PIRATES OF PENZANCE
The Glenn Massay Theater and Seims Theater Productions are proud to present this fun and truly entertaining musical to the Valley community. This production has been created by dozens of talented local cast and crew members and is one you don’t want to miss. It’s a great way to culminate a busy summer, and IT’S INSIDE OUT OF THE RAIN…no umbrellas or galoshes required! The Pirates of Penzance opens August 16th and runs through August 24th. The admission price is $26 for all guests. The production will be at The Glenn Massay Theater, 8295 E. College Drive, on the Mat-Su College Campus off Trunk Road in the Valley.
Purchase tickets online through glennmassaytheater.com. Be sure to follow both organizations on Facebook at: facebook.com/glennmassaytheater and facebook.com/seimstheater
Contributed by The Glenn Massay Theater
ALASKA JUNIOR THEATER UNVEILS BOLD, BRIGHT & BREATHTAKING
2024-2025 SEASON: A SPECTACULAR LINEUP YOU CAN’T MISS!
Contributed by Rowan Holmes Alaska, are you ready to be dazzled? Alaska Junior Theater is thrilled to announce our most exciting season yet: “Bold, Bright & Breathtaking” for 2024-2025! With a lineup packed with awe-inspiring performances that will ignite your imagination and fill your heart with joy, this is a season you and your family won’t want to miss. And here’s the best part—season tickets are on sale now, with savings of up to 20%!
360 Allstars: A Radically Unconventional Circus
Kicking off the season with a bang is the 360 Allstars, a mind-blowing urban circus that redefines what it means to be a circus performer. Picture a high-energy fusion of breakdancing, BMX biking and basketball trick shots, all set to an electrifying soundtrack. This isn’t your traditional big top show—this is a thrilling, pulse-pounding experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat!
Peter & the Wolf: A Classic Tale Comes to Life
Next, join us for an enchanting journey into Sergei Prokofiev’s timeless tale, “Peter & the Wolf,” brought to life by Pushcart Players. This beautifully staged production blends music, storytelling and vivid puppetry to create an immersive experience that captivates children and adults alike. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or discovering it for the first time, this production will leave you spellbound.
Aesop Bops! With David Gonzalez: Stories That Sing
Prepare to be captivated by the vibrant show with Master Storyteller David Gonzalez in “Aesop Bops!” This dynamic celebration of Aesop’s fables re-imagines classic tales like “The Lion and the Mouse” and “The Tortoise and the Hare” as they are brought to life through a unique blend of live music, physical comedy and Gonzalez’s infectious energy. It’s a rollicking good time that will have you laughing, learning and loving every moment!
The Fourth Wall: Hybrid Arts Ensemble— Without A Net!
Step right up! The Fourth Wall has joined the circus and are bringing their high -flying shenanigans to YOU! Marvelous Music meets Adventurous Aerial Acrobatics in this Cavalcade of Creativity! Experience the Twirling Topsy-Turvy Trombonist, the Fabulous Flipping Flutist, the Death-Defying Drummer! Get your Vaudeville here!
Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Gen Using Lightwire Theater’s innovative Electroluminescent Puppetry, we begin with Aesop’s classic fable of “The Tortoise and the Hare” but continue the story which finds them ten years down the road, now with children of their own. Smart phones and video games create a new landscape of lost connections to life experiences.
The Next Gen features Tortoise Junior and Lil’ Hare in a whole new kind of race; where their adventures lead them into unexpected territory. Old man Tortoise and Big Daddy Hare must come together despite their differences to find and save their children. What hurdles will they have to overcome to make it to the finish line?
Season Tickets: The Best Way to Experience It All
With a lineup this incredible, why settle for just one show? Season tickets are your golden ticket to experiencing the full magic of Alaska Junior Theater’s 2024-2025 season. Not only will you guarantee your seats at all five unforgettable performances, but you’ll also save up to 20% off regular ticket prices. That’s a win-win! Plus, season ticket holders enjoy the best seats in the house and other exclusive benefits that make your theater experience even more special.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary season. Grab your season tickets today by calling 907-2727546 or online at www.AKJT.ORG and get ready to embark on a “Bold, Bright & Breathtaking” adventure with Alaska Junior Theater!
Alaska Junior Theater is a private, nonprofit organization presenting high-quality, professional theater from around the world to Alaska’s youth and families.
AUGUST
August 16 – September 2 @ 11AM-10PM
Alaska State Fair 2075 Glenn Hwy info@alaskastatefair.org
August 17 @ 11AM Learn About Cell Wellbeings All About Herbs 4621 East Palmer – Wasilla Highway info@allaboutherbs.com (907) 376-8327
August 17 @ 7:30AM
Traditional Irish Musicians Colm Broderick and Sky Kelsey at the Musk Ox Farm Musk Ox Farm 12850 E Archie Rd info@muskoxfarm.org (907) 745-4151
Cost: Adults $30, Children 5-7 $15, 4 & under FREE
August 19 @ 7:30PM
Alaska Sovereignty Community Meeting
Jody’s Great Room 1887 E Fairview Loop sovereignalaska49@gmail.com
August 19 @7PM
Mt. Joy Live at the Alaska State Fair 2075 S Glenn Hwy www.alaskastatefair.com
Tickets available at alaskastatefair.org
August 21 @4PM
Matanuska Community Farmers Market
713 S Denali St matanuskafarmersmarket@gmail.com Accepts SNAP/EBT
August 24 @12PM-1PM
Bluey and Friends Paint Class
Paint Nights with Sara, 535 W Parks Hwy
Tickets at paintwithsara.com
August 27 @ 6:30PM - October
Come Sing with Us
Wayland Baptist University Anchorage 7801 E 32nd Ave www.alaskasoundcelebration.org
SEPTEMBER
September 5-8 @ 8:30AM
VFAA 9th Annual Artists Retreat
Valley Fine Arts Association
North Star Bible Camp 10688 Willow Fishhook valleyfinearts.org
terrylou@mtaonline.net
Cost: $ 300
September 6 & 7 @ 7PM
Diggin Dirt Live at CreekBend
CreekBend Café 67444 Second Street Hope, AK (907) 782-3274 www.creekbendco.com
September 9 @ 6:30AM
Writers With GraceMonthly Meeting
Writers With Grace ChangePointChurch – Mat-Su 615 Strathclyde Lane
September 11 @ 6PM-9PM
Cousin Curtiss Live at Palmer Alehouse
Palmer Ale House
320 E Dahlia Ave
Tickets available at eventbrite.com
September 14 @ 12PM-9PM 7th Annual Blueberry Ball at Skeetawk Steetawk (907) 746-7277
Tickets available at eventbrite.com or $35 at the door
Children 12 & Under are FREE
September 18 @ 9AM
Breath Easy Breakfast
American Lung Association
Anchorage Museum 625 C St. Cost: $75
Emily.Platt@lung.org www.BreathEasyBreakfast.com
September 20 @ 7PM-10PM
Black Barrel & The Bad Men
Live at Palmer Alehouse
Palmer Alehouse
320 E Dahlia Ave (907) 746-2537
September 20 @ 4PM
JV/Varsity Palmer High School Homecoming Football Game
VS West Valley Palmer High School Football 1170 W Bogard Rd
September 21 @2PM
Talkeetna Brewfest 2024
Denali Education Center 22510 S Talkeetna Spur
Tickets available at eventbrite.com
September 28 @ 10AM
Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo
Mat Su Emergency Preparedness Planning Committee Menard Sports Center 1001 S. Clapp Road info@alaskasaferiders.org https://ready.matsugov.us/
MAT-SU YOUTH ORCHESTRA FALL REGISTRATION
Contributed by Brenda Davis
Are you a young musician wanting to improve your technical skills and build your musicianship? If so, look no further than the Mat-Su Youth Orchestra! Our nonprofit INTERMEDIATE level orchestra is a great place for aspiring musicians to enhance their large- group performance skills.
The Mat-Su Youth Orchestra was formed in 2009 by a group of music teachers who realized the need for a youth orchestra in the valley. Fred and Carolyn Harding had invited the young private string students to play a string jamboree every year with the adult group and it blossomed from that rewarding experience.
Kai West, Judy Montalbano, Debbie Davis and Kim Levesque are founding members and are still current board members with Kai being the orchestra conductor. Kai says, “We play ALL STYLES OF MUSIC and often take suggestions from the students. We play classical, folk, cinema, Broadway tunes, opera,
rock and more.”
MSYO is open to all ages from 12 to 102! It’s never too late to learn! We’re dedicated to providing accessible music education to young musicians. The group meets at Iditarod Elementary School on Mondays from 6:30-8:00pm during the school year. They perform two concerts each year, one winter and one spring. Concerts are held at Valley Performing Arts.
Registration for the 2024-2025 school year will be August 26, 2024, from 6:307:30pm at Iditarod Elementary School. The fee for the year is $100 which covers the cost of music and copy fees. Please bring a letter of recommendation from a school music teacher or private instructor that speaks to your experience and will vouch for your readiness to participate in MSYO.
Rehearsal begins September 9th! Join us and take your talent to the next level!
COME SING WITH US!
Contributed by Amber Sumner
Do you and your family love to sing? Did you know we have an opportunity right here in the valley for all ages to join together in creating beautiful choral music for our community?
The Mat-Su Community Chorus is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has been dedicated to bringing highquality choral music to the valley since the 1970s. We are a non-auditioned, volunteer ensemble, and we welcome all adult voices as well as high school
students with singing experience. We aim to make singing fun and accessible while also challenging each other to improve our musicianship with every season. This winter’s program, “Home for the Holidays,” will incorporate comforting favorites and a bit of silly, Christmas-y fun.
The Mat-Su Kids’ Chorus started under the MCC umbrella in 2022 and is a wonderful opportunity for kids to explore their musical talent while learning to sing as a group. Readers ages 5-13 may join the chorus and will perform in conjunction with the adult chorus at concerts.
In addition, kids whose parents participate in the adult ensemble can take advantage of included childcare until the adult rehearsal ends. The kids will learn basic music reading skills and delve into the history and context of each song they learn.
Singing in a chorus is shown to improve health and happiness and keep your brain sharp, it’s an activity for the whole family to enjoy, and it’s a great way to stave off those winter doldrums! We look forward to singing with you this upcoming season! Both ensembles rehearse on Thursday evenings at Mat-Su Evangelical Covenant Church, 5201 E. Mayflower Lane, Wasilla; kids 7-8pm and adults 7-9pm. Prospective members are welcome to attend up to three rehearsals before deciding to join. Additional membership information can be found at matsucommunitychorus.org, email director@matsucommunitychorus. org for questions about the adult ensemble or matsukidschorus@ yahoo.com for questions about the kid’s chorus.
Grey K.
Cheyenne S. Kanani W.
Mayley R.
Across
4. The sport or activity of racing with sled dogs, popular in Alaska.
5. A remote town in Alaska, known as the finish line for the Iditarod race.
6. A slow-moving mass of ice, commonly found in Alaska.
8. Carved wooden poles that represent stories or history, often seen in Alaska’s Native cultures.
10. A fish species crucial to Alaska's economy and culture.
13. The sea and strait separating Alaska from Russia.
14. The natural light display often seen in Alaska’s night sky.
15. A historic city in Alaska, once the capital of Russian America.
Across
4. The sport or activity of racing with sled dogs, popular in Alaska.
5. A remote town in Alaska, known as the finish line for the Iditarod race.
6. A slow-moving mass of ice, commonly found in Alaska.
8. Carved wooden poles that represent stories or history, often seen in Alaska’s Native cultures.
10. A fish species crucial to Alaska's economy and culture.
13. The sea and strait separating Alaska from Russia.
14. The natural light display often seen in Alaska’s night sky.
15. A historic city in Alaska, once the capital of Russian America.
Down
1. Indigenous people inhabiting the Arctic regions of Alaska.
2. The highest peak in North America, located in Alaska.
3. A treeless plain found in the Arctic regions, including Alaska.
7. Famous long-distance sled dog race that runs from Anchorage to Nome.
9. A major city in Alaska, known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle.
11. The largest city in Alaska, located in the southcentral region.
12. A large island in Alaska, famous for its brown bears.
Down
1. Indigenous people inhabiting the Arctic regions of Alaska.
2. The highest peak in North America, located in Alaska.
3. A treeless plain found in the Arctic regions, including
1. Indigenous Alaska.
2. The Alaska.
3. A Alaska.
7. Famous Anchorage
9. A Arctic 11. centr 12. bears.
Mysticism
BRITTANI WITH GRACE: THE FOOL
Contributed by Brittani with Grace Deck: Mermaid Tarot By Leeza Robertson
Illustrations by Julie Card: #2 The High Priestess
Hello everybody! Welcome to my column. Each month I will draw a Major Arcana tarot card which represents one of many possible paths to follow. Major Arcana cards represent the archetypical themes of life, presenting the overall possible experiences.
The column for me this month was pretty tough. Tough enough that I am barely making it in even with an extended deadline. When I first began to write these columns, I was still developing the trust in myself to deliver the message needed with the “perfect card.” I would set all my things up, make sure I centered and shuffled the Major Arcana’s until the card revealed itself. As my trust and abilities in writing this column grew, the column would “just come to me.” I could be out for a walk, or in a stretching class and suddenly I would have the outline in my head crystal clear and a picture of which card to submit with it. This time, neither seemed “appropriate.” I waited and “searched” for the inspired idea to come to me. As the deadline grew closer, I considered shuffling and pulling, even grabbing the book that goes along with this mermaid deck and opening to a random page. Then, recently, during a powerful and healing conversation filled with perspectives and growth for myself, my partner suddenly asks me, “So which card is “the reader” of the deck? Which card goes with this lesson?” A flash in my mind of the card appears. I start being able to draw certain conclusions and ideas for an outline, but still felt stuck with the overall premise. So, I continued to look externally for the signs and messages I was meant to write about. It brought me to another card that had similarities, and I felt even more split. Suddenly, the column was like a tennis ball in my brain; back and forth the column bounced between the two cards, thinking, and analyzing over which direction to go. It is this experience that led me to The High Priestess.
The High Priestess is the all-powerful Intuition. She is the Feminine and the Masculine, the light and the dark, up, and down, in and out. She is the core of LIVING intuitively, not just having awareness of, or using it sometimes. She is the wisdom from which we have intuitive ideas and balance them with our brains for actionable steps. She is as high up and as deep as it gets internally. She is the knowledge we have when listening to ourselves through and through. Maybe you have fallen into a routine of rowing for your cardio workout, but one morning your body hesitates at the thought, so you listen and suddenly have the idea of trying something different and you walk straight to an elliptical machine and do an intense programmed workout that leaves you feeling invigorated, strong and even joyful! Perhaps you’ve been reading a book about shame and vulnerability to better understand your subconscious presets when you go to do your daily reading, and you feel as though you need a break. You intuitively realize that the heavy shadow work that has been happening while reading, needs to take a rest, and you see yourself reach for a different book, even though the “perfectionist” and “completionism” part of your logical brain wants to finish the book now, you feel the relief as you decide to listen to what your mind and spirit really needs; knowing that the book will still be there when it’s time to pick it back up. The High Priestess is the Soul living intuitively through mind, body, and spirit.
To live in the core of intuition, it takes persistence and focus. These words can
seem so incredibly simple, yet we can still miss them by a mile. Sometimes we forget to look at them with a new perspective. During the previously mentioned conversation, I turned to my partner and said, “Thank you for being so patient with me” He turned to me, and with an assured ease replied, “You don’t have to thank me, it doesn’t take patience to be with you.” My jaw dropped and as my mind completely blew open, I said “What? What does that mean?” He said, “It does not take patience to be with you, it just takes persistence and focus.” Now in this moment, I could feel my mind swirling in all directions, how could he say this? Having the awareness of knowing that he is a projected reflection of my own love, I began to question myself. “It doesn’t take patience?” Patience is all I have been really focusing on with the way I love myself, and others, thinking that is what got me to where I am now! I thought I needed patience with my growth, or what I see at setbacks, with my healing, with my moods, and even patience with my mind. When I really started diving deep into all of my accomplishments, my growth, healing and even my comfort zones, I realized he was absolutely right. The tunnel vision with which I saw loving myself was blown completely open. I showed persistence and focus in each step I took.
The High Priestess living for me has not been “learning patience” but learning to be persistent and focused in disengaging my continuously over-thinking brain and stepping into my intuitive natural state and trusting it to move me forward.
This month I ask you to take some time and ask yourself how your mind works. How do your actions work? What is it that you are doing from moment to moment? Are you “thinking” your way into a spiral of decisions, or are you trusting yourself with what feels right? Are you ready to step into your High Priestess Living and allow your logical brain and your intuitive nature to balance each other in everything you do? I know that you are. It is why you are here. It is why you are reading this column right now because your strength and inner knowledge has led you to dive even deeper.
Writing
WRITERS WITH GRACE
Contributed by Sharon Aubrey
A new Christian writing group called Writers With Grace (WWG) launched in September 2023 and meets at ChangePoint Church’s Mat-Su Campus. It is open to Christians throughout the Southcentral area.
We are a supportive community of Christian writers and beta-readers. Our writers range from those who are home journaling or just beginning the writing journey to professional authors. Christian readers are strongly encouraged to join our group because beta-readers can give constructive feedback to authors, helping writers produce better books and build enhanced connections with our audiences. Those who wish to become beta-readers can join our email list to receive new books or works within their preferred reading genres.
The Writers With Grace community explores the joys and challenges of writing as Christians both from and for our faith and provides an en-
couraging setting to network. We share writing projects, exchange resources and ideas, hone our skills, provide constructive feedback, and offer opportunities to expand and share our writing talents. Christian writers from all genres are welcome to participate poetry, memoirs, devotionals, screenplays, short stories, kid’s lit, fiction, and nonfiction. We welcome writers ages 13 and older to join us in building a stronger Christian community of writers to spread the good news and glory of Jesus Christ.
Sharon Aubrey hosts the Writers with Grace group. She is the founder of Relevant Publishers LLC, an award-winning small press located in Sutton. WWG meets on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 PM at ChangePoint Church located at 615 Strathclyde Lane in Wasilla. Additionally, we have a Facebook group, LinkedIn group, and Discord Server, with plans to incorporate live stream capability for future meetings. We look forward to connecting with you on your writing journey.
We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to cheer on athletes, keep scores, wave flags, and spread high-fives (our athletes love those!). There are various other fulfilling roles available too, all of which are a breeze. By volunteering, you'll have an incredible experience and make plenty of new athlete friends!
VALLEY PERFORMING ARTS KICKS OFF 49TH SEASON!
Contributed by Jenna Worley
Valley Performing Arts Season 49 kicks off with The Island of Dr. Libris, based on the book by Chris Grabenstein. This fantastical family-friendly comedy celebrates the power of imagination with an action-packed adventure that shows sometimes the real story starts after you close the book!
Billy Gilfoyle is spending the summer in a lakeside cabin that belongs to the mysterious Dr. Libris, but something strange is going on. Besides the security cameras everywhere, there’s also Dr. Libris’ peculiar private bookcase. Whenever Billy opens one of the classic books inside, he can hear sounds coming from the island in the middle of the lake…the clash of swords, the twang of arrows, dialogue of characters... sometimes he can even feel the ground shaking! It’s almost as if the stories he’s reading are coming to life! But that’s impossible, isn’t it? Before long, Dr. Libris’ island is populated by some of the most famous characters in
all of literature: Hercules, Robin Hood, Maid Marian, The Three Musketeers, Tom Sawyer and Pollyanna. When these characters mingle, their plot lines get mixed up (and complicated by the arrival of a few comic book heroes and villains). It’s up to Billy and his magical imagination to come up with a happy ending for everybody, including himself! This exciting show harnesses the imaginative powers of live theatre, calling on the audience to use their imaginations along with Billy’s.
The Island of Dr. Libris runs September 13 through September 29, with performances every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday This production comes to life under the leadership of director Shaun Groshong, who participated in VPA’s Season 48 by playing Santa in Christmas Story the Musical, performing as a dancer in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and co-directing The Play that goes Wrong. He is joined by a talented cast of 22 performers (including 10 newcomers to the VPA stage).
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 environment, adress medicals 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.
Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired Seniors
www.alaskabvi.org (907) 771-4322
The Alaska Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired provides blind and low vision Alaskans tools to eliminate vision loss as a barrier to employment, independent living, and community participation. It is the only statewide training and resource center for vision rehabilitation. In the Mat-Su Valley we sponsor two monthly support groups for socialization and informational activities, titled “Living Well with Vision Loss”, meeting at the Wasilla Area Seniors and the Palmer Senior Center. Low Vision Clinics demonstrating low vision devices and home assessment visits for independent living are offered to those who qualify and who have uncorrectable vision loss.
Alaska Community Development Corporation
www.alaskacdc.org (907) 746-5680
Alaska Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit agency located in Palmer, AK. Our focus is housing assistance for low-income households in Alaska. We offer housing assistance to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and most areas in Southcentral Alaska and to rural areas in Southeast and Southwest Alaska. Our housing assistance includes home weatherization; housing accessibility improvements for seniors and disabled households; & homeownership assistance including home purchase assistance, home building assistance and home loan packaging.
Our housing assistance helps to keep people safely in their homes and helps low-income households move into home ownership. All assistance is free to eligible households.
Connect Mat-Su
www.connectmatsu.org (907) 373-2628
Connect Mat-Su is a program of the Mat-Su Health Foundation that provides access to information and referrals specific to the local community.
Assistance is available in the areas of care, education, food, health, housing, legal services, social connection, transportation, work, and more. It is a network that is both a physical and virtual resource center linking residents to the things needed to thrive physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally.
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 Desgin, and LIFE Connect. We also have Sarah’s House, 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 assistance programs, such as The Locker, to provide personal care and basic house hold cleaning items, and Scarlet Tapestries which offers basic sewing skills instructions. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Matanuska Electric Association Charitable Foundation (MEACF) www.mea.coop/mea-in-the-community meacontact@mea.coop (907) 761-9300
$1.6 million and counting! This is the financial impact MEA’s members have had in our community since 2011 when MEACF introduced Operation Roundup. To scratch the surface on those impacted by your generosity are our seniors, recreation, local agriculture, family services, food pantries, and everything in between. We want to continue adding to this lost, so if you know of an organization interested in applying for the MEACF grant and has a specific project in mind, please check us out online for the application process - including financials. Grants are capped at $10,000 and are approved at each quarterly MEACF meeting. Individual grant requests are now completed through Connect MatSu; individual grant requests regarding a disability can contact Access Alaska.
Mat-Su Health Foundation www.healthymatsu.org (907) 352-286³
The mission of the Mat-Su Health Foundation is to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su. The tools we use include grantmaking, convening of local partners, and policy change.
We have generated significant improvements in systems that support the health of Mat-Su residents in areas such as behavioral health, child welfare, crisis response, community connections, workforce development, transportation, housing, and senior services. Visit www.healthymatsu.org to learn about scholarship and funding opportunities.
MYHouse Mat-Su Youth Housing
www.myhousematsu.org (907) 373-4357
MYHouse 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 job education services on site.
Onward & Upward
www.onwardandupward.org
email: info@onwardandupward.org (907) 953-5360
Onward & Upward is an evidence-based, accredited, 501c3 nonprofit organization based in the Mat-Su Valley. Our mission is to establish a culture of “One Health” in Alaska through evidence-based action. We accomplish this by engaging our students in adventurous, inspiring, meaningful, and empowering experiences with varying degrees of challenge methodically designed for positive growth and development.
We offer a diverse range of course offerings from open enrollment summer adventure courses, professional development courses, to year-round after-school and homeschool opportunities. Check out our website at www.onwardandupward.org for more information!
Special Olympics Alaska Mat-Su Community Program (907) 631-8591
www.specialolympicsalaska.org
The Special Olympics Alaska Mat-Su Community Program is an accredited program of Special Olympics Alaska, Inc., a 501c (3) nonprofit whose mission is to provide year-round sports training and competition to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In the Mat-Su Valley, there are 137 active Special Olympics Alaska athletes and 56 Unified partners (non-disabled peers) that train and compete in 12 sports year-round. There is no cost to participate for qualifying athletes. For more information on the Mat-Su Community Program, please call 907-631-8591, email matsu@ specialolympicsalaska.org or visit us on social media@soakmatsu.
United Way of Mat-Su (907) 373-5807
www.unitedwaymatsu.org
550 S Alaska St., Suite 205 Palmer AK
United Way of Mat-Su strives to make our community a place where all individuals can thrive. We focus on the building blocks of education, financial stability, health for all, providing resource assistance, community collaboration and advocacy, outreach and engagement across the health, human, and social services spectrum.
Early childhood and family support, youth programs, grants for non-profits, and disaster relief; Mat-Su Valley Resource Guide; volunteer opportunities; Stuff the Bus; Project Homeless Connect, and more. Call for more information on Thrive Mat-Su Mat-Su Coalition, Early Childhood Partnership, Youth 360, and the Alaska Wellness Coalition.
Valley Charities, Inc.
www.valleycharities.org
400 N Yenlo Street, Wasilla AK
Valley Charities, Inc: Connecting those who need help with the help they need. Valley Charities, Inc. (VCI) oversees a locally owned non- profit Thrift Store, turn-A-leaf.
VCI Re-entry Program assists ex-offenders to become successful citizens helping to stabilize a home, work, personal needs, and basic council. Our Homelessness
Prevention Program provides financial assistance creating housing stability for Valley residents.
Lastly, our Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program supports our residents with short term equipment loans to help with their recovery from illness and injuries.
Housing Assistance: 907-354-4660; Re-Entry Assistance: 907-232-7125; Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program, see our website: valleycharities.org
Valley Arts Alliance 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 at www. valleyartsalliance.com
Valley Recycling Valley Community for Recycling Solutions www.valleyrecycling.org (907) 745-5544
REFUSE, REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE! Drop off your clean, separated recycling Mon-Fri 9:30 to 5 and Saturday 8 to 5. We accept cardboard boxes, aluminum beverage cans, magazines, this newspaper and more!
We are located at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, near the MSB Central Landfill, just past the MSB Animal Care Shelter. Follow the smells. And follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Become a member, visit our classroom, schedule a field trip, find out more about volunteer opportunities and ways you can make a difference in your community. #dontfeedthelandfills. Go to our website for more details.
Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc.
www.wasillaseniors.com (907) 376-3104
Wasilla Area Seniors mission is to provide for the lives of seniors living in the Matanuska Susistna Valley and to enable seniors to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.
WASI provides services, resources, and activities to promote health and independence such as Club50 Fitness Center. Club50 is for individuals 50 years of age and older and provides clean, accessible exercise equipment and offers a variety of FREE fitness classes for seniors of all skill and mobility levels.
For more information, give us a call or find us on Facebook.
HUNGER
Contributed by Robert Lyons
Hee ha, ho-hum
I smell the blood of an Englishman Crimson kings and weathered faces, Vines in the sky leading to impossible places
Tumultuous times, societal rumblings, Stumbling over vapors in clouded spaces
Crowded my cage as I’m barred for the outrage
Impending rampage discouraged while winning the race
But no room for 2nd place. Put together a plan for escape tie up your laces! Strap on your boots
Can’t trip while stealing the giant’s loot! The harp might sing a ringing tune but you’ll have no excuse…
“I was just planting a seed, I got in a trade, as I tried to eat for another day,”
Now you swing your ax to get away, chopping the vine, killing for pay, some golden coins, a laying hen, You did what you had to do, Would you do it again?
HAIKU
NOBODY TO REMEMBER
Contributed by Robert Lyons
Everybody wants to be the thing, do something special, I just wanna spout philosophic, Pen poems on dead ended topics, switching philosophies constant, Honestly I’m not making this up….
Regardless, I can be more cacophonous than yelling in a canyon, Deafening the silence like roaring cannons as the echo reverberates your skull, Your brain gets damaged, hmm, dull.
Losing cells just imagining the happenings behind my crown
Ideas bouncing around as I hop and skip like a clown about town
No one can even pretend to see how deeply I am made up and costumed, gowned
In reality I am chained and shackled, deep down I wear a frightening frown
My heart is ripped asunder as if struck by lightning, My labors robbed as if never nothing but thunder’s rolling sound
The painful fires of my stricken heart extinguished under the dark cloud’s pounding rain
Dressed up and ready again to do the exact same, Insane
Remember me, says the man with no name
In the previous edition (Jul 2024) we incorrectly attributed the poem “The Flute” to Anthony Irsik. The author is longtime contributor is Robert Lyons.
YOUR STORY
Contributed by Cory Ahern
Contributed by Maxine Franklin
Mycelial threads traverse time, bright day to nightsweet music, howling...
HAIKU
Contributed by Maxine Franklin
Mycelial threads traverse time, bright day to nightsweet music, howling...
Think of life as a landscape, not a timeline. It’s a level playing field – until you hit a canyon – no warning, just a sudden drop off. Then, it’s a journey to achieve new level ground – which winds up being a mountain top, and your new normal, which levels out until a still wider canyon of life and tangents opens up before you.
We aren’t measurable by our linear journey, for our canyons and summits have incalculable crevasses of time and life in them.
To tell your story is to iron out all the parts that are woven together to build your structure.
To understand what you value and what holds you; what carries you and what cherishes you; what blocks you and what protects you – this is to witness the tapestry as the artist sees it, and to find peace with the process.
You cannot separate the layers of yourself and remain whole; you accept that interweaving of good and bad as a complete self and allow yourself to process your life and become more you. You choose you.
Live your story to the fullest!
907-775-1877
Poetry & Prose
FAREWELL MR. LAMB
Contributed by Anthony Irsik
Alaska has lost a touch of color, The brush rests upon retired easel, As a painter leaves the Artist’s Parlor, To live out his last days, quiet, peaceful.
Farewell Mr. Lamb, We loved every day, Of Alaskan land, Revealed in your way.
Click of a camera is quieter now, The lens is covered, the case has been sealed, Photographer has stepped back from the crowd, One less worker reduces Beauty’s yield.
Farewell Mr. Lamb, We loved every day, Of Alaskan land, Revealed in your way.
Retirement’s song reaches every man, Calling him to rest from the work he’s done, At forty-seven years it reached Shane Lamb, A fine artist beneath the midnight sun.
Farewell Mr. Lamb.
WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO AUNT RUBY
Contributed by Yvonne Moss
Living on a farm in Thomas County Kansas, There were no doctors to be had. My mother’s younger sister, Ruby Was the closest that we had.
She, a blur to me by memory, At the tender age of three, But her fame and reputation Stuck deep, resonant with me.
The youngest, of my mother’s sisters, There were many to be had, A short, crisp and tidy lass was she, And true sport for any lad.
The most exciting act I had heard, Uncle Marion, required help And Aunt Ruby’s talents needed when A thresher took his scalp
Aunt Ruby was summoned, thusly And prompt she was, indeed.
For Marion required surgery Which Ruby knew his need.
Without hesitation, she Drew suture and needle, thus. She cleaned both wound and skin And sewed beyond a fuss.
When all was said and done, She packed up with dismay, And turned to family members saying, “I’ve a baby due today!”
Nurse Ruby, as she was known, Had her rounds to make.
My uncle’s needed was addressed and met,
But her duties, she didn’t slake.
I never knew what happened To my competent little aunt. I do believe she carried on with her work
Because no one dared say, “Can’t”.
VFAA ARTIST RETREAT COMING SOON
Contributed by Terry Phillips
The September VFAA Artist Retreat is open for registration and promises to be an enriching experience for artists of all skill levels across various mediums. This 9th annual event, held from September 5th to 8th, 2024, at North Star Bible Camp on 12 Mile Lake in Willow, Alaska, offers three days filled with workshops and instruction from renowned artists. You are free to choose any instruction that piques your interest, making this retreat a personalized artistic journey.
Featured instructors include Andrew McDermott, known for his exceptional work in pastels, Karen Mattson, a watercolor expert, and Don Kolstad, who brings excellence in oil painting. The retreat also features mini classes such as “Portrait Fun” with Maureen Campbell and “Nature Journaling” with Barb Johnson, with all materials provided.
In addition to top-notch instruction, the retreat includes gourmet meals, comfortable sleeping accommodations, and beautiful grounds perfect for plein-air painting. For those who prefer working independently, there’s ample opportunity to focus on personal projects amidst the stunning surroundings.
September 5th to 8th, 2024 North Star Bible Camp on 12 Mile Lake in Willow, Alaska
For more details and to register, visit our website at valleyfinearts.org, contact us via email at vfaa2021@gmail.com, or call 907-495-6378.
Andrew McDermott
Don Kolstad
Karen Mattson
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