Chats with Legislators, Festival Fun, Juneteenth and More!

June 6, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

After being back for a few weeks since the end of session, I have already been to multiple events in the community and was able to chat with Fairbanksans, visit newly renovated facilities, eat with friends at barbeques and honor soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our country. I also recently submitted my paperwork to officially run for a third term in the Alaska State Senate. In this edition, I’ll share information about more upcoming community events and opportunities to meet with your local legislators, discuss the holiday of Juneteenth, and talk about the Arctic Angels, a unit within the U.S. Army that specializes in extreme cold weather operations.

A Commitment to Serving Fairbanks Families

I’m thrilled to announce that I recently stopped by the Alaska Division of Elections office and completed the necessary paperwork to officially file for a third term with the Alaska State Senate. I look forward to continuing my service to the people and families of Fairbanks. Throughout my entire career, it has been a goal of mine to work to make Fairbanks and Alaska a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire. As a Fairbanks resident for more than 40 years and a graduate of Joy Elementary, Ryan Middle, Lathrop High and the University of Alaska Fairbanks, I want to see our community thrive and put in the work to make it happen.

A New Chapter for the Noel Wien Library

Last Saturday, the Noel Wien Library officially reopened their doors to the public, who showed up in huge numbers to get a look at all the new renovations. Aside from the new café and teen literature and media room, there's a lot of new technology to play with including sound-cancelling quiet cubicles and a story cube which prints out poems written by members of the community.

I was happy to see the Berry Room mural again, and even happier to see that the $3.5 million advocated for by the Interior Delegation has brought such amazing improvements. You can check out the new and improved Noel Wien Library for yourself Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

Festival Fun in Fairbanks

This Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8, is the 2024 Fairbanks Summer Folk Fest! The festival is free and will be held at Ester Community Park. On Friday from 6 to 10 PM, there will be a variety of workshops, jamming and a potluck. On Saturday from 12 to 10 PM, there will be music, food and art for all to enjoy. Please keep in mind that while it may be tempting, overnight camping is not permitted in Ester Community Park.

On Saturday, June 22, from 12 to 11:45 PM in Downtown Fairbanks, is the 42 ^nd Annual Midnight Sun Festival! Come enjoy this free event by visiting food and shopping booths with locally made goods, watching performances and event showcases, spending time with friends and enjoying the midnight sun!

Opportunities to Chat with Local Legislative Team!

Your voice matters and is vital to a functioning government that reflects the will of the people and your local legislators want to hear from you! There are multiple events coming up where you can have the opportunity to do just that. On June 11, from 4 to 6 PM, Representative Maxine Dibert and I will be holding a post-session town hall at the Legislative Information Office, which is in the Global Credit Union building by Home Depot. We will have sweet treats available for attendees.

On June 14, from 4 to 7 PM, I’ll be hosting my first Picnic in the Park of the summer at our district’s own Slaterville Park. I’ll be posting information about future picnics on social media and in future electronic newsletters, so make sure to watch for future events!

Additionally, on June 21, from 7:30 to 9 AM, I’ll be hosting a meet and greet at the new downtown location of Little Owl Café, which not only has delicious coffee and other drinks, but offers fantastic gluten free options, as well. If none of these times work for you, you are always welcome to reach out to my office with your concerns at any time.

Juneteenth: Freedom, Hope and Opportunity

Juneteenth, which is short for “June Nineteenth,” is a federal holiday that commemorates the day slavery officially ended: June 19, 1865. On this day, troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to ensure that slaves be freed—two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Many slave owners fled to Texas as it was perceived as a safe haven due to the lack of Union troops. Upon the arrival of General Gordon Granger, over 250,000 slaves were freed. Later that same year, the enactment of the thirteenth amendment officially abolished slavery in the United States. Juneteenth commemorates the end of a dark chapter in our country and the beginning of a new chapter filled with freedom, hope and opportunity for every American.

I am thrilled to report that a bill I cosponsored with Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson, SB22 became law on the last night of session and will establish Juneteenth as a new Alaska State holiday! While the bill has not yet been signed by the Governor, we are hoping for good news very soon. Here in town, the Fairbanks NAACP will be hosting an event, Juneteenth Freedom Day 2024, on June 15 from 12 to 4 PM at Bernice Allridge Park. Bring the whole family and enjoy a variety of food, vendors, cultural presentations and activities people of all ages can enjoy.

Our Own Arctic Angels

This past Tuesday I had the pleasure of attending the Community Day for the 11th Airborne Division’s Arctic Angels as a part of their Rendezvous Week. I was able to meet many amazing men and women who are dedicated to serving our country and even see them in action as they performed an air assault training operation. This session I sponsored SB207 to provide a Military Help Desk to assist our active-duty and veteran population in getting the information and resources they need. SB207 was inserted into Senator Bill Wielechowski’s SB154, which in addition to establishing the military help desk also creates a bidder preference of state contracts for veterans and servicemembers. It is my goal to make Fairbanks more than just a duty station, and I greatly appreciated the opportunity to hear from and celebrate our servicemembers for their bravery and commitment to their country.

My Staff and I are Here for You

As always, I and my staff 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,