Anchorage Planning Office overrides community vision on Area Plan
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
Anchorage's planning department is recommending changes to Girdwood's Comprehensive Plan that vastly conflict with community priorities and, in some cases, favor support for private interests, according to a letter published last week.
Notable among 11 changes proposed by the agency is the designation of land in the upper valley from "open space" to "mixed use", a designation sought by Alyeska Resort which has said it needs the land for its future development plans.
Reaction was swift when a notice was posted Sunday on Girdwood's Facebook page.
"We propose a plan that takes years of work [only] to be completely ignored because Anchorage knows what's better. They tax us, they regulate us, and then [we] have no representation and are ignored," one commenter, "Brice Jon", posted.
Read the entire story here:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/anchorage-planning-office-overrides-community-vision-on-area-plan
Raw Market: ‘Together, We Thrive’
By Hannah Dillon
Assistant Editor
A red ribbon hung on the entrance to the Raw Market—just off Holmgren Ave. next to The Laundromall—as community members gathered around the store at 5 p.m. July 2. When the ribbon was cut, a new local market officially opened in Girdwood.
People quickly entered the intimately-sized store once the doors were open. Aesthetic lighting and plants hovered overhead as customers sorted through bell peppers, chocolate milk glasses, candles, locally made pottery, dried herbs, cherries and aloe vera plants.
Behind the register, employees created delicious acai bowls and smoothies for everyone in need of a cool treat on a warm sunny day.
Michelle Young, who, along with her husband James Glover, owns the Raw Market sat down with Turnagain News to discuss opening day and a little history of the store.
Young said the inspiration to establish a store like Raw Market stems from a visit to Maui, where nearly every small town had a juice bar that sold acai bowls, smoothies and juice. “We really loved the abundance of fresh food,” said Young.
Young’s experience with the fresh food available on the streets of Maui inspired Young and Glover to bring that experience to Girdwood.
Read the entire story here:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/raw-market-together-we-thrive
Forest Fair Vendors put ‘Love’ into craft’
By Hannah Dillon
TNews Assistant Editor
The Girdwood Forest Fair is the perfect three day event for local vendors to showcase their handmade crafts every July.
With more than 200 vendors purchasing a space to sell their wares at the Forest Fair, Turnagain News spoke with four people who create handmade items.
Luckiest Mama
Small business owner Sierra Bransen of Luckiest Mama had just finished a set of long green beaded earrings as she talked about her passion for bead-work.
“So I picked it up by myself and it came naturally, really easy to me. I don’t know if it’s in our blood but it's something I enjoy. It keeps me happy during the winter in the dark and cold,” said Branson, who began bead-weaving in 2021 during the height of Covid-19.
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/forest-fair-vendors-put-love-into-craft
Girdwood Parks and Recreation offers grants for non-profit organizations
By Margaret Tyler
Girdwood Parks and Recreation
Applications will be available August 1 – September 13, 2024 for non-profit and those formally sponsored by qualifying non-profit organizations seeking grant funding for recreation related projects to be offered in 2025. Qualifying non-profit organizations must operate within the Girdwood Valley Service Area (GVSA).
Information & applications will be available at the Girdwood Post Office, Gerrish Library, Girdwood Parks and Rec Office bulletin boards and on-line at www.muni.org/gbos.
The deadline for submission is Friday, September 13, 2024 by 3pm. Late applications will not be accepted. Funding is contingent on municipal approval of the GBOS 2025 Operating Budget.
Questions? Contact Margaret Tyler, 907-343-8373, tylerms@muni.org.
Summer intern Hannah Dillon joins TNews staff
By Brooks Chandler
TNews Contributor
On June 15 Ms. Hannah Dillon joined Turnagain News as an associate editor. Over lunch at Base Camp Dillon told TNews she is a sophomore at UAA. Originally from Waynesboro, Ga., Dillon lived in Lee, Maine (in a tent) and Lincoln, Maine (in a dry cabin) before choosing to move to Alaska at her father’s invitation. Her dad teaches at Huffman Elementary.
When asked what drew her to journalism, Dillon, 25, said, “I needed a job to pay for school.” That job was working for as a general assignment editor for The Northern Lights, the student newspaper at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Dillon said she so enjoyed writing for The Northern Lights she decided to pursue a career in journalism.
In April, TNews' Editor Soren Wuerth contacted The Northern Light to solicit interest among reporters in a summer internship. Dillon quickly responded and visited Girdwood for a tour and to inspect lodging offered by a TNews board member. Her internship was later approved by UAA's Journalism Chair Paola Banchero.
Through TNews' collaboration with the University of Alaska Anchorage’s school of journalism she can earn 3 credits by working with TN during summer break.
Dillon is staying in Girdwood during the week and catching up with her fiancée in Anchorage on weekends. She said she looks forward to learning the latest and greatest about Girdwood. If you have any news to share with Hannah contact her at info@turnagainnews.com.
Following a yellow brick road, under a bridge, to the Forest Fair
By Hannah Dillon
TNews Associate Editor
A rainy Saturday began with a parade of Girdwood community members, some dressed as colorful butterflies and mushrooms, and some with elf ears and cloaks. (All costumes were, of course, accompanied by Alaska’s signature shoe, the rainboot.)
The 49th annual Forest Fair was held on July 5, 6 and 7. This year’s theme was “bubbles and bugs” which gave the Forest Fair the energy of a fantasy land.
From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. the Girdwood parade began at the Alyeska Day Lodge and traveled down the Alyeska Highway. Fire trucks, giant dolls, decorated cars and people dressed as bugs – with an abundance of bubble wands – marched their way towards the Forest Fair, tossing candy to eager children.
A “yellow brick road” began just past the bridge over Glacier Creek. Colorful signs painted by community members directed Forest Fair attendees under the bridge and through a foot path marked by rocks painted yellow along the way.
The end of the yellow brick road opened to the sound of music, the smell of food, laughter and rain tapping the top of vendor tents where people could buy and sell unique and handmade wares while eating fresh corn-on-the-cob.
Walking muddy pathways one wound through a maze of vendors inviting fairgoers into tents to keep dry and purchase unique and intricately made items.
Some of the eye-catching booths included a henna stand, gem surveying, wand making, mushroom grow kits, face painting, hand-crafted Indigenous bead work and basket weaving.
These vendors were just a few of the over 200 according to Alaska News Source.
Read the entire story here:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/following-a-yellow-brick-road-under-a-bridge-to-the-forest-fair
Girdwood Fire Department hosts online Silent Auction for water and mud rescue
By Hannah Dillon
TNews Associate Editor
A jet ski ride, artwork and a five-course dinner for six at Birch and Alder were among items in a recent Girdwood Fire Department silent auction.
The online silent auction was held on June 19 through June 26.
According to the silent auction website, bidders were also able to bid on Kenai River scenic rafting, a ride on a fire command vehicle that will lead the Forest Fair parade and a first-hand experience with Kobuk the black bear.
Girdwood Fire Department’s Chief Michelle Weston said the Girdwood Fire Department received around $8,000 worth of donations from over 30 different local businesses.
All donations go towards fire and mud rescue conducted along the Turnagain Arm. Weston said some donations have contributed to the fundraising for a rescue boat as the department does not receive any funding for rescue efforts.
Weston said she has had to fundraise for all of the highway extraction, water and mud rescue equipment over the last five years.
Dry suits and rope bag equipment used for saving those who become trapped in the mudflats have all been replaced using donated money from the community.
Weston said the lack of federal assistance stems from the available range of services the Girdwood Fire Department covers in a vast area. The department’s EMS service area extends further than their fire services, causing issues with the ability to financially support the department.
“We initially had a commitment from the municipality approved by the assembly to donate $20,000 to us but then there came problems in the transferring of the money. So that's why we're now fundraising extra,” said Weston.
Read the entire story here:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/girdwood-fire-department-hosts-online-silent-auction-for-water-and-mud-rescue
Girdie the Crow hops and squawks at the Gerrish Library
By Hannah Dillon
TNews Associate Editor
An Anchorage rehabilitation program, Bird Treatment and Learning Center – also known as Bird TLC – held an hour-long session to educate locals on crows at the Gerrish Library in Girdwood on June 26.
Bird TLC Rehabilitation and Education Specialist Maggie McConkey and Education Program Coordinator Mary Mercier brought an injured crow named Girdie to the library to teach the audience about crows and answer any questions.
Girdie got her name as she was found injured on a road in Girdwood. This piqued the interest of Bird TLC after she was brought to their clinic as crows are not normally seen in interior parts of Alaska. McConkey said crows are mostly coastal birds – which meant Girdie could have come from Whittier and was injured before making it back home.
The library was quickly filled with a small audience of interested children and adults who wanted to know more about Girdie.
Read the entire story at:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/girdie-the-crow-hops-and-squaks-at-the-gerrish-library
Girdwood Giants celebrate sucessful season with winning record and playoff victory
By Coach Kyle Kelley
TNews Contributor
The Girdwood Giants Little League Majors Baseball team wrapped up their season in thrilling fashion, securing a winning record and notching an impressive playoff victory. This marked one of their best seasons in recent years. Girdwood is part of the Abbott-O-Rabbit little league and plays teams from around Anchorage.
Under the guidance of Head Coaches Chris Stinson and Kyle Kelley, the Giants showcased exceptional skill and determination throughout the season. With a final record of 8-5, the team demonstrated significant growth and teamwork, surpassing expectations and setting a new standard for future Girdwood Little League teams.
Read the entire story here:
Girdwood Fire Dept holds Silent Auction to raise funds for rescue equipment
By Briana Sullivan
TNews Contributor
The fire department, a 501(c)3 nonprofit is fundraising with an Online Silent Auction June 19-26th, to complete the $8,000 needed for the boat purchase and fund additional water rescue equipment and training.
Online Silent Auction link: https://new.biddingowl.com/GirdwoodFireRescue
Fire Chief Michelle Weston said, “Having the support of many local businesses donating to our silent auction with Alaska adventures, services, dinners, and art is reflective of the caring nature of Alaskans and our community. Water and mud rescues in Turnagain Arm creeks and lakes can be a critical life safety mission for our firefighters.”
She added, “While there has been a significant increase in recreationalists in Turnagain Arm creeks and Portage Lake, we have been unsuccessful in receiving federal grants for the boat, so this has been a multiyear fundraising campaign”.
For more information contact: Fire Chief Michelle Weston 907-783-2511 (fire station).
New Girdwood Grocery, Raw Foods, slated to open July 2
By Harper Landry
TNews Reporter
No more trips to Anchorage needed to fulfill your nutritional whole food needs. Girdwood’s newest business, the Raw Market will be filled with nutritional foods including fresh produce, bulk refill foods, cold pressed juice, smoothies, local & organic meat and dairy, houseplants, and more.
Michelle Young and her husband James Glover are the owners of the Raw Market. The idea for the Raw Market came to them when they were on a trip to Maui, Hawai’i, enjoying all the fresh fruit, produce, and natural foods at various food markets. They realized how much Alaska is in desperate need of those types of markets.
“We believe grocery shopping should be an enjoyable activity that strengthens the bonds of community. It’s something we feel is often lost in fast-paced, consumerist culture, and we want to be part of the movement working to change that -- to make a difference and connect with our neighbors. We are truly thrilled to share Raw Market with Girdwood,” Michelle said.
The Raw Market is planning a soft opening July 2nd but is hoping for a grand opening later in July.
The Raw Market is located at 148 Holmgren Pl, Girdwood, AK 99587. Their summer hours will be 7 days a week from 11am to 8pm.
Trail and Campgrounds restricted following bear incidents
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
A black bear seen feeding on a moose kill has prompted the closure Thursday of a popular hiking path in Portage Valley.
The closure follows the closure earlier this month of Black Bear and Williwaw campgrounds in the area to tents and soft-sided campers when a black bear injured a woman sleeping in a tent.
A black bear is seen crossing a creek near the Black Bear Campground June 17. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)
In that case, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game determined from samples that a single male black bear was involved, according to an article in Anchorage Daily News, and that two occupants in the tent had no attractants in their tent.
Bears are known to defend a food source and it will likely hang around the area for several weeks, Forest Service spokesman Brandon Raile said in a statement.
The Byron Glacier Trail closure affects the nearly mile-long trail that begins near the Portage Visitor Center.
Pin Painting Party a traditional precursor to Girdwood Forest Fair
By Hannah Dillon
TNews Reporter
Tommy O’Malley sat on a wooden bench on the patio of Alpenglow coffeehouse Wednesday and used a pink marker to draw the petals of a flower as he explained the tradition of pin painting to Turnagain News.
The sound of excited chatter filled the coffeehouse and surrounding area. Community members mingled, laughed and helped each other with their flowers as they sipped their drinks and painted tiny roses under warm lighting.
“Usually, we do it [painting] some place you can drink and after a while people start cleaning their brush in their merlot,” said O’Malley jokingly.
Dozens of pin painters gathered around O’Malley as he introduced a new watercolor technique and flower design to the interested audience.
O’Malley said the idea for this particular technique came to him while he was on a plane. The painter did not have the supplies he would normally use for his artwork – but he did have a set of washable markers.
O’Malley demonstrated the evolution of a simple floral outline into a recognizable rose through shading and color placement. With just a few strokes of his markers and paintbrush, O’Malley created the spiral blooming of a flower.
The bright colors of the markers faded to a pastel hue when water was applied and painted across the thick sheet of paper.
After the short demonstration, painters took their seats inside Alpenglow and on the patio, each with a set of washable markers, paper and water glasses provided by O’Malley.
Read the entire story at:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/pin-painting-party-a-traditional-precursor-to-girdwood-forest-fair
Local run for women event raises donations and awareness
By Briana Sullivan
TNews Contributor
Girdwood had a supportive group last Saturday showing up for the virtual Alaska Run and Walk for Women.
About 30 participants began the 5-mile course together, including toddlers and kids, starting and ending near the Alyeska Daylodge.
Briana Sullivan marked the course and the Girdwood Health Clinic, Girdwood Fire Department, and Four Valleys Community School helped Sullivan organize the event.
The Girdwood Health Clinic set up a welcome table with women's health awareness information, including the Mammogram mobile unit's next date in Girdwood.
Walkers and runners could go from 1-5miles and finish on the honor system, with most completing the full course.
A comfortably cool June morning turned into a nice day, enjoying energy from all ages and familiar faces, gathering for a common cause. Many wore bibs with names written of family and friends on their back to honor or remember those that have had breast cancer. The middle school ladies led the pack, with the "Milk Run" team shirts pushing strollers following the crowd.
The team, "Girdwood's Breast Intentions," began a few years ago in honor of the too-many women touched by breast cancer.
According to the Alaska Run for Women program 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Anyone could be a member of the local team and donate, so being there in spirit still counts.
Read the entire story here:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/local-run-for-women-event-raises-donations-and-awareness
Forest Service finally buys land beneath its Girdwood HQ
By Jeff Samuels
TNews Contributor
US Forest Service staff and Girdwood community members gathered June 6 for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating a landmark event for the town.
The Glacier Ranger District headquarters has leased land since 1988 from the Heritage Land Bank (HLB) where its buildings are situated, a little over eight acres adjacent to Monarch Mine Road and the Alyeska Highway.
After a long administrative process, the Forest Service was able to purchase the land they occupy, a culmination of years of hard work by Forest Service and HLB staff.
By acquiring the land, the Forest Service has the ability to pursue capital investments on the property, including a long-needed new bunkhouse for seasonal staff and increased office space.
With newer and expanded capacity in seasonal housing, recruitment efforts stand to benefit as potential employees can have alternatives to higher cost housing options in the community. Girdwood shares a similar problem with many Alaskan towns of having very limited and expensive long term housing available.
Additional improvements could include a trailhead for the lower Iditarod and Bird to Gird Trails.
Engineering staff with the Chugach National Forest’s Supervisor’s Office in Anchorage are already at work designing these projects.
Glacier District Ranger Chris Stewart cut the ribbon as dozens of onlookers applauded.
Read the entire story here:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/forest-service-finally-buys-land-beneath-its-girdwood-heaquarters
Holtan Hills development unlikely this year, says Real Estate Director
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
It is unlikely development of the so-called "Holtan Hills" subdivision will occur this year, said the director of a municipal land office, though a portion of the land—groves of old-growth rainforest behind Girdwood's school—was conveyed to a private developer in early May.
"I wouldn't anticipate that [developer CY Investments] would start this year. I guess it really depends on when they get through planning and zoning. But, I mean, we're in to June right now and construction season has already started," said Tiffany Briggs, director of the Municipality of Anchorage's real estate division.
The Anchorage Assembly approved the transfer of 60 acres of city land in February to CY Investments following a year and flood of letters, testimony, and local government decisions opposing the plan for a large-scale subdivision in Girdwood. Critics of the plan have said it will do little to solve Girdwood's housing demand and only exacerbate existing demands on infrastructure.
CY Investments is required to hold a public meeting in advance of securing a permit from the Anchorage's Planning and Zoning Commission. So far, no date has been set.
The company plans to build 58 homes in the first of three phases to total more than 100 single-family homes, condominiums and duplexes. With the skyrocketing cost of housing in Girdwood—a 443 square-foot studio was recently listed at almost $500,000—it is unlikely, say housing experts, that local families who work in the community will be able to purchase homes in "Holtan Hills".
According to data compiled for Girdwood's comprehensive plan, of housing demand in coming years, 75 percent will be needed for lower and middle income households. The lowest cost of an "entry level" home in the planned subdivision would cost $500,000, developer Connie Yoshimura said during a town hall meeting in 2022.
Of 25 housing units sold last year all were sold as second homes or quickly converted to short term rentals, according to Girdwood Board of Supervisors member Mike Edgington.
Read the entire story here:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/holtan-hills-development-unlikely-this-year-says-real-estate-director
‘AK Long Trail’ virtual public meetings to be held June 27
By TNews Staff
After receiving nearly $17 million in state and federal appropriations, the "Alaska Long Trails" idea is plowing ahead with a feasibility study for designation as a National Scenic Trail
The federal Bureau of Land Management has been tasked with administering public outreach and is holding a series of meetings to address questions on the plan.
"Through this study, the BLM is analyzing the feasibility, suitability, and desirability of designating the route as a national scenic trail," the BLM said in a press release.
The "Long Trail" would allow for multiple uses, including motorized, on its route from Fairbanks to Seward. It would connect existing trails and create new trails in some areas.
Public information sessions will be held on June 27, from 12 - 2 p.m.
To sign up, find a Zoom link, and view a map, click here:
Celebration Planned June 23 for the Celebrated Pastor Nico
By Seth Beaubien
TN Contributor
With the term of Girdwood Chapel’s Pastor Nico Reijns coming to an end, a celebration of his work for the community is planned for June 23.
Pastor Nico begins a new posting in Anchorage at Turnagain United Methodist Church.
On June 23, we will thank and celebrate all he has done for our community during his last service at 10:30 a.m. and afterwards with an ice cream social, starting approximately at noon. Come help us show our gratitude! Girdwood Chapel is located off Timberline Drive at 102 Heavenly Valley Drive.
Pastor Nico has been a fixture here in the Girdwood Valley for the last five years. He has been an important member of the community providing support linking services and aid to those in crisis and need.
He has championed housing discussions and solutions, helped raise funds for a replacement vehicle for the only recycling service provider in town, and provided counseling to first responders.
Read the entire story at:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/celebration-planned-june-23-for-the-celebrated-pastor-niconbsp
Anchorage Commission ignores community, votes for Resort Development
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
Voting unanimously, the Anchorage Planning and Zoning commission dismissed on Monday a hard-fought local decision denying Alyeska Resort a housing development it had proposed in Girdwood's undisturbed upper valley.
The expansion of the Resort into public land is allowed under the nearly 30-year-old Girdwood Area Plan. But a new comprehensive plan ascribes land in the upper valley as "open space", which would disallow development.
Following years of public discussion, that plan has been sent to the Anchorage Planning Department for approval and is on the docket for discussion by the Planning and Zoning Commission July 15.
Since the 1995 Girdwood Area Plan is still, legally, in force, the Resorts expansion plan meets the criteria for municipal zoning. Meanwhile, the planning department may not approve the new comprehensive plan "in the form it was submitted" regardless, the head of the planning department told the commission.
Read the entire story here:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/anchorage-commission-ignores-community-votes-for-resort-development
Girdwood K-8 School: ‘You Say Goodbye, I Say Hello’
By Harper Landry
TNews Contributor
The 2023/2024 school year has come to an end. At Girdwood School it was filled with learning, and more learning as well as some field trips, skiing, run for HeArt, field day, intensives, and more.
As we spend the next three months preparing for the next school year we would like to congratulate and thank three retiring teachers. Maggie Donnelly, Dave Robinson, and Leola Rutherford.
Maggie Donnelly has been Girdwood School’s kindergarten teacher since 2011. She has coached track, cross country running, and cross country skiing during her years at Girdwood School. Before teaching at Girdwood, Ms. Donnelly taught kindergarten at Kasuun Elementary for 10 years. We will miss Ms.Donnelly greatly and we hope she has a relaxed, fun-filled retirement.
Dave Robinson was our 7th and 8th grade language arts and science teacher. He taught at Girdwood School for almost two decades and he helped coach many middle school sports for many years. He will be spending most of his time traveling, biking, hiking, skiing, and of course reading. We wish him an adventure filled retirement.
Leola Rutherford was our 6th grade teacher who recently accepted a STEM educator position with Alaska Resource Education. Ms. Rutherford excelled in teaching STEM and technology. Her knowledge will be missed at Girdwood School but we wish her the best at her new job!
Girdwood School will be welcoming in Brian Pautzke who will be teaching middle school science and Soren Wuerth who will be teaching middle school language arts. We will also be welcoming in Hailey Rose who will be the new kindergarten teacher.