Wasilla honors Iditarod racer

WASILLA -- Hailing her as an inspiration and a mentor for Wasilla residents, Mayor Dianne Keller recently awarded Iditarod racer DeeDee Jonrowe with a certificate of "Good Character."

During Monday's city council meeting, the Wasilla mayor described how Jonrowe had completed chemotherapy for breast cancer just before setting down the trail to Nome this spring to compete in the Iditarod, and how along the way she proved how tenacious and dedicated to the sport she is.

"DeeDee has done so much for your community, even though she doesn't live here," Keller said of the Willow resident. She described Jonrowe as possessing a special strength and always having a smile on her face.

"She is an inspiration to us all," Keller said.

As the mayor presented Jonrowe with the award, a line of "K-9 Fairies" dressed in trailing gowns and holding bone-shaped signs, read off attributes that make for good character, such as loyalty, sportsmanship, perseverance, integrity, dignity and caring. The group of women, many of whom teach in the Mat-Su school district, said they had long supported the Iditarod and have more recently taken on breast cancer as one of their causes.

Like the mayor, the K-9 Fairies described Jonrowe as an inspiration, both as a competitor and as a community member.

Jonrowe wasn't the only honoree at Monday night's meeting. As a part of Volunteer Recognition Week, the mayor presented certificates of appreciation to numerous people who give their time to the city.

Keller recognized Kelly Marre and Wendy Hale for their work on the Garden of Reflection; Nabors Alaska Drilling Co. for its landscaping work at the Honor Garden; Steve Glos for his efforts to remove illegal signs from public right of ways and Deb Remus for her work on the Yard Beautiful Committee, the Iditarod and numerous other endeavors around the city, including washing the chairs in the council chambers.

The mayor also recognized several Wasilla Police Department reserve officers -- Mike Rager, Scott Banning and Connie James -- as well as Wasilla Police Chaplain Mickey Boyer.

Finally, Keller honored Maureen McCombs, Marion Sindorf and Rose Smith for the efforts to develop a horse and walking trail at the Bumpus Recreational Complex.