First Week Back Home and Busy Summer!

May 24, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

The second session of the Thirty-Third Legislature ended just over a week ago, and it is now officially interim. I’ve moved back to Fairbanks and am nearly settled back into my office, which is in the Global Credit Union Building by Home Depot. My office is open to you Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, so please feel free to stop and visit. It is summertime, which means the midnight sun, pesky mosquitoes, Picnics in the Park and many other events to get community members out into the sunshine after months of snow and frigid temperatures. Check out my latest e-newsletter with local events and a quick update from legislative session.

You are Invited to ‘Picnics in the Park’

I am holding my first Picnic in the Park of the summer on Friday, June 11 from 4 to 6 PM at Slaterville Park, which is located at 341 Slater Street. The Fairbanks North Star Borough has over 35 public parks in Fairbanks for kids, dogs, skaters, ballers and picnics! Come by with the whole family to enjoy the sun, hot dogs, otter pops and discuss what issues in our community matter to you. Picnics will be occurring throughout the summer, so make sure to check my social media accounts and electronic newsletters for updates on when these events are happening. I hope to see you there!

Upcoming Legislative Town Hall

A session recap Legislative Town Hall will be held at the Legislative Information Office (third floor of the Global Credit Union Building) on Tuesday, June 11 from 4 to 6PM. This is your chance to come and ask questions about everything that went on during session, our legislative priorities and what we plan on addressing throughout interim and next session. Your voice matters and is vital to a functioning government, so we hope to see you at our town hall! Representative Maxine Dibert has committed to be present and Representative Will Stapp has been invited as well!

Noel Wien Public Library Almost Open!

The Noel Wien Library has just undergone a major makeover thanks to more than $3.5-million from the Interior Delegation several years ago. It will be reopening its doors to the public on Saturday, June 1. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9:30 AM and doors will open at 10 AM. The newly renovated library will host a new café area, teen literature and media room, additional seating and work areas. In addition, some previous features well known and loved by the community, such as the Berry Room mural, the fireplace room and the parlor trees are now enhanced. Make sure you bring the whole family, as this renovation is worth checking out.

Creamer's Field Wildlife Refuge Walks

Creamer’s Wildlife Refuge is a gem in the center of town on College Road. All summer, visitors and local Alaskans come to visit the waterfowl who are summering, raising young and getting fat before their winter departure. Local volunteer naturalists will provide free guided nature walks at 10 am on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at Creamer's Field June 5 through August 30. Walks are typically 1-hour in length. Meet outside the Farmhouse Visitor Center.

Pioneer Park Opening Weekend Festivities

The Fairbanks Famous Pioneer Park is reopening this weekend, and there will be lots of fun things going on that the whole family can enjoy. Saturday, May 25 from 12-4 PM, is Living History Day; come out and enjoy the park’s first day of the season! Sunday, May 26 from 12-4 PM, is Pioneer Park’s annual Chalk the Park event and is open to all ages. Monday, May 27 at 12 PM is Pioneer Park’s Memorial Day Ceremony; join Pioneer Park in remembering those who have given the ultimate service to our country. We hope to see you at one or more of these events!

Marigold Planting with the Fairbanks Children’s Museum

On May 31, from 11 AM to 1 PM, the Fairbanks Children’s Museum will be hosting a Marigold Planting event with the Fairbanks Garden Club! Standard museum admission applies, but members are welcome to attend for free. Did you know that marigolds aren’t only pretty to look at, but they also repel mosquitoes and attract pollinators? If you would like to come and plant a marigold of your own, come on down to the Fairbanks Children’s Museum! I helped the opening of the Children’s Museum with some state funding in 2012 and it has certainly made a mark in town.

Fishing Season is Here! Now What?

People know me, know that I love to fish! Fishing is not only a fun recreational activity Alaskans of all ages can enjoy, but also a great way to put a healthy and delicious meal on the table and keep a freezer stocked for months to come. Make sure you get a fishing license by visiting the State of Alaska’s website! All anglers over the age of 16 are required to have a license on their person—failing to fish without a license can lead to fines and penalties, which is no fun. Proof of a fishing license can now be on your cellphone and screened device and my electronic driver license bill will one day make it possible to carry your ID.

If you are unsure where to go fishing in the Interior, there are a bunch of lakes and rivers in the area. The Chena River is excellent for catching salmon and grayling, the Chena Lakes are stocked regularly with rainbow trout, silver salmon and Arctic char by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) and, if you are willing to drive some, the Nenana River offers some of the best king salmon fishing in Alaska.

My Staff and I are Here for You

As always, I and my staff are are still working for you. Feel free to contact my office and we will assist you with issues important to you and your family.

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,