A Mere Moment in Time

Contributed By: Katherine Baker

At nature's urging,

They both believe,

Awakening senses,

Once thought bereaved.

Eyes touching depths,

Hands can not reach,

Exploring souls,

Both ponder each.

Fancying ideas

Before unseen,

Warm starry nights

And whispers serene.

Precious the moment,

None except they,

Could possibly be

In love this way.

Mat-Su Event App

Contributed By: Makayla Gallagher

I made an app solely for MatSu, it is a free app, and I don't make any profits from it. I made it initially with three people in mind. The first was a local mom who missed out on events either because she didn't see them from her endless scrolling or forgot about them. The second was my parents who own Fish On Camp Grill. I help work their booth at the state fair or the pop-up events as needed, and many people ask where you are going to be next.

The answer is simply that you'll have to follow us on social media to see where we are next. The third is, I am part of a mom’s group on social media, and this group I see weekly moms asking what can I do with my 9-month-old to 6-year-old. I know there's an abundance of resources in the valley but finding them all and knowing where to look has its challenges.

I was born and raised in the MatSu and everyone here knows everyone, usually, through one person or another, we are all connected. I am friends with many business owners of the valley, and I want to support them and our community.

The app features a list of categories of events for breweries, local food venues, food trucks, family-friendly events, adult events, and daily/weekly activities for children. Each event/location for these categories can be favorited, they can visit the business's website or the event website, and if they choose to get a notification 2 days before the event starts so they don't forget about an event they were interested in.

In the category list of events, there is also a section to search for businesses that can post events. Under this, a person can follow/get notified every time they post an event or a location, so no matter what your business is, if you have a following, you're customers don't have to go searching social media daily in hopes they see what events you'll be having before they could get sidetracked.

MTA Donation Helps Relight Iconic Palmer Water Tower

Contributed By: Matanuska Telecom Association (MTA)

MTA, Alaska’s best choice for technology and communications, is donating $25,000 to benefit necessary repairs to the historic Palmer water tower, which was damaged in a storm last winter. Lighting the iconic water tower, erected in 1935, with festive holiday lights has been a popular local tradition each December in Palmer. This project will upgrade the lights to modern, more durable RBG lights that will be customizable throughout the year.

Led by Palmer-based Alaska Picker founder Kelly Turney and Bleeding Heart Brewery owners Stefan Marty and Zack Lanphier, the project serves as a symbol of hope and perseverance in the area. “We are always looking for ways to leave Alaska better than we found it,” said Wanda Tankersley, Chief Operating Officer at MTA. “From our perspective, this is the exact level of innovation we are encouraging from members of our community.”

“The community rallied together, and our fundraiser was a huge success,” said Stefan Marty, co-owner of Bleeding Heart Brewery. “A special thanks to Matanuska Brewing for donating a safe spot on their property for the new electrical components.”

Through MTA’s donation and with the help of crowdfunding, the project will be finished in time for Palmer’s annual Colony Christmas, which runs December 9 through 11. All funds donated to the project will be approved by the Palmer Chamber of Commerce and used to complete the project and support ongoing maintenance.

Website-www.mtasolutions.com

Holiday Pancake Breakfast

Contributed By: Linda Myers-Steele

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

501 E. Bogard Road, Wasilla (across from Wasilla Middle School)

Saturday, December 3, 2022

Serving 9:00 am – 12 noon

Breakfast $12.00 each or $30.00 for 3 or more

All proceeds go toward Five Loaves Two Fish Kitchen Ministries

which provides meals to My House Teen Resource Center, Family Promise,

Knik Houses, and others in need of nourishment.

Santa will visit 9:00- 10:30 a.m. Bring your camera and take photos with Santa Claus.

Start your holiday shopping at the Silent Auction. Cookie decorating for kids.

Bring the family and kick off the holiday season.

We Should Make ‘Pay-To-Play’ Politics a Crim

Contributed by Ray Metcalfe

In 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a decision known as Citizens United, ruled that limiting the money one can spend on political speech violates one’s First Amendment right of free speech. The decision opened floodgates of unlimited dark money pouring into independent expenditure campaigns — money that expects favors in return.

Independent expenditures not coordinated with or controlled by a candidate are not considered to be campaign contributions. Corporations and wealthy individuals can spend as much as they wish to support a candidate, so long as they do not coordinate with the candidate.

On July 30, 2021, Alaska’s campaign limits received another blow. In an Alaska case, as directed by the U.S. Supreme Court in a remand, the Ninth Circuit reconsidered and reversed its previous decision, which pretty much wiped out Alaska’s direct to the candidate contribution limits.

In effect, the courts have increased how much wealthy individuals can pay and how much politicians can accept, for unspoken favors delivered or promised.

Commonly known as “pay-to-play,” from the school board to the U.S. President, selling favors is how America finances political campaigns.

Honest candidates can’t compete, and if elected, they seldom have the money to get re-elected unless they bend to the will of the system and hook up with a political ‘Sugar Daddy.’

In a commentary published Aug. 15, 2021, in the ADN, Sharman Haley, a retired professor of economics and public policy, said, “Our only possible solution for this judicial coup d’etat is to pass a constitutional amendment that will override the courts and establish that we do have the power to enact reasonable and evenhanded limits on the amount of money that can be expended to influence our elections.”

But in fact, there is a much easier and far more effective solution that Professor Haley and his friends have chosen to ignore.

In a 9-0 decision, the Supreme Court guaranteed every state the right to make it a crime for elected officials to reward contributors by voting to give them money from the state treasury or a leg up on their competitors.

In a case involving a Nevada ethics statute requiring elected officials to recuse themselves from voting if they have a conflict (Nevada Commission on Ethics v. Carrigan), a Nevada court concluded that a contribution created a conflict, and in this case, the receiving elected official was required by Nevada law to recuse himself from voting to give a gaming license to his contributor. The court concluded that the elected official would not have secured a gaming license for someone who had done him no favors. The conviction was upheld 9-0 by the U.S. Supreme Court.

While Citizens United guaranteed wealthy individuals and corporations the right to exercise political speech through political spending but, according to the Roberts Court’s 9-0 decision in the Nevada case, Citizens United did not guarantee corporations the right to receive political favors in return.

Bottom line, the Supreme Court has said not to fix this problem by limiting speech, but by making “pay-to-play” a crime.

To take advantage of this 9-0 decision, states must first pass legislation that complies with the court’s definition of public corruption and makes it a crime to fail to recuse one’s self from voting on legislation that repays contributors with appropriations or delivers unfair advantages over competitors.

Constitutional amendments are extremely difficult, and it is highly unlikely that we will see Sharman Haley’s constitutional amendment fixing this problem any time soon. Women’s right to vote took 70 years. Equal rights for women never made it. If the big spenders see a constitutional amendment on the horizon, they will spend billions to stop it.

Comparatively, 23 states can pass anticorruption statutes by initiative. Anticorruption initiatives are popular with voters and hard to stop.

For the amount of time and money already spent by those seeking a constitutional amendment, many states could have already passed legislation barring conflicted legislators from voting. And even if such a constitutional amendment does pass, contributions limited by reimposed limits given in anticipation of favors would still be legal.

We could have fixed this for a fraction of the money already spent chasing a constitutional amendment.

What corporation would spend a dime to help a candidate if, once elected, the candidate they contributed to would be barred by conflict from helping them access the public purse?

Ray Metcalfe is a former legislator/whistleblower who, in 2006, helped the FBI investigate and convict Veco owner Bill Allen and six legislators for bribery.

In Memory/ In Memoriam

Contributed by Sharon Ann Jaeger

Even though we cannot touch

I feel your being in mine

A resonance of one pure note

That possesses me body and soul

As a tuning fork must respond

To its fated frequency:

Yours I say, I am

All yours

Always yours

As the light rays sieved

Through the trembling birches

Bear witness to the sun that is always

Ever there saying

To the world

O yes

Houston Lodge More Art to Show

Contributed by Michelle Cornelius

I’m a valley artist that has been painting and showing in venues from Willow to Anchorage. Just now entering my latest venue at Houston Lodge.  Houston Lodge is up and going again.  Best burgers in the valley.  I’m showing there at this time. Really glad this restaurant is up and running.  It’s my pleasure to have my art hung in this historic venue.  

 I paint in oils, but have won awards for and taught workshops in charcoal, graphite, watercolor, colored pencil, soft pastel and acrylics.  I enjoyed teaching an oil workshop in September for Valley Fine Arts Association at their annual fall retreat in big lake this year. Also, I am the venue coordinator for the Valley Arts Alliance for mostly Palmer venues. 

  On Facebook I manage the Alaska FB Plein Air Group.  This group meets and paints in Matsu valley .  We try to meet at least a few times in spring, summer and fall, weather permitting. 

Entering my sixth year as Alaska state fair superintendent for art.  This position is extremely rewarding labor.  Enjoy helping entrants put out their best work, professionally prepared and ready to hang art. 

 The subjects of my art are generally animals and often Alaskan animals.  I also like to paint nocturnes (nighttime paintings) with neon signage and our fabulous state in Pleine Aire (outside).  

At present, I’m looking forward to a long, dark winter.  It’s always bright in my studio and much painting is forecast this winter! 

Alaska Trails is hiring an Alaska Long Trail Coordinator in the Mat-Su

Alaska Trails is hiring an Alaska Long Trail Coordinator in the Mat-Su

Contributed by Alaska Trails

Alaska Trails is hiring! We're looking for someone to lead the planning and community engagement effort for the Alaska Long Trail (ALT) project in the Mat-Su Borough. The ALT is a work-in-progress multi-braid trail system connecting Fairbanks and Seward which will incorporate a variety of year-round uses (motorized and nonmotorized) along different braids.

The Mat-Su Borough is at the heart of the ALT and critical to its connection and success. To harness the current momentum and to garner more substantial community support and feedback in the Mat-Su Borough, the ALT Mat-Su Coordinator will lead the ALT project in the borough through community engagement, public outreach, relationship-building with landowners and decision-makers, and identifying priorities for trail projects.

Learn More @ https://www.alaska-trails.org/jobs

Come Join Concerned Conservatives of Alaska

Contributed by Mike Coons, President of CCA

Some here may know me as the President of the Matsu Chapter of AMAC. Action, of which I did that for 8 years and really enjoyed it! My wife says I should be paid for all I do, but my answer is I get paid back in ways that aren't monetary but a simple joy of doing something to help my fellow Alaskans. 

Sadly, this September, the AMAC Action leadership fired me because, even though we had discussed it and approved that the Chapter wanted to endorse Ballot Measure 1, the State Constitutional Convention they reneged and used that as the reason (they wanted the leadership in Florida to approve any endorsement of our Alaska Ballot measure). 

Long story short, once I got the word, while on my hunting trip, upon my return our normal meeting in October was presided by Tom Wood, the acting Chapter leader. The agenda was the future of the Matsu Chapter, which AMAC Action in Florida tried to stop. At that meeting the situation was laid out to the membership. 

A motion was made to dissolve the chapter, seconded and about an hour of discussion. With about 40 people in attendance, there were only two votes to maintain. Once the meeting was adjourned I asked if anyone would like to start up a new organization for and by Alaskans.

The discussion was, do we remain a predominately senior group, or open to 18 and above (voting age). We agreed to open and thus the name of Concerned Conservatives of Alaska was born. We held a vote for President, VP, Secretary and Treasurer All including myself as President votes were unanimous.

Our Vision is:

Promote The Growth of Conservative Truth & Policy to Voting Age Alaskans

Our Mission is:

Be a Focal Point for Fair Conservative Debate, Election Issues, Candidate Information, and Issues that affect the promotion of a just and responsive government. Increase Knowledge of Conservative Values, Policies, Issues and Support Through Membership, Meetings, and Technological Outreach to Alaskans. Advocating for Responsible City, Borough, State and Federal Government to ensure our Freedoms, & Liberties.

If this is something you would like to explore and be a part of, please come to our first meeting at Real Life Church 10697 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy, Palmer, AK on November 19th at 11 AM. You do not have to be a Republican to be a member. If you are a conservative, have conservative values, love our State and Country and want to learn about the issues, what is happening in Juneau during the sessions, how to have an impact on legislation, same with Cities and Boroughs and so much more, please come visit and see if this is a good fit for you.

To You Know Who

Contributed by Maxine Franklin

The world is held together with spider silk;

We've got to love the little guys.

You know those stringy clouds that race up high

Before the rain? They're nothing but water,

But they bind your heart to mine.

Let's not forget the sudden ravens, laughing

As they play footsie with agile sticks. Then done

They drop them in the lake.

Tending Your Garden

Contributed by Tricia Leigh

Waste not your sad tears

Shower your garden within

Let them fall for good.

Laugh deep from inside.

It shines light upon your soul.

Laugh with those you love.

With tears and laughter,

Now and after, pull out weeds

Let your garden bloom.

Another Great American Educator

Contributed by Doug Ferguson

Last February I featured the well-known and famous American poet Robert Frost as one of the “Great Americans” that had influenced many young people as we were growing up. In 1959 Frost had traveled from his East Coast region to my college in Ohio to spend a day with a bunch of engineering students to talk about the humanities in the era of technology and had left a life-long impression on many of us.

I recently learned this visit from Frost was based on a friendship started years before between Frost and one of my outstanding professors, Baird Whitlock. The real reason Frost had come to our campus was his friendship with Frost and that Whitlock was teaching about Frost’s works. I had always planned to feature this professor as a “Great American”, but never knew about his connection with Frost.

Frost and Whitlock first met in Frost’s cabin in Vermont in 1949 when they both were on the faculty of Middlebury college. Whitlock, in his first teaching job after leaving the WWII military and graduating from Rutgers, was teaching English. Frost at the time was receiving national attention for his poetry and was lecturing at the college. Frost started their friendship by writing a new poem every Christmas and sending it with a special note to Whitlock. From there on they were both colleagues and friends for years up to when Frost passed away in 1963.

From those beginnings, Whitlock went on to teach and lecture at many colleges around the country including Case Institute of Technology where I had him for a course in Western Civilization. There he also was the director of our Glee Club. He eventually became known as an expert in English Poetry, received honors for his scholarship and academic work, and even became a college president.

Taking Western Civilization was a mandatory requirement at Case. A new curriculum initiative had been started several years previously intended to broaden our technical education to include more humanities. Some outstanding professors from some top universities were hired to teach the new curriculum. Baird Whitlock was one of these, being recruited from Colby College in Maine where he was teaching English.

While all these professors were excellent lecturers, Whitlock was unique. As we covered the various historical and cultural aspects of the era we were studying, he would challenge us to tell how the literature, art, religion, technology, and social customs of the day, had affected historical events and their outcome. Thus, as we studied each era, we got an understanding of how all these cultural factors influenced history.

Our campus was right across from Wade Park, the cultural center of Cleveland. Here was Severance Hall (Home of the Cleveland Symphony), the Natural History Museum and The Cleveland Museum of Art. In the semester that I had Professor Whitlock, we were studying late 19th century art in France which included the “Impressionist” artists. Also, it happened that the Cleveland Museum of Art had one of the best collections of French Impressionist art in the country.

One day Whitlock told us to meet him for our next class at the museum. Once everyone was there, he took us on the best lecture tour I ever had! At each impressionist painting, he gave us the artist’s history and how it affected the painting and what impact it had on the art world. I will always now have a visual understanding of what the “Impressionist Revolt” was all about!

When Whitlock was hired by Case to teach in the new humanities program, he was also given the job of Glee Club director. I have no idea what his musical background was, but he willingly accepted the job.

The past director, who had started the glee club decades ago, had retired the year before. He had written many old-school songs such as the alma mater. Most of these existed in their original “old fashioned” arrangements. The glee club itself was small and not especially impressive.

In three short years Whitlock not only re-arranged the school songs into excellent modern choral pieces and had introduced many great choral classics to the Glee Club’s repertoire, he increased membership to over 50, made an LP album that was very popular among the alumni, but also took the Club on a tour to Europe! Some thought our performances were on a level with the best college groups in the country!

As he was teaching, leading, and encouraging all of us to do our best to achieve not only academic, but also musical levels we had not thought possible to reach outside of our chosen engineering fields, he did so with humor, enthusiasm and a light touch that appealed to all.

After his long and impressive career, he retired to his home in Belfast, Maine. If still alive he would be 98. Up to seven years ago he was still giving lectures on poets, especially Robert Frost. Unfortunately, I have not been able to contact him recently.

However, he helped me, and many other young people get away from their college experience with a better appreciation for the richness of western culture and the joy of group singing! For that he is a “Great American” in my eyes!

MY-O-MY IT'S PIE

Contributed by Sally Barnes

MY-O-MY IT’S PIE! – is a Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. annual holiday pie fundraiser. The community is asked to purchase pies which have been donated by local bakeries or purchased with sponsorship funds. The fundraiser encourages donors to purchase pies for their families, co-workers, or employees. They may also purchase a pie to be donated to a senior toenjoy with their Thanksgiving meal.

The goal is to ensure every senior in our program receives a slice of pie with their Thanksgiving meal. In addition to selling pies, we also have an online auction and sponsorship opportunities. The proceeds from the annual MY-O-MY IT’S PIE! event support the programs that enable Seniors in the Mat-Su Valley to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.

Over the past several years we have seen a rapid growth in the number of seniors needing our services. In 2022 WASI served 133,079 meals which consisted of Meals on Wheels, To-Go and Congregate meals to 1,112 seniors. In comparison in 2020 we served 85,096. With the prices of food and gas going up it has become more challenging than ever before to deliver the services seniors need.

WASI provides a variety of services to the senior community in the Mat-Su Valley our service area encompasses Wasilla, Meadow Lakes, Houston, Big Lake, and the Willow area.

Our Nutrition Program, one of our main services, includes Congregate and To-go meals at the Wasilla Center and the Mid-Valley Center in Houston, AK. Meals are served Monday - Friday from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. The daily congregate meal not only provides a nutritious meal but also promotes socialization and reduces senior isolation. The Meals on Wheels Program provides seven meals each week to homebound seniors, delivered Monday through Friday.

Our Mid-Valley Senior Center, in Houston Alaska provided 3,327 congregate meals in 2022. The number of seniors that are currently receiving support services at Mid-Valley are steadily increasing in comparison to previous years, and we are now offering exercise classes, activities, a computer lab, and will soon be adding Adult Day Services at the site.

WASI also provide meals and services to Knik Tribal Council, Inc. to Alaskan Native, American Indian and Native Hawaiian elders living in the Mat-Su Valley. In 2022 we served 17,835 meals to Knik elders. To help those who lack transportation WASI provides transportation at lunch time for seniors who want to come to eat at the Wasilla center and provides essential rides to medical appointments, senior shopping, and prescription pick-up.

In addition, WASI also provides senior housing at both market rate and low income; in-home chore services, respite care, and case management; exercise equipment in our Club50 gym as well as group classes both in person and virtually at Club50 and satellite sites throughout the valley; health promotion disease prevention; computer lab & library; gardening program; chaplain services; mobility equipment loan, food box pick-up, volunteer engagement opportunities; information & referral services; and various other services throughout the year of interest to seniors such as health fairs, and AARP tax prep.

For more information or opportunities about this event to help with our mission please contact Julie Lugdon at 907-206-8799 or email at juliel@alaskaseniors.com.

Separation Anxiety

Contributed by Angie Lewis

Separation anxiety occurs when a dog becomes overly dependent on their guardian’s presence. When the dog’s person is not around, he becomes stressed, frightened, and often destructive. This can become a serious issue if, as a puppy, the dog never learned to become comfortable being on his own for short periods away from his person.

Physical symptoms can include: panting, crying, shaking, defecating or urination, and destructive behaviors. It may be tempting to punish your dog, but that approach is not a good idea.

There can be different reasons that dogs can become stressed when left alone and these can be focused on when working with a behavioral counselor. To begin, practice leaving your dog alone, while you are still at home. Put up a baby gate and assure your dog that you are not gone from your house for a lengthy period of time. If you occasionally need to verbally calm your dog down, do so. Gradually increase the amount of time your dog is required to be alone. Hopefully, your dog will become more confident and require to help calm your dog down. less assurance from you. If your dog seems to be bored, provide him with some activities such as doggie puzzles, hidden treats, music, doggie television shows, etc.

Remember to always portray a calm demeanor, so that your dog does not get amped up based on your behavior. Speak with your veterinarian about natural strategies to use, such as thunder shirts, scents, and medications.

As a dog rescuer, it is so disgusting to see dogs being euthanized because there was no effort provided when they were first brought home. You can make your dog be the kind of dog you want, with some training.

We have three Great Dane/Mastiff mix dogs who need foster/forever homes!

Princess is 4. She is the mother of Persephone (Female 1 yr) and Fargo (Male 1 yr). They have been fixed, are house and kennel trained, and are current on their vaccinations. Their current family says they are good with kids, but may not be good with cats.

For more info, call/text Angie at (907) 841-3173.

Lets Talk Turkey

Contributed by Julie Cascio
(UAF Cooperative Extension Service, Mat Su District)

With Thanksgiving coming soon, our thoughts often turn to turkey. It may bring memories of family and friends gathering together, the meal to celebrate the occasion, or its abundance with leftovers to share and enjoy.

When buying a turkey, allow 1 pound per person for the main meal.

Fresh Turkeys: buy one to two days before you plan to cook it. Keep it stored in the refrigerator on a tray or pan to catch any juices that may leak. Do not buy fresh pre-stuffed turkeys. In not handled correctly, harmful bacterial in the stuffing can multiply very fast.

Frozen turkeys can be kept in the freezer indefinitely; it is recommended to cook within one year for best quality. If you purchase pre-stuffed frozen turkeys with USDA or state marking of inspection on the package, cook from the frozen state. Follow the package directions for proper handling and cooking.

Thaw turkey - in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave oven.

Thaw in the refrigerator; keep the turkey in its original wrapper. Place it on a tray or in a pan to catch any juices that may leak. A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If necessary, a turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator may be refrozen.

Thaw in cold water; wrap your turkey securely, making sure the water is not able to leak through the wrapping. Submerge your wrapped turkey in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes. Cook the turkey immediately after it is thawed. Do not refreeze.

Thaw in the Microwave Oven. Check your owner's manual for the size turkey that will fit in your microwave oven, the minutes per pound, and power level to use for thawing. Remove all outside wrapping. Place on a microwave-safe dish to catch any juices that may leak. Cook your turkey immediately. Do not refreeze or refrigerate your turkey after thawing in the microwave oven.

Roast Turkey

Set your oven temperature no lower than 325 °F. Place your turkey or turkey breast on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. When your food thermometer registers 165˚F in the innermost part of the thigh, the innermost part of the wing and the thickest part of the breast, the turkey is ready. Let it stand for 15-20 minutes so the juices can settle, then it’s ready to carve.

If you choose to stuff your turkey, the ingredients can be prepared ahead of time; however, keep wet and dry ingredients separate. Chill all of the wet ingredients (butter/margarine, cooked celery and onions, broth, etc.). Mix wet and dry ingredients just before filling the turkey cavities. Fill the cavities loosely. Cook the turkey immediately. Use a food thermometer to make sure the center of the stuffing reaches 165 °F

For more even cooking, it is recommended to cook stuffing outside the bird in a casserole. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the stuffing. The center should reach 165 °F.

When dinner is over, carve the rest of the turkey from the bone and refrigerate it immediately. For safety, make sure the turkey is refrigerated within 2 hours of coming out of the oven. To make using those leftovers easy, divide the turkey up into meal-sized portions. Use leftovers within 4 days or freeze them. If there is gravy left over, you can freeze that too. Although this future dinner will be safe indefinitely, it will taste best if you eat it within 4 months.

If you have questions about roasting your turkey, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854), or chat live with a food safety specialist at AskKaren.gov

Other options for cooking the turkey include grilling or smoking, “spatchcooking” in which the backbone is removed, flattened then cooked, or fry the thawed  turkey in a huge vat of oil. Check out https://www.fsis.usda.gov/ for more information.

Wheels on Ice: The Story behind the Story

Contributed by Alys Culhane

A few days ago, I opened my mailbox and pulled forth a book-sized package. I stood, momentarily puzzled. I hadn’t ordered any books, for I had on hand enough reading material to last me the rest of my life.

The package contained a book, entitled Wheels on Ice. There was a photo of a bicyclist pushing a fully loaded bicycle on a snow-packed trail on the cover. My essay, entitled “The Things Bicyclists Carried,” was included in this anthology.

The story about how my story came to be came back to mind. It was April 2020. The Alaska State Fair had just been cancelled, and Head Gardener Becky Myrold had just been told that she needed to part out the season’s plants. She organized an online sale, and I assisted in passing out plants. I also gave gardeners free books, which were courtesy of the Bright Lights Book Project.

There was a lull midway through the second day. I’d forgotten to bring a book, so I checked my email. There was one message, from a former teacher, Frank Soos, was wondering if I’d like to submit an essay for an anthology that he was co-editing with Jessie Cherry. I immediately said yes. Ironically, Frank had once told me and my fellow students to reply in the affirmative if a reputable editor asked for a submission.

Frank was reputable. Twenty-five years previously, he’d been hired to teach writing courses at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where I was then a second-year graduate student. Upon meeting, I told him that I was going to go to New Zealand the following semester and do a three-month long bicycle tour. After, I’d write a series of essays, which would comprise my MFA thesis. Frank suggested that I take his graduate-level writing workshop, adding that while most long-distance bicyclists wrote in journals, few got their ideas in print. He wanted assurance that I’d be an exception to this rule.

By the semester’s end, Frank was my writing mentor and coach. My thesis was entitled Road Songs: Exploring New Zealand by Bicycle. I then completed the Iditabike, a 200-mile race, accidently, in reverse. This was all under Frank’s guidance.

I continued to write about my adventure-related exploits after I graduated. I must have been moderately successful, for Frank wanted me to submit an essay for inclusion in Wheels on Ice.

There is always a caveat, and this is that being invited to submit work does not necessarily mean that it will be accepted. From beginning to end, you have to grab and keep your editor’s attention. This is why I immediately wrote back to Frank and said that I’d soon bicycle and horseback ride from Fairbanks to Valdez. My essay would be entitled “The Things Bicyclists Carried.” I further explained that the title and essay would be based upon Tim O’Brien’s The Things they Carried. O’Brien, I said, wrote about the things Vietnam war veterans carried, and I, following his lead, would write about the things that I, a bicyclist/book project devotee carried. I continued to elaborate, noting that my purpose was twofold. I’d both promote the Bright Lights Book Project, and as well, the book that the Mat-Su School District had previously attempted to ban.

Frank and I corresponded as I prepared for, undertook, and completed my trip. After, I began writing. Every good piece of writing poses a challenge to its author, and this essay was no exception. My challenge was audience related. Frank was the sort of teacher who raised the writing bar. I now wanted him to think that I was not a has been, but rather an exemplary writer.

I hit several stuck points in writing my essay. And in hitting stuck points, I took breaks and problem solved. And in problem solving, I missed my deadline. Frank finally told me that my essay would not be included in the anthology if I didn’t meet an extended deadline.

I finished the essay, then sent it to him. He sent me back a message saying that it was worth the wait. High praise indeed. Higher praise came, when after a subsequent revision, Frank told her that mine was his favorite submission.

Two weeks later I received an e-mail message from Cherry, saying that Frank had died in a bicycling accident, while on vacation in Maine.

As I held this book in my hand, my memories related to the story behind the story came back to mind. Wheels on Ice is a tribute to a most amazing teacher, writer, and editor.

Alys Culhane is a Palmer-based writer, and currently the Executive Director of the Bright Lights Book Project.