OPINION: Recognizing the special place where we live

It’s that time of year again. Newly frosted Chugach peaks frame a backdrop of brilliantly yellow-hued birch forests. Dazzlingly bright Turnagain Arm waters reflect powdery clouds overhead in their late afternoon ripples. A black bear ambles nonchalantly along the Seward highway. Two moose calves stop traffic for a quarter-mile on Minnesota Drive as an orange-vested highway worker leads them over the cement barrier to find their mother. Duck hunters at dawn with their retrievers spread out looking for the few remaining birds in the morning mist.

At 7 a.m., the children laugh while waiting for their school bus, then the bus’s arrival heralded by squealing brakes put an end to the deepest sleep. Time to bring in the garden pots. Fall is definitely here.

Lately, I sometimes find myself saddened and overwhelmed by the drama of our separate national identities, paralyzed by international events, frustrated with local finger-pointing. The litany of climate-related natural disasters. At these times, I try to force myself to stop and consider all the good that surrounds me.

We live in a remarkable place. The astonishing beauty of our environment gives us both excitement and resignation for the changing seasons. We are a generous community — both to the immigrant and the less-fortunate resident. I saw a local theater production the other night and was struck by how much local talent lives here. Not only do we have a vibrant theater community, but also a dynamic music scene, scores of great restaurants and a world-class museum. Our community reflects the rich indigenous culture upon whose lands we occupy and who remind us of ancient place names and whose own artistic traditions are continually evolving. These traditions meet recent immigrants: European, Hispanic, Filipino, Samoan, Korean, Thai, Hmong, Sudanese. Each brings their own language, food and culture. These diverse communities make our city richer and more interesting. We have miles of ski trails — many lit in the winter, bike trails, skating rinks, dog parks and indoor sports facilities. These amenities all help us cope with the approaching winter darkness.

And on top of all that, we get an annual paycheck from the state as a dividend from the development of our natural resources.

Sure, we have our challenges — housing homeless individuals, keeping our kids in Alaska after they graduate, balancing parental involvement with society’s needs for a public comprehensive education, growing our economy, and reducing crime. Certainly, we must work to address these issues.

But, just for a minute, let’s hold our collective breath and gaze out at autumn’s wonders.

Let us consider how fortunate we are to live in such an amazing community.

Let us be reminded that, just as termination dust will continue to creep down the Hillside, spring buds will follow April snow showers.

Let us consider the extraordinary place we call home.

John Levy was born and grew up in Anchorage. After a career in Western Alaska first working in planning and city management, then in real estate sales and development in Anchorage, he now spends his time volunteering for various community nonprofits.

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