LETTER: Another successful Great American Smokeout

This past Thursday marked the 40th or 41st anniversary of the Great American Smokeout, depending on how you count the initial start date. Regardless, the Smokeout was celebrated in many ways throughout our Mat-Su Community; quietly as friends, coworkers and relatives gave up their tobacco products for the one day, possibly for each day after that day. By Seniors at the Wasilla Senior Center who recognized it is never too late to start a new beginning. At Job Corps where students engaged in playing a trivia game to test their knowledge of the facts surrounding tobacco use - still the number one preventable cause of death among Alaskans. More Alaskans die each year from the direct effect of tobacco use than from homicides, motor vehicle accidents, liver disease/cirrhosis, HIV/aids and influenza combined. Whether through these activities or by participating in the Firs t Annual Cold Turkey Trot Round the Block the Breathe Free Mat-Su Coalition wishes to recognize that without the support and involvement from the following community members these events would not have been successful: The Frontiersman, The City of Wasilla, Administration, the Dorothy G. Page Museum, Kaladi Bros. Coffee, Carrs Wasilla, and finally, Wasilla Middle School teacher Mr. Beaudry and his language arts class! Breathe Free Mat-Su thanks you all for your contributions and support.

—Noel Crowley-Bell

Co-Chair Breathe Free Mat-Su