Bradford Jackson Films, SickDay Productions and The Williwaw Social team up to host a groundbreaking non-profit event dedicated to elevating Alaskan filmmakers and connecting remote communities.
Anchorage, Alaska - April 7th- Two renowned production companies, Bradford Jackson Films and SickDay Productions, are joining forces to bring an exciting and innovative filmmaking education event, Film Rant, to Alaska. This Alaskan-based non-profit event aims to empower local filmmakers, enhance the quality of their work through entertaining and engaging events and extend filmmaking education to rural native villages throughout the state.
Film Rant’s mission is to connect, inspire, and boost the skills of Alaskan filmmakers by facilitating a rich and collaborative learning environment, bridging the gap between industry professionals and passionate individuals in remote communities. Through hands-on workshops, screenings, and networking with renowned Alaskan Filmmakers, Film Rant participants will benefit from a wealth of filmmaking knowledge tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of Alaska’s creative community.
The event will reach some of the most remote and underrepresented communities in Alaska, ensuring that its educational opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of their geographic location. Film Rant aims to create a vibrant network of filmmakers throughout the state and contribute to Alaska’s thriving creative industry.
Bradford Jackson Films and SickDay Productions have a combined experience of over 30 years in the film industry, producing a wide range of award-winning projects
from feature films to short documentaries. Their vision for Film Rant is grounded in their love for the Alaskan landscape, its rich cultural heritage, and a deep belief in the transformative power of storytelling.
“Film Rant reflects our commitment to investing in Alaska’s local talent and providing a platform that nourishes growth, inspiration, and collaboration,” said Bradford Jackson, founder of Bradford Jackson Films. “We firmly believe that this event will have a significant impact on the filmmaking scene in Alaska and create new opportunities for communities to preserve their stories and contribute to the
diverse fabric of global cinema.”
Film Rant is currently holding their main event on June 30th from 6pm-10pm at The Williwaw Social in Anchorage. The organizers are seeking partnerships with local organizations, educational institutions, and businesses interested in supporting this groundbreaking initiative.
To learn more about Film Rant’s mission, programming, and partnership opportunities, please visit www. filmrantalaska.com, get in touch with the organizers at filmrantalaska@gmail.com
Contributed
CLUB50 at Wasilla Area Seniors will be starting a new therapeutic dance class on April 19th. This class will meet every Wednesday at 1pm in the gym at the Wasilla Area Senior gym, located at 1301 S. Century Circle, Wasilla. This will be a progressive 6-week class, but you are welcome to join in at any point. Our volunteer instructor has many years of experience in teaching all styles and disciplines of dance.
Our class motto is: “If you can walk, you can dance and if you can’t walk, we have chairs, so come anyway!”
This is a low impact, slow-paced learning environment where there is no pressure. Just show up with a good attitude and a smile!
Partners are NOT required to participate. There will be a nominal, affordable fee for attendees, payable on a monthly basis.
Come try a class for FREE before you decide, you will be glad you did!
For more information contact us in CLUB50 at 907-206-8807.
MAY 16 @ 6PM
Ladies Night Out(doors)
4376 Glenn Highway, Palmer Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area
Revel Treks and Tours (907) 903-1664 eveltreksandtours.com
MAY 17 @ 6PM
Alaska Fall Gardening at The Annex
247 S Alaska Street, Palmer seedsandsoilorganics@gmail.com
MAY 18 @ 5PM
Loverboy Live at Matanuska Brewing CO.
11901 Old Glenn, Eagle River matanuskabrewco.com
MAY 20 @ 11AM
Wasilla Community Block Party
391 N Main Street, Wasilla
MAY 20 @ 9AM
Mat-Su Law Enforcement
Torch Run & Pledge Drive 594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla
MAY 23-26 @ 9AM
Hiland Mountain Correctional Center Plant Sale
9101 Hesterberg Rd, Eagle River
(907) 694-9511
MAY 27-28 @ 12:00PM
Talkeetna Art Festival
22249 D St, Talkeetna
Sheldon Arts Hangar (907) 733-7929
www.denaliartscouncil.org
MAY 27 @ 12PM
Lazy Mountain Music Festival
Alaska State Fairgrounds 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer
JUNE 2 @ 5PM
Candlebox Live at Matanuska Brewing CO. 11901 Old Glenn, Eagle River matanuskabrewco.com
JUNE 3 @ 5PM
SMASHMOUTH Live at Matanuska Brewing CO. 11901 Old Glenn, Eagle River matanuskabrewco.com
JUNE 3 @ 12PM-9PM
Music in The Park
FREE Concert Series
Featuring Glacier Hoppers 594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla makeasceneak.com
JUNE 3 @ 9AM
KidStockAK Family Friendly Event
Alaska State Fairgrounds 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer kidskupboard.org
JUNE 4 @ 1PM
Downtown Anchorage
Walking Food Tour 504 W 5th Ave, Anchorage
JUNE 4 @ 2PM
Recycle Revival 2023
With H3, Denali Cooks, Carhartt Bros, Feral Katz Event by Valley Recycling at Skeetawk Ski Area
Hatcher Pass, Palmer valleyrecycling.org
JUNE 7 @ 11AM
KW Presents: Food Trucks
Inside Wasilla City Center
621 S Knik Goose Bay Road
JUNE 9-11
Colony Days
550 S Alaska St # 101, Palmer Parade at 11 PM palmerchamber.org
JUNE 10 @ 12PM-9PM
Music in The Park
FREE Concert Series
Featuring Matt Hopper & The Roman Candles
594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla makeasceneak.com
JUNE 11 @ 12PM
Forget Me Not Community Fair
2238 Inner Springer, Palmer forgetmenotcommunityfair.org
JUNE 16 @ 3PM
Sundown Solstice Music Festival
201 E 40th Ave, Anchorage sundownalaska.com/
JUNE 17 @ 12PM-9PM
Music in The Park
FREE Concert Series
Featuring LuLu Small Band
594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla makeasceneak.com
JUNE 17 @ 3PM
Rally Recovery Ride
Starts at Anchorage Alano
Club and Ends at Denali
Harley Davidson in Wasilla
Find us on Facebook @ Rally Recovery Ride 2023
JUNE 17 @ 3:30PM
Personal Efficiency Course
Church of Scientology
Mission of Anchorage
1300 E 68th Ave, Anchorage scientologyanchorage.org
JUNE 17 @ 7PM
Battle Dawgs Midnight
Sun Charity Golf Classic
7307 S Frontier Dr, Wasilla
jesse@battledawgs.org battledawgs.org/
JUNE 17 @ 12PM
Art on Fire Art Fest
Museum of Alaska
Transportation & Industry 3800 W Museum Dr, Wasilla valleyartsalliance.com
JUNE 22 @ 11AM
16th Fireweed Festival
114.6 Parks Hwy, Trapper Creek trappercreek.org
JUNE 22 @ 4:30PM
Alaska Behavioral Health Grand Opening Celebration
351 W Parks Hwy, Wasilla www.akbh.org
JUNE 23-25 @ 8AM
Alaska Scottish Highland Games
2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer alaskascottish.org
JUNE 24 @ 12PM-9PM
Music in The Park
FREE Concert Series
594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla makeasceneak.com
JUNE 24 @ 2PM
2nd Annual Summer Solstice Float for Hope Recovery Community Awareness Event
Wasilla Lake, Wasilla 907-631-2370
JUNE 25 @ 2PM
ALOHA Music Festival
1142 N Muldoon Rd Suite #115, Anchorage
JUNE 30 @ 6PM
Film Rant Film Fest at Williwaw Social 609 F St, Anchorage filmrantalaska.com
JULY 4
City of Wasilla 4th of July 4th of July Parade @ 11AM
Mayor’s Picnic @ 1PM
Music in The Park @ 12PM 594 W. Nelson Ave, Wasilla
JULY 8 @ 5PM
Sebastian Bach Live at Matanuska Brewing Co. 11901 Old Glenn, Eagle River matanuskabrewco.com
JULY 14 @ 5PM
Cardboard City 2023 2075 Glen Hwy, Palmer
JULY 19 @ 5PM
THREE DAYS GRACE Live at Matanuska Brewing Co. 11901 Old Glenn, Eagle River matanuskabrewco.com
Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist.” We wholeheartedly agree! At AR Workshop, our goal is helping children (and adults) find their inner creativity! One way we help children accomplish this is by providing art camp sessions specifically for them. We are passionate about giving children an opportunity to learn how to tap into their creativity along with teaching them how fun it is to DIY (Do-It-Yourself).
an art instructor at Museo Art Academy explains, “Art often requires that children make something out of nothing. Whether that is a blank piece of paper, or a pile of mixed media materials, every step of creating engages children’s imagination and problem-solving skills.”
Here are just a few benefits parents and children can look forward to from art camp:
being tied to a digital device
• Developing sense of ownership as they create pieces to decorate their own space (bedroom, study area, etc)
• Relaxing while making something that reflects current interests and hobbies and interacting with new friends
There is so much to be gained from this hands-on crafting experience!
If you type “summer camp” into your Google search, an astonishing amount of information will come up. How exciting that we live in a time where kids have so many opportunities to try new and different things! One of the activities to consider is signing your child up to participate in a summer Art Camp.
Studies have shown that participation in artbased activities benefits children of all ages and backgrounds. Studies also show that art-based activities help activate a child’s brain in ways that also help them improve in other educational areas. In one study done through a program by the Guggenheim, artists went into schools to teach and help students create their own works of art. They found that students who participated in the program scored higher in six different categories of literacy and critical thinking skills than those who didn’t.
This makes perfect sense because as Sarah Duda, Director of Client Services and
• Developing a sense of pride in their abilities: “Look what I made!”
• Nurturing the creative side of brains
• Developing fine & gross motor skills
• Instilling confidence in self, in creating, in being in a group setting, in using tools, and in decision making
• Practicing patience, concentration, problem solving, and workflow in a group setting that is positive and engaging
• Stimulating senses by using different tools, mixed media and transforming something simple (piece of wood) into a masterpiece
• Learning the skill of upcycling to be resourceful, eco-friendly, and to save money Using hands and mind to create without
If you are looking for something fun and meaningful to keep your children occupied during the summer months feel free to contact us! AR Workshop Wasilla has crafted up something special with you and your children in mind! We’ve curated unique projects to keep the kids busy during creative summer Art Camp sessions!
You can check our website (arworkshop. com/wasilla) for available dates and projects. We know the value of helping everyone discover their inner artist and look forward to inspiring your child with fun and engaging art projects!
Contributed by: Jeanette
TingstromIf you love pottery or have been to a local market or the Alaska State Fair, you’ve probably seen Birch Grove Studios. Birch Grove has been a popular choice for pottery at The Wagon Wheel Marketplace for many years.
Birch Grove Studios was founded in 1976 by longtime Alaskan artists Dennis McKenzie and Vickie Cole. Today the studio is owned by their son David McKenzie-Cole and his wife, Mara. Along with their daughters Alia (18) and Tayla (12), they continue to share their love of pottery with Alaska.
They opened a new teaching studio in Wasilla, where they offer a 6 week wheel throwing class
that helps students explore the world of clay. Between throwing, trimming, glazing, and firing there are plenty of learning opportunities!
Along with their studio, they also offer an AllAlaskan art gallery and are featured at The Wagon Wheel Marketplace in Wasilla and other gift shops in Alaska.
The wagon Wheel Marketplace is located in the Carrs Mall in Wasilla.
Are you inspired to get creative and learn more about pottery? You can find Birch Grove on FaceBook under Birch Grove Studios, Inc, Instagram under BirchGroveStudios. The studio is located at 617 S Knik Goose Bay Rd, Suite L in Wasilla.
Contributed by Melissa Keefe, Alaska State Fair
Palmer, Alaska – All-vocal country entertainers Home Free have joined the 2023 AT&T Concert Series schedule at the Alaska State Fair. Tickets go on sale to the general public tomorrow, Friday, May 12, at 10 a.m. AKDT.
Sunday, August 27: Home Free. Described as “country music fans’ favorite a cappella group,” Home Free is known for their upbeat, Nashville-dipped pop hits, country and western standards, and incredible harmony. Praised by the likes of Billboard, Rolling Stone, FOX & Friends and American Songwriter, their extensive catalog includes six Top 10 albums, including their breakout debut Crazy Life. Home Free’s most recent studio album, Warmest Winter, came out in 2020, following the acclaimed group’s 2019 Dive Bar Saints album, which arrived at #2 on the Billboard Country Album Sales chart.
Tickets went on sale at 10 a.m. AKDT on Friday, May 12, on the Fair website, alaskastatefair.org. Concert-
goers have the option to purchase concert-only tickets or tickets including Fair admission. The included admission is at a discounted price and good any day of the Fair. Concert tickets including Fair admission must be purchased by August 17. Details on ticket options and pricing are available on the Fair website. Convenience fees apply on all concert ticket purchases.
Home Free joins the previously announced 2023 AT&T concert series acts Turnpike Troubadours, FOR KING + COUNTRY, Blues Traveler, Flogging Molly, MEGADETH, Noah Cyrus, The String Cheese Incident, Noah Kahan, J Boog, Yung Gravy and Little River Band. Tickets for these 11 acts are currently available for purchase on the Fair website. All concerts take place rain or shine at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre.
Visit alaskastatefair.org for additional information on the confirmed concerts and upcoming concert announcements. For more information, contact Melissa Keefe, director of marketing and communications, at mk@alaskastatefair.org.
Elton John said “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting.”
But I think Saturday nights are also alright for some... a cappella! The sheer talent it takes to entertain one with music with nothing but one’s voice and vocal cords is nothing short of impressive. It shows a great deal of skill and comfort with one’s own abilities. I had the pleasure of once again experiencing this firsthand as I was invited to photograph Pipeline Vocal Project for a second time.
Pipeline Vocal Project is a group of three incredibly talented women who formed back in 2019 and are now preparing for an amazing world venture. They are a must-see show if you ever get the chance. It’s an event of epic proportions and skill that you can’t easily find. Remember the name Pipeline Vocal Project! If they’re ever in your area, be sure to catch them!
For more information, visit www.pipelinevocalproject.com and find Sam Irwin online @samiphotography
It’s time for another hot, Hot, HOT Iron Pour! Yes, for the 16th year, the Valley Arts Alliance Art on Fire Iron Pour Art Fest will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 in Wasilla. The Valley will be buzzing with artists from across the country, as they gather to cast unique iron sculptures, create Raku pottery, and engage in other similar “fiery” events.
A team of skilled foundry men and women, consisting of Pat Garley, who owns Arctic Fires Bronze in Palmer, D’jean Jawrunner, a college professor from New Mexico who teaches metal casting, Donnie Keen a commercial foundry owner from Houston, Texas, and other local sculptors and skilled metal workers will demonstrate the fascinating 5000 year old iron casting process using a custom designed furnace known as a cupola.
In the weeks preceding this event, Pat Garley will be offering workshops in metal casting and mold making at his studio in Palmer. These workshops will continue at the VAA Art on Fire Iron Pour Art Fest, when these molds are poured with liquid iron. See scenes of previous years events on our archives pages.
At this Art on Fire Iron Pour Art Fest, visitors can create their own small molds, for their own unique iron plaques. These small mold blanks, approximately 6 inches square, can be etched or “scratched” with a design which, when filled with molten iron, will render a unique keepsake. Known as a “scratch block”, these blanks are available for $10.
Throughout the day, artists will conduct Raku pottery workshops. Raku differs from other forms of pottery in that after a short firing, the “red hot” vessels are placed inside a metal can full of combustible materials, a process that draws the oxygen out of the glaze and is responsible for the unique and completely unpredictable Raku look.
The Association of Alaskan Blacksmiths will demonstrate blacksmithing techniques, Judy Vars will demonstrate Encaustic wax painting, and other fiery arts, such as glass flameworking, will also be demonstrated. Several local painters will setup their easels and demonstrate their work. Live music and food will be available throughout the day.
The VAA Art on Fire Iron Pour Art Fest will be held at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry, located at 3800 W. Museum Drive (near the airport) in Wasilla, from noon until 5pm on Saturday, June 17. The ticket price is $10, with children under 12 admitted free. Please join the fun! We hope to turn this day into an extraordinary Iron Pour Art Fest in the Valley!
through the world, our social status, and our “coolness”. How we dress our bodies is how we represent ourselves to the world.
Have you ever thought about where clothing goes after you’re done with it? After the thrift shores are done with it? When there is no longer a use for it? We all share an ugly little secret – how much actual waste is involved with the fast fashion industry.
In the 1960s the average American bought fewer than 25 items of clothing and no more than 10% of their budget on clothing and shoes. 95% of the clothing was Made-inAmerica.
Many of you might remember the hand me downs from our siblings and clothes waiting to be mended and repaired? Then things began to change, with massive factories and textile mills opened in China and Latin America.
landfills on a yearly basis. The alternative to all this waste and consumption is “slow fashion”. This means buying ethical, sustainable, quality items. When shopping, consider timeless over trendy and buying secondhand. You can take steps to make sure your clothes last longer;
Repair rips, broken zippers and lost buttons. Wash clothes only when necessary.
Donate what you no longer wear. Have a clothing exchange with friends.
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions is hosting a special art show: Our Second Skin, The Clothes We Wore – We are asking artists, seamstresses and all creatives to explore and reexamine the relationship we have to our clothes, our Second Skin. Convey this idea in art wearables, decorative or accessory pieces, or wall art.
Contributed by Judy VarsNewsflash: The Fast Fashion Industry waste is drastically contributing to climate change!
Fast fashion describes cheap, stylish, massproduced clothes that have a huge impact on the environment. These garments appeal to shoppers because they are affordable
and trendy. But they aren’t built to last and quickly go out of style and because they were cheaper they are easily discarded, piling up in landfills.
We live in a consumerist, disposable world where we are told everything needs to be the newest, the latest, or trendiest fashion. The clothes we wear represent how we walk
With cheap labor and material (made from fossil fuel) they could mass-produce inexpensive garments quickly. By the 1980s outsourcing was born, and with that came other issues such as sweatshops, lower quality clothes and child labor.
The average person throws away 81.lbs of clothes every year. In America alone, an estimated 11.3 million tons of textile waste –equivalent to 85% of all textiles – end up in
Set your imagination and ideas free. Find and download our prospectus www.valleyrecyclingak.org/our-second-skin.
Entry deadline is July 28th 2023. Artists reception will be at the Dorothy Page Museum in Wasilla, August 5th. Select pieces will be displayed at the VCRS Education Booth at the Alaska State Fair.
equivalent
PRESENTED BY THE ALASKAN SCOTTISH CLUB
Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating the 16th Trapper Creek Fireweed Festival on Saturday, July 22nd, 2023!
The festival will feature live music and family-friendly activities all day long, including pony rides, a dunk tank, a B.B. gun target shoot, children’s activities, wilderness skills sharing, rippies, split-the-pot, and more! Craft vendors will also be present to impress you with their offerings.
Don’t miss the chance to participate in two separate raffles, where you can win a brand new two-man inflatable kayak or a super sweet drone! Tickets for these raffles will be available on the day of the event.
The festival will take place at Trapper Creek Community Park, located at Mile 115.2 Parks Hwy. 9971 East TC Park Circle, and is sponsored by Trapper Creek Community Services Assoc., Inc. This event is a fundraiser for Trapper Creek Park and Cemetery Gaming Permit #1420.
For more information, visit our website at trappercreek. org, email us at tccommunityservices@yahoo.com, or call us at (907) 355-7147. Save the date and come join the fun!
GATES OPEN AT 8AM OPENING CEREMONY SATURDAY AT 10AM
GAMES MEAD & SCOTCH TASTING LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
Live Music by Celtica Nova and The Harp Twins featuring Volfgang Twins
Leslie Whiskey and her sister Paige are witches raised by the Whiskey Coven matriarch, Alma. Left by their mother, Rachel, at a young age, Leslie embraced her role as Paige’s older sister and passed on their bond to her children, Mandy and Tyler, who also grew up close to their cousin, Leah. But when someone warns Leslie that a war is coming and that Paige is using her abilities to summon demons for a case she is investigating, Leslie suspects foul play.
Meanwhile, Rachel is back and turns the dynamic of the Whiskey household upside down. But it is when she assumes control over Leah that Paige’s
anger threatens to boil over and destroy everything. Can Leslie stop Paige from walking a self-destructive path? Find out in F.J. Blooding’s gripping supernatural drama, Demon Whiskey.
Sometimes, childhood family trauma follows people into adulthood. F.J. Blooding weaves a captivating tale of two witch sisters struggling to mend a broken relationship with their narcissistic mother who follows her own agenda. The supernatural elements in Demon Whiskey hover in the background of the family drama around which the plot revolves.
The Whiskey family dynamics provide the narrative thrust to propel the story forward. You find yourself completely immersed in the character arcs of
A Review of Demon Whiskey, a riveting family drama with a dose of the supernatural, written by Alaskan author F.J. Blooding
Leslie, Paige, Leah, and even Rachel. I was also intrigued by the mysterious Balnore and his true motives. Inspired by real-life events, Demon Whiskey is a riveting family drama with a dose of the supernatural.
Sign up to receive news and information from Frankie and read Demon Whiskey free. She’ll fill you in on the joys of writing, her process, and what’s going on in her writing life, which keeps her busy and out of trouble. You’ll also be the first to discover her new books, which includes an entire series based on romances here in Alaska.
Don’t wait. Read now. www.news.whistlingbookpress.com/dw
Contribured by John Damberg
Come and jam out for the AJW and ADP Summer 2023 Downtown Jazz Concerts in Peratrovich Park. This event will be going on all summer long from 4p-6p and would love for you to join us.
May 27: AJW Student Jazz EnsemblesJamming on Jazz, Blues, Latin, & Funk grooves Directed by John Damberg and Nick Petumenos
June 3: 1-7 p.m.-Spenard Jazz Fest 2023 All Stars 1 p.m. AJE Big Band 2 p.m. Williwaw
Blue 3 p.m. Mark Manners Quintet-Original Jazz with a Latin twist 4 p.m. AJW Monday Band-need bass player-?Matt ok, No Craig,
Nick, Eiden 5 p.m. Phil Knowlton Band-Phil’s Originals and Jazz Standards 6 p.m. JD Latin Jazz Quintet-Original Alaska Latin Jazz & more 7 p.m. Uno Jazz Orchestra & Anya Dance Co
June 10: Mark Manners Quintet-Original Jazz with a Latin twist
June 24: Blue Dixie Combo Sextet-Pat Owens-Fun New Orleans party music!
July 1: Roger Fox’s A Town Sharps QuintetClassic Jazz & Originals influenced by Gypsy Jazz, Blues, Greek, and French Pop Featuring: Sarah Burtner (vocals, percussion), Garrett Burtner (clarinet, vocals), Roger Fox (guitar), Carrie Gruhn
(keyboard, vocals), John Weeks (bass guitar)
July 8: Uno Jazz Orchestra-Directed by Zach Munoz-Latin Jazz Mambo style
July 15: Jacqtet - featuring Jacques Annandale & friends-Jazz fused heavily with rock, hip hop
July 22: Fish on Quartet-featuring John Damberg & Ray Ash, Bob Andrews An angler inspired Jazz Club combining their love for jazz and fishing
July 29: Choice Bit of Calico Quintet featuring Katie Strock-Postmodern Jukebox with a twist of Andrews Sisters and Pink Martini
August 5: AJW Jazz Camp Faculty SextetFeaturing world renowned Latin Jazz drummer Mark Walker, John Damberg, Nick Petumenos, Mark Manners, Bob Andrews, & Jacques Annandale
August 12: Joe Craig Quintet-an eclectic mix of Jazz Standards and Originals Featuring Joe Craig-guitar, John Damberg-vibes, & friends
August 19: Rick Zelinsky QuintetContemporary original Alaska jazz Featuring Rick Zelinsky-saxophones, Mark Mannersguitar, Pat Owens-trumpet, John Dambergdrums, and Bob Andrews-bass
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.
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.
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 Mat-Su; individual grant requests regarding a disability can contact Access Alaska.
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.
www.mshsak.org
(907) 376-2411
Dedicated to improving the health of our community, one person at a time through affordable medical, dental and behavioral health care. The clinic is a Federally qualified health Care Center and we accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most other third-party insurances. For those who qualify, there is a sliding scale payment, based on household income.
We offer early morning and evening appointments. You can also contact our 24/7 behavioral criss intervention line by calling the main number: (907) 376-2411.
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 Ste-
ampunk 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.
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 evidencebased 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!
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
www.valleycharities.org
400 N Yenlo Street, Wasilla AK Valley Charities Inc has proudly served the MatSu community since 1956. Our mission of “Connecting those who need help with the help they need” is demonstrated through our Homeless Prevention and Reentry Programs. The first creates housing sustainability, and the later, assists ex-offenders to become successful citizens and make our communities safer. For inquiries on Housing please call 907-354-4660. For inquiries on the Re-entry program call 907-2327125.
“Our partnership with other local agencies have
allowed Valley Charities opportunities to reach more individuals and families”.
Our locally owned non-profit thrift store, called turn-A-leaf, keeps all the excess proceeds in the MatSu Valley using it to support the store, the staff, and maintain our community service programs.
Our Durable Medical Equipment Lending program has supported valley residents since 1956 providing this equipment at NO COST to the user. For inquiries on the Medical Equipment availability call 907-5211908.
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 5:00 and Saturday 8:00 to 5:00. 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.
Though I’m old and gray, Yet still willing to play, ‘Cause I’ll always stay Young and gay, Since I was born in May.
I longed to draw, all my mind saw, splendid, so raw, but from my brush, came a cold crush, my heart hushed, uneven lines, nothing defined, doodles enshrined, back to my pen, always my friend, to write again!
Once upon a time, someone’s aunty stood outside the open front door with an upright palm full of cinnamon.
It would be the first day of the new month –as a person would time it just so. With such an expensive handful of spice, Aunty prays for the following days to be abundant. It is a moment of both sacrifice and metaphor when she blows the cinnamon through the front door into the family home.
And there must have been a child somewhere to witness, or this story wouldn’t be told.
Now, beyond the first of the month, there are still rituals to draw abundance that can be performed at any point in
Passing the point of no return
Farther than halfway the journey
The time for hurrying is done.
No escape once over the horizon
Accepting the eventuality
Most the others have crossed over
Ghostly memories of the hurried
Their light never to escape
The void hordes all it meets
Succumbing to the pull
No need to fear the blackness
This end was guaranteed at start
The journey’s purpose nigh at hand
Nothing known about the destination
Exploring beyond this reality
Am I here? My future stretched beneath me
My present, past?
And before me? Before.
Again I go on, but is it into the known?
Beginning or ending?
The FBI Certifies That I am A Gemini!
time. Most commonly appreciated are floor washes. This is essentially a tea of boiled herbs set to cool, strained and then used as a final rinse on a freshly cleaned floor. As one applies the wash, one would pray for abundance. While Christian scriptures have been traditionally used, modern times see many people substituting prayer with non-denominational statements of intention.
During the wash and prayer, windows should be open or at least ajar. The time to wash for abundance is considered best performed in the morning. The method of direction has been from front to back –symbolic of drawing inward. Once applied, the wash should not be wiped away but allowed to air dry.
Alaskan Wash Recipe: Birch Water, Pine Needles, Cotton Wood Buds.
PREPARE a pot of water to boil, however much you assume you need. Drop in any small amount of: BIRCH
Birch Tree Water (sap): Birch sap can be
Break-up comes with melting snows. Green-up comes with windy throws. When Spring arrives what next befalls, The outhouse then, begins its thaw.
The ground’s still soft with soggy sod. The snow has gone, a muddy plod. The relieving trek now gets the nod, So off to the privy you go.
A hearty yank flings wide the door. Earthy odors from inside dost pour. A pregnant pause while fresh airs restore, The comfort of your closet domain.
You begin to settle on your rustic throne. A chill up your spine spawns a high pitched moan. A long sigh then, ebbs the shiver’s drone, While you hope no disturbance today.
Business is conducted but you feel a splash. Oh dear, you think, what a quick backlash. New sounds are heard, a deep growl and bash, Coming from the outhouse bowels!
collected once the snow begins to melt. It has the appearance of cloudy water. ALTERNATIVE: The inner bark, beyond papery outer layers, can be substituted. Then add fresh pine needles, breaking them as you add them. Lastly, add a small amount of sticky buds from the cotton wood tree. No large amount is needed. Allow the ingredients to boil in the water for 30 seconds to 1 minute and then reduce the heat to low.
These three items are the base of the wash. The wash can further be flavored by individual preference such as adding cinnamon sticks. etc.
Symbolism: Birch trees represent purification and protection from the Evil Eye so that your financial condition be renewed and uncrossed. Cottonwood symbolizes perseverance through transformative times- this is a valuable metaphor as we break away from winter conditions. Pine trees are historically used in fertility and prosperity workings.
You leap to your feet and don’t look back. The hairs on your neck herald a possible attack! Your greatest fear in this bare outback, So, you escape with your pants in tow!
Your departure, though imminent, you expedite. What snuck up abaft gave such you a fright? As snarls and gnashes crescendo its height, You turn to face the fray.
With a crash and a rumble and lick-ity split, A huge, dark hulk erupts from the pit. A determined dash, he departs in a fit, You’re left standing in the raw!
You scratch your head as you thaw from shock. Then return to the place for peace to restock. Cautiously you peer down that deep, dark crock, An uncanny space to lie.
The next time you sit upon an outhouse seat, You’ll never know who you’ll chance to meet. Or, even if they’ll be indiscrete, To enjoy a tranquil spell.
sub-freeze temp
a bird checks the feeder twice— still empty
brilliant sun cuts through the chill— for what?
late morn sun melts it— a thin ice cover
new snow covers last year’s sins
budding moon the yelp of a house dog let out to piss
In accumulated seconds, the mind processes and responds, navigating a depth of range, attempting of all to explain.
Incites creative, artistic, instinctive, realistic, logical thought, states of distraught, fully aware, serious care, confirmed details, sound without fail, reason sees scare, willingly dares, conflicted emotional weaves, joyful, glad, grateful, thoughtful, sad, weak, wrong, right, strong...thoughts then gone... the mind interrupted moved on.
Abstract truth, blurred and smeared clues, living canvas in hues of blue, thoughts urged to stay, moment ignored, those exact thoughts never restored.
BY JFACTOR
Local artist Michelle Cornelius says she is pleased to be presenting a paint night opportunity, “Brushes and Brews” at Susitna Brewing company on the shore of a Big Lake, Alaska.
Ms. Cornelius is a full-time, award-winning Alaska artist. She spends most days in her studio painting two to six hours daily. She is also the Alaska state fair art exhibit superintendent.
She confides besides actually painting, teaching painting is defiantly one of her favorite art related activities. Michelle has taught many classes on many art media including colored pencil, charcoal, soft pastel, acrylic and oil.
This painting class will be approximately 2 hours and be painted in acrylic. Each artist will leave with a masterpiece that is prepared to hang.
This will be happening on May 20, 2023 at 3PM. Price is $60 which includes painting this “Sunrise Spruce” and 25% off appetizer and 12 ounce brew.
This will be presented at Susitna Brewing Company in Big Lake. Call 907.897.2337 reserve your spot!
@SusitnaBrewingConpany
@MCWildArt (Instagram)
