he new 520-seat Glenn Massay Theater, located on the University of Alaska’s Mat-Su College Campus, is able to host a variety of events including plays, musicals, lectures, concerts, festivals, benefits, recitals, receptions, movie screenings, receptions and more!
Contributed by valley performing arts directed by marcia beck
Valley Performing Arts brings to the stage this delightfully written holiday comedy, being directed by Marcia Beck, veteran actress and award winning director (Season 38’s The Dixie Swim Club).
Audition times are: Saturday, August 29th, from 1pm to 4pm and Sunday, August 30th, from 5pm to 7pm Mix together a batch of fruitcakes, three dozen Christmas trees, 10,000 outdoor Christmas lights, a chicken pox epidemic, two southern spinsters, an estranged old man, a lost cat named
“Tutti Frutti” and a Christmas hog named “Buster” and you’ve got the recipe for a fun-filled and touching evening of holiday cheer.
Into this world comes Jamie, a kid who has run away from home and come as far as his money will take him.
At first he thinks this town’s inhabitants are “nuttier than fruitcakes,” but soon he comes to admire, appreciate and adore this nutty little town.
A moving story of alienation, understanding and reconciliation, just in time for the holidays.
We will be looking for: 4 Men, 4 Women, 6 Boys, 7 girls, and approximately 5-7 extras (boys/girls).
visit our website www.valleyperformingarts.org and click on the “Auditions” link for more information.
Auditions will be held at Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Avenue.
Download the audition form at www.valleyperformingarts.org or contact VPA at 373-0195
Whale Fat Follies
When: August 18, 2015 6:45pm
Cost: Ticket Prices Vary Website: alaskapac.centertix.net/ eventperformances.asp?evt=1465
Where: Tap Root Public House 21+
s U Gallery: ‘r’
When: August 19, 2015 9am-4pm
Website: www.uaa.alaska.edu/calendar/ mastercalendar.cfm
Where: 3211 Providence Drive
Who: UAA Student Union Gallery
ANTI B A ck-T o-School cA r NI vA l
When: August 19, 2015 10am-12pm
Cost: Child: $10 Adult: Free Website: www.facebook.com/ events/959456497410671
Where: 3801 Old Seward Highway Suite 9
Who: Kaleidoscape Play Studio
The vA lley r ev I vA l #3
When: August 21, 2015 2-10pm
Cost: Free Admission
Where: Wonderland Park
Who: Grover Kneely, Jerry Wessling, Denimocalypse, Tristan Beach, Lady and the Tramp, Transitions
r ock s ho W at t he Gasli G ht
When: August 21, 2015 8:30pm
Cost: Free Admission
Where: The Gaslight Lounge
Who: The Jephries, Ships Without Harbor, RunLikeHell 21+
The vA lley r ev I vA l #4
When: August 28, 2015 2-10pm
Cost: Free Admission
Where: Wonderland Park
Who: Bullet Proof Jay, The Henchmen, All That Counts, Val Tiel, Charlie Doesn’t Surf, Transitions
D Av ID N AI l AT Al AS k A S TAT e FAI r
When: September 1, 2015 7pm
Cost: Ticket Prices Vary Website: www.alaskastatefair.org/david-nail
Where: Kendall Toyota of Anchorage Borealis Theatre
Who: David Nail
2015 a nn U al l ast Ball Gol F t o U rnament
When: September 11, 2015 11:45am
Cost: $125 Per Player
Where: Settlers Bay Golf Course
2015 oU tr U n t he sU n r ace aG ainst m elanoma
When: September 12, 2015 6pm
Website: Register at www.outrunthesun.org
Where: DG Signs, 1970 S Whiting Circle
oN e More T IM ea t ri BU te t o Da F t P U nk
When: September 12, 2015 8pm
Cost: Ticket Prices Vary Website: www.facebook.com/ events/1445695485759560/
Where: Williwaw, 609 F St 21+
a laska Dressa G e a ssociation
Dressa G e s ho W
When: August 15-16, 2015 9am
Cost: Free
Website: www.alaskadressage.org
Where: William Clark Chamberlin Equestrian Center, 3900 Abbot Road
Who: Alaska Dressage Association
Points r acin G
When: August 15-16, 2015 10am-6pm
Cost: $15 adults, $12 seniors/military, $10 1115, free 10 and under
Website: www.akracewaypark.com
Where: 5599 Race Way
Who: Alaska Raceway Park
Wil D Bir D Won D ers
When: September 12, 2015 5:30-8:30pm
Cost: $55 per ticket, $385 per table of 8
Website: www.akwildbird.org
Where: Best Western Lake Lucille Inn
Pre G nancy r etreat
When: August 15-16, 2015 10am-5pm
Cost: $259
Website: www.serenitygrows.com/pregnancyretreats
Where: Alpine Rose Inn, 3105 N Talbot Circle, Wasilla
Who: Serenity Grows
TA lkee TNA T IN y I M prov Fe STI vA l
When: September 4-5, 2015 7-9:30pm
Cost: $10 - 12
Website: www.denaliartscouncil.org
Where: Sheldon Community Arts Hangar, Talkeetna
Who: Denali Drama / Iditaprov
Parlor in the r o U n D
When: September 11, 2015 7:30-9:30pm
Cost: $10 - 12
Website: www.denaliartscouncil.org
Where: Sheldon Community Arts Hangar, Talkeetna
Who: Kevin Worrell & Denali Drama
SMIle eASe cD/ vINyl releASe pArT y FEATURING HAZIA, MATT HOPPER & THE ROMAN CANDLES
AUGUST 29TH @ 9:30PM AT THE TAPROOT
chicaGo the mUsical Mat-Su College and the Glenn Massay Theater’s first production of the year will be... “Chicago: The Musical”! Want to play Roxie, Velma, Mama, Billy, Amos, or Mary Sunshine?
Then don’t miss auditions on August 27th at 6:00pm!
Come ready with a 60 - 90 second monologue, 32 bars to sing, and clothes to dance in! Callbacks will be the 28th and 29th if needed.
Don’t have a monologue or song, come anyway and we will have you read something and sing for us. Look forward to seeing you all there!!
The Glenn Massay Theater is so excited to start the Alaska Home Concert Series.
Featuring Alaskan Bands for Alaskan Audiences, the aim of the series is to bring Alaska bands into our state of the art facility for our local audience to enjoy all the talent that Alaska has to offer!
Kicking off the series will be The Wayward Souls feat. Marian Call, Seth Boyer and Steven Bacon on September 12, 2015. The Alaskan Home Concert Series will feature a new Alaskan band about once a month at The Glenn Massay Theater.
www.glennmassaytheater.com
8395 E College Dr, Palmer 907-746-9300
Contributed by donna t urner d’s t uxedo formal Wear & gifts
The history of gift giving dates back to the early Roman festivals held each January. It was customary for the Emperor’s administration to present him with gifts of evergreen branches. Eventually the gifts evolved into honey and cakes representing sweetness and prosperity for the coming year.
In the beginning, the wedding gift tradition is said to have developed from the dowry given by the bride or her parents as a part of the marriage arrangement. Depending on the country, the dowry may have been given by the bride’s family as a form of payment for their daughter. Often marriages were arranged by families in order to merge family fortunes.
The bridal dowry contained the necessary items that the bride needed to set up the household. Items included towels, linens, silver, china, glassware, silverware and other household needs. Eventually the dowry slowly disappeared and a more modern tradition was the “hope chest”.
A wedding gift is a thoughtful gesture of well wishes for the couple. The receipt of a gift is to always be acknowledged by sending a personal handwritten thank you note referencing how much you appreciate the gift.
Remember, if you are invited to a wedding the bride and groom consider you to hold a valuable place in their life and want to honor you by including you in this important and personal event. You should view an wedding invitation to be an outward show of respect and tribute to you. A wedding gift is more than a symbolic way of saying “Congratulations.”
It should be thoughtful, personal and a way for the couple to be reminded of the bond between you and them. What the modern bride and groom need today is cash. A cash gift is no longer considered impersonal. A cash gift is so personal that it often allows the couple to purchase the final piece of the puzzle that was missing when they began to merged their lives together.
At a wedding reception, the Gift Table is normally situated close to the Guest Book signing table. When guests arrive typically the greeting card is tucked up under the bow of the gift. As a suggested tip, have your guest book attendant tape the card securely to the gift.
This way the card will not be misplaced and the couple will know exactly who gave the gift especially if numerous other cards are loosely placed on top of the gift. It would be horribly embarrassing to not personally thank the correct gift giver.
Traditionally the bride and groom purchase gifts for their wedding party. Remember, your Best Man deserves the best. He’s hosting the bachelor’s party, holding the rings, toasting your union and supporting you all the way.
Lets not forget the Maid of Honor. Before the wedding take your Maid of Honor to lunch or for a special beauty treatment. At a pre-wedding party or get together, give your gift to each Bridesmaid personally. If any of them live far away, greet them when they arrive with their gift and a special welcome bouquet.
Traditional Wedding Gift Checklist: Bride, Groom, Maid of Honor, Best Man, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Flower Girl, Ring Bearer, Groom, Ushers.
Bride
Traditional Bride and Groom gift giving includes parents, officiate/ clergy, wedding coordinator, hostess, guest book attendant, musicians, readers and helpers.
A personalized message of gratitude will mean so much to the people who gave their time to make your day a cherished memory. Consider giving your parents and other special people their gifts at a dinner party or brunch you have arranged just for them after your honeymoon. It could be your first dinner party as a married couple!
Contributed
by
nan potts
The Chorus will have its first rehearsal for the season in the Choir Room of Wasilla High School, September 10th, 7pm to 9pm. Come join us in an evening of rejoining friendships, making new ones and welcoming back our Music Director, Anna Crowther. Anna will be conducting a exciting season for the chorus beginning at Palmer’s Colony Christmas featuring caroling and a special Christmas concert.
This is your opportunity to participate with, The Musical Ambassadors of the Mat-Su Valley, the Mat-Su Community Chorus. It’s not a factor if time has passed
since you last sang or you are a shower singer, a car singer, a home alone singer. Do you sing to your animals without them howling? Do you sing to your children and they actually fall asleep? Or, are you a budding vocalist? If you have honestly answered yes, to any one of these questions then, the Mat-Su Community Chorus is in need of your voice (bodies must be included!).
You may have heard of the group and have seen photographs is in this magazine as well as our listing in the Community Calendar. Articles have been written about the variety of music we perform and the talented directors we have entertained.
The Mat-Su Community Chorus has its roots here in The Valley beginning in the 1970’s and has been recognized as a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization, since July 2009.
The chorus has no limitations on its number of members and right now, we are thirty members strong. Our long term goal is to grow the chorus to sixty or greater. If you have attended one of our performances, you are aware of the joyful noise we can make. We just ask you to assist.
> no auditioning required. Come try us out for the month of September and you can make your decision wether to join us once you have wetted your whistle. We are a
very fun-loving, caring, entertaining bunch of experienced and talented singers. Come join in the fun.
The Chorus looks towards its future in continuing its growing membership and embraces all who wish to participate.
> rehearsal schedule: Thursday nights, 7pm to 9pm, in the Choir Room at Wasilla High School. Membership fees, $40.00 per semester.
You may contact us at matsucomshourus@gmail.com or arrive on Thursday, September 10th.
We’ll be eagerly awaiting you!
AUGUST 15TH @ 7PM - H3
AUGUST 22ND @ 7PM - Woodrow
Smile Ease, Anchorage’s shimmering music collective, proudly present their second LP, The Lion Rampant. The Smile Ease, comprised of Joseph Bougeois, Paul Jacks, Eric Price, Clint Sanders, H. Troy, and Ian Worthington, promise a poppy, new wave, indie rock rollercoaster.
Jacks, producer and lead songwriter, says The Lion Rampant is a concept-driven, heart-spinning somersault of a record. He says the new Smile Ease sound has been stylized to surpass the band’s first self-titled, songwriter’s showcase released in 2007.
Available on both CD and vinyl, The Lion Rampant possesses a progressive mid-70s sound on songs such as “To What Degree” and “If I Was.” Equally impressive, the record boasts the
harmonic, ‘60s pop magic of the Beatles, Velvet Underground, and David Bowie on “Sweet Dementia,” “Drawing a Blank,” and “Adam Says.”
Balancing a louder rock noise with softer, subtler, synthesizing tones, Smile Ease innovate collaboratively to blend strings, percussion, and vocals seamlessly. Eric Price, guitarist, says he appreciates the bands ability to draw on the players diverse musical backgrounds from his own heavier rock training to Jacks’ sentimental, keyboard-driven songwriting to Sanders’ dynamic drum crashes.
The Smile Ease close their new record with an ironic anthem titled “How to Never Land on Your Feet,” lamenting the solipsistic, Sisyphean utopia created within an artist’s own ambition. Their
sound strives to reach music lovers of all walks from those looking for a night of dancing to the close attentive listener.
> SMILE EASE CD/VINYL RELEASE PARTY
> FEATURING HAZIA, MATT HOPPER & THE ROMAN CANDLES
> AUGUST 29TH @ 9:30PM AT THE TAPROOT
“With roots in Wasilla, Alaska, you could say that Portugal. The Man is returning home...”
> Kendall toyota of a nchorage borealis theatre
> Wednesday, september 2nd @ 7:00pm
With roots in Wasilla, Alaska, you could say that Portugal. The Man is returning home when the rock band takes the stage at the Fair this summer. Portugal. The Man’s John Gourley and Zachary Carothers met and began playing music together in high school in their hometown of Wasilla. The band moved to Portland in 2004, and has spent the past 10 years making music and touring the world.
With a reputation as one of the most exciting and sought-after live bands on the festival circuit today, the band has headlined shows around the world and played major notable festivals including Bonnaroo, Coachella, Lollapalooza and more. In 2014, Portugal. The Man coheadlined the first of three Honda Civic Tours with Grouplove.
The band’s albums include Evil Friends, Modern Jesus, In the Mountain In the Cloud, American Ghetto, Waiter: You Vultures!, Censored Colors, Church Mouth and The Satanic Satanist.
Top songs include “Modern Jesus,” “Purple Yellow Red and Blue,” “Evil Friends,” “Atomic Man” and “So American.”
In addition to Gourley and Carothers, current band members also include Kyle O’Quin and Jason Sechrist.
“...With a reputation as one of the most exciting and sought-after live bands on the festival circuit today, the band has headlined shows around the world and played major notable festivals...”
Steve Kaufman, Peppino D’Agostino, Brooks Williams, Emory Lester, Ellis, Mark Stuart, Jim Boggia, and Steve Baughman to Perform in Anchorage
t ickets are now on sale for the 13th a nnual aag C* instructor Concert to be held at the taproot p ublic House at 3300 spenard rd., in a nchorage at 7:00 p.m., on thursday, september 3rd, 2015.
This year’s event will again be co-sponsored by KNBA 90.3 FM. Italian-born fingerstylist Peppino D’Agostino will share one stage with three-time national flatpicking champion Steve Kaufman, Prairie Home Companion Singer-Songwriter Ellis, Blues artist Brooks Williams, and mandolinist Emory Lester. Other performing artists include Nashville’s Mark Stuart, Steve Baughman on Clawhammer Guitar and Banjo, and Philadelphia’s Jim Boggia on Ukulele.
Tickets (only $19.00 each) are currently available at the Taproot Public House, online at TapRootAlaska.com, or by calling 907-345-0282.
Acoustic Alaska Guitar Camp [AAGC] is an annual event offering music enthusiasts at all levels the opportunity to spend a week in Wasilla, Alaska studying acoustic guitar, mandolin, ukulele, banjo, songwriting, and voice under the tutelage of prominent recording artists from around the world.
These recording-artists-turnedinstructors will perform in Anchorage for one night only at the Taproot Public House with proceeds going to support the camp.
a ll inquiries should be directed to Joe becker, Camp director 331-4864 or by e-mail at camp@acousticalaska.com.
Acoustic Alaska Guitar Camp [AAGC] is an annual event offering music enthusiasts at all levels the opportunity to spend a week in Wasilla, Alaska studying acoustic guitar, mandolin, ukulele, banjo, songwriting, and voice under the tutelage of prominent recording artists from around the world.
Contributed by sandy sandvik Have you ever had a massage?
Most of us have had some sort of a massage, either at home, in a business, by a friend, etc… .But, why do we have massage?
Well most people will say, “because it feels so good”, or “it sure helps me get through the week”, or “I sleep much better when I have regular massages” the list is endless for reasons and benefits of massage.
The point I am getting to is this –Massage is touch. Touch heals. We as humans NEED touch. Healing touch is amazing. As a society, we are touch deprived and this can lead to disease or emotional dysfunction.
From the cradle to the nursing home, tactile stimulation and the
FaithContributed by tom stearns, Wasi Chaplain
“School Days” is an American popular song written in 1907 by Will Cobb and Gus Edwards. Its subject is of a mature couple looking back sentimentally on their childhood together in primary school.
The best known part of the song is its chorus:
School days, school days, Dear old Golden Rule days, ‘Reading and ‘riting and ‘rithmetic’, Taught to the tune of the hick’ry stick, You were my queen in calico, I was your bashful, barefoot beau, And you
emotional assurance of caring touch bring about a sense of well-being and security.
Massage is so beneficial to the body, mind and spirit. But what if that hour of massage did more for you than just take the pressures of the day away? What if that gentle, Swedish massage helped you combat cancer? What if bodywork helped you recover from a strained hamstring in half the time? What if your sleep, digestion and mood all improved with massage and bodywork? What if these weren't just "what ifs"?
They aren’t. Massage has immediate affects on the body as well as long lasting affects and they reach the body at a cellular level. Below are a list of some of the benefits of massage therapy.
• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
wrote on my slate, “I Love You, Joe”, When we were a couple o’ kids. Although those days are past we send our children and grandchildren back to school each September. They are taught about reading, writing, arithmetic, and science.
God wants all of us to be students of the Bible. Second Timothy 2:15 states, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
The Bible is a tool to help fight the battles in life. Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “For the word of God is quick,
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.
Compassion, Empathy, Understanding and Knowledge are key factors in picking your massage therapist. Written by Sandy Sandvik, LMT @ ReVive YOU & Altair Chiropractic.
and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
True wisdom comes from the pages of the Bible. It tells us how to live life. It tells us who, what, when, where, and how of life. No other book can do that.
That is because “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of
God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
I would encourage you to pick up your Bible and study it. You could start at the beginning and read about creation, original sin, the flood, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and the establishment of the nation of Israel, all in the book of Genesis. You could read about Jesus in the book of John. Or you see how it all ends in the book of Revelation. It is an exciting book.
Questions? Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
By nan Potts
There once was a poet from Palmer, Writing poems to amuse and becalm her. Serendipity reigned, Wondrous talent she gained. And, these poems help to soothe and de-qualm her.
By Barbara Banks
Tiny little red silk shoes, no bigger than a wren Made with pride and sewn with love with gold and silver thread.
Tiny little golden flowers embroidered with such care With happy scenes of hopes and dreams her daughter soon would wear.
A mother bent to yellow lamp, she deftly sews each stitch, as she thinks backward to a time her mother sewed each stitch. The loss of freedom, loneliness, the terrible endless pain All for the Golden Lotus feet and the husband they would gain.
By yvonne Moss
Up, down, over, 'round, What a day to play. Adornment, full expression found In diamonds not in clay.
By Josh Fryfogle
Tyranny isn't afraid of your guns
Go to the gun store, buy every one
Tyranny controls your guns with your fear
Go to the gun range - plug up your ears
Tyranny is the State of man
Go any place, in every land
Tyranny fears the littlest seed
More than the guns you think that you need
Tyranny likes that you think you are free
Let's you have guns, but won't let you see
That all of these weapons of war are so weak
Compared to the truth and the wisdom to speak...
By tyler Deemer
There is a time for hope, they call it dreaming, And it is while dreaming that thoughts and visions of all kinds come to me, Me? There is to much of you for any of me left, sadly you no longer care, Caring is what you always did best yet ships sail and forests burn, “Burn my things” I said, so where do we go from here?
Here are my hands to mend your wounded heart, Hearts are like animals they are yearning, concerning or spurning, Spurn me as you may, tear me apart and seek your justice, Liberté! Liberté! Is all I hear behind your words.
By Austa Smith
I sing the song of Blues and Loneliness today And ask God, "Please take my hand in yours. Let us walk quietly together, Through fair and foul weather, Caring and sharing memories on the way."
This Angel, watching over me, who melts away all fear, Continues to remind me and says, very kindly, "I am always your friend. Will you be mine, to the end? And, we'll stroll in love near and dear."
I've known so many cheerful days, plentiful and smart. Whatever Life's cup hands out to me, Challis, full or empty, I will choose If given for me to win or lose. I must go on, never giving up my heart.
Down Life's road are better days ahead for me, I trust. I go on of my faithful journey, Cling fast to friends and kin, Lifting others' loads and sin, To follow through on promises, I must.
"If I were you and you were me, what a fine fiddle That would be," so the saying goes. I'd change it to, "If I were you And you'd be me, That's a very fine cup of stew, with company."
Life is good but I've come to know, it's such a short, short span. To understand what's in store for us, We may not come to comprehend.
It's a cleaver guise, I've realized, With happiness in God's generous plan.
Contributed by Jess l ederman
When Onesimus and his first wife were told she had ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), they were living near Dallas, Texas, close to some of the best medical care in the country.
Knowing that she’d face the loss of all motor skills over the next two years, a small town in far-off Alaska seemed like the last place to which they’d want to move.
But one winter, several years ago, that’s exactly where they went.
“I have no doubt it was the prompting of the Holy Spirit that led us here,” says the man who calls himself Onesimus, (the name of the runaway slave who was the inspiration for the Apostle Paul’s letter to Philemon in the New Testament). Seven years earlier, he and his wife, both having just turned 50, had been atheists. Then, one day, a discussion on the radio led them to the writings of C.S. Lewis, the author of the Narnia Chronicles and Mere Christianity, and one of the greatest Christian thinkers of all time. “Lewis, too, had been an atheist,” Onesimus notes. “And he wrote of the man who was one of his greatest inspirations, the man he called his “master,” George MacDonald. Once we read MacDonald, and turned to the Gospels, there was no going back: we were followers of Jesus Christ.”
“I commend Onesimus for this devotional designed to give nourishment to the hearts and souls of those suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease, and the family and friends who watch over them and provide them the support they need.”
Lisa Murkowski, senior United States Senator from the State of Alaska
Onesimus spent two years caring for his wife before she passed away. “We had purchased a small home in Alaska sight unseen, based purely on the views out the living room windows, for they revealed God in all His glory. Double rainbows would arch across the heavens, the moon rise above Pioneer Peak, and all the while the words of
George MacDonald brought the living presence of Jesus Christ, and all the comfort of his forgiveness and love, into each precious moment of our lives.”
“MacDonald was a Scottish poet, novelist, and minister,” Onesimus says, “a mentor to Lewis Carroll—who read the first draft of Alice in Wonderland to MacDonald’s children—friend of Mark Twain’s, and an inspiration to countless Christians like me.”
George MacDonald was at once a deep thinker and profoundly practical, as these words penned by Onesimus in the introduction to the book he edited, attest:
“MacDonald has no patience for mere doctrine, no matter how clever, how insightful, how correct; the thing that matters is not to hold a set of beliefs about Christ, but to live as he lived, to ‘take the will of God as the very life of our being.’ ‘To follow him,’ he says, ‘is to leave one’s self behind.’ We are not saved through beliefs about Christ, interpretations of why he died on the cross, or faith in what he accomplished, but through faith in him. And what does it mean to have faith in Christ Jesus? In a word: obedience.”
Last fall, Onesimus was seized with the idea of doing a project both to raise money to find a cure for ALS and to make the writings of George MacDonald more widely known.
“I decided to take what is perhaps his greatest work—the three volumes of Unspoken Sermons, which were such a huge influence on C.S. Lewis—and lovingly transform them into a daily devotional.”
And thus was born Consuming Fire: The Inexorable Power of God’s Love, published in early June and available from Amazon and select bookstores.
All of the royalties from Consuming Fire go to the ALS Therapy Development Institute of Cambridge, MA (als.net), recognized as the foremost nonprofit biotechnology organization dedicated to finding a cure for Lou Gehrig’s
Disease. “ALS is not an incurable disease,” says Onesimus, “it’s an underfunded one.”
Consuming Fire has received extensive praise from philosophers like Thomas Talbott, author of The Inescapable Love of God, who calls it “the perfect introduction to MacDonald’s reflections on God and Christian living,” and from pastors such as John Kermott of First Baptist Church of Sterling, IL, who writes, “When I came to read the Unspoken Sermons of George MacDonald, the thought that came to me was, ‘This guy knows Jesus,’ and I saw my need to know Him better. This devotional will give any reader fresh ways to ponder the scripture and the One toward whom the scripture points.”
Onesimus is now happily remarried, and he and his wife are expecting a first child with a due date eerily close to MacDonald’s birthday of December 10th.
> Copies of Consuming Fire are available from Amazon at or from Fireside Books in Palmer, Gathering Grounds at MY House, and at the Espresso Café across from Wal-Mart.
to have your non-profit organization included in this free community resource list, please email your info to: makeasceneak@mac.com
Palmer Senior Citizens Center, inc.
The primary mission of the Palmer Senior Citizens Center, Inc. is to assist individuals age sixty or older, individuals of any age with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Disorders, individuals of any age on the Medicaid Waiver program and other eligible individuals in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough remain as independent as possible in the least restrictive environment possible and out of expensive nursing homes for as long as possible. Services include: congregate and home delivered meals, transportation, adult day services, care coordination, senior employment, family caregivers support, information / referral, chore services, senior housing, chore services, Better Choices Better Health classes, HELP program, activities and volunteer opportunities. 745-5454, pscc@mtaonline.net
Alzheimer’s resource Agency of Alaska
As Alaska’s resource on Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Agency of Alaska (ADRAA) is committed to providing information, education and services for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) and their caregivers. We have served Alaskans since 1984, and today we help more than 5,000 people annually.
As a non-profit statewide organization, we provide family consultations, care coordination, in-home services for frail elders & individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and education programs to family caregivers and health care professionals. We are your resource for information and can refer you to services in Alaska or the contiguous U.S. Sam Meneses, 746-3432, www.alzalaska.org
Valley Charities, inc; turn-A-leaf thrift Store
Provides medical equipment to all income brackets in the Valley; provides clothing and household goods to Valley residents that are economically disadvantaged.
John Rozzi , 376-5740
Wasilla Area Seniors, inc. (WASi)
A Health and Wellness Campus for Seniors on the Go! The goal at WASI is to assist and refer services for Seniors 60 and older so they can live as independently as possible for as long as possible. Some of the services provided are:
Meals:
Family Style Meals Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Center. Meals on Wheels home delivered meals.
Housing:
Independent Housing for low income and Aprket rate individuals. Optional Assisted Living Services
Transportation:
Partnership with MASCOT Bus $.60 per one way ride. Dr. visits by appointment
Other Activities:
Cards, Wii, and Painting at the Center
Blood Pressure Checks Club50 Fitness Center, Strong Seniors Program ($5/8 weeks) Shopping Trips and other outings
Valley Performing Arts Theater Visits And much more… call 376-3104 opt.2 for more information.
Dennie Jaques , 376-3104
Mat-Su Area Partnership (MAP)
An organization of non-profit agencies in the Mat-Su Valley. MAP holds a monthly meeting on a Thursday at the Menard Sports Complex in Wasilla. www.mapartnership.org/matsu/
Mid-Valley Seniors inc
Mid-Valley Seniors, Inc.
Mid-Valley Seniors has 3 senior housing units-18 apartments and serves a congregate meal MonFri at 12:00pm. Home delivered meals served
daily fresh Mon-Fri, weekend meals are frozen.
Transportation to Adult Day Services is available Mon-Fri 8:00am-3:00pm Come up to the Center for activities or lunch. Lisa Byrd, 892-6114 mvscadmin@mtaonline.net
Divorce Care
DivorceCare is a weekly seminar/support group for men and women that will help you heal from the hurt of separation or divorce. It’s a warm, caring environment led by people who understand what you are going through. Learn practical information and gain hope for your future at DivorceCare Palmer AK.
March of Dimes Alaska Chapter
The March of Dimes is inspired by all babies – those born healthy and those who need our help to survive and thrive. Working together for stronger, healthier babies, in the Valley we work directly with the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.
We also provide clinics and organizations with resources and information. We host a March for Babies walk in the Spring and High Heels for High Hopes Runway Show in OCTust.
For more information contact our office 276-4111 or email JOdgers@marchofdimes.com.
Alaska Family Services
Alaska Family Services is a multi-dimensional non-profit that has over 20 programs serving the Mat-Su Valley. Major areas are: domestic violence, behavioral health, WIC, family support, and residential for youth with emotional issues. Donn A. Bennice, Ph.D. 746-4080 - akafs.org
linKS Mat-Su Parent resource Center.
We provide support and assistance to families with disabilities. LINKS provides support and trainings, parent to parent connections to mentor, information and referral, and access to library materials. These services are provided through one-on-one assistance and individualized workshops for small or large groups. Our vision is to ensure that every parent and family who has a child with a special need has access to information, education, outreach, and support in a culturally competent environment and to empower then to be advocates for themselves, their children, and their families.
Regan Building 3161 E Palmer
Wasilla Hwy. Suite #2
Linda Kupers, Administrative Assistant linda@linksprc.org - 907-373-3632
Myhouse homeless
teen Shelter in the Matsu is a non-profit that exists to provide services to unaccompanied youth, ages 14-24, in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The services we provide include, but are not limited to, hot meals, shelf stable foods, gas cards, transport to shelter, clothing, tents, sleeping bags, laundry, shower, hygiene products, street outreach, access to medical, dental and mental health care, vocational services and employment opportunities, educational advocacy and life coaching.
Our youth center, The Gathering Place, is located at 300 N. Willow St in central Wasilla. Also on campus is the MYHouse Café, Gathering Grounds, which exists to provide employment for homeless and at risk youth, as well as our partnering agencies and businesses, Nine Star, Mat-Su Public Health Center and Car Deets (an automotive detailing business which hires homeless youth). To learn more, visit our website at myhousematsu.org or call 373-4357.
Family Promise Mat-Su
Provides a shelter for families without housing. We mobilize community resources and local congregations to provide compassionate care through shelter, meals, and case management to families without housing. Guest families are housed in area church buildings at night for a
week at a time...moving to new host church on Sundays.
Applications are available on our website. 357-6160, www.familypromisematsu.org
the Children’s Place
The Children’s Place child advocacy center is a child-friendly, neutral facility where professionals from many agencies involved in the evaluation, investigation and treatment of child abuse meet to coordinate and bring their services to the child and their family. We provide child forensic interviews, medical exams, linkage to mental health providers, follow-up support and referrals throughout the investigation process.
Referrals to The Children’s Place are made through law enforcement and Office of Children’s Services. The Children’s Place, 357-5157 www.alaskachildrensplace.com
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska
Strengthens our communities by providing mentors to all children who need and want a caring adult role model – special friends who can help them expand their horizons, realize their potential and enrich their futures – changing their lives.
Alaska Center for resource Families
Provides support, training and education for foster, relative and adoptive families caring for children that have been abused and neglected. ACRF also helps support the Mat-Su Grandparents Support Group in collaboration with Links and Volunteers of America. For more information about foster care and adopting children that are in the OCS child protection system visit our website www.acrf.org or call 376-4678 - bwoodin@nwresource.org
Pillows for Kids Foundation
We provide little pillows of support and small scholarships that make a significant difference for local children to participate in brain-training activities such as gymnastics, snowboarding, skiing, skating, horsemanship, leadership, art, music, dance, martial arts, and robotics. Mentors and community members contact us when there is an identified need to keep kids, preschool through college, connected with good activities in our community. We plan to publish a book and CD/DVD of Evan’s “Little Pillow” song soon.
Currently, we are selling washable, decorator pillows of all shapes, sizes and colors for kids and adults as a way of creating funding for the scholarships. pillowsforkids@gmail.com
the Moose Boosters Wrestling Club
A youth development organization that provides aid and funding to low income recreational facilitates and athletes at the high school level. Funding supports athletes who participate in wrestling programs while meeting academic standards.
Michelle Heun - 355-7099
Set Free Alaska
Brief description about non-profit: Our children, friends, co-workers; there is someone we know who is struggling with addiction and destructive behaviors. It is the goal of Set Free Alaska to provide excellent, individualized services to our clients. Set Free Alaska is a Christian outpatient substance abuse treatment center that uses a mind-body-spirit approach to recovery.
Our programs are designed to assist people in gaining freedom from the bondage of addiction and destructive behaviors. Set Free Alaska realizes that cost can be a huge deterrent to people seeking and receiving the help they need as well as a huge relapse trigger. Our assessments are based on a sliding fee scale. It is the goal of Set Free Alaska that no person be denied the services they need due to lack of financial resources. Our offices are open MonFri 10-6 and we are located on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway across from the AT&T Sports Center. Philip Licht, Executive Director 373-4732, www.setfreealaska.org/
Big lake Community Clothing Closet
Donated by local Alaskans, Big Lake Community Clothing Closet provides quality clothing to people in need, at no charge.
Clothing and footwear for people of all ages is available. Also, assorted household items as they are available. This unique program helps people locally. Donations are accepted, to further the program. Any money donated helps pay the rent for our location at 2955 Big Lake Rd., Big Lake, Alaska.
Financial donation could also be mailed to the Big Lake Community Clothing Closet, PO Box 527069, Big Lake, AK 99652.
Open Wednesday’s from 11am-3pm All donations of quality clothing in good condition can be donated at the above address during regular hours of operation. Check us out on Facebook
Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums
Those interested in lessons, or in playing pipes or drums with Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums, please contact the Band by email at craigag@ mtaonline.net or by telephone at (907) 688-4196. The band’s website can be found at http://www. alaskaceltic.org , plus, we’re on Facebook! “The Pipes, the Pipes are calling...”
radio Free Palmer
Radio Free Palmer is community radio serving the Sutton and Palmer communities as KVRF 89.5 FM and online at radiofreepalmer.org. On air since 2011, KVRF’s mission is to foster community involvement.
Currently we produce great local shows on topics from health to mushing - and the list of programs is growing. Online we add important community events such as the Borough Assembly and School Board Meetings. Listen to Radio Free Palmer KVRF 89.5 for more community-centric news, music, sports, music or come volunteer to to help bring great radio programming to the valley.
745-8951, Manager@radiofreepalmer.org
Radiofreepalmer.org and on Facebook and Twitter
Valley Fine Arts Association
VFAA was formed to teach techniques, and encourage fellowship among visual artists in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. we strive to promote a supportive attitude toward visual arts in our Alaskan community.
We welcome beginners, students, part-time and professional artists who focus mainly on twodimensional art mediums and want to connect with other creative people and gain more exposure locally.
Throughout the year, we inform our members about opportunities to show their work, participate in group events, view other local artists, and enroll in workshops. During the school year, we organize regular sessions for painting together and host monthly artist demonstrations Membership in the Valley Fine Arts Association provides many diverse opportunities for artists. Check our website calendar at www. valleyfineartsassociation.org for upcoming events.
Mat-Su Community Chorus, inc.
As Musical Ambassadors of The Valley, The Mat-Su Community Chorus has provided quality vocal music, in its various forms, for the benefit, education and enjoyment of its members and the surrounding communities since 1970. Our membership is open to the public, inviting all who wish to add their voice in song. We offer complimentary performances at public celebrations and deliver formal concerts twice a year.
We are a 501(c)3, non-profit organization, currently with twenty-two members and we are looking towards expanding the organization to better serve the community. With the support from individuals, businesses and other civic
organizations we are able to grow our group by bringing the community together through music and to continue our standard of excellence. We meet Octember through Nov. on Thursday evenings at 7-9pm in the Choir Room at Wasilla High School.
Nan Potts 745-8788
matsucomchours@gmail.com
Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums of eagle river
Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums of Eagle River, under the leadership of Pipe Major Aja Stewart and Drum Sergeant Bryan Gonzales, are actively recruiting pipers and drummers, as well as those interested in learning Great Highland Bagpipes and Highland Drumming (snare, tenor, bass.) We would like to extend a cordial invitation to anyone who would like to learn to play bagpipes or drums, to FREE lessons with our Band. We are a grade IV competing, family-oriented pipe band established in 2005, and beginners of any age are welcome. Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums are very active in supporting the community in which we live. Our purpose is to advance the rich cultural heritage of Great Highland Bagpipe music, and to have FUN doing it! ACPD provides free instruction in piping and drumming, with Band practice to follow, every Friday evening at 5:00 and 5:45 pm at Eagle River Presbyterian Church, 12836 Old Glenn Highway, in Eagle River
Those interested in lessons, or in becoming members of ACPD, please contact the Band by email at Nov.gstensgericht@yahoo.com or by telephone at (907) 376-5060. The band’s website can be found at http://www.alaskaceltic.org
Mat-Su Concert Band, inc.
Our mission is to promote, plan, support and conduct educational and cultural activities and opportunities for the benefit of the citizens and residents of Alaska. We do this by providing an outlet for the many talented musicians in and around our area to perform and a venue for the public to come and enjoy with us our music. Rehearsals are every Mon. from 7 to 9 p.m. at Teeland Middle School. For more information, contact Gleo Huyck at 746-0628. matsuconcertband@gmail.com
the Whirling rainbow Foundation Grandmother Drum International Peace Project
The Whirling Rainbow Foundation is an international spiritual and educational non- profit organization which honors and celebrates the diverse cultural and spiritual paths of the human family. The foundation cultivates the universal teachings of inner peace, loving compassion, wisdom and understanding at the core of every culture and spiritual tradition. We are starting a Global Peace Sanctuary and Sustainable Community in Palmer.
The GrandMother Drum International Peace Project travels the world as the international voice of the Whirling Rainbow Foundation. As a symbol of the heartbeat of love that connects all nations and all races, the seven foot, crystal inlaid GrandMother Drum holds local and global events promoting peace and unity through the universal language of music, dance, cultural and healings arts.
White Eagle Medicine Woman (Suraj Holzwarth) Executive Director www.whirlingrainbow.com
Valley Performing Arts
We will be celebrating 40 years of Quality Live Theatre this season! VPA performs seven plays per season, beginning September and ending in May. We welcome actors, volunteers, program advertisers and play sponsors to join in supporting VPA, one of the oldest continuing operating community theatres in the State of Alaska. The VPA Summer Theatre Arts Program takes place June through August and are for youth, ages ranging from 7 to 17. The VPA Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony is held each June and our FUN-Raiser is in October.
Purchase your tickets online or from our office. Check out audition dates and show times on our website. www.valleyperformingarts.org or (907) 373-0195.
Valley Arts Alliance
The Valley Arts Alliance is a group of likeminded individuals who have joined together to encourage, sponsor, facilitate and support artistic expression.
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. www.valleyartsalliance.com
Alaska WildBird rehabilitation Center
The mission of the Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center is to care for injured, orphaned and sick wild birds with the goal of releasing them back into the wild; and to educate the public about these birds and their habitats.
AWBRC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is always looking for volunteers and donations. Volunteers are always needed for care of our resident birds, office and web assistance, fundraising and advertising. We will be undergoing a building project this summer, and can use carpentry assistance or donations of materials. Please visit our web site at http://www.akwildbird.org/ for further information about us, to volunteer or to request a live bird program.
AK Cat Kitty rescue
is a local small kitty rescue. We specialize in litters of kittens, and our facility is designed that way. We will take in litters from the community, and will assist in getting their mom cat spayed. ALL of our kittens are up to date on vaccines, and have been spayed/ or neutered prior to adoptions. We are a 501c3, so any donations are tax deductible. If you are looking to adopt, or need help placing a litter, please call us! We are currently looking for help with computer type tasks, updating website, or updating our adoptions and monthly expences.
AK CAT 907-232-4444 www.akcat.org
Alaska Dog & Puppy rescue (ADPr)
Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue is an all volunteer, non-profit organization formed for the purpose of rescuing homeless dogs and puppies. We have rescued dogs throughout Alaska, including various Bush communities. These rescued dogs are placed in foster homes, where they are socialized, vaccinated, dewormed, and taken to the vet to be microchipped and spayed or neutered. It is our goal to have an animal sanctuary, so that all adoptable dogs are given an opportunity to find their forever homes. We encourage individuals to volunteer for this very worthy cause. 745-7030 adpr03@yahoo.com
Alaska Assistance Dogs (A AD)
AAD provides service dogs to Alaskans with special needs (physical, physiological & mental health), and incorporates therapeutic programs into service dog training. AAD works with special education students at school, provides teen mentoring in community training venues, offers domestic violence/PTSD support groups, FASD/ Autism programs, and provides service dogs and support groups for veterans with PTSD and their families.
Therapist on staff, and all trainers are certified by the founder of the service dog concept, Dr. Bonnie Bergin.
Carole J. Shay, Lpc. carole@alaskaassistancedogs.org
Meadow gates Farm Sanctuary
Meadow Gates Farm Sanctuary has provided shelter and care for unwanted pet rabbits since 2001. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable corporation. Rabbits are taken in when space is available. They are evaluated for behavior and personality, spayed/neutered, then adopted to new pet homes. Bunnies not able to be adopted are maintained permanently at the sanctuary.
Responsible adult volunteers are always needed. 907-357-6437, www.meadowgates.com manager@meadowgates.com
Alaska Animal Advocates
Make a difference. Save a life! Alaska Animal Advocates is reaching out to the community. We provide everything that is needed to meet a dog’s needs. We ask YOU to provide the love. Contact Angie at 841-3173 or email at aaarescue@yahoo.com
Check out our website at www.alaskaanimaladvocates.com
united Way of Mat-Su
United Way of Mat Su was formed in 1987 to serve as a single, borough wide, fundraising agency, but we have grown to be so much more.
We are dedicated to working in our community on education, stable income and health. These are the building blocks for a quality life. We provide grants to programs with these areas of focus and administer programs that improve early childhood education, reduce substance abuse and improve senior citizen nutrition. We supply Familywize prescription drug discount cards, which have saved people in the Mat-Su over $500,000 since its beginning.
United Way provides information on available services through the 211 hotline and website www.alaska211.org and keep current and distribute the Mat-Sui Resource Guide. Our goal is to bring together individuals, companies and agencies to achieve measurable, positive, lasting results. We ask the community to LIVE UNITED which means all of us coming together to volunteer, advocate and give to create a brighter future for all. To find out more visit www.unitedwaymatsu.org or call 373-5807. The United Way of Matanuska Susitna Borough is physically located at 550 S Alaska Street Suite 205 Palmer, AK 99645.
the Valley Quilters guild was formed in 1985 to promote quilting in the Matanuska Valley. We currently have a membership of about 180. Our main objectives are service to our community and the education of Quilters. We serve the community by donating quilts to organizations and groups that approach us with their needs. We also give quilts to the victims of fires, child abuse, homeless families, and Law Enforcement agencies for comforting victims of domestic violence. The Guild meets the first Thursday of each month at the Palmer Train Depot at 7 p.m.
Mat Su Sertoma Club
The Mat Su Sertoma Club focuses on hearing health. They are part of a national organization with more than 600 clubs throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
The club provides free hearing screens to the public the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wasilla Physical Therapy, 3750 E. Country Field Circle, Wasilla from September until May. During the summer we’re fishing, camping and gardening like most Alaskans!
The Mat Su Sertoma Club is the host to the Annual Mat Su Polar Plunge, the original valley dip each February. They have been responsible for providing funding to non profits in the Mat Su Borough for more than 5 years, along with scholarship funding for two students who are pursuing an education in the hearing health field.
The website is www.matsuhearing.dot to stay abreast of activities. Meetings are held the second and fourth Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Tailgaters Restaurant in Wasilla.
Mat-Su Special Santa
The Mat-Su Special Santa program is the largest Christmas gift giving program in the Valley. Mat-Su Special Santa teams with Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, Food Banks, state and local
agencies, churches and schools to help families in need. Last year over 3400 children completed a wish list with requests for Christmas presents. The program provided at least two toys/ gifts, winter wear when possible, a new book, personal items and stocking stuffers. All of this is possible through the generous donations of our community with over 1000 community members, organizations, clubs and schools either volunteering or donating to the program. This is an all volunteer program. We are also in need of volunteers.
The Special Santa Program’s goal is to help children receive the magic of Christmas and know that people care. In reaching this goal the program: 1. Coordinates with agencies and programs to provide for families, 2. Provides the citizens in the Community an opportunity to give, 3. Assists families in need at a stressful time of year, 4. Spreads the joy of Christmas throughout the Mat-Su Valley.
Go to www.specialsanta.net for more information or e-mail us at matsu_santa@yahoo. com.
the last Frontier honor Flight
Our mission is to transport WWII, Alaska Territorial Guard and Korean War veterans to Washington D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices AT NO COST TO THE VETERANS.
All Donations are tax deductible, according to state and federal laws. You can make a donation to The Last Frontier Honor Flight PO Box 520116 Big Lake, Alaska 99652, or pay with a credit card on our website at www.tlfhonorflight.org. If you would like to volunteer you can contact our President Ron Travis at (907) 892-6097 for meeting times and places.
the Sertoma Club - Wasilla
We host the Mat Su Polar Plunge raising funds for non-profits in the Matanuska Susitna Valley, Alaska. February 2011 we saw 85 jumpers raise almost $20,000 which was then given to the Food Pantry of Wasilla and Turn A Leaf Thrift Stores. The Food Pantry provides emergency food supplies to families in need. Turn A Leaf has a medical lending equipment program which is now organized with software purchased with funds received. Both were grant recipients from the Mat Su Sertoma Club. Grant applications for the 2012 Mat Su Polar Plunge are located on our website: www.matsuplunge.com.
Mat-Su Community Chorus
Do you love to sing? The Mat-Su Community Chorus welcomes new adult members in all vocal ranges each September and January. We are a well-established, male-female, SATB community singing group conducted by Anna Crowther. Group singing benefits your emotional and physical health and enriches our community, so bring your talents and join the Chorus! No audition required although previous experience is helpful.
We offer complimentary performances at public celebrations and deliver formal concerts several times a year. Rehearsals are on Thursdays at the WHS choir room from 7 - 9 pm. Contact us at matsucomchorus@gmail.com or call Sandy at 907-355-5836 for membership details. Like us on Facebook for concert reminders.
We have a wonderful club of volunteers! On a weekly basis you’ll find a Mat Su Sertoman at the Food Pantry, Wasilla Senior Campus, Valley Charities, helping Special Olympics and the list goes on and on! Our goal for 2011/2012 year is to raise more than, $25,000 in polar plunge funds. You can pledge or sign up to jump! Just visit our website for more information.
Join us every other Thursday at 5:00pm at the Tailgaters Sports Bar and Grill. Our next meeting is Nov. 25th. We always have new speakers and a great time. See you there!
Valley residential Services
VRS provides housing to people with special needs. We define people with special needs
as those individuals who are experiencing behavioral or developmental disabilities, lowincome levels or who are seniors. VRS currently manages 198 residential units distributed in the Mat-Su Valley and participates in special programs to assist with rental assistance. We can also assist with linking individuals to social service agencies who can assist with life skills programs. (907) 357-0256, www.valleyres.org tOPS
Take off Pounds Sensibly Non-Profit Weight Loss Support Group Three (3) Chapters meet weekly in the Valley. Kathy Miller - 376-9571 or write to matsutops@webtv.net
Valley Community for recycling Solutions (VCrS)
Our mission is to educate and provide opportunities in our community to reduce, reuse, and recycle for the long-term good of all. Our vision is to establish the Mat-Su Borough as a model recycling community for Alaska. We are open for residential recycling Tuesday thru Friday 10:30am to 6:00pm and Saturday 10:30am to 3:30pm. Businesses can call ahead for hours. Your permanent community recycling center is located in our new green building at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, next to the animal shelter at the Central Landfill.
Volunteer opportunities available. community@valleyrecycling.org valleyrecycling.org - 745-5544
Valley residential Services (VrS)
VRS provides special needs housing to individuals who experience behavioral or developmental disabilities, low-income levels or those who are homeless. VRS currently has 168 properties in the Mat-Su Valley with special programs to assist with rental assistance and we can assist with linking individuals to social service agencies who can assist with life skills programs. (907) 357-0256 , valleyres.org
Alaska Attachment & Bonding Associates (AABA)
Educates and supports foster, adoptive, kinship care, step, grand and guardianship parents and professionals who care for children with emotional mental health issues, such as Attachment Disorder. AABA provides workshops, e-mail/telephone support, resource/ referral information, self-advocacy, AABA website www.akattachment.org, RAVEN Respite, newsletters, brochures, lending library, and Mom2Mom/Dad2Dad parent support group. For more information: Laura Wagner 907-376-0366
the homeless Actors of Mat-Su HAMS, the Homeless Actors of Mat-Su, is a valley non-profit community theater group created to further theatrical opportunities for actors and technical personnel of all ages, be experienced or beginner and the audiences who have not been fully represented in the valley.
With local support we intend to produce a broad range of the atypical classical, modern, comic, dramatic and musical one act and full length plays and improvisational theater that are both educational and entertaining in the traditional and dinner theater format as fundraisers for various local causes and to continue to encourage development of the theater arts in the Mat-Su Valley.
Contact Elizabeth Clausen, General Manager, 841-4119; akhams@yahoo.com
Mat-Su Food Bank
At the Matsu Food Bank we provide emergency supplemental food to residents of the Matanuska Susitna Valley. The Matsu Food Bank distributes thru the Food Pantry of Wasilla directly to clients in need.
The Pantry hours of distribution are Monday through Friday from 10:00AM to 1:00PM. The Pantry is located at 501 E. Bogard Rd. in Wasilla. We have three programs operating under the
Matsu Food Bank. The community supplied Food Pantry of Wasilla accepts donations of food or funds to help feed our neighbors. We distribute to clients on an emergency monthly basis. We also distribute TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program). This is a program is supplied by the USDA and is also once a month. Our third program is Food4Kids.
We prepare and deliver, in safe community locations, nutritious meals and snacks for hungry kids 18 and under. We provide meals during the school year. We have a summer program at various locations around the Valley from Willow to Sutton and provide nutritious lunches for all kids in the valley for free.
Our website is: www.matsufoodbank.org. If you have any questions please go to the website or call us at 907-357-3769.
north America Outdoor institute
The North America Outdoor Institute (NAOI) is a not-for-profit community outreach organization providing outdoor safety and environmental awareness education programs for the general public in an effort to save lives from preventable outdoor injuries and deaths. Debra McGhan, debra@naoiak.org 376-2898 , www.naoiak.org
Alaskans For Palmer hay Flats
Dedicated to conserving the natural and cultural resources of Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge through public awareness, year-round recreation and events, education and enhancement projects. Healthy, outdoor recreation in a safe, beautiful setting is what APH helps provide to all users. 357-8711, alaskans@palmerhayflats.org www.palmerhayflats.org
Alaska Frontier trappers Association
The Alaska Frontier Trappers Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the ethical and lawful practice of trapping Alaska’s fur bearers. We work to educate fellow trappers, children and the public in general about trapping as a necessary wildlife management and research tool.
Our monthly meetings usually include a guest speaker and/or a demonstration and fur handling information. Meetings which are held at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Palmer Library. Everyone is welcome to attend. www.akfrontiertrappers.com
Alaska WildBird rehabilitation Center
The mission of the Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center is to care for injured, orphaned and sick wild birds with the goal of releasing them back into the wild; and to educate the public about these birds and their habitats.
AWBRC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is always looking for volunteers and donations. We are undergoing a building project this summer, and can use carpentry assistance. In addition, regular volunteers are always needed for care of our resident birds. Please visit our web site at http://www.akwildbirdrehab.org/ for further information about us, to volunteer or to request a live bird program.
Wasilla Soil & Water Conservation District (WSWCD)
The WSWCD is a non-profit formed in 1948 to assist landowners & land managers with conservation & development on land through technical assistance, projects & education programs & services. distmgr@wasillaswcd.org
by vic Kohring
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." ~ Isaiah 43:2
While in the feds crosshairs during my final year in office as a state legislator, I was near overwhelmed. The FBI was hounding me and dishonest government lawyers were building a fraudulent case based on flimsy, almost nonexistent evidence involving their central witness lying on the stand to protect his family after they were threatened with decades in prison. Compounding things, I was in a car accident with my attorney causing injuries that required spinal surgery, I was being sued for millions over a spurious personal injury matter, my legal situation was bankrupting me, my house was being foreclosed on and my Russian
wife filed for divorce out of fear that the government may falsely implicate her as they did her husband. My life was crumbling around me.
Many people face seemingly insurmountable problems in life - some far worse than mine - and may question why God subjects them to so much anguish, particularly Christians. But there is a reason and purpose from which good is ultimately revealed. Look at Job from the Bible, a man who led a prosperous and successful life, only to have it all taken away as his faith was tested by God. Yet he refused to turn against his creator and was blessed with even greater abundance and joy. Many Christians are tested the same as Job, myself included.
The Scriptures tell us that God will never leave nor forsake us, but also that He will never allow us to become overwhelmed even if our problems appear hopeless.
The book of Isaiah discusses how the Lord shall renew our strength during times of trauma and keep us from becoming weary or faint. I frequently reminded myself of these powerful words which helped me endure during my own "perfect storm" as I found myself pushed to the limit.
My legislative staff assistant and longtime friend John Davies, a devout man of faith who witnessed first-hand my fight for survival, also assured me that despite the enormous pressure I was experiencing from nearly all angles, God would never place more challenges before me than I can handle, that He would not abandon me and that good will eventually come from my trials, as with Job. Davies words were tough to accept at first as even a single one of the problems I faced were very distressing and enough to last a lifetime. Yet I was confronted with not one, but a multitude of grievous issues all at once.
I thank God that my faith never wavered, nor was I angry that He chose to put me through an ordeal which took nearly everything from me, short of my life.
Disaster struck, I hit rock bottom and had nowhere to go but up. It would have been easy to grow weary and give up when surrounded by darkness as the ground trembled under my feet. But thanks to the support of many and my well-grounded Christian convictions, I forged ahead, didn't allow my spirit to be crushed and believed God had a plan that would be revealed someday as He prepares me for eternity.
I encourage you likewise to be strong and maintain your faith during troublesome times. And if you're ever close to the breaking point as I was, take heart by remembering that God loves you, is there for you and will give you peace and comfort as you achieve victory over despair.
by Carmen summerfield
Mosaic is the art of creating images with an assemblage of small pieces of colored materials. It can be extremely diverse in appearance and sensibility, and can be used on walls, floors, or plaques. And mosaic projects are not only decorative, they are very enjoyable and rewarding.
> last month, the valley a rts a lliance asked several artists to create mosaic pieces for the sutton p ublic l ibrary and Community resource Center. This event, “Pieces and Perennials, Mosaic Art at the Sutton Library Garden” resulted in ten unique mosaics, approximately one-foot square, that will be placed on permanent display in the Library’s Perennial Garden.
The earliest mosaics, dating from around 3000 BCE, consisted of colored stones, shells, ivory, and eventually glazed tiles. Today, what we consider traditional mosaic materials consist of marble, unglazed ceramic, vitreous and stained glass, smalti (an intensely colored enameled glass), and metallic pieces. At the Sutton Library Garden project, our avant-garde artists also used beads, sliced rocks and minerals, sea shells, steel nuts and bolts, and copper products.
The mosaic artwork created at the Sutton Library Garden project are destined to remain outside year ‘round, and so environmental challenges such as rot, frost, salt residues, and thermal expansion had to be overcome.
Utilizing traditional tools, tile nippers, and trowels, these artists met the challenges by using cement paving stones and cement based adhesives and grouts.
> to see more unique mosaics, visit the sutton p ublic l ibrary and Community resource Center, or visit the lobby of the Valley Performing Arts theatre in Wasilla to see a varied selection of mosaics in our display case, or www.valleya rtsa lliance.com
This
MATANUSKA RIVER MOSAIC by Terri Ann Kilborn adds the intense blue representing the Matanuska River radiating through the muted colors representing Palmer and surroundings.
This BEE MOSAIC by Kim Strickland was created using unglazed porcelain tiles, and uses a selection of muted colors to blend into the natural surroundings of the garden.
drama/g eneral directed by mariah schachle
Charlotte Bronte's magnificent Gothic love story is brought to life.
In the burned-out ruins of Thornfield Hall, the adult Jane Eyre recalls the disturbing events of her childhood and young adulthood: her miserable upbringing as an orphan thrust upon unsympathetic relatives, her trials at the infamous Lowood School, and eventually her acceptance as governess at Thornfield Hall where she encounters its enigmatic master, Edward Rochester.
Jane eventually unravels the
secrets of this mysterious place and finds her own personal epiphany through honesty, courage and sacrifice. A moving story for all times and a stunning portrayal of one of the world's greatest heroines.
JANE EYRE Opens September 11th and runs through 27th, 2015. Ticket prices are $17 for Students/ Seniors and $19 for Adults. This incredibly moving drama will be appearing at Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Avenue, Wasilla.
Call VPA at 373-0195, visit our website or come by the office, Monday through Friday 9am to 3pm to purchase your tickets.
With the rapid approach of the fall comes new and exciting class offerings from the Percussion in the Valley Studio located in the heart of downtown Palmer.
Percussion in the Valley is a percussion studio that focuses on offering opportunities in education and performance for all ages and experience levels. Owned and operated by Dr. Meggie Aube, the studio will be celebrating 4 years in business this fall.
Along with regularly scheduled private and group percussion lessons, several new classes will begin in September. the “drop-in drumming” class for people 14 and older will begin meeting September 18 and will meet all consecutive Fridays from 6:00- 6:45 throughout the semester.
This class is intended for those who want to try drumming, or for drummers who don’t have a lot of time but want to keep playing and learning new instruments.
There is no commitment to sign up for classes and students can pop in when they have free time. No prior experience is necessary and students will learn a variety of rhythms and percussion instruments each week. The fee is $10 per class, or participants can buy a punch card and receive their tenth class free.
Another exciting new offering is the
“parent and me percussion Class” for toddlers up to age 5 and their parents. Parents and children alike will learn how to play a variety of instruments from small hand held percussion, to hand drums and mallet instruments.
The class will also include making small instruments and movement through rhythm and body percussion.
Several sessions will be held throughout the year. Each session will consist of 4 classes, each 40 minutes in length. The cost of each session is $40 for parent and child. Classes will take place Tuesday mornings from 11:00– 11:40 at the Percussion in the Valley studio. Preenrollment is required for each session.
fall sessions include: September 8– 29, October 6– 27, and November 3-24. Classes will be capped at 10 families so sign up early to ensure your spot.
Not a new class, the next adult drum Workshop will be schedule for September 12- October 3. The class will meet on 4 consecutive Saturdays from 1:30- 2:30 p.m.
The workshop is intended for adults age 18 and older. Throughout the workshop students learn to play in a group setting, work on various grooves from around the world, and learn the proper technique on hand drums.
The workshop fee is $40. Pre-registration is required before the first class and is limited to 10 students.
For more information on these and all other classes and workshops please contact Dr. Meggie Aube at: 907-631-8079 or meggieaube@hotmail.com.
August 27 - September 7, 2015
The ASF theme for this year is “Dig In!” Fair hours of operation are:
Monday – Friday Noon – 10pm
Saturday – Sunday 10am – 10pm
Labor Day 10am – 8pm
Alaska State Fair Parade Entry Packets are available at City Hall, at the Alaska State Fair, at the Palmer Visitors Center & Museum, and at the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce office. You can also find one online at cityofpalmer.org. Get an entry and join the fun on !
