From our January 13th meeting:

Thank you Paula Bradison and Glen Klinkhart for sharing with us about Victims For Justice (VFJ).

Thanks to the work of VFJ, Alaska was the first state in the union to modify our state constitution to allow victims rights in the 1980s. Other states have since followed. Founded by two sisters whose parents were murdered in Anchorage, VFJ is a second responder and does not reach out to victims directly, but is free and is there to anyone that needs help negotiating the system once affected by violent crime.

VFJ also maintains the Homicide Victims Memorial, part of Hostetler Park at 3^rd and L Street across from the Captain Cook statue. The park and the memorial are in need of revitalization and this is one of their current focuses, beyond helping victims directly. VFJ also partners with the Eva Program which helps victims of violent crimes and survivors of abuse regain their self-confidence and independence.

President Elect Ben Schulman leads his first meeting

While President Bruce was in Hawaii soaking up the sun last week, we enjoyed a great meeting lead by President Elect Ben Schulman. Great job Ben!

Visitors from Bismarck, North Dakota

Really, in January in Alaska? The Butchers both spoke about their clubs. They belong to different clubs in Bismarck, North Dakota. It was warmer here than there, so they were thrilled to be visiting their daughter and grandchildren here. We were thrilled to have them visit us and exchange flags.