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Jewelry By Charissa Hooyman
JAN. 2016
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Rubies have been worn by many and are surrounded by history and folklore. Some of the finest rubies have been mined in Burma since 600 AD. What makes a ruby so valuable? It is all in the 4 C’s of the ruby; color, clarity, cut, and carat (size and weight). Often times, the most valuable rubies are auctioned in places like Christie’s Auction House, having locations in New York, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. For those who are unwilling to pay the market price for mined rubies and/or want environmentally friendly rubies, lab created rubies are a good solution for you. Rubies have an enchanting beauty, so just what gives rise to their enchantment? In ancient times rubies signified wealth, health, and success. Land owners who possessed a ruby meant that he would acquire wealth and have protection. The Bible says that a good wife is more precious than rubies. To the Burmese warriors rubies meant protection when they went to war by placing it into their flesh. Today, people believe rubies are signify wealth, health, success, and love. So exactly where are rubies mined? Rubies are mined in countries such as Asia, Pakistan, Australia, Tanzania, Kenya, Afghanistan, and India. Larger valuable rubies are mined in Sri Lanka. Rubies are created from a mineral called corundum and in places like Burma marble is where the ruby is found.
THE CRIMSON FLAME RUBY SETS A WORLD AUCTION RECORD AT CHRISTIE’S HONG KONG Also, the higher the iron content the redder the ruby. According to gemologist who grade and evaluate rubies and other gemstones, value is determined through its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, the 4 C’s. Color is the most important factor when determining the ruby’s value. It cannot be too dark or too light. If a ruby is too dark it negatively affects the value, but if it is too light it is considered a pink sapphire. The finest color quality are red to a purplish red color. Clarity is another determining factor. Rubies will have some inclusions (crystals or other materials inside gemstones during formation), however too many or under the table facet (top of the faceted gemstone) will cause the value to be greatly reduced. Some rubies have silk needle looking inclusions, these rubies are called “Star Rubies.” Remember, the fewer inclusion a ruby has, especially to the naked eye, the higher the price. Also, how a ruby is cut does affect its value.
By Donna Turner
In many societies the bride and groom are associated with good luck, a common thought that everything they touched would bring charm. By gifting members of the community, they would then pass those same blessings onto others. The custom in the Middle East is for the Bride to provide five almonds wrapped in a beauty elegant fabric. These five almonds represent fertility, longevity, wealth, health and happiness.
Community
For more than a millennium, almonds were commonly given to the Bride and Groom as gifts signifying the good wishes on their life together. In the thirteenth century the practice of coating almonds in sugar became popular. The new confections were called “confetti”. Over time, confetti has transformed into Jordan almonds, now a staple at many wedding celebrations. The combination of the almond and candy signify the bitter sweetness of marriage. Today, Jordan Almonds provide one of the common and traditional wedding favors when they are wrapped on small bundles of delicate fabric or lace and tied with ribbon.
For couples with larger budgets, a vintage bottle of wine with a personalized labels an excellent way of commemorating the event. Frequently, Brides will select wedding favors intended to compliment the décor of the reception table. The common denominator among all modern brides, regardless of cultural background or budget, is for the bride to take pride in the giving and selecting the right wedding favor. The majority of the wedding details are bound by tradition or cost. However the wedding favor provides the bride a chance to show off her personality and really consider what will delight her guests.
Local Musician Says “You Are Not Alone” Submitted By Deborah Casello
You Are Not Alone youth suicide prevention outreach is now using music to connect with those who may be struggling. Y.A.N.A. is a statewide youth program, which has early intervention as it’s focus, delivered in a peer-to-peer format.
wristbands with the (877-266-HELP) number and the message of hope through positive action. Musician, Justin Pendergrass, of Alaska’s Mat Su Valley was inspired by You Are Not Alone and decided to compose a tribute song. His goal was to use his own life struggles, to reach others through music.
Justin’s middle school and high school years were riddled with difficult situations and unhealthy, self-destructive choices but Justin was able to turn his life around. Thanks to a few special people, in particular Harold Henderson, his school guidance
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Youth share resources, use education, and promote seeking help without shame or stigma. The youth demographic encompasses ages 14-25 years old. Currently Alaska’s suicide rate is highest in the nation for this group. You Are Not Alone promotes the Alaska Careline by giving away yellow
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Did you know that giving your wedding guest a party favor of almonds is a Middle East custom? For many centuries wedding favors have been a traditional part of wedding ceremonies across a wide range of cultures. Initially wedding favors were an extravagance at celebrations hosted by the European upper classes who had the wealth to provide elaborate gifts to guests. Early wedding favors began as small fancy boxes known by their French name of bonbonniere. A bonbonniere was fashioned of crystal, porcelain or gold and often encrusted with precious stones. The delicate boxes were meant to hold bonbons and other confectionary delicacies. At the time sugar was quite expensive. In fact, sugar was
so highly valued by all, as it was believed to have medicinal benefits. The tradition of providing gifts to guests was adopted by individuals of modest means by selecting simple treats as gifts. Every culture across time has approached marriage as a wonderful event, with nuptials celebrated throughout the community.
When it comes to the decision for the right wedding favor, the options are unlimited. A beautifully decorated place card at the reception table can make a lovely and inexpensive memento.
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Informative
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Music
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By David Ion, aka Sterling Silver Band (907) 892-7082
This month’s featured Open Mic / Jam is held weekly on Thursdays at the Fishhook Bar up at the junction to Hatcher’s Pass on the Wasilla / Palmer Fishhook Road. If you are looking for an out in the woods local bar with a community atmosphere this is the place. Steaming crockpots and even full-fledged pot lucks just seem to happen here. Thursday nights kick off at 7-11pm with your host Andy Mullen, whom has hosted these type events from Hope to the Mat-Su for many years. Sound System and Instruments are already on location. All Genres and Styles by both amateur and professionals are always welcome. Just bring yourself or your whole band. Other musicians may even accompany if you wish.
Current Weekly Itinerary as follows: Wednesdays: Schwabenhof Bar, 7-11pm. Host: Carley & Gabe, “Earth to Travolta”, Mixed Venue Thursdays: Fishhook Bar, 7-11pm. Host: Andy Mullen & “Friends”, Mixed Venue Sundays: Schwabenhof Bar Blues Jam, 7-11pm. Hosts: Jeremy & Tim Strunk, Pete Gates Many players both professional and amature attend these Open Mic / Jam Sessions creating an ever evolving atmosphere. Even though the same tunes are sometimes repeated, different musicians give each performance a fresh new flavor. This mixture creates a new experience for the listener every week. You are likely to hear songs that are brand new due to many songwriters often showing up at these events.
All that said there is a “Voice in the Valley” consisting of Songwriters, Poets and Musicians getting together three times every week. Always good to see new faces on the stage and in the audience. To view more local acts or to submit your video files please visit: stormythursdaywebcasttheater.com
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Theatre
Comedy-Drama Directed by Kai West Valley Performing Arts The little girl of “Green Gables” has become a grown-up school teacher of seventeen and how she faces the first real problems of her life forms the basis of Ms. Carlisle’s faithful adaptation.
Ticket prices are $19 for Students/Seniors and $21 for Adults. This beautiful story will be appearing at Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Avenue, 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. Come join us in our 40th Season of celebrating quality live theatre in the valley!
The play follows Anne from the age of 16 to 18, during the two years that she teaches at Avonlea school. It includes many of the characters from Anne of Green Gables, as well as new ones like Mr. Harrison, Miss Lavendar Lewis, Paul Irving, and the twins Dora and Davy. Anne of Avonlea opens February 19th and runs through March 13th, 2016.
VALLEY PERFORMING ARTS Celebrating 40 Years of Quality Live Theatre in the Valley! 251 W. Swanson Avenue, Wasilla A non-profit organization 907.373.0195
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ANDREW AND I page 11
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TAIKO DRUM WORKSHOP IN PALMER page 21
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Following Anne of Green Gables (1908) this play covers the second chapter in the life of Anne Shirley.
COMEDIAN DEMETRI MARTIN TO PERFORM AT UAA page 9
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Community Events Art
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Mat-Su Community Chorus Membership 01-07-2016, 7:00 PM Ends 02-11-2016 On Thursdays Mat-Su Community Chorus Wasilla High School choir room Mat-Su Community Chorus npotts52@gmail.com GCI 1 GIG Customer Appreciation Event 01-16-2016, 2:00 PM GCI Wasilla Store 1879 E. Parks Highway, Wasilla Alaska Brews English at the Williwaw 01-19-2016, 6:00 PM 601 F Street, Anchorage (907) 868-2000 Ol’Yeller Tap Night + Food Truck 01-20-2016, 5:00 PM Arkose Brewery 650 E. Steel Loop, Palmer (907) 746-2337
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Mat-Su College Tundra Talks Book and Seminar Series 01-22-2016, 7:00 PM Mat-Su College 8295 East College Drive
Percussion in the Valley: Drum Class January 23rd, January 30th, February 6th, and February 13th 2:00- 3:00 p.m. Downtown Palmer Event: Diva Night 02-12-2016 & 02-13, 7:30 PM Denali Arts Council Sheldon Community Arts Hangar Denali Arts Council Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show 02-20-2016 Palmer Train Depot Valley Arts Alliance www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com The New Testament 02-21-2016, 10:30 AM 02-21-16 - 4-24-16 First Baptist Church of Palmer 1150 E. Helen Drive, Palmer First Baptist Church of Palmer (907) 745-4483 2nd Annual Valley Fine Arts Association Art Show 02-13-2016, 1:00 to 4:00 PM Town Square Art Gallery 591 E Parks Hwy # 406, Wasilla (907) 376-0123
Alaska Family Services Spring Dinner 02-26-2016, 7:00 PM Alaska Family Services 1825 S Chugach St Palmer donn@akafs.org (907) 746-4080 Mat-Su Friends of NRA Banquet 03-12-2016, 4:30 PM Raven Hall, Alaska State Fairgrounds Mat-Su Friends of NRA steve@ftrich.com (907) 315-6456 Good Friday Service 03-25-2016, 7:00 PM First Baptist Church of Palmer 1150 E. Helen Drive, Palmer First Baptist Church of Palmer (907) 745-4483 Easter Sunday Service 03-27-2016, 10:30 AM First Baptist Church of Palmer 1150 E. Helen Drive, Palmer First Baptist Church of Palmer (907) 745-4483 Comedian Demetri Martin Performing at UAA 03-03-2016, 7:30PM Wendy Williamson Auditoriom Anchorage, Alaska
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Comedy UAA Concert Board is proud to present Demetri Martin’s new standup special, Demetri Martin. What’s Your Major? on Thursday, March 3 at 7:30pm in the Williamson Auditorium. Demetri Martin rose from relative obscurity when he started doing standup comedy in New York City at the end of the 20th Century.
He released a comedy album called These Are Jokes and then created and starred in his own television series called Important Things with Demetri Martin. His first stand-up comedy special, Demetri Martin. Person is considered by many to be his longest and only hourlong stand-up comedy special. Martin has appeared in movies as an actor,
Ticket information: UAA Student: $15 adv // $20 door General Public: $35 adv // $40 door Thursday, March 3 at 7:30pm in the Williamson Auditorium.
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Later he became a writer at Late Night with Conan O’Brien and then a regular performer on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. In 2003, Demetri won the Perrier Award at the International Fringe Festival for his first one-man show, If I.
most recently in Steven Soderbergh’s Contagion and most lengthily in Ang Lee’s Taking Woodstock. His first book, This Is a Book by Demetri Martin is a New York Times Bestseller. Demetri has brown hair, and he is allergic to peanuts. You can find him at www. demetrimartin.com, at www.facebook. com/demetrimartin, on Twitter @ demetrimartin, and in various places in the actual physical world.
UAA student only pre-sale on Thursday, Jan. 14 at 12:00pm – 2:00pm in the Student Union. Must have valid UAA ID, must be taking 3+ credits, limit 2 tickets. All tickets will go on sale on Friday, Jan. 15 at 8:00am
Theatre Directed by Dave Nufer Valley Performing Arts Valley Performing Arts ends their spectacular Season 40 with this timeless musical, The Fantasticks.
This off-Broadway hit relates the tale of two neighboring fathers who trick
The fathers hire traveling actors to stage a mock abduction, so that Matt can heroically seem to save Luisa, ending the supposed feud. When the young lovers discover the deception, they reject the arranged love match and split up. Each then gains disillusioning experiences
of the real world, seen in parallel fantasy sequences. They return to each other bruised but enlightened, and they renew their vows with more maturity. We will be looking for: 4 males 30-70 in appearance, 2 males early to mid 20s in appearance, 1 male/female 20-50 in appearance, 1 female early to mid 20s in appearance. If you would like to read the play
script, a copy will be at the VPA office for overnight checkout.
Visit our website valleyperformingarts.org and click on the “Auditions” link for more information. Auditions will be held at Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Avenue. Download the audition form at www.valleyperformingarts.org or contact VPA at 373-0195
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Audition times are: Saturday, February 20th, from 1PM to 4PM and Sunday, February 21st, from 5PM to 7PM.
their children, Luisa and Matt, into falling in love by pretending to feud. Unlike Romeo and Juliet, the fathers want their children to fall in love.
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Literature
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Submitted by Jess Lederman Two organizations based in Wasilla — The Works of George MacDonald and The Espresso Café (across from Walmart) have teamed up to raise money for charity through the sale of a new edition of one of the greatest children’s classics of all time. The King and Queen have finally given birth to a darling little daughter--only they have haven’t reckoned on her evil aunt, a wicked witch who’s cast a spell that renders the Princess weightless. Can she grow up to regain her gravity, thwart the witch’s plot, and find true love? The Light Princess has been enchanting children and adults alike for 150 years. Its author is one of the best-kept secrets in all of literature: George MacDonald (1824-1905), Scottish poet, novelist, and minister. He was a close friend to Lewis Carroll, who read drafts of Alice in Wonderland to MacDonald’s
Heartfelt
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counselor, Justin was able to graduate from Valley Pathways, in the top 10% of his class. Justin now has a beautiful wife and daughter, along with a good steady job. Music is a coping mechanism that Justin has used to help him get through tough times. He also made the decision to turn his life over to God. “I know it isn’t everyone’s way and that is totally
children; much admired by Mark Twain, whose Huckleberry Finn was likely influenced by MacDonald’s Sir Gibbie; and an inspiration to C.S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia, who said of MacDonald, “I have never concealed the fact that I regarded him as my master; indeed I fancy I have never written a book in which I did not quote from him.” Original, Unabridged Text with 16 Full-Color Illustrations by Tracy Wilson. All royalties go to Samaritan’s Purse fund for Persecuted Christians. “The Light Princess is perhaps the funniest story George MacDonald ever wrote. Like the best of children’s literature, it operates on several levels, some imperceptible to a child, but aimed at parents. What a child may absorb unconsciously from this classic story can be a cause for serious adult reflection. This is certainly true about this “lighthearted” exploration of joy, suffering, and redemption. Children will delight in the new full-color illustrations by Tracy Wood – and parents will delight in MacDonald’s brilliant
fine, but it is my way, and works for me.” Justin said, “People are suffering and I know how isolated and alone they feel because I did too. I didn’t want to ask anyone for help because I thought I had to be strong and figure it all out on my own. When I accepted that I needed the support of others, things began to change.” Justin wants youth to realize that there are other people out there who understand their problems and there
storytelling (not an abridgment, but the original text). Moreover, hungry children and adults around the world will benefit because proceeds go entirely for humanitarian outreach by Samaritan’s Purse. For all the above reasons, I wholeheartedly recommend this book for readers of all ages.” ---Robert Trexler, Editor of CSL: The Bulletin of the New York C.S. Lewis Society
“I commend this delightful edition of The Light Princess, which is intended to benefit persecuted Christians around the world, and I cannot think of a single cause that George would want to support more than that of his suffering brothers.” ---Christopher MacDonald, great-great-grandson of George MacDonald
“This edition of The Light Princess should be a joy to young and old alike. Timeless in it’s truth and ageless in it’s appeal, The Light Princess is a story that can bring all our floating princesses to earth again. Tracy Wilson’s illustrations are geared for the young, but hey will also appeal to the young at heart. Whether you are five or fifty-five, prepare to let your imagination take flight!” ---Pastor Stephen D. Carney
is always hope and help. Justin’s song is named for the outreach, You Are Not Alone, and it has a beautiful, melodious chorus combined with powerful, heartfelt verses in rap. His lyrics are about two young people; a girl who feels completely alone and is self-harming and also a boy who is hiding his pain from everyone around
him and pretending everything is fine. Many listeners have identified with Justin’s song which is touching, strong, and has evoked many heartfelt and emotional responses. To hear You Are Not Alone by Justin Pendergrass and find out more about Y.A.N.A., go to the Facebook page, “You Are Not Alone AK” or visit the outreach website at www.YouAreNotAloneAK.org
By Josh Fryfogle Who’s to say where art ends and life begins? As for me, I am less confident than I’ve ever been with making that distinction. The lines between the two have blurred and faded.
All art needs a medium. It’s up to the artist to decide that medium. Music was mine, for a while. But before that it was poetry, when I was young - pre-teen even. I loved words. Writing was a regular activity for me, before I had even learned to really appreciate reading. Whenever I would read, I would often be inspired to write. I remember wondering at my wordiness, having so much I wanted to make real, even if it was just penciled impressions in a composition notebook, or slamming each keystroke on an old, mechanical type typewriter. A penchant for poetry, along with guitars ever-present, gave rise to songs. I learned pieces of popular songs, but rarely the other parts. Mostly I just wanted to learn technique for later use. I was more interested in writing my own songs, only learning popular tunes when I decided to play the club circuit years later, here in Alaska. But the more I learned those cover songs, the less I wanted to perform.
Art is changing. The change itself, not the result of change, is the art. Something must change from the natural to the artificial. When I felt that my
The artistic urge didn’t go away. After some years of unexpected life changes, and the adjustments that come with circumstance, I started to find where my path begins, with poetry again. I must have written a book of poetry and prose over the last few years. Still, those poems and words seem less like my art, and more like my life. So maybe my art is only the part of me that is changing in the moment, taking the material world around me, starting with what surrounds me, and shaping it. Leaving a gift to the present, a physical symbol of the artistic processes of the past. I first met Andrew Penyak at the Meta Rose Square in Wasilla. I was leaving Pataya Sushi when I saw this guy with a guitar. And a backpack. And lots of layers of clothes, fingerless gloves, smiling. As I stopped to admire his guitar, he asked me if I played the instrument. “Yes,” I said. “Here you go, brother!” I took the acoustic from his gloved hand, and sat down to play a familiar tune. 'Stand By Me', and we sang along together, verse, chorus, verse. It wasn’t my song, it wasn’t his harmony, it was the moment. Afterwards, having bonded a bit through spontaneous song, we hugged. Andrew
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My heart wasn’t in it. My art wasn’t in it.
music wasn’t changing into anything new, but rather repeating an existing pattern, I lost interest.
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I used to think of my art as music. But now my music is more a part of my life than my current self expression.
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Community, Music, Art
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Community looked me square in the eyes, “Whatever you're going through, it’s going to be okay - God is going to come down from heaven and make it all right!” Wow.
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I mean, wow. I was taken aback from the whole scenario, song, and Andrew’s second-sight. He prophesied healing, he held my shoulders and assured me. He didn’t ask what might be happening, either. He just assumed there must be something that I would like to see change some art that needs to be made of some common thing. I left the mall changed a bit. This destitute man had sang with me, an uplifting song, and encouraged me without question. He had sincere concern for me, empathy. The next time I saw Andrew, weeks later, was at Koslosky Center in Palmer. Same clothes, guitar, backpack - he was fresh out of Mat-Su Pretrial. I was restocking papers, so no time for singing. He showed me a photo album of his wife and daughter. He cried. We hugged again, and I encouraged him. He had just gotten out of a cage - because he had lost it and smashed a parked car with a sign. Distressed about his missing family, the man had cracked. It was clear he regretted it. I bought him a coffee card from Vagabond Blues and went about my paper route. I thought about him all day, how he immediately told me he was just out of jail. He wasn’t obligated to tell me that, but he wasn’t hiding that truth. The third time I saw Andrew was back in Wasilla, at Fred Meyer. He was playing his guitar for passersby, making a scene. I grabbed my iPhone and started videoing. I didn’t ask, just did it. Art was happening, as I sang along to 'Danny’s Song'. It wasn’t his song, it wasn’t my video, it was the moment.
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It was inspired, and Andrew and I were just aware enough to let it happen, change. I posted the video immediately to Facebook, without review. I bought my groceries, went home, and watched as the video was viewed thousands and thousands of times. As I write this article it has been shared by over 800 people, viewed by over 32,000 viewers. Not bad, not bad at all.
Since then, I have gotten to know Andrew a little better. He has some history with the legal system. He has gone through lots of change. Lots of art happening with this guy. And as any artist who’s been at it a while will tell you, art includes lots of failure. Failed attempts are part of the process that is art. There is no success without failure. The songs we listen to, the paintings we look at, these are just proof that something changed, someone did art. So every artist must get used to changing, through trial and error, faith and failure. The artist keeps making adjustments, seeing what will happen, and making more adjustments. The video seems to have gotten Andrew some attention. People are sending offers from all over Alaska for Andrew to perform at their venues. That’s great. But for Andrew, he has other things at work in his life, changes being made. Music is the sound his art makes - his heart makes...
“Music is how I pray,” he told me. Art is different for everyone. For me, I’m thinking it has more to do with affecting positive change in my community. At this point in my life, my interests and desires have converged. I am interested in politics, but I don’t plan to hold office. I care about my faith, but I don’t find it in buildings. I am concerned about the economy, but I don’t desire a lot of money. I love my children, because I want them to grow up. Who’s to say where life begins and art ends?
By Tiffany Moffitt Rye This Corner Chat is meant to be the very name I have given it...TLC (The Love of Christ) Corner Chat. I hope you will come to love the writings along with my own personal testimonies the Lord has carried me through and inspires me to share with His people, Amen. I feel led to share a thought each month that I hope inspires you greatly, touches your heart supernaturally and most of all strengthens, encourages and brings you hope and comfort right where you are.
I wanted to get this out of my heart and into my head then on to the page for this months’ paper as it has been stirring inside of me for a month! Boundaries…Simply put: A fence with a gate to keep the bad out and let the good in as we CHOOSE, not others. I had to learn this or my life was going to stay unmanageable and I was the one suffering more than anyone around me because of my lack of healthy boundaries.
The uplifting part of this story is…my life was NOT over after my SECOND divorce! My kids were suffering and so was I, but we were okay. We lived through what
A healthy boundary looks like this: EXAMPLE from Boundaries page 289290 by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend Step #10: Freeing Our No and Our Yes “I love you, Peter,” said Sylvia to her boyfriend as they sat over dinner. It was an important moment. Peter had just proposed marriage to Sylvia. And she was attracted to him; they seemed to be compatible in so many ways. There was only one problem: they had only been dating a few weeks. Peter’s impulsive proposal was pushing it a little for Sylvia’s tastes. “And though I love you,” she continued, “I need more time for us to be together before we get engaged. So, because I can’t say yes to you, I’m saying no.” Sylvia shows the fruit of maturing boundaries. She wasn’t sure, so she said no. People with undeveloped limitsetting abilities do the opposite. They say yes when they are unsure. Then, when they have committed themselves to someone else’s schedule, they realize that they don’t want to be in that particular situation anymore. But, by then, it’s too late. “Suppose on of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it,
everyone who sees it will ridicule him.” Luke 14:28-30 Boundary-injured individuals make promises and then do one of two things: (1) They resentfully make good, or (2) they fail on the promise. Boundarydeveloped people, however, make good freely and gladly. Or they don’t promise at all. Following up on guilt-ridden or compliant responsibilities can be quite costly, painful, and inconvenient. The lesson you need to learn is not to promise too much before you have done your spiritual and emotional calculations. Learning Healthy Boundaries It took me some time in our relationship before we were married to see that Christian had boundaries I had never heard in my life and apparently didn’t want to respect. I wanted to marry him within six months of us dating. Partly, because I had been a wife already for so many years and that had become my identity, I simply didn’t know how to embrace nor did I want to…being a girlfriend. I also knew my children wanted and needed a dad so desperately and a boyfriend wasn’t going to cut it for me. So I relentlessly pursued him to marry me as he continued to tell me no that he wasn’t ready yet for three years. So, after me having to respect his boundaries and not doing a good job at it; I finally used a boundary of my own. Some call it the ultimatum boundary, I call it now: controlling others so you can feel secure. I told him that if we didn’t get married in the next year I wasn’t going to remain his girlfriend because I needed a man who would commit and I didn’t feel like being his girlfriend was enough as well as the fact that we had started living together and I felt it was wrong. So…he left. Yes, he left for six months to be precise. He avoided, he fled, he was gracious but he ran away physically and did not live with us anymore. This is how he showed his boundaries. Thank God, God showed me what I was doing wrong and helped me show him love and compassion and respect until we came together again and chose to marry
in a year. Long story short, we both had to listen and respect each other’s boundaries. But we had to choose to speak them clearly and lovingly and then walk them out. Today, we look back on those six months apart and we see it as a turning point in our relationship that had to happen for us to start respecting each other’s Nos. Since then I have taken four Boundaries groups to learn how to use healthy boundaries, learn how to respect other’s boundaries, and the help teach others how to do the same. I have now since led three Boundaries groups and helped 50 other people learn how to embrace this as a way of life, a healthy life for them and their families. I am grateful once again to be able to offer an upcoming Boundaries Group right here in Palmer at 105 E Arctic Ave inside Wolverine Academy, the white strip mall where Valley Locksmith is. We will start a 12-week session on Sunday, January 10th meeting each week from 3-6pm at this location. The group is open to at least 12 men and women who have a desire to learn, “How to say yes to the good things in life and how to say no to the bad.” If you are one of these people, please contact me at 907-745-8477 and leave a message, or preferably email me at sidekicksandmore@yahoo.com or go to our Facebook page at TLC Corner Chat (I am creating a Boundaries Palmer AK Group and a Private group for those who do participate). There are currently details about this group listed on my other Facebook page at DivorceCare Palmer AK. Starting Sunday, January 10th (with a Meet & Greet/Informational mtg) then weekly. Thank you for taking the time to read this article and I hope that a piece of it sticks with you and you pick up a copy of the book Boundaries and read it. It WILL change your life forever! The link to ALL of the books on Boundaries is boundariesbooks.com. He is pursuing you to be a miracle and testimony of His truth.
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First, I would like to give you HOPE and His Name is Jesus! I found Him in my own personal life when I was about 8 years old that I can honestly remember. I apparently lost Him for a few years as I grew up and went through my adolescence but somehow I knew there was always some THING there watching over me making sure I survived some pretty horrific events in my young life. By the time I was 26 years old, I was a young mother of 2 small children and 2 older stepsons as well as a wife for the past 3 years. I needed Jesus! I chose at this point to be baptized again and committed my life to the Lord. Watch out! This is when the enemy really hates you and wants to destroy you and especially the most precious unit God created…your family. I cringe to say he was successful in doing so just 4 short years later.
seemed to be the two most emotional years of our lives together and we made it! At the end of those two years, God sent us a man named Christian and he changed our lives from that point on. He became my boyfriend and four years later my husband and the girls’ dad. He was an answer to prayer for our hurting little family unit. He lifted our spirits with laughter, he loved on us without yelling at us, he took us places and bought us things I couldn’t afford as a single mom, he truly showed us what unconditional love was that we really didn’t feel we had experienced yet. He was and still is a kind, caring, loving, gentle, giving, patient, selfless, and forgiving man. There was just one thing we both struggled with in our relationship… healthy boundaries.
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Based on the book by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend; whose training in boundaries made a difference in my life.
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Motivational / Faith
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Creative Writing By Edmund L. McKormack
jan. 2016
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The short, moderately disheveled man that exited Wallcreek Township’s concrete and glass bastion of delusion evoked many adjectives from the few people that actually took notice of him: owlish and dogmatic being among the most frequent. Pondering how much longer he would be employed at the militantly Left-wing Wallcreek Clarion, Theodore Stephanolus stared momentarily at the carefully crafted edifice before resuming his shuffle toward the bus stop at the corner of Churchill and Orwell Street. A devout environmentalist, he eschewed all thoughts of possessing transport even remotely linked to an internal combustion engine, for such high treason would have gotten him shunned by his Populist colleagues at the paper. No, it was a far far better thing to do to endure the problems this caused on days like today when his usual pattern of walking home after work was disrupted. For a fanatically committed Progressive, the afternoon’s discussion of the President’s failed war policies had become positively vitriolic. Defending the Chief Executive of the United States as he wrung his hands and blathered about a non-existent community of 21st Century nations whilst Syria used chemical weapons on its people, and Russia annexed Crimea and parts of Eastern Ukraine was difficult enough. When Boko Haram kidnapped and sold schoolgirls as concubines in Africa, it was embarrassing to watch Progressive indignation and outrage degenerate into nothing more than a few twitter tweets about bringing back our girls
— as though repetition of a catchy Internet theme was an adequate response to kidnapping and sexual slavery. But it was downright painful to watch the alleged leader of the Free World, following the murder of 140 French Citizens in Paris by ISIL extremists, hold forth about the severe rebuke a chimerical community of 21st century nations were giving the Terrorists by attending a Climate Change social gathering even as France mourned its dead. This however, was not the war that shortened the tempers and troubled the sleep of the Clarion’s research committee. It was sit-reps regarding the War on Women that drove their pharmacy co-pays for Valium and Prozac straight through the roof as they grappled with the clear and present danger of being exposed as frauds and grifters. The unpalatable truth was some of their minions were beginning to see through the happy talk and stray from the carefully constructed intellectual pens Progressive strategists like Theodore fabricated for them. And this was simply intolerable. Pulling his Ivy Cap lower on his head, Theodore thought back to the onset of the decay: to the whiny Congressional testimony of a Georgetown Law student that found the expense of birth control pills so onerous that working taxpayers (most unable to afford tuition at a community college; much less at Georgetown University) should be forced to fund (through Federal Taxation) the contraceptives for their sexual escapades. But the insurrection became absolutely horrifying with revelations about the trafficking in fetal body parts by Planned Parenthood. How outraged he had been to hear members of
the Progressive Stable question the insipid denials of the President of Planned Parenthood. Even a few weeks later, when they admitted taking money for harvested parts of baby bodies and promised not to do it anymore, he found it appalling that his carefully orchestrated lies and distortions were not being believed. After all, strategists like Theodore spent untold hours manipulating words to assure the Faithful it was a choice, a woman’s health issue, a civil liberties issue, — anything except what it really was: an unborn baby. No; questioning the morality of killing unborn babies because they were an inconvenience and selling their body parts for profit could in no wise go unchallenged! Shivering as the wind chilled everyone at the bus stop, Theodore admitted he was glad he lived with his sister, Manfreida the Femme Supremacist. Pooling their salaries allowed them to just make ends meet and freed time for their never ending fight against Truth, Justice, and the American Way. And as things now stood, it was taking more and more a toll on his social skills to convince the Progressive Faithful to maintain belief in the hot air and empty promises regarding life in the coming Socialist Utopia he and his colleagues passed out like balloons at a birthday party. Shivering as a frigid gust blew under his coat collar, he abandoned himself to gelid self-pity: ‘At least Superman had a city of phone booths available in which to change. Mentally grumbling, Theodore continued, ‘In this New Age of cell phones and internet, I’m forced to use public restroom stalls, and the back-sides of garbage dumpsters.’ Admittedly, it was tough constantly
waiting for the moment to jump into a restroom and emerge seconds later in his hoody-footy hero ensemble, which (in the midst of a quarrel), Manfreida asserted made him look like Ralphie in A Christmas Story. Still, every time he emerged as Progressive Man — when he heard the crowd’s exclamation and adulation; the rush was beyond words: Look! Up in the Sky! It’s a moth! It’s a drone! Its PROGRESSIVE MAN! He’s everywhere! He’s everywhere! As much as he wanted to trudge home and abandon himself in denial of the afternoon’s painful confrontation with reality; he had promised Manfreida he would attend her lecture at the Girl’s Hygiene Class in the Wallcreek High School Gymnasium. He had, after all, compiled most of the data for her lecture notes; exhausting his authoritative Internet sources. Indeed, after speed-reading two complete articles on Mother Jones website and five more on Huffington Post, he’d spent several more hours surfing Wikipedia in search of usable statistics. ‘No,’ he thought dispiritedly, shivering as he waited for the typically late bus, ‘I haven’t a choice. I’m obligated to go. Heaven help us, I hope the bus gets here before I freeze.’ TO BE CONTINUED. Join us for the next episode of the Real Great Adventures of Theodore Terrific as we narrate Manfreida the Femme Supremacist’s travails at the girl’s high school gynmasium.
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To have your non-profit organization included in this free community resource list, please email your info to:
makeasceneak@mac.com
SENIORS
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Palmer Senior Citizens Center, Inc.
The primary mission of the Palmer Senior Citizens Center, Inc. is to assist individuals age sixty or older, individuals of any age with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Disorders, individuals of any age on the Medicaid Waiver program and other eligible individuals in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough remain as independent as possible in the least restrictive environment possible and out of expensive nursing homes for as long as possible. Services include: congregate and home delivered meals, transportation, adult day services, care coordination, senior employment, family caregivers support, information / referral, chore services, senior housing, chore services, Better Choices Better Health classes, HELP program, activities and volunteer opportunities. 745-5454, pscc@mtaonline.net
Alzheimer’s Resource Agency of Alaska
As Alaska’s resource on Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Agency of Alaska (ADRAA) is committed to providing information, education and services for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) and their caregivers. We have served Alaskans since 1984, and today we help more than 5,000 people annually. As a non-profit statewide organization, we provide family consultations, care coordination, in-home services for frail elders & individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and education programs to family caregivers and health care professionals. We are your resource for information and can refer you to services in Alaska or the contiguous U.S. Sam Meneses, 746-3432, www.alzalaska.org
Valley Charities, Inc; Turn-A-Leaf Thrift Store Provides medical equipment to all income brackets in the Valley; provides clothing and household goods to Valley residents that are economically disadvantaged. John Rozzi , 376-5740
Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. (WASI)
A Health and Wellness Campus for Seniors on the Go! The goal at WASI is to assist and refer services for Seniors 60 and older so they can live as independently as possible for as long as possible. Some of the services provided are: Meals: Family Style Meals Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Center. Meals on Wheels home delivered meals. Housing: Independent Housing for low income and Aprket rate individuals. Optional Assisted Living Services Transportation: Partnership with MASCOT Bus $.60 per one way ride. Dr. visits by appointment Other Activities: Cards, Wii, and Painting at the Center Blood Pressure Checks Club50 Fitness Center, Strong Seniors Program ($5/8 weeks) Shopping Trips and other outings Valley Performing Arts Theater Visits And much more… call 376-3104 opt.2 for more information. Dennie Jaques , 376-3104
jan. 2016
Mat-Su Area Partnership (MAP)
An organization of non-profit agencies in the Mat-Su Valley. MAP holds a monthly meeting on a Thursday at the Menard Sports Complex in Wasilla. www.mapartnership.org/matsu/
Mid-Valley Seniors Inc
Mid-Valley Seniors, Inc. Mid-Valley Seniors has 3 senior housing units-18 apartments and serves a congregate meal MonFri at 12:00pm. Home delivered meals served
daily fresh Mon-Fri, weekend meals are frozen. Transportation to Adult Day Services is available Mon-Fri 8:00am-3:00pm Come up to the Center for activities or lunch. Lisa Byrd, 892-6114 mvscadmin@mtaonline.net
FAMILIES & CHILDREN Divorce Care
DivorceCare is a weekly seminar/support group for men and women that will help you heal from the hurt of separation or divorce. It’s a warm, caring environment led by people who understand what you are going through. Learn practical information and gain hope for your future at DivorceCare Palmer AK.
March of Dimes Alaska Chapter
The March of Dimes is inspired by all babies – those born healthy and those who need our help to survive and thrive. Working together for stronger, healthier babies, in the Valley we work directly with the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. We also provide clinics and organizations with resources and information. We host a March for Babies walk in the Spring and High Heels for High Hopes Runway Show in OCTust. For more information contact our office 276-4111 or email JOdgers@marchofdimes.com.
Alaska Family Services
Alaska Family Services offers a comprehensive array of services for women, children and families in need, including the only nationally accredited Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault shelter in the state. Other major services include, but are not limited to, behavioral health and substance abuse counseling, WIC, Child Care Assistance, ASAP, parenting workshops, family violence intervention and case management for Alaska Temporary Assistance clients. All of our programs are designed to strengthen and support individuals and families in the Mat-Su Borough.
homeless youth). To learn more, visit our website at myhousematsu.org or call 373-4357.
Family Promise Mat-Su
Provides a shelter for families without housing. We mobilize community resources and local congregations to provide compassionate care through shelter, meals, and case management to families without housing. Guest families are housed in area church buildings at night for a week at a time...moving to new host church on Sundays. Applications are available on our website. 357-6160, www.familypromisematsu.org
The Children’s Place
The Children’s Place child advocacy center is a child-friendly, neutral facility where professionals from many agencies involved in the evaluation, investigation and treatment of child abuse meet to coordinate and bring their services to the child and their family. We provide child forensic interviews, medical exams, linkage to mental health providers, follow-up support and referrals throughout the investigation process.
Our youth center, The Gathering Place, is located at 300 N. Willow St in central Wasilla. Also on campus is the MYHouse Café, Gathering Grounds, which exists to provide employment for homeless and at risk youth, as well as our partnering agencies and businesses, Nine Star, Mat-Su Public Health Center and Car Deets (an automotive detailing business which hires
Financial donation could also be mailed to the Big Lake Community Clothing Closet, PO Box 527069, Big Lake, AK 99652.
The ARTs
Strengthens our communities by providing mentors to all children who need and want a caring adult role model – special friends who can help them expand their horizons, realize their potential and enrich their futures – changing their lives.
Alaska Center for Resource Families
Pillows for Kids Foundation
is a non-profit that exists to provide services to unaccompanied youth, ages 14-24, in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The services we provide include, but are not limited to, hot meals, shelf stable foods, gas cards, transport to shelter, clothing, tents, sleeping bags, laundry, shower, hygiene products, street outreach, access to medical, dental and mental health care, vocational services and employment opportunities, educational advocacy and life coaching.
Clothing and footwear for people of all ages is available. Also, assorted household items as they are available. This unique program helps people locally. Donations are accepted, to further the program. Any money donated helps pay the rent for our location at 2955 Big Lake Rd., Big Lake, Alaska.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska
LINKS Mat-Su Parent Resource Center.
MYHouse Homeless Teen Shelter in the Matsu
Donated by local Alaskans, Big Lake Community Clothing Closet provides quality clothing to people in need, at no charge.
Open Wednesday’s from 11am-3pm All donations of quality clothing in good condition can be donated at the above address during regular hours of operation. Check us out on Facebook
TO LEARN MORE www.akafs.org or call 746-4080
Regan Building 3161 E Palmer Wasilla Hwy. Suite #2 Linda Kupers, Administrative Assistant linda@linksprc.org - 907-373-3632
Big Lake Community Clothing Closet
Referrals to The Children’s Place are made through law enforcement and Office of Children’s Services. The Children’s Place, 357-5157 www.alaskachildrensplace.com
Provides support, training and education for foster, relative and adoptive families caring for children that have been abused and neglected. ACRF also helps support the Mat-Su Grandparents Support Group in collaboration with Links and Volunteers of America. For more information about foster care and adopting children that are in the OCS child protection system visit our website www.acrf.org or call 376-4678 - bwoodin@nwresource.org
We provide support and assistance to families with disabilities. LINKS provides support and trainings, parent to parent connections to mentor, information and referral, and access to library materials. These services are provided through one-on-one assistance and individualized workshops for small or large groups. Our vision is to ensure that every parent and family who has a child with a special need has access to information, education, outreach, and support in a culturally competent environment and to empower then to be advocates for themselves, their children, and their families.
need as well as a huge relapse trigger. Our assessments are based on a sliding fee scale. It is the goal of Set Free Alaska that no person be denied the services they need due to lack of financial resources. Our offices are open MonFri 10-6 and we are located on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway across from the AT&T Sports Center. Philip Licht, Executive Director 373-4732, www.setfreealaska.org/
We provide little pillows of support and small scholarships that make a significant difference for local children to participate in brain-training activities such as gymnastics, snowboarding, skiing, skating, horsemanship, leadership, art, music, dance, martial arts, and robotics. Mentors and community members contact us when there is an identified need to keep kids, preschool through college, connected with good activities in our community. We plan to publish a book and CD/DVD of Evan’s “Little Pillow” song soon. Currently, we are selling washable, decorator pillows of all shapes, sizes and colors for kids and adults as a way of creating funding for the scholarships. pillowsforkids@gmail.com
The Moose Boosters Wrestling Club
A youth development organization that provides aid and funding to low income recreational facilitates and athletes at the high school level. Funding supports athletes who participate in wrestling programs while meeting academic standards. Michelle Heun - 355-7099
Set Free Alaska
Brief description about non-profit: Our children, friends, co-workers; there is someone we know who is struggling with addiction and destructive behaviors. It is the goal of Set Free Alaska to provide excellent, individualized services to our clients. Set Free Alaska is a Christian outpatient substance abuse treatment center that uses a mind-body-spirit approach to recovery. Our programs are designed to assist people in gaining freedom from the bondage of addiction and destructive behaviors. Set Free Alaska realizes that cost can be a huge deterrent to people seeking and receiving the help they
Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums
Those interested in lessons, or in playing pipes or drums with Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums, please contact the Band by email at craigag@ mtaonline.net or by telephone at (907) 688-4196. The band’s website can be found at http://www. alaskaceltic.org , plus, we’re on Facebook! “The Pipes, the Pipes are calling...”
Radio Free Palmer
Radio Free Palmer is community radio serving the Sutton and Palmer communities as KVRF 89.5 FM and online at radiofreepalmer.org. On air since 2011, KVRF’s mission is to foster community involvement. Currently we produce great local shows on topics from health to mushing - and the list of programs is growing. Online we add important community events such as the Borough Assembly and School Board Meetings. Listen to Radio Free Palmer KVRF 89.5 for more community-centric news, music, sports, music or come volunteer to to help bring great radio programming to the valley. 745-8951, Manager@radiofreepalmer.org Radiofreepalmer.org and on Facebook and Twitter
Valley Fine Arts Association
VFAA was formed to teach techniques, and encourage fellowship among visual artists in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. we strive to promote a supportive attitude toward visual arts in our Alaskan community. We welcome beginners, students, part-time and professional artists who focus mainly on twodimensional art mediums and want to connect with other creative people and gain more exposure locally. Throughout the year, we inform our members about opportunities to show their work, participate in group events, view other local artists, and enroll in workshops. During the school year, we organize regular sessions for painting together and host monthly artist demonstrations. Membership in the Valley Fine Arts Association provides many diverse opportunities for artists. Check our website calendar at www. valleyfineartsassociation.org for upcoming events.
Mat-Su Community Chorus, Inc.
As Musical Ambassadors of The Valley, The Mat-Su Community Chorus has provided quality vocal music, in its various forms, for the benefit, education and enjoyment of its members and the surrounding communities since 1970. Our
membership is open to the public, inviting all who wish to add their voice in song. We offer complimentary performances at public celebrations and deliver formal concerts twice a year. We are a 501(c)3, non-profit organization, currently with twenty-two members and we are looking towards expanding the organization to better serve the community. With the support from individuals, businesses and other civic organizations we are able to grow our group by bringing the community together through music and to continue our standard of excellence. We meet Octember through Nov. on Thursday evenings at 7-9pm in the Choir Room at Wasilla High School. Nan Potts 745-8788 matsucomchours@gmail.com
Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums of Eagle River
Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums of Eagle River, under the leadership of Pipe Major Aja Stewart and Drum Sergeant Bryan Gonzales, are actively recruiting pipers and drummers, as well as those interested in learning Great Highland Bagpipes and Highland Drumming (snare, tenor, bass.) We would like to extend a cordial invitation to anyone who would like to learn to play bagpipes or drums, to FREE lessons with our Band. We are a grade IV competing, family-oriented pipe band established in 2005, and beginners of any age are welcome. Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums are very active in supporting the community in which we live. Our purpose is to advance the rich cultural heritage of Great Highland Bagpipe music, and to have FUN doing it! ACPD provides free instruction in piping and drumming, with Band practice to follow, every Friday evening at 5:00 and 5:45 pm at Eagle River Presbyterian Church, 12836 Old Glenn Highway, in Eagle River. Those interested in lessons, or in becoming members of ACPD, please contact the Band by email at Nov.gstensgericht@yahoo.com or by telephone at (907) 376-5060. The band’s website can be found at http://www.alaskaceltic.org
Mat-Su Concert Band, Inc.
Our mission is to promote, plan, support and conduct educational and cultural activities and opportunities for the benefit of the citizens and residents of Alaska. We do this by providing an outlet for the many talented musicians in and around our area to perform and a venue for the public to come and enjoy with us our music. Rehearsals are every Mon. from 7 to 9 p.m. at Teeland Middle School. For more information, contact Gleo Huyck at 746-0628. matsuconcertband@gmail.com
The Whirling Rainbow Foundation
Grandmother Drum International Peace Project The Whirling Rainbow Foundation is an international spiritual and educational non- profit organization which honors and celebrates the diverse cultural and spiritual paths of the human family. The foundation cultivates the universal teachings of inner peace, loving compassion, wisdom and understanding at the core of every culture and spiritual tradition. We are starting a Global Peace Sanctuary and Sustainable Community in Palmer. The GrandMother Drum International Peace Project travels the world as the international voice of the Whirling Rainbow Foundation. As a symbol of the heartbeat of love that connects all nations and all races, the seven foot, crystal inlaid GrandMother Drum holds local and global events promoting peace and unity through the universal language of music, dance, cultural and healings arts. White Eagle Medicine Woman (Suraj Holzwarth) Executive Director www.whirlingrainbow.com
Valley Performing Arts
We will be celebrating 40 years of Quality Live Theatre this season! VPA performs seven plays per season, beginning September and ending in May. We welcome actors, volunteers, program advertisers and play sponsors to join in supporting VPA, one of the oldest continuing operating community theatres in the State of Alaska. The VPA Summer Theatre Arts Program
Purchase your tickets online or from our office. Check out audition dates and show times on our website. www.valleyperformingarts.org or (907) 373-0195.
Valley Arts Alliance
The Valley Arts Alliance is a group of likeminded individuals who have joined together to encourage, sponsor, facilitate and support artistic expression. 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. www.valleyartsalliance.com
Meadow Gates Farm Sanctuary
Meadow Gates Farm Sanctuary has provided shelter and care for unwanted pet rabbits since 2001. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable corporation. Rabbits are taken in when space is available. They are evaluated for behavior and personality, spayed/neutered, then adopted to new pet homes. Bunnies not able to be adopted are maintained permanently at the sanctuary. Responsible adult volunteers are always needed. 907-357-6437, www.meadowgates.com manager@meadowgates.com
Alaska Animal Advocates
Make a difference. Save a life! Alaska Animal Advocates is reaching out to the community. We provide everything that is needed to meet a dog’s needs. We ask YOU to provide the love. Contact Angie at 841-3173 or email at aaarescue@yahoo.com Check out our website at www.alaskaanimaladvocates.com
ANIMALS
VARIETY
The mission of the Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center is to care for injured, orphaned and sick wild birds with the goal of releasing them back into the wild; and to educate the public about these birds and their habitats.
United Way of Mat Su was formed in 1987 to serve as a single, borough wide, fundraising agency, but we have grown to be so much more.
Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center
request a live bird program.
AK Cat Kitty Rescue
is a local small kitty rescue. We specialize in litters of kittens, and our facility is designed that way. We will take in litters from the community, and will assist in getting their mom cat spayed. ALL of our kittens are up to date on vaccines, and have been spayed/ or neutered prior to adoptions. We are a 501c3, so any donations are tax deductible. If you are looking to adopt, or need help placing a litter, please call us! We are currently looking for help with computer type tasks, updating website, or updating our adoptions and monthly expences. AK CAT 907-232-4444 www.akcat.org
Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue (ADPR)
Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue is an all volunteer, non-profit organization formed for the purpose of rescuing homeless dogs and puppies. We have rescued dogs throughout Alaska, including various Bush communities. These rescued dogs are placed in foster homes, where they are socialized, vaccinated, dewormed, and taken to the vet to be microchipped and spayed or neutered. It is our goal to have an animal sanctuary, so that all adoptable dogs are given an opportunity to find their forever homes. We encourage individuals to volunteer for this very worthy cause. 745-7030 adpr03@yahoo.com
Alaska Assistance Dogs (AAD)
United Way provides information on available services through the 211 hotline and website www.alaska211.org and keep current and distribute the Mat-Sui Resource Guide. Our goal is to bring together individuals, companies and agencies to achieve measurable, positive, lasting results. We ask the community to LIVE UNITED which means all of us coming together to volunteer, advocate and give to create a brighter future for all. To find out more visit www. unitedwaymatsu.org or call 373-5807. The United Way of Matanuska Susitna Borough is physically located at 550 S Alaska Street Suite 205 Palmer, AK 99645.
The Valley Quilters Guild
was formed in 1985 to promote quilting in the Matanuska Valley. We currently have a membership of about 180. Our main objectives are service to our community and the education of Quilters. We serve the community by donating quilts to organizations and groups that approach us with their needs. We also give quilts to the victims of fires, child abuse, homeless families, and Law Enforcement agencies for comforting victims of domestic violence. The Guild meets the first Thursday of each month at the Palmer Train Depot at 7 p.m.
Mat Su Sertoma Club
The Mat Su Sertoma Club focuses on hearing health. They are part of a national organization with more than 600 clubs throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The club provides free hearing screens to the public the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wasilla Physical Therapy, 3750 E. Country Field Circle, Wasilla from September until May. During the summer we’re fishing, camping and gardening like most Alaskans! The Mat Su Sertoma Club is the host to the Annual Mat Su Polar Plunge, the original valley dip each February. They have been responsible for providing funding to non profits in the Mat Su Borough for more than 5 years, along with scholarship funding for two students who are pursuing an education in the hearing health field. The website is www.matsuhearing.dot to stay abreast of activities. Meetings are held the
The Mat-Su Special Santa program is the largest Christmas gift giving program in the Valley. Mat-Su Special Santa teams with Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, Food Banks, state and local agencies, churches and schools to help families in need. Last year over 3400 children completed a wish list with requests for Christmas presents. The program provided at least two toys/gifts, winter wear when possible, a new book, personal items and stocking stuffers. All of this is possible through the generous donations of our community with over 1000 community members, organizations, clubs and schools either volunteering or donating to the program. This is an all volunteer program. We are also in need of volunteers. The Special Santa Program’s goal is to help children receive the magic of Christmas and know that people care. In reaching this goal the program: 1. Coordinates with agencies and programs to provide for families, 2. Provides the citizens in the Community an opportunity to give, 3. Assists families in need at a stressful time of year, 4. Spreads the joy of Christmas throughout the Mat-Su Valley. Go to www.specialsanta.net for more information or e-mail us at matsu_santa@yahoo.com.
The Last Frontier Honor Flight
Our mission is to transport WWII, Alaska Territorial Guard and Korean War veterans to Washington D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices AT NO COST TO THE VETERANS.
Valley Residential Services
VRS provides housing to people with special needs. We define people with special needs as those individuals who are experiencing behavioral or developmental disabilities, low-income levels or who are seniors. VRS currently manages 198 residential units distributed in the Mat-Su Valley and participates in special programs to assist with rental assistance. We can also assist with linking individuals to social service agencies who can assist with life skills programs. (907) 357-0256, www.valleyres.org
TOPS
Take off Pounds Sensibly Non-Profit Weight Loss Support Group Three (3) Chapters meet weekly in the Valley. Kathy Miller - 376-9571 or write to matsutops@webtv.net
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS)
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) RECYCLE cardboard, magazines, this newspaper and more at your community recycling center. Recycling drop off hours are Tuesday thru Friday 10:30am to 6:00pm and Saturday 10:30am to 3:30pm. We are located at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, next to the MSB Animal Shelter at the MSB Central Landfill. Volunteer opportunities available. community@valleyrecycling.org, wwww. valleyrecycling.org, 745-5544 Volunteer opportunities available. community@valleyrecycling.org valleyrecycling.org - 745-5544
Valley Residential Services (VRS)
All Donations are tax deductible, according to state and federal laws. You can make a donation to The Last Frontier Honor Flight PO Box 520116 Big Lake, Alaska 99652, or pay with a credit card on our website at www.tlfhonorflight.org. If you would like to volunteer you can contact our President Ron Travis at (907) 892-6097 for meeting times and places.
VRS provides special needs housing to individuals who experience behavioral or developmental disabilities, low-income levels or those who are homeless. VRS currently has 168 properties in the Mat-Su Valley with special programs to assist with rental assistance and we can assist with linking individuals to social service agencies who can assist with life skills programs. (907) 357-0256 , valleyres.org
The Sertoma Club - Wasilla
Alaska Attachment & Bonding Associates (AABA)
We host the Mat Su Polar Plunge raising funds for non-profits in the Matanuska Susitna Valley, Alaska. February 2011 we saw 85 jumpers raise almost $20,000 which was then given to the Food Pantry of Wasilla and Turn A Leaf Thrift Stores. The Food Pantry provides emergency food supplies to families in need. Turn A Leaf has a medical lending equipment program which is now organized with software purchased with funds received. Both were grant recipients from the Mat Su Sertoma Club. Grant applications for the 2012 Mat Su Polar Plunge are located on our website: www.matsuplunge.com.
Mat-Su Community Chorus
Do you love to sing? The Mat-Su Community Chorus welcomes new adult members in all vocal ranges each September and January. We are a well-established, male-female, SATB community singing group conducted by Anna Crowther. Group singing benefits your emotional and physical health and enriches our community, so bring your talents and join the Chorus! No audition required although previous experience is helpful. We offer complimentary performances at public celebrations and deliver formal concerts several times a year. Rehearsals are on Thursdays at the WHS choir room from 7 - 9 pm. Contact us at matsucomchorus@gmail.com or call Sandy at 907-355-5836 for membership details. Like us on Facebook for concert reminders. We have a wonderful club of volunteers! On a weekly basis you’ll find a Mat Su Sertoman at the Food Pantry, Wasilla Senior Campus, Valley Charities, helping Special Olympics and the list goes on and on! Our goal for 2011/2012 year is to raise more than, $25,000 in polar plunge funds. You can pledge or sign up to jump! Just visit our website for more information. Join us every other Thursday at 5:00pm at the
Educates and supports foster, adoptive, kinship care, step, grand and guardianship parents and professionals who care for children with emotional mental health issues, such as Attachment Disorder. AABA provides workshops, e-mail/telephone support, resource/referral information, self-advocacy, AABA web-site www. akattachment.org, RAVEN Respite, newsletters, brochures, lending library, and Mom2Mom/ Dad2Dad parent support group. For more information: Laura Wagner 907-376-0366
The Homeless Actors of Mat-Su
HAMS, the Homeless Actors of Mat-Su, is a valley non-profit community theater group created to further theatrical opportunities for actors and technical personnel of all ages, be experienced or beginner and the audiences who have not been fully represented in the valley. With local support we intend to produce a broad range of the atypical classical, modern, comic, dramatic and musical one act and full length plays and improvisational theater that are both educational and entertaining in the traditional and dinner theater format as fundraisers for various local causes and to continue to encourage development of the theater arts in the Mat-Su Valley. Contact Elizabeth Clausen, General Manager, 841-4119; akhams@yahoo.com
Mat-Su Food Bank
At the Matsu Food Bank we provide emergency supplemental food to residents of the Matanuska Susitna Valley. The Matsu Food Bank distributes thru the Food Pantry of Wasilla directly to clients in need. The Pantry hours of distribution are Monday
through Friday from 10:00AM to 1:00PM. The Pantry is located at 501 E. Bogard Rd. in Wasilla. We have three programs operating under the Matsu Food Bank. The community supplied Food Pantry of Wasilla accepts donations of food or funds to help feed our neighbors. We distribute to clients on an emergency monthly basis. We also distribute TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program). This is a program is supplied by the USDA and is also once a month. Our third program is Food4Kids. We prepare and deliver, in safe community locations, nutritious meals and snacks for hungry kids 18 and under. We provide meals during the school year. We have a summer program at various locations around the Valley from Willow to Sutton and provide nutritious lunches for all kids in the valley for free. Our website is: www.matsufoodbank.org. If you have any questions please go to the website or call us at 907-357-3769.
OUTDOORS
North America Outdoor Institute
The North America Outdoor Institute (NAOI) is a not-for-profit community outreach organization providing outdoor safety and environmental awareness education programs for the general public in an effort to save lives from preventable outdoor injuries and deaths. Debra McGhan, debra@naoiak.org 376-2898 , www.naoiak.org
Alaskans For Palmer Hay Flats
Dedicated to conserving the natural and cultural resources of Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge through public awareness, year-round recreation and events, education and enhancement projects. Healthy, outdoor recreation in a safe, beautiful setting is what APH helps provide to all users. 357-8711, alaskans@palmerhayflats.org www.palmerhayflats.org
Alaska Frontier Trappers Association
The Alaska Frontier Trappers Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the ethical and lawful practice of trapping Alaska’s fur bearers. We work to educate fellow trappers, children and the public in general about trapping as a necessary wildlife management and research tool. Our monthly meetings usually include a guest speaker and/or a demonstration and fur handling information. Meetings which are held at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Palmer Library. Everyone is welcome to attend. www.akfrontiertrappers.com
CONSERVATION
Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center
The mission of the Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center is to care for injured, orphaned and sick wild birds with the goal of releasing them back into the wild; and to educate the public about these birds and their habitats. AWBRC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is always looking for volunteers and donations. We are undergoing a building project this summer, and can use carpentry assistance. In addition, regular volunteers are always needed for care of our resident birds. Please visit our web site at http://www.akwildbirdrehab.org/ for further information about us, to volunteer or to request a live bird program.
Wasilla Soil & Water Conservation District (WSWCD) The WSWCD is a non-profit formed in 1948 to assist landowners & land managers with conservation & development on land through technical assistance, projects & education programs & services. distmgr@wasillaswcd.org
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AAD provides service dogs to Alaskans with special needs (physical, physiological & mental health), and incorporates therapeutic programs into service dog training. AAD works with special education students at school, provides teen mentoring in community training venues, offers domestic violence/PTSD support groups, FASD/ Autism programs, and provides service dogs and support groups for veterans with PTSD and their families. Therapist on staff, and all trainers are certified by the founder of the service dog concept, Dr. Bonnie Bergin. Carole J. Shay, Lpc. carole@alaskaassistancedogs.org
We are dedicated to working in our community on education, stable income and health. These are the building blocks for a quality life. We provide grants to programs with these areas of focus and administer programs that improve early childhood education, reduce substance abuse and improve senior citizen nutrition. We supply Familywize prescription drug discount cards, which have saved people in the Mat-Su over $500,000 since its beginning.
Mat-Su Special Santa
Tailgaters Sports Bar and Grill. Our next meeting is Nov. 25th. We always have new speakers and a great time. See you there!
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AWBRC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is always looking for volunteers and donations. Volunteers are always needed for care of our resident birds, office and web assistance, fundraising and advertising. We will be undergoing a building project this summer, and can use carpentry assistance or donations of materials. Please visit our web site at http://www.akwildbird.org/ for further information about us, to volunteer or to
United Way of Mat-Su
second and fourth Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Tailgaters Restaurant in Wasilla.
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takes place June through August and are for youth, ages ranging from 7 to 17. The VPA Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony is held each June and our FUN-Raiser is in October.
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Art valley fine arts association annual art show The Town Square Art Gallery in Wasilla will host the 2nd Annual Valley Fine Arts Association Art Show during the month of February. The Artist's Reception will he held at the Gallery On February 13, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. The artist's reception will allow the public to visit with the artists to discuss their work. The artwork will be available for sale, and it is an opportunity to support your local Valley artists. Watercolors, oil and acrylic paintings of varied
The Valley Fine Arts Association (VFAA) has a membership of over 50 artists from the valley. Thirteen of members will be featured in the Town Square Show. This group was organized in 2005 to create art, teach techniques, and encourage fellowship among the visual artists
in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Meetings are held twice a month, and beginning art students to professional artists are welcome. Last year the group organized the first VFAA Retreat here in the Valley and it was a successful and fun learning adventure. This year plans are underway to host the second retreat. The group meets regularly to work with live models, have paint togethers, and are present at many community affairs. Take time to stop by to talk
to the artists and commend them on their efforts to making the Valley an even more beautiful place to live. Featuring:
Cathy Poppert Francine Long Glenda Field Jim Leach Judy Vars Karen Crandall Maria McKiernan Martha Happs Nancy Angelini Crawford Rose Hendrickson Susan Sinclair Terry Phillips Victoria Peterson
MAT-SU MINERS ANNOUNCE COMMUNITY LOGO CONTEST
The Mat-Su Miners are excited to introduce the “Nuggets”, the Booster Club to the Mat-Su Miners, and are offering a logo contest to our community. The Nuggets are the good will ambassadors for the Miners and look forward to growing the numbers of booster club members, and becoming more involved in our community through events that promote the Miners and encourage community involvement year-round. Their long-term goal
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subjects will be displayed for the entire month of February. This will provide time so that area residents can view at their own leisure the varied styles, mediums, and themes of the local artists.
will be to offer scholarships to graduating students in the Mat-Su Valley for both sports and academic accomplishments, and to encourage our local kids to follow their dreams.
Submissions will be accepted at the Frontiersman from now until February 19th, and a cash prize of $100 will be offered to the person with the winning logo design. The overall design should include or incorporate design elements seen in the Mat-Su Miners logo, either with
the colors or the design itself.
All ages are encouraged to bring their artistic talents to the table, and the winner will be announced during the Nuggets February 28th “Cabin Fever Reliever—Celebrating the Boys of Summer” at Palmer Depot, at 6pm. The event will be host a silent auction of fun summer items as well as a dessert auction. Tickets for the event are $35/$40 at the door and $20 for designated drivers, and will
include a commemorative glass for sampling some of the best beer, wine and spirits that Valley makers have to offer. The contest will be extended, depending on the number of entries received by February 19th. For more information on the contest, or to purchase tickets to the Cabin Fever Reliever, please contact Denise Christopher via email at gmminers@gci.net.
By Meggie Aube, Percussion In The Valley The opportunity to learn the ancient art form of Taiko Drumming is coming soon to Valley residents! Taiko Drumming is a Japanese musical form that originated as far back as the 6th century. The drums were used often in warfare to send messages and orders, rally the troops and help set a marching pace.
In the 1950’s Taiko drums truly found their place in Japanese performance culture as large ensembles of different sized Taiko drums were combined with wind instruments and other percussion. The elements of these traditional Taiko ensembles are still incorporated today in modern Taiko drumming groups. Taiko drums can be of many different sizes. The various sizes will have their own part to play in the larger ensemble. A Taiko drum is a barrel shaped drum made out of wood with drums heads typically made out of cow skin. The drums are played with thick wooden dowels called bachi to create a very large sound.
Learning how to play Taiko drums is usually done orally and through demonstration. Many rhythmic patterns are not written down but have been handed down through oral tradition. Different drum strokes are taught on the drum by using various vocalized sounds. The Taiko drumming style has become fairly popular in the Anchorage music community and performances can be seen by several Anchorage based percussion ensembles. This winter, the Mat-Su community will have a chance to try out this exciting drumming form. Erika Ninoyu, Anchorage percussionist and teacher will be leading a one time workshop at the Percussion in the Valley studio in Palmer. Ninoyu grew up in Anchorage learning Western percussion traditions, but was always drawn to her Japanese heritage and the Taiko style. She has studied with various Taiko teachers and immersed herself in the culture for 2 years while living in Japan where she was a member of a professional Taiko company. The workshop will be held on Saturday, February 20th from 2-4 p.m. The class size is very limited and is open to the first 8 people to register. All ability levels are accepted. The class fee is $20. To sign up contact Meggie Aube at 631-8079 or meggieaube@hotmail.com. To stay up to date on all percussion events visit: www.percussioninthevalley.com
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The style of Taiko drumming is very memorable for an audience due to the physical nature of the performance and the posture and movements of the performers. Playing Taiko requires strength from the entire body as the performer must remain in a low lunge position while performing. The stroke for hitting the drum also requires strength
as the drummer lifts the thick sticks in the air as they play.
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The instruments were then added into Japanese theater to provide atmosphere and set up a steady rhythm as needed. The large drum was often useful in creating dramatic tension.
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Music
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Art
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Contributed by Deb Lestenkof November 19th, 2014 I woke up to the words “how you doing? Surgery went great”. I peered through foggy eyes to finally realize my 6 hour surgery, my 2nd kidney transplant, finally happened. Six years of waiting while on dialysis, three treatments a week of sitting in a chair at a clinic for 4 hours each time. Needle sticks, medication, limited diet, and countless medical visits because of my kidney failure. Those hours may not seem like a long time, but it feels like forever when you’re stuck in a chair, staring at clinic walls. I’d bring drawing pads with my pens and zentangle or doodle, learn about shading and highlighting. Each piece I drew took me away from the reality of the situation; I could fly to strange, beautiful worlds with unique shapes and lines.
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Recovering from treatments would take at least a day, and without much energy, I found myself home a lot. I joined a few online art swap sites where you can join a swap- you’re assigned a partner, an art technique and project and you have a set amount of time to make the item and send it to someone else. This was very challenging, it taught me
various mediums and venues I’d never explored! A woman, Courtney, taught me how to zentangle and became a good friend. Another shared crochet stitches and techniques. Alicia and Page made beautiful paper crafts and showed their use of inks and stamps to create timepieces. The beauty of this art world infested my mind, creating a haven of color and hues, wild shapes and turns, where anything was possible and limitless. I no longer saw myself as a “sick” person, but an artist who was filling her mind, her home, and her universe with passion and life. Art renewed my spirit, gave me hope and forced me to see beyond my body and what it could do, it showed me what was possible. The ability of sharing my viewpoint and perspective helped me wake up each day excited for what was to come. From then on I vowed to myself that I would fill each day absorbing my surroundings and finding beauty in it. I paint or draw every day, it’s become as therapeutic as a jogger taking his first morning run. Movement, balance, beauty, purpose. Sharing my work and hearing other’s feedback also allows me to connect with people from all over the world. It’s taught me that no matter where we live, we share a
common language in art. Hearing what they take away from my pieces gives me a chance to see it in a new way. You see, art (and wonderful community of artists) opened my mind and heart to appreciate the joy, the subtle preciousness of each act and perfect moments in an imperfect world. As my body heals from the new gift it’s been given, I reflect what’s brought me to this point and
where to go from here. I’m still alive and able to share my voice, story, and vision.
Not only did having art in my life distract me from the ills of my world, it gave me a new worldone full of life, purpose and beauty. And what a beautiful life...
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According to GIA (Gemological Institute of America) a commercialquality 5-carat ruby will sell for about twice as much per carat as commercial-quality 1-carat ruby; whereas a fine-quality 5-carat ruby will sell for five times more per carat than a fine-quality 1-carat ruby. Large fine-quality rubies are rare, but when they are discovered they can command astronomical prices per carat. Take for example the 15.04 carat ruby sold at auction by Christie’s Auction House in Hong Kong, it sold for $18 million. It was a rare large Burmese ruby.
Auguste Verneuil created the first synthetic ruby in the late 1800s, and in 1902 he claimed it was done with a flame-fusion process that he had developed. It is nice to know you don’t have to break the bank to have a nice ruby, even if it is lab created.
Etsy.com/shop/JudieGummDesigns Fairbanks,AK
From the time rubies were discovered, up to the present, rubies have enchanted people. Another gemstone that enchants people and is from the same family as rubies are sapphires, which will be next month’s topic.
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There is another alternative for those who want rubies but not at those prices; these are lab created rubies. Lab created rubies are made/created in a lab without the dangers to the
environment due to mining. Rubies have the same chemical makeup that mined rubies have, the only difference is that the cultivating time has been expedited by heat in which the lab created and can take up to a year to create.
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Rubies are cut to accentuate its color, beauty, and shine. Cutters cut a rubies to beautifully display pleochroism, changes colors under different lighting such as orange red to purplish red and vice versa. Star rubies are usually cut in a cabochon to better display its silk needles. You have heard of carat weight, this is the last of the 4 C’s determining the ruby’s value.