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
MONDAY MARKET
10/9/2017 - 12/18/2017 – 11:30AM
Kenda Huling
Palmer Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer FREE Admission Check us out on Facebook
GRACIE JIU JITSU CLASS (EVERY MONDAY)
10/9/2017 - 12/18/2017 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot, Instructor: Dan Strickland Palmer Train Depot
610 S Colony Way, Palmer Cost: $10 per week (907) 841-6200, (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
PALMER HISTORY NIGHT!
10/18/2017, 11/15/2017 - 7PM
Palmer Historical Society
Palmer Moose Lodge 1136 S Cobb St. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 745-1935 ptownhistory@gmail.com www.palmerhistoricalsociety.org
ART & WELL BEING WORKSHOP: RELATIONSHIPS
10/19/2017 - 1PM
10/21/2017 - 10AM Counseling for Enhanced Well-Being
472 So. Lake St. Wasilla Cost: $50 - (907) 460-8481 EnhancedWellBeingAK@gmail.com www.enhancedwellbeingak.com
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOP
10/19/2017 – 6PM
UAF Cooperative Extension Service Matanuska Experiment Farm 1509 S Georgeson Rd. Palmer FREE Event www.uaf.edu/ces
MURDER AT THE WINERY
October 20-21, 2017 - 7PM The Annex
247 S Alaska St. Palmer Tickets: $35 - (907) 745-3900 www.valleyannex.com
ARSENIC & OLD LACE
10/20/2017 – 11/5/2017 Fridays & Saturdays @7PM, Sundays @2PM Valley Performing Arts 251 W. Swanson Ave. Wasilla Tickets: $17 Students/Seniors, $19 General www.valleyperformingarts.org
MAN OF LA MANCHA
October 20-22 & 27-29, 2017 Fridays/Saturdays @8PM, Sundays
@2PM
Palmer Arts Council
Glenn Massey Theater
8295 E College Dr. Palmer
Tickets: $18 Students/Seniors, $21 Adults (907) 746-9300 jfairfield@gmail.com www.glennmassaytheater.com
WHITE RABBIT, RED RABBIT
October 20, 21, 27, 28, 2017 - 8PM
Midnight Sun Theatre
Wilda Marston Theatre 3600 Denali St. Anchorage Tickets: $15 dblock@ midnightsunperformingarts.com www.midnightsuntheatre.org
FREE COMPOST CLASSES
Oct. 21, 25, 27, 2017
Nov. 4, 2017
Division of Solid Waste, Mat-Su Borough MSB Landfill 1201 N 49th State St. Palmer
FREE Event, Please Register compost@matsugov.us www.goodearthgardenschool.com
BREASTIVAL 2017 - HAKUNA MA
TATAS
10/21/2017 - 11AM Valley Radiation Therapy Center
Mat-Su Regional Medical Center 2500 S Woodworth Loop, Palmer FREE Event www.Shannon@ThompsonPR.com
PAW-CTOBER FEST
10/21/2017 – 12PM Clear Creek Cat Rescue
Amvets Post #9 1591 Creste Foris St. Wasilla FREE Admission
1ST ANNUAL SWEETEST DAY CELEBRATION
10/21/2017 - 12PM Go Inn Green
Everett’s MatSu Resort 850 E Bogard Rd. Wasilla
Cost: $25-$100 - (907) 232-1242 goinngreen@gmail.com
JAPANESE TAIKO DRUM WORKSHOP
10/21/2017 - 3PM
Percussion in the Valley Palmer, AK
Cost: $20 - (907) 631-8079 percvalley@gmail.com www.percussioninthevalley.com
THE KIDS HALLOWEEN TRAIN
10/21/2017, 10/28/2017 - 3PM Alaska Railroad
Anchorage Historic Depot 411 West 1st Ave. Anchorage
Cost: $35 Children (Ages 2-11), $69 Adults (800) 544-0552 reservations@akrr.com www.alaskarailroad.com/ride-atrain/event-trains/kids-halloweentrain
ROLLIN’ 20S
10/21/2017 - 6PM
Denali Destroyer Dolls Denali Harley-Davidson 1497 S Hyer Rd. Wasilla Tickets: $20 per person, $35 per couple denalidestroyers@gmail.com www.denalidestroyers.org
DENALI ARTS COUNCIL (DAC) ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING & “TAKE BACK THE TOWN” PARTY
10/21/2017 - 6PM
Denali Arts Council (DAC) Sheldon Communtiy Arts Hanger E 1st St. Talkeetna FREE Admission www.denaliartscouncil.org
THE RESILIENCY THROUGH ART SYPOSIUM
10/21/2017 - 7:30PM
Denali Arts Council (DAC) Sheldon Communtiy Arts Hanger E 1st St. Talkeetna FREE Admission www.denaliartscouncil.org
200TH BIRTHDAY OF BAHA’U’LLAH CELEBRATION
10/22/2017 – 1PM
Palmer Baha’i Community Palmer Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer FREE Event
BIRDS OF CHICAGO PERFORMANCE
10/22/2017 – 6PM
Birds of Chicago Vagabond Blues 642 S Alaska St. Palmer
Tickets: $35 www.birdsofchicago.com
BEGINNING KNITTING CLASS WITH KELLY
October 23, 30, 2017 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot
Palmer Train Depot
610 S Colony Way, Palmer Cost: $25 (907) 745-4387, (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
MAKE A BASIC APRON CLASS WITH JOANNA 10/23/2017 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot
Palmer Train Depot
610 S Colony Way, Palmer Cost: $45 (907) 888-5571, (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
KNITTED TEXTING MITTS CLASS WITH KENDA 10/23/2017, 11/12/2017 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot, Ewenique Designs AK
Palmer Train Depot
610 S Colony Way, Palmer Cost: $50 (907) 677-9276, (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
SCBWI ANCHORAGE ILLUSTRATORS GROUP 10/26/2017 - 6:30PM Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators
Barnes & Noble
200 E Northern Lights Blvd. Anchorage FREE Event alaska-ic@scbwi.org www.alaska.scbwi.org
PARTY OF THE DAMNED! 10/27/2017 - 7PM
My Matanuska Marketplace Palmer Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer Tickets: $35 Adv., $50 @Door my.matanuska.marketplace@ gmail.com www.brownpapertickets.com Check us out on Facebook
NOCTURNAL HALLOWEEN MASSIVE 10/27/2017 - 8PM ADK Events LLC. The Egan Center 555 W. 5th Ave. Anchorage Tickets: $15-$39 General, $65 VIP www.adk907.com Check us out on Facebook
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW VIEWING (ADULTS ONLY) 10/27/2017 - 8:30PM Denali Arts Council (DAC) Sheldon Communtiy Arts Hanger E 1st St. Talkeetna
Tickets: $12 DAC Members, $15 Non-Members www.denaliartscouncil.org
NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG
TAKE BACK DAY 10/28/2017 – 10AM
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Mat-Su Borough, Wasilla Police, Palmer Police
Wasilla & Palmer Fred Meyers, Talkeetna Sunshine Community Health Center
1501 E Parks Hwy. Wasilla, 535 W Evergreen Ave. Palmer, 34300 Talkeetna Spur Rd. Talkeetna FREE Event - (907) 861-8557 www.dea.gov
SPOOK-TACULAR SHOPPING EVENT!
10/28/2017 - 10:30AM
My Matanuska Marketplace
Palmer Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer FREE Admission - (907) 354-3569 my.matanuska.marketplace@ gmail.com
Check us out on Facebook
HAPPY BISON OKTOBERFEST 10/28/2017 - 5PM
Happy Bison
Fox Run Lodge & Campground
4466 Glenn Hwy. Palmer
Cost: $25 - (907) 355-0766
happybisonbbq@gmail.com
Check us out on Facebook
FAMILY HALLOWEEN NIGHT 10/29/2017 – 3PM
Filipino American Community of Matsu - Kabayan Inc.
Palmer Moose Lodge 1136 S Cobb St. Palmer
Cost: $10 per person, $15 per family (907) 232-2151, (907) 841-1883, (907) 322-9463
HALLOWEEN COMMUNITY POTLUCK & SCARY READINGS
10/29/2017 - 4:30PM
My Matanuska Marketplace Palmer Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer FREE Event, Bring Potluck Dish to Share - (907) 354-3569 my.matanuska.marketplace@ gmail.com
Check us out on Facebook
INKLINGS (A DISCUSSION GROUP ON FAITH & CULTURE)
10/29/2017 - 7PM
Inklings
8260 Duchess Dr. Palmer
FREE Event - (907) 982-5609 barry.dorman@yahoo.com
“Real Midnight finds Russell and Nero memorializing the intense, freewheeling, alltoo-fleeting attachments of youth, eulogizing fellow dreamers and meditating on mortality. They show us a way to fully live with the awareness that nothing’s forever and everything’s at stake.” - Jewly Hight, NPR First Listen
Birds of Chicago Performance
10/22/2017 – 6PM
Birds of Chicago
Vagabond Blues
642 S Alaska St. Palmer
Tickets: $35
Rock ‘n’ roll, secular-gospel duo, Birds of Chicago, announce Alaska tour dates, which includes a performance at Vagabond Blues in Palmer, Alaska at 6pm on Sunday, October 22nd.
Ticket information and more details are available at www.birdsofchicago.com.
Named an “Americana Dream Team” by Paste, the band is centered around the partnership of JT Nero and Allison Russell. The pair have an unmistakable chemistry, resulting in unique and captivating performances that demand to be experienced live.
Their shows, described as equal parts “cabarettwang, dark folk-blues and rock-heavy alt-country”
- The Alternate Root, have resulted in a strong following of fans, as they performed more than 100 dates throughout North America last year.
Nero and Russell’s fan following, in combination with the release of their 2016 sophomore album, Real Midnight (produced by Grammy award winner, Joe Henry), has garnered them accolades from notable press outlets including NPR (First Listen, Weekend Edition and World Café), The Wall Street Journal, Paste, No Depression, Afropunk and more.
The World Café praised the band and their album saying, “…the hard-touring band hit its stride. Russell and Nero’s folk-gospel sound finds a perfect coconspirator in producer, Joe Henry. These are special songs and ecstatic performances,” while The Wall Street Journal notes the complexity in their music “with echoes of deep gospel in Russell’s voice as she sings over a mix of electric guitar, resonant piano and percussion... at once uplifting and a little melancholy.”
The band’s strong growth is expected to follow suit throughout the remainder of 2017 and 2018, with a heavy tour schedule and the release of a new album in the works.
“Birds of Chicago make longing into an art form.” –Afropunk
The Birds of Chicago are a collective, fronted by Allison Russell and JT Nero. The band was formed in 2012 when Nero, who had previous success with his band, JT and the Clouds, began writing for his vocal star/muse, Russell, of the acclaimed Canadian roots outfit, Po’ Girl. Since the band’s formation, they have released two studio albums and one live disc.
They’ve toured consistently across North America and Europe, with performances at festivals and events including Cayamo, Green River, Fayetteville Roots, Celebrate Brooklyn, Folk Alliance and APAP. More information on the band can be found at www.birdsofchicago.com.
Mighty Monster Boo Fest
10/28/2017 – 6PM
Alaska State Fair
Alaska State Fairgrounds, Raven Hall
2075 Glenn Hwy. Palmer
Tickets: $35 General, $10 Designated Drivers
Like Halloween? Love great beer? Then don’t miss the Mighty Monster Boo Fest (aka Mighty Matanuska Brewfest) at the Alaska State Fair!
The popular annual brewfest, now sanctioned by the Brewers Guild and supported by KAYO, takes place Saturday, October 28th from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Raven Hall on the fairgrounds.
There will be plenty of brews and Halloween fun at this year’s event, which will feature beers and brewers from the Mat-Su Valley, across Alaska and around the world. Among the featured local breweries are Alaskan Brewing Co., Arkose Brewery, Bleeding Heart Brewery, Denali Brewing Co., Glacier Brewhouse, Kassik’s Brewery and Quake! Brewing Company.
In celebration of Halloween weekend, there will be a costume contest with great prizes beginning at 9:15 p.m.
Live music by Against the Grain starts at 7 p.m. and a silent auction and raffle with prizes is also on the agenda for the evening. Food, including tamales,
roasted nuts and BBQ, will be available for purchase. Tickets are now available on the Fair website, as well as at Vagabond Blues, Three Bears and Purple Moose Espresso. Each $35 ticket comes with 20 3-ounce beer samples. Designated driver tickets are also available for $10, and include non-alcoholic beverages. Convenience fees apply.
All attendees, including designated drivers, must be 21+ and show a valid ID. Brewfest patrons are reminded to plan in advance for a safe ride home by lining up a designated driver or planning to call a taxi.
For more information, please visit www. alaskastatefair.org or contact Dean Phipps, Fair Director of Marketing and Communications, at dean@alaskastatefair.org or 907.746.7153.
Contributed by John Fairfield
Man of La Mancha
October 20-22 & 27-29, 2017
Fridays/Saturdays @8PM, Sundays @2PM Palmer Arts Council
Glenn Massey Theater
8295 E College Dr. Palmer
Tickets: $18 Students/Seniors, $21 Adults
Rarely does a Broadway musical become topical again decades after it first opened. Man of La Mancha is one of those whose central theme resonates with social and political questions of our day.
We ask, “Is it an impossible dream to have a woman as our president? Is it an impossible dream to expect political stability in our world, or to live in a country that values civil rights and condemns racism? Is it wrong to see beauty in someone who others despise? Is it folly to continue a struggle, despite the odds against success?”
Man of La Mancha is set in the dungeon of a 17th century Spanish prison, during the Inquisition. The prisoners are left to govern themselves while Miguel Cervantes is thrown amongst them to await her fate. To entertain her fellow inmates, Miguel acts out a story of a mad knight who fights foes who are invisible to others.
This production will move audiences with familiar songs like “Impossible Dream”, “Dulcinea” and “I’m Only Thinking of Him”. Directed by Dean Phipps and starring Betsy Scott, David Haynes and Becca Mahar, Man of La Mancha will open at the Glenn Massay Theater in Palmer on October 20th and run through October 29th. Performances are at 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are available at www.glennmassaytheatrer.com.
Music
Contributed by Vicky Dawson
Join a new flute ensemble starting in the Mat-Su Valley. If you enjoy playing and performing with others to the beautiful sounds of flutes ranging from piccolo to the bass flute, think about joining the Valley’s newest flute group.
Rehearsals will be on Tuesdays from 6pm – 7pm at Pioneer Peak Elementary School. This group will be open to juniors and seniors in high school and adults.
For questions or to sign up, please call Vicky at 907-232-2153
Contributed by Charice Chambers
Linda Berget’s mind always runs to color, fabric and dolls. According to her, she’s never grown up. That’s all right with this baby boomer; she is a professional doll maker. Educated at the Fashion Institute of Atlanta in fashion design, merchandising and sales, Berget’s fashion interest started early.
While other little girls were carefully cutting out paper dolls and their attachable clothing, Berget was busy with color pencils creating both the doll and a huge wardrobe of fanciful paper doll garments for each doll she crafted. In high school, the line between student and teacher blurred as she collaborated on many designs, fabrics and methodologies with Ms. Wallace, her home economics teacher and mentor.
Berget enjoyed retailing, especially the wholesale buying aspect, but eventually became a stay-at-home mom with two little girls. To provide funds for Christmas gifts, Berget began participating in the many rounds of local Christmas bazaars. Ultimately leading to a defining moment at the Made in Alaska Fall Bazaar, she was approached by Once in a Blue Moon to consider
Community Events
wholesaling her creations. In short order, she learned “the ropes” of wholesaling and by 1996, had over 40 accounts including Princess Cruises.
She was so busy keeping up with orders that she barely had time for her full-time job, and her husband was drawn into the company. The couple decided that when her doll making business was clearing 25% of her full time salary, it would be time to quit and concentrate fully on doll production. Setting a similar standard for him, the couple soon became fulltime entrepreneurs.
Today, this senior has reduced her business to a studio and her accounts to a few well-chosen retailers. Quality has overrun quantity, not that her dolls lacked quality in the past. In 1997, she was producing enough shelf-sitting moose and Native dolls, as well as seasonal dolls to require over two tons of rice to fill their bodies! Now life is a bit less hectic and there are more commissioned orders giving her the luxury of letting her creativity run wild.
Flossy Orts is a good example. In the wee hours of the night at the annual Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery Seminar, participants would work like fiends to produce incredible art
designs while leaving a pile of orts, or ends of floss, as they finished their work. Berget loved the color and texture of these little fiber piles. They immediately spoke to her as potential hair for an embroidering doll, hence the name Flossy Orts.
Though Berget limits her fanciful dolls to a few select venues today, Valley doll-lovers are in luck. Linda Berget’s dolls may be seen at the Matsu Senior Services Gift Shop, located in the MSSS Center across from Palmer Junior Middle School at 1132 S. Chugach Street.
Open from 10am to 2pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and 10am to 4pm on Thursday, the shop boasts prices that seniors can afford and invites the public to enjoy these senior perks.
Halloween Hollow
10/31/2017 - 3PM
Alaska Family Services, Mat-Su Special Santa Program
Alaska State Fairgrounds, Raven Hall
2075 Glenn Hwy. Palmer
Cost: $6 or 1 Unwrapped Toy
Raven Hall will be transformed into
a trick or treat carnival that provides children of the Valley with a safe, warm and handicapaccessible event for Halloween.
This marvelous annual event, now in its 16th year, has become a community favorite for children and parents. Community organizations and
businesses host a booth with their very own game at the Valley’s version of Halloween fun.
Booths include Pumpkin Bowling, the Flame Terminator, Goblin Golfing, Balloon Delights, Mrs. Claus, the US Marines for Toys for Tots and more! T H i S FUN EVENT i S THE ki C k- OFF FUNDR A i SER FOR THE M AT -S U S PEC i AL S ANTA P ROGRAM.
The Program provides not just toys, but much needed items like school supplies, personal items and winter wear.
For more information about the Mat-Su Special Santa Program go to www.specialsanta.net
You can also join us on Facebook.
Contributed by Carmen Summerfield
Did you ever want to see yourself as others see you? For a long time, I’ve wanted to make a cast or mask of my face. So when I was designing my next piece of ceramic art, I decided to incorporate my face into the piece. I had mixed emotions about this idea… It would be like presenting myself in public.
But first… where to start? Local ceramic artist, Sandra Cook, offered to make a plaster cast of my face, and explained the process.
Even though I was in the hands of an expert, it was a little un-nerving and a little claustrophobic to have my eyes and mouth completely covered by plaster. For 15 long minutes, I had to breathe through a straw.
To avoid the stern look of a “death mask”, I smiled slightly, which (unfortunately) creates more wrinkles. Once the cast of my face was complete, I made a clay positive and incorporated it into my clay piece. Once the clay piece was dry, it needed to be “fired” to harden the clay and preserve the shape.
There are many ways to “fire” the clay, the most common being the standard electric kiln used by so many potters. The benefit of an electric kiln is the way that the temperature can be carefully controlled to ensure consistent results.
Other firing methods produce different results. Sandra Cook and Karen Lopez, another local ceramic artist, had been talking about pit firing. The more I researched pit firing, the more I was convinced to try it. Pit firing is one of the earliest methods of firing clay, originating thousands of years ago.
It is a simple procedure, only requiring a pit and plenty of firewood.
I placed my dried clay piece (which was considered “greenware” because it had never been fired before) into the pit. Then I surrounded my clay piece with kindling, small pieces of firewood and finally larger logs. The fire was designed to burn hot and burn for several hours.
The temperature differences in pit firing cannot be controlled as well as with the standard electric kiln, so the art piece frequently does not survive the firing intact. So I was apprehensive until the fire burned out and my clay piece cooled. Fortunately, my art made it through the pit firing intact. Afterward, I finished it with a coat of wax to bring out the different colors created by the pit firing method.
Thank you Sandra and karen for inspiring me to experiment! For more info, see www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com
Entertainment
Contributed by Nan Potts
Orange and red, conflict with an azure sky, Flutter in a chilled breeze.
Yellow and gold, glitter in October sunlight, Drift to the ground.
Amber highlights blend with the waning hues, Coalesce into a colorful dynamism. A single crown of silver observers abandon play, The delineation of the old and the new.
Noise and laughter rush and surge, Swirl with gusts and liberated foliage.
A joy ‘twixt generations in a commonality Of abiding colors at a surrendering time.
A bittersweet chromaticity embellishes my autumn realm, Donned by wee ones playing. Diving into raked leaves with vigor, Glowing shades that match their hair.
The days grow shorter and mine, Diminished with their coming.
Once again this season draws to a close, The fall of children.
Calendar of Events
MAKE A PULL-ON SKIRT CLASS WITH JOANNA
10/30/2017 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot
Palmer Train Depot
610 S Colony Way, Palmer
Cost: $45 (907) 888-5571, (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
HALLOWEEN HOLLOW
10/31/2017 - 3PM
Mat-Su Special Santa Program Alaska State Fairgrounds, Raven Hall
2075 Glenn Hwy. Palmer
Cost: $6 or 1 Unwrapped Toy(907) 761-3770 matsu_santa@yahoo.com www.specialsanta.net
TRUNK & TREAT
10/31/2017 - 6PM
First Baptist Church of Palmer 1150 E. Helen Dr. Palmer, on the hill above the Noisy Goose FREE Event - (907) 745-4483 tyler.sulfridge@fbcpalmer.com www.fbcpalmer.com
MY HOUSE-KMBQ RADIOTHON
11/3/2017 – All Day
MY House, KMBQ 99.7 Radio
MY House
300 N Willow St. Wasilla FREE Admission - (907) -373-4357
MEET KAREN MATTSON
11/3/2017 – 5PM
Valley Fine Arts Association Bear Paw River Brewery
4605 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Wasilla FREE Admission
ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY EVENT 11/4/2017 - 10AM
St. Bernard Catholic Church
Sheldon Community Arts Hangar
22249 S. “D” St. Talkeetna FREE Event (907) 733-1212 tkasuzy@mtaonline.net
DARE TO DREAM
11/5/2017 - 2PM
Matanuska Susitna Orchestra
Glenn Massay Theater 8295 E College Dr. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 357-3769 www.MatSuFoodBank.org
KNITTED DOUBLE CABLE
SCARF CLASS WITH KENDA 11/6/2017, 12/4/2017 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot
Palmer Train Depot
610 S Colony Way, Palmer
Cost: $50 (907) 677-9276, (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
MAKE BAKED POTAO BAG CLASS WITH JOANNA 11/6/2017 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot
Palmer Train Depot
610 S Colony Way, Palmer
Cost: $45 (907) 888-5571, (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
HOUSTON OUTLAWS CAUGHT AT HOME
11/7/2017 - 7PM
Soft Tip Dart Association
Houston Lodge Marketplace
16966 W Parks Hwy. Houston FREE Event - (907) 892-5124
AK TUESDAY NIGHT FIGHTS
11/7/2017 - 7:40PM
AK Tuesday Night Fights
Menard Sports Center
1001 S Clapp Dr. Wasilla Tickets: $18-$35 - (907) 232-3727 www.aktuesdaynightfights.com
CONSIGN49 FALL
/HOLIDAY 2017 EVENT
November 9-12, 2017 - 9AM
Consign49
Alaska State Fairgrounds, Raven Hall
2075 Glenn Hwy. Palmer FREE Admission info@consign49.com www.consign49.com
8TH ANNUAL NEIGHBORHOOD TOY STORE DAY
11/11/2017 – All Day
American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) Just Imagine Toys 591 E Parks Hwy # 407, Wasilla FREE Admission
BOOM TOWN VS. FAIRBANKS ROLLERGIRLS GAME
11/11/2017
Doors Open @6PM, Wheels Roll @7PM
Boom Town Derby Dames Menard Sports Center 1001 S Clapp St. Wasilla Tickets: $5 - $16.66 www.boomtownrollerderby.org
ORPHAN SUNDAY 11/12/2017 - 6PM Church on the Rock/Beacon HIll Church on the Rock - Wasilla 3571 W Machen Rd. Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 373-7910 julia@churchak.org www.churchak.org
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY DECOR CLASS WITH JOANNA 11/13/2017 - 7PM Monday Market at Palmer Depot Palmer Train Depot
610 S Colony Way, Palmer Cost: $45 (907) 888-5571, (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
MS SUPPORT GROUP MEETING 11/14/2017 - 4PM My. Source. in the Valley MTA Sports Center 1507 N Double B St. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 707-8750 Check us out on Facebook
MAGGIE ROGERS PERFORMANCE 11/17/2017 – 7:30PM UAA Concert Board Egan Center 555 W 5th Ave.
Tickets: $25 Adv./ $30 @Door UAA Students, $35 Adv./$40 @Door General Public (907) 786-1210 zac@alaska.edu
ALASKA CHICKS COMPANY’S VINTAGE HOME MARKET November 18-19, 2017 Saturday @9AM, Sunday @10AM Alaska Chicks Company Alaska State Fairgrounds, Raven Hall & the Hoskins building 2075 Glenn Hwy. Palmer Admission: Saturday $3 General/ Kids FREE, Sunday FREE
THANKSGIVING FLOWER ARRANGEMENT CLASS BY KAYLA 11/20/2017 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot
Palmer Train Depot
610 S Colony Way, Palmer Cost: $40 (907) 745-5550, (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
KNITTING FINISHING TECHNIQUES CLASS WITH KENDA 11/20/2017, 12/11/2017 - 7PM Monday Market at Palmer Depot Palmer Train Depot
610 S Colony Way, Palmer Cost: $50 (907) 677-9276, (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
200th Birthday of Baha’u’llah Celebration
10/22/2017 – 1PM Palmer Baha’i Community Palmer Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer FREE Event
Valley residents from all spiritual and religious traditions (and no traditions) are invited to a very special 200th Birthday of Baha’u’llah Celebration on Sunday, October 22nd at the Palmer Train Depot.
The first part will be a 1pm-5pm Open House to informally meet with local members of the Baha’i Faith. The afternoon will focus on the history as well as the spiritual and social teachings of Baha’u’llah.
The Open House will be followed by a special dinner at 5pm and then the Valley premiere of a 60-minute film on the life of Baha’u’llah (1817-1892).
This unique celebration and film premier in the Valley is hosted by the Palmer Baha’i Community with help from members of the Baha’i
Faith throughout the borough. There is no fee and donations will not be accepted.
Questions about this historic celebration may be addressed to 745-1459.
Baha’is all over the planet will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah in a myriad of creative events. This worldwide observance will be of unprecedented scope designed to engage folks in exploring Baha’u’llah’s vision for humanity.
Contributed by Rosemary Vavrin
Creative Writing
Contributed by Larissa Peltier
The air was sweet with spring. Next to the cottage was a building that housed Riven’s carpentry tools. It was his woodworking shop where he built everything his family needed - the house, the horse stable and the furniture in their home. Nearby was a rough log cabin. It was the first shelter he built when he and Beija chanced upon the clearing in their youth. With a natural stone foundation and a creek nearby, it was the perfect place for the new couple to build their home.
Riven entered his shop and sat down on a bench. He thought about Beija and the girls and how much he loved them. But Beija was unhappy. What could he do? The thought of moving to a city was immediately dismissed. Lindane was home; this valley of peace and bird song was home.
He could not bring himself to raise his children anywhere but here. How could he make his wife understand that? She had such a strong will. It was nearly impossible to make her listen when her mind was made up. And she had made up her mind that he had trapped her in this valley. Riven covered his face with his hands and groaned. He sat up straight. If he could not make his wife happy, then he would
Creative Writing
Contributed by Lucas A. Fisher
When the two reached the next room, a strange feeling washed over them. The grand size and quiet lights were intriguing. The beauty ranged from a fireplace, plush sitting chair, too many books to count and the paintings. Oh, the paintings on the walls. They were the only sign of the scarred resident. A staircase climbed against two walls in an L shape to an overlooking floor of one room. Paintings of figures sat against the wall in the sitting room, climbing with the stairs. Each portrait had the lower half of an individual, their heads clawed away.
Clementine glared at the one clear painting left in the room - the Practitioner’s. Her companion didn’t ask since Clem was not the only one with memories
make his children happy and maybe their joy would reach Beija’s heart as well. He picked up a plank of soft pine, measuring it with a carpenter’s creative eye. Then he got to work.
Karice woke up to the sparrow’s cadence at dawn. The wind carried the scent of alder sap in through her open window. She sprung out of bed and ran into the kitchen to begin her day. There, next to the hearth, was a rocking horse. She yelped for joy and jumped on it. Her exuberance was only slightly dimmed by the absence of her father. Her mother said he left for the city of Avle to buy her another pony.
Karice spent the whole morning rocking on her horse. She prattled happily to her mother about horses and ponies, but Beija was not listening. Finally, tired of hearing Karice’s piping questions about riding ponies, Beija told her to begin her chores. Karice got off her rocking horse and did as she was told, but hummed contently to herself as she did so. At 6 years old, Karice was already managing the household by herself while her mother busied herself with herbs and brews. As Beija’s interest in botany grew, the little girl took over the neglected duties of the house. She dusted and put away scattered implements back in place
and was even learning how to cook whole meals by herself. Beira no longer bothered herself with housework. Instead, she would leave for the whole day scouring woods and fields for new plants and then come home as the sun set to go to her writing table and document them in her journals. Today, Beija had taken to her journals early and simmered a new concoction that was so pungent, it could only be for another enchantment.
Beija bent over and ladled out a spoonful of amber liquid. “Come here Icene.” she beckoned to the toddler.
Karice looked up from her sewing as her little sister crawled to their mother. She got up and went after the baby, picking her up before Icene reached their mother. “Mama, what do you need her for? I can get you what you want.” she said, holding Icene on her slim hip.
“No Karice, put her down. I don’t need anything.”
Karice continued holding the baby. “Then what do you need Icene for? She’s not supposed to go by the fire.”
“Do as you’re told Karice, I’m your mother. Now put her down or bring her to me.”
of hurtful people. While she rested her leg, sitting on the large chair, Clementine heard whispers. Up the stairs. She climbed each grudging step. Higher was a test of nerve. Closer meant louder.
Clementine was lead to the one and only door. A simple door. She carefully opened and stepped through into a bedroom. Her eyes never shone at the royal bed and its comforts. The amulet glowed blue in her hands after inactivity. Out of the lavatories, the Queen (the Mistress to others) gracefully floated upon a shroud of clouds to gaze at the intruder. Shocked and terrified, Clem was entranced by her flowing dress of night and its stars. Her mask hid any emotion. If only Clem saw behind the mask. Then she could know, perhaps understand the Mistress’ surprise. In moments of tension, the Queen stared at
this prisoner with the talisman. It held the power to lead anyone to their desires. Its abilities beyond that were lost. And it ran.
The Queen screeched and exploded after her. Clouds of darkness raced, shards of stars chased and the mask she wouldn’t face almost enshrouded Clementine. She leaped from the top step to avoid magic and tumbled down the stairs into a wall. Then the next set of stairs. Conveniently, her ally was nowhere to be seen.
She saw the cloud envelop the chair while diving frantically through a vent in the sitting room into the next. A solemn room that held no light, yet “everything” was visible. The entrance was barred. A lovely portrait hung along the wall. In an empty space, Clementine had a painting, and soon the door pounded.
Comedy Directed by Stephen O’Brien
Arsenic & Old Lace
10/20/2017 – 11/5/2017
Fridays & Saturdays @7PM, Sundays @2PM
Valley Performing Arts
251 W. Swanson Ave. Wasilla
Tickets: $17 Students/Seniors, $19 General
This comedy revolves around the Brewster family, descendants from the Mayflower, which are now composed of insane, homicidal maniacs.
Mortimer Brewster, a local drama critic, must deal with his crazy family and the police, while he debates whether to go through with marrying the woman he loves.
His family includes two spinster aunts who have taken to murdering lonely old men by poisoning them, a brother who believes he is Theodore
Community Events
Contributed by Sue kay
1st Annual Sweetest Day Celebration 10/21/2017 - 12PM
Go inn Green, Everett’s MatSu Resort Everett’s MatSu Resort 850 E Bogard Rd. Wasilla Cost: $10-$100
Go Inn Green mission is creating purpose through art. Sue Kay and the Mat-Su Resort is kicking off the re-opening and re-location of Go Inn Green Up Cycle Art Studio, now located on 1190 N Helen Lane, in the heart of the new Art District of Williwaw Way, Wasilla!
Celebrate a day of up-cycled art and a private dinner show at Everett’s Mat-Su Resort! The National Sweetest Day is happening on October 21, 2017 from 12pm - 11pm. The theme is 1920s/Great Gatsby. Costumes for the evening dinner show and dance are
Roosevelt and is digging locks for the Panama Canal in the basement and a murderous brother who has received plastic surgery performed by an alcoholic accomplice to transform him into a double for Boris Karloff. All families have skeletons in the closet – some are just funnier to expose!
Arsenic and Old Lace opens on October 20th and runs through November 5th. Ticket prices are $19 for regular admission and $17 for seniors/students. This classic comedy will be appearing at Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Avenue, Wasilla.
Call VPA at 373-0195, visit our website, www.valleyperformingarts.org, or come by the office on Monday through Friday, 9am to 3pm, to purchase your tickets. Be sure to follow us on Facebook
encouraged, although Halloween attire is completely welcomed and will be included in the costume contest. Prizes to entice will be awarded! Using glass from Everett’s bar, bistro and kitchen up-cycled breakage, Go Inn Green is offering three select classes starting at noon.
Sweetest Day Discount: If you pay for your friend to attend any art class, your fee is free! Bring a sweetie pie and enjoy creating a memory and a craft!
Art Theme & Schedule:
Sticks and Stones, Glass and Bones is the theme. Selected crafts have reduced pricing for multiples.
Stick Art:
From 12pm - 1:30pm, create bird feeders made from up-cycled bar glass from Everett’s and wood donated by H5 Construction from onsite building scrap. This craft costs $25.00 - $40.00 each.
Stone Art:
From 2pm - 3:30pm, create rockin’ frames and stoned art. This craft costs $25.00 - $40.00 each.
Glass & Bone Art:
From 4pm - 5:30pm, creat moose bone art wind chimes, mobiles and/or jewelry. This craft costs $35.00 - $50.00 each.
Dinner Show:
Dinner Show will be starting at 6pm. The dinner show costs $60.00 per person or $100.00 per couple, and it includes a treats and sweets dinner, a complimentary glass of wine, entertainment, a private concert and you can be entered for prizes for costumes.
Everett’s Mat-Su has mastered treats and sweets, including a sampling of wine.
Enjoy local make-up artists modeling creative work with emphasis on Halloween make-up ideas and free spirit expressions in body art from 6:30pm - 7pm.
Go Inn Green supports voting for your favorite make-up artist or model by donating a buck a vote in designated bottle collection sites on your tabletop. Special recognition for the most votes will be announced when the band starts.
Music:
Blues with HarpDaddy and the Backcountry Mojo will be playing from 7:30pm - 8:30pm during private dinner concert. HarpDaddy and Backcountry Mojo will continues to play as doors open for the public at 9pm - 11pm. This is free admission. Enjoy the best blues and live dance music in the Valley!
if you would like to participate in the costume contest but not attend the private dinner, a donation of $10.00 at the door will enter your name in for prizes.
Contributed by ingrid D. Shaginoff
Imagine living deep in the Alaska wilderness where survival depends on your ability to hunt, fish and gather. A place where as far as you can see is dense forest, rivers and sparkling lakes, set against a backdrop of majestic, snow-covered mountains where the only sounds are those of nature - the caw of a raven, the lonesome howl of a wolf or the sharp cry of the loon.
In this place education means pulling the brush up around your snare to prevent the rabbit from going around it, or knowing to remove the scent glands from the beaver before you roast it. It means recognizing and following a track through thick brush. This is the ways of their Athabascan ancestors and the only way the Shaginoff family knew.
With the Colonists moving into the Matanuska Valley as part of the New Deal, their world is about to change forever.
About the Author:
Ingrid D. Shaginoff is a life-long Alaskan, born in the Territory of Alaska before statehood.
Ingrid grew up in and continued with, a subsistence lifestyle which includes hunting, fishing, gathering and trapping. She shot her first moose at the age of 11 under the watchful eye of her dad and older brother. Previous hunts had been limited to rabbits, ptarmigan and spruce hens.
A stint in college earned her a number of degrees including a master’s in nutrition and health administration, which opened the avenue to becoming a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist. Ingrid felt that this career path suited her well, and combined nutrition with her knowledge of herbs and alternative healing to offer her clients and patients the advantage of both worlds.
After many satisfying years working in a clinical setting, Ingrid has returned to her first love - writing. As a kid, she always had a story or poem under construction and at the ready to entertain her six siblings. Back then, it was horses or ghosts Ingrid recalls with a smile.
Ingrid’s hobbies are fly fishing, kayaking, food preservation and sitting by a fire beside the river on her 30 acres, watching moose,
Community Events
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fox, bears, wolves or coyotes crossing through or stopping at the pond to drink. Most of all, she treasures spending time with her 22 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Write what you know is standard advice given to aspiring authors, advice Ingrid has taken to heart in all her writing. The subsistence lifestyle the characters in her stories live reflect her own experiences.
You can follow these ongoing experiences on Ingrid D Shaginoff’s website, by selecting the “Today in Alaska” tab where you can see what project Ingrid is presently tackling. It may be making jelly or syrup, skinning a beaver tail for beaver tail and beans, canning moose or salmon, or making dog food for her fur babies.
ingrid’s book “Chickaloon Wild” can be purchased on her website, www. ingriddshaginoff.com, and at Whimsy Gift Shoppe, located in the koslosky Building downtown Palmer.
1136 S Cobb St. Palmer Cost: $10 per person, $15 per family
It starts at 3pm at the Palmer Moose Lodge.
This is a family-friendly event where kids can enjoy the indoor trick or treats through fun games, wear their creative costumes and win a prize.
As we Filipinos love to share our traditional food, it will be a potluck, so bring your favorite dish to share! A percentage of proceeds from this event will go towards our Holiday Blessing project to feed families in need this holiday season.
Contributed by Lhing McNeal , Filipino American Community of Matsu
