Check out our latest edition!
A UNIQUE ALASKAN TOWN LIVING UNDER ONE ROOF (702) 333-7777 WWW.CLAGGETTLAW.COM DECEMBER 2023 WHITTIER, ALASKA
ACCESSIBILITY AND COMMUNITY LIFE Whittier’s accessibility is as unique as its living arrangements. The town can be reached only by air or through a single-lane tunnel, which cuts through the Maynard Mountain for over 2 miles. This tunnel, transformed from a World War II rail tunnel to accommodate vehicular traffic 15 years ago, is the town’s lifeline to the outside world. The residents’ lives are synchronized with the tunnel’s schedule, with limited hourly access and a nightly closure at 10:30 p.m. The harsh winters in Whittier make the centralized living arrangement in the Begich Towers practical and necessary. The building, along with a second condo and the town’s school and gym (connected by a tunnel), ensures residents can access essential services without facing the extreme outdoor elements. A TESTAMENT TO ADAPTABILITY AND COMMUNITY
It’s winter right now in Nevada, and as a resident of Southern Nevada, where even a dip below 40 degrees feels cripplingly cold, it’s hard to fathom the starkly different lifestyle in a place like Whittier, Alaska. The thought of spending months indoors due to extreme weather conditions is both intriguing and unimaginable.
But in Whittier, this is not just a winter strategy but a way of life. Most of the residents live in the same building for months every winter. THE BEGICH TOWERS: MORE THAN JUST A HOME
Whittier’s unique lifestyle is a remarkable example of adaptability and community solidarity. Living under one roof, the residents have fostered a strong communal bond, sharing more than just a building but their daily lives. This way of living, a remnant from the Cold War era, continues to evolve and adapt, showcasing the potential for a community to thrive in the most unconventional and challenging environments.
In the small, remote town of Whittier, Alaska, home to about 300 people, the concept of community is taken to another level. The entire population resides in a 14-story building known as the Begich Towers. Originally constructed as an army barracks, this multipurpose structure now houses approximately 85%-90% of the town’s residents, earning Whittier the moniker of a “town under one roof.”
The Begich Towers serve as a self-contained hub. It’s not just a residential complex but a central location for a post office, a general store, a police station, a laundromat, a health clinic, the mayor’s office, and even a heated indoor pool. This integration of various facilities within a single building underscores the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the residents, particularly vital given Whittier’s isolated location and severe weather conditions.
Whittier, Alaska, stands out not just for its unusual living arrangements but also for the resilience and unity of its people. It serves as a reminder of the diverse ways communities
can come together to create a functional and cohesive way of life, even in the most unexpected places.
–Tom Askeroth
1 725-867-8495 | WWW.CLAGGETTLAW.COM | WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AND PERSONAL INJURY
EXPL RING NEVADA
Explore the Enchanting China Ranch Date Farm From Las Vegas A JOURNEY TO SERENITY
A few hours away from the vibrant lights of the Las Vegas Strip lies a hidden gem known as the China Ranch Date Farm, nestled on the fringes of Death Valley. This serene oasis beckons those seeking a peaceful escape from the bustling city. The journey from Las Vegas to the China Ranch Date Farm is picturesque. As you leave the city behind, the road opens up, with only a handful of vehicles sharing the path. We were compelled to pause and capture the breathtaking scenery on our recent trip, hardly encountering any passing cars. Finding your way to the farm is a breeze; clear signage guides you once you leave the main road. As you approach China Ranch, the paved road transforms into a dirt path, winding through sandy badlands, creating a unique and memorable approach. INDULGE IN CULINARY DELIGHTS
creamy dates (quite distinct from the typical dried ones from the store) will make this date shake an unexpected highlight. As you explore the bakery, take a moment to visit the adjacent antique store. Here, you’ll encounter an eclectic array of geodes in various shapes and colors,
tapestries, longhorn cow skulls, and a plethora of desert rose specimens. EMBARK ON AN ADVENTURE
For the adventurous spirits among you,
consider bringing water and donning your hiking boots. Venture behind the gift shop, traverse a small natural spring, and enter the farming area. From there, you can embark on a short or more extensive hike. The hike leads to an incredible slot canyon with a surprisingly lush
Upon reaching the farm’s gift shop and bakery, prepare to be delighted by syrupy-sweet, creamy date samples. Here, you’ll discover many dates, including some exclusive hybrids. Our personal favorites include the China Gold, Honey, Black Beauties, and the Gourmets.
riparian habitat. If hiking is on your agenda, plan your visit between October and March, as the proximity to Death Valley National Park ensures it can get hot. For those who thirst for further exploration, Badwater Basin and Rhyolite Ghost Town are worth considering as additional destinations in the vicinity.
While the temptation to indulge in these delicious date samples is strong, save room for their delectable date bread, muffins, and vanilla date oatmeal cookies. And don’t leave without savoring a date milkshake. Trust us; the experience of soft and
2 725-867-8495 | WWW.CLAGGETTLAW.COM
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AND PERSONAL INJURY
CHICKEN, LEEK, AND BLUE CHEESE PILAF
A Miner’s Denied Workers’ Compensation Claim Successfully Reversed SECURING JUSTICE
Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
Did someone say, “Healthy chicken with tangy blue cheese”? We thought so!
Ingredients
• 2 1/2 cups water • 1/2 cup brown basmati rice • 2 tsp vegetable bouillon powder • 1 bay leaf • 1 tsp grapeseed oil • 2 skinless chicken breasts, chopped • 1 leek, thinly sliced • 2 zucchini, thinly sliced • 1 cup frozen peas • 4 walnut halves, broken • 1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
I’m pleased to share a recent success story where we overturned the denial of a workers’ compensation claim for a miner who had worked in an underground mine for several years.
This miner had filed a claim for lung disease, with his doctors attributing the condition to prolonged exposure to silica dust and diesel exhaust fumes at work. However, the workers’ compensation insurer initially denied the claim. Due to the advanced stage of his lung disease, the miner could not continue working in the mine, so he sought our assistance. Our response was swift. We filed an appeal and enlisted medical experts to provide evidence of the work-related nature of his condition. Our investigation also uncovered numerous safety violations at the mine, particularly regarding air quality. After a prolonged legal battle before an appeals officer, we overturned the wrongful denial. As a result, our client now receives lifetime medical benefits, has access to retraining opportunities, and receives compensation for his permanent disability. We were honored to assist this miner in overturning this wrongful claim denial. We strive to zealously advocate for all our clients to seek justice and help them receive the benefits permitted under workers’ compensation law.
Directions
1. In a large pot, add water, rice, bouillon powder, and bay leaf. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, in a large frying pan, heat oil and stir-fry chicken over medium-high heat until just cooked. Remove from pan, then fry leek until soft. Add zucchini, stir-fry for a few minutes more, then add peas. 3. When the rice is cooked, add it and any liquid from the pot to the vegetables. Return chicken to the pan, then cover and cook for 5 minutes more. Stir in walnuts and cheese and serve hot.
3 725-867-8495 | WWW.CLAGGETTLAW.COM | WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AND PERSONAL INJURY
4101 Meadows Lane, Ste. 100 Las Vegas, NV 89107
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE
1 The Communal Lifestyle of Whittier, Alaska 2 3 Securing Justice Chicken, Leek, and Blue Cheese Pilaf Exploring Nevada 4 Discover the Most Enchanting Christmas Towns in the US
EXPLORE AMERICA’S MOST MAGICAL CHRISTMAS TOWNS From Snowy Villages to Year-Round Holiday Cheer
Solvang, California A slice of Denmark right in sunny California, Solvang brings endless holiday cheer, especially with their annual Julefest. Pronounced “Yule-fest,” this month-long festival takes place every December and features picturesque events, including a ballerina-filled tree lighting ceremony, visits from Santa, culinary delights, traditional Danish celebrations, and much more! Woodstock, Vermont During Woodstock’s Wassail Weekend, you’ll find the town in peak Christmas mode, where you can experience parades, horse-drawn carriages, carolers, and the Billings Farm, a local favorite of the season. Stroll down Main Street to witness an idyllic Christmas spot filled with cozy small-town shops and restaurants. North Pole, Alaska If you ever feel like celebrating Christmas in the middle of summer,
It may be too late for less spontaneous travelers to start planning a Christmas vacation. But that shouldn’t stop you from planning next year’s holiday journey! The good news is you don’t need to venture to another continent to find a Christmas wonderland. There are countless picture-perfect Christmas towns across the country. Make your next Christmas trip feel like a Hallmark movie at one of these festive towns! Leavenworth, Washington Many have dubbed Leavenworth the most Christmas- centric in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. This Bavarian-style village experiences nearly 96 inches of snowfall every year, and they certainly don’t hold back when it comes to the holidays. The town lights up and decorates almost 21 miles, where you can find reindeer farms, carolers, gingerbread competitions, and Christmas markets. Every step of the way offers an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity!
we know the perfect destination. North Pole, Alaska, offers Christmas decor and festivities year- round! Here, you can get up close and personal with Santa’s reindeer, meet the man himself, and enjoy the snow that covers the entire town. Be sure to check out their ice sculpture competition, which features artists from all over the world! Ready for the Christmas celebration of your dreams? Start planning your next holiday vacation at any of these destinations, and we promise your dreams will most definitely come true!
4 725-867-8495 | WWW.CLAGGETTLAW.COM | THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator