WILLOW AREA COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION, INC.
Your local forum for discussion, participation and comment in matters of concern to the community. WACO promotes the social, cultural and economic welfare of the Willow area.
WACO EventsVolunteer
This website is a service for the community of Willow, Alaska. Find WACO meeting minutes and agendas as well as information about committees, the community center and, local groups. Committee and group news or announcements are also posted as received. View the calendar for the schedule of local activities/events.
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
Today or tomorrow... please join in!
HOW CAN THE MAT-SU COUNCIL ON AGING SUPPORT OLDER ALASKANS IN OUR REGION?
COMMUNITY INFORMATION SHARING
Join us to hear about the Mat-Su Council on Aging and provide input to planning for the future.
Two opportunities to participate via Zoom
Wednesday May 5 6-7 p.m.
Thursday May 6 11- noon
us02web.zoom.us/j/87347087123
Phone: +1 346 248 7799
Meeting ID: 873 4708 7123
Closed captioning will be provided. For additional accommodations or questions, contact Kim Champney at [email protected]
HOW CAN THE MAT-SU COUNCIL ON AGING SUPPORT OLDER ALASKANS IN OUR REGION?
COMMUNITY INFORMATION SHARING
Join us to hear about the Mat-Su Council on Aging and provide input to planning for the future.
Two opportunities to participate via Zoom
Wednesday May 5 6-7 p.m.
Thursday May 6 11- noon
us02web.zoom.us/j/87347087123
Phone: +1 346 248 7799
Meeting ID: 873 4708 7123
Closed captioning will be provided. For additional accommodations or questions, contact Kim Champney at [email protected]
Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting
us02web.zoom.us
Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, confer...
It’s that time of the year….BREAK-UP!! Although the sun is shining and everyone wants to get out and play, we ask that you don’t use the natural surface trails during this time. They are highly susceptible to damage right now and that damage can last all year.
If you find yourself leaving boot, tire, or hoof prints in the mud, please find a drier or hardened surface trail to enjoy. Some great alternatives are the paved bike paths along many roads, the gravel/sand bars downstream of the Matanuska River Bridge, the gravel Matanuska River Trail from the Matanuska River Bridge to the Matanuska River Park campground, the gravel and wooden steps of the West Butte Trail, the paved trails at Alcantra Sports Complex, and the gravel trails at Settlers Bay Coastal Park. Please be patient and help to protect our trails. Thank you.
If you find yourself leaving boot, tire, or hoof prints in the mud, please find a drier or hardened surface trail to enjoy. Some great alternatives are the paved bike paths along many roads, the gravel/sand bars downstream of the Matanuska River Bridge, the gravel Matanuska River Trail from the Matanuska River Bridge to the Matanuska River Park campground, the gravel and wooden steps of the West Butte Trail, the paved trails at Alcantra Sports Complex, and the gravel trails at Settlers Bay Coastal Park. Please be patient and help to protect our trails. Thank you.
Firewise
firewise.matsugov.us
Learn how to take effective measures to help protect your home and property from the risk of wildfire. Use FIREWISE principles to create defensible space and reduce your vulnerability to fire hazards.
Thank you Brenda for all you do to make our community a better place to live!
Brenda is an inspiration to us!
Congratulations, Brenda! Well deserved, I’m sure. 🤗
Congrats Brenda!
Congratulations Brenda!
Not surprised! Congratulations,Brenda! You are amazing.
Congratulations!
Congratulations Brenda.
Mat Su and especially Willow is all about the volunteers!
Compassion in action ! Thoroughly well deserved.
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WACO General Meeting Agenda
Meeting scheduled for Wednesday May 5th at 7 PM at:
Newman Park 25202 W Willow Creek Parkway
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, Tom Wise
c. Secretary, Debbie Cook
d. Treasurer, Al Felt
e. At-Large Representative 1, Wes McClure
f. At-Large Representative 2, Chris Stitt
g. At-Large Representative 3, Barbara Ensley
h. At-Large Representative 4, Melissa Himes-McGill
2.. Committee Reports – Attached
a. Carnival
b. Trails
c. Youth Forum (40-acre park)
d. CERT
e. Recycling
f. Lions Club
H. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Board election results
2.Report of Scholarship recipients
3.Report of CAP grant recipients
J. NEW BUSINESS
1. Clean up day planning
2. July 4th tentative planning
K. Community Groups/Clubs
Fire Service Area, Library, Chamber of Commerce, Community Enrichment, WDMA, Lion’s Club, PTA,
WHO, WHWF, Garden Club, Willow Ice
L. ANNOUNCEMENTS/PERSONS TO BE HEARD
M. ADJOURN
WACO General Meeting Agenda
Meeting scheduled for Wednesday May 5th at 7 PM at:
Newman Park 25202 W Willow Creek Parkway
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, Tom Wise
c. Secretary, Debbie Cook
d. Treasurer, Al Felt
e. At-Large Representative 1, Wes McClure
f. At-Large Representative 2, Chris Stitt
g. At-Large Representative 3, Barbara Ensley
h. At-Large Representative 4, Melissa Himes-McGill
2.. Committee Reports – Attached
a. Carnival
b. Trails
c. Youth Forum (40-acre park)
d. CERT
e. Recycling
f. Lions Club
H. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Board election results
2.Report of Scholarship recipients
3.Report of CAP grant recipients
J. NEW BUSINESS
1. Clean up day planning
2. July 4th tentative planning
K. Community Groups/Clubs
Fire Service Area, Library, Chamber of Commerce, Community Enrichment, WDMA, Lion’s Club, PTA,
WHO, WHWF, Garden Club, Willow Ice
L. ANNOUNCEMENTS/PERSONS TO BE HEARD
M. ADJOURN
Spruce Bark Beetle kill trees and brush are accepted for no charge at the following locations during their regular business hours.
1. Central Landfill, 1201 N 49th State Street in Palmer: 7 days per week from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
2. Big Lake Transfer Station, 13582 Hollywood Road, Big Lake: Friday through Tuesday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
3. Willow Transfer Station, 15469 Willow Station Road, Willow: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
4. Beginning June 5, 2021 - Sunshine Transfer Site located at Mile 102.5 on the Parks Highway (north of the Talkeetna turn-off): Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
All grass, leaves, and mixed loads will be charged at the current Assembly approved rates.
Please be aware of the following rules:
- NO cutting on premises
- NO refuse or mixed loads
- NO salvaging of any kind
- NO grass, leaves or stumps
- Big Lake and Willow loads are limited to 5 cubic yards
- This program is not for commercial use
Please see the below flyer for more information, or visit sprucebeetles-msb.opendata.arcgis.com/.
1. Central Landfill, 1201 N 49th State Street in Palmer: 7 days per week from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
2. Big Lake Transfer Station, 13582 Hollywood Road, Big Lake: Friday through Tuesday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
3. Willow Transfer Station, 15469 Willow Station Road, Willow: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
4. Beginning June 5, 2021 - Sunshine Transfer Site located at Mile 102.5 on the Parks Highway (north of the Talkeetna turn-off): Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
All grass, leaves, and mixed loads will be charged at the current Assembly approved rates.
Please be aware of the following rules:
- NO cutting on premises
- NO refuse or mixed loads
- NO salvaging of any kind
- NO grass, leaves or stumps
- Big Lake and Willow loads are limited to 5 cubic yards
- This program is not for commercial use
Please see the below flyer for more information, or visit sprucebeetles-msb.opendata.arcgis.com/.
Lynx Lake wildfire fuels mitigation, Mat Su.
Lynx Lake wildfire fuels mitigation, Mat Su.
form.jotform.com
Please click the link to complete this form.
***********************************************
A note from Linda Oxley, WACO Chair:
Someone has been using my name and sending emails out to people here in Willow asking for donations including gift cards. Please know that I am NOT sending those. Unfortunately it isn't a hack, they are just using my name. Just delete after noting who sent it so that you can delete any future emails from that address before opening. And certainly don't open any attachment if any are part of the email. I am very sorry for any inconvenience and worry this may have caused any of you.
*************************************************
A note from Linda Oxley, WACO Chair:
Someone has been using my name and sending emails out to people here in Willow asking for donations including gift cards. Please know that I am NOT sending those. Unfortunately it isn't a hack, they are just using my name. Just delete after noting who sent it so that you can delete any future emails from that address before opening. And certainly don't open any attachment if any are part of the email. I am very sorry for any inconvenience and worry this may have caused any of you.
*************************************************
Gosh! Sorry for the trouble and thanks for the info.
Shocking!!
I got one,asking me to purchase gift cards..
Today!!
The people from UAA & John Hopkins School of Public Health that did the Alaska Wildfire & Mental Health Study will be presenting their results TODAY 4/22/21 from 12-1p. I believe that quite a number of folks here in Willow participated & provided information to this team and this is your chance to find out the composite data that they learned. Their goal is to learn so that if/when there are fires in the future, people can be supported in an improved way.
Pre-registration required: click on this link:
jh.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYsd-CuqzwjHdMh4J-tYgva803wsXnVU8Ji
You should get a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
They also offer a like & share on social media: Learn about the results of our Alaska wildfire and mental health study! (online webinar)/Facebook
The people from UAA & John Hopkins School of Public Health that did the Alaska Wildfire & Mental Health Study will be presenting their results TODAY 4/22/21 from 12-1p. I believe that quite a number of folks here in Willow participated & provided information to this team and this is your chance to find out the composite data that they learned. Their goal is to learn so that if/when there are fires in the future, people can be supported in an improved way.
Pre-registration required: click on this link:
jh.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYsd-CuqzwjHdMh4J-tYgva803wsXnVU8Ji
You should get a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
They also offer a like & share on social media: Learn about the results of our Alaska wildfire and mental health study! (online webinar)/Facebook
Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing, Webinars, Screen Sharing
jh.zoom.us
Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, confer...
Lisa Schooler-Nuss candidate for Vice Chair
--------------------------------------------------
I am a lifelong Alaskan and have been a full-time member of the Willow community since 2011. Many of you know me from having served on the WACO board
as a member at large from 2018-2020, perhaps from the Willow Garden Club, various community committees I have severed on or perhaps from my involvement
in the Willow Winter Carnival since 2012. Whether I was organizing kids' games, running the raffle, working in the kitchen, doing the finances, or lending a hand
where needed, I was always having fun and proud to support the Willow community.
I would like to continue my support of the great Willow community by representing you on the WACO board as your Vice Chair.
Wes McClure - candidate for Vice Chair
--------------------------------------------
Bio not yet received for post.
Al Felt- uncontested for re-election for Treasurer
-------------------------------------------------------------
Bio not yet received for post.
Barbara Ensley, candidate for re-election, At Large Representative
------------------------------------------------------------------------
My husband, Robert (Bert), and I have I have been full-time residents of Willow for several years and after we finished building our house in 2017, we both felt strongly that we should be involved with our community and with WACO. Bert is very active with the Willow Trail Committee, attending their monthly meetings, grooming winter trails, assisting with other aspects of trail maintenance, as well as assisting with acquisition and maintenance of equipment used by the trail committee.
While Bert was getting involved with things trail-related, I started attending monthly WACO community meetings and in 2019 was elected for At Large Representative 3. As a member of the Board in that Representative 3 position for the last two years, I have been involved with various committees – scholarship committee; community enrichment; Willow Winter Carnival; Willow Winter Games; and, most recently, became chair for WACO’s charitable gaming activities. I would be honored to be elected for another two years in one of the two vacant At Large Representative positions. Thank you.
Sidney Bertz - candidate for At Large Representative
----------------------------------------------------------
A brief bio about myself. Arrived Alaska in 1974 studying Fisheries Biology at UAF. Changed career path and graduated from Tanana Valley Community College with an associates degree in Aviation Maintenance. Worked in aviation maintenance in Alaska from 1978 to 1986 with various operators and self employed. Moved out of state from 1986 to 1994 working with major airlines. Returned to Alaska in 1994 to Eagle River. Retired from a major airline working in Aircraft Engineering and Maintenance management with oversight of Alaska and Asia. Moved to Willow in 2012 and commuted for a few years until I retired. Married to my only wife since 1978. 3 children all born in Alaska, married and doing well. Member of Lions Club and Hilltop Assembly of God Church. Interested in seeing our community bond together and getting to know each other.
LeeAnn Reicks - candidate for At Large Representative
------------------------------------------------------------
My name is LeeAnn Reicks and I am running for an at large position on the Willow Area Community Organization Board of Directors (WACO) because I want to be a part of making Willow a better place to live. I have been in Alaska since 1982 and have lived in Willow the past three years. I was born and raised on a farm in Iowa and love the rural life.
I worked for Camp Fire Alaska from 1982 to 1997 and then went to work for the state from 1997 until 2018. During my tenure with the state, I worked at the Office of Public Advocacy in Anchorage as a Guardian ad litem (GAL) where I advocated in court for the best interests of children who were in state’s custody because of abuse/neglect. I ended my time with the state as the state director for the Alaska Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. CASAs are community members who perform the same duties as GALs but on a voluntary basis.
I have served on the board of directors for the Anchorage Association Volunteer Administrators (AAVA) both as treasurer and as president and staff member on the Friends of Alaska CASA (FAC) board.
Trygve Erickson - candidate for At Large Representative
--------------------------------------------------------------
Tryg (pronounced Trig) as he is commonly known is seeking a seat as a WACO representative.
Except for 4 years for college in Washington Tryg is a lifelong resident of Alaska. He was a Willow weekender, first at his parent’s properties from 1963 to 1976 and his own place starting in 1977. He and wife Kim have lived full time on Long Lake since 2011. His career has been in the telecommunications industry, currently serving as the Director of Communications & Electronics for the Municipality of Anchorage. He has held volunteer leadership positions with the Anchorage Community YMCA, Rotary Club and the Alaska Airman’s Association among others
Erickson has seen Willow become more diverse over the decades. Working with the Borough administration to insure our Willow voice is heard will be a priority. After enjoying all that WACO has brought to Willow since 1961 Erickson would be honored to follow those who have worked so hard to keep WACO relevant and effective.
M. Elizabeth Loges - candidate for At Large Representative
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A bit of background, I was raised by depression era parents and was an interrogator for Haliburton my dad’s best friend was Dick Cheney so I started in black ops in the 80’s, was a participant in the middle east and British conflicts, when I returned my parents needed a full time caregiver so I went to work as an accountant for a construction conglomerate to take care of them. I have been an accountant for 26 years and am married to Todd a veteran of foreign wars, pentagon liaison and a 911 responder. I also am still a qualified field medic.
At this time I am on the board of the Willow 300 Dog Sled Race. I also volunteer wherever possible so feel free to contact me for assistance. I look forward to working with the committee to improve Willow and to get to know my new home and its wonderful people.
Ron Brooks - candidate for At Large Representative
---------------------------------------------------------
A little info on myself.
Grew up and went to school in Anchorage. I’ve been coming to Willow since the mid 70’s and have always loved it. Bought property and built our cabin in 1990. Decided this is where we wanted to retire. Built our retirement home on Rainbow Lake and moved here 5 1/2 years ago. Currently drive part time with Sunshine Transit, helping transport the elderly and needy of our community. Current or past member of Willow CERT, Willow Health .Org, Willow Lion’s Club, Willow Farmers Market.
Always looking for other ways to help and being more involved with our community.
--------------------------------------------------
I am a lifelong Alaskan and have been a full-time member of the Willow community since 2011. Many of you know me from having served on the WACO board
as a member at large from 2018-2020, perhaps from the Willow Garden Club, various community committees I have severed on or perhaps from my involvement
in the Willow Winter Carnival since 2012. Whether I was organizing kids' games, running the raffle, working in the kitchen, doing the finances, or lending a hand
where needed, I was always having fun and proud to support the Willow community.
I would like to continue my support of the great Willow community by representing you on the WACO board as your Vice Chair.
Wes McClure - candidate for Vice Chair
--------------------------------------------
Bio not yet received for post.
Al Felt- uncontested for re-election for Treasurer
-------------------------------------------------------------
Bio not yet received for post.
Barbara Ensley, candidate for re-election, At Large Representative
------------------------------------------------------------------------
My husband, Robert (Bert), and I have I have been full-time residents of Willow for several years and after we finished building our house in 2017, we both felt strongly that we should be involved with our community and with WACO. Bert is very active with the Willow Trail Committee, attending their monthly meetings, grooming winter trails, assisting with other aspects of trail maintenance, as well as assisting with acquisition and maintenance of equipment used by the trail committee.
While Bert was getting involved with things trail-related, I started attending monthly WACO community meetings and in 2019 was elected for At Large Representative 3. As a member of the Board in that Representative 3 position for the last two years, I have been involved with various committees – scholarship committee; community enrichment; Willow Winter Carnival; Willow Winter Games; and, most recently, became chair for WACO’s charitable gaming activities. I would be honored to be elected for another two years in one of the two vacant At Large Representative positions. Thank you.
Sidney Bertz - candidate for At Large Representative
----------------------------------------------------------
A brief bio about myself. Arrived Alaska in 1974 studying Fisheries Biology at UAF. Changed career path and graduated from Tanana Valley Community College with an associates degree in Aviation Maintenance. Worked in aviation maintenance in Alaska from 1978 to 1986 with various operators and self employed. Moved out of state from 1986 to 1994 working with major airlines. Returned to Alaska in 1994 to Eagle River. Retired from a major airline working in Aircraft Engineering and Maintenance management with oversight of Alaska and Asia. Moved to Willow in 2012 and commuted for a few years until I retired. Married to my only wife since 1978. 3 children all born in Alaska, married and doing well. Member of Lions Club and Hilltop Assembly of God Church. Interested in seeing our community bond together and getting to know each other.
LeeAnn Reicks - candidate for At Large Representative
------------------------------------------------------------
My name is LeeAnn Reicks and I am running for an at large position on the Willow Area Community Organization Board of Directors (WACO) because I want to be a part of making Willow a better place to live. I have been in Alaska since 1982 and have lived in Willow the past three years. I was born and raised on a farm in Iowa and love the rural life.
I worked for Camp Fire Alaska from 1982 to 1997 and then went to work for the state from 1997 until 2018. During my tenure with the state, I worked at the Office of Public Advocacy in Anchorage as a Guardian ad litem (GAL) where I advocated in court for the best interests of children who were in state’s custody because of abuse/neglect. I ended my time with the state as the state director for the Alaska Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. CASAs are community members who perform the same duties as GALs but on a voluntary basis.
I have served on the board of directors for the Anchorage Association Volunteer Administrators (AAVA) both as treasurer and as president and staff member on the Friends of Alaska CASA (FAC) board.
Trygve Erickson - candidate for At Large Representative
--------------------------------------------------------------
Tryg (pronounced Trig) as he is commonly known is seeking a seat as a WACO representative.
Except for 4 years for college in Washington Tryg is a lifelong resident of Alaska. He was a Willow weekender, first at his parent’s properties from 1963 to 1976 and his own place starting in 1977. He and wife Kim have lived full time on Long Lake since 2011. His career has been in the telecommunications industry, currently serving as the Director of Communications & Electronics for the Municipality of Anchorage. He has held volunteer leadership positions with the Anchorage Community YMCA, Rotary Club and the Alaska Airman’s Association among others
Erickson has seen Willow become more diverse over the decades. Working with the Borough administration to insure our Willow voice is heard will be a priority. After enjoying all that WACO has brought to Willow since 1961 Erickson would be honored to follow those who have worked so hard to keep WACO relevant and effective.
M. Elizabeth Loges - candidate for At Large Representative
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A bit of background, I was raised by depression era parents and was an interrogator for Haliburton my dad’s best friend was Dick Cheney so I started in black ops in the 80’s, was a participant in the middle east and British conflicts, when I returned my parents needed a full time caregiver so I went to work as an accountant for a construction conglomerate to take care of them. I have been an accountant for 26 years and am married to Todd a veteran of foreign wars, pentagon liaison and a 911 responder. I also am still a qualified field medic.
At this time I am on the board of the Willow 300 Dog Sled Race. I also volunteer wherever possible so feel free to contact me for assistance. I look forward to working with the committee to improve Willow and to get to know my new home and its wonderful people.
Ron Brooks - candidate for At Large Representative
---------------------------------------------------------
A little info on myself.
Grew up and went to school in Anchorage. I’ve been coming to Willow since the mid 70’s and have always loved it. Bought property and built our cabin in 1990. Decided this is where we wanted to retire. Built our retirement home on Rainbow Lake and moved here 5 1/2 years ago. Currently drive part time with Sunshine Transit, helping transport the elderly and needy of our community. Current or past member of Willow CERT, Willow Health .Org, Willow Lion’s Club, Willow Farmers Market.
Always looking for other ways to help and being more involved with our community.
***HERE IS THE UPDATED CAP-GRANT PROGRAM FORM - ALL APPLICATIONS ARE DUE 28 APRIL AND DECISIONS WILL BE MADE AT THE 5 MAY WACO MEETING***
www.waco-ak.org/download/34/grant-scholarship-apps/52315/cap-grant-application.pdf
www.waco-ak.org/download/34/grant-scholarship-apps/52315/cap-grant-application.pdf
Get your copu of the April Willow eBreeze here - mailchi.mp/a194a8a189e0/7vy11ikxfm
Who puts this together?