SUBSCRIBE ‌ ‌ Let's Catch Up November 26, 2019 Last week, I had the opportunity to convene two community meetings that built on the dedication of our community to address homelessness and secure affordable care for our Pioneers, respectively. On Monday, Nov. 18, my office led a roundtable discussion with community leaders, funders, and local officials interested in securing space for a midtown transitional homes for those in our community experiencing homelessness. Although the conversation was difficult at times, much was learned and gained during the dialogue. Those participating identified a number of efforts going forward that more directly identify gaps in our homelessness service system. I look forward to continuing to explore community-led solutions on homelessness, based on the result of those efforts. I also had the privilege of facilitating the first conversation between representatives from Pioneer Clubs of Alaska and Alaska Pioneer Homes Director Clinton Lasley. I learned quite a bit about the role Pioneer Clubs played in establishing and developing our Pioneer Homes and we heard from Director Lasley about the pressing capital needs of our Pioneer Homes. I am confident the outcomes of this conversation will lead us toward a path that preserves our public commitment to Pioneers Homes while enlisting Senators in the development of creative long-term public sustainability of these “Jewels in Alaska’s Crown.” I look forward to facilitating more conversations. Left to right: Tristan Walsh (staff for Rep. Zack Fields), Al Clayton (Pioneers of Alaska), Joan Skilberd (Pioneers of Alaska), Sen. Tom Begich, Lee Pedersen (Pioneers of Alaska), and Gordon Severson (Pioneers of Alaska and Pioneer Home of Alaska advisory board member) As we head into the season of giving thanks, I share my thanks and gratitude to my fellow Alaskans. We’ve been through quite a bit this past year and it’s because of you and your advocacy efforts that pre-K, and Senior Benefits were restored, Education was preserved, support for the State Council on the Arts remains strong, and we once again have state resources to address homelessness. Thank you for being engaged and have a Happy Thanksgiving. All my best, Senator Tom Begich Senate District J Upcoming Events THURSDAY: Volunteer or Donate Food Food Bank of Alaska's Thanksgiving Blessing To sponsor an individual or family's Thanksgiving meal, or to donate food items, the Food Bank of Alaska is hosting their annual Thanksgiving Blessing drive. For more information on how to participate, click here or visit their website. Ending THURSDAY: Strategic Planning Survey via the Community Council Center The Anchorage School Board, with support from the United Way of Anchorage and others, is seeking engagement and input from the community as part of its strategic planning process to provide guidance and direction to the Anchorage School District for the coming years. During this phase of the process, data collected through community forums and surveys will guide the Board in setting new goals and objectives to be implemented next fall. The Board is offering three options for stakeholders and community members to engage and help inform this critical strategic process: 1) Provide feedback through the Strategic Planning Survey. We encourage you to distribute a survey message and link to your group membership. The survey will be open November 4 through November 27 and a flier is attached for your convenience. 2) Upon request, facilitators will present an hour-long engagement process at your location to stakeholders and employees of your organization.  3) Participate in one of four upcoming community-wide forums: Service/South Region - Thursday, Nov. 7, 6:00-7:30, Goldenview Middle School Bartlett/East Region - Tuesday, Nov. 12, 6:00-7:30, Begich Middle School Chugiak/Eagle River Region - Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6:00-7:30, Mirror Lake Middle School Dimond/West Region - Thursday, Nov. 21, 6:00-7:30, Mears Middle School The School Board and District Administration value the ideas and input from our community, families, students, and staff, as all are stakeholders. All feedback received in this vital phase will be considered; therefore, maximum participation is essential to the success of this process. We appreciate your assistance in providing this information to as many community stakeholders as possible. Please let us know your preferred method of engagement. To schedule a presentation, or if you have any questions about this strategic planning process, please contact School Board Executive Assistant, Katy Grant, by email or phone ([email protected] 742-4315). On behalf of the Anchorage School Board, thank you for your support and participation. We look forward to collaborating with you during this important process. Starr Marsett President, Anchorage School Board ‌ FRIDAY: Free State Parks Parking via the Department of Natural Resources Alaska State Parks will waive parking fees at all 156 park facilities on Friday, Nov. 29, to encourage Alaskans to get outside during the Thanksgiving Day holiday weekend. In Anchorage on Nov. 29, Alaska State Parks will host an #OptOutside event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Glen Alps trailhead with State Parks Ambassador Erin Kirkland, publisher of AKontheGO, a resource for Alaska family travel and outdoor recreation. Complimentary coffee and hot chocolate will be provided by Kaladi Brothers Coffee, and Alaska State Parks will be selling 2020 day-use parking passes ($50/vehicle, credit card purchase only). Parking passes and day-use fees help keep state parks maintained and accessible throughout the year. Park visitors are encouraged to share their outdoor activities on social media this weekend and throughout the holiday season by using the hashtag #OptOutside, #alaskastateparks, and #akstateparks Friday’s free parking does not extend to four state facilities managed by other entities: the Little Susitna Public-use Facility, the Pillars Boat Launch, the Arctic Valley ski area and the Eagle River Nature Center. For more information about park fees, go to [link removed] CONTACT: Wendy Sailors, 907-269-8738, [email protected] Contact me! (907) 465-3704 (Juneau // session) (907) 269-0169 (Anchorage // interim) [email protected] Email ADN Send a letter to the Anchorage Daily News ‌ ‌ Sen. Tom Begich | State Capitol Building, 120 4th St, Room 11, Juneau, AK 99801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | About Constant Contact Sent by [email protected]