Valentines Day with Wasilla Seniors - MORE ON PAGE 5 OF THE PEOPLE'S PAPER - Mat-Su Valley, Alaska
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Valentines Day with Wasilla Seniors
MORE ON PAGE 5 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER
Local Freemasons Show Brotherly Love
MORE ON PAGE 4 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER
Colony High Anastasia at Glenn Massay
MORE ON PAGE 6 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE
Submitted by Michelle spoke as a survivor of sex trafficking
Overstreet, MyHouse Director and advocate for those still trapped
in the sex trade.
At the press conference broadcast
on February 11, 2022 for Governor She closed her comments by saying
Dunleavy’s Omnibus bill on Sex “if you are involved in trafficking
Trafficking we heard Blaze Bell, right now, don’t give up hope, we are
a survivor of a terrible sex crime, coming for you.”
praising the proposed Omnibus
legislation that would offer There was relief, satisfaction and
additional penalties for sex crimes hope among the survivors and
like rape and child porn. service providers in the room.
Staci Yates, MyHouse human The Bright Lights Book Project
trafficking program coordinator, ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW MORE ON PAGE 9 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE
NEW LAWS COMBAT And then, the gist of the first in-person
question asked by a reporter was,
because the laws are weak and arrests
are not always possible; prosecution is
have been reports among families
and homeless providers of girls
TRAFFICKING ‘Governor, what is your response to the even more challenging. The reporter being taken to Juneau to entertain
movement in Anchorage to legalize mentioned Covenant House and even lawmakers. One young woman known
Submitted by Michelle prostitution?’ interviewed a staff member there but to be involved died in State custody.
Overstreet, MyHouse Director neglected to cite the Loyola University The State of Alaska has identified and
It was a gut punch and a solid indicator study that reported that Covenant charged lobbyists in past years who
At the press conference broadcast of the power wielded by those who House Alaska has the highest rates of were providing underage girls as
on February 11, 2022 for Governor abuse through sex in manipulating our trafficking for any Covenant House “entertainment” for State law makers
Dunleavy’s Omnibus bill on Sex media and lawmakers. The reporter location in the Nation. and influential businessmen, so this is
Trafficking we heard Blaze Bell, a stated that he was doing a story with not unheard of or new.
survivor of a terrible sex crime, praising a group of women advocating for The fact is that Alaska Law is like
the proposed Omnibus legislation that legalizing prostitution in Anchorage. swiss cheese when it comes to Please be aware and suspicious of
would offer additional penalties for sex prosecuting traffickers. We need the repeated attempts to discredit
crimes like rape and child porn. He didn’t ask any questions about the new laws. For example, a 17-year-old legislation that will protect our youth
proposed Omnibus protections and client who escaped being trafficked and young adults from being trafficked.
Staci Yates, MyHouse human trafficking penalties for perpetrators, trafficking at a local hotel had information Now more than ever we need to be
program coordinator, spoke as a or sex crimes. His story aired after the about customers and her pimp that aware and resist the narrative that
survivor of sex trafficking and advocate Superbowl on Sunday and focused on would have offered an opportunity to ignores the heinous crimes against
for those still trapped in the sex trade. the legalization of prostitution, with prosecute those involved. However, children and legalizes the sex trade
barely a mention of the Governors because she was under the influence further for the sake of money.
She closed her comments by saying “if proposed protections. of drugs her testimony was considered
you are involved in trafficking right now, compromised and no charges were Join Blaze Bell and the voices from
don’t give up hope, we are coming for The reporter implied that the data filed. MY House in saying “if you are being
you.” on trafficked persons in Alaska is trafficked or abused, hold hope, we are
incomplete and law enforcement The get-out-of-jail card that all coming for you”.
There was relief, satisfaction and hope does not have the numbers to justify traffickers play is to get their victims
among the survivors and service the legislation. The reason the law high and addicted as soon as possible, As a community and a State, lets stand
providers in the room. enforcement numbers are not there is because it prevents prosecution. There for the safety of our people.
COMMUNITY
MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA PAGE 2
Contributed by Marilyn Bennett
If you are feeling the effects of cabin
fever during these Frosty Days of
winter think about Toastmasters. At
home, on Zoom, or in person we can
meet and tell stories about our frost
covered yards. Whether you wish to
become a public speaker. Want to
give lectures. Are too shy to speak to
almost anyone. Wish to feel comfort-
able with impromptu speaking. Or
just would like to find a fun group
to work with on any of the above - -
Palmer Toastmasters is definitely the
place for you.
Vicki at 907-539-7111 or go to our
Everyone who joins our group gets website: palmer.toastmastersclubs. For the Zoom link, visit the meeting
the opportunity speak at least once org. directions tab at our club website:
during the meeting. However, we do palmer.toastmastersclubs.org
not ask anyone to give a speech that Join one of our meetings in person
will be evaluated until they are very on the 1st and/or 2nd Tuesday of We are a friendly group of positive
comfortable with the process. Come each month in the conference room valley people who meet to help each
visit us this next month for fun as we at Turkey red (550 S. Alaska Street in other grow and have fun together
will be having a special Zoom Murder Palmer) at 6 PM or online via Zoom in the process. We invite you to get
Mystery Meeting. every Tuesday night at 6 PM. We start to know us better by joining one or
on time. more meetings as a guest.
For more information you may call
look forward to seeing you there!
In other news, we’re very excited to
announce the launch of our new
website at matsufoodbank.org. This
was a huge task, and we want to
express our sincerest appreciation to
Bryce Burkhart of Make-A-Scene/The
People’s Paper, for his time and most
definitely his talent. Now it’s easier
than ever to visit our website and
learn about our mission, programs,
events, news and most importantly
you can fill out a volunteer applica-
tion and/or make a donation to sup-
port our work. We are very grateful
Contributed by Lauralynn Robison tions, sponsorships, and most of all to Bryce for making this possible! We
offering their time and talents volun- also invite you to visit and follow us
“The act of giving is the heart of happi- teering to make this event a success on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
ness and community.” - Glenn C. Stewart so we can continue serving our local MatSuFoodBank.
communities.
Community is at the heart and soul Remember - no one should go
of our mission at MatSu Food Bank. We are especially grateful to ALL hungry! Please contact us at (907)
However, none of it would be pos- ABOUT HERBS and DENALI REFUSE 357-3769 if you have any questions
sible without the dedicated and for their generous sponsorship sup- about our programs, making dona-
generous support of countless local port. Not only is this event an impor- tions or would like to schedule a time
citizens and businesses. This month tant fundraiser which supports our to volunteer. You can also call United
we’re excited to be hosting our an- work, it’s also a great opportunity for Way’s Helpline at 211, which is a mul-
nual HEARTS4HUNGER fundraising our wonderful supporters to come tilingual & confidential service that
event. together for a fun night in celebra- connects community members to
tion of community. vital local resources. We again thank
Once again, our amazing commu- everyone who helps support our mis-
nity has come together to make this Our entire staff and board of direc- sion and makes it possible for us to
event possible by offering fabulous tors thank everyone who is helping serve our local communities. We are
donations for our live & silent auc- make this event a success and we honored and immensely grateful.
the Split the Pot for your chance to
win a multitude of amazing, donated
gifts and cash! Opening ceremonies
begin at 12:00, noon.
Bring your skis and zip along as a
race participant or just enjoy our
groomed trail in the park!
We hope you and your friends and
family can attend the Cabin Fever
Reliever event, located at E. TC Park
Circle (MP 115.2 G. Parks Hwy.)!
Proceeds will benefit the mainte-
nance and operation of the Trapper
Creek Park and Cemetary.
Sponsored by Trapper Creek Commu-
Contributed by Debbie Filter event will delight all ages as they en- nity Services, Assoc., Inc.
joy contests with prizes, games, hot
Join us for a family fun day at the food, deserts, hay scramble, t-shirts, For more information, contact the
Trapper Creek Community Park on and craft vendors. A raffle will be park at 733-7375 or email at tccom-
March 12, 2022! This fundraising ongoing during the event, along with munityservices@yahoo.com
COMMUNITY
MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA PAGE 3
veritable smorgasbord of food trucks
with a plethora of tasty eats available
all weekend. Are you hoping for your
chance to be a big winner and take
home a big prize? Several nonprofits
will be raffling exciting items like an
Argo, guns, ATVs, guided hunts, and
much more! Of course, you can’t win
if you don’t play. Even if you don’t
take home the grand prize, by par-
ticipating in these raffles, you are still
a winner, because you are contribut-
ing to these worthwhile causes that
benefit our community.
And speaking of community, you
may have noticed that many of the
Outdoorsman Show vendors are
local small businesses, the lifeblood
of our state. These are your friends
and neighbors. When you buy from
a small business, you’re not helping
Contributed by Matt Rowley outdoor activities that make you a CEO buy a third vacation home.
happy. You are helping a little girl get dance
Alaska’s diverse seasons come and This three-day event at the Menard lessons, a little boy his team jersey,
go, each one of them offering count- Center offers something for every- a mom put food on the table, a dad
less opportunities to get outside and one. Vendors will be there offering pay a mortgage or a student pay for
enjoy the things this tremendous all manner of goods from RVs, boats, college. Small businesses are the
state has to offer. and other big boy toys, to knives, dog heartbeat of our neighborhoods, the
treats, sporting goods, wood carv- spine of our local economy, and the
As we emerge from winter hiberna- ings, survival gear, and other special- spirit of our community. These are
tion, the Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show ty items. If you’re looking for knowl- the vendors you’ll find at the show.
is coming to Wasilla – a rite of spring edge, there will be classes on where
in southcentral Alaska, your first and how to catch halibut, self-de- The Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show will
opportunity each year to hook up fense training, career opportunities, be held the 25th, 26th, and 27th of
with the gear, clothing, toys, ideas, outdoor survival, and dog training. March. Adult admission is $7, kids
and information to help you get the Plus, you can learn about land and under 8 are free, parking is free, and
most out of your outdoor Alaska fisheries conservation, fire mitiga- the show is always free for military.
experience. It’s also a great chance to tion, and off-grid living. Don’t forget Get the details at MatSuOutdoors-
fill up your summer dance card with about the food! There is no excuse to manShow.com. We can’t wait to see
charters, adventure trips, and other go home hungry, as there will be a you there!
Contributed by Danielle Sherrer
The 20th Annual Special Olympics
Spaghetti Dinner & Auction, to
benefit the Special Olympics Alaska
Mat-Su Community program, is
March 26th at American Legion Post
35 in Wasilla!
General admission is $10 per person.
This admission is for dinner and a
seat at our exciting $1 Main Auction.
Dinner includes spaghetti, salad, roll,
dessert & beverage.
Dinner is 5pm-7pm and main auction
7pm-9pm. Dinner will only be served
from 5pm-7pm!
Silent auction and dessert auctions
are open all evening!
This event has been held the last
20 years by our friends at American
Legion Post 35! All proceeds raised
at this event will help Special Olym-
pics Mat-Su Community program
continue to provide sports train-
ing, equipment, social events and
competitions to our 200+ athletes. All
money raised stays in Mat-Su!
Things are slightly different this year
as we have a limit on capacity. Tickets
must be purchased in advance.
To purchase tickets go to myalaskatix. TO BRING YOUR $1 BILLS! American ADVANCE DUE TO LIMITED CAPCITY.
com. Legion post 35 does have an ATM
available. Tickets are non-refundable, unless
Our exciting and unique $1 auc- event is cancelled due to raise in
tion will begin at 7pm! REMEMBER TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN Covid-19 case numbers.
COMMUNITY
MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA PAGE 4
Iditarod Lodge No. 20 Gives Charity to with the holidays,” said Charlie S., a
Several Youth Programs, and Houston brother at Iditarod Lodge.
Senior Center.
Iditarod Lodge No. 20 is proud to
Iditarod Lodge No. 20, Wasilla, is one of donate to local charities, as has been a
many local lodges of Freemasons that cornerstone of Freemasonry throughout
meet throughout the State of Alaska. our long history.
Many non-Masons wonder what Those interested in Freemasonry should
Masonry is all about, and there are as feel free to reach out to the Grand
many answers as there are Masons, but Lodge of Alaska to be directed to the
charity and brotherly love is at the heart nearest local lodge. 907-561-1477, or
of every Freemason. email: grandlodgeAK@outlook.com
“We have donated $2,500 to Wasilla www.grandlodgeofalaska.org
Warrior Wrestling, $500 direct to a youth
in need for the holidays, $500 to MSBSD Iditarod Lodge No. 20 is glad to give
Project SEARCH for youth, and $1000 to to the communities that we live in and
Houston Senior Center to help Seniors love.
being stuck working in a building. part of the challenges these brave men
In the mid-90s, I had the opportunity and women face constantly.
to be sponsored by the U.S. Navy to One Friday evening in February, while
climb Mt. Everest. Unfortunately, it fell seated at the Tug Bar in Knik, Alaska,
through. It was definitely not from the next to the owner Tim, we were discuss-
Navy’s efforts and strong support! The ing the Goose Bay 150, a race that was
individual I met through Outside maga- starting the following morning from the
zine who was putting the climbing ex- bar. Tim was enthusiastically describ-
pedition together, failed to provide the ing the beauty of the trail and that the
timely information required to go forth mushers would be using Talvista Lodge
with this endeavor. Unfortunately, this as the turnaround point. Tim went on
once in a lifetime event was reluctantly to mention he would be supporting
crossed off my bucket list. Absolutely, the mushers with his snowmachine.
you could say I was an adrenalin junkie, After a few more probing questions,
but I was never reckless. Everything Tim invited my son and me to bring
I participated in was a thoroughly our snowmachines and help support
researched calculated risk with the odds him on the 150-mile roundtrip ride to
heavily in my favor. the lodge. I hurried home and told my
14-year-old son what I had volunteered
Moving to Alaska in 2002 with the mili- us for. We began preparations for the
tary, opened my eyes to a completely trip that night.
Contributed by Kim Butler basketball, wrestling, swimming, ten- new set of adventures. With friends and
nis, table tennis, running, skiing, and colleagues, I continued to explore many The next morning, after meeting at the
Uttering the words, “I have never tried ice skating (but I never learned how to of the activities this great State has to Tug Bar, five snowmachines and a snow
something”, has never been part of my skate backward). I often say, I was the offer. In 2004, my family and I watched coach all made the seven-hour transit.
vernacular. As an African American raisin in the proverbial bowl of rice. I the start of the Iditarod and thought A veterinarian, a vet tech, race official,
child growing up in a strict Roman didn’t care and neither did my friends. “Wow, these mushers and their dogs are Glenn from the tug bar, Tim, my son on
Catholic military family whose parents Sure, I experienced kids, parents and amazing!” his own snowmachine and I arrived in
were raised in the heart of Baltimore employers that didn’t like/support me Talvista around 6:45 pm cold, hungry,
City, there was never any notion of not because of the color of my skin. But In 2008, we moved to Knik, Alaska and but safe. The next morning, several of
trying. Yes, my parents were poor grow- to be completely honest, prejudice is observed my neighborly dog mushers us departed Talvista lodge ahead of
ing up (and so was everyone else), had prevalent in all ethnic groups even my arduously training their teams in all the mushers at 4:45 am for the return
limited education and a shaky financial own. Anyone who says different is types of weather, both day and night. journey. It was a dark and cold crisp
foundation; however, the concept of not being completely honest or hasn’t As the years passed, I began to meet morning with a windchill temperature
not trying or doing your best simply been anywhere. Nevertheless, I would many of the veteran Iditarod mushers: of -30 F. As we stopped along the trail to
was not an option. describe my sports career as a “Jack of Larry Harris, Charley Bejna, Anna and aid an incoming musher, the complete
all trades, master of none.” Kristy Berington, the Redingtons, and lack of light except for our snowma-
My father, who was number eight of Lev Shvarts. I also met a spry middle chines marking the trail, the glow from
eight children was born and raised As I matured, my more adventurous side age corporate executive who volun- the stars in the sky, the absence of noise
without a father. His father was killed led me to partake in anything requiring tarily came to Alaska for 2 years and still as the dog teams trotted by with a
in a work-related accident at a shipyard a test of my abilities. I learned to fly and counting to learn the sport. steady gait in tuned with the elements
prior to his birth. Family legend has it, earned various licenses and ratings and were indescribable. As the last rem-
my dad started shining shoes on the developed a taste of flying aerobatics. Unlike other sports, mushing is a year- nants of the Northern Lights faded from
tough inner-city streets of Baltimore to Why? Airplanes were fascinating, and round demanding lifestyle, with high the horizon and the majestic early rays
help support his family at a tender age it was my dream despite not having expenses, few sponsorships, and many of dawn starting to reveal the sun to the
of five. Although he did not complete an aviation role model. I believed in routine unglamorous duties. This past east, a sense of peace overcame us all.
high school in the traditional sense, dad the American dream of working hard year’s Iditarod, Mushers experienced It was the moment I said to myself “I get
received his GED and participated in and not settling for anything less. Did temperatures as low as -50 F along it”. Then, I observed one of the mushers,
the sport of boxing. He also became a I meet the “standards” all the time? the unpredictable trail. Some mush- taking his gloves off at -30 F to put on
strong swimmer through summer pro- Absolutely not! For me, hard work was ers reported expenditures in excess 56 dog booties without complaint. The
grams offered in the city parks during analogous to repeatedly practicing a of $40k a year to train and participate musher explained that gloves do not
the 1930s and 1940s. wrestling take down or studying to pass in the Iditarod and all the qualifying provide the manual dexterity to ensure
an academic test. It equates to how bad races. This is not a sport for the faint of the booties are on properly. I realized
My dad joined the U.S. Army at seven- do you want something and how much heart or paltry wallets. There is no typi- these are unequivocally some of the
teen, was a Korean War veteran and effort are you willing to give. cal body type, age, or sex of a musher. toughest folks I know.
served honorably for twenty-one years. However, the common denominator is
One of his brothers served in the U. S. I also participated in triathlons, learned they all have an uncanny devotion to In my humble opinion, as a 30-year
Marine Corps and one was a Merchant to shoot, high altitude climbing (above their dogs and are some of the tough- military veteran and a former interna-
Marine. 18,000 ft. in South America), diving, sky- est folks I have ever known. Their dogs tional security contractor who actively
diving, fishing, hunting, snowmaching, are unequivocally world class athletes, participated in a lot of the “interesting
My mother was the first of six children studying eight languages, and travel- uniquely bred to run and ready to give stuff”, dog mushers are a breed of their
and attended Catholic schools. Several ing. You see, I refuse to allow anyone their best to the trail and musher. Just own. For me, the expense, dedication,
of her brothers also served in the U.S. define what I am capable of and what as a Labrador Retriever is meant to long training runs both day and night,
Marine Corps. With this strong military sports I can participate in. At one time, I retrieve, these athletes are meant to run brutal cold, understanding/handling up
lineage, not trying was never an option distinctly remember in the early 70s my and are the happiest in this element. to 14 different dog personalities, and
for me. grandmother asking me what I wanted the unending chores aligned with this
to do after graduating from high school. No sleep, moose encounters, dog fights, sport, I can finally say without hesita-
As a military dependent child, living I responded that I wanted to fly air- crossing water you hope is frozen, tion mushing will always be the hardest
all over the world, I participated in all planes. She said that was nice but there severe wind, blinding snowstorms, ex- sport I have never tried.
the traditional organized and neigh- are good government janitor jobs avail- treme temperatures, getting lost, hand
borhood sports programs that were able. Although, a janitor is an honorable injuries galore, the constant aloneness, Written by Kim Butler
offered: baseball, football, soccer, profession, my plans did not include and losing and finding your team are all Edited by friends
COMMUNITY
MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA PAGE 5
Contributed by Marlene Munsell in June and will be representing Alaska
at the national competition.
Valentine Day’s was fun at WASI, seniors
dressed up in red and were showered Marlene Munsell, Assistant Executive
with Valentine cards, candy and home- Director said: the place was filled with
made cookies. We had several groups so many smiling faces, seniors enjoyed
that decided to share this special day receiving treats but best of all enjoyed
with seniors both at the senior center being able to visit with everyone. Wasil-
and with those that are homebound. la Area Seniors, Inc. serves lunch M-F
Coralee Wade decided to share the 11:30 to 12:30 and continues to provide
love with seniors as a tribute to her GG activities for seniors, the next activity is:
(great grandma), she was very close to Paint Your Heart Out! Saturday, February
her and misses her. Coralee is 8 years 19th from 10 a.m. to 1, five volunteer
old, and she recruited her friends at artists will be teaching the classes. If
Frontera school to help her make 200 you know someone who would love to
Valentine cards. Everyone enjoyed visit- participate you can register on the WASI
ing with Coralee and her mom, Leticia. website, wasillaseniors.com or contact
Coralee is Miss Alaska Sr. Elementary marlenem@alaskaseniors.com, there is
and she will be competing in the EJHC, a cost of $25.
POLITICS & OPINION
MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA PAGE 6
– not permit to make motions and only
vote in case of a tie.
Did I become mayor for my family? No,
Contributed by Mat-Su Mayor removed by dying, resigning or recall by How long can one person do the job? I but my family that resides in the valley
Edna DeVries the citizens of the borough. I can come don’t think that one person can do the will enjoy the benefits of good, honest,
back if removed by being re-elected. job of mayor. I have lots of people that trustworthy government.
Recently I was interviewed by a Third help me, I have an executive assistant,
grader from one of our local elementary What powers do I have? I sign all of- all borough staff is available to assist Did my mom ask me to become mayor?
school. As I prepared I realized that ficial documents, I can veto assembly me, and I have lots of people in the When I was growing up, my parents
many of you may have the same ques- action and then they have opportunity borough that help me in making good encouraged me to become whatever
tions. to override my veto, I chair the assem- decisions. I appreciate the ideas that the I wanted to be – set my sights and
bly meetings, I recommend citizens public brings to me to assist in making goals of things that would take a lot of
What does the Mat-Su Mayor do – appointments to borough boards and the Mat-Su Borough a great place to training, wisdom, and hard work to ac-
the Mayor is the chairperson for the commission subject to the assembly live, work and play. complish. I don’t remember us talking
borough assembly meetings, has veto approval – we have 53 of them ranging specify about the mayor position but
power over any assembly action (except from road service areas, to animal con- Why did I want to become Mayor? I public office yes – many discussions.
for school budget), appoints members trol, senior health, borough planning, really like people and enjoy helping
of the public to serve on borough platting (approval subdivisions), and them and lots of times, the govern-
boards and commissions, meets with fire service areas. I meet with other ment seems to be against their citizens Is my family proud of me – I would say
other elected officials (recently meet government officials showcasing the rather than assisting them. I believe ‘yes’ but they also realize that I am hu-
with US Senator Lisa Murkowski) re- boroughs projects and achievements. I that elected officials are servants of the man and could easily make mistakes
garding infrastructure monies coming speak to groups regarding the great op- people and that our government is by and not everyone will agree with all of
from the Federal government to assist portunities that we have in the Mat-Su the people not by elected or appointed my decisions.
with such projects as our Port at Port Bogough. people.
MacKenzie, roads in our borough, and If you have further questions, please
Knik Arm Crossing, and meets with citi- What can I do and can’t do? - I need to Requirements for job – you must a voter reach out to me. 907-861-8682
zens concerning their concerns in their be a good model for all citizens, must and resident of the borough; you must
neighborhoods. be honest, ethical, and a good listener. I registered to run for the office and then Upcoming agenda items for the As-
must obey all borough code, state laws get the most votes at election time, and sembly – Tuesday, Feb. 15, an ordinance
I am elected – I was elected on Novem- and federal laws. I can veto assem- you must be a resident of the borough appointing a Task Force to review and
ber 2, 2021(but didn’t take office until bly action. I work with the borough for one year immediately prior to the make recommendations to the Assem-
November 22, 2021), my term is for 3 administration for the betterment of all election. bly regarding road service area services
years, Mayor and assembly can serve of our citizens. in Big Lake Road Service Area 21 and
for two consecutive terms. I can be Limitations – no vote on the assembly potentially other areas.
lete! I also feel compelled to add that It is your call whether you are going to
while I see my party label as compatible involve yourself in what too many now
with my total identity, it is subservient view as a waste of time. Many of you are
to my real identity and values tied to engaged at some level, but judging by
belief in Jesus Christ. Partisanship is not recent embarrassing low voter turn-
Contributed by Wes Keller selves, so every premise does not have a religion even though it may look like out, most are not. Disdain for politics
to be established anew for every group it sometimes, but nobody is expected has done incalculable damage to the
Do you identify as a Democrat, Repub- action. Every group communication to embrace partisanship at the cost of proper functioning of our republic. Alas-
lican, or Independent? Whichever label must include some revealing common violation of his or her conscience! ka has become particularly vulnerable
you accept for voting is a respectful presumptions to allow time to be spent because we have a legislative branch of
“courtesy” statement to others! Any accommodating freedom of speech. Elected legislators and governors are government constitutionally weighted
label you wear, political or not, provides The clearness of a party label definition expected to wear partisan labels for to be weaker than normal. The legisla-
valuable, low-level information about is critically important for obvious rea- good reason: to provide information ture is supposed to be the most respon-
who you are and what you prioritize. sons. Resistance to political stereotyp- to the voters they are proposing to sive branch to the access and will of
Some wear their labels loudly, some ing is understandable because of the represent. Like all States, Alaska is just the sovereigns (We the People), so our
resist being identified with any group, fear of inevitable envy, discrimination, now finalizing a redistricting plan (akre- government, in effect, has far less voter
including gender, race, religious prefer- racism, pride, prejudice, and other pain- district.org) to adjust the “weight” of influence to make and enforcement
ence, and political groups. When the ful human shortcomings; however, the every Alaskan’s vote to reflect the 2020 of good laws than we should. I won’t
goal is searching for and applying hiding of our world view is a harmful census results. In your voting district insult you with details to inform you
governing truth in a free republic, it is over-reaction. all three recognized parties should be about how to get involved; but I will
rude and harmful to insist on the right busy re-organizing according to their “prod” you by declaring we have exactly
to privacy and cling to an “undeclared” No label is comprehensive. I am com- respective rules and traditions. The the Juneau representation we deserve.
label. Being forthright about identifying fortable labeling myself as “Republi- process includes identifying party of- Especially if you are one who chose to
with a political party saves a lot of time can”, but I quickly qualify my position ficers, candidates, and issue advocates hide your political identity!
and moves past the tedious group task explaining I am also a “constitutional and platform planks starting with the
of repeatedly “inspecting our naval”. conservative” to make sure I am not grassroots precinct level, to be finalized Wes Keller
Political parties work at producing value being included with the “Republicans” as the official reorganized State Parties. WesKeller.com
platforms to allow people to sort them- who think our US Constitution is obso-
edly demonstrated an inability to spend
money responsibly. Saving money
has also been a problem. Many of
these elected officials overpromise and
Contributed by Joe Geldhof and and their dividend must be addressed Now, with oil prices elevated and underperform when it comes to dealing
Juanita Cassellius first, not government spending, taxes, federal funding flowing into the state’s with Alaska’s finances. The legislature
or any other issue related to solving the treasury, far too many politicians are has spent too much and saved too little
For a long time, significant issues fiscal situation of our state. seemingly content to avoid dealing of our mineral wealth.
about our Permanent Fund have been with the citizen’s dividend or putting
bungled and avoided. How long? The Permanent Fund is the greatest our fiscal house in order. That’s why we call on Alaskans to
thing we have done for Alaskans since demand that dividend legislation is
Too long, since 2016, when then Gover- statehood. The Fund takes a portion We need to act now. But we need to act passed in this 2022 session. The citizens
nor Walker decided to ignore the long- of our current non-renewable revenue responsibly. need a constitutional formula and one
standing formula to pay the dividend from oil and holds those funds in trust that works for all Alaskans, not just
embedded in Alaska law. for the future. Current proposals to use the Percent- government.
age of Market Value (POMV) formula
The failure to pay the dividend ac- Instead of allowing the current genera- to fund government and a dividend The formula needs to protect the fund
cording to statute has created political tion to spend all the funds on them- have potential to erode the value of the from inflation. And, the formula needs
chaos. Every legislative session since selves, we wisely saved for the future. Permanent Fund. to grow the Permanent Fund, not just
Walker vetoed the dividend payment government.
has seen political fighting over the size Providing a fair dividend to every The current dividend proposal based on
of the dividend. Without a fix to the Alaskan prevents a raid on the fund in a 5% POMV payout is set too high. With The formula should provide every Alas-
dividend fight, Alaska cannot adopt a multiple ways. Without a dividend, in- inflation running at over 5%, the 5% kan with a guaranteed dividend derived
sensible fiscal plan. dividual Alaskans are without a stake in POMV (with 50% to government and from their Permanent Fund.
their savings account and the Fund will 50% to dividends) presents an unac-
The time to act on the dividend formula quickly become less than permanent. ceptable risk to the fund’s growth. We must avoid converting the Perma-
is now. Pointing to higher oil prices As Gov. Jay Hammond once warned: “As nent Fund into a development slush
or using the upcoming election as an go the dividends, so goes the Perma- Other threats to the Alaskans Perma- fund to back dubious projects advo-
excuse to continue avoiding decisions is nent Fund.” Without dividend protection nent Fund loom. There is increasing cated by special interests.
unacceptable. The financial well-being we risk losing the Fund in the future. evidence select individuals and special
of Alaska is deteriorating because of the interests are salivating at the prospect The only way our elected officials will
inaction by our elected officials. Action The annual failure of our elected of- of investing the Permanent Fund in pet protect the Permanent Fund and your
is needed now, not down the trail. ficials to adopt a fair and sustainable projects that are not competitive based dividend is if voters demand constitu-
dividend formula is corroding Alaska’s on normal prudent investment criteria. tional protection of Alaskans’ common-
The best way to solve the annual political discussion. Instead of act- We are dangerously close to politicizing ly-owned resource wealth.
dividend brawl is to put a workable ing decisively on the dividend, too the investment criteria for the Perma-
dividend formula before the voters as many politicians have avoided difficult nent Fund. If we allow this to happen, Joe Geldhof is a lawyer in Juneau and
part of a constitutional amendment. In choices. Since 2013, the Legislature the best idea we Alaskans adopted in a board member of the Permanent
order to fix Alaska’s fiscal uncertainty, has gutted Alaskans’ savings accounts our statehood history – the Permanent Fund Defenders. Juanita Cassellius is
the first step is to address the dividend spending over $20 billion to fund gov- Fund - will be destroyed. a nurse in Eagle River and coordinator
and then work on government needs ernment. for Permanent Fund Defenders. (www.
and revenue measures. Alaska’s citizens Alaska’s elected officials have repeat- pfdak.com)
From the Journal of Joshua Fryfogle
Liberty, Liberally
Volume II - Issue II February 2022 Alaska
by Joshua Fryfogle
All the world’s a stage
Liberty, Liberally, is at the center At the center of my working life, in
of The People’s Paper, literally and everything I’ve chosen to do with my And we have stages too
philosophically. professional life, is this aspiration to
amplify the voices of the community,
Liberal Arts are synonymous with and to vivify their communication. It Acting out our ages
philosophical thought. is this idea, that a Free Society can be
Working our way through
peaceful and prosperous if individual
This publication (Liberty, Liberally) rights are respected, that steers my
is actually mine, whereas The People’s ambitions. Poets write our lines
Paper (and MAS Magazine) are made
public by members of the public each My decision to start publishing my And we just play our parts
month. I’m not the publisher of those writings was arrived at after nearly
papers - I’m a steward instead. My team 15 years. I could have published my
works hard to facilitate freedom for the writings all along, alongside the other Waiting for our time
People in our community. community members who make use of
our public service. (I’ve written much Our cue for when to start
My sense of duty to those publications more than I’ll ever publish.) My worry
(The People’s Paper and Make A Scene) was that as the attendant of The People’s
is expressed earnestly, here in the pages Paper, and thus the People, my own Nothing new is made
of Liberty, Liberally, which is found use of the pages of The People’s Paper
here in the center of the pages of The would send the wrong message. For this No new song be sung
People’s Paper. My heart is opened reason, I’ve only occasionally published
up, here in your hands, to help you my own writings in Make A Scene or
understand why I would devote my life The People’s Paper. We only make believe
to lifting your voice.
It’s conundrum, really. Liberty, Until our part is done
Liberty isn’t something that can be Liberally, solves that problem.
represented. It can’t be assigned to a This poem was inspired by the oft-quoted Shakespearean
proxy. The People’s Paper doesn’t Though I would have been within monologue in ‘As You Like It’, Act II Scene VII
publish anything, the People do. They my rights, and within my purview to
make the decision to send it in, to make publish my own essays in The People’s
it public, and we agree to print their Paper, I would have risked reinforcing
sincere expressions of conscience. idea that you, the reader, are only that.
But you, dear reader, have all the rights
But Liberty, Liberally, allows me to that I have. You, the individual, have
remind our readers why The People’s just as much right to freedom of the
Paper exists. press that anyone else has, regardless of
academic credentials. Freedom of press is
The supporting philosophical orientation for everyone.
that is required for The People’s Paper
to remain true to its mission is broad. I’ve tried to explain this ethos to as
It is the Liberal Tradition, it is the many as would listen these last 15 years.
founding philosophy of the West, But I’ve also tried to avoid the pitfall
that each individual is, by nature, free that other media companies have always
already, and that they need only realize fallen into. By not publishing my
their freedom. This happens in the mind writing in every issue, and sparingly
before it happens in the social milieu. when I do, The People’s Paper could not
be confused as The Josh’s Paper.
I’v been writing my whole life. Songs,
poems, all manner of writings, really. Sometimes, it’s what you don’t say that
My interest in the liberal arts is lifelong. says the most.
Donate. Subscribe.
Support.
907-373-2698
www.LibertyLiberally.com
Liberty, Liberally www.LibertyLiberally.com From the Journal of Joshua Fryfogle
Volume II - Issue II Liberty, Liberally 2
Fifteen days to slow the spread Lock down
You can’t believe a word they said What a weird way to say it
Looking back, in your head Business down
You can’t believe the words you’ve read There’s no way to pay, it’s
All ‘round, falls down
Lockdown We all better pray, it’s
Written August 29, 2021 Yet we’ve been all too eager to turn over What a strange thing to call it
this sacred, civic engagement to exactly Hunker down Fifteen days to slow the spread
There is that famous quote, attributed those who lack the moral mandate that Like it’s wartime you called it You can’t believe a word you’ve said
to Churchill, “History is written by truth be told. The People are apathetic, Shut down downtown You have to keep your family fed
the victors.” There is some debate as and that is part of the problem. Thus the Online or call in But all you get is blue and red
to the origin of the phrase, or at least its other oft-quoted phrase, “Those who
sentiment, that sentiment being: those do not learn from history are doomed to Fifteen days to slow the spread Fifteen days to slow the spread
who win the battles write the books. repeat it.” You can’t believe a word that’s said All you get is blue and red
In fact, there are many written records Looking back at things instead
that predate Churchill - and that perhaps Truth be told, that aphorism was If it’s all just in your head? by Joshua Fryfogle
he’d read - that point to this idea. It probably originally, “"Those who
was not a new thought, but of those who cannot remember the past are condemned
have expressed that thought in various to repeat it." George Santayana was
Ballot Stuffing
that elections have been defrauded, and
languages, Churchill was definitely the perhaps the one who deserves credit, but recounts being a means of determining
dominant historical character, and that unlike Churchill, Santayana is detached honest human error and nothing else, the
being the case, it is usually attributed to from his famous aphorism. We’ve goal of the audit in Arizona was never to
him. forgotten him, though his perspective is Ballot stuffing is a phrase that we’ve
“recount” the ballots.
repeated, time and time again. come to use, colloquially, to represent
You might say that Churchill was the a simple, common form of election
The corporate media, however,
victor, rewriting the history of that Modern victors are powerful like fraud. It’s been depicted in pop culture,
immediately seized upon the fact that
very statement, simply by his saying it. Churchill, but lack the individuality and described in history.
the forensic auditors did a ‘recount’ and
required for a moral dilemma to arise. the results were within the predictable
Still, those inclined to do so can dig up Never will the corporate “person” It’s important that we take pause and
margin of error that is found in most
old books, and find that same sentiment, struggle with the right thing to do, as consider that “ballot stuffing” is likely
elections.
reiterated again and again. So this shows Churchill certainly struggled, because the most common type of election
the modern thinker that the victor can the profitable thing to do is all a fraud - but why? Why would those
The question is why? Why would
not only write the history, but re-write corporation has the right to do. who seek to skew election outcomes
corporate powers ignore the body of
history, over and over. This is not resort to stuffing ballots into the ballot
the report from the forensic audit, and
because we cannot research and reassign An editable history, as has arisen from box? Why not simply lie about how
misrepresent the initial recount as being
the credit for that statement to a series of the internet age, compounds the effect many ballots were cast? Why go to the
the goal of the forensic audit? Why
thinkers throughout time, but because of our apathy. When society drifts back trouble to create fraudulent ballots?
would all of the corporate press echo
we do not do so. Our apathy accepts towards the power and control model of is false narrative? There is literally a
that those we revere are surely worthy Monarchs and Totalitarian tyrants, that It’s simple, really. If anyone raises
report that is many pages long, that
of reverence. Our ego, combined with is when society tends to review history concern about the outcome, if the
documents considerable evidence that
apathy, creates the potential that we will with more interest. When things revert, outcome is within a certain margin
more than enough votes were fraudulent
misunderstand history, all while written and absurd propaganda becomes difficult of error, then the first thing that will
than necessary to flip the presidential
books with more accurate accounts to ignore, that’s when humanity tends happen is a recount of the ballots.
results for 2020. Not only were there
collect dust on countless shelves. to look back to our history, and to Recounting ballots is quite common, in
enough fraudulent votes exposed by the
reassess our future. But how can we, fact, because it is common for elections
forensic audit to overturn the outcome
Then came the internet... if history is an online database? How to be close - because the two-party
statewide, but this was only one county.
can we trust that what we see online is system has overwhelmed the process. As
The implications of this are of great
In the modern world, where most accurate? Without written records, a result of two-party dominance over
public interest, yet the corporate media
information is only stored in the digital our records are rewritten, and rewritten our elections, close races are commonly
isn’t interested.
format, our human apathy is no longer again. The victor will always be the decided by the simple recount.
the only threat to our understanding of corporation that has control over that Now, I didn’t vote for Trump, and never
history. Now, those who would mislead record, because history is written, and A recount, then, is not a tool to
have. I have always voted third party for
the people, in the pursuit of profit and re-written, by the victors. determine election fraud, except in those
the Presidential race. My interest in the
power, can simply delete those records cases where the fraudsters are foolish and
outcome of this forensic audit is not
that are inconvenient to their interests. —— unfamiliar with finer points of election
because I want Trump to be President.
Before, the propagandist could only bend integrity. No, a recount is simply a
It’s because I am keenly aware of the
the truth to a certain point, banking on There is no record of Churchill speaking tool to count the ballots one more time.
ongoing efforts of corporate media to
the willful ignorance of the populace or writing the phrase, “History is This is because human error exists, not
prevent third party candidates from
to prevent their researching and reading written by the victors.” because of suspicion of fraud.
being heard. As a third party voter,
otherwise. Now, the propagandists are I can’t help but be suspicious of the
able to bend reality into a completely Now that we’ve clarified what a recount
elections in our nation. My suspicions
new shape, because conflicting accounts is, what it does, and why, on to the
are not paranoia, nor partisan, but
can be hidden from view, and those subject at hand.
based on my experience in supporting
who would remind the world of those candidates that aren’t allowed a voice
forgotten facts can simply be removed In Arizona, in one county (Maricopa),
by the corporate media. I’ve seen how
from the high-traffic internet platforms. they’ve (almost) completed a forensic
the corporate media works to control
audit of that county’s 2020 election. I
election outcomes.
The victor, in the internet-age, is not say ‘almost’ because election officials
a warlord or tyrant, but a corporate have resisted turning over subpoenaed
The point of this essay is not to prove
“person” who doesn’t care at all about materials, and continue even now to
election fraud. I am not even asserting
truth. That corporate entity exists for refuse. Still, a few months ago the
that the election was stolen by writing
the express purpose of profit. It isn’t auditors of the election released a
this, but I am pointing to the lockstep
burdened by conscience, because it has considerable report for public review.
lack of curiosity by the corporate
none of its own. It’s a legal person, It is many pages long. When they did
media to look into this novel forensic
but not a human being. It doesn’t a presentation before the AZ Senate
audit. I suspect that, as has always been
worry with right and wrong, and has regarding their findings, it took many
historically true, ballot stuffing is the
no morality of its own, except those hours.
most common form of election fraud.
malleable mores that change with board That being the case, I believe that
membership. At the beginning of that report, as a matter
ballot stuffing has occurred without
of course, they did some housekeeping.
being noticed over the years. I suspect
Churchill actually did say, in a speech They explained that, while their forensic
it might systemic, this ballot stuffing
So history, then, if controlled by before the House of Commons on Jan. audit was always about the validity of
scheme. That’s not paranoia, because
corporate masters, will only record those 23, 1948: the ballots themselves, and not about
there are literally laws in place, processes
things that are advantageous to those a simple recount of the ballots, they
implemented in our elections, that are
who control the communication of such “For my part, I consider that it will still performed a basic recount of the
aimed at assuring public confidence in
information. Before, with books, the be found much better by all parties to ballots prior to beginning their forensic
the outcome of elections in our nation.
bending of reality was recorded when it leave the past to history, especially as I investigation. This makes perfect
Of course there are.
was first written, thereby becoming a propose to write that history myself.” sense, to simply make sure that they’ve
reference for future generations. received as many ballots as were publicly
For four years, we heard the Clinton
reported.
campaign, along with the entire
establishment, assert that the 2016
Considering that the election officials
election was stolen. Ad nauseam, they
of Maricopa County resisted and refused
advertised the idea that Russia colluded
court orders - and continue even now -
with Trump to steal the election. After
it makes perfect sense that the auditors
all that time, the exact opposite has been
would would want to verify the count
We’ve gotten a surprising number of With a minimum $8 per month exposed. A Russian national was just
before moving forward with their
donations from community members at donation, you’ll receive a copy of recently indicted, and this most recent
forensic examination of their election.
The People’s Paper and Make A Scene each publication - and even special indictment tied that Russian national
Magazine over the years, and recently publications and other things that might back to the Clinton campaign. This
A recount was never the goal of the
it’s increased with the publication of fit in a Manila envelope! indictment was the most recent, but
forensic auditors, who were investigating
Liberty, Liberally. two previous indictments, of an FBI
fraud. A recount is a common tool to
Thanks so much for your words of agent and a lawyer, also implicated the
correct human error - innocent human
We’ve also received many requests encouragement and financial support Clinton campaign.
error that inevitably occurs from time
for subscription services, requests to over the years. We take your trust very to time. In fact, when a recount if
mail Liberty, Liberally, and our other seriously, as we steward content from While the corporate media were willing
performed because an election outcome
publications to people near and far... you and your neighbors onto the printed to pursue the baseless claims of Russia/
was within a slim margin, it is more
page. It’s an American tradition which Trump collusion for four years,
common to find minor discrepancies
So we thought, why not make it easier we are blessed to uphold. they are not curious at all about these
than to not. If it weren’t a close call,
to donate, and get something in return, real indictments of Clinton cronies.
then we assume that these predictable
too? Neither are they curious about the body
and honest errors would not amount to
of the forensic audit report, only the
enough to change the outcome.
first few paragraphs. Neither are they
appropriately concerned about Ghislaine
An audit as was performed in Maricopa
Maxwell - another Clinton associate
was forensic in design. It’s important to
www.LibertyLiberally.com understand what they mean by forensic.
- accused of child trafficking to rich
perverts.
They were looking at the ballots
themselves, one by one, looking for
evidence that the ballot box was stuffed.
“C’mon, man.” - Joe Biden
Ballot stuffing being the common way
Liberty, Liberally www.LibertyLiberally.com From the Journal of Joshua Fryfogle
POLITICS & OPINION
MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA PAGE 7
ers voted in our precincts during the
general election. We know that the
election of the people who are now in
the Alaska Legislature could have been
impacted. We also know the Alaska Leg-
islature is comprised of a majority coali-
tion that began as a minority Democrat
Contributed by Holly Sheldon Lee law firm and State of Alaska bond ly, Rank Choice voting lost 105,161 to organization and became a majority
counsel Birch Horton Bittner and Cherot 81,048. Beginning six days after in-per- because fake Republicans were bought
As Alaskans anticipate the 2022 elec- think they are untouchable in the Alas- son voting ended, 158,074 witness-less off. Alaskans are exhausted from this
tions this November, we must insist that ka legal system,” stated Sheldon-Lee. “I ballots without any chain of cus- spectacle,” states Sheldon-Lee.
state government be held accountable know many Alaskans who have horror tody were added to the final tally, ev-
for what has happened through our stories about their experiences in the ery few days, through the end of the Sheldon-Lee’s case against the law
public institutions, including the Divi- Alaska Court System—including inside month. On November 30, 2021 the Divi- firm that she believes defrauded her
sion of Elections and Alaska Judiciary. dealings between attorneys—where sion of Elections announced that Rank and her Talkeetna business Sheldon Air
Widespread corruption has occurred in everybody loses but those running the Choice won by less then 1%. Without a Service, is scheduled to be heard by the
the face of untold wealth since con- system.” forensic audit of the ballots they cannot Alaska Supreme Court in the coming
struction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline prove that the Initiative won. “If they months. What began as reaching out for
and continues through today with the In this blog post, Sheldon-Lee tells her get away with forcing us to vote by legal help for fair distribution of family
Permanent Fund Dividend grab and story after seven years of seeking justice their tricky, foreign rank voting system, assets from the estate of legendary pilot
gridlock, according to Holly Sheldon in the Alaska Court System. You may every Alaskan man, woman and child’s Don Sheldon and his wife Roberta, “has
Lee. Violation of state law and statutes read her story here: https://alaskatask- freedom will be lost forevermore, as you turned into a fight to save Sheldon Air
regarding distribution of PFD earn- force.online/ak-court-corruption cannot hand count or audit rank choice Service and our life savings from the
ings by elected officials in Juneau have voting,” said Sheldon-Lee. claws of ruthless and greedy Anchor-
caused distrust in government through- Before the elections in 2020, the US age lawyers,” states Sheldon-Lee. That
out the State. Abnormalities in the 2020 Supreme Court ruled that States were “We know the Ranked Choice voter story has also been told previously at
elections deepen the mistrust and must not permitted to delete the witness initiative/proposition was funded this link: https://donnliston.blogspot.
be addressed before the next election, signatures on election ballots. “In by an Outside dark money spon- com/2021/08/what-would-don-and-
declared Sheldon-Lee. Alaska, judge Dani Crosby over-ruled sored campaign, that touts their ma- roberta-sheldon-have.html
the United States Supreme Court and nipulation of traditional voting
“I was tricked by the attorneys I was deleted the witness signatures off our methods, was against dark money” For more information, contact: Holly
paying into doing something which was ballots. On November 4, 2020 after all said Sheldon-Lee. “We know the stats Sheldon Lee, 907-232-4063.
not in my best interest. The large Alaska 441 Alaska precincts reported their tal- show over 100% of registered vot-
Contributed by Katherine Baker all tired of politicians trying to steal genuine problem resolution rather be a deep-seated hatred of Trump!
the peoples’ power. if the politicians than punishments for the people. The Disgusting. They can all stop with
It is the season when politicians aren’t representing the people, who Biden-Putin discussions didn’t serve the humanitarian lectures). Anybody
maximize & habitually embellish their are they representing? Don’t let the the American people. Do we want to be buying it’s because the Democrats
accomplishments while simultaneously, politicians scare or discourage you. punished with astronomical gas price aren’t partisan? Most of us know the
those same politicians, minimize Many politicians don’t want you to vote hikes, war or both? Aren’t their endless difference between burnt toast and
& ignore their previous campaign unless you are voting for them. We hypocritical rants and lectures enough well-done steak & eggs.
promises. are not their mindless, remote-control punishment?
robots. VOTE. Those politicians, whether they are a
Quick to promise but not so fast at We’ve seen a lot of strange political self-described Democrat or Republican,
generating any action, they usually All of us turning out to VOTE scares happenings in the USA & in Alaska who arrogantly disregard the voices of
simply utter more of their words. If the worst of them-those entitled ones in recent years. But none of them the people, who give the people empty
we don’t start holding politicians who consider the voice of the people, stranger than Democrats supporting promises and frustrating unfulfilled
accountable AND responsible, they a mere nuisance, which they can their favorite Republican candidates hopes-those same politicians will be
will continue to ‘play’ the people and ignore. Simultaneously, the voice of the who wouldn’t support a moderate listening on Election Day! That’s the
the peoples’ votes. We have the power people, emboldens those politicians Republican POTUS but now support power of the people, the ballot box.
to do something about this. Don’t let working towards real solutions, using a radical Democratic POTUS & his Don’t let power-hungry politicians steal
the politicians convince you that you facts to develop solutions rather than Communist/Socialist/Fascist agenda. your power. That’s the real coup. we are
have no power unless you vote for emotional button pushing to distract Now why would the Democrat a government of, by and for the people.
them! Don’t let politicians steal your from the issues. The voice of the people base support CERTAIN Republican And this is our country-one nation
vote through clever word games. We’re emboldens those working towards candidates? (criteria ‘appears’ to under God.
COMMUNITY
MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA PAGE 7
Contributed by Daniel N. Russell, MS, used to pull energy or qi from places of As a specific example, I have discovered, having excess heat energy to any areas
Physicist, Cert. Energy Therapist excess energy to areas of low energy when I place a large cold stone on the having low in energy by consious
and to center the energy at the hara tanden, or CV-6 tsubo, that excess heat intent. Proper placement of a cold
Drawing from my many years doing or tanden. Most practitioners use hot dissipates from areas of excess energy, stone helps to concentrate the mind
massage and various energy therapies, I stones, and they preheat their stones and heat energy builds up, quickly, and speeds up the energy flow. Many
have started Energy Touch Therapy as a in expensive and bulky hot water bath under and around this stone. I use my Shiatsu Acupressure and Acupuncture
new kind of ministry of touch combined machines prior to placing them on a mind in consious intent and I encour- routines, designed to center and bal-
with prayer to help people heal their patient. They do not realize that hot age the patient to use his/her mind ance energy, take a much longer time
bodies and spirits. I discovered that, stones repel a patient’s own energy to to move the energy. I also ask God for and are much more complicated and
using my consious intent, I am able to flow away from where they are placed. some Holy Spirit to help the patient to cumbersome to accomplish than this
move, center and balance a patient’s Of course, hot stones do add heat for a heal. In this sense the stone serves as a method. So, one advantage of this tech-
energy, and that by placing a cold stone short time to local tissue, under which tool to help concentrate the mind on nique of using a large cold stone to cen-
upon an area of the body, which is low they are placed. So, hot stones are use- healing and centering the qi energy. ter and balance the energy, is that it is
in heat energy, it helps pull energy, like ful for warming muscles, prior to mas- I use a single, large, smooth, black much faster and simpler for a therapist
a pump, away from areas of high heat sage, and their temperature should not basalt stone, because these stones to do in practice. A second advantage
to that area of low heat energy. This be higher than 1300 F, so as not to burn are good black-body radiators, which of using a cold stone is that it avoids a
finding is in agreement with physics, the skin of a patient. means they absorb a lot of heat and need for a therapist to purchase and
since heat energy always moves toward then radiate it away. I find my stones haul around an expensive, heavy, and
colder areas from hotter areas, as long SPECIFIC EXAMPLE on Alaska’s beaches, where they have bulky hot stone water heating machine.
as there is a thermally conductive path- By feeling an increase in heat around a been deposited by ancient glaciers, A third advantage is that it is greener
way, therebetween. My patients often cold stone placed on a patient with the which have ground them smooth and and cheaper, because it does not
report having more power and energy palms of my hands, I found that it pulls round over the past tens of thousands consume any electric power. One may
after having an energy treatment. An excess heat toward itself, and, thereby, of years. Most types of stones work per- think that it would be uncomfortable to
advantage of cold stone therapy is that accellerates a flow of energy through- fectly well, though, as long as they are have a cold stone placed on their belly,
it accellerates, balances, and centers a out the body, which may increase both dense and not porous. In Alaska room but it is only a single stone, and it pulls
flow of energy throughout the body healing rate and energy level in pa- temperature, about 600 F, is fine for and gathers heat quickly from areas of
more quickly and easliy than Shiatsu tients. There are very sensitive heat sen- the initial temperature of a cold stone. excess energy anywhere in the body.
Acupressure and Acupuncture tech- sors in the palms of our hands, and just In room temperatures above 720 F, I rec- One can actually feel heat building up
niques. I also apply hot super-saturated below each lower eye lid. So, by placing ommend, allowing cold running water under and around the stone. You do not
salt solution to the skin to draw out one’s palms over a patient’s body, and to run over the stone for one minute, need to have a special gift or talent to
toxins and relieve pain. concentrating, one can detect where before placing it upon the body. The help people in this way. So, try it!
there is too much heat energy or not temperature of a cold stone should not
BACKGROUND enough heat energy. In this way it may be lower than 400 F, so as not to injure Daniel N. Russell, MS is a physicist,
be determined where to place a cold a patient. Do not cool stones by placing former Term-professor at Physics Dept.
In this era of pandemics and germ-pho- stone to move the energy to balance it, them in a freezer! I also apply a super- and at Massage Therapy Program,
bia, more and more people have been accordingly. It is often desired to pull saturated salt solution to the skin. As University of Alaska, formerly nationally
seeking out energy therapy modalities, energy away from places of the body the water evaporates, tiny salt crystals certified in massage and bodywork, and
as an alternative to massage therapy, having excess energy and toward the form in the pores, which draw out tox- he is an ordained spiritual energy touch
because they can be done, without a sixth tsubo on the Conception Vessel ins from the skin, and which cancel pain therapist in Anchorage, Alaska. He may
therapist actually touching a patient’s (CV-6), known as the hara or tanden by the principle of counter-irritation. be contacted by email: dnrussellms@
body. Although cold stones, such as in Shiatsu and Acupuncture therapy, yahoo.com or phone: 907-444-5647.
marble stones, have been used in the where the qi or life-force energy should SUMMARY
past to relieve congestion, headache, be centered. This tsubo location is 2 Generally, energy can be moved easily
and inflamation, they have not been finger-widths below the belly button. and quickly from any area of the body
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