This Week in Fairbanks: April 21, 2023
Happy Friday, everyone!
It’s hard to imagine that we’re only about a week away from May!
Here’s an overview of 6 happenings and events around Fairbanks this week. I’m going to be aiming for about 5 or 6 stories around Fairbanks going forward, to give each one some space to breathe. There are so many things going on nowadays!
Something you’d like included, or that I’ve otherwise missed? Please let me know via a comment or email reply
FNSB School Board Candidate Steps Forward
Bobby Burgess has stepped forward as the first new FNSBSD candidate I’ve heard of so far.
Disclaimer: I’m a part of his campaign team.
From his website:
As a lifelong resident of Fairbanks, I have a passion for this town and the Tanana Valley community. As a parent and former student of the FNSB school district, I care about the quality of our district and schools.
I was born and raised in Fairbanks and have never found a place I'd rather live. I'm a proud product of our local school system, having attended U Park Elementary, Ryan Middle School, and West Valley High. My love for Alaska kept me here for college, and I earned a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Our community has a variety of people and perspectives, and I'm invested in finding common ground for common good. My investment in the community has led me to many volunteer opportunities, including serving on the Guys Read Gals Read, Inc. board, volunteering with FYSA as a youth soccer coach, and most recently, serving on the school district budget committee. I hope to continue my community advocacy by serving on the school board to help improve education for all of our students.
I am running for school board because I believe that my skills, knowledge, and experience will help the board to make sound, rational decisions based on objective facts and data. Now more than ever our school board needs leadership that will listen to the public, consider what effect decisions will have on the district as a whole, and ensure they are well informed on issues before they vote. My education, work, and volunteer experience has given me the skills and patience required to listen and research topics and to understand how the various parts of an organization affect the success of the whole.
I will run my campaign and serve on the board based on the ideals of respect for all, collaboration for mutual benefit, and strengthening our community by seeking common ground for common good. I am excited for this opportunity to serve our students, our educators, and the community at large. Thank you in advance for your support.
The race is starting!
Our local elections (School Board, Assembly, and City Council) are all on October 3, 2023.
You can learn more about Bobby on his website and Facebook page.
Fireweed Collective is having a People Power Party on Thursday, May 11
Join Fireweed Collective Fairbanks for a People Power Party on Thursday, May 11th from 5:30-8:30pm at Venue (in the space on the 2nd Ave side).
Fireweed Collective (of which I’m a member, and with which I’ve helped with planning around this event) is seeking the voices of Young Alaskans, ages 18-35, to inform our vision for policy change on a local level. We want OUR voices as young Fairbanksans to influence the future of our community.
There will be food, drinks, music, art, community visioning, and compelling conversations.
Come hear about Fireweed's work to build a policy platform to uplift local work around climate justice, housing, education, and more - and fight for the future we want for Fairbanks.
You can register for the event on Facebook, or drop in at any time.
We hope to see you there!
FAST Planning Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Meeting Thursday, April 27
Have an interest in non-motorized infrastructure in our community?
Fairbanks Area Surface Transportation (FAST) Planning is holding a meeting of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee on Thursday, April 27, 2023 from 5:00–7:00PM.
This is a hybrid meeting. You can attend in-person at the FAST Planning Office located in the KeyBank Building, 100 Cushman Street, Suite 215, Fairbanks, AK or participate by computer, app, or telephone at: www.fastplanning.us/keepup/zoom on the day of the meeting.
Main Agenda Items include:
*Eco Counters
*College Road/Illinois Street Intersection Signage and Snow Removal
*MACS Transit
*Bikeways Map/Bike Friendly Business Program
*Annual Bicycle and Pedestrian Count
*Curb Ramp Accessibility
For more information, please contact:
Jackson Fox, FAST Planning Executive Director
100 Cushman Street, Suite 205
Fairbanks, AK 99701
Telephone: (907) 205-4276
Email: jackson.fox@fastplanning.us
Website: www.fastplanning.us
You can learn more about the meeting here.
2023 Fairbanks Outdoor Show Starts Today, April 21
The Fairbanks Outdoor Show takes place over this weekend at the Carlson Center.
Outside activities, ATVs, camping gear, travel ideas, health and fitness, tasty treats, non-profits, car care, home improvements, shopping, and more…it’ll all be there in one location to help you plan your summer.
Admission is $5 for adults, kids 12 and under are free, and Sunday is free for Military with ID or anyone who brings 2 cans of food for the Food Bank.
Schedule:
Friday: 2pm-7pm
Saturday: 10am-6pm
Sunday: 11am-5pm
HB 105 Rears Its Head Again on Monday
This unfortunate bill is back up for public hearing. More info on it can be found here.
How to Testify over the phone
Monday, April 24 at 8AM
Call in 15 min before the hearing:
Anchorage: (907)-563-9085
Juneau: (907)-586-9085
Fairbanks: (844)-586-9085
All other locations: (844)-586-9085
Ask to testify on HB 105 in the House Education committee.
Stay on the line, when it is time to testify they will call on you.
Be sure to state your name, your community, and that you OPPOSE HB 105.
Running Club North Needs Volunteers for a Successful High School Track and Field Season
After 6 (7?) years, the outgoing high school track and field volunteer coordinator (that’s me!) is looking for more volunteer officials for the Fairbanks area. The first meet is this following weekend, April 29!
Interested parties can fill out this quick google form and I’ll be in touch. No experience necessary. Please let me know at kuba@runningclubnorth.org if you have any questions about volunteering.
The meets are:
Saturday, April 29, at the West Valley Track
Saturday, May 6, at the North Pole Track
Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13, at the West Valley Track
Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20, at the West Valley Track
Lots of perks like free food, it’s fun, and very rewarding! More info available on the google form.
Thanks for reading and I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Looking forward to more sunshine and warmth.