Make A Scene Magazine February 2024 by The Peoples Paper

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Alaska Junior Theater presents

Music reimagined ALASKA STATE FAIR

FAVORITES RETURN WITH ‘TOP 40 OF THE PAST 40!’ 40!’ Music you know and love - with a Brazilian twin brother twist!

public show

march 22, 2024

7:00 pm

IN THE ATWOOD CONCERT HALL

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17,000 COPIES PER ISSUE, 16 YEARS IN PRINT.

Mayley, 16

MID-FEB 2024

EST. 2007

ART MUSIC EVENTS POETRY THEATER & MUCH MORE!

Zoe, 7

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Music

KOLOHE KAI JOINS STATE FAIR 2024

and “Paradise.” A fourth full-length album, Summer To Winter, came out in 2019 and was honored at the Island Music Awards as the Album of the Year. A live album in honor of its 10th anniversary and the Best of Kolohe Kai Acoustic album were both released in 2021, followed by Kolohe Kai’s latest album, Hazel Eyes, featuring “I Think You’re Beautiful,” “Feel the Sunshine” and “When the Rain Falls.” Kolohe Kai tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Friday, February 9, on the Fair website, alaskastatefair. Contributed by Melissa Keefe org, joining the previously announced concerts featuring Oliver Anthony, Whiskey Myers, and Mt. Joy. Hawaii-based reggae artist Kolohe Kai will bring his Concert-goers have the option to purchase concertwarm, sunny, island vibes to the Alaska State Fair in fall only tickets or tickets including Fair admission. The 2024! As the latest act announced in the 2024 Concert Series at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre, Kolohe Kai included admission is at a discounted price and is good for the day of the concert only. Concert tickets, includwill perform Thursday, August 29, at 7 p.m. Tickets go ing Fair admission must be purchased by August 15. on sale to the public tomorrow, Friday, February 9, Details on ticket options and pricing are available on at 10 a.m. the Fair website. Convenience fees apply to all online Led by singer/songwriter Roman De Peralta, Kolohe Kai entered the Pacific reggae scene in 2009 with the re- concert ticket purchases. Visit alaskastatefair.org for additional information on lease of debut album, This is the Life, featuring hits like “Ehu Girl” and “Cool Down.” A second all-original album, this act and upcoming concert announcements. For more information, contact Melissa Keefe, director of Love Town, came out in 2011. marketing and communications, at Kolohe Kai returned in 2014 with the reggae-heavy mk@alaskastatefair.org. album, Paradise, with favorites including “He’e Roa”

CONCERT LINE-UP

AUGUST 29

Arts

RHONDA SCOTT

MID-FEB 2024

Contributed by Rhonda Scott

Join us Friday March 1st, from 1-7PM at the Hotel Captain Cook at the 4th Ave. entrance. The first 100 attendees will receive a free print of “Borealis Pup” artwork, compliments of The Hotel Captain Cook & Rhonda Scott. Prints, giclees, notecards, metals, and lots of cool additional Alaskan art and gift items will also be available for purchase. Additional prints available for special show price of $25 (retail price is $35). We would love to see you there! For more information rhondascottart@icloud.com or www.akcrazy.com

Fostering teen empowerment

www.onwardandupward.org

907-745-ONUP

through outdoor adventures,experientiallearning, andthe power of OneHealth principles-

NEXT THE THE UMV IN FRONT OF HOME DEPOT WASILLA, ALASKA www.ROCKSFORAGES.com

Music

ASPENYARROW

PERFORMING AT WASILLA PUBLIC LIBRARY

Save the date! Aspenyarrow (Kayti Heller) performs After growing up in Talkeetna and moving to Palmer at Wasilla Public Library on April 25th. with her two kids and dog, Mary Puppins, Kayti continDrawing inspiration from nature, love, mental health, ues to explore and express through her music. and self-acceptance, Kayti’s songs reflect her Watch for more details at www.MakeASceneAK.com/ experiences and the beauty of transforming emotions wasillalibraryconcert. into music.

APRIL 25

LIGHT AT NIGHT FESTIVAL HITS EAGLE RIVER Contributed by Lindsey Thorsheim

The Light at Night Festival is committed to providing a hassle-free experience, ensuring that the journey to the music is as enjoyable as the festival itself. Tickets for the Light at Night Festival are now available online. Music fans and adventure enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their spot at what is destined to become one of Alaska’s premier music events. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the festival website www.lightatnightfestival.com. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of local Alaskan history! For more information contact Lindsey Thorsheim with Light at Night Festival, Ineffable Music Group 720.215.6550, www.ineffablemusic.com and www. lightatnightfestival.com.

MID-FEB 2024

Nestled amongst the breathtaking Alaskan peaks, Matanuska Brewing Company is more than just a The inaugural Light at Night Festival is set to illumivenue; it’s a testament to the Alaskan spirit. Festivalgonate the Alaskan summer with a vibrant celebration of ers can indulge in local culinary delights from a variety music, craft beer, and camaraderie! of food trucks and stay refreshed with a selection of On June 29th, Matanuska Brewing Company in Eagle Matanuska Brewing Company’s finest beers served at River will transform into a bustling hub for music lovers! multiple pouring stations. The Light at Night Festival invites everyone to experiThe venue has hosted performances from legends ence Matanuska Brewing’s backyard venue in Eagle like Stick Figure and Matisyahu, as well as rock icons River, as it plays host to a diverse lineup of bands and Three Days Grace and Tesla. This year promises to build solo artists. This year’s roster includes Slightly Stoopid, on that legacy, offering a festival experience as refreshIam Tongi, The Elovaters, Mike Love, and H3, who are all ing as the crisp mountain air. poised to deliver unforgettable performances. Music Conveniently located between Anchorage and the enthusiasts can look forward to a day filled with good Mat-Su in Eagle River, the Light at Night Festival is an vibes and great tunes. easy getaway for both local and visiting attendees.

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www.susitnabrewing.com

B2WINS 5120 S BIG LAKE RD. 907-892-2336

MID-FEB 2024

Music

BRING THEIR UNSTOPPABLE POSITIVITY BACK TO ALASKA

Rio de Janeiro to Niteroi, a city of half a million people in southeastern Brazil. Niteroi is a financial and commercial center, with modern buildings and shopping malls, but the Caldas family lives in its poorest area—the favela, a Portuguese word that more or less translates to “slum.” Favelas throughout Brazil are distinguished by their primitive infrastructure and public services, high crime, and extreme poverty. Most residents have no diploma. Most boys become men who work a life of hard labor for low wages. They start families and build atop their parents’ homes, often using whatever materials they can find or afford, creating an urban landscape of dirt and brick dotted with pastels and bright colors. “We had nothing, but at the same time we had everything,” Walter says inside the small apartment near Ingersoll Avenue he shares with his wife, Molly, and new dog, Branca, a gentle pit bull who likes to sleep. He talks over the loud buzz of an Contributed by Lainie Dreas air conditioner attached to the wall over the couch, and hums “No DigGet ready to sing, dance, laugh and take your soul on a feelgood ride gity” by Blackstreet as he searches through chart topping hits and origi- his laptop for photos of home. He nal songs performed in a way only the shows them off with great pride. “Everything we are today—the B2wins can. Alaska Junior Theater is personality, the craziness—is from excited to present three unique perhere,” he says. “Our childhood was formances with the Alaska State Fair everything you could ever imagine. Fan Favorites: the B2wins. Pure happiness. Freedom.” Pronounced B-Twins, this high enGrowing up in the violent, impoverergy entertainment group continues to captivate audiences worldwide with ished slums of Rio De Janeiro in Brazil, Walter and Wagner Caldas began its unique renditions of crowd favorites and engaging, uplifting live show playing classical music on violins their that targets the masses. Led by charis- father made by hand. The identical matic twin brothers, from Niteroi, Rio twins used music as an escape from their reality and began teaching othde Janeiro, Walter & Wagner Caldas (B2wins) combine a plethora of genres ers in their neighborhood to do the same. In the last 10 years, they have into a feelgood performance that is equal parts rock concert, dance party, expanded their neighborhood a bit, jam session and vacation for the soul. performing over 1,000 shows all over B2wins Origins: The longest bridge the world. Their inspirational life story can be in the Southern Hemisphere connects

felt in every song they perform, and they are on a mission to make the world smile with their music. Check out their amazing YouTube music Videos: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=I8VZAsTUt60. These unforgettable, engaging shows are for all ages and features one-of-a-kind renditions of everything from Elvis to Ed Sheeran, Bon Jovi to Dua Lipa and countless other timeless hits, all crafted in a non-stop thrill experience of music called “Exciting, hilarious, uplifting and pure JOY!” by American Entertainment Magazine. Here in Alaska! B2wins will be performing a public show (Music Reimagined), field trip shows (Strings Over Streets) and a special performance for this year’s Carnival themed Alaska Junior Theater Benefit Show. “You are going to want to see ALL three shows to lighten up the still dark days of winter in March. Join us!” invites Lainie Dreas, Executive Director of Alaska Junior Theater.

All performances will be in the Atwood Concert Hall of the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. “Strings Over Streets” School Performances: March 19-21, 2024 (Teachers register at 907-272-7546) “Music Reimagined” Public Performance: Friday, March 22, 2024 at 7:00PM “Brazilian Carnival” Annual Benefit Performance: Saturday, March 23 at 5:00PM Tickets are available at www.akjt.org or by calling 907.263.ARTS (2787).

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Music

ANCHORAGE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS

THE MAGIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS: FROM HOLLYWOOD TO HOGWARTS Contributed by Jennifer Cargile

MID-FEB 2024

BAFTAs, and 4 Golden Globes. And in 2009, President Barack Obama awarded John Williams the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing his significant contriWho made people afraid to go into the water? Helped introduce the world to the magic of Hogwarts butions to the field of music. The Library of Congress recently preserved his Star Wars soundtrack in the Naand made everyone want to be a Jedi? John Williams tional Recording Registry for being “culturally, historidid this through his music spanning more than five decades, making him America’s best-known and most cally, or aesthetically significant.” Beyond films, for decades you could also hear Wildistinctive composer. liams’ work each evening when The Mission opened On February 10th, the Anchorage Symphony the NBC Nightly news. His partnership with NBC Orchestra presents The Magic of John Williams, from extended to their Sunday Night Football broadcast Hollywood to Hogwarts, featuring the most famous theme: the 1984, 1988, and 1996 Summer Olympic film scores performed LIVE! Musicians of the ASO, led Games, the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, and the 1987 by guest conductor, Lucas Waldin, will immerse the International Summer Special Olympic Games. And audience in an evening of musical enchantment that transcends the screen and brings the magic of cinema this year he created an original score for ESPN’s NCAA Playoff National Championship broadcast. to life through iconic soundtracks from famous films, One of the most popular and successful Ameriincluding Star Wars, Harry Potter, E.T.: The Extra-Terrescan orchestral composers of the modern age, John trial, Indiana Jones, Superman, and many more. Williams has worked his magic, setting the tone to Anyone who has seen a movie or watched TV in the last 60 years has most likely heard a John Williams countless movies and television shows. His scores have influenced generations of musicians and music-lovers composition. Closely associated with Steven Spieland inspired composers and moviemakers around the berg since 1975, Williams has scored for all but three world. of Spielberg’s feature films. He has also composed for Those who attended the 2018 Music of John Wileight of the top 20 grossing films in cinematic history liams concert by the Anchorage Symphony will re(adjusted for inflation). member that this is more than a concert, it is an EVENT! Frequent collaborator, Steven Spielberg has said, Anchorage Symphony’s The Magic of John Williams, “Without John Williams, bikes don’t fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes. There Saturday, February 10, 2024, (7:30pm) in the Atwood is no Force. Dinosaurs do not walk the earth. We do not Concert Hall, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Infrared headphones for the hearing impaired are wonder, we do not weep, we do not believe.” available concert night from the House Manager on Williams’ prolific work and his association with box the Orchestra Level. office hits has led to 53 Academy Award nominations Tickets: Adult, $59-$35; Youth, $25; (prices include (the only person with more is Walt Disney). Throughsurcharges and fees). Discounts are available. To purout his career, Williams has won 5 Academy Awards chase tickets, go to www.centertix.com or (Fiddler on the Roof, Jaws, Star Wars, E.T. The Extraterrestrial, and Schindler’s List), 3 Emmys, 24 Grammy’s, 7 call 263ARTS (2787), toll free at 1- 877-ARTS- TIX.

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Community

REDEMPTION IS RESILIENT Contributed by Juliah Barnett

REDEMPTION is a therapeutic job training program designed for clients of MY House to have the opportunity to feel and heal through clothing design. This year we have revamped our program into a t-shirt printing business with a collection designed by MY House staff and clients. Inspired by the Art Nouveau movement of the 1910’s, “The REDEMPTION Movement” collection highlights Alaskan flowers with symbolism and meaning. Featured Design: The REDEMPTION Fireweed Hoodie Resilience is a quality that we all want but is often hardearned. How resourceful we are in the face of adversity, how teachable we are when we fail, how we pick ourselves back up again after the storm ends and the dust settles... measures how resilient we are. Resilience grows over time like beautiful fireweed after a wildfire. The REDEMPTION Fireweed hoodie reminds us that as we heal, we thrive! Get your very own Fireweed Hoodie in store at Black Birch Books in Wasilla and shop the rest of the collection online at redemptionapparelak.com. Follow our journey on Instagram and Facebook @redemptionapparelak. For more information about the services offered at MY House, visit myhousematsu.org or call (907)-373-4357. Thank you for supporting MY House!

Poetry & Prose

MID-FEB 2024

JEFFREY

is a blur. And then, I found my sweet one. As, I went hunting, I came back to find my whelps were gone. A rustle and a flash and I was caught in a trap. Those devils. A long, bumpy travail and I find myself in a small Contributed by W.S. White space. I pray to know where the babes are. Did the devils take them, too? Where is she, my Dove? Oh, my dear one. I remember, my mother’s songs and her Gone for what seems to be days. wise words to soothe her small babes. She Whatever the calamity, she’s left me with 3 is all I have to comfort me as I sing her small whelps. The 4th one died in his sleep. songs. I cannot eat. It’s always daylight. My I carried his poor, limp body for hours; coat, A blessed gift of the lord is whimpering and searching for a place for growing thin. him to rest. The others are not yet weaned On a day, no different than the others, one from their mother’s milk. I hunt for a small comes to retrieve me. I’m taken to a small animal or bird, but they know not what room. In enters 2 of them. The man is old, to do with the meat, though I try to show but the woman seems vibrant. There have them the way. been inconceivable trials here that I can’t I don’t remember how I found myself mention or I may sink to a sadness I won’t wandering in the wilds. I know, the devils recover from. I worry constantly about my took my mother with a loud shot. The rest

babes. I am in a delirium. I am fussed over and cooked to by the woman. They take me to a small kennel and again, I’m put in a wagon. There is another kennel with a small, skinny dog. His coat, A matted mess. As, I recount my tale, I’ll tell you that my life with the elders was a comfort. The old man dotes on me and the other mutt. The woman spoils us and flattens us. I gradually, grow accustomed to their touch and smell. I pray, for the old man to know his lord. I pray for my sweetheart and our babes. Sometimes, I want to run to the wilds, but they know where to find me. My coat is grown again. I am well. I wait till it is my time and I will see my mother, again and she will sing her songs to soothe me. Now, hush master. Sing.

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Poetry & Prose

OBLIVESCENCE: A BOOK OF POETRY ON ALZHEIMER’S AND

DEMENTIA, MADE BY THREE GENERATIONS OF WOMEN Contributed by Caitlin M.S. Buxbaum

Although feminism is not necessarily a central tenet of Red Sweater Press, it gives this female publisher great joy to announce that our ninth publication is a book of poems and artwork created by a woman and her daughter, about the author’s relationship with her own mother.

MID-FEB 2024

Oblivescence is Wisconsin poet Kelly R. Samuels’ second full-length collection of poetry, which details many aspects of her role as caregiver for her mother, who struggled with dementia due to Alzheimer’s—a condition that approximately 6.5 million Americans are battling. This book

of memory and loss is rich in imagery as well as metaphor, and threaded with allusions to Greek mythology, clinical psychology, and gardening. Readers of all kinds, but especially caregivers, mothers, daughters, and medical staff, are sure to be moved by this written exploration of what it means to remember. Joan Kwon Glass, author of Night Swim, says: “Oblivescence is a frank, striking record of the human experience when we consider what is lost—yes—but also what can be found.” A Best of Net and Pushcart Prize nominee, Kelly R. Samuels is the author of the full-length collection All the Time in the World and four chapbooks: Talking to Alice; To Marie Antoinette, from; Words Some of Us Rarely Use; and Zeena / Zenobia Speaks. Learn more at krsamuels.com. Please join us for a virtual launch of Kelly’s newest book on Thursday, February 22, at 4 p.m. AKST. The event will be held live on YouTube, so you don’t need to log in or have an account unless you want to type comments in the live chat. We will be raffling off one signed copy of Oblivescence, one signed copy of All The Time in the World, and one Red Sweater Press mug throughout the event, so be sure to tune in live for your chance to win! For more information, follow Red Sweater Press on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube, or sign up for our email newsletter at redsweaterpress.com. Read excerpts and order your copy of Oblivescence online at redsweaterpress. com/store.

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Mysticism

KEEP SWIMMING

MID-FEB 2024

Contributed by Brittani Grace Hello everybody! Welcome back 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. Deck: Mermaid Tarot By Leeza Robertson Illustrations by Julie Card: 5 The Hierophant The Hierophant relates to traditions, being a keeper of the records and a teacher of life. “The Hierophant knows more than most just how important it is to document important people, places, and events. WHO WE ARE TODAY IS A PRODUCT OF THOSE STORIES. Without them, none of us would have any sense of purpose or identity.”{A Guide to the Mermaid Tarot pg: 35} When we think of our individual histories, we tend to have diﬀerent emotions and thoughts about each moment. Sometimes we cringe, sometimes we laugh, sometimes we cry, sometimes we smile, and sometimes we feel anger. Each of these has brought us to this exact moment in time; brought us to who we are today. Our histories have provided lessons and experiences for growth, even when we were so stuck in the moment we couldn’t see it. When we take the time to look back, by stepping out of the emotion associated with the memory, we are able to see things from a broader point of view, and see more clearly. This following month, we are guided to review present moments in correlation with the carousel of life lessons as they return. We can allow ourselves to see the patterns and assess the moment with a clearer understanding by paying close attention to our dreams, to our instincts, to the way our body feels in any given moment, and to the memories that arise in a “deja vu” kind of way. Stop, take a moment

and breathe. When these moments happen for us, they give us power. They give us a moment of control by deciding how we will respond or handle history repeating itself. Sometimes, when history repeats itself it is so we have the opportunity to see how far we have come. I recently had one of these moments in a way that hit me like none other before. This time it was a physical lesson, that carried into the mental. A little back story; about five years ago I severely injured my back. It became a very painful chronic back condition I lived with for three years. It caused a lot of nerve and muscle trauma on the right lower side of my body that carried into my leg. There were days where if I were to even stand for five minutes, I was in excruciating pain from the instability of my spine. A year and a half ago, I received a corrective surgery to help fuse it back into place. YAY! The surgery went amazing and there was no more “pre-surgery” pain or any “post-surgery” complications. I healed faster and be]er than the surgeons had even expected. Now, back to the present; These last few days I have been learning to scuba dive, we have spent three hours a day in the pool learning all the skills needed to be certified in the ocean. Today, actually, after class, I was relaxing and I suddenly had a severe cramp and nerve attack in my right leg. As I was quickly handed a jar of pickles with a straw, to drink the juice, the extreme pain from before the surgery engulfed me and brought tears to my eyes. Just as the tears were falling, an enormous wave of gratitude washed over me. I was suddenly transported into a state of relief as the thought, “Thank goodness this isn’t my daily life anymore” took over my mind. Having accepted the pain in the moment, and knowing that I had lived through it before, allowed me to step out of the fear of what was happening and switch into “functioning mode” and embrace that it was only for those few minutes. The pickle juice took immediate effect, I stretched, walked around a bit afterwards, and the pain was gone. These lessons appear in various ways. This time for me, it was a reminder of how much I had taken my body for granted before and how much I appreciated the strength it has everyday. There are times in life when we may not be exactly where we want to be, but we are further along than we realize. These moments come along to show us just that. To step out of the feeling, or the day-to-day, to see all that we have accomplished, giving us a chance for celebration!

“Το τέταρτο μπολ δεν είναι πια δικό μας ” (EUBULUS, ATHENAEUS DEIPNOSOPHISTAE) GEORGE W. PALMER Contributed by Anthony Irsik When Valley farms were considered to be, He advocated for wife’s family, That the planted foods colonists had brought, Would supplement the fish which wife had caught, He had married a Dena‘ina woman, A single mother with her own children, And he traded fairly with her tribesmen, And asked them to help tend to his garden, Depending on what the garden produced, Could affect what seeds the colonists used, And with that and business he was inclined, To be a sly worker through Christmas time, But with disaster his life burned on fuel, Consoled by his newly homemade White Mule, It caused him to kick and bellow at all, This man’s life was destroyed by alcohol, He drank his first cup and he carried on, He drank the second, but his love was gone, After his third he refused to go sleep, We know what happens after, and we weep.

MY CANDY CIGARETTE Contributed by JJ Krueger

He’s bad for me He’s bad for me and I know it Like a cigarette covered in sugar It burns but god does it taste good I’m crying like I cried when we were together When I was afraid of loosing him But in reality I was the one who was backing away Step by step My exit echoing in the back of my mind Every day for the past 10 months I left you But you left me with deeper scars

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Poetry & Prose

IT FINALLY HERE Contributed by Yvonne Moss It’s been a long cold Winter — Spring is finally here, I’m ready for the growing things — The kind that brings me cheer! Ah, the warmth of coming Spring-shine — That heats the chilly air, The sun makes way for planting beds — With veggies and flowers fair. I’ll have to wait for Summer — With blossoms in full bloom, Then foliage is at its peak — And, insects in full Zoom! Thank Heavens for its arrival — I could not stand much more, Such wondrous days begin, now — As I walk out my door.

Like an addict or a moth I’m drawn back to you My bug zapper disguised as my savior light My relapse in a bottle waiting to happen I shake at the thought of hearing your voice again Or making eye contact and seeing the same eyes I wrote pages about This time last year I despise the fact that my friends know your eye color and the way your smile made me feel Now it’s like a roller coaster ride I am forced onto against my will Stomach grinding unceremoniously until the gears crack and I’m stuck on the ride forever He’s bad for me And I know it So I haven’t said a word to you since April 24th When you gave me all my stuff back in two trash bags Clothes still soaked because your dryer broke After I handed you what little I still had in a box neatly folded half closed so nothing would break

DEEP DARK DIVE Contributed by Robert Lyons

MID-FEB 2024

Spiraling down through ages the light hits the brine, blasting past the swimming surface to shine upon the dining predators of the deep. Deeper still, beyond the eels and sharks, attracting the grays to race the light to the dark. Sparks to prisms, photons hitting their limits, slowed sharply beyond comprehension. The shimmering lost above, what creeps down here? Beings lost in time, hidden from reality, alive or dead? None to ever know, the bottom cannot be observed, this Schrodinger box of the deep. A world of sifting, drifting particles and eternal wonder, before and after simultaneously put beyond to the point of buoyancy, the pressure beyond belief! Where souls sink to die and demons ride the currents in silence, unknown. Where clocks stop ticking and the world grows. Where the pits of the deep provide to survive, and there is little to no life but for those who travel the waves of time. Creatures creep in horrific blindness and strife, as shining beams lose the race of their life. Deep down here where the whales dive

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 nonprofit Thrift Store, turn-A-leaf. VCI Re-entry Program assists ex-offenders to become successful citizens helping to stabilize a home, work, per-

sonal 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.

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SAVE THE DATE! ALASKA SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES ARE COMING! Contributed by Jeni McDaniel

MID-FEB 2024

Get ready for a Scottish extravaganza that’s not just an event – it’s an invitation to become a cherished member of the Alaskan Scottish Clan! Picture this: the enchanting sound of bagpipes filling the air, athletes throwing heavy objects with flair, and Highland dancers twirling in a mesmerizing display, and drummers setting the rhythm, for an unforgettable experience all while you immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Scottish traditions. Feel the camaraderie at the Gathering O’ The Clans, witness majestic Birds of Prey, and let out a cheer at the Kilted Mile-a race that’s like no other. Dive into the world of spirits with Scotch, Mead, and Bourbon Tasting, and relax at the Tea Tent with a cuppa fit for a Scottish laird or lady. Watch in awe as our King salmon goes airborne in the Salmon Toss spectacle, and don’t forget to say hello to the adorable Highland Coo – a fluffy friend that steals the show. Feel the tug of competition at Tug-Of-War, explore

the Celtic Marketplace and Food Trucks for delightful treats and artisan crafts, and transport yourself back in time with Historical Demonstrations. But wait, there’s more! Let loose to the rhythm of Live Music, marvel at the feats of the Scottish Strongman, and witness brave souls tackle the Haggis Eating Contest – all alongside your fellow members of the Alaskan Scottish Clan. And for the little ones, Children’s Events offer a world of wonder and delight. With so much to see, do, taste, and experience, this Scottish celebration is not just a day of fun; it’s a journey into the heart of Scotland, filled with laughter, traditions, and memories waiting to be made. A touch of Scottish spirit finds its way into everyone at the Alaska Scottish Highland Games. Mark your calendar for June 29th and 30th at the Alaska State Fairgrounds. To stay updated on exciting games announcements and find more information, please visit our website at alaskanscottish.org.

PAGE 18

Arts

REPURPOSED ART AUCTION MID-FEB 2024

Contributed by MatSu Valley Rebuild

Matsu Valley Rebuild, the Valley’s used building materials store, is having a fundraiser with the help of local valley artists. Divided Art ’24 is an art exhibition and silent auction that will take place February 21-24 at MVR. This is an art event for everyone and a truly unique art exhibit. We asked local artists to lend their talent and vision in this unique project that turns used bi-fold closet doors into room dividers and cool pieces of art. The participating artists took used doors from Matsu Valley Rebuild and have given these outcasts of the closet door world new life and a new identity. Divided Art displays the wonderful artistic talent we have in the Matsu Valley. It also provides an opportunity for visitors to take home a one-of-a-kind piece of art. In addition to being art, a room divider is great for creating a private space like a reading nook

or changing area, for blocking out unsightly equipment or appliances, and even for providing privacy at a window without having to close the blinds or blackout natural light. You may already have a need for a room divider at your house! You can see these cool pieces at Matsu Valley Rebuild during the silent auction. You will also be able to learn more about the artists, their background, inspiration and more. You can even bid on your favorite, and if you win you get to take it home! The auction will close Saturday February 24 at 5pm. Matsu Valley Rebuild is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit used and surplus building materials store with the mission to keep useful building materials and related items out of the landfill. MVR aims to save people money by reducing dumping costs and offering great prices for shoppers. Through wiser building practices we will preserve green space and spread sustainability. MVR also plans to expand beyond the store to offer a tool

library, workshops and classes, artist studio space, community garden space and more. Divided Art 24’ provides our local artists with a unique challenge and promotes their work, skills and businesses while repurposing and making cool stuff. Matsu Valley Rebuild is proud to involve and promote members of our community in our fundraising. We are thankful for all the artists’ time and effort. Leading up to Divided Art and following the auction, information about each artist and their work will be circulated online and available at MVR so more people can support them. This event is sponsored by Mat-Su Health Foundation. Come support local art and local sustainability at Divided Art 24’! More information about Divided Art and MVR can be found at matsuvalleyrebuild.com, on Facebook and Instagram or by coming by the store!

VALLEY PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTS:

PAGE 19

Theater

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME

Contributed by Ashley Elver Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz. Peter Parnell’s new book embraces story theatre and features verbatim passages from Hugo’s gothic novel. The musical begins as the bells of Notre Dame sound through the famed cathedral in fifteenth-century Paris. Quasimodo, the deformed bellringer who longs to be “Out There,” observes all of Paris reveling in the Feast of Fools. Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day and joins the boisterous crowd, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful gypsy, Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit, though – the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the gypsies – and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all. *Please be aware this this play contains adult language and situations*

Tickets are available at https://vpaalaska.org/shows/ More info at www.vpaalaska.org or call (907)-373-0195.

MID-FEB 2024

The show runs February 16th - March 3rd. Shows every Friday (7:00pm), Saturday (2:00pm & 7:00pm) and Sunday (2:00pm). Hope to see you there!