August 18th - September 18th 2015

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PEOPLE BEFORE POLITICS.PAID FOR BY VERN HALTER FOR MAYOR PO BOX 389, WILLOW AK 99688

Rotary Uncorked

PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT MYHOUSE PROJECTS, MAT-SU FOOD BANK, FOOD 4 KIDS & OTHER LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

Join the Wasilla and Palmer Rotary Clubs in celebrating our 6th Annual Rotary Uncorked: Night at the Derby on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at the Menard Center in Wasilla.

BY ROXIE MAYBERRY This event will feature a wide variety of delicious food by local culinary masters, wines and beer for attendees to sample.

There will also be non-alcoholic mint julips served. Between tastings people can peruse and bid on the great deals featured in our silent and live auctions.

You could also be the lucky one to win 100 bottles of Wine, 100 bottles of Beer or a beautiful quilt in our raffles. A mock Derby race will be held where

six horses which are artist renderings by local artists will be auctioned off. Raffle tickets representing mock bets will be sold for the different horses.

The horse that wins the race will then have all the raffle tickets placed in a drawing for three great prizes. It is encouraged to wear your best Derby Hat and attire and prizes will be awarded.

Tickets for the event are available for $75 per person (over 21 only), include the wine tasting, food, and a raffle ticket, and can be obtained on

www.rotaryuncorked.com We welcome your support and participation!

You can also find us on Facebook at Rotary Uncorked. The event has sold out the past two years and only 500 tickets are available.

The Rotary Clubs are comprised of business professionals and residents of the Mat-Su who provide community service.

READ MORE ON PAGE 10

Did you know you can drag-race a snowmachine on asphalt?

It’s the most cost-effective method of getting into and staying in drag racing, since sleds are so reliable. After your initial gear-up, the main investment is gas and regular maintenance.

8

MATANUSKA VALLEY, ALASKA

COMMUNITYThe People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 2

CONTRIBUTEd BY AShLEIgh gREEN

The March of Dimes is very excited to partner up yet again with Mat-Su Regional Medical Center for the Annual High Heels for High Hopes Show!

This year the event will take place at Raven hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds on November 12th, 2015.

With Monica Martin as our 2015 Chair, we will be bringing some exciting changes to the event! Guests can look forward to a special VIP reception, five Las Vegas themed sets, photo booth, raffles, casino night and of course the crowning of the top model!

The March of Dimes is also happy to announce our support from DG Signs, Kendall Ford of Wasilla and Shear Fire Design.

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, or to support a model, please contact Janie Odgers, State Director of the March of Dimes, at (907) 276-4111

The March of Dimes Annual High Heels for High Hopes Show

WE ARE TEAMINg Up WITh pTARMIgAN pEdIATRICS AS OUR pRESENTINg SpONSOR FOR ThIS YEAR’S EVENT.

Wasilla, Alaska – The Mat-Su Chapter of 100+ Women Who Care presented their first recipient check of $6,100 to the Mat-Su Imagination Library.

The inaugural meeting of the newest philanthropic group in the Mat-Su was held in May with check presentation on July 17 to the Mat-Su Imagination Library.

Phenie Miller: “This is such an amazing group and what a wonderful way to support our community!”

100 Plus Women Who Care Mat-Su is a group of inspiring women who care deeply about the Mat-Su community. The group gathers four times a year for a one-hour meeting, and each member writes a

$100 check to a charity that the group selects. 100% of donations are given to the selected recipient. This combined donation makes a real impact, without time-consuming fundraising events and planning. Our mission and hope is to provide for those in greatest need in the Mat-Su area.

Linda Conover: “The Mat-Su Imagination Library is thrilled to receive the donations of 61 amazing women! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

ThE NEXT MEETINg OF ThE MAT-SU ChApTER OF 100 pLUS WOMEN WILL BE hOSTEd BY EVANgELO’S RESTAURANT ON ThURSdAY, AUgUST 20, 6:00-7:00 pM.

Mat-Su Chapter of “100+ Women Who Care” Presents $6,100 CheckMAT-SU IMAGINATION LIBRARy HONORED AS INAUGURAL RECIPIENT

KELLY MCBRIdE, LINdA CONOVER, MARIE gOdSEY, phENIE MILLER, pAM dOAN, dEANA MOORE

In keeping with our international motto “Service Above Self”, we are dedicated to the support of local and international organizations and programs that benefit from our assistance.

Funds raised at Uncorked will benefit the following programs:

· MYHouse· MatSu Food Bank Food 4 Kids Program· Scholarships for local High School Students· Polio Eradication Worldwide

Last year, the Wasilla Rotary was able to award MYHouse with a check for $25,000. They also awarded $12,000 in scholarships to five graduating High School Students from the money raised. Over the past three years, the event has been able to give $53,000 to MYHouse.

This year’s wine-tasting event is sure to be a fun and rewarding evening for all who attend, and your support will benefit real needs in the Mat-Su community and beyond. Please join us this year at the Menard Center on October 3rd for A Night at the Derby!

For tickets or more information, please contact:Joni@travelservicesinc.com907-354-3382

Rotary Uncorked CONTINUED FROM COvER STORy

PETS & ANIMALSThe People’s Paper pETS & ANIMALS PAGE 3

CONTRIBUTEd BY NANCY WAdE

On September 12  Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center is hosting their annual fundraising event, WildBird Wonders, at the Best Western Lake Lucille Inn, Wasilla, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.  Meet our education bird ambassadors and learn more about these birds and the center.  Join us for great food catered by Marion Romano and live music from the Matanuska Muse. 

Taste fine wines and join in our silent auctions for lovely gift items, décor, art and more.  Purchase a rose for a chance to win a beautiful handmade

quilt in the “Roses for Raptors” raffle.  Enjoy our auctioneer and MC, Marty and Cheryl Metiva as they showcase our scrumptious homemade desserts and travel packages in our live auction. 

Tickets are available at Non-Essentials in downtown Palmer, Steve’s Toyo Stoves at Mi 3.4 Knik-Goose Bay Rd, or on our web site at www.akwildbird.org.   

A great bargain at only $55 each, or a featured table for 8 for only $385 (one free!)

Contact us through the web site or Facebook for more informationDiscounted rooms are available at the Best Western following the event.

Ginny is a 10.5 week old Husky Mix who is filled with spunk and energy.

This sweet girl experienced trauma to her back leg when she was just four weeks old and as a result will require a surgery to remove this leg. The surgery is planned for approximately a month from now.

Don’t think for a moment that this will slow her down or lessen her joy for life.

COME MEET ThIS dELIghTFUL LITTLE gIRL. pLEASE E-MAIL ALASKA ANIMAL AdVOCATES AT AAARESCUE@YAhOO.COM FOR ThIS OppORTUNITY

WildBird Wonders Hosted by Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation CenterCONTRIBUTEd BY

ANgIE LEWISALASKA ANIMAL AdVOCATES

It may seem odd that a dog can experience anxiety, but in fact, many dogs are anxious, causing a variety of behavior problems.

SOME OF ThE CAUSES OF dOg ANXIETY MIghT BE:

Separation anxiety, fear of noises, travel anxiety, confinement anxiety, fear of men, women, children, other dogs, etc.

Fear of certain items: hats, umbrellas, boxes, etc.

When people are nervous, they pace, chew nails, or talk incessantly. Similarly, dogs demonstrate anxiety behaviors such as, chewing, pacing, excess grooming, barking, pooping or peeing in the house, or becoming aggressive.

The use of punishment or aversive strategies do not stop these negative behaviors, and in fact, often increases them dramatically. To begin, start off with a calm environment that is familiar and predictable.

Desensitizing your dog to the stimulus that is causing her fear, is a positive method that can help. To do this, begin with a weak version of what is causing the stress for your dog.

This stimulus must be weak enough to NOT cause a reaction in your dog.

Encourage your dog to focus on you by using simple obedience cues, such as “sit.” Reward her with a tasty treat. This allows her to associate something positive, the treat, with the stressful stimulus.

Gradually increase the strength of the stimulus, monitoring your dog constantly. Don’t be afraid to go back to a lesser stimulus if you feel that your dog is becoming more fearful.

Do not comfort your dog when they are anxious, as this will encourage the anxious responses. Just like children, dogs thrive on the attention of their humans and will exhibit more stressed responses if they are rewarded for them.

There are some other solutions to utilize as well, however these are meant to assist with training, not to replace it

Calm music, pheromones, herbal remedies, thundershirts – looks like a coat that wraps around the dog’s torso and applies constant pressure, medication – consult your veterinarian.

Do not use over-the –counter human medicines.

Utilizing the help of a dog trainer who uses positive strategies is invaluable when dealing with anxious dogs. In addition, when adding a puppy to your family, look into socialization opportunities or classes.

These will allow your pup to be exposed to many different people, dogs, and items, thereby making her less fearful.

Angie LewisPresident of Alaska Animal Advocates

LOCAL BUSINESSThe People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 4

Grow your Business Using 5 Keys to Fearless SpeakingCONTRIBUTEd BY JEANETTE gARdNER

Financial ruin, snakes, spiders...DEATH. What do any of these have to do with delivering

a presentation? According to statistics, most of our population fears these LESS than public speaking.

While public speaking is often more feared than financial ruin or even death, it’s a powerful way for your community to experience what it would be like to do business with you. And anytime you can make an in-person connection with others you build that all-important know, like and trust factor.

So what if you are one who’d rather face financial ruin or stare down a snake than speak in front of a group? How do you overcome that fear or at least manage it enough to help grow your business and expand your community? Before you turn down the next speaking request, take three deep breaths and read on for five keys to fearless speaking that will help you change your response from a solid “no” to a resounding, “absolutely!”

1.) Arrive early to familiarize yourself with the venue and to set up your audio/visual equipment. Do a test run before attendees arrive to make sure everything works.

2.) Greet attendees as they arrive.

Many chambers of commerce or similar organizations appreciate having greeters at their meetings, and this is the perfect way to break the ice with attendees. There won’t be an unfamiliar face in the audience.

3.) Have a back-up plan in case of technical difficulties. Ever had that problem where your laptop didn’t want to “talk” to the projector, or worse, you forget to pack the right cables to connect the two? Make sure your message is one that can be effectively delivered without technology.

You might even want to consider a more interactive presentation that will engage the audience. Chances are they’ll remember your message (and you) more if they’re actively involved. How do you make your presentation more interactive?

- Prepare quizzes (with prizes of course). For a fun, simple “prize” use Smarties candies and when someone answers correctly, you can reward them by saying what “Smartie” they are and tossing them a roll of this sugary treat.

- Have handouts ready and ask for a volunteer or two from the audience to help you distribute them at the appropriate time during your talk.

Handing them out in advance can sometimes be a disadvantage as some of your audience members will naturally read them instead of focusing on your talk. Include action steps or follow up

forms in your handouts for folks to jot down how they can implement any ideas, steps or suggestions that you’ve presented. You can even offer a small prize (gift card from your favorite local brick and mortar, or service provider - such as for a 15 minute massage) for the individual willing to share how they’re going to implement what they learned from you. Hint: let them know you’ll be offering a small prize when you hand out the forms, it might be just the incentive some need.

- Host a Q&A session. If the thought of a Q&A session sends you packing, just remember that it’s OK if you don’t know the answer. What is important is that you offer to research the answer and follow up with the individual (a great way to get their business card).

What happens when there are no questions? Prepare for that possibility by gathering questions from your online community ahead of time and arrange for one or two audience members to ask those questions if you’re met with silence. Or open the Q&A with, “Some of the most common questions I receive about [topic, services, etc.] are…” That will often springboard follow-up questions from the audience.

4.) Plant some colleagues, friends, or family members in the audience so you’ll have familiar and friendly faces to look for during your presentation.

This will help you maintain eye contact with the audience and your “plants” can

give subtle signals (like a thumbs up or down) to let you know if you’re too quiet or are talking too fast (one of my habits).

5.) To improve and hone all of your communication skills, I strongly recommend membership in Toastmasters International.

This worldwide organization has clubs in nearly every community and you won’t find a more helpful, supportive (and friendly) group of individuals to help you grow as a speaker. Visit Toastmasters.org to find a club near you, and if you need some quick tips, you’ll find a wealth of helpful resources including tips for business presentations.

Adding public speaking as a strategy to grow your business may seem a bit terrifying at first, but with preparation and practice, you’ll find it’s a very effective way to build your know, like and trust factor.

Rather than running from speaking requests, start searching for opportunities where you can share your expertise - your community is waiting!

ABOUT JEANETTE gARdINERJeanette Gardiner lives in Palmer, and is the Owner of SeaStar Strategies LLC, where she helps small businesses Discover the Gift of Time. www.seastarstrategies.com

HEALTH

EDUCATION

CONTRIBUTEd BY K.T. MCKEE

Many of us who’ve been working to help Alaskans get health coverage over the last couple of years are doing the happy dance that Alaska is now the 30th state to accept Medicaid Expansion under the Affordable Care Act.

This means that many people who previously were ineligible for Medicaid will now be able to get coverage after September 1.

This includes many people whose incomes fall below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for Alaska. That would be below $14,580 for a single person, $19,660 for a married couple or family of two, $24,740 for a family of three, $29,820 for a family of four, etc.

But what many people don’t realize is, this also will include those whose incomes range between 100 percent of the FPL to 138 percent above the FPL. That would be up to about $20,120 for a single person, $27,130 for a family of

two, $34,141 for a family of three, and $41,151 for a family of four. Many of these folks who had no other affordable offers of insurance most likely are currently covered under the ACA with the help of Advanced Premium Tax Credits.

So at some point, those people will need to cancel their ACA policies and get on Medicaid. More information will be provided on this process soon.

The latest word from authorities at Alaska Public Assistance is for everyone who thinks they now might qualify for Medicaid to wait until it becomes effective on September 1.

Apply online through the state’s My Alaska website at my.alaska.gov through the state’s Alaska Department of Health and Social Services website at www.dhss.alaska.gov or by visiting a local Public Assistance office to fill out an application.

As September 1 approaches, there

should be more resources and information about applying.

Authorities caution residents to be patient and not jump the gun by applying before September 1 because the system won’t be set up yet and their applications won’t be recognized and processed at that point. Applying before September 1 will not put their applications “at the front of the line” and could even make it more difficult to process theirs when Sept. 1 rolls around.

Medicaid officials also caution against submitting more than one Medicaid application. This likely will only slow down acceptance. The state will be hiring more temporary, long-term staff members to help with the rush of new Medicaid applications, but patience is requested as we all navigate this new world of health coverage.

As always, I will be on hand at Mat-Su Health Services to answer questions to the best of my ability and to continue to help Valley residents apply for coverage

under the ACA if their incomes and circumstances qualify them for that. I am currently helping an average of 10 residents per month enroll in either Moda Health or Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield policies with ACA tax credits during this Special Enrollment Period.

Give me a call at 352-3225 if you want to find out if you qualify for that. The next Open Enrollment for ACA coverage is Nov. 1 to Jan. 31.

Those above 138 percent FPL who want their ACA policies to continue next year will want to actively re-enroll through their Marketplace account on healthcare.gov during the first month of Open Enrollment to prevent the insurance company from “auto-renewing” them at a lower tax credit and higher premium.

K.T. (Kate) McKee is a Certified Application Counselor for the Affordable Care Act at Mat-Su Health Services, Inc. Her ACA services are provided at no charge to residents.

Medicaid Expansion: WAIT UNTIL ATLEAST SEPT. 1 TO APPLy FOR COvERAGE

CONTRIBUTEd BY VERN hALTER, CANdIdATE FOR BOROUgh MAYOR

Passage of the $214 million School Bond

in 2011 was a landmark event for the School District and Mat-Su Borough.

We built five new schools to relieve overcrowding. We also upgraded and maintained many others, and made our sports fields state of the art, and safer for the students.

These bonds were 70% State and 30% Borough funded projects. Recently

the current Mayor sent out an e-mail that claimed “under my leadership the Borough received the largest school construction bond in Alaska history. “ The fact is that the credit for leadership goes elsewhere!

The $214 million School Bond came about from the leadership of Dr. Ken Burnley, Superintendent of the Mat-Su School District. He was a vibrant and charismatic advocate for the size and scope of the 2011 bond package. Assistant Superintendent Ken Forrest should also receive credit.

After Dr. Burnley’s untimely death, Dr. Deena Paramo took over as

Superintendent, and along with the School Board, she kept the bond package moving forward. The Board passed the Bond, and the Assembly followed suit, sending it to the Voters, who passed it by a substantial margin.We are now seeing the fruits of Dr. Burnley’s vision.

Projects were spread throughout the Borough. The new Joe Redington Sr. HS/MS in KGB opens now, with the elementary school to follow. In Wasilla, the Iditarod Elementary is under construction. Valley Pathways, the Career Technical HS and Mat-Su Day School have been built. Sports fields at every high school throughout the

Borough received makeovers with new turf. They are now safer and can host official sporting events, which

was not possible before the Bond. Other schools received badly needed electrical, energy, and heating system upgrades, and new roofs.

Credit Drs. Burnley and Paramo, credit the School Board, and credit the Assembly for its vision. But the real credit goes to the VOTERS who backed and supported this Bond and passed it with flying colors.

Many naysayers said it would never pass, but it did, and the rest is history. It was by and far the biggest achievement for the citizens of the Borough in my six years on the Assembly.

COMMUNITYCONTRIBUTEd BY NIKKI LEE

The Mug-Shot Saloon is excited to announce our 6th Annual Big “M” Memorial Benefit, to be held on August 22nd, 2015 from 12pm-10pm at the Mug-Shot, located at 251 W. parks hwy. in Wasilla, AK

This inspiring annual event was created in honor of Marilyn Anderson, commemorating her lifetime of commitment to helping her neighbors, friends and patrons in times of need. Joining forces with Valley businesses, entertainers, friends and patrons creates a powerful combination of resources, generosity and enthusiasm, which has proven to generate amazing results at previous events.

The proceeds of this year’s event will be donated to the family of local Valley resident Seth Bellamy, a four year old boy diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia nearly three years ago, to help him in his battle with this aggressive cancer. Insurance does not even begin to cover the exorbitant costs associated with cancer treatment, and we hope to raise money to assist the family in whatever way we can.

Maggie Fuger, Seth’s mother, writes:“My son Seth Bellamy is a four year old little boy who has been fighting a hard battle since before his 2nd birthday. Seth was diagnosed will (ALL) Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in September of 2012, and he shows people every

day what fight, courage, and true strength really are. He is a true hero and inspiration to many.

After undergoing chemotherapy treatments, surgery, and hospital stays, he reached thirty-one months cancer free. On April 7th of 2015, we went in for a routine checkup, making it through the appointment and returned home. We were feeling incredibly excited and happy that our son was in his last year of treatment. Later that afternoon we received a phone call from Seth’s doctor that changed everything. I will never forget the first words she spoke.

”I’m sorry to have to call you with this Maggie.”

Seth’s blood work came back with high amount of blasts (cancerous, immature white blood cells) and she had asked to have them sent to Seattle for further testing and inspection.

”Maggie,  they are seeing Leukemia cells in his blood we need to get him in for a bone marrow biopsy first thing in morning.”

I dropped to my knees; my body felt numb. The only thing I remember hearing is that I needed to bring him in as soon as possible to begin testing and treatment. We knew right then and there that our son’s cancer was back and that this time around, he would need a bone marrow transplant. I asked the question any mother would ask. “Will my son beat this?” It would be hard, she said.

Seth is my hero. With everything he goes through, he stays strong and in good spirits. He loves anything a four year old boy would: the colors yellow and red, superheroes, Power Rangers, pirates and Yo Gabba Gabba. Seth has his good days and his bad days, and with continued prayers from his loved ones and many supporters he continues to find the strength to fight.

Seth has undergone several months of chemotherapy treatments in preparation for the bone marrow transplant, as the smaller the number of leukemia cells present, the higher the chances are for a successful transplant. Seth is very lucky that we have found a 100% bone marrow match, but unfortunately transplants cannot be performed in the state of Alaska. Seth and I will be traveling to Oregon for a minimum of 3 months while he undergoes treatment. Depending on Seth reactions to the transplant, it could be longer.

Seth’s father Jonah and his two sisters will remain in Alaska during the treatment process. Jonah is trying to keep life as normal as possible for the girls, though it will be so hard for him to be so far away. 

This is truly our worst nightmare. We thought his initial diagnosis was horrible, but now hearing it for a second time, things feel unbearable. The fear is indescribable. But, we know that Seth is brave, and a fighter.”

In 2014, our fundraising efforts raised over $23,000, the money of which was donated to family local Valley resident Renvek Larson (also a four

year old battling cancer) to help with the enormous financial burden associated with his fight against ganglio-neuroblastoma.

The Big “M” Memorial Benefit is an all day event which attracts hundreds of people each year.

In the past, we have raised money through raffles, auctions, vendors and various other activities. We hope to reach a wide variety of people; artists, musicians, all types of vendors, politicians, organizations, community groups, persons or businesses with auction item donations; there really is no limit to who can get involved, or how.

We tend to be able to draw a crowd, have a lot of fun and do a lot of good; we hope that inviting the community to join us in this endeavor is a mutually beneficial scenario. We would like to invite you to be a part of the effort this year.

We are seeking volunteers to help with both the planning of the event, and those who would like to help during the event. We are also seeking donors who would like to provide goods or services to be included in our live and silent auctions.

We have once again partnered with Mat-Su Baseball Inc., a 501(c3) non-profit group, to be able to accept donations from corporations, businesses or persons that require tax exempt status.

IF YOU WOULd LIKE TO BE INVOLVEd IN ANY CApACITY, pLEASE CONTACT NIKKI LEE AT 907-376-1638

CONTRIBUTEd BY gENE EBERTSVICE-pRESIdENT: pAWS & TAWS SqUARE dANCE CLUB

The roots of square dancing can be traced back to 15th century Europe. Around 1600 choreographed sequences inspired the English Country Dance.

In 18th century, French couples began arranging themselves into squares and a number of terms like promenade, do-si-do, and allemande came from France.

As Europeans colonized North America, a blend of dances along with folk dances from Scotland, Scandinavia, and Spain blended together to form what is called Square Dance.

In the 19th century Appalachia, a caller was used to provide cues for the dancers, and Square Dance calling became an art form.

In 1982 President Ronald Reagan signed an act of congress designating Square

Dance as our “official national folk dance”. The day of November 29th is Square Dance day in America.

Square Dance is said to be “friendship set to music” and a healthy activity. Individuals from all walks of life and ages enjoy the dance. Overtime Square Dance has been organized into clubs, regions and state federations.

There are five levels of square dancing with mainstream being the basic entry,

Today square dancing can be found not just in the United States but in many parts of the world like Europe, Japan and Australia to name a few.

Couples, singles, and families are welcomed to join the clubs. Why not come out to a Square dance for some fun, fellowship, and exercise?

paws & Taws Square dance - 745-4914

In 1982 President Ronald Reagan signed an act of congress designating Square Dance as our “official national folk dance’

The Alaska State Fair recycling program needs volunteers for weekday and weekend shifts August 27th thru September 7th.

Each shift needs 8-12 volunteers; individuals are welcome; groups of volunteers are encouraged.

Volunteers who donate at least four hours of their time to the program

receive free entrance to the fair that day and help make a positive impact on their community and state. For more information, e-mail recycling@alaskastatefair.org

VALLEY COMMUNITY FOR RECYCLINg SOLUTIONS Mollie Boyer or Carole Henry, 907-745-5544

valley Community for Recycling Solutions Seeks volunteers for State Fair Recycling Program

POLITICS & OPINIONThe People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 6

CONTRIBUTEd BY WAdE LONg

I’m running for School Board Seat E to be a part of the solution in MatSu education. I will be the voice of families and teachers

on the school board.  But WHO IS WADE LONG?  Wade Long is your neighbor.  Coming from Arkansas, I have lived in Alaska for the last 3 years. A job with the Forest Service brought me to Sitka, Alaska, where I lived in the largest national forest in the US, which also happens to be a rain forest.  I qualified as a Wildland Fire Fighter there at almost 40 years old. And volunteered as a local Fire Fighter because Sitka depends on community members to protect themselves.  My kiddos enrolled in school and my family experienced hands on elementary teaching in Alaska. What an impressive District. Now I live in Wasilla and work as a Fire Fighter and Service Manager for a Motorola Service Partner. My kiddos go to school in the Matsu borough and we are members of Wasilla Christian Church where I teach Sunday School to the preschoolers. Wade Long is a veteran.  I was a Navy Air Traffic Controller for 9 years.  The highlight of my naval career was walking freely in South Korea where my grandfather fought for freedom.  

With respect to education, I volunteered in an Adopt-A-School program where military service members mentored at risk elementary students. 

I was also a Big Brother to a couple of youth.  Despite heavy military

involvement, there were still kiddos on the waiting list for mentors. Wade Long is a tutor and mentor.While at the University of Missouri - Kansas City, my work study took me to Central High School, an inner city school, where I tutored math to kids that were expected to pass Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II in order to graduate. 

The School expected them to do this in a high crime area, while parents were dead or incarcerated, the neighborhood plagued with drugs and prostitution.  The kids just did not think Geometry mattered.  It takes genuine interest to permeate this. Taking empathy and realness coupled with math, the result is a line of inner city kids at your desk interested in solving a quadratic equation. Wade Long wants to be your School Board Member.  I care and listen and act. We can predict the future of education if we look at other districts.  As we grow and build buildings, if our priorities are not straight, we’ll have buildings and kids lost inside them.  Funding is not the only thing that is a grave concern for education.  Heaviest emphasis on promoting learning at lowest grade level and pouncing on deficiencies then is the key.

I will partner with the community and board members to intensely evaluate each item, proposal, contract, etc. to ensure it is what is best for families and teachers.  Having 4 kiddos in the District, I’m looking forward to this partnership. It’s going to be great. Be a tutor, be a mentor!

CONTRIBUTEd BY REpRESENTATIVE JIM COLVER

During the budget standoff, frustration built up over the demands of the House

Minority in exchange for their votes needed to tap the Constitutional Budget Reserve (CBR).

A nuclear option was developed involving transferring over $7 billion in permanent fund earnings.

The proposal was to transfer earnings of the permanent fund to the principal of the fund, utilizing a loophole in the Constitution by making less state funds available for appropriation, bypassing the ¾ vote requirement to access the CBR. This would allow a simple majority vote to access the CBR.

I WAS VERY CONCERNEd ABOUT ThIS pROpOSAL FOR ThE FOLLOWINg REASONS:• It’s not fully vetted and the financial

impact has not been adequately analyzed;• It’s all Alaskans’ fund and the people need to be involved in any decision;• It will severely lower Alaska’s liquidity, may affect our bond rating; and• If there is a correction in the stock market there may not be enough funds available to pay Dividends from the Permanent Fund.

As you know, I stood firm with a strong group of House Majority legislators opposed to using the earnings of the permanent fund as a gimmick to access the CBR; this is why I worked so hard to help my colleagues craft the budget deal that passed the legislature.

As your representative, I will continue to insist that you are involved in deciding the future of the permanent fund!

Representative Jim Colver represents District 9 which includes: North Palmer (Buffalo Mine, Farm Loop, Fishhook, Soapstone), Glacier View, Glennallen, Sutton, Delta, Valdez & Whittier

Protecting the Permanent Fund Wade Long for School Board E ... Wait, Who’s Wade?

CONTRIBUTEd BY JOE MILLER

By now, most of us have heard about the Center for Medical

Progresses’ (“CMP’s”) explosive revelations of the backroom butchery of Planned Parenthood over the last several weeks. These committed pro-life activists made a series of undercover videos of interviews with Planned Parenthood employees and corporate representatives of companies involved in the multi-billion dollar dead baby parts trade, shocking the nation.

Among other things, CMP’s videos show - in gruesome detail - how Planned Parenthood has actively marketed baby parts to corporations like StemExpress who pay top dollar, depending on how complete the aborted body is and the “freshness” of the pre-born infant’s organs.

This enormously lucrative market has grown exponentially since 1993 when President Bill Clinton reversed the Reagan ban on the trade of fetal body parts. Its existence brings to mind Thomas Jefferson’s warning: “I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever.”

Over fifty leading American universities are involved in purchasing and studying murdered baby parts. These institutions of supposedly “higher” learning include Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford and others. Some researchers are actually implanting baby’s organs - like livers - into rodents and re-growing them. And our federal government is part of the Frankenstein act, buying tens of millions of dollars of baby parts from abortion mills like Planned Parenthood.

One of CMP’s videos suggests - as have a number of prior activists’ exposés - that some of the body parts that are bought and sold within this multi-billion dollar

industry are actually cut from babies that have been born alive in failed abortions, but then murdered.

Until CMP started publishing its explicit videos, most of the nation was ignorant of the horrors perpetrated within its borders by the baby-killing abortion industry. In fact, Planned Parenthood had a fairly positive reputation among many Americans. But now that the word is out about what Planned Parenthood is doing behind closed doors, attitudes are changing.

I recently interviewed an investigative journalist who suggested that even her radical, pro-abortion feminist friends are mortified by what the CMP videos have revealed. Other leftists have also abandoned their defense of Planned Parenthood’s gruesome and indefensible treatment of the pre-born and their bodies.

America now sits in the unenviable position of not only being fully informed of the slaughter of innocents within its borders - closing in on 60,000,000 dead as I write this article - but also now being fully informed of the grotesque, multi-billion dollar industry that has grown up around the buying and selling of babies’ corpses and body parts.

If you think what Nazi Germany did was horrible, this is every bit as bad, and in some ways worse. Not only does the American genocide exceed the Nazi death camp toll, any American who spends any time reading the news should now be aware of what is going on with the blessing and complicity of the federal government. No one should be ignorant. There are no longer any walls around the American death camps.

By the way, if anyone reading this is thinking that abortion is no big deal, that the fetus being killed is just a blob of flesh, is not conscience, or feels no pain,

let me disabuse you of that abortionist lie: unborn babies, particularly in the first several months of life, feel pain more intensely than we do. Why? Because they have not developed pain inhibitors. Go to YouTube.com/JoeMillerUS and listen to the Director for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council explain this horrible reality. Perhaps the best way to consider what really happens with legal abortion is to think about your arms, legs, and other appendages being ripped off one by one. And then try to conceive of the pain associated with such horror and multiply it. If you could really imagine such terror, you would still only get a fraction of what Planned Parenthood’s babies are subject to.

Abortion and the trade of fetal parts is morally repugnant and must be stopped. And the multi-billion dollar industry that has grown up around it must be exposed and banned.

But how do we do this? Planned Parenthood receives most of its funding from the federal government (over 40%) and corporate sources (over 25%). You would think that given the recent publicity surrounding Planned Parenthood’s body harvesting and its central role in the trade of baby parts that politicians and corporate sponsors would run as fast as they could from this bloody organization. But precisely the opposite has happened.

Republicans-in-name-only, chiefly Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, stopped a Planned Parenthood defunding bill that was attached to must-pass legislation.

Later, he allowed a defunding vote when it was a stand-alone bill and had absolutely no chance of surviving a presidential veto. Yet, even with this charade, the U.S. Senate couldn’t muster the votes on cloture to get the measure through to the floor for an up or down vote.

Corporate America has had an even worse reaction. Although three major companies (Ford, Xerox, and Coca Cola) demanded that Planned Parenthood “de-list” them as corporate sponsors (they formerly matched employee donations to Planned Parenthood but no longer do), other corporations doubled down.

According to the magazine Fortune, corporate donations to Planned Parenthood in the wake of the horrific videos have actually increased. Fortune could not identify any corporate donors who had pulled the plug. In fact, a number of corporations publicly endorsed Planned Parenthood despite the exposure of its barbaric practices.

It is imperative that We the People act where we can. An effective start would be to stop - TODAY - purchasing any product, or having any account, with any corporate entity that helps fund Planned Parenthood. Pro-life Alaskans should also write the corporate boards of the donor companies, and the management of their branch offices in Alaska.

To help in this task, go to www.RestoringLiberty.com or JoeMiller

US and click on the icon on the right side of the webpage that says “Here are the Corporations Funding Planned Parenthood.” That will take you to a page with a listing of companies as well as a sample letter that you can send.

Finally, we must have a position of NO compromise when it comes to our political candidates and elected leaders. If any politician supports Planned Parenthood and/or abortion, you should NEVER vote for them, no matter their opponent.

It is critical that we act now.

The future of our nation, our state, and our children - born and unborn -depend on it.

Planned “Parenthood”

pRESS RELEASEMat-Su Assembly Members Vern Halter and Dan Mayfield have co-sponsored a Resolution to roll back transfer site fees for residents.

The Resolution will be voted on August 4th at 6 PM in the Assembly Chambers.

Borough residents have experienced higher prices at landfills and transfer sites since July 1st . The FY 2016 budget, as approved, increased those fees.

The intent of the increase was to encourage recycling, which is a free service and to address a deficit in the operational cost of trash disposal.

“Rather than encouraging people to recycle, it now appears we are punishing some users for not recycling, especially those who want to clean up their property. I’m concerned that the steep price increases may cause indiscriminate dumping of trash throughout the Borough” Mayfield said.

Compared to 2014, the rate nearly tripled some rates for trash disposal. In July 2014, a 3 cubic yard pickup load of trash costs Mat-Su residents $16.00,

compared to the 2015 costs of $ 45.00. Mat-Su Borough Mayoral Candidate Vern Halter said “It is obvious the rate hikes for landfill charges went too far. When a pickup load costs forty or more dollars that is too much. We want the landfill to operate in the black but we do not want people to avoid using the landfill because of rate increases either.”

The proposed reductions will roll back most transfer site and landfill fees to the levels they were just prior to the change. If the resolution is approved, a 3 cubic yard pick up load of trash would cost $ 22.00. The resolution proposes the following fee changes:

RATES FOR TRANSFER SITES33-gallon Bag or Can - $ 2.00/each1 Cubic Yard or Less - $ 11.002 to 3 Cubic Yards - $ 22.004 Cubic Yards - $ 33.005 Cubic Yards - $ 44.00Unsecured Fee – Residential - $ 12.00

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the August 4th Assembly meeting at 6 PM to provide public testimony in regards to the proposed reduction in fees.

Halter & Mayfield Propose Reduction in Transfer Site Fees

POLITICS & OPINIONThe People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 7

CONTRIBUTEd BY LARRY dEVILBISS CANdIdATE FOR BOROUgh MAYORAfter living in the Mat-Su Borough for 54 years, graduating from Palmer High School,

serving two terms on the Borough Assembly, the School Board, Matanuska Electric’s Board and serving as your MSB Mayor I am, once again, asking for your support in this year’s Mayoral election.

I am proud to have redefined the Borough Mayor’s position. I brought hard work, community involvement and congeniality to this part time job that I believe is unequaled. When I was first elected I entered a borough government that was without a borough manager. I was directly involved in hiring John Moosey, who has put a high-performing management team together at the Mat-Su Borough.

I am excited to focus my energy into a final term as Mayor.

As we build and expand my reelection campaign, I am again asking for your support. In the past, you and I have discussed our shared values of small government, responsible resource development, economic stability, due process, and fiscal restraint. Together, we can continue to build the infrastructure and economic opportunities necessary to support our increasing population.

We have begun to implement plans for a Mat-Su Borough Septage and Sewage facility; are working to enhance the sustainability of our fishing resources; expanding the reach of our wireless networks through cell tower installations; implementing existing and long-term plans for transportation grid enhancements and expansion; and researching, exploring and defining methods for meeting our current and increasing housing needs.

The Septage and Sewage Board has recommended that the new facility be located at the main MSB Waste Disposal site off of 49th State Street in Palmer. This is a multi-million dollar project which has become mandatory as Anchorage is over-capacity and will soon be shutting us out of using their septage and sewage waste disposal facility

Our Road Service Areas accomplish much for our individual areas, but their resources are often limited by their population bases. This year the MSB Capital Projects Division has proposed a Borough-wide transportation grid improvement and expansion plan that touches every corner of our existing road system.

The MSB Capital Projects and Operational Maintenance divisions have proven their ability to finish large projects on time and under budget.

Often allowing the Assembly and I to transfer funds from one completed road project to assist in completing another, similar, project. Your support, through your voice and your vote, for this opportunity to ease our passage from one place to another is crucial to our accessibility and safety as we connect our road system grid.

We can all see that numerous new homes have been and are being built in our communities. But, did you know that we have also made it easier for new employment opportunities to open up so that more of our population can live and work in the Mat-Su Borough? Did you know that our largest export is our talent?

In 2015 Alaska’s Division of Commerce reported that 44% of us were commuting to work outside the Borough. That number has dropped 11 percentage points (From 55% to 44%) since 2011, the first year you elected me to be your Mayor. Additionally, in 2011 there were 1,004 licensed businesses in the MSB. By 2014 that business licensing had grown to 1,496 businesses. That is an almost 50% increase in employment opportunities.

These increases in employment opportunities have resulted in increased commercial property taxes paid to the Borough, as well as increases in sales tax payments in our cities of Palmer, Wasilla and Houston.

Remember, our Borough is the size of a medium-sized state in the lower 48. Our communities are relatively small and the distances between them, physically, socially and economically, are relatively large. I recognize and celebrate those facts as I work to help us retain our character and lifestyles as we prepare for the foreseeable future.

Please join me in voting for the continued prosperity and health of the entire Mat-Su Borough on October 6th.

If you would like to support my campaign for MSB Mayor, please feel free to call me at 907-355-0733, or email my campaign at Info@MatSuMayor.com

With your elective participation our future can continue to be both challenging and bright.

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough: One Place, Many views

CONTRIBUTEd BY STUART ThOMpSON

In February 2003, I testified before the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly/Council about a proposed resolution before them in opposition to the USA PATRIOT Act. They subsequently passed a resolution —along with 10 other Alaskan cities and the state itself. I believe what I said then is still good for judging whether the US Government is justified in taking all the actions it has in its so-called War on Terrorism.

“I give my respect to elected representatives and citizens listening.

I urge you to consider any resolution on the legal and ethical reliability of the Patriot Act, as well as Juneau’s observance of it and related homeland security matters. Your first action must be to resist economic and intellectual bullying from the federal political establishment. Here are four suggestions on how.

First, be sure in your mind just where you placed your loyalty when you pledged allegiance to the American flag and the republic for which it stands. Did you place

it with our constitutionally organized pattern -- established to execute the will of the People through representation? Or was loyalty somehow diverted to political personalities, perhaps because of cravings for leadership?

Second, observe that elements of the Patriot Act and homeland security directly attack and overthrow the Privacy clause of the Alaska Constitution.

So which process was more ethically reliable and constitutionally pure in obtaining the power and will of the Alaskan people? Was it the passage of the Patriot Act through essentially no debate or deliberation by U.S. congressman? Or was it the step-by-step constitutional actions Alaska government took to certify the 1972 constitutional amendment to ensure individual right to privacy?

Third, observe that the officially evaluated government fault, which permitted 9/11, was faulty intelligence analysis, aggravated by interagency non-cooperation in dissemination of known available data. It was NOT a lack of quality intelligence or capability to effectively

act. Logically, the reorganization of the intelligence community to effectively search out the externally originated terrorist threats makes sense. But what’s logical about also passing law that limits citizen freedoms and rights and supervises their use with fantastically increased domestic surveillance? From this, one might think the American people were at fault for 9/11!

The federal government implies that acting to provide personal security for individual citizens is the paramount government duty over permitting those citizens to exercise personal freedoms – all for their own good. Unfortunately, this is the historical foundation for the social organization of peasants serving feudal lords and, later, a kingdom’s subjects serving their king. In such low-technology societies, quartering soldiers in people’s homes and directly controlling law enforcement was the obvious answer to a king’s need for domestic surveillance to achieve kingdom security.

Therefore, to understand our Founding Fathers objections to any modern law for achieving similar security with high technology -- like the Patriot Act describes, please read the Declaration of Independence concerning King George III and the 3rd through 6th Amendments

to the U.S. Constitution. Also consider American experience of shattered lives from security overreaction by government. This gave us extermination or internment of Native Americans, WWII internment of U.S. citizens of Japanese descent, the communist witch-hunts of McCarthyism, and federal agency persecution targeting President Nixon’s “Enemies List”. Then decide if you are willing to challenge the Federal Government for exceeding its constitutional mandate – especially the intent of the 3rd Amendment.

Fourth, and in conclusion, I quote you the final 7 words of a speech on American self-government by a Founding Father. History records Patrick Henry raising his eyes and arms to heaven and crying “Give me liberty, or give me death!”

Make no mistake, fellow citizens who practice freedom of conscience. THAT is the true benchmark for American patriotism. No amount of mealy-mouthed, knee-jerk claptrap about security being senior to freedom, nor outright cultivation of citizen fears for personal safety, will change that.

Citizen reader, can you personally say what Patrick Henry said and mean it?

American Patriotism vS The Patriot Act

COMMUNITYThe People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 8

MOTORCYCLE RIDER EDUCATION

746-7295 REGISTER AT:WWW.VALLEYABATE.Com

Endorsed by Motorcycle Safety Foundation

CONTRIBUTEd BY SALLY COpENBURg

depot Farm Market, palmer’s only all-local farm market, is hosting a free Labor day event at the Train depot in downtown palmer on September 7th, Labor day, from 12 noon to 6pm

“Classy Classics”, is a gathering of antique and classic autos from Alaska Antique Auto Mushers alongside period costumed classic seniors from the Palmer Senior Center and is open to the public and free of charge.

Alaska Antique Auto Mushers is the state’s premier antique automobile

club. Their fleet of classic autos will be on the Depot Grounds starting at 12 noon when Depot Farm Market opens for the day.

Alaska Antique Auto Mushers is dedicated to the preservation, restoration, maintenance and enjoyment of antique automobiles as well as preserving the history of these autos. This will be a wonderful showing of rarely seen rides.

Palmer Senior Center will be launching their 2016 ‘Naughty but Nice’ Calendar at the event as well, with senior actors in full classic costume on hand to sign copies of the new calendar, pose for photos or inform you about the classic wheels.

Their annual calendar is the main fundraiser for the Palmer Senior Center and is growing in importance as funding monies and grant options dwindle in current years.

Depot Farm Market is sponsoring cooking and costume contest for the event – open to the public. There is no entrance fee for these contests.

Grandma’s Quick Bread Contest will have children’s and adult divisions with

three categories: Wild Harvest, Garden Veggie and Garden Fruit.

In keeping with Depot Farm Market’s mission to promote local products, all entries must include one of these main ingredients which were grown in a local garden, on a local farm or locally harvested in the wild.

To promote senior awareness within the community, all recipes must be from someone’s Grandmother.

All entries must label their ingredients, where the recipe came from, and tell where they were grown or harvested and who grew or harvested them.

Classic Costumes is a contest for dress up aficionados or anyone who loves to dress in period costume. It is open to all ages.

Entrants must be ready to tell the era of their dress and defend their costume choices to the judges. Fun with costumes is encouraged and costumed families are welcome!

Depot Farm Market vendors will be selling all-local produce, arts, crafts, foods and wild harvest items inside the Train Depot and will be suppling prizes

for the day’s contests along with the Palmer Senior Center.

Contest rules, categories and divisions can be obtained by emailing depotfarmamrket@gamil.org or can be picked up on Mondays at the Market.

Depot Farm Market is a community run non-profit organization promoting all locally grown, harvested or made products.

IT IS OpEN YEAR ROUNd AT ThE TRAIN dEpOT IN dOWNTOWN pALMER FROM 12 NOON TO 6pM EVERY MONdAY

GARDENINGCONTRIBUTEd BY LOI RICKER

I hAVE TO SAY…WhAT A SUMMER IT hAS BEEN!…So many hot days warming the soil and producing some of the best crops the Valley has seen.

Here is even better garden information. Now trending… home owners and the goal to grow their own food and working towards being self sufficient. This is why veggie and fruit growing is #1 on my get ready for 2016 plan. Through the month of September, is a

perfect time to design and build your vegetable and flower gardens for next spring and summer.

The process is simple once you select the area you want to use and improve. By this time of year we are all more familiar with the sun pattern in these

areas. Large lots often have existing trees that can be cleared and opened up to expand the use of the property. Too much lawn? No problem to upgrade to a useable space, providing food for the summer or go big and grow enough for the year! Our biggest competition is the moose and their attraction to tasty vegetables making it important to incorporate a fence. Personally, I prefer an attractive wire or wrought iron fence over a wooden fence. Think in terms of building the fence to accommodate climbing crops like green beans and snap peas

The best approach to a vegetable garden is to prepare a sunny, flat area with easy access for water, plenty of sun, and well blended topsoil. There are so many choices for hilled rows and row covers, to raised beds and containers that pre planning is the key to both yields and room to grow. This can be done in a couple of phases, split between this fall and next spring by prepping and building soon and adding topsoil in the spring, making it more probable to plant on time.

#2 on the list is Greenhouses and the benefits this feature brings. Here you have endless possibilities for size

and style so take your time and do your homework. There are tons of greenhouse shapes and sizes on line that can be simulated here in the Valley. The most important considerations are the structure strength and size as the wind and snow loads must be rated at 120 mph. You will be surprised on how quickly a greenhouse is filled with crops like tomatoes and cucumbers so be sure to allow for extra space to grow into.

Coming in at #3 is moving forward with landscape plans and be ahead of the game next spring. More specifically a new home landscape or makeover can be implemented easily through mid October.

Taking photos, site planning and the preliminary site prep like grading and removing over burden/weeds,

effectively compete by the removal in the fall. Custom features you can move forward with are block planters, retaining walls, rock and perennial gardens to name a few.

My approach is to install any needed material below grade before a hard continuous freeze! Most any other build can be achieved later into the season once the below grade work is installed. Also the continuation of the install shortens winter and motivates you to pursue final details during the winter months. If you have not started to improve your yard, fall is a great time to take photos to review and start a binder of ideas and features to be part of the plan.

Here are some local facebook pages for helpful tips and info for both gardening and landscaping:

Facebook/Mat Su Valley gardeningFacebook/Alaska Farm & FoodFacebook/Alaska garden Therapy

Loi Ricker is a garden coach, landscape designer, and consultant

alaskalandscapedesigner@gmail.com or call 907-521-7872

CONTRIBUTEd BY MVR

Mid Valley Recycling will start new recycling hours in July.

Our volunteers make this program available and create opportunities for themselves. Opportunity comes when we least expect it. You’d think helping folks recycle correctly would be a thankless task, but you’d be surprised at the results!

For a retired person, volunteering is a way to participate in the development of the community while not “at work.” Some retirees find that it gets them out of the house. Others are amazed and pleased that they can use something that someone was planning

on throwing away. Whatever our motivation, we get something back from our volunteering.

A new wave of volunteers is joining us that encourage us about the future. We have a father-son team from Meadow Lakes who recently volunteered to help monitor recycling on our new scheduled program* at Big Lake transfer station.

Owen Dicks is an ex-Coast Guard member who has returned with his family to Alaska. His son Wyatt has learned about recycling at Meadow Lakes Elementary and helped get his parents involved. Owen and Wyatt will be monitoring our recycling on one Saturday per month. This provides

them with three hours of father-son teamwork time. Wyatt will practice skills he’s learning at school while he and his father do a service for his community.

Both of them are practicing the good citizenship that we hope to see in our children and grandchildren. Good citizenship can mean being a meaningful member of one’s family, community and planet. Owen and Wyatt exemplify those traits. Mid Valley Recycling celebrates their involvement and invites other families to get involved on other Saturdays.

To be open we need volunteers to cover the hours. At this time we are still looking for two Saturday teams.

please contact: Jo Walch 892-2400or Claudia Buzard 892-1924 if you can volunteer to take a Saturday.

VETERANSThe People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 9

8

COMMUNITY

EVERY dAY IN OUR COUNTRY 22 VETERANS COMMIT SUICIdE.

This is a tragic number that needs to stop. These great warriors have served us, now it is time for us to serve them. Get involved with Battle Dawgs, and help us STOP 22!

Our goal is to use our Alaska based outdoor camps to help these warriors reintegrate back into everyday life. Currently, 20% of our veterans suffer from PTSD and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

Thats’s about 600,000 combat veterans in need of all our help. As you can see, that is a huge number. Please help us, help them, take the first step!

MISSION:Helping our warriors one step at a time.

VISION:To empower our nation’s heroes through therapeutic and exciting experiences by harnessing the natural splendor of Alaska’s landscape and the majestic healing power of sled dogs.

pURpOSE:To provide unique, direct programs and services to honor and empower our nation’s heroes while raising awareness to the community 

WWW.BATTLEdAWgS.ORg

Each bag purchased helps support our combat veteran outdoor rehabilitation programs in Alaska.

For more info on Battle Dawgs, visit battledawgs.org or find us on Facebook!

www.akcoffeeroastery.com

CONTRIBUTEd BY LAURIE KARIFAMILY pROMITE MAT-SU

I’VE BEEN BLESSEd TO LIVE IN ThIS COMMUNITY FOR ABOUT 25 YEARS and the compassion of our neighbors and cohorts has grown over that time.

When folks are in need, our community steps up to help and shares the invitation to help with others, who step up as well.

Examples are the community pitching in after the Millers Reach Fire and the Sockeye Wildfire. People are currently volunteering their time and donating funds and materials to rebuild for folks who lost everything. The Mat-Su knows how to care for each other!

We had a great showing of 84 “Cardboard Box Sleepers” at Cardboard City this year, another example of our Community showing up to help others less fortunate-the homeless.

This annual fundraiser for Family Promise programs grows every year. The weather is consistently challenging which helps with the realism of how no one should be without a home! Especially in Alaska!

Thanks to everyone who helped with this great event; sponsors, donors, artists and architects, workers, participants, visitors, the media, and Family Promise Board members.

Together we are making such a difference! Next year’s date is July 15th, 2016 so put it on your calendars for that Friday night. Sleep in a box with your friends at the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer and help your Community homeless.

Our guest families need some more help from the volunteers of the Valley. People to spend time with them, play with the kiddos, bring them meals into shelter, and folks to advocate for them for jobs and housing. And your prayers for their comfort and success.

You can see the volunteer shifts on our website www.familypromisematsu.org or please give us a call at 357-6160.

The coffee is always on, and we’re right across from Wonderland!

Yahoo, Mat-Su!

Family Promise Mat-Su, your community response for families without housing.

CONTRIBUTEd BY WASILLA hOMESS-COMMITTEE

Wasilla Homeless-Committee is receiving requests for help almost daily. Our donations have been mainly non-monetary, but we are preparing to apply for grants to get more resources to be able to help those in need. If you wish to donate to help those less fortunate,

you can visit our website at www.wasillahomeless-committee.org

We are also in desperate need of office space. It need not be large, but we need at least 2 rooms so we’ll have privacy for consultation and case management service.

If you are a landlord or property manager who has such available, and

would be willing to donate the space for 6 – 8 months, we’d love to hear from you.

We are planning more fundraising events in the near future including a FunRun and a Vintage Fashion Show. New volunteers are always welcome. If you’d like to join us, there is an application tab on our website.

Having been up and running for just over 7 months now, we have accomplished a lot. We are making a difference one life at a time, but with winter approaching, we need more. pLEASE CONTACT US ON FACEBOOK OR EMAIL WASILLAhOMELESS.COMMITTEE@gMAIL.COM

SPORTS The People’s Paper SpORTS PAGE 10

CONTRIBUTEd BY hEAThER MCgEE, ALASKA RACEWAY pARK

Are you an avid snowmachiner who is looking for more action year-round?

For a few hundred dollars’ investment in a track, skis, and a radiator, you can ride your snowmachine in the summer months by drag racing it on asphalt at Alaska Raceway Park!

It’s the most cost-effective method of getting into and staying in drag racing, since sleds are so reliable. After your initial gear-up, the main investment is gas and regular maintenance.

Preparing for drag racing a snowmachine involves mostly practicing reaction time at the starting line. This is called cutting a good light. Reaction time can make or break a race, since motorcyclists you’re often racing against have worse reaction times because of their manual clutches.

Snowmachines have an advantage because there is no shifting. The sled is pretty consistent; so you have to work on reflexes. It’s a good framework in which to set individual goals and compete against your last best effort.

As far as gear goes, you can use any set of leathers or SFI Foundation Spec 40.1/2 suit that complies with the rules for abrasion-resistant suits. SFI is a non-profit organization established to issue and administer standards for the quality assurance of specialty performance and racing equipment. One of those rules is that the jacket and pants need to connect together with a waist zipper or be a single coverall.

Other mandatory safety equipment includes a full-face helmet meeting Snell Foundation SN 2000 or SFI 31.2 or 41.2, leather boots or shoes above the ankle, and leather gloves. The Snell Memorial Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated exclusively to head protection through scientific

and medical research, standards development, helmet testing, and public education. Above all, safety is a must because then the real fun can get underway. Everyone who races goes through a technical inspection every day too.

Snowmachine racers compete in the Open Air class, which also includes motorcycles, for purses (cash) or both purses and points – and, of course, trophies. Participants can compete for International Hot Rod Association points if registered and licensed to do so. The engine must be specifically designed and manufactured for production snowmachine use. Engine mods are allowed up to a maximum displacement of 1,000 cc’s. To increase

power output, nitrous oxide is permitted, but nitromethane is not.

On race day, once you pass tech, you can run some practice laps called Test & Tune. This is where you practice reaction times and make sure your sled is in good working order. You can’t tow a snowmachine back from the top end of the track.

If it’s broken, that’s a different story, but the general rule is you must ride back under your own power, which makes a radiator important.

When you’re riding back on the return road, you can high-five the spectators and then collect your time slip from a track official to see all the data on your

run. As the day goes on and you get better at cutting a light, you will notice your improvement through these slips.

The best part about racing at Alaska Raceway Park is the people, the racing community of families that often spend their summers together, camping every race weekend.

Sled riders for whom watercross is not enough when there’s no snow can get an additional adrenaline fix competing against fellow open-air racers multiple times a summer.

For more information about Alaska Raceway park, including a drag Racing 101 guide for new racers, visit www.akracewaypark.com

Did you know you can drag-race a snowmachine on asphalt?