THE NUTCRACKER
YOUNG ALASKA DANCERS AND ANCHORAGE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
PERFORM WITH EUGENE BALLET.
ALASKA HUNTING TALES
Contributed by Lew Freedman
In his newest book, ‘The World’s Most Interesting Man, Alaska Big Game, and the World’s Largest Eskimo,’ multiple award-winning writer Lew Freedman collects the big game hunting stories of dozens of Alaskans, and he brings to life hair-raising tales of close encounters with bears, moose, walrus, musk oxen and more.
But he also shares the lighter side, the faux pas of cheechako hunters, hunting both for food and for sport, and the adventures of several top Iditarod mushers who met big critters both on and off the famous trail.
Whether hunting for trophies or adding to their larder, the hunters whose stories are in this book all share a love for Alaska which illuminates their adventures! But Lew Freedman goes further than simply relating exciting hunting stories, including thoughtful and though-provoking commentary on the history, traditions, techniques, and social concerns which make hunting a complex and complicated part of life in Alaska.
In his Introduction Freedman writes, “Long before the written word, mankind set out in pursuit of other species in the wild that would enable people to eat and feed the family and long after it became possible to purchase similar meats in a grocery store, many still seek to live out that same experience as distant ancestors experienced.
“For some, hunting is a primal need. For others, it is a powerful desire. For many, the act of hunting cannot be replicat-
ed by the simple act of forking over dollars at a cash register to place meat on the dinner table.”
The chapter titles give insight on the depth and breath of the book, with descriptions which invite the reader to dive right in: Controversial Moose, The Story Tellers Tell Stories, Nalukataq: The Whaling Festival, Bears that Might Have Eaten Them for Lunch, Float Hunting in Luxury.
With stories drawn from almost every part of the state, this wide-ranging compilation offers something for everyone, including non-hunters, who will find many interesting and informative descriptions of this important part of life in Alaska.
‘The World’s Most Interesting Man, Alaska Big Game, and the World’s Largest Eskimo,’ by Lew Freedman. 274 pages, 6” x 9” b/w format, map, index, many photos. ISBN 9798341042407. $29.95 ($24.95 plus $5.00 shipping) from Northern Light Media:
https://northernlightmedia.org/2024/10/09/new-book-alaska-hunting-tales/
FOREIGNER
Contributed by Melissa Keefe
Foreigner, inducted this week into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, will make a stop at the 2025 Alaska State Fair as part of the band’s historic Farewell Tour. The iconic English American rock band will take the stage Saturday, August 30, at 7 p.m. during the Fair’s 2025 ConocoPhillips Alaska Concert Series.
Tickets to the show go on sale to the general public Friday, October 25, at 10 a.m. AKDT at alaskastatefair. org. Foreigner has been setting the standard in rock music since their chart-topping debut in the 1970s and ’80s. Recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Foreigner continues to captivate new generations with their timeless sound, reaching more than 20 million listeners each week on Classic Rock radio and amassing over 15 million streams weekly. With nine Top 10 hits and 16 Top 30 songs—including unforgettable classics like “I Want to Know What Love
TO PERFORM AT 2025 FAIR ON FAREWELL TOUR
Is,” “Hot Blooded” and “Juke Box Hero”—Foreigner’s chart dominance rivals that of legends like Fleetwood Mac and surpasses many of their Classic Rock peers. Recognized as one of the all-time greats, Foreigner ranked #49 on Billboard’s Hot 100 All Time Top Artists chart, and is one of the Top 40 in Business Insider’s Best-Selling Music Artists of All Time, selling over 80 million albums worldwide, including two platinum-certified digital downloads. They are joining the previously announced act, “Weird Al” Yankovic. Concert-goers have the option to purchase concert-only tickets or tickets including Fair admission. The included admission is at a discounted price and is good for the day of the concert only. Concert tickets including Fair admission must be purchased by August 14. Details on ticket options and pricing are available on the Fair website. Convenience fees apply to all online concert ticket purchases.
Visit alaskastatefair.org for additional information on this act and upcoming concert announcements. For more information, contact Melissa Keefe, director of marketing and communications, at mk@alaskastatefair.org.
Mile 40 Glenn Highway, 2075 Glenn Highway (907) 745-4827, Palmer, AK 99645-6799 www.alaskastatefair.org
ROLAND ROBERTS BAND’S 3RD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS JAM!
Contributed by Matthew Wallace
Friday, December 6th will mark the 3rd Annual Christmas Jam hosted by the Roland Roberts Band. In years past this event was held at The Fishhook Bar in Palmer, Alaska to great success. Each year raising over 3K in donations supporting the local Mat-Su Special Santa program. This year will be bigger and better than ever. We’ve procured the Palmer Community Center Train Depot and now have the ability to sell three times the amount of tickets in hope that we will be able to donate that much more to the program. The Fishhook Bar and their top-notch staff will continue to partner with us serving up refreshments and libations. We have also added two of Alaska’s hottest bands to the bill for your listening pleasure! Wiley Post and Black Barrel and the Bad Men are great friends of ours and are kind enough to donate their time and talents to this beautiful event.
The Mat-Su Special Santa program has been operating in the Valley since 1997, bringing joy and the magic of Christmas to local children and families in need. They have provided over 50,000 Mat-Su children from newborns to age 18 with Christmas gifts as well as bringing the community together with volunteer opportunities in the workshop. They accept new unwrapped toys, room decor items, hygiene kits for teens, water bottles and blankets. Donations can be brought to the Christmas Jam or dropped at their workshop located at 403 S Alaska Street in Palmer.
Tickets are available for $25 each through our Eventbrite page, found by searching The Roland Roberts Band’s Christmas Jam! Once again, every penny raised goes to helping families in need in the Valley, and your donations are greatly appreciated. We will also continue the tradition of having a raffle with fantastic donations from some of your favorite local businesses. Get your tickets early as this event is sure to sell out and it’s a tradition you will be proud to take part in.
Thank You from the bottom of our hearts, Roland Roberts Band Roland, Matt, Garrett and Wally
TICKETS
Send in your coloring page and you can win a gift card to a local business!
Funnies Calendar of Events
NOVEMBER
November 22 @ 4PM-8PM
Palmer Stay Late @ Koslosky Center
Holiday Event
Who Let the Girls Out & Palmer SpaKoslosky’s Business Center Find us on Facebook
November 22 @ 7PM-10PM
The Jephries Live @ Odd Man Rush Brewing 10950 Mausel St (907) 696-2337
Cost: $10-$15
November 22 @ 6:30PM
Awakening of Winter 5
Awaken Productions & Artwork by Sierra Winter Hill Top Ski Area 7015 Abbott Rd
https://www.awakenproductionsak.com/ sierrawintersmith@outlook.com
Cost: $10-$15
November 23 @ 6PMVoicemail Stuff
Guns N Hoses Hockey Game
Curtis D Menard Memorial Sports Center
Newcity Entertainment Group LLC (907) 357-9100
Tickets available at www.eventbrite. com/e/1025549114007
November 28 @ 5PM – 9PM
Bright Up the Night Alaska State Fair 2075 Glenn Hwy
Tickets available at alaskastatefair.org See Facebook for reoccurring dates through December
November 29 @ 10AM
Hotel Captain Cook 2024 Holdiay Bazaar
The Hotel Captain Cook 939 W 5th Ave, Discovery Ball Room (907) 276-6000
November 30 @ 6:30PM-10PM
The Super Saturated Sugar Strings Live at Williwaw
Huycke Entertainment
Williwaw Social 609 F St (907) 868-2000
huycke.entertainment@gmail.com
Tickets available on eventbrite.com
November 30 @ 7PM-10PM
THERA Live at Odd Man Rush Brewing
Thera
10950 Mausel St (907) 696-2337
Tickets available at myalaskatix.com
DECEMBER
December 2 @ 9AM
Preventive Dental || FREE Oral Health
Care Kits
Sunshine Community Health Center 34300 South Talkeetna Spur Road HC 89 BOX 8190 (available at both clinics)
Cost: Bills to Insurance (907) 376-2273
December 7 @ 11AM
Digestion Basics
All About Herbs
4621 East Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Suite #104 (907) 376-8327
December 7 @ 9PM
Holiday Pancake Breakfast
Five Loaves Two Fish Kitchen Ministry
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
501 E. Bogard Road
gslc.office@goodshepluth.org
Cost: suggested donation of $15 per person, $33 for 3+
December 7 @ 10AM
1st Saturday Vendor Market
1st Saturday Vendor Market
Mat-Su Borough Gym 350 E Dahlia Ave
1stsaturdayvendormarket@gmail.com
December 7 @ 11AM-3PM
Photos with Santa & Carriage Rides at Creekside Plaza
The People’s Paper & Brush & Glaze
Learning Studio
1830 E Parks Hwy
Find us on Facebook (907) 373-2698
December 11 @ 9AM
Alaska Family Services (WIC) in Willow!
Sunshine Community Health Center
24091 Long Lake Road
https://www.sunshineclinic.org/ event-details-registration/alaska-family-services-wic-program-willow
December 13th @ 10AM & December 15th @ 4PM
Colony Christmas
Colony Christmas Palmer
832 S Colony Way, Suite A
December 14 @ 9AM
Breakfast with Santa Special Olympics Alaska Mat-Su Community Amvets Post 9 1591 Creste Foris St
Matsu@specialolympicsalaska.org
https://myalaskatix.com/events/breakfast-with-santa-12-14-2024/tickets
Cost: $10
December 14 @ 7PM
Cantora Arctica Concert
First Baptist Church of Palmer
1150 E. Helen Drive (907) 232-2073
BRIGHT LIGHTS BOOK PROJECT: SENATOR LISA MURKOWSKI’S VISIT
Contributed by Alys Culhane
The call came on a Friday afternoon. Gerri Sumpter, Lisa Murkowski’s Wasilla-based representative, called and informed me that Senator Murkowski would be paying the Bright Lights Book Project a half hour visit the following Monday.
All was in readiness when Murkowski and her entourage walked in the door. I had a plan. I’d first provide her with an overview of our program, then during a site tour, focus on the BLBP Books to Villages Program. This was because Murkowski had been instrumental in getting the BLBP a 2024 Congressional Directed Spending grant.
Upon her arrival, Murkowski and company strode into the room and made a beeline for the children’s books and then began peering inside the labeled banker boxes. I refrained from saying that the boxes contained classified documents.
The Alaska Senator’s subsequent questions indicated that she was a book lover, and also that she saw literacy in Alaska as being critical in terms of having an educated citizenry.
I sensed that if I was to give Murkowski the tour, and talk about the book project, I’d need her undivided attention. So, I spoke up, saying that I wanted to show her around.
Murkowski pulled herself away from the BLBP free books library cart and turned in my direction. Her brown hair hung loosely over her shoulders, and she was dressed casually. I noted that curiosity and interest had replaced the hard-working senator’s no-nonsense expression. She was, in my mind, no longer Sen. Murkowski, but Lisa, a kindred spirit.
I gulped and then gave my elevator speech, noting that the BLBP mission is to get free books into the hands of appreciative readers, and that our mission is envisioning the power of literacy to change lives. I next pointed to the cooler beside the side door entrance and mentioned that we’d recently partnered with Kid’s Kupboard; they provide lunches to children
on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Time was of the essence, which was why I refrained from telling Lisa that in the past week we’d been a visible entity in our community, having passed out books and Save the Date information to those participating in the City of Palmer’s Trick or Street and Mat Su College’s Hall-o-ween events. I may have mentioned that the BLBP had, the previous Tuesday, hosted a Leap into Literacy Day at the Palmer Train Depot, and along with our partners (some of whom included The Palmer Lions Club, The Palmer United Way, Fireside Books, and Kid’s Kupboard), provided attendees with information about literacy-related services. I instead focused on the nuts and bolts of the Books to the Village Program, first showing Lisa the area in which we screen, sort, clean, and categorize books, then showed her where they go (onto shelves) once they are categorized.
We made our way to the back room, where I’d been boxing up and storing the books going to the villages. Pete further explained the process by which he weighs and labels the books, adding that he drops them off at the Palmer Post Office. Having now provided her with the nuts and bolts in regard to our program, and in particular, the Books to the Villages program, we finished the nuts-and-bolts portion of the BLBP distribution tour.
What followed was a brief, but fruitful discussion, one in which all presents began brainstorming with a focus on our working with other literacy-related partners. I said that we had twice attended the Science of Reading Symposium and Read on the Fly’s Reading Rendezvous. Lisa mentioned our connecting with Alaska’s Center for the Book, which I said was on my to-do list. Lisa then mentioned that in the past, Alaskans had gotten discards from the Library of Congress, and she
subsequently had them sent to Alaskan villages. Hearing this, my jaw dropped, for I envisioned my going to Washington D.C. and, with a group of honor students, selecting books that we’d then prepare for shipping back to Alaska.
As we slowly made our way back to the side entrance of the BLBP distribution site, I stopped next to the Kid’s Kupboard cooler and gave Lisa a folder with information about the BLBP and an anthology entitled Wheels on Ice. I explained that my essay, entitled, “The Things this Bicyclist Carried,” was about my bicycle trek from Fairbanks to Valdez and added that along the way, I pulled a trailer full of BLBP books. Lisa opened the book to the bookmarked page and began reading. Lisa’s words before heading off to her next appointment were, “Alys, you are making a difference.” My response was, “And Lisa, you too are making a difference.”
Greta J.
Aniela R.
Scarlett H.
Atigun M.
THE NUTCRACKER THE MAGIC RETURNS THANKSGIVING WEEKEND
Contributed by Mitchell Hansen
Young Alaska dancers and Anchorage Symphony Orchestra perform with Eugene Ballet.
The Nutcracker is back after a nearly sold out run in 2023 with the holiday magic for this Thanksgiving weekend. For over 30 years, The Nutcracker has become a beloved Anchorage tradition that reminds people to dream bigger, leap higher, and experience the wonders of being a kid again.
For the 33rd presentation of this cherished tradition, Anchorage Concert Association is bringing back the elegant Eugene Ballet to perform with Anchorage Symphony Orchestra and young Alaska dancers coordinated by Alaska Dance Theatre.
Eugene Ballet’s production features fantastical sets, costumes, and special effects that leave audiences spellbound
and cheering for more, accompanied by live music from the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra and 123 local children coordinated by Alaska Dance Theatre. With Willam Christensen’s historic choreography and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, many families will kick off the holiday season with this timeless classic. Since its founding in 1978, and under the leadership of award-winning Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer, Toni Pimble, Eugene Ballet has grown to become one of the West’s busiest and most versatile professional dance companies. Built upon an engaging repertoire of full-length classical ballets, contemporary works, and accessible family programs, Eugene Ballet continues to collaborate across multiple cultural disciplines to create innovative new pieces, as well as with timeless classics like The Nutcracker.
ConocoPhillips Alaska sponsors The
Nutcracker and supports a community dress rehearsal for clients of local social service organizations. More than 1,000 people will experience the magic of this treasured ballet for free, thanks to support from ConocoPhillips.
Experience the joy and wonder of The Nutcracker with Eugene Ballet, Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 in the Atwood Concert Hall. Presented by Anchorage Concert Association. Sponsored by ConocoPhillips Alaska, TOTE Maritime, and Anchorage Daily News. Tickets available at the CenterTix box office (263-ARTS) and anchorageconcerts.org.
Anchorage Concert Association is a nonprofit organization with the mission to inspire and enhance community through the performing arts. Anchorage Concert Association connects people through performance and presents internationally acclaimed artists from the entire spectrum of the performing arts.
Learn more at anchorageconcerts.org.
Anchorage Concert Association Upcoming Events:
Sammy Miller & The Congregation, Nov. 15, 2024, Discovery Theatre
The Nutcracker with Eugene Ballet, Nov. 29 – Dec. 1, 2024, Atwood Concert Hall
The Ugly Sweater Holiday Show, Dec. 6 & 7, 2024, Discovery Theatre
Steep Canyon Rangers, Jan. 18, 2025, Atwood Concert Hall
International Guitar Night XXV, Jan. 25 & 25, Discovery Theatre
Broadway’s Next Hit Musical, Jan. 31, 2025, Discovery Theatre
Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, Feb. 15, 2025, Discovery Theatre
The Moth Mainstage, Feb. 20, 2025, Atwood Concert Hall
Arts
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
MAT-SU CONCERT BAND CELEBRATES THE SEASON AT DECEMBER CONCERT
Contributed by Mat-Su Concert Band
Take a break from wrapping presents and baking cookies with a sparkling concert by the Mat-Su Concert Band that will make you glad you’re home in Alaska for the holidays.
The band performs two concerts every December at the Glenn Massay Theater at Mat-Su College due to the popularity of this performance. This year, concerts take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday Dec. 21 and 4 p.m. Sunday Dec. 22. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $5 for students. Children under 5 get in free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.matsuconcertband.org.
The concert includes familiar melodies in “A Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson, described in program notes as the famous work “against which all other Christmas medleys are judged!” Anderson selected eight of the most popular Christmas carols and one song, “Jingle Bells”, for a recording in 1950. “A Christmas Flourish” is an inspiring and spirited fanfare by James Curnow
based on a familiar melody – “Angels We Have Heard on High” – that’s in turn derived from the hymn tune “Gloria” based on a traditional French tune. The concert includes new and old classics of the season ranging from “The Nutcracker” by Tchaikovsky to “The Nightmare Before Christmas” – Danny Elfman’s marvelously melodic and unique score for the Tim Burton film. Anyone with a hankering to build a snowman will appreciate “Symphonic Highlights from Frozen”, the 2013 Disney animated feature that introduced the world to Olaf and his human companions, Elsa and Anna. Several numbers celebrate the uniqueness of spending the holidays in the nation’s most northern state: “Across the Alaskan Snow” by Jarod Hall; “Wintertide” and “With Every Winter’s Breath” by Randall D. Standridge; “Snowflakes Dancing” by Andrew Boysen Jr.; and of course, a nod to Lady Aurora with “Northern Lights” by Yukiko Nishimura. The season wouldn’t be without some “Trombones on the Housetop” featur-
ing the band’s talented brass section as well as “What Child is That Playing Carol of the Bells?”, the Julie Giroux composition that brings the composer’s unique sentiment to a familiar melody. And, of course, the concert will wrap up with the audience singalong, a crowd favorite that gives our amazing audience a chance to give voice to some of the season’s best carols. Mat-Su Concert Band got its start in 1984 as the Mat-Su Community Band, formed by Matanuska Music owner Hank Hartman. Past directors have included Neil Long, Phil Munger, and Gleo Huyck. The fall concert will be con-
ducted by interim directors and band members Barbara Carroll (saxophone) and Chris Loescher (trumpet). Today, the band is made up of more than 60 musicians from many different walks of life who come together to make music every week during the school year. Rehearsals are held at Wasilla High School.
ALASKA JUNIOR THEATER DELIGHTS AUDIENCES WITH ENCHANTING ‘PETER & THE WOLF’ PERFORMANCE
Contributed by Rowan Holmes
Mark your calendars for December 14 at 2:00 PM! Alaska Junior Theater brings an afternoon of adventure, music, and wonder to Anchorage with the Emmy-nominated Pushcart Players’ delightful production of Peter & the Wolf! Held at the Discovery Theatre in the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, this enchanting adaptation of Sergei Prokofiev’s classic tale invites young audiences to experience the thrill of live theater in a magical retelling that combines storytelling, humor, and memorable characters.
Step into the Story of Peter & the Wolf In this timeless tale, we follow young Peter, a brave and curious boy, as he ventures out of his grandfather’s garden and into the woods. Alongside his animal friends—Sasha, the proud bird; Clara, the cheeky duck; and Ivan, the sly cat—Peter sets out to catch a fearsome wolf lurking nearby. But as Peter’s adventure unfolds, he learns that facing one’s fears isn’t always a matter of courage alone; it’s about trusting friends and working together.
With Prokofiev’s iconic musical score, each character is brought to life with its own instrument, beautifully woven into the action. Pushcart Players’ unique style fuses music, humor, and movement, making it easy for children to engage with and understand the story’s deeper message of friendship, bravery, and respect for the natural world.
Pre-Show Fun & Activities: One Great Saturday!
For this special Saturday event, make sure to arrive early! The Discovery
Theatre lobby will be bustling with activities that add extra sparkle to the day. Kids can enjoy captivating storytelling sessions with princesses, pick up a free book to start their own adventure, and even walk along story tracks, where tales unfold around every corner. These activities are designed to make the theatergoing experience even more memorable and ignite young imaginations before they step into the world of Peter & the Wolf.
An After-Show Celebration You Won’t Want to Miss!
After the curtain falls, stick around for a delicious milk and cookie reception where families can meet the talented cast. It’s a perfect opportunity for young fans to chat with the actors, snap photos, and ask questions about their favorite characters. But the fun doesn’t stop there—kids can also join a lively cake walk for the chance to win fabulous prizes! This after-show celebration is the perfect sweet treat to end a magical afternoon.
Why You Don’t Want to Miss Peter & the Wolf
This Peter & the Wolf production, brought to you by the Pushcart Players and Alaska Junior Theater, is a special event tailored for families, giving kids a chance to see themselves in the story while introducing them to the beauty of theater and music. It’s an unforgettable opportunity for parents to share in the joy of live performance with their children and for kids to dive into a classic
tale in a way they’ll cherish.
Event Details
Date: December 14, 2023
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Discovery Theatre, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Anchorage
This enchanting performance is bound to fill your day with wonder and joy. Don’t miss out on the magic of Peter & the Wolf with Pushcart Players!
Season Tickets: The Best Way to Experience It All Why settle for just one show?
Season tickets are your golden ticket to experiencing the full magic of Alaska Junior Theater’s 2024-2025 Season. Not only will you guarantee your seats at all four unforgettable performances, but you’ll also save up to 20% off regular ticket prices. That’s a win-win! Plus, season ticket holders enjoy the
best seats in the house and other exclusive benefits that make your theater experience even more special. Get your Season Tickets today at 907263-ARTS or online at CENTERTIX.COM. For more information about the shows, to check out cool videos, or to find out about FREE Community Events, visit our website at AKJT.ORG.
Alaska Animal Advocates
www.alaskaanimaladvocates.com (907) 841-3173
Alaska Animal Advocates is a non-profit group of dedicated volunteers who are devoted to enriching the lives of companion animals in Alaska.
In order to do this, we will place homeless pets in loving environment, adress medicals concerns, spay or neuter, microchip, vaccinate, and offer training as is needed.
We believe that every animal deserves a loving home, for his/her entire life and Alaska Animal Advocates will provide the resources to make this happen. In order to make this mission possible, we need the help of volunteers and foster homes.
Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired Seniors
www.alaskabvi.org (907) 771-4322
The Alaska Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired provides blind and low vision Alaskans tools to eliminate vision loss as a barrier to employment, independent living, and community participation. It is the only statewide training and resource center for vision rehabilitation. In the Mat-Su Valley we sponsor two monthly support groups for socialization and informational activities, titled “Living Well with Vision Loss”, meeting at the Wasilla Area Seniors and the Palmer Senior Center. Low Vision Clinics demonstrating low vision devices and home assessment visits for independent living are offered to those who qualify and who have uncorrectable vision loss.
Alaska Community Development Corporation www.alaskacdc.org (907) 746-5680
Alaska Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit agency located in Palmer, AK. Our focus is housing assistance for low-income households in Alaska. We offer housing assistance to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and most areas in Southcentral Alaska and to rural areas in Southeast and Southwest Alaska. Our housing assistance includes home weatherization; housing accessibility improvements for seniors and disabled households; & homeownership assistance including home purchase assistance, home building assistance and home loan packaging.
Our housing assistance helps to keep people safely in their homes and helps low-income households move into home ownership. All assistance is free to eligible households.
Connect Mat-Su www.connectmatsu.org (907) 373-2628
Connect Mat-Su is a program of the Mat-Su Health Foundation that provides access to information and referrals specific to the local community.
Assistance is available in the areas of care, education, food, health, housing, legal services, social connection, transportation, work, and more. It is a network that is both a physical and virtual resource center linking residents to the things needed to thrive physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally.
Connect Palmer, Inc. www.connectpalmer.org (907) 746-9675
Connect Palmer is a Christ Centered Training Center and Housing for Women, located in downtown Palmer.
Connect Palmer’s two primary programs are God’s Work Desgin, and LIFE Connect. We also have Sarah’s House, a safe and caring place for ladies without homes to live while they participate in our back to work and life skills programs.
We also offer different community assistance programs, such as The Locker, to provide personal care and basic house hold cleaning items, and Scarlet Tapestries which offers basic sewing skills instructions. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Matanuska Electric Association Charitable Foundation (MEACF) www.mea.coop/connect/operation-roundup (907) 761-9300
Join MEA members in making a big impact with small change! Since 2011, the Operation RoundUp® program has raised over $2.5 million in grants for local organizations. By rounding up your electric bill to the nearest dollar each month, you can help support vital community programs and initiatives. Every penny stays local, funding projects that benefit the communities powered by MEA.
The MEA Charitable Foundation Board, made up of dedicated MEA member volunteers, reviews grant applications quarterly and awards funding to deserving causes. To apply for a grant or learn more about how to participate, visit our website today!
Mat-Su Health Foundation
www.healthymatsu.org (907) 352-2863
The mission of the Mat-Su Health Foundation is to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su. The tools we use include grantmaking, convening of local partners, and policy change.
We have generated significant improvements in systems that support the health of Mat-Su residents in areas such as behavioral health, child welfare, crisis response, community connections, workforce development, transportation, housing, and senior services. Visit www.healthymatsu.org to learn about scholarship and funding opportunities.
MYHouse Mat-Su Youth Housing
www.myhousematsu.org (907) 373-4357
MYHouse is a homeless youth drop in center with two for-profit businesses that train and employ homeless youth. Gathering Grounds Cafe is a coffee shop with homemade soups, sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. SteamDriven is a trendy thrift shop featuring Steampunk items made from repurposed donations by our youth designers. Fiend2Clean and Young People in Recovery offer support for substance abuse recovery with activities and events. We offer transitional housing for qualified 18-24 year olds, outreach services to connect homeless youth, organizations and groups to services, and access to public health and job education services on site.
Onward & Upward www.onwardandupward.org email: info@onwardandupward.org (907) 953-5360
Onward & Upward is an evidence-based, accredited, 501c3 nonprofit organization based in the Mat-Su Valley. Our mission is to establish a culture of “One Health” in Alaska through evidence-based action. We accomplish this by engaging our students in adventurous, inspiring, meaningful, and empowering experiences with varying degrees of challenge methodically designed for positive growth and development.
We offer a diverse range of course offerings from open enrollment summer adventure courses, professional development courses, to year-round after-school and homeschool opportunities. Check out our website at www.onwardandupward.org for more information!
Special Olympics Alaska Mat-Su Community Program (907) 631-8591
www.specialolympicsalaska.org
The Special Olympics Alaska Mat-Su Community Program is an accredited program of Special Olympics Alaska, Inc., a 501c (3) nonprofit whose mission is to provide year-round sports training and competition to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In the Mat-Su Valley, there are 137 active Special Olympics Alaska athletes and 56 Unified partners (non-disabled peers) that train and compete in 12 sports year-round. There is no cost to participate for qualifying athletes. For more information on the Mat-Su Community Program, please call 907-631-8591, email matsu@ specialolympicsalaska.org or visit us on social media@soakmatsu.
United Way of Mat-Su (907) 373-5807
www.unitedwaymatsu.org
550 S Alaska St., Suite 205 Palmer AK United Way of Mat-Su strives to make our community a place where all individuals can thrive. We focus on the building blocks of education, financial stability, health for all, providing resource assistance, community collaboration and advocacy, outreach and engagement across the health, human, and social services spectrum.
Early childhood and family support, youth programs, grants for non-profits, and disaster relief; Mat-Su Valley Resource Guide; volunteer opportunities; Stuff the Bus; Project Homeless Connect, and more. Call for more information on Thrive Mat-Su Mat-Su Coalition, Early Childhood Partnership, Youth 360, and the Alaska Wellness Coalition.
Valley Charities, Inc. www.valleycharities.org
400 N Yenlo Street, Wasilla AK
Valley Charities, Inc: Connecting those who need help with the help they need. Valley Charities, Inc. (VCI) oversees a locally owned non- profit Thrift Store, turn-A-leaf. VCI Re-entry Program assists ex-offenders to become successful citizens helping to stabilize a home, work, personal needs, and basic council. Our Homelessness Prevention Program provides financial assistance creating housing stability for Valley residents.
Lastly, our Durable Medical Equipment Lending
Program supports our residents with short term equipment loans to help with their recovery from illness and injuries.
Housing Assistance: 907-354-4660; Re-Entry Assistance: 907-232-7125; Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program, see our website: valleycharities.org
Valley Arts Alliance www.valleyartsalliance.com
Valley Arts Alliance, bringing the community together through the arts... We are a place for both new and established artists of all types - painters, sculptors, musicians, and those involved in the performing arts - to network and to experiment with new ideas and media.
We work with local libraries, schools, museums, art councils, and music and art groups to create more venues for the arts, and to help promote art related events.
Join us at our informal weekly meetings, every Thursday @ 11 at Sophia’s Cafe, 9191 E Frontage Road, Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Check out our archives at www. valleyartsalliance.com
Valley Recycling
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions
www.valleyrecycling.org (907) 745-5544
REFUSE, REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE! Drop off your clean, separated recycling Mon-Fri 9:30 to 5 and Saturday 8 to 5. We accept cardboard boxes, aluminum beverage cans, magazines, this newspaper and more!
We are located at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, near the MSB Central Landfill, just past the MSB Animal Care Shelter. Follow the smells. And follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Become a member, visit our classroom, schedule a field trip, find out more about volunteer opportunities and ways you can make a difference in your community. #dontfeedthelandfills. Go to our website for more details.
Victory Bible Camp
www.vbcalaska.org (907) 745-4203 info@vbcalaska.org
Victory Bible Camp exists to evangelize and disciple children, youth and adults in Alaska for Jesus Christ through Christian camping. We offer programs for everyone from 2nd grade through high school. Check out our website at vbcalaska.org or call us at (907) 745-4203 to learn more about our upcoming programs!
Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc.
www.wasillaseniors.com (907) 376-3104
Wasilla Area Seniors mission is to provide for the lives of seniors living in the Matanuska Susistna Valley and to enable seniors to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.
WASI provides services, resources, and activities to promote health and independence such as Club50 Fitness Center. Club50 is for individuals 50 years of age and older and provides clean, accessible exercise equipment and offers a variety of FREE fitness classes for seniors of all skill and mobility levels. For more information, give us a call or find us on Facebook.
A SCENE NOIR
Contributed by Fred Glover
I look, but do not see I search, but do not find I ask, but am not told I want to know, but but am confused I see someone at the edge of the fog
In the pre~dawn light
He’s always there
A brooding figure set against a darkly brooding Landscape, wrapped in a swirling gray fog
A scene noir
The fog lifts slightly.he looks at me.We lock Eyes.Oh No !! It can’t be!
IT’S ME!!
THE FRUITS OF OUR SEASON
Contributed by Nan Potts
As I gaze upon my garden, bare,
A see impressions of items, there.
The plants of seeds in Spring, I sewed,
An ample harvest to us, bestowed.
Yet, half the garden did, produce,
The other foundered from, misuse.
In mind I queried this stage, of state, Within same soil they did, propagate.
Those who flourished were of common, ground,
The rest were laid into ground, unsound.
When looking at my garden, hence, It’s growth seems to thrive in, common sense.
HOW MY HOLIDAYS WORKED
Contributed by Yvonne Moss
The Holidays start Thanksgiving.
Excited families congregate
To receive their blessing
From God, health and good weather to bestow.
Still waiting for Advent, that’s December. With lights green and red And girl and boy toys, I remember.
Christmas was not far away!
Couldn’t’t wait for that day, Then played it away,
Til we gathered at the community hall. There we had a cool Yule, And Brought in the New Year, dual,
What a great Day!
HOMEWARD BOUND
Contributed by James Kendall
I was feeling a bit down the other day
So l put a little music on to play And got busy doing dishes
Adding the chore to wishes
Hoping to chase the blues away.
I picked some guiartists: Art and Paul, Simon and Garfunkel as you may recall And hit the button to play.
Their voices and lyrics soon altered my day.
One line from a song captured my fancy and soon changed it all.
The world is a universe of puzzles, that all fit together
From the light that made atoms, and the birds of a feather.
What a great study, the big picture to see
To learn we are one, and to help set us free.
Add compassion and patience to deal with the weather.
...but on - to the line that captured my attention:
.. like emptiness and harmony, I need someone to comfort me.’
“Emptiness” is a space. Looking to be filled.
“Harmony” is a unity. Two voices becoming one.
Each unique, yet one voice - enhancing the sound.
..and I haven’t even touched on “The Sounds of Silence”.
By J. Factor
Music
IF I RUN
Contributed by Aspenyarrow
Aspenyarrow to release powerful new single, “If I Run” on Nov. 8th.
This is the second single of three in a series of releases that delve into the complexities of mental health culminating in an album in 2025; this one offering a relatable exploration of self-doubt, anxiety, and the relentless pursuit of validation.
Akin to her most-recent release, “Lonely” (released in mid-September), and again drawing inspiration from personal experiences, Aspenyarrow crafted “If I Run,” as a cathartic outlet for her own struggles. The song candidly addresses the societal pressure to constantly be striving for perfection, and the subsequent emotional toll it can take. With its raw lyrics and infectious melody, Aspenyarrow hopes that this track serves as a beacon of hope for those who may feel lost or alone in their own journeys.
“I hope this song can resonate with others who are experiencing similar feelings,” Aspenyarrow shares. “It’s hard to remember that you are worthy of love and acceptance, just as you are. By sharing my story, I hope to encourage others to seek help and break free from the cycle of self-judgment.”
This release marks the second in a series of mental
health-themed projects over the next several mon2ths, culminating in the release of her next full-length album, “To(o),” in 2025.
If I Run is currently available for pre-save and will be available for streaming and download on all major platforms upon release. Fans can “forever” pre-save at https://aspenyarrow.os.fan/pre-save-if-i-run . This means that while the process is slightly more involved than most pre-saves, they will have successfully saved every future Aspenyarrow track as well as “If I Run”! As a part of the pre-save process, and a thank you from Aspenyarrow, pre-savers will be offered the chance to hear “If I Run” through making a free account in her fan community where she has posted the full song. Free accounts can also be upgraded for a monthly-subscription fee (ala Patreon) and fans will receive perks ranging from free stickers to monthly online-hangouts to access to one free piece of all new Aspenyarrow merch items when available, depending on their subscription tier.
About Aspenyarrow:
Aspenyarrow is Alaska’s answer to the question: ‘What would happen if you fused Maisie Peters with Imogen Heap?’
A bedroom pop artist who has been gaining recognition for her sincere songwriting and engaging performances, Aspenyarrow is passionate about using her music to shed light on mental health issues and hopes to inspire and create more connection in our communities and beyond. Beside her solo career, she is also a member of the harmony-driven trio Solar Gain, and long-time Alaskan-music mainstay the Denali Cooks. To learn more about Aspenyarrow, visit her website, www.aspenyarrow.love.
Mysticism
MENS, WOMENS, KIDS CLOTHING AND MUCH MORE!
BRITTANI WITH GRACE: THE TOWER
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.
Change is in the air. Can you smell it? Can you taste it? Can you feel it? How does the electric energy that is coursing through your veins feel? Does it feel like fear? Anxiety? Perhaps, excitement? Astrologically speaking, the collective energy is shifting as Pluto moves itself out of Capricorn into Aquarius on November 19, 2024, and remains there until the year 2043. With Pluto moving into Aquarius, we are heading into A TIME OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGE AND REBIRTH. Pluto is associated with the Greek God of the Underworld; thus, showing us the Death aspect needed for change and rebirth. It’s interesting that last month’s card and this month’s card literally go hand in hand with each other. We discussed allowing ourselves to embrace the multitude of aspects within our lives that were calling for Death in order to make room for the coming change. This month, the change is here. With Aquarius leading us into the humanitarian age, we notice a dismantling structure on a societal level along with significant changes in our own professional lives.
We’ve spent a pretty solid amount of
time discussing how we may spend our lives continuously working on accepting change that happens out of our control. We learn to breathe through it, brace ourselves, and engage with grounding practices as the chaos swirls around us. But do we talk enough about these same practices and the feelings of regret, or angst that we have when the change comes from our own personal choice; the choices for change that are in our control. I personally experienced a turbulent situation with this very recently. While on vacation, a situation, I know all too well, appeared. While expectantly waiting for my manta ray dive to begin, I plunged headfirst into a familiar cycle that I am consciously working on changing my perspective about. As we walked along the streets in Kona, I felt myself drop in frequency as my mind took over and started telling me a story as to why feeling hopeless was the “correct response.” My mood changed, my body language changed, and even my breathing changed as I felt the wave of disappointment wash over me.
I was reaching a state of not seeing the end in sight; when my partner, being observant and wanting to help me out of this state, suggested a few different actions we could take to pull me out. As I snapped back at him that it was valid for me to be disappointed, he responded with, “I know, I’m not saying that it’s not, I just want to help “get you back, help you to be here with me, not in your head.” He suggested heading back to the car and doing a priming meditation, and
before my brain could say anything, my mouth blurted out, “YES!” I clung to the idea of this helping me, because I knew that I wanted to “get out” for myself. I mean, here I was, in Hawaii, walking in the sunshine on a beautiful day sulking because I “couldn’t have my way” when it was originally MY CHOICE and MY DECISION for the change that got me in this situation in the first place.
As we got back to the car, I started to allow myself to accept the uncomfortableness of my feelings. I talked in circles a bit, out loud to myself, and to my partner about my acknowledgment of the situation and about why I made the choice I had. While what felt like pressure for instant gratification was insurmountable, I ate a snack, because being cranky from hunger and disappointed is never a good combo. Allowing myself to talk about the situation and get it out of my mind, kept me from continuing to spiral deeper and deeper into the abyss. Upon the relief and release I felt when discussing these things, I was able to pull myself into a neutral state. I was no longer helpless, no longer feeling disappointment, because I had taken my power back. I had made these choices, and I knew exactly why. Once neutral, I was able to then make the journey back into joy, gratitude, and inner peace.
One of the craziest things that happened during all of this showed how divinity is surrounding us at all times. As we had turned around and started walking back to the car, I saw two vehi-
cles with the license plate ending in 333, which happens to be my favorite number, representing communicating messages to the community on an ascended master’s level. I had started thinking about how this situation could be used as a perfect anecdote in the column to express how these feelings, and how change can affect everybody, including myself, when we proceeded to see three more 333s, bringing us to a total of five, which, as we know in numerology is change and transformation. As I communicate this message to you all, I myself am constantly being reminded that life happens for us, and not to us.
This collective call for change on a societal and personal level is powerful. Life is literally an endless wave of transformation. This astrological extraordinary energetic pull is slingshotting us into the next phase, whether we are ready for it or not. Suffering through change is optional. We can be drug through it kicking and screaming or just like the manta rays we can adapt and learn to gracefully flow with the currents of change.
Deck: Mermaid Tarot by Leeza Robertson Illustrations by Julie Card: #16 The Tower
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