Borough

VernHalter

IT’S OFFICIAL I’M RUNNINGMAYOR

PAID FOR BY VERN HALTER FOR MAYOR - PO BOX 389, WILLOW, AK 99688

July 19th - August 19th 2015 MATANUSKA VALLEY, ALASKA

On August 6th, your Alaskan equestrians will be polishing their boots, buckling their helmets and leaping fences to raise money in support of Wounded Warrior Project at the Alaska Hunter Jumper Association, Inc.’s 38th Annual Benefit Horse Show.

READ MORE ON PAGE 9

ON PAGE 13

READ MORE ON PAGE 8

On Thursday, July 16th, the cities of Palmer and Saroma wrapped up a week long celebration of the 35th anniversary of their Sister City relationship. Twenty guests from Saroma, Japan stayed with Palmer host families and enjoyed local activities. Long established friendships were rekindled and new friendships were established.

Celebrating 35 Years of Friendship

Town Square Art Gallery in Wasilla

will be hosting Homer photographers Mary

Frische and Tom Collopy, of Wild North Photography, at their Second Saturday Art Show on August 8th

COMMUNITYThe People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 2

CONTRIBUTED BY UAF MATANUSKA EXPERIMENT FARM

UAF Alaska Agriculture Appreciation Day at the Farm is Thursday, August 6, 2015 from Noon until 5:00 pm with live music until 7:00 pm. It will be held at the UAF - Matanuska Experiment Farm Palmer, 1509 S. Georgeson Drive.

This year’s event marks the 100 year an-niversary of the designation of property for the Experiment Farm and will have some exciting new activities as well as some of the well-loved activities from past years. Borough Mayor DeVilbiss will be giving opening remarks.

There will be several educational oppor-tunities such as Soils 101 which includes a demonstration of how a soil sample is tested; Cooking Classes using millet, beets, kale & rhubarb, Bug Identifica-tion, Self-Guided TrailTtour, Search & Rescue Dog Demonstrations, and more will be offered throughout the day.

Additionally, you can discover how agri-culture is alive and thriving in the Mata-nuska Susitna Valley by visiting various informational booths with demonstra-tions like: goat milking by Cottonwood Creek Farms, spinning & weaving wool

by the Valley Fiber Arts Guild, as well as a farm equipment display by Craig Taylor Equipment.

Local vendors will showcase various food and non-food products. Vendors include: local produce from Babbling Brook Farm, Husky Burger, Becky’s Original Kettle Korn, Alaska Snow 2 Go, EB Pottery, and rhubarb lemonade from Bush’s Bunches to name just a few. This is an opportunity to connect small and medium-sized producers with mem-bers of the Mat-Su community in order to highlight amazing locally grown products.

There will be plenty of activities and games for children to encourage inter-est in agriculture both past and future. These include: vegetable bobbing, Mat-Su School Superintendent Dr. Paramo in the dunk tank, a kids veggie harvest, and caribou viewing.

The event includes tours of the farm, fields, community-wide demonstration gardens and historical buildings on tractor-drawn hay wagons.

In honor of the 100-year anniversary we will have live music beginning at 4:00 pm with the Colony Middle School Steel

Drum Ensemble, 5:00 pm Ken Peltier, and 6 pm an open jam session for any-one who wishes to stay after the event closes at 5:00 pm.

This event is supported through dona-tions and contributions from the local community and is free of charge to the public, participants and vendors.

This annual program is in alignment with the UAF – Matanuska Experiment Farm mission statement which is to pro-vide opportunities to Alaskans to learn about and responsibly manage Alaska’s natural resources through education, research and community service.

UAF Alaska Agriculture Appreciation DayAT THE MATANUSKA EXPERIMENT FARM

THE MARCH OF DIMES IS VERY EXCITED TO PARTNER UP YET AGAIN WITH MAT-SU REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER FOR THE ANNUAL HIGH HEELS FOR HIGH HOPES SHOW!

This year the event will take place at Ra-ven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds on November 12th, 2015. We are team-ing up with Ptarmigan Pediatrics as

our Presenting Sponsor for this year’s event. With Monica Martin as our 2015 Chair, we will be bringing some exciting changes to the event!

Guests can look forward to a special VIP reception, five Las Vegas themed sets, photo booth, raffles, casino night and of course the crowning of the top model! The March of Dimes is also happy to

announce our support from DG Signs, Kendall Ford of Wasilla and Shear Fire Design.

FOR TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, OR TO SUPPORT A MODEL, PLEASE CONTACT JANIE ODGERS, STATE DIRECTOR OF THE MARCH OF DIMES, AT (907) 276-4111

March of Dimes 2015

COMMUNITYThe People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 3

CONTRIBUTED BY PAT PURCELL

“A Community of Volunteers Donat-ing from Their Hearts” is the motto of this thrift store located in downtown Palmer. On Saturday July 11th there was a community celebration at the store for the 40th Anniversary. There was fun for all thanks to generous donations from Matanuska Telephone Assoc., Matanuska Electric Assoc., Wells Fargo Bank, Three Bears, Palmer Fred Meyer, Verda’s Cakes & Things, St. Michael’s Parish, and all the volunteers & staff who helped. Thanks also for the wonderful music provided by the great musical talents of “No Wake”.

The history starts early in July 1975 when a group of twenty-five women, members of St Michael’s and Sacred Heart Catholic Parishes and others from the valley, recognized the need for a place where people requiring assis-tance could come to get used clothing and merchandise at reasonable prices or free clothing in special circumstanc-es. Their goal and sole purpose was to use the small profit to help support the two chuches in the valley. When Frances Slater asked the Archdiocese in Anchorage if the profits could be kept for use in the valley, he whole-hearted-ly supported the plan.

In January 1976 the profits were divide between Sacred Heart and St. Michael’s giving each parish $2,000. Between 20-25 volunteers had organized and operated a successful business. In 1978 Rose Scheibl became the first Store Manager and today she is still there vol-unteering (pictured serving anniversary

cake at the 40th Anniversary Party).In 1985 the business had grown and in addition to giving to the two parishes gifts were made to local charities for Thanksgiving and Christmas. In 1987 Neil Wright offered the old post of-fice, the building occupied today, for $300,000 and with the help of the Arch-diocese of Anchorage that purchase was completed. Now a new storage warehouse has recently been built across the street on Cobb.

We continue to pursue the original “reason for being” by donating time and talent for the needy. Thanks to the generous donations from the commu-nity, and many volunteers and a small paid staff, there is continued growth. Today, in addition to donations to the two valley Parishes, funding is pro-vided to other community non profits such as: the food banks in Palmer and Wasilla, the Senior Centers, Heartreach Pregnancy Crisis Center, My House, the Head Start Program, United Way, Boys and Girls Club of the Valley, Brother Francis Shelter, Covenant House. The list continues to grow each year as more non profits apply for grants.

Bishop’s Attic II is located at 840 S. Bai-ley St. in Palmer. We sincerely appreci-ate new or slightly used donations of good quality merchandise that can be dropped off during business hours. For information like our facebook page Bishop’s Attic II or check our web page at www.bishopsattic2.org Thanks to our wonderful valley for con-tinuing to shop there and volunteers are always needed.

CONTRIBUTED BY SHERRY JACKSON

This amazing group of ladies have been meeting since the early 80’s, every Tues-day morning whether it’s raining, sleet-ing, snowing or sun shining. They have all come from different walks of life but have the love of sewing, knitting, needle arts and quilting in common.

The bond they have formed over the years has tremendous strength and they would slay a dragon for each other. Through thick and thin they have produced some of the most beautiful pieces of art. The quilts that they have made whether it is for a charity or loved one brings such comfort and love to the recipient. Those who have received a quilt by these ladies is one lucky soul, it is a gift that is to be cherished for a lifetime or two.

An upcoming event the North Star Quil-ters hold is “Quilts on a Line”, which was started in 2005. The very first one was held in the yard of one of its members.

The following year and each year since it has been held at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry. It is quite the sight to see these magnificent works of art hanging on a line with a light breeze blowing making the quilts fill the sky with color.

This year Ruth Simpson will be the fea-tured “One Woman Show”

Don’t miss out on this awesome event, come out and see some beautiful quilts. Saturday, August 1st from 12pm-3pm.

Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry is located at 3800 W Museum Drive, Mile 47 Parks Hwy. Wasilla, Alaska.

If you need more information please call 907-376-1211. This event is FREE.

The North Star QuiltersREGULARS AT THE MUSEUM OF ALASKA TRANSPORTATION AND INDUSTRY

COMMUNITYThe People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 4

CONTRIBUTED BY TAMMY MCGRAW WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

August 1-7 2015Breastfeeding and Work - Let’s Make It Work The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Ac-tion calls for global action and support for women to breastfeed and provide the ideal nutrition for their infants.

This organization coordinates world-wide events during the week and this year the theme is breastfeeding and work.  WABA encourages action that supports women to combine breast-feeding and work – where ever that work may take place – paid employ-

ment, self-employment, seasonal and contract work to unpaid home and care work.

The Women, Infant and Children’s pro-gram (WIC) supports women who are breastfeeding by providing supplemen-tal nutrition for her up to a year after baby’s birth.  WIC also provides support to nursing moms through our breast-feeding peer counselor program and supplying breast pumps for mothers who return to work or school and who will be away from their babies 20 hours or more a week.

In recognition of World Breastfeeding Week, the WIC program will be hosting an event August 1st from 10am -2pm at

the Wonderland Pavilion in Wasilla.  All breastfeeding mothers, babies and their families are invited to attend.  We will be having light snacks, live music, games, a diaper derby and prizes.  Also, we would like to recognize local businesses for their support for nursing moms. 

Please take a moment to visit our face-book page and tell us what business you feel deserves special recognition for their efforts to make it easy to feed your baby either as an employee or as a client.  We will announce the business at the event that has the most mentions.

We encourage everyone to support women in their efforts to breastfeed and work. 

YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT THE ELEMENTS OF SUPPORT AT WORLDBREASTFEEDINGWEEK.ORG

www.facebook.com/jojo.mo.98#!/groups/1543559405904406

World Breastfeeding Week

PRESS RELEASE – Contributed by The Alaska Community Foundation

Strengthening Organizations, a capaci-ty-building grant program of The Alaska Community Foundation, announces total awards of $75,353 to 15 nonprofit organizations across the state of Alaska who were recognized for their initia-tive in building internal structures to enhance capacity.

Grant proposals ranged from requests for leadership development support, funding for staff to attend conferences, financial management training, digitiz-ing collections for website purposes, and much more. For a complete list of recipients, please visit: www.alaskacf.org

“[The Wrangell Cooperative Association (WCA)] has a great opportunity to create a sustainable revenue stream thanks to this ACF award. That revenue stream will help fund WCA’s mission, which is to help support the cultural, ceremonial, and subsistence lifestyle for all Alas-kans and to promote the safe use and availability of a healthy environment for present and future generations.”   Aaron Angerman, Wrangell Cooperative As-sociation

The Strengthening Organizations Pro-gram is unique  in the funding it makes available to nonprofits, as it focuses on internal capacity building, rather than programs or outreach. This program awards capacity building grants up

to $10,000, with typical awards rang-ing from $3,000-$5,000, to 501(c)(3) nonprofits or equivalent organizations, which may include tribes, schools, churches and local government agen-cies and programs.

Applications are accepted on an on-going basis and the next deadline is September 1, 2015. The Alaska Commu-nity Foundation program staff strongly encourages interested applicants to submit drafts for review a minimum of two weeks before the deadline.

For more information or to apply, visit The Alaska Community Foundation at www.alaskacf.org/grants or call (907) 274-6705.

Special thanks to Rasmuson Foundation for supporting this grant program.

Established in 1995, The Alaska Commu-nity Foundation is a statewide platform for philanthropy that connects people who care with causes that matter. Hold-ing over $80 million in over 315 funds for the benefit of Alaskans, ACF grants $5-6 million each year to charitable proj-ects and nonprofit organizations across the state.

Our mission is to cultivate, celebrate and sustain all forms of philanthropy to strengthen Alaska’s communities for-ever. For more information, visit www.alaskacf.org or call (907) 334-6700.

Supporting Nonprofit Development Across Alaska15 ALASKA NONPROFITS RECEIVE SUPPORT FOR INTERNAL CAPACITY BUILDING

CONTRIBUTED BY DEBRA MCGHAN

All across the Mat-Su Valley new roads are opening. The new Seldon Extension between Church Road and Beverly Lake crosses some of the most pristine, beau-tiful terrain anywhere. I recently rode my bike along this new stretch of road and was delighted by the scenery and quality of construction. During my ride I met the man driving the water truck who was tending to the hydroseeded landscape.

“This road is really one of the gems of the Valley,” he agreed. “The sad part is once this road opens, it probably won’t take long before it gets trashed with junk and garbage.”

I was horrified at the thought. What? Why? How can we prevent this?

Nicola Avenue was recently extended between Lucas and Church and then connected to Machen and on to Stanley Road. This is another stretch of beauti-ful road through unpopulated terrain. I’ve enjoyed riding my bike on this new road and noticed the other day someone had dumped an old freezer in a ditch on the side of this brand new road.

Why would anyone do this? Is this a har-binger of what’s to come on other roads like Seldon Extension as suggested by the water truck driver?

I spoke with a realtor in Big Lake who could only shake his head at the irony of this situation.

“We should call this ‘Trash-ing the Mat-Su.’ It’s a terrible problem and the Borough doesn’t seem to be helping by raising dump fees.”

He is right about the fees. They went up as of July 1st and the courtesy disposal coupon issued to property owners was cut in half. Plus instead of being valid for one-year, the coupons are only valid for three months. So if you don’t get on it, you lose out completely. The minimum fee at the Borough Central landfill is $15 and at the transfer site, it’s $3 per 33 gallon bag. That means your courtesy coupon is only worth 2 ½ bags of garbage at a transfer site. Not much of an incentive to clean up.

I called the Mat-Su Borough Code Com-pliance and learned that people dispos-ing of garbage in out of the way places around the Valley is a huge problem. “We get calls every day about this,” ex-plained the administration clerk. “If the junk is disposed of on private property, it becomes the property owner’s prob-lem and they are never happy about

that,” she told me. “If it’s in the Borough right of way, we can have someone from Code Compliance go out and try and figure out who dumped it but that is nearly impossible. Sometimes people put their mail in the trash so that makes it easy, but unless they confess or we can prove they actually did this, we still can’t really do anything about it.” She went on to tell me that often times people will hire someone to dispose of their garbage but instead of taking it to the dump, the hired help just trashes it in a remote area and pockets the money.

My uncle, who lives in Big Lake, told me that he knew someone that saw an old refrigerator that had been dumped on the side of the road and decided to be a Good Samaritan and pick it up. To his misfortune, the refrigerator popped open after he got it in his truck and all the stinky junk inside spilled out forc-ing him to clean that horrible mess up too. Then when he got to the landfill to leave it, he was charged $25.

“I can tell you, that this guy won’t be picking up anyone’s trash again,” my friend said. How can you blame him?

Protecting Beautiful Mat-Su

READ MORE ON PAGE 8

Expires August 8th 2015

COMMUNITYThe People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 5

For ObamaCare Assistance, MSHS is still open for business CONTRIBUTED BY K.T. MCKEE

Some people are assuming that since we are between Open Enrollment periods for the Affordable

Care Act (ObamaCare), I am closed for business at my office at Mat-Su Health Services in Wasilla when it comes to helping people with ObamaCare ap-plications and enrollments. Well, they are wrong.

In the past few months since Open Enrollment ended February 15, I have helped a variety of Valley people either enroll in ObamaCare coverage for the first time through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), update their Marketplace applications due to income changes, or troubleshoot issues they have encoun-tered with their enrollments for 2015.

In fact, I have had an average of 10 clients every month and I’m guessing I would have even more if folks under-stood they might just qualify for an SEP – especially if they lost health coverage they had through a job or their income recently increased to at least the Fed-eral Poverty Level.

A few laid-off Slope workers came to see me and are now covered again.

A couple of people whose insurance policies were canceled by mistake got their coverage reinstated. And others have successfully found jobs or started receiving Social Security payments at a level that makes them newly eligible for the Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) that help cover monthly insur-ance costs.

Please keep in mind that if you are offered health insurance by an em-ployer – even if adding your spouse and/or children to the policy makes the monthly cost shoot up – you most like-ly will not qualify for the ObamaCare tax credits that would make coverage through the Health Insurance Market-place more affordable. ObamaCare is intended only for those who are unable to get covered through work or a spouse’s job and do not qualify for Medicaid, Medicare, or VA benefits.

Also remember that there are income minimums required to qualify for the tax credits. Those whose household incomes are below the Federal Poverty Level for Alaska would not be able to get the tax credits that would make ObamaCare coverage affordable and they most likely will not qualify for Medicaid, either.

I realize this seems counterintuitive. Isn’t ObamaCare supposed to help

those who are low income? Well, the way the law was originally written in 2010, yes.

When the ACA was passed five years ago, those whose incomes slipped be-low FPL were supposed to be covered by Medicaid automatically. But this was challenged by conservative lawmakers across the country and the case ended up at the U.S. Supreme Court. The High Court ruled that states would be able to decide if they wanted to accept Medic-aid Expansion or not under the ACA.

Since former Gov. Sean Parnell did not believe in Medicaid Expansion for Alaska, many residents who’ve slipped below FPL have been left with no af-fordable options for health insurance. Although Gov. Walker is trying hard to get those desperate residents covered through Medicaid Expansion, he’s expe-rienced a lot of resistance from Alaska lawmakers. The stories I’ve heard from people calling my office hoping I can help them have been heartbreaking.

So until we have Medicaid Expansion for the more than 40,000 Alaskans who need it, I will do what I can to help oth-ers get covered. Please help spread the word that I am always here to answer questions and/or assist folks apply for ObamaCare coverage both dur-ing Open Enrollment and during this

Special Enrollment Period.

The next Open Enrollment Period is Nov 1-Jan. 31. If you already have an ACA policy with Moda Health or Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield, please know that it is best to actively resub-mit your Marketplace application on Healthcare.gov during the first month of Open Enrollment so that you will get all of the tax credits you deserve for your 2016 policy.

If you procrastinate and allow the insurance company to “auto-renew” you, you will most likely pay a higher monthly premium next year because your rate will be based on your 2015 APTC and not the one adjusted to the higher costs of the insurance. You will be able to switch policies and even insurance companies much more easily between Nov. 1 and Dec. 1.

For questions or to make an appoint-ment with me for FREE assistance, call me at Mat-Su Health Services on Spruce Avenue in Wasilla at 352-3225. I would love to hear from you!

K.T. (Kate) McKee is a Certified Appli-cation Counselor for the Affordable Care Act and a freelance writer.

Crossfire Alaska will be having place-ment sessions for returning players and new player tryouts for the Mat-Su Region.

Friday, August 14th from 5:15pm-8:30pm at the Palmer Soccer Fields located at 1317 S. Kerry Weiland Way.

Tryouts are FREE and open to all boys and girls ages 6-18. Crossfire Alaska seeks to develop individual players to their greatest potential through elite, positive, and progressive player devel-opment programs. (357-0415, www.crossfirealaska.com)

CONTRIBUTED BY DANIEL N RUSSELL

House and building fires are terrible, but avoidable! All buildings should be built of materials that cannot burn. Building more fire stations is a waste of tax money, because firemen just come to a burning wooden structure in time to watch it burn to the ground, and make reports.

I have invented and patented fire-proof, rot-proof, earthquake-resistant, high-strength, light-weight reinforcement

structures (patent numbers 5707724, “Fractal Tube Reinforcement”, and 5928450, “Process of Making Fractal Tubes”). Prototype panels and column sections are less than half the weight of solid wood and up to one tenth the weight of standard concrete.

Let's build buildings, columns, logs, wall panels, etc. that cannot burn, and can-not be damaged by water, insects, etc. This would save lives, reduce insurance premiums, lower cost of construction, and save a lot of wasted tax money.

The drawing to the right shows a fractal cone building - for example, that would resist high winds, earthquakes, and would be fire-proof, water-proof, maintenance-free, and insect-proof. Such a building would be suitable for Arctic conditions, because it is stable and preserves internal heat under high winds, and it does not send heat down to permafrost.

[Interested investors may email me at dnrussellms@yahoo.com , if they wish to start such a corporation.]

Sincerely,Daniel N. Russell, physicist, inventorP. O. Box 577Willow, Alaska

Start Corporation: Make Fireproof Structures

Crossfire Alaska Soccer Tryouts

POLITICS The People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 6

FAITH

CONTRIBUTED BY VERN HALTER

Mat Su residents embrace the simple things in life: our rural character, our salmon streams, our hunting, our locally grown produce. We love our sports. We love to see our school kids in a good basketball or football game. We love our drive through espresso’s. I want to keep our way of life intact. That is why I am running for Mayor. But we face real challenges in our commu-nities. Our population, senior and student growth is the highest in the State. How do we continue to accommodate consistent popula-tion growth in the midst of declining oil and state revenues? Let’s not sit still and hope that the decline will suddenly change direc-tions.

In tough times, how we face the challenges before us will prove to be the cornerstone of our future. We need to stick to our core values, and deliver essential services; not promise more than we can afford. We need to be open and candid with the public on these important issues. As your Mayor I will build on my commitment to sustain essential services and our way of life.

The importance of essential services has never been more evident than this summer’s Sockeye Wild fire. We relied on our firefighters,

troopers, paramedics and other emergency responders. We depended on them to protect us even though it was nearly impossible to do so. And they did!

Our education system has a reputation for excellence; we need to keep it that way. Strengthening our Fire and EMS systems, improving our roads, and encouraging incen-tives to help grow our economy are also critical to protecting our quality of life. We must work to restore our salmon runs, to keep our farmland and we can continue to enjoy unparalleled recreation.

Tough financial times may be in the winds, but our future depends on strong, consistent leadership. We need to remove political strife and political wrangling from the equation and stick to the basics in the Borough.

Many in the Mat Su Community have come to know me through my volunteer service on the Planning Commission and my six years on the Borough Assembly. The reason I am run-ning for Borough Mayor is because I believe I can provide the leadership to keep Mat Su the best place to live, work, and play. I can’t do this without your vote. Together, we can chart a course that will allow future generations to enjoy our Valley and all it has to offer. I would appreciate your vote for Borough Mayor on October 6th.

CONTRIBUTED BY VIC KOHRING

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” –

Psalm 20:7

Faith in God has enabled me to endure in times of personal crisis. Without faith and the comfort and peace of mind it brings, I can’t imagine facing life’s trials and tribulations, especially after expe-riencing the tragedy of losing a cher-ished loved one who gave me meaning and a reason for living. My broken heart would be unbearable without God.What’s equally important to faith is trust.

We must trust that God makes the right decisions, even if they’re not what we ask for in prayer. When your world is collapsing around you and you call out to God for mercy from the depths of

your soul, know that He is still there and remains strong even if you don’t get the answers you seek. Know that God does hear and bears our grief and pain. He stands by us and will never forsake us.

Trusting Him gives us hope in an insane world that often makes no sense. When we’re troubled, God gives us peace and security. When weary, He gives us rest.

Why does God put us through fiery trials by sending disaster our way, espe-cially Christians who believe and trust in Him? And why does He allow us to be devastated and suffer immeasurably over the sudden and unexpected death of a loved one even though we cry out for help?

We may never learn the answers in this life and therefore must accept that it’s God’s will, that He is all wise and merci-ful and that there’s a purpose behind everything as part of His divine plan. God is able to use dreadful situations

to bring about His plan as difficult as it may be to comprehend. But we are at His mercy, the one who created the uni-verse and all life and who is unlimited in power and wisdom. So God is in full control. This gives me comfort.

What gives me further comfort is the knowledge of the resurrection and being reunited with loved ones some-day, another reason to stay strong and forge ahead in a place where our paths are filled with much trouble and heart-wrenching pain. This knowledge alone should keep us going, even if we become disillusioned and would rather quit and give up. Ephesians 4:31-5:1 says we can set our difficulties aside and should reach out to help, support and encourage one another. 

Experiencing catastrophe makes Christians stronger, wiser and brings us closer to God as our faith is refined by fire. Our grief may at first hurt beyond measure, but in time, He heals our torn

hearts so we can rejoice in Him as we triumph over tragedy. So keep your faith and trust that God hears you and has a reason for His decisions that will ultimately makes our lives better and bring us closer not only to Him but to people we love.

Accept God’s will and rely on Him that He has a special plan for each of us. He knows our pain and suffering and shares our burdens. Lean on Him as a refuge and source of strength and remember He will always there for us in times of trouble no matter how dire and insurmountable our problems may appear. 

God’s Word tells us, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” God will not abandon us nor leave us alone when facing hardship. He will wipe away every tear from our eyes.

Trusting God in Times of Tragedy 

POLITICS The People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 7

FAITH

FAITH

SATIRE

CONTRIBUTED BY GENE KELLY

Back in days of old when castles were cold, for lack of carbon fired central heating; it wasn’t really a simpler cul-ture than we have today. In many ways it was more complex. All the most im-portant people like kings and knights sat around tables, and debated deeds of daring to impress women. Since they knew Latin, they understood the mean-ing of the word quintessential.

When medieval people thought about physical matter, before the develop-ment of physics and chemistry, they coupled the word for fifth, quinta, with the word essentia to describe the high-est order of organization in cosmol-ogy. Now we refer to atoms and belief structures. Since lawyers and doctors are generally the only people now con-versant in Latin, we have really become a simplistic lot culturally.

When the crowd around the round tables got bored with their debates, they called forth the court jester. They

were the brightest stars in the court that knew how to say outrageous things and still keep their heads. Jest-ers understood that comedy was the layman’s shortcut into psychoanalysis, long before Sigmund Freud burned his brains out on cocaine, after reading Dostoyevsky. No doubt the Irish were amply represented amongst them. Court jesters were the warm up act for talk radio hosts that bust manipulative sycophant solicitors reading copy on camera, after consulting back channel journalista clubs that chant in unison.

Now it seems that the best jesters were early on labeled pernicious during trips to the principal’s office. They bear out Edmund Burke’s assertion that, “Education is the state manufacture of echoes.” Edmund said what he said long before the development of Ritalin, so he wasn’t thwarted from learning critical thinking or four syllable words. He foresaw the gruesome guillotine during the Paris Reign of Terror. It had commonality with implementation of Wahhabi capriciousness. If it isn’t

understood the best course is to get a dictionary. Can quintessential ques-tions be asked about certain cultural assumptions that impact our society?

Humanity is obviously intrinsically political. Everywhere we have been in culture and time we formulate govern-ments; some simplistic, some complex. If we are to have a stable society with-out riots and economic collapse, it is well if our public debate is sometimes raucous. Defying would be psycho-pathic dictators, amply represented throughout history, requires some heated debate on occasion. Putting salt and light in social wounds may be painful but also cathartic.

Nowadays it would seem the shatter-ing of cultural cohesion only requires any segment of that shattering to as-sert they are offended in order to quell debate. Bound up undergarments are assumed to trump reasoned discourse. The supposedly aggrieved apparently never got past the “play well together on the playground” lectures of their

youth. Thinking beyond the simplicity of a one hundred and fifty character digital statement would be a healthy development. A sense of social obliga-tion might displace a sense of entitle-ment. If a well-reasoned position is overwhelmed by the volume of a brat screaming in a grocery cart, then the brat won’t enjoy the fruits of a civil society.

Is an imposed commonality in speech and thought the goal of a diver-sity masquerade? Do we welcome a dictatorship of correct speech com-placency? Staying preoccupied by major media spectacles and mantras, just as Romans did in the coliseum, aids implementing Orwell’s Animal Farm. Some pig’s opinions are more important than other pig’s opinions. This jester doesn’t want to acquire or impose the definition of a pig. He just keeps his head amidst the cultural up-roar, echoing from the sixties counter culture Great Society debacle.

Residential use is okay – but what about commercial marijuana in the Mat-Su?

CONTRIBUTED BY LARRY DEVILBISS

In 2014 Alaska voters passed an initiative legalizing marijuana in our state. That initia-

tive changed very little for the personal use recreational marijuana practices in place for decades.

The initiative’s biggest change was opening the door for commercial production, manufacturing, and sales of marijuana.

In the Mat-Su, only the cities of Palmer and Houston voted in favor of the marijuana initiative. That being said, the medical marijuana industry is already quasi-legal in that people can possess and consume those products under State law. We know that there

is a black-market commercial industry already operating, but what about a legal commercial marijuana industry in the Mat-Su Borough?

The very first thing an existing, or planned, business does before mov-ing into, or opening in an area is to determine whether or not the market exists for their product or service, and whether or not the community will welcome that business. Auto Zone, Lowe’s and Home Depot made public statements about their market research prior to opening their businesses in Wasilla.

I have received numerous calls from both voters and businesses – both for and against bringing the commercial marijuana industry into the MSB.

When I asked potential MSB marijuana

industry and business leaders if they felt they would be welcomed to oper-ate within the MSB, their response was, “No.”

Local control of the industry is a major component of the 2014 initiative. No matter what the business is, the busi-ness community must have a reliable regulatory environment in which to operate. The MSB formed a task force whose members are working to define the integration of the commercial mari-juana industry into our community.

I have supported the process of giving a voice to the voters on this issue. A petition is being circulated throughout the Borough asking that an initiative be placed on the October 6 ballot allow-ing the voters (as the 2014 initiative al-lows) to determine whether or not they want to restrict the marijuana industry

in the MSB.

Remember, this question is not about personal recreational use, nor about industrial hemp. This question is only about whether or not commercial marijuana production, manufacturing, and sales should be allowed in the Mat-Su Borough.

Regardless of your position on the issue, I encourage you to take the time to sign the petitions; to place the question on the ballot. Your vote, on October 6, will help to determine the future of the marijuana industry in the Mat-Su Borough.

Please sign the petitions and vote on October 6.

Gratefully yours,Larry

Monthly Devotional: Rest CONTRIBUTED BY TOM STEARNSWASI Chaplain

August is the month for summer vacations. It is a time of resting from the labors of work. Even God rested.

And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. (Genesis 2:2)

Jesus told His disciples to rest.And he said unto them, Come ye your-selves apart into a desert place, and rest

a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. (Mark 6:31)

Jesus promises rest to those who will come to Him.

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

God promises rest to those who have trusted in Jesus Christ by faith and keep His commandments.

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of

God, and the faith of Jesus.  And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them. (Revelation 14:12-13)

So as you vacation, lounge, or just relax, remember the promises God has made about resting. God set the example. Jesus told His disciples to rest. That Jesus gives rest to all that come to him. An eternal rest awaits all those who have trusted Christ as Savior and Lord.

How do we do that? Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” We repent of our sin, by faith trust Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Savior, and begin the great adventure of walk-ing with Christ.

Need more information about faith in Jesus Christ, call me.

Have a restful August.Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001, chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Quintessential Questions

FAMILY FUN FOR ALL! MARVELOUS MISSION WEEKEND(Meet Missionaries all the way from Singapore!)Sat. & Sun., Aug. 1st and 2ndWasilla Lake Church of the Nazarene Sat., Aug.1st 4 p.m.

Teen Fun! Fear Factor FoodSee what they’re serving!How really brave are you? Sat.,Aug. 1st. 6 pmInternational Dinner (Potluck and Prizes)Have a fabulous “foreign” recipe?Make a batch to bring to the potluck,

and throw together a foreign costume to wear with it to get your name in a pot for a prize! Sun., Aug. 2nd, 9:45 a.m. Kids Fun! PUPPETS!Sun., Aug. 2nd, 11 a.m. PARADE OF FLAGS OF THE NATIONSand Missionary Service

For further information: Call the church office at 376-5439Mon. through Fri. 10:00 to 2:00 Also: Don’t miss our free clothing giveaway, Sat. July 18th9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the church!

2001 Palmer Wasilla Highway, Wasilla

COMMUNITYThe People’s Paper COMMUNITY PAGE 8

On Thursday, July 16th, the cities of Palmer and Saroma wrapped up a week long celebration of the 35th anniversary of their Sister City relationship. Twenty guests from Saroma, Japan stayed with Palmer host families and enjoyed local activities.

Long established friendships were rekindled and new friendships were established.

THE WEEK LONG CELEBRATION INCLUDED A WHIRLWIND OF ACTIVITIES INCLUDING: Taiko Drummers at the Downtown

Friday Fling

A day trip to Talkeenta (including a flightseeing tour) A bilingual worship service at Palmer

United Protestant Church

A special 35th anniversary dinner celebration (attended by Governor Bill Walker)

Visits to local area schools (with Super-intendent Deena Paramo and Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Gene Stone)

A tour of Hatcher Pass and Indepen-dence Mine

Visits to the Colony House and Palmer Museums

Ocean fishing for halibut and salmon in Seward

A walk on Matanuska Glacier

A visit to Arctic Fire Bronzes

Lunch and tour at the Palmer Senior Center

A tour and tasting at Arkose Brewery

A community picnic at Matanuska Riv-er Park, as well as many other activities coordinated by our local host families!

OUR GUESTS FROM SAROMA, JAPAN WERE:

MAYOR OF SAROMA: Mr. Akio Kawane and his wife, Ms. Michiko KawanePRESIDENT OF SAROMA COUNCIL: Mr. Osamu KagayaSAROMA COUNCIL MEMBERS: Ms. Mami MitaSAROMA SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS: Mr. Kenichi KagawaPRINCIPAL OF SAROMA HIGH SCHOOL: Mr. Hideki NakagawaPRINCIPAL OF SAROMA JR HIGH: Mr. Katsuhito NomuraPRESIDENT OF SAROMA SISTER CITY COMMITTEE: Mr. Jiro Hori, and his wife Ms. Masako Hori.SAROMA CITY STAFF MEMBERS: Mr. Harutomo Takeda and Ms. Yuko Hirouchi.CO-FOUNDER OF THE SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP: Mr. Mutsuhiro IshiguroSISTER CITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Mr. Yukitaka Omote and his wife Ms. Emi Omote, Mr. Eiji Omote, Mr. Tetsuya Tanigawa, Mr. Akifumi Otani, Ms. Ryoko Abe, Ms. Mariko Ono, and Ms. Hitomi Ozaki.

Celebrating 35 Years of FriendshipPALMER, ALASKA AND SAROMA, JAPAN ‘SISTER-CITY WEEK’ A SUCCESS

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VISITORS FROM SAROMA FOR TRAVELING SO FAR AND THANK YOU TO EVERYONE IN PALMER WHO MADE THEIR VISIT SO SUCCESSFUL.

SAROMA DELEGATION AT THE SISTER CITY MEMORIAL AT THE PALMER MUSEUM

Assemblyman Dan Mayfield told me he is also getting calls every day from folks complaining about the garbage being tossed arbitrarily and the in-crease in landfill fees.

He said the idea behind raising the fees was to get people to recycle which is free. Great idea in theory but it seems to be backfiring if people are going to just dump their junk for free and let other people deal with the problem.

Mayfield assured me he plans to spon-sor a resolution to repeal at least a portion of the increased fees in hopes of curtailing this problem.

I love the Mat-Su Valley and appreciate the beautiful new roads and bike paths that are here for us to enjoy.

I don’t like the trash and I’m disap-pointed that anyone would think it’s okay to toss out their garbage on any out-of-the-way road they can find.

If you see someone dumping trash anywhere but at the landfill, take a photo as proof. Then contact Code Compliance and report the incident. Both the Mat-Su Borough and City of Wasilla have Com-munity Clean-Up-Coordinators that you can contact if you see trash like this in the road right-of-way. According to the Borough Landfill Manager, as long as the junk is within

50 feet of the center-line, they will pick up and dispose of it.

IT’S UP TO EACH OF US TO STAND UP AND DO WHAT WE CAN TO STOP THIS PRACTICE AND ENSURE OUR VALLEY REMAINS A PLACE OF PRIDE AND BEAUTY. Learn more at www.urocksafety.com

Protecting Beautiful Mat-Su continued

RENEE AND DEAN MILARD CHECK OUT THE NEW SELDON EXTENSION BIKE PATH PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBRA MCGHAN

PETS & ANIMALSThe People’s Paper PETS & ANIMALS PAGE 9

MOTORCYCLE RIDER EDUCATION

746-7295 REGISTER AT:WWW.VALLEYABATE.Com

Endorsed by Motorcycle Safety Foundation

CONTRIBUTED BY KATIE PERVIER

On August 6th, your Alaskan equestrians will be polishing their boots, buckling their helmets and leaping fences to raise money in support of Wounded Warrior Project at the Alaska Hunter Jumper As-sociation, Inc.’s 38th Annual Benefit Horse Show.

For the past 37 years, AHJA has put on a summer horse show that offers state-wide competition in the Hunter, Jumper, and Hunter Seat Equitation disciplines of horseback riding. Riders of all ages and experience come from throughout Alaska – and even from Canada - to participate. It’s a beautiful and exciting show, made even more so by the scenic setting of the France Equestrian Center at the Alaska State Fair Grounds… but it’s also a show with a purpose.

Each year, AHJA selects another worthy non-profit organization to sponsor with its summer show. AHJA then donates all proceeds above the show expenses to the organization selected that year. In the past, AHJA has raised funds for charities such as The Stone Soup Group, AWAIC (Abused Women’s Aid In Crisis, Inc.), the Salvation Army’s McKinnell House, The Eva Foundation, Facing Foster Care in Alaska, Dare to Care School Lunch Program and many others.

AHJA’s goal is to facilitate another enrich-ing venue for equestrians to further their discipline while both supporting and involving the community. Over the years, the Annual AHJA Benefit Horse Show has evolved into a fun four day event; com-plete with attractively designed courses set in each show ring, special competition offerings each day and a three day silent auction with something for everyone.

However, it’s only through the donations and volunteering of generous Alaskans that AHJA has been able to make this benefit horse show meaningful. With your help, AHJA has literally and figura-tively been leaping fences to offer aid to the issues affecting our families, friends, neighbors and colleagues. Through this partnership, AHJA competitors have been given the opportunity to show that they aren’t just a part of the horse community, but that they’re a part of the Alaskan com-munity.

Therefore, AHJA is pleased to announce that their 2015 show will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project in order to assist service members who have been injured in the line of duty.

The mission of Wounded Warrior Project™ (WWP) is to honor and empower wound-ed warriors.  WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.  WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida.  More information about WWP may be found by visiting the website at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or by calling WWP at 877-832-6997.

AHJA is so proud to be sponsoring this honorable organization and our nation’s heroes. Learn more at www.AlaskaHunt-erJumper.org.

This promotion is sponsored by the Alaska Hunter Jumper Association, Inc., which is solely responsible for its fulfillment. The ‘Wounded Warrior Project’ name is used with permission.

CONTRIBUTED BY RANDI PEARLMAN

The Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Cen-ter (AWBRC) is flying quickly towards our 8th Annual Fall Migration Celebra-tion at Best Western Lake Lucille Inn.

Enjoy delicious food, partake in the heavenly homemade dessert auc-tion, and view on-site art work by Quick-Draw caricaturist Carlos Garcia;

chain-saw carver Scott Thompson; and Tundra Comics & movie producer, Chad Carpenter – their original works of art to be auctioned off.

Enjoy the lovely music of Matanuska Muse, and be entertained by local celebrity MCs and Auctioneers, Marty & Cheryl Metiva. A silent auction will include many great items, including gift certificates, art, décor, jewelry, and

much more, and the live auction will feature a Visit Valdez package, Alaska Railroad tickets, plus some surprises...

And the stars of our show? Our live, wild education bird ambassadors, who are really looking forward to tipping their feathers to you, our supporters. We couldn’t do it without your help. Come soar with us, and fly to new heights at this year’s Wildbird Wonders.

CONTRIBUTED BY ANGIE LEWIS

Summer should be a time of enjoy-ment for you and your dog, but all too often this is a time of year when situations arise that can endanger your dog. There are only a few safety practices that need to be followed to ensure you and your dog have a wonderful time this summer.

DON’T LEAVE YOUR DOG IN A CAR not even with the windows opened. Dogs can’t perspire and have a very hard time cooling off in a hot car. The temperature in a car can rise to 120 degrees in a few minutes.

DON’T DRIVE WITH YOUR DOG IN THE BACK OF A PICKUP. Your dog is a member of the family and should be treated as such. If you had to suddenly hit the brakes, your dog might literally fly out of your truck bed. Let her sit in the cab with you, or if nothing else, put her in a secured crate in the back of your truck.

RECOGNIZE LAWN AND GARDEN DANGERS – plant food, fertilizer and insecticides can be lethal for your dog.

LOST DOGS – make sure your dog is micro-chipped and that the contact information is current. In addition, your dog should wear a collar with an identification tag.

DEHYDRATION – make sure your dog has plenty of water and shade to help her remain cool and hydrated.

EXERCISE – hiking with your dog is a wonderful experience. Be sure to limit exercise on a really hot day, particu-larly for older dogs or dogs with thick coats. Provide enough rest time and ample water. Asphalt can be very hot and actually burn your dog’s paws.

LAKES - not all dogs are natural born swimmers and can easily drown. Monitor your dog to make certain of her skill level as a swimmer.

FLEAS AND TICKS – this is not as big a problem in Alaska as it is in other parts of the country. If you use prod-ucts for fleas and ticks, check with

your veterinarian. Some over-the-counter treatments can be toxic, even when used as directed.

SUMMER EVENTS – be mindful of taking your dog to summer events such as concerts, fairs or other crowd-ed places. These can be stressful for some dogs that may run the risk of getting lost. Know your dog and what might be uncomfortable for her.

OTHER REVELRY – some dogs are very frightened of the loud sounds of fireworks and firearms. Dogs are best kept in the house for these celebra-tions. Some dogs become so stressed that they need medications to help them deal with loud sounds. Dogs can become lost as they try to escape the noise and run away.

CONTRIBUTED BY ANGIE LEWISPRESIDENT OF ALASKA ANIMAL ADVOCATES

Clem might only have one eye, but he views the world as a wonderful place. This seven year old Yorkie/Terrier mix is a bit nervous when you first meet him, but wouldn’t you be if you could only see one side of the world?

Once Clem gets to know you, he is a fun loving, comical character. Clem is house trained and LOVES riding in the car.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEM, CALL DARLA AT 355-0224

Summer Care Tips For Your Dog

SPORTS The People’s Paper SPORTS PAGE 10

CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER MCGEE

Alaska Raceway Park debuted a new and successful Junior Olympics dragster event on Friday, July 3, 2015. Junior dragsters, for ages 7-17, are scaled-down fiberglass or aluminum replicas of the top fuel dragsters that the pros drive and can reach speeds up to 85 mph. Youth and teens in Alaska race for International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) points, allowing them to com-pete with peers at the international level. Even though most drag strips are one-quarter mile, juniors run to the eighth mile.

Many junior racers go on to excel, claim-ing the racetrack family teaches them lessons that could never be learned in a classroom. The racetrack atmosphere is all about family and community, where kids can camp and spend quality time with peers and parents, have fun, and learn about competition, good sports-manship, and discipline. In fact, most youth end up working on their own cars, with the goal of becoming self-suf-ficient in junior dragster maintenance and mechanics. This teaches life skills and encourages critical and creative thinking.

Former junior dragster racer Morgan Carter of Fairbanks, 17, said, “Drag rac-ing gave me a lot of responsibility to learn how to take care of my own car

and taught me good sportsmanship. No matter if you win or lose, you have to happy for other racers. My peers at school who didn’t know anything about racing thought it was really cool, espe-cially for a girl. Now that I have my own street car, I can recognize the sounds of something mechanically wrong. Get-ting my hands dirty was a good thing. Sponsorships are easy for kids to get, like from their dentists, family, and other people in their lives.

People love to help kids doing some-thing active to become a better person. I never once felt unsafe behind the wheel of my dragster. The whole experi-ence was confidence building, every-thing about it.” Morgan, also active in cheerleading, soccer, and roller derby, plans to become a petroleum engineer.

Cost-wise, racing is a passion that comes with a price. A basic junior dragster is about $3,000, and costs rise from there. However, almost all drivers, youth and adult, race with sponsors, and it’s easy for kids to obtain annual sponsorships if they are motivated and learn the skills to market themselves and their goals. In exchange, sponsors gain exposure for their businesses or programs each time a junior dragster runs down the track in front of the crowds or has his or her photo featured in the news. Successful racers can compete in divisional and national events outside Alaska.

Junior racing, like racing in general, is quite safe. Racers are completely contained in roll cages, with 5-point shoulder harnesses and seat belts, SNELL rated safety helmets, neck collars, arm restraints, and appropriate clothing and footwear. All cars and licenses are tech inspected. Racers have to dem-onstrate mastery, attested to by a track official and adult racers. Junior racers obtain an IHRA licenses to race in three class designations: beginner, advanced, and master. Beginners are ages 7 to 9, advanced 10 to 17, and masters 12 to 17; and each class comes with esti-mated time restrictions for a run down the track.

On Friday, July 3, the winner after eight rounds was Michael Kuentzel of Anchor-age (65.17 mph in 8.7570 sec elapsed time), with Braiden Owen of Palmer the runner-up (69.19 mph in 9.1781 sec). Besides miles per hour and elapsed time, another critical aspect of drag racing success is reaction time at the starting line. In the final race, Michael Kuentzel had the best reaction time, 0.1065 sec to Braiden’s 0.1985.

Other Juniors included youth from Southcentral and the Interior: Wy-atte Ricks, Zachary Bodenstadt, Brooke Bodenstadt, Brandon Huck, Cole Sheldon, Maddy Turnbull, Ethan Turnbull, Riley Soper, Ryan Bodenstadt, Whitney Dibble, Tia Lowdermilk, Jesse

Bodenstadt, and Shelby Hartman. Best Appearing Car awards, judged Rick and Kim Nissen, went to Jesse Bodenstadt, Whitney Dibble, and Shelby Hartman. Best Engineered Car awards, judged by Mike Mihalka, went to Whitney Dibble, Ryan Bodenstadt, and Jesse Bodenstadt. Wes and Wanda Rasmussen helped organize the event and provided some trophies.

ALL THE RESULTS FROM THE JUNIOR OLYMPICS CAN BE FOUND AT ALASKARACEWAYPARK.COM