“Have I got an Opportunity for you!”

by TIM ROCKEY Frontiersman.com

PALMER-One of Alaska’s two Senators was the second most popular person in the room on Thursday. A crowd of who’s who packed the Turkey Red banquet room to witness Janet Kincaid be presented with the AARP Alaska Andrus Award for 2017. Kincaid is the first Valley resident to win the award.

“Have you ever seen her not smile?” questioned Murkowski of Kincaid.

Kincaid has been an active member of the Valley volunteer community for decades, and wanted to share the award with the countless volunteers who have served by her side in The Last Frontier.

“It was just a thank you for all the volunteers that I have managed to give an opportunity to,” said Kincaid. "That’s my favorite phrase: ‘have I got an opportunity for you?’"

The diverse crowd of rotarians, volunteers, and those interested in hearing Senator Murkowski speak on at one of her several engagements in the Valley on Thursday filed in to question Murkowski on health care, immigration, and every topic in between.

“Listening is important, she does that well,” said Kincaid of her friend Murkowksi. “She is incredibly well informed. She has built herself an incredible staff. She has a grasp on so many things, so many issues. What’s represented here is a wide spectrum, You heard about health care, borough, capitol money, food, access, all kinds of issues were touched on and all are important.”

The crowd stayed well after the food was gone and the award had been presented to further question Murkowski and Kincaid, spending time basking in the volunteer glow.

“They are active .They are engaged, and it’s not just at a luncheon like today because in fairness I think a lot of people are here to see my friend Janet be be recognized, and I’m flattered that we filled the room and people stayed to hear my comments and to participate in the Q and A going back and forth,” said Murkowski. Every time I come out here there’s a level of engagement that is really gratifying to me…”people are involved out here and that makes you a better community,” said Murkowski.