Protecting Your Rights: Serving Sand Lake, Spenard and Turnagain

January 5, 2021

In this issue:

• Virtual Pre-Session Constituent Meeting

• COVID-19 Vaccine Update

• Christmas Tree Recycling

• Community Events

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

With the New Year comes a new legislative session. Please join us next week for our Virtual Pre-Session Constituent Meeting! We look forward to seeing you.

Mark Your Calendar: Virtual Pre-Session Constituent Meeting

Please join me virtually to discuss the upcoming legislative session before we return to Juneau.

When: Tuesday, January 12 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Where: https://zoom.us/j/97380458818?pwd=UTJJR1lSdEFhVTVHaVoyR01nakFNdz09

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

Starting Wednesday, January 6 at noon, Alaskans aged 65 and older can sign up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinations for this age group will begin on January 11. Initially, the state had announced that Phase 1b, Tier 1, which includes Alaskans 65 and older, wouldn't begin until late January. But after assessing Alaska's vaccine inventory, the Vaccine Task Force decided to move the timeline forward.

Alaskans 65 and older can make appointments to receive the vaccine by visiting the the state's vaccine website.

Groups that will soon be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine include teachers, first responders, grocery store workers, and prison inmates. For more information on who is included in Tier 2, 3, and 4 of Phase 1b, please click here.

Christmas Tree Recycling

When you're ready to take down your tree this year, recycle it for free at any Carrs location in Anchorage, Eagle River, or Palmer. Look for the marked drop-off areas in store parking lots. Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling (ALPAR), in partnership with the Municipality of Anchorage Solid Waste Services and CARRS/Safeway, is hosting free Christmas tree recycling through January 15.

Christmas trees are recycled into wood chips and distributed to local nonprofits and agencies for trail cover, erosion control, and fragrant mulch for landscaping. Christmas tree recycling has been a tradition in Anchorage since the early ‘90s. Last year, residents recycled 5,175 live trees. For more information on what is accepted and information on recycling lights go to ALPAR's website.

Community Events

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

Spenard Community Council

When: Wednesday, January 6 at 7:00 PM

Where: Virtual Zoom Meeting. Click here for details.

Turnagain Community Council

When: Thursday, January 7 at 7:00 PM

Where: Virtual Zoom Meeting. Click here for details.

Sand Lake Community Council

When: Monday, January 11 at 6:30 PM

Where: Virtual Zoom Meeting. Click here for details.

A Closer Look at the Governor's Budget Proposal

The House Finance Committee will hear presentations from Larry Persily and the Legislative Finance Division at 1:00 PM on Wednesday that will take a closer examination of the governor's FY22 budget proposal. They will also discuss Alaska's financial situation as a whole. Make sure to watch online at akl.tv.

When: Wednesday, January 6 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Where: akl.tv

For more information and to RSVP, visit the Facebook event page.

Special Sand Lake Community Council Meeting - Anchorage Airport Development Follow-up

On Thursday, Sand Lake Community Council will hold a special meeting with the prospective developer, IC Alaska, and Anchorage International Airport staff to further discuss (with Q&A) proposed airport development off of Raspberry Road. If you'd like to submit public comments to the Airport regarding this proposed development/project, please email them to teri.lindseth@alaska.gov. The SLCC has already adopted/passed a resolution regarding this proposed development; if you'd like to read it, please visit: http://communitycouncils.org/servlet/viewfolder?id=10975.

When: Thursday, January 7 from 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Where: https://zoom.us/j/92695709598

For more information and to RSVP, visit the Facebook event page.