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CELTIC SPRING FEST AND 3-BARONS PAIR UP!
Contributed by Kevin Hall
As springtime approaches, Alaskans are once again faced with the dilemma of choosing between the many exciting and unique events that South Central has to offer. But this year, the decision just got easier. The Celtic Community of Alaska (CCA) and the 3 Barons Renaissance Fair are teaming up to bring you a day packed with fascinating workshops, history lessons, and hands-on activities that are sure to engage your imagination.
For more than 15 years, the Celtic Spring Festival has been the go-to celebration of the season with a Celtic twist. This year, we’re raising the bar by collaborating with the 3 Barons Renaissance Fair to offer something new and truly special. In addition to our beloved Celtic traditions, we’re opening the doors to workshops typically reserved for actors and vendors, allowing the public to immerse themselves in even more creative experiences. Learn the secrets of ancient Celtic writing, try your hand at clog dancing, or
explore the enchanting world of hobbit and faerie house-making. If you’re curious about music, join us to discover a new instrument or even learn the art of “Ren” speak or stretch your imagination in our lively improv class. Plus, get insider tips from an award-winning filmmaker on how to shoot and edit videos for your YouTube channel. Our goal is to educate and entertain in a way that celebrates both the arts and history while offering something for everyone—whether you’re drawn to the real or the fantastical, the serious or
the whimsical.
Bring your friends, family, and a sense of adventure to travel through time with us! Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 29th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Betty Davis East High School. Tickets are available through Eventbrite, where you can also register for workshops in advance. For more details and the latest class offerings, visit akcelts.org. Don’t miss out on this day of cultural exploration and fun!
ETHERIA A MUSICAL PLAN
Contributed by Jeff Sponsler
Inspired by musical theater publications such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Tommy, and Phantom of the Opera, I endeavored to compose a piece of music of a similar nature. As a fan of rock, jazz, and classical music I wanted to pull in all those types of music into this composition. For a musical theater piece, one must have a theme, and I chose mysticism and space travel as the top-level themes. I invented a planet, Etheria, where the story unfolds. The people that live there live their lives working in the field growing their crops but have a belief that there are mystical beings that visit the planet every 1000 years to give a concert/revival. These beings are called the Harmonauts.
The characters in this play are Isolier and Polyxena and there is a narrator, Thalia, who guides the listener through the story. The antagonist in the story is Farbucron and he is the source of drama for the musical. Each character has a melodic theme, and the notes and rhythms help the listener to identify who is singing. The first piece in the musical is, as tradition would dictate, the Overture. Typically, the overture in a musical play will have melodies from the songs and these melodies are intro -
duced and in so doing give the listener the music that will appear in the play as the story is told. The recording of the Overture was recorded on a digital machine and includes synthesized bass and drums, synthesized strings, live guitar, live flute, and live saxophone.
The Overture to Etheria can be heard on youtube.com and you can find this recording by searching for “Overture to Etheria” or with this URL https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvTZDFLr6Ts. There is a video of Mat Valley Dance students doing an interpretation of the Overture and that can be found at this URL “https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=9nhkMN7FvMM”
Etheria: The Legend
This first song is “The Legend” and is performed by The Narrator. This song introduces the planet and its unique religion. The vocal performance is by Jane Lamar-Spicka of Baltimore, Maryland. Sadly, our friend Jane has journeyed to that great gig in the sky some years
ago. She did a very strong rendition of this song and states the key idea of the play that the Harmonauts are soon to visit the planet and that “their return would bring to us a revival” and that the Harmonauts had been to a “distant part of space” and their concert would “fill our lives again.” The Legend introduces the planet, the mystical concepts, and sets the stage for the story. Thalia will appear for most song in the musical to voice an introduction.
Etheria: Deep Space
A spaceship carries the protagonist, Isolier, to the planet Etheria. He is in a state of hibernation, but wakes and
initially confused, he comes around and then realizes his mission and that “distant Etheria approaches.” After giving a short geology lesson on the planet, “fumaroles expel ether,” he reports that is descending to a space port. He briefly expresses that there is a female that he has not seen in some time and that “she is here” and this apparently is important to him. But then he returns to the main focus of his existence which is that “the Harmonauts have returned.” A YouTube search on “Etheria Deep Space” will pull up the song for listening. Future Articles will discuss the next song in the series.
Funnies
FEBRUARY
February 20 @ 6PM
Northern Lights-Liberal Nights
Mat-Su Dems
Sweet Gypsy, 173 S Valley Way matsudems.org (907) 631-4037
February 20 @10AM-3PM
Palmer Community Resource Day
The Peoples Paper & Daybreak Incorporated
Palmer Train Depot, 610 S Valley Way (907) 746-6019
February 23 @11AM-5PM
Fur Rondy Ice Bowling
Fur Rondy
5227 Old Seward Hwy www.furrondy.net (907) 274-1177
MARCH
March 1 @10AM
2025 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Ceremonial Start
The Iditarod Downtown Anchorage, 606 W 4th Ave, 4th & D Street iditarod.com
March 1 @ 11AM
Intro to Tallow Skin Care
All About Herbs
All About Herbs, 4621 E Palmer Wasilla Hwy, Unit 104 (907) 376-8327
March 1 @ 5PM
23rd Annual Spaghetti Dinner & Auction
Special Olympics Alaska Mat-Su Community
Mat-Su Career & Tech High School, 2472 N Seward Meridian Pkwy
Matsu@specialolympicsalaska.org (907) 631-8591
Cost: $15
March 1 @1PM-4PM
Paint Your Pet Workshop
Paint Nights with Sara 535 W Parks Highway
Tickets available at paintwithsara.com (907) 521-4094
March 3 @ 10:30AM
(first Tuesday of every month)
Valley Garden Club
Valley Garden Club
Grace Community Church 900 Leatherleaf (907) 982-7570
Cost: $20 yearly membership dues
March 7 @ 1PM
Rhonda Scott First Friday at the Hotel Captain Cook
Rhonda Scott Art
The Hotel Captain Cook, 939 West 5th Avenue
Rhondascottart@icloud.com (907) 433-9211
March 7 @7PM
BlackBarrel & The Bad Men
Williwaw Social 609 F Street
Cost: $10, Tickets available at eventbrite.com
March 15 @ 11AM
Foot Reflexology
All About Herbs
All About Herbs, 4621 E Palmer Wasilla Hwy, Unit 104 (907) 376-8327
March 17th – 31st @ 6PM
The Gallery Closing! Everything Must Go!
Make A Scene Media
The Gallery in Palmer, Alaska 1150 S Colony Way (907) 745-1420
March 26 @ 10AM-3PM 2025 Mat-Su Employer Expo
Curtis D Menard Memorial Sports Center
1001 S Clapp Street (907) 357-9100
March 28th @ 7PM-11PM
BlackWater Railroad, Brother Buffalo, & DUDE MTN.
Live at Palmer Train Depot
BlackWater Railroad
Palmer Train Depot, 610 S Valley WayBlackwaterrailroadco@gmail.com
21+, Tickets available at tixtree.com
APRIL
April 4 @ 11AM
Go Blue Rally
The Children’s Place
Newcomb Park, 891 E Parks Hwy (907) 357-5157
April 12 @ 5PM
Boots & Bling
The Children’s Place
Raven Hall, 2075 Glenn Hwy administrative@tcpak.org (907) 357-5157
Contributed by Melissa Keefe
Tickets on sale to general public Friday, February 14, 10 a.m. AKST
International dancehall icon Sean Paul will heat up the Alaska State Fair as part of the 2025 ConocoPhillips Alaska Concert Series. The multi-plati-
num, chart-topping, Grammy®-winning artist will perform Thursday, August 28, at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, February 14, at 10 a.m. AKST at alaskastatefair.org.
With a career spanning over three decades, Paul is one of Jamaica’s most successful musical exports, bringing
SEAN PAUL TO BRING DANCEHALL HEAT TO THE 2025 FAIR
dancehall to the global stage with countless hits and performances in over 120 countries. Rising to fame in the late 1990s with tracks like “Infiltrate” and “No Bligh,” he became an international sensation with hit singles such as “Gimme the Light” and “Get Busy,” featured on the Grammy-winning album, Dutty Rock. His 2005 album Trinity produced the smash hit “Temperature,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100.
With over 33.8 million monthly Spotify listeners, nearly 5 million YouTube subscribers, and more than 6 billion YouTube views, Paul remains a global powerhouse. An eight-time Grammy nominee and winner of Billboard, Soul Train and American Music Awards, his influence extends beyond music, with appearances on major television shows, including his role as Gwen Stefani’s coach advisor on season 22 of The Voice.
Tickets to Sean Paul go on sale at 10
a.m. AKST, Friday, February 14, atalaskastatefair.org.
Paul joins the previously announced acts: Rainbow Kitten Surprise on August 16, “Weird Al” Yankovic on August 17, Chris Tomlin on August 18, Billy Currington on August 23, 3 Doors Down on August 29, and Foreigner on August 30.
Concert-goers have the option to purchase concert-only tickets or tickets including Fair admission. The included admission is at a discounted price and is good for the day of the concert only. Concert tickets including Fair admission must be purchased by August 14. Details on ticket options and pricing are available on the Fair website. Convenience fees apply to all online concert ticket purchases. Visit alaskastatefair.org for additional information on this act and upcoming concert announcements. For more information, contact Melissa Keefe, director of marketing and communications, atmk@alaskastatefair.org.
Madison M. Trinity M.
ALASKA JUNIOR THEATER PRESENTS THE FOURTH WALL
HYBRID ARTS ENSEMBLE FOR A SPECTACULAR WEEK OF WHIMSICAL CIRCUS FUN!
Contributed by Lainie Dreas
March 18 – 22, 2025 at the Atwood Concert Hall – Don’t Miss Out on the Biggest Showstopping Extravaganza of the Year!
Get ready to be dazzled, amazed and maybe even slightly baffled – in the best way possible! The Fourth Wall: Hybrid Arts Ensemble is teaming up with Alaska Junior Theater (AJT) for a mind-blowing week of performances that combine music, dance, circus skills, acrobatics and some seriously cool science! Whether you’re a student or a local supporter, this lineup of three electrifying performances is set to leave you laughing, learning, and longing for more.
Public Show: “Without a Net” (March 21, 2025 at 7:00 PM)
Step Right Up—The Circus is Coming to Town!
Hold on to your hats, because Without a Net is coming to town with a spectacular night of daring acrobatics, whimsical tunes, and comedic chaos! Join The Fourth Wall as they throw caution to the wind and go all in with their high-flying, high-energy, HIGHLY entertaining circus antics. Featuring everything from the Twirling Topsy-Turvy Trombonist to the Death-Defying Drummer, this Vaudeville-style show is packed with marvelous music, aerial stunts and an ever-present sense of mischief. Get your Vaudeville here! The show’s motto? The show must go on… whether we have a net or not
Tickets are on sale now! Visit Centertix. com or call 907-263-ARTS.
AJT’s “Roaring Twenties” Benefit Performance (March 22, 2025 at 5:00 PM)
It’s a Variety Show and YOU Get to Pick the Order!
Tickets: $80 adults/$65 youth ($90/$75 at the door) – Call 907-272-7546 to get tickets today!
Come as a Flashy Flapper or in a Zoot Suit - Gangster style and be the Bees Knees while enjoy the festivities: a Champagne Reception, Hearty Hors d’oeuvres, Dessert, Online, Silent & Live Auctions with a Live Performance of The Fourth Wall: Hybrid Arts Ensemble. This trio of musicians are the cat’s meow as they create music that leaps off the stage! This nifty show will make you laugh, sigh, gasp and cheer for repertoire spanning Benny Goodman to Louis Armstrong to Duke Ellington. In their award-winning variety show Fruit Flies Like a Banana, this trio of musicians creates new interdisciplinary works and reinterprets classic repertoire – all performed in an order chosen by the audience – to make music the leaps off the stage.
School Shows: “Sound Wave Circus” (March 18 – 20, 2025)
Shows at 10:30 AM & 12:15 PM – Perfect for students of all ages!
Imagine a circus where the performers don’t just flip and fly—they play the very sound waves that fill the air! In Sound Wave Circus, The Fourth Wall takes you on an interactive journey through the science of sound, blending live music, jaw-dropping aerial acrobatics, and circus tricks with cutting-edge scientific tools.
Get ready for a spectacle that’s equal parts fun and educational—this show taps into the exciting world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) with an energy that’s guaranteed to keep students on the edge of their seats. Expect a show where sound doesn’t just happen—it moves, dances and soars through the air.
Call 907-272-7546 to register you for students for the show.
AJT’s Online Benefit Auction: March 14 - 30
via Alaska Premier Auctions. Go to https://bid.alaskapremierauctions.com/ui to create an account to bid.
Don’t wait! Gather your friends, family and fellow art lovers, and get your tickets today for a week of performances that are bursting with creativity, laughter and a whole lot of heart. The Fourth Wall and Alaska Junior Theater are here to make your March unforgettable with a week of performances that’ll dazzle and delight audiences of all ages.
AJT Public Show Tickets Available Now at: Centertix.com or 907-263-ARTS
AJT School & Benefit Show Tickets Available Now at: 907-272-7546
Let the circus begin!
Arts
THE ART CAFE WHERE ARTISTS ARE MADE
Contributed by Judy Vars
Welcome to The Art Cafe, a vibrant hub of creativity nestled in Palmer, Alaska. We are thrilled to announce that Becky Holsinger has taken over as the new owner bringing her passion and extensive experience in the arts to our beloved community space.
Becky, originally from Pennsylvania, relocated to Palmer from Taos, New Mexico, almost 3 years ago in search of
new adventures and to be closer to her grandchildren. With a background in owning and operating Pieces, a 25,000 square foot second-hand store and Vagrant Heart an artist space in Taos Becky brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to The Art Cafe. Her experiences abroad and a lifetime immersed in the arts make her an invaluable addition to our thriving artistic community.
Under Becky’s leadership, we have exciting plans to revitalize the local arts scene. We are invigorating the First Friday Art events in Palmer and the wider Mat-Su area with monthly art shows and artist receptions; Michelle Cornelius is our featured artist in February, Nancy Angelini-Crawford will in March. Our diverse range of classes will expand beyond the usual offerings to include unique art forms such as book art, acrylic art, encaustic art, hat making, Ukrainian Egg Dyeing, Mindful Art combined with yoga, kids’ art fun this summer and Mixed Media Madness Wednesdays! are just some of the new activities we are eager to share with you. We warmly invite artists with unique skills and ones interested in the gallery space to join us and share their talents with the community.
At The Art Cafe, we believe in providing an oasis of creativity where you can leave your cares behind, relax, and express yourself. Our dedicated team of artists-baristas, including Laura Felpel, Kyla Peria, Judy Vars, and Willow York, is committed to ensuring a seamless and inspiring experience for all who visit.
Although Becky officially took ownership in July 2024, the previous owner, who decided to sell after six years to focus on personal art and other ventures, helped lay the foundation for what we are today.
We invite you to visit The Art Cafe and explore our Tesserae room, ceramics, Art Gallery, and Classroom. Savor a cup of espresso, indulge in some fudge or ice cream, and most importantly, unleash your creativity in our welcoming environment.
For more details on our classes and events, please visit www.theartcafeak. com. call or 907 745-6100. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
We can’t wait to see you and share in the joy of making art together!
ARTISTS WANTED VALLEY FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION
Contributed by Martha Happs
Come join Valley Fine Arts Association for a fun time painting with other artists. We gather together and have paint-along, painting demonstrations, models, retreats, a pot-luck picnic in a beautiful garden and plein air painting in the summer. We meet at Matanuska Susitna college on the second and forth Saturdays from 11-3pm until May. We meet back up at the college in September and in December we have a fun Christmas party! Come anytime with your paints and brushes with a new project or one you are working on. Bring a snack to share if you like. The college is where we have our demonstrations and models on certain days. We have a schedule that is emailed out when you become a member. Membership is only $25 a year. You will then get emails to remind you of upcoming events and anything that is new that is coming up. We learn from each other in a friendly supportive environment.
Upcoming is our annual VFAA Spring Retreat held at Camp Maranatha in Big Lake, March 20-23, 2025. Members will enjoy a relaxing time painting with other fellow artists. On the 20th we meet after lunch and on the 23rd we leave after lunch. Come for one day or all of them.
Accommodations include brunch, dinner and a two-person room with bathroom. Approximately $80 a night. Bring your own painting projects and there will also be some fun things happening. Visit www.valleyfinearts.org and reach out through comments to be notified of the Retreat organizer who will contact you with more details.
February 22nd at the college (FSM building second floor in room 212) we will be having a painting demonstration by Isabella Apfelbeck. She will be showing us how to do a watercolor painting of the northern lights at 12 noon. So, bring your paper, paints and brushes and join us! Come learn and enjoy being creative with other artists.
Membership dues can be paid at the meetings.
On the second Fridays of each month at the Palmer Senior center there is “Paint along in Palmer” with instructor Maureen Campbell. Join in on what Maureen is instructing in acrylics or bring your own project. A fun time to be had by all.
Valley Fine Arts Association values and supports the visual arts by supporting and encouraging each other. All skill levels are welcome. Just come to one of the meetings or contact us through our web page at: valleyfinearts.org.
Alaska Animal Advocates
www.alaskaanimaladvocates.com (907) 841-3173
Alaska Animal Advocates is a non-profit group of dedicated volunteers who are devoted to enriching the lives of companion animals in Alaska.
In order to do this, we will place homeless pets in loving environment, adress medicals concerns, spay or neuter, microchip, vaccinate, and offer training as is needed.
We believe that every animal deserves a loving home, for his/her entire life and Alaska Animal Advocates will provide the resources to make this happen. In order to make this mission possible, we need the help of volunteers and foster homes.
Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired Seniors
www.alaskabvi.org (907) 771-4322
The Alaska Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired provides blind and low vision Alaskans tools to eliminate vision loss as a barrier to employment, independent living, and community participation. It is the only statewide training and resource center for vision rehabilitation. In the Mat-Su Valley we sponsor two monthly support groups for socialization and informational activities, titled “Living Well with Vision Loss”, meeting at the Wasilla Area Seniors and the Palmer Senior Center. Low Vision Clinics demonstrating low vision devices and home assessment visits for independent living are offered to those who qualify and who have uncorrectable vision loss.
Alaska Community Development Corporation www.alaskacdc.org (907) 746-5680
Alaska Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit agency located in Palmer, AK. Our focus is housing assistance for low-income households in Alaska. We offer housing assistance to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and most areas in Southcentral Alaska and to rural areas in Southeast and Southwest Alaska. Our housing assistance includes home weatherization; housing accessibility improvements for seniors and disabled households; & homeownership assistance including home purchase assistance, home building assistance and home loan packaging.
Our housing assistance helps to keep people safely in their homes and helps low-income households move into home ownership. All assistance is free to eligible households.
Connect Mat-Su www.connectmatsu.org (907) 373-2628
Connect Mat-Su is a program of the Mat-Su Health Foundation that provides access to information and referrals specific to the local community.
Assistance is available in the areas of care, education, food, health, housing, legal services, social connection, transportation, work, and more. It is a network that is both a physical and virtual resource center linking residents to the things needed to thrive physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally.
Connect Palmer, Inc. www.connectpalmer.org (907) 746-9675
Connect Palmer is a Christ Centered Training Center and Housing for Women, located in downtown Palmer.
Connect Palmer’s two primary programs are God’s Work Desgin, and LIFE Connect. We also have Sarah’s House, a safe and caring place for ladies without homes to live while they participate in our back to work and life skills programs.
We also offer different community assistance programs, such as The Locker, to provide personal care and basic house hold cleaning items, and Scarlet Tapestries which offers basic sewing skills instructions. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Matanuska Electric Association Charitable Foundation (MEACF) www.mea.coop/connect/operation-roundup (907) 761-9300
Join MEA members in making a big impact with small change! Since 2011, the Operation RoundUp® program has raised over $2.5 million in grants for local organizations. By rounding up your electric bill to the nearest dollar each month, you can help support vital community programs and initiatives. Every penny stays local, funding projects that benefit the communities powered by MEA.
The MEA Charitable Foundation Board, made up of dedicated MEA member volunteers, reviews grant applications quarterly and awards funding to deserving causes. To apply for a grant or learn more about how to participate, visit our website today!
Mat-Su Health Foundation
www.healthymatsu.org (907) 352-2863
The mission of the Mat-Su Health Foundation is to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su. The tools we use include grantmaking, convening of local partners, and policy change.
We have generated significant improvements in systems that support the health of Mat-Su residents in areas such as behavioral health, child welfare, crisis response, community connections, workforce development, transportation, housing, and senior services. Visit www.healthymatsu.org to learn about scholarship and funding opportunities.
MYHouse Mat-Su Youth Housing
www.myhousematsu.org (907) 373-4357
MYHouse is a homeless youth drop in center with two for-profit businesses that train and employ homeless youth. Gathering Grounds Cafe is a coffee shop with homemade soups, sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. SteamDriven is a trendy thrift shop featuring Steampunk items made from repurposed donations by our youth designers. Fiend2Clean and Young People in Recovery offer support for substance abuse recovery with activities and events. We offer transitional housing for qualified 18-24 year olds, outreach services to connect homeless youth, organizations and groups to services, and access to public health and job education services on site.
Onward & Upward www.onwardandupward.org email: info@onwardandupward.org (907) 953-5360
Onward & Upward is an evidence-based, accredited, 501c3 nonprofit organization based in the Mat-Su Valley. Our mission is to establish a culture of “One Health” in Alaska through evidence-based action. We accomplish this by engaging our students in adventurous, inspiring, meaningful, and empowering experiences with varying degrees of challenge methodically designed for positive growth and development.
We offer a diverse range of course offerings from open enrollment summer adventure courses, professional development courses, to year-round after-school and homeschool opportunities. Check out our website at www.onwardandupward.org for more information!
Special Olympics Alaska Mat-Su Community Program (907) 631-8591
www.specialolympicsalaska.org
The Special Olympics Alaska Mat-Su Community Program is an accredited program of Special Olympics Alaska, Inc., a 501c (3) nonprofit whose mission is to provide year-round sports training and competition to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In the Mat-Su Valley, there are 137 active Special Olympics Alaska athletes and 56 Unified partners (non-disabled peers) that train and compete in 12 sports year-round. There is no cost to participate for qualifying athletes. For more information on the Mat-Su Community Program, please call 907-631-8591, email matsu@ specialolympicsalaska.org or visit us on social media@soakmatsu.
United Way of Mat-Su (907) 373-5807
www.unitedwaymatsu.org
550 S Alaska St., Suite 205 Palmer AK United Way of Mat-Su strives to make our community a place where all individuals can thrive. We focus on the building blocks of education, financial stability, health for all, providing resource assistance, community collaboration and advocacy, outreach and engagement across the health, human, and social services spectrum.
Early childhood and family support, youth programs, grants for non-profits, and disaster relief; Mat-Su Valley Resource Guide; volunteer opportunities; Stuff the Bus; Project Homeless Connect, and more. Call for more information on Thrive Mat-Su Mat-Su Coalition, Early Childhood Partnership, Youth 360, and the Alaska Wellness Coalition.
Valley Charities, Inc. www.valleycharities.org
400 N Yenlo Street, Wasilla AK
Valley Charities, Inc: Connecting those who need help with the help they need. Valley Charities, Inc. (VCI) oversees a locally owned non- profit Thrift Store, turn-A-leaf. VCI Re-entry Program assists ex-offenders to become successful citizens helping to stabilize a home, work, personal needs, and basic council. Our Homelessness Prevention Program provides financial assistance creating housing stability for Valley residents.
Lastly, our Durable Medical Equipment Lending
Program supports our residents with short term equipment loans to help with their recovery from illness and injuries.
Housing Assistance: 907-354-4660; Re-Entry Assistance: 907-232-7125; Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program, see our website: valleycharities.org
Valley Arts Alliance www.valleyartsalliance.com
Valley Arts Alliance, bringing the community together through the arts... We are a place for both new and established artists of all types - painters, sculptors, musicians, and those involved in the performing arts - to network and to experiment with new ideas and media.
We work with local libraries, schools, museums, art councils, and music and art groups to create more venues for the arts, and to help promote art related events.
Join us at our informal weekly meetings, every Thursday @ 11 at Sophia’s Cafe, 9191 E Frontage Road, Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Check out our archives at www. valleyartsalliance.com
Valley Recycling
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions
www.valleyrecycling.org (907) 745-5544
REFUSE, REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE! Drop off your clean, separated recycling Mon-Fri 9:30 to 5 and Saturday 8 to 5. We accept cardboard boxes, aluminum beverage cans, magazines, this newspaper and more!
We are located at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, near the MSB Central Landfill, just past the MSB Animal Care Shelter. Follow the smells. And follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Become a member, visit our classroom, schedule a field trip, find out more about volunteer opportunities and ways you can make a difference in your community. #dontfeedthelandfills. Go to our website for more details.
Victory Bible Camp
www.vbcalaska.org (907) 745-4203 info@vbcalaska.org
Victory Bible Camp exists to evangelize and disciple children, youth and adults in Alaska for Jesus Christ through Christian camping. We offer programs for everyone from 2nd grade through high school. Check out our website at vbcalaska.org or call us at (907) 745-4203 to learn more about our upcoming programs!
Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc.
www.wasillaseniors.com (907) 376-3104
Wasilla Area Seniors mission is to provide for the lives of seniors living in the Matanuska Susistna Valley and to enable seniors to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.
WASI provides services, resources, and activities to promote health and independence such as Club50 Fitness Center. Club50 is for individuals 50 years of age and older and provides clean, accessible exercise equipment and offers a variety of FREE fitness classes for seniors of all skill and mobility levels. For more information, give us a call or find us on Facebook.
THE HEARTBREAK OF LOVE
Contributed By M j Bussman
Deeper than my very being is the love I hold for him My body beats in rhythm with his heart.
Does he know and feel what I’am saying when I tell him that my very soul would parish as a bloom without water.
Were he here no longer where would be the joy.
We are connected by some unseen gossamer thread and our love holds that thread intact.
Let’s not have unkind words anymore.
COMPANIONS
Contributed By M j Bussman
Pain is my companion on a cold dark winters night. All around are demons biting, pulling to get out.
Blackness all around me in my soul and in my sight.
A weight that bears the spirit more then any man made woe.
Weary, weary cries my inner self give me rest or give me death.
THE GREAT FLOOD
Contributed by Yvonne Moss
It happened one evening with no one around, The apartment next-door and mine had water abound!
It seems that a tap was left on in a sink,
Which gave me pause, so I had to think.
“Where would all that water go?” I said when I awoke, Since I discovered abruptly, it wasn’t a joke!
The water had seeped through wall and down hall, Covering two apartments, then went a call.
When the maintenance folk arrived on the scene, They hauled out devices to neaten and clean, Rushing to-and-fro, equipment unfurled, Water vacuums revved up and ventilator fans whirled, All the commercial tools buzzed, as mad bees, like fury, They sucked-up and dried everything in a hurry!
It was amazing to think this gave me one of life’s simple joys, To swiftly clean out the water, and with those noisy toys!
BAD BOOKS
Contributed
By
Nat Potts
Good books can make us happy, They can also make us sad.
A story, bold and epic, spark imagery to be had.
There are books that recall history, nonfiction, full of facts.
While others packed with themes of fancy, sweeps us to worlds ours lacks.
Our skin may crawl with spooky tales, not too gory, full of frights.
The supernatural, always thrills, On dark and stormy nights.
A book that’s of value, you’ll wish to share or tell. Of storyline and character, and emotions which did swell.
But sometimes there’s a bad book, one full of vulgar-loathing.
It may contain vile ardent thoughts we’d rather avoid evoking.
It’s too bad these are out there, some folks would argue though, “These need to be in public hands.”
But I’m not sure that’s so.
Naive youth may be influenced, lessened judgement, by degree, And take a thought too far it seems, conjuring foul reality.
I wonder the books’ purpose, what the author had in mind.
Some folks might say, “redeeming grace”, their message leaves behind.
What do cruel obscenities, contribute to a story?
Are there redeeming messages, consequences, bglory?
Some, are said to do just that, nursing life’s blunt traumas. Could these books, impugned in value, be an author’s exploit of dramas?
No matter the solutions, there are varying opines. Bad books there are, and justified by lusty, ardent whines.
Randy JFACTOR
NEIGHBORS
Contributed by Kassandra Rees
Just on the outskirts of the thriving village of Prosperous, nestled between two large, abundant lakes, bordered by lush forests to the north and warmer lands to the south, lived a lonely bitter soul. Its loneliness and bitterness grew by not being able to get the attention it believed it was due, and then becoming resentful of its neighbors for their laughter, their gatherings, and the way they lived their lives. Where others saw community and growth, this bitter soul saw meddling and judgment of its own life – unable to understand or join in, its own views weren’t being listened to or followed, and resentment festered.
For years, it withdrew further, keeping to itself, and the loss of any meaningful connection with the community allowed its mind to grow darker with shadows, real and imagined. When villagers passed by, they began to whisper about how it scowled and shouted at the newest neighbors moving into the flourishing village, how it refused to participate in the village’s variety of celebrations, and never once helped when trouble struck.
Then a creature appeared at the edge of the village - a singular beast, growling, threatening, eyes wild. The elders spoke of it in hushed voices. The beast carried a dark sickness, they warned. If allowed into the village, it would not only kill—it would corrupt. Those bitten would lose themselves, become little more than crea-
tures, consumed by fear and rage.
But, when the bitter, lonely neighbor saw the beast slinking through the outskirts of the village, it did not fear it – the bitter neighbor understood it. This beast had been cast out, much like the bitter neighbor had been. They were both desperate, starved for something more, and furious at being denied.
Seeing the danger, the village tried to fortify itself. After the first attack, the beast was driven back, but it licked its wounds and became stronger, more cunning. It soon became clear that the village’s old defenses were too weak, crumbling and insufficient, yet new defenses were slow in developing. The villagers met, discussed the problem and tried to work out solutions, but they were divided. About a third saw a clear and present danger, about a third wanted to wait and see, and the last third thought the village could use a little shakeup, thinking they could contain the beast if necessary.
In the meantime, the beast became relentless in its attacks – incessant howling and whining, finding new openings and vulnerabilities, digging under fences, chewing through weak barriers – and began organizing its pack to help with the attacks. Still, the village elders tried reassuring themselves that they had done everything possible to defend the village and its people.
One night, as the village slept, the bitter neighbor made its choice – it threw open the gate, encouraged the beast, and watched as the beast crept forward. The bitter neighbor could have shut the gate and stopped the beast then – or shouted, raised the alarm. But why should it? The bitter neighbor had been left behind in
the cold long ago – no one listened, no one cared, why not let the beast make them suffer?
By morning, the village was in chaos. The beast and its pack easily swept through defenses, feasted on fear and chaos, slashed and bit and infected all in its path –men, women and children – the village’s elders, workers, merchants, healers, teachers, homemakers, caretakers. None were spared. As deep wounds were inflicted, the sickness spread, and the infection moved in swiftly. Panic turned to bloodshed. The villagers tried to fight back, but fear started to cloud their judgment. They lashed out at the sick, at the wounded—at one another. By the time they realized what was happening, it was too late. The village was destroyed by the beast and its pack, and the bitter neighbor watched it all collapse. Gleeful at the beginning, by the end there was nothing left to feel. No joy, no triumph. Just quiet emptiness as the bitter neighbor stood on the outskirts, listening to the dying cries of those who had been its neighbors. By the time the last of them fell silent, the bitter soul was the only one left. It looked out over the ruins, surrounded by loss and devastation, and understood at last: hatred does not make you strong. It only leaves you alone.
Afterward, overlooking the devastation, the beast stood on a small hill, watching its pack shred and paw through the last remnants. But, as its narrowed eyes scanned the ruins, they caught on a small dwelling, just on the outskirts of the village. The beast sniffed, lowered its head and slowly drew its lips up over its fangs …
Poetry & Prose
THE EMPEROR
Contributed by Brittani Grace
Deck: Mermaid Tarot by Leeza Robertson
Illustrations by Julie
Card: #4 The Emperor
Hello everybody! Welcome to my column.
Each month I will draw a Major Arcana tarot card which represents one of many possible paths to follow. Major Arcana cards represent the archetypical themes of life, presenting the overall possible experiences. This month, we plant ourselves into a secure and grounded position. After all that we have learned, discussed, evaluated and acknowledged these last twenty months, we stand on a solid and firm foundation of strength; pushing us forward into taking on the leadership roles in our own lives. We step up and accept the responsibility for our active roles in our reality creation. The Emperor is the Divine Masculine counterpart to The Empress. He is stably solid in mind and action. Each of us is made up of both these energies, and
when we are balanced, when we embrace both parts of ourselves, we are able to be secure in who we are. The masculine allows the feminine to be just that, feminine. With our healthy masculine, we feel safe to allow ourselves to be the silly, nurturing, and intuitive beings we naturally are. We step into ourselves and accept our gifts, struggles, and strengths that make up the very essence of who we are. Facing the fears of progress with stability is leadership. When we put ourselves out there, when we are genuine and vulnerable with another human being, we offer a space for them to be that as well. Being strong enough to offer a secure and safe space is being an Emperor.
Of course, just like anything in this world, we must remember to strive for progress, not perfection. When we have those days where we don’t necessarily feel steady in ourselves; when the “imposter syndrome” takes over and we set into a funk of doubting ourselves, we can feel as though it would be easier if we didn’t take an active role in our moment-to-moment and just pass the responsibility on. A true leader knows the importance of accepting the responsibility, and that is who we are. We are the leaders, main characters, and protagonists in our very own stories. If anything, this shows us how important it is to have a community of people to help us through these depths and rise back to our thrones. The Emperor has the weight of his people on his shoulders, and is surrounded by a council of advisors to help steer him on his path, but ultimately, it is The Emperor who makes the final decision, with the support of the Empress.
Being in an Emperor “state of mind” allows us to stand up for our value. We are able to stand tall in what it is we offer the world and accept our worthiness in what is ours. For example, accepting payment for services offered. By being comfortable charging people and accepting the payment, we take part in an energy exchange of the continuous flow of give-and-take and protect our biggest asset, ourselves. I know for me, when I first started my business I had a very hard time with charging more than a few dollars. I hated the idea
that someone might need help but couldn’t get it from me because of a set price. I started this business specifically with the mission of helping, of being a light for people who were in the depths; to inspire those who have worked so hard in their own journeys and maybe just needed a little boost. As I have continued on, I have raised my prices somewhat, but not as much as others have strongly suggested. “progress, not perfection.” My own Emperor state of mind is still healing and growing. A huge part of this for me has been about accepting and embracing the unknown true power of the light that flows through me. Just because I may not fully understand all that I am at every turn, doesn’t mean that I am worth any less.
Sometimes, because we don’t fully understand, we might think the best choice is to shy away from growing into all that we could offer. I have all the tools I need in my tool box, so why not take the time to learn exactly what each one is, even in the shadowy fear of being wrong.
When we stand solid as a leader in our Emperor roles, this puts us into a state of being ready for what comes next. Moving forward, in any endeavor, can be scary, hard and intimidating when its unknown. Being sure of who we are, at our core, helps us to feel ready and guarded for the curve balls life throws at us. When we make decisions from a stable place within, we move forward with more ease. We are less likely to be swayed by other people’s opinions or doubts. We do what feels best for ourselves, so that no matter what the outcome is, we know we did what was right for us. That security strengthens our value; as we confidently jump into trying new experiences, move to new cities, try new classes at the gym, express ourselves with budding friendships, and feel absolutely great that we are brave enough to live. We are brave enough to acknowledge the courage it takes to move forward in the face of fear. Next month, we will dive deeper into the unknown.
