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.
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 10:00 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
Community Events
TOASTMASTERS PUBLIC SPEAKING EVENT
Every Tuesday - 6PM Toastmasters International, Palmer MTA Sports Center 1507 N Double B St. Palmer FREE Event palmer.toastmastersclubs.org
MAT-SU COMMUNITY CHORUS REHEARSAL NIGHTS
Every Thursday - 7PM Mat-Su Community Chorus Wasilla High School’s Choir Room
701 E Bogard Rd. Wasilla Cost: FREE Admission, $45 Long-term Membership Fee matsucommunitychorus.org
4TH MONDAY RECITAL/TALK
The 4th Monday of the month Sally shares highlights from her 40 years of teaching.
Hitchcock Piano Studio 950 W Edinborough Drive FREE EVENT (907) 745-3134
VALLEY CRITIQUE GROUP
12/13/18, 02/21/19, 03/07/19, 04/11/19, 05/16/19, 09/12/19, 10/10/19, 11/14/19, 12/12/19 - 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Wasilla Public Library 500 N Crusey St. Wasilla FREE EVENT www.alaska.scbwi.org
SALSA ON SATURDAYS
11/17/18, 12/8/18, 12/15/188:30PM
Anaya Latin Dance Four Corners Lounge 8000 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Palmer - Cost: $10 www.anayalatindance.com
NOV. MEMBERSHIP MEETING: GETTING TO KNOW THE PULSATILLA
11/17/18 – 2:00 PM
The Alaska Rock Garden Society Eagle River Elks Lodge 7111 N Eagle River Loop Rd. Eagle River (907) 354-5660 akrockgardensociety.org
STAND SUNDAY 11/18/2018 – 5:30PM
Beacon Hill/Church on the Rock Church on the Rock - Palmer Campus
619 E Scott Rd. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 565-9840 dawn@beaconhillak.com
BIRCH BARK ORNAMENT CLASS (AGES 10+)
11/19/18 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot - Instructor: Valerie Barber
Palmer Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer Cost: $40 - (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
KIDS THANKSGIVING CRAFT CLASS (AGES 7-12)
11/19/18 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot - Instructor: Kenda Huling
Palmer Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer Cost: $40 - (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
Mel and Peggy Behnke Celebrate 70th Wedding Anniversary
11/21/18 - 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Primrose Retirement Community of Wasilla Gardenside Café 889 N. Elkhorn Drive, Wasilla (907) 863-4650
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, THE MUSICAL
11/23/18 – 12/16/18
Fridays & Saturdays @7PM, Sundays @2PM Valley Performing Arts 251 W Swanson Ave. Wasilla
Tickets: $20 Students/Seniors, $22 Regular Admission www.valleyperformingarts.org
Musk Ox Farm Shop Local Saturday 30% Off All Musk Ox Farm Qiviut
11/24/18 - 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Musk Ox Farm
12850 E. Archie Rd. Palmer (907) 745-4151 www.muskoxfarm.org
2018 FALL ALASKA VETERANS GUN SHOW
11/24-25, 2018 - 10AM
MAT-SU Veterans Foundation
Lumen Christi High School
8110 Jewel Lake Rd. Anchorage Cost: $5 Regular Admission, FREE Children (Ages 0-10) www.matsuveterans.org
COME SEE SANTA AND HIS REINDEER
11/24/18 - 11:00 AM
Forget Me Not Framing & Just Imagine Toys
Carrs Wasilla Shopping Center 591 E Parks Hwy # 406, Wasilla (907) 373-5010
www.facebook.com/ events/202855447276931/
7.19 CELEBRATION
11/24/18 - 6PM
The Borough Gym
350 E Dahlia Ave. Palmer FREE Event
HITCHCOCK PIANO STUDIO
MONTHLY MINI-RECITAL/TALK
11/26/18 - 7PM
Hitchcock Piano Studio 950 W Edinborough Dr. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 745-3134
MUSICALITY MONDAYS
11/26/18, 12/17/18 - 7PM
Anaya Latin Dance Four Corners Lounge 8000 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Palmer Cost: $15 www.anayalatindance.com
ADULT BIRCH BARK
BASKET CLASS
11/26/18 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot - Instructor: Valerie Barber
Palmer Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer Cost: $40 - (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
KIDS MAKE & WRAP PARENT
HOLIDAY GIFT (AGES 7-14)
11/26/18 - 7PM
Monday Market at Palmer Depot - Instructor: Kenda Huling
Palmer Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer Cost: $30 - (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com
FREE COURSE FOR PROSPECTIVE HOMEBUYERS IN MAT-SU 11/27/18 to 11/28/18 - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
MTA Building 480 Commercial Dr. Palmer (907) 330-8277 www.ahfc.us/events/ samantha@thompsonpr.com (907) 561-4488
MATSU ASL CLUB 11/28/18, 12/14/2018, 01/09/19 - 2:30PM
MatSu ASL Club Wasilla IDEA Office 705 S Knik-Goose Bay Rd. Wasilla FREE Event Check us out on Facebook www.facebook.com/ MatSuASLclub/
HOLIDAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST 12/01/18 - 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Five Loaves Two Fish Kitchen Ministries Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 501 E Bogard Rd. Wasilla Breakfast $12 per person or $30 for three or more
WINTER WONDERLAND TOY SHOW
12/01-02, 2018 - 10:00 AM Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry 3800 W Museum Dr. Wasilla $5 per person, FREE event for museum members www.museumofalaska.org (907) 376-1211
HOMESPUN HOLIDAY BAZAAR 12/01/18 - 10:00 AM Butte Elementary School PTA Butte Elementary School 4006 S Butte Rd. Palmer FREE Event buttepta@gmail.com (907) 982-3820
BIRCHTREE HOLIDAY MARKET
12/01/18 - 10:00 AM
Birchtree Parents Guild
Birchtree Charter School 7101 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy Palmer (907) 301-3961
www.facebook.com/ events/284735705504858/
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
12/01/18 - 10AM 12/2/18 - 11AM
Big Lake Lions Club East Lake Mall
3261 Big Lake Rd. Big Lake FREE Event
Check us out on Facebook www.facebook.com/ events/2249572455314236
AK TUESDAY NIGHT FIGHTS
12/04/18 - 7PM
AK Entertainment, LLC.
Menard Sports Center
1001 S Clapp St. Wasilla $18 Regular, $30 Table Seats (907) 232-3727
www.aktuesdaynightfights.com
MRS. MEIER’S FRIED CHICKEN DINNER
12/05/18 – 4:00-9:00 PM
Meier Lake
6059 Wasilla-Fishook Rd Wasilla Reservations recommended (907) 376-0093
THE SPOT: UNDER 21 MUSIC VENUE
12/07/18 – 6PM The Spot
Gathering Grounds Café
300 N Willow St. Wasilla FREE Event (907) 373-4357
KABAYAN INC. 3RD ANNUAL COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AND POTLUCK
12/08/18 - 6:00 PM
Kabayan Inc. Filipino-American Community of Matsu
Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center
1001 S Clapp St, Wasilla (907) 322-9463
Contributed
by
Martha Happs
“Fantastic” is the word flying around about the Valley Fine Arts Associations member Art Show at Humdingers Gourmet Pizza Co. in Palmer (173 S. Valley Way). The show is up and running until January 2, 2019.
Large and extra large original art work (4’x5’) of varying subject matter makes a stunning backdrop, as you engage in the aroma of the stone fired pizzas. All your senses will be stimulated.
These high quality paintings are from Valley and Anchorage artists, who are: Brenda Jaeger, Martha Happs, Michelle Cornelius, Patricia L. Jones, Rochelle Weaver and Tara Gildow.
Brenda Jaeger has taught art full-time at Pacific Northern Academy, Anchorage, Alaska since 1996. She has been awarded the BP teachers of Excellence Award. She has traveled to Japan three times, to study traditional handmade papermaking, and to Reggio Emilia, Italy to observe traditional clay artists. Born and raised in Alaska, Brenda has enjoyed teaching art since 1974. Brenda has a B.A. in Art from Eastern Washington University, a Master of Arts in Teaching with a major in Drawing and Painting from Whitworth College, and a Masters in teaching degree from Washington State. She has also taught art through the graduate level, in Washington State and Alaska. Brenda is listed in “Who’s Who in American Art” and is a working artist as well as teacher. Her work is in many permanent collections and can be seen locally, at the Georgia Blue Gallery in Anchorage.
Martha Happs and her young family packed up and drove to Alaska in 1981. They followed the mileposts to find gas stations and drove the Cassiar Highway, with the wolves running with them, in Canada. Hundreds of miles of dirt roads, and then the adventure began,
the Last Frontier was a dream come true. Martha works mostly in acrylics, watercolors, and clay sculpture. Her passion right now is Prophetic Art. Martha majored in Art at the University of Alaska, in Anchorage and Mat-Su. She participates in internet workshops and small classes with her favorite artists. Martha is a past president of Valley Fine Arts Association (2014/2015) and a present active volunteer member. Martha shows her current work each year at Vagabond Blues (July 2019), Humdinger’s and the Garden and Art Faire in Palmer in July. You can find Martha on Facebook, at Martha Happs Fine Art, also on Fine Art America.
Michelle Cornelius has a wide range of mediums she is accomplished in: graphite pencil, colored pencil, pen/ ink, charcoal, soft pastel, oil pastel, acrylic, gouache, watercolor, alcohol inks and oils. She also teaches classes and workshops in these mediums. Michelle has been an award-winning artist though out the years. She creates a few commissioned works per year. Her passion in life is art and animals, and depicting Alaska’s beautiful vistas and varied wildlife. She continues to take as many workshops as possible, saying, “there is always more to learn”. Her advise to other artists: “learn to draw, practice drawing and draw what you love! Art will follow.” You can find Michelle on Facebook, at Michelle Cornelius Art or on MozaicDezigns.com.
Patricia L. Jones has been an Alaskan since 1976. After raising her family and retiring from nursing, she has been able to concentrate on her love for art. She primarily works with oils in her home studio and finds it challenging. She has a diverse collection of themes for her paintings, because when something catches her eye, she must paint it. She continues to broaden her art knowledge with art books, attending various workshops with other artists and studying art history. She loves trying out different techniques and being a member of Valley Fine Arts Association.
Rochelle Weaver was born in Homer and raised in both Alaska and Hawaii. Her artist father put a paintbrush in her hand at age 4, and her love of tall ships began at age 8, when she saw a painting of Captain Cook with his ship the HMS Endeavour, in a hotel on the big island of Hawaii. She paints nautical scenes as well as local wildlife, and lives in Wasilla with her husband, three children, two dogs and seven tarantulas.
Tara Gildow is an Alaskan landscape painter, illustrator of strange things, teacher and mother of one imaginative daughter. She was born and raised in Anchorage, and was profoundly influenced by the lonely, rugged beauty that Alaska has to offer. Palmer Alaska has proven to be the perfect spot to live in and be inspired by. She has a BFA in painting from Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Oregon, and has shown her work in various locations in Alaska and Oregon. She is available for commission work as well as teaching children painting and drawing.
Valley Fine Arts Association meets every first and third Friday at Mat-Su College from 2-6pm (rm. 212 FSM building) Come say hi! To join or find a calendar of events, go to:
Culture & Community
Writing
Contributed by Cory Rausa
Well, the snow has fallen, the lakes are frozen and the air has turned to a familiar chill. Winter is upon us here in the Mat Su and, as Alaskans, that hasn’t slowed us down at all. As we enter this holiday season, The Glenn Massay Theater has been busy as well, preparing for our fourth annual
Trees Of The Valley Christmas event on Thursday, December 13 at 5pm! Come on out of your cozy cottages and see what our local businesses have done to transform your lovely local theater into a festive wonderland, that is sure to inspire that holiday cheer, that keeps us looking forward to Christmas and Thanksgiving each year. Bring your loved ones of all ages, as they
will not want to miss out on cookie decorating and hot cocoa, live music with caroling, and if your not on the naughty list, you may even see Santa and some of his reindeer!
This is a free community event, so come on out and get into the holiday cheer! We here at the Massay are very grateful to be a part of the Matanuska Susitna Valley community and to be able to support our local hard working Alaskan businesses, by showcasing the trees they have decorated and getting the word out there for the services they offer. The event starts at 5pm, then we will be showing two Christmas movies, starting at 6:45 with “Santa Clause Is Coming To Town” and then finishing with “Nightmare Before Christmas” from 7:40-9 pm.
Young, old, student, business person, family, couple, or single, you are all
welcome to come and connect here on the Mat Su College campus of UAA, in one of the most modern buildings in the area. Come be a part of kindling that warm winter glow, that staves off the challenges of our daily lives. Bundle up and come to our fourth annual Trees Of The Valley, here at the Glenn Massay Theatre!
Also, don’t miss this years rendition of the spectacular annual showing of “The Alaskan Nutcracker” on December 7th at 7pm and 8th at 2pm and 7pm, put on by Sonja’s Studio Of Dance, as well as their Winter Dance Recital on November 30 at 7pm and December 1st at 11am, 3pm and 7pm.
Whatever the weather, the Glenn Massay is the valleys hub for live performances and events! Get tickets and information at glennmassaytheater.com, and as always, we’ll see you at the show!
