Make A Scene Magazine February 2015

MAGAZINE

‘New Beginnings’ Mat-Su Concert Band Plays First Concert in New Theater PHOTOS COURTESY OF Heather Dunn, Ambience Photography

FEB 2015

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com PAGE 2

GET YOUR FREE COPY LOCALLY OWNED

The People’s Paper

LOCALLY OWNED

ALONG WITH A CUP OF

ALASKALOCALLY COFFEE ROASTERY ROASTED COFFEE Iditacup 4360 S Knik Goose Bay, in Wasilla (907) 376-0233

Hollywood Espresso 6000 W. Hollywood, in Wasilla (907) 373-0105

Coffee & Cream 432 South Alaska Street, Palmer, AK 99645 (907) 745-7813

Gathering Grounds 300 Willow Street in Wasilla, AK 99654 (907) 373-4357

Brew HaHa 139 W Arctic Ave in Palmer (907) 745-7847

Cup of Jo 48 George Parks Hwy, Near Pittman (907) 357-7232

Northstar Bakery 4931 Mayflower Lane #2, in Wasilla (907) 357-2579

49th State Coffee Co. The Palmer Location Glenn Hwy & Blunck Street The Wasilla Location in the AIH parking lot.

Coffee & Cream Gathering Grounds Cafe

akcoffeeroastery.com

LOCALLY OWNED 907.745.5543

PAGE 4

Entertainment

Who are the Borealis Dancers?

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Contributed by Georgies Dance Studio The Borealis Dancers is a performance oriented dance group - great for some personal recreation with other women that want a chance to workout, learn some unique dance moves, and enjoy socializing with other art/dance minded people.

Women looking for a new challenge in life also find the group offers recreation, a chance to try on interesting costumes, and it may just help you regain an optimistic outlook!

> Call Georgie at 907-355-6505 for more information!

skills that have been transformative in their lives. Dance practice is Tuesday and Thursday at 6 PM.

Fiber Painting Contributed by Becky Oviatt

I started on my fiber painting journey after admiring the craft of Jill Harrison from Aberdeenshire, Scotland, who makes art from wool which she gets from her own Hebridean and Shetland sheep.

I took a class, taught by Sharon Hein, from the Valley Fiber Arts Guild, at one of our retreats. She and her husband, Rod Rongstad, won several ribbons at the last AK State Fair for fiber paintings they entered.

Another protege, Marilyn Methven, has done several very interesting works and has them displayed at our shop.

FEB 2015

Many younger girls have been in this group for years and have gained poise, confidence and social

My personal favorite medium is silk. It lends its particular liquid sheen to flowers and landscapes.

The technique involves laying down a felt background for the fiber to adhere to.

Then,the fibers are laid down just as one would lay down layers of paint, color by color, layer by layer, with the fingers or tweezers or sometimes a needle, toothpick or other pointy object that will coax the fiber to move around. Static is sometimes tamed with a spritz of water, but not often.

“Poppies” by Becky Oviatt, inspired by local artist Karen Willing Mattson.

No glue or needle felting is used. Scissors are used to make particularly odd shapes, as is twirling, twisting, spinning, and other manipulation of the fiber.

Lene Kennison, a student, with her fiber painting, “Cello”

> I am offering one on one classes in

Forget Me Not

fiber painting at Forget Me Not Fibers, currently located at 832 S Colony Way, Palmer, AK.

Fibers

Music

African Guitar Summit Sunday March 8th at 7:30pm Sheldon Community Arts Hangar Tickets: $22 DAC member / $25 general / $60 family rate (must be purchased in advance. Family constitutes of 2 adults, and children in the household ages 16 and under).

Indulge in the sounds of Africa with Juno Award winners (for World Music Album of the Year) African Guitar Summit.

African Guitar Summit features: From Guinea, the smooth fire of Alpha YaYa Diallo and the heartbeat of drummer Kofi Ackah; from Kenya, the fiesta guitar of Professor Adam Solomon; from Brundi/Rwanda, the bluesy Mighty Popo; and from Madagascar the quicksilver guitars and harmonies of Donne Roberts and Madagascar Slim.

YELAWOLF LIVE IN ANCHORAGE - SHOWDOWN PRODUCTIONS PAGE 21

ALASKA CELTIC PIPES AND DRUMS PAGE 11

This star-studded collective unites the talents of 6 musicians, each an expert in their individual style, together creating musical magic.

Rosencrants & Guildenstern Are Dead PAGE 7

PAGE 6

Theatre

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Colony High’s Shrek Contributed by Sarah Williams Colony Drama Councils’ Vice President

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Colony Drama will produce the first full scale theatrical production Shrek, the Musical at the new Glenn Massey theater at Mat Su College.

Unnecessary FARCE Comedy/Farce Directed by D.J. Rotach In an economy motel room, an embezzling mayor is supposed to meet with his female accountant. In the room next door, two undercover cops are supposed to catch the meeting on videotape. But there's some confusion as to who's in which room, who's watching the video, who's taken the money, who's hired a hit man, and why the accountant keeps taking off her clothes. A true classic doorslamming farce that is very well-scripted and hilarious.

Unnecessary FARCE Opens February 13th and runs through March 1st. Ticket prices are $17 for Students/Seniors and $19 for Adults. This is a terrific show for mature audiences who like their comedy fast and nonstop 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.

Shrek, the Musical is the stage adaptation of the popular Shrek film franchise by Dreamworks Animation about a misunderstood ogre and the princess he rescues with his donkey sidekick. It ran on Broadway for 441 audiences breaking box office records for its opening month.

Colony Drama will give three public performances February 21 at 7:00 PM, February 22 at 2:00 PM and 7:00PM. In addition, there are three sold out performances just for local schools.

Colony’s entire theater, including the wings and audience fits onto just the stage of the Glenn Massey theater, which seats over 500 people compared to the high schools’ stage of 210.

Director Brian Mead double cast the leads giving each cast three performances. Cast A will feature Jaylon Jones as Shrek, Ashley Williams as Fiona, Ben Cappa as Donkey, Luke Johnson as Lord Farquaad and Mackenzie Lawyer as Dragon. Cast B will feature John Duffy as Shrek, Grace Eldridge as Fiona, Denali Thomas as Donkey, Thomas Soto as Lord Farquaad and Naomi Winders as Dragon.

Dr. Jamin Burton is the musical director for the production. He conducts the only marching band in Alaska who performed for the Rose Bowl parade in California last year. The Vocal Director Lani Monds teaches Colony’s Grammy award winning Vivace Choir.

FEB 2015

Claire German is the costumer designer, creating nearly 100 costumes as each cast member has an average of two to three changes. German leads a team of parents, including her own mother who flew up from the states to help, in construction in a dedicated costume lab at Colony High.

“Shrek will be the biggest production Colony Drama has done since Les Miserables” Director Brian Mead said, with over 200 plays under his belt, “and I’m exciting about breaking in the new Massey Theatre with a bang.”

PAGE 7

Theatre

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

by Tom Stoppard Anchorage – The UAA Department of Theatre and Dance is pleased to present Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard and directed by UAA faculty member David Edgecombe.

Take a rollicking ride through Hamlet with two of the play’s minor characters.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern love outrageous wordplay and relish irreverent philosophy.

Tom Stoppard gives a hilarious view of royal politics seen through the eyes of this loveable pair of misfits - delightfully portrayed by Morgan Mitchell and Jacob Mayforth - who become the real victims of the murderous intrigues. This play is an early masterpiece of the man who would become one of the most influential playwrights of contemporary theatre. Clive Barnes of The New York Times described his play as “very funny, very brilliant and very chilling.”

This production will also premiere an original score composed by Junior Wolfgang Olsson of the Department of Music.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead premieres February 20 on the UAA Mainstage in the Fine Arts Building, and will run for three weekends. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sunday matinees at 3:00 pm. For ticket information, please visit www.uaatix.com or call the Fine Arts Box Office at 907-786-4TIX (4849).

What: Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead When: February 20 – March 8, 2015 Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Sundays at 3:00pm Where: UAA Mainstage UAA Fine Arts Building, 3640 Alumni Drive, Anchorage Tickets: $18 General Admission, $13 Seniors/Military/Non-UAA Students, $11 UAA Students at www.uaatix.com, (907) 786-1766 and www.centertix.net All seats are general admission - Free Parking Available

Morgan Mitchell as Rosencrantz and Jacob Mayforth as Guildenstern.

Set Design by Daniel Glenn Carlgren. Lighting Design by Brian Sechrist. Photos by UAA/Jessica Pervier-Brown.

JAN 2015

A joint symposium with the Department of English, featuring a Q&A with the cast and a discussion panel is confirmed for March 1st

immediately following the show. This panel will feature Toby Widdicombe and Dr. Sharon Emmerichs, both Shakespearian scholars, discussing the themes of chance v. choice and fate v. free will that are so prevalent in the play.

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead!

PAGE 8

Community Events Art Unnecessary Farce February 13th - March 1st Valley Performing Arts 907-373-0195 valleyperformingarts.org

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Free TaijiFit Online Classes Monday – Friday - 4:00 p.m. daviddorianross.com FREE - Carole Milstead 907-775-2571 Free Educational Seminar: Managing Healthcare Costs February 19, 2015 at 7PM Healthcare Costs in Retirement Medicare and the Affordable Care Act Hosting is John Warner, FA @ Edward Jones Special Guest Speaker: Doug Rupiper, Regional Vice President of Prudential Valley Board of Realtors Conference Room RSVP: February 10 to Tina or JoAnn 376-8701 (as seating is limited) Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead February 20 – March 8, 2015 - Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Sundays at 3:00pm Where: UAA Mainstage UAA Fine Arts Building, 3640 Alumni Drive, Anchorage Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires Friday, February 20 - 7:30pm UAA Williamson Auditorium 3211 Providence Drive Anchorage $15-$35 - uaatix.com UAA Concert Board 907-786-1210

FEB 2015

YELAWOLF LIVE IN ANCHORAGE Friday, February 20th (ages 21+) Saturday, February 21st (ages 16+, with 21+ section) The Fiesta Room: 420 W. 3rd Ave. Doors Open at 9 pm Advance Tickets $35 Tribute to the Building of the Alcan (Alaska) Highway Saturday, February 21st - 7-9PM Alaska Veterans Museum 333 W 4th Ave, Ste 227, Anchorage AK 99501

$3.00 - Pay at door 907-696-4904 www.alaskaveterans.com Canvas Cafe’ Pre-register online: thecanvascafe.blogspot.com Sat. Feb. 21st 1:00-3:00pm “Color Wheel Sunset” Little Miller’s in the Crossroads Center Mall at Bogard rd. and Seldon Ext. $45 per artistColony High School: Shrek Glenn Massay Theater, Mat-Su College

February 21 at 7:00 PM, February 22 at 2:00 PM and 7:00PM

WEARABLE ART 2015 February 21st – 3PM & 7PM Palmer Train Depot The Valley Arts Alliance $15.00 Per Person Wasilla Homeless-Committee Meeting Sat, February 21 - 1pm-2pm Christian Fellowship Wasilla 591 S. Knik-Goose Bay Rd. FREE Wasilla Homeless-Committee 907-521-2949 Wasilla Public Library Building Committee Meeting Wed, February 25 4:30pm-6:30pm Wasilla City Hall Council Chambers 290 E Herning Ave, Wasilla, AK 99654 Free Planting for Beatry & Wildlife Thursday, February 26th 7-8:30PM - Mat Su College FREE - 357-4511 distrmgr@wasillaswcd.org Wasilla & Palmer Soil & Water Conservation Districts - 907-357-4511 Mat-Su Senior Services Variety Show February 27th at 6:00pm Mat-Su Senior Services, Palmer Tyri Lane’s Country CD Release Party Sat, Feb 28th 6pm

CD: “Standing Strong” Where: Church on the Rock 3571 W. Machen Rd., Wasilla Admission: Free Canvas Cafe’ Pre-register online: thecanvascafe.blogspot.com Sat. Feb. 28th 11:00am-1:00pm “Moonlight” The Coffee Shop @ The Boardwalk Shop Parks Hwy in the Carrs Mall in Wasilla, Ak *adults and mature children age 10 & up $50 per artist-price includes a beverage & pastry Mat-Su Concert Band Winter Concert Sun, March 1 - 4pm-6pm Glenn Massey Theatre 8295 College Dr. $10 general admission, $5 students www.matsuconcertband.org Modified Wasilla Public Library Hours Tues, March 3rd 2pm-7pm Wasilla Public Library 391 N Main St, Wasilla, AK 99654 Free - 907-376-5913 Gardening With Moose- How To Enjoy Both Moose & Gardens Together Thursday, March 5th 7-8:30PM - Mat Su College FREE - 357-4511 distrmgr@wasillaswcd.org Wasilla & Palmer Soil & Water Conservation Districts ALASKA CELTIC PIPES & DRUMS 7:00 pm on Saturday, March 7th, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 18444 Old Glenn Highway, in Chugiak, Alaska African Guitar Summit Sunday March 8th at 7:30pm Sheldon Community Arts Hangar Tickets: $22 DAC member / $25 general / $60 family rate (must be purchased in Dog 101 Tuesdays 4-5pm, March 10 -- Apr 14.

UAF Matanuska Experiment Farm 1509 S. Georgeson Dr. Palmer $30 for current 4-H members/$40 non-members.

PAGE 9

Community Events Register by March 6th.

For youth 3rd grade and up and friendly dogs.

For questions or registration, call the Cooperative Extension Service Office at 745-3360.

Non-Denominational Bible Study Wasilla Area Senior Center 1301 S. Century Circle Wasilla, Alaska 99654 Every Wednesday from 10 to 11 am in WASI Meeting Room FREE - Wasilla Area Senior Center

Friday at the Farm: Forestry Fun! March 13th. 6:30-8:00pm Come learn more about our Alaska forests! Fun, hands-on activities to experience the forest beyond the trees at the UAF Matanuska Experiment Farm Call for more details 745-3360

477th Fighter Group 4th Annual Ice Fishing Derby March 14th - 9am-4pm Palmer ELKS Lodge 2600 N Barrys Resort Dr, Wasilla, AK Entry Fee $15 - Children 12 and under are free with paying adult 477th Fighter Group - 907-414-9154 Mat-Su “Friends of NRA” ANNUAL BANQUET March 14th - Raven Hall, Alaska State Fairgrounds Seating is Limited, Tickets Available At The Door Doors Open at 5:00PM Wild Edible & Medicinal Plants Thursday, March 19th 7-8:30 pm - Mat Su College FREE - 907-357-4511 distrmgr@wasillaswcd.org Wasilla & Palmer Soil & Water Conservation Districts

CONTACT

make a scene Joshua Fryfogle Owner/Publisher Make A Scene Magazine, The People’s Paper Direct: 907-373-2698 www.MakeASceneAK.com MakeASceneAK@mac.com Bryce Burkhart Graphic Design Make A Scene Magazine, The People’s Paper Direct: 907-315-6661 Office: 907-373-2698 Fax: 888-383-9909 makeasceneak@mac.com www.makeasceneak.com

WINTER CONSERVATION SERIES III Jan 15- April 16, 2015; 7:00 – 8:30 pm; Thursdays @ Mat-Su College

Mat-Su Toastmasters 889 N. Elkhorn Drive Wasilla, AK 99654 Located upstairs in the Pub Every Tuesday from 7:30am to 8:30am Mat-Su Toastmasters 907.841.9818 or 907.355.3039 Free Hearing Screening provided

by Mat-Su Sertoma Club First Sat Every Month 10am-1pm Wasilla Physical Therapy Deana Moore 761-5229 Palmer Public Library:

Every Tuesday at 10am: Baby Lap Sit Every Tuesday at 11am: 2 year old Story Time Every Thursday at 11am: 3-5 year old story time Friday, January 9th: Foreign Film, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, 7PM Monday, January 19th: FRIENDS meeting, 7PM Saturday, January 24th: CHILL (for High School and College Students). Registration Required.

Friday, February 13th: Foreign Film, Watchtower, 7PM Saturday, February 21st: Teen Movie Night, 7PM

FEB 2015

Series Goal: solid, practical, informative, action-oriented sessions; FREE; Space is limited; PREREGISTRATION: Chuck Kaucic @ distmgr@wasillaswcd.org or 357-4511 10:00 am – 4 pm weekdays

LIVING WELL ALASKA, MAKING BETTER CHOICES While Living with Chronic Illness Wasilla Area Senior Center 1301 S. Century Circle Wasilla, Alaska 99654 Every Tuesday from November 4 thru December 16 at 1pm FREE

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

ATV/Salmon Stream Crossings: Intersection of Man & Machines Thursday, March 12th 7-8:30PM - Mat Su College FREE - 907-357-4511 distrmgr@wasillaswcd.org Wasilla & Palmer Soil & Water Conservation Districts

BINGO and Pull Tabs Wasilla Senior Center 1301 S Century Circle Every Wednesday From 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm BINGO Card sales begin at 12:45 pm FREE to the public Wasilla Area Senior Center

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Tyri Lane’s Country CD Release Party Event: Tyri Lane’s Country CD Release Party CD: “Standing Strong” Where: Church on the Rock 3571 W. Machen Rd., Wasilla When: Sat, Feb 28th 6pm Admission: Free

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

PAGE 10

Music

Growing up in SW Louisiana, I listened to and grew up loving country music. As a teen, I remember meeting a few Country Music Artists, like Conway Twitty and Reba McEntire. I just knew that one day that was what I wanted to do. I didn’t really start singing until I was married and had my third child.

It all started when on a dare, I got up in front of people and sang Crazy by Patsy Cline!

I actually grew up dancing-ballet, tap, jazz & acrobatics and even danced in NYC after high school graduation. It wasn’t until I moved to Alaska and started singing on the Worship Team at Church on the Rock that I thought maybe my own CD could truly be a reality.

FEB 2015

UAA Hosts Symphony of Sounds The UAA Department of Music is proud to present the 18th Annual Symphony of Sounds, February 22nd and 23rd at the UAA Recital hall. Attached to this email you’ll find the official press release and photograph. Below is a shortened blurb about this show.

Experience the arts at UAA with the inspiring 18th annual Symphony of Sounds concerts in the UAA Fine Arts Building Recital Hall Saturday, Feb. 22, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 23, at 4 p.m. UAA music majors compete to be part of this program, which is considered to be one of the best showcases for young musicians in Alaska.

Each performance culminates in a silent auction featuring artwork, entertainment, travel, food, as well as a variety of goods and services.

Tickets for the Symphony of Sounds are available from UAAtix.com, CenterTix.net or the Box Office in the UAA Fine Arts Building (786-4849). Tickets are $20 for balcony seating, $17 for lower-level seating.

For more information about this event please feel free to contact Mark Wolbers at 786-1508 or mewolbers@uaa.alaska.edu

Since being so involved with the Worship Team, I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by some super musicians who have been rather successful in their own right.

This was very inspiring to me. I believe that music can cross barriers and touch people in so many ways.

This is what I hope to achieve by releasing my CD “Standing Strong”. I want to inspire and motivate people.

I heard once that if we only chase dreams, then we will never achieve them; you need to step into your destiny. My desire is to show people that regardless of the season of your life, it’s never too late to do just that.....step into your destiny.

I hope you will join me at my CD Release Party! It promises to be a great evening of music and fun! My CD will be available for purchase at the party along with iTunes, Amazon & CD Baby beginning 2/28/15.

You can also contact me at tyri.lane@yahoo.com or search for Tyri Lane on Facebook.

Music

Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums

Present the 8th Annual Snowflake Concert

Mark your Calendars -- 7:00 pm on Saturday, March 7th, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 18444 Old Glenn Highway, in Chugiak, Alaska, (On the Old Glenn Highway, between North and South Birchwood Loops.)

The Snowflake Concert promises to deliver yet again a brilliant evening of entertainment, with piping and drumming from the entire ensemble, as well as solos, and smaller groups of pipers and drummers within the Band. Based in Eagle River, Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums is very active in the greater Anchorage area, the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, and throughout South-Central Alaska, and has great fun teaching, performing, and competing. The Snowflake Concert is one of several community concerts presented throughout the state by Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums, and is regarded by the Band as a particularly special time to say thanks to the people of their own home district.

He has performed in front of sold-out audiences with The Chieftains, with exGrateful Dead rocker Bob Weir and his band Ratdog, and has been featured as a soloist or band member on over 20 recordings.

His debut solo album Bagpipe Revolution was nominated for Album of the Year by Pipes|Drums magazine. Jori writes the “Sound Technique” column for the National Piping Centre’s bi-monthly Piping Today magazine. Prepare to be amazed! Midway through the concert, there will be a short intermission, during which refreshments, Scottish shortbread, and cookies will be served.

Admission is free, but donations are sincerely appreciated, with proceeds to benefit Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums’ Education Fund, and the church youth group. Contact the Band via email at jungstensgericht@yahoo.com, or phone 907-688-4196

The Peop le’s

JANUAR Y 2015

Glenn Ma ssay

We are extremely pleased this year to have as our Very Special Guest Performer, World Champion Piper and Instructor Jori Chisholm. Jori has played with the six-time Grade One World Champion Simon Fraser University Pipe Band since 1998, and has been a featured solo performer for the band on multiple occasions.

Jori is a successful solo competitor, winning the United States Gold Medal four times, and has placed in the top three in Scotland’s Argyllshire Gathering Gold Medal competition, and is a regular winner of top competitions in North America and Scotland.

LOCALL Y OWNE D SINCE

Theater

PHOTOS AND

2007

Paper

FREE

ARTICLE CONTRIB UTED BY MATT SAL E

NEW 520 SEAT THE ATER OPE NING IN T HE

Everyo ne getting at Mat-Su Col prepar openin ed for lege is busy the upc g On sta Prosce of the new, oming ge, 520 niu system there is a 41 With the m, Glenn Ma -seat tha legs and t includes line set fly it will be final touche ssay Theater. the ma s in drape, a cyclora borders, fou center an incredible going in now r for the , projec ma, and a 33 electrics, Valley. performance tion x also ava screen. An 17 foot The the atri dance ilable for all of orchestra pit art. The cal system concer is s the mu ts the the by the lighting systemare state-of-th ater’s fututhat will be a sicals and ETC Ion e, con of the trolled part of light boa re. bra Once eve and Sel nd new ETC rd, consists ado Source doors are rything is in instrume r D60, color 4 pla changi LED nts. in great open, the the ce and the ng festiva concerts, lec ater will brin Plus, wit tur ls, g h and es, the add sho more. theate fixture ition The sta ws, film r is exc s ff at the ited to variou ready to and spotlights of intelligent wo s eve come thr nts and com rk with all of from lec light perform , the venue is the ances and looking ough the are panies that audio sidtures to rock eve will concer a. Plu forward ts. On nts Conste e is the new to filling s, they are the llation Meyer the sea Acoust SEE th Sound provid ts! ical es E OF Ma AD ON thE surrou digital enhanc System, wh nd ke a Sce bA ich INFOR a musica sound to ma ement and ne Ma Ck pAgE mA ke ga an orches zine FO StAY Up tION ON within l, or a movie hO R tra, the spa sound EvENtS -tO-DAtE ON W YOU CA amazin ce.

N g mASSA hAppENINg thE LAtESt Once ev Y thEAt At thE gLENN ER. erythi op

Read our online edition anytime. www.MakeASceneAK.com

MAT-SU V ALLEY

ng is in en, th pl lectures e theater will ace and th e door , show bring s are in s, film festival great conc er s, and more. ts,

The Oil Pr ice

The People’s Paper

Crises: Ca

n the State

of Alaska S

urvive It?

Matan uska-S usitna a fund Col in Busine 2011 for The lege establish ss Lectur No ed tIm Series e Series. rthrim Bank bRAD wa NER mOSt was ope s to begin onc The Lecture SENIOR IS ONE OF AL ECONO the ser n. Tim Bradne e the theate WR ies wit r mICS AN ItERS ON ASkA’S r will lau h crises: D pUbLI Can the his talk on The nch C pOLIC hE WI it? state of oil pric LL Y. e Alaska ChALLENtALk AbOU survive gLENN t thE gES mASS DROp The slid AND SO OF thE OIL AY th e REvEN OppO revenu in oil prices EAtE mE mA RtUNItIE hIDDEN UE es has cut RECEpt t-SU COLLEg R draw hea in half, forc S. ing the state vily IO E on cas large bud h reserv state to LECtUR N At 6:00pm es to cov implica get deficits Th E At 7:0 e slide . Wh tions for er 0pm Can our future at are the in oil pr oil sta ind ha te budget Alaska ustry sur lf, forc ices ha tran s? econom sition to a vive this? Can s cut reserv ing the stat more sus y? tainabl es to co e to dr state revenu e aw

FEbRU ARY 19

th

No Staff of Writers + Community Submissions = The People’s Paper are th

ver larg es in heav ications e budget de ily on cash ficits. for futu Wha re stat e budg t ets?

e impl

PAGE 12

Music

‘New Beginnings’ Mat-Su Concert

Band Plays First Concert in New Theater www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Contributed by Zaz Hollander The Valley’s only concert band for years proudly took the cafeteria stage at Teeland Middle School, a beloved space though not necessarily an acoustically generous one.

Starting with a March 1 concert, the bands new home will be the Glenn Massay Theater at Mat-Su College, an acoustically miraculous space built with state-of-the-art equipment.

The concert, titled New Beginnings, is 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 1 at the theater.

Tickets are $10 for the general public, $5 for students, and free for children under 5.

The program contains an entertaining mix of marches, rags and symphonic masterworks.

One sure highlight: The Strauss Horn Concerto No. 1, performed with tuba soloist Greg Roonback.

Considered perhaps the greatest horn concerto written in modern times, the Strauss showcases the mellow sound of the tuba and the virtuoso brilliance the instrument -- and Roonback -- can produce.

FEB 2015

The band will also perform Haydn Wood’s “Mannin Veen”, an alternately melodic and sprightly tone poem based on four Manx folk songs that’s one of only two pieces Wood composed for band.

Ceasar Giovannini’s “Overture in B-Flat” is described in program notes as a “vigorous, driving, biting work with energetic brass fanfares and legato woodwind passages”.

An Alfred Reed arrangement of “Greensleeves” presents that traditional melody in a lilting series of echoing solo entrances in the woodwinds.

Scott Joplin’s “Palm Leaf Rag” and Red Skelton’s “Red’s White and Blue March” are sure to entertain.

And yes, Skelton was more famously a comedian but composed thousands of songs and symphonies.

Mat-Su Concert Band got its start in 1984 as the Mat-Su Community Band, formed by Hank Hartman, owner of Matanuska Music in Wasilla.

For three years, the band marched in every parade in the Valley. Then one day, an 80-year-old trombone player said his knees just couldn’t take the pounding. The band voted unanimously to stick to the stage as a concert band. Since then, directors have included Neil Long and Phil Munger.

The current director is retired music educator and private instructor Gleo Huyck. Under Huyck’s baton, the band performs a wide-ranging selection of challenging music. Today, the band includes about 70 musicians, mostly amateurs – business owners, lawyers, teachers, students – who get together weekly to play live music in a group, have fun, and push themselves musically.

The March 1 concert will actually be the second time the band performs at the Massay Theater.

The group performed Feb. 7 for a well-attended theater dedication. During dress rehearsals, the band finished “The Alaska Flag” song and realized they were in a whole new space: the last chord of the piece hung in the air for a moment after the music finished, as if the music had taken on a life of its own.

> For more information, e-mail

matsuconcertband@gmail.com or visit the band at matsuconcertband.org or on Facebook

PAGE 13

r

Starting with a March 1 concert, the bands new home will be the Glenn Massay Theater at Mat-Su College, an acoustically miraculous space built with state-of-the-art equipment.

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com FEB 2015

PAGE 14

Art

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Artist Joey DeRuy in Wasilla

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

“Artist Joey DeRuy has adapted to his surroundings and absorbed a wide array of influences due to his childhood spent in Montana, Hong Kong, Kenya and Maine.”

Artist Joey DeRuy has adapted to his surroundings and absorbed a wide array of influences due to his childhood spent in Montana, Hong Kong, Kenya and Maine. Born in the late 70’s to American philanthropists, Joey was influenced by the modern art and portraiture he observed as a young child.

At the age of 11, Joey was featured in his first art show in Helena, MT establishing a career in art. His works in pen and ink have been utilized to create tattoo art, ad illustrations, international magazine recognitions, and candle illustrations. He has since expanded into oils, acrylics and mixed media to create the technologyinfluenced characters that grace his paintings.

FEB 2015

Stemming from his youth spent in East Africa, Joey's earlier mediums began with encaustic powder mixed with beeswax, which represents one of the oldest painting media. Joey’s medium varies from pen and ink, graphite, flower petals, plants and ashes all composited on canvas.

He is currently working in Wasilla for the winter painting a private commission. He has some achievements under his belt, such as a Smithsonian institute nomination in Washington DC.

TAKE ME AWAY

by Marjorie Labriola Take me away Far away from here From my biggest anxiety From my worst fear From all the things that can keep me here Take me away Please help me I can't do this alone I've been trying I've been crying I've been breaking bones I've never felt so helpless Or alone Please take me away I don't want to ask It never helped before When I do I feel like I'm begging And you just want more Playing more mind games More than before Please take me away Take me away Far away from here From my biggest anxiety From my worst fear From all the things that can keep me here ALONE Take me away

THE WALL

by Marjorie Labriola Staring at the wallstaring at nothing at all.

Hoping and copingavoiding another fall.

Unwanted; just staring at the wall...

The room is too small but you shine in it all.

Looking back is not okaythat's what you say; as you yourselfadmire you- all day.

In the looking glass..

You can stay.

Wishing you weren't away....

Another time.

Another ...day.

POETRY

The Velveteen Rabbi(t)

by Nan Potts There once was a rabbit of velveteen, Who had a young master on which he was keen.

He was taken to parties and places unseen By himself and Young Master, twas something to glean.

There then came a day, which many have had, Where boys and their rabbits part ways, which is sad.

Young Master grew older, now a man not a lad And he put away Rabbit which had long been a fad.

Rabbit ceased seeing his master that day.

But, the rabbit aged too, in a most different way.

He became frayed and torn, long past his heyday, That he began to lose hope of his days oh so gay.

Yet, Rabbit relinquished to go his own way And made a tough call that he couldn't delay.

"Since Master has left me," he was heard, then, to say, "I better decide what to do, not decay."

So, he traveled the world as a sole-searching rabbit, He'd gain freedom and knowledge; for himself, he would nab it.

And, seeking sound guidance, to shed his old habit Of relying on humans for love, he had had it.

This quest he was on, amazed many folks.

They believed what they saw, to them, was a hoax.

And, they laughed. They guffawed, and even told jokes.

But, Rabbit ne'er wavered, though no one helped coax.

Then one fateful day, his true destiny shined.

The awe he inspired had touched all mankind.

There were many who saw him and looked on to find The peace they had sought and revered him, in kind.

It was just at that moment he then said, "Goodby," To his old way of life and embraced, with a sigh, A position of power, helping those far and nigh.

For, he just dropped the "t" and became a Rabbi.

With someone else: that's what you say..

Just staring at the wall; I stay.

I push out thoughts of making plans and setting goalsnew fresh life too breathe with purpose and fullfillmenttrue companionship; to enjoy all the little things that you do...

Weighing out what I know of youjust wondering and staring at the wall.

Just staring at the wall.

Hoping- coping- avoiding another fall.

Another time; another day.

Looking back is not okat least towards you.

So in the looking glass I shall stayas me myself and I admire me- all day.

Thinking of when you went away... just Staring at the wall...

Y R T E O P

PAGE 16

Art

Beyond the Classroom

A high school juried art exhibit at the paLMER muSEUM

“Beyond the Classroom is open to all high school students, grades 9-12 that are enrolled in a high school program.”

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com Now that we have settled into a new year, the Palmer Museum has resumed its regular temporary art exhibit schedule.

The museum has many exciting things planned for 2015 including an exhibit comprised of multi-media artwork incorporating the egg as one of its “ingredients,” a touring photography exhibit of photographs from indigenous artists from around the world and special artist collaboration between local artists and senior citizens in our community.

To kick of the exhibit schedule, in February, the museum will be displaying Out of the Closet 2015, a collection of wearable art outfits from the Valley Arts Alliance beginning February 11th through February 28th.

This year’s Wearable Art Show is scheduled for Saturday, February 21st.

In March, the museum will be shining the spotlight on the younger artists in our community in Beyond the Classroom, a high school juried art exhibit. Beyond the Classroom is open to all high school students, grades 9-12 that are enrolled in a high school program (public, home school or alternative). Only one submission per students is allowed and art works can be comprised of any media, any size.

FEB 2015

Applications are available on the museum web-site at www. palmermuseum.org or forms can be picked up at the Museum located in downtown Palmer at 723 S. Valley Way. The Museum will be accepting applications until February 23rd. Applications will be used to determine space requirements and other exhibit accommodations needed.

Due to space limitations, the Museum will only guarantee acceptance of the first 25 applications and then open it up to additional entries with space permitting.

Art work will be on display at the Museum for the entire month of March with a special artist reception to be held during the Palmer Art Walk on Saturday, March 14th from 2-6PM. As part of the exhibit, representatives from Mat-Su College Art Department, Valley Arts Alliance, Valley Fine Arts Association, Palmer Arts Council and the Palmer Museum will be reviewing all submissions.

Artists will be given review sheets with comments and suggestions after the exhibit with each organization awarding one student for outstanding achievement as recognized by the organization. One student will also be awarded a Best in Show based on a 50/50 score with 50% based on public popular vote taken at the Museum from March 4th – 14th and 50% based on the jury panel’s review.

The Museum has many more fun and exciting events planned for 2015 including the launching of an updated web-site that will offer more features and a closer look into the Museum’s collections so be sure to visit us at www.palmermuseum.org for further details on upcoming events and future exhibits. The Palmer Museum looks forward to celebrating spring in the valley and bringing more art to the community!

About PMHA:

The Palmer Museum of History and Art is a non-profit museum that serves the community of Palmer in preserving and sharing the history and art of the Palmer region. The museum’s collections contain items that best depict region’s art history, exploration, settlement, agriculture, and trade, cultural and social development.

During the summer, May 1st through September 30th, the museum also serves a Palmer’s Visitor’s Center and is open seven days a week from 9:00AM to 6:00PM. The museum also operates during the winter months from October 1st through April 30th, Wednesday through Friday, 10:00AM to 5:00PM and Saturdays, 10:00AM to 2:00PM.

www.PALMERMUSEUM.org

Agnostic: a word to describe both believers and non-believers alike

by Will Johnson There are two ways to find a person not guilty at a trial. You can be completely convinced of their innocence, or you can be unconvinced either way (let us assume that a responsible juror would never convict a person if they were still unconvinced).

The same is true of atheism. You can actively believe no gods exist, or you can simply be unconvinced due to lack of evidence.

People often think that "agnostic" is the term that describes an unconvinced person. But agnostic refers to whether an answer can be known, and has nothing specifically to do with belief in gods. We can be agnostic in regards to any knowledge claims about any topic, it just so happens that theology is the most common area where the term comes up.There are agnostic theists (those who believe in gods but do not think the answer can be known). And in fact, almost all atheists (myself included) are agnostic atheists. “I do not claim knowledge, and I do not believe.”

An interesting thing to consider is that most people of faith can relate to this outlook, because it is precisely how they feel about Thor, Zeus, and every other god they don’t believe in.

In fact, theists and atheists have more common ground than they might realize…because they both lack belief in thousands of gods…the atheists just go “one god further”.

Being agnostic is not a middle ground between belief and nonbelief. It is a separate category compatible with both. Because of that, it has no bearing on the question of whether someone believes in a god. If a person believes, they are a theist. If they are not a theist, they are an atheist…regardless of how that sounds, the stigma or biting nature of the word “atheist”…it simply means “not theist”. Agnostics are not theists. Atheists are not theists. Just like the analogy of the courtroom trial that we started with.It may seem like semantics to clarify terminology in this way, but defining terms is often how we come to a greater understanding between ourselves. Once everyone can agree on what the words mean, we can have meaningful discourse on a subject.

Will is a full time singer, guitarist, philosopher and critical thinker. He enjoys discussions on difficult topics and welcomes feedback, comments, and questions.

Reach him by email at will@willhjohnson.com

Dinner For Two With An Interlude

by Jeanne Stout

if we would come right away, they could help us.

Austa had just returned to our table at a local restaurant. Her face was askew and visibly shaken. I thought the worst. She reached into her mouth and pulled out her upper denture and set it on the menu. It was broken in half. Austa explained, she had dropped it while in the bathroom and did not know how she was to manage for the remainder of her weekend visit. She and her family were visiting me, camping at a local park.

I left Austa at the table while I made the arrangements; this was a mistake.

Each time I left, she would call her daughter and upset her over the current circumstance. I finally asked to hand me her phone, interrupting her conversation, and explained to her daughter I had the situation under control and she need not worry. Off we went to the dentist, after I had stuck a few crab appetizers in my pocket.

During her explanation, she attempted to use a thin piece of sticky tape to secure the two halves of the denture together and popped the makeshift wad of teeth back into her mouth. Needles to say, it did not work. I invited Austa to the restaurant for a dinner of deep-fried halibut; she loves deep-fried halibut.

When we walked into the office, we were greeted warmly by the dentist and his wife. They did not seem put out by our arrival. The denture was fixed quickly, expertly, and fit Austa's mouth perfectly.

She was very pleased with the result and with the dentist. We could not thank him enough for rescuing us and our weekend.

It amazed us how well this had worked out and how timely my call; serendipity.

Austa and I returned to the restaurant to find a Reserved sign sitting on the table we had vacated. We sat down and enjoyed a wonderful dinner, picking up where had left off. After dinner, I drove Austa to the campground. Her family gathered around the campfire to hear Austa tell her tale of the evening's adventures.

We decided to search the menu for an alternative, considering the situation.

It was at that moment, the owner of the restaurant came to our table. She suggested I call her friend, who just happened to be my dentist, for assistance.

It was 6:00 on a Friday night and the odds of anyone answering the phone at that time were high. Someone answered. It seemed the dentist and his wife happened to be at the office. And, his wife suggested,

Submitting Articles:

MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE

To submit content for print, visit our website for guidelines: www.MakeASceneAk.com Deadline is the 10th of each month.

Submissions are not accepted via Facebook.

PAGE 18

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

FEB 2015

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.

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.

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

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska

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

Alaska Family Services is a multi-dimensional non-profit that has over 20 programs serving the Mat-Su Valley. Major areas are: domestic violence, behavioral health, WIC, family support, and residential for youth with emotional issues.

Donn A. Bennice, Ph.D. 746-4080 - akafs.org

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

LINKS Mat-Su Parent Resource Center.

Pillows for Kids Foundation

Alaska Family Services

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.

Regan Building 3161 E Palmer Wasilla Hwy. Suite #2 Linda Kupers, Administrative Assistant linda@linksprc.org - 907-373-3632

MYHouse Homeless Teen Shelter in the Matsu

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.

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 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

We provide little pillows of support and little scholarships for local children to participate in brain-training activities such as art, music, gymnastics, swimming, skiing, snowboarding, skating, horseback riding, and Aprtial arts..

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 (copyrighted) 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 - Valerie Koivunen 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 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/

Big Lake Community Clothing Closet

Donated by local Alaskans, Big Lake Community Clothing Closet provides quality clothing to people in need, at no charge.

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.

Financial donation could also be mailed to the Big Lake Community Clothing Closet, PO Box 527069, Big Lake, AK 99652.

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

The ARTs

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’re celebrating over 36 years of Quality Live Theatre! VPA performs seven plays a year from Octember through Nov.. We welcome actors, volunteers, program advertisers and play sponsors to join in supporting VPA, the Valley’s oldest live theatre. The VPA Summer Theatre Arts Programs take place Nov. through Nov. and are for youth 6-11 and 12-17. The VPA Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony is held each Nov. and Annual Fundraiser in October.

Purchase your tickets online or from our office.

Check out audition dates and show times on our website.

373-0195, www.valleyperformingarts.org

new pet homes. Bunnies not able to be adopted are maintained permanently at the sanctuary.

Responsible adult volunteers are always needed.

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 one of 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

907-357-6437, www.meadowgates.com manager@meadowgates.com

—Bringing the Community Together Through the Arts...

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

to 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)

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

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 second and fourth Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Tailgaters Restaurant in Wasilla.

Mat-Su Special Santa

The Mat-Su Special Santa program is the largest Christmas gift giving program in the 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. 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.

The Sertoma Club - Wasilla

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 Tailgaters Sports Bar and Grill. Our next meeting is Nov. 25th. We always have new speakers and a great time. See you there!

VRS provides housing to people with special needs. We define people with special needs as those individuals who are experiencing behavioral or developmental disabilities, lowincome 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

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.

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

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.

Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS)

Our website is: www.matsufoodbank.org. If you have any questions please go to the website or call us at 907-357-3769.

TOPS

Our mission is to educate and provide opportunities in our community to reduce, reuse, and recycle for the long-term good of all.

Our vision is to establish the Mat-Su Borough as a model recycling community for Alaska.

We are open for residential recycling Tuesday thru Friday 10:30am to 6:00pm and Saturday 10:30am to 3:30pm. Businesses can call ahead for hours. Your permanent community recycling center is located in our new green building at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, next to the animal shelter at the Central Landfill.

Volunteer opportunities available. community@valleyrecycling.org valleyrecycling.org - 745-5544

Valley Residential Services (VRS)

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

Alaska Attachment & Bonding Associates (AABA)

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 website 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.

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

FEB 2015

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.

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.

Valley Residential Services

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

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

United Way of Mat-Su

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.

PAGE 19

Valley Arts Alliance

PAGE 20 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

The Stars that Shine Out at night, the shadows of the dogs mushing down the trail, stretched out in a line before me.

The way is calm and clear. I turn off my headlamp and listen to the expanding stillness. Lifting my eyes to the night sky, in awe of the many bright stars overhead, I think of those who have traveled beyond.

The North Star shines bright, my eyes follow it to the constellation of the big dipper and think of dear sweet Ursa. Those are her stars shining tonight. The very ones who inspired her name. Was she looking over us as the dogs worked quietly away down the trail?

At just five years of age she had so much of her life stretched out in front of her but when her illness hit in the summer of 2006 it hit with a vengeance. In a matter of weeks the sickness in her body brought her down to half strength turning her strong frame into a shadow of the beautiful husky she once had been.

The medical tests showed there was no treatment that could save her life and yet she continued to struggle, desperately battling against the cruel odds of her own survival.

FEB 2015

Her body deteriorated so quickly that it didn’t take long to come to the conclusion that she would need assistance to gently help her out of this world. And as I leaned my back against her favorite tree, her delicate head cradled gently in my lap, I gave the signal to the vet to administer the injection that would end her suffering.

After she had taken her last labored breath the vet prepared her things to leave and we sat for what seemed an eternity, fighting against the tears that continued to flow as the dogs in the yard grew silent. A precious life had ended and a part of my life seemed to die along with her.

Two days after Ursa had passed, I received an email out of the blue from a friend asking if we could take in an older lead dog. Their owner’s life circumstance had changed and he could no longer afford to feed the dog on his current salary.

I knew taking in another dog so soon after loosing such a dear friend was not the best way for my heart to heal. Subconsciously my mind would not be able to make the connection that this new dog could not be a replacement for Ursa. But when the photos arrived in my inbox my jaw dropped, the two could have been twins separated at birth.

In the days that followed I pulled up Salmon’s photo on the computer again and again, staring at it for long moments with troubled uncertainty.

Was this Ursa’s way of speaking to me from beyond the grave? I made an appointment with the owner and agreed to take her into the Sanctuary.

Salmon turned out to have an extremely shy personality with an incredible sled dog drive. It wasn’t long before the team was heavily depending on her as the miles we traveled lengthened considerably due to her efforts alone.

As the miles slipped by I felt my depression slowly start to ease but feeding the dogs at night still proved difficult. As I walked by Ursa’s old house the memory of her excitement was still there, like a humming in the air. The gentle slope at the base of her favorite tree caught my eye, the very place we spent our last moments together.

Now a stranger had taken up residence, a shadow of the dog Ursa was in life. A shy one who patiently waited to eat until I had walked away, one who I wished I could transform into Ursa’s old soul so the reality of

by Raven Vinter her passing would become nothing more than a distant memory.

once shared with a dearly departed friend.

In the end Salmon was never able to take Ursa’s place and fill that deep rift in my heart but over the years she did help me heal. Out on the trail the team moved smoothly, effortlessly, inspired by a hard working soul who never knew the meaning of the word quit.

On those dark moonless nights in the dog yard as my headlamp swung towards Ursa’s old circle it would fall on Salmon’s face taking my breath away once again. For a split second Ursa was alive but in the next moment she was gone.

Those quiet hours on the trail seeped into my soul and my heart again was filled with inspiration. The passion began to grow in my work again and my creativity soon flowed like water.

I found new inspiration in Ursa’s life as I left the sorrow of her death behind. Through my art I began to see her life did not end but that the bond we felt for each other was growing in other ways as I created her essence on paper.

In the years that followed I spoke to many people who had never met Ursa, had never even seen her, and yet somehow she lived within them as the light danced in their eyes when they too spoke of a bond they

In this way Salmon remained a constant reminder that life moves on in wonderful ways, through many forms. That no matter how much we love and miss those who have gone before there will always be another friend waiting in the wings to show us the way out of shadow, out of grief and out to the quiet trails where the stars shine brightly, where the wildlife silently walks through deep snow and the wind whispers of days long passed and the quiet stillness of nights on the trail yet to come.

- To read more about the dogs in the Sled Dog Sanctuary visit our website at www.SledDogSanctuary.com

PAGE 21

Entertainment

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Showdown Productions Announces Electrifying Spring Concert Series Showdown Productions is proud to announce the eclectic and electrifying Spring Concert Series. The Spring Concert Series features three diverse headlining acts performing five concerts. Tickets for all evnts are on sale now at http://www.tixr.com/showdown.

The Spring Concert Series begins with two performances from the rising hiphop maverick, Yelawolf. He previously performed in Alaska for two sold-out shows in 2013. The Eminem protegee is preparing to release an anticipated new album, “Love Story”, in 2015. The first concert will be ages 21+ on Friday, February 20. The second performance will be ages 16+ on Saturday, February 21. Both shows will be held downtown at The Fiesta Room.

Self-described as “music made by your imaginary friend”, Slow Magic will bring his striking brand of cosmic electronic music to Anchorage for a second unforgettable performance. After 2012’s critically-acclaimed release, “Triangle”, Slow Magic became an international movement after touring with artists like Gold Panda and XXYYXX. Showdown Productions is excited to present an all ages performance with Slow Magic at The Fiesta Room on Friday, March 6.

2015 Vans Warped Tour Headliner, Riff Raff, will be performing unforgettable two shows in Anchorage. The glam-trash hype tycoon’s latest album “Neon Icon” was listed under Rolling Stone’s “27 Must-Hear Albums of 2014.” Riff Raff will be bringing his brand of havoc to the Wendy Williamson Auditorium on Friday, April 3 for an all ages show. The second performance will be Saturday, April 4 for ages 21+.

> For additional information visit www.showdownalaska.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20 (ages 21+) SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 (ages 16+, with 21+ section) The Fiesta Room: 420 W. 3rd Ave. Doors Open at 9 pm Advance Tickets $35

SLOW MAGIC

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 (all ages) The Fiesta Room: 420 W. 3rd Ave. Doors Open at 8 pm Advance Tickets $18

RIFF RAFF

FRIDAY, APRIL 3 (ages 16+) Wendy Williamson Auditorium: 2533 Providence Dr. Doors Open at 8 pm SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2015 (ages 21+) The Fiesta Room: 420 W. 3rd Ave. Doors Open at 9 pm Advance Tickets $38.77

www.showdownalaska.com

FEB 2015

Showdown Productions is Alaska’s premier independent concert production team. We aim for Alaska to become the must see/must play destination for some of the world’s top, upcoming artists, dj’s and bands. With a combined history of 20 years in concerts, production, and promotions, Showdown was created to bring new and relevant acts to the Last Frontier.

YELAWOLF

PAGE 22 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Entertainment

Cure Those Winter Blues With a Variety Show!

February 27th at 6:00pm Mat-Su Senior Services, Palmer

Contributed by Donna Harding Do you have the winter blues and blahs? Warm up with a fun variety show at Mat-Su Senior Services in Palmer on Feb. 27th at 6:00pm. Singer and ventriloquist Hillary Saffran, Georgie Hollander and the Borealis Dancers as well as Meggie Aube-Trammell and the Matanuska Beat Percussion Group will be performing for the community. The evening promises to be a fun one – and the price is fantastic at just two smiles and a wink. Okay, the wink is stretching it a bit, but you can’t go wrong with a free show right here in the Mat-Su Valley!

Georgie Hollander and the Borealis Dancers

FEB 2015

The idea for the variety show was greatly influenced by Hillary’s involvement with the Valley Arts Alliance’s Alaska Home Companion shows for the past three years. She had so much fun with it that she put together another variety show and fund raiser last year for the North America Outdoor Institute which was performed at Valley Performing Arts.

Hillary has been involved with the Borealis Dancers for the past year. Georgie Hollander likes to joke with Hillary that “she dances like a singer but Georgie sings like a dancer.” Some folks listen to music and sing along. Georgie Hollander is the kind of person that listens to music and creates a dance.

continues on the next page

Singer and ventriloquist Hillary Saffran

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

variety show at mat-su senior services continued

PAGE 23

Entertainment

MEGGIE AUBE-TRAMMELL OF PERCUSSION IN THE VALLEY WILL BE PERFORMING Hillary is also part of this fun group that has definitely put a spring in her step. As Meggie continues to build the community through drumming she can be found at www.percussioninthevalley. com or 907-631-8079, and also at meggieaube@hotmail.com.

Meggie Aube has a Master’s and Doctor of Musical Arts degree and teaches percussion in her new studio between the Palmer Bar and Midnight Sun Yoga Center on Colony Way. Dr. Aube not only works as a percussion educator, choral director, and an adjunct professor at Matanuska-Susitna College, but is also an avid performer.

The show at Mat-Su Senior Services promises to warm up your winter. Who knows – you also might be picked out of the audience for a “makeover” – which means you may become the ventriloquist puppet, but remember – the ventriloquist is always the real dummy!

She even taught percussion at Mat-Su Senior Services this fall. The seniors greatly enjoyed the group, and Meggie has also offered another performing venue for fellow percussion fans with her group The Matanuska Beat.

> For more information about

the variety show contact Donna Harding at 745-5454.

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

She started her dance group 33 years ago, and she’s still only 39!

Georgie is always welcoming new dancers, and can be reached at 355-6505 or 746-6504. Her studio is in Wasilla, and is just a hop, skip and a jump away from most locations in the Mat-Su Valley.

> Matsu Senior Services is located at 1132 S.Chugach St. in Palmer.

FEB 2015

LADIES OF THE MAT-SU SENIOR SERVICES IN THEIR ANNUAL CALENDAR