Make A Scene February 2013

Mid Feb 2013

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www.MakeASceneAK.com

Locally owned & operated in the Mat-Su Valley, Alaska

> Eye of the Artist Page 24

WITH 8 MORE PAGES,

THANKS TO YOU!

> Remembering Mary Kvalheim Page 11

THANK YOU!

> From Greg Gusse

page 4

> The Alaska Coffee Roastery Palmer, Page 22

> Meet Jon VanZyle, Iditarod Artist Wasilla, Page 18

Lantern Liftoff by Studio Ardent Photography See Page 33

2 Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com Feb 2013

www.cityofwasilla.com 357-9100

Do you truly want to get the most out of your advertising dollars at a genuinely reasonable cost?

If so, consider the Menard Sports Center to display your business or group advertising. The Menard Sports Center is visited by hundreds of thousands of patrons every year. These include local and state-wide sporting events, conventions, fund raisers, consistent use of the ice arena, parents of Turf for Tots, a walking-running track, and steady use of the three meeting rooms.

Your signs will be displayed year-round and will not only advertise, but show the community your support for a tremendous facility. A visual tour is available on the City of Wasilla web site. Choose departments, choose the Menard Sports Center, and click on the virtual tour.

Welcome to our new advertisers: Alaska Waste and Denali Orthopedic Surgery.

And thank you for our renewal customers: C&C Auto Care, MTA, Kendall Auto Group, Special Events Alaska, and Dave Tuttle Insurance. These and other up-coming renewals are greatly appreciated. See our price list on this ad...

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BY PEOPLE FROM THE LOCAL AREA AS WELL AS INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS FROM ALL OVER THE STATE.

Colony High School to march in Rose Parade Contributed by Courtney Brooke Smith Colony High School is pleased to announce that they will be one of the 18 bands selected to march in the Rose Parade in January 2014.

The recently installed President of the 2013-2014 Tournament year, R. Scott Jenkins, will provide leadership for the 125th Rose Parade® .

Jenkins, fittingly revealed “Dreams Come True” as the theme for the 125th Rose Parade.

“The 2014 theme is a reminder that not only is it possible to reach seemingly impossible goals, but that by boldly pursuing those goals, we have actually attained them,” said Jenkins.

One can truly see this theme unfold at Colony High School. Not only has this dream been an aspiration for Colony High’s Band Director Jamin Burton but it is lived on generationally in this small but notable school.

pictured above), marched in, back in 1957 and 1959.

In 1957 and in 1959 Dr. Smith marched with pride in the University of Iowa’s Marching Band playing the saxophone the very same instrument that his grandson, Joshua Smith is playing.

The similarities are exciting for the Smith family and Joshua’s grandfather will attend the event with pride watching it unfold generationally in his life time; truly a dream come true.

About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses®: The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that annually hosts the Rose Parade® presented by Honda, the Rose Bowl Game® presented

by VIZIO and a variety of associated events. The Tournament’s 935 volunteer members act as ambassadors of the organization within the community and serve on one of 31 committees that ensure the success of the parade and game.

Collectively, they contribute upwards of 80,000 hours of manpower each year.

The 125th Rose Parade presented by Honda, themed “Dreams Come True,” will take place Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, followed by the 100th Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO. On Jan. 6, 2014 the Tournament also will host the 2014 VIZIO BCS National Championship at the Rose Bowl Stadium.

DON’T LET

YOUR GIGS

RUN AWAY GET ROLLING GIGS FROM MTA.

With qualified internet packages, your unused data rolls over every month allowing you to get the most out of your plan. Sign up for internet and get Rolling Gigs today. Only available at MTA. VISIT US: Eagle River, Palmer-Wasilla Hwy, Palmer and Wasilla 694.3211 or 745.3211 mtasolutions.com

PSYCHOACOUSTICS

Psychoacoustics: Psychoacoustics is the scientific study of sound perception. More specifically, it is the branch of science studying the psychological and physiological responses associated with sound.

Like a fine Stradivarius violin, or a top-of-the-line Martin Guitar, each string, each fret, every nut and bridge, is tuned perfectly to what it does best. Each driver (speaker) is driven by amplifiers that are specifically and perfectly tuned, as a luthier would tune each string.

To find out more, contact Glen at Fryfogle’s Psychoacoustics

Jamin Burton’s 10th grade student, Joshua Arlyn Smith (16, pictured above) is marching in the very parade that his grandfather, Dr. Jack Arlyn Smith (also

373-2669

Community Thank you!

by Gregory Gusse I am blessed. On Saturday February 9th my community, friends and neighbors both, joined together to help me out with my medical bills. We had a great time, a festival with sky lanterns, art, good food and love.

I am blessed too, that I can write about it, a way to thank all of you that worked so hard at this. Public education worked for me.

First off for thanks are the ‘committee’.

Those fine folks, energetic Denise Smith Statz, thoughtful Judy Vars, sweet and kindly Patty Halley, burley Pat Garley , gregarious Dick and Marie WiIson, witty Josh Fryfogle and most of all Laurie Green organized and sponsored a beautiful event. Laurie had to get so far out of her comfort zone that I worried for her, but she held together. She is a joy.

Of course, there are so many more...

Margret Adsit (the daughter I never had), adorable Peggy Compton , angelic Karen Whitworth and my partner of many years the indomitable Pam Strahan. And, the wonderful folks from Wild Bird Rehab too. I’ll end with naming folks now, not to slight anyone but my list of gratefulness is more far extensive than room in this article.

I keep asking, “Why me?”. I’m certainly not worthy of this gift. There are many more needy or deserving. I will ponder this question for the rest of my life. I’m sure with tears of appreciation..

One thing that may be is: this is something I have always dreamed of, something I have worked for all my life but especially here in Palmer. No, not a benefit for me, but a unified community pursuing a goal, joining together despite our disparate beliefs and desires.

And this lesson is the most important part of last night. Oh yes the money means a lot to me personally, but the love and unity of the community even more so. If folks can get together for me, I know we can get together for any good cause and have fun doing it. We can celebrate a train for instance, or a homeless child, or a community center, poetry or art. We can support our fellows and our community in joyful protest to what we are missing or wrongs that befall our brothers and sisters.

The lanterns floating beautifully in the night skies above our town proved once and for all time that what some see as a divided community is at its heart one proud and joyful chorus. Watch us world when we pull together. We can’t be stopped!

Thank you for your love.

5

By Denise Statz

CASH MOB Palmer Ak is a social gathering with a goal....an opportunity to support small business while mixing and mingling with folks you will probably enjoy - and with whom you will almost undoubtedly find some common ground.

(think books) – creativity (think art and music, fiber and glass) - taste buds (think cheese….or chocolate!) or body (think Yoga, Tai-chi, massage).

Folks start gathering when the work day is over, often having a bite to eat, and just before 7pm organizers Denise Statz or Teresa Roy will announce what retail business the group will be visiting for the evening. Participants (who commit to monthly participation, introducing themselves to two new people and to spending twenty dollars) then make their way to MOB the host business.

Palmer, with its wonderful array of closely associated locally owned and operated businesses and an unusually dedicated community, safe walking area and good parking is a natural fit for CASH MOB. Palmer businesses look forward to introducing you to the services, products, staff and unique customer care their individual operations can provide.

Business owners, who will have had a week or more notice of their opportunity to host the event, are targeted based on their ability to provide guests with a nice variety of products, new concepts, new services, or something to stimulate the mind

So, mark your calendar – The next Cash Mob will be at The Caboose Lounge in Palmer. go to the FaceBook page CASH MOB Palmer AK or e-mail denise@nonessentialsalaska.com to join this great new Palmer event!

Feb 2013

It goes something like this: A week before the event - which is scheduled for February 21st - an announcement regarding the location of the gathering place, a local watering hole, is made.

(You can go to the FaceBook page “CASH MOB Palmer Ak” or e-mail denise@nonessentialsalaska.com and ask to be included in updates.)

Thursday’s so often go by without a moment’s consideration. There they sit, right on the cusp of the beloved noholds-barred, sleep late, out and about, “this is my time” weekend, but without any of the glamour or recognition of Fridays.

I mean, when was the last time you heard anyone say “Thank God it’s Thursday”? TGIT just doesn’t have the same ring. But the days of the lowly Thursday are gone! In Palmer at least, the 3rd Thursday of each month is reserved for a little old fashioned fun and a reason to keep the streets from rolling up - until at LEAST 8:30!

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Cash Mob Palmer

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Community

Feb 2013

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Meet Eve 907-373-2698 (office) 888-383-9909 (fax) makeasceneak@mac.com www.makeasceneak.com

Contributed by Angie Lewis

Year’s Eve. Eve needed medical care and it was a long 24 hours, with the chance that she might not make it. We are very grateful for those that found her and to Dimond Animal Hospital for saving her life!

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Eve is estimated to be about a 1.5 yr old Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mix, who is a perfect petite size and weighs about 40lbs.

Make-A-Scene publishes 10,000 copies monthly.

We distribute to Wasilla, Palmer, Meadow Lakes, Big Lake, Eagle River & Anchorage. We’re always growing thanks to our contributors, our advertisers, and to you the reader!

Thanks for helping Make-A-Scene!

To submit content for print, visit our website for guidelines: www.MakeASceneAk.com Deadline is the 10th of each month.

Submissions are not accepted via Facebook.

Advertising: For information on advertising rates, current sales flyers, deadlines, professional graphic design and more, please call 373-2698

Disclaimer: MakeASceneAK.com, and the parallel paper edition of our monthly news service, is a forum for our community. Both exist for the benefit of our local community, serving as a virtual meeting place for the ideas, thoughts, news, and information that the folks in our community choose to contribute. The articles and opinions herein are the property of the author, not the publisher. The publisher and editor assume no responsibility for injuries or loss incurred by anyone utilizing the information herein, or responding to the advertisers.

She does well walking both on and off the leash to get the daily exercise she needs.

With a little more training and regular walks/exercise, Eve will be a great addition to a loving family or for an active person looking for a companion.

This beautiful girl was found wandering the streets of Anchorage, right around New

She has a very sweet, but playful temperament. Eve gets along well with the other dogs in her foster home, where she loves to play wrestle, tug and retrieve.

Pick Click Give:

the Mat-Su Animal Care and Regulation Shelter, from the

because their families gave them up for some reason.

Houston Animal Protection and Regulation facility, and we take puppies from the public. Some of these canines have come from various Bush communities Bethel, Aniak, Kotzebue, and others.

Through education, intervention, and action, we provide guidance and resources to help people care for their pets and keep them as members of their family. In addition, we now offer a program, “Food for Paws”, which is a food bank for those families who have fallen upon hard times and are struggling to feed their pets.

ADPR has given hundreds of bags of food, treats, and toys to needy dogs and families.

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Submitting Articles & Calendar:

This little sweetheart is doing well with basic obedience and is fully potty trained, when kept on a schedule.

Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue Contributed by Angie Lewis

It is once again time for Alaskans to file for their Permanent Dividend. As you do so, I would like to remind you about the Pick, Click, Give opportunity that is offered when you file online.

There are many worthy nonprofit organizations that help Alaskans and their pets each and every day. Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue (ADPR) invites you to share a part of your dividend with a nonprofit, all volunteer organization that rescues dogs and puppies throughout the state of Alaska.

ADPR has been around since 2002, saving thousands of dogs.

These dogs come to us in a variety of ways. ADPR rescues dogs from

Our dogs are placed in various approved foster homes, rather than a kennel facility. As a result, these dogs are socialized and often trained. All dogs are vaccinated, dewormed, spayed or neutered, micro-chipped, and medical care is provided if needed. Our “Fur Keeps” program offers help to needy families by providing medical care, behavior modification training, or transportation costs for dogs and puppies. This service is provided to qualifying families to enable them to honor a lifetime commitment to their pets. All too often companion animals are relinquished to crowded shelters

To learn more about Eve or to set up a meeting please call Tiffany 830-1348.

ADPR hopes that you will support us in our effort to reach our goal of no more homeless dogs or puppies in Alaska. By donating a portion of your Permanent Fund Dividend, you will have made a difference in the lives of many innocent creatures who rely on us to care for them.

Thank you, Angie Lewis, Vice President Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue

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Jan. 17th Ground Floor Introduction to Alaskan Gardening Jan 24th 42 Reasons Why to Sample MY Soil!

All sessions are scheduled for 7:008:30 pm, Thursdays thru April 11, 2013 at the Mat-Su College, College Rd off the new Trunk Road in Palmer.

Presenters are all volunteers.

Session registration is on a first contact, first reserved basis & is limited to a

Jan. 31st Living with Salmon: Shoreline Stewardship & Restoration Opportunities for Landowners FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Chuck Kaucic at 357-4563 X 103

WSWCD & PSWCD are tax exempt non-profit agencies formed in 1947/48 to support District residents varying Conservation needs.

Check out their web sites for info: WSWCD @ www.wswcd.org & PSWCD @ palmersoilandwater.org

Feb 2013

Topics vary through a wide range of interests. They include basic gardening, frame construction, soil testing attributes, invasive weed species, water well protection & projects that can be functionally used by property owners.

All sessions have been formulated to

Recommended topic sessions/ presenters for the 2014 Series can be made by contacting either District office. (PSWCD – 745-1647 palmerswcd@alaska.com)

January Schedule for the Winter Conservation Series hosted by the Wasilla Soil and Water Conservation District:

maximum of 30 folks. The preferable registration technique is to send an email requesting a space for a specific session to: distmgr@wasillaswcd.org If email is not an option, call 357-4563 X 103. When sessions are full, a waiting list will be kept. Should a situation arise where a person cannot attend & has a reserved space, folks are requested to exercise courtesy & inform the WSWCD office prior to the day of the session.

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

The inaugural Winter Conservation Series is being co-promoted/cohosted by the Wasilla Soil & Water Conservation District’s (WSWCD) in conjunction & close partnership with the Palmer Soil & Water Conservation District. It is a concerted effort to combat the doldrums of winter’s darkness with a visionary introduction to planting bountiful gardens & developing do it yourself practical projects for implementation during the spring-summer season.

primarily provide a cookie cutter recipe to inspire & motivate participants to use & stimulate action. The series follows a free education format experienced by the District Manager during his undergraduate days @ Penn State University. The “ALL U” program featured free classes by volunteer instructors in diverse topics from A to Z. Self-help class offerings were created by qualified people willing to share their particular passions. The District’s Conservation Series massages that concept by directing the sessions to responsible stewardship & appropriate uses of land & resources. Basic, proven information with advice & direction by seasoned, local presenters increases project success.

Winter Conservation Series

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Community

Feb 2013

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Alaska Health Fair

By Kate McKee There’s the Slope worker who discovered he had liver cancer and was flown to a hospital immediately for treatment. Or the senior couple who bought $5 home colon screening kits and found out they both had cancerous polyps that could be removed in time.

Others discovered they had diabetesor dangerously high blood pressure.

The real-life stories of Alaskans whose lives were saved by simple health screenings offered by Alaska Health Fair, Inc., seem endless. The opportunities to attend such a health fair somewhere near you are plentiful, as well.

There are four community health fairs taking place in the Valley in March and April, with the first one happening at the Wasilla Area Seniors facility near the KGB/P-W Highway intersection on March 9 from 9 am to 1 pm. If you miss that one, you can catch the Talkeetna Community Health Fair the following weekend on March 15 at the Northern Susitna Institute near downtown Talkeetna from 8 am to noon.

After that, you can find one at Big Lake Elementary School from 8 am to noon on April 13, then the Willow Community Health Fair is the following weekend on the 20th from 8 am to noon.

In addition to free blood pressure checks, hearing and vision screenings, and several informational stations,

participants can get a 27-panel blood test that includes sugars and cholesterol markers for only $45. Other blood tests for thyroid ($30), diabetes ($25), Vitamin D ($50), blood typing ($20) and prostate ($25) also are available. Fasting for at least 10 hours is recommended for the comprehensive blood test.

“A health fair is really an opportunity to expand your knowledge about how to take care of yourself ,” Dr. Deborah Corker, Alaska Health Fair Executive Director, said recently about the importance of health fairs. “And health fairs are fun because you can talk to who you want to and get the information you need in a safe, friendly environment.”

For Sharon Phillips, the Tanana Valley Program Director for Alaska Health Fair, the purpose of free and affordable health screenings is personal. Twelve years ago, when she was only 44, Phillips found out she had hundreds of primary cancers growing in her thyroid and spreading to her lymph nodes.

“There were no symptoms,” the grandmother of eight said. “If I had been to a health fair and gotten the thyroid blood test, I would have caught it much sooner. Fortunately, I was able to be treated in time and have been cancer free for the past decade.”

For more information, go to: alaskahealthfair.org or call the statewide AHF office at 278-0234.

McKee is the Mat-Su Program Director for Alaska Health Fair, Inc.

Rasmuson Foundation Now accepting Distinguished Artist Award nominations Contributed by The Rasmuson Foundation Do you have a favorite Alaska artist who deserves recognition, or are you one yourself?

Now is the time to submit nominations for Rasmuson Foundation’s 2013 Distinguished Artist Award.

Rasmuson Foundation offers one Distinguished Artist Award annually to recognize the superior artistic accomplishments of an Alaska artist.

This year the foundation will award $40,000 to the selected artist, the largest amount provided since the award program’s inception in 2004. “ The Distinguished Artist Award is an opportunity to recognize the talents and contributions of extraordinary Alaska artists,” said Jayson Smart, program officer for Rasmuson Foundation. “The award not only validates the excellence of creative work, but also supports their future creative endeavors.”

Past winners of the Distinguished Artist Award include Alaska artists Kes Woodward of Fairbanks; Rie Munoz of Juneau; John Luther Adams and John Haines of Fairbanks; Ron Senungetuk of Homer; and Delores Elizabeth Churchill, Ray Troll and Nathan Jackson of Ketchikan. Eligible artists include those who have dedicated themselves for at least 15 years to a significant professional arts career of any artistic discipline. Artists should

also have an extensive independent body of work representing a lifelong investigation and maturation of their personal creativity. Their work is usually widely recognized and influential in style, aesthetic or form. Public nominations of artists who meet the Distinguished Artist Award criteria are welcome. Artists can also nominate themselves.

Nominations can be submitted online or by mail, and forms are available at www.rasmuson.org.

The Distinguished Artist Award is part of the Rasmuson Foundation’s Individual Artist Awards program.

Since 2004 the program has awarded 269 grants to Alaska artists totaling just over $1.9 million.

The Individual Artist Awards program also awards project grants of $7,500 for artists with short-term project needs, in addition to artist fellowship awards of $18,000 for mid-career and mature artists to advance their career.

Additional information is available by calling 907-297-2700 or 877366-2700 (toll free in Alaska), or by writing Rasmuson Foundation, 301 W Northern Lights Boulevard, Suite 300, Anchorage, Alaska 99503.

Rasmuson Foundation was created in May 1955 by Jenny Rasmuson to honor her late husband, “E.A.” Rasmuson.

The Foundation is a catalyst to promote a better life for all Alaskans.

Radio Free Palmer Looking for Board Members

Board meetings are on the second Monday of the month. Board members are expected to work on a committee or project for the station: marketing, member recruitment, etc. Board members must be members of Radio Free Palmer and make an annual contribution.

Contributed By Lee Henrikson

The station signal reaches Sutton, Chickaloon, Palmer and the Butte. It is also streamed live over the internet and available on our iPhone and Android apps.

If you are excited about community radio and want to get involved, call or email Lee Henrikson- lee@cski.org or 982-7158.

7:30 p.m. on March 1st at Teeland Middle School: $5 admission fee; free for students and seniors.

The concert’s theme is “Sojourn” “St. Louis Blues,” and “Hello, Dolly!”

Contributed by Zaz Hollander

Sousa’s “The Pride of the Wolverines” was written in 1926 at the request of Detroit’s mayor. The peppy, cuttime march is one of Sousa’s lesserknown compositions -- how often does a concert audience get to hear an unfamiliar Sousa tune?

The Mat-Su Concert Band performs its “Sojourn” concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 1 at Teeland Middle School.

Philadelphian Vincent Persichetti’s “Pageant” and Andrew Boysen Jr.’s

For more information about tickets, or to join the band, send an e-mail to matsuconcertband@ gmail.com or call Gleo Huyck at 746-0628.

2013

The bayou is the inspiration for “Cajun Folks Songs II” by Louisiana-born composer Frank Ticheli. The band will play a four-minute allegretto, “Pavanne,” from U.S. composer Morton Gould’s “Symphonette No. 2.”

A strain of the piece takes inspiration from French composer Gabriel Faure.

Our 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.

The 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 more than 60 amateur musicians who assemble every Monday night for rehearsals at Teeland. We are always looking for new members.

Feb

Concert selections hail from regions around the United States – and the world. A tribute to Louis Armstrong features a medley of the New Orleans bandleader’s most beloved tunes, including “What a Wonderful World,” “When the Saints Go Marching In,”

The band is also performing a whimsical piece, “The Whistler and His Dog” by Arthur Pryor, which was known as Sousa’s favorite encore.

Pryor, a virtuoso trombone player, served as a soloist in Sousa’s band.

Spoiler alert: A piccolo solo and bandmember whistling parts culminate in an entertaining finale that’s noted as, “Numerous dog barks. (Maybe even a cat screech or two.)”

From Finland comes a selection from Jean Sibelius. Guest conductor - and trombone section leader - Shawn Campbell will direct “Alla Marcia” from the Karelia Suite.

“Song for Lyndsay” round out the program.

There will be a small admission fee at the door. Tickets are $5; seniors and students still get in free. Tickets will also be available before the concert.

The American march composer John Philip Sousa gets a double mention on the concert program.

Italy’s Amilcare Ponchielli composed another of the band’s selections, the festive “Piazza Stradivari MarciaCapriccio,” as part of a campaign to get the city of Cremona to name an open space after the famous violinmaker Antonio Stradivari.

Mat-Su Concert Band presents a musical journey

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Radio Free Palmer, KVRF 89.5 FM, is looking for people to serve on our Board of Directors. Contact us if you want to get involved in a thriving radio community and help shape our future.

New board members will be elected at the annual meeting on March 23 at 2pm at the Palmer Depot.

9

Community

10 Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Community Punks Unite Against Cancer

By Brian MacMillan

Fri, Feb 22, 9 pm S Lounge, 720 Gambell St., Anchorage Performing: Evil Ted & the Thick Pink Antiseptic, The Concussions, Men With Guns, Wolfgas Salimander Cheese Melter, The Greatest American Heroes, Wrick Luv Foundation

DJs in the Digital Age

Jan

2013

Contributed by Lee Henrikson As an all-digital radio station, KVRF 89.5 FM does not have shelves and shelves of CDs that DJs browse through and pull the CDs for their show each week. They either bring in MP3s of the tracks they want to play and add them to KVRF’s digital library or they search the digital library by song, artist, or album for the tracks they want to play.

At KVRF, a collection of volunteers DJ music shows each week. DJ’ing shows is not what it used to be. Our music collection is completely digital.

An Apple computer runs MegaSeg, the radio automation software. This means a DJ can come in at any time

Donations can be made through the website: www.teamblixa.com Back in 2010 I brought my friend Sluggo Cawley’s band The Grannies up from SanFrancisco to headline a summer party lineup. I was not really sure what AK would think about a bunch of aging Bay Area punk rockers in fright wigs and house dresses. It turned out to be love at first sight. “We opened for them at Koots and I remember my reaction was, that’s how you put on a show,” says Evil Ted vocalist Greg Scully. “They’re all just super nice and fun, and we got along very well.”

Philthy Phil Woolridge from the Radioactive Pitstop on 94.7 KZND went to both Anchorage area shows and “became fast friends” with the band.

Prior to moving to Alaska, Phil had been living in Germany running a punk record label and throwing shows over there. The Grannies had been on Phil’s contact list at

and record his or her show for the week. With the playlist in hand, along with notes on the tracks, the DJ comes into the studio to record his audio tracks and then assembles the show (the tracks and the DJ audio files) in MegaSeg. The show is then scheduled in MegaSeg to run at the times specified in the program guide. This means anyone can DJ a show. They don’t have to be there from 7 to 9 pm for the show, they can come in on the weekend to record and assemble their show for the week.

The added benefit of the digital scene is that all of the songs played are automatically logged so it’s easy to report which songs were played so that artists can get their royalties.

We are always looking to add to our

the behest of several groups on his label before he moved, so when they came to town, “we made sure to get out and see them.”

Evil Ted and the Think Pink Antiseptic went down to SF that autumn to play a show with them while Phil and I planned another AK show for the following summer so they could play at my wedding. Phil wrote to me about making arrangements with Sluggo. “At the time I was experiencing some very intense life events. So my calls to Sluggo about the shows coming up would quickly turn to what was happening with me. Although we only hung out together a couple nights the previous year he was there for me like an old friend, proving the kind of character he and his band had.”

Sluggo and his wife Laurian brought their two boys Dregan and Blixa up for a little Homer vacation before the wedding. My wife and her friends volunteered to watch

library. Volunteers “rip” CDs to add to our collection. Look for opportunities in the future to join ripping parties at the studio.

If you are interested in DJing a music show, let us know. We have live jam music, jazz, blue grass/old timey, Hawaiian, rock and more. We may be adding a funk show soon.

the boys and Phil’s daughter Winter so both families could attend a show at Chilkoot Charlies. At the wedding the boys ran around with Winter and Phil got to watch his new punk rock friend play another role, dad.

“Society has this very wrong stereotype of the Punk Rock Parent. We are looked at as slackers, losers, and freaks. Where the reality is most of us have lived a life outside of the bindings that mainstream society willing puts itself into. We are caring, giving and willing to sacrifice more to make sure that our children can grow up free from herd mentality. So we are at this wedding, and the kids are doing their thing when the older boy gets a little too rough with the younger one. Sluggo, transforms from some guy hanging out at a friends wedding to ‘father’ and proceeds, at eye level, to explain the role of an older brother; that of a protector, leader and friend. Sluggo doesn’t know

Continues on Page 13

Remembering Mary Kvalheim

phone, called the Borough Clerk and asked for an application!

Having attended several Planning Commission meetings where planning rarely seemed to be the focus of the commission members, I was a little taken aback by her willingness to jump into the fray. I don’t think she truly understood what she was getting herself into, but I did!

the community a joy, not a job. We remained very close allies after we both left office. Mary was very proud of what she did for her community.

The last time we spoke we were reminiscing about how we had governed. She said “You know, we did some good stuff!” Mary left this world a better place than she found it. I’m so glad she knew that. I am so glad I knew her. I’m proud to have called her my friend.”

her canine family members from the shelter.

Mary loved her family very much, especially her granddaughters, and delighted in them.

She was smart, and funny, and the world is a better place for having had her in it.”

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Community

- By Dianne Woodruff

- By Michelle Church

Before I knew Mary, she served the public for many years at the Legislative Information Office, and as a planning commissioner. Later she served in the Mat-Su office of Senator Mark Begich. She was always a champion of democracy, believing in and promoting public participation in government. She practiced what she preached, and often attended and gave testimony at public meetings.

She was a tireless advocate for several Valley causes, including recycling and the library.

She had a soft heart, and adopted

- By Barbara Hunt

“Over my almost twenty years in public service I have been fortunate to work with many wonderful people.

Mary Kvalheim was one of the best.

She most recently served as my field representative for the Mat-Su Valley but before that she spent 23 years at the State Legislative Information Office helping individual Alaskans work with State agencies and making sure they had access to their State representatives and senators.

Continues on Page 37

2013

Her sense of fairness and her sense of humor made the task of serving

After that, she became a friend, a mentor, a sounding board, a supporter, a proofreader and editor, and a purveyor of perspective. I miss her very much.

My attempt to distill Mary K into a short paragraph is hopeless. Let me just say that her name is the short cut: M is for making friends and “May I help you?”

A is for animals R is for recycling and Y is for “You are wonderful just the way you are.”

Feb

This was in late 1999 when “planning” was still being viewed by some as an undesirable thing for local government to do. Mary felt as I did that community planning as a “no brainer” and, while I was in her office, she picked up the

They knew she was thorough in her research, she was fair in her opinions and she would honor her oath to represent the people who lived in and around the City of Wasilla. I was very proud and honored to have served on the Assembly with Mary.

Mary Kvalheim was a very special friend who came into my life in 2005, when she was an assembly member and I was a constituent with a neighborhood concern. She listened, she cared, and she helped us understand and be effective participants in the system.

I met Mary in person for the first time when I stopped by her office to ask her if she had considered applying for appointment to the Borough’s Planning Commission.

Here was a person who was a registered Democrat, socially liberal in her views (meaning she understood people mattered!), and was a woman!

I do not believe any other woman with her attitudes and commitments could have won that seat but the people of Wasilla had witnessed her in action in her position at the Legislative Information Office.

“She Practiced What She Preached

“Mary Kvalheim had the largest array of friends.....from every walk of life, political persuasion, age group, and interest groups. Dogs, politics, community, and humor always dominated her conversations.

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

“Mary Kvalheim was my friend. She was one of the most genuine people you could ever meet. No matter what she was doing or what was going on in her personal life, she had time to listen, talk and laugh with you. I met Mary when I first became involved in community issues in the Valley. Mary was the Legislative Information Officer in the Mat Su office.

After being appointed to the Commission, she would often catch my eye during meetings and mouth the words “You Owe Me!!” It was our little joke. But I did owe her. We all did.

She went on to become the Mat Su Borough Assembly member for the Wasilla area, serving two terms.

This was a significant accomplishment that illustrated her broad appeal.

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

12

Community Far, Far Out North

By Joshua Aultman Spring One Derren Kopischke was a loser, and he actually lavished in the notion. Being a loser meant fewer responsibilities and less social obligations. Every action taken and every word spoken was meant to ensure a continuous state of isolation from the outside world, and it was fantastic. Of course he needed a source of income to pay the rent and satiate the constant craving for drink and smoke.

This income came in the form of a job at a local radio station nestled snugly in the cold embrace of central Anchorage, Alaska. His daily schedule consisted of wak-

Boathouse Anniversary Contributed by

Feb 2013

Amber Lanphier THANKS TO YOU! Our beautiful community has made a spectacular first year for our new restaurant! Our one year anniversary is approaching this February 18th 2013. We would like to thank you for supporting our efforts to bring you a great dining experience in Big Lake! We have whipped up some tasty new plates for this occasion. Come celebrate our Anniversary week from February 18th to February 24th and enjoy several new additions to our menu.

Do you remember when? Let’s recap what we have accomplished this year.

We want to continue to work hard and make your experience with us a great one. We ran into some parking trouble

ing up, drinking, operating soundboards at the station, going home and drinking himself to sleep. It was the life in that it was a life that was completely self sustaining. Between the apartment and the concrete walls of the station, he barely ever had to show his face to anyone, and why bother anyway? Within him there was no desire for human contact. In the past it had only proven to be a hindrance.

At its very best it provided him with a socially awkward context of shame. At its very worst it was like reliving painful memories of becoming attached to people. Things were just the way that he wanted them now, and that was the way he intended on keeping it.

It was a perfect Saturday night in December: A fifth of Jack and a streaming online documentary on the paranormal.

Even the typically obnoxious neighbor-

for the Iron Dog in 2012, but we were able to knock down a garage and make more room for you to park now! In June we were able to build our road out to meet South Big Lake Road, which made direct access to the Restaurant! On the inside of the restaurant we added wine cabinets to store more wonderful options for you.

We have tweaked, reworked and streamlined the kitchen flow to make one squeaky clean, well running kitchen equipped with an amazing Chef! Back outside we added docks for easier water access and improved signage for great visibility from the road. With our new signage our hope is to make it easy for locals, and for the Iron Dog 2013 to see when we are open, and what the building represents.

The last addition is the doors to the Kitchen from the dining room; this will make the dining experience much quieter! Come out and enjoy our lakeside dining and the view of Mt McKinley and Big Lake At mile 6.2 South Big Lake Road.

hood he lived in was abnormally quite for a weekend. The suburban silence provided the desired spooky environment that made these paranormal documentaries so much more satisfying. Tonight’s delight was “Mysterious Disappearances: The Half Eaten People of America’s National Forests.”

Derren didn’t necessarily believe in everything that he saw in these documentaries, and some were clearly more credible than others.

For example; an “alien abduction” documentary featuring a Psychologist with a PhD. filming a hypnotic regression of an “abductee” that would digress into the patient screaming and thrashing about in a trance like state would keep Derren up all night. But a documentary about an “alien contactee,” featuring elaborate sto-

Happy Birthday, Wasilla!

Contributed by John Combs In 1974, the City of Wasilla was incorporated as a City through legislative action.

In 2014, Wasilla will celebrate its 40th anniversary as a City.

We need a seven member committee to establish how the celebration will proceed. These seven may be residents of the City or adjoining areas; anyone who calls Wasilla their home town. We hope to form the committee by April of this year. The Committee for the 40th will meet once monthly to plan the City-wide celebration.

Those residents who feel that they can serve on the committee should contact:

ries about humans interacting with eight foot tall Nordic beings from the Pleiades would only evoke laughter. Tonight’s feature film was much more like the former example. A former investigative detective was being interviewed about various missing people’s cases from around the continental United States. Apparently he was cataloging bizarre instances of people not coming back home and their families sending out search teams the next day. After a few days of searching, the bodies would be found miles away from the search zone and propped up in strange positions against trees and rock faces. Sometimes the upper torsos would seemingly be melted away, other times they would exhibit symptoms of drowning despite being miles away from any body of water.

Continues on page 26 John Combs, Director of Recreational and Cultural Services for the City of Wasilla at: jcombs@ci.wasilla.ak.us 864-9105 (wk), 354-1733 (cell) Your participation in this important and worthwhile Committee for the 40th will be recognized and greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Punk Rock Cancer Cont. it until now, but his passion as a dad is the thing I respect most about him, and is why I feel so connected to him and his family.”

Fast forward to last April, when while on vacation in Portland Sluggo’s youngest son Blixa is diagnosed with ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia). The news quickly spread through social media and the response was huge. Friends from all over the globe sent their love and wanted to help the family.

“The thing is there is this catch phrase that when applied is a thing of beauty.

Punks Unite! Because we are outside of mainstream society, this phrase is our binder. We make our own society. We are here to help our own, and Sluggo and family are one of our own. Team Blixa was born.”

Phil has been working on a compilation that will be not just for Team Blixa but for all kids with cancer. He’s got bands from Oakland, Germany, and all around the states contributing tracks. The last time I caught Evil Ted they premiered their own “Anti Cancer” anthem. Greg decided to take it another step further and throw a benefit concert for Team Blixa. It’s going to be a killer lineup with Evil Ted and the Thick Pink Antiseptic, The Concussions, Men With Guns, Wolfgas Salimander Cheese Melter, The Greatest American Heroes and the Wrick Luv Foundation with Philthy Phil and Joel Spano as MCs. On top of that the team is gathering items for auction, both silent and loud. Greg has made a guitar amp from an ammo can, an organ from a cigar box, Phil just got Eagle River Tattoo to donate inkwork and I’m offering up a smoked pulled pork dinner for 4.

One last word from Phil on what inspires him to put in the effort. “My step-dad

The human spirit goes a long way in recovery so when the patient is up for it, you have to go enjoy this life. I knew all this from my experience with my stepdad.”

Jon Van Zyle at Palmer Museum Contributed by The Palmer Museum of History and Art This month, the Second Saturday Palmer Art Walk has gone to the dogs.

That’s right; our theme this month is centered on our cute, fuzzy and loyal companions in honor of the Iditarod.

In addition, since March brings St. Patrick’s Day, Art Walk participants will have the opportunity to search the streets and businesses of Palmer to find the Museum Leprechaun’s gold.

Those lucky few who meet up with the

Museum Leprechaun himself, will have an opportunity to win an extra entry into the raffle which includes free movie tickets, a 2013 Iditarod poster signed by Jon Van Zyle and much more!

As a part of the Palmer Museum’s contribution towards the Art Walk we are hosting the exhibit From Trail to Canvas, a collection of original artwork created

by Jon Van Zyle. Jon‘s art career has spanned over three decades. Art is his life and Alaska, all of Alaska, has been his inspiration. Jon’s paintings encompass more than just Alaska beauty; they tell a story and his work portrays an intimacy with the land and its people. In 1979, Jon was made the official Iditarod artist, a title he still holds today. Not only does he create the annual Iditarod poster but he has also completed the race twice.

In 2004, he was inducted into the Iditarod Hall of Fame.

His accolades include Artist of the Year at the Milwaukee Sports & Wildlife Show in 1991, the 1999 Benjamin Franklin Award, and invitations to be the featured artist at the Alaska’s Artists, Capital Rotunda in Washington, D.C., the Frye Art Museum, the Pacific Rim Wildlife Art Show and the Deutsches Röntgen Museum in Remscheid, Germany , to name a few.

The Palmer Museum of History and Art is honored to be able to host an exhibit based on his artwork and enthusiastic to be hosting a meet and greet with Jon Van

Continues on Page 19

Feb 2013

If you wish to donate an item(s) please contact Greg @ https://www.facebook.com/ events/493433414031009/

When you are working and have a little bit of insurance is when you get [screwed]. Insurance only covers a percentage of, in the case of Cancer, what can easily run into over a million dollars worth of treatment. That’s just part of it. You have expenses that erode your finances like hotel stays and meals away from home. Not to mention, it’s not healthy to hole up, you have to stay positive and experience life.

After clearing things with the Cawley family, Phil set up a Team Blixa page. The page has been useful to the family to have one place their friends can go and keep up with Blixa’s progress during various treatments. It has also been a place for supporters to gather and announce their own efforts to help the family. “Daniel Mead of Spinneret Graphics in Portland who happens to be in Torture Me Elmo,

“When coming up with t-shirt designs we threw around a lot of power words, those that would have a emotional (happy, angry or otherwise) response in people. I gave Johnny Hero a general concept of Punks Unite and came back with the Punks Unite to Fight [Against] Cancer logo.”

was killed by Cancer. He was a kind person that did good deeds. During the last year of his life there were all kinds of fund raising activities to help my mother financially. What most people don’t know is that when you’re dirt poor and get a serious illness, you’re taken care of by many large organizations that are there just for that purpose. When you are rich and get a serious illness, you have enough money with plenty to spare when you are ready to resume your life.

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Phil explains his reaction to the diagnoses, “when I got word of Blixa getting diagnosed with Leukemia my heart sunk. My kid was just running around the park with him months earlier.

I instantly started thinking about what could be done to help. I gave it a few days because I knew that the family would be getting a lot of phone calls, but I finally got Sluggo on the phone. I started asking about “the plan” and started to talk about fundraising. Sluggo wasn’t big on the idea at first and it took some time to bring him around. It was something he was willing to go to the ends of the earth, solo, to make work.

a punk band that has played Alaska, from day one has given his time to print t-shirts. Johnny Hero from The Greatest American Heroes, an Anchorage punk band, did the graphic design layouts.

By the time we had t-shirts printed there was a facebook page, a website, and a webstore. The Team Blixa name was catchy so others started to apply it to benefit concerts in both the United States and Europe.

13

Community

Music Working Wages Decrease for Working Musicians

By Van Horn Ely, working musician So when I first got up here to Alaska, musicians used to make $125-$150 and up for a night of music, the lower end representing “clubs that booked several shows a month” over the course of many months, etc, and the higherend gigs being corporate shows, large events, fundraisers, private parties... etc. Starting more regularly in the

Trinity Lutheran’s “Making Music” Ministry Contributed by Hank Roesing I’ve been asked by several friends, both Trinity members and others, to write about Trinity’s “Making Music” ministry. I can best begin writing by borrowing an excerpt from Pastor Diane Krauszer’s newsletter article: “Music of many kinds swells and spills out of the doors and windows at the Trinity Barn and Trinity Lutheran Church. The kids attending the Child Development Center Preschool sing lustily in class. Music lessons happen during the week. Recitals are performed and about three times a year on a Friday night, local musicians gather to perform their best to entertain their neighbors and help raise funds and awareness for local needs. We call it Making Music. Three years ago Hank

mid-nineties, I too made an average of $150/nightly.

Times changed when the bars started booking and paying less, and terrible Rockband game nights, DJ’s, trivia nights, etc ate into the live entertainment sector. We all felt the pinch, and many top-notch players were sometimes making less than $100! (Still are.)

The scene is back, the clubs realize nothing pulls like live, REAL players, and there are some amazing acts up here in Alaska.

So imagine my surprise when I asked for my fee, (one that has rarely increased for repeat customers), the SAME fee that hasn’t gone up in 20 years...well, this same fee produced a

shocked response from a club booker, saying I was the THIRD player in a day RAISING MY FEE. I’m a FAR more seasoned player with a vast repertoire and “resume”, with top-notch gear, and professional habits (I show up on time, don’t get stupid drunk, and play to the room)...and have been paid MORE in the past AT THIS SAME club. I had taken several lower-paying gigs for this same club at the last minute to help them out (they needed last-minute coverage), with NO food and not even a shift drink offer.

No complaints from me, but after four gigs, I told them my minimum rate, politely, and received shocked response.

Set-up, breakdown, travel, (6 hours

Roesing, a member of the Songwriters of Alaska and Trinity Lutheran Church, had a dream to showcase local talent and help our Valley neighbors at the same time. Hank invited some friends to gather on a Friday night at Trinity Lutheran Church where the worship center was rearranged into a performance center with three stages.

Some came to play and sing. Others came to listen. The admission on that first night was several cans of food for the Palmer and Wasilla Food Pantries.

Cash donations were also accepted!

Promise which provides shelter for homeless families and to help build a house for Jim White, a local man who has special housing needs as a double amputee.”

Over 600 pounds of food and $1,000.00 was collected. During the past three years Making Music has show cased local musicians singing blue grass, country and western, gospel, classical, classic rock and many other kinds of music. Instrumentalists have also performed.

Yet, special mention is in order for several who went above and beyond to make this event happen. Since Hank was in Baltimore at a USCG reunion, Sue Ann Roesing took over to coordinate the event. I don’t wish to neglect any of the terrific performers who shared their talents but some are worthy of special mention: Jan Walton who chipped in as emcee; Nanette Lundell, Wendy Taylor, Joy Davidson (Fireside Quartet); Asheigh Nicholson (piano); Michael Faubion, Howard

An enjoyable evening of eclectic music is always guaranteed. Admission is by donation and the funds have gone to our local food pantries, Family

As every Alaskan knows, good weather can’t be expected regardless of how we may plan. Our weakest Making Music Friday was a fund raiser for double amputee, Jim White, on Sep 24, 2010.

No one could fault entertainers and potential attendees for staying home that day.

minimum) gear amortization, (gas, car & guitar & gear payments/costs), not to mention a professional with a career spanning several decades (or more for some cats)...you get the drill.

People, get real. $150 is fair, journeyman-level pay for someone who knows the job. (I made more at every wait staff job I ever had, and they trained me---in TWO WEEKS.) Everyone’s free to make their call in their own business, but is anyone else running into this sort of mindset, and, if so, what’s the solution? Do we as a community need to revisit this topic periodically?

Is there another job in town that pays less than it did 20 years ago?

Okland, Tom Torvie (Detour aka 60/40 minus 1). 88 mph winds kept some scheduled performers away but didn’t deter Detour from venturing out from Anchorage and Nanette Lundell from Eagle River. I’m sure they thought “The show must go on” and it did!! And, an expected light audience contributed an unexpected $351.00! So Making Music IV was a success in its own way after all. Many fine entertainers, some who weren’t able to make it to MM IV, went on to be a part of other Making Music Fridays. We thank our gracious God who moved so many folks to step up to share their talents to help a variety of valley needs. And of course we thank each of them. A big thank you also goes to all the behind the scenes folks who worked so hard to arrange and rearrange the sanctuary, prepare and serve refreshments, and complete the many minute details that go toward successful performances.

Finally, a big big thank you to our generous audiences without whom there would be no benefit.

Literature UAA/APU Book of the Year Art Exhibition Contributed by Amber Webb The UAA/APU book of the year inspired art exhibition Invisible in America runs from February 19- April 5th on the 3rd floor of the arts building with a catalog reception at 1:00 pm on April 3rd.

Themes from the book of the year, The Working Poor, will be displayed as a revolving weekly exhibit showcasing the work of graduating art students utilizing a variety of mediums and interpretations.

February 19th - 22nd will feature artists Jabaree G. Moss and Chloe Keller

February 26th - March 1st will feature artists Rachel A. Lee and Eve Mendenhall March 5th - 8th will feature artists Amber R. Webb and Hilary T. Kjerland

Medicare Reckoning

The one who throws the winning touchdown pass; The one always sure.

A Poem by Roger Miller

I’d win the Nobel Prize For bringing peace to the Middle East; Climb Everest and Aconguaga And stop the rising of the seas.

March 19th - 22nd will feature artists I could use a second life.

Deroy S. Brandt and Samantha R. I could.

Kemplen How about you?

To do the things I should have done; March 26th - 29th will feature artists The things left yet to do.

Jessica E. Addington and Nicholas R. Raffuse I’d be the poet of the age; A warrior fierce and bold.

April 2nd - 5th will feature artists Darla A guest on all the TV shows, M. Forman and Jordan N. Beckenbach Autobiographies to be sold.

For More Information: https://www.facebook.com/ uaabooksoftheyearart

I’d memorize Julius Caesar; Quote King Lear and Macbeth.

In Latin I would read of Rome; In Greek Euripides and Aeschylus.

I’d do my algebra.

(Wishful thinking at most.)

Start up a start up; Revive the Saturday Evening Post.

I’d sing the blues, Fill the pews, Win the races, And remember faces.

I’d be a mover, a shaker, A regular raconteur;

I would command time.

Tell believable lies.

Defy the polls.

Be daring and bold.

I’d dance with half-naked women, The tango and the waltz.

I’d do the hoochie coochie Wrestle bears, ride elephants.

I’d make a fortune And give it away And make another Just to show I could.

Write a book on quantum physics.

As a thespian I would reign.

Humbly refuse to rule the world.

Use 100% of my brain.

But now I arrive at 65, Bereft of youth And part of my mind, Resolute to know what’s happening to me As I contemplate my next scene.

16

Theatre Clue The Musical Valley Performing Arts, chosen for the 2012 Governor’s Art Organization Award, will be performing CLUE THE MUSICAL February 22nd through March 17th.

Director Lori Zulliger has selected her cast bringing this exciting family board game to life! With the assistance from our audience, each performance will have the opportunity for 215 different endings. Thanks to our gracious sponsorships from BP, MEA, Double Eagle Real Estate & Investments, and Wells Fargo Bank we bring you this wonderful family presentation.

This popular game becomes a fun filled musical production which brings the world’s best known suspects to life and invites the audience to help solve the mystery: who killed Mr. Boddy, in which room, and with what weapon? The audience receives forms to help them

Sense and Sensibility plays through February 3rd and Clue The Musical runs Feb. 22nd through Mar. 17th.

Both plays are $17 for Students/ Seniors and $19 Adults.

VPA is accepting non-perishable food donations at each performance this season on behalf of the Food Pantry of Wasilla at every performance this year.

Much Ado About Nothing Contributed by Stan Harris The Palmer High Drama Department is presenting William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado about Nothing” The play opens February 28th and runs through March 9th.

Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:00 PM in the Palmer High Theater. Admission is $10.00 for Adults and $7.00 for Students and Seniors.

This is one of Shakespeare’s premier comedies with a touch of drama as well.

Swing Dance Dinner and Silent Auction Contributed by Stan Harris The Palmer High Music Department is presenting its annual Swing Dance/ Dinner and Silent Auction. Live music will be provided by the Palmer High Jazz Band and ‘Last Rounds”.

The spaghetti dinner and silent auction will be from 6:00 to 7:30 and the Dance will be from 8:00 till 11:00.

Dinner and Dance is $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for students. The dance alone is $5.00.

Proceeds go to benefit the Palmer High Music Department.

Reserve your seat on-line or purchase tickets by contacting the VPA office at 373-0195.

Feb 2013

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

By Valley Performing Arts

deduce the solution from clues given throughout the exciting evening of events, song, and dance. Three cards will be drawn at the beginning of every performance, so the play will vary from show to show! One hardnosed female detective is qualified to carry out the investigation. The set will rotate from room to room with plenty of humor and action - a “game night out” for the whole family to enjoy!

Read our online edition anytime. www.MakeASceneAK.com

Positive & Encouraging Community Info & Events No Staff of Writers + Community Submissions = The People’s Paper

Brings Jesus Christ Superstar to Anchorage Contributed by Thompson & Co. Theatre Artists United (TAU) is back for its spring production with one of musical theatre’s timeless masterpieces, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar. This ground breaking rock opera will be presented March 8-17, 2013, at the Sydney Laurence Theatre. Tickets available at www.centertix.net <http:// www.centertix.net> or by calling (907) 263-ARTS.

Jesus Christ Superstar’s production team reunites Alvarez with director, Shelly Wozniak, and choreographer Kristen Viertalher. Cast members include local theatrical favorites, Leo Grinberg (Jesus), Bridget Sullivan (Mary Magdalene) and features new talent principal talent to the company like Henry Weaver (Caiaphas) and Malcolm Kuntz (Annas). Tickets for TAU’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar’s are on sale now at www.centertix.net Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for youth 18 and younger through. The production is recommended for youth ages 6 and older.

Theatre Artists United can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theatreartistsunited

The Gallery 25% OFF

ALL PRINTS Excludes originals and consignments

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Since the initial concept album became a worldwide sensation in 1971, Jesus Christ Superstar has been produced in 42 countries, was performed at the Vatican for Pope John Paul II, and inspires and touches audiences of all ages as they take the journey through the last week of Christ’s life.

“The music transcends both rock and classical genres,” said Steven Alvarez, the shows music director who is also playing the role of Judas. “Our production brings elements of modernity to the play, but the story is as timeless as the Gospels.”

17

Local Theatre Group

1150 S Colony Way, Palmer

Feb 2013

www.galeryak@ak.net www.galleryak.com

745-1420

18

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Feb 2013

Art

Meet Iditarod Artist

Art that’s Going to the Dogs!

So far, they have microchipped over 310 pets in less than one year! That’s 310 pets that have the security of coming HomeAgain, should they become lost!

Contributed by

This month, through March 8, Vagabond Blues will display a variety of pictures of dogs that are up for adoption. On the Second Saturday in March, that’s March 9, Julie will be representing “Advocates for Dog and Puppy Wellness” at the Palmer Museum of History and Art at 723 S. Valley Way, from 3-7pm.

Carmen Summerfield When you’re at Vagabond Blues in Palmer on Monday morning at 7am, you may have noticed someone changing the photos on the “Advocates for Dog and Puppy Wellness” Pet of the Week pet adoption board. Well, that’s Julie Johnson.

Jon Van Zyle Sun, Mar. 3rd

11-4PM

At Iditarod ReStart, inside the Willow Community Center

Julie is looking forward to 2013 with big plans and high hopes that we can keep adoption rates rising and a steady increase in pets being microchiped!

Signing 2013 Iditarod Posters, Prints, Children’s Books and rare sold-out art!

Can’t make it to the show?

Jon’s works are available year-round at Town Square Art Gallery in the Carrs Wasilla Mall 907.376.0123 www.townsquareartgallery.com

For more information, please visit advocatesfordogandpuppywellness. org.

While visiting with Julie at the Palmer Museum of History and Art on Second Saturday, March 9, stop by and say hi to Jon VanZyle, the official artist of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, signing Iditarod posters from 3 to 7pm.

Meanwhile, in Wasilla, the Dorothy G. Page Museum will be hosting an exhibit “Going to the Dogs”.

Julie (pictured above) is one of the founders of “Advocates for Dog and Puppy Wellness”, a group of volunteers with a love for animals. Through educational material and media coverage they promote public support of local animal shelters and the many wonderful dogs in these shelters. This greatly increases the chance of adoption for the dogs. In fact, the Pet of the Week pet adoption board at Vagabond Blues results in an 80 % adoption rate for each pet posted!

For the past seven years the Valley Arts Alliance has asked local artists to create unique Iditarod-themed artwork to be displayed at the Dorothy G. Page Museum. Now this exhibit is broadening its scope to include ALL dogs, highlighting the canine athlete whether they are Iditarod racers, or dogs with a heart!

Last year the “Advocates for Dog and Puppy Wellness” began offering pet microchips to resident pets of the Matanuska Valley and Anchorage areas.

So let’s make March a “DOG-gone” month of art!

The deadline for entries is February 20, so please call the museum for more info.

Town Square Art Gallery in Carrs Mall, Wasilla

376.0123

Birch Bark Weaving Class

it into craft-worthy strips. Everyone will get to make an ornament, mat or basket.

Refreshments provided.

By Nancy Tarnai

The event is sponsored by the UAF School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences and the UAF Cooperative

A birch bark weaving class will be offered Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Matanuska Experiment Farm, 1509 S. Georgeson Drive, Palmer. For $20, participants will learn how to harvest birch bark, peel it from the tree and cut

Extension Service.

For more information, call Susan McNeil at 907-746-9454.

> A birch bark weaving class will be offered Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Matanuska Experiment Farm

Music

Palmer Museum Cont.

Zyle on Saturday, March 9, from 3:00 – 7:00pm during the Palmer Art Walk.

Jon has also graciously agreed to sign this year’s Iditarod poster and several prints which will be made available for sale during the Art Walk. Visitors are also encouraged to bring any artwork of Jon’s they already own so that he can autograph it. In addition, every piece in the exhibit will also be available for purchase, some so rare that they come from his personal collection.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis to Perform at the Egan Center

For more information, please contact June Pardue at 907-745-0051 or the Palmer Museum at 907-746-7668.

This month the Palmer Museum of History and Art is the place to be and we promise not to disappoint! Be sure to check our website at www.palmermuseum.org for more details about the Palmer Art Walk and any of our events.

About PMHA: The Palmer Museum of History and Art is a non-profit museum that serves the community of Palmer in preserving and sharing the history and art of the Palmer region. The museum’s collections contain items that best depict region’s art history, exploration, settlement, agriculture, and trade, cultural and social development. During the summer, May 1st through September 30th, the museum also serves a Palmer’s Visitor’s Center and is open seven days a week from 9:00AM to 6:00PM.

The UAA Concert Board is proud to present Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Friday Mar. 29, 2013 at 7:30 PM in the Egan Center.

Seattle-based hip-hop duo Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, known for their electrifying live shows and expertly crafted music, broke new ground by independently releasing their debut full-length album, The Heist. The album shot to number 1 on iTunes and debuted at number 2 on Billboard without the support of a traditional record label.

The album’s single, “Thrift Shop,” spoofs American consumerism

and currently holds a spot in the Billboard Top 40. The song’s music video is about to break 25,000,000 views on YouTube and is in heavy rotation on BET and MTV2. “Same Love,” a song in support of marriage equality, was performed live on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. DeGeneres introduced the pair as “her new heroes.”

While on their 70-city, completely sold-out world tour supporting The Heist, they have garnered attention in Rolling Stone, Billboard, NPR, TIME and GQ, leading to live performances on VH1 and the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

Speaking about the reasons for their abrupt popularity, Macklemore said in an interview with Rolling Stone, “Ryan and I work 70-80 hours a week and we don’t stop. That, and the fact that we have fans that believe in our dedication and the art we’re making, that’s the reason we’re at where we’re at.”

Tickets are $20 advance/$25 door for UAA students and $30 advance/$35 door for the general public. Tickets become available on Friday Feb. 1, 2013 at www.ticketmaster.com.

Student tickets are available only at the UAA Student Union Information Desk.

Make Your Own Pottery!

Hours: Tues-Wed: 5-8pm Thurs: 12-8pm Fri: 12-6pm and Sat 10-6

Art Gallery Original local Mat-Su Artists Oil paintings, acrylics, bead work, pottery, fiber arts & more! Creativity welcome!

Call for art classes & workshops.

735 S Bailey Street, Palmer 746-2787

Feb 2013

ART & CREATIVITY CENTER

Neil’s Lock & Safe

> Workshops & Classes: Art, Pottery, Wheel Throwing, Handbuilding & More > Stop by anytime to glaze your own pottery!

> Iditarod Artist Jon Van Zyle

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

In March, the Palmer Museum will also be hosting two workshops given

by Alaskan Native artist and master skin sewer, June Pardue. June will be teaching a three class session on Bea-

ver Mitten Sewing scheduled on March 8th, 15th, and 22nd from 10:00AM2:00PM. She will also be offering a Phase One Beaded Skin Slipper Sewing three class session scheduled on March 4th, 18th and 23rd from 10:00AM – 2:00PM. Both classes have a registration fee of $125 each not including the cost of materials.

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Art

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Music

Jan 2013

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Alaska Junior Theatre Presents:

San Jose Taiko!

Contributed by Emily Rohrabaugh Anchorage, ALASKA – Alaska Junior Theater (AJT) presents San Jose Taiko on March 22nd at 7:30 PM at the Atwood Concert

While in Anchorage, San Jose Taiko will perform for over 8,300 students, teachers and chaperones in the Anchorage, Eagle River, Kenai Peninsula and the Mat-Su Valley area. During their residency, San Jose Taiko will perform seven school shows, three master workshops, one public show, and give a special performance at Alaska Junior Theater’s Annual Benefit Dinner and Auction on March 23rd at 6:00 PM at the Anchorage Marriott Downtown.

San Jose Taiko

Call AJT’s office at 272-7546 to reserve your place in these classes.

We are also very excited to partner with the local taiko drumming community in Anchorage for a special performance to occur before San Jose Taiko’s Friday, March 22nd public performance. Join us in the Atwood Concert Hall Lobby at 6:30 PM for a pre-show performance by Tomodachi Daiko and Wadaiko AK. San Jose Taiko was founded in 1973 by young Asian Americans searching for an outlet to convey their experiences as third generation Japanese Americans, or Sansei.

Looking to Japan for inspiration, they were drawn to the empowering sounds of the taiko, the Japanese drum, an instrument that embodies the spiritual essence and heartbeat of Japan and its people, replete with continued possibilities, renewal and transformation.

The practice and performance of taiko requires selfless dedication, physical endurance, harmony, and a collective spirit.

Hall for a 90-minute performance.

Experience the rhythmic heartbeat and spiritual essence of Japan and its people as San Jose Taiko thrills the audience with the powerful, spellbinding and propulsive sounds of the Taiko drums.

In 1987, San Jose Taiko became one of the first American Taiko ensembles invited to tour Japan. Audience members will be drawn to the empowering sounds of the Taiko and inspired by the continued possibilities, renewal and transformation that the rhythm and beat invokes. Tickets range from $11-$34 and are available at CenterTix by calling 263-ARTS or online at www.akjt.org.

will be leading a series of workshops for the community. On Wednesday, March 20th at 2:30 PM, San Jose Taiko will lead a Taiko Workshop with the East High Taiko Team. On Wednesday at 6:30 PM, San Jose Taiko will lead a Fue Workshop and a Shime Workshop simultaneously in the Atwood Concert Hall (enter through security at 5th & G Streets, $15.00 per class).

On Thursday, March 21st at 6:30 PM, bring your own drum if you have one for an intermediate/advanced Taiko Drumming Workshop with San Jose Taiko at the Atwood Concert Hall (enter through security at 5th & G Streets, $15.00 per class).

The music of San Jose Taiko weaves traditional Japanese sounds with the beat of world rhythms. At San Jose Taiko, Japanese, African, Balinese, Latin, American rock and jazz merge to produce an innovative contemporary sound. With the power and beauty of taiko at its center, San Jose Taiko aims to transcend cultural boundaries and to foster greater understanding of Japanese American culture.

With its roots in the folk tradition of Japan, the taiko has served many purposes.

Priests used taiko to chase evil spirits and insects from the rice fields; samurai used taiko to bolster their courage and to instill fear in the enemy; villagers used taiko to pray for rain, to enliven festivals, and to give thanks for bountiful harvests. San Jose Taiko has adopted these traditional values and infused the art of taiko with the vitality and freshness of their American spirit to create a dynamic and compelling Asian American art form.

San Jose Taiko’s 2013 Anchorage residency was generously sponsored by ConocoPhillips with additional support provided by Alaska Community share, the Alaska State Council for the Arts, The Atwood Foundation, the Municipality of Anchorage/Arts Advisory Committee, the National Endowment for the Arts and WESTAF. For more information on tickets for this or any of Alaska Junior Theater’s performances and events, go to www.akjt.org or call (907) 272-7546

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Thank you to the Palmer Volunteer Fire Department, your dedication is much appreciated!

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CITY OF PALMER

www.CityofPalmer.org

Feb 2013

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Community

Jan 2013

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Passion Over Production:

The Alaska Coffee Roastery An excerpt from www.alaskacoffeeroastery.com

The Alaska Coffee Roastery has been serving Alaska's freshest coffee since 1996. We are Alaskan family owned and operated. Our roasting facility is located in beautiful Palmer, Alaska which is located approximately 40 miles north of Anchorage, and is part of the Matanuska Valley. Here we produce, package, label and deliver our fresh roasted coffee daily. Our customers include coffee shops, grocery and specialty stores as well as the general public. Retail and wholesale pricing is available.

Our roastmaster, Ron Maclure, is the founder of the Alaska Coffee Roastery and has been roasting coffee for 20 years. Ron’s passion was sparked by a trip to South America where he visited a coffee plantation. The rest is history.

Our coffee is available locally at Walmart, Three Bears, Fred Meyer, Walgreens,

Steve's Food Boy, Sportsman's Warehouse, Blueberry's, Coffee & Cream and Pioneer Perk – the list keeps growing. See the Locations page for a store near you. Ron also offers a private roasting package which is a big hit for any occasion.

Call (907) 745-5543 to reserve your time slot. Looking for the perfect advertising tool? How about your logo on a fresh roasted local product. Available in bags, cans or 2oz. sample packs which are the perfect size for a business card. We also have 2.5oz. coffee cans which are perfect for your weekend or pack trips. They can also be custom labeled for your business.

Ron is not your average roaster. He strives to offer not only the freshest coffee blends, but the most unique coffee experience you'll ever have. He offers a private roasting package which allows YOU to be the roaster. He'll walk you through the entire process from green beans to a fresh roasted blend you will proudly label as your own. What a wonderful gift for family, friends and clients.

We firmly believe in giving back to our community. Our fundraising program, "The Coffee Shepherd Project", allows organizations to purchase coffee from us at a special rate, provide their own labels and market their cause. Some of those fundraisers include 4-H, Academy Charter School, Matanuska Youth Hockey Association, Denali Gymnastics, Wasilla High School, Colony High School, The Cowboy Church, KenCare (benefit for Ken Peltier), Cheerleaders from Bethel and Dimond High School, and People to People.

For more information or to order our coffee visit www.alaskacoffeeroastery.

Alaska Scholastic Clay Target Program

Contributed by Lorinda Moss At 8:30 AM I left our house, enroute for the very first official high school clay target championship in Alaska.

It was pitch black. The sun would not begin to rise for another hour at least. This day we were witnessing history in Alaska. This day, high school students in the MatanuskaSusitna Borough School District would Letter in Trap and Skeet.

As my husband, Neil Moss, State Advisor for Alaska SCTP, and I pulled into Grouse Ridge Shooting Grounds, there were already four vehicles with teens in them, cars and trucks running to keep the heaters going. They were an hour early, anxious and excited, full of enthusiasm and smiling.

While more shooters and families are arriving, Neil and other shooters are digging firewood out of the snow, lighting the firepits, putting up banners advertising their high school team and mascots. Within moments, the Clubhouse is full of excited teens, in their matching shooting vests in their school colors, guns out of cases and warming up on the gun rack (cold guns don’t function as well below 30*). Handwarmers come out, coaches gather their athletes for last-minute pep talks and advice, parents collect shooting fees and assist with sign-

in. The trophies are set out for all to admire – the stage is set – and 10:00 flight time arrives, the sun beginning to light up the fields, and the first team lines up for the first 25 of that day’s 50 trap targets, to be followed by 50 skeet targets. A light snow is falling steadily, like on a Hollywood movie set, and against the background of tall trees heavy with snow, the temperature a relatively-mild 20*, the Championship begins!

As an Official keeping score on one of the trap fields, I am only vaguely aware of the presence of guests. Beyond families and friends, School Board Members have arrived, two newly-elected State Legislators, and the Mat-Su School District Superintendent herself! One of the high school Athletic Directors is here as well. This is the first time in our 10-week Fall Season of Trap & Skeet, of weekly practices and five Matches between schools, that we have had Observers from the School District. Two of these Matches were held with a wind chill of 25 or more below zero! However, my focus is on this moment and the athletes shooting trap: …“Dead”… ”Loss”….”Dead” …”Rotate”….

As the first round of trap is completed and all teams have moved on in their rotations, I head to the Clubhouse to begin recording scores as

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Community Quilts

can make a difference Contributed by Patty Mason Here is your chance to own one of Nancy Rowland’s amazing quilts and also help one of our own prominent business owners. Greg Gusse co-owner of Mad Matters Custom Framing has been diagnosed with cancer and yearns to reconnect with his family in the states and abroad. His Alaskan friends and family wanted to help him achieve this wish. Valley quilt artist Nancy Rowland stepped up to the challenge by providing an amazing quilt to be raffled in Greg’s honor.

February 15th through April 15th 2013 Nonessentials will display Nancy’s Quilt and sell raffle tickets at $100.00 a piece.

Clay Targets Cont., they come in. I am hailed by the Colony High School Athletic Director, who congratulates us on the program, very excited about the event and the sport and how it has all come together. “We’ll be promoting this more in the Spring – come and see me.” And off he goes with a wave to another sporting event. As I approach the Clubhouse, a very attractive woman steps up to me, shakes my hand, and introduces herself. She is Dr. Deena Paramo, the District Superintendent, and she is very excited about our program. She has never been to an event like this, and is effusive in her compliments, encouraged by all the smiling faces of the athletes, the turnout of family and friends, the obvious organization and smoothly-run competition, the way the athletes handle themselves and their firearms. With promises to help grow this program for the upcoming Spring Season of Sporting Clays, she must leave for another event. I am nearly speechless – and beyond pleased! My

NANCY ROWLAND loves to express her creativity through quilting.

Nancy & her husband Ken live on Lazy Mountain, in a log cabin home that just barely has room in the basement for her Gammill Longarm Quilting Machine, "Klondike." A retired elementary teacher, she is highly devoted to quilting.

Sewing has been a part of her life as long as she can remember. In her early years, she sewed on a Bruce treadle machine.

A neighbor asked her father to plow a field & he gave her father the sewing machine in payment. The treadle machine is still in Nancy’s possession.

Soon after moving to Alaska as a young single school teacher, Nancy purchased a slightly used SINGER FEATHERWEIGHT portable & was soon designing & making her wedding gown. Fifteen years later she added a top of the line Bernina sewing machine & has made just about everything: general

husband’s dream for the past nine years of making clay target shooting an official high school activity that kids can Letter in is being fulfilled this day. Four high schools out of the five in our District (one is quite remote, more than 60 miles away) are competing this day. 23 Shooters will go home with high school Letters, 10 will go home with medals or trophies, and one high school will take the 24” trophy that will be proudly displayed at the school.

As they all complete their 100-Birds, and an exciting, nail-biting shoot-off is held for 3rd Place in Trap and one for 2nd and 3rd Place in Skeet and winners are determined, they sit down at tables decorated for Christmas, with gold and bronze painted clay targets, golden glittery birds and poinsettias and a luncheon of lasagna and salad. Then the presentation of Special Guests: Michael Dunleavy, former President of the School Board, and the person who started the ball rolling on this project back in April of this year [2012], now Senator-Elect for the State Legislature and Lynn Gattis, retiring school

clothing, household linens, lingerie, waterproof clothing, dog harness, leather items, fur parkas, & of course, quilts.

She has helped most of their twelve grandchildren make their first quilt blocks. Nancy enters local, national & international competitions, and has won many awards for her quilting. She attends classes & conferences to improve her professional skills.

She is quick to share with others through lending advice, teaching classes, making Quilts of Valor for servicemen & women touched by war, & by volunteering her services to the Valley Quilters Guild.

board member and Representative-Elect for the State Legislature. They are here to present the awards and trophies, and to congratulate all the athletes. By 2:45p.m., with the sun beginning to set and all the tables in the dining hall have been converted to their usual green tablecloths with red runners, the last of the athletes are leaving the shooting club, happy and laughing with all the other shooters, irregardless of whose team they are on or which high school they hail from or whether or not they earned a trophy. They talk about how excited they are about the upcoming Sporting Clays season in February, and parents are whispering about Christmas presents of Over/Unders and Semi-autos.

Those coaches left in the buiding are already reminiscing about this athlete or that one, their scores, the surprise endings, the struggles and the victories.

This is what SCTP is all about. It’s not who won, or who lost, or which school took

> February 15th through April 15th 2013 Nonessentials will display Nancy’s Quilt and sell raffle tickets

home the 24” trophy. It’s about respect, camaraderie, teamwork, loyalty, friendship, families, citizenship, self-discipline, sportsmanship, integrity, fellowship, and leadership. It’s about developing responsible ladies and gentlemen, and just plain having fun, shooting some clay targets on a snowy, Christmas-card perfect day!

-Lorinda Moss, Alaska SCTP www.aksctp.org www.grouseridge.com

roadhouse bakery ● restaurant ● rooms

Private Rooms, Hostel-Style Bunks, Private Cabins & the Museum Apartment Coin Laundry ● WiFi ● Showers Big Breakfasts & World Famous Cinnamon Rolls

Live Acoustic Music Every Second Saturday, 5-7pm

On Main Street ● 733-1351

www.talkeetnaroadhouse.com Open Year Round - Talkeetna, AK

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Arts

Jan 2013

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Joshua David Williams

Wasilla Artist

by Gregory Gusse

Music those things have made him a better more inspired artist.

As you would expect Williams produces excellent portraiture and landscapes in the representational style that is so popular today. He frequently accepts commissions. He has a few one man shows coming up in the next few months the details will be available here in MAS.

Mat Kearney

Featured Performer for UAA Winterfest Contributed by The UAA Concert Board

to feel like that high school kid with butterflies in his stomach who loves life and has hope.”

The Oregon-born and Nashville-based artist began his professional career in 2004, when the world was introduced

For disclosure, I own Williams’ “Eye of the Artist” (pictured on the cover). This piece is both a compelling assemblage and a superior oil painting. It has graced my home as the centerpiece of my collection for several years.

Assemblage is to me one of the most meaningful and expressive of modern art forms. It is architectural, sculptural, often poetic and literary and frequently painterly. It is not an accidental art form only the most skilled and educated artists seem able to fulfill its promise.

We look to Picasso, Duchamp, and Man Ray, cubists and dadaists, for the conception of using found objects as media. But real fruit came with folks like Robert Rauschenberg and Greg Colson.

The UAA Concert Board is proud to present Mat Kearney, Tuesday Feb. 26, 2013 at 7:30 PM in the Williamson Auditorium as part of UAA Winterfest.

Kearney’s music has been featured on Grey’s Anatomy, The Hills, Friday Night Lights, Scrubs, NCIS, and numerous other television shows, he has toured beside John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Keane, and The Fray, and his most recent album, 2011’s Young Love, peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums.

Joshua David Williams is a fine artist who produces superior works many of which are assemblage. Josh grew up in and is a product of the Valley. He is a graduate of Wasilla High, too, and proof that Alaska can make artists of the highest order.

Josh is a college trained artist with a BFA (Magna Cum Laude) from Columbus College of Art and Design.

His training shows in the quality of his work but his inspiration seems his own. If you regularly read MAS you may have read about his demons and his battle with physically impairing mental health issues. If we paraphrase Nietzsche, “Those things that don’t kill us make us stronger” or in Josh’s case

If you are considering an art collection or already have one a quality assemblage will add interest and joy and one of Josh’s works are as good as they come.

Looking to continue the evolution of his sound on his newest album, Kearney incorporated hip-hop grooves into his lyrically charged folk-pop songs.

Kearney said of the album, “There’s a sense of joy, honesty, vulnerability, and wisdom in this record. I’ve experienced pain, but I still want

to Kearney’s vibrant writing style on the independently released Bullet.

Signing with Columbia, he dropped his first formal full-length Nothing Left to Lose in 2006, which garnered critical acclaim and widespread recognition, moving over 450,000 units to date.

Embracing a full band-fueled style, 2009’s City of Black & White saw him debut at #13 on the Billboard Top 200.

Tickets are $15 advance/$20 door for UAA students and $25 advance/$30 door for the general public. Tickets become available on Friday Jan. 11, 2013 at www.uaatix.com or at the UAA Student Union Information Desk.

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Zac Clark, Concert Board Coordinator, at 786-1210 or zac@uaa.alaska.edu

by Gregory Gusse I have been involved in a long discussion on truth and art for over a year now. Last May I wrote the piece Revelations Revealed on this subject, but my argument was neither taken to heart nor expanded to the other arts; as it should have been.

Many thought that my concern was solely journalism vs. literature, fiction vs. nonfiction. Finally the argument was left as style not fact determines if a work is fiction, a position I disproved.

Putting creative non-fiction and the untruthful presentation of facts aside, can a similar argument about truth be applied to other arts like painting and illustration? I believe it can.

My preferences certainly affect my opinions but the facts are my understandings and needs admittedly are elitist but don’t change reality.

Like creative non-fiction I believe fine art is a search for truth. Truth not being contrary to facts but a presentation of facts augmented by meaning. Where illustration and journalism seem reliant on presenting facts as bare of emotion though often with opinion.

I find no truth in facts. Facts can be ordered and stacked and chosen to present whatever fiction one choses. We only need to look at our legal system and its use of facts. The game is said to seek the truth but the truth is not goal. The goal is to win by manipulating facts for or against. The antagonists are not promised truth only justice a slippery substance when all are guilty of something.

Truth though can’t be contrary to fact.

Truth can go beyond reason but it can’t displace reason. And truth is temporal it is of its own time. Del Verrocchio’s “Tobias and the Angel” was true in 1450.

Today we can see the meaning and the beauty of that truth but it can’t be replicated in our time.

Write about it!

And send it to us: www.makeasceneak.com

Feb 2013

The Sufi poet Rumi says in his rendition of the “Blind men and the elephant” that “The sensual eye is just like the palm of the hand. The palm has not the means of covering the whole of the beast.”

To me that means to truly see our elephants, not just as trunks or tails, or even the great hoary beasts that they are in their physical sense; to truly see our elephants we must see them as an artist and see their meaning and the spirit that surrounds them, and the spirit within us too.

Something to say?

This might too be the classic right brained/left brained logic. Many folks perceive the world and their art as literal representations of what they think they see. If they are inclined to the analytical, left brained, they see “facts” as a detached surety. The great Carl Brenders is an artist whose works seem left brained

I am drawn to the right brained works.

To me it is no surprise that Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” is the most popular image in the art world. And, it should be no surprise that I view fine art and artists to be “right brained” and that I view truth and meaning to be a right brained purview. In my mind truth and meaning are solely right brained and belong to artists and poets and musicians and dancers.

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First though I must make it clear, as I apparently haven’t before, that I am not making judgements as to one art form being better than another. This is not my intent. Fiction, creative non-fiction, journalism, fine art, illustration, commercial art are equal in requiring skill and talent to produce quality works, only meaning and purpose differentiates them.

in their quest for meta-photographic exactness. No one can fault works like “Companions”. But surely the painting of an eagle killing a wolf (I can’t recall the painter) though nowhere near the exactness of Brenders evokes a truth and compelling emotion that Brenders can’t approach.

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Art School: Truth

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Community

Jan 2013

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Far Far Out North Cont., Often time’s shoes would be missing and there would be no signs of footprint or struggle near the deceased. Scary stuff.

The documentary was nowhere near complete and Derren was already halfway through his evening fifth of whiskey and it was far too cold outside to step out for even a moment to try to smoke a cigarette into a slightly more sober state of mind. So there he sat. He had not eaten more than a bag of chips from the stations vending machine today, and the booze was catching up with him quickly.

The film was still playing in front of him, but he was only catching key words and phrases now as his mind began to wonder. What if he somehow ended up like one of those poor souls in this documentary? Alone in the deep forest with Godknows-what preying upon him, leaving his dementedly putrescent body propped up for the forest rangers to find days later.

Perish the thought! Besides, he was far too accustomed to the city to ever even dream of stepping foot outside of the city boundaries of Anchorage. Even though there was plenty of dense forest within the city limits, something as simple as a walk down the bike path would prove to be too encumbered with nature.

Yet still the thought lingered. If he were to go missing, who would look for him?

He had spent so many years now avoiding friendly and romantic relations that it seemed unlikely that anyone outside of his work would even notice if he was gone.

His father was long gone and his mother might as well have been. She despised Darren’s drinking almost as much as she despised his brothers nonsensical new age spiritualism. “Emmet Kopischke, my brother, that was who would look for me if I were to become lost!” he thought. Emmet and Derren were both considered to be failures in the eyes of the family, but in resoundingly different ways. While Derren had been hated for dropping out of school to pursue a cyclical drinking habit, Emmet had been hated for dropping out

of school to pursue a life of whatever new kind of paranormal based spiritualism was popular at the time. In this manner, both brothers had a fascination with the spooky and unknown. The major difference was that Emmet had actually chosen to pursue the phantoms in the darkness, while Derren chose to sit and observe them from the sidelines.

“What was left of the victim was discovered twelve kilometers from his last seen location.” the man on the screen said.

“Only decayed portions of calcanneus, cuboid, and navicular bones found within his boots were available for DNA testing.”

The dimly lit room was becoming blurrier as Derren took another sip of his drink. He was content to think that this kind of horrible thing would never happen to him, and if it did, his dear old brother Emmet would find him. Emmet was, after all, the only other person he actually had anything in common with.

Growing up, they would sneak off to the local library to look for whatever Bigfoot books may have been hidden between the expansive selves and voluminous paper files.

tional wildlife reserve under any circumstances. FBI sources will not reveal any more information pertaining to the death of the victim or the whereabouts of his final burial place.”

Those final words seemed to echo in Derren’s eardrums as his tunnel vision narrowed into a single dot of light, and then he was passed out. The drink had overcome him at last and he slipped away into dreams.

Six hours later the irrationally irritating ringtone of his cell awoke him from his alcohol induced slumber. The only desire he had that was stronger than the one to remain sleeping was the desire to destroy the source of that ringing sound. Derren jerked his body out of his comfort position forcefully and snapped a quick arm out to grab his cell phone, fully prepared to throw it against the wall. But before he could, an odd number on the dial screen caught his attention. It certainly wasn’t any number that recognized apart from the typical Alaskan area code.

“Yes! Yes, I’m up!” Derren nearly shouted his mumbles into the phone.

“Strange lights were reported to have been seen on the night of the disappearance.” The old detective chimed in again on the monitor and broke Derren’s self reflection. “Park authorities refused to allow the family the right to see the deceased, and have since declared all related files as inappropriate for public viewing.”

“Derren Kopischke? Is this Derren Kopischke?” an older man with a distinctly Native Alaskan accent asked from the other end. At least it was distinctly Native Alaskan to the ears of Derren who could tell no difference between the regions dialects as he had spent as little time interested in indigenous Alaska as he had in everything else in this reality.

The drink was coming into full force now and Derren’s vision began to tunnel. The man on the monitor seemed farther away and his outlines were blurring in and out of the darkness of the apartment.

“Yeah! I’m Derren Kopi-“ he had to pause a brief moment to subdue his gag reflex as he choked on his own last name. “I am Derren. Who am I speaking to?”

“Park rangers are at a loss for explanation.” The weathered eyes of the detective were looking at Derren now. He felt as though the documentary was speaking directly to him. “Do not enter that na-

“Mr. Kopischke, this is Sherriff Yoskolo of Kotzebue. I have called to inform you that your brother, Emmet Kopischke, has gone missing.”

To be continued…

Big Lake Community Clothing Closet: The Who, Where, What

Contributed by The Big Lake Community Closet The Big Lake Community Clothing Closet is a non-profit organization providing free, good quality clothing to individuals and/or families in need, all donated by our wonderful Alaska neighbors.

We have clothing and shoes for women, men, children and babies, all at no cost to those in need. This includes warm winter clothing and blankets.

Our one-of-a-kind program serves people throughout the area. There is no charge for those in need, just a hope that those who are able to make a donation will do so – monetary donations pay the monthly rent on the building in Big Lake, located at 2955 Big Lake Rd. We’re just past the Tesoro station, in a vibrant green building on the left side of the road (we’re hard to miss).

If visitors to the “Closet” are unable to make a donation at this time, we understand - it’s OK - we just want to make them feel welcome to come and help clothe themselves and family as needed. Our winter hours are Weds.

11am to 3pm. (In the summer we also open Tuesdays, same hours). If you have good quality used clothing you’d like to donate to help other Alaskans in need, you may do so at our store in Big Lake during the above hours.

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Big Lake Clothing Cont.,

profit organization and will provide tax receipts to donors. Please consider supporting the Big Lake Community Clothing Closet so we can continue to help our Alaskan neighbors in need. And, if you know of families needing assistance with clothing, please tell them about us so we can help them too. Look us up on Facebook for additional information and pictures.

Monetary donations can be mailed to the Big Lake Community Clothing Closet at PO Box 527069, Big Lake, AK 99652. We are a non-

Stephanie at 892-5450 and Christy at 775-3238 are the Co-Administrators of the Big Lake Community Clothing Closet.

Clever Moves:

shapes and sizes, bubble cushioning, packaging peanuts, good-quality packing tape, and labels are a must.

It can be difficult to estimate how many supplies you’ll need and which boxes will work best for what items, but there are professionals who can help. For example, many of The UPS Store locations offer moving kits that can be special-ordered for your specific needs.

The 3 P’s of Moving Contributed by Stacie Stigar Owner, The UPS Store Planning If you have a lot of excess clutter, plan to clear it out now. Host a yard sale or garage sale if you have the time.

Not only will this clear out the excess items, but it’s also a nice way to earn a little extra cash. Or, if you’re short on time, donate unwanted items to a local nonprofit organization.

Many even offer free pickup service.

After you’ve decided how to handle your surplus items, consider the rest of your belongings. Plan to pack items you use the least first (outof-season clothing, holiday décor, fine china, and crystal, etc.), then work your wayto the most essential items (kitchen utensils, everyday decorations, and appliances).

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Business Meetings, Parties and More Big Lake’s Newest Meeting Facility 1000 sq. ft. with full kitchen facilities, south side East Lake Mall.

A variety of catering options available.

Lakeshore Entertaining & Event Management (907) 230-0935 lakeshoreentertaining@alaska.net lakeshoreentertaining.com

Feb 2013

Before filling that first box, gather up the essentials so you’re ready once the serious packing begins. New, strong, moving boxes in a variety of

Scrapbooking & Quilting Clubs

Preparation

These packaging experts can recommend a kit based on the number of rooms to be moved and their size, and, it takes only one to three days to ship boxes and supplies either to the store or directly to your home. “It’s the convenience of being able to take care of all your needs in one place that makes the moving process much easier,” said Thomas Haug, The UPS Store franchisee in New Jersey. “Custo mers can come in to mail a package to grandma, order moving supplies, and even arrange to ship their baby grand piano.” Once the packing supplies are in hand, designate a spot for “Packing Central.” This is where you will consistently keep your tape, boxes, paper, bubble cushioning,

The Perfect Meeting Space—

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

If you live in the Big Lake Area, you can leave donations in the parking lot bin if we’re closed, or bring them inside the shop when we’re open. If you are unable to bring your donation to our Big Lake location, please contact Sharen, Administrative Coordinator, at 3768042, and we may be able to make other arrangements for pick-up.

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Community

28 Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Politics An Echo: In Defense of the Humanities

By Gunnar Babcock After recently reading ‘In Defense of the Humanities’ by Jack Magoon, as instructor at MatSu College teaching in what is arguably considered the humanities, I felt compelled to second the motion.

When introducing the subject of philosophy or logic (ironically, taught side by side, but appear miles apart) to a class, the question of its practicality inevitability arises. There seem to be two ways to answer this question. One, write a paper and argue for why these subjects aren’t practical and why you shouldn’t have to take them (to which, if the argument in the paper is weak, I counter with ‘well, you need good logic to present a good argument’). Or two, one must fall back upon remarks akin to ‘to provide you with critical thinking

Jan 2013

My Foray

Into Vegetarianism

By Kellie Coulson I had a boyfriend who was an extreme vegetarian. I studied dance in college and when I got done dancing for four or five hours, I was a predatory carnivore.

One day after a rigorous day of dancing, Quentin picked me up and we went to my parent’s ranch. My dad made me a medium rare steak and asked Quin how he liked his, at which point The Mighty Quin gave my father a lecture about his personal moral convictions about not eating meat, a lecture which was more than a little self righteous and judgmental of my carnivorous family. My father said, “Thanks for letting me know” and

skills’, whatever those are. So we are presented with a problem all too familiar in the humanities that does not mesh well with the ever-increasing demands of higher education to be practical, which ultimately seems to equate to being justifiable.

Therefore, for a fleeting moment lets pretend education is something done for its own sake. I’m not teaching for a paycheck and students aren’t here for credit or a degree. Education an end in and of itself, or to borrow from Aristotle, education is like dancing: you can’t separate the product from the means just as you can’t separate the dancer from the dance. We, as humans, like to wonder at things, particularly what is unknown to us and we seek education to satisfy our natural wonder at the world.

If we take this premise as true, then it seems education is more theoretical than practical. Moreover, if we take Descartes (ironically the founder of scientific method) seriously when he tells us in the Discourse on Method that he practices his method simply for the contentment that comes in knowing. These men, after all, lettuce with a squirt of ketchup, at which everyone snickered, until my mother admonished us and prepared for him a veggie burger.

As I scarfed down my steak, Quin started to moo at me. Given that I was surrounded by my brother’s friends who were hockey players and we were all chilling out and letting our hair down in a boisterous manner, I stuck my thumbs in the fatty juice on my plate and put them on his glasses. He was so offended and he refused to touch his glasses and I had to clean them off for him! Then my brother’s wingman began to tease me, “If Quin is a preaching vegan, you can’t eat meat! Does he not let you eat meat? The thought of such a pretty girl not eating tender, succulent steak is enough to make me cry!”

are the founders of the modern concept of the university. It seems they sought to create a place where the practical collapses into theoretical. The university or Mat-Su College is a place designed to allow thinking without having to justify why you’re thinking. In other words, read War and Peace because you want to know about ‘war and peace’ (and by war and peace Tolstoy seems to mean everything, right?) and not because it’s going to get you a better job, more money or critical thinking skills. It’s good to want to know everything as opposed to just wanting everything without knowing why you want everything.

Speaking of knowing, a question often tossed around a philosophy class seems to be that there’s ‘no right answer’ or that ‘everything is relative’, that there is nothing definitive to know. One need only read a book such as Natural Right and History to uncover a firm argument against that thesis. Nonetheless, the simply stated response to such an assertion is that there’s a vast difference between not knowing and knowing you don’t know. Socrates, one of the most gifted thinkers in history spent his entire

life coming to the conclusion that the only knowledge he had was a knowledge of ignorance. Today, a great many middleschoolers stand on a foundation forged by the ‘humanities’ to come to the same conclusion. The key difference between the two seems to be the experience of coming attain knowledge of ignorance, through actually studying we often refer to as the ‘humanities’ today.

Okay, so back to the humanities. If I’m right, then the most practical thing to do is to be theoretical in your education: take more philosophy, art and English classes. But let’s not kid ourselves. I know how much education costs (I’m still paying off my student loans). And I wouldn’t blame you for thinking ‘hey this guy studied argumentation so he’s just good with rhetoric’. After all, I’m the one teaching philosophy and telling you to take more philosophy classes. Seems like a pretty practical thing for me to do.

To that end, my only justifiable response is did you read this article because you had to, or because you want to know? If it is the latter, then take Aristotle’s word for it and take an English class for the sake of just wanting to know.

We broke up not long after that, at which point I started to date my brother’s wingman.

very simple Mexican or Indian food, or more common egg plant parmesan, or a meatless, dairy free pizza, that I sneak past my husband and children who just think that Mom is playing with their food again. What they don’t know is that this is a way of life that I am moving them toward, as I learn how to balance our grocery choices in a way that nutrition doesn’t suffer. While Quin and I are back to being friends, he laughs knowing that for years before we became reunited that I have been toasting him with a wheat germ smoothie!

Fast forward twenty five years. Quin, who is really called something else, is a meat packing executive in Chicago who is known for his amazing weekend barbeques, and I have a standing invitation to be there whenever I am in Chicago. I, on the other hand, have slowly begun the move toward eschewing meat.

It would be far easier to hire a health coach to walk me through the process, but I presently cannot afford one. I have found that attempts to suddenly go meatless for forever mean that I get sick, as does my family. No, lifestyle changes in this instance must be gradual. Generally speaking, I have chosen a couple of days a week where I serve a meatless dish, like

Alaska Republican Party Rejects Newly Elected Leaders Succession of political power by majority vote is sacred to our Republic.

By Daniel Hamm

Before we are so quick to give up this foundational right that was purchased on bloodstained battlefields by our ancestors, consider the oath you took the last time you pledged allegiance to the flag: “… and to the Republic, for which it stands.” What does it stand for? It stands for the freedom to choose your own leaders by popular vote and have that vote respected by both the winner and the loser. The state party just violated that sacred principle for internal political or personality differences.

It does not matter whether or not you personally like Russ Millette. His qualities for leadership were determined and voted on by a majority of our state delegates at the 2012 Republican State Convention and therefore are not subject for debate.

The issue here for debate is our adherence to our own party rules and the sacred tradition of honoring the succession of political power by majority vote. If we are too morally weak to challenge this evil, our party will be hopelessly corrupted.

You may argue that the old administration was just too powerful, too connected and too indispensable to be replaced by a free election. Charles de Gaulle once said, “The graveyards are full of indispensable men.”

Where are our elected representatives, our district officers or our state delegates on this grievous sin committed against Millette, the party rules and our flag? To quote Theodore Roosevelt, “They have no more backbone than a chocolate éclair.”

Those who are silent now and accept this vicious evil in our big tent for the sake of “party unity” remind me of the person King Solomon referred to when he said in Proverbs 25:26, “Like a trampled spring and a polluted well Is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.”

While we all rejoice and gather around and support Brown, it does not give us the excuse for quickly forgetting the evil done to Millette and not setting the evil right. Our ancestors pledged their lives, their fortunes and their scared honor to purchase your sacred right to vote and have that vote honored. Show them you are worthy to be called their descendants.

I propose all 40 state districts reject the result of the coup and recognize Millette as the rightly elected chair of the Alaska Republican Party and Brown as the vice chair until the 2014 State Convention.

Breaking our own rules and the rules of our republic for the “good of the party” (whatever that may be) is never acceptable. I believe that the succession of political power by majority vote is sacred to our republic and shall not be infringed.

The 2013 convention will take place at the Golden Lion, 36th & Seward Hwy. Time: March 16 10am to 5pm Admission fee $50.00 To vote in the convention you must be both a registered Libertarian voter and a member.

Go to www.alaskalibertarian. com for more information.

Feb 2013

If we toss aside the results of free elections, our Constitution and the Republican experiment of self-government will come to an end. Lack of moral courage in standing up to tyrants who don’t honor

Let me point out the fallacy in just rallying around Debbie Brown and calling for “party healing” because she was lucky enough to survive her political inquisition for the present, and soon forgetting about the political assassination of Millette.

FYI: Alaska Libertarian Party 2013 Convention

You see, our soldiers didn’t purchase this right with their own blood just for individual politicians or political party bosses who come and go like the change in seasons. They gave their lives for an ideal, a principle, a dream. They died for our Constitution, our law, our right to choose. Don’t dishonor their memories by casting aside this sacred principle of freely choosing the succession of our elected leadership by popular vote — right

We chose a new leadership team at the 2012 state convention by means of a free and fair election. Just because the past administration didn’t like who was elected, it is no excuse to circumvent the election results. Doing so places cracks in the foundation of the very institution that placed them in power in the first place.

the results of free elections is what kills democracies. If we lose our moral courage now we will sound like T.S. Elliott, who said, “This is the way the world ends; not with a bang, but a whimper.”

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

The Alaska Republican Party entered untrodden ground Jan. 31 when the outgoing state party leadership chose not to accept the legitimately elected state chair, but instead staged a coup against him just hours before his term was set to begin. In doing so, these party leaders have unwittingly laid siege to the very sacred fabric that our Republic was founded on —respect for the succession of political power by popular vote.

here, right now, right under our noses.

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Politics

30

5 To have your non-profit organization included in this free community resource list, please email your info to:

Feb 2013

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

makeasceneak@mac.com SENIORS Palmer Senior Citizens Center, Inc.

The primary mission of the Palmer Senior Citizens Center, Inc. is to assist individuals age sixty or older, individuals of any age with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Disorders, individuals of any age on the Medicaid Waiver program and other eligible individuals in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough remain as independent as possible in the least restrictive environment possible and out of expensive nursing homes for as long as possible.

Services include: congregate and home delivered meals, transportation, adult day services, care coordination, senior employment, family caregivers support, information / referral, chore services, senior housing, chore services, Better Choices Better Health classes, HELP program, activities and volunteer opportunities.

745-5454, pscc@mtaonline.net

Alzheimer’s Resource Agency of Alaska

As Alaska’s resource on Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Agency of Alaska (ADRAA) is committed to providing information, education and services for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) and their caregivers. We have served Alaskans since 1984, and today we help more than 5,000 people annually.

As a non-profit statewide organization, we provide family consultations, care coordination, in-home services for frail elders & individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and education programs to family caregivers and health care professionals. We are your resource for information and can refer you to services in Alaska or the contiguous U.S. Sam Meneses, 746-3432, www.alzalaska.org

Valley Charities, Inc; dba Turn-A-Leaf Thrift Store

Provides medical equipment to all income brackets in the Valley; provides clothing and household goods to Valley residents that are economically disadvantaged.

John Rozzi , 376-5740

Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. (WASI)

A Health and Wellness Campus for Seniors on the Go! The goal at WASI is to assist and refer services for Seniors 60 and older so they can live as independently as possible for as long as possible.

Some of the services provided are: Meals: Family Style Meals Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Center. Meals on Wheels home delivered meals.

Housing: Independent Housing for low income and Market rate individuals. Optional Assisted Living Services Transportation: Partnership with MASCOT Bus $.60 per one way ride. Dr. visits by appointment Other Activities: Cards, Wii, and Painting at the Center Blood Pressure Checks Club50 Fitness Center, Strong Seniors Program ($5/8 weeks) Shopping Trips and other outings Valley Performing Arts Theater Visits And much more… call 376-3104 opt.2 for more information.

Dennie Jaques , 376-3104

Mat-Su Area Partnership (MAP)

An organization of non-profit agencies in the MatSu Valley. MAP holds a monthly meeting on a Thursday at the Menard Sports Complex in Wasilla. www.mapartnership.org/matsu/

Mid-Valley Seniors Inc

Mid-valley Seniors has 3 senior housing units 18 apartments and serves a congregate meal Mon-Fri at 5.30PM Soup and salad bar main meal served at 6 Pm. Home delivered meals served daily fresh Mon-Fri, weekend meals are frozen.

Transportation Department for doctors appointments in the Valley Wasilla and Palmer area, Mon-Wed-Fri 9.00Am -3Pm.

Shopping trips, and pharmacy stops, Tues – Thursday 9Am -1Pm Come up to the Center for activities or dinner,24 hours in advance notice.

Lorie Rounds, 892-6114 mvsc@mtaonline.net www.mid-valleyseniors.org

FAMILIES & CHILDREN Alaska Family Services

Alaska Family Services is a multi-dimensional non-profit that has over 20 programs serving the Mat-Su Valley. Major areas are: domestic violence, behavioral health, WIC, family support, and residential for youth with emotional issues.

Donn A. Bennice, Ph.D. 746-4080 akafs.org

LINKS Mat-Su Parent Resource Center.

We provide support and assistance to families with disabilities. LINKS provides support and trainings, parent to parent connections to mentor, information and referral, and access to library materials.

These services are provided through one-onone assistance and individualized workshops for small or large groups. Our vision is to ensure that every parent and family who has a child with a special need has access to information, education, outreach, and support in a culturally competent environment and to empower then to be advocates for themselves, their children, and their families.

New location on the Palmer-Wasilla Hwy next to North Star Bakery, across the street from MSSCA. Amber Parker, Admin Assisiant. amberp@linksprc.org , 373-3632

Family Promise Mat-Su

Provides a shelter for families without housing.

We mobilize community resources and local congregations to provide compassionate care through shelter, meals, and case management to families without housing. Guest families are housed in area church buildings at night for a week at a time...moving to new host church on Sundays.

Applications are available on our website.

357-6160, www.familypromisematsu.org

The Children’s Place

The Children’s Place child advocacy center is a child-friendly, neutral facility where professionals from many agencies involved in the evaluation, investigation and treatment of child abuse meet to coordinate and bring their services to the child and their family. We provide child forensic interviews, medical exams, linkage to mental health providers, follow-up support and referrals throughout the investigation process. Referrals to The Children’s Place are made through law enforcement and Office of Children’s Services.

The Children’s Place, 357-5157, www. alaskachildrensplace.com

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska

Strengthens our communities by providing mentors to all children who need and want a caring adult role model – special friends who can help them expand their horizons, realize their potential and enrich their futures – changing their lives.

Alaska Center for Resource Families

Provides support, training and education for foster, relative and adoptive families caring for children that have been abused and neglected. ACRF also helps support the Mat-Su Grandparents Support Group in collaboration with Links and Volunteers of America. For more information about foster care and adopting children that are in the OCS child protection system visit our website www.acrf.org or call 376-4678.

376-4678, bwoodin@nwresource.org

Pillows for Kids Foundation

We provide little pillows of support and little scholarships for local children to participate in brain-training activities such as art, music, gymnastics, swimming, skiing, snowboarding, skating, horseback riding, and martial arts..

Mentors and community members contact us when there is an identified need to keep kids, preschool through college, connected with good activities in our community. We plan to publish a book and CD/DVD of Evan’s “Little Pillow” song (copyrighted) soon. Currently, we are selling washable, decorator pillows of all shapes, sizes and colors for kids and adults as a way of creating

funding for the scholarships.

Valerie Koivunen pillowsforkids@gmail.com

The Moose Boosters Wrestling Club

A youth development organization that provides aid and funding to low income recreational facilitates and athletes at the high school level. Funding supports athletes who participate in wrestling programs while meeting academic standards.

Michelle Heun 355-7099

Set Free Alaska

Brief description about non-profit: Our children, friends, co-workers; there is someone we know who is struggling with addiction and destructive behaviors. It is the goal of Set Free Alaska to provide excellent, individualized services to our clients. Set Free Alaska is a Christian outpatient substance abuse treatment center that uses a mind-body-spirit approach to recovery.

Our programs are designed to assist people in gaining freedom from the bondage of addiction and destructive behaviors. Set Free Alaska realizes that cost can be a huge deterrent to people seeking and receiving the help they need as well as a huge relapse trigger. Our assessments are based on a sliding fee scale. It is the goal of Set Free Alaska that no person be denied the services they need due to lack of financial resources. Our offices are open Mon-Fri 10-6 and we are located on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway across from the AT&T Sports Center.

Philip Licht, Executive Director 373-4732, www.setfreealaska.org/

Big Lake Community Clothing Closet

Providing free, good quality clothing to individuals and/or families in need, all donated by our wonderful Alaska neighbors. We have clothing and shoes for women, men, children and babies, in addition to small household necessities (as available), all at no cost to those in need. This oneof-a-kind program serves people throughout the area. There is no charge for those in need, just a hope that those who are able to make a donation will do so – monetary donations pay the monthly rent on the building in Big Lake, located at 2955 Big Lake Rd. We’re just past the Tesoro station, in a vibrant green building on the left side of the road (you can’t miss us). If you are unable to make a donation at this time, we understand - it’s OK - we just want to make you feel welcome to come and help clothe yourself and family as needed.

Our hours are Tues. 9am to 1pm, and Weds. 11am to 3pm. If you have good quality used clothing you’d like to donate to help other Alaskans in need, you may do so at our store in Big Lake during the above hours.

Monetary donations can be mailed to the Big Lake Community Clothing Closet at PO Box 527069, Big Lake, AK 99652. We are a non-profit organization and will provide our tax ID number to donors. Please consider supporting the Big Lake Community Clothing Closet so we can continue to help our Alaskan neighbors in need. And, if you know of needy families, please tell them about us so we can help them too. Look us up on Facebook for additional information and pictures.

Co-Administrators Stephanie O. 892-5450 Christy M. 775-3238

The ARTs

Radio Free Palmer

Radio Free Palmer is community radio serving the Sutton and Palmer communities as KVRF 89.5 FM and online at radiofreepalmer.org. On air since 2011, KVRF’s mission is to foster community involvement.

Currently we produce great local shows on topics from health to mushing - and the list of programs is growing. Online we add important community events such as the Borough Assembly and School Board Meetings. Listen to Radio Free Palmer KVRF 89.5 for more community-centric news, music, sports, music or come volunteer to to help bring great radio programming to the valley.

Mike Chmielewski, COO 745-8951, Manager@radiofreepalmer.org Radiofreepalmer.org and on Facebook and Twitter

Valley Fine Arts Association

VFAA was formed to teach techniques, and encourage fellowship among visual artists in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. we strive to promote

a supportive attitude toward visual arts in our Alaskan community.

We welcome beginners, students, part-time and professional artists who focus mainly on twodimensional art mediums and want to connect with other creative people and gain more exposure locally.

Throughout the year, we inform our members about opportunities to show their work, participate in group events, view other local artists, and enroll in workshops. During the school year, we organize regular sessions for painting together and host monthly artist demonstrations on the 1st and 3rd Mondays from 4 - 8 p.m.; Room 212 at Mat-Su College. March 7 @ 6:00 p.m., Charles Gause will be the guest speaker.

Membership in the Valley Fine Arts Association provides many diverse opportunities for artists. Check our website calendar at www. valleyfineartsassociation.com for upcoming events.

Mat-Su Community Chorus, Inc.

As Musical Ambassadors of The Valley, The MatSu Community Chorus has provided quality vocal music, in its various forms, for the benefit, education and enjoyment of its members and the surrounding communities since 1970. Our membership is open to the public, inviting all who wish to add their voice in song. We offer complimentary performances at public celebrations and deliver formal concerts twice a year.

We are a 501(c)3, non-profit organization, currently with twenty-two members and we are looking towards expanding the organization to better serve the community. With the support from individuals, businesses and other civic organizations we are able to grow our group by bringing the community together through music and to continue our standard of excellence.

We meet September through May on Thursday evenings at 7-9pm in the Choir Room at Wasilla High School.

Nan Potts 745-8788 matsucomchours@gmail.com

Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums of Eagle River

Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums of Eagle River, under the leadership of Pipe Major Aja Stewart and Drum Sergeant Bryan Gonzales, are actively recruiting pipers and drummers, as well as those interested in learning Great Highland Bagpipes and Highland Drumming (snare, tenor, bass.) We would like to extend a cordial invitation to anyone who would like to learn to play bagpipes or drums, to FREE lessons with our Band.

We are a grade IV competing, family-oriented pipe band established in 2005, and beginners of any age are welcome. Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums are very active in supporting the community in which we live. Our purpose is to advance the rich cultural heritage of Great Highland Bagpipe music, and to have FUN doing it! ACPD provides free instruction in piping and drumming, with Band practice to follow, every Friday evening at 5:00 and 5:45 pm at Eagle River Presbyterian Church, 12836 Old Glenn Highway, in Eagle River .

Those interested in lessons, or in becoming members of ACPD, please contact the Band by email at jungstensgericht@yahoo.com or by telephone at (907) 376-5060. The band’s website can be found at http://www.alaskaceltic.org

Mat-Su Concert Band, Inc.

Our mission is to promote, plan, support and conduct educational and cultural activities and opportunities for the benefit of the citizens and residents of Alaska. We do this by providing an outlet for the many talented musicians in and around our area to perform and a venue for the public to come and enjoy with us our music.

Rehearsals are every Mon. from 7 to 9 p.m. at Teeland Middle School. For more information, contact Gleo Huyck at 746-0628. matsuconcertband@gmail.com

The Whirling Rainbow Foundation

Grandmother Drum International Peace Project The Whirling Rainbow Foundation is an international spiritual and educational non- profit organization which honors and celebrates the diverse cultural and spiritual paths of the human family. The foundation cultivates the universal teachings of inner peace, loving compassion, wisdom and understanding at the core of every culture and spiritual tradition. We are starting a Global Peace

Sanctuary and Sustainable Community in Palmer.

The GrandMother Drum International Peace Project travels the world as the international voice of the Whirling Rainbow Foundation. As a symbol of the heartbeat of love that connects all nations and all races, the seven foot, crystal inlaid GrandMother Drum holds local and global events promoting peace and unity through the universal language of music, dance, cultural and healings arts.

White Eagle Medicine Woman (Suraj Holzwarth) Executive Director www.whirlingrainbow.com

Valley Performing Arts

We’re celebrating 36 years of Quality Live Theatre!

VPA performs seven plays a year from September through May. We welcome actors, volunteers, program advertisers and play sponsors to join in supporting VPA, the Valley’s oldest live theatre. The VPA Summer Theatre Arts Programs take place June through August and are for youth 6-11 and 1217. The VPA Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony is held each June and Annual Fundraiser in October.

Purchase your tickets online or from our office.

Check out audition dates and show times on our website. VPA is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization.

373-0195, www.valleyperformingarts.org

Valley Arts Alliance

The Valley Arts Alliance is a group of like-minded individuals who have joined together to encourage, sponsor, facilitate and support artistic expression.

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. www.valleyartsalliance.com

ANIMALS

Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue (ADPR)

Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue is an all volunteer, non-profit organization formed for the purpose of rescuing homeless dogs and puppies. We have rescued dogs throughout Alaska, including various Bush communities. These rescued dogs are placed in foster homes, where they are socialized, vaccinated, dewormed, and taken to the vet to be microchipped and spayed or neutered. It is our goal to have an animal sanctuary, so that all adoptable dogs are given an opportunity to find their forever homes. We encourage individuals to volunteer for this very worthy cause.

745-7030 adpr03@yahoo.com

Alaska Assistance Dogs (Aad)

AAD provides service dogs to Alaskans with special needs (physical, physiological & mental health), and incorporates therapeutic programs into service dog training. AAD works with special education students at school, provides teen mentoring in community training venues, offers domestic violence/PTSD support groups, FASD/ Autism programs, and provides service dogs and support groups for veterans with PTSD and their families.

Therapist on staff, and all trainers are certified by the founder of the service dog concept, Dr. Bonnie Bergin.

Carole J. Shay, Lpc. carole@alaskaassistancedogs.org

Meadow Gates Farm Sanctuary

Meadow Gates Farm Sanctuary has provided shelter and care for unwanted pet rabbits since 2001. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable corporation. Rabbits are taken in when space is available. They are evaluated for behavior and personality, spayed/neutered, then adopted to new pet homes. Bunnies not able to be adopted are maintained permanently at the sanctuary.

Responsible adult volunteers are always needed.

907-357-6437, www.meadowgates.com manager@meadowgates.com

VARIETY

The Sertoma Club - Wasilla

We host the Mat Su Polar Plunge raising funds for non-profits in the Matanuska Susitna Valley, Alaska. February 2011 we saw 85 jumpers raise

TOPS

Take of Pounds Sensibly Non-Profit Weight Loss Support Group Three (3) Chapters meet weekly in the Valley.

Kathy Miller - 376-9571 or write to matsutops@webtv.net

Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS)

Valley Residential Services (VRS)

VRS provides special needs housing to individuals who experience behavioral or developmental disabilities, low-income levels or those who are homeless. VRS currently has 168 properties in the Mat-Su Valley with special programs to assist with rental assistance and we can assist with linking individuals to social service agencies who can assist with life skills programs.

(907) 357-0256 , valleyres.org

Alaska Attachment & Bonding Associates (AABA)

Food Pantry of Wasilla

The North America Outdoor Institute (NAOI) is a not-for-profit community outreach organization providing outdoor safety and environmental awareness education programs for the general public in an effort to save lives from preventable outdoor injuries and deaths.

Debra McGhan, debra@naoiak.org 376-2898 , www.naoiak.org

Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats

Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats is dedicated to conserving the natural and cultural resources of Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge through public awareness, recreation, education and enhancement projects. Healthy, outdoor recreation in a safe, beautiful setting is what APH helps provide to all users.

357-8712, info@palmerhayflats.org www.palmerhayflats.org

Alaska Frontier Trappers Association

The Alaska Frontier Trappers Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the ethical and lawful practice of trapping Alaska’s fur bearers. We work to educate fellow trappers, children and the public in general about trapping as a necessary wildlife management and research tool.

Our monthly meetings usually include a guest speaker and/or a demonstration and fur handling information. Meetings which are held at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Palmer Library. Everyone is welcome to attend. www.akfrontiertrappers.com

CONSERVATION

Wasilla Soil & Water Conservation District (WSWCD)

The WSWCD is a non-profit formed in 1948 to assist landowners & land managers with conservation & development on land through technical assistance, projects & education programs & services.

WSWCD is an active, year-round communitybased organization; a non-regulatory agency; a strong partner with various government & nonprofit agencies/groups; a credible, knowledgeable advocate for conserving soil & water resources supported by the time & energy of neighbors & volunteers dedicated to making a positive difference in their communities. Our priorities are: Salmon enhancement & restoration; Soil, forage crops & manure testing; Stream & lake bank stabilization; Water quality & instream flows; Arbor Day activities & tree planting; Invasive weed assessments – land & water; Trail use & salmon stream crossings; Cooperator & community conservation needs; Public information, involvement & education.

Chuck Kaucic, District Manager 357-4563 X 103 distmgr@wasillaswcd.org

Email information to: makeasceneak@mac.com Alaska Health Fair Four community health fairs Wasilla Area Seniors Mar 9, 9 am - 1 pm Talkeetna Community Health Fair Mar 15, 8 am – 12 noon Big Lake Elementary School April 13, 8 am – 12 noon Willow Community Health Fair April 20, 8 am – 12 noon Radio Free Palmer Annual Meeting Sat, Mar 23, 2 pm Palmer Train Depot Palmer High Swing Dance Dinner and Silent Auction February 23, 2013 Dinner - 6:00 to 7:30, Dance - 8:00 to 11:00 Palmer High School 1170 W. Arctic Ave., Palmer, Alaska, 99645 Dinner and Dance = $10.00, Dance Only $5.00 Palmer high School Music Department - 746-8403 Palmer Music Boosters 907-746-8403 Much Ado about Nothing February 28, March 1,2, 7, 8, 9, 2013 7:00 PM Palmer High Theater 1170 W. Arctic Ave., Palmer, Ak, 99645 Adults - $10.00, Students and Seniors - $7.00 Reservations - 74608403 Palmer High School Drama 907-746-8403 Grease Colony Drama at Colony High Theatre Fridays and Saturdays Feb 8-23 at 7:00 Thursdays Feb 14 & 16 at 7:00 Saturday matinees Feb 16 & 23 at 2:00 Adults $15 Students $10 Available online at: matsuk12.us/chs Colony Drama Brian Mead, 861-5541 Brian.mead@matsuk12.us On Facebook at Colony High School Drama MSSCA’s 9th Annual Spaghetti Dinner and fundraising Event Fri, March 1, 2013 5pm-8pm Train Depot Palmer, AK $8 each or 4 for $30 MSSCA or at the door MSSCA 907-352-1200 www.mssca.org UAA/APU Book of the Year Art Exhibition

Annual Lincoln Day Dinner & Auction Friday, February 22, 2013 5:30pm-9:30pm Evangelo’s Restaurant Wasilla, Alaska $50 per person Purchase tickets at Guy’s & Gal’s Salon at 601 KGB Rd, Wasilla, 3762320 or call Colleen at 907-354-4380 Mat-Su Republican Women’s Club 907-354-4380 http://www. matsurepublicanwomensclub.org/ Kids Art Classes! At Doodles doodlesartstudio@yahoo.com doodlesartstudio.blogspot.com Paint With Me Workshop at MatSu Central School Feb 20th, Wednesday 10:00-12:00 $50 Paint With Me Workshop at MatSu Central School March 19th, Tuesday 3:30-5:30 $50 Wear your old cloths, you might get messy!

Grease Colony Drama at Colony High Theatre Fridays and Saturdays Feb 8-23 at 7pm Thursdays Feb 14 & 16 at 7pm Saturday matinees Feb 16 & 23 at 2pm Adults $15 Students $10 Available online at: matsuk12.us/chs Colony Drama Brian Mead, 861-5541 Brian.mead@matsuk12.us On Facebook at Colony High School Drama 2013 Produce Growers Conference February 19-20, 2013 Palmer Community Center (The Depot) 610 S. Valley Way, Palmer, AK 99645 Palmer Public Library’s Calendar of Events Every Tuesday at 10am: Baby Lap Sit Every Tuesday at 11am: 2 year old Story Time Every Wednesday at 2pm: Open Room for Preschoolers Every Thursday at 10:30am: 3-5 year old Story Time Friday, February 8th: 7pm. Foreign

Film, Hospitalite (see library website www.cityofpalmer/library for synopsis) Monday, February 18th: 7-8pm.

Friends of the Palmer Library Meeting Mat-Su Concert Band Performs “Sojourn” Fri, Mar 1, 7:30 pm Teeland Middle School Punks Unite to Fight Cancer S Lounge, Anchorage Fri, Feb 22 www.teamblixa.com Palmer High Music Department annual Swing Dance/Dinner and Silent Auction Palmer High Jazz Band and ‘Last Rounds”.

Spaghetti dinner and silent auction, 6:00 to 7:30 Dance will be from 8:00 till 11:00.

Dinner and Dance, $10 for adults and $7 for students The dance alone, $5 Alaska Theatre of Youth Presents Anchorage’s 1st 24 hour Bard-A-Thon Fri, March 1st - Sat, March 2nd 6pm-6pm Alaska Theatre of Youth 610 W. Fireweed Ln. Anchorage, AK 99503 Recommended $5 Donation Alaska Theatre of Youth 907-338-4901 www.alaskatheatreofyouth.org ATY Spring Break Theatre Bootcamp Mon, March 11 - Fri March 15, 2013 9am - 4pm North Star Elementary Tuition: $250 Space is Limited Contact: admin@ alaskatheatreofyouth.org 907-338-4901 Birch bark weaving class Feb. 23, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Matanuska Experiment Farm, 1509 S. Georgeson Drive, Palmer. $20 Refreshments provided.

For more information, call Susan McNeil at 907-746-9454.

Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, adapted by Jon Jory February 22 – March 10, 2013 Friday/Saturday 8pm; Sunday 6pm UAA Fine Arts Building, Mainstage Theatre $10/$15/$17 at www.UAAtix.com or www.Centertix.net 786-4849 for more information.

Backcountry Film Festival: Oosik Weekend Friday, March 15th at 7:30pm, doors open at 7pm. $6 DAC member / $8 general admission

Feb 2013

The mission of the Food Pantry of Wasilla is: “To provide persons who reside in the Matanuska Susitna Valley with needed supplemental food supplies. Food Pantry of Wasilla distributes goods to its clients in a manner which gives dignity to all.”

All distributions made by the Food Pantry of Wasilla shall be made notwithstanding any person’s race, color, sex, age, handicap, religious affiliation, or national origin.

Our hours of operation are: Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

We offer two food programs to residents of the MatSu Valley. We operate a community-supplied food pantry, accepting cash and food donations from individuals and groups and supply clients with food for nutritionally-balanced meals to help people get back on their feet.

We also administer distribution of TEFAP government commodities. TEFAP is (The Emergency Food Assistance Program). This is a needs-based program, which may be accessed monthly by any client who meets the governmentestablished-qualifications. Food distributed is

North America Outdoor Institute

10th of month by 5PM

Tue, February 19- Fri, April 5th 8am - 5pm University of Alaska Anchorage, Fine Arts Building, Third Floor 3640 Alumni Drive Anchorage , Ak 99508 Free No Tickets 907-362-1739 https://www.facebook.com/ uaabooksoftheyearart

Educates and supports foster, adoptive, kinship care, step, grand and guardianship parents and professionals who care for children with emotional mental health issues, such as Attachment Disorder.

AABA provides workshops, e-mail/telephone support, resource/referral information, selfadvocacy, AABA web-site www.akattachment.org, RAVEN Respite, newsletters, brochures, lending library, and Mom2Mom/Dad2Dad parent support group. For more information: Laura Wagner 907-376-0366

OUTDOORS

CALENDAR SUBMISSION

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Our mission is to educate and provide opportunities in our community to reduce, reuse, and recycle for the long-term good of all. Our vision is to establish the Mat-Su Borough as a model recycling community for Alaska. We are open for residential recycling Wednesday through Friday 12-6pm and Saturday 11-3pm. Businesses can call ahead for hours. Your permanent community recycling center is located in our new green building at 9465 E. Chanlyut Circle, next to the animal shelter at the Central Landfill. Volunteer opportunities available. community@valleyrecycling.org www.valleyrecycling.org, 745.5544

based on availability and instructions from USDA. In case of emergencies such as fire or earthquake in the valley, the Food Pantry of Wasilla also cooperates with other organizations and government agencies to render assistance.

Eddie Ezelle, 907-357-3769 Main 501 E.Bogard Rd., Wasilla www.foodpantryofwasilla.org

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almost $20,000 which was then given to the Food Pantry of Wasilla and Turn A Leaf Thrift Stores. The Food Pantry provides emergency food supplies to families in need. Turn A Leaf has a medical lending equipment program which is now organized with software purchased with funds received. Both were grant recipients from the Mat Su Sertoma Club.

Grant applications for the 2012 Mat Su Polar Plunge are located on our website: www.matsuplunge. com.

We have a wonderful club of volunteers! On a weekly basis you’ll find a Mat Su Sertoman at the Food Pantry, Wasilla Senior Campus, Valley Charities, helping Special Olympics and the list goes on and on! Our goal for 2011/2012 year is to raise more than, $25,000 in polar plunge funds. You can pledge or sign up to jump! Just visit our website for more information.

Join us every other Thursday at 5:00pm at the Tailgaters Sports Bar and Grill. Our next meeting is August 25th. We always have new speakers and a great time. See you there!

18 Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com Feb 2013

Tickets available on the DAC website at or at the door here http://www. winterwildlands.org/index.php Johnny B’s Rhythm of the North Saturday, March 23rd at 7:30, doors open at 7 $5 12 and under / $15 DAC member / $18 general admission Tickets available online or at the door. www.johnnyb88.com/index_ music.html Emma Hill CD Release Party with Evan Phillips of the Whipsaws Saturday, March 30th at 7:30pm, doors open at 7pm $16 DAC member / $18 general admission Tickets may be purchased online or at the door. music and bios: Emma Hill: www. emmahillmusic.com Evan Phillips www.evanphillips. net Circus Sunday 2012 & Aerial Yoga Every Sunday 6-8pm 1st session Sept 30th - Dec 2nd 2nd session Jan 6th - March 10th - $20 per 10-week session or $5 drop in fee Equipment and mats are provided.

For more info contact Mary Farina 355-4699, R.G Denny 733-2340 or A.J Sullivan 355-9642 MSSCA’s 9th Annual Spaghetti Dinner and fundraising Event Fri, March 1, 2013 5pm-8pmnTrain Depot Palmer, AK $8 each or 4 for $30 MSSCA or at the door MSSCA 907-352-1200 www.mssca.org Birch Bark Weaving Class Sat, Feb. 23 10am-4-pm Kertulla Hall, Matanuska Experiment Farm 1509 S. Georgeson Drive, Palmer $20 UAF School of Natural Resources & Agricultural Sciences and UAF Cooperative Extension Service 907-746-9454 Alaska Junior Theater (AJT) presents San Jose Taiko Mar 22, 7:30 PM Atwood Concert Hall CLUE THE MUSICAL Valley Performing Arts Feb 22 through Mar 17 Fri & Sat 8pm and Sun 2pm $17 Students/Seniors and $19

Adults Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Avenue, Wasilla 373-0195 or tickets available on line Palmer High Drama Department William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado about Nothing” Feb 28 - Mar 9 Thurs, Fridays and Saturdays 7 PM, Palmer High Theater $10 for Adults, $7 for Students and Seniors.

UAA/APU book of the year inspired art exhibition Invisible in America, The Working Poor Feb 19- Apr 5 3rd floor of the arts building Catalog reception at 1 pm, Apr 3 Feb 19 - 22 artists Jabaree G. Moss and Chloe Keller Feb 26 - Mar 1 artists Rachel A. Lee and Eve Mendenhall Mar 5 - 8 artists Amber R. Webb and Hilary T. Kjerland Mar 19 – 22 artists Deroy S. Brandt and Samantha R. Kemplen Mar 26 29 artists Jessica E. Addington and Nicholas R. Raffuse Apr 2 - 5 artists Darla M. Forman and Jordan N. Beckenbach https://www.facebook.com/ uaabooksoftheyearart Winter Conservation Series Learn about gardening All sessions 7:00-8:30 pm, Thursdays thru April 11, 2013 at the MatSu College, College Mat-Su Plunge (people jump in to the icy waters of Wasilla Lake to raise money for local charities) Wasilla Lake Resort (formerly Mat-Su Resort) Sat Feb 16, Registration begins at 10 am Plungers begin jumping at Noon Free to spectators Jumpers may register at www. matsuplunge.org Mat-Su Sertoma Club an organization dedicated to hearing health Ben & Candace Winkler 7157460 ben@ewaterpro.com www.matsuplunge.org Outdoor Exercise (hike, explore, ski, snowshoe) Science and Nature Studies Field trips and guest speakers 700 acres of fields and forests!

Hands on projects and nutritious snacks Small classes and lost of fun!

Enrolling now! www. springcreekfarmak.org

Session runs from Jan.28March 1, 2012

and Pedagogy, secondary Musicology, U. of Iowa

Cash Mob Palmer Feb 21 The rules are simple: Commit to participation Spend $20.00 Have fun Meet new people For further info, to sign up for participation contact Denise at deniseatnonessentialsalaska. com or go to our Facebook page: Cash Mob Palmer AK.

THE WEDDING FROM HELL

By The Homeless Actors of Mat-Su Homeless Actors of Mat-Su’s dinner theater Mat-Su Family Restaurant in Wasilla Fri, Sat or Sun Feb 15-17 6:30pm Benefits My House, homeless shelter for teens Tickets $30, dinner and show $25, Senior or a Student Available at Burchell High Or Mat-Su United Way Questions? Call HAMS at 3764252.

Mat-Su Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) & Caregiver Community Forum Wed, Jan 16, , 9 am to 1 pm Palmer Senior Citizens Center For more info, or to request special accommodations, Alaska Commission on Aging, 465-3250.

1 Annual The Valley ‘CAN’ Make A Difference!

Food drive to benefit the Food Bank of Wasilla Jan 1 - Feb 16 Alana Club of Wasilla, 6pm, w/ a spaghetti feed dinner 10 can entrance fee, or $10 at the door Donate at these businesses, groups Steve’s Food Boy, Three Bears Alaska, Wal-Mart, Carrs Safeway, Denali HarleyDavidson.

For more info contact Glen at 892 8099 7 annual VAA Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show Palmer Depot on Feb 16 Matinee performance, 3pm Evening performance, 7pm The 3 Annual Legendary Winter Karaoke Contest Feb 14-Mar 23! $1,000 prize, winner takes all…

ANYTHING GOES! Solo, duo, trio, even a quartet!

Country Legends w/ Gary Mac of Music and Memories Mat-Su March for Babies Walk Mar 23, AT&T Sport Center 9 am check in 10 am walk starts Community Drum Workshop Offered 4-week workshop in community drumming.

Feb 16- Mar 9, Sat mornings,10-11 am Fee for 4-class workshop: $40 Age 18 and older No experience in drumming necessary http://www. percussioninthevalley.com Meggie Aube cell: 319-331-1040, home: 7457519 Percussion Performer and Educator BM, University of Alaska, Anchorage MA, University of Iowa DMA, Perc. Performance

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium’s Store Outside Your Door Alaska Plants as Food and Medicine Symposium May 24 – 27 Aleyeska Resort Girdwood Anchorage Folk Festival

Jan 17 at 7pm until Jan 27 at 10:30pm 11 Days of FREE musical performances and workshops Over 150 Musical Acts, 55 Workshops, 10 Dances, Folk Week and lots of Jamming!

Guest Artists: Blue Moose and the Unbuttoned Zippers Cahalen Morrison & Eli West

Best for ages 6+.

Sydney Laurence Theatre at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts Tickets are $10-15 at www.

CenterTix.net IditaPage Challenge Wasilla Public Library 391 N Main St Wasilla AK 99654 Begins: Mon, Jan 14 Ends: When we read one million pages Jean Powell 864-9177 jpowellatci.wasilla.ak.us Please type your info in the boxes below: If Everyone Read a Book . . .

“The Snow Child” Dorothy Page Museum (next door to the Library) 323 N Main St Wasilla AK 99654 Thur, Feb 28, 7 pm Jean Powell 864-9177 jpowellatci.wasilla.ak.us Arkose Brewery Sat Mar 9: 2 - 4 pm Beer Meets Canvas at the Brewery FREE brewery tour every Tues. at 6 pm Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Fri Mar. 29, at 7:30 PM Egan Center Mat Kearney, Tue Feb. 26, 7:30 PM Williamson Auditorium as part of UAA Winterfest.

Mat-Su March for Babies Walk Mar 23, AT&T Sport Center 9 am check in 10 am walk starts

Honk Jr! the musical FRI 2/15 at 7pm; SAT 2/23 at 2pm & 7pm Based on Hans Christian Anderson’s The Ugly Duckling Sydney Laurence Theatre at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts Tickets are $10-15 at www.

CenterTix.net

3rd Annual Mardi Gras BowWow Ball, Mar 2, 6-10pm Lions Club in Eagle River Tickets available at The Ruff House in Wasilla, at our website Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue.com Tickets $50 per person Purchase a table ($350)

The Wizard of Oz SAT 2/16 at 2pm & 7pm; FRI 2/22 at 7pm (non-musical, true to the book) Adapted by Ron Holmstrom and the Elizabeth Anne Seaton School from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.

Please note: this one hails back to the original literature - which is quite dark and sometimes creepy.

RECURRING Big Lake Community Clothing Closet Free Clothing For Alaskans 2955 Big Lake Rd. Open Hours Are Tuesdays, 11am-3pm.

See Us On Facebook StrongWomen - Palmer Monday - Wednesday - Friday 11am - 12 pm

Mat-Su Cooperative Extension Service 809 S Chugach St.., Ste #2, Palmer, AK 99645 $5 for a two month session Julie Cascio 907-745-3360 http://www.uaf.edu/ces/ districts/matsu/hhfd/ strongwomen/ Sewing Circle Meets the first and third Wed of the month 1-3pm Mat-Su Senior Services 1132 S. Chugach St. Palmer, AK 99645 Free -745-5454 mat-suseniorservices.com Caregivers Connection Last Mon of each month 1-3pm Mat-Su Senior Services 1132 S. Chugach St. Palmer, AK 99645 Free 745-5454 mat-suseniorservices.com sueann.smithatmatsuseniorservices.com NuKreationZ Art & Creativity Center Tues-Sat Noon-6pm Art gallery, classes and workshops Make your own pottery Palmer Museum New Hours Wed-Fri 10am-5pm Sat 10-2pm Free Admission Art Exhibits & More Mat-Su Community Chorus Rehearsal Thursdays @ 7pm Wasilla High School All vocal ranges welcome No auditions necessary, unless 18 years of age or younger Mat-Su Concert Band Rehearsal Musicians Welcome Rehearsals are every Mon. 7 to 9 p.m.

Teeland Middle School.

For more information, contact Gleo Huyck at 746-0628 matsuconcertband@gmail.com Learn to Skate 60 minute class for ages 3Teens Curtis D Menard Memorial Sports Center Class schedule and registration forms are available online: www.cityofwasilla.com

Wasilla Strong Women Strength Training Monday * Wednesday * Friday 10-11 am * Year Round Program * Call Sharon 3764434 Tuesday * Thursday 4:00 pm.

Call Peggy 715-6338 Lower Level of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 501 E. Bogard Rd. Improve balance, strength, stamina and fight osteoporosis. $5.00 per 8 week session.

Harlan Scudder Performs Wasilla Lake Resort (Formerly Mat-Su Resort/ Rumrunners) Fridays 7:30-10:30 pm Borealis Dancers Tues and Thurs 7 to 8pm $20 a month call Georgie at 746-6504 or e-mail georgie@mtaonline.net Women, Wine & Wednesday Third Wed every month Presented by Lakeshore Studio East Lake Mall, Big Lake 6:30pm $25 RSVP 230-0935 Free Hearing Screening provided by Mat-Su Sertoma Club First Sat Every Month 10am-1pm Wasilla Physical Therapy Deana Moore 761-5229 Whatever! Teen Lounge Featuring Wii gaming at Palmer Library T-Th, 2-4pm 746-4700 Alaska Celtic Pipes and Drums Free piping and drumming Instruction Every Fri Evening, 5-5:45 pm Eagle River Presbyterian Church 12836 Old Glen Hwy, Eagle River Wasilla Meta-Rose Library: Toddler Storytime Wed at 10:30am and 1:30pm Preschool Storytime Thurs at 10:30am and 1:30pm Baby Lapsit Storytime Fri at 10:30am Discussion Junction Family Book Club First Tues of each month Wasilla Meta-Rose Library Reading Rendezvous Last Saturday of every month.

Wasilla Meta-Rose Library

Palmer Public Library: Baby Lap Sit Every Tues at 10am 2 year old Story Time Every Tues at 11am Baby Lap Sit Every Wed at 2pm 3-5 year old Story Time Every Thurs at 10:30am Foreign Film Every Second Fri at 7pm

Schwabenhof Live Music Every Fri & Sat 9pm until…

Sunday Blues Open Mic Jam 9pm Tuesday Dart Night Fairview Inn Music Talkeetna Every Thur at 9:30pm Open Mic. Every Fri at 8pm and Sat at 10pm Live Music.

Sahara Storm Studio and Circus Arts Clinics 982-4955 Valley Arts Alliance Meeting Thursdays at 11:00am Sophia’s Cafe Neo, Palmer Wasilla Hwy Tammy’s Turf for Tots!

For children 6 & under $5 per child Mon - Fri 10am-1pm Tues & Thurs FREE! Menard Memorial Sports Center: 357-9100 BABY STEPS Walking Program for New & Expectant Moms & Dads Mon & Wed 8:00AM-Noon Menard Memorial Sports Center 357-9100 Business Networking International Every Tues 9am Menard Memorial Sports Center 357-9100 Wasilla Bible Church Sunday Menard Memorial Sports Center 357-9100 NAOI Outdoor Safety Classes Full schedule of classes online www.naoiak.org 376-2898.

The Crystal Mandala Classes A variety of creative classes Every Sat 2-5pm

Palmer Museum of History and Art Open Everyday 9am-6pm Free Admission and light refreshments 725 S Valley Way, Palmer 746-7668 www.palmermuseum.org Museum of Alaska Transportation Open Everyday10am-5pm 3800 W Museum Drive, Wasilla 376-1211 Mat-Su Central School Enrolling K-12 Homeschool Support & Distance Delivery Education www.MatSuCentral.org Wasilla 352-7450 Mat-Su College Apply for scholarships now New dance and music classes available spring semester Current employment opportunities Wasilla www.MatSu.Alaska.edu

Special Thanks to Studio Ardent for Our Cover Photo, ‘Lantern Liftoff’ Amber here from Studio Ardent Photography! I am honored to be a witness to our beautiful community coming together to help a man in need! Although I love this picture of the lanterns, my favorite capture of the night was an image I took of my husband. He was amazed by the turn out of our community and their efforts to support one another. In the image he holds the expression of a kid in a candy store. I love moments like that and I love to capture peoples genuine expressions. I generally photograph people, and work hard to tell their stories rather than create reactions to me. What’s your story?

Let’s capture something fabulous together! www.studioardent.com 907-315-5044 Amber Lanphier Owner/Photographer

CALENDAR SUBMISSION 10th of month by 5PM Email information to: makeasceneak@mac.com

also has a drop box. If you don’t want to swing by and drop them off, just mail them to the school of your choice.

Now, let us discuss the money that goes in your pocket. There is almost nothing that can’t be recycled. Scraps from food and plants can be composted making the soil more fertile.

Big Lake transfer station recycles #1 and #2 plastics, mixed paper, flattened non-greasy corrugated cardboard and steel cans. Target recycles glass. The Clothes Closet is a drop-off where people can donate, receive or exchange clothes at no cost to themselves. Craigs list, E-bay and Amazon are great for making money with smaller items.

Larger items if you don’t sell in a garage sale or on Craigs list can be given to Value Village or other second hand stores.

Depending on quality, some resale shops may purchase furniture. If

Throwing money away?

Contributed by Susan L. Brock Many folks are unaware of the amount of money that they throw away every day. Just the other day I was told that a group of people found about $1300.00In the trash. Granted, it wasn’t in the traditional currency, but spendable just the same.

Okay, in this particular case, it benefits children. In case you are too busy or don’t have children so are not interested, I want you to reconsider. Quite honestly, I felt that way at one time. Upon reflection I realize that any country’s greatest resource is their children.

What we put into them we receive back.

I’m not encouraging you to give them

everything they want but what they need. A friend who was teaching her first class told me she had more income for herself and her two children when she was on assistance while attending university. Kleenex, pencils, paper and other supplies were coming out of her pocket as a teacher. These are needs which benefit our children. Yes, we do pay taxes for schools but we know that money is filtered down.

Some great companies realized this and stepped in so if we all take just a little time to do our part, we could make a world of difference. “Box tops for Education” found on some cake mixes, cereal boxes and other items and soup labels on Progresso and Campbells which count the same as box tops.

Any school, even the home-school I.D.E.A. can accept these at their locations. Steve’s Food Boy in Big Lake

mattresses are in decent condition, they can be recycled as well. Usually they are given to people who are in need because of flood, fire or other circumstances. Often these items can be picked up. To recycle mattresses call the Mattress Ranch and ask for Steve.

So how does doing all of this put money in your pocket? Beside what you sell, there is less cost for dumping. It does not cost to dump your recyclables.

Because it costs less to recycle it can also help keep the cost of merchandise down.

If it costs more to package items we as consumers will experience that increase. Finally, what you do have to dump will cost you less because you have less to go into the landfill.

Susan L. Brock

Weighing the Risks

By Debra McGhan, NAOI Executive Director Photos: 1. Eaton2.jpg; Skiers check out their run in the Chugach Mountains.; 2. Eaton3.jpg; More skiers at the base of a slope. Photos by Alex Eaton.

As the day wore on and he continued to rack up thousands of vertical feet, his friends began to tire and leave the group or veer off on their own.

Eventually Mitchell found himself alone at the top of an epic, untracked face.

He started to launch into the beckoning powder when he paused and considered the possible consequences.

As the day wore on, the temperature changed and the snow grew heavy.

And then one of the guys in the group went up to make one more run, cut across the top of the slope, dropped in and the whole ridge cracked and let go.

“I was on a hill across the valley and watched as suddenly things went insane with people screaming avalanche and racing to get out of the way at the bottom,” said Mitchell.

In the end Mitchell realized everyone in that group was super lucky because even though three people were partially buried, they were able to dig them out.

“It was a huge wake up call for me especially considering all the avalanche experts we had on hand that day.”

“I wanted to ski that line in the worst way because I knew it could be epic.

But I realized, I didn’t have a beacon, I was by myself and if something did go wrong, what would be the real consequence?

“I have a baby daughter now and she is my daily reminder of how sweet life is way beyond what I would have felt for just one epic descent. I guess as you get older it’s easier to stop and think about the consequences of our actions,” said Mitchell. “Sometimes ‘Just Do It’ can be ‘just stupid.

“I’ve lost friends over the years because they didn’t stop to consider anything but the chance to experience the thrill and maybe brag about it to their friends. Now they’re gone and I’m still out skiing on my birthday, enjoying life with my friends and my family.”

Before you set out for your day of fun this spring learn to Be Snow Smart and live to ride another day. NAOI is offering lots of free, fun programs this spring. For, a full schedule of courses and to register, visit us online at BeSnowSmart.org or call 907-3762898 to learn more.

Upcoming Programs: Feb. 17th – Big Lake Winterfest – Big Lake Alaska, 11 am – 3 pm. Play the NAOI Wilderness Safety Challenge Game. Just $10 per person and you could win a new snowmobile helmet, shovel, probe or other great prizes. Do you have what it takes to survive in the rugged wilderness of Alaska. Find out in this interactive game of activites.

March 2nd – Hilltop Ski Area – Anchorage, 11am – 4pm. Backcountry Skills class at Hilltop Ski area. Learn to travel and recreate in mountain terrain with lots of fun, interactive lessons to practice your skills.

March 9th – Meadow Lakes Senior Center, Wasilla, 11am – 4pm. This program is a great introduction to snowmobile safety including basic mechanics, terrain management, riding skills, avalanche awareness, wilderness medical skills, and much more! Great training and fun for the whole family and a perfect way to start off Spring Break! $40 per person or $50 for a family of 4. Space is limited.

March 17th - Mat-Su Resort, Wasilla Lake, 11am – 4pm. NAOI Wilderness Safety Challenge Game. $10 per person earns you a chance to win a host of great prizes thanks to RumRunners, Team CC, Eagle River Polaris, Wasilla, Arctic Cat and many more great sponsors.

“I was thinking about the fact that if something went dreadfully wrongsomeone would have to call my Dad and Mom and let them know what happened.” In the end, he decided the risk was not worth the reward. He skied away and made his way to the

A few years later he was with a group of friends taking an avalanche safety class when his cautious approach to the backcountry was solidified.

“Conditions had been great all day.

We’d been digging pits and skiing run after run on this slope and people were all very complacent and not the least bit concerned about avalanches. In fact there was a big group of people sitting at the bottom of the hill having lunch in a huge run out zone.”

He thought again about the day he’d stood on the mountain on his 35th birthday weighing the risks of skiing the exposed run alone.

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Derek Mitchell’s 35th birthday was proving to be one of those perfect dream days. Clear, blue-skies with great snow conditions, awesome friends and run after run of glorious fun.

bottom on a more conservative, but still fun, run instead.

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Community

Feb 2013

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M c d e a g t u o t i G I

Divine Intervention

By Vic Kohring

Most of us experience unusual circumstances as we go about our daily lives that can’t always be explained. Some conclude they are mere coincidences or either good luck or bad. But sometimes things occur that are so unusual, with such frequency or inexplicable odds, that the only real explanation is that it originates from God or a Supreme Being.

I’ve taken note how such

Mary Kvalheim Continued

She was most passionate about helping the homeless youth in the Mat-

She was so proud of the wonderful schools in the Valley and the mix of curriculum they offered to the Valley’s very diverse students. She also loved the Valley’s rich agriculture history.

We went to farmer’s homes, fields, and warehouse.

What does all of this mean and what can be interpreted? Were these things meant to happen? Were they signs from God, fate or random happenstance? As a Christian, I believe a greater power-a supernatural entity--was at work in tandem with my own thoughts

With deep appreciation, I thank so many of you who’ve offered condolences, prayers and words of encouragement following our loss. I feel truly blessed to live in a community with such wonderful and supportive people.

I know many friends and family are grieving over Mary’s passing. We will also miss her spark, but her memory will live on in my office, constantly pushing all of us to fight hard for Alaska’s working families and especially for those who need just a little extra help to get their lives back on track.”

- By Senator Mark Begich

Feb 2013

You can describe Mary in many ways: energetic, committed, sympathetic. I always think of Mary as spirited. She jumped into every issue that came across her desk and every problem a constituent brought to our office. And, she didn’t give up.

Su valley, supporting our seniors, and supporting the Valley Community for Recycling Solutions. When I would come out to the Valley she always made sure we visited a local school and sat down to talk with teachers and kids.

and beliefs as part of God’s design for my life. Each incident was a Divine providence, God’s way of impressing upon me through direct intervention in my life, that not only does He exist, but that He is active in guiding and comforting me through life’s most serious challenges.

Last month, I wrote a tribute to my father which appeared in these pages.

At times I found it near impossible to read my work through the constant tears, but it was worth the emotional trauma as it was important I share with the world what a great man my father was. Engraved on his marker is a Bible verse from 2 Timothy 4:7, which reads, “I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith.” Our family believes these words are perfect as my dad fought hard to live a good life, finished the job well and because of his faith and salvation, is now with the Lord.

Mary also served on the Mat-Su Borough Planning Commission and on the Mat-Su Borough Assembly.

For example, a series of unusual events surrounding my dad’s passing occurred in recent days.

It was as if God was reaching out to my family to help sooth the pain of our loss. The moment of my dad’s departure from this earth was precisely at midnight as the new year was ushered in. Not a minute before or after. Straight up midnight on January 1st. Then, on the day of his interment at Fort Richardson National Cemetery, an Amaryllis plant my mother gave him for Christmas 24 days earlier suddenly bloomed. After the interment, we learned that the assigned plot number is the exact same number of my dad’s residence address used for the last 35 years. The plot is “161 N” and his address is “161 Flag.” This number was designated from

over 4500 burial sites. Then, my dad’s resting place turns out to be exactly 40.0 miles to his front door at home. All coincidences? More likely examples of God’s communicating and reminding us of His existence.

The most unusual incident occurred January 23rd, five days after the interment. I was visiting the cemetery and walking the quiet grounds just before dusk on a gray, cloudy day, when sunlight suddenly broke through the clouds and streamed down, forming a stunningly beautiful, almost surreal moment. Most extraordinary, was that the light rays beamed directly on my father’s section, a small area in one corner of the grounds, with streaks of orange breaking through giant, beautifully formed clouds. A few minutes later, the clouds closed and the dramatic, spectacular beauty I witnessed was gone. I felt I was in the presence of God as I stood in wonderment.

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

My dear father’s passing last month was a shock to my family and left a gaping hole in my heart.

It helps knowing he’s no longer suffering from Alzheimer’s, a cruel and merciless disease with no cure. More important though, I take great comfort knowing my dad is now in God’s presence. It makes a love one’s passing much easier to bear.

incidents happen to me frequently, which I’m convinced is God at work and not something occurring randomly or by accident.

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Community

38 Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com Feb 2013

The Corner Link Contributed by Donna Turner, Owner of Donna’s Corner Did you know that the color white has not always been the traditional color for the wedding gown and is mostly a tradition in the West? (Meaning America) In fact, most Brides from other countries wear just about any color except white.

For instance, the Spanish bride will choose black as the preferred color for her gown. The color black symbolizes that the groom will uncover his bride's true character.

The Japanese bride will choose the color red, which is considered lucky in Japan.

The Mexican bride will choose colors that will dominate the wedding and

reception. Typically the color is lively and festive and is chosen to enhance the celebratory atmosphere.

Throughout the 1800’s and most of the 20th century, most American brides chose their wedding gown because it was practical and could be worn again.

The bride could wear any color except for red or black, which were associated with prostitutes and mourning, respectively.

In1840, Queen Victoria of Scots, set the wheels turning when she chose white for her wedding gown. She was criticized for choosing this color since the color white is the color of mourning for the French. However, by 1890 the color white was even more popular and has long been the traditional color for the wedding gown.

The number of non-traditional brides is growing. Brides are opting for the

color diamond white or ivory with some designed with a splash of color for their gowns. Today brides tend to choose a more fitted style such as mermaid or a fit and flare skirt. However the full ball room gown is still popular for some brides. Lots of lace (thanks to Kate Middleton), texture, asymmetrical draping, crystals, beading, embroidered lace and/or sequins adorn most gowns today.

The modern vintage style has made a comeback which is a soft and romantic look from the 1920’s and 1930’s.

No matter what, the gown must to be the most perfect gown in the world for the bride.

Basically, the bride should feel comfortable and at ease in whatever she wears because after all she is the star of the day!

Community The 3 P’s Continued markers, etc. Place smaller items that you’ll need to take from room to room (like tape, packing paper, and markers) in a basket or caddy for portability.

Packing Now that you’ve laid the groundwork by creating an overall plan and lining up your resources, you’re ready for the real work.

Utilize a few smart packing strategies now, and you’ll reap the benefits later. Start by keeping like things together. Keep kitchen pots with kitchen pans. Place tablecloths with other linens. Also, be sure to label boxes clearly and be as specific as possible.

For example, don’t just write “books,” be more detailed, like “reference manuals.”

This will be invaluable as you unpack.

Proper packing technique can’t be overstated. Take the time to pack your boxes carefully and securely. A new moving box provides the strength you need for the inevitable stacking that occurs as boxes are loaded and unloaded on moving day. Line boxes with at least two inches of packaging peanuts on all sides and use bubble cushioning to protect anything fragile. Use quality packing tape on all seams (avoid masking, cellophane, or duct tape).

Another way to ensure that moving day goes smoothly is to label boxes with colorcoordinated labels. Designate a color for each room and place that colored label on the appropriate box. Then, place color labels on the doorways in the new house to provide a clear visual cue for where boxes go.When moving day approaches, keep a few things in mind for those final boxes. Think survival mode. What will you need first in your new home?

Cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, garbage bags, a first aid kit, snacks, and drinks are key items, but everyone’s must-have list will be a little different.

Also, don’t forget to pack overnight bags for each member of the family with

toiletries and a change of clothing. Finally, if you have children, pack a special box for each child to open upon arrival. Include favorite blankets and stuffed animals, family photos, a few toys, crayons, coloring books, and any other essential belongings.

Congratulations, you just elevated your moving IQ! Equipped with these tips and strategies, you’re ready for the ultimate test —moving day itself.

Contact The UPS Store, Palmer at 746-6245 for more tips on packing and shipping.

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Or, call or stop by our office and we will gladly any questions. No hard sales pitch!Maximum laska Communityanswer Development

Fundingseeking by: Corporation is currently applicants for Rural Development & AHFC the 2013 Self-Help Housing USDA program near Wasilla!

* Quality, Affordable & Energy Efficient Homes * Low Interest Rates & Low Payments * One Acre Lots with Elbow Room Don’t let the opportunity of owning a quality built home pass you by! Visit our website, www.alaskacdc.org to download an application.

Income Guidelines

1 Person—$46,300 2 Person—$52,900 3 Person—$59,550 4 Person—$66,150 5 Person—$71,450 6 Person—$76,750

1517 Industrial Way, #8 Palmer, AK 99645 Phone: 907-746-5680 Fax: 907-746-5681 www.alaskacdc.org