$35,000 Awarded!
Academic Scholarships Now Available!
Heading to college or a vocational program?
APPLY AT HEALTHYMATSU.ORG
Apply for an MEA Scholarship
Due by March 21!
Find the application & more info: www.mea.coop
APPLICATION DEADLINE MARCH 15, 2025
MID-FEB
2025
INSIDE THIS EDITION: AVAILABLE UNTIL FEBRUARY 28, 2025
(907) 357-3278
Winter Discovery Day
To be eligible for the $6,250 loan amount, your expected Federal refund less authorized fees must be at least $8,400. An Easy Advance loan is a loan secured by and paid back with your tax refund and is offered by Republic Bank & Trust Company to eligible taxpayers. It is not your tax refund. Loan amount options are based on your expected Federal refund less authorized fees. If approved for an Easy Advance loan, a Finance Charge will apply. Loan is subject to underwriting and approval. Easy Advance loan proceeds are typically available within 24 hours of IRS acceptance of tax return or within 24 hours before the IRS start date; however, if direct deposit is selected, it may take additional time for your financial institution to post the funds to your account. Visit your Liberty office to learn about the cost, timing, and availability of all filing and product options. Tax returns may be e-filed without applying for this loan. Valid at participating locations. Limited time offer. VALID UNTIL 2/28/25.
Mat-Su Property Values Rise as New Builds Reach 7-Year High
Celtic Spring Fest and 3-Barons Pair Up!
MORE ON PAGE 2 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER
MORE ON PAGE 2 OF MAKE A SCENE
Honoring Service and Building Future Leaders
MORE ON PAGE 4 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER
Contributed by Kierre Childers
Mat-Su Regional Growing Access to Advanced Heart Care
MORE ON PAGE 11 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER
Winter Discovery Day offers free gear demonstrations, activities, and more on March 8! Community members won’t want to miss the valley’s second annual Winter Discovery Day on Saturday, March 8, from 11 AM to 4 PM at Government Peak Recreation Area. Event attendees can enjoy a variety of free gear demonstrations, from fat bikes to snowshoes and sledding. In addition to gear, there will be hot chocolate and fire pits spread throughout the parking area. The event aims to highlight different recreation opportunities in the area and serves as a great way to connect with organizations that offer local community programming. The Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation, in collaboration with the MatSu Borough and over a dozen local businesses and nonprofits, organizes this annual event. This year’s Discovery Day is made possible by funding
from Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union. Businesses and organizations offering activities so far include: Revel Treks and Tours, Backcountry Bike and Ski, AKtive Soles, Onward and Upward, Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers, the Mat-Su Ski Club, AK State Parks, Alaska Geographic, Skeetawk, Pioneer Ski Patrol, Alaska Safe Riders, Adventures by True North, Elevated Community, and Wild Free Kids Occupational Therapy. About the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation: Since 2014, the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation (MSTPF) has been your local trails and parks resource, awarding over $2.3 million in grants to local organizations. These grants have facilitated trail building, trail and park maintenance, and related infrastructure investments in the Mat-Su Borough. Both motorized and non-motorized trail users have benefited from MSTPF’s investments.
Alaska Junior Theater presents the Fourth Wall
MORE ON PAGE 8 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE
The Art Cafe Where Artists are Made
MORE ON PAGE 10 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE
The Importance of Home Inspections MORE ON PAGE 12 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER
The Bright Lights Book Project: A Visit to Mountain Village, Alaska MORE ON PAGE 16 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER
Artists Wanted
MORE ON PAGE 11 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE