By Rachel Drinkard
Turnagain Times Correspondent
As we evaluate the so-far success or failure of this New Year’s resolutions, consider that it’s never too late to add a few goals to the list, especially those that make the place we live a better. Look at these ideas and think about what you can do for your community this year.
Top 5 Girdwood Resolutions
1. Slow down. The Seward Highway and Girdwood roads are infamous for problems ranging from crater-sized potholes to fatal accidents, and while the Board of Supervisors and DOT takes steps to improve them at every opportunity, the best thing you can do is slow down! Take into account that roads may be icy or driving conditions bad at any given time, especially along the Seward Highway. Many of these tragedies could have been avoided by simply slowing down and driving safely.
2. Clean up after yourself and your dog. The only thing worse than having to pick up other people’s leftover beer cans and trash around the community is having to walk down a bike path ruined by countless piles of steaming land mines. Whether hanging out at the fire pit in the park or walking your dog, be considerate of others and bring a trash bag along.
3. Support local businesses. Make an effort to buy local goods whenever you can. If you haven’t in a while, check out the GCVA to see what’s new, and while you’re at it, stop in to the Bake Shop to get a loaf of their famous sourdough bread. Did you know that you can buy the same brand of dog or cat food at Girdwood Pets & Green Goods for about the same price that you can get it in Anchorage (or sometimes less!) Consider skipping the Folger’s in favor of Glacier Valley Roasters or go for the Raven’s Brew coffee from Kodiak. Both are available at The Grind coffee shop in Girdwood Books & News where you can also order that book you’ve been wanting instead of hitting up Barnes & Noble.
4. Donate or volunteer. Sure, picking a cause in Anchorage or elsewhere to donate funds or volunteer time to is great, but have you checked out what projects are seeking help here in Girdwood? For example, get in touch with the Girdwood Parks & Recreation Office (Located in the Girdwood Library & Community Center) to see what projects are going on that may need helping hand. Recent possibilities include skate park fundraising, trail building and improvements, and other event and maintenance projects. Also consider joining the Girdwood Rotary Club or Girdwood 2020, both of which regularly need volunteers and donations for a variety of philanthropic projects. KEUL, Forest Fair and Little Bears also have on-going volunteer and donation needs.
5. Get involved. Everyone has their own thoughts about what kind of place they want Girdwood to be, but a surprising few take the steps necessary to make it match those ideals. Perhaps the single best thing anyone could do for Girdwood is to take a holistic approach to getting involved. Keep up to date on what’s going on at the various board meetings, or even attend. Agendas and minutes are posted at the Post Office and online a www.muni.org/gbos.
Some regular meetings of interest include the Trails Committee meeting on the first Tuesday of every month, the Land Use Committee Meeting on the second Monday of every month, and the Girdwood Board of Supervisors meeting on the third Monday of the month, all at the new Girdwood community center.
If you hear something that concerns you, or perhaps something you like, don’t be afraid to write your representatives! Assembly members especially are very interested in hearing Girdwood residents’ input on the variety of topics they find on their desks at any given time.
You can find out more about what’s going on at the Municipal level and how to contact your representatives at www.muni.org/assembly2.