PUBLISHER'S NOTEBOOK: A True Alaskan?

Upon my arrival to Alaska last April, it was made clear to me that you are not a true Alaskan until you make it through a winter. I would be asked, “How do you like Alaska so far?” I would respond, “I love it!” Then the person asking would quickly try to dampen my enthusiasm with, “Well, we’ll see come winter. You’re not a true Alaskan until you’ve been through a winter here.”

I hit a moose with my truck once and asked if that qualified me as a true Alaskan. “It’s a start.” Was the response. It was a minor love tap on it’s rear. No damage to either of us. Well, winter has come and is almost gone. I survived. I have a long winding drive that goes uphill to get to my place. I was stuck on it more than once. I survived the biting cold on a windy day. I learned that even if I am taking a short walk from a building to my vehicle, I have to bundle up. The winter here can be very unforgiving if I let my guard down even for a minute. The darkness adds to the winter mystique, but for me it was a minor issue. I still love it here.

Now it’s just a matter of qualifying for the PFD and being frustrated that the state isn’t paying me the full amount.

Mat-Su Home Builders preview and home show

Friday April 7 starts the Mat-Su Home Builders Association 2017 Spring Home Show at the Menard Sports Complex. It coincides with the 2017 Spring Preview of homes. The home show is Friday April 7 from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday April 8 and Sunday April 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The preview of homes is Saturday and Sunday, April 8 and 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. I worked directly with Sarah Collins for the association to publish this year’s 32-page guide. It will publish in this Sunday’s Frontiersman, also this week in our sister papers, The Anchorage Press, The Eagle and The Arctic Warrior. The homes look amazing this year and the event is loaded with great vendors. It’s a must attend event. We’ll see you there at our booth.

Resilience

The Mat-Su Health Foundation is hosting a screening of the documentary "Resilience" which chronicles the effects that toxic stress can have on children and their long-term health, while also offering hope by showcasing a new movement to protect children using cutting-edge science and field-tested therapies. Following the film, there will be a brief discussion with Desiré Shepler, director of R.O.C.K. Mat-Su (Raising Our Children with Kindness) along with R.O.C.K. Mat-Su steering committee members.The event is taking place at the Glenn Massay Theater, Saturday April 1 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

No More reminder

Sunday, April 9 from 1-4pm is the No More Mat-Su event at Glenn Massay Theater. Youth and adult leaders from around the Valley are saying “No More!” No More is a national campaign to end domestic violence and sexual assault. This year local youth have taken the lead to stand up against domestic and sexual violence in the Valley and work towards making a change. This event is free and open to the public to attend. There will be a live performance of “Tea is Consent-You decide if you want tea.” A PSA and Visual Art contest with prizes awarded among other activities. Please join me in attending this year’s event.

Baby and Children’s Fair

Mat-Su Regional Hospital is hosting their annual Baby and Children’s Fair. The event in Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. My good friend Alan Craft tells me there will be tours, classes, health screenings, vendor giveaways and much more. The first one hundred expecting mothers or parent with a baby under twelve months old with receive a gift bag. We’re proud to co-sponsor the event.

Frontiersman advertising works

We received great news from our advertising partners Renewal By Andersen. Last month we were able to help them secure $78,000 in business solely based off of their Frontiersman print advertisment. Give me a call at 352-2255 and I’ll share the details.

Thank you for reading the Frontiersman