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FAITH:
Connect Palmer Inc. www.ConnectPalmer.org (907) 746-9675 Connect Palmer is a Christ Centered Training Center and Housing for Women located in downtown Palmer. Connect Palmer’s two primary programs are God’s Work Design, and LIFE Connect. We also have Sarah’s House, which a Safe and Caring place for ladies, without homes, to live while they participate in our back to work and life skills programs. We also offer different community assistant programs, such as The Locker, to provide personal care and basic house hold cleaning items and Scarlet Tapestries which offers basic sewing skills instruction. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
OTHER Mat-Su Health Services, Inc. www.mshsak.org (907) 376-2411 Dedicated to improving the health of our community, one person at a time – through affordable medical, dental and behavioral health care.The clinic is a Federally qualified Health Care Center and we accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most other third-party insurances. For those who qualify, there is a sliding scale payment, based on household income. We offer early morning and evening appointments appointment. You can also contact our 24/7 behavioral crisis intervention line by calling the main number: 376-2411.
PETS & ANIMALS:
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Alaska Animal Advocates www.alaskaanimaladvocates.com (907) 841-3173 Alaska Animal Advocates is a non-profit group of dedicated volunteers who are devoted to enriching the lives of companion animals in Alaska. In order to do this, we will place homeless pets in loving environments, address medical concerns, spay or neuter, microchip, vaccinate, and offer training as is needed. We believe that every animal deserves a loving home, for his/her entire life and Alaska Animal Advocates will provide the resources to make this happen. In order to make this mission possible, we need the help of volunteers and foster homes.
FAMILIES & CHILDREN:
ARTS:
Denali Family Services
Valley Arts Alliance
291 East Swanson Ave. Wasilla, AK 907-222-2331 or eolivares@denalifs.org Denali Family Services provides therapeutic foster care to Alaskan children with mental health needs. If you are committed to working with a team, receiving training and implementing positive interventions to schoolage children and teens, we need your talents and skills. We are in search of professional, therapeutic foster parents who are willing to make a commitment to the children of Alaska by providing a stable home environment. For more information, please call or email our Foster Care Recruiter, Ernestina D. Olivares, at 907-222-2331 or eolivares@denalifs.org.
www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com Valley Arts Alliance, bringing the community together through the arts... We are a place for both new and established artists of all types— painters, sculptors, musicians, and those involved in the performing arts—to network and to experiment with new ideas and media. We work with local libraries, schools, museums, art councils, and music and art groups to create more venues for the arts, and to help promote art related events. Join us at our informal weekly meetings, every Thursday @ 11 at Sophia’s Cafe, 9191 E Frontage Road, Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Check out our archives www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com
Mat-Su Health Foundation
CONSERVATION:
healthymatsu.org (907) 352-2863 The Mat-Su Health Foundation offers financial and strategic support to well-managed 501(c)(3) organizations that offer services and practical solutions to significant health-related problems impacting the citizens of the Mat-Su Borough. The foundation also offers academic and vocational scholarships to Mat-Su residents who wish to pursue health and wellness related careers.
COMMUNITY: Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) Charitable Foundation www.mea.coop/mea-in-the-community/round-up meacontact@mea.coop 907-761-9300 Since 2011, the MEA Charitable Foundation has given grants to fund projects impacting libraries, playgrounds, seniors, veterans, recycling, at-risk youth, and much more. In 2018, MEA Charitable Foundation reached over $1,000,000 in contributions to the community with Operation RoundUp® Program! Organizational grants are capped at $10,000, individual grants are capped at $2,500. Please remember to check our website for requirements and submit your completed application — including financials!
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions www.valleyrecycling.org (907) 745-5544 RECYCLING: Be part of the solution. DROP OFF: The community recycling center is located at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, next to the MSB Animal Shelter at the Central Landfill. Follow the smells. HOURS: Drive through drop-off is open Tues – Fri 10:30 to 6:00 and Sat 10:00 to 3:30. Recycle cardboard, aluminum cans, magazines, this newspaper and more. Remember to REDUCE, REUSE, and then RECYCLE! ONLINE: Visit our website for more details, follow us on Facebook. To learn more, visit our classroom. Volunteer opportunities available. Make a difference in your community!
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES: Mat-Su Regional Adult Basic Education (Nine Star) MatsuAdultEd@ninestar.com (907) 373-7833 Mat-Su ABE provides basic education in math, language arts and English as a second language (ESL), aiming to raise student skills beyond the high-school level in order to pass tests like the GED, enter training programs or college, and advance on the job. Enrollment is open to all adult residents of Alaska, year-round. Youth Employment for ages 16-24 not in school -- get a job, keep a job, advance on the job. Nine Star 300 N Willow 373-3006 (in the MYHouse building)
FAITH: Valley Interfaith Action (VIA) www.valleyinterfaithaction.org (907) 230-1006 To address quality of life issues for all residents of the Mat-Su Borough, utilizing the faith values of our members, developing community-wide interest and mobilization around quality of life issues. Through training, leaders address community problems by providing forums for discussion, researching alternative solutions, and working as facilitators with residents and leaders for institutional change.
HOMELESS YOUTH: Mat-Su Youth Housing (MY HOUSE) myhousematsu.org (907) 373-4357 MY House is a homeless youth drop in center with two for-profit businesses that train and employ homeless youth. Gathering Grounds Cafe is a coffee shop with homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and baked goods. Steamdriven is a trendy thrift shop featuring Steampunk items made from repurposed donations by our youth designers. Fiend2Clean and Young People in Recovery offer support for substance abuse recovery with activities and events. We offer transitional housing for qualified 18-24 year olds, Outreach services to connect homeless youth, organizations and groups to services, and access to Public Health and NineStar job/education services on site.
SOCIAL ADVOCACY: Wasilla Homeless-Committee www.wasillahomeless-committee.org (907) 521-2949 Wasilla Homeless-Committee is a 100% volunteer organization funded by private donations and regular fundraising events. Our sole purpose is to assist the homeless, those at risk of homelessness, and others who do not meet the criteria for help that is required by other advocacy agencies in the valley. Wasilla Homeless-Committee provides case management, housing search assistance, move in assistance, job search assistance, clothing, furniture, help with transportation, and resource guidance for homeless and disenfranchised in the Mat-Su Valley. Visit our website for application, or call 907521-2949. Find us on Facebook facebook.com/ wasillahomelesscommitteepage
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LIVE AT FIVE: ROSE’S PAWN SHOP 08/16/19 – 5PM - 7PM Talkeetna Village Park E Main St, Talkeetna FREE EVENT MEN’S BREAKFAST 08/17/19 – 9AM to 11AM Northgate Alaska NGA Equipping Center 2991 N. Tait Dr, Wasilla northgatealaska.com 10TH ANNUAL BIG ‘M’ MEMORIAL BENEFIT 08/17/19 – 12PM Mug-Shot Saloon 251 W Parks Hwy, Wasilla (907) 376-1617 mugshotak@gmail.com NORTHERN LIGHTS VALLEY KNITTERS GUILD MEETING 08/17/2019 – 1PM Northern Lights Valley Knitters Meridian Point Building 865 N. Seward Meridian Pkwy (907) 795-9275 NASCAR/INEX RACES 08/17/19 – 6:00 PM Alaska Raceway Park 5599 Race Way, Palmer raceak.com DRAG RACING (POINTS) 08/18/19 – 10AM Alaska Raceway Park 5599 Race Way, Palmer raceak.com AARP PRESENTS GENERAL INFORMATION AND FRAUD PREVENTION 08/20/2019 – 3PM Senior Education Wasilla Senior Center 1301 S Century Cir, Wasilla TUESDAY LUNCHEON 08/20/19 – 12PM - 1PM Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce Everett’s at the Mat-Su Resort
1850 E Bogard Rd, Wasilla $7 for members $15 for non-members wasillachamber.org WASILLA FARMERS MARKET 08/21/19 – 10AM - 6PM Wonderland Park, Wasilla DRAG STRIP TEST & TUNE NIGHT 08/21/19 – 4PM Alaska Raceway Park 5599 Race Way, Palmer raceak.com ALASKA STATE FAIR Aug 22 - Sept 3, 2019 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM Recurring daily Alaska State Fair, Inc. 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer Price: $10 - $15 (907) 746-7165 alaskastatefair.org/site/ WORKING WITH SCHOOLS 08/24/2019 – 9AM Alaska Attachment & Bonding Associates (AABA) AABA office library 619 S. Knik-Goose Bay Road, Suite J, Wasilla (907) 376-0366 akattachment.org DRAG RACING (POINTS) 08/25/19 – 10AM Alaska Raceway Park 5599 Race Way, Palmer raceak.com EVENTS COMMITTEE MEETING 08/28/19 – 3-4 PM Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce 415 E. Railroad Ave., Wasilla wasillachamber.org NASCAR/INEX RACES 08/31/19 – 6PM Alaska Raceway Park 5599 Race Way, Palmer raceak.com
FIRE ON THE HILL 08/31/2019 – 8PM Friendship Park 1150 E. Helen Drive, Palmer on the hill above the Noisy Goose Cafe (907) 745-4483 www.fbcpalmer.com NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH September 1-30, 2018 MY House (907) 841-2794 NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH September 1-30, 2018 MY House (907) 841-2794 LLC FORMATIONS IS PROUD TO PRESENT WORKSHOP IN ALASKA 09/01/2019 – 11AM LLC Formations - Alaska llcformations.com/alaska-llc/ DRAG RACING (TOP ELIMINATOR) 09/01-09/02, 2019 – 10AM Alaska Raceway Park 5599 Race Way, Palmer raceak.com ADVANCED KNITTING CLASSES SERIES 09/10/2019 – 2PM Senior Education Wasilla Senior Center 1301 S Century Cir, Wasilla CORKS AGAINST CANCER 09/12/19 – 6:30 PM American Cancer Society Everett’s at the Mat-Su Resort 1850 E Bogard Rd, Wasilla (907) 272-2072 facebook.com/ events/2044588085843738 2019 WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS CONFERENCE September 20 & 21 8:30am-6pm Friday/ 8am-4:30pm Saturday
SCBWI, AWG, and RWA BP Energy Center 1014 Energy Court, Anchorage alaskawritersguild.com FREE CLOTHING GIVEAWAY Sept 20 & 21, 2019 – 9AM Wasilla Community Church 701 S Seward Meridian Pkwy, Wasilla (907) 376-1565 wasillachurch.org MYTH, MEANING AND MAGIC BULLETS IN ATTACHMENT THEORY 09/21/19 – 8AM Alaska Attachment & Bonding Associates Mat-Su Resort-Everett’s 1850 E Bogard Rd, Wasilla (907) 376-0366 www.akattachment.org SCBWI JURIED ART SHOW 09/21/2019 – 8AM Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators BP Energy Center 1014 Energy Court, Anchorage alaska.scbwi.org NORTHERN LIGHTS VALLEY KNITTERS GUILD MEETING 09/21/2019 – 1PM Northern Lights Valley Knitters Meridian Point Building 865 N. Seward Meridian Pkwy (907) 795-9275 MEMBERSHIP MEETING EVERYONE IS INVITED! 09/21/2019 – 2PM Alaska Rock Garden Society Eagle River Elks Lodge 17111 N Eagle River Loop Rd, Eagle River (907) 354-5660 akrockgardensociety.org
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Museums We invite Blue Star Families to take advantage of the free admission to see our museum. In addition to the overall history of Alaska, many of the museum displays show the influence the military has had on the history and development of Alaska including military planes, helicopters, communication and much more. As a current military family, you may have heard of the Fisher House Foundation. The Foundation provides homes where military & veterans families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital. Most locations have approximately 21 units with private bedrooms and baths for each family. Contributed by Nancy Hall The Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry (MATI) is now a Blue Star Museum! Blue Star Museums were formed by a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and museums across America. Blue
Star families are active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve. Each summer since 2010, Blue Star Museums have offered free admission to these families. The 2019 Blue Star Museums program began on Saturday, May 18, 2019, Armed Forces Day, and will end on Monday, September 2, 2019, Labor Day.
Each building has common shared kitchen, dining room and living room. These are common in the US, but the first Fisher House in the UK was started in 2013 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, England. Eighteen-year-old British citizen, Oliver Plunket went on a quest to raise funds for the UK Fisher House. As an inexperienced motorcycle rider,
raising 100,000 pounds.
Upon the completion of his journey he donated his bike to the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry in Wasilla, AK. His bike, along with many other items of Alaskan military history are housed at the MATI museum. Unlike many television programs, MATI gives you a real picture of the history of Alaska. www.museumofalaska.org The museum is open 10 AM to 5 PM, seven days a week, from Mother’s Day to Labor Day.
Fundraiser Contributed by Nikki Lee
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Big ‘M’ Memorial Benefit 08/17/19 – 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Big ‘M’ Inc. @ Mug-Shot Saloon 251 W Parks Hwy, Wasilla This inspiring annual event is an all-day fundraiser that was created in honor of Marilyn Anderson, commemorating her lifetime of commitment to helping her neighbors, friends and patrons in times
of need. Marilyn, along with her husband Ted, together owned and operated the Mug-Shot Saloon in Wasilla until she lost her battle with cancer in 2009. The proceeds of this year’s event will be donated to Valley resident Butch Porter, a longtime local musician who was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer. Butch is currently in Houston, Texas where he will be undergoing extended and intensive treatment
program at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. As insurance does not even begin to cover the exorbitant costs associated with cancer treatment, we hope to raise money to assist the Porter family in whatever way we can.
For additional information, please contact Nikki Lee at: mugshotak@gmail.com or by calling 907-376-1638
he bought a Yamaha XT60Z. Starting in Ushuaia, Argentina, he rode 24,000 miles to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. It took him eight months with his goal of
Contributed by Charice Chambers What do you call a guy who sews, quilts, surges, embroiders, paints and makes jewelry? Chief. That’s right, former Palmer Police Chief George Russ Boatright is a man of many talents and abilities. Born in Wyoming, at the age of six Russ and his family moved to the Los Angeles area for his health. Following high school, Boatright enlisted in the Air Force. He was stationed in Alaska for several years, and then returned to California. There, he worked with the SR-71, dubbed “the fastest plane on planet earth.” It was, he says “a Star Wars experience.” He left the military for a career with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and worked with the Lunar Orbiter, the first spacecraft to orbit the moon. He was also involved in the Mariner program that sent probes to investigate Mars, Venus and Mercury. Additionally, he worked on Surveyor, the first unmanned soft lunar lander that paved the way for the Apollo moon landings. It was heady stuff, but his heart lay elsewhere. Boatright had always wanted to be a policeman. He got his chance: first with LA PD, and then back to Alaska where he had always wanted to spend his life. Boatright worked with the Anchorage Police Department. For over twenty-eight years, he lived the dream, retiring in 1997. In 2001, he came out of retirement to serve for twelve years as Palmer’s Chief of Police.
spirit and mentality of the time. But gold is expensive, and the demand for gold jewelry declined. For several years Boatright satisfied his creative needs through the exploration of needlecraft. He had, after all, been a single father of two girls. He had created and sewed “poodle skirts” for his daughters while they were in high school. This was not a huge leap. Crochet and quilting also passed beneath his fingers as he explored the crafts. Several years ago, he read about copper wire wrapping and weaving. His interest was peaked, and he purchased several books on the subject. That was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. The wire spoke to him in exciting ways. Soon, he was creating bracelets, earrings, and necklaces of extreme delicacy and intricacy. Much of his early jewelry employed the use of Czech beads woven into unimaginable designs. Today the beads have been replaced with precious and semiprecious stones and many of his designs include his now signature rose motif. It is often found on the backs of his designs, especially his necklaces. This new art continues to consume Boatright as he creates more and more difficult weaves and wraps. He plans to continue working with copper as long as it challenges him (his fans hope that is for a long time). “When I have it totally figured out, I’ll find something else to create.” Boatwright has chosen Mat-Su Senior Services Gift Shop as the showplace for his art. There it may be seen and purchased daily from 10 am to 2 pm, Monday through Friday. The shop is located in the Mat-Su Senior Services building at 1132 South Chugach Street in Palmer and is open to the public.
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Though law and order was his passion, Boatright also had a softer side: he loved the arts. For many years he dabbled in painting, acrylic work being one of his favorite mediums. He also began making jewelry in concert with several police colleagues. Most of the jewelry they made was fashioned in gold. At the time, Alaskans were mesmerized by it. Gold jewelry reflected the Last Frontier
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Arts & Community
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Alaska State Fair This year, there will be a new booth at the State Fair in Palmer supporting local Alaskan authors and publishers. The booth will be located on the Red Trail at space #E11, close to the Don Sheldon Event Center. Books from twenty-seven different authors will be available for sale in the booth. We will be displaying a wide variety of genres: children’s picture books; youth fiction; historical fiction; romance; sci-fi; fantasy; suspense/mystery; biographical nonfiction; Alaskan memoirs, and spiritual/religious nonfiction. There is something for almost everyone! Most authors will be available in person to sign books on a variety of different days
at the Fair. More information about which days specific authors will be on-site for signings can be found at our website: www.alaskanbooks.com Additionally, the booth will provide information from the Alaska State Library system and Best Beginnings about reading opportunities and free local resources for children. We will also have other book related items in booth for Fair goers to explore. The Alaskan Book Booth has three major sponsors we’d like to thank for their generous support in making the booth opportunity possible: Alaska Magazine, Relevant Publishers LLC, and Make-A-Scene Magazine (part of The People’s Paper).
Film Festival
Contributed by Ben Rowell The International Fly Fishing Film Festival™ (IF4™) returns to the Mat-Su Valley this fall for a fifth year. IF4™ consists of short and feature length films produced by professional filmmakers from all corners of the globe, showcasing the passion, lifestyle and culture of fly fishing. This year’s festival features nine films, including “ANIAK”, filmed on the 95-mile tributary of Alaska’s Kuskokwim River, by acclaimed film maker Todd Moen. The films run for 1 hour and 36 minutes, followed by gear giveaways from national and local sponsors. “This event is all about bringing together the Mat-Su angling community for a couple hours of fun”, says host Ben Rowell of Highway 3 Angler LLC. “The festival will entertain all ages and inspire anglers to get out more on their local waters or travel to exotic destinations.”
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IF4™ is sponsored locally by 3 Rivers Fly and Tackle, Cache Camper Manufacturing, Inc., FisheWear, and Trout Unlimited Southcentral Alaska Chapter. The 2019 films screen on Friday, September 13 at 7:30pm at The Glenn Massay Theater on Mat-Su College campus in Palmer. Tickets are available in advance for $15 at 3 Rivers Fly and Tackle and www.flyfilmfest.com and at the door for $18.
OUR LIST OF CURRENT AUTHORS INCLUDES: Christiane Joy Allison, Ingrid Shaginoff, Hilda LusterLindner, Barbara and Ethan Atwater, Kaylene JohnsonSullivan, Warren Troy, Pamela Flowers, Ann Dixon, Linda N. Walz, Dan Walker, Robin Barefield, Monica Devine, Jane Harper, Matthew Lasley, E.M. Shue, Darrell Keifer, Michael Reidell, Miriam Wagoner, Nancy Pfeiffer, Nikki Hyson, Shirley Schneider, Stephanie Thornton, Nancy Norrsell, David G. Brown, Bonnye Matthews, Dan Zobrist, and Sharon Aubrey. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE FAIR!
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Entertainment Contributed by Carmen Summerfield Would you like to share your stories about the best, the worst, and the silliest of everyday living in Alaska? Coming soon, Season Eight of The Alaska Home Companion – A Frontier Variety Show! The 2019 Wasilla Episode will be broadcast live on Saturday October 12 from the historic Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry (MATI) gallery next to Wasilla International Airport. We are planning an encore episode to be broadcast live from the Sutton Public Library in November. The Alaska Home Companion – A Frontier Variety Show! is the Valley Arts Alliance rendition of a live radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, with skits, music, and dance acts, similar to the popular Prairie Home Companion radio show on NPR. For those of you who haven’t seen or heard one of our episodes, The Alaska Home Companion – A Frontier Variety Show! features interesting stories by Alaskans about the best, the worst, and the silliest of everyday living in Alaska. In previous episodes, we heard from The Roving Reporter, Guy d’North, and The Sommelier, as well as news from Lake Williwaw and Mukluk Radio. The 2019 season is our eighth year producing The Alaska Home Companion – A Frontier Variety Show!, and we will continue with new music and dance acts, occasional impersonations of local celebrities, and will be occasionally broadcast live by Radio Free Palmer on 89.5 FM. Auditions will be held Thursday, September 5, at our weekly meeting at Sophia’s Café, 11am until 1pm. Sophia’s Café is located at on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway at 9191 Frontage Road, phone 745-9001. If you can’t attend the auditions, please contact Carmen at www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com.
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So, mark your calendar! The Wasilla episode of the VAA Alaska Home Companion – A Frontier Variety Show! will be broadcast at 7pm Saturday, October 12, 2019, at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry in Wasilla. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door. A cash bar will be open during the event.
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Music & Community
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Word Search
Contributed by Bonnye Matthews The National Federation of Press Women announces the following is an award recipient at the 2019 NFPW Communications Contest Awards Banquet Saturday, June 29, 2019, during the organization’s annual Communications Conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Name: Bonnye Matthews Location: Mat-Su Borough, Alaska Book: Integrity, 130,000 BC Category: Young-Adult Fiction, 1st Place
NFPW is a nationwide organization of women and men pursuing careers across the communications spectrum, including print and electronic journalism, freelancing, new media, books, public relations, marketing, graphic design, photography, advertising, radio and television. Recipients from across the country will receive awards for excellence in communications. A distinguished group of professional journalists, communications specialists and educators judged nearly 2,000 entries in a wide variety of categories. Only first-place winning entries at the state level are eligible to enter the national contest.
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Literature “This book is worthy of every award possible. The scientific material is authentic and rarely available. The characters are clearly drawn with just the right degree of complexity to support action. The author doesn’t shirk hard lessons – as in the episode with Elka and her father. Cruelty is softened by the kindness of her allies; therefore, we have a vindication from ugliness, and this is the way spiritual values are disclosed.. In this book are studies in attitudes, customs and behaviors. How Marvelous to combine this information so well within the folds of narrative and storytelling. The scientific basis for every detail is admirable; the genealogy is fascinating. Yet, what is most significant is evidence of high ideals throughout –conflict resolution, relationships between people and animals, the meaning of integrity, right action and values. The epilogue is poetic and shows the writer’s lyricism. I recommend the highest marks for this novel.” - Grace Cavalieri, Maryland Poet Laureate
Theatre Contributed by Garry Forrester VPA: Celebrating over 40 Years Of quality live Theatre in The Valley!
With wonderful scenic designs, including digital backdrops, and colorful costumes galore, you’ll believe that you’ve been transported to the Greek Isles to enjoy some fun in the sun. All of the best‐
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. BE SURE TO FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AT: www.facebook.com/Valley‐Performing‐Arts #valleyperformingartsAK
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Valley Performing Arts’ brings the Broadway sensation to the Valley in a big way. Over forty talented local vocalists, artists and musicians will bring this acclaimed musical to the Glenn Massay Theater on the Mat‐Su College Campus.
loved ABBA songs are there as well…” Dancing Queen”, “S.O.S.”, “Mamma Mia” and much, much more! On the sea or on the beach, this show is one you won’t want to miss. Mamma Mia opens September 20th and runs through October 6th. Ticket prices are $25 Regular Admission, $23 Seniors 65+/Students 18 and younger. The production will be at The Glenn Massay Theater on the Mat‐Su College Campus, 8295 E. College Drive, off of Trunk Road in Palmer.
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Poetry & Prose
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Literature & Community Contributed by Taylor Jordan If you’ve heard of the strange bookstore on Main Street in Wasilla and you haven’t made it there yet, there’s no better time to visit! We at Black Birch Books & Curiosities love our wonderful and diverse community in the Mat-Su. Everything we do at the bookstore is meant to showcase that diversity. We strive to make sure everyone who walks through the door feels welcome but, we cannot be held responsible for the level of excitement you may feel after looking up and around when you discover all the cool stuff! Recently we’ve had a few wonderful events that have really brought people together. We have two types of Open Mic Nights, one for music and the other for spoken word. The music night showcases talents which range from singing to playing instruments. We’ve had over 30 performers with the strength to stand up and be known
in the community. Once a groove gets going, the event takes off! We’ve even stayed open until after 10pm to accommodate the amazing jam sessions that inevitably occur. The poetry nights may take more poking and prodding to build the confidence it takes to stand in front of the room and recite, but they carry even more gravity. Poets, authors, thespians, comedians and the random person reading a chapter from their favorite book show up by the droves. Each of them tell stories in just the right way to convey their thoughts and feelings and always receive applause. Our spiritual classes are always very well attended. We schedule based on community demand and we are always looking to expand everyone’s education and tolerance. If you’re afraid of being uncomfortable at an event, let me put you at ease. The classes are always taught by a subject matter expert from the community
and we have a zero-tolerance policy on persuasion. Classes are to educate and learn about world religions, not a forum for recruiting. Everyone is always welcome. Alaska authors have a special spot in our hearts, and we host them exclusively. We even have a wall of fame in the hallway to commemorate them! Our wall showcases 18 authors since opening May 5th, 2018. We keep their books in stock so, make sure you check them out. Perhaps you’ll be surprised to hear your neighbor has five published books! The holidays are always packed with fun and events. We are working on fine-tuning our October haunted house, our collaboration with other small businesses for spooky events and all the story time schedules until January. Our Harry Potter section is always stuffed with our handmade magic wands and magic potions which make great gifts for the holidays. For Christmas last year, we offered a free photo shoot with Santa and piles of arts and crafts activities throughout the month. We plan to offer as many opportunities as we can for family
bonding in a creative and magical environment! Though long work hours are most of what we offer, we use a dash of good time management to make sure we are always there to support and sponsor local events. We love cheering on the ladies at the roller derby and offering tickets as giveaways, sponsoring youth camps and sports teams, and volunteering time to teach outside of the bookstore. This summer, we used the day we’re closed and taught arts and crafts classes for Youth 360 at Wasilla High School. We love activities that foster team building and positive interaction between adults and youth. The fact is, we love this community and we will do everything we can to give back. Our friendly dog, Grimm, is always waiting by the door for the next person to love! (Or to receive treats!) If you’re looking for a different experience while shopping for (not just) books, we’ve got you covered! We are located at 390 N. Main St. in Wasilla and open 9am-9pm and closed Mondays, but probably still working elsewhere.
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Recycled Art
Contributed by Marilyn Bennett Last year, I decided to transform my favorite Victorian Lamp into a Birdbath. I had been thinking about what to make to put into the Recycled Garden Art Contest at the Alaska State Fair. It occurred to me that I was never going to use my Victorian lamp in our small rambler. The lamp fit very well into our lovely old Victorian brick home back in Minnesota, but it looked utterly out of place in our small ranch home here in Palmer. Since I loved the lamp, I did not want to give it away or sell it. I looked at the lamp and decided that it could be turned into a birdbath base. Then looking around for the bath part I settled on a lovely old green bowl… Doug built a nice base for the lamp out of a piece of discarded wood and we then devised a way to mount the bowl to the lamp base. It turned out to be an adorable birdbath.
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I entered it into the Recycled Garden Art Contest at the Fair in August of 2018. If you had gone to the exhibit, you would not be surprised that my birdbath did not come close to winning. There were some really spectacular entries in the Recycled Art Contest last year that totally eclipsed my Victorian birdbath.
This Spring we put the birdbath back out on the deck right next to the bird feeder. Those silly birds continued to ignore our wonderful creation. We thought of putting up a sign, but that seemed silly as we didn’t think we had a bird like Snoopy’s friend Woodstock, who could read “!!!” We then decided to set our deck chairs next to the bath as many of the birds liked to perch on the back and arms of the chairs. Mid-July and the birds were still completely ignoring my lovely birdbath. I thought about a flatter bowl that we had considered using last year when we made the birdbath. We didn’t use it because we felt the green bowl was more artistically pleasing. I decided to place this flatter bowl inside the green bowl and see what the birds thought of that. Within two hours the birds were happily bathing, drinking and using what they now recognized as their birdbath. It did make me consider looking at items from the point of view of the end user and not just my artistic view point. I will always go for the artistic look first. However, I will consider the birds point of view when faced with constant rejection. This year, I have not as yet had any great ideas of what useless item I have that could be turned into an artistic creation.
I was fine with not winning, since I was quite happy to have such a cute birdbath for the birds who hung out at our bird feeder. Luckily, we live in what I call a “bear free zone,” so we can leave a feeder out all year.
It may yet come to me, but nevertheless, please make it a point to visit the Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) fair Booth on the Purple Trail, Miners Loop this year. Be sure to vote for your favorite art piece.
We placed the birdbath out on our deck near the bird feeder and waited to see the birds enjoy it. These Alaskan birds didn’t seem to understand the purpose of the birdbath we had made for them as they completely ignored it. Winter arrived soon after, so we took the birdbath in for the winter.
Even if I do not manage to win the contest this year, I will be okay! I always enjoy looking at the creative items the other artists have entered and making my plans for next year’s contest. SEE YOU ALL AT THE FAIR!