Representative
CHRIS TUCK

I’m Here for You

I want to hear from you,
share your thoughts, voice
your opinion. Together we
will make a difference.

Click here to visit my Website
 
Click here to write me an email

Call me anytime:
   (907) 465-2095
   Toll-Free (866) 465-2095

Visit me:
   May-December
   716 W. 4th St., Ste. 340
   Anchorage, AK 99501
   (907) 269-0242 fax

   January-April
   State Capitol Bldg. Rm. 422
   Juneau, AK 99801
   (907) 465-3810 fax

Contact Other Elected Officials:

Governor Parnell,
Anchorage Office:
907-269-7450
EMAIL: Gov. Sean Parnell
www.state.ak.us

Senator Lisa Murkowski,
Anchorage Office:
907-271-3735,
EMAIL: Sen. Lisa Murkowski

Senator Mark Begich,
Anchorage Office:
907-271-5915
EMAIL: Sen. Mark Begich

Congressman Don Young,
Anchorage Office:
907-271-5978
EMAIL: Rep. Don Young

Giving Thanks Through Helping Others

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is a great time for home cooks (and enthusiastic eaters). But it’s also a time to reflect on, and give thanks for, our blessings.

One hundred and fifty years before America was founded, European Christians set sail to search for religious freedom.  Landing at Plymouth Rock they suffered death, disease, starvation and terrible accidents.  Fewer than half survived their first winter.

In 1621, at last, a successful harvest lifted their spirits and promised a bright future in the new world.  They stopped to give thanks to God.

Rep. Tuck reads a Thanksgiving book to kindergartners at Lake Hood Elementary.

Today, we celebrate Thanksgiving in the shadow of war and recent natural disasters.  Yet, we too have so much to be thankful for. Thanksgiving has always had the power to change the world.

This year, Thanksgiving is on the same day as the first full day of Hanukkah.  Let’s follow in the footsteps of those pilgrims nearly four centuries ago, who by faith, praised God in the midst of overwhelming circumstances and problems.

No matter how you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, I hope you enjoy the time with your family. I hope you keep those who may be less fortunate in your thoughts and prayers. And I hope you have a restful, peaceful, wonderful holiday.

Opportunities to Assist Local Charities with Holiday Needs

As we give thanks we should remember that our local nonprofits need help to make sure that those who are less fortunate are able to have a happy Thanksgiving.  Please take a moment to learn about some of the needs that have come to my attention, and ways you can provide assistance.

Bean’s Café is seeking turkeys, hams, dinner rolls, canned sweet potatoes (preferably large cans), stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, fruit pies, cream, pies, pumpkin pies, French dried onions, oranges and apples, toilet tissue, paper towels, and ground coffee.

Donations can be dropped off daily at Bean’s Café at 1101 east 3rd Avenue Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (including Thanksgiving Day), and Saturdays and Sundays 8:30 am-5 pm.

Bean’s Café serves the homeless, the mentally ill, the elderly, families in temporary crisis, and also assists local agencies in the feeding of children.  To learn more about how to help, please visit their website at http://www.beanscafe.org/.

The Food Bank of Alaska is a major resource for many nonprofits throughout the Alaska year-round. Since 1979 they have been securing donated food for nonprofit agencies to distribute to hungry Alaskans.  More information about assisting this organization can be found at http://foodbankofalaska.org/.

The Catholic Social Services St. Francis House operates a year round food pantry to assist the needy and is always seeking nonperishable foods and fresh fruits and vegetables.  They accept donations Monday-Friday between 9 am and 5 pm at 3710 East 20th Avenue (closed this Thursday and Friday).  For more information call 222-7300 or visit their website and attend a virtual food drive at http://www.cssalaska.org/html/programs/st.-francis-house.php.

You may also be interested in the United Way of Anchorage Annual Holiday Guide to Giving and Volunteering.  It contains a wealth of ideas and resources to help our neighbors connect with meaningful opportunities to make a donation, advocate, or volunteer during the holidays.  There is inspiration for individuals, families and youth, so that everyone finds a way to make giving back to the community part of their holiday tradition.  You can learn more at http://www.liveunitedanchorage.org.

As always, I’m here for you, so please keep in touch on matters important to you and your family!

Warm regards,

Chris Tuck
Alaska State Representative
District 22 – Anchorage

Tuck’s Tips: 

Last Chance to Finish a GED before New Test in January

For anyone who is in the process of getting their GED, December 31 is a very important date; it is the day that they must complete their GED or start over from the beginning.

In January, a new version of the GED test will be released. Anyone who has taken portions of the GED and not completed all requirements to receive their GED will have their scores erased and will have to start over at the beginning of the process.

The 2014 update is the first change since 2001 and shifts the test from pen and paper to electronic.  The GED test is supposed to be more rigorous and is designed to bring the test closer to the new college and career readiness standards.  

The updated GED will now cost $120 and test takers will receive their scores the same day.