WILLOW AREA COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION, INC.
WACO meetings are the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM at the Willow Community Center.
WACO Meetings
WACO Community Meeting
The first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM
Willow Community Center
Latest News
WACO COMMUNITY MEETING DECEMBER 1 2021
WILLOW COMMUNITY CENTER 7PM
MEETING AGENDA:
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. DETERMINATION OF QUORUM
C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PAST MEETING
E. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
F. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
1. Board Officers' Reports – Attached
a. Chair, Linda Oxley
b. Vice-Chair, Lisa Schooler-Nuss
c. Secretary, Debbie Cook
d. Treasurer, Al Felt
e. At-Large Representative 1, Tryge Erickson
f. At-Large Representative 2, Chris Stitt
g. At-Large Representative 3, Barbara Ensley
h. At-Large Representative 4, LeeAnn Reicks
2.. Committee Reports – Attached
a. Carnival
b. Trails
c. Youth Forum (40-acre park)
d. CERT
e. Recycling
f. Lions Club
G. NEW BUSINESS
1. Approve Chris Stitt as appointed to Vice Chair position for the duration of this term (ending April 2023)
2. Recognize new pickelball group as community organization.
H. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Liability Insurance
2. Opening the WCC
a. punch list to finish, funding needed
b. kitchen use by business vs events
c. who should have keys to building/office
K. Community Groups/Clubs
Fire Service Area, Library, Community Enrichment, WDMA, Lion’s Club, PTA,
WHO, WHWF, Garden Club, Willow Ice
L. ANNOUNCEMENTS/PERSONS TO BE HEARD
M. ADJOURN
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Consent Agenda Reports:
Chair
Happy Holidays! One of the busiest times of the year is upon us with kids already asking about Santa’s arrival…. And the weather to match with snow and cold in our beautiful northern climate…
I was very pleased to represent Willow at Mayor Halter’s and Assemblywoman Boeve’s final Assembly meeting to say a few words about our community’s thanks for all their efforts over their years in public service. What they have advocated for us is really outstanding: new bridge, new library, new ice rink, new features in Newman Park, renovated community center and a refurbishing of the old Community center. And I probably have forgotten some things. And what is really outstanding is that they provided that same advocacy for all of the communities within their areas of responsibilities. We will look forward to what other roles these 2 very talented leaders might next play on behalf of public service. To you Vern and Tam, thank you and welcome home to Willow…..
I also want to thank Lisa Schooler-Nuss who has left the vice chair position. She played a very pivotal role in communicating to the borough project manager about the needs and issues around the WCC’s renovation. I’m pleased to announce that I have appointed Chris Stitt to acting vice chair and look forward to the Board approving her completing Lisa’s term at this upcoming meeting. Thank you Chris for stepping into this role at another crucial time – reopening…
Most of my efforts these past couple of weeks with Chris have revolved around how to open the Community Center.
We will be getting signage speaking to safety from covid to post in the entryway, providing masks and hand sanitizer and keeping the kitchen closed for event use for now. Monthly we will revisit how things are going but hope that everyone will respect each other’s need for safe spacing and masking.
There is a bit of ‘punch list’ for completing the work in the community center: a post construction deep cleaning, painting the walls of the auditorium, painting the registers of the bathrooms, the covers on the hallway registers are on back order, the kitchen fan is not secure from freezing air coming into the kitchen and on into the auditorium, some drywall patching upstairs, etc. Chris has been working diligently with the borough project manager, the construction company and others to facilitate getting the place fully as beautiful as possible.
Sabrina has begun scheduling folks back into the center, each group needing to realize that it isn’t quite done…. But we will get it done as fast as possible. Stay tuned for volunteer opportunities to help with the various steps…
We hope to finalize what company will provide our liability and other insurance needs at the December meeting.
WACO will meet in person at the WCC on Dec 1, 7-9p. We surely hope that each of you will consider attending, masks and social distancing expected.
Happy Thanks giving!
Linda Oxley, Chair
Youth Forum
We have entered that time of year when we just enjoy and maintain the park, plan for next summer’s activities and find funding. The grant request we submitted for Alaska state Dept of Ag to help build a green house and raised beds remains undecided as they had many, many more requests than they expected and it is taking a lot of time to sort and decide.
Thanks to Steve Charles, we achieved funding via AARP (& state of Ak) to buy pickleball equipment to use at the WCC. Maura Shea & Jan Shary are organizing a pickleball group, and we will discuss accepting them as a community group in support of their efforts!! Stay tuned. Pickleball is an indoor activity that is becoming very popular; you just might want to join them!! Thanks Maura & Jan!!
Carnival
At the last meeting we decided to focus all our efforts on just a single weekend this year, March 11-13, 2022. All expected to be outdoors except for….. Bingo, maybe… if covid numbers will allow it to go on. Bingo is very popular, attendance can be limited if we need to, no food, masks encouraged, no kids (due to gaming rules). We also identified a Friday evening lineup that we will explore: carnival rides later afternoon and maybe a kid’s games boardwalk, fireworks, food vendors, bingo after the fireworks. Saturday and Sunday – outdoor venues of all types. We hope to finalize all the events at the Dec 20 meeting, probably in person at WCC from 6-8P. Please join!!
Willow Trail Committee Report
As we await snow it is a good time to learn about the over 250 miles of groomed trails in the Willow area. They are divided into three trail systems, all multi-use but each with their individual charactersitics.
The West Gateway Trails are located west of the Parks Highway and extend to the Susitna River and south to Big Lake. These are heavily used snowmachine trails but popular with dog mushers, fat tire bikers and skiers. Trailheards are located at the community center, Newman Park and Westgate Center near Vera Lake.
The Haessler/Norris Trails are located east of the Parks and south of Willow Creek and are used and maintained mostly be local dog mushers. The local trailhead is located on Tuxedo Rd near Stevens Lake. The Emil Stancec Trails are east of the Parks Highway but north of Willow Creek. These trails are used and maintained by local mushers as well but, as mentioned, are multi-use. Just be aware of and yield to dog teams. The public trailhead for these trails is located on Willer-Kash Rd via Shirley Towne Rd. Get out and explore the trails this winter by whatever way you can!
To get good information on Willow’s winter and/or summer trails, , visit:
www.waco-ak.org/committees/trails/
The Willow Trail Committee meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7pm.
All are welcome. Ask to join us at [email protected]
Join us on Facebook: Willow Trail Committee
WILLOW LIBRARY
Willow Library will be closed December 24th and 25th for Christmas and December 31th and 1st for New Years.
Story Time Thursdays at 11:00am
Friday, December 3rd – Basic Computers Part 2 at 1:00pm
Saturday, December 4th – Free Tax Seminar at 2:00pm
Saturday, December 11th – Senior & Veteran First Monthly Social – Please RSVP at 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Wednesday, December 15th – Fiber Arts 10:30am – 1:30 pm
Friday, December 17th – Internet Part 1 at 1:00pm
Coming in January: Willow Reads 2022 and Mystery Book Club
Willow CERT Consent Agenda for WACO December 2021
Our team of volunteers continues to meet monthly by Microsoft Teams provided by the Mat Su Borough Dept. of Emergency Services. We will have trainings as well via Teams until the community spread of Covid-19 has decreased.
Covid Response
Willow CERT worked under the supervision of the Mat Su Borough Emergency Operations Center(MSB EOC) at the Public Health Flu and Covid-19 vaccination clinic on November 2nd Willow Elementary and the Menard Ctr on November 10th.
On Dec 2nd Public Health Nurses will again hold a Flu and Covid-19 immunization clinic at Willow Elementary from 3:30 pm – 6 pm. Willow CERT will be volunteering there!
December 6, 7, 8 th Willow CERT will also be volunteering at the Public Health vaccination clincs Raven Hall at the Palmer Fairgrounds under MSB EOC.
More info on CERT
Because of COVID-19, it is not possible at this time to have an in-person CERT Basic Course, that is required to join CERT, but we will as soon as it is feasible.
Persons that are interested in CERT are welcome to join in our meetings, trainings and activities, however.
Interested in CERT? Contact Brenda McCain at: [email protected] or call 907-355-1418 For more info about Emergency Preparedness in the Mat Su Borough go to the Borough Preparedness site. ready.matsugov.us/pages/home
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How We Prepare | at HOME For the Family For the Kids For Your Pets Accessibility Ready > Family Top Tips: for Family What should I pack in my emergency bag? Build a Family Kit  Pack a Commuter Kit ...Elections
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For general information on the initiative/referendum process, please see the link. If there are any additional questions after you review the process, please contact the Borough Clerk at (907)861-8683...
Topic: Linda Oxley's WACO Zoom Meeting
Time: Nov 3, 2021 07:00 PM Alaska
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If you don't know your assigned polling place, you may find it online by using the Alaska State Division of Elections Online Polling Place Locator, or contact the Alaska State Division of Elections at...Borough Election Day is Novemeber 2nd. Here's what's on the ballot for the Northern Valley - KTNA 88.9 FM
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Election Day in the Mat-Su is Tuesday, November 2nd. There are three assembly seats, two school board seats, and the borough mayor on the ballot. One of those assembly seats is District 7, which inclu...Of note: Assembly Member Boeve appeared on KTNA’s Su Valley Voice on October 7th. The recording of that show is available on our website. Ron Bernier did not respond to multiple invitations to appear on the show. Matthew Beck appeared on Su Valley Voice on October 28th. Edna DeVries was scheduled to be on Su Valley Voice on the 21st but had to cancel due to a schedule conflict. Bert Cottle was initially scheduled during the period in which his campaign was suspended. Beck and Boeve cared enough speak to the residents of the Su Valley. The others chose not to do so.
WACO COMMUNITY MEETING NOVEMBER 3, 2021 7PM
ZOOM MEETING
MEETING AGENDA:
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. DETERMINATION OF QUORUM
C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PAST MEETING
E. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
F. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
1. Board Officers' Reports – Attached
a. Chair, Linda Oxley
b. Vice-Chair, Lisa Schooler-Nuss
c. Secretary, Debbie Cook
d. Treasurer, Al Felt
e. At-Large Representative 1, Tryge Erickson
f. At-Large Representative 2, Chris Stitt
g. At-Large Representative 3, Barbara Ensley
h. At-Large Representative 4, LeaAnn Reicks
2.. Committee Reports – Attached
a. Carnival
b. Trails
c. Youth Forum (40-acre park)
d. CERT
e. Recycling
f. Lions Club
News from the Borough – Tam Boeve
H. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Decisions about opening Willow Community Center
J. NEW BUSINESS
1. Proposed changes in liability insurance, company and type of policy.
K. Community Groups/Clubs
Fire Service Area, Library, Community Enrichment, WDMA, Lion’s Club, PTA,
WHO, WHWF, Garden Club, Willow Ice
L. ANNOUNCEMENTS/PERSONS TO BE HEARD
Matt and Jennifer Adams of Northern Advantage Insurance Agency
M. ADJOURN
WACO NOVEMBER MEETING CONSENT AGENDA
Reports for Consensus Agenda
Chair:
I encourage everyone to vote. While there are no federal offices on the ballot, the most direct influence on most of us is from the local decision making. In a diverse community, which certainly Willow and the MatSu includes, differences of opinion should abound – that is a sign of a healthy community. All voices should be heard and while someone wins and someone doesn’t, all our voices matter for those who win to find guidance and direction as they make those decisions. As you review the candidates please consider this perspective: will the person I’m voting for actually listen to what I think AND what others think and modify their stances to reflect ALL of us. In the end, that is what matters….
Voting early underway now, Nov 2 all voting sites will be open and in Willow the school is our site….
Covid remains rampant in Willow. Hospitals are still overwhelmed with the worst of the cases and way too many of our friends and neighbors require life saving measures. Kids vaccines for those aged 5-11 are LIKELY to be available very soon and boosters are encouraged for those at high risk or in high risk jobs. Please get yourselves and your families protected with vaccination. We are finalizing the decisions about opening the community center or not once the keys are turned back over to us. Whatever decision we make at the 11/3 WACO zoom meeting, it will be revisited every month until the pandemic is considered over. Remember it took 3 full years to achieve that in the 1918-21 pandemic and we are only a little over 1 ½ yrs into this one…..
Youth Forum
Many thanks to the Arctic Minimotor Sports club for the continuing brush clean up in the park!! They are getting the big open field ready for kiddee snocross again this winter!!! And to Vic Fitzgaireld for his ongoing efforts to take down the standing dead trees. Wendy Lelle is doing a wonderful job keeping the dog park tidy – we are very grateful for all volunteer efforts in our wonderful park. Thanks to all of you!!!
You may see benches installed along the Shem Pete trail. It’s a bit of a race to get them created and installed as winter moving in. If not this fall, then next spring so that as you advance your walking distances, you have rest spots in beautiful locations…. Please go enjoy the park, take a walk along the Shem Pete, let your dog run with you in the dog park, look for the geocache sites, sit on the deck and enjoy the serene view, take a picnic to the pavilion…..
Carnival
We continue to meet on the third Mondays of each month, 6-8p and a schedule is coming into focus!! Our efforts are on creating a lot of events that are outdoors. Our kitchen will not be open but we are inviting food trucks to join us so that you have a little tasty treat or two to buy; outdoor games, fireworks, maybe a couple of carnival rides!!! We have a beautiful clothing design that Lori Petros has donated to our 60th year of Willow Winter State Carnival!! Can’t wait for the colors to be added!! Thank you Lori!!! We will be providing online sales of our merchandise and we hope to have the art auction on line as well. This year we will not be hosting the major nor mini raffles – once we can go back to lots of indoor events again, we will bring those back…. Two major decisions will be made at the November 15 meeting: should we focus on only the weekend of March 11-13 or try to add a second weekend of outdoor fun? What should be the lineup for Friday night with the fireworks? We do need leaders for some of the traditional outdoor events: Homesteader games, outhouse race, and maybe the Radar Run (if we can find insurance for the snowmachine races…- stay tuned on this decision). Please email [email protected] if you would like to be a part of this fun planning group or to lead an event. The schedule is likely to be completed by the December meeting so that we can get it posted and widely advertised.
Willow Trail Committee Report
The trail committee is making that annual transition of projects and activities from summer to winter. Among those is seeking trail grooming funds from the State and Borough. Our concern is the high cost of fuel will effect grooming towards the end of the season. We applied and were approved of $25,500 for grooming funding from the Borough, $8,500 for each of our three trail systems, West Gateway, Emil Stancec and the Haessler/Norris trails. We have also applied to the State for their Grooming Pool funding and private donations are important part of our budgeting as well. All our grooming machines are getting repairs and routine maintenance as we wait for the snow.
We are zooming our monthly meetings. If you would like an invitation and link, please reply to this email.
To get good information on Willow’s winter and/or summer trails, , visit:
www.waco-ak.org/committees/trails/
The Willow Trail Committee meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7pm at Newman Park.
All are welcome. Ask to join us at [email protected]
Join us on Facebook: Willow Trail Committee
LIBRARY
The Ribbon Cutting for the building is November 10th at 2:00pm.
The Library will be closed November 11th for Veteran’s day and November 25th and 26th for Thanksgiving.
Storytime Thursdays at 11:00
Fiber Arts 3rd Wednesday 10:30 – 1:30
Library Hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday Noon – 8:00pm
Wednesday and Friday 10am – 6:00pm Saturday 10am- 330pm
Coming soon: Computer Classes!
Willow CERT Consent Agenda for WACO November 2021
Our team of volunteers moved from outdoor monthly meetings to Microsoft Teams provided by the Mat Su Borough Dept. of Emergency Services.
This platform was utilized by our team in 2020 and earlier this year to stay connected for meetings and to hold valuable team trainings.
Trunk or Treat
Willow CERT volunteers were invited by Librarian Julie to help manage the Halloween Trunk or Treat parking lot. This was the 7th year our team has enjoyed working to keep this safe event for the children and families.
Covid Response
Willow CERT will be supporting Public Health at the Covid-19 mass vaccination clinic to be held at the Menard Ctr on November 10th.
January through March our team volunteered 215 hours inside & outside the mass vaccination clinics at the Fairgrounds!
More info on CERT
Because of COVID-19, it is not possible at this time to have an in-person CERT Basic Course, that is required to join CERT, but we will as soon as it is feasible.
Persons that are interested in CERT are welcome to join in our meetings, trainings and activities, however.
Interested in CERT? Contact Brenda McCain at: [email protected] or call 907-355-1418
For more info about Emergency Preparedness in the Mat Su Borough go to the Borough Preparedness site. ready.matsugov.us/pages/home
Brenda McCain Willow CERT Program Manager/Team Leader
ready.matsugov.us
How We Prepare | at HOME For the Family For the Kids For Your Pets Accessibility Ready > Family Top Tips: for Family What should I pack in my emergency bag? Build a Family Kit  Pack a Commuter Kit ...
Topic: Linda Oxley's WACO Zoom Meeting
Time: Nov 3, 2021 07:00 PM Alaska
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WACO Board/Community Meeting 10/6/21
Call to order: 700pm
Quorum - 7 board members and 5 community members
Pledge deferred
August minutes deferred
Agenda accepted – additions added to reports in the consent agenda:
Matt Beck added to persons to be heard.
From the chair - Regarding Liability Insurance, Linda had a phone meeting with Matt and Jennifer Evans of Northern Advantage Agency who are brokers for Church Mutual. This insurance company focuses on non-profits, both 501c3’s & 501c4’s. (We are a 501c4) They would add all of our grooming equipment into the coverage (currently only one piece of owned equipment is covered for loss but they are all covered for use) and they expect that the price will remain about the same as it is with Integra. They are looking into adding coverage for increased use of the ice rink and looking into directors insurance.
Currently we have only the basic insurance which excludes anything not stated as covered. Their goal is for us to get ‘special form’ which covers everything unless it is stated as excluded so would no longer need special event insurance. They will be attending our next meeting with a quote. It sounds very promising. Our policy runs through December 20 so if we decide to switch, hopefully we can just switch over then and only pay one company.
LeeAnn will hold off discussing the tshirt art update until the next carnival meeting.
Youth Forum will meet at Newman Park 7 October at 1pm.
News from the Borough with Tam - 23 October is National Prescription Take Back Day at the community center from 10a - 2pm
18 October is early voting in Houston.
2 November is election day at the elementary school.
Election officials still needed. You can apply to the borough online, training is required and it pays approximately $200.00. Hours are 6a-about 9-10P.
There are 3 candidates on the ballot for mayor but Caudle has pulled out of the race. Tam Boeve and Ron Bernier are running for assembly. Also on the ballot; a $60M road package.
16 November is Mayor Halters last assembly meeting.
The Mat-Su Borough uses a fog machine to disinfect and we could possibly use it before and after WACO meetings.
New business –
Lisa - how should we get back into the community center? We should be able to get back in by 1 November and once we have the building back we can set our own rules. No insurance covers covid but if we do all possible for prevention, we cannot be held liable. So we need to decide what type of guidelines we would like to put in place. As far as anyone knows, no one has filed a claim based on covid. We are also checking into stronger filters.
The Iditarod is going to Nome no matter what. Everyone participating is vaccinated. They are not yet sure about using the community center. They may just use the outdoor areas. We do still have a lot of time to decide how this will affect the community and a lot could change in these months. We will find out when they need to know for sure that they can use the inside or outside. We are also checking to see if we are still on for 1 November.
After much discussion by all meeting attendees, we are putting off a decision on when or how to open until the next WACO meeting when we will decide on a solid plan for reopening so that we can set an expectation. The kitchen will need a full cleaning.
Community reports:
Chief Snell for Fire/EMS - Fire crew membership is up to 19. There were 21 calls in September. Fire with fatality yesterday. It has been found that most power outages by downed trees are in previous fire areas. Looking at possible further clearing. The dept. is ready for winter with snow tires and plows. Montana Mountain land has been purchased for better reception in the area. The library has been inspected and found to be very well protected. It’s Fire Prevention Month and they are looking into an outdoor activity at the ice rink.
Chief Snell thanked Tam Boeve for all of her support of the fire dept. and there may be a new public safety building.
Julie Mitchell- The library has now been open for 2 weeks and the meeting rooms are already being booked. 2/3 of the furniture has yet to arrive and there is a temporary front door but the parking lot is now nicely lit.
Dog Mushers - There will be a rabies clinic this Saturday from 10a - 2pm at the Baptist Church and all are welcome.
WHWF - There was a recent Open House which was required for a received grant. Some finishing products are still on back order and they acquired an additional $100,000 for a well, septic and restrooms. An opening date is being discussed.
Person of interest - Matt Beck - Running for mayor.
Served 2 terms on the sssembly. Please ask any questions you may have via email.
Brenda McCain (CERT)- Tomorrow the State of Alaska will be at the elementary school with flu, covid and booster shots. And again the following day at Susitna High School.
Adjourn 845pm
Attending – Linda Oxley, Lisa Schooler-Nuss, Debbie Cook, Al Felt, Barb Ensley, LeeAnn Reicks , Trygve Erickson, Tam Boeve, Brenda McCain, Steve Charles, Julie Mitchell and Chief Snell.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________
Secretary/Date
__________________
Chair/Date
Tam Boeve regularly attends WACO meetings. Matthew Beck has attended the last two WACO meetings. Community Council meetings are a great way to stay informed on local issues.
Thank you for the update. Question : Can WACO invite Ms Boeve, Mr Bernier,also Edna Devries and Matthew Beck to an informal night for willow community? Can the library accommodate us? If not can the Willow School auditorium accommodate this? It would be so helpful to the community. Thank you 😊