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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:
MID-DEC 2019
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 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 healthymatsu.org to learn about scholarship and funding opportunities.
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 2019, MEA Charitable Foundation reached over $1,000,000 in contributions to the community with Operation RoundUp® Program! Organizational grants are capped at $10,000. Please remember to check our website for requirements and submit your completed application — including financials! For meeting and reviewing grants, MEACF operates on a quarterly cycle.
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. NEW HOURS: Drive through drop-off open Tues – Fri 9:30 - 5:00 and Sat 8:00 to 5:00. 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 and Instagram. 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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EARLY CHILDHOOD PARTNERSHIP OF MAT-SU & PALMER PARENTS GROUP PLAY TIME Every Wednesday – 10AM Early Childhood Partnership of Mat-Su & Palmer Parents Group Mat-Su Borough Gym 350 E Dahlia Ave. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 745-5824 admin@unitedwaymatsu.org HAZMAT DAYS Every Wednesday – 10AM Every Saturday – 10AM MSB Solid Waste Division 1201 N 49th State St. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 861-7600 solid.waste@matsugov.us SOUP & SANDWICH SUPPER Every Wednesday - 5PM Lamb of God Lutheran Church 1221 N Church Rd. FREE Event - (907) 357-8077 loglcms.org DECEMBER DELIGHTS CONCERT December 20-21, 2019 - 7:30PM The Mat-Su Concert Band The Glenn Massay Theater Tickets: FREE Ages )-5, $5 Students, $20 General Admission matsuconcertband.org KNIK YOUTH LEADERSHIP GIFT WRAPPING December 20, 2019 - 1PM Knik Youth Leadership Primrose Retirement Community 889 N Elkhorn Dr. Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 373-5500 dtravis@primroseretirement.com primroseretirement.com
NORTHERN LIGHTS VALLEY KNITTERS GUILD MEETING December 21, 2019 – 1PM January 18, 2020 – 1PM Northern Lights Valley Knitters Meridian Point Building 865 N. Seward Meridian Pkwy FREE Event - (907) 795-9275 CHRISTMAS EVE CELEBRATION December 24, 2019 - 7PM King of Kings Lutheran Church 1601 N Lucille St. Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 376-7771 kokw@mtaonline.net kingofkingswasilla.com WASILLA CHRISTMAS FRIENDSHIP DINNER December 25, 2019 - 11AM Christmas Friendship Dinner The Menard Center 1001 S Clapp St. Wasilla FREE Event christmasfriendshipdinner.org KNIK 200 (JOE REDINGTION SR. MEMORIAL) SLED DOG RACE January 4, 2020 – 11AM Knik 200 Sled Dog Race Series Knik Bar & Grill Mile 13 Knik Goose Bay Rd. Wasilla FREE Event – (907) 491-0893 info@knik200sleddograce.com knik200sleddograce.com VALLEY CRITIQUE GROUP January 9, 2020 - 5PM Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Wasilla Public Library 500 N Crusey St. Wasilla FREE Event alaka.scbwi.org
36TH ANNUAL WASILLA GUN & OUTDOOR SHOW January 18-19, 2020 - 10AM Wasilla High School Hockey Booster Club Wasilla High School 701 E Bogard Rd. FREE Admission Kids (Ages 0-5), $7 Reg. Admission DIY GATSBY HEADPIECE CRAFT CLASS January 18, 2020 - 1PM J.U.G.S. Women with Cancer Survivor Group Turkey Red 550 S Alaska St. FREE Women Fighting/Surviving Cancer jugsmatsu@gmail.com J.U.G.S. WOMEN WITH CANCER SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUP January 18, 2020 - 1PM Wasilla Bible Church - J.U.G.S. Call for more info (907) 775-3205 justgirlssupport.com
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Arts
Contributed by Carmen Summerfield On a recent trip to the Netherlands, I went to Utrecht to see a giant sculpture of a whale called “Skyscraper”. This sculpture is made entirely out of plastic waste materials collected from the Pacific Ocean. “Skyscraper” originated in Belgium, as an entry in the 2018 Bruges triennial-themed “Liquid City” and was designed by StudioKCA, an award-winning architecture and design firm led by Jason Klimoski and Lesley Chang based in Brooklyn, New York.
MID-DEC 2019
StudioKCA worked with volunteers from the Hawaii Wildlife Fund and the Surfrider Foundation to comb the beaches and waters of Hawaii and gather over five tons of plastic waste material that was floating on the surface of the Pacific Ocean as ‘plastic soup’. This accumulation of waste was then used as a medium for their 4-story-tall sculptural whale “Skyscraper”. This sculpture “Skyscraper” serves to address the 150 million tons of plastic waste that remains floating in the Pacific Ocean, as well as emphasize the necessity for individual and collective action. Regarding the ultimate decision to create a whale sculpture out of this accumulation, StudioKCA explains, “A whale, breaching from the water, is the first ‘skyscraper of the sea’, and
as the largest mammal in the water, it felt like the right form for our piece to take in order to show the scope and scale of the problem. Also, we were able to pull over five tons of plastic out of the ocean in a very short period of time, which means we have material for something large.” As well as being a striking sculpture and hard to miss (and offering a great selfie opportunity), the work highlights the growing problem of plastic pollution in our oceans – the biggest liquid city of our planet. After the Bruges triennial, at the initiative of Utrecht University, “Skyscraper” was moved to the Catherijnesingel near Utrecht Central Station in the Netherlands. According to Utrecht University, “The piece is a great fit for our research into the sustainable use of rivers and oceans. Not only is the whale a great fit for our research, it's also a cool way to make people aware of the fact that we really need to take action on this front. The piece is about as high as a 4-story building, so it's sure to stand out. It even looks quite cheerful – until you examine it properly and recognize where all the plastic came from, that is. It's quite a clever concept by the artist.” We have whales in Alaska. Perhaps we can make our own “Skyscraper” right here… Do you want to be part of this project?
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Arts
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Photography
Contributed by Charice Chambers Life wasn’t always easy for John Gould. When he was about 10 years old, he invested in his first Kodak Instamatic camera. He though it was cool to see people taking pictures. He quickly discovered that the camera provided a great escape from his often not too pleasant surroundings. Peering through the lens, he could frame spaces in his environment that were beautiful, unique or exciting, and exclude those that weren’t. Thus began a life long love relationship with the camera lens. Self taught, Gould learned by trial and error. He would examine each of his photos searching for what might improve each shot, trying to discover how he might do it better. His early cameras were limited in terms of adjustments, so he focused on the relationship of spaces and shapes, the effects of light on them and the relationship of the parts to the overall piece. He improved.
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Growing up in California, Gould spent as much time hiking and fishing in the state’s magnificent parks as he could. His father, a forest service ranger, encouraged Gould’s love of nature. Gould was especially fond of time spent on the Feather River, and named his photography business after it. It was along the river’s banks that he learned to appreciate the awesome grandeur of nature and endeavored to capture that grandeur on photo paper.
For nearly 20 years, Gould put down his camera to work in construction. He is a master carpenter and owned his own construction company. He also worked as a firefighter and a medic. Eventually, he returned to the camera. Thanks to the help of friends, he was able to make the leap into the photographic digital age. He spent time doing wedding photography, learning its business aspects from a close friend. He also tried his hand at portraiture. He loves to catch people’s expressions, as they reveal the person’s character and personality, their joys and their sorrows. Gould continues to do both wedding photography and portraiture as he hones and expands his photographic skills. However, his current emphasis is landscape. Moving to Alaska in 2014 profoundly affected his photographic journey. The state was so beautiful, that it compelled Gould to begin landscape shooting again. Semi-retired, he now has a bit more time to follow his passion. It isn’t unusual for him to awaken in the night, get dressed and head out to shoot haunting pictures of the moon as seen through barren tree branches or catch unusual night-lit vistas at Hatcher Pass. Gould prints his images on aluminum sheeting which creates a visual with intense color saturation and great pop. Most images are large and in this format require no framing. Their rear mounted hanging boxes help to
maintain an even visual bordering that renders each print stunning. Gould’s art must be seen in person to experience its full impact. Fortunately, he is currently displaying a large collection of his work at the Matsu Senior Center Gift Shop. They, like other items in the shop, are designed to be affordable and are available in a variety of sizes. Located at 1132 South Chugach Street in Palmer, across from Palmer Junior Middle School, the gift shop is open to both seniors and the public. For your holiday shopping convenience, hours have been extended from 10am to 4pm, Monday through Friday, through December 23rd.
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Photography
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Literature
Breakfast Cereal features me.” “Elf,” I replied. “I’m not supposed to judge what clients do, but do kids really need more sugar?”
Contributed by Melissa Martin
tions. “I’m a hot mess,” he muttered.
“Some kids are scared of me,” cried Elf as he rested in my flurry office chair. “Because parents say bad kids won’t receive gifts from Santa when I tattle.” I told Elf that spying on others is naughty, not nice and can be considered creepy. And spying can make children feel paranoid.
“And now Jimmy Kimmel is using me as a political poking joke with Trump on a Stump and Pence on a Fence.” Elf proclaimed he is a bipartisan pixie. He doesn’t want to see Bill and Hill on a Window Sill or Barack in a Clandestine Sock or Nancy P. in an Ambush Tree.
I asked Elf if he knew what other doll comes to life when nobody is watching. Chucky, a horror film star. “Elf,” I said. “When you blab to Santa when kids argue with siblings or refuse to clean their rooms, kids start to resent you.” Elf sniffed and blew his plastic nose. “I know I’m a tattle-tale, but that’s my job.” I invited Elf to talk more about his emo-
“Talk about why some elves are sooo ornery,” I said. We discussed how he is supposed to role model appropriate behaviors. “I know I go overboard sometimes and spill flour on the floor and roll it or fish in the toilet. But give me a break. The parents make me do it.” Elf sobbed as snot bubbled out his nostrils. I handed him a half of a tissue. Some parents are tired of ho-ho-hoing and moving Elf around every night. And
spending money on special clothes and accessories. FYI: Elf on the Shelf doesn’t know he’s not real. He was created by humans. He showed me Facebook pictures of the wacky stunts adults make him do with Barbie and Ken. “I’m the victim,” he declared. Elf denied abusing alcohol and smoking marijuana. Elf did confess that he slipped Ritalin into Rudolph’s water bowl before take-off last year. And he admitted to putting reindeer poo in Sarah Elizabeth Sander’s stocking. I suggested that Elf work on his low impulse control. “This year, I’m on the holiday menu at IHOP. Pancakes with sweet cream cheese icing and whipped topping,” Elf bragged. “And Kellogg’s Elf on the Shelf Sugar Cookie with Marshmallow
Elf watched me for quite a while without speaking. I just knew Santa would leave a lump of coal in my stocking. “Why don’t you focus on the behaviors the kids are doing well? Like when they share, take turns, and help around the house.” We discussed positive behavioral tools. “What about an elf alternative?” I suggested that he consider becoming a Pocket Pixie that encourages intentional acts of being kind to others over the Christmas holiday and beyond. “Just talk to Mrs. Claus,” I recommended. To make a long story short, I referred Elf to a 12-Step program called Tattle-Tale Anonymous. And the Human Resources office at the North Pole. Melissa Martin, Ph.D., is an author, columnist, educator, and therapist. Contact her at melissamcolumnist@ gmail.com.
Poetry & Prose Contributed by Nan Potts
MID-DEC 2019
Silver, reflected in golden eyes. If you looked closer, bits of blue and red accessorized the metallic surface. It stared. Neither twitch nor blink, but a steady gaze, almost insatiable, on a target - with one goal. I held witness to this type of engagement before. Most of the time it was deadly. Now, the odds were in my favor and I was determined to succeed! A pinkish tongue appeared, taking a swipe of a fleshy lip, yawned and licked
again. Teeth showed. Although worn over time, still endured with strength, capable of removing limbs or even small heads. I swallowed hard, preparing myself to oppose my foe. I shifted in my seat, trying to seek an advantage over this cleaver beast. An ever so sight change in position ,and I knew the time was ripe to make the first move. The yellow head lowered in such a stealthy manner that was difficult to detect. But there, it was going in for the kill!
How should I counter? I startled myself by asking that question. No time, respond! No longer rational, I instinctively kept one hand on the steering wheel as the other darted forward and snatched the target. He lunged as well, jamming his wet black nose into the back of my hand. I heard a crackling sound as my fingers closed around object. The cur rapidly withdrew, its yellow body slipped and skidded on the center console to regain its composure. It, had missed! Drawing the prize to me, I laughed
aloud, rejoicing in my triumph. Quickly, I placed a corner of it between my teeth and tore the shiny wrapper apart, spitting it on to the car floor. With such swiftness and deftness, I popped it into my mouth. A wave of exhilaration and satisfaction swept over me. An, “Aaaah,” escaped from me as the morsel began to melt and ooze down my throat. Not allowing my eyes to leave the road assisted my adversary to save face. I stole a brief tousle behind one ear and gave a gentle word, “Dogs can’t eat chocolate.”
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Art by Gavin Grohall
MID-DEC 2019
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Poetry & Prose Contributed by Kailey Roark, 13 years old You say you love me, And I believe, The way you hug me, The atmosphere we achieve. The way you look, Into my eyes, My heart you took, By surprise. You’ll Never Leave Me. You hold my hand, As we walk, Never planned, Our love-filled talks. I’ll never forget, Your smell I love, The smell you let, In from above. You’ll Never Leave Me. You don’t mind, Me being boring, Your heart is kind, Our love is soaring. I smile when, I see your face, I get a grin, When I feel your embrace. You’ll Never Leave Me.
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But now I pay the cost, With tear-filled eyes, For the love I lost,
With Cloudy Skies. I shouldn’t have let you, Do what you did, We were two, Until the secret you hid. I Thought You’d Never Leave Me. The phone call comes, I can’t answer the phone, What’s done is done, And now I’m alone. You told me you wouldn’t, Now you have regrets, Stop you? I couldn’t, But you smoked cigarettes. I Thought You’d Never Leave Me. As I see you laying, In the hospital bed, Inside I am praying, God, take me instead! You open your eyes, And try to hug me, Not to my surprise You couldn’t reach. I Thought You’d Never Leave Me. The phone is still ringing, And all I do is cry, Because I never got the chance, To say my last good-bye. I still love you, Even though I regret, All the times I let you, Smoke a cigarette. You left me.
Contributed by Randi Perlman, Board V.P., Valley Community for Recycling Solutions Our planet is changing in so many ways It’s warmer, it’s wetter, it’s not just a phase The grass is confused, it’s green and it’s growing Rivers and streams are ice-free and flowing This wouldn’t be odd, but you need to remember
Contributed by Yvonne Moss I read about his death in an artist’s magazine. It moved me. I attended a workshop led by him I’m my home town early in his career. I didn’t know he taught workshops in Europe and USA. He was that well-known.
We’re not still in summer, we’re now in December! It takes just a little to help a real lot Just small steps from many and a little deep thought Like turning the lights off when they’re not in use And recycling as much as we can of our refuse Try plugging your car in at twenty degrees You can turn off the water
I hadn’t realized his impact on my life until I read about his his demise. He was the influence (inspiration?) for my own impressionistic watercolors and helped me develop my own style of painting with feeling. He was the starting point and made
Contributed by Wendy Brooker
Contributed by Jean Murray
On camels, they come from afar Into Bethlehem, led by a star. They’re thirsty. It’s late. Think - This gift thing can wait. So, three wise men walk into a bar.
Fruit is not candy Starburst cannot tempt me now I Kringle my nose. KitKat does not lift With wimpy milk chocolate I Kringle my nose. But dark chocolate Gift me from Harry and friend Now my mouth waters.
when brushing your teeth We can take little steps and make a real difference We can show others how with education and patience We share the same planet and I know we all care ‘bout the water, the air and the ground If we all walk the walk and teach the good talk TOGETHER, WE [still] CAN TURN IT AROUND!!!
me more confident. He was only one year older than me which brought home how lucky my life had been (but made me more conscious of my own mortality). What he did for my art was marvelous to say the least.
Contributed by Mark Webb “As I see it,” grunted Mr. Pig, “The human is much like the donkey. Homosapiens, Are badly mistaken, To believe that he comes from a monkey. Although human beings
can walk on two legs, And exhibit debatable class, The human being is much like the donkey, For both of them act like an ass. The moral? Grunt, sooie, oink, squeal, Only a pig can have appeal!”
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Arts
Contributed by Diane Paoletti
MID-DEC 2019
The pursuit of masterly quality and technique is a high priority for Lyn Diefenbach, whose work is imbued with a celebration of her faith and of life. Her paintings in pastel and oil cover a myriad of subject matter with her bold florals consistently receiving accolades nationally and internationally. Her ability to communicate her ideas has entrenched her as a respected and sought-after tutor, with teaching engagements internationally and across Australia. Lyn was accepted into the International Guild of Realism in 2008, and holds “Master Pastellist” status with the Pastel Society of Australia. Lyn was awarded “Eminent Pastellist” status in the International Association of Pastel Societies
in 2019, having achieved “Master Circle” status with that group in 2014. Lyn was accepted into the Pastel Society of America as a Signature Member in 2016. She has been featured numerous times in the International Artist, Pastel Journal and Australian Artist magazines
life equals her work…”
Some comments from workshop participants:
“Thank you for your generosity in passing on skills and knowledge. Truly inspirational.”
“Lyn, thank you so much. You have given me a gift that will last a lifetime.” “Opened a whole new reality of seeing things.” “A great inspiration and a great teacher.” “…Not only is her work beyond words, but Lyn's caring personality, and approach to
“Thank you so much for such a wonderful informative class. Your teaching was so clear and easy to follow.” “Many thanks for your generosity, patience, humour and talent.”
February 2020 Class Schedule: February 10-12: Oil Portraits February 17-19: Pastel Portraits February 20-21: Pastel Florals February 24-25: Pastel Landscapes For details and bookings, contact Diane Paoletti at 907-355-4632 or dianeyaol@ gmail.com
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Arts
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