By Jacob Fisher West Valley's MCJROTC is participating in the Toys for Tots drive this year. The goal is to raise at least $20,000 in toys for the entire Fairbanks area. The drive will end on December 20th.
Toys for Tots is a toy drive inspired by Bill and Diane Hendricks, which is run by the United States Marine Corps Reserves. The purpose of the drive is to bring gifts to kids who don't have Christmas presents this year. Toys for Tots starte in 1947. It has produced over $246 million dollars in donations and toys. Originally, Major Bill Hendricks and his wife Diane tried to donate a homemade Raggedy Ann doll to a child in need, but could find no organization to do so. Thus, Bill and Diane Hendricks began their own drive, and Major Hendricks gathered other local Marine Reservists to help in the drive. It was so successful in its first year, that in 1948 it became a national campaign. Toys for Tots has been a staple of the United States Marine Corps, showing the Marines willingness to engage in selfless service and sacrifice for their community and country. The dress blues, the uniform they wear during the drive, in the cold or in the heat, give the event a face to associate it with. This has been helpful in the drive’s success. Toys for Tots has effectively raised money and toys for over 71 years, and it will continue to do so. Toys for Tots is a wonderful event that will continue to provide for children in need for the future to come. Toy collection will end the 20th of December. If you wish to donate, there are boxes at the front of the school and in the JROTC room. By Duncan Baumgarten Part 3 of 3 The soft clink of glassware against glassware brewed an ambient atmosphere of community. Crisp coffee soaked into the walls, and into the pores, like smoke. Despite the time of day, the shop was fairly empty, the round tables left vacant. A juxtaposition formed; the darkness of the Fairbanks mid-day, to the warmth and invitation of the soft-brown wood interior. It provided an opportunity for frankness and honesty as I began my conversation with Borough Assembly Member Liz Lyke, on Tuesday, December 11. Lyke, the first transgender woman elected to Fairbanks public office, had been spending a late evening at the city council. Not as a politician, however, but as a citizen, awaiting a verdict on an LGBTQ ordinance. If passed, it would protect those who identify within the LGBTQ community from discrimination. The ordinance was tabled, leaving Lyke feeling disappointed.
It was a seamless transition to the topic I wanted to discuss: how politically active is Fairbanks, on a scale of one to ten? “I’d say, overall, it’s about a five,” said Lyke, but stressed that “there’s people on both sides of the spectrum who are a ten.” Her own political involvement reflected her personal views; she served on campaigns for democrats during the midterms, and ran for borough assembly in October. Her ambitions began with something much simpler, however. It was the summer of 2016. Jane Peppy, a friend of Lyke’s, proposed that they begin a small feminist book club. Following the November 2016 elections, with Donald Trump becoming the 45th president of the United States, they decided to commit. As the years passed, it blossomed into what is now known as the Fairbanks Activist Forum, or the FAF. The FAF has dedicated their efforts to protests, rallies, and activism since its inception. Highlights included opposition to Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings, and support for those affected by the Parkland shootings. “We empowered students to rally,” said Lyke, “it’s so good to see so many high school students.” Making the community’s voice heard is vital, said Lyke, stressing the importance of having a balance between an online presence, and being present for rallies and activism. “You have to have both,” she asserted. When it comes to legislature, the borough assembly member could speak from experience about the helpfulness of community input. By Duncan Baumgarten Part 2 of 3 The mayor’s office was sheltered behind glass, with trinkets and memories lining the walls. Fluorescent lights and carpet made the room feel soft, even inviting. “I don’t like to be called the mayor,” said city mayor Jim Matherly, “I like to be called their mayor.”
“I want to be seen as an involved, approachable mayor.” On November 8, I went downtown to City Hall, to discuss the political climate of Fairbanks with city mayor Jim Matherly. Since 2017, there have been a handful of political rallies, protests, and demonstrations, most recently in support of Youth v. Gov, the landmark court case intent to sue the US government for knowingly polluting the environment. I asked Matherly about the political awareness of the Fairbanks community, on a scale of one to ten. “I’d say it’s about an eight, between high schools, young adults, and guys my own age.” he stressed that most issues have a political component, and that politics is “much more than just running and serving”. Matherly wasn’t aware of Juliana v. United States, but when I asked for his take on the process of political activism, he showed his admiration. “Protesting is fantastic,” said Matherly. “If you want to get a point across, putting together a march or a rally, is a great idea, because sometimes, that’s the only voice that you have.” However, having grown up in Fairbanks, with his youth in the 1970s, Matherly didn’t notice much political demonstration, in part because of the speed of the news cycle. “The internet causes a lot of anxiety,” he said, noting the irony of the claim that “we love the technology we have, but we yearn for a simpler time”, a time of youth. “It’s a flippin’ firehouse,” he laughed, speaking of the seemingly endless and uncontrollable stream of information in the 21st century. “You can watch any leader speak at any time 24 hours a day. There’s a lot more information than there ever was, at your fingertips, and I think that fuels a lot of protest.” By Kara Wollman SOS club (Signs Of Suicide) will be handing out sack lunches December 21 after the last final in front of the bus doors. The lunch will have a cup of noodles, granola bar, fruit, a Poptart, and a bottle of water. Lunches will be available for all students who would like one. If you would like to volunteer to help out with this act of kindness go talk to Ms. Lee-Sankoh in room 115. Donations of fruit cups and lunch bags are still needed.
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