American Political Depravity – Sources & Remedies Part 1

Contributed by Stuart Thompson

Josh Fryfogle’s “Treason” article two months ago was very good. The following article carries its theme further. It will take some courage to read on.

Three human ethics factors underlie the political depravity that Mr. Fryfogle so ably described: 1) Increasing commission and public acceptance of “bearing false witness”---violation of one of the biblical 10 Commandments; 2) increasing commission of betrayal after trust (also known as failing to keep one’s word) by politicians, government officials, and citizens alike; and 3) increasing citizen avoidance of informed civic participation.

Bearing false witness is not just lying, but is also telling half-truths. Artfully telling half-truths or lying to influence what people think is horribly the most rewarded skill in our society today. Politicians and the government do it, and justify doing so by asserting that they “know best” what is good for everybody. The Media does it because journalists are trained that their purpose is “to shape public opinion”. Educators and scientists do it because their job-security or their own prejudices are often more important than honest portrayal of practical truth. Citizens do it all too often because lying and telling half-truths appear less painful than being courageously truthful.

Betrayal after trust in the realm of politics and government actually encompasses a virtue history has called honor.  Now perfect trustworthiness is unattainable by human beings. But what is attainable is the essence of honor: always striving to be worthy of trust and doing one’s best to openly repair the consequences of any lapses.

Citizen avoidance of informed civic participation IS the enabler of political corruption!

A) Example:  thinking that voting for “the lessor of two evils” every election is all that citizenship means.

1) After several election cycles of doing this---instead of voting one’s conscience----naturally results in a group of “ethically challenged” officials. So citizens have directly enabled modern corruption by their own civic irresponsibility!

2) Half the kings and emperors in human history were elected. Furthermore, those condoning hereditary kingship and nobility were merely embracing the source of all racism---that human beings are soul-less animals to be bred and managed by their “betters”. That there aren’t any elite human beings---no matter how intelligent they are--- is the reason all forms of democracy and representative government even developed … or needed to be!

B) Another example: out of grotesque ignorance or miseducation, it is a commonly held belief that lobbyists are a necessary part of representative government. This is instead of organized briefing of constituents on issues, and harvesting their input for representation. But wait! Lobbyists are ALWAYS engaged by special interests! This was even so in the age of kings and nobles---including lobbyist use of propaganda, bribes, blackmail, and character assassination. Having no dictionaries, US Founders used the Latin derivation of the word “represent”: do or show again. To them, it was the aggregate of what constituents had in mind on common issues that was to be represented---not the wants and opinions of those who had “the ear of power”. The corruption of lobbyist-influenced government IS what is attacked in the US Declaration of Independence! So out of 1) a propagandized dictionary definition of “represent”: be an official or agent in behalf of, and 2) a pathetic ignorance of how to lead people so constituent minds can be represented, we have lost the safeguards that people-based government brings. This cliché applies: “Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it”.

I shall address remedies arising from these observations next month in Part II.

Stuart Thompson

PO Box 870702

Wasilla AK 99687

lookitovere@att.net

The ART of Hyperbole and Misinformation, 2020

 
 

Contributed by Carmen Summerfield

Nothing is more fundamental to our democracy than the free exchange of accurate information. A democracy thrives when its citizens are informed, and will wither when they are misled, deceived, or kept in the dark.

So, as a bad joke, I’ll help you learn how to deceive someone. Take my quick course on hyperbole and misinformation.

Number 1: Make sure you say something that works on people’s emotions. Humankind’s relationship to information is more emotional than rational. So tug at their heartstrings and trigger an emotional reaction. Fear, outrage, or hope overrides our rational defenses.

Number 2: You don’t have time, or the inclination, to thoroughly read and understand all the many articles available. Just read the headlines and then “like” or “forward” those that sound good. The more you send, the more you can amplify unreliable and divisive content.

Number 3: Confuse ‘em so they can’t spot misinformation patterns. A misinformation pattern is overuse of certain words or phrases, such as “long lines”, “voter fraud”, or “over testing”, in all the articles. Switch things up. Most people will get so confused that they’ll believe anything you say.

Number 4: Fabricate some fake videos or still pictures. Everyone knows how to “photoshop”, and most people don’t know the difference. So be creative!

Number 5: Make people think that the “other guy” or “other product” can’t be trusted. If you say something enough times, people will believe it. Eventually they’ll become cynical. And when they hear the same bad thing said about your product or idea, they won’t believe that either.

Remember, people who have an impassioned viewpoint about something do not want to hear an opposing viewpoint.

All joking aside, credible information doesn’t ask for your trust, it EARNS it by being transparent, fair, and accurate. If you see something that is fake, false, or misleading, DO SOMETHING!

 
 

49th Meal Podcast Best of the Valley Cook-Off Event

 
 

Contributed by Mitchel Howell

The 49th Meal will be hosting the best of the valley cook-off August 29th at the Fall Festival.

We will have teams of 1 to 4 people making their best Ribs, Chicken, and Burgers. There is a $50 fee for each team.

The money will be going to The Alaska Farm Land Trust. While doing the podcast the 49th Meal I have heard many times from many guests that the Alaska Farm Land Trust is such a valuable resource for the state that I thought it would make a great organization to donate the proceeds from the cook-off.

For more information: admin@49thmeal.com, (907) 738-2256

 
 

Summer

 
 

Contributed by Charles Dean Walker

This is the state of America.

Minorities back fighting for a right to live.

And the ignorant run you down.

Falling to the ground, you can jail the driver.

But they stay unjustly proud.

Maybe we should burn more flags.

Turn them upside down.

America you’re my country not my religion.

Never to riot, I can use my words.

Stand for a pledge to a country that loves killing minorities No.

Keep blocking Rushmore.

Keep protesting, stay strong, stay loud.

I hope we burn more Rebel flags.

Dance on the ashes.

The Confederacy is not my country nor heritage.

I spit on the Confederate soldiers.

No guilt.

(907) 414 - 2236

 
 

The Spider That I Didn’t kill

 
 

Contributed by Caitlin M.S. Buxbaum

The spider that I didn’t kill

came skittering after me —

wary, I watched it cross the sill

wondering why I let it be.

My husband isn’t Buddhist

but he tells me not to smite them —

those bugs, the universe will miss,

he says, though I don’t quite believe him.

So here the speeding spider stays

creeping around in the dark:

it lurks in bookshelves, doorways,

corners, waiting for its mark.

O why did I let you live

to terrorize me so?

Why, such mercy, did I give

to you, my undeserving foe?

Who knows now where you lie

to frighten and dismay,

but if I spy you with my eye

you just might die today.

 
 

Dreams of my Mother

 
 

Contributed by Tom Lamb

Having grown up in a suburb just outside of Detroit and having a mother who was a Democrat involved in the civil rights movement during the early sixties, I was exposed to politics early on. Our family received phone calls from people who would call us “ni**er lovers”. One day while we were in the kitchen, I answered a phone call and was called the derogatory term used against blacks. My father became incensed and told my mother by being in the civil rights movement, she was putting our family at risk.

My mother eventually left the civil rights movement because it became radicalized with members of the New Left which were members of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). Michigan was the birthplace of the SDS and the manifesto of the movement was published in 1962 under the Port Huron Statement. Detroit became home to radical Bill Ayers and was allied with the Black Panther Party.

Later, Ayers founded the Weather Underground Organization in Ann Arbor Michigan and the radical ideas and intimidation of the faction of the SDS started to filter in on college campuses in Michigan.

In 1968, my mother was going to Macomb County Community College and was working for the campus newspaper Sporadic and wrote an Op-ed titled: Speaker Lashes U.S.; Students Just Laugh. The piece was how her political science professor who was a member of the SDS, invited a revolutionary to talk to the students.

The article struck a nerve with the extremists of the SDS: they gathered all of the campus newspapers and burned them, made death threats against my mother and moved her Volkswagen and chained it so she couldn't get in. The extremist element of Bill Ayers’ group was moving through the college campuses in Michigan.

From my mother’s life stories, I carry a dream of her and decided to run for political office in 2020. I originally was running as a Nonpartisan candidate for congress but switched to the House District 7 race. When Lynn Gattis decided to enter the race, I pulled out because I believe she is a good fit for the district and I entered the Senate D race as a Nonpartisan on the Democratic Party ticket. Because of Covid-19 and the risks of gathering signatures for the senate race, I had to take into account that my mother who is 86 is a high health risk, so I had to minimize my exposure to the virus.

So the decision was made.

When my candidacy was certified, Anchorage Daily News Juneau reporter James Brooks quickly pointed out that I had sued President Barack Obama. This is true. What James didn’t know is the underlying background of the lawsuit. The lawsuit was directed at an act of fraud on the court that had been committed when attorneys for President Obama filed a motion in a “birther” lawsuit in federal court, stating the president never held dual citizenships when he did until 1983.

It was known that Bill Ayers was involved with Barack during his college days and influenced Barack, the same Bill Ayers who was a radical and part of a violent movement and group that made death threats against my mother.

The Alaska Supreme Court punted its decision by publishing a Memorandum of Judgment. Having lived Outside and in the political environment my mother created, I bring a broad viewwith many life experiences to the Senate D race. I know how the Democrat Party was before it became a party of the Left and I was part of the Republican Party when Reagan was in office. Both parties have fallen away from the good that each brought.

As such, even though I am the only candidate in the Democatic primary as a Nonpartisan my focus will be working with both Democrats and Republicans on issues that I feel will benefit the people in Senate D and Alaskans.

I have a long political history in Alaska and I haven’t had to deviate from positions developed over the years. Presently, I am working on a campaign website and it will list how I stand on issues so you can view them. The campaign website address is www.lamb4senate.com

 
 

How 64 Billion Dollars = Zero

 
 

Contributed by Bee Rupright

There has been a lot of discussion about our diminishing Permanent Fund Dividend, and not much about the Principle Fund.  Of course, we should all be outraged at the taking of our PFD to support an unsustainable State Operations Budget, but the entirety of the current PFD and the Fund Balance and how they work has not been addressed.  Right now and since its inception, the state has had access to freely spend.  The only exception is the 25 % of the Mineral royalty revenues to be deposited into the Fund Principle. Traditionally, the legislature had deposited more than 25% to increase the Fund. This year, the legislature only put in the required 25%.  Yes, that’s right; the free spending goes on as even the Constitutional Budget Reserve is stripped from unpaid “draws”.  Of course there are statutes for all that, as there are statutes for our PFD. Statutes are no guarantee.

I’m going to support a Spending Cap and preferably within the constitution.  I support the POMV model as it is to be used as a Spending Cap with the end result - to run our operations off that percentage. The percentage to be determined after a sustainable budget plan is adopted. (I believe more budgeting can be done than our current legislative caucus!). The Permeant Fund Dividend will be separate and out of legislative control. I am perplexed that the currently caucus legislature only deposited 25% into the Fund Principle.  It is apparent that the growth of government is the only concern, not growing the Principle Balance that their own current statutory POMV and our PFD are tied to. Our Constitutional Budget Reserve should not be easily accessed or borrowed from unless certain emergent conditions existed along with ¾ majority vote with the emergent condition being a substantial drop in the market.   This is a strategy to eliminate the up and down fluctuations of the oil and gas industry and create a stable economy.  I don’t believe that anyone could say we’ve seen much from the largess of the oil price boom and now - it’s gone. To believe that we can budget within the current parameters of our cash availability is ridiculous.  We’ve seen where that leads. We cannot rely on another (oil) pie in the sky to come save us!

The PFD needs to be out of the hands of the legislature.   The Permanent Fund Dividend should be made into a trust:  The Alaska Permanent Trust.  Also, a certain percentage of the Principle earnings will go into the fund and it will grow quickly. This, I believe, would be the best approach. Another idea would be to just put the percentage of the dividend into the constitution.  Pretty easy, but the sitting legislatures can’t seem to address this. Remember the PFD is yours- period! It was instituted for the tradeoff of giving up the property rights under your feet and I am adamant about preserving it. To say we just go back to the original and still standing PFD statute is not enough to protect it as it is by statute only and open to interpretation.

Your current legislature only wants to hand you a pittance and has named their plan through statute – a plan that has diminished the PFD greatly and grows an unsustainable operations budget... I foresee unaccountable spending to the max – with no forethought to the future.  Haven’t we been here before? Are we not here now? So then what –income tax? Sales tax? Yes, most assuredly and it’s already on the table.

In conclusion, moving to the POMV as the sole source of Operations Income (As a Spending Cap) or any way to set a constitutional  limit on operations spending, along with a process to curb free spending and borrowing from cash accounts is curtailed, is a good thing, as long as the PFD is separated from that equation . Then we can begin to invest in our state. This is what needs to happen.  Business is what will bring our State up out of this mess, not overgrown government.

But this current caucus legislature’s only proposal to increase income is to tax and take the lion’s share of our PFD’s while awaiting the pie in the sky.  I am certain that the current legislature wants Ballot Proposition 1 to pass.  This is the way to ensure incredible governmental growth and a cash influx of which we will see nothing again (can anyone say studies?).  But we can ensure another crash. This is how 60 billion dollars turns into Zero.

Please vote NO ON BALLOT 1, as it leads to a false bottom.

And do VOTE IN THE PRIMARY August 18th

Thank You,

Bee Rupright

Candidate, State Senate SeatD , Wasilla and Big Lake

 
 

Alaskans The True Trasures of Alaska

 
 

Contributed by Dawn Daily Green of  “Treasures Of The North”

With the new normal that we find ourselves in today, I decided to focus this month’s article on the real treasures found in Alaska… her people. My business may be called “Treasures Of The North”. But the people of Alaska are the true treasures of the north. 

For a number of years I and my daughter had a brick and mortar storefront. As any other business owner, we opened the business to make a living. But as time went on I realized that the true value for me, was more about people that I met along the way and less about the gold that came through my door. During those years I had the privilege of meeting a wide range of Alaskan people. I've met native people from the villages. I’ve met people who were for many different reasons building a life here in Alaska. I’ve met those in government who work in Juneau and a number of our great veterans who make this wonderful state their home. 

When the People's Paper first suggested that I start writing a monthly article, I didn't know that I had enough information to write an article each month. Gold is my trade now, but I also realized that I have been dealing in gold since I was in grade school trading my classmates for jewelry. But thinking back on it, even then, I found greater joy in the interactions with my classmates (inviting them to Church or trying to help them with their problems) than I did trading them for their jewelry. 

When the going gets tough, turning to other Alaskans for encouragement and even simply sharing a smile with someone you don't know, keeps us all looking forward to better days and brighter times ahead. We ARE all in this together and should ALL pull together for a better future.

Every one of us is a treasure in his or her own way. Each and every person has a story to tell. Yes, I invest in gold, but mostly I invest in people… the true treasures of the north. 

 
 

Alternative Course Delivery for Fall 2020 at Mat-Cu College Campus

 
 

Contributed by Adelina Rodriquiez

The University of Alaska moved to Phase B of its COVID-19 response plan in June and determined that classes will be offered through an alternate course delivery method for Fall 2020 semester. Most, but not all, face-to-face classes will now move to an online format.  All UA students are highly advised to check their class schedule through UAOnline to identify the alternative delivery method their instructor has selected to use.  

We recognize that the change to an alternate delivery method will present some challenges. Know that campus resources and staff are available to support students and that faculty will be working with them to help adapt to this change.

Get started by visiting UA Virtual Campus to learn about the widely-used applications the University of Alaska has to offer for online learning, including Blackboard to access courses, Google Apps @UA for email, and productivity tools such as Microsoft Office 365. By the start of fall semester, we want all our students to yell out, “BINGO”!

Any questions or concerns can be directed to Students Services 907.745.9746.

To learn more about UA’s Covid-19 response plan, visit the UA coronavirus site.

 
 

Classes Teach Alaskans How to Make Better Home Buying Choices

 
 

Contributed by Alaska Housing Finance Corporation

Wasilla’s Brian Remley is one of more than 60,000 Alaskans who made better home buying decisions, thanks to HomeChoice, a free class offered by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC).

Brian purchased his first house in 2018. “I was nervous, and I wanted insider knowledge of what to look for, things to pay attention to and types of questions I should be asking when looking for the right home,” he said.

HomeChoice™ is a six-hour class that helps prospective homebuyers work their way through the decisions and steps of buying a home and how to save money on closing costs. Topics covered include how to shop for a lender and a real estate professional, title insurance, energy-efficient homes, how to get a home loan, purchase and sale contracts, home inspections, money management and budgeting and AHFC loan programs.

The class is open to all buyers, whether it’s their first house or their fifth, and is particularly valuable for those interested in learning more about the homebuying process, how to prepare for homeownership and how to access local and federal programs that reduce the cost of homeownership.

HomeChoice™ classes are available online each week. The lessons are delivered over three days in two-hour increments.

HomeChoice™ is a great first step, particularly for first-time buyers, Brian said.

To learn more or to register, please visit ahfc.us/buy/homechoice today.

AHFC is a public corporation providing Alaskans access to safe, quality and affordable housing through residential financing, energy efficiency, public housing and more. Since 1986, Alaska Housing has contributed more than $2.1 billion to the State of Alaska.

 
 

Fourth Annual Chili-Chili Bang-Bang Cookoff

 
 

Contributed by Cathy Mosher

The Chili Chili Bang Bang Cookoff will be Friday, 7 August 2020 from 5:30 to 9:00 P.M., at the Palmer Depot, 610 S Valley Way, Palmer, Alaska. Come and enjoy a fun evening at the 4th Annual Chili Chili Bang Bang Cookoff. Are you a good chili cook; do you have a competitive spirit? Bring your winning chili to the 4th Annual Chili Chili Bang Bang Cookoff.

Win your very own Chili Trophy! BUT you must take the trophy away from last year’s Chili Chili Bang Bang Winner – “Senator David Wilson”. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children and $60 for a family. The VRWAK is having a gun raffle the VRWAK “United We Stand” Gun Raffle, Beretta 96 FS Inox “United We Stand” Limited Edition Pistol –$20 a ticket. Need not to be present to win. Must be able to pass NICS. ONLY 150 Tickets Sold. There will be a dessert auction, silent and outcry auctions plus split the pot and Root Beer Floats. Meet the Republican candidates running for office in the Republican Primary.

Invited guest speakers: Governor Mike Dunleavy and Senator Dan Sullivan. Call or text Cathy Mosher for more information 907-982-2646 Paid for by the VRWAK, P. O. Box 876739, Wasilla, AK 99687

 
 

Kabayan Inc. Annual Zumba in the Park Goes Virtual

 
 

Contributed by Lhing McNeal

Hey! Mat-SU don’t let this pandemic stop you, let’s get movin!

Kabayan Inc. Filipino American Community of Mat-Su will hold its 2nd Annual Zumba in Park virtually through Zoom. Zumba is a fitness class that combines dance and fitness moves.

Due to COVID-19 our 2nd Annual Zumba in the Park will go virtual this year through zoom. Though our platform has changed but the purpose has remained the same to GET HEALTHY. This event is part of our Health and Wellness Program.

It’s a FREE Zumba Pop class, fun, pumping music and burn calories with us! This class will be taught by authorized Zumba instructors. Meet our Zin’s from the comfort of your home and dance like nobody is watching. Class suitable for all abilities, so invite your friends and families.

We have so much fun last year seeing your beautiful faces, smiling and dancing with us. The fun continues this year all month of August. Class will begin on August 6, 2020 every week on Thursday & Saturday at 7 pm. Zoom will carry 100 participants only, first come first serve. Join us and win worth $500 in total prizes for kid’s adults and we will draw winners on Saturday, August 29 End of Season event right after the class.

For more information on how to win prizes and registration please visit kabayaninc.com/zumba-2020  or  find our Facebook event Let’s Get Movin Mat-Su Free Virtual Zumba.

This program is sponsored by Matsu Health Foundation.  

 
 

Marriage Tune-Up Free Event

 
 

Contributed by Robb Robbert

Are you unchurched but would like to know if God has some good words for you before marriage?  Are you unchurched and would like to know if God has some good words for you and your spouse to strengthen or even save your marriage? 

Call or text today (907) 315-3851 and sign up for a FREE three hour class.  You can choose to be the only couple or with two other couples.  This is not a bait and switch where you will be pressured to become a member of the church but rather unchurched couples are being targeted because King of kings wants churched people to go to their own church for this service when possible.

 
 

Palmer Toastmasters Invited You to Zoom

 
 

Contributed by Kianna Wilson

In rise to the pandemic sweeping the nations of the world many organizations have taken to

meeting virtually in order to keep exposure rates to a minimum. As such, we have all had to adjust our

daily and professional lives to fit a new way of communicating, connecting and meeting. That is why my

club, The Palmer Toastmasters club, has taken to meeting on an online platform known as Zoom in order to conduct a safe meeting space for all who wish to attend.

Toastmasters is an organization dedicated to helping its members advance and improve upon the

skills necessary to be a good communicator and an influential leader. Along with helping individual

members get out of their comfort zones, Toastmasters and the structure of our meetings help each member develop confidence, skill and poise in communication. Toastmasters helps each of us grow by expanding our repertoire of abilities. This happens through a self-paced, affordable education program called Pathways, in which each project builds and enhances our communication skills. With chances to prepare personalized speeches and present them before the club, to quick impromptu speaking roles offered to help members think on their feet, Toastmasters is a great place to grow and expand your skills at your own pace.

The Palmer Toastmasters Club encourages members to hear and voice feedback about speeches,

body language, and voice inflection and how to improve down the road. With mentorship and protégé

roles available for new and old members alike the club offers a close network of support and guidance

With new opportunities presented every day the Palmer Toastmasters club is a place where people come to grow and develop leadership skills. If this sounds great to you, please come check out our club.

We meet every Tuesday evening at 6:00 PM (AKDT).

Our club website is www.palmer.toastmasters.org

Our Zoom meeting ID is 976 1675 8970. Call or text 907-539-7111 for the meeting password.

 
 

Valley Republican Women of Alaska

 
 

Contributed by Janet Johnson

Valley Republican Women of Alaska will be having their monthly meeting Thursday, July 16, 2020 at the Sunrise Grill, 918 S Colony Way, Palmer, Alaska. Our meeting will start at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., come early if ordering food.

Candidate Forums, Senate District D Candidates: David Wilson (incumbent); Bernadette Rupright; Stephen Wright; Loy Thurman; Chandra McCain-Finch; and Huhnkie Lee. Wasilla Mayoral Race: Glenda Ledford; Stu Graham; and Doug Holler.

Perfect opportunity to hear what they all have to say. You won’t want to miss this chance to ask them a question.

Save the Date! If you have any questions, call Cathy Mosher 982-2646.

 
 

Palmer Downtown Friday Fling is Open

Contributed by Kalea Hogate

“Yes, the Friday Fling is open!”  After the difficult decisions made by many organizations to say no, it was a joy to say yes—to hold the Friday Fling.  In the midst of a global pandemic, farmers markets — like all other small businesses — have been scrambling to continue operations for the farmers and communities that depend on them. The essential role that farmers markets play in the food system is demonstrated by the coronavirus pandemic.  This year struggles faced due to the pandemic, including revenue lost, additional costs, and a delayed start, strained the market and participants. Once farmers markets were deemed essential, the market advisory board was determined to host the Friday Fling in the safest way possible, adapting rapid solutions and innovation to protect staff, customers, and the community.

The Friday Fling in Palmer was established in 2002 to grow community and foster economic development by providing a locally-focused shopping destination.  Since that first summer, the Friday Fling has been part of the heart of Palmer.  Opening day and the first Kettle Korn bag of the year is anticipated all spring.  The market currently hosts over 50 local vendors selling uniquely Alaskan-made handcrafted items. 

Our farm booths sell a wide variety of products, including: flowers, honey, herbs, zucchini, tomatoes, strawberries, turnips, and much more!  

This market is about people coming together as one community that supports each other.  It draws people to Palmer who are surprised to see our town has so much to offer.  People come back because they build a relationship with the producer themselves and the commerce is personal.  There is time to ask the farmers which type of tomato grows well without a greenhouse.  There is an opportunity to request the dish that was the special last week.  Customers visit the same booth each year to renew their supply of yarn.  They visit another booth to stock up on pork rinds for the week.  The Friday Fling builds community and has multigenerational resonance.  Every week finds grandparents, cousins, parents, and kids browsing booths, buying gifts and necessities, and enjoying music on the grass. One component that makes the Friday Fling unique is the live music on a trailer turned stage.  Thanks to many sponsorships, the market hosts musicians from around the state.  This year there are two different sets, one from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm and another from 4:30 until 6:00 pm. 

Because most events and festivals in Alaska have been canceled this year, the Friday Fling is one of the only venues left for artisans to vend their products.  June 19 was a beautiful opening day for a town full of people ready to see friends, coworkers, and neighbors.  Patrons were steady, but not stampeding in hoards.  The market was allowed to expand its footprint further north down S Valley Way, so booth placement is 10 feet apart.  Hand sanitizer is available at two entrances and two exits, as well as throughout the market.  Vendors wear masks when they interact with customers.  Each week brings refinement to health and safety precautions.  Beginning July 10, food booths will be spaced 20 feet apart, extending east down Elmwood Street, with staggered lines to mitigate congestion on S Valley Way.  In a pledge of commitment to this community, safety and solidarity is the administrative team motto.

If you drive down S Colony Way early on a Friday, as the sun starts its path over Pioneer Peak, you will see vendors unpacking their produce, crafts and wares, hurrying to raise their tents, laughing and smiling in the sun, nodding and gritting their teeth in the rain, and bracing themselves in that Palmer wind.  You will see me, the market coordinator, hustling to raise blockades, roll out flagging, and set-up signs.  You will witness a group of people building community.  See you at the Friday Fling.

In our mission to promote the downtown Palmer area, we bring quality produce, crafts, and entertainment together in one of the most beautiful surroundings Alaska has to offer.

www.palmerchamber.org

Santa Dash 5K Virtual Fundraiser

 
 

Contributed by Katrina Holder

My name is Katrina, I work with the Mat-Su Special Santa Program, and we have an exciting event at the end of the month called Santa Dash! 

Santa Dash is a virtual 5k, where participants can walk, run, bike, hike or swim at their own pace in the space they choose. This event will be going on from July 24th-31st. Participants can register for the event online through Eventbrite.com or can pick up and drop off a registration form at Alaska Family Services located at 1825 S. Chugach St. in Palmer. 

Registration is $25 a person, children 18 and under are free, they must have a parent or guardian register to be eligible to win door prizes. A drawing will be held at the end of the event on Aug. 1st . There will be several items to win from local businesses all over the Valley. A participant gets an entry just by registering, and also an extra entry for every sponsor they gather for their 5K. 

This event will help raise the funds needed to help families in need in the Valley receive Christmas gifts for their children. Last year the program helped 1,156 families give gifts to over 3,536 children. The program is a part of Alaska Family Services a 501c3 non profit, and we partner with Toys 4 Tots, local and state agencies, schools and churches. 

We appreciate The People’s Paper keeping the community connected and spreading the word on the happenings in the Valley. 

Thank you for all you do! 

Katrina Holder

Program Manager 

Mat-Su Special Santa Program

(907) 354-7786

matsu_santa@yahoo.com

 
 

Night Birds

 
 

Contributed by Nan Potts

The birds of the night, with chucks and woos

With gentle sighs or staunch “who-who”s,

Are heard to call for mate or food

In the evening hours, a taunting mood.

Though “Night” may lay upon the land,

Midnight sun strikes up an avian band.

The early chirping chickadees,

‘Tis Alaska’s summer melodies.

A symphony of calls ensues,

Nightingales, Owl and Moorhen moos.

Their daily Sun Salutations springs

Long before my alarm clock rings.