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Sarah, Age 12
Cheyenne, Age 9
Allison, Age 8
Theo, Age 7
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Community Events Chess Night Nov 16, 2021 - 5:00 PM Every Tuesday 203 Kombucha 203 Kombucha
Christmas Bazaar Nov 27, 2021 - 11:00 AM Big Lake Lions Club Big Lake Lions Recreation Center
Open Mic and Art Raffle Nov 19, 2021 - 5:30 PM 203 Kombucha 203 Kombucha
Holiday Book Sale Dec 4, 2021 - 11:00 AM Alaska Writers Guild Loussac Library Atrium
Alaska Vintage Holiday Market & Food Truck Fest Nov 19, 2021 - 12:00 PM Alaska Vintage Markets State Fairgrounds
MSYO Winter Concert Dec 14, 2021 - 6:30 PM Mat-Su Youth Orchestra Valley Performing Arts Theater
Hometown Holidays Colony Christmas Dec 10, 2021 – Dec 12, 2021 Palmer Chamber of Commerce City of Palmer
Elks Craft Fair Nov 6– Nov 7 – 10:00 AM Palmer Elks Lodge
Holiday Savings Event Dec 3, 2021 – 10:00 AM All About Herbs
Hardy Plants for Alaska Rock Garden Nov 20, 2021 – 10:00 AM Alaska Garden Rock Society Zoom
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Nov 26, 2021 – Dec 19, 2021 Valley Performing Arts Theatre Santa is Coming, To The Creekside Plaza Dec 4, 2021 – 11:00 AM The Creekside Plaza, Wasilla
Breakfast with Santa Dec 18, 2021 – 9:00AM-12PM American Legion 35, Wasilla
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Coloring Page
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Art
Deepening Shadows studiogirard.com
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Moonrise studiogirard.com
River’s Rest studiogirard.com
Contributed by Douglas Girard I have painted many landscapes of Alaska, but recently I feel like the traditional formats do not always work well for Alaska’s expansive space. There have been many compositions that I have felt were truncated and forced into the wrong dimensions. I have decided to create a series of wideformat oil paintings. These will be two or three times as long as they are high. The vastness of Alaska seems better suited to this ratio. I also like this format as it gives one an almost cinematic experience of the composition. The first in my wide series: “Deepening Shadows”, 12” x 24”, oil on 1.5” deep wood panel. Exploring Petersville Road one evening, I came upon this lake. The wide sweep of dark trees and the curve of the shoreline had an immediate effect on me. I was attracted to the peacefulness of the water and the mysterious dark shadows of the trees.
Beyond, the peak of Denali hid under clouds blown smooth by 25,000’ high winds. “Moonrise,” 18” x 24”, oil on canvas, is one of my recent landscape paintings. One feels the vastness of Alaska here. This flat land is interrupted by reflections of the distant mountains. The mountains bordering the Knik valley rise into the red light and march back to the glacier. Buttresses of Pioneer Peak, like supports of a great cathedral, lift into a rugged pyramid. The quiet is interrupted by the chattering of distant songbirds and a lone crane flying high above. The earth dips east into the darkening void, and the golden orb of the full moon appears above pink vapors to take its place among the emerging stars. These original paintings and Fine Art prints are now available on my website studiogirard.com.
“Denali Rise”, 12” x 36”, oil on 1.5” deep wood panel.I had spent a couple of days exploring Denali Park Road and was excited to get one last shot of Denali. I woke up an hour before dawn and drove south to the location I had spotted three days before. The sky was starting to lighten as I pulled over. I watched the edge of the low clouds burn a golden rim to the low clouds. I turned around and saw, with awe, the Denali massif. Layers of mountains piled up and enlarged into a crescendo of ice and rock. Golden light touched the tallest peak and slowly worked down the snow-capped rugged range. This warm color and a line of trees reflected in a nearby lake. How could I possibly capture this dramatic vista in a painting? “River’s Rest,” 12” x 24”, oil on 1.5” wood panel.I have passed this spot many times, but I had not really seen it before. Sometimes I have to
consciously choose to look to actually realize the beauty surrounding me. I pulled over and walked down to the river. Part of the river had escaped the flow southwards and formed a shallow lake in which the valley mountains reflected. The fall trees glowed in the warm hazy atmosphere. The world was at peace. At noon Saturday, November 20th, I will be having a live art show on Facebook @studiogirard. These landscapes will be showcased on the show and will be available for sale. I will also be offering other items available nowhere else and on sale! Please add the event to your calendar if you are interested in purchasing Fine Art for the holiday season. There will be pieces available in every price range. Sign up for my newsletter at studiogirard.com for 20% off your first order, special offers, and a link to the Art Show replay. -Douglas Girard
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Denali Rise studiogirard.com
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Art
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Contributed by Charles Dean Walker Before his name was Bagels his name was Brutus. His pelt was a mix of a silver grey, and a deep black. He was a wolf spirit of a medium build. One of two most angry spirits ever created by the goddess Aurora. His friend was always Nite the owl spirit of knowledge and truth. The second most angry spirit is Artos the Grizzly bear. His brown fur had a rabid unclean appearance that was unique from other bears. It’s unknown why he’s so angry, other spirits speculate he was born from the darkest part of Goddess Aurora’s heart. Brutus hated him, because he’d killed his first pack. Remembering their bodies torn from his claws
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Creative Writing and sharp teeth. In the first fight between the two, was one of little timing nor, plan. Brutus met the same fate as his pack, leaving his body. Altos lived until age took him. Aurora brought them together into her heavenly body. Sometimes, the Gods make mistakes; this was her first of many others. Once the two spirits met again in their new forms, Heaven felt like Hell, so, she sent them back. They sense one another, all spirits can, that’s how Nite came to Bagels’s home. They made a plan to fight together. Sure, they’re consequences, but revenge is a drug. Every night the dog and owl talked through Jackson’s window. Nite sat upon the closes branch, hooting to
human ears. Bagel would quietly whimper. Chase was there too, far away enough for nobody to notice him. He’d felt creepy, even now he would, but he needed to trust the owl. They have a strong connection, understanding every spirit together, communicating as if they spoke the same native tongue. No other humans could do this, unless bonded to the spirit animals of Aurora’s kingdom. With Aurora, she’s visible to human eyes cause she’s got the ability to manipulate science to show herself while hiding. She made herself Mother Nature, the animals are her believers. Humans unless bonded to her spirits, cannot see her face, body, nor hair. No human goes to her in death, without her approval. That’s how the owl was created.
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Books Contributed by Sally Ontiveros You may already know the story of Palmer’s three-legged musk ox named Luna, but those who do not can read all about it in “Luna’s Big OXcident”, written by Juneau resident P.T. Custard and illustrated by local artist Amanda Rose Warren.
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Winner of the Mom’s Choice Awards, “Luna’s Big OXcident” is a heartwarming story of overcoming hardship and embracing what makes you unique. A rewarding and enjoyable read for all ages, it is sure to put a smile on your face. This vibrant book is a playful interpretation of a
real-life occurrence that happened earlier this year on the farm. In spring of 2020, resident Golden Girl, Luna was accidentally injured by another musk ox as she exited the barn during a weekly weigh-in. Staff knew right away that something had to be done so they brought in veterinary specialists Dr. Neu and Dr. Tuomi to help work alongside Jamie, the herd manager, to create a plan to save Luna. The dedicated team worked around the clock putting in hours of rehabilitation, enduring many sleepless nights, and facilitating two separate surgeries to ensure that
the little musk ox made it through. Mark Austin, Director of the farm, even fashioned a handmade sling to help Luna support her weight while standing. When asked about the ordeal, Mark credits Luna’s recovery and success to her determination saying, “[Luna] is the toughest little ox in all of Alaska.” To commemorate this momentous feat, the team over at The Musk Ox Farm collaborated with two local artists to create a book to share Luna’s OXcident with the world! Thanks to the beautiful work done by both author and artist, the book was
a smash hit and Miss Luna now has an international fan club. This month, the farm will be hosting a free story time and book signing to provide a fun opportunity for fans of the book to meet the author behind the story, as well as Miss Luna herself! If you already have your copy of the book, be sure to bring it with you to have it signed. There will also be a free coloring activity provided by the amazing Amanda Rose Warren. For more information about this free community event, or to catch up on Luna news, visit muskoxfarm.org or follow us on Facebook.
Contributed by Melissa Keefe Bright Up the Night, Alaska’s largest drive-through holiday light display, returns to the Alaska State Fair for a 29-night run, beginning on Thanksgiving, November 25, through January 1. Tickets to the event go on sale Friday, November 12 at alaskastatefair.org. The light display, presented by AT&T, features more than 70 different light displays spanning the entire length of the fairgrounds, from the Purple Gate through the Green Gate. From the warmth and comfort of their vehicles, guests drive through almost a mile of festive light displays while enjoying
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Entertainment
the holiday music broadcast synced directly to their radio. Bright Up the Night is open Thursdays through Sundays from November 25 through December 12, and daily from December 16 through January 1. Hours are from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets to the event go on sale Friday, November 12 at alaskastatefair.org. A limited number of vehicles will be allowed in each hour, and ticket reservations must be made online in advance. Admission purchased by November 24 is $20 for personal vehicles, $35 for vans or limos, and $70 for buses. Tickets purchased after November 24 are
$25 for personal vehicles, $40 for vans or limos, and $75 for buses. New this year, the fairgrounds will host another family-friendly, wintertime attraction: The Ice Maze. Guests to the maze will navigate through a labyrinth of winding pathways, surrounded by solid ice formations created by artist Cory Livingood. At night, the ice will glow from within by lights frozen inside, illuminating the way. Additional details on this attraction will be available soon atalaskastatefair.org. Guests can continue their holiday cheer by taking advantage of the Fair’s partnership with The Christmas Fac-
tory or The Ice Maze which offers a 10 percent discount to anyone who buys tickets to either event. At The Christmas Factory, located on the fairgrounds, visitors experience the magic of Christmas by touring Santa’s workshop, delivering a personalized letter to Santa’s mailbox, getting a peek into the elf wrapping room, powering up Santa’s sleigh, enjoying a treat in Mrs. Claus’ bakery, and even meeting Santa himself. For more information, visit alaskastatefair.org or contact Melissa Keefe, marketing and communications manager, at mk@alaskastatefair.org.
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Poetry & Prose Contributed by Charles Rossiter, Jeffrey Winke, William Schmidtkunz autumn cool-time to order firewood, grow a beard - cr autumn cool-a rodent scurries under broad hasta leaves - jw autumn cool-feather in fedora wild turkey - ws first frost-we sit by the fire completely content - cr first frost-uncorked cabernet to a good year - jw first frost -snow shovels return to the porch - ws first snow-how gently it covers what’s left of autumn - cr first snow -the colors not there fill the mind - jw first snow-night snow awakens a dreamer - ws
Contributed by Katherine Baker Enticement, invitement, the warmth of the flame, one spark and the darkness is never the same. Passion ignited, it ascends and descends, combustible intensity of fire and wind. Colors and brightness collide even higher, rushing, not gushing, it explodes without tire. Bursting and thirsting, a devastating force, in blaze and in haze, it expands from its’ source. A furious journey and only to blame, one bickering, flickering, untamed flame.
Contributed by Yvonne Moss Contributed by Robert Lyons A time is coming, oh the glory, a time is coming for our chapter in this story, and it will be gory, an allegory, storming across the Rubicon with metal armor on as Rome we take at the dawn, the epiphany strong as vibrant throng of patriots armed with freedom songs and riflers bomb a cacophony strong enough to ring and throb the heart of even the longest lost, A nation starts, to remember the part about our hearts that started when we parted our ways with Kings in the days of slaves and chose to go a better path to be truthful to God and our fellow man at last and we get blasted by the ones who we fought off from the past, this time they dont get a pass a house divided will not last
With a blast, With much gusto, Crazy as it might seem — I miss the heat of August. In the chill of the day, Colors come, As yellow, orange, red and gold — Crusty, musty, dusty, gusty, busty, feisty, sex, lusty! One With the Colors By Yvonne Moss Color is the highlight of my art. I use it as motion to create a whole. Where does it lead me? When do I stop its motion, Before it escapes? Only the art paper knows.
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Poetry & Prose
Contributed by Dylan Manderlink It’s going to be really dark there, they said. How will you deal with the late mornings and early nights in Alaska, they asked. Do you think the dark will affect you, they prodded. I have no idea. I’ve never experienced anything of the like, so how am I supposed to know. Now, I sit at my kitchen table. The window beside me is black. I see my reflection and it’s too early in the evening for that sensation, I think. How does one accept that it’s night, when it’s not night. My window is an opening to an experience I’ve never had. Existing in the dark when it shouldn’t be dark. When I’m not used to it being dark, rather. My window reflects my naiveté and skeptical acceptance of what has come. All in the backdrop of the night that’s not the night. When will I see the bright.
Contributed by Katherine Baker
Contributed by Katherine Baker Controversy, really the news, or striving just to find a view? Information, massive supply, but as of truth, it must be tried. Supporters of the rights of speech, seek, pursue, to benefit each. Obligation of nothing less, express, relate, the facts we quest. This truth gives us reality, and the power to live as free. Duty of ideals and merit, freedom keeps when truth’s apparent.
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It was a time of long lost dreams, unraveling were freedoms’ seams. Though not lost, had almost vanished, all in silence, suffered anguish. Then, seemingly, without a means, the people did begin to lean. So gentle was their weight not thrust, a kindly wind which gave no gust. Their strong, formidable voice heard, nations’ majority, assured.
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Books Contributed by Sharon Aubrey Local Sutton publishing house, Relevant Publishers LLC, released their latest children’s picture book, Curious Cooper Have You Heard About Sharks by author Samantha Rezentes of Georgia in November. Since its release, Curious Cooper has gain many positive reviews from shark experts around the United States including Shark Stewards, The American Shark Conservancy, the Georgia Aquarium and AquaAid. “A must read for young ocean explorers. Beautifully illustrated and set to poetry, this underwater adventure into the world of shark diversity will inspire readers, young and old, to learn about sharks and help save them!” -David McGuire, Director of Shark Stewards “Fun and engaging book about lesser-known sharks! Clever rhymes educate kids about sharks.” -Jillian Sawyna, Senior Aquarist, Georgia Aquarium
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“Engaging illustrations. A beautiful way to learn about the
diversity of sharks in our ocean.” -Lindsey Gunzburger, Aquarist at AquaAid “The text and illustrations really complimented each other in communicating facts about each shark species. As a scientist, we can be really picky about artistic depictions of sharks and these were endearing and accurate! Loved the Greenland shark!” -Hannah Medd, Lead Scientist at the American Shark Conservancy Curious Cooper Have You Heard About Sharks uses rhyming and entertaining fictional illustrations to educate children on various types of sharks, their habitats, and how important sharks are to our world. Toddlers, preschool, kindergarten and even first grade readers love this new shark book on marine life under the sea. It is the first book in the new Curious Cooper series designed to educate children about animals and ecosystems around the world in a whimsical and animated style, encouraging environmental and ecological responsibility and conservation.
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Poetry & Prose Contributed by Karly O’Loughlin Behold me I am brittle leather on the heels of his ego Versed in the intricacies of the wilderness Biting down on the lip of the beast Trying to decipher this love Looking around for a precipice where everything aligns A pinpoint on a map that perhaps doesn’t exist Although I too can be difficult to locate Whether in length or in breadth Or an all consuming fullness in my belly Inside me for hours His touch devours Until I am all carcass in his den He wanted me so clean cut like a nice steak all bloody with no excess to trim off But I have been ripped by the mouths of wolves and I am jagged flesh rotting in a field All I know is ravage And the tongues of savages Who wreak havoc on the rabid mouth of my despair Violate the tremors between my thighs And tell me why I am here to stay Is it love you are looking for? Break me down to break me open Strike your vocal chords against me like a whip Don’t you know I like the taste of blood? Love is for those who speak in code And he is all blatancy and filter free Relishing in the antique feast laid bare at his feet
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