PEOPLE WE KNOW: July 14, 2017

Swingle, Russell set August wedding

Wasilla native Roger Swingle III and Kirsten Russell have announced their wedding plans, with an August event planned in New York state.

Swingle is the son of Dr. Roger Swingle Jr. and Deborah Swingle of Wasilla. A 2005 graduate of Wasilla High School, he graduated with a dual major in economics and computer science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. Roger is a lead infrastructure engineer at Mark 43 in New York City.

Kirsten is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Russell of Goffstown, New Hampshire. She graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York with a bachelor of science degree in biology. She is a senior regulatory specialist at New York University in New York City.

The wedding is planned for Troy, New York.

Willow residents complete ‘Great Loop’ boating circumnavigation

Willow residents Doyle and Christy Miller recently received a “BaccaLOOPerate” degree from America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association. According to a press release, the degree is given in recognition of completing one of the world’s most unique adventures, America’s Great Loop.

Boaters doing the Great Loop complete a 6,000 mile journey that circumnavigates the eastern part of the U.S. and Canada, cruising up the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, through the New York state canals, across the Great Lakes, down the inland river system, across the Gulf of Mexico, and across Florida. In all, the course navigates the waterways of 19 states, according to the release.

The Millers completed the Great Loop on March 18, 2017, after living aboard their 37-foot Fontaine-Pajot, “Abaco Lady,” for 350 days.

Approximately 100 boats complete the Great Loop each year.

Walmart supports Wasilla Area Seniors with $55,000 for Meals on Wheels

Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. announced earlier this month the presentation of a $55,000 donation from Walmart to WASI’s Meals on Wheels program, which delivers to the aging and elderly in the Mat-Su Valley.

“This is the second year in a row Walmart has given us this extraordinary support to help feed seniors who are homebound, and might otherwise go hungry,” according to a press release. “WASI will serve over 110,000 meals to seniors this year, more than ever before, and government funding is decreasing. Walmart has stepped in to help fill the gap and make sure no senior who needs Meals on Wheels is turned away. From all of us here at WASI, thank you Walmart!”