Make A Scene Magazine March 2024

Alaska Junior Theater presents

Saturday,

Annual Benefit Performance

March

23 at 5:00PM

Festivities to include Champagne Reception, Hearty Hors d’oeuvres,Desserts, Online, Silent and LIVE Auctions with a Live Performance in the Atwood Concert Hall. Come dressed for Carnival in bright colors, long feathers or sparkling sequins!

Music Reimagined Public Performance

Friday, March 22 at 7:00PM

Alaska State Fair favorites, the fun-loving twin brothers from Brazil, return. This unforgettable, engaging show is all ages and features one-of-a-kind renditions of everything from Elvis to Ed Sheeran, Bon Jovi to Dua Lipa, Louis Armstrong to Guns N’ Roses and countless other timeless hits.

B2wins share a non-stop thrilling musical experience and a happiness fans across America are calling “the must see show of the season!”

Tickets at CenterTix.com or 263-ARTS.

Opens March 15 and closes March 31! Bid early and often to support AJT’s Education Programs www.akjt.org

ANCHORAGE COMMUNITY CONCERT BAND’S APRIL 7TH PERFORMANCE

Contributed by Kathleen McArdle

Adult hobbies are extremely important. Not only to give you something to look forward to regularly outside of work and family obligations, but to help keep mental stimulation and cognition strong and active into later life when dementia is a risk factor for many of us.

Performing music especially is shown to be beneficial. By integrating both the left and right hemispheres, playing music lights up the entire brain and forges new pathways. As a result, you can reduce the natural brain shrinkage that starts after age 30 (yikes!) and instead look forward to improved memory, cognition, spatial reasoning, and literacy. Likewise, the multitasking involved with playing an instrument can also improve your multisensory skill set and stop the natural decline of your ability to divide your attention.

These are among the many reasons that I am excited and proud to find myself as part of the Anchorage Community Concert Band. I learned to play saxophone as a student and continued playing in ensembles through high school and college. But as an adult, I found myself only interacting with my instrument when it was time to pack up and move and decide if it was something I wanted to keep in my closet.

After I moved to Anchorage, I learned about the Anchorage Community Concert Band and decided to give it a try and see if playing music was anything like “riding a bike.” The Band was formed in 1981 by a local conductor and some of his peers who were involved in jazz but interested in per-

forming in an accessible classical concert wind band. The Anchorage Community Concert Band is a 501(c)(3) Alaska non-profit corporation whose mission is to support music rehearsal and presentation by dedicated individuals who consider musical performance a lifelong avocation and to promote the appreciation of live music performance in the community.

The band meets for about 10 weeks per semester, rehearsing about 2 hours per week, and presents a community concert at the PAC that’s just under 2 hours including an intermission. We’ve been extremely lucky to receive support from the Atwood Foundation for several years running that has enabled us to present a FREE concert to the community at the Discovery Theatre for these twice a year shows!

Please join us for our next accessible free classical concert! Our next is called Remembrance, held on Sunday April 7th at 4pm, and we hope you don’t miss it! Our most recent concert brought nearly 500 audience members, and we’d love to welcome you as part of our community.

Our free concert is the perfect space for seniors, families, students, dates, teens, individuals, community organizations and more, to ‘come as you are’ and enjoy music appreciation. There are no tickets, just show up in time to take your seat!

For more information, check out our website, anchoragecommunityconcertband.org or our Facebook page at facebook.com/AnchorageCommunityConcertBand to follow us for the latest news and updates. Looking forward to seeing you on April 7th!

A MAN OF MANY TALENTS

Contributed by Charice Chambers

Artist, photographer, and metal art printing technician, Dan Twitchell is a man of many talents. An Alaskan import, he arrived in the state as a young man in 1974, intending to stay only a short time. Enchanted by the land and what he saw there, he has remained. Twitchell is first and foremost a painter. He is largely self-taught. In high school he was responsible for creating a memorable rendition of the school mascot, a panther, for his alma mater. That led to a three-month stint instructing his art class while his teacher was out sick. As Twitchell remembers, it was a very interesting three months.

Though nearly all of his current art screams color, which Twitchell uses with seeming abandon, the artist explains that his brush strokes are actually carefully planned with the intention of bringing his works to life while “…sharing the beauty of Alaska with the world through his art…” It is hard to believe that an artist so able to speak so eloquently through the vibrance and control of color, once worked only in graphite pencil. There was absolutely no color, that came later after he had mastered depth and shading.

Though Twitchell often paints in plein air, he has honed his photography to an exceptional level. Initially his photos simply provided reference for his many art subjects, however his photographic quality developed to the point that his images were

often nearly as highly sought after as were his paintings and prints. Where others merely view breathtaking scenery, Twitcher is able to “see compositions” as he gazes across the vast Alaskan terrain. This ability to “see” a finished composition in nature, greatly enhances both his art and photography. Today his many jaw-dropping photos of Alaska have become the proud possessions of both tourist and Alaskan collectors.

Twitchell admits that he is a perfectionist. For him it is all about the finished product. Each print must look perfect with crisp images and vivid colors. It is for this reason that he does all of his own printing production work. In addition to conquering the arts of painting and photography, he has mastered metal printing, and renders most of his images on aluminum sheeting. Being in control of the process from initial creation through finished product, allows each of his images to meet his very rigid personal standards, creating a flawless product. Few are so driven to perfection. This drive is exhibited in his stunning products, whether a majestic eagle about to take flight or a tiny chickadee perched at rest on a tree branch, each design is memorable.

Twitchell’s works are on display in a variety of galleries throughout the Northwest and Alaska. Currently, they can be viewed (and purchased) at Matsu Senior Services Gift Shop. Located at 1132 S. Chugach Street in Palmer across from and adjacent to Palmer Junior Middle School, the shop is open Monday through Friday 11 am to two pm. Drop by to view Twitchell’s amazing talent!

MEDIUM BUILD ANNOUNCES HIS UPCOMING ALBUM ‘COUNTRY’

Medium Build, the singer-songwriter born Nick Carpenter, announces his forthcoming album Country, due April 5 via slowplay/Island Records, and shares the lead single which is out now. “Cutting Thru The Country” sets the tone for the album — in the song, Nick grapples with emotions big and small while driving across the country, something he did a few times during the making of this album. A music video directed by Harrison Shook is availabe now.

Talking about the making of the song, Medium Build says, “This was the only song I wrote while Jake and I were in the studio. In august, while I was driving from Alaska to Nashville, I started a little poem. I wanted it to feel like an Earl Sweatshirt song. Just bars no chorus no melody. We found an old keyboard and plugged it in. Found some wild tones and I did like 6 takes of the vocal. Probably the easiest tune we made on the album.”

Country comes as Medium Build grapples with the meaning of home— he splits time between Anchorage, Alaska, where he’s become something of a hometown hero these last few years, and Nashville, where he’s close to his southern roots, and everywhere he travels in between. Country is about the journey (both physically & mentally) Nick’s been on to this point; it’s about high-highs and lowlows, and you can feel Nick wrestle with the good and the bad on each of the album’s 12 songs.

In his own words, Medium Build says of Country: “I started Medium Build in 2015 with a tape deck and some borrowed adderall. Over the near decade since, Medium Build, being a storage facility for my fears, hopes, and romantic ongoings, has weathered some serious waves. So have I.

I wanted this album to have my goddamn DNA on it. You can hear my necklace crackle in the guitar takes of “Crying Over u”. You can hear Colyer’s dog ripping a squeak toy in “Hey Sandra”. I hear Cece smiling when she sang “Relief,” back in the studio with her besties after a weird long summer of recording with strangers. I wanted Country to have a human touch. I want Country to be something you love with and dance with and cry with and sleep with and lean into. You know what I’m fucking talking about?”

The announcement of Country arrives as Medium Build supports singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone across sold out dates in the EU/UK in February and March. In April, he will support country star Tyler Childers at sold-out arena shows in California. He was recently announced to perform at Bonnaroo 2024 and will embark on headlining dates in the spring — his headlining dates were just announced and he’s already sold out shows in both DC & NYC with new nights added. Medium Build was recently honored on NIVA’s 2024 Live List and landed a coveted spot on Zane Lowe’s Artist To Watch in 2024 list. He’s also become a favorite among the creative community with co-signs from John Mayer, Zach Bryan, Noah Kahan, and Lewis Capaldi (who he’s been tour support for).

The Medium Build style is open-ended, playing with acoustic and electronic textures in equal measure. He can inspire you to get down like a dancefloor messiah, with an effortless funkiness underlined by his sensitive falsetto, but the hushed whisper he sometimes sings in makes you feel like you’re the only one in the room.

His voice aches with a trembling vulnerability, and there’s intentionality and emotional resonance in every word he sings. His work eagerly draws outside the clear lines of genre binaries, informed by his own personal exploration of queerness and sexual identity, drawing from classic country, ‘80s new wave, and emo in equal measure. www.mediumbuildmusic.com

THROUGH EVERY PHASE

Contributed by Brittani Grace

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. I am using the Mermaid Tarot Deck by Leeza Robertson, illustrations by Julie, and I pulled card #18, The Moon.

The Moon is the Divine feminine energy of the subconscious, the direct link to the deep crevasses of our emotions. The healing power of the moon reminds us that life is full of phases. It is a reminder that, even in times of emptiness, we will in fact, be full again. We are encouraged to have Grace with ourselves as we move through every phase. The light of the moon continues to shine in any phase, reminding us the light is always there, deep within, ready to illuminate those around us. The moon plays its own role in the balance of life. It is in the darkness opposite of the sun, a powerful and intuitive link to our souls.

When we break down the moon’s phases there are two that are most commonly known, the Full moon and the New Moon. Each month we experience at least one of each. There are some very rare occasions in which the calendar aligns bringing two of one phase or the other.

The Full moon is most commonly known for its healing aspects of letting go. We take stock of all which no longer serves us and face the turbulence within. When we intend to let go of something, what happens is we find ourselves suddenly surrounded by that thing which we want to let go of. We receive opportunities to transmute that energy into growth. For example, if we want to let go of being impatient, we tend to find ourselves in situations that invoke the impatience within. This allows us the opportunity to hold ourselves accountable to the fact that we slipped into impatience, and to discover why that is; thus, in turn, teaching us to be patient. In order to be patient, we must be put into situations where we react with impatience. When we start to consciously release and shed what we don’t want, we

ABSENT

Contributed by Lopez

I am the only parent.

It defies the agreement I thought I’d originally made, but here we are. I didn’t just win custody, I won everything; except I won it by default because drugs stole you from your children.

Today is the day I wish you were here the most. Your daughter said she was tired of waiting for you to come back and she wants a stepdad now. This isn’t go fish, so I couldn’t agree but I did let her cry it out with me.

Two nights before that, I took them to an interactive

create the room for what it is that we do want to come into place.

The New moon is all about intentions and bringing forth that which we desire. It’s about new beginnings and fresh new starts. This is the time when we step into our power of calling forth our manifestations. It’s the time when we excitedly make new plans for our goals and allow ourselves to dream. We set intentions with inspiration and motivation for new.

Of course, for us to have a much more in-depth and personalized look into the Moon, we add in the Zodiac signs of each current moon phase, plus that zodiac’s placement in our own chart and our own moon placement. We also add in the numerological date of each phase, the astrologic point of all the other planet’s positions at the time, plus our own chart placements, along with a whole bunch more in order to reveal one big language of individualized experiences, reactions, strengths, and guidance for the current phase. It is definitely much more than I am able to get into in this one column, but it truly is its own beautiful guiding map.

Today, as I finish writing this month’s column, it is the March New Moon. For me, I can feel the rush of exciting inspirations of new goals. I had a meeting with a friend and colleague earlier today that let us both exuding joy and excitement for growth and expansion in our businesses. Coming together as a team, and as a community, let us with homework to do more research. There are exciting new things coming our way and I am so grateful to be taking this journey with her. I know that the seeds planted today will have a huge impact on us both in the future. Now we must continue to nourish these ideas by working diligently to help them grow.

What intentions will you set forth for the next month? What steps can you take to make your dreams come true? What strength can you show for yourself in following through on your goals? brittaniwithgrace.com (907) 308-9135

school event. I recognized the other single moms playing with their kids. We smile. We nod in agreement to the robbery of the drug epidemic; but I’m not sure we all have the same experience. I don’t know how many others also feel the weight of wanting.

I want you to be sober. I want you to come back to life. Not for me, for them. I want you to show your daughter the reptiles. Smash rocks with your son. I don’t want to be in the position of having no answer when your children ask me what happened to you.

When other people ask, I say, “He relapsed.” In response, they write the word trauma into our child’s

paperwork. I’m not happy about it, though how can I object?

What I can object to, is being told what a good mother I am after they learn you are gone. I understand their intentions, but I promise you I didn’t come to this purgatory of shock for the societal reward of a scooby snack or Facebook like. Maybe though, my bitterness is a form of grief and from what I’ve been told there is no timeline for grief.

I have nothing left to say that hasn’t been exhausted. Except, remember what your son last said to you: “Dad, please wake up.” Please.

Comedy

ALASKAN STAND-UP COMEDY FESTIVAL BEGINS APRIL 1

Contributed by Ben Peterson

Here’s a fact that’s actually fun: the annual Alaska B4UDie Comedy Festival returns in April for its fourth year of far-north hilarity. With 30+ shows spanning the week of April 1-7, the festival is Alaska’s largest comedy event. This year’s fest, presented by THC Alaska, will unite more than 40 seasoned stand-up comedians from around the continental U.S. and beyond. All of them are thrilled to visit and perform in the Last Frontier “b4 they die.”

Most of the festival’s programming will be stand-up showcases, a format that gives a roundup of comics each 5-10 minutes to share some of their best material—or as also happens, their funny first impressions of Alaska. There will also be a free Local Legends Showcase at Koot’s on Tuesday, April 2, where some of the best

in-state comedy talents will compete for the title of Local Legend.

Specialty shows include a clean show (the Joke Cleanse at Organic Oasis), a brunch show (Comedy Brunch at Moose A’La Mode), a live podcast recording (the popular I’m A Basshole with Doug Bass), and a live musical comedy game show (Those Aren’t the Words).

This year’s B4UDie Fest will feature a record number of headlining comedians, presenting five headliners between April 3-6. Adam Newman has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, released his own Comedy Central Half Hour Special, and toured with Bo Burnham. He’ll be performing at Koot’s on Wednesday, April 3 as part of a double-header show with Hayden Kristal. Hayden was a semifinalist on America’s Got Talent and voice-acted in the Adult Swim/HBO Max series Tuca & Bertie. She also appeared in the 2022 Alaska B4UDie Fest.

Another B4UDie veteran, Chad Optiz, will return to headline shows at The Broken Blender in Anchorage and Alpenglow Coffee House in Girdwood on Thursday, April 4 and Friday, April 5. Chad performs regularly in the San Francisco and Sacramento areas, is a frequent guest on the Doug Loves Movies podcast with Doug Benson and appeared in Amazon Prime’s Goliath.

Hometown hero Jessica Michelle Singleton, who grew up in Alaska, will headline four shows over the course of the festival, entertaining crowds in Anchorage, Seward, and Homer. Since moving out of state, she has become widely known for her work in Don’t Tell Comedy and Showtime’s Paid Regular at the Comedy Store, her own pair of #1 comedy albums, and her collaborations with Theo Von, Bert Kreischer, Iliza Schlesinger, and Melissa Villasenor.

The festival’s biggest show will be a headlining performance at the Bear Tooth Theatrepub by Marcella Arguello. Marcella’s many credits include 2 Dope Queens on HBO, Night Train with Wyatt Cenac on STARZ, David Spade’s Lights Out, and Sarah Cooper’s Netflix special Everything’s Fine. She released her acclaimed debut half-hour special on HBO & HBO Max last year.

Three fest events are scheduled to take place in the Mat-Su Valley. The regular Tuesday night open mic at Klondike Mike’s will be redubbed the B4UDie Palmer Invasion for April 2, offering festival comics some extra stage time to hone their jokes in progress or test some completely new material. As always, the mic welcomes anyone to sign up and perform. The event starts at 7pm and is free to attend. Entry to Klondike Mike’s is 21+.

Second, the Best of B4UDie Talkeetna showcase comes to the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar on Wednesday, April 3. Hosted by local comic Ben Peterson, the show brings some of the fest’s finest feature acts north to spread laughs and pay their respects to Mayor Denali. Later in the week, Best of B4UDie Wasilla does the same for Everett’s Restaurant in the Mat-Su Resort, hosted by Mike Lajoie on Friday, April 5. Entry to Everett’s is 21+.

Tickets and VIP passes are on sale now. Visit the festival website to buy yours: www.alaskab4udiefest.com/passes

Calendar of Events

MARCH APRIL

March 15th & 16th @ 4PM-7PM

Michael Kirkpatrick Live at Hatcher Pass Lodge

Michael Kirkpatrick 21623 N Gold Chord Rd (907) 745-1200

March 16 @ 6AM

Ski Train

Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage Anchorage Railroad Depot 411 W 1st Ave anchoragenordicski.com/events/ ski-train/ Tickets available at events.com

March 20 @ 5PM – 7PM

Anchorage Craft Night

Native Movement

Anchorage Office Community Room 111 2522 Arctic Blvd (907) 374-5950

March 22 @ 7:40PM

ACE Fight Night

Alaska Combat Entertainment

Palmer Train Depot

610 S Valley Way www.acefighting.com

akentertainment@live.com

Cost: $40

March 23 @ 11AM

All Alaskan Reptile & Exotics Expo

The Reptile Barn

West Anchorage High School 1700 Hillcrest Dr (907) 717-5098 thereptilebarn@gmail.com

March 23 @ 11AM

Doggie’s Day Out: Adoption Event

Best Friends Animal Rescue

PetSmart in Tikhatnu Commons on Muldoon

1200 N Muldoon adoptions@bfarak.org

March 23 @ 6:30PM

Childish Tycoon & Black Barrel & The Bad Men

Huycke Entertainment

Palmer Train Depot

610 S. Valley Way

huycke.entertainment@gmail.com

Tickets available at eventbrite.com

March 24 @ 11:30AM – 3:30PM

Fused Glass Wave Lamp

The Art Café AK

131 E. Blueberry Ave theartcafeak@gmail.com

Tickets available theartcafeak.com

March 27 @10AM-3PM

Mat-Su Employer Expo

Curtis D Menard Memorial Sports Center

1001 S Clapp Street (907) 352-2523

March 29 @ 2PM

Diabetes Management Group

Sunshine Community Health Center 24091 Long Lake Road www.sunshineclinic.org ssmith@sunshineclinic.org (907) 733-9292

March 29 @ 9PM-12PM

The Vintage Retro – 70’s Party

Alyeska Resort

The Sitzmark

194 Olympic Mountain Loop djnmusicworks@gmail.com

Doors open at 8PM

Cost: $15 – 21+

March 30 @ 7PM-10PM

Past Our Prime Live!

Odd Man Rush Brewing 16146 Artillery Road oddmanrushbrewing@gmail.com (907) 696-BEER

March 30 @ 7AM

Easter Egg Hunt

Holy-Moley Donuts

2201 E Palmer Wasilla Hwy (907) 376-9800

Kids Only

April 2 @ 10AM

Valley Garden Club

1509 S. Georgeson Drive – Room 208 mabelwimmer@gmail.com (907) 320-0195

April 6 @ 6PM

Disco Inferno! Birchtree Annual Auction

Birchtree Parent Guild

Palmer Senior Center 1132 S Chugach St. birchtreecharterschool@gmail.com (907) 745-1831

Cost: $40

April 6 @ 12AM

Nerd Con 24’

Palmer High School Dungeons and Dragons Club

Palmer High School 1170 Bogard Rd nerdconak@gmail.com

Cost: $7

April 14 @ 10AM-5PM

Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show

Curtis D Menard Memorial Sports Center

1001 S Clapp Street (907) 357-9100

Tickets available at matsuoutdoorsmanshow.com

April 17 @ 2PM

Mat-Su Central School 101 Mat-Su Central School

600 East Railroad Ave #6 gena.chastain@matsuk12.us (907) 352-7455

April 18 @ 9AM-8PM

Consign 49 Spring Consignment Sale Consign49

Raven Hall

2075 S Glenn Hwy info@consign49.com Register at www.consign49.com

April 26th – 28th @ 5PM-8PM

Alyeska Spring Carnival

Alyeska Resort

Spencer Glacier (907) 754-1111

Tickets at shop.alyeskaresort.com

USING MUSIC AS THE TOOL THE B2WINS ARE ON A MISSION TO MAKE THE WORLD SMILE

Contributed by Lainie Dreas

B2wins’ Week-long residency with Alaska Junior Theater is March 18 – 23, 2024.

Get ready to sing, dance, laugh and take your soul on a feel-good ride through chart topping hits and original songs performed in a way only the B2wins can. Alaska Junior Theater is excited to present three unique performances with the Alaska State Fair Fan Favorites: the B2wins.

Pronounced B-Twins, this high energy entertainment group continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its unique renditions of crowd favorites and engaging, uplifting live show that targets the masses. Led by charismatic twin brothers, from Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Walter & Wagner Caldas (B2wins) combine a plethora of genres into a feel-good performance that is equal parts rock concert, dance party, jam session and vacation for the soul.

The Alaska Tour: B2wins arrive in Anchorage late on Sunday after traveling all day and begin their week with radio interviews early Monday morning. Then, they head to the Atwood Concert Hall to set up the stage with rocking lights, clear, crisp sound, and some fun special effects. That evening, they have a welcome dinner with Alaska Junior Theater’s Board of Directors.

Tuesday through Thursday, they perform two school shows of “Strings Over Streets” for local students each day; a show that talks about how music helped them get beyond the slums of Rio de Janeiro and into careers as professional musicians who travel the world with their music. The twins will then go out to a Title I school each day for a music workshop with the 21st Century After-School Program kids.

Friday sees more interviews and some rest before their huge public show: “Music Reimagined” in the 2,000-seat Atwood Concert Hall. Executive Director Lainie Dreas said, “We are so excited to have these amazingly talented and fun artists here for the kids and our community as a whole. Tickets are moving and will only go faster once the school shows start on Tuesday!”

This unforgettable, engaging show is all ages and features one-of-a-kind renditions of everything from Elvis to Ed Sheeran, Bon Jovi to Dua Lipa, Louis Armstrong to Guns N’ Roses and countless other timeless hits. B2wins share a non-stop thrilling musical experience and a happiness fan across America are calling “the must see show of the season!”

And finally, Saturday brings the Annual Benefit Show “Brazilian Carnival!” This will be a colorful and fun

the party feel.

Alaska Coastal Catering will provide delicious hors d’oeuvres.

party night with the B2wins. “We want everyone to really get into the party feel by dressing in bright, vibrant colors, sparkling sequins and wearing feathers and cool headdresses or hats,” continued Dreas.

Sankofa Dance Theatre Alaska will be performing in the lobby before the Benefit Show and adding to

Alaska Junior Theater’s Board of Directors will provide a Champagne Reception to welcome everyone. Both Silent and Live Auctions will be available to patrons who attend the Benefit Show with items donated by so many generous businesses in our community. All of the proceeds from the event help AJT bring the best, professional performing artists from around the world to Alaska audiences. But wait, there is more! AJT’s Online Benefit Auction will be displayed on both Friday and Saturday nights at the performance so you can see the in-person while bidding online. Online bidding starts on Friday, March 15 and closes on Sunday, March 31 at Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals.

After their last concert, B2wins head right to the airport to spread their positive message in another lucky city. B2wins are coming to Alaska to make us smile with their music and their message. Don’t miss out! Their inspirational life story can be felt in every song they perform, and they are on a mission to make the world smile with their music. Check out their amazing YouTube Music Videos www.youtube.com/ watch?v=I8VZAsTUt60. Tickets at CenterTix.com or 263-ARTS. Check out more at www.akjt.org.

PROUDLY INTRODUCING IN ALASKA

See us at the show!

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT 3054 COMMERCIAL DRIVE, ANCHORAGE

VENDOR LIST A-Z

AAA Y8

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Resident Hunters of Alaska S7

Retten.1 LLC D11

Rod N Real Charters J3

RW Fishing S2

Safari Club Intl-Alaska Chapter D9 Scentsy L11

Sea Tow E2

SEALcam.ai A4

Seward Chamber of Commerce Y22

Seward Fishing Club C1

Seward Hospitality Group Y16

Sherp of Alaska D7

Silverbear Sundries L6

Soldotna Chamber of Commerce Y11

State of Alaska DNR Land Sales Y20

Susitna Air Service H10

Susitna River Coalition K10

Tippecanoe L4

Tolsona Wilderness Campground S13

Treehouse Cove Lodge W7

Trust Land Office S6

Tundra Snacks C5

UA Land Management Y9

Vibrance Metal Art H4

Victorinox Knives from Endeavors B7

Walker Mowers of Alaska H11

Wasilla Performance Yamaha L7

We Are Dip Alaska H8

Whiskey Point Cabins & RV Park C6

White Spruce Trailer Sales W4

Whittier Marine Charters E3

Wild Alaska Art A1

Wild Coast Alaska H9

Wild Things Alaska B2

Wisconsin Cheese Store T7

TURF FIELD

Alaska’s Best Gourmet Dogs

Alaskan Soda Jerk

D’Atri’s Kabobs & Spuds

GG Macs

Grandma Wei’s Homemade Dumplings

Hillbilly Kooking

Jazzy Gourmet Popcorn

Just Brew It

Moosequito Eatery

Nonkie Be’s Cajun Faves

Patriot BBQ

WHS Football Booster Club

Wisconsin Cheese Store

Jingle Jellies

SUPPLYING YOUR INNER CARNIVORE WITH HANDMADE KNIVES

THIS EVENT GUIDE BROUGHT TO YOU IN-PART BY:

FRIDAY – NOON-8:00

SATURDAY – 10:00-6:00

SUNDAY – 10:00-5:00

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/mea-in-the-community meacontact@mea.coop

(907) 761-9300

$1.6 million and counting! This is the financial impact MEA’s members have had in our community since 2011 when MEACF introduced Operation Roundup. To scratch the surface on those impacted by your generosity are our seniors, recreation, local agriculture, family services, food pantries, and everything in between.

We want to continue adding to this lost, so if you know of an organization interested in applying for the MEACF grant and has a specific project in mind, please check us out online for the application process - including financials. Grants are capped at $10,000 and are approved at each quarterly MEACF meeting. Individual grant requests are now completed through Connect MatSu; individual grant requests regarding a disability can contact Access Alaska.

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, per-

sonal needs, and basic council. Our Homelessness Prevention Program provides financial assistance creating housing stability for Valley residents.

Lastly, our Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program supports our residents with short term equipment loans to help with their recovery from illness and injuries.

Housing Assistance: 907-354-4660; Re-Entry Assistance: 907-232-7125; Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program, see our website: valleycharities.org

Valley Arts Alliance

www.valleyartsalliance.com

Valley Arts Alliance, bringing the community together through the arts... We are a place for both new and established artists of all types - painters, sculptors, musicians, and those involved in the performing arts - to network and to experiment with new ideas and media.

We work with local libraries, schools, museums, art councils, and music and art groups to create more venues for the arts, and to help promote art related events.

Join us at our informal weekly meetings, every Thursday @ 11 at Sophia’s Cafe, 9191 E Frontage Road, Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Check out our archives at www. valleyartsalliance.com

Valley Recycling

Valley Community for Recycling Solutions

www.valleyrecycling.org

(907) 745-5544

REFUSE, REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE! Drop off your clean, separated recycling Mon-Fri 9:30 to 5 and Saturday 8 to 5. We accept cardboard boxes, aluminum beverage cans, magazines, this newspaper and more!

We are located at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, near the MSB Central Landfill, just past the MSB Animal Care Shelter. Follow the smells. And follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Become a member, visit our classroom, schedule a field trip, find out more about volunteer opportunities and ways you can make a difference in your community. #dontfeedthelandfills. Go to our website for more details.

Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. www.wasillaseniors.com

(907) 376-3104

Wasilla Area Seniors mission is to provide for the lives of seniors living in the Matanuska Susistna Valley and to enable seniors to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.

WASI provides services, resources, and activities to promote health and independence such as Club50 Fitness Center. Club50 is for individuals 50 years of age and older and provides clean, accessible exercise equipment and offers a variety of FREE fitness classes for seniors of all skill and mobility levels.

For more information, give us a call or find us on Facebook.

www.955KNLT.com

Arts

Contributed by Debbie Johnson

Do you want to create something beautiful from materials you would probably just get rid of? Have I intrigued you? Here is something you can create with leftover material from your sewing or quilting projects. The process of this weaving is called twinning, commonly known as a rag rug. My name is Debbie Johnson, and this has become a passion of mine that I would like to share with you. I make rag rugs using extra-large t-shirts as my warp and various materials to

REDISCOVER THE ART OF TWINED RAG RUGS

twine with, creating very durable, long-lasting, beautiful rugs. My husband crafts the looms, and when you buy one, I will teach you how to use this method. I feel passionate about this craft that has been lost through the years. It dates back to the Depression era when nothing was wasted. Old bed sheets or shirts were used to create this art.

If you are interested in learning this craft, I will be giving lessons and demonstrating it on April 27th as part of “Who Let the Girls Out.” The cost of the class is

ALASKA DESIGN STUDIOS INTRODUCES ‘HUGE ROCK CAFÉ’

Contributed by Brian Stanley

I’m Brian, the lead artist at Alaska Design Studios, and I have launched a new website offering a selection of apparel and gear with a uniquely Alaskan theme. Having been in Alaska for over 40 years, I’ve encountered few designs that truly resonated with me as an Alaskan. So, over the years, I developed a bunch of ideas that I believe are clever, funny, and have genuine appeal to us Alaskans, our annual visitors, and anyone interested in our great state. This is the first of many designs and concepts that I’m rolling out to the public, with the

initial offering available at HUGEROCKCAFE.COM.

The Huge Rock Café pays homage to our own Alaskan landmark, the actual huge rock known as Denali—the “Great One,” the most incredible and legendary mountain in the Western hemisphere, attracting people from around the world (many of whom end up being rescued while attempting to climb it). I prefer to simply gaze at its sheer awesomeness.

Without revealing too much, the next offerings will be dedicated to supporting an important and worthy cause: bacon. Another project will honor all the Alaskan, Olde English, and Irish taverns across the state.

$130; materials will be supplied to start your rug and get you confidently underway on your project. Then, you walk away with a loom and a craft you can continue to create beautiful rugs that will last many years. Please feel free to contact me at 907-631-5944 to sign up! I will call you at the end of March with the details of where it will be in Palmer and what time, as I am planning to have two classes. I am so looking forward to seeing this craft continue and teaching people how to twine!

Next, a clothing line that cel ebrates our tropical lifestyle (just wait ‘til you see it).

Having been a graphic designer for many years and an artist with ideas of grandeur all my life, I invite you to check out hugerockcafe.com. I think you’ll appreciate the salute to one of Alaska’s—and America’s—great landmarks. Stay tuned for many more submissions.

ODE TO MY NATIVE LAND

Contributed by Doug Ferguson

I am an American native son, My forebearers came here for freedom and opportunity,

My seed was planted here.

My Childhood showed me how to stick up for myself, It also taught me to how to fail, then succeed with others and learn life’s wonders...

In my teenage years, I learned how rules and work get results, But yet how life still could be fun.

As a younger man I learned important work skills, And gloried in being needed and free.

As a peacetime soldier, I learned to respect, And honor those who had been in combat and fought for me.

As a worker I found the satisfaction Of leaving something better than it was before.

As a young adult, I had the freedom to marry, Regardless of my parent’s wisdom or my lack thereof.

As a Father, I learned to be a parent, a teacher, and mentor, Not always the best, but still loved.

As a Man, my close friends were of different races and religions.

As a grownup I had complete freedom to make mistakes, And managed to make some big ones!

In midlife I learned that in my America, one could always Start over, despite their mistakes, if one is honest and owns up to them.

As a Senior, I have learned true love, peace, compassion and To have gratitude for all these life lessons.

In America, my beloved native free land, During my lifetime all these things were possible.

So long America! It’s been good t’know ya!

HAIKU

By Joshua Fryfogle

Wind blown snow, shadows

Something wistful about them I do not know what

HAIKU FROM A WINTER NIGHT

By Jeffrey Winke

deep silence -in post-midnight dark a neighbor stirs

well into jazz hour the sleepless night folds into itself

tomorrow’s dark hours my wife’s phone beeps with incoming SPAM

mottled black the long night presses against my patio door

freezing fog alert I clean my glasses then go to bed

gray light the new day emerges quietly

WHEN

Contributed by Fred Glover

When did the world get so Stupid, so dangerous,

So divided into violent tribes

When did two plus two equal five Don’t think, get onboard with it,

Or you will be ostracized

Left to be judged by the howling mob

The sentence is always death

If not my the by the taking of your life

Then most assuredly

By the assassination

Of your character

And your soul

When did lies become the truth

Ask no questions

Just believe the sour, dour talking heads

On all of the cable news shows

Somewhere in the bowels of hell

Adolph does his little dance

Joseph Goebbles smiles because he knows He taught them all so very well

Save the date! Aspenyarrow (Kayti Heller) performs at Wasilla Public Library on April 25th.

Drawing inspiration from nature, love, mental health, and self-acceptance, Kayti’s songs reflect her experiences and the beauty of transforming emotions into music.

After growing up in Talkeetna and moving to Palmer with her two kids and dog, Mary Puppins, Kayti continues to explore and express through her music. Watch for more details at www.MakeASceneAK.com/ wasillalibraryconcert.

ASPENYARROW PERFORMING AT WASILLA PUBLIC LIBRARY APRIL 25

Events

NERD CON AK RETURNS TO MAT-SU

Contributed by Keith Barkwood

Nerd Con 24, is an electrifying fundraising event, set to sweep the Mat-Su Valley off its feet, all for a noble causeThe Palmer High School Dungeons and Dragons Club. This gathering celebrates the unapologetic embrace of nerd culture while supporting a community of imaginative minds.

Envisioned as a haven for enthusiasts of all things nerdy, Nerd Con 24 promises a day with fantastical adventures and camaraderie. From Cosplay competitions to tabletop gaming tournaments, attendees immerse themselves in a realm where creativity knows no bounds. Stop by Community Outreach Tables staffed by local clubs, focused on their niche within the nerd kingdom. Join in a one-shot campaign created by award winning Game Masters. Never played a tabletop game? No worries, we have Game Masters on hand to show you the ropes.

Held the first weekend in April each year, this year we open our doors to the public at noon on April 6th. Look for door buster door prizes at 1pm and a Cosplay costume contest at 3pm.

At its core, Nerd Con 24 is a beacon of support for the Palmer High School D&D Club. With tabletop gaming gaining mainstream recognition, the club provides students with a platform to hone their storytelling skills, foster teamwork, and embrace their inner nerd with pride. Proceeds from the event go directly to the club, ensuring access to resources and opportunities for its members. This year, the primary fundraising goal for the PHS D&D Club, is to provide a trip for members into Anchorage for the Arctic Comic Con.

Beyond fundraising, Nerd Con 24 serves as a testament to the power of community and the magic of imagination. It celebrates diversity, inclusion, and the shared passion that unites people from all walks of life. So, whether you

are a seasoned adventurer or a curious novice, Nerd Con 24 welcomes you to join the quest and make a difference in the lives of young gamers and nerds in the Mat-Su Valley.

The PHS D&D Club welcomes high school aged members from throughout the Mat-Su Valley. We have current members who are enrolled in rival high schools as well as home school programs. The PHS D&D Club meets on Fridays during the school year from 2:30pm – 5pm.

If you would like more information about the club or would like more information about Nerd Con 24, please email nerdconak@gmail.com. Nerd Con 24 is still accepting applications for Vendors/Artists, Game Masters, and Community Outreach tables. You may donate directly to the PHS D&D Club through www.schoolpay.com/pay/for/DD-Fundraising/ SdrXXM.

TWIN DEPARTURES/SADNESS SQUARED

By Randi Perlman

Sage has joined his brother Tutka in that greenest of doggy parks; Their absence leaves a gaping hole in our home and in our hearts.

All the love they got and gave have made the world a better place; We’ll always miss their antics and their barks.

Twins at birth was quite a start, it took a keen eye to tell them apart; A Berner mom & Blue Tick dad followed the trendy designer dog fadTheir exuberance often spilled the apple cart!

Show-stopping bookends of regal bearing, with big hound noses and mountain dog hearing.

Passers-by would stop to play and often they were heard to say, “Could these big boys be any more endearing??”

Huge puppy paws, the cutest of faces - when they were adopted we were off to the races;

We knew from the start of this escapade that for sure here comes trouble, in spades, But they did their best to remain in our good graces.

As pups, each one sat on their daddy’s big boots – we knew then & there they were both in cahoots;

They gazed up from the ground with boot laces in mouth and We knew we were hooked, that’s the truth.

Two peas in a pod yet very distinct, one a big clown, the other light on his feet; Their loud bark could scare you, but it was only to dare you

To acknowledge their presence with treats…

They were lovers not fighters, two sweet, gentle boys; Loved dogs and their people, no interest in toys.

The boys loved to be stroked along smooth shiny coats, Brown eyes would smile with joy.

Both hated water, snubbed puddles at all costs –Equals between them, neither one was the boss.

If threatened by Rover they would only roll over And be submissive by waving all fours.

The larger boy, Tutka, was first to leave, causing us all to despair and to grieve. But now Sage is with him, together again, and we can rest easy for those two best of friends;

Their spirits are still here, we believe.

They captured our hearts and kept us enslaved by the goofy, rambunctious love they displayed. We were quite wrapped up in it, no regrets for one minute,

The fun that we shared as we played!

Our sadness is doubled, the power of two, but our joy has been multiplied by loving those two.

They each left behind such indelible marks –We’ll ALWAYS miss their antics and their hound dog barks.