SPECTRUM: 5 of my favorite stories in year 1 at the Frontiersman

I’ve flown the Frontiersman flag for over a year now.

A lot has happened since I started working here. I still consider myself green, or in my line of work, a “cub.” I have learned a lot though.

The Mat-Su Valley is my home. I was born in Palmer back in the old hospital. I grew up here. I’ve lived here my whole life. Once I started working here, I made connections around town. My small town got smaller. I learned more about our history and the modern day playing field, how our community operates (more or less, it’s still baffling why we all don’t just move to Hawaii).

As a journalist, I make it a point to be as objective as possible when writing a piece. If you pay attention, you will see some bias flair up here and there, as with any writer; I am no exception. This is my very first column and the first time my opinions, my bias get to walk around for a bit. The stories I chose speak for themselves regarding their significance to the overall narrative of our home. These stories should evoke a feeling of connection, a shared understanding for the lives in our Valley and as the lives of our fellow Alaskans. As “they” say, “Alaska is a big state and a small community.”

These five stories resonated with me by varying degrees and reasons why. I chose stories that were fun to cover and I chose stories that I felt mattered. As I went back in time to review what stories to choose, I discovered some common themes: community (a word used so often in so many stories I wish I got a nickel every time I used it), creativity, and resilience.

As my top picks surfaced, I found a trend: music. I decided to take that and run with it. I think it’s fair to say that most of us like music, I dare say most of us love music in some capacity. Many of my favorite stories to cover were at concerts and festivals. As you will read, I found that music and the strings attached make for some of the best bonding observable in human nature. The process: a road trip or a concert, a family band or a spontaneous jam session, overnight camping at a festival, and hearing your favorite song on the radio again- blast it and sing with someone.

I met some brave people in 2017. Two of these brave people — people braver than me — are on this list. Those two also died this year. This column is dedicated to them. Garrett Simper and Coraline Sanders both loved music were tragically taken from us this year. Their stories are not just words on paper and were important long before I came around and will stay important long after I’ve finished writing about them.

“One thing I know is music; and music has the power to bring everyone together,” Shaw said.

1) Garrett’s cabin: Family, community gather to fulfill dream for teen battling cancer

www.frontiersman.com/our-eagle/garrett-s-cabin-family-community-gather-to-fulfill-dream-for/article_aa2342d2-69d9-11e7-bed3-1bff5d336495.html

Garrett was supposed to graduate from Su Valley High School in 2018. In 2016, he was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a form of cancer that develops from connective tissues in the body, such as muscles, fat, bones, the linings of joints, or blood vessels. The community came together to raise funds for his dying dream, to build a cabin with his dad. Now how Alaskan is that? This kid is my hero. He was described as a self-starter. He was a highly motivated young man and who would put my lazy ways to shame. He loved playing guitar and wanted to play with Ted Nugent. More than anything else though, he wanted to roll up his sleeves and leave something solid behind after he was gone.

Here is the most recent post from his fundraiser site (Posted on November 21, 2017), “Garrett has passed. He is no longer battling the pain. It had been a long hard fight. He fought for life and lived to the bitter end. It went from a normal bad to dying quickly. Last night he laughed and joked. Now to put his body to rest the way he wanted.” His mother, Jamie posted this and manages the site. Anyone wishing to donate can still support the family by visiting: www.youcaring.com/garrett-simper-566872

2) Coraline’s wish comes true

Valley toddler with terminal brain disease gets to meet music star Ed Sheeran backstage

http://www.frontiersman.com/valley_life/coraline-s-wish-comes-true/article_ba5db59c-854f-11e7-9b72-5b5e2ffcf89b.html

“We just try and keep positive and stay together,” Baker said.

Coraline Sanders passed away after living more than 2 years past expectations. She had Leukodystrophy, a rare and terminal brain disease that deteriorated her white matter. Her parents said that she always loved music. Despite her physical limitations, she smiled, and sang all the time. She loved music, in particular everyone’s favorite ginger, Ed Sheeran. For her Make-A-Wish, Coraline got to hang out with Mr. Sheeren himself. To support the Coraline’s family, Find the fundraising page at https://www.gofundme.com/coraline039s-cause

3) Company at last: Colony no longer the only marching band in the state

http://www.frontiersman.com/news/company-at-last-colony-no-longer-the-only-marching-band/article_b3d8e0f2-a647-11e7-85a0-4bae9d961a27.html

“That’s band in a nutshell,” Youmans said. “No matter who you are, where you come from, if you play an instrument, you’re part of the family.”

This story was not only historically significant- the second marching band of the entire state- but it also was a prime example of common interest, in this case, music dispelling any notions of school rivalry and forming substantial bonds. It’s a story of comradery between two different zip codes in their younger and more vulnerable years, a student becoming a teacher, and the landscape of personal growth winning out against adversity.

4) Rappers, musicians take it to the mat at Rhymefest

http://www.frontiersman.com/arts_entertainment/rappers-musicians-take-it-to-the-mat-at-rhymefest/article_bb5420f6-7fd9-11e7-8499-c793f8a7a114.html

“If we can all do something positive and build a foundation, that will help everybody,” Shaw said.

This festival on its own was great. I learned how much talent we actually have in Alaska, beyond country and rock. I met an incredibly talented woman named Sloane Dellafosse. She is a lyrical wordsmith and beat master. As far as role models for strong and creative women in the state go, you can't do much better than her. Meeting Devon Shaw, the founder of Rhyme Fest was a life changing experience (personally). Professionally, that was the case as well. I now have a regular source keeping me updated on the growing rap scene in the Valley. Seeing the scene prosper is his life’s dream. With the support of his community, I don’t see any reason why it won’t come true.

5) Friends and family reunite at the 2017 Granite Creek Pickers Retreat

http://www.frontiersman.com/arts_entertainment/friends-and-family-reunite-at-the-granite-creek-pickers-retreat/article_fcda45e6-53ce-11e7-b704-0fa42d2c9140.html

This story had all my five favorite F words: food, friend, family, fun, and festival-tunes. The three day festival at the Spring Creek Farm was a cozy atmosphere with some wickedly talented musicians. Everyone I ran into was friendly as they were quirky. It felt safe to be yourself there and I loved seeing people reunite for what seemed to be a very long time. The air felt like it had a warm glow to it and it was energizing.

Honorable Mention: Alaska State Fair wraps up another summer season

Mainly for this quote: “Those who couldn’t handle the hard work left,” Hamming said. “So it left a good number of them that were good, hard workers- creative thinkers and made the most of what they had.”

Well, that’s my list. If you want to drop me a line, I can be reached at Jacob.mann@frontiersman.com 907-715-8717. Remember, we all have a story within us and your story matters.