September 14th, 2022 Newsletter
Greetings Friends,
The fireweed cotton and turning leaves remind us that there is precious little time left between now and November 8th. For the next 55 days, this campaign will be in constant motion, with miles, doors, phones, and events.
Monday evening I met with Coyleen Carlson who grew up in Ninilchik and spent many years working way out in Shemya and now spends winters in Delta Junction. She is the mother of my old friend Billeen who is an educator par excellence in the Anchor Point and Nikolaevsk communities.
Coy generously took me around town and introduced me to a number of folks. As we drove down the road she told me about the different connections between old families on the lower peninsula and the history of the area. She spoke of her father playing guitar at the Happy Valley Rodeo, and the fun that they all used to have as teenagers in the area raising hell. I learned that one Ninilchik resident is related to Elvis Presley and one hometown son is now a famous mixed martial arts fighter.
The Ninilchik Library is a wonderful and energy-efficient building with all of the quiet dignity one expects from a library. Coy spoke of the women who used to use the library as a site to sew and store Christmas gifts so the kids wouldn’t see them at home. We were there for a quilt raffle that raised $500. The library is supported by fundraising, grants, and a small allocation from the Kenai Peninsula Borough. It is a true community asset, along with the swimming pool, the school, and the Senior Center.
I spoke to the Library Board of Directors about the campaign and my priorities, and we ended our short trip with a stop at the American Legion and met with the Post 18 president and other members of this organization. The Legion provides a great deal of support to the community, veterans, and the state and has legendary steak dinners.
When I saw Governor Dunleavy at the Soldotna Sport Show in May and he learned I was running against Sarah Vance, who is one of his biggest supporters in the Legislature, he smiled incredulously and told me I had better “meet a lot of people”. That was good advice and I am taking it. There are so many great people in our district with their own fascinating stories.
We will be holding a campaign event at the historic Que’Ana roadhouse in Clam Gulch (Mile 122.5 Sterling Highway) on September 23rd from 5-7 p.m. April, the owner of Que-Ana and Sleeping Lady Gifts is generous and likes to talk politics and Alaska history. Please drop by and bring a friend. We will have a tent set up outside for those who don’t wish to attend an indoor event. Salmon, of course, will be on the grill.
See you soon.
Campaign office hours are weekday evenings 4-6 pm. We do have mid-day hours that tend to vary throughout the week. Anytime the sandwich board is out on the street feel free to come in.
Located at 601 E Heath St. Suite 4
Our office is turning out to be a great addition to the campaign. Thank you to the wonderful volunteers who have made it possible!
We have some volunteer opportunities happening this week!
- Phone Banking this Thursday 5-7:30 pm: We will be here in the office making calls, but if you are more comfortable at home on your own couch, we have an online phone bank happening as well. Please call Sarah at 907-299-2316 if you are interested in making calls for a great cause.
- Postcard writing: This is a great way to volunteer on your own time. Stop by the office and pick up a stack!
Louie@floraforhouse.com or by phone after Wednesday, July 27th at (907) 717-9602. If you would like to get in touch for signs please call Sarah at (907) 299-2316 or stop by the office.
Sincerely,
Louie
