As all Alaskans should know, Western Alaska legislator Richard Foster passed away last month from ongoing illnesses. Richard represented Nome and a good chunk of rural AK in the House for about 21 years. The stories, memories and condolences have been many for his service, personality and ethics. I just wanted to share a few memories because, one, I could not attend his services and, two, he represented more than politics to me.
Growing up I did not interact and rarely even knew who were my legislators. That has a lot to do with me, my interests and position in life at the time (busy college student, etc.). Holding office was far-off, foreign and "high up" to me. I wasn't civically engaged and only knew of law-making and processes from classes.
I moved to Nome at the start of my young adulthood and was ready for lots more life learning and experiences. Actually talking to politicians was definitely a part of that. So there I was, a 22 year old with a microphone, flying to the village of Elim to cover a new school opening. I was in the bush airplane sponsored by the school district. That's when I found out our Representative was also on the plane. Oh man--how intimidating! I figured that's someone I should meet and speak to, but what the heck to say to a "politician?" I hadn't figured out yet that elected officials are real people too, and that in Alaska you surely will rub elbows. I scanned the airplane trying to figure out the person. I came to learn later it was the white-haired man wearing camouflage pants. He seemed kind.
Our group spent the day in the Elim High School and I got my news stories. We flew home to Nome but got in later than expected. The air hangar didn't have a working phone and I needed a ride to the radio station. The guy in the camo pants offered me one, because he was going that way (I didn't know at the time he lived right by KNOM). I got into his antique truck and off we drove at nearly 20 mph. It was one of the strangest vehicles I had ridden in, and I was at a loss for what to talk about. No worries, Richard took care of that and from then on I looked forward to seeing him (and the characteristic camo pants) around Nome when he wasn't in Juneau.
Fast forward four years and I was on a personal trip to Juneau. I called Richard's office and my Senator's to ask for a visit as I stopped in the Capital building to check it out. I went from intimidation to seeking out. Richard took great care of me, ushering me around on a tour before the day's session. We took our picture in his office, as all visitors did, and when I seated myself in the Gallery he sneaked in cookies to eat. There were signs clearly stating "No food or drink allowed in the Gallery." Then he introduced me as his constituent, as is tradition. He explained I worked for KNOM in Nome but had come down (to Southeast AK) to lobby him for renaming the station to K-A-M-Y. More words were said and the entire House laughed, smiled at me and continued with the business of the day. I got my Richard postcard a week later (another tradition). Yes, politicians are real people and some of them are ones we actually enjoy getting to know. I thank Representative Foster for that simple and kind lesson.
Nearly everyone I know up here has a Richard Foster relationship and far many more memories or stories than me, but I feel good having shared a little. His son, Neal (my friend and former landlord) has been appointed his replacement. I wish him the best with this public service.
I was touched to read in last week's Nome Nugget that his coffin was driven in that antique truck I remember from several years ago. And I'll keep my Rep. Foster bullet key chain.
*Amy
That's when Paddy asked (thru a real cole mouth) for his Native Guinness. Andy couldn't deny and decided to join Paddy in a cool beverage.
Happy New Year!
MEA was nice enough to save another power failure for the afternoon of Christmas Day. I think it was our little present to quiet down and focus on stillness. Or not. Good news is we're gaining daylight again!
The grill got piled on and most of our trees bent over from the weight of frost and snow.
Camo-Man has some really tall trees in his yard.
I forgot to say that it lights up too! From inside the living room I can see it hanging joyfully. I think of the Christmas ball as more than plastic cups stapled together with lights manipulated inside. It represents family (first, the memories of laughs from first seeing it to getting one yourself) as we are all our own cup. My cup may be at the "north pole" of the ball, separated from cousins at the "south pole" of the ball, but together we're a beautiful unit, connected and tied up, lighting up each other's lives. Yeah, I think Uncle Sterl should apply for a patent. Thank you!
*Amy
We're finally settled back home after a really nice trip back to the Midwest. The goal was MN for Thanksgiving with all the family at my parent's, and a wonderful bridal shower my Mom hosted too.
Long-time friend, Sara, invited college friends to get together over some pizza. There's no better combination. It was so neat to rub Sara & Kati's bellies of their first babies....little Chubbies!
While in St. Paul Andy asked to visit a landmark...the St. Paul Cathedral. It's one of the most recognizable and visible buildings downtown. So Dad took us; I hadn't been there in many years.
Right after filling up some Thanksgiving pie we drove the 4+hours to just beyond Madison for a brief visit with Andy's family and be part of Nikki & Zeb's wedding. It was total fun and they're so happy! A highlight was nephew Colton doing a full run down the aisle bringing the flower girls with him as he yelled, "Daddy!" Pretty cool to celebrate with Alaskan friends IN Wisconsin. While I managed to be a bridesmaid, apparently I can't manage to take a normal picture with the couple.
I couldn't manage to get a clear shot of G2 & G3 either. Maybe I was having too much fun, but from the looks of the Gorn brothers, it went both ways.
The time in WI was very short but we're thankful for the generosity, love & support of our family whenever we come by, for however long.
*Amy
The dogs crowded Erika as she took a picture of Nikki & I at the mouth of the Nome River, and then her pup, Coco, got so heated that a dip in the freezing Sea was needed (or looking for the lost stick)!
As for the ladies-only party, I'll just say that it was a blast and I loved being back. My voice was pretty hoarse the next day. I authorize the release this photo, but that's it.
One of our next blog posts will be from the actual wedding of Nikki & Zeb in Wisconsin! Looking forward to this next week in the Midwest.
*Amy
Ready for a big day of reporting with The Daily Planet.
Andy made up some very spiffy reporter badges to clarify our identities. I set them up for wearing.
At the party we investigated some suspect characters like the Slap Chop guy (actually nice guy, Trevor) and El Diablo the butcher (Jodi). Were they up to any good?
Of course it can't be all work and no play, hence the Limbo. Clark was the last guy in the competition and Lois nearly clinched the win. Hope no one noticed Clark's red cape peeking out from his suit jacket. Identity nearly compromised; I think that Blues Brother was on to him!
Clark had to fly into hero status to protect the innocent party guests from the evil ways of Slap Chop guy. Thankfully the mission went well and he saved Lois' life once again!
*Lois
purple. It's where we find a meeting place. I can't say how our future children will be raised but they will have healthy doses and exposure between both NFL teams if their grandparents have anything to do with it. I suppose they can freely choose, as long as it's not the Seattle Mariners.
It's a myriad of muddy trails near the Knik River and the sand dunes give you a great view of the Knik Glacier and beyond.
Those photos were just to prove to our parents that, yes, we wear our helmets. I thought it would be funny to drive off and leave Andy stranded but as you'll see in the video, I had a change of heart!
