Make A Scene Magazine April 2014

MACHETANZ ARTS FESTIVAL PAGE 16

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PAGE 8 APRIL 2014

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Arts

"Mothman" digital art by Emily Levesque from Colony High

Five Wasilla And Palmer Students Win Statewide Art & Writing Competition

affiliate with Scholastic - a national competition, independently since 2012).

Last year, F Magazine was delighted to now award two full scholarships and airfare to Sitka Fine Arts Camp.

Additionally, the publication now includes embedded art through Augmented Reality - Extra Art that can be accessed with a smart device.

Submitted by F Magazine Staff

As of last year, two more statewide youth in arts competitions began.

Though this might initially create some confusion for teachers, parents and students, it offers students more opportunities to have their work seen and their talent acknowledged.

Anchorage, Alaska -F Magazine is pleased to finally announce the winners of 2013-2104 ASYAWC competition. From all over the state, students grades 7 through 12 competed in a number of different categories in both art and writing. This year, five of the art and writing winners are students at Wasilla Middle School, Eagle River High, Colony High and Palmer High (see full list of winners below, below).

All winners in both art and writing will be published in the summer issue of F Magazine, and two of the students (one art entrant and one writing entrant) have been chosen by our judges to attend Sitka Fine Arts Camp this summer.

For the past five years, F Magazine has run a statewide youth art & writing competition (originally as an

“We encourage students to submit to as many competitions and as often as they can,” says Teeka Ballas, publisher of F Magazine.

“Each competition for youth in this state has its own thing to offer. Ours is ‘No Censorship.’ Art is about interpreting the nuances, mores and social norms.

We believe it’s just as important for young artists and writers to express themselves unhindered and uncensored as it is adults. And that’s the kind of competition we want to encourage.”

Music

Mat-Su Community Chorus Awarded Grant to Bring Broadway to The Valley

By Nan Potts This May, the Mat-Su Community Chorus is excited to bring Broadway to the Valley. Earlier this year, the chorus was awarded a Community Arts Development grant from the Alaska State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. The grant assists in expanding the group’s 2014 spring concert venue.

Having finished a very successful presentation a of Handel’s Messiah, in collaboration with the Mat-Su Messiah Choir and Orchestra, the group is in production for their Broadway Melodies concert series.

Two performances are scheduled.

The first will be May 4th, 4:00pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Palmer. The second, May 10th, 4pm at the Willow Community Center.

The Mat-Su Community Chorus is a non-profit, 501(c)3, organization and has entertained The Valley since the 1970’s. The group’s mixed voices has performed a variety of music from

Handel to Gershwin and Mozart to Bernstein. The chorus is offering a couple of opportunities for you to join the celebration of spring with its Broadway Melodies series.

Directed by Megan Webb and accompanied by Mary McKean, the audience will delight in music from memorable Broadway musicals highlighting soloists, small ensembles and a few surprises. All who attend will be encouraged to hum, sing, foot-tap and clap along with the show tunes. Applause is always welcome.

Currently, there are approximately thirty voices that constitute the chorus. The group is looking to increase community participation and expand its membership, all with goal of bringing quality choral music to the Valley and beyond. “Friend” us on Facebook for more details.

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PAGE 8 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR >> Non-Denominational Homecoming Hymns Friday, April 18, 2014 and May 16, 2014 Wasilla Senior Center, in the Meeting Room 1301 S Century Circle Starts 6:00 pm.

Always the 3rd Friday of every Month.

Free from Church on the Rock

Will H. Johnson >> Acoustic Guitar & Vocals Wed, April 9, Thur, April 10, Wed, April 23, Thur, April 24 6:30-10pm, Free - 907-854-9910 @ Locals Pub & Pizzeria >> Sat, April 12, Sat, April 19, Sat, April 26 - 6-10pm @ Last Frontier Brewing Co. 238 N. Boundary St., Wasilla www.willhjohnson.com

APRIL 2014

Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc Board of Directors Monthly Meeting Thursday, April 17, and May 15, 2014 Wasilla Area Senior Center 1301 S Century Circle, Wasilla Begin at 9:00 am Free, Wasilla Area Senior Center, Inc Lynette, 376-3104 AARP Meeting Thursday, April 17, 2014 From 1:00 – 2:30 pm Wasilla Senior Center 1301 S. Century Circle Free

Project M Tournament April 19th @ 2:00PM Super Smash Bros.

Video Game Tournament Tier 1 Cards & Games, Anchorage HFH Spring Community Rummage Sale and Craft Fair Saturday April 19th - 10 am - 3 pm Mat-Su Career and Technical High School FREE Entry 907-223-7572 Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Saturday, April 19 Wasilla Area Senior Center From 9am until noon $5/person or $20/family.

Includes breakfast (pancakes, juice/ coffee, etc.) plus framed picture of child with Easter Bunny.

CALENDAR CONTINUES ON PAGE 15

Alaska Gun Collectors Association Spring Gun Show April 19, 2014 - April 20, 2014 10:00 am, Raven Hall - Palmer, AK $7.00, children under 12 free with adult Tickets at the door 907-566-9571

“The Lightening Bug” Auditions Tues April 22 and April 24 6pm-8pm Alaska Club Valley, 1720 E Parks Hwy, Wasilla, Free - wwww.akhams.org Profit Mastery 4/22/2014 and 4/23/2014 8:30 - 5:30 - Mat-Su SBDC 201 N LUCILLE ST STE 2A, Wasilla, $200 - 907-373-7232

Denali Destroyers vs. Far North Saturday April 19th - 6:30 pm MTA Events Center - $10 1317 S Kerry Weiland Court, Palmer

Women’s Bike Maintenance Clinic April 23 - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Backcountry Bike & Ski 132 W. Arctic Ave, Palmer Free Entry 907-746-5018

SINGING FOR THE STAGE Saturdays, April 19, 26, May 3 & 10 Alaska Theatre of Youth 610 W. Fireweed Ln., Anchorage 11:00-12:30pm $55 + $5 Materials Fee 907-338-4901 and admin@ alaskatheatreofyouth.org Joe Miller’s US Senatorial Campaign Liberty Launch Party Monday, April 21, 2014 @ 6 pm Northshore Ale House 1850 Bogard Rd., Wasilla - Free Entry

COMEDIAN Patton Oswalt Friday April 25 At 7:30 PM in the Williamson Auditorium $35 advance $40 door for the general public

PAGE 9

Arts

EVENTS AT THE PALMER MUSEUM With all of these beautiful summer-like days happening around us in the valley, the Palmer Museum of History and Art is taking advantage of them by hosting an evening full of music, art and food.

This year’s art acquisition selection will also be announced.

The event is open to the public and will be FREE to all museum members; $5.00 for nonmembers.

If you ever wanted to learn more about the Palmer Museum, its programming and events, take advantage of this rare opportunity to meet the people behind it.

Join us as we celebrate our past achievements and learn more about the exciting events we have planned for 2014.

For more information about the May Art Walk, please visit the museum web-site at www. palmermsueum.org or download the FREE Palmer Art Walk mobile app available in both the GooglePlay and Apple stores. We look forward to celebrating the arts with you this month!

> 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.

MAKE A SCENE 907-373-2698 (office) 888-383-9909 (fax) makeasceneak@mac.com www.makeasceneak.com

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On Saturday, May 3rd from 6:00 – 8:00PM, the museum will be hosting its PMHA Annual Celebration where members of the Museum Board get together to celebrate and give thanks to our museum members. The evening’s festivities will include catering by Humdinger’s Pizza, a beer tasting with Arkose Brewery, a silent auction, music by Wildcat Trio, a special presentation by MatSu College’s Dr. Felicia Desimini and an exhibit of museum art acquisition entries.

As we approach the beginning of planting season, the Palmer Art Walk wants to help do its part to keep our community green.

The May Art Walk scheduled for Saturday, May 10th from 2:00 – 6:00PM, will be celebrating the theme of Starting Anew. Art Walkers will have the opportunity to build their very own herb garden starter kit.

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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!

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last year’s art acquisition: “Musk Ox” by Gail Niebrugge

APRIL 2014

Submitting Articles & Calendar:

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.

PAGE 10

Theatre

Stories from the Silk Road

By Amy Tucker

Director of Gaia Tribal Belly Dance

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

and Gaia Productions Do you want to visit the exotic and ancient Silk Road without leaving the Valley? Gaia Tribal Belly Dance in conjunction with local artists, entertainers and businesses is offering you that chance.

Visit the Valley Performing Arts Center in Wasilla June 14 and experience Stories from the Silk Road.

This will be a full theatrical dance and music production traveling through China, India, Persia, Arabia and North Africa.

Gaia Tribal Belly Dance is proud to present an evening of dance music food and libations. Set against the backdrop of the ancient Silk Road you will not want to miss this journey of the senses.

There will be vending of silk road goods, food, libations and pre-show music at 6:00 curtain goes up at 7:00 pm.

Each year Gaia Tribal, a local dance troupe in the Valley since 2007, has provided annual dance and music events.

APRIL 2014

This is the 3rd annual production set at the Valley Performance Arts Center in Wasilla and each year this group strives to bring a culturally themed production to our community. They emphasize collaboration with area artists and businesses with an emphasis on promoting women in the arts and business.

This year included in the festivities will be food and libations provided by Loco Mama Catering, vending of Silk Road goods by Non-Essentials and hand crafted jewelry by local artist Nikki Bull. This Silk Road Bazaar will take place at 6:00 pm in the VPA lobby and set the tone and atmosphere for the show that starts at 7:00 pm.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 39

VPA’s Summer Theatre Arts Program Valley Performing Arts is now accepting applications for VPA’s Summer Theatre Arts Program.

Each year VPA holds 3 two-week sessions for youth 7-11 and 12-17 who want to learn about performing arts. This year’s educators are Kai West, Lori Zulliger and Carissa McLain. Each session will create a musical play where they learn their lines, make the costumes and set the stage for a marvelous play to be performed for family and friends enjoyment.

Kai West’s program is held June 16th– June 27th. Kai will be joining VPA for the third year as a summer program director.

She has been involved with VPA for over 15 years with on stage performances in To Kill a Mockingbird, The Crucible, and The Miracle Worker. She tried her hand at lighting in Hot Aging Women and realized that it was fun to wear different hats and she was the scenic director for Sense and Sensibility last season. She has been a music teacher in the Valley for over 14 years. Kai currently teaches at Shaw Elementary where the supportive staff, talented students, and involved parents all support and embrace arts education in our schools.

Lori Zulliger’s program is held July 7th-18th. Lori is a certified teacher who currently works with home-schoolers with the IDEA program in the Valley.

She began teaching for VPA’s summer program in 2007, directing everything from turtle races to zombie invasions, kids in poodle skirts to knights in armor.

She directed her first main stage production at VPA last season – Clue The Musical. She has been involved in theatre since she was a young girl when

“the stage” changed her life, which is her hope for the young people who join her sessions. Lori has a passion for writing and directing plays and she seizes every opportunity to be extremely silly!!

Carissa McLain will be our teacher for the July 21st-August1st. This is Carissa’s first year instructing a VPA Summer Theatre Arts Program.

Carissa has been a music teacher for the past 15 years. She began her music teaching career on Kodiak Island where she taught music for 2 years and then moved to the Mat-Su Valley where she has been part of the music programs at Sherrod Elementary School and Butte Elementary School.

Along with teaching young aspiring musicians, she has also served as the President of General Music Teachers for the State of Alaska. She’s excited about joining the summer program volunteers and looks forward to having a great time with the students! Carissa has a deep love for the outdoors and she and her husband enjoy sharing this love with their two young children.

The VPA Summer Theatre Arts Program is funded in part by BP, with a grant from the Alaska State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

To reserve your space contact our office at 373-0195 or download applications online at www.valleyperformingarts.org.

Space is limited to 25 students per session and the cost is $200 per student, per session. The office is located behind the theatre at 251 West Swanson Avenue in Wasilla.

PAGE 11

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Theatre See How They Run, www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

A Comedy

Submitted by Valley Performing Arts What are a former American actor, a vicar’s wife, a Russian spy, a Cockney maid, a visiting Bishop, and a town gossip doing in the vicarage of a small English town? Come see for yourself in this crazy British comedy that will have you rolling in the aisles with laughter from start to finish.

This hilarious British farce is directed by Vanessa Warner. SEE HOW THEY RUN opens May 9th and runs through May 25th, 2014. This play offers two (2) special Thursday shows.

Come see an excellent production of SEE HOW THEY RUN and join us at Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Avenue, Wasilla. Tickets for this play are on sale now! Regular admission is $18.50 and tickets for students and seniors are $16.50 Don’t miss this awesome show!

CALL VPA 373-0194

APRIL 2014

> Call VPA at 373-0195, visit our website www.valleyperformingarts. org, or come by the office, Monday through Friday 9am to 3pm to purchase your tickets.

INTERESTED IN THEATRE?

PAGE 12

Music

Radio Free Alaska!

By Jack Tobin

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

In 1996 the Clinton administration passed a telecommunications act that loosened regulation of broadcasting. Once upon a time there were strict limits regarding the number and type of media outlets a company could own in a given market.

That is gone forever.

These days ninety five percent of all American media- movies, radio, television, is owned by one of five companies. There are kids around these days whom have seen little if at all American media NOT owned by one of these companies.

The effect this has had on our musical culture is stunning.

Musicians not tied into the Hollywood machine have almost no chance of ever getting airplay in their entire lives. Millions and millions of

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APRIL 2014

Write a bio about you, your event, band, etc or a simple press release (Roughly 200-500 words)

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Take good ones!

talented people go overlooked in our newfound corporate culture.

I decided that this needs to change. Many of us have made the same decision. I have teamed up with KONR 106.1 anchorage, and four hours a night, 6 pm until 10 pm, Monday through Friday. I am playing Alaska music.

All types, hip hop to jazz to folk to metal to experimental to bluegrass.

Im astounded by the talent here in our little corner of the world, Im astounded by the variety, and the passion we have here.

This is my little voice among the millions: I want the musicians in my town, on the radio in my town.

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give HOOT what is going on in Hollywood.

Give us a call 373-2698

Email word document or plain text to: makeasceneAK@mac.com

We want to provide the community with as much information as possible, but sometimes we get overwhelmed with info. So, if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get a response, please keep trying.

ADD US to your mailing list! makeasceneak@mac.com We can stay up-to-date with you!

PAGE 13

Entertainment

BOREALIS DANCERS

MUSIC BY WILDcAT TRIO 8:30PM

On April 26th starting at 4:00pm at the Alpine Inn in Sutton is the 28th Annual Coal Miners Ball.

Tickets are sold at the Alpine Inn Mile 61, Glenn Highway and Fireside Bookstore in Palmer.

“Old Timers’ Induction” starts at 6:30PM. Inductees include Walt Kleewein, Harold Byers, Bob Fancher, Sonny Graus, and Louis Caywood.

Inductees sponsored by the Alpine Historical Society.

Opening Ceremony begins at 4:30 with Colony JROTC and Introductions and Appreciations to our Sponsors and Door Prize Contributers.

Donations by Usibelli Coal Mine, Hobbs Industries, New Horizons Telecom, Inc., Sutton General Store and Bannon Farms.

Dinner will be starting at 5:00PM

Please call 745-9955 with any and all questions.

Entertainment will include Borealis Dancers, A.H.S, a Silent Auction & raffle, and door prizes!

Ticket Price: $12

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

APRIL 2014

Read our digital online edition or submit content anytime: visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

28TH ANNUAL COAL MINERS BALL

PAGE 14 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com APRIL 2014

Arts THE ART OF MAKING PAINT

By Carmen Summerfield I ran out of paint the other day while working on an art project, so I went down to the local art store to buy a tube of paint. What a selection! Artist Acrylics, Fluid Acrylics, Student and School grade Acrylics, Iridescent Acrylics….. the selections are almost endless. All nicely packaged in a tube, easy to use, and cheap! But it wasn’t always that easy to acquire the paints, especially the oil paints that artists require.

At one time, paints were based on beeswax and pigment (encaustics), or egg yoke or other glutinous materials and pigment (tempera).

As public preference for naturalism increased, the quick-drying tempera paints became insufficient to achieve the very detailed effects that paints based on oil could achieve.

The 15th century saw the rise of the panel painting purely in oils, and by the 16th century easel painting using oils had become the norm.But the preparation of these oil paints was quite complex. The ingredients were first ground on the stone wheels in a windmill, and then the artist used a mortar and pestle to complete the task. Then oils and other ingredients were added to make a paste.

On a recent trip to Amsterdam, I visited the Rembrandt house, a recreation of his studio, including the paint preparation area.

Rembrandt’s paint formulae were closely guarded secrets, but we know that many of the pigments were highly toxic, including Cobalt blue, Paris green and White lead.

I’m not certain of the exact formulae Rembrandt used, but they certainly worked! Rembrandt’s paintings are still good and vibrant after 400 years!

The careful grinding of materials and closely guarded formulae started dying out in the mid-19th century with the invention of the paint tube. Paints could now be produced in bulk and sold in tin tubes with a cap. This allowed the bulk manufacturing of paints with a smooth consistency. And the screwon-cap preserved the paints and allowed easy painting outdoors.

Paint in tubes also changed the way some artists approached painting.

For the Impressionists, paints in tubes offered an easily accessible variety of colors for their plein air palettes, motivating them to make spontaneous color choices.

And with greater quantities of preserved paint, they were able to apply paint more thickly. The artist Renoir said, “Without tubes of paint, there would have been no Impressionism.”

Local art supply stores have the raw (non-toxic) ingredients to create your own colors. So stop by your favorite artist supply store and pickup some ingredients, or a tube of paint. And go create!

PAGE 15

Ancient Garden of Lights PROM April 25 - 7 pm Chris Stringer Memorial Gym 220 Park Avenue Suite #3, Wasilla $40 - 907-352-1357 2014 Statewide APHEA Homeschool Convention April 25 – 26 9:30 4/25 - 5:30 4/26 Anchorage Baptist Temple 6401 E Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage, Alaska 99504 Membership $25, Non-Member $45 907-333-6535

MAT-SU MINERS 32nd Annual GRAND SLAM RAFFLE April 26, 2014, 6:00 pm Raven Hall, Palmer, AK - Price TBA 907-745-4827

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Building Net Zero Energy Home in Alaska Saturday, April 26 from 1:00PM – 5:00PM Agate Inn, 4725 Begich Circle, Wasilla $40-$80 -Alaska Center for Appropriate Technology, 4725 Begich Circle, Wasilla, AK 99654 907-229-1982 and sjnowers@ mtaonline.net

Alaska Libertarian 2014 Convention April 26, 2014 Doors open 8:30 am - All Day Best Western Golden Lion Hotel, Anchorage Membership $25, Convention Fee $50- 907-561-1522 alaskalibertarian.com

Red Barn Auction House Saturday - April 26th -2pm 201 Herning Avenue Wasilla In the Big Red Barn “Behind Mug Shot Saloon Mario or Cheyenne @ (907) 715-2357 (907) 355-5308. www.akredbarnauctions.com 3rd Annual Palmer Spring Classic Randonee Style Cycling Event April 26 - 9 am Starts at Vagabond Blues, Palmer $30 Entry Fee - 907-746-5018

FORMERLY GELATO KUDRINO Now WE have expanded our location and menu stop in daily for great lunch specials between 11am-4pm

Fresh made Gelato and Pastries

CALENDAR CONTINUES ON PAGE 12

Houston High Gun and Outdoor Show April 26 – 27 - 10 am - 5 pm Big Lake Lions Recreation Center 2942 Lions Circle, Big Lake FREE Entry - 907-892-9404

Soups, pasta, sandwiches & wraps FRESH JUICING - TRY ONE OF OUR GREAT DRINKS OR MAKE YOUR OWN!

1601 Parks Highway | 907-357-0066 | Fred Meyer Parking Lot

APRIL 2014

NAOI Variety Show Fundraiser April 26th, 6-830pm Valley Performing Arts 251 Swanson Ave. Wasilla , Alaska $30.00 - naoiak.org

June 6th and 7th

Join us for the

Machetanz Arts Festival

Mat-Su College is pleased to announce that registration for the 4th annual Machetanz Arts Festival is now open!

The 2014 Catalog and Registration are accessed at www. matsu.alaska.edu/MAF. Our 4-day featured artist, Robert J. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, is a Signature Member of the American, National and New England Watercolor Societies and will share his incredible process to create realism in watercolor June 3rd through the 6th to kick off the Festival. Although this class is technically sold out, you may put your name on a waitlist by accessing UA Online. The Festival is also pleased to announce a new, full scholarship for this 4-day workshop. Download the application for this workshop at www.matsu.alaska. edu/MAF. Scholarship applications are due by 5 pm on May 16th and the recipient will be announced by May 30th.

The festival expands this year with the addition of two 3-hour Friday workshops: Francine Dufour Jones offers a basic alcohol-ink painting workshop.

You will delight in the process of free-flowing movement of the ink and spectacular colors.

Also on Friday afternoon, Don Kolstad offers a Plein Air workshop (fr. En plein air) for oil painters, which means you will be painting in the open air. In the case of rain, we will move the workshop indoors and use the breathtaking views surrounding the college for inspiration.

On Saturday, the Festival offers 6 half-day and 10 full-day workshops. Try your hand at the silk fusion process of papermaking, watercolor mixed media, Southeast Alaska Native design, monotype printmaking, embossing, photography, mosaic garden sculpture, pointillism/color theory, beginning drawing, and a one-day watercolor workshop with Robert J. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien. Truly there is something for everyone at the Machetanz Arts Festival.

> Come join us on June 6th and 7th!

PAGE

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SUBMIT YOUR THOUGHTS AT : www.makeasceneAK.com or email us at makeasceneAK@mac.com

Music

Sounds of Spring

By Zaz Hollander

The Mat-Su Concert Band will play its spring concert starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 9 at Teeland Middle School.

The band will play a wide range of music, from a piece based on the World War II miniseries “Band of Brothers” to Brahms, with a march, a waltz and several selections that evoke spring – even if the season is just starting.

The concert will have an intermission. There will be a $5 admission fee at the door. Seniors and students get in free.

Listen for the familiar notes from a television ad for diamond jewelry in “Palladio”, inspired by sixteenth-century architect Andrea Palladio.

The “Academic Festival Overture”

by Johannes Brahms is apparently a medley of student drinking songs, if Wikipedia has it right.

Guest conductor Shawn Campbell, a trombonist in the band, directs “Ave Maria” by Kevin A. Memley, arranged by Preston Hazzard.

Brahms wrote it in thanks for an honorary doctorate to the University of Breslau. Both serious and light-hearted, the overture runs for about 10 minutes and ends with some spectacular – we hope -- runs in the winds.

This isn’t the traditional melody most people know but an equally resonant one. Memley originally wrote it for chorus and the arrangement makes use of the sonorous wind band tones.

Notations at the start instruct musicians to play very legato, “like a cascading waterfall.”

The program includes the “Belle of the Ball” waltz by Leroy Anderson and the operatic “Symphonic Concert March” by the littleknown composer G. Bonelli and arranged by Nicholas D. Falcone, an Italian immigrant who directed the University of Michigan band.

“Fantasy on a Japanese Folk Song” by Samuel R. Hazo is based on “the hauntingly beautiful ‘Sunayama’,” according to the JW Pepper music site.

It’s centered on a theme of a music box given a girl as a child that she brings out again as an adult, torn between a life with an American in his country and the culture she knew in hers.

Composer Derek Bourgeois wrote “Serenade for Wind Band” for his own wedding “to be played by the organist as the guests left the ceremony,” says the Wind Repertory Project.

“Not wishing to allow them the luxury of proceeding in an orderly 2/4, the composer wrote the work in 11/8 and in case anyone felt too comfortable, he changed it to 13/8 in the middle!” Tap along – if you can.

APRIL 2014

The band will perform “Symphonic Suite from Band of Brothers”, an arrangement by Jerry Brubaker of music by the late composer Michael Kamen, who scored the popular HBO miniseries.

The suite mixes melancholy with triumph and runs from what one web library site called “lovely soaring ballads” to “drivingly intense splashes of sound.”

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Mat-Su Concert Band performs

PAGE 26

Heartfelt

The Lowly Dogwood

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

By Ann Lyons

I recently took from a trip to the lower forty-eight and I was disappointed that the buttercups and dogwoods were not in bloom.

Being from the south, I know that when those two are in bloom that spring has finally arrived. We have had an unusual winter and I guess the season in a little behind.

Dogwoods are a harbinger of spring. Their white or pink blossoms contrast the stark naked trees awaking from the winter slumber.

I did some research on this dwarf tree that appears for only a few weeks each year.

There are many legends surrounding the dogwood, beginning with the name. The “dog-tree” first appears in 1548 and was transformed to “dogwood” by 1614.

One theory is that the name is derived from the Celts “dagwood” the use of slender stems for making “dags” (daggers, skewers and arrows). The name was later changed to dogwood. Doggerwood is an old English name meaning “a stick to skewer meat”. Another custom gets its name from treating dog’s affliction called mange.

APRIL 2014

The wood is soaked and applied to the dogs in the form of a bath. Still another name for the tree is “whipple-tree” Geoffrey Chaucer used the term in The Canterbury Tales (The knight’s Tale”, verse 2065). A whipplletree is the part of the harnesses of horse drawn carts. These poles usually bear the name of the tree from which they are carved.

Dogwood is a hard wood; dense and rock like when dried. Even though it has many uses, the wood is not readily harvested but rather used by a crafter for specific items. The carved wood has been used for cutting boards, loom

shuttles, tool handles and other small items that require a strong wood. “Woods” golf clubs have even been made from the tree. Stripping off the bark and chewing the end of a twig made toothbrushes for early pioneers. The seeds of dogwoods are eaten by at least 32 different varieties of birds.

Finally, the trees have been used in medicines.

The bark is rich in tannin and has been used in the place of quinine to treat malaria. A tea from the wood has been used for pain and leaves were made into a poultice to cover wounds during the civil war.

Getting back to the legends, the Cherokee believed that little people lived among the dogwoods. These people were kind and watched over the young and old and taught the people live in harmony with nature. In biblical times according to legend, the dogwood was Adam’s favorite tree.

The devil knowing this, climbed over the wall and using a locust branch tried to knock the blooms off the tree. However, all he managed to do was take a bite out of each of the four petals. The locust tree was changed to thorns and thus could not be used by the devil to enter the garden again.

The last and probably the most well known legend is that Jesus changed the tree to forever be small so that it could not be used as a tool for crucifixion. Its flowers have four petals, two short and two long their shape representing a cross.

In the center of the petals is a group of seeds usually red, said to represent the crown of thorns that was placed on the head of Jesus.

The petals are notched on each end, and represent the wounds of the hands and feet that were nailed to the cross.

Dogwoods are most common in China, Japan and the US and are grown in Eurasia though not naturally. I did not find any mention of dogwood ever being mentioned in Israel, Jerusalem or surrounding areas. Being that the tree blooms around the time of Easter, it carries significant meaning especially to southern culture.

I have included the following poem and some links to more information on this beautiful tree.

“Dogwood’ Author Unknown In Jesus’ time, the dogwood grew To a stately size and a lovely hue.

‘Twas strong and firm, its branches interwoven.

For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen.

Seeing the distress at this use of their wood Christ made a promise which still holds good: “Never again shall the dogwood grow Large enough to be used so.

Slender and twisted, it shall be With blossoms like the cross for all to see.

As blood stains the petals marked in brown, The blossom’s center wears a thorny crown.

All who see it will remember Me Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.

Cherished and protected, this tree shall be A reminder to all of My agony.”

Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/ legend-dogwood.html#ixzz2yVfFsvPI http://www.compellingtruth.org/legenddogwood.html#ixzz2yVuNfMgF kentuckyfarmhouse.com kentuckyfarmhouse.com

Summer Percussion Camp

Student percussionists from around the valley will have the opportunity to study with local percussion professionals as well as educators from the lower 48 this summer at the Percussion in the Valley Summer Percussion Camp.

Three sessions will be offered to accommodate all age and ability levels. Participants must be between the ages of 7-18.

The summer camp will be held from June 2-6 at the Percussion in the Valley studio in Palmer.

Each day will be organized into three sessions.

The first session of the day will be for students aged 7-12 who have little or no percussion experience.

This is a wonderful chance for those students who are interested in trying percussion to explore the instruments for a week and see what they think.

Camp participants will have the chance to work on their percussion technique, learn a variety of new percussion instruments and music styles, and get to know other percussionists from around the valley.

The camp will culminate with a concert on Friday, June 6, where students will share all they learned throughout the week. Additionally, camp students will be able to band together with other valley percussionists to march in the Colony Day’s Parade in Palmer.

For more information on the camp, to see full bios on the faculty, and to register, visit: www. percussioninthevalley.com or contact Meggie Aube at: 907-631-8079 or meggieaube@hotmail.com

APRIL 2014

The second session will be for students age 8-11 who have had at least one year of percussion study. This session is ideal for students who have finished a year of 5th or 6th grade band.

Finally, the third session is for students age

12-18 who have some musical background.

Experience in percussion isn’t necessary as students will be grouped based on ability level.

The camp faculty will include professional Alaskan percussionists Dr. Meggie Aube, who is the camp’s director, and Brady Byers, Anchorage-based percussion performer and teacher. We are also pleased to be bringing up to Alaska, Jerry Noble, a professional percussionist from Dayton, Ohio.

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

By Meggie Aube

PAGE 27

Music

PAGE 28

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

makeasceneak@mac.com

SENIORS

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Palmer Senior Citizens Center, Inc.

The priApry 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 Aprket 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

APRIL 2014

Mat-Su Area Partnership (MAP)

An organization of non-profit agencies in the Mat-Su 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, Inc. Mid-Valley Seniors has 3 senior housing units-18 apartments and serves a congregate meal MonFri at 12:00pm. Home delivered meals served daily fresh Mon-Fri, weekend meals are frozen.

Transportation to Adult Day Services is available Mon-Fri 8:00am-3:00pm Come up to the Center for activities or lunch.

Lisa Byrd, 892-6114 mvscadmin@mtaonline.net

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-on-one 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

MYHouse Homeless Teen Shelter in the Matsu

is a non-profit that exists to provide services to unaccompanied youth, ages 14-24, in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The services we provide include, but are not limited to, hot meals, shelf stable foods, gas cards, transport to shelter, clothing, tents, sleeping bags, laundry, shower, hygiene products, street outreach, access to medical, dental and mental health care, vocational services and employment opportunities, educational advocacy and life coaching. Our youth center, The Gathering Place, is located at 300 N. Willow St in central Wasilla.

Also on campus is the MYHouse Café, Gathering Grounds, which exists to provide employment for homeless and at risk youth, as well as our partnering agencies and businesses, Nine Star, Mat-Su Public Health Center and Car Deets (an automotive detailing business which hires homeless youth). To learn more, visit our website at myhousematsu.org or call 373-4357.

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 Aprtial 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

Donated by local Alaskans, Big Lake Community Clothing Closet provides quality clothing to people in need, at no charge.

Clothing and footwear for people of all ages is available. Also, assorted household items as they are available.

This unique program helps people locally.

Donations are accepted, to further the program.

Any money donated helps pay the rent for our location at 2955 Big Lake Rd., Big Lake, Alaska.

Financial donation could also be mailed to the Big Lake Community Clothing Closet, PO Box 527069, Big Lake, AK 99652.

Open Wednesday’s from 11am-3pm All donations of quality clothing in good condition can be donated at the above address during regular hours of operation.

We are a non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductable. Tax ID available to donors.

Check us out on Facebook.

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

The ARTs Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums,

under the leadership of Pipe Major Aja Stewart, are now seeking Pipers and Drummers who would like to play with our Band. We want to increase the size of our award-winning Drumline, so if you are already familiar with drumming (snare, tenor, or bass,) or if you want to learn to play, we would like to hear from you! 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.

You don’t have to be Scottish, or even have any musical background, to start. We firmly believe that you’re never too old to learn; we have active students and performing members of the Band ranging in age from 7 to 70!

We are a grade IV competing, family-oriented Pipe Band, established in 2005, and we are very active in supporting our community with music at parades, concerts, and special events. 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. Phenomenal!

Those interested in lessons, or in playing pipes or drums with Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums, please contact the Band by email at craigag@mtaonline. net or by telephone at (907) 688-4196. The band’s website can be found at http://www.alaskaceltic. org , plus, we’re on Facebook! “The Pipes, the Pipes are calling...”

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. Aprch 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 Mat-Su 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 Octember through Nov. 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 Nov.gstensgericht@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 Octember through Nov.. 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 Nov. through Nov. and are for youth 6-11 and 12-17. The VPA Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony is held each Nov. 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

Meadow Gates Farm Sanctuary

ANIMALS

VARIETY

AK Cat Kitty Rescue

The Last Frontier Honor Flight

Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue (ADPR)

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

Our mission is to transport WWII, Alaska Territorial Guard and Korean War veterans to Washington D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices AT NO COST TO THE VETERANS. All Donations are tax deductible, according to state and federal laws. You can make a donation to The Last Frontier Honor Flight PO Box 520116 Big Lake, Alaska 99652, or pay with a credit card on our website at www.tlfhonorflight.org.

If you would like to volunteer you can contact our President Ron Travis at (907) 892-6097 for meeting times and places.

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

The Sertoma Club - Wasilla

Alaska Assistance Dogs (Aad)

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.

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.

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 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.

Join us every other Thursday at 5:00pm at the Tailgaters Sports Bar and Grill. Our next meeting is Nov. 25th. We always have new speakers and

a great time. See you there!

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)

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 Mat-Su 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 Nov. be accessed monthly by any client who meets the governmentestablished-qualifications. Food distributed is 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

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

OUTDOORS

Valley Residential Services (VRS)

North America Outdoor Institute

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)

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, self-advocacy, AABA website www.akattachment.org, RAVEN Respite, newsletters, brochures, lending library, and Mom2Mom/Dad2Dad parent support group. For more information: Laura Wagner 907-376-0366

Food Pantry of Wasilla

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.

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 non-profit 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 The Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center (AWBRC)

The Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center (AWBRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that offers bird rescue and rehabilitation services for the growing Mat-Su Valley community. Our mission is to rescue and care for injured, orphaned and sick wild birds with the goal of returning healthy birds back to their native habitats, and to educate the public about Alaska’s wild birds through live wild bird programs.

The Center is operated by dedicated volunteers helping to feed the birds, administer medical treatment, clean cages, and do whatever it takes to help these wild birds survive and gain strength for their eventual release or participation in our education program. Volunteers also plan and conduct fundraising events to keep the birds fed and warm. It’s all “for the birds.”

AWBRC has recently signed a long-term lease for 25 acres in the City of Houston, and is looking forward to the beginning phases of a permanent facility there. To volunteer, donate or for further information, contact AWBRC at 907.892.1670, 907.230.7049, or visit www.akwildbirdrehab.org.

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, yearround community-based organization; a nonregulatory agency; a strong partner with various government & non-profit 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

APRIL 2014

To have your non-profit organization included in this free community resource list, please email your info to: makeasceneak@mac.com

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

is a local small kitty rescue. We specialize in litters of kittens, and our facility is designed that way. We will take in litters from the community, and will assist in getting their mom cat spayed.

ALL of our kittens are up to date on vaccines, and have been spayed/ or neutered prior to adoptions. We are a 501c3, so any donations are tax deductible. If you are looking to adopt, or need help placing a litter, please call us! We are currently looking for help with computer type tasks, updating website, or updating our adoptions and monthly expences.

AK CAT 907-232-4444 www.akcat.org

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

PAGE

The Valley Arts Alliance is a group of likeminded 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

Alaska Contemporary Art Bank 2014 Call for Art Application deadline April 30, 2014 Free - 907-269-6604 www.callforentry.org

Casino Night May 3, 2014 - 5-10 pm Ace Hangar, Big Lake Airport $50 per person, $350 for table of 8 907-892-6109

Mat-Su Valley Celebration & Fundraiser Thursday May 8 - 5:30 - 8 pm Palmer Elks Lodge Price TBA 907-746-6406

775-4257 Eastlake Mall, Big Lake

12 Years

in Business!

Entertainment

Meadow Lakes Clean-Up and Block Party May 10 - May 18 All day long, Block Party Sunday May 18, 12-4pm 907-232-2845

David Bromberg and his band Saturday, May 3 - 8:00 PM Williamson Auditorium – UAA $32.50 Whistling Swan Productions 907-263-2787

Lighting up Alaska’s Stages with the Borealis Dancers

By Hillary Saffran

The Original Valley Home School Prom Saturday, May 3rd Primal Martial Arts Building $35 @ the door Alaska Bead & Gem Show Saturday, May 3 10:00a to 6:00p Crowne Plaza Hotel Anchorage Alaska Bead & Gem Show The ONLY show of it’s kind in Alaska!

Alaska Whole Life Festival

Saturday, May 3 11:00a to 6:00p Coast International Inn Alaska’s Premier Holistic Spiritual event - $7.00

CALENDAR CONTINUES ON PAGE 34

Some folks listen to music and sing along. Georgie Hollander is the kind of person that listens to music and creates a dance.

6th Annual Brianna Gregory Memorial SuperShoot Saturday, May 10th - 10:00am Grouse Ridges, Wasilla $120 Registration/$500 for Ages 10 and up ~ All levels of experience 373-0961 - briannashope.org 40th Annual Parade of Stallions May 10th - 12 pm - 3 pm Alaska State Fair, Palmer Price TBA

In the fall of 1982, Sutton Community School was looking for an aerobics instructor. However, Georgie had more to offer than simple aerobics moves, so the class turned into the first group of the Borealis Dancers.

Georgie had already danced with the New Archangel Dancers in Sitka for several years prior to her Sutton class.

She discovered Can Can music on the aerobics tape that she had purchased for her class. This was enough for

CONTINUES ON PAGE 34

APRIL 2014

Alaska Day of Percussion 2014 Saturday, May 3 10:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.

Trinity Presbyterian Church 12310 Lorraine St., Anchorage $15 for the whole day, $5 for single Alaska Chapter of the Percussive Arts Societ - 907-631-8079

Custom Tie Dye - Custom Sewing - Custom Dog Coats

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Alaska State Council on the Arts Latitude: 2014 Arts Convergence May 1-3 - Captain Cook Hotel Anchorage - $250 907-269-6610

Laura Oden and Friends Sat, May 3 - 9pm Tap Root Public House 3300 Spenard Rd $10 - www.taprootalaska.com 907-345-0282 www.lauraoden.com

Mat Su Rotary 5K Sunday May 4th 2pm Colony High School $25.00 Adt, $10.00 9-18, $5.00 8 and under Wasilla Noon Rotary 907-354-338 - matsurotary5k.com

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Starting A Business April 29th - 9:00-11:00 Mat-Su SBDC 201 N LUCILLE ST STE 2A, Wasilla Free - 907-373-7232

PAGE 32 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com APRIL 2014

Music

Pentatonix Added to 2014 Fair Concert Series Winners of NBC’s The Sing-Off Join Seether, Thompson Square, TESLA and Three Days Grace

Palmer, Alaska – Pentatonix is the latest addition to the Alaska State Fair 2014 Concert Series.

The group will perform Monday, September 1 at 3 p.m. at the Borealis Theatre. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, April 4.

Pentatonix, winners of season 3 of NBC’s The Sing-Off, are internationally known and loved for their instrument-free music.

From original tracks to their intricate reimagining of pop hits, the a capella quintet has quickly developed an entirely unique sound and style. Their third and most recent release – PTX Vol 2 – debuted at #10 on the overall

Billboard Chart and #1 on its Independent Album Chart.

In-depth entertainer information, including ticket prices, bios, photos and performance samples, is available on the Fair website, alaskastatefair.org.

Tickets for Seether, Thompson Square, TESLA and Three Days Grace are currently on sale to the general public, and Pentatonix tickets will be on sale Friday, April 4. There are three easy ways to buy: 1. Online at alaskastatefair.org and print at home. Convenience fees apply, and Fair admission is additional.

2. Via mobile phone. The Fair’s online sales process is now compatible with mobile phones, so

concert-goers can purchase tickets from their phone just as easily as from their computer! Convenience fees apply, and Fair admission is additional.

3. The Borealis Box Office during the Fair. (No convenience fees at the box office. Fair admission additional.)

The Fair is in the process of confirming the rest of the 2014 concert line-up, and announcements will be posted on the Fair blog, Facebook page and website.

> Fairgoers can also sign up to receive email or mobile concert updates on the Fair website: alaskastatefair.org alaskastatefair.org/blog facebook.com/alaskastatefair

> Seether, August 22

> Thompson Square, August 23

> Tesla, August 26

> Three Days Grace, August 29

PAGE

Music

Jesus Christ Superstar

One Man Show

Laura Oden and Friends

Winter is over. It’s time to dance. Also rockin on stage: Yngvil Vatn Guttu, Alex Hickel, PJ Franco and EJ Simpson.

> Tickets can be purchased in advance at taprootalaska.com or at the door for $10.

Contributed by Anchorage Music Co-Op The Anchorage Music Co-op hosts 2 special shows at Tap Root on May 10th: EJ Simpson performs his unique solo version of the groundbreaking rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar.

The show rocks the entire sacred, sordid, rockin’ tale from Overture to Messy Death. Twenty One songs, that’s every bloody song on the original the album release plus a few verses taken from the movie in its entirety by one stealth performer.

Like many in the audience, Simpson grew up a die hard fan of the soundtrack. As JC Superstar is arguably, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s best work, this solo performance has evolved over nearly a decade, captures the complexity and the nostalgia of the original soundtrack.

He is currently at work on his 2nd solo album while playing with various bands and songwriters in Philadelphia and New York as well annual performances of JCSuperstar and other tribute shows. For more info visit: www.ejsimpsonmusic. com

> Tickets can be purchased in advance at taprootalaska.com for $10 or at the door for $15. Proceeds benefit the Anchorage Music Co-op events and activities.

APRIL 2014

Simpson says it’s irreverent enough for a bar, and nearly reverent enough for a church. Simpson manhandles the score through looping and multiple instruments. The show has evolved

over the better part of a decade. This show is for everyone who loves a good foot stomping Rock Opera, regardless of one’s religious affiliation or non-affiliation.

E.J.Simpson, formerly a member of the political rap group THE GOATS before touring internationally and recording 9 CD’s with the trio MAGGI, PIERCE And E.J.(MPEband).

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When: May 3, 2014, 9pm Where: Tap Root Public House / 3300 Spenard Rd, Anchorage Tickets $10

Oden and friends stir the pot with a recipe of guitars, melodica, trumpet, mandolin, banjo and a dash of accordion. (Yes, melodica.)

APRIL 2014

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

PAGE 34

Entertainment Mother’s Day with Hurricane Dave Sunday, May 11 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

101 Main St., Talkeetna FREE - Fairview Inn

Jesus Christ Superstar One Man Show May 10th 7pm Early Show; 10 pm Late Show Tap Root Public House 3300 Spenard Rd - $10-$15 www.taprootalaska.com Duck Race with Academy Charter School Saturday, May 10th - 12–3 Academy Charter School FREE Admission, buy a duck!

Academy Charter School 907-746-2358 Mayors’ Charity Ball Sat, May 10 - 8pm-11pm Raven Hall 2075 Glenn Hwy Palmer $50 - Mat-Su Food Coalition 907-376-1299

The Ruthie Foster Trio Sunday, May 11 - 6 pm Vagabond Blues, Palmer Tickets available at the door Whistling Swan Productions 907-263-2787 whistlingswan.net

Alaska Hearing Institute May 13 & 27 Wasilla Senior Center 1301 S. Century Circle From 9 am to 3 pm Free Hearing Tests, Batteries, etc.

Everlast Live at Chilkoots Friday May 23 - 9 pm Chilkoot Charlie’s 2435 Spenard Road, Anchorage $25 in advance, $30 at the door 907-279-1692 Alaska Theatre of Youth: GLEE CAMP May 27 - 31 / Tue – Fri (Ages 8-18) UAA Fine Arts Bldg 9AM-4PM & Sat from 10AM-4PM Glee Camp Tuition is $250 Alaska Theatre of Youth 907-338-4901 and admin@ alaskatheatreofyouth.org Wasilla Library Building Committee Meeting Wed, May 28 - 4:30pm-6:30pm Wasilla City Hall Council Chambers 290 East Herning Avenue, Wasilla Free 907-376-5913 Alaska Medicinal and Edible Plant Presentation Friday, May 30th - 5:30-7:00 pm $15.00 907-775-2466 - naoiak.org

Lighting up Alaska’s Stages CONTINUED

her to become inspired to create a Can Can dance for an upcoming Alpine Civic Club event. The group performed their first Can Can on March 19, 1983 and never looked back, but kept dancing forward. The aerobics class was quickly replaced by the birth of the dance group. After a few months of traveling all over South Central Alaska to do their little one and a half minute dance, a Russian folk dance was added, then a Charleston trotted soon after.

Since then their repertoire of dances has expanded significantly, in addition to the hundreds of gorgeous and elaborate costumes that Georgie has sewn and graciously purchased for the group. Georgie originally planned to keep the dances old fashioned. Most of the dances remain true to their original form, and sometimes humor is added to a dance. For example, Georgie purchased inflatable Sumo Wrestler outfits for a hilarious dance, as the dancers move as gracefully as possible, akin to a ballerina hippopotamus in a bikini.

The Borealis dancers is a performing group that strives to put on a good show while still keeping in mind that this is a recreational activity.

They attempt to always be courteous and cordial, giving each other the support they need to allow each dancer to perform to the best of their ability. Most of all, the group gets together to have fun.

I know this on a personal level.

Several months ago I asked Georgie to assist me with a dance that I desired to do for an upcoming show. After our sessions ended, the rehearsal of the Borealis Dancers group would begin, as they would meet then to practice their dances for upcoming performances. Being the gregarious and welcoming person that she is, Georgie asked me to join them. She always reviews the steps to a dance for everyone first, as some women have danced with Georgie for over twenty years, and some women, like myself, for a few weeks or a month or two.

Before long, I found myself not going to Georgie’s just for my own shows, but naturally stepped my way into the welcoming dance group. As Georgie pointed out to me, some of her dancers have stayed with her over the years and have even had their own children dance with her.

The group is frequently in membership motion with their dance members. Some have become new mothers, and some have moved away, although I do recall one dancer dancing with her new baby on a sling, to the baby’s delight.

Georgie is always welcoming new dancers, and can be reached at 3556505 or 746-6504. Her studio is in Wasilla, and is just a hop, skip and a jump away from most locations in the Matsu-Valley.

CUSTOM MATTING, FRAMING AND

ART SUPPLIES

PAGE 35

Madd Matters Birds from the Wild Bird Rescue will on display for “Who Let the Girls Out” (April 26th. from 12:00pm to 4:30pm) 1088 S. Colony Way, Palmer

Literature Book Three

SILK ROAD

CONTINUED

By Bonnye Matthews

Spring arrived early this year, and the third book in the Winds of Change series is out three months ahead of time.

Zamimolo’s Story, 50,000 BC continues the story of the peopling of the Americas prior to the Clovis people 11,700 years ago. It follows the migration of part of the People from China/Mongolia to Central and South America.

The People face much warmer temperature, an unending season of summer, animals unlike anything they’ve ever seen along with other human migrants from Africa and Aboriginal Australia and the Pacific Islands with their varied cultural differences.

The theater will be overflowing with beautiful dancers and talented musicians.

Surprisingly, many of the unique animals remained right where they were in South America.

There are over thirty dancers that have been invited to perform in this production and all will bring something special from an area along the trail we are following.

> Author: Bonnye Matthews > Come stop by local

book signings: Fireside Books April 19; Fred Meyers in Wasilla April 22; Fred Meyers in Palmer April 24; and Carrs in Wasilla April 29.

Starting times at each place is 11:00 AM.

Dancers are coming from Seward, Fairbanks and Anchorage for this event to share their talent and passion for multicultural dance.

There will also be local favorites that contribute to the production each year.

To guarantee a seat you may purchase tickets now at www.gaiatribal.com or they may be purchased at the door.

Ticket prices include a visit to an area of the Silk Road for food and drink and other visits can purchased at an additional cost if you would like a taste of other places along the trail.

Doors open at 6 for ample time to taste and shop.

Gaia Tribal strives to bring quality, cultural dance events to the Valley that are family friendly, elevates our dance style and promotes women as artists and business people in our community.

APRIL 2014

South America was a land unto itself until a couple of million years ago when it hooked up to North America by way of Central America. Like Madagascar and Australia, the fauna were unique in South America.

Some migrated northward, and some came from North America to South America.

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is Out!

(907) 745-6045