. We paint, draw, engage in arts and crafts and learn from each other.
We also discuss in depth such topics as I outlined above. So for intellectual, stimulating conversation as well as painting in a non-threatening atmosphere come on out and join us. For more information on what Valley Arts Alliance is doing go to: valleyartsalliance.com
Haunted Bookstore: Halloween Event at Black Birch Books
Contributed by Taylor Jordan
Looking for something to do with your family this Halloween season? Do all of your favorite things in one place!
Black Birch Books is hosting a community event and unleashing the ghosts. Friday the 22nd and Saturday the 23rd from 10am-4pm we have our Haunted Bookstore and Halloween event!
EVENT INCLUDES:
Haunted Bookstore – $5 entry fee and a safe space for all ages with no sudden scares or strobing lights.
Costume Contest – Various prizes for ages and groups
Color Me Fun – Face Painting for all ages
Peak Performance Strength & Fitness – Spooky physical activities to make your body come back to life! *zombie groan*
By the Spirit Photography – Discounted fall family photo sessions, 3 shots for $30
Youth 360 – FREE arts and crafts for youth of all ages
Edward the Magnificent – A magic show with all the dazzle! Donations are appreciated for his performances.
FOOD TRUCKS:
Birdhouse Sandwich Company – Thick sandwiches with all the fixings and sides
Omnivore – “Clean eating is our specialty.”
*The cost for entry is $5/person and standard pricing for local vendors. *
Dress for the weather! Most of this event takes place outside.
We’re located at 2901 E Bogard Rd., #104, Wasilla. Call 907-373-2677 for more info.
Speaking of the New Normal
Contributed by Marilyn Bennett
Today if you join a Toastmasters Club you can attend any toastmasters meeting in the world as long as you are an eligible member of any club. For nearly 100 years, in-person meetings have been at the heart of Toastmasters. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many clubs have been unable to continue with in- person meetings. A hybrid club meeting combines online and in- person attendance.
A Toastmasters club provides its members with a safe and supportive environment to become better communicators, leaders, and public speakers. For many, their club gives them a sense of belonging. In light of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), our club has a hybrid meeting two days of the month. Which means that those who feel comfortable may come to Turkey Red in person and those who cannot make it to the meeting, or feel more comfortable on-line can still participate.
The other days of the month we only meet online to protect the safety and well-being of our members.
By transitioning to online and hybrid meetings, our club allows it's members the ability to continue pursuing their goals and provide human interaction that they might not otherwise get. While many aspects of personal and professional lives have been disrupted, we hope our Toastmaster club can meet online and in person when possible, to provide a sense of normalcy to our members.
Toastmasters who are already embracing online club membership will tell you that the experiences have helped them to develop their skills to another level among an international audience. Once you join our club you may access any other on-line club in
the world. Attendance online is easy, no travel required, no need to leave your home in bad weather, no restrictions for differently abled people.
Performing meeting roles online is challenging but the rewards are the ability to build networks and build skills for screen presence. It can also build confidence for presenting webinars and online meetings. Becoming a member of our hybrid club and therefore access to the world-wide Toastmaster network, will stretch your personal learning network and enable immersion in wider cultural environments
Discover more about Palmer Toastmasters at our website: palmer.toastmastersclubs.org. Join one of our meetings in person on the 1st and/or 2nd Tuesday of each month in the conference room at Turkey red (550 S. Alaska Street in Palmer) at 6 PM or online via Zoom every Tuesday night at 6 PM. We start on time. so please come early to join up.
For the Zoom link, visit the meeting directions tab at our club website: https://palmer.toastmastersclubs.org/.
We are a friendly group of positive valley people who meet to help each other grow and have fun together in the process. We invite you to get to know us better by joining one or more meetings as a guest.
Skeetawk Receives Facility Excellence Award
Contributed by Alaska Recreation and Parks Association
The Alaska Recreation and Park Association held its annual conference Oct. 5-7 hosted by the City of Soldotna. The theme, ‘Better Together: building strong, healthy, and resilient communities’ brought together agencies, businesses, and advocates of Parks and Recreation from around the state.
The conference concluded on Oct 7th with an awards banquet highlighting the Parks and Recreation industry’s top organizations and businesses that have made significant advances and development in the area of Parks and Recreation.
Receiving one of the many awards was Skeetawk, the Hatcher Pass Alpine recreation area, for the Facility Excellence Award. The award recognizes significant new projects, major renovations or long-term performance as a flagship of recreation. Accepting the award on behalf on Skeetawk was Nick Jenkins, Vice Chair of the Hatcher Pass Alpine Xperience , a non profit agency associated with Skeetawk.
Also receiving an award by the state-wide Alaska Recreation and Park Association was Joan Klapperich of Wasilla for her outstanding service to the Association. The Bob Robertson award recognizes those members that give selflessly to the advancement of recreation and are recognized as the backbone of the Association.
For more information on the Alaska Recreation and Parks Association please go to www.ARPA.myrec.com.
Plant a Chokecherry Tree
Contributed by GB Jones
There is not a species of tree in Alaska that is more impressive than our Chokecherry tree. The only undesirable thing about the Chokecherry tree is its name.
This amazing tree chokes nothing. Just as the Bald Eagle is not bald, and the Mute Swan is not mute, the Chokecherry tree chokes nothing. Therefore and hereafter this amazing and impressive naturalized Alaskan tree shall simply be referred to herein as the Alaskan cherry tree.
A few well meaning but misguided Alaskans have labeled this cherry tree as invasive, and this is very unfortunate for we who live in this great land, as well as for those who visit us!
Our Alaskan forest and neighborhood trees are rapidly being depleted due to insect infestations, forest fires, logging and an accelerated rate of climate change. I submit to you that this Alaskan cherry tree is not the invasive one, but it is mankind and his tenacity to destroy that which is wholesome and beneficial to all.
The Alaskan cherry tree purifies our air and provides us oxygen while combating emission from our excessive use of automobiles, airplanes and vessels of the sea. These trees enhance the beauty of our rural and urban dwellings. These trees stabilize the soil and reduce land erosion, and provide life sustaining nourishment to our migrating bird population.
Have you ever seen a swarm of Bohemian Waxwings descend on the fruit of the Alaskan cherry tree? If so, then you have beheld a most spectacular event of the natural world. The fruit of this remarkable tree has been partaken of by mankind for centuries and is utilized in the making of jellies, jam and syrups.
It has been said that this tree species crowd and over-run our native tree population, but in the many years which I have cared for these trees, I find that this Alaskan cherry tree co-exists nicely with my spruce, birch and willows which thrive next to them.
It has also been argued that the foliage of this tree species can be toxic to moose, and yes, under some circumstances this is correct. If a young moose is going through a tough winter when food is scarce, and should be forced to eat the leaves and branches of the cherry tree, then it could be fatal to the moose. I submit to you however, that the automobile, the railroad and the rifle are a hundred times more toxic to the moose than any cherry tree!
I would encourage all my fellow Alaskan land owners to plant at least one Alaskan cherry tree within your yard this coming spring. Let this cherry tree provide you and your loved ones with the spiritual contentment it brings. Let the fragrance of the cherry tree blossoms serve to remind you, that in a world where man is being invaded with war, disease and chaos, a touch of goodness prevails within the branches of this praiseworthy tree!
Notary Services in the Valley
Contributed by Teresa de Lima
There are several notary publics in the Valley! The state has a wonderful website in which one can locate a notary. The list of notaries is in excel format and easy to use provided you don't put in a bunch of filters.
Notaries perform a vital service. We act as unbiased witnesses in the signing of important documents. I had to become a notary for my work. The process was easy but it took some time and some money. I did it through My Alaska. You have to be a legal resident of a certain age and have no criminal history.
Being a notary means that I can perform civil ceremonies. So if anyone is in need of a marriage commissioner, I'd be delighted to help!
The state implemented a new statute in which commissioned notaries can perform notarial duties for remotely located individuals. This was put into place on January 1st of this year, HB124. Of course it entails a little extra hoops and jumps and advance planning, but this is vitally helpful for anyone who lives in rural Alaska.
While my notarial experience is pretty limited in scope (mostly jail affidavits), I am happy to answer any questions. Teresa de Lima at 907 450 9041
No One Should Go Hungry
Contributed by Lauralynn Robison
October is the start of the Holiday Season, with November which brings us Thanksgiving and then December which brings us Christmas. Here at the MatSu Food Bank, we are gearing up for this coming season. 2021 was still a very difficult year for a lot of people and their families. Our wonderful community has grown a lot these past few years and we are trying to keep up and help folks with their food with their food insecurities. If you are curious how you can help, there are many ways to offer your time, talents, and treasures.
We appreciate all the food drives our local businesses did all summer, and all the food we received from our community at the Alaska State Fair. Food donations are always welcomed! You can donate your time by volunteering. We always need help at the pantry to distribute food to folks who come in every day. Also, help us collect, organize, and stock the food we received. Your time is truly appreciated, by us and our community. Finally, you can donate money! We appreciate the financial donations, as this money helps us pay our monthly expenses, so that we can keep our doors open.
Without your donations, we would not be able to serve our community. Our biggest investment is our new warehouse, which allows us to house enough food to stock our pantry and continue to feed our community. Because our community has grown, the needs have grown, and we have been keeping up with the growth, so that we may be better equipped to serve. So, as we enter this coming Holiday Season, please keep in mind of ways you can help us, help you. We Thank everyone who has helped by donating their Time, Talents, and Treasures! Remember:
No One should go hungry! Please take a minute to visit our web page https://www.matsufoodbank.org. See the many ways you can contribute, by volunteering and making donations, help us help our community. Please contact us at (907)357-3769 to schedule time to volunteer.
You can also follow us on Facebook … https://www.facebook.com/MatsuFoodBank … Thank You for all your continued support, we deeply appreciate our community!
Mold, A Growing Problem for our Homes
Contributed by Patrick Hartshorn
We have all heard those scarry words: “Black Mold”. Well, I have some interesting news for you, many molds are black or are mixed with dark enough colors you can’t tell the difference. There are many factors that go into the color of mold, you cannot determine the type, toxicity or any other useful information about mold based on its color alone!
Many years ago, the media industry coined the term black mold to reference a specific mold family called Stachybotrys while reporting on a famous mold case in Texas. Stachybotrys is only one of many molds that can establish growth in our homes and the interesting caveat is that Stachybotrys can be white, black, or any color in between.
Mold is impregnated within many man-made building materials and most porous construction materials already contain the necessary foods for mold to eat. Once moisture intrusion occurs the requirements for growth are already present. Once a mold growth is established, the presence of high humidity, about 60%, can sustain the growth.
Which brings us to the most-oft asked question, “Why is mold growing in my house and what is the correct way to deal with it?” Typically, the cause that starts a growth is always the same, moisture has been able to intrude our indoor space and allowed building materials to become wet enough for growth to start. The moisture source is the very first item that must be determined and corrected. Removing the mold is the second step and unfortunately, it is usually the most expensive and misunderstood part of the entire process. There are “snake oil” products and salesmen on every corner, but the correct process of mold remediation dates to biblical times and still stands true today, remove the mold! Last is the clearance process. Clearances are intended to confirm the remediation was done correctly and completely with visual documentation and analytical data. The intent of clearances is to remove litigation risk for the building owner, the remediation company, and any other parties of material interest.
This brings us to the point of this conversation, once you have indoor growth (referred to as “mold contamination” within industry standards) what is the proper approach and intended outcome. Well, just like most contractual obligations, best practices are to follow laws, regulation, codes, or industry standards. For the industry of Mold Remediation and Indoor Environmental Consulting there are no local laws, regulations, or codes, but there are American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved industry standards. Following these standards assures the process is done to the best-known methods available to-date and to a level sufficient of obtaining the necessary clearances. Failure to follow the standards leaves all parties involved at risk for that dreaded litigation, a pathway I can assure you is never a win for project owners, or any others involved.
The industry standard has entire sections dedicated to the proper removal of mold without the use of chemical products. The standard states, “Physically removing mold contamination is the primary means of remediation. Mold should be physically removed from the structure, systems, and contents to return them to Condition 1. Attempts to kill, encapsulate or inhibit mold instead of proper source removal generally are not adequate”. Many like to disagree with that statement or wordsmith their way around it, but there are 64 pages with 17 sections in the standard that are backed by science and peer reviewed credible documentation.
There is also a federal law forbidding the use of chemical products “in violation of their labeling”. The chemical products I have been introduced to for this industry typically state on their label “for use on non-porous solid surfaces only”! One very common over the counter product recently changed their label to say, “on hard surfaces”, tricky wordsmithing there! In short, they are solid surface cleaners, not remediation tools for porous construction materials. It is also worth noting they are registered pesticides, and that EPA Number on the bottle is not the “Mold Killer Registry” (there is no such thing), it is the “Pesticide Registry number”!
Science has proven that mold does not die, it goes into dormancy. Studies have shown that an active (growing) spore has the same allergenic and toxigenic characteristics as an inactive (dormant) spore.
With actions such as the application of chemical products, mold can go into a “defensive state of
dormancy” while the conditions are not favorable. Mold can then become viable (able to grow) once the conditions return to a favorable environment. Any sampling during the dormancy stage will provide a false result of “non-viable” (dormant) mold, leading service providers to claim the mold is “dead” and consumers to believe the problem is solved. I have personally witnessed chemical attempts at remediation that have cost innocent consumers thousands of dollars for legitimate remediation that was not their responsibility!
This is the start of a conversation that cannot be covered in one article, more on this subject next month.
Patrick Hartshorn IH, CRMI
Advance Look Building Inspections & Environmental Testing 907-232-1007 • info@advancelookak.com
Living with Dementia and the Rhythm of Life
Contributed by Ann Farris
The human relationship to sound and rhythm starts early. In fact, even before you were born, you began to develop an auditory system. Already, you were in a world of sound: breath and heartbeat, of rhythm and vibration. When you heard a lullaby as a toddler, it offered comfort and a feeling of happiness. As a young adult, songs that provided a beat and rhythm offered you meaning and enjoyment. As an older adult these are the special songs stored in your brain and bring back fond memories.
There is a strong connection between music and the mind. This powerful connection explains why a man in the later stages of dementia, barely able to communicate, will liven up when listening to his favorite music. Closely related to music is rhythm, “a strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound”. In fact, rhythm is as elemental to breathing and other bodily functioning as it is to singing and dancing. Our lives are driven by rhythm.
In her Master’s Thesis, “Music Therapy and Percussion for People with Dementia”, Jaclyn Bell focuses on the potential of percussion and other rhythm-based music therapies. She writes, “People with dementia may gradually lose the ability to sing as the disease progresses and the use of percussion may allow for continued musical participation…Studies have shown that rhythm interventions can sometimes elicit more of a response than singing.”
There are a variety of ways to utilize rhythm to enhance the quality of life for someone living with dementia: start a drum circle with friends, keep the beat while listening to music, dance, exercise. Creating homemade instruments is always fun: fill an empty medicine bottle with rice and you have a maraca; books, pots, and tables make great drums. Finally, utilize rhythm to assist in the desired outcome of an activity: soft music before bed; relaxing music while bathing, upbeat music while folding laundry or cleaning.
There are ways to incorporate music into activities for everyone. The key to assisting those living with dementia is selecting music that meets the need. For those in later stages of dementia, a more measured approach can be helpful. In her article, “How to use music to help a loved with dementia”, Jan Maier suggests starting slow and tailoring the activity to the response of the person living with dementia: “Keep sessions short, perhaps up to a half hour. Tailor the length of the sessions to how much your loved one enjoys them.”
A powerful visual of how rhythm can assist those with dementia or other neurological disorders is the video of a man living with Parkinson’s disease. During physiotherapy sessions, the man’s gait is enhanced first by the therapist counting “1. 2, 1, 2…”, and secondly by listening to a favorite song. These rhythmic cues assist the brain in going through the motions of walking. (This video can be found at: https://youtu.be/oTjIEtpR4yU )
The beat of our hearts, the rise and fall of our breathing, the movement of our bodies through each day demonstrate the natural rhythms of life. The power of rhythms can be harnessed to help us through many illnesses, including dementia and other neurological disorders and can help relieve the stresses of daily living. In his book Musicophilia, renowned neuroscientist Oliver Sacks writes that rhythm is one of the most basic and fundamental parts of the human experience and remains with us until the very end. We agree, and to quote from the musical Sweet Charity, “The rhythm of life is a powerful beat!”
Ann Farris is an Educational Specialist with Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska. We have offices in Anchorage, Wasilla, Juneau, Fairbanks and Copper Center. For more information about our services and programs visit our website at www.alzalaska.org or call 907-561-3313 in Anchorage or 907-864-3413 in Wasilla.
Kids Get Prepared
Contributed by Debra McGhan
When Jacob Hartman, age 16, volunteered with his Colony High School Junior ROTC program to support the 2021 Mat Su Emergency Preparedness Expo on September 25th at the Menard Sports Center, he really didn’t know what to expect.
“There were only a few jobs for volunteers and once those were taken, the rest of us were told to just walk around and see what was happening so I started walking around and talking to people. It was really cool with lots of different sources of information. And then I noticed the poster contest and that no one had entered my age division. After a while, I thought, well why not me? So I sat down and drew a picture of my dad’s food cache because I figured, if there is an emergency, we’ll have food and supplies. And then I added his gun case because if we run out of food, we’ll be able to hunt for more and protect our family.”
That decision to take the initiative to draw a picture of what being prepared for an emergency meant to him earned Jacob the winning prize for his age division.
He believes that everyone who lives in Alaska really needs to be prepared. “I think the most important thing people need to know is that you should never think it won’t happen to you. Because it can. It probably will. I remember in November 2018 when I went to school I was thinking about the party we were going to have for a teacher that was getting promoted, but instead we had a really big earthquake and everything instantly changed.”
Ten-year-old Jordan Schweitzer, from Glacier View, heard about the poster contest at her school and decided to enter to show what it meant to her to be prepared. She wrote ‘Survive and Thrive ’and included a list of critical items and pictures of supplies she thinks are important to have.
“I wanted my poster to have a little rhythm and figured if you have the supplies you need to survive an emergency, then you have a chance to thrive.”
She said her family doesn’t talk a lot about what they will do in an emergency but she’s pretty confident that they are prepared. She thinks everyone should learn survival skills. “If you can do things like hunting and foraging, you could use those skills if there is an emergency and you can’t go to the store.”
Raylee Meeuwsen, also a student at Glacier View, had a similar idea. She made a list and drew pictures of things she believes should be in a grab and go bag. “I think it’s important to have a bag you can grab and take with you if you have to get out of your house fast.”
Emily Williams, who took first in the 13-15 age division, said getting out fast is definitely something she considered. Her poster focused on fire safety and included supplies you should have on hand and a back pack large enough to carry those supplies in case a hasty retreat becomes necessary.
Jacob, Jordan, Raylee, Emily and 5-year-old Talon Holdon, will each be presented with a three-day survival back-pack, thanks to the American Red Cross, at an upcoming Mat-Su Borough Assembly meeting. Everyone who entered also received a gift certificate from McDonalds. You can check out all the 2021 winning poster entries at https://ready.matsugov.us/
The annual poster contest, part of the Mat Su Emergency Preparedness Expo, helps to engage families and get them talking about what they would do in an emergency. Do they have a plan for where to meet or what to do if an emergency or natural disaster strikes?
This poster contest was supported by the Mat-Su Local Emergency Planning Committee, Safe Logic, Inc, McDonalds Corporation and the American Red Cross. The Mat-Su Preparedness Expo was made possible with support from the Mat Su Borough Emergency Services, Local Emergency Planning Committee, City of Wasilla, American Red Cross and AARP Alaska.
Just because National Emergency Preparedness month (September,) is over, doesn’t mean you missed your chance to get prepared. Take the time today to make your plan, collect critical supplies and communicate what you and your loved ones should do so that your family can survive and thrive just as Jordan Schweitzer said on her poster.
Photos by Debra McGhan
1. Emily Williams, 13 year-old winner with her poster at the Expo
2. Poster by Jacob Hartman
3. Expo Poster Contest 10-12 year old entries
4. Contest entries for 7-9 year oldsKids Get Prepared
Experiences With Great Americans – A Humble Insight on the Universe
Contributed by Doug Ferguson
As with last month’s article, rather than focusing on the rapid descent of our current political and social culture, it’s been my intent to focus on past personal experiences with people that I have come to appreciate as representing what has been great about America during my lifetime in hopes that future generations will appreciate what we had then that enabled these individuals to do what they did.
This time I am featuring an outstanding professor whose class I was fortunate enough to be able to take in college, Dr. Jason Nassau. He then was Professor Emeritus of Astronomy at Case Institute of Technology (Now part of Case University) in Cleveland, Ohio where I was a freshman engineering student.
To understand the significance of this class to all who were fortunate enough to have taken it, we need to go back a few years to early September 1955 when I, and the rest of the freshman class of Case were on campus for Freshman Orientation Week. The week was filled with the required move into dorms, registrations, campus orientation, how to pay for our food at the cafeteria, buying textbooks, lectures on curriculums, Case history and traditions and many other things we needed to know before classes started the following Monday. These were all during the day except for one event. On Thursday evening we were all loaded into buses and taken out to the old Warner and Swasey Observatory on Taylor road in East Cleveland to hear a lecture by Dr. Nassau.
As we all filed in and noisily sat in the high student gallery in the beautiful old Observatory building, we gazed down upon old 9.5-inch refractor telescope which had been donated to the college in1919 and gazed up at the impressive 24-inch Burrell Schmidt telescope built in 1939 and donated to Case, now residing on Kitt Peak in Arizona. Presently a small, balding white haired older man in a rumpled suit slowly walked out and, in a high pitched raspy voice announced that he was Dr. Jason Nassau, head of Case's Astronomy department and that he was going to tell us about the observatory, Case's astronomy program and the fascinating story of our Universe.
Given his unimpressive appearance, his age and his high raspy voice, I don't believe any of we freshman thought this was going to be a fun evening. Boy, were we wrong! He spoke for about an hour and during that period you could hear a pin drop during his pauses. I don't remember all he said, but he talked about the universe beyond us and how man's wonder of it drove him to quest for more and more knowledge of what it was, how it came to be and what place the earth had in it.
He gave us examples to imagine the scale of the universe and how it related to the earth. He mentioned the famous astronomers that he knew personally, such as Fred Hoyle and George Gamow and their debate on the origins of the Universe. In spite of his high, older and somewhat frail voice he held over one hundred freshman spell bound for over an hour. Afterwards, we all got to have a glimpse at a celestial object (I don't remember what it was) through the old 9.5-inch refractor which was in use only as a teaching instrument.
Dr. Nassau was the first chair of the department of astronomy and later became Professor Emeritus. He was a pioneer in the study of galactic structure and he personally really did know both Fred Hoyle, the originator of the “steady state” hydrogen theory of the universe popular at the time, and George Gamow, the originator of the “Big Bang theory”. He was 82 years old when we first saw him as freshman and 86 years old when I was a senior and took his course. By then he only taught one undergraduate course a year. Thus it is a credit to his ability to inspire interest in astronomy in a group of young students that it required getting up at 3:00am. four years later to stand in line to make sure you got into his class!
He left a lasting influence on me about the subject of knowledge, along with an interest in the subject of astronomical science and science in general that I have had ever since.
This was because his class was more than astronomy. It really was a course in the philosophy of science and knowledge in general. His belief was that man will always quest for knowledge as long as man exists and that we will never know it all. He also believed that as we gained more knowledge we will find much more we don't know and will continue our quest to find it.
This humble message from a great scientist is a stark contrast to the cry of “settled science” we hear so much about today.
Truly, Dr. Jason Nassau was a great American college teacher and I consider myself fortunate to have experienced his class and lived in America at a time when such a person could flourish, be effective and be appreciated.
Doug Ferguson is a retired engineer living in Palmer, AK who has had a life-long interest in nature, science, history and human behavior
Consign49 Consignment Sale
Contributed by Ryanne Ori
Consign49 Consignment Sale
November 11-14th
Raven Hall, Alaska State Fairgrounds
Does sweater weather have you in the mood for not only pumpkin spice everything, but also a seasonal closet refresh? How would you like to shop from a selection of thousands of high quality items at 60-90% off retail prices, while also supporting local community members! The holidays are just around the corner, and so is the next Consign49 consignment sale.
Consign49 is a four-day consignment sale 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 items, 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. In addition, there is a “vendor row” where over a dozen local businesses will have booths for sharing their products and services.
Consign49 is a smart, sustainable way to shop, earn money, and extend the lifecycle of high-quality items! Consignors get to clear out items from their homes, while earning some extra cash for the holidays. 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. For the upcoming event, Consign49 will be partnering with the MyHouse homeless youth center as the primary recipient of all unsold items donated through the generosity of our consignors.
The Consign49 Fall/Holiday 2021 Sale will be held November 11-14 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 will be provided. Event hours are 9am – 8pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and from 9am – 5pm on Sunday. On Sunday, November 14th, 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, 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.
