Eagle Forum Dinner & 1st Annual Fall Feast

Representative John Coghill accepted the Eagle Award from state chair of Eagle Forum Debbie Joslin in front of a full house at the cermony at Dalman's Family Restaurant in North Pole.

The award is given out each year by the Eagle Forum the people who stand out in their service to God, Country and Family. Representative Coghill ran for public office because of his beliefs in the rights of unborn children, preserving the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, and preserving families.

Representative Coghill's wife, Luann, along with his sons and daughter attended the dinner along with their spouses and Representative Coghill's three grandchildren. Representative Coghill's dad, former Lt. Governor Jack Coghill was scheduled to attend, but weather conditions prevented him from driving up from Nenana. He was missed.



Steve Joslin and three of his and Debbie's kids sing "God Bless the Last Frontier" before dinner begins.


District 11 Secretary Debbie Vance got to introduce Lt. Governor Loren Leman. She said it was her first time speaking before a large group so she said she was a little nervous. She didn't show it and did a great job.






Lt. Governor Loren Leman told the audience the first time he met Rep. Coghill he didn't like him, because they were on rival high school basketball teams and Nenana whooped Leman's Ninilchik team.

But the second time he met John Coghill he knew they had a lot in commonwith their faith and the position on family issues. Lt. Governor Leman said several times when he has been unable to attend a function, he has asked Representative Coghill to take his place. Guests from the west side of the borough, Dave Williams and Mike Dalton listen to Lt. Governor Leman along with vice-chair of District 11, Doug Isaacson.

Representative Jay Ramras thanked Representative Coghill for serving as his mentor.

Joe Miller speaks about Rep. Coghill being a significant influence for him running for the state house in 2004. Keep an eye on this guy. Although he lost in 2004, expect to see him in public office someday.

Josh Coghill listens to Representative Jay Ramras talk about his dad's influence on his political decisions. Jay said Representative Coghill has taken him to the principal's office more than once to straighten him out. Josh is holding his niece Grace Green.

Representative Ramras and Fairbanks Hostess Miss Ruby Riddle welcome to North Pole Rick VanderKolk. Rick is committee aide for the Joint Armed Forces Committee of the Alaska State Legislature. Rick was an instrumental behind the scenes strategist for the presentations to the BRAC Committee to Save Eielson.

Jonathan and Ruth Ewig share their table with the Joslin kids. Jonathan and Ruth are loyal Right to Life volunteers.

Dr. Peter Marshall, Brenda Hewitt, Kathleen and Joe Miller awaiting a delicious steak and shrimp dinner.

Mike Prax, Mike Miller, Jacqueline DiSpoto, and Lenny and Ellen Ayotte listen to Representative Coghill's acceptance speech. He was grateful for the award and said it was a motivater for him to accelerate continue battle the activist courts that are rewriting our laws.

The food was delicious and the service was first class. Dalman's Family Restaurant pulled off their first banquet with perfection. Thanks, Debbie, Jamie, and Elizabeth.

The District 11 Executive Committee met with former Senator Mike Miller and Representative Coghill after the dinner to discuss the coming up elections. From the far left clockwise: Debbie Vance, Secretary; Leslies McFarlane, Badger #2 precinct chair; Mike Miller; Representative Coghill; Mike Prax, Chairman; and Doug Isaacson, Vice-Chairman.

Providence, Rhode Island

Recently District 11 Republican, Rynnieva Moss, attended a NCSL Leadership Staff Seminar in Providence, Rhode Island. She is sharing photos she captured from the history of the town when she had a free afternoon.


This photo is of the Roger Williams Memorial that was placed high on a hill to overlook the capital of the state he helped form after leaving Salem, Massachusetts because of his beliefs of religious freedom. Take note of the position of the photo showing the CAPITOL in the foreground under his watch.

Roger Willams established the first Baptist Church at Providence, Rhode Islands in 1638. This Baptist Church was constructed in 1773.


It is open to tours by individuals for $1.00. It is a delight to see the numbered, keyed pews and the elevated pulpit with a stairway.




The pipe organ is incredible as is the Chandelier.

This photo was taken from Chicago's O'Hare Airport.

The capitol of Rhode Island at dusk stands out in the city of Providence as Denali stands out on a clear day.

Rynnieva got the chance to meet Matt Chatham, wide receiver and three time receiver of the Super Bowl ring for the New England Patriots while in Rhode Island.

This structure is a Masonic Temple that the Shriners began construction of in the 1930's but ran out of money to complete. Recently they have acquired funding to complete construction so the construction been restarted.

The architecture of Providence is incredible! The design of buildings are from Athens to Rome to now to the future.