Non-Profit Directory
Families & Children:
Family Promise Mat-Su www.familypromisematsu.com (907) 357-6160
A community response for families without housing. Family Promise Mat-Su, “FPMS” uses area churches for shelter while providing meals and case management to help homeless families move back into housing and self-sustainability.
In addition we provide state funds(BHAP) for homeless prevention.
Connect Palmer Inc. www.ConnectPalmer.org (907) 746-9675
Connect Palmer is a Christ Centered Training Center and Housing for Women located in downtown Palmer. Connect Palmer’s two primary programs are God’s Work Design, and LIFE Connect. We also have Sarah’s House, which a Safe and Caring place for ladies, without homes, to live while they participate in our back to work and life skills programs. We also offer different community assistant programs, such as The Locker, to provide personal care and basic house hold cleaning items and Scarlet Tapestries which offers basic sewing skills instruction. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
OTHER
Mat-Su Health Services, Inc. www.mshsak.org (907) 376-2411
Dedicated to improving the health of our community, one person at a time – through affordable medical, dental and behavioral health care.The clinic is a Federally qualified Health Care Center and we accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most other third-party insurances. For those who qualify, there is a sliding scale payment, based on household income.
We offer early morning and evening appointments appointment. You can also contact our 24/7 behavioral crisis intervention line by calling the main number: 376-2411.
Mat-Su Sertoma Club
www.matsuhearing.org or www.matsuplunge.org 907-227-3486
“CAN YOU HEAR ME?” Sertoma stands for SERvice TO MAnkind . Mat-Su Sertoma is a 501(c )3 non-profit membership organization whose purpose is to support hearing health in the Mat-Su Valley through education, hearing testing and support of services that assist individuals with deafness and hearing loss.
Mat-Su Sertoma membership is open to the public. Anyone can attend one of our membership meetings. Won’t you join us on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at the Windbreak (Trout House) 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Sertoma’s Annual Scholarship Program … Apply: www.matsuhearing.org 907-227-3486.
Families & Children:
Denali Family Services
291 East Swanson Ave. Wasilla, AK 907-222-2331 or eolivares@denalifs.org
Denali Family Services provides therapeutic foster care to Alaskan children with mental health needs. If you are committed to working with a team, receiving training and implementing positive interventions to schoolage children and teens, we need your talents and skills.
We are in search of professional, therapeutic foster parents who are willing to make a commitment to the children of Alaska by providing a stable home environment.
For more information, please call or email our Foster Care Recruiter, Ernestina D. Olivares, at 907-222-2331 or eolivares@ denalifs.org
Mat-Su Health Foundation
healthymatsu.org (907) 352-2863
The Mat-Su Health Foundation offers financial and strategic support to well-managed 501(c)(3) organizations that offer services and practical solutions to significant health-related problems impacting the citizens of the Mat-Su Borough.
The foundation also offers academic and vocational scholarships to Mat-Su residents who wish to pursue health and wellness related careers.
Pets & Animals:
Alaska Animal Advocates www.alaskaanimaladvocates.com (907) 841-3173
Alaska Animal Advocates is a non-profit group of dedicated volunteers who are devoted to enriching the lives of companion animals in Alaska.
In order to do this, we will place homeless pets in loving environments, address medical concerns, spay or neuter, microchip, vaccinate, and offer training as is needed.
We believe that every animal deserves a loving home, for his/her entire life and Alaska Animal Advocates will provide the resources to make this happen.
In order to make this mission possible, we need the help of volunteers and foster homes.
ARTS:
Valley Arts Alliance www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com
Valley Arts Alliance, bringing the community together through the arts... We are a place for both new and established artists of all types— painters, sculptors, musicians, and those involved in the performing arts—to network and to experiment with new ideas and media.
We work with local libraries, schools, museums, art councils, and music and art groups to create more venues for the arts, and to help promote art related events.
Join us at our informal weekly meetings, every Thursday @ 11 at Sophia’s Cafe, 9191 E Frontage Road, Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Check out our archives www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com
CONSERVATION:
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions
www.valleyrecycling.org (907) 745-5544
RECYCLING – It’s not just for hippies anymore!! Everyone in the Mat-Su valley can recycle. Drop your stuff off Tues – Fri 10:30 to 6 and Sat 10:30 to 3:30. Recycle cardboard, magazines, this newspaper and more at your community recycling center. Remember to REDUCE, REUSE, and then RECYCLE!
Your community recycling center is located at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, next to the MSB Animal Shelter at the MSB Central Landfill. Volunteer opportunities available. Make a difference in your community!
Check out our website for details , follow us on Facebook. www.valleyrecycling.org - Call us at 907.745.5544 with questions or comments.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES:
Mat-Su Regional Adult Basic Education (Nine Star) MatsuAdultEd@ninestar.com (907) 373-7833
Mat-Su ABE provides basic education in math, language arts and English as a second language (ESL), aiming to raise student skills beyond the high-school level in order to pass tests like the GED, enter training programs or college, and advance on the job. Enrollment is open to all adult residents of Alaska, year-round. Youth Employment for ages 16-24 not in school -- get a job, keep a job, advance on the job. Nine Star 300 N Willow 373-3006 (in the MYHouse building)
FAITH:
Valley Interfaith Action (VIA) www.valleyinterfaithaction.org (907) 230-1006
To address quality of life issues for all residents of the Mat-Su Borough, utilizing the faith values of our members, developing community-wide interest and mobilization around quality of life issues.
Through training, leaders address community problems by providing forums for discussion, researching alternative solutions, and working as facilitators with residents and leaders for institutional change.
HOMELESS YOUTH:
Mat-Su Youth Housing (MY HOUSE) myhousematsu.org (907) 373-4357
MY House is a homeless youth drop in center with two for-profit businesses that train and employ homeless youth. Gathering Grounds Cafe is a coffee shop with homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and baked goods. Steamdriven is a trendy thrift shop featuring Steampunk items made from repurposed donations by our youth designers. Fiend2Clean and Young People in Recovery offer support for substance abuse recovery with activities and events.
We offer transitional housing for qualified 18-24 year olds, Outreach services to connect homeless youth, organizations and groups to services, and access to Public Health and NineStar job/education services on site.
SOCIAL ADVOCACY:
Wasilla Homeless-Committee www.wasillahomeless-committee.org (907) 521-2949
Wasilla Homeless-Committee is a 100% volunteer organization funded by private donations and regular fundraising events. Our sole purpose is to assist the homeless, those at risk of homelessness, and others who do not meet the criteria for help that is required by other advocacy agencies in the valley.
Wasilla Homeless-Committee provides case management, housing search assistance, move in assistance, job search assistance, clothing, furniture, help with transportation, and resource guidance for homeless and disenfranchised in the Mat-Su Valley.
Visit our website for application, or call 907521-2949. Find us on Facebook facebook.com/ wasillahomelesscommitteepage
Calendar of Events
35+ SINGLES DANCE CLUB
Every Saturday - 7PM
35+ Singles Dance Club
Carpenters’ Union Hall
407 Denali St. Anchorage
Cost: $18 - (907) 279-0097 www.35plusclub.com
THE BIG PICTURE SHOW: WINTER ARTISTS
11/1/2017 – 1/31/2018
Humdingers Pizza
173 S Valley Way, Palmer FREE Admission
BIKER ELVES CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE LOCATIONS
11/1/2017 – 12/24/2017
KMBQ (Q 99.7), Denali Harley Davidson, House of Yamaha, Performance Yamaha, Team CC of Wasilla, Hartley Motors, Spenard Builders Supply of Wasilla & Palmer, Arctic Ink Tattoo, Three Bears of Alaska Grocery Stores, Essential One Gas Station, Fishers Fuel, Tacos Cancun Donations Welcome!
TACOS FOR TOYS
11/1/2017 – 12/24/2017
Biker Elves Toy Drive & Tacos Cancun
Tacos Cancun 1301 S Seward Meridian Pkwy. Wasilla Donations Only - (907) 376-3131
MONDAY MARKET COMMUNITY CLASSES
11/13/2017 - 12/18/2017 – 7PM
Kenda Huling
Historical Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer Prices Vary - (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
CAMILLE HURST, ENCAUSTIC ARTIST, ART DISPLAY
11/16/2017 – 12/1/2017
Mat-Su/UAA Art Department Mat-Su College 8295 College Dr. Palmer FREE Admission
OUT OF THE BOX SALE
11/18/2017 - 10AM
Valley Fiber Arts Guild
Palmer Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer
FREE Admission
info@valleyfiberarts.org www.valleyfiberarts.org
TREES OF THE VALLEY: A HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
11/18/2017 – 5PM
Glenn Massay Theater
8395 E College Dr. Palmer
FREE Event - (907) 746-9300 www.glennmassaytheater.com
CHRISTMAS FLOWER ARRANGEMENT CLASS
12/18/2017 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot
Historical Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer
Cost: $30 - (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
THANKSGIVING FLOWER ARRANGEMENT CLASS
11/20/2017 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot
Historical Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer
Cost: $40 - (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
SEWN CHRISTMAS TREE DECOR
11/20/2017 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot
Historical Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer
Cost: $45 - (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
KNITTING FINISHING TECHNIQUES
11/20/2017, 12/11/2017 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot
Historical Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer
Cost: $50 - (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
PRIVATE INTERMEDIATE-LEVEL KNITTING LESSONS
11/20/2017-12/18/2017 (Mondays) - 7PM
Ewenique Designs AK
Monday Market at Palmer Depot
Historical Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer
Cost: $30 per hour (907) 677-9276 eweniquedesignsak@gmail.com
A CHRISTMAS CAROL 11/24/2017 – 12/17/2017
Fridays & Saturdays @7PM, Sundays @2PM
Valley Performing Arts
251 W Swanson Ave. Wasilla. Tickets: $17 Students/Seniors, $19 General www.valleyperformingarts.org
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY 11/25/2017 – All Day American Express® Palmer, AK FREE Admission
7.19 FIREWORKS PRE-PARTY 11/25/2017 - 6PM By Palmer Family Church Mat-Su Borough Gym
350 E Dahlia Ave. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 746-0252
palmerfamilychurch@yahoo.com www.palmernaz.org
INKLINGS (A DISCUSSION GROUP ON FAITH & CULTURE)
11/26/2017 - 7PM
Inklings
8260 Duchess Dr. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 982-5609 barry.dorman@yahoo.com
BUCKLE UP BUTTERCUP: BUY LOCAL SHOPPING EVENT
November 24-25, 2017 - 9:30AM My Matanuska Marketplace
Palmer Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer FREE Admission - (907) 354-3569
HAPPY SEWN HOLIDAY TREE
11/27/2017 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot
Historical Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer Cost: $45 - (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
A L COHOL I NK A RT C L ASS
11-13-2017 - 7:00 PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot
Historical Train Depot in Palmer
Monday Market at Palmer Depot (907) 770- 3532
BEGINNING KNITTING (B)
11/27/2017 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot
Historical Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer Cost: $20 - (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
FELTED FIBER BOWL (B)
11/27/2017 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot
Historical Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer Cost: $35 - (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
HOUSTON OUTLAWS
CAUGHT AT HOME
11/28/2017 - 7PM
Soft Tip Dart Association
Houston Lodge Marketplace 16966 W Parks Hwy. Houston FREE Event - (907) 892-5124
TRINITY CHRISTMAS BAZAAR & BAKE SALE
12/2/2017 - 9AM
Trinity Lutheran Church
Trinity Barn Plaza
10355 E. Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 745-0726 trinitylpalmerak@gmail.com
VALLEY FIBER ARTS GUILD
CHRISTMAS MEETING
12/2/2017 - 10AM Valley Fiber Arts Guild
Palmer Library Meeting Room
655 S Valley Way, Palmer FREE Event - (907) 745-4690 www.valleyfiberarts.org
WATERCOLOR SKIN
TONES TUTORIAL
12/2/2017 – 10AM Pia’s Custom Framing 1201 Lucille St. Wasilla FREE Event
SATURDAY ART SHOW
12/2/2017 - 10AM
Decisive Art Pia’s Custom Framing & Gallery 1201 N. Lucille St. Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 373-7777 decisiveart@hotmail.com www.decisiveart.com
HOMESPUN HOLIDAY BAZAAR 12/2/2017 - 10AM
Butte Elementary PTA Butte Elementary School 4006 S Butte Rd. Palmer FREE Admission butteakpta@gmail.com
WASILLA COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
12/2/2017 – 1PM
Wasilla Museum & Visitors Center 323 N Main St. Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 373-9071 www.cityofwasilla.com
37TH ANNUAL TALKEETNA BACHELOR AUCTION & BALL 12/2/2017 - 7PM
Talkeetna Bachelor Society Sheldon Community Arts Hangar E 1st St. Talkeetna Tickets: $25 General, $55 Reserved VIP www.talkeetnabachelors.com
INKLINGS (A DISCUSSION GROUP ON FAITH & CULTURE) 12/3/2017 - 7PM Inklings 8260 Duchess Dr. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 982-5609 barry.dorman@yahoo.com
SEWN CHRISTMAS STOCKING 12/4/2017 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot Historical Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer Cost: $45 - (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
AK TUESDAY NIGHT FIGHTS
12/5/2017 - 7:40PM
AK Tuesday Night Fights Menard Sports Center
1001 S Clapp Dr. Wasilla Tickets: $18-$35 - (907) 232-3727 www.aktuesdaynightfights.com
PROPER BINGE WORLD PREMIERE
12/6/2017 – 8PM
1964 Motion Pictures & Anchorage International Film Festival
Bear Tooth Theatre Pub & Grill
1230 W 27th Ave. Anchorage www.beartooththeatre.net
THE ALASKAN NUTCRACKER
December 7-9, 2017
Thursday @7PM, Friday @7PM, Saturday @2PM & 7PM
Sonja’s Studio of Dance & Glenn Massay Theater
Glenn Massay Theater
8295 E College Dr. Palmer
Tickets: $15 Students, $20 General www.glennmassaytheater.com
COLONY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
December 8-10, 2017
Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Palmer FREE Admission www.palmerchamber.org
HOLIDAYS AT THE FARM: OPEN HOUSE
12/8/2017 – 3PM UAF Cooperative Extension Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center 1509 S Georgeson Dr. Palmer FREE Admission – (907) 745-3360 www.uaf.edu/ces/
HOLIDAY PHOTOS OF YOUR PETS! ALASKA STATE TROOPER CANINE FUNDRAISER
12/9/2017 - 10AM All Creatures Veterinary Clinic 4360 E Snider Dr. Wasilla Cost: $10 Photos, Donation for Bake Sale - (907) 376-7930 acvc@mtaonline.net www.allcreatures.bz
POTTERY SALE
12/9/2017 - 12PM
Valley Pottery 4740 E. Greenstreet Cir. Wasilla FREE Admission - (907) 521-4640 matthew@AKpottery.com www.AKpottery.com
COLONY CHRISTMAS GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST 12/9/2017 – 1PM
Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce Place of Business or Alaska State Veteran’s & Pioneer Home Palmer, AK FREE Event www.palmerchamber.org
Contributed by Drewcilla Holifield, Mat-Su Concert Band
Mat-Su Concert Band
Holiday Concert
12/16/2017 - 7:30PM, 12/17/2017 - 4PM
Mat-Su Concert Band
Glenn Massay Theater
8295 E College Dr. Palmer
Tickets: FREE (Ages 0-5), $7
Students, $15 General
Mat-Su Concert Band will perform two concerts to celebrate the joy of the holiday season at the Glenn Massay Theater at Mat-Su College.
The concerts are at 7:30p.m. on Saturday, December 16th and 4p.m. on Sunday, December 17th.
Tickets are $15 for general admission and $7 for students. Children 5
popular audience sing-a-long of favorite and familiar tunes. Other pieces currently in rehearsal include a mix of popular melodies and traditional tunes.
“Festive Overture” by Dmitri Shostakovich was said to be composed in three days for a performance at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theater to commemorate an anniversary of the 1917 October Revolution. Its lively feel and toetapping tempo matches the spirit of the season.
“My Christmas Dream” by Ilari Hylkila is a peaceful holiday composition that evokes the serenity of falling snow. The young, but prolific composer was born in western Finland in 1978.
Several pieces are based on traditional melodies: “Passacaglia
December is a busy time of year for many folks, hustling and bustling from one holiday party to the next.
The shops are filled with consumers searching for the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Post offices have lines out the door with bundled up grandparents waiting to mail off
The repertoire spans across traditions to encompass music from all cultures. Both Christmas and Hanukkah are celebrated with song, as well as winter favorites such as “Jingle Bells” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”. While the majority of pieces are performed in English, other languages are featured
Bell Carol” – better known as “Carol of the Bells.” Any fans of the child-like side of the holidays will appreciate “Pixar Movie Magic”, a medley of tunes from movies like “Up” and “Toy Story”.
About Mat-Su Concert Band: The Band got its start in 1984 as the Mat-Su Community Band, formed by Matanuska Music owner Hank Hartman. Other directors have
included Neil Long and Phil Munger.
Current director Gleo Huyck is a retired music educator and private instructor. Under Huyck’s baton, the band performs a wide-ranging selection of challenging music.
The Band this season numbers about 70 amateur musicians who assemble every Monday night for rehearsals at Teeland Middle School.
including French, Latin and Hebrew. The choristers look forward to every performance as an opportunity to share their hard work and talents.
This fall, they performed at the Alaska State Fair and opened a Harlem Globetrotters game with “The Star Spangled Banner” in Anchorage. Their annual holiday concert will be held in conjunction with Colony Christmas festivities. After enjoying the parade and fireworks in downtown Palmer, the Alaska Children’s Choir invites you to warm up with a joy-filled concert by our talented youth.
Sing We All Noel will be held at 7pm at St. John Lutheran Church (440 E. Elmwood Ave. Palmer) on Saturday, December 9, 2017. Tickets are $10 a person and can be purchased with
cash or check at the door. Perhaps this December, that elusive peace can be found in the harmonies of such beautiful, young voices. The Choir is always looking for additional singers. Auditions will be held over the winter break for students that wish to participate in the spring semester.
For more information about the concert or joining the program, contact Director Jessie Eddings: alaskachildrenschoir@yahoo.com, 907-982-5467
Music / Entertainment
Contributed by Nan Potts, Mat-Su Community Chorus
Holiday Favorites: 2017 Winter Concert
12/10/2017 – 4PM
Mat-Su Community Chorus
St. John’s Lutheran Church
440 E Elmwood Ave. Palmer
Tickets: FREE Students/Seniors, $5 General
What do Johann Sebastian Bach and Gustov Holst have in common with Johnny Mann, Irving Berlin, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Mariah Carey? If you said music, you’d be partially correct.
Arts & Community
Contributed by Charice Chambers
Native Aleut artist, Alfred Naumoff Jr., grew up in Kodiak’s Old Harbor village, and in high school became interested in native culture, launching a lifelong pursuit. With the help of his uncle and a high school teacher, Naumoff constructed his first native kayak. He continues to this day to perfect his style. His skill development and attention to detail have paid off: One of his kayaks is on display at the Pratt Institute in New York.
Naumoff does not limit his artistic pursuits to kayak construction. He is a prolific carver, mask maker and jewelry artist. Currently he has the distinction of
Thinking a bit harder, I’m certain you’d guess, specifically, Christmas music.
With the coming of Christmas and the holidays, many Valley voices will be singing or whistling their favorite carol or Holiday tune.
Yes, Christmas and the holidays bring out the musical aptness in most of us. “Bah, hum-bug! I can’t carry a tune!” someone will exclaim. “Bah, hum-bug!” I reply. “You don’t have to sing! You can listen! Good listeners are always appreciated,” I point out.
Let’s face it, Christmas music recaptures pleasant childhood memories for a good portion of us who have been on this planet awhile.
My mother never accused me of being a good listener, nor has my husband. However, over the years with vocal training and choral singing, listening plays a huge part in tuning one’s voice to the music and those around you,
so they don’t scatter. By those terms, I guess I could claim to be a good listener.
Having been involved in many choral groups, I have come across many audiences that listen well. My favorite folks are those tapping their feet and bobbing their heads in time to the music. I know they’re enjoying themselves. Some people will sit quietly with pleased expressions on their faces. I assume they too take joy in what is being sung. But it’s the stoic, still and stern type that make me wonder, “Are they listening? Are they enjoying themselves? Are they breathing?”
It doesn’t matter what kind of listening audience member you categorize yourself, you are welcome to attend the Mat-Su Community Chorus as we present, “Holiday Favorites”. The afore mentioned works occupy the program that Anna Crowther, MCC’s music director, has assembled for your enjoyment. And, what would be a Christmas concert without traditional
carols and spirituals included? In addition, there will be a few surprises, but no spoilers here!
To warm-up your auditory senses, you can catch the Chorus Carolers on Saturday, December 9th, crooning along the streets and in merchant’s shops during Palmer’s Colony Christmas from 2pm to 4pm. Chime in if you wish! This will be a brief set, for their Christmas concert is the following day:
Sunday, December 10th at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 440 E Elmwood Ave, Palmer, will be hosting the Chorus.
Doors open at 3:30pm, the concert is at 4:00pm. Tickets are available at the door for $5.00. Seniors and students are admitted free.
Now, if you still wish to, “Bah, hum-bug!”, it’s alright. Maybe if you come listen, you may just change your tune. And, if you do . . . you might just join our group! Singers are always welcomed.
having works hanging at the BoulogneSur-Mer’s museum in France and other artwork hanging in the American Indian Art Museum in New York. In Alaska, his works can be found on display in Kodiak at the Baranof Museum, in the common area of UAA, Anchorage, at the King Salmon Exhibit Center and in many corporate buildings throughout Alaska. He is currently working on several massive mask projects for private clients.
Much of Naumoff’s inspiration comes from the ancient native petroglyphs found at Alitak on Kodiak Island. Their influence can be seen in much of his jewelry and carving. When asked about his inspiration for his many projects, he is quick to point out that they all come from historic native cultural practices.
Even the back sides of his masks include mouth bars, the traditional method for holding a mask in place while wearing it clenched between the teeth.
The Mat-Su Senior Services Gift Shop is currently displaying a collection of his jewelry and framed wall hangings.
We have a strong selection of native art including baskets, jewelry, masks, carvings and native dolls. Located in the Matsu Senior Services Center across from Palmer Junior Middle School at 1132 S. Chugach Street, the gift shop is open from 10am to 4pm, Monday through Friday throughout the holiday season for your shopping convenience. As always, prices for these outstanding art pieces are kept at a very reasonable
level to make them available to Alaska’s seniors. The shop invites the community to enjoy these senior advantages.
Proper Binge World Premiere
12/6/2017 – 8PM
1964 Motion Pictures & Anchorage International Film Festival
Bear Tooth Theatre Pub & Grill
1230 W 27th Ave. Anchorage
Tickets: TBA
Proper Binge, directed by Dean Q. Mitchell and Michael Burns (The Quake Brothers), is a dark comedy exposing the life of an alcoholic striving for sobriety after a drunken mishap threatens his best friend’s life.
The film stars Bradford James Jackson, Jeremy Blake, Berick Cook, Cassandre Leigh, Cheyenne Buchanan and D’artagnon Moonin, and is an official selection at the Anchorage International Film Festival, screening on Wednesday, December 6th, 2017 at 8:00p.m.
Arts & Community
Contributed by Kenda Huling, Monday Market at Palmer Depot
Monday Market AND Community Classes
11/13/2017 - 12/18/2017 – 7PM
Kenda Huling
Historical Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer
Prices Vary
Remember community schools?
Missing all those great classes? The Monday Market at Palmer Depot now offers evening classes on Mondays
A question that has been asked by many since the film wrapped in 2012, “What ever happened to Proper Binge?” This question can finally be
Proper Binge brought together an army of Alaskan filmmakers and movie enthusiasts, and was a launch pad for many prominent Alaskan filmmakers.
Sure, it took 10 long years (from script to screen), numerous re-writes, failed fundraising campaigns, hundreds of amazing talented filmmakers and/ or movie aficionados, 26 solid days of shooting, 3 unbelievably long years of post-production and a few births and deaths just to get this monster out of its cage and to create loads of anticipation...
The screening for the film will be held at the Bear Tooth Theatre Pub & Grill in Anchorage.
Many of the filmmakers, cast and crew will be in attendance. Please join us for this very special event.
Film Summary:
For Burgess Zwink, aka Buzz, wasting life is a way of life.
At 32 years old and still living with his parents, Buzz’s adult life seems to be nothing more than a continuous haze of debauchery.
That is until his carefree recklessness lands his lifelong friend in the hospital after another of his drunken mishaps.
Faced with the reality of his choices as he reluctantly forces himself into sobriety, Buzz begins to realize just how much pain he has caused to those around him. With the help of a young lnupiaq boy and an elderly, lifelong alcoholic, Buzz must face his past, present and possible future in order to take his life back from the bottle and above all else, seek forgiveness not only from those he has wronged, but from himself.
Upcoming tickets for the showing will be available at www.beartooththeatre.net
For a 20-minute behind the scenes video featuring footage of the trials and tribulations of Proper Binge, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v= _AjbPVUu6xI
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ProperBingeFilm
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProperBinge
after the Monday Market. Classes are held at the historical train depot in downtown Palmer on Monday evenings from 7pm-8:30pm.
Local businesses and professionals teach sewing, knitting, card making, fiber felting, flower arranging and much more. A schedule is in this paper and online under “Events” at www. makeasceneak.com. Classes are given by: Ewenique Designs AK, Forever Endeavor, Momma Jo’s Sewing Shop, Stamp Cache Alaska, Flower Fingers, Aurora Flowers and more.
For info and registration, see Kenda in-person at Monday Market on Mondays between 11:30am and 5:30pm, or call (907) 770-3532
Contributed by Michelle Cornelius, Valley Fine Arts Association
The Big Picture Show at Humdingers Pizza is the culture creation of VFAA past president, Martha Happs, and proprietor, Gordon Fletcher.
The revolving art show is seasonally-themed and larger than life. Each painting must be at least 30
Mr. Fletcher has been a chef since his childhood, preparing pizza and other culinary delights for his Big Lake family since a young age. Today he describes himself, wife and family as a bunch of “foodies”. He has spent many years sharing his love and expertise in making pizza with family and his church’s youth group.
After many years of employment with Alaska Department of Corrections locally and in Bethel, he took the leap of faith, betting his savings and pizza making expertise to open Humdingers in Palmer, Alaska. Besides the distinctive pies, Humdingers offers flavorful beer on tap as well as catering. Humdingers has proven to be a favorite pizza in
more detailed and expressive art on the human palette has expanded the art form into secular culture. While the roots of this art form, like almost all art, has been spiritual or cultural, modern tattoo art has more to do with individuation than tradition.
It’s this sense of self-expression that draws people into shops like Body Piercing Unlimited and Tattoo in Palmer.
The artists that do tattoo work here occasionally get a request for traditional work, like Alaskan Native tribal tattoos, but the most common
reason people in Alaska get tattoos is to commemorate certain events in their life.
“It’s therapeutic in that the physical pain helps them to externalize the pain of life says Valerie Berg, shop manager and senior piercer at Body Piercing Unlimited.
One of the oldest art forms known to man, tattooing as a craft draws many visual artists who are proficient or professional in other mediums. “I am the catalyst that puts the art on the client,” said Lakeland Wintersun. After a brief hiatus as a member of a traveling fire circus, Lakeland returned from the Lower 48 about a year ago.
Walking around Body Piercing Unlimited, all over the walls you see canvases showcasing the art of the artists, but not just flash art for tattoos. Comics and paintings, quirky and edgy, all reflect a deeper artistic
urge that fuels the tattoo industry. “Art is anything that creates motion or emotion,” Lakeland Wintersun said.
• Terry Phillips
• Judy Vars
• Karen Mattson
• Diane Paoletti
• Michelle Cornelius
• Martha Happs
Artists: VFAA Membership is $25 annually. Your membership will gain you access to information on venues such as Bear Paw River Brewery art shows, Painting workshops taught by renowned artists, annual art retreats, paint outs and more!
For more info on memberships and meetings go to www.valleyfineartsassociation.org
“Art is an expression using raw materials,” says Stevo Chancey. It’s clear when talking to the folks at Body Piercing Unlimited that art is an important topic to the staff, causing a lot of consideration and contemplation.
They take art very seriously, which is certainly something that any client would want in a tattoo artist.
Not only do they care deeply for the craft, but the combined training and experience of the staff of artists at Body Piercing Unlimited is impressive.
Art degrees, fine art, foreign language, symbolism - tattooing requires a wellrounded and knowledgeable artist.
Tattoos are not done by machines, but by people, artists who care deeply for their craft and pour real soul and thought into art that will stay with you forever.
“It’s the highest form of commitment, I think,” says Wintersun.
Contributed by Tremani Sutcliffe, Decisive Art
Watercolor Skin Tones Tutorial 12/2/2017 – 10AM Pia’s Custom Framing 1201 Lucille St. Wasilla FREE Event
1. The first step in any watercolor painting is to “kill” the white of the paper. This makes it easier to correctly judge the value of your color. I want this piece to have a warm undertone to help keep the subsequent layers of color from becoming too cool. I apply a very watered down wash of yellow ochre over the entire paper. Then, I apply a light wash of rose madder to the skin, where it has a pink or rosy hue. I let the painting dry.
2. I then use washes of cobalt blue, followed by dry-brushing, to build up the values throughout the painting. I also use this on the skin to define form by applying it where the skin is darker.
3. The baby’s skin is much lighter in value than her dad’s, so I don’t use as much blue on her. I also begin layering washes of rose madder and burnt sienna. I let the painting dry between washes. I also control the value of each wash by using a higher water to paint ratio where I want lighter value, and a higher ratio of paint to water where I want darker values.
4. I continue to layer in the skin tones with washes of burnt sienna, yellow ochre, rose madder and raw umber. Skin tones don’t look realistic in a painting without color variation. So, I apply these washes individually, and only where I think the skin tone needs to be more yellow or red, etc. When necessary, I use a small bristle brush to scrub and a paper towel to blot and lift out the paint wherever I need lighter skin tones.
5. For the rest of the painting, I apply washes of complementary colors to dull and darken my paint and control my shading. Since the shorts are a blue/green color, I applied a wash of orange to darken my values and show form.
6. When I am happy with the colors and values in the painting, I make sure it’s dry. Then I apply a wash of pure water, with a clean brush. I make sure to keep the pressure light, and not scrub out the colors. Then I let the painting dry. This layer of pure water functions as a unifying wash, allowing the pigment on the paper to subtly and softly blend. Here you can see the progression of the painting stages, and what the final skin tones look like.
Camille Hurst, Encaustic Artist, Art Display 11/16/2017 – 12/1/2017 Mat-Su College
8295 College Dr. Palmer FREE Admission
Camille Hurst, encaustic artist, will be displaying her art at the Mat-Su College Gallery, Room 200 in the Fred and Sara Machetanz Building through December 1st.
Camille Hurst works in wax for its fluidity, versatility and resilience The encaustic process captures movement, emotion and luminosity.
Creative Writing Poetry
Contributed by Larissa Peltier
Enchanting Creatures
Chapter 4
There was something different in her mother’s eyes. Karice did not want to hand over her baby sister to it. She jerked her head towards the cradle. “It’s her nap time, I’ll put her to sleep,” she said, trying to sound nonchalant about it even though her chest was tight with fear.
“Karice, listen to me right now! Give her to me!” Beija demanded.
“No, she needs a nap or she’ll get cranky!” Karice refused her mother with all the authority her high voice could muster.
Beija lost her patience. She dropped the spoon back into the pot and angrily walked over to Karice and tried to pry the baby from her arms, but the stubborn little girl would not let go. Icene grew frightened from the jostling and began to cry.
Karice started crying too. “I know what you’re going to do and I’ll tell Papa,” she threatened through her tears.
Beija took a step back in shock at her daughter’s sharp words. Then she grew angry and wrenched the baby from Karice’s arms and set her down on the floor. Grabbing Karice by her upper arm, she dragged the protesting girl to the door.
“Don’t talk to me like that, you insolent brat,” Beija said as she cast Karice outside and locked the door.
Karice was terrified for Icene. She banged her fists on the door shouting, “No Mama, not her! Use me Mama, please! I’ll do it Mama, not Icene! Mamaaaa!” Karice turned to run to their neighbor, Mirren’s. The elderly healer lived on the other side of the valley and it would be too late by the time she reached her, but Karice did not know what else to do. Her mother was mad and
Mirren was the nearest adult. She ran across the paving stones towards the path that led down to the river, but halted abruptly at the sight that came into view.
Riven left the house at dawn with a heavy heart. He packed enough possessions for the trip, but an unsettled feeling remained the whole morning as he rode his horse on the narrow mountain trail. He had everything he needed, but the argument with his wife would not leave his mind. Such a bitter one, and unresolved when he departed. That was a first. He was used to Beija’s disappointment with her life, but what could he do? They had two daughters that needed a safe place to grow up. If Beija couldn’t accept the sacrifice she believed she made living in the mountains, then that was unfortunate. He didn’t like the idea of breaking her spirit, but it was his responsibility to decide what was best for their family. Break her spirit and overpower her will with his own, he didn’t want to do it. It was her fiery nature that had drawn him to her in their youth. But with his children’s well-being on the line, Beija would just have to learn to be a good mother because the days of battle and enchantment were over for them.
Riven closed his eyes at the memory of those exciting days. He and Beija had met in the midst of the last Domain War. It was he who lost, his heart captured, his good sense conquered. What a vixen she was, with the sparkle in her eye that brought him to his knees and a smile that enslaved him. Riven snapped to the present. Now they were parents with a new mission, one far more important - the mission to protect and provide for their daughters as best they could.
And if that meant that he had to isolate Beija and the girls deep in the wild ranges of Lindane, then it would be so and no other way. But her silence. It was as if she had given up on communicating with him. And her eyes, her pretty eyes were hard and set.
Riven reigned in his horse. Maybe he should’ve stayed and taken Beija on an outing to wherever she wanted to go. Mirren wouldn’t mind looking after the girls for a day. Maybe that would make her happy, just the two of them alone and traveling like when they first met. Yes, that look in her eyes was bad and he couldn’t leave her like that. Riven whirled his steed around on its heels. He kicked his hose into a swift gallop despite the treacherous path. He didn’t know why the urgency, just that it was necessary.
Riven reached his house and his stomach dropped. He dismounted and caught up his desperate daughter in his arms, trying to make sense of her hysterics. “Mama has Icene! Stop her, she’s gonna hurt her! She’s got Icene and she locked the door!”
Riven’s eyes widened. She wouldn’t, not their own child. She couldn’t. It was too painful to think she would. He strode to the house and busted the door open with one determined kick. There stood his wife with ladle in hand. Riven’s worse fear was true and he raged inside. There, writhing at Beija’s feet, was his baby. He ran to Icene and cradled her in his arms. Icene looked at him with large eyes, trusting her father to make the terrible pain stop. But Riven was helpless as she screamed. “Do something!” he yelled at Beija.
“Enchantment can’t be undone,” she replied, and left the room.
Community Events
RUNNING OF THE BEERS 5ISHK:
A COLONY CHRISTMAS EVENT
12/9/2017 – 3PM
Bleeding Heart Brewery, Active Soles Performance Footwear, Alaska Picker
Bleeding Heart Brewery
16013 Outer Springer Loop Rd. Palmer FREE Event
COLONY CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS
12/9/2017 - 5PM
Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Palmer FREE Event www.palmerchamber.org
A TIME OF GIVING CHRISTMAS PARTY & FUNDRAISER
12/9/2017 – 6PM
Filipino American Community of Matsu - Kabayan Inc.
Amazing Grace Academy
2238 Inner Springer Loop, Palmer Tickets: $10 Singles/Couples, $20 Families of 5, $5 Additional Family Members
SING WE ALL NOEL
12/9/2017 – 7PM
Alaska Children’s Choir
St. John Lutheran Church
440 E. Elmwood Ave. Palmer
Tickets: $10 - (907) 982-5467 alaskachildrenschoir@yahoo.com
HOLIDAY FAVORITES: 2017
WINTER CONCERT
12/10/2017 – 4PM
Mat-Su Community Chorus
St. John’s Lutheran Church 440 E Elmwood Ave. Palmer
Tickets: FREE Students/Seniors, $5 General www.matsucommunitychorus.org
FELTED FIBER BOWL (C)
12/11/2017 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot
The Alaskan Nutcracker
December 7-9, 2017
Sonja’s Studio of Dance & Glenn
Massay Theater
8295 E College Dr. Palmer
Tickets: $15 Students, $20 General
Come celebrate the holiday season with the sights and sounds of the magical Alaskan Nutcracker! As a Colony Christmas event, Sonja’s
Historical Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer
Cost: $35 - (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
SEWN CHRISTMAS FLEECE JACKET
12/11/2017 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot
Historical Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer
Cost: $45 - (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
BEER MEETS CHOCOLATE
12/15/2017 - 5:30PM
Arkose Brewery
650 E Steel Loop, Palmer
Cost: $25 - (907) 746-BEER info@arkosebrewery.com www.arkosebrewery.com
MMM... MEXICAN COOKING CLASS
12/15/2017 - 6PM
Nourished Health Coaching Services
The Nourished Kitchen
6330 N Britchenstrap Dr. Palmer
Cost: $60 - (907) 982-9933 nourishedak@gmail.com www.nourishedak.com
MAT-SU CONCERT BAND HOLIDAY CONCERT
12/16/2017 - 7:30PM, 12/17/2017 - 4PM
Mat-Su Concert Band
Glenn Massay Theater
8295 E College Dr. Palmer
Tickets: FREE (Ages 0-5), $7 Students, $15 General www.matsuconcertband.org
SEWN HOME DECOR PILLOWS & CURTAINS
12/18/2017 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot
Historical Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer
Cost: $45 - (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
Altogether Tuesdays
Every Tuesday - 7PM
Messie Jesse & Jammin’ Buds
Houston Lodge Marketplace
16966 West Parks Hwy. Houston FREE Event
All Together Tuesdays is an open-mic night and music jam session held on Tuesdays at the Houston Lodge and Marketplace, right before Miller›s Market in Houston, Alaska.
Most nights it is both solo performances and awesome collaborations between the various musicians that are there each Tuesday. Any genre is welcome and any level of musician is encouraged to come up to sing and/or play.
We have had the spectrum of ages, instruments and talents so far – from jaw-dropping guitar picking to a-cappella singing to a genre I am trying to make hot called reggae-grass-funk. We try to foster an environment where you feel like you can play whatever you want, and it is comfortable to play live whether it be a new instrument, new song or a whole new concept of performing for other people. There is also a full bar and restaurant, and the audience that comes along with it!
All Together Tuesdays are held every Tuesday at 7pm. Hope to see you there!
Studio of Dance and the Glenn Massay Theater will be bringing a beloved holiday tradition to the Mat-Su Valley, with The Alaskan Nutcracker, on Thursday, December 7th at 7pm, Friday, December 8th at 7pm and Saturday, December 9th at 2pm and again at 7pm, in the magnificent Glenn Massay Theater on the Mat-u College Campus in Palmer.
Wasilla Community
Christmas Celebration 12/2/2017 – 1PM
Wasilla Museum & Visitors Center
323 N Main St. Wasilla FREE Event
Welcome the holiday season at our 30th Annual Wasilla Community Christmas Celebration on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm.
The City of Wasilla and the Wasilla Museum & Visitor’s Center (formerly known as the Dorothy G. Page Museum) invite you to join us at 323 N. Main Street to kick-off the festivities. Enjoy our Mistletoe Valley with live musical performances with Hillary
Saffron and The Feral Cats, children’s activities, wagon rides, refreshments and our annual tree lighting ceremony. This event is free and open to the public.
Don’t be left out in the cold this holiday season and come close out the City of Wasilla’s centennial celebrations with us!
About Wasilla Museum & Visitors Center: Located at 323 N Main Street, next to the former Wasilla Public Library, the Museum is open Tuesday through Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm. For more information and a detailed list of events, please contact the Museum at (907) 373-9071 or visit www.cityofwasilla.com/museum
Contributed by Messie Jessie and Jammin’ Buds
usually outside, and accessible to all.
Currently there are pieces of public art on display throughout Alaska, including hundreds of pieces of artwork in the Anchorage area, and the Alaska State Council on the Arts is currently developing a database of all existing state-funded public art projects.
New projects and requests frequently come up, and an online site, CaFE, or www.Call for Entry.org, has a nationwide listing of proposals for Art in
Community Events
Trees of the Valley: A Holiday Celebration 11/18/2017 – 5PM Glenn Massay Theater 8395 E College Dr. Palmer FREE Event
Kick off the holiday season with the Glenn Massay Theater as they present the Trees of the Valley: A Holiday Celebration on November 18th from 5pm - 9pm!
Enjoy family fun activities, live music,
steel sculpture attached to the retaining wall. This 100 foot long sculpture consists of steel cutouts of moose, birds, and Alaskan scenery.
Nicolene drew her original design on graph paper, and then positioned and arranged the individual shapes to fit 8 ft. by 20 ft. steel sheets. Then she took her drawings to a specialized steel cutter in Anchorage.
A specialized alloy weathering steel was selected, in 3/8-inch thick sheets. This particular alloy was chosen
take pictures with Santa, see a live reindeer, eat yummy holiday treats and then come into the theater and watch Disney’s The Santa Clause! This event is free for the whole family!
There will be a showcase of local business sponsored “theme trees” displayed in the Glenn Massay Theater lobby and featured not only at the Trees of the Valley event, but also throughout various events such as:
because she wanted only the top layer to rust. Each steel plate weighed over 3100 pounds and, as you’re starting to see, this was not a simple project. The steel moose, for instance, weighs as much as a real moose.
After the designs were cut and loaded on a truck, Nicolene brought them to Palmer and laid out the pieces in her gravel pit. There she applied her final touches – distressing, bending and accelerated rusting – to achieve her particular artistic vision.
Months later, as the Glenn Highway construction was nearing completion, the art project was ready to “hang”. Nicolene arrived on-site with her sculptures, and the contractor arranged for a crane and some labor to help fix the metal sculptures to the wall.
The sculptures were intentionally spaced from the wall to add shadows and a 3D effect, as well as to avoid rust stains on the light concrete.
She also made a similar sculpture (but only 75 feet long) at a retaining wall along the Glenn Highway near Eagle River. This sculpture, Eagle Valley, depicts eagles and mountain scenes.
And don’t forget the metal fish on the Fly Over Bridge at the Glenn and Parks intersection…
Sonja’s Studio of Dance: Traditions: December 1st - 2nd The Alaskan Nutcracker: December 7th - 9th
Mat-Su Concert Band Christmas Concert: December 16th -17th
For more information on Trees of the Valley please visit us at www.glennmassaytheater.com, come by 8395 E College Drive, Palmer, Alaska 99654 or call 907-746-9300
Music & Entertainment
July of this year.
In a study
Contributed
by
Kate Patterson
Li’l Bitty Ditties is new to the Matanuska Valley. Wanting to spend intentional and meaningful time with my grandchildren, I began taking them to Music Together classes in Anchorage because there were no classes in the Valley. That’s how I got hooked.
I began teaching Music Together through Timbre Music Studio out of Anchorage in 2014.
At the end of the 2016-2017 school year, I retired after 20 years of elementary music teaching at Cottonwood Creek Elementary School in Wasilla, and started Li’l Bitty Ditties in
published in the Journal of Neuroscience in 2013, researchers found that lessons and exposure to music can positively affect brain development and behavior in children.
“Highly-skilled musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Oscar Peterson and Pablo Casals began training in early childhood, all before the age of 7 years,” the study stated. “Such observations suggest that there may be a sensitive period when early musical training has greater effects on the brain and behavior than training later in life.”
In Music Together at Li’l Bitty Ditties, your little one will be able to begin to develop the full potential of their musical capacity through your support and musical play.
Christmas/Family Play directed by Cory Rausa
11/24/2017 – 12/17/2017
Valley Performing Arts
251 W Swanson Ave. Wasilla.
Tickets: $17 Students/Seniors, $19 General
The classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the path to his redemption. All of the beloved characters are there to ensure that the true spirit of the holidays will be alive and well!
Several times in the early years of my 40 years of teaching piano, I heard master teachers, great performers and designers of method books say something about notes being the least important item for musicians to master. In a University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) class on piano literature, I finally got it.
Jean-Paul Billaud told us that when we turn the page in a Mozart sonata, that first note at the top of the new page was not only a place on the piano, but a note with a purpose. It could be a melody note at the beginning or end of a phrase, so how you play it matters a lot. Then, there is that note’s purpose: Is it a “hook” to a new section of the melody? Is it fighting to be heard above a fat, heavy chord in the other hand? In other words, everything else on the music matters more than just the note that only tells you where the sound must happen. Musicianship identifies how that sound should happen.
Over the years, I exploded with praise whenever a student discovered and used
a volume or texture mark, or did a singing phrase that was musical and stood by itself. The most frequent question I would ask was, “Since you played all the notes, what other “orders” did you miss? Can you point them out to me, and tell me what they mean?”
I felt so good when my middle daughter went to University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and I heard about her audition to join the music department. At the next conference of our professional group, the head of the UAF music department told me that, until that audition, he had never heard an incoming student who knew how to play compositions of various periods of music in the absolute correct style intended by the composers. I think I glowed the entire weekend. Of course, my daughter switched majors to theater, but I still brag about her.
One of the missing pieces of the puzzle happens when a piano teacher wants students to try all sorts of styles from Bach to Joplin to country or the Beatles. The problem comes because those older styles of music are not often heard by the students.
It is a real shame, because some radio stations have programs of older or classical music. In addition, CDs are available from catalogues at low prices.
With those tools, a family can help expose themselves to styles that have been beloved for generations. All this can help a student become a more aware concert-goer, as well as enjoy the fun of producing sounds they learn to love.
Contributed by Sally Hitchcock
