November Newsletter

As November rolls upon us, tradition dictates that we follow, well, tradition! For my family, it meant going to my Grandfathers restaurant that was in downtown Anchorage, where 80 or so of my Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins gathered and we celebrated with a long evening of food and good cheer. I have so many memories of those days that still make me smile when I think upon them. It makes me wonder what kind of traditions there are in other parts of the country? Here are a few that I have found:

National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation

Since the 1940’s and officially since 1989, US Presidents have been ‘pardoning’ a turkey prior to Thanksgiving. In a televised ceremony, the President is presented with a live domestic turkey which he ‘pardons’. The turkey is then sent to live out its days at Mount Vernon, the former estate of President George Washington as opposed to ending up as someone’s dinner.

Turkey Bowling

Forget bowling balls and bowl with a frozen turkey this Thanksgiving using soda or water bottles as makeshift pins. This hilarious tradition started in 1988 at Lucky’s grocery shop in Newport Beach, where the bowling took place in the alleys of the store.

Turducken

When turkey isn’t enough, try a turducken! A deboned chicken is stuffed into a deboned duck which is then stuffed into a deboned turkey.

Sub turkey for crab

Or, go completely ham like they do in San Francisco and substitute your Thanksgiving bird with crab! Thanksgiving normally marks the beginning of Dungeness crab season so there is no better way to celebrate than a seafood Thanksgiving feast.

North Tech pie-throwing

At the North Technical High School in Florissant, Missouri, Thanksgiving marks an annual pie-throwing event where students get to launch pies at the faculty and administration. This seems like something the world could get into.

The Turkey Trot

These popular events generally held before Thanksgiving involve getting dressed up as a turkey and doing a 3- to 5-mile run, normally for charity. A great way to shed some excess calories pre-feasting, think of it like a Thanksgiving-themed mini marathon.

Turkey-eating competitions

A few brave folks get together before Thanksgiving to stretch their stomachs at various turkey-eating competitions across the US. Normally, the event will involve eating as much of possibly can of a 20-pound turkey in a limited amount of time. Joey Chestnut currently holds the title, managing to gobble down 9lbs (4kg) in just 10 minutes!

Turkey Toss

In Indianapolis, Indiana, some high school athletes started a tradition of dressing turkeys (not live ones, don’t worry) in baby onesies, lighting them on fire and throwing them across a football field to see who’s turkey could fly further. Shocker, they are still doing it.

Walking to make room for food

Many families eat so much on Thanksgiving that they go for a walk between after dinner to make room for dessert. This takes the popular phrase, “I work out so I can eat” to a whole new excessive level.

In March of 2024, the Arctic Winter Games will be held in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The Arctic Winter Games are a biennial multi-sport and cultural event hosted by contingents in the Arctic region, specifically focusing on circumpolar communities from areas like Canada, Alaska, Kalaallit Nunaat, Russia, and Northern Scandinavia.

An estimated 2,000 volunteers are needed during the Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games. With a wide range of volunteer opportunities and varying time commitments, see what role might interest you! All Games-time volunteers will receive a uniform package, orientation, training, and recognition.

For more information on how you can be part of this historic international event, go to www.AWG2024.org.

Experience the MAGIC at this beloved holiday classic! For over 30 years, The Nutcracker has become an Anchorage Thanksgiving tradition that reminds us to dream bigger, leap higher, and experience the wonder of being a kid again.

The elegant Eugene Ballet and young Alaska dancers coordinated by Alaska Dance Theatre return to the Atwood Concert Hall accompanied by live music from Anchorage Symphony Orchestra. Bring the entire family to this classic holiday ballet as we journey with Clara to the Winter Land and the Land of Sweets.

Audiences of all ages will enjoy the flurry of dancing delights after cheering on The Nutcracker Prince as he battles The Mouse King and Pirate Mice.

Performance dates are 11/23/23 - 11/26/23, for tickets or more information, go to https://tickets.centertix.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=2385

Congratulations to the one and only Mrs. Candace Mudge! She was recognized for being the Alaska Music Educators Association's Educator of the Year! It was recently announced that she was selected for this honor. In order to be considered for this distinction, it requires nomination from other music teachers in the state.

This is an excerpt of what one of her peers in the state had to say:"Candace does all and then some... She has a way with students that makes them feel important and safe."

Thank you Mrs. Mudge for being AWESOME!

With the onset of the cold temperatures, we are getting out the ice huts, revving up the snowmobiles and breaking out the cross country skis! And when the snow falls, we need to know that we are on stable ground, so to speak, when we set out for a winter adventure. Since we cannot tell where the ground ends and the ice begins, it is good to know how thick the ice is and whether it will hold the weight you put on it. The above photo is is a great guide to reference when setting out, especially if you are out walking your mammoth!

When helping our students along with their course work, it becomes clear that retaining information is one of the most difficult challenges we face. Ms. Christy shared with us a few things that might help in our approach. Here is a video about creating a "Working Memory" and a link to an article on this subject.