Non-Profit Directory
Families & Children:
March of Dimes Alaska Chapter
www.marchofdimes.org/alaska (907) 276-4111
Non-Profit Organization?
Join our growing list for as little as $15.00/mo!
www.makeasceneak.com/nonprofitdirectory
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.
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.
Valley Fiber Arts Guild
www.valleyfiberarts.org
The Valley Fiber Arts Guild began in 1983. Our purpose is to provide educational and cultural enrichment for the community by promoting a greater interest in the fiber arts.
Fiber arts include spinning, weaving, knitting, crochet, dying, felting, lace making, and more! Monthly gatherings are held at the Palmer Public Library on the first Saturday of the month from September-April at 10am-11:30am. Tuesday is UnFinished Objects Night.
Join us every Tuesday night 5ish-8pm at Vagabond Blues Cafe in Palmer! Come spin, knit, crochet, or visit while having some coffee and getting some free instruction!
Join the March of Dimes for our annual High Heels for High Hopes this fall. To become a model or participant, call 276-4111.
The March of Dimes helps moms have fullterm pregnancies and healthy babies. And if something goes wrong, we offer information and comfort to families. We research the problems that threaten our babies and work on preventing them.
About 4 million babies were born in the United States last year, and the March of Dimes helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs.
The March of Dimes: working together for stronger, healthier babies.
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)
Families & Children:
March of Dimes Alaska Chapter www.marchofdimes.org/alaska (907) 276-4111
The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
About 4 million babies were born in the United States last year, and the March of Dimes helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs.
The March of Dimes: working together for stronger, healthier babies.
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
GREAT AMERICAN TAXI PERFORMING LIVE
4/19/2017 - 9PM
Great American Taxi
Fairview Inn
13301 E Main St. Talkeetna FREE Admission
www.greatamericantaxi.com
ART FOR WELL-BEING, EXPLORING SELFCOMPASSION
4/20/2017 - 1PM
Counseling for Enhanced WellBeing
Lake House Studio
472 So. Lake St. Wasilla
Cost: $35 - (907) 460-8481
EnhancedWellBeingAK@gmail. com
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION SERIES: BIRCH TAPPING & SYRUP MAKING
4/20/2017 - 6PM
UAF Cooperative Extension Service
Matanuska Experiment Farm
1509 S. Georgeson Dr. Palmer
Cost: $2 Children, $10 Aults(907) 745-3360
www.uaf.edu/ces/matsu
GREAT AMERICAN TAXI
PERFORMING LIVE
4/20/2017 - 7PM
Great American Taxi
Klondike Mike’s
820 S Colony Way, Palmer FREE Admission www.greatamericantaxi.com
Middle Eastern Cooking Class
4/21/2017 - 6PM
Nourished: Health Coaching Services, LLC
6330 N. Britchenstrap Dr. Palmer
Cost: $60 www.nourishedak.com
RON FUNCHES SHOW
4/21/2017 – 7:30PM
UAA Concert Board
Williamson Auditorium
2533 Providence Dr. Anchorage Tickets: $10 Students, $20 General www.uaatix.com
2017 STATE ALASKA MASTER GARDENERS CONFERENCE
4/22/2017 - 8AM
Mat-Su Master Gardeners
Palmer Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer
Cost: $80 Early Bird
Registration, $100 Regular Registration matsumastergardeners.com
MAT-SU WOMAN’S AFFAIR
April 22-23, 2017
Saturday @10AM, Sunday @11AM
KO Productions
Menard Sports Center
Cost: FREE Children 12 & under, $4 Adults
kourtney@fairbanksevents.com www.fairbanksevents.com/ mat-su-womans-affair/
MARCH FOR SCIENCE
4/22/2017 - 2PM
March for Science Palmer Library
655 S Valley Way, Palmer FREE Event
CIRCUS SOIREE (ADULTS ONLY)
4/22/2017 - 6PM
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School
Menard Sports Center
1001 S Clapp St. Wasilla Tickets: $60 Early Bird Price, $75 Regular Price
ALASKA CHAMBER SINGERS PERFORMANCE
4/22/2017 - 7:30PM
Denali Arts Council
Sheldon Arts Hangar E 1st St. Talkeetna
Cost: $14 DAC Members, $16 General www.denaliartscouncil.org
CASCADA DE FLORES
4/22/2017 – 7:30PM
Alaska Junior Theatre
Discovery Theatre, Alaska
Center for Performing Arts
621 West 6th Avenue, Suite DT, Anchorage
Tickets: $12-$27 www.myalaskacenter.com
BENEFIT CONCERT FOR DAN OVIATT
4/23/2017 – 1PM
Becky & Scott Oviatt
820 S Colony Way, Palmer
Cost: $10 Spaghetti Feed, $15 Admission
Check us out on Facebook
MARA GENERAL MEETING
4/28/2017 - 7PM
Matanusaka Amateur Radio Association
Wasilla Fire Station 61 101 W Swanson Ave. Wasilla FREE Event
kl7jfu@gci.net www.kl7jfu.com
VIA BIKE! A BIKE TOURING DOCUMENTARY FILM
4/28/2017 - 7:30PM
Denali Arts Council
Sheldon Arts Hangar E 1st St. Talkeetna FREE Event, Suggested $5 Donation www.denaliartscouncil.org
SONJA’S DANCE STUDIO SPRING RECITAL
4/29/2017 - 7PM
Sonja’s Dance Studio
Glenn Massay Theater
E 8295 College Dr. Palmer Tickets: $10 - (907) 357-3933 www.glennmassaytheater.com
LIZ VICE IN CONCERT
4/30/2017 - 7PM
Whistling Swan Productions
Glenn Massay Theater
E 8295 College Dr. Palmer Tickets: $29.75 www.glennmassaytheater.com
JUST FOR FUN CONCERT
5/4/2017, 5/7/2017, 5/13/2017, - 4PM
Mat-Su Community Chorus Willow Community Center Willow Community Center Circle, Willow FREE Event www.matsucommunitychorus. org
UNITED WE ROLL ALASKA
STATE TOURNAMENT
May 5-7, 2017 – 11AM
Boom Town Derby Dames Menard Sports Center
1001 S Clapp St. Wasilla
Cost: $5-$50 www.boomtownrollerderby. org
CALIFORNIA SUITE
May 5-28, 2017 Fridays & Saturdays @7PM, Sundays @2PM
Valley Performing Arts
251 W Swanson Ave, Wasilla Tickets: $18 Students/Seniors, $20 General www.valleyperformingarts.org
HAMFEST
5/6/2017 - 10AM Matanuska Amateur Radio Association
Wasilla Boys & Girls Club E 5700 Bogard Rd. Wasilla Admission: $3 www.kl7jfu.com
BIG LAKE SPRING PURGE
5/6/2017 - 10AM
Big Lake Elementary School 3898 S Big Lake Rd. Big Lake Cost: $25 - (907) 232-8889 fly-girl@outlook.com
Check us out on Facebook
BIG LAKE LIONS MOTHER’S DAY BAZAAR
5/6/2017 - 10AM
Big Lake Lions Club 2942 S Lions Ct, Wasilla FREE Admission (907) 982-6088, (907) 892-8687
GLOBAL 6K RUN FOR CLEAN WATER
5/6/2017 - 10AM
Trailhead Weslyan Church 1320 N. Double B St. Palmer Cost: $25 Kids, $50 Adults(907) 746-3447 chet@trailheadak.org www.trailheadak.org
KENTUCKY DERBY PARTYALASKA
5/6/2017 - 11:10AM
David J. Parks
Simon & Seaforts’s 420 L St. Anchorage FREE Event - (907) 350-0144 parks.david.j@gmail.com
Check us out on Facebook
HORNS A PLENTY
5/6/2017 - 7:30PM
Mat-Su Concert Band
Glenn Massay Theater
8295 E College Dr. Palmer
Cost: FREE Children under 5, $5 Students, $10 General www.matsuconcertband.org
EVAN PHILLIPS SPRING SHOW
5/6/2017 - 7:30PM
Denali Arts Council
Sheldon Arts Hangar E 1st St. Talkeetna
Cost: $12 DAC Members, $15 General www.denaliartscouncil.org
JUST FOR FUN CONCERT
5/7/2017 – 4PM
Mat-Su Community Chorus
Willow Community Center Willow Community Circle, Willow FREE Event matsucommunitychorus.org
MARTHA HAPPS SHOWING
5/12/2017 – 6/8/2017
Vagabond Blues
642 S Alaska St. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 745-6577 www.marthahapps.com
MEET THE ARTIST
5/13/2017 – 2PM Vagabond Blues
642 S Alaska St. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 745-6577 www.marthahapps.com
JUST FOR FUN CONCERT
5/13/2017 – 7PM
Mat-Su Community Chorus
Good Shepard Lutheran Church
501 E Bogard Rd. Wasilla Tickets: FREE Students/Seniors, $5 General www.matsucommunitychorus. org
PIANO STUDIO OPEN HOUSE: FREE PIANO MUSIC & ADVICE
5/15/2017 - 5PM
Hitchcock Piano Studio
950 W Edinborough Drive, Palmer
FREE Event - (907) 745-3134 salgreek@mtaonline.net
Contributed by Zaz Hollander
Horns A Plenty
5/6/2017 - 7:30PM
Mat-Su Concert Band
Glenn Massay Theater
8295 E College Dr. Palmer
Cost: FREE Children under 5, $5
Students, $10 General
Mat-Su Concert Band brings a once-ina-lifetime musical opportunity to the stage of the Glenn Massay Theater at Mat-Su College with its Horns-A-Plenty concert at 7:30pm on Saturday, May 6th.
The program features Hubler’s “Concerto for 4 Horns” performed by 16 French horns. This central piece of the concert showcases the band’s remarkable horn section. Composer Heinrich Hubler wrote this concerto (the one piece he is known for) in 1856 after participating in a performance of Robert Schumann’s composition for four horns and becoming inspired.
The concert has an intermission. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for students and children under five get in for free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.matsuconcertband.org.
The band’s capable brass sections are
showcased in several other pieces. “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral” by Richard Wagner is a solemn, lilting selection from the German romantic opera “Lohengrin” which premiered in 1850. As arranged for the band, the piece creates a luxurious sound.
Horns are also prominent in “An American Elegy” for concert band, composed by Frank Ticheli to commemorate those who lost their lives at Columbine High School in 1999 and to honor the survivors.
In addition, the band will perform several John Philip Sousa marches and a medley from Beauty and the Beast.
The band got its start in 1984 as the Mat-Su Community Band, formed by Matanuska Music owner, Hank Hartman. Other directors have included Neil Long and Phil Munger.
Current director, Gleo Huyck, is a retired music educator and private instructor. Under Huyck’s baton, the band performs a wide-ranging selection of challenging music. The band this season numbers at about seventy amateur musicians who assemble every Monday night for rehearsals at Teeland Middle School.
Contributed by Martha Happs
Martha Happs Showing
5/12/2017 – 6/8/2017
Vagabond Blues
642 S Alaska St. Palmer FREE Event
Meet The Artist
5/13/2017 – 2PM
Vagabond Blues
642 S Alaska St. Palmer FREE Event
Martha paints colorful, heart-felt acrylic and watercolor paintings. She loves Alaska and Alaska’s beautiful landscapes, wildlife and frontier history. Her paintings are an exciting adventure of subject matter and color.
Martha will be showing her art at the Vagabond Blues in Palmer from May 12 - June 8, 2017.
Meet the artist on the “Second Saturday” May 13th from 2pm-4pm at Vagabond Blues.
Martha was raised in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern
California where nature and animals were part of her everyday life. She moved to Alaska’s “Last Frontier” 36 years ago with her husband and their two small children. While raising the children, Martha worked with clay and on her drawing skills at the University of Alaska Anchorage and Mat-Su campuses. She has lived in the Matanuska Valley ever since.
Art is always a part of Martha’s life. Martha has been crafting and sculpting in clay since high school. In the last five years, Martha started painting. Painting has captivated her now. She paints what she loves, so it comes from her heart to touch others, spreading the joy and beauty that is around all of us. Martha feels blessed to be living in such a beautiful part of the world.
Martha’s artwork is always growing with the knowledge of new techniques and information. One of her techniques is working with sculpture molding paste under her acrylic paintings, thus giving the art a textured 3D effect. It makes you want to touch the painting with the
way the light reflects off the textures. Martha also paints in “Plein Air” style, which means painting in the open air. You’ll see her around Palmer painting this summer, stop and say hi. It’s always fun to check out the paintings.
Martha will also be showing her artwork at this year’s Palmer Midsummer Garden and Art Faire on July 8, 2017 from 10am - 6pm. She will have her display on the greens by the Palmer Museum. View some of Martha’s original artwork on her website, www.marthahapps.com.
To contact the artist, call Martha 907-745-6577 or text 907-3557765.
As the snow begins to fade in the Valley, we are starting to see early signs of spring all around us – buds on the trees, warmer nights and more daylight. The staff of the Palmer Museum is also feeling more energetic as the promise of warmer months are close at hand. To help us all embrace the upcoming summer months, the Palmer Museum has a few opportunities planned to get the community out and about once again.
To start with, the Museum has another exciting episode of Untold Stories scheduled for Sunday, April 23rd. Originally beginning in May of 2016, the Museum developed the event so that it could bring together Mat-Su Valley residents to share their personal stories: funny, sad and sweet. At every episode (performance), seven people each tell a seven-minute long true story about themselves relating to the show’s theme.
Local musicians perform a few songs before, during and after the performances. Proceeds made from ticket sales go towards supporting the Palmer Museum of History and Art’s events and programs. April’s episode theme is Spring Breakup and will be held at the Palmer Depot on April 23rd, from 6PM-8PM. Staff from the Palmer Downtown Deli will be selling snacks and refreshments.
April’s episode will be featuring newcomers: David Cheezem, Barbara Hunt, Scott Oviatt, Vicki Randolph, Carl Seaver, Bert Verall and Kathleen Yerbick with a special historical perspective from Leif Kopperud and live music provided by Valley percussionist, Meggie Aube. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students with I.D. and are available at the Palmer Museum and B Bella Hair Salon with remaining tickets being sold at the door. Be sure to purchase your tickets early though, as all past shows have been sold out. The museum not only focuses on showcasing history, but also preserving it. In past years, due to limited funding, the Museum has been unable to
house its historical artifacts properly according to museum standards.
Thanks greatly in part to the Rasmuson Foundation and Museums Alaska’s Collections Management Fund, the Museum has finally been able to tackle projects that have allowed it to slowly update its technology, software and storage capabilities over the last two years.
Accomplishment of these projects reflects the Museum’s mission to preserve and protect the material culture of the Palmer region. One of the most recent projects the Museum has undertaken has been relocating artifacts into proper storage trays and boxes while also continuing to digitize the Museum’s historical photography collection.
Most recently, in support of this project, the Palmer Museum was selected by the Alaska State Historic Records Advisory Board (ASHRAB) as one of two organizations within the state of Alaska to host and work with a journeyman archivist from the Lower 48. Archivist, Laura Frizzell, will be taking time away from her work with the Coca Cola archives in Atlanta, Georgia, to work with Museum staff for six weeks processing the Museum’s Alaska Magazine and Blue Photography collections.
During her visit, she will also be assisting staff in properly organizing and developing finding aids for the Museum’s most recently acquired Odsather and Irwin collections which include photographs, documents and personal correspondences that the Museum hopes to give public access to online once it acquires funding to establish an online database. As part of this project, the Museum hopes to also host another community open house which will include an invitation for the public to join Museum staff in learning more about how to properly house their own personal artifacts.
As part of this project, the Museum will
be hosting a community open house at the Palmer Depot on May 30-31 from 12PM–7PM, which will include an invitation for the public to join Museum staff in learning more about how to properly house personal artifacts.
During the open house, Museum staff and volunteers from other Valley museums will be available to show the public how to make storage containers for historical objects as well as provide information on how to properly care for them.
The Museum will also be offering an exchange program where the public can sign up to get personal instruction that will allow them to build a storage container for one of the Museum’s historical objects and in return, receive the supplies and assistance for them to build a storage container to take home for their own personal object(s). For more details about this event, please visit the Palmer Museum’s website at http://palmermuseum.org/localactivities/.
Just as it is focused on preserving the history of Palmer, the Museum is also committed to supporting our local art community through its Temporary Exhibit Program.
Continuing through April, the Museum will be hosting the third year of its Mat-Su Valley juried high school art exhibit, Beyond the Classroom. Beyond the Classroom is open to all high school students, grades 9-12, that are enrolled in a high school program (public, home school or alternative).
As part of the exhibit, representatives from Mat-Su College Art Department, Valley Arts Alliance, Valley Fine Arts Association, Palmer Arts Council and the Palmer Museum will be reviewing all submissions. Participating artists will be given review sheets with comments and suggestions after the exhibit with a special participation gift provided by Blaine’s Art Supply in Anchorage.
Prizes will also be awarded for
outstanding work from each media: painting, drawing, sculpture/ceramics, photography and mixed media and one lucky student will also be awarded a Best in Show based on a 50/50 score with 50% based on public popular vote taken at the Museum from March 15th – April 7th and 50% based on the jury panel’s review.
The exhibit is designed to showcase our younger artists in the community while encouraging them to continue making art a part of their lives.
Finally, don’t forget to save the date for the Palmer Museum’s annual soirée at the Palmer Depot on Saturday, May 6th from 6PM-9PM.
During the event, the Museum will be hosting its annual membership drive which helps sustain the organization and allows the Museum to continue preserving and promoting the history, art and culture of the Palmer region. Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the Museum’s upcoming temporary exhibits, programs and events including the opportunity to view the Museum’s 2016 Art Acquisitions.
Festivities include food catered by Humdinger’s Gourmet Pizza, Arkose Brewery serving up pints (for a small fee), fundraiser games, live music and more! The evening will also offer guests a special preview of this year’s Garden Art Faire and attendees will be able to take advantage of the Palmer Wine Walk ticket pre-sale! Admission to the event is $15 per person and free for all active Museum members in good standing. Tickets will be available at the door or can be purchased in advance at the Palmer Museum.
The Palmer Museum is staying active this spring, so be sure to visit the museum website at www. palmermuseum.org for more information about its upcoming exhibits, programs, events and opportunities to get involved!
Contributed by Randi Perlman
Happy early days of spring, lilting thoughts the long days bring. ‘Tho still a ways to go up here, the waxing sun belies the fear That winter will not lose its grip as icy daggers each day drip.
Ravens kiss and swoon the sky as I pursue that first rebel fly.
Moose abundant as they struggle to find, the last of the bark that sustains their kind.
Through bitter cold nights spiked with aurora, snow slowly melts as sun daily stronger.
The air is filled with charged anticipation as earth gears up for its seasonal transition.
Surrounded by vistas that widen the eyes and beckon to you as you’re passing by
In an auto, jet boat or flying high there are wonders to witness that money can’t buy. It’s getting crowded to live here as more and more come, Bringing change along with them, wherever they’re from.
But Alaska is still where I want to stay - to me that’s been clear from my very first day. There is no other like it, of that I am sure, it’s the Great Land I’ll always be thankful for.
AlAsk An springtime scents
Contributed by Nan Potts
Spring is but upon us, The winter's left its tell.
The sun returns to melt the snow
However, what's that smell?
Some say it is the earth
Awakening anew. Others say is the budding tree, All cover now with dew. Ol' Timers talk of Breakup That happens at this time.
Contributed by Susie Oliva
Seconds take time. Tic and tock on hands of a clock.
Years rush and flutter by on wings of a butterfly.
Revel in and endure the moments of joy and strife.
Thrill to the speeding decades, the roller coaster of life.
The Sourdoughs will tell you, The fragrance is sublime. For springtime, in Alaska, Can be more or less received By your eyes and ears a welcome, But your nose, it can deceive.
When ice and snow retreat
To the rivers and to streams, What's left behind and concealed, May cause nightmares in your dreams. Things that lived a while or longer, Reveal themselves to you
And the stuff, in which they left behind, Remains in view there too.
If you are the blessed owner Of a dog or cat or other, You'll understand me saying, when Their scat thaws then, "Oh brother!"
Just For Fun. Why Not?
Contributed by Nan Potts
Just For Fun Concert
5/7/2017 – 4PM
Mat-Su Community Chorus
Willow Community Center
Willow Community Circle, Willow FREE Event
Just For Fun Concert
5/13/2017 – 7PM
Mat-Su Community Chorus
Good Shepard Lutheran Church
501 E Bogard Rd. Wasilla
Tickets: FREE Students/Seniors, $5 General
Why not, just for fun? Sing to a loved one like you’re auditioning for The Voice?
At a stop light, rock out to your favorite
song as surrounding drivers applaud you? Play air guitar in your front yard to your favorite song with the whole neighborhood watching and they join in?
Why not? You may have responded with, “Because!” Or, you might have started sniggering, adding, “Pshaw! Yeah, right!” etc.
It would be silly to conclude that you don’t like to have fun; it’s just your fun button hasn’t been pushed. With that said, I know there is a silent percentage which would do the above, just for fun!
For the rest you who are reluctant to leave your comfort zone and won’t sing outside the shower, only play their air
Contributed by Bonnye Matthews
Mike Spindle is a toy designer, sculptor, illustrator and author. His work has enriched Disney, Hallmark Cards and Hasbro, among others. At present, he is writing children’s books appropriate for the very young. The books are reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, but Spindle’s focus is animals in Alaska.
Miles is a Mailmoose is dedicated to mail carriers everywhere, and as such the flavor of the enormity of Alaska is part of the atmosphere of the story. The first day on his job, Miles has an adventure learning that delivering mail by bicycle in Alaska is not always easy. He searches for Blueberry Lane and other animals kindly show him the direction. Sometimes the animals disagree on direction. Finally, Miles finds Blueberry Lane only to realize the letter is addressed to Blackberry Lane. Trying to do well the first day on a job can bring on some silly mistakes, and it certainly does here, providing a great chance to realize that first timers should expect to make mistakes. Miles does, but with a title such as Miles is a Mailmoose, the expectation is that he learns and achieves success.
he goes about his work is priceless just as is his look of dismay as he tries to climb a cliff.
Spindle has captured the essence of the Alaska animals in his cartoons. Moose are large and have remarkably thin legs. Miles’ thin legs and knobby knee illustrations capture that attribute well enough to cause adults to smile. Spindle surely will enrich the lives of many children with this story.
It’s creative, exceptionally well written, and delightful. I highly recommend this book for community library Children’s Literature lists. Also available in e-book form ($3.99, 9781594336553).
The story contains a brown bear (grizzly), Dall sheep, white bear (polar bear), halibut, king crab, musk ox, porcupine, bald eagle, mallard duck, beaver and other common Alaskan animals. The delightful hopeful look on the face of Miles as
Miles is a Mailmoose Mike Spindle
Publication Consultants P. O. Box 221974
Anchorage, Alaska 99522-1974
www.publicationconsultants.com www.amazon.com
Arts
Contributed by Carmen Summerfield
The Wasilla Centennial Celebration Committee asked the Valley Arts Alliance to paint a plywood cut-out for their Centennial Celebration events, held throughout this year - 2017.
The idea we came up with was: Miners from 1917 meet “American Gothic”. Just to refresh your memory, American Gothic is the iconic painting by Grant Wood, painted in 1930, depicting a man holding a pitchfork, standing next to a woman in front of a farm house.
For our cut-out, we styled the hanging lantern from the house window in that painting,
American Gothic. The setting for our American Gothic is a mine, since mining was an important industry in the Wasilla of 1917. We dressed our two characters in a blend of mining and farming clothing and tools, all appropriate to the Wasilla of 1917.
It was a lot of fun painting these cut-outs, I’d like to thank Dianne Boyd, Gale Glenn, Terry Koch and Kathy VanZant for helping on this project. We also painted the smaller cut-out with chalk board paint, so you can chalk or create your own iconic painting.
All these cut-outs are on display at the Dorothy Page Museum on Main Street in Wasilla. Stop by and take a picture!
guitar as a private performance and so forth, there are options. Why not engage in a substitutional adventure of playful melodies with the Mat-Su Community Chorus as they present their spring concert series: Just for Fun.
The Chorus will entertain audiences with a musical journey across styles
and genres. Concert pieces include a barber shop arrangement of Cohan’s Give My Regards to Broadway; the Beatles’ If I Fell, an oldie, See You in September; some familiar classics and silly antics.
Concerts venues include: A free concert on Sunday, May 7th at 4pm, at the Willow Community
Center, Willow. Saturday, May 13th at 7pm, at Good Shepard Lutheran Church, Wasilla. Tickets at the door are $5. Seniors and students, no charge.
Deciding to attend is your choice but so is having fun. You may find yourself tapping your foot or humming. Better yet, singing along and you won’t be
impeded while strumming your air guitar either! But, you must drop in. There is a potential allotment of you who will actually want to join the chorus - new members are always welcomed.
Why not make the time to spend an afternoon or evening of multifarious music with the Mat-Su Community Chorus? Just for fun!
