Make A Scene Magazine July 2018

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 a ppointment.  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

“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

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 re sidents 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

ALASKA CHILDREN’S CHOIR SUMMER MUSICAL

July 16-20, 2018 - 10AM

Alaska Children’s Choir

Trinity Lutheran Church 10355 Palmer-Wasilla Hwy.

Cost: $150 (907) 982-5467

Check us out on Facebook

MONDAY MARKET

AT THE PALMER DEPOT

7/16/2018-8/20/2018

(Every Monday) – 11:30AM

Monday Market

At The Palmer Depot Downtown Historical Train Depot

610 S Valley Way, Palmer FREE Admission, Contact for Vendor Fee (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmaul.com

RECYCLE YOUR STRESS TO LAUGHTER WORKSHOP

7/19/2018 – 6PM Valley Community Recycling Center 9465 E Chanlyut, Palmer FREE Event

POSTPARTUM

MAMA MEET-UP

7/20/2018, 8/17/2018

Heritage Midwifery

Heritage Birth Center

2323 S Trunk Rd. Palmer FREE Event (907) 746-6645

BACK TO SCHOOL

CLOTHING GIVEAWAY

7/21/2018 – 9AM

Frontline Mission

2001 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Wasilla

FREE Event - (907) 3578600

MAT-SU VALLEY FIBER ARTS FESTIVAL

July 21-22, 2018 - 10AM Mat-Su Valley Fiber Arts

Alaska State Fairgrounds 2075 Glenn Hwy. Palmer FREE Admission

13TH ANNUAL FIREWEED FESTIVAL

7/21/2018 - 11AM Trapper Creek

Community Park

T.C. Park Road at the Trapper Creek FREE Event

FRIENDSHIP PARK GRAND OPENING

7/21/2018 - 12PM

Friendship Park

1150 E. Helen Dr. Palmer FREE Event (907) 745-4483 friendshipparkak.com

MAT-SU CIVIL AIR PATROL SQUADRON RECRUITMENT

7/21/2018 - 1:30PM

Alaska Civil Air Patrol

Palmer Library 655 S Valley Way FREE Event (907) 240-7888

KIDS CAMP “VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL”

July 23-27, 2018 - 9AM

First Baptist Church of Palmer

1150 E. Helen Dr. Palmer FREE Event (907) 745-4483 www.fbcpalmer.com

HITCHCOCK PIANO STUDIO MONTHLY MINIRECITAL/TALK

7/23/2018 - 7PM

Hitchcock Piano Studio 950 W Edinborough Dr. Palmer

FREE Event - (907) 7453134

ARCTIC PERMACULTURE GARDEN SERIES

7/26/2018, 8/9/2018

Seeds and Soil- ORGANICS

Throughout Palmer Cost: $15-$35 seedsandsoilorganics@ gmail.com

6TH ANNUAL BEER & BACON FESTIVAL

7/28/2018 - 1PM The Lakefront Anchorage 4800 Spenard Rd. Anchorage

Cost: $25-$50 (907) 226-2202 Check us out on Facebook

KIWANIS GOLF TOURNAMENT

8/3/2018

Kiwanis Club

Palmer Golf Course

1000 Lepak Ave. Palmer Cost: $100

THE SPOT: UNDER 21 MUSIC VENUE

8/3/2017 – 6PM

The Spot Open Mic MY House 300 N Willow St. Wasilla FREE Event (907) 373-4357

ART WORKSHOP

August 4-5, 2018 - 1PM

Cloudy Lake Workshops

Leeward Studios 1770 N. Pittman, Wasilla

Cost: $160 (907) 982-0332 www.urocksafety.com

2018 ALASKA PREVENTION SUMMIT

8/7/2018 - 9AM

The Glenn Massay Theater 8295 E College Dr. Palmer FREE Event (907) 745-5822

HIGH TIMES CANNABIS CUP

8/11/2018 & 8/12/2018

Settlers Bay Golf Course www.CannabisCup.com Live Music, Podcasts, Entertainment

FREE STEM KITS FOR EDUCATORS AND HOMESCHOOL PARENTS

8/11/2018 - 1:30PM

Alaska Civil Air Patrol Palmer Library 655 S Valley Way FREE Event (907) 240-7888

MARY HAVENS BOOK SIGNING & PRESENTATION

8/17/2018 – 3PM

City of Wasilla, Wasilla Public Library

Wasilla Public Library 500 N Crusey St. Wasilla FREE Admission (907) 376-5913 cityofwasilla.com/library

9TH ANNUAL BIG ‘M’ MEMORIAL BENEFIT

8/18/2018 – 12PM

Mug-Shot Saloon 251 W Parks Hwy. Wasilla FREE Admission Donations Accepted (907) 376-1638 mugshotak@gmail.

Arts

Community Events

Contributed by Josh Fryfogle

For decades and around the world, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has been known as a cannabis cultivation capital - long before the prohibition was lifted and the taxes enacted. In fact, one particular strain of cannabis (MTF) that carries in it’s acronym the ‘Matanuska’ namesake, is particularly popular - and potent.

High Times Magazine has been at the forefront of the cannabis culture in America since 1974, and as an independent publisher, I respect their chutzpah. When they started expressing themselves, it wasn’t like it is today, with countless spin-off cannabis publishers - although, it could be argued that prior to cannabis prohibition, all publications, no matter their topic, used hemp in their paper stock. But I digress.

While High Times Magazine is certainly a bastion of the free press and cannabis conversation, it is a result of those times, in the 1970’s, when we were still stomping on people’s constitutional rights - and sometimes on the People - over a plant. Now, of course many have argued that smoking cannabis is not mentioned in the constitution, but the fact remains, the constitution was drafted on hemp paper.

It’s this hidden history of cannabis that High Times has revealed over the decades (along with some choice nuggets of cultivator culture), and now, in this rising Golden Age of cannabis reintegration, High Times’ readers and leaders are rightfully celebrating.

Every year since 1988, High Times hosts the Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam, but also has expanded that brand to select locations, like Settlers Bay Golf Course in the Mat-Su Valley, as expanding legalization has reduced the threat of harm or injury to cannabis consumers. It’s an event that draws thousands of attendees, who celebrate their ability to consume a plant without fear of violence - and that’s something, as Americans, we can all feel good about!

I spoke with Amos Stephens, GM/Super Intendant of Golf Course Operations, while he was weeding the herb garden where the facility grows mint and basil for their signature cocktails. We discussed how having an event like this, at a venue like Settler’s Bay Golf Course, helps to break the stigma that’s been placed on some of our neighbors.

“These are customers too, there’s no need to segregate them, put them above or below anyone else. I cater to whoever wants to buy my product - and I just so happen tohave a venue that people like to use,” he said.

Community Event

As we spoke about the event, Stephens made it a point to say, “You have to give tremendous credit to Kerby Coman, his vision...”. Coman is owner of Green Degree, a local cannabis retailer, and part owner of Hempire Co., a hemp-derived CBD company on Main Street in the city limits of Wasilla.

Reaching out to Coman to talk about the event, he had some exciting news, “I’ve been in contact with all of the government agencies regarding this legislation to allow licensed cannabis establishments ( Cultivators, Retailers, Manufacturers and Testing Facilities) to actually bring product to a trade show - not actually sell it, but to showcase it.”

Until now, no cannabis business in Alaska has been able to LEGALLY show their product at an event of any kind. This regulation has been going through the processes it must in order the be put into effect after the MCB (Marijuana Control Board) voted to pass it, and Coman was happy to report that the regulation had indeed been signed, going into effect on August 11, just in time for the Cannabis Cup.

“It will be the very first time that any cannabis establishment will be able to actually bring product out to showcase,” said Coman.

Cannabis Cup is a connoisseur’s event. A VIP team of judges taste test the products from various horticulturalists - this time Alaskan growers - and pass around awards to those who have been able to cultivate the plant to certain criteria. These awards are highly coveted, of course, and the Alaskans who win these awards will surely see further rewards, as their strains will be sought after. The bragging rights for these winners will equate to increased sales at local cannabis retailers, and increased price points, too.

In addition to the cannabis contest, the music performances at this High Times’ Cannabis Cup will be of the highest caliber. Redman and Method Man are already set to performthese two hip hop all stars are known for their cannabis advocacy, and creative credentials. With millions of fans, and millions of followers online, these hip hop heavy weights are a rare treat for the Alaskan audience.

Iration, a happy, reggae group that hails from Hawaii, will also bring that signature sound to the Settlers Bay Golf Course, where there is plenty of room to move and dance. This group also has millions of listeners around the world, and of course, reggae is a style of music that has traditionally celebrated cannabis, drawing from the Rastafari religious tradition that makes use of both the music and the ‘ganja’.

The confluence of music and cannabis is as old as both. This event will bring those two together, between the mighty Matanuska and Susitna rivers, for two days at Settlers Bay Golf Course, August 11th & 12th, 2018. There will be shuttles available, with parking at the Menard Center in Wasilla, and free transport to and from the event.

Music & Books

Contributed by Sharon Aubrey

Some fairgoers in Palmer have complained, “There isn’t anything ‘new’ at the state fair. It’s the same old rides, food and booths every year.” Well, next year in 2019, there’s going to be a big change!

For the first time, a new booth has been created to promote Alaskan authors and musicians in a collaborative environment.

The booth will host traditional Alaskan-themed books like memoirs, and will also contain a wide variety of other genres, ranging from fantasy/ sci-fi to poetry, children’s picture books, teens fiction, history, Christian non-fiction and even romance.

Music Review

Avid readers will have the perfect opportunity to discover the depths of Alaska’s gifted writers and be exposed to new characters, stories, anecdotes, tales of Alaskan history and new adventures.

The AK Book & Music Booth will also have scheduled events to meet local authors and have books personally signed.

Additionally, Alaskan musicians will be featured. From our rich history of bluegrass to songs trending the national charts by Alaskan artists like Portugal The Man, the unique voice of local musicians are filled with passion and distinction. The state fair offers many stages and excellent opportunities to hear hometown

artists, but the new AK Books & Music Booth has an additional personal connection to offer Alaska’s fairgoers.

The booth will have short performances from artists, scheduled times to meet local musicians, provide information for fans on how to connect to the music and even carry albums for sale. The local music events offer a great way for fans to meet these talented artists and have items signed personally. It’s also a positive way for Alaskan musicians to receive feedback and encouragement from their audiences.

In a world where the potential for personal disconnection looms as people communicate by phones, the necessity of face-to-face interactions

will always be valuable to any healthy community. Hidden within the diversity of Alaskan cities and villages, our neighbors have a great wealth of knowledge and talents to share. This is why our state fair in Palmer is paramount. It helps us stay connected as a community and provides opportunities to experience new ideas and skills from our fellow Alaskans. Next year, the new AK Books & Music Booth will also provide a platform for us to discover the rich diversity in Alaska’s literature and music too. We are currently seeking Alaskan authors, illustrators and musicians to participate and have your work featured in the new booth.

For more information, please visit www.akbooksandmusic.com