An Open Letter to the People of Alaska

Contributed by Robert Shields

 In his cabinet address on July 14, Governor Dunleavy articulated that we live in a new world, and it’s a world full of opportunity. The challenge with going to a new world is how much of the old way of thinking we take with us.  The carbon economy of extraction, exploitation, and consumption got us where we are at but will not get us where we want to go. The future calls us to rise to the challenge of always working to become the next version of our best selves. Experience teaches that in new environments, strategies (policies) must be adaptive so let’s look at some of the ways Alaska can develop as a global leader of resilience; boldly leading the way forward  in the fossil-free world. 

A quick Google search for some key words yields recent, verifiable facts that Nature is a profitable business partner and we can all thrive in perpetuity by understanding these models and applying them to new economic opportunities that lower the cost of living and improve the quality of life.

Culture- The language and traditions of the People are the threads of our social fabric. It’s the continuity through time that grounds us with principles, values, and prepares us for an uncertain future. Geo tourism (Ecotourism) is expected to surpass $300 Billion by 2027. This industry utilizes the shared experience of culture and a deep connection with the Earth to provide value added adventures.

Energy-Beyond the carbon economy we find peace and generational profits making the rapid transition to a hydrogen economy. Water is the ultimate system of life and beyond simple heat and electricity, transportation and manufacturing demands provide the leverage to call for an upgrade to our urban and rural power grids that unlock a plethora of economic opportunities around applied imagination, also known as innovation. According to the Hydrogen Council, by 2050, the industry could meet up to 18% global energy demand, create 30 million jobs, and be worth an estimated $2.5 Trillion.

Food- Alaska imports 95% of our food and the economic impacts influence the most precious members of our community. Hyper local production in the obvious solution, but its easier said than done. Moving past the cost of energy, there are still huge opportunities for workforce development, that at scale could provide each and every community in the state the ability to produce between 50-80% of their dietary needs, while educating a global workforce in vertical farming which is expected to reach $1.5 Billion by 2030.

Waste- By 2027 its forecast that the global recycling services market will exceed $80 Billion. Mining our landfills for precious minerals is a natural extension of the active mining industry in Alaska and if every village had a blacksmith no village would have a dump. Treasuring our trash is the next step in the process of self-reliance where the ability to make the things you need from the junk you have at hand becomes the skill that helps people find their purpose.

Transportation- To quote Doc Brown from Back to the Future. “Where we are going, we don’t need roads”. One of the greatest blessings Alaska has is the lack of roads, which are incredibly destructive to wildlife and intrusive to intentional communities reveling in the slow life.  Flying cars are a reality, expected to be a $320 Billion industry by 2030 and given arctic conditions it’s seems fitting that with affordable energy and readily available feedstock that we can build our own. Combined with the latest in airship technology for cargo and an international ET3 line we can hold on to the wild lands of Alaska while boldly leaping into the 22nd Century.

Housing- Carbon fiber is to lumber as coal is to firewood. At ~$90/ton we can burn it but at ~$220k/ton its far more profitable to build with it.  In everything from medical devices to the space shuttle, carbon fibers are the ultimate form of “carbon capture” and sequestration as ANY source of carbon can be converted and the global market is expected to exceed $12 Billion by 2028. We can now 3D print multi-story mixed use buildings and through careful design build entirely new sustainable cities to house the millions of climate refugees that will be headed north in the coming years.

Education is the ultimate form of national security and public health. Providing other communities and states with these industries do not diminish our own. In fact, the more each state, each region is able sustain itself independently the more secure all the people are. Even though I am running for mayor in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, I am looking at the issues around the state that could impact us locally. I am simply being proactive in the approach that all ships rise with the tide.  As we develop our plans locally for the next 5 years, I am working to get these types of innovations written into it so 140 years from now Alaska will still be a good place to raise a family.

Appreciation of Tam Boeve

Contributed by Dianne Woodruff

Christian Hartley and Ruth Wood have previously praised Tam Boeve in this publication, and I agree with every word they wrote. She is a real asset as the Mat-Su Borough Assembly representative for District 7, and I, too, hope she will be re-elected to that seat.

Tam Boeve was a good friend, neighbor, and community leader for decades before she stepped up to serve on the Assembly, so I’m not surprised that she’s done a great job representing her district, and the rest of us, as well, on matters that affect the entire Borough, like the budget.

She puts in a lot of time and effort engaging with the public, regularly attending Community Council and other relevant meetings, while remaining accessible to hear concerns and answer questions. On top of that, she is still serving as an active member of several community groups, so she knows what’s going on first-hand.

Tam’s been there helping, through major fires, floods, and earthquakes, and just recently was gathering some quick assistance for a local family that lost their home. She is exactly the kind of person you want around when there’s trouble, the kind that actually shows up, with the right tools and supplies to be useful, and that doesn’t hesitate a second to pitch in where extra hands are needed.

Tam is observant, a good listener, smart, practical, and a problem solver who knows how to bring people and resources together to get things done. Let’s keep her working for us on the Mat-Su Borough Assembly.

Thoughts on a Borough-Wide Sales Tax

Contributed by Glenda Ledford

Mayor, City of Wasilla

On Tuesday August 3, 2021, the MSB Assembly will introduce an ordinance that relates to levying a 1.5% areawide sales tax to pay back the bonds over 5 years or until $73M is collected, whichever is earlier, and then expire.

Though the city is not opposed to infrastructure improvements, the 22 projects listed provides for only 2 projects within the City of Wasilla with a cost of $5.5M or 7.4% of the total bond package.  This areawide sales tax would pay for the issuance of bonds to fund these projects.  1.5% sales tax would generate approximately $12.5M per year or $62.5M over 5 years, funding 85% of the general obligation bonds issued.

The city has been a good steward of their financial house and we do not see a reason for the MSB to cause a hardship on the city.  There are various costs to this initiative beyond the collection of the tax. There is the cost of infrastructure (hiring more people, buying equipment, etc) to set up the systems and process to collect the tax from the businesses areawide.

With the MSB currently collecting revenue from the City of Wasilla in the form of property tax ($11.5M), cigarette tax ($4M), bed tax ($150K) along with alcohol tax and motor vehicle tax, an additional areawide sales tax would be excessive taking $12.5 million out of Wasilla’s economy per year.  This could create a hardship on the city causing us to have to reinstitute property taxes

As mayor I will continue to stand strong and engaged to do what is best for the city short term and long term as we continue to be the fastest growing city in the state of Alaska.  At this point we will not support this ordinance and strongly ask our Assembly representatives to do the same.

My Letter of Declination to the Vaccine

Contributed by Nicolas Bradley

Please accept this as my letter of declination to the insufficiently tested COVID-19 injections.  I find the process of coercion to receive these injections in violation of my dignity, integrity and bodily autonomy.   It is very concerning that my rights under the Nuremburg Code and United States Code Title 21 Section 360bbb-3 to informed consent are being ignored by this organization and government agencies alike (1,2). 

The extent of harm from the vaccines remain unknown as adverse event reporting has a proven track record of delays, underreporting, and inconsistencies.  Findings from the Harvard Pilgrim Study submitted to US Department of Health and Human Services in 2010 showed fewer than 1% of vaccine adverse events were reported in VAERS (3).  As of this letter, over 6,000 COVID vaccine related deaths have been reported to VAERS.  The number is over 12,000 when counting international submissions. 

As a medical professional and potential recipient of any medical treatment, I demand independent peer-reviewed studies, not funded by multinational pharmaceutical companies.  Studies available regarding the safety and efficacy of the COVID injections have been financed and organized by indemnified for-profit corporations and none, that I can find, have been made available to the public or researchers not employed by these organizations. 

The preliminary vaccine trial results are underwhelming at best and prove nothing to the effect of preventing or reducing transmission, decreasing mortality or hospitalization, and providing long-lasting immunity to SARS COV-2.  Additionally, the studies conducted by these for-profit organizations were not “double blinded” as publicized.  There are verified reports that many of the people administering the injections knew whether they were injecting the experimental vaccine or placebo, and according to the British Medical Journal, Moderna and Pfizer officially unblinded their trials in mid-April by giving the vaccine to the placebo group (4).  Where will we now find the mid- to long-term data for these injections? 

I enjoy diversity of scientific opinion as it serves as the cornerstone of scientific progress.  Instead, I am witness to suppression of reasoned skepticism or dissent from renowned scientists, researchers, physicians, journalists, and citizens.  The stories of jobs terminated, practices closed, medical licenses revoked, and reputations destroyed are legion. 

In the service, I learned that in times of crisis the 50% solution now is better than the 100% solution when it is too late.  We have had proven early outpatient COVID-19 treatment options available since summer of 2020, but our public health agencies have chosen to pursue the course of 100% vaccination and nothing else.  Entertaining and even discussing early outpatient treatment options such as Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine in the public and clinical setting are verboten (5,6).  To compound matters, our public health agencies do not recognize natural immunity when providing guidance on whether to give or receive a vaccine.  Several studies have shown that natural immunity is robust and long-lasting.  None exist proving the same with the vaccine (7,8). 

Respectfully,

LTC Nicolas Bradley, MPAS, PA-C, US Army (Ret.

(1)    https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/21/360bbb

(2)    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7645850/?report=reader

(3)    https://digital.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/docs/publication/r18hs017045-lazarus-final-report-2011.pdf

(4)    https://www.bmj.com/content/373/bmj.n1244

(5)    https://c19ivermectin.com/

(6)    https://c19hcq.com/

(7)    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33686421/

(8)    https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-medicine/fulltext/S2666-3791(21)00203-2#relatedArticles

Discovery, Enlightenment, Activism

Contributed by Teresa de Lima

What is PM2.5 and why is it important?  PM2.5 refers to particulate matter in the air with an aerodynamic diameter equal to or smaller than 2.5 microns.  Inhalable particles, with diameters so small they can’t be seen with the naked eye, finer than a human hair.   

PM2.5.  This is a term that I heard all the time while living in Fairbanks.  It is a term that is mostly always attributed to wood smoke.  I just wonder why is it that nobody ever discusses the gorilla in the room:  a coal fired powerplant in the middle of a residential neighborhood?   I expect there’s lots of PM2.5 coming out of that thing.  In fact, I am sure there is!  I used to live a few hundred feet from the coal fired powerplant and the black particulate it generated easily wafted through the screens on the windows.  I have vivid memories of this black heavy metallic substance peppering our window sills, the ground, the kitchen table.  I expect that if I can see what’s coming out of the powerplant stacks then I am probably breathing in A LOT of PM2.5, because see it’s so small it’s not visible to the naked eye.  

In fact, there are three coal fired powerplants in the immediate area of downtown Fairbanks.  One at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the one privately owned power plant in the middle of downtown Fairbanks and then one on the other side of town at Ft. Wainwright.   The one in the middle of town sells the power that they generate to the electric cooperative for the people of Fairbanks.  

You learn more and more of the dangers of coal combustion and wonder how can this be legal?  This stuff getting into your lungs can really make a person sick.  Like sick with a condition that means you are on steroids for the rest of your life, or a portion of your lung needs to be excised, or neurological things start happening- such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons Disease.  So yes, I contacted the Environmental Protection Agency.  They suggested I get in touch with the Centers for Disease Control.  I did that.  I submitted compelling photographic evidence, personal testimony, physical evidence.  I got in touch with the Fairbanks North Star Borough, the Downtown Association, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, heck even the power plant people! I went to Washington DC and spoke to the Obama White House EPA’s Manty Stansilous, The White House Center for Environmental Quality, Senators Murkowski and Begich.  I was fortunate enough to meet Dr. Alan Lockwood of Physicians for Social Responsibility in Fairbanks when he presented on the topic of coal combustion at the University one evening.  I got a hold of the City of Fairbanks and the mayor’s Chief of Staff and Public Works.  They came to my house to inspect and suggested the best thing I could do was to “get a really good lawyer”.  

When I was in Washington DC speaking with the EPA and CEQ and our public servants, Murkowski and Begich, I met a lady, an investigative journalist.  Her name is Rhiannon.  She travelled to Alaska from North Carolina documenting the issue of coal combustion waste also known as coal ash.  She and her team produced a documentary called Coal Ash Chronicles.  Her documentary focuses on the unregulated disposal of this toxic waste from the East coast of the United States all the way to Alaska.    When coal is burned, waste is generated.  That waste is hot coal ash. In Fairbanks, sadly, it gets dumped on the tundra.  I wonder what it does to the water table?  But the power plant folks and others say “oh, it’s inert…just like the dirt in your own back yard”.  I call BS.

I am sure that there is a better way.  Why does coal have to be so heavy in the picture for my birthplace?    

Governor Dunleavy’s Record

Contributed by Larry Wood

Governor Michael J. Dunleavy has all but abandoned his fiscal agenda that was marked by his 2019 firing of Donna Arduin by an e-mail from his then Chief of Staff (COS) Ben Stevens. Arduin’s sin seems to be that she was doing her job, serving as both the Administration face for difficult budget cuts and serving as the lightning rod for the governor in dealing with the backlash from the opposition to those cuts. 

Gov. Dunleavy has decided to compromise on the PFD issue, meaning no statutory PFD or repayment of what Walker took from Alaskans to grow government.

Gov. Dunleavy’s cuts since have been neither deep nor designed to promote dialogue with the Legislature.  The Legislature has his measure and largely ignores the governor.

Gov. Dunleavy’s leadership failures are his greatest weakness.  Dunleavy has adopted former Gov. Parnell’s retiring, lackluster presence by remaining in the background, and hiding rather than confronting the opposition or the problem.  It was the failure in leadership that cost Parnell his office.

We still have a failed education system in the Bush and elsewhere in Alaska where money continues to be poured into a bottomless pit that produces only failure.  

It should be noted that the state Senate failed to pass a measure to prevent Critical Race Theory in Alaska’s education curriculum.  Gov. Dunleavy is losing a chance to show leadership, by barring the Marxist agenda in our schools through an executive order.

Gov. Dunleavy managed to lose legislative support in 2019 when he turned his back on those legislators who supported his budget cuts and his attempt to hold a special session in Wasilla.  Those legislators who supported him paid egregiously for their support of this governor.  Dunleavy just walked away and let them swing in the wind.  They lost committee appointments and were sanctioned by former Sen. Cathy Giessel and Rep. Bryce Edgmon, the Senate and House leadership at the time.

Gov. Dunleavy’s support of mining seemed to be invested in dinners with Pebble’s Australian company pogues rather than working to restore 50 million acres of ANILCA lands to multiple use status for development in compliance with the Statehood Compact. Further, the state needs to enforce access across state and federal lands.

Gov. Dunleavy’s Bush law enforcement initiative ground to a halt with his firing of Amanda Price earlier this summer, the former commissioner of the Dept. of Public Safety (DPS).  Price was fired by an e-mail from Dunleavy’s latest COS, Randy Rualo.  It is my understanding that Price’s sin was a conflict with one of Dunleavy’s supporters within DPS. 

As part of the law enforcement initiative and to mitigate the collapse of the Army National Guard in the Bush, Dunlevy ordered MG Torrence Saxe to restore the Alaska State Defense Force as a state military police constabulary.  Dunleavy’s Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) refuses to accomplish his will.  He has what can only be termed open insubordination in his organized militia where his or, rather, Walker’s Alaska State Defense Force is concerned.  Even with an operations model, a training syllabus, 8 years of successful operational history (2001-2009), a mandate for the mission as a state military police constabulary under AS 26.05.070, and no cost to the state, the ASDF leadership has refused the order of the governor.  The law did not change in the intervening time that would bar the change in mission, but the ASDF and DMVA leadership became ‘woke’.  Part of that woke is a belief that the militia should not act in an armed capacity.  

This is an egregious failure, as Alaska is made less secure and Alaskans less safe.  In this, Gov. Dunleavy emulates former governors Parnell and Walker.   

Gov. Dunleavy’s conduct is reminiscent of Parnell’s failure regarding the collapse of the Army National Guard in the Bush and the illegalities that came to surface in 2014.  The Parnell Administration ignored drug running, misappropriation of government property, coercion of witnesses and whistleblowers, several rapes and the rape and murder of SSG Michele M. Clark.  The murder of SSG Clark was never solved.  However, according to the Duneavy Administration, everything is hunky dory at the DMVA.  Nothing to see here.  Given the insubordination of the leadership of the ASDF and the Commissioner/TAG, nothing could be further from the truth. 

An unelected doctor yarded this governor around during the COVID-19 response, thereby increasing the cost, damages, and harm to Alaskans and Alaska’s economy.  This governor let fear and conjecture do great harm that continues to this day. 

Every restaurant is closed in Seward, because of a labor shortage due to COVID-19 unemployment funds that pay people to stay home.

If Gov. Dunleavy chooses to run for reelection, he will stand or fall in the upcoming reelection based upon his defense of his record.  Given his failures, that defense should be interesting. 

Our Inheritance: Parks & Recreation

Imagine you have inherited a piece of property so big and valuable you cannot even hope to visit – much less explore most of it in your lifetime! Imagine the mixed emotions of ecstasy over your good fortune and the realization that as “owner”, you have the responsibility to care for it! Despite the incredible feelings of wealth, this realization could easily own you because of the tremendous scope of the task.

Fortunately, you have also inherited a huge ‘property management system’ that has been functioning for over 60 years — designed to provide stewardship for owners. Unfortunately, you see evidence of predictable “mission creep” in this management system with a drift towards watching out too much for the benefits/needs of the managers instead of the “owner”, you. The original management mission is stated in the paperwork: to provide for your “use, enjoyment, and welfare”. The managers are paid from property assets, but they exist to serve the owners.

This analogy is your situation IF you are a legal resident of Alaska of voting age! The inherited property is the entire State of Alaska originally purchased from Russia for a mere 7 million dollars! The “management system” structure is laid out in the highest law of our land (the State Constitution). Approximately two-thirds of the property was kept by the federal government, but the remainder belongs to us.

The management system is very broad and comprehensive but consider just one part of it aimed specifically at property management: the Alaska Division of Parks and Recreation. Art 8 of the Alaska Constitution explicitly declares, “The legislature shall provide for the utilization, development, and conservation of all natural resources belonging to the State, including land and waters, [including parks] for the maximum benefit of its people.” Like it or not, the legislature is the only avenue for your owner oversight! Any rule or fee that may keep you from reasonable access to your parks is only official if you allow the legislature to make it so! The stated “missions” of all Divisions are “official”, published and amended as needed by legislative action and approval. Also, no management (administrative) law can be written without legislative approval. Legislators, by American design, are meant to be THE tools in the hands of grass-roots voters.

The stewards hired to manage the “use, development and conservation” of our priceless property are indirectly governed by you, through your legislators, ultimately under your control! Alaska’s Constitution provided handsomely for this management system by approving a full 80% of all money we generate from use of natural resources to fund our government, including Parks administration, with the remaining 20% supposedly restricted from direct use. This is a radical and staggering “tax” revenue source that should forever eliminate any other Alaskan Tax!

So long as “We the People” are the sovereigns who empower the Constitution, the time to engage in reviewing Park land use rules (and all management policies) is always now! Stewardship of our staggering wealth should be a fundamental element of your vote. Remind candidates to make sure the rules favor you, the owner! It stands to reason anytime stewards or managers are left unmanaged, it allows them to think they are the property beneficiaries instead of you. We are sovereignly responsible for the managers we have put in charge of managing our property for our best interest – in both Alaska State Government and the US Government. The abysmal voting turnouts over the past years is an ominous sign voters are not taking their responsibility seriously enough.

There are about 3 million acres in the Alaska State Park system — more acreage than some entire states! The Alaska Legislature has approved the “mission statement” for our Division of Parks: to “provide outdoor recreation opportunities and conserve and interpret natural, cultural, and historic resources for the use, enjoyment and welfare of the people.”

Next time you contemplate if you can afford a trip to a park, consider the cost of the permits, insurance, and per visitor fees – these have been added on top of the 80% natural resources revenue we’re already paying. If you find the cost or unwarranted restrictions are keeping you off your property, explain what you want or need to your legislators and get them to make changes — or replace them with someone who will. While most public employees are genuinely sincere about their job descriptions and grateful, some of them just don’t get it!

I encourage you to go to the informative state parks website and relish your inheritance! We “own” our fabulous parks and want to pass them to our kids (and other new Alaskans) including an honest, effective management system while fully enjoying them ourselves. Take time to read park “land use plans” for your favorite park and consider your options – they are yours to maintain! 

Wes Keller | WesKeller.com

Reflections Back In Time on a Christmas Train Story

Contributed by Doug Ferguson

Many years ago I wrote an account of a 1956 Christmas vacation train trip for the holidays from Cleveland, Ohio where I was a college student, to Wake Forest, North Carolina where my parents had moved the previous year. It was called “A Christmas Train Story” and is too long to present here.

The basis of the story went like this: A young sophomore college student (me!) had done his own travel arrangements for and was taking an extensive trip to Wake Forest, North Carolina all by himself for the first time in his life and thought he was a big deal for doing it! From my story:

“It was with great deal of self-satisfaction that I purchased my ticket, determined exactly on which track I was to board the train and then proceeded to descend to the train terminal beneath the Terminal Tower Building, then tallest landmark in the city of Cleveland, Ohio.  After all, I was now a sophomore-engineering student at Case Institute of Technology and had taken care of myself for a year and one half now. I was a big deal!”

I then went on to describe the conditions at the time and the scene on board the train:

“After World War II and well through the '50's and beyond a great migration was occurring in America. Many poor African Americans and whites from the South were pouring into the large industrial cities in the North to find jobs in the booming postwar economy.  While they worked and lived in these cities such as Cleveland, many were still closely tied to their families in the South and thus during Christmas holidays, the buses and trains were filled to capacity with a large interracial mix, especially the kind in the day coach which I was about to board.”

In the story, after describing the whole process of getting a too talkative seatmate and then the start of the long trip itself, I recalled noticing an attractive young women who got on the train at our Pittsburg stop that smiled at me and then sat down on an aisle seat behind me. When we stopped at another point further into Pennsylvania and got off to stretch our legs, she approached me for some small talk and I, being the young man full of himself as I have previously mentioned, thought she was coming on to me!

Then, as the whistle blew to re-board the train, she drummed up enough courage to get to the real reason she approached me. From the story:

“She said, “I know y’all will think this is awful, but as a college man I know you can help me. You see I was born and raised in the South and this has been awfully hard living up here in the North where y’all are so different.”  I acknowledged to her how that might be while my mind wildly raced over what possible favor this beautiful young lady could want from me! She paused, and then as it was getting obvious we needed to reboard the train soon, she finally got to the huge favor she needed.  “The only seat I could find when I got on the train, was next to a colored man and being a southern lady, I just can’t stand it!” she blurted. “Could y’all switch seats with me? I would really appreciate it.” I was dumbfounded!  I didn’t know what to say so I said, “Sure. We had better get back on the train.”  She said, “Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!” and we turned and hurried to reboard the day coach.”

The rest of the story was about the much needed deflation of my sophomoric ego, my pleasant short conversation with my new seatmate, a very courtly older black man in a neatly pressed suit and tie, who was going back to Washington, D.C. to spend Christmas with his daughter and finally, thoughts about my first early experience with ingrained racial prejudice. 

As I look back at this experience today, especially at our current point in American history where there is so much negativity, I take away some different thoughts than I did when I wrote the story.

True, this young lady had been brought up with the old racial prejudices for which the South had been known. However, in the mid-1950’s she was a graduate Electrical Engineer from the University of Alabama and had taken an engineering job with Westinghouse in Pittsburg at a time when it was finally acceptable for women pursue professional jobs previously thought only appropriate for men. Later, according to my old roommate who became a professor there, subsequent generations of University of Alabama graduates were on the forefront of racial equality.

Secondly, reflecting now on the overall passenger scene on the train during those times, I also think about the freedom to move freely in America that provided the opportunity for thousands of southern post-WWII poor blacks and whites to migrate to jobs in the north and to become self-sufficient in spite of prejudices toward both groups that existed at the time. All of this was prior to the civil rights movement in the 60’s and 70’s that further cemented these kinds of freedoms.

During my lifetime, America, our homeland, was one of the few places in the world where all this positive change for disadvantaged men and women could happen peacefully and also be accepted by it’s citizens and leaders. We should never forget how lucky we were to live here then.

Doug Ferguson is a retired engineer living in Palmer, Alaska and has had a life-long interest in American history and human nature.

How to Stop the Mandate Madness

Contributed by Jennifer Eastman

On August 5th, I was proud to attend the Anchorage rally opposing mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations, and support Alaskans whose careers are at risk because of vaccine mandates.

I spoke with mothers and fathers facing the loss of their livelihood after having risked so much on the front lines during the pandemic. I heard from people who have dedicated over 10 and 15 years of their lives proudly investing in their culture and community. Instead of being thanked, they’re being handed “mandatory resignations” if they don’t get vaccinated. Adding to the frustration, some still work remotely and others have no direct contact with patients.

Some in attendance have recovered from COVID and want to avoid taking a new vaccine when they already have immunity. Others came to oppose the coercive and tyrannical business practices that some Alaskan employers are using (and others are presently considering).

As for me, my field is microbiology. My interest in bacteria and viruses began when I was in high school, sustained me through grad school, and still continues today.

Over the years, I have been teased about my vaccine “collection” because my work as a public health microbiologist has taken me to foreign countries and has allowed me to receive some vaccines that you can’t get even if you wanted to, like rabies.

Knowing that, you might find it surprising that I would attend an event opposing the COVID-19 vaccine mandates. There is an idea floating around that if you oppose forcing people to take COVID shots, you are an anti-vaxxer. But what I saw on Thursday was a much broader cross-section of Alaska.

This was not a protest of unvaccinated Alaskans. Several of the people I saw were vaccinated but simply find these mandates un-American. It turns out there are plenty of reasons to say NO to forcing Alaskans to take a vaccine they don’t believe they need or aren’t ready for. The list is long and includes reasons that are rooted in science, law, religion, previous COVID exposure and recovery, medical condition, pregnancy, or simply choice.

Remember, not only is the virus new, the disease it causes is new, and the vaccine technology (mRNA vaccines) is new. Since these vaccines haven’t been used in humans before now, I think it is perfectly reasonable that some Alaskans will want a little more data and a few more studies completed before choosing to take, or not take, any mRNA vaccine, not just a COVID one. What some call unfounded and unreasonable skepticism, at any other time, would be called caution and prudence.

Yet real people weighing these risks right now are doing so under threat of incredibly severe punishments, including losing their careers and for college students, losing their education or scholarship opportunities. Healthcare workers now being threatened are the same doctors, nurses and other medical staff who worked on the frontline during the height of the pandemic. Many of them already have immunity to COVID because of that. Meanwhile, those writing the policies seem to care very little about the concerns of their employees or of incoming students.

As we work to protect each other from this new form of medical overreach, we must know the history, and not just the rationale that supports it. Those supporting vaccine mandates tell us that the Supreme Court is on their side. But the case they cite, Jacobson v. Massachusetts (1905), didn’t deal with anyone losing their job. It was over whether the state could issue a $5 fine to a man who declined to take the Smallpox vaccine when that disease was killing 30 out of every 100 people who became infected. According to the CDC, smallpox is over 17 times more deadly than COVID-19, and yet no one was forced to take the vaccine, and no one had to live under the threat of losing their livelihood or being excluded from society if they didn’t take it. Worst case, they had to pay $5.

With requirements for vaccine “passports” spreading across the country, it is time that Alaskans take a stand together in support of our frontline workers and neighbors, and help save their jobs.

How? Start by signing the petition Against COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates by scanning the QR code shown here or visiting the “Alaskans Against Mandates” Facebook Page.

Read. Like. Share.

COVID-19 is being used to discriminate and to drive a wedge between those more, and less, hesitant to be vaccinated.

To paraphrase Martin Niemöller:

First they came after the healthcare workers, and I did not speak out –

Because I was not a healthcare worker.

Then they came after the military and first responders, and I didn’t speak out –

Because I was not a military member or a first responder.

Then they came after those in the travel industry, and I didn’t speak out –

Because I was not in the travel industry.

Then they came after me.

Please sign the petition.

Meet Parker

Contributed by Angie Lewis

Parker has some issues that make him a bit challenging.  We think he dreams of being an only child. Sharing his people with other dogs is not a strength for this boy.  He loves his family with all the loyalty and fierceness imaginable.  He needs to be with a family that will be able to do some training and provide consistency.  If you’re up to the challenge, he will be well worth the effort.

To meet or learn more about Parker, please call Alaska Animal Advocates, ask for Angie at 841-3173

How To Make Your Dog a Registered Emotional Support Animal

Contributed by Angie Lewis

Emotional Support Dogs help people when they are in distress, offering a comforting presence during feelings of anxiety, depression, autism, bipolar or PTSD.  Qualifying your dog to become an Emotional Support Dog (ESA) is a fairly simple task and the whole process only take a few days to accomplish. In order to designate your dog as an Emotional Support Dog, you must have an emotional or psychological condition that requires such an animal.  You must get a certification from a licensed therapist or Doctor. This requires an evaluation of your condition and a letter of recommendation for a ESA. An ESA does not have the same training requirements or privileges that a therapy dog has.

These requirements involve that you be a current patient of the mental health professional and:

Your disability must be described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

Your disability must substantially limit your performance or participation in a least one of life’s major activities

An ESA must be prescribed to you as a part of your treatment plan

An ESA recommendation letter must be written within one year and expires a year later

Medical recommendation letter packets can be purchased online

A variety of ESA supplies can be purchased online as well (vests, patches, and leashes).

It is best not to try and fake the ESA letter as this is against the law and can land you in a great deal of trouble.  A legitimate ESA letter will allow your dog to legally live in 99.9 % of “no Pet housing.  Also, landlords are not allowed to charge pet fees when your pet has n ESA letter.

A well behaved ESA is able to fly without extra fees, although there may be breed and size restrictions.

There are certain breeds of dogs that are not accepted as ESAs:

Chow Chows

Cane Corsos

Skye Terries

Blood Hounds

Weimaraners

Border Collies

Emotional Support Dogs play a very important role in our lives with very minimal training requirements.  Just another example of how vital a role that dogs have in our lives.

Angie Lewis

Palmer

The Bright Lights Book Project: An Update

Contributed by Alys Culhane

“These books are free? The parent asked.  “Yes, take as many as you want,” I said to the incredulous child.  We were standing in the Vagabond Blues hallway, next to the fiction project bookcase.

The little girl happily rummaged through the books, as I explained to her mother how the Bright Lights Book Project works.   

“How come you don’t charge for the books?” she asked.

“Because the goal is to get them into the hands of readers,” I replied.

“How does the project work?” 

I who am obsessed with the ins and outs of the book project, began talking nearly non-stop.  I explained to the woman that a staff of eight volunteers currently salvage, sort, categorize, clean, and distribute books locally and state-wide.  I added that the majority of books are dropped off at VCRS, the Valley Recycling Center, during the week.  The books are donated by area thrift stores, private individuals. The VCRS staff makes sure that the incoming books are stored in a safe and accessible area.  Sorting generally takes place on Saturdays. The sorting area is adjacent to the VCRS Bookstore, where books can also be purchased. 

I continued: the books are taken to the Church of the Covenant Meeting House on Saturdays, and here they are further prepared for distribution.  The main distribution site is the Koslosky Building.  Fiction, nonfiction, and children’s bookcases are located in the downstairs hallway bookcases, and Health and Teaching Resource books are located in the upstairs bookcases.  Other Palmer-based distribution sites include Turkey Red Restaurant, The Valley Hotel, and the Sunset Grill.  Sutton distribution sites include The Chickaloon Native Health Center and the Sutton Post Office.

I, who now had the woman’s undivided attention, provided her with particulars about the Palmer Senior Center distribution efforts.  Some time ago, I approached a volunteer who encouraged me to bring books to the dining area at lunch time.  The seniors were so receptive to my initial efforts that I purchased a library cart with funds provided by the Mat-Su Health Foundation.  The cart functions as a little library – the shelves are labelled Fiction, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Children’s Literature and General Nonfiction.  The accessible books are now a lunchtime mainstay.

I next told her about the summer activities, one in which I assisted the Sutton librarians and staff in organizing two events.  The focus on the first day was on the teenagers.  The theme was libraries, big and small.  I was of course given a hand in this endeavor by Bright Lights Project volunteers.  I first brought in my pack horse, Hrimfara (the English translation of her Icelandic name is Frosty Traveler), who carried a pack load of books to the kid’s area. Our Australian Shepherd, Shadow, rode in on her back.  Dilly Dally the clown (Sheila Aay) passed out books and Lois Liebing read the book, The Bibliographic Burro to the now attentive teens.  After, Nan Potts assisted the teenagers in painting cast off Frontiersmen newspaper boxes, which they were told would function as little libraries.

The second day’s audience consisted of little kids.  Pat Praetorius, who was visiting from Ojai, California, read to them.  They made bookmarks, books, and finished painting the Frontiersman boxes.  That evening, Bill Schmidtkunz, Nan Potts, and I did a Bright Lights Book Project reading.  This was in conjunction with a silent auction, one in which we raised $750.00, to be divided between the Bright Lights Book Project and the Sutton Library.

“And what are your future plans?” the woman asked.  I replied that the Bright Lights Book Project will be well represented at the Alaska State Fair.  Newspaper boxes will be located in the Eckert Garden and at the VCRS recycling center booth.  Of course, the gardening and children’s books will be free to ASF patrons.

I paused before adding that the project’s success has to a large part been due to the support of local businesses, some of which include VCRS, Fireside Books, The Bishop’s Attic Thrift Store, and the Mat-Su College Library. 

“Are you looking for volunteers? She asked.

“Always,” I said, adding that we are currently looking for input as to where we might set up additional sites, and as well, people to distribute books to more far-flung areas, both in the Mat-Su Valley and elsewhere.

I then gave her a Bright Lights bookmark that had my email address on the back: alysculhane@hotmail.com.  The mother thanked me, and the child, an armload of books in hand, skipped in the direction of the café. 

Jeff Shultz Hall of Fame

Jeff Schultz, Iditarod photographer, was inducted into the Mushers’ Hall of Fame on Sunday, July 18, 2021.

Weaving Dreams One Basket at a Time

Contributed by Charice Chambers

Matsu Senior Services Gift Shop is packed with a plethora of creative crafts and artistic design work. It surrounds the shopper with excitement, diversity, intensity and in some cases, humor.  As interesting as its contents are, the consignees who give birth to them are even more arresting and interesting than their creations.  One such designer is Sharon Blades. Blades is a basket maker, and honed her skills while living on the Oregon coast. There she collected all manner of treasures on her frequent beach strolls particularly following southwestern storms. The booty was too great to pass up and as her collection grew; she knew that she needed to do something with the stuff. So began her basket-making career. The inspiration for Blades’ methodology was developed in 4th grade where her teacher instructed all students in the art of knitting. The teacher’s goal was to improve student eye-hand coordination. How surprised she might have been had she realized the results of that training for one little girl!

In 1986 Blades moved to Alaska taking up residence in Clam Gultch. There, she once again roamed the beaches, gathering driftwood, shells, seaweed and feathers. Seldovia, Homer and Clam Gultch as well as other Alaskan beaches rendered up glass floats, beads, horns and antlers. These new finds added a depth and interest to her basketry that had been lacking before. All her baskets are made from all-natural fibers.

New seaside treasures also suggested new types of projects including her popular wind chimes to which she adds wine corks and trade beads. The chimes are available in both large and small sizes and numerous colors.

According to Blades each winter she settles down by her warm wood stove and discovers how her summer gatherings will blend to create each unique piece and perhaps some new products as well. While she works, she thinks of long sunny days and quietly anticipates the return of summer and it’s treasures.

Blades has spent much of her life as a seamstress. She took one sewing class, discovered 4H, and was off on a great stitching adventure. It included buying and operating a fabric store with her mother, crafting her own clothing, and ultimately becoming a professional seamstress and designer. Currently she makes hostess aprons from a self-created pattern that include a number of pockets-even one for life’s greatest necessity, the cell phone. Her stitch witchery has also led to writing tablets, which include hand-stamped paper, and a pen all wrapped up in a padded fabric holder. Placemats, shopping bags and bag holders are also a part of her repertory. She has even created children’s fur trimmed parkas and kuspuks that are both fun and affordable. Blades judiciously searches for fabrics that are not only strikingly attractive, but express the themes and character of Alaska, making her products perfect destination gifts.

Blades is surrounded by many other equally talented artists and crafters at the gift shop. Located at 1132 South Chugach Street in the Palmer Senior Center (across from and adjacent to Palmer Junior Middle School), the shop is open from 11 am to 3 pm Tuesday through Thursday.

Ursa and the Moon

Contributed by Douglas Girard

One of the traditions I like to partake in with my wife is to visit the book section of our local thrift store. There is an element of excitement perusing the books in their sometimes haphazard piles. I always imagine myself finding a real blockbuster. I'm not sure what it will be, but I'll know it when I see it. Some months back, I came across a book I didn't know I was looking for. I found a book titled: "The Dancing Goddesses, Folklore, Archaeology, and the Origins of European Dance." The title appealed to me on so many levels. I am fascinated by mythology, archaeology, and history, and so many of my paintings involve dance or the female goddess archetype. Wow! I couldn't wait to read it and was not disappointed. To my surprise, birds were responsible for the original dances. I was surprised and delighted because I paint birds and feathered female dancers surrounded by birds. I was somehow tapping into this ancient tradition without knowing it.

The book tells of how European dances started as fertility rituals thousands of years ago in western Eurasia. To our ancestors living in the harsh northern climate, the coming of spring was of the utmost importance. (I am sure those of you who have lived in Alaska for some time can attest to this.) They noticed that the birds would come back in spring and that soon new chicks would be hatching. The sun's warmth gave new vigor to all the plants and animals, and planting the crops could begin. Birds became associated with the fertility of the people and the land. Through ritual dance, the ancients thought they could entice the birds to return. Thus fertility to their women and the land would increase. Young girls and women would dress in very long-sleeved clothing and dance in a way that mimicked the flight of birds.  Dances such as Greek line dance and the Waltz have their roots in ancient fertility rituals.

One sentence created an image immediately in my imagination. It told of the Germanic goddess Ursa who would carry the moon across the sky in her silver boat. The image was so striking that I had to paint it and soon started its planning. While I was drawing the composition, I remembered four-thousand-year-old Scandinavian rock carvings of boats I had seen. With some research, I found that one of these boats was excavated and is on display. The boat, in this painting, is derived from this design. 

After the painting had begun, a Northern saw-wet owl visited us just outside our kitchen window. That little fellow was perfect for the back of her boat. 

In Africa, where I grew up, at dusk, the swallows would swoop and dive all over our yard as they chased after flying termites. I love their forked tails and speed and have felt a special connection to these little spitfires ever since. They were the ideal escort for Ursa in her silver boat.

I am pleased to announce that this image, "Ursa and the Moon," is now available as a Fine Art Print at my website studiogirard.com. You can also find a hundred other paintings available as prints on metal, paper, canvas, acrylic, wood, mugs, pillows, puzzles, phone cases, and bags. You will also find over 50 of my popular small "Bird Blocks" for sale. "Bird Blocks" are small, 3.5" wide, portraits of birds. You can follow me on Instagram and Facebook @studiogirard. In the afternoon, one can watch me paint "Live" on Instagram many days of the week.

Rapper and Rockers Added to 2021 Fair Concert Line-Up

Contributed by MK

Tickets on sale for Young Dubs, Lil Tjay and Clutch 

The Alaska State Fair is pleased to announce three additional acts confirmed for the 2021 AT&T Concert Series: Celtic rockers, the Young Dubliners, on August 26; young rapper, Lil Tjay, on September 3; and legendary rockers, Clutch, on September 5. Tickets are currently on sale.

Thursday, August 26: Young Dubliners. The Young Dubliners (aka the Young Dubs) are known worldwide for their fusion of traditional Irish music and modern rock ‘n roll. During their more than 30-year career, the Celtic rock band has released nine albums, had their music featured in movies and commercials, and toured the U.S. and Europe, supporting music greats like JethroTull, John Hiatt, Chris Isaak, Jonny Lang, Great Big Sea and Collective Soul.

Friday, September 3: Lil Tjay. Bronx rapper Lil Tjay’s first tracks showed up online in 2017, when he was still just a teenager. His first hit, 2018’s “Resume,” went viral, earning the attention of major labels and leading to a deal with Columbia. A series of albums and hits quickly followed, including “Ruthless, “Laneswitch,” “Hold On,” “Zoo York” and “None of Your Love.” Lil Tjay’s latest album, Destined 2 Win, with the single “Calling My Phone,” was released earlier this year.

Sunday, September 5: Clutch. From their 1993 debut, Transnational Speedway League, to their 12th studio album, Book of Bad Decisions, legendary Maryland rockers Clutch have been in the “business of writing stone cold classics” for 30 years. Hits over the past three decades include “Careful With That Mic,” “Immortal,” “Open Up the Border,” “The Mob Goes Wild” and “PigtownBlues.” Their latest release, Book of Bad Decisions, came out in 2018.

Beginning Friday, July 23, tickets for the Young Dubs, Lil Tjay and Clutch will be available for purchase on the Fair website, alaskastatefair.org. Concert-goers can purchase concert-only tickets or tickets including Fair admission. The included admission is at a discounted price and good any day of the Fair. Tickets including Fair admission must be purchased by August 25. Details on ticket options and pricing are available on the Fair website. Convenience fees apply.

The Fair’s 2021 concert line-up also features Portugal. The Man on August 20 and 21, Martina McBride on August 22, Michael Jr. on August 23, Dashboard Confessional on August 27, Jon Pardion August 28, The Guess Who on August 29, Zach Williams on August 30, Common Kings on September 2, and Billy Idol on September 4. Tickets for these concerts are currently available.

Poet-Guitarist Daniel Kosel to Perform at Black Birch Books

Contributed by Taylor Jordan

Black Birch Books proudly presents poet-guitarist Daniel Kosel live, featuring two unique events on August 25th and August 30th!

General Admission Event, 25 August from 6pm-8pm - $40

Exclusive Event and New Album Launch Party, 30 August from 6pm-9pm - $60

Tickets for sale in person at Black Birch Books, www.EventBrite.com (search Daniel Kosel) or follow the link on our Facebook Event!

About Daniel Kosel:

Daniel Kosel is a Montana poet, guitarist, recording artist and touring musician whose resonant vocals, sultry guitar, and emotionally intelligent poetry are a signature blend of original blues, country and rock - Made in the USA! For the second time, Mr. Kosel will be playing at the Alaska State Fair with motive to make you move!

The artist's music is inspired by life experiences with unusual people, stunning ecosystems and emotional situations. His poetry, guitar work, and vocals exude a powerful kinship and empathy with strangers, friends, Mother Earth, and the spiritual beyond. Daniel says that his favorite musical influences include Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin, ZZ Top and many more great artists of all flavors and genres. Albums include: Beartooth Stage (2017), The Rain (2017), More Than Enough (2019), Better Days (2019), 16 Favorites (2021), and 1970 (2021).

We hope to have our coffee shop up and running in time for his concerts!

During these performances we ask for that you refrain from using your cell phones and maintain silence. There will be a brief intermission in the middle of the performance.

Our facility is fully handicap accessible.

Original Art by Valley Artists

Contributed by Marilyn Bennett

Valley Arts Alliance painters have found a new place to display their paintings. There are several types of paintings and painters in the Valley Arts Alliance, so no matter what your preference in art you should be pleased with the variety of styles represented in this display.

We will be displaying our artwork at Sophia's Cafe, where you can sample Greek food, European coffee and tea while looking at our latest outpouring of artwork displayed for your enjoyment. Whether you prefer great landscapes, whimsy or a dreamscape you can find something to suit you particular fancy. Please take time when you are visiting Sophia's to walk around and look at how much talent is right here in the valley.

If you are interested in joining the Valley Arts Alliance, we meet every Thursday morning at 11AM right here at Sophia's Cafe.

If you are an aspiring artist please come to the Valley Recycling Center VCRS off 49th State Street. We meet at the education room of the center together with other artistic people every Thursday from 1 to 3 and paint, draw and learn from each other.

It is a nonthreatening atmosphere and a lot of fun. For more information on what Valley Arts Alliance is doing go to valleyartsalliance.com  


One Year Later: Embracing Hybridity as an Author

Contributed by Caitlin M.S. Buxbaum

Last May I hosted my first virtual book launch via YouTube for my seventh collection of poetry, Interstitials. On August 31 of this year, starting at 6 p.m., I’ll be hosting yet another virtual launch, for my first collection of fiction, The Birthday Picture: and Other Stories. Fortunately, this is not out of necessity, and I am grateful to also have the opportunity for an in-person book signing this year.

As you well know, Alaska — particularly the Mat-Su Valley — has relaxed its COVID-19 mitigation restrictions to the point where we can pretty much go where we please without a mask, despite the fact that much of the world still requires social distancing or is re-implementing quarantine procedures due to COVID-19. Whatever your perspective on the situation here or Outside, things seemed to have somewhat returned to “normal” (at least for now) and many authors can once again celebrate their newly published works with people in the flesh. However, what I learned from my last launch — and my interactions with writers all over the world in various virtual capacities during the height of the pandemic — is that technology is able to foster truly precious communication that we should continue to take advantage of in positive ways.

For this new book, which consists of nine short stories (seven previously published, individually), I contracted a college friend of mine to create multiple pen-and-ink illustrations. Since she lives in Minnesota, and travel is still costly and not always feasible, this virtual launch allows us both to celebrate the publication of the book, along with all our friends and family, connecting people who might not otherwise ever come in contact with one another. Attendees will get to see and hear Briana and me talk about the process of creating the book, in addition to readings of the stories, and have their questions answered via the live chat function on YouTube. It’s exciting, right?

But we authors are also a little desperate to see readers in-person again, to enjoy signing a book and handing it over to a fan for purchase in our favorite local bookstores. For my part, I am happy to bring some more business to Black Birch Books at their new location on Sept. 4, from noon to 2 p.m. Each event is sure to be a good time, with special giveaways and discounts, so everyone is invited to attend both and enjoy this new hybrid life we live.

For more information on how to host a virtual book launch (and to read more of my work), please visit caitbuxbaum.com/blog

To pre-order a copy of The Birthday Picture: and Other Stories, please visit redsweaterpress.com/store

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Alaska Home Companion: Call for Auditions

Contributed by Carmen Summerfield

Would you like to share your stories about the best, the worst, and the silliest of everyday living in Alaska? Coming soon, Season Eight of The Alaska Home Companion—A Frontier Variety Show!

The 2021 Wasilla Episode will be broadcast live on Saturday October 9 from the historic Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry (MATI) gallery next to Wasilla International Airport.

The Alaska Home Companion—A Frontier Variety Show! is the Valley Arts Alliance rendition of a live radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, with skits, music, and dance acts, similar to the popular Prairie Home Companion radio show on NPR.

For those of you who haven’t seen or heard one of our episodes, The Alaska Home Companion—A Frontier Variety Show! features interesting stories by Alaskans about the best, the worst, and the silliest of everyday living in Alaska. In previous episodes, we heard from The Roving Reporter, Guy d’North, and The Sommelier, as well as news from Lake Willowa and Mukluk Radio.

The 2021 season is our ninth year producing The Alaska Home Companion—A Frontier Variety Show!, and we will continue with new music and dance acts, occasional impersonations of local celebrities, and will be occasionally broadcast live by Radio Free Palmer on 89.5 FM.

Auditions will be held Thursday September 2 at our weekly meeting at Sophia’s Café, 11am until 1pm. Sophia’s Café is located at on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway at 9191 Frontage Road, phone 745-9001. If you can’t attend the auditions, please contact Carmen (at) ValleyArtsAlliance (dot) com.

So mark your calendar! The Wasilla episode of the VAA Alaska Home Companion—A Frontier Variety Show! will be broadcast at 7pm Saturday, October 9,2021, at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry in Wasilla. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door. A cash bar will be open during the event.

To see exciting scenes of these episodes, visit our Archive Pages at www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com.

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