John --

For weeks Alaskans have made huge sacrifices to help slow the spread of the pandemic. We've cared for sick loved ones, watched important milestones pass us by, and many of us haven't left our homes for weeks.

But Alaskans are a tough and resilient people, and we have been finding creative ways to get through this difficult time--for example, the infamous teddy bear hunt that has taken the nation by storm has made its way to Alaska!

Here are some other ways people across Alaska have come together these past few weeks:

Sneaker reunites with its student:

Sand Lake Elementary teachers and staff in Anchorage took time out of their days to start returning students' possessions -- things like books, pencil boxes, shoes and winter clothing. Staff emptied out each locker and classroom and then coordinated with families to reunite kids with their belongings. And it was all executed in just six and a half hours! We cannot thank our teachers and faculty enough for what they've done for us during this time.

Teachers reunite students with lost items
Photo from Bill Roth / ADN

Kotzebue holds parade for its high school graduates:

The "hunker down" order forced the school district to postpone graduation ceremonies until the fall, but the Kotzebue community came together for its high school's senior class by celebrating with a parade of four-wheelers and decorated trucks. KOTZ, the local radio station, even played "Pomp and Circumstance" on loop for 30 minutes so vehicles could tune in as the seniors rode in the parade!

High school graduation parade
Photo from Emily Mesner

Drive-through Pinning Ceremony:

University of Alaska Anchorage's graduating class of nursing students were still able to receive their pins. Graduates drove through to receive a flower, their pin, and a gift from the class behind them. We salute each and every one of our newest nurses!

Nurse's drive-through pinning ceremony
Video from WebCenter11

The Midnight Sun Run is still on -- with a twist:

Keep your running shoes on -- the 38th annual Midnight Sun Run will still happen this year... just online instead. The bucket-list event that takes place every year is going digital, so participants can complete their own 10-kilometer course from Friday, June 19, to Monday, June 22 and post their times online!

Midnight Sun Runners
Photo from KTVF

Juneau celebrates Star Wars from far, far away:

Star Wars fans from across the galaxy gathered (at a safe distance) to see "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope" at Gold Town Theater's pop-up drive-in theater located at the Juneau Yacht Club.

Drive in Movie Theater
Photo Christopher Miller

Drive your tractor to work day:

This is what country artist Jason Aldean envisioned when he released his song "Big Green Tractor." Dr. Al was invited to join forty-two farmers in Palmer as they delayed traffic around town to participate in the fourth-annual event to support local agriculture. Despite bare store shelves, Alaskans will have locally grown fresh produce this summer, thanks to local farmers!

Drive your tractor to work day
Photo from Tim Rockey / Frontiersman

All these stories highlight just a few of the many ways people across our state and our country are finding happiness and helping each other out during this pandemic -- and we could not be more proud to see everyone coming together.

If you still haven't gotten your good news fix, check out WebCenter 11's weekend roundup of positive headlines.

Stay healthy and continue looking out for each other,

DrAlGrossAK.com

P.S. Visit the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services for up-to-date info about the coronavirus.






Dr. Al Gross with a patient

Dr. Al Gross is a commercial fisherman, surgeon, and a lifelong Alaskan. He's provided medical care to patients in the depths of the wilderness, prospected for gold, and faced off with multiple grizzly bears and is still here to tell the tale.

In these uncertain times, it's never mattered more to send a doctor to Washington who can take on the failed status quo and deliver a real prescription for change.

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