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FAITH:
Connect Palmer Inc. www.ConnectPalmer.org (907) 746-9675 Connect Palmer is a Christ Centered Training Center and Housing for Women located in downtown Palmer. Connect Palmer’s two primary programs are God’s Work Design, and LIFE Connect. We also have Sarah’s House, which a Safe and Caring place for ladies, without homes, to live while they participate in our back to work and life skills programs. We also offer different community assistant programs, such as The Locker, to provide personal care and basic house hold cleaning items and Scarlet Tapestries which offers basic sewing skills instruction. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
OTHER Mat-Su Health Services, Inc. www.mshsak.org (907) 376-2411 Dedicated to improving the health of our community, one person at a time – through affordable medical, dental and behavioral health care.The clinic is a Federally qualified Health Care Center and we accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most other third-party insurances. For those who qualify, there is a sliding scale payment, based on household income. We offer early morning and evening appointments appointment. You can also contact our 24/7 behavioral crisis intervention line by calling the main number: 376-2411.
PETS & ANIMALS:
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Alaska Animal Advocates www.alaskaanimaladvocates.com (907) 841-3173 Alaska Animal Advocates is a non-profit group of dedicated volunteers who are devoted to enriching the lives of companion animals in Alaska. In order to do this, we will place homeless pets in loving environments, address medical concerns, spay or neuter, microchip, vaccinate, and offer training as is needed. We believe that every animal deserves a loving home, for his/her entire life and Alaska Animal Advocates will provide the resources to make this happen. In order to make this mission possible, we need the help of volunteers and foster homes.
FAMILIES & CHILDREN:
ARTS:
Denali Family Services
Valley Arts Alliance
291 East Swanson Ave. Wasilla, AK 907-222-2331 or eolivares@denalifs.org Denali Family Services provides therapeutic foster care to Alaskan children with mental health needs. If you are committed to working with a team, receiving training and implementing positive interventions to schoolage children and teens, we need your talents and skills. We are in search of professional, therapeutic foster parents who are willing to make a commitment to the children of Alaska by providing a stable home environment. For more information, please call or email our Foster Care Recruiter, Ernestina D. Olivares, at 907-222-2331 or eolivares@denalifs.org.
www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com Valley Arts Alliance, bringing the community together through the arts... We are a place for both new and established artists of all types— painters, sculptors, musicians, and those involved in the performing arts—to network and to experiment with new ideas and media. We work with local libraries, schools, museums, art councils, and music and art groups to create more venues for the arts, and to help promote art related events. Join us at our informal weekly meetings, every Thursday @ 11 at Sophia’s Cafe, 9191 E Frontage Road, Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Check out our archives www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com
Mat-Su Health Foundation
CONSERVATION:
healthymatsu.org (907) 352-2863 The 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 MATSU & 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 www.loglcms.org WOMEN WITH CANCER/ SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUP- JANUARY EVENT IS A GATSBY HEADPIECE CRAFT TO GET READY FOR THE FEBRUARY “GREAT GATSBY” GALA! Jan 18 (DIY Gatsby Headpiece) Feb 15 (Gala) Mar 21(wood craft) - 1:00 PM Turkey Red, 550 S. Alaska St. Palmer, Ak, 99645 United States (907) 775-3205 FREE LADIES’ FIREARM SAFETY & LAW CLASS Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 4 PM – 8 PM Sportsman’s Warehouse (Wasilla, AK) 1901 East Parks Highway, Wasilla, Alaska 99654
OPEN MIC NIGHT Jan 29, 2020 - 7:30 PM Long Nights Moon Klondike Mikes Main street Palmer, Ak, 99645 United States FREE TAX PREPARATION Feb 1, 2020 All Saturdays until 4/11/2020 - 10:00 AM AARP FOUNDATION Mat-Su Evangelical Covenant Church 5201 Mayflower Lane Wasilla, Ak, 99687 United States (907) 631-1456
VARICOSE VEIN PRESENTATION BY DR. SHANNON GULLEY FROM GLACIER MEDICAL Feb 10, 2020 – 1:00 PM Primrose Retirement Community of Wasilla 889 N Elkhorn Drive Wasilla, AK, 99654 United States (907) 373-5500 WEARABLE ART AND RUNWAY FASHION SHOW Feb 15, 2020 - 3:00 PM, & 7:00 PM Valley Arts Alliance Palmer Depot
LONG NIGHTS MOON @ TASTE OF WINE AND BEER FLIGHT NIGHT Feb 1, 2020 - 5:30 PM Palmer Hockey assc/Long Nights Moon Palmer train depot Main street Palmer Palmer, Alaska, 99645 United States Longnightsmoon.band
LONG NIGHTS MOON @NEIGHBORHOOD MEMORY CAFE Feb 18, 2020 - 1:00 PM Neighborhood Memory Cafe Wasilla area senior center 1301 S Century circle Wasilla, Ak, 99655 United States
FREE TAX PREPARATION Feb 3, 2020 - 10:00 AM AARP FOUNDATION TAXAIDE Wasilla Area Senior Center 1301 Century Circle Wasilla, AK, 99687 United States (907) 376-3104
LONG NIGHTS MOON @ SCHWABENHOF Feb 21, 2020 - 7:30 PM 4115 E Palmer Wasilla hwy Wasilla, Ak, 99554
BROADWAYS BEAUTY AND THE BEAST February 7 - February 22, 2020 Glenn Massay Theatre www.glennmassaytheatre. com (907) 232-8160 CABIN FEVER RELIEVER Feb 8, 2020 5:30 PM Palmer Moose Lodge 1136 S. Cobb St, Palmer, AK,
MYTH, MEANING & MAGIC BULLETS IN ATTACHMENT THEORY Feb 22, 2020 - 8:00 AM Alaska Attachment & Bonding Associates Everett’s in Mat-Su Resort 1850 E. Bogard Rd. Wasilla, AK, 99654 United States BIKERS FIGHTING HUNGER FOOD DRIVE Sunday, February 23, 2020 at 2 PM – 5 PM (907) 376-8669 Mat Su Alano Club 901 E Snohomish Ave, Wasilla, Alaska 99654
RANDY HOUSER AND KENDELL MARVEL 02/27/2020 at 7 PM – 10 PM Curtis D Menard Memorial Sports Center brownpapertickets.com LEGO COMMUNITY WORKSHOP Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 10 AM – 11 AM PST Wasilla Museum 323 N Main St, Wasilla, Alaska 99654 13TH ANNUAL RUNNING OF THE REINDEER 03/7/2020 4PM-5PM 4th Avenue, Anchorage www.myalaskatix.com 4TH ANNUAL BRIDAL & WEDDING EXPO Mar 7, 2020 - 12:00 PM Kreative Mind Events The Arctic Rec Center 4855 Arctic Blvd Anchorage, Alaska, 99503 (907) 764-5452 MAT-SU OUTDOORSMAN SHOW 2020 March 27-29 - 12:00 PM MATSU Events LLC Menard Center 1001 Clapp Street Wasilla, AK, 99654 United States (907) 301-7870 ALASKA VINTAGE HOME MARKET AND FOOD TRUCK FEST May 1st to May 3rd Alaska State Fair
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Music
Contributed by Nan Potts With the arrival of 2020, the MatSu Community Chorus rings in the new year, or shall I say, sings in the new year with the creation of a new children's chorus for local kids. Designed for children, first grade through eighth grade, the Chorus is offering this opportunity beginning Tuesday, February 4th.
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Under the direction of Sharon Theroux, students learn and experience the joy of choral music. Weekly rehearsals work toward a minimum of two concerts per semester (Fall and Spring) in conjunction with the Mat-Su Community Chorus’ scheduled performances.
worked as a professional music and theater specialist and taught music since 2000 in schools across the country. And here in Alaska, since 2005. With Sharon’s skillful direction, children learn musical direction, the art of singing, tone clarity and diction as well as reading music. She is graciously devoting her time and effort into building a chorus for young people with burgeoning voices. All this is combined to produce joyful song. Also keep in mind, their instrument comes with “no assembly required”.
Sharon, a talented and experienced teacher, has an impressive resumé in her field.
There may be residual effects, too. They include, cooperating with other children and adults, building self-confidence as a singer and performer and, most of all, having fun!
Having received a BA from South Dakota State University in music education and communication studies and theater, she completed her graduate studies in Suzuki Pedagogy, that she currently teaches. Sharon has
Parents, you’ll want to know more regarding this new adventure for you and your child. For further details and enrollment information, contact, Barry Dorman at barry.dorman@yahoo.com
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Contributed by Michael Consalo, Michael C Marketing Who Let the Girls Out is just around the corner, and with that amazing event in Downtown Palmer comes the Who let the Girls Out Talent Show! Sponsored by Matanuska Cannabis, 95.5 The Pass, Make A Scene Magazine and Michael C Marketing, this show is sure to please with it’s new, larger venue Klondike Mike’s and The Main Street Grill! Ten acts will compete for $1000, and they get one song to do it! Poetry, comedy, cover songs, originals, guitar players, singers… They’re all welcome to this event which happens one night only, on a Saturday in April.
Those interested in sponsoring or participating in this one-ofa-kind event should contact Michael C Marketing at michaelcmarketingak@gmail.com or on Facebook. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you at Who Let the Girls Out and the Talent Show in April.
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Judges include last year’s winner, Jerry Wessling, and the owner of Matanuska Cannabis Co., Chad Ragsdale. First place gets $500, second $300, and third $200 and attendance is free for those 21 and
older. Date and time are TBD, but this event is going to be a lot of fun and it’s right at the height of the Who Let the Girls Out Event, in the heart of Downtown Palmer, AK.
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Arts Contributed by Charice Chambers Gale Glenn admits to being a bit of a sewer, embroiderer, and home crafter. After creating a “really cool” Christmas stocking for her soccer-obsessed daughter, Glenn wanted to copy it. Unable to recut the precise patterns necessary using traditional means, Glenn decided to try a laser cutter. Not only did it work for her soccer patterns, but it did so much more. Seeing the price of Gale’s new toy, her husband jokingly suggested that she needed to do something a bit more lucrative with it to recoup some of it’s cost. The seed was planted.
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Soon she was turning out etched and cut products in paper, wood, metal and lucite. After a lot of practice and much trial and error learning, Glenn settled on products made of birch and alder. The couple had lots of logs on their property, so she began to create artistic sliced posts leaving a bit of bark attached. On the smooth side, she used the laser cutter to etch biblical and life affirming quotations. The live edged posts were a hit at craft shows, and Latitude 67 Laser Design was born. The company name was her piloting husband’s brainchild; it is the latitudinal address of the Arctic Circle.
Soon Gale began to expand her product lines. She launched a series of Alaskan animal ornaments, making them three dimensional to give more depth to the backgrounds and the animals. These continue today to be her best sellers. Wanting to create a Northern Lights background for several of her ornaments, Glenn incorporated the use of fabric in her designs. She expanded it to use in other ornament designs, including the view from a window, and backgrounds for inspirational wall hangings. This year Glenn took her ornament collection to new heights with a series of fanciful Christmas ornaments. They included a collection of Santa’s reindeer complete with individual naming and a hilarious set of quotation dog bones, among others. Glenn looks for inspiration from magazines, the Internet and even tattoo design. She has worked with local artists to render their designs in wood as well. Her business has been quite successful. Latitude 67 was originally housed in an 8 foot by 10-foot cabin, using a small laser cutter; it now claims space in a 10 foot by 20-foot hanger. The old laser cutter has been replaced with one twice its size that works at
double the speed of its predecessor. Today Latitude 67 produces numerous products such as coaster sets, Alaskan wall hangings, signs, wooden boxes and ornaments in birch, alder, and acrylic. Glenn also does custom pieces upon request. She is very proud that her work is not only in several gift shops throughout the state including Matsu Senior Services Gift Shop, but her etched boxes are also to be found in several galleries as well. Glenn fell into her business and is gratified by its success. As she looks to the future, she sees herself needing to expand once again to meet demand. That means employees. She muses that as a retirement business, she would like to maintain, rather than increase, her size. She would like to give her creative self time to explore new materials such as glass, stone and jade. Whatever she decided to do, her products are “must-sees.” Find them at Matsu Senior Services Gift Shop. Located at 1132 South Chugach Street in Palmer across from Palmer Junior Middle School, the shop is open to both seniors and the public Monday through Friday from 10 am to 2 pm.
Contributed by Brenda Davis, Seims Theatre Productions Beauty & The Beast February 7-22, 2020 Fridays @7PM, Saturdays @2PM Seims Theatre Productions The Glenn Massay Theater 8295 E College Dr. Palmer Tickets: $25 This February, Seims Theatre Productions is bringing the Broadway musical production of “Beauty and the Beast” to the the beautiful Glenn Massay Theater. Director AJ Seims says, “I’m really excited about showcasing the talent we have put together for “Beauty and the Beast”. We are lucky to have so many talented people involved. Over 75 people make up our cast, crew, and orchestra. The team has worked hard, and I believe their efforts will be evident when you see the show. The costumes alone will blow you away. Linda Lockhart has put in countless hours with her crew on the specialty costumes. My goal with this production is to lift up every person that attends. I believe we’ve achieved that goal.” Costumer Linda Lockhart and her team have created over 50 costumes for this production and they are a treat for the eyes. From Lumiere’s golden candles to Cogsworth’s clock with a swinging pendulum, these intricate creations are truly originals.
Set designer Cory Rausa says, “It’s a very ambitious set which uses the Massay’s 41’ wide stage in ways Valley theatre-goers haven’t seen yet!” When asked about her experience with the production, actress Maddie Davis responded, “This classic French fairy tale will dazzle and delight! The cast is wonderful, the costumes are extravagant, and our choreographer is, dare I say, AMAZING!” “Beauty and the Beast” tells the story of Belle, an intelligent and beautiful young woman who feels out-of-place in her provincial village in the French countryside. When her father, Maurice, is imprisoned in a mysterious old castle, Belle attempts to rescue him. In doing so, she is captured by the Beast, a grisly and fearsome monster, who has long been trapped in his gruesome form by an enchantress. The only way for the Beast to return to his human form once again, is if he learns to love and be loved in return. The clock is ticking, for there is a deadline in which he must learn to love. If the magical rose loses all of its petals before love comes, he will forever be doomed to be a Beast and all hope will be lost. The enchanted household of the castle, inhabited by such beloved characters as Mrs. Potts, Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Chip, watch closely as Belle and the Beast learn and understand each other, eventually becoming friends. As the clock ticks and petals continue to fall off the enchanted rose, their feelings continue to grow ever deeper. Will they confess their love for one another before it’s too late?
“Beauty and the Beast” will be performed at The Glenn Massay Theatre from February 7 - February 22, 2020. Tickets online at www.glennmassaytheatre.com
Meghan Bailey as Belle & Evan Hample as The Beast
Actress Maddie Davis tries on one of her four costumes while designer Linda Lockhart checks the details.
Lead specialty costumer Linda Lockhart creates Lumiere’s candle head for Seims Theatre Productions upcoming production of Disney’s Beauty And The Beast.
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Costumer Kay Schaugaard has outfitted all of the “humans” including all of the villagers and much more. Her collection is outstanding and her hard work in this show is evident.
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Arts & Entertainment Contributed by Carmen Summerfield VAA Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show 2/15/2020 - 3PM & 7PM Valley Arts Alliance Palmer Train Depot 610 S Valley Way, Palmer Tickets: $15
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The Valley Arts Alliance is proud to host their 14th Annual VAA Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show at the Palmer Train Depot on Saturday, February 15, 2020. Again this year, we will present two identical performances—a matinee at 3pm and an evening performance at 7pm.
Wearable Art refers to handcrafted and one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork designed to be worn by the human body as an artistic expression. Using their knowledge of color, fabric and non-traditional materials, artists create unique, wearable garments which they (or their models) wear while parading down an authentic “fashion runway”, accompanied by narration and music. For our 14th year we’re using the theme “All Shook Up!” for staging the show, and we’re encouraging artists to use the same theme for their creative inspiration. To view exciting scenes
from years past, visit our Wearable Art archives pages at www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com/archives. To become a part of the 14th Annual VAA Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show, download our application package, which contains the 2020 Entry Form, along with criteria, guidelines and tips to make your entry a smashing success! Then return the completed application to us by Friday, February 7, 2020. Due to the overwhelming success of this show, we must limit entries to the first 25, so we urge you to submit your completed application early. The
ticket price is $15 per person for each performance. For the 3pm Matinee ONLY, children 12 years old and under will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are on sale now in Palmer at Fireside Books and Non-Essentials and in Wasilla at MY House/Gathering Grounds Café. We expect both shows to sell out, so please purchase your tickets early. The 14th Annual VAA Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show will be an exquisite evening of art and entertainment, in what has become a well-loved winter tradition in our Valley. Don’t miss this opportunity to support the arts in the Valley!
Contributed by Gary Forrester, Valley Performing Arts An Enemy of the People January 10-26, 2020 Fridays & Saturdays @7PM, Sundays @2PM Valley Performing Arts 251 W Swanson Ave. Wasilla Tickets: $16 Seniors/Students, $18 Reg. Admission American playwright Arthur Miller’s provocative and surprisingly timely adaptation of Norwegian dramatist Henrik Ibsen’s incendiary drama about a reluctant whistleblower whose valiant efforts to warn his fellow citizens about a threat to their health result in his being branded as a pariah. A small Norwegian town has just begun to win fame and wealth through its medicinal spring waters. Dr. Stockmann, resident physician in charge, discovers that the waters are poisoned. On receiving proof of this, he immediately reports to his associates. When his brother, the mayor, conspires with local politicians and the newspaper to suppress the
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story, Stockmann appeals to the public – only to be shouted down and reviled as “an enemy of the people”. Ibsen’s explosive play reveals his distrust of politicians and the blindly-held prejudices of the “solid majority”. Valley Performing Arts brings this thought-provoking drama to our stage. The timeless nature of the struggles portrayed will generate conversations long after the curtain has closed. Come start the new year with us at VPA! “An Enemy of the People” opens January 10th and runs through January 26th. Ticket prices are $18 regular admission, $16 seniors 65+/students, 18 and younger. The production will be at The Valley Performing Arts Theatre, 251 West Swanson Avenue, in Wasilla. Call VPA at 373‐0195, visit our website, www.valleyperformingarts.org, or come by the office, Monday through Friday, 9AM to 3PM ,to purchase your tickets. Be sure to follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/Valley‐ Performing‐Arts. Photo Credit - Ashley Elver
Photo Credit - Ashley Elver
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Photo Credit - Ashley Elver
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Poetry & Prose Contributed by Yvonne Moss A tropical sun highlights The vibrant chroma of the its clime. Through the morning ocean haze, A school of islands are spotlighted Swimming off the Brazilian coast; Their verdant vegetation, Hemmed in white with coral sand beaches, The aqua-green tongue of the sea Lapping at its shores. Rhythmic breakers, In time to life’s pace, beckon, Lulling one into a meditative trance. Sunset approaches, preparing this maritime realm for the end of day; Lowering curtains of gold, orange and purple to the horizon Drawing together a darkening sky, Giving way to the flickering brilliance of stars. Contemporaneously, The Arctic solstice sun hides beneath the Earth’s edge, Shedding a dim salmon hue Across vast frozen waters, Washing over dingy-whites, blues and grays. In stoic solidity and rigidness, Is hardly worthy of a day. The only movement, the wind. The deepening dark of winter night Holds sway over land and sea. Until, the heavens alight with an auroral dance, Muted, yet bright, Diluting starlight with chromatic waves, Inspiring wonder.
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Contributed by Wendy Brooker Twenty-twenty hindsight Wish I did, wish I might Side step ignited dynamite What is left just isn’t right White noise, bright light Atoms split and reunite Why decide the tide to fight Take a ride, take flight tonight
Contributed by Dave Holmquist Occasions of gratitude Years of dinners around our table with family and friends Time has only enhanced the richness of these gatherings Our children, grandchildren, family and friends bear witness to the feeling of togetherness and gratitude throughout the years of these sacred gatherings around our table And as we move forward in this world of incredible beauty and seemly chaos We can only hope these times of reverence will help heal and carry forward the torch of light hope and well-being for ourselves and all of the souls we encounter along our journey in this life
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Entertainment
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Literature
Contributed by Melissa Bleier & Dustin Bradshaw
in Emily Higgebotham, The Gift are not just relatable, they are recognizable as our own neighbors. Emily’s eventual understanding that her gift is her time. Her time and the kindness she pours into the simplest interactions is a powerful message. In an age when the push to give the “Best Thing” is amplified at a frenetic pace, Emily Higgenbotham, The Gift reminds us all that the most important gift of all is ourselves, our love, our time and attention. Facing her own challenges with Alzheimer’s disease since 2018, Jeannette embodies the heart of Emily. She wants everyone to know that it’s never too late to make a difference, and that even the smallest act of kindness can change a life, even the world. A portion of the profits are donated to charity.
Emily Higgenbotham, The Gift is an understated but powerful ode to the most important gift we can all share, our genuine selves. Tucked away in a box of family papers for more than 20 years, this once lost tale, Emily Higgenbotham, The Gift has been published with the goal of bringing it’s delightful story to a wide array of hands, including; early child, and elder care, assisted living facilities, schools, libraries and memory care facilities as well. This inspiring and heartwarming story is sure to be a beacon of love to all. Born in Boone, North Carolina, Jeannette Brown spent much of her life in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In early 2012 she retired and relocated to Palmer, Alaska. Throughout her career as a legal secretary, Jeanette focused on supporting Samaritan’s Purse, an international charity and disaster relief organization, but that same spirit that allowed her to professionally help improve the lives of people around the globe began in a much smaller way, and that kindness is reflected in the story of Emily Higgenbotham, The Gift.
Find Emily Higgenbotham, The Gift at all fine booksellers and on Amazon. Coming soon: AudioBook and Braille versions. For readings, signings or outreach engagements, please contact: Dyer West Press dyerwestpress@gmail.com 828-773-4131 Some Quotes from Readers:
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Jeannette has written short stories and poetry her entire life, and so the discovery of Emily Higgenbotham, The Gift was no surprise to her family. However, the delicate way that Emily, “a very little girl” goes through her day, bringing joy to each member of her community resonated so strongly as a reflection of Jeannette, that her son knew it was different. “There’s so much that she touches on. Inclusion, special needs, Alzheimer’s, youth and aging, self worth, and communication. She had no angle. She just wrote about her life and her friends and family that she has loved.” The characters Emily visits are indeed based on real people in Jeannette’s life. Mary is a neighbor who lived in a cabin down the road from the author and
“It is a great book. It opened up a lot of different conversations, it’s a good warm feeling. We really enjoyed it!” E.Troutman
her family in Boone, North Carolina. Ms. Addie is her grandmother, who lived to be 100 years old. Ben is Jeannette’s younger brother, who had Down Syndrome. Ms. Ida is a dear family friend. The real people
“An absolute treasure, "The Gift" is a gentle reminder to us all, that our most valuable gift to the world, is our loving presence in the lives of those in need around us. Never underestimate your value in the lives of others.” D. Hawes “Absolutely love this book and its message that we can ALL do SOMETHING to love and care for those around us!!” E. Trivette
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Music Contributed by Todd Farnsworth, Wood & Wire You’ve felt the effects of low humidity perhaps dry, itchy skin, bloody noses or general uncomfortableness. Now shift your attention to the guitar hanging on your wall (just please don’t tell me it’s part of your mantelpiece aesthetic) or sitting on the stand in the corner; it’s suffering just as much. Alaskan musicians face a constant battle against low humidity, and the effects can add up to high dollar repairs VERY quickly. Don’t get me wrong, fixing guitars is my jam; but many humidity problems are avoidable with some basic understanding of how your guitar reacts to relative humidity.
Now let’s get more specific. It’s final destination is in your home, somewhere in Alaska. There’s a lot of great things about The Last Frontier, but stable, comfortable humidity is not one of them. Nonetheless, you pick up your new lover, hold her in your arms, tune her up to pitch and strum that first, beautiful chord… And you get bit by sharp, buzzy frets. Ouch. So much anticipation and then she lashes out. You’ve now felt and heard firsthand signs of low humidity. So, let’s talk about some symptoms of low humidity: sharp fret ends, unplayable low action, excessive buzzing, a hump in the neck, cracks in the finish or wood and failed glue joints/bracing. Most of these are avoidable with routine maintenance and diligent humidification. As an Alaskan musician, you must understand that dips in temperature or spikes in heat will require immediate attention to your guitar. It’s what we signed up for, living and playing in this state. Now let’s talk about some simple steps to maintain proper humidity
(and hopefully prevent future trips to the guitar ER): 1. Store your guitar in its case. A lot of people struggle with this, so if this is you, you’re not alone. But the case will help protect your guitar through many extreme conditions. I realize that guitars are functional art and you want them close at hand, but a stand or wall hanger is not the best place for them to live unless you are diligently humidifying your entire house. 2. If you choose not to store your guitar in its case, at least put it in there for 10 or 12 days a month with a guitar humidifier (longer if we dip into negative temperatures). Think of it as a week at the spa or a split custody arrangement - whichever analogy works for you. Believe me, your guitar will thank you.
3. Keep a digital hygrometer in your case or in your home and look for 40–50% readings. They’re inexpensive (same goes for guitar humidifiers) and they certainly beat paying a luthier to fix the resulting problems. I love an excessively-played, well-worn guitar - I sincerely do. The more faded the paint and worn the fretboard, the better. Especially on a maple neck. But neglecting your guitars humidity is needlessly damaging and expensive, especially when you compare a luthiers’ bench rate versus a humidifier. Alaska has a unique climate and there are inherent challenges therein, regarding humidity and your guitar. Make no mistake – I repair guitars for a living, so I’ll gladly take on your neglected instruments to pay my bills. But why do that when you’re now armed to battle low humidity?
MID-JAN 2020
First and foremost, you need to understand that even if you buy a guitar brand new (from my shop or elsewhere), it’s very likely at least a year old. Unless it was crafted in the good ol’ US of A and you purchased it fresh off the showroom floor, chances are it came from overseas. It shipped in a Conex Box (weeks in transit), sat in a port, trucked to a warehouse for distribution, trucked to whichever retailer and hung on the wall for however long before you purchased it. That’s a lot of shock for a guitar in its infancy. And I would bet in all of
its young life adventures, it was never kept humidified (amongst other problems) and is already showing signs of unchecked changes in humidity.