Where in the World is Dennis Zaki?
Thanks to outstanding fundraising efforts, our intrepid videographer, Dennis Zaki is packed up and ready to go to Emmonak to put the eyes of the wider community on Alaska’s rural energy crisis. He’s actually been packed up and ready to go for a couple days now. He’ll be flying in to Bethel, and traveling on from there. But the airport in Bethel has been closed due to inclement weather and blowing snow. He’s had two flights cancelled already…so he sits and waits for a third.
I got an email from him saying that he was currently waiting it out at Jay Hammond Airport. “Jay Hammond Airport?” I thought to myself. “Where is that?” I asked spouse. “Jay Hammond Airport? Hmmm. I don’t know….maybe Bethel?” Jay Hammond, for those of you who don’t know, was a bush pilot who became a well-loved governor of Alaska from 1974-1982.
I jotted a quick email to Dennis. “Where the hell is Jay Hammond Airport?” Send.
After Googling “Jay Hammond Airport”, I realized that all references to Jay Hammond Airport came from people making suggestions about what to rename the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, after Ted’s recent seven felony convictions. And yes, the appeal process looks to be far from over, but nonetheless many stand with chisels at the ready.
Sure enough, an almost immediate return email popped up in my box, “The soon to be renamed Ted Stevens Airport.”
Apparently, Dennis, like me, is someone who thinks that would be a swell idea.
I will keep you posted as I know more.
UPDATE – The flight to Bethel was cancelled again. He’s going to give it one more shot tomorrow, and if that doesn’t work, he’ll be flying straight to Emmonak on Monday. Keep your fingers crossed!
What’s wrong with a campaign for “Mudflats Airport”?
The airport overlooks the mudflats, does it not?
Thanks for the update, AKM. He’s been on my mind (and in my prayers) since I heard he was doing this.
Jay Hammond sounds like a classy name for an airport.
Mudflats International Airport – with the call letters of AKM
– because bloggers keep the airways democratic ~
How about “AKM International Airport”? But, yes, “Jay Hammond Airport” would be very nice indeed. It has a nice clean, concise sound. It would be honorable. Or maybe just change it to “Convicted Felon Ted Stevens Airport”? That would look good on everyone’s GPS. Nice!
GreytdogNo Gravatar (12:34:40) :
Mudflats International Airport – with the call letters of AKM
- because bloggers keep the airways democratic ~
——
Good one and so true!
Had to google Jay Hammond – didn’t know he was the Creator of the Permanent Fund.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Jay-Hammond—Alaska-Governor-and-Creator-of-the-Permanent-Fund&id=57092
Wish I could’ve known him – sounds like he was a Prince.
If I was a voting AKian, I’d vote for Mudflats Airport…
On another thread, someone asked about Alaska books. May I suggest two written by Jay Hammond (and yes, he was a prince of a guy, AND perhaps the last statesman politician this state has known):
Chips from the Chopping Block
Tales of Alaaska’s Bush Rat Gov
About re-naming the airport. Well I wouldn’t want it, for a couple of reasons: Jay deserves better than second place to Ted, and the airport isn’t big enough. How about a here to for unnamed mountain range? Jay was all about Alaska, not Anchorage, but ALASKA. And he knew the difference.
It is my prayer and hope that as the storm lets up more than one plane is sitting on the run way filled with package from all over the world to the villages…make it so! Fellow Mudflaters. I bless each of you.
Thanks, CRFlats. Just put a hold on Tales of Alaska’s Bush Rat Gov thru my local library.
Naming the airport after the mountain range sounds good, too. They’ll always be bipartisan.
I hope no flights are canceled. He arrives safely and is able to do what he set out to document.
Thanks for the updates.
**back to work**
Lance the Boil aka Crust Scramble(12:51:54) :
Naming the airport after the mountain range sounds good, too. They’ll always be bipartisan.
——
Mountains will always be bipartisan. Very zen thought…
Although, on reflection, I think CRF was referring to naming a mountain range after Jay Hammond. But what the heck, is there a nice zen mountain with a name it would be willing to lend to an airport?
I left a post in the last thread. I will definately keep him in my prayers. How do we keep a concrete record of all this information? I wouldnt be surprised of SP uses this as an excuse so that she will not have to comply with her duties as gov. I notice she is all talk and no action.
Well, it looks good and hopefully there will be some honest coverage of the story. There is hope!
There is a thread on the Forum under Alaska Lodge called Alaska Reading Suggestions. Please add your favorites. I know people are curious, and if like me, never have enough time to do the reading I want to do, so love to get suggestions.
Never mind, our Guv has read NONE of them.
Jay Hammond was one of my all-time favorite Alaska governors. The airport should have been named after him in the first place.
About naming airports: The airport at Cordova (CDV) is called: Merle K. “Mudhole” Smith. Mudhole was a bush pilot that started an airline (Cordova Airlines) that later merged with Alaska Air. But the airport is just called Mudhole. He got the name because he could land just about anywhere, in any ol’ mud hole. Alaska has a very interesting and colorful aviation history. Besides rivers and ocean, it was for decades the only way to reach most (and still is) areas.
Another note about the Anchorage Airport. I too, don’t agree with the naming, especially after a living politician. I know Ted brought the money to town to build the airport and millions more, but one of the poignant aspects of the story is that he was aboard a jet that crashed at that airport, and his first wife, who was a wonderful woman, died in that crash. Just so you know.
Since when do we name airports after politicians? I live near SF CA, I am 2 miles fro SFO, San Francisco, international. Then there is LAX in Los Angles etc. Maybe easier to figure out where your going…A nearby mountain range would be appropriate, some sort of landmark/city near the airport.
I will start a new thread on the Forum. Topic: Suggested Re-names for Ted Stevens International Airport. Let’s make AKM happy, and keep On Topic.
ALL of my life that airport was called “Anchorage International Airport” and that is the name it should return to.
Hell the road in front of it is called “International airport rd”.
Not Ted “7 felony convictions” road!
I thought, for once, that we were ON TOPIC!
But the forum thread is a good thing, also, too.
Well, no surprise about Zaki being weathered out! When I lived in Bethel, we laughed about “horizontal snow”, and often wondered where the snow ended up that blew past our windows.
And, living right across from the airport in FAA housing, it was kind of scary watching planes try to land sometimes. Hope he makes it soon, and bless him for doing this.
Here in Staten Island, we got 3 shiny new ferry boats. One was named the Spirit of America, and the others were named after living politicians. One just happens to be the Borough president.
One problem with naming public places or things, after living people, is they may come to symbolize something other than what we thought at the time.
So Ted Stevens Airport might have come to have new meanings over time.
ConvicTed -airport.
Jay Hammond is still sorely missed. He was a real character and a fine statesman. He gave the State of the State address in verse once. He could really torture the English language. (You’ll find out when you read “Bush Rat Gov,” Lance the Boil.)
I agree with CRFlats that the ANC airport isn’t big enough to name after Jay Hammond. Sen. Gary Stevens wanted to create a wildlife refuge or something over in the Pebble Mine country and name it after Jay. I think Bella Hammond even signed-on for that one. (She hates politics. She’s Jay’s widow.)
It’s a gorgeous, warm, clear day here on the Kachemak. I have to go outside and play now. See you guys after dark.
Godspeed to Dennis Zaki : )
PS – I just talked to my son in Fairbanks, and he’s amazed I know (here in GA) about the Emmonak situation – he hasn’t
heard a word up there. Thanks, AKM, again, and yet again.
@tigerwine, that isnt surprising the media in Alaska doent fully give their residents the full story. When My husband was in Bethel, he didnt hear one bit of information or even see what the lower 48 sees. It is very controlled up there.
It is my belief that if they were to tell both sides, the outcome of their elections would be so much different. As it is, their government controls how they are presented and the truth just isnt available to the people.
This should be first hand knowledge to any Alaskan resident and, for the residents of the most remote villages to be receiving help from “outside” sources is unreal. Yet, this is the way it is there, and when I am there, I try to speak up, but nobody heres me. BTW, is this going to be covered in MSM? I hope they do a good cover on the pilot going up there with the assistance he managed to get.
Oh…..sigh….you’ve made me all nostalgic for the days of good ol’ Jay. Long ago and far away in a place where the Governor had integrity, inspiration and intelligence. Sigh…..
-ginf
Jay Hammond Anchorage International Airport , words I have spoken for 4 year. Yes, in 2005 everyone said I was crazy to keep spreading that Ted Stevens would go down for corruption. Many may not think it’s over, but if you knew how much more there is coming well then you’d be smiling all the way to JHAIA. Dennis good on you for putting the real name of the airport on your site. We should get the legislature to name a mountain range, a park and rename the ANC airport after J Hammond. For all those that are waiting for Ben to go down, let’s just say this year will probably be one to remember as Kick Ben’s Butt from AK to DC should be the theme.
To make something clear, Hammond was the governor when the PFD passed the AK legis, but he wasn’t the one who penned it. Do some reading on the internet or ask Ray Metcalfe who pushed for it. I don’t even think he was for it when he first heard about it. But somehow he is the Godfather of the PFD!
BE SAFE DENNIS, none of that by the seat of you pants stuff like in the Hudson the other day. Need you to take the first pics of the airport once the new name is hung up there. Why not just superimpose on a picture now, would make a great postcard for tourists!
He’ll get there eventually. No worries…. we all know the weather isn’t great.
And Blamey Whinehouse wants to fly into Emmonak to do what campaign?
People need food and money.
And she has not done a thing still.
Will some one have to die first?
I just checked Weather Underground (that and NOAA are without a doubt the most visited sites in rural Alaska…we know weather). The forecast has improved greatly for Emmonak (for flying anyway) and Bethel also. To late to go today, but tomorrow may be a good opening. Monday calls for clouds and chance of snow showers. Hopefully the mail flights will be getting in.
Any “public servant” who really understood their mission of service would squirm with embarrassment at the thought of naming a public building (street, lake etc) after themselves!
Masses of people contribute tirelessly their whole lives…anonymously…in public service. No elected official would get anything done without them.
If there are elected officials who feel the self-aggrandizing need for a memorial with 10 foot letters of their names on buildings for public display, they should feel free to do it on their own houses or private businesses.
“Anchorage International Airport” says it all: The Alaskan people welcome the World!
Take care, Dennis!
I think it would be fun if we named all our airports after criminals. We could have Capone Chicago, Gambino New York, Manson L.A. etc . . .
First and foremost – may the winds of hope and grace be under your wings Dennis !! Remember the voters in San Francisco voted to rename the wastewater plant “The George W. Bush Memorial Wastewater Plant” ???? What a scream !!! Not sure if it was successful…….but enough people signed the petition and it made the ballot!!
Jay Hammond was a real first class guy. In his later years he used to hang out at the Carrs’ store in south Anchorage, drink his coffee and watch the people. I think a lot of people didn’t even know who that old guy was. He had a lifetime of adventure but was a real ‘gentle’man. God bless you, Jay.
Fingers, toes and eyes crossed for Dennis to take flight tomorrow. It’s so important. Be safe Dennis and document all that you see. The world needs to know about this.
While I might have a personal agenda here, I also think the “Hugh Malone” Airport wouldn’t be a bad idea, either.
He wasn’t ever governor, but the oil industry still curses his name when it comes to paying their taxes, and without Hugh, there would have been no Permanent Fund.
A day or two ago there was a diary on Daily Kos about the desperate situation in Emmonak, and the failure of the Alaska state government to do anything about it.
The diary suggested bloggers send contributions to Emmonak and provided addresses, so I sent a little check–can’t afford much–but, as we saw in the presidential election–small contributions can add up.
Tigerwine, I live in Georgia also. Did you learn about Emmonak from Kos?
Dear Governor Hammond – I loved you and I miss you terribly! You left us too soon and dang it, you didn’t warn us about that twit with the 1969 hairdo who was trying to pal around with great Alaska statesman (you) to look good. I will never forget the booming voice and huge smile which I enjoyed so often in the Capitol Building when my mother worked for you – you are one of the reasons that I decided to remain in AK. I adopted you as my second dad. YOU never needed a spokesperson or press secretary like the resident twit – and I sure hope she’s not sitting in YOUR chair because she doesn’t deserve it for one minute.
I have never liked the name Ted Stevens airport and years ago thought it should be named after you – esp. after we lost your larger-than-life presence in our state and our lives.
Dennis Zaki – you rock! Sorry I got OT for a bit but I miss Governor Hammond so much it almost makes me cry. He would have been flying out there himself, with supplies and a huge smile to “save the day”.
This Alaskan supports “Jay Hammond Airport” 100%. He was a wonderful man and is a much truer symbol of what Alaska represents than Ted Stevens EVER though of being. Plus, since Hammond was a Bush pilot, it is a well deserved recognition of the vital role Bush Pilots have played and continue to play in Alaska. Jay Hammond International Airport all the way!!
CRFlats, Unalaska, InJuneau, Proud Community Organizer, Greytdog-
only a bit OT-
I am totally dense about starting forum thread thingy but have a bunch of ideas and starts of things to try to get dry goods and household supplies to Yukon Delta . Can we make a thread and hash out some info?
Who has final say on the name?? Can the voters fix a “mistake”?
ADN quotes Palin in article today: “We want to make sure, of course, that no individual is hungry out there. And that nobody is cold out there,” she said. “And we want to know if the community itself — if anything fell between the cracks, between (the power-cost equalization subsidy program), energy rebate checks that were sent to each individual.”
Translation of this gobbledygook, please?
Does “Blamey’s” last sentence of gibberish sound suspiciously like the outlines of a defensive maneuver for her administration’s own lack of preparedness or foresight……..by blaming the “perfect storm” of external conditions affecting these rural villages on their handling of rebate checks??
Diane (14:55:50) :
And Blamey Whinehouse wants to fly into Emmonak to do what campaign?
———————————————————–
Her office says there are no plans for her to go. Now, there’s a surprise.
@ Alaska Pi
I have to go – will be gone all night – but if you get the thread thingy going, let me know and I’ll catch up in the forum tonight when I get home. And I’ll have time to do some stuff tomorrow if needed? Calls, shopping, whatever…
Jay Hammond airport! I LOVE IT.. but Jay requested a school or library be named after him.. I’m the Hammond generation”my childhood gov.” Jay will always be NO.1 in my heart.. GOD BLESS JAY HAMMOND
Re the re=naming thread,
When the proposal first came out to rename the SF Waste Treatment Plant,
NPR interviewed one of the engineers there who objected, because, as I recall,
it would be disrepectful to a fine, scientific, community service, of which the workers
were very proud.
austintx said: “The George W. Bush Memorial Wastewater Plant” ???? What a scream !!! Not sure if it was successful…….but enough people signed the petition and it made the ballot!!”
I believe it failed on the actual ballot. Surprised me frankly. But maybe enough people didn’t want to endure flashbacks & reminders of the Worst President ever. also, too
Bush Rat Gov
I thought that would have been GWB. Good riddance to that rat. Only 2.5 more days.
What worries me is whether anybody has made contact with Tucker? If Dennis Zak, who is so determined to get there, can’t get flown in – what about any oil shipments making it in? People were also making direct donations via telephone & credit cards, so presumably the Village had money to start ordering some fuel.
Per ADN: “And we want to know if the community itself — if anything fell between the cracks, between (the power-cost equalization subsidy program), energy rebate checks that were sent to each individual.”
I don’t even LIVE in your state, but even I heard about the early freeze blocking out the Villages’ oil shipment. Maybe someone ought to clue the Gov? Yeah, I know, she’s just trying to squirm out of responsibility for governing via Blackberry.
Kath the Scrappy from SeattleNo Gravatar (18:41:36) :
she’s just trying to squirm out of responsibility for governing via Blackberry.
————
Sarah’s not governing by anything much less by Blackberry.
Now, Obama, he’s governing by Blackberry. Thank God. Hope he makes them let him keep it.
Kath – yeah – I guess everytime you flushed……..you would think of Bush………
@ austintx
Giggle!
Kath, I think they have fuel at the village tank farm. It’s just that people don’t have the money to buy it.
If Jay Hammond was still gov (jeeze, what a lovely fantasy), this whole mess wouldn’t have happened in the first place. Jay would have known that the king run had failed. (Jay & Bella fished a setnet site out in Naknek.) And Jay would have listened to Walt Monegan in July and done something to head off the certain disaster.
Is Sarah asking what people blew their $1200 fuel checks on? They probably blew it on fuel.
Let’s see, at $7.50/gal, $1200 would buy 160 gallons. That’s enough to last maybe six or eight weeks, if you live in a poorly insulated plywood hooch, like many villagers do. We’re using a drum (55 gallons) a month in a well insulated basement in The Banana Belt of Alaska, where the climate is mild. (We can’t afford to heat the whole house, so we’re living in the basement.)
You mudpuppies are amazing. I’m very proud of you guys for stepping up to do the obvious thing — care for brothers and sisters who need a hand.
@ grewingk (21:18:51) :
Kath, I think they have fuel at the village tank farm. It’s just that people don’t have the money to buy it.
- – -
Thank you! I’ll sleep better tonight. Money’s not as useful if you can’t get the fuel on a cold night.
Mayfly – Hi – and greetings from the NE GA mountains! No, I learned about Emmonak from right here on the Mudflats.
When you’re finished renaming your airport, could you help us re-rename ours? Most DC residents still refuse to call it “Reagan” National Airport.
Thanks!
there are not enough eloquent word to describe Gov. Hammond. HONESTLY… I have never found a Alaskan politician with the level of honor and dignity of Jay.. Just talking about him gives me crocodile tears.. Once in a while someone with EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY”S comes along and JAY was one of them… Oh How I miss our beloved Jay Hammond.
He would have made one GREAT president..
I remember and liked Mr. Hammond very well AKM,,opppsss,just told my age,,:}
I understand the weather situation and the lack of roads…but why hasn’t there been more information coming out of Emmonak from phones, radios, emails and/or blogs?
Pictures from cell phones?
I understand the mail hasn’t arrived with checks and supplies, but have electronic donations been available for the residents yet?
What are the other communities that may be experiencing the same situation? Are there contact people there?
I’m curious as how we can have a video interview from a cell phone in Sudan, but it takes a week to get any information from a city in distress in the US.
Sad to hear that the people Emmonak are having so many financial troubles considering the 6 CDQ groups had revenues of around $160,000,000 last year. I don’t understand why a greater majority of Alaskans are not writing the uninformed Governor and our AK delegation to ask the the CDQ group in Norton Sound to start using the some of that money to provide for villagers. What’s going on in AK, Ted Stevens made sure that there were millions to support the West Coast of AK, so where’s the money going?