Inspiring Change: Patti Fisher’s Volunteer Legacy in Mat-Su

AARP Alaska

by Teresa Holt, AARP Alaska State Director

Patti Fisher has been described as a "force of nature." Those who have known Patti for many years often remark that while she may be small in stature, her community presence and impact are incredibly significant.

Patti has single-handedly secured grants for several projects with Meadow Lakes Park, Meadow Lakes Community Council, and non-profit organization Mid Valley Recycling. One notable story about Patti involves her efforts to secure lights for the park, which required expensive, tall polls. Undaunted by this challenge, Patti secured light polls as a donation to be used in the park.

AARP Alaska

Patti tackled another challenge by negotiating land deals to merge a gravel mining project with land enhancement for a trail. Thanks to her efforts, Meadow Lakes Park now boasts safer lighting, improved trail access, and increased community activity that helps discourage vandalism.

Patti also conducts recycling presentations at local schools, showcasing how civic involvement benefits the community. Her exceptional dedication to Mid Valley Recycling inspires others to volunteer and contributes to making the community a better place to live. Additionally, Patti supports the Red Cross and other emergency preparedness efforts in the Mat-Su region.

On March 19th, Mat-Su Community Action Team leader, Mary Jo Towne, presented the 2024 AARP Alaska Andrus Award to Patti Fisher. This prestigious award honors volunteers in each state who inspire others, create community impact, and dedicate their service in the spirit of AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus.

Patti is a shining example of the dedicated volunteers who make up the Mat-Su Community Action Team for AARP. This group meets monthly to plan events that enhance the quality of life in Mat-Su.

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Each quarter, the Mat-Su Community Action Team hosts a free movie screening at Valley Cinema for AARP members and guests, featuring films like "Thelma" or "Beetle Juice." They also help organize the Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo and the Susitna Valley Emergency Preparedness Fair. Additionally, they donated 32 AARP emergency drybag backpacks filled with disaster response safety supplies to the Matanuska Susitna Borough Emergency Operations Center.

Every summer, they host a free day at the Mat-Su Miners baseball game. The group also presents a wreath dedication at the Wall of Honor in Wasilla on Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day to honor those who lost their lives in service to our country. This year, they delivered 100 Cupid Crew roses and Valentine cards to the residents of the Palmer Veterans and Pioneer Home to brighten spirits and combat social isolation.

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The team has also created special kits for caregivers, which they distribute at events, and they are planning to host an informational series for caregivers this fall. On April 19th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., they are hosting a free paper shredding event at the Palmer Senior Center. If you are interested in joining this group to make a difference in Mat-Su, contact Patrick Curtis at pcurtis@aarp.org or call 907-268-7919.