Issuu

MID-JAN

BE A PART OF THE CELEBRATION... FEBRUARY 15TH

2025

Mat Su Plunge

Academic Scholarships Now Available!

APPLY AT HEALTHYMATSU.ORG

Palmer Elks Lodge, February 15th

APPLICATION DEADLINE MARCH 15, 2025

INSIDE THIS EDITION: Contributed by Paula Nance

AVAILABLE UNTIL FEBRUARY 28, 2025

(907) 357-3278

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.

The fresh scent of Alaskan air and people jumping into freezing water! Say goodbye to cabin fever, it’s getting wild in Wasilla, Alaska. It’s the event people love! Mat Su Sertoma’s 16th Anniversary of the Original Valley Dip expects substantial numbers to join in the shenanigans! This year’s event is hosted by the Palmer Elks Lodge, on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Participants from all over the world dress head to toe in colorful costumes to help raise money for hearing health and the local community. Jean Stanefski, the president of the Mat-Su Sertoma Club, said that although the event requires a lot of preparation and challenging work, the outcome is always worth it. “Despite weird weather, the community at large turns out to support our annual event. Alaskan’s never stand for the status quo, that’s why the local plunge has been so successful,”

said Stanefski. The event needs lots of volunteers and our sponsorships are second to no other. To jump at the event, each participant must raise a minimum of $100 while most jumpers look to score the Annual Biggest Fund Raiser Iceberg Award. Sertoma has numerous scholarships available to local youth and young adults. Funds go to Mat Su Sertoma Summer Camp Scholarship Winners and a substantial donation will be provided to the Colony High School American Sign Language Honor Society Club. Stanefski said “Life is short. So come on and join us! You’ve got to have a little fun! It’s something everyone should try at least once. So, scratch this one off your bucket list and come have a blast.” More information can be obtained at www.matsuhearing.org or contact Jean Stanefski at 907-4141571 for further information. Hope to see you there!

Alaska Junior Theater Proudly Presents Aesop Bops! With David Gonzalez MORE ON PAGE 3 OF MAKE A SCENE

MY House Opens Residential Treatment Center

MORE ON PAGE 7 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER

Fly, Maintain or Join Ground Crew for Warbirds! MORE ON PAGE 5 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER

Contributed by Brenda McCain, Willow Winter Carnival Committee

All Alaskans are invited to enjoy the 63rd State Winter Carnival in Willow, celebrating “The Year of the Malamute,” from January 25 to February 7, 2025, at the Willow Community Center, located at 69.5 Parks Highway. This historic event offers activities for all ages to enjoy both indoors and outdoors, as well as along trails throughout the community. The festivities begin on Saturday, January 25th, with the exciting new Su Dog 300-mile sled dog race, featuring 25 teams departing at 2 PM. That evening, doors open at 6 PM for Carnival Bingo, which starts at 7 PM. On Monday, January 27th, as Su Dog teams make their return, attendees can enjoy a soup-tasting contest for just $5, allowing participants to taste and vote for their favorites. The full carnival weekend kicks off on Friday, January 31st, with the Carnival Kick-Off Dinner. Doors open at 5 PM, featuring the Local Artists’ Quick Draw and the start of the Alaskan Art Silent Auction. At 6 PM, enjoy a dinner of ribs, beans, coleslaw, and cake. This popular event often sells out, and tickets must be purchased in advance at Newman’s Hilltop Marathon, Roni’s Deli, or the Willow Library. Ticket prices are $25 for ages 16 and up, $17 for ages 8 to 15, and free for children under 7 (a ticket is still required). The evening will also include the crowning of the Carnival King and Queen and will conclude with a spectacular

fireworks display by Gorilla Fireworks. On Saturday, February 1st, and Sunday, February 2nd, the Willow Elementary PTA will serve their wellloved breakfast from 8 AM to 11 AM. Carnival activities will run from 10 AM to 4 PM each day. Admission to the carnival is free, with parking costing just $1 per carload; every attendee will receive a door prize ticket. While some competitions require an entry fee, there will be a variety of free and affordable activities to enjoy. Indoor activities include stage performances, a cribbage tournament, local vendors, an ice cream eating contest, a scholarship pie auction, a mini-raffle, and the sale of Malamute shirts, pins, and magnets. Attendees can also visit the carnival kitchen for refreshments and participate in many more fun-filled events. Large raffle tickets will also be available, with the grand prize being an ATV and many other great prizes. Outdoor activities include a vintage snowmachine show and snowmachine competitions such as the poker run, blind driver event, and radar run. Guests can also enjoy outhouse races, a snowshoe scavenger hunt, sled dog races, skijoring, kids’ games, and the historic Sven Erikson 25k run, ski, bike, and skijor tour. Additional events include homesteader games and a pike derby weigh-in. The festivities conclude on Friday, February 7th, with the Fire Department hosting a Family Fire & Ice Dance from 6 PM to 10 PM.