An open letter to the community I love

The recent outrage over rebranding of an almost 100-year celebration has brought to light an issue that runs deep in America today. My opinion of Braided River is inconsequential to the issue, not to mention moot since Colony Days has unanimously returned.

The Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce Board is not our enemy; hate is. What transpired on social media over a 48-hour period--and continues to transpire--included wicked, vile hate. And it was ugly.

Hate asks no questions, hate does not try to understand, hate does not see a human. Hate is not unique to our century, our community, nor our situation. But our community is unique; Alaska at its best is not just a slogan. It is for this reason that I implore you to do better.

The Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) Board are our neighbors. You do not have to be a business nor a GPCC member to benefit from their mission to ensure Palmer stays what we know it is: the best place to work, play, and visit. We have much in common with this group.

Sam Dinges gives walking tours of historical sites in Palmer. He isn’t afraid to do the dirty, heavy lifting like rolling out a 250-pound, 300-foot electrical cord each Friday morning, only to roll it back up at the end of the day.

Rob Foxley is building a sustainable future. He sets up and brings his family to events from dinner auctions to Arctic Olympics. Not even shoveling endless slush off the floor of an outdoor tent is below him.

Justin Saunders promotes the outdoors through photography and videography. At the end of events he does those thankless jobs, like bussing dirty tables and hauling leaky trash bags.

Lucas Parker is in construction, but did you know he’s the head chef behind the Christmas Friendship dinner? He’s there to load garbage cans and picnic tables long after everyone who has enjoyed Colony Days is gone.

Anne Thomas invests in the longevity and health of our community. There isn’t a fundraiser for which her businesses do not make a donation. If she sees you on the street moving sound equipment or folding tables by hand, she along with her kids help until the chore is done.

Ailis Vann is employed by the GPCC, but it is not a paycheck that drives her commitment to community enrichment. She has a long record of volunteering days, nights, and weekends and she doesn’t say no to a challenge. Did your kids or grandkids enjoy Trick-or-treat Street amidst a pandemic? Ailis fostered that idea.

There are members I don’t know, but I know they include Palmer High School graduates, parents raising kids who attend our schools, customers who purposefully spend their money at our small businesses. Have they lived here as long as your family? Maybe not, but even Colonists were newcomers at one time. Do I share all opinions and beliefs with these individuals? Most certainly not. Do I believe the best about our neighbors? Absolutely, because when the fire behind the screen has long burned out in the over 5,000 people who signed the “Preserve Colony Days” petition, you will see this board tirelessly promoting, fundraising, and putting on the events we love to attend. Our words can be destructive, misconstrued, hateful, and empty. It is our actions that are of the greatest significance.

Let our resolve be to use dignified words and ask inquisitive questions. Instead of hurling insults and making ignorant comments, may we request transparency courteously and make rational demands. May we have the courage to admit mistakes and amend them. May we not be so entitled that we come to believe our voice is the only one that deserves to be heard. In the future may we make the news as a community that comes together to comfort each other, to raise awareness and help others, to celebrate the achievements of success and innovation, and to remember those who walked before us. In the future may we unanimously deem hate unacceptable. In the future may we call out a wrong face to face, may we do so with respect, and insist that our neighbors do as well.

Your neighbor,

Kalea Hogate, née Myers

Kalea Hogate is a resident of Palmer.