Make A Scene October 2013

Oct. 2013

FREE!

www.MakeASceneAK.com

IN THIS ISSUE: > Father Son Duo: No Wake Page 2

12 OZ’S OF PREVENTION

HOMELESS TEEN CENTER IN THE MAT-SU Page 5

> Laura Oden Performs

> Locks of Love

Page 20

Page 22

Locally Owned & Operated in the Mat-Su Valley, Alaska

2

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Oct. 2013

Entertainment Father Son Music Duo: No Wake No Wake started out as Pat and Sean.

Pat Wake is a folk musician who started out playing music in public while serving in the military. In the military he has played in such places the Kaiserslautern Performing Arts Center in Germany, NCO Clubs, British Officers Club, a British Embassy and parties.

Here in Alaska he is backed up by his son, Sean, who is a stunning guitarist, and takes the music in new directions and pleases the audiences with his articulate guitar solos and back up vocals. Being called Pat and Sean didn’t work once we started getting other musicians playing with us, but then we went down to North Carolina where we played with my older son’s Daniel and Benjamin at concert set up

by Daniel at an art gallery they called the No Wake Concert. We stuck with the name ever since.

Feeling at home with the ex-military crouds, No Wake has played mostly at VFWs, AmVets, and American

Legion clubs, but through the last summer we have been playing at Sackett’s Kenai Grill, The Anchor in Whittier, the Breeze Inn in Seward, fairs, weddings, parties and several other local establishments.

We noticed at our first gig that being a father-son band was appealing to people. Our set list ranges from Peter Paul and Mary to Pink Floyd and from Johnny Cash to Guns-NRoses with familiar songs to please almost everybody as well as songs our original songs. We hope to finish our first CD of our original tunes in the next couple of months.

Pat Wake with Sons Sean, Daniel, and Ben at the No Wake concert Southern Pines, NC. Photo by: Kate Smith

We started out as a duo, but lately we have been playing increasingly with other musicians. We enjoy this a lot and love to have a full band, when we can get everybody, but we’re a strong team as a duo.

Pat and Sean will be appearing on the Alaska Home Companion show put on by the Valley Arts Alliance on the 19th of October, and at the Palmer American Legion, Post 15 on the 25th

of October and will be joined there by several other musicians.

> Our focus right now is to get

our CD finished. We don’t have a web site yet, but some of our original songs can be heard on our ReverbNation Page: reverbnation.com/patsean

TE I R W ON.

Big River: The Tales of Huckleberry Finn

Join the UAA Department of Theatre and Dance for Big River: The Tale of Huckleberry Finn, November 1 – 24 at the UAA Mainstage Theatre.

Twain's timeless classic sweeps us

Shows are Fridays and Saturdays, at 8:00pm and Sundays at 3:00pm.

Tickets available at www.uaatix.com and www.centertix.net.

> For more information please visit www.uaa.alaska.edu/ theatreanddance/productions/ index.cfm or contact myself, Andrea Miller, at 907-786-1766 or andrea@uaa.alaska.edu.

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

The UAA Department of Theatre and Dance proudly presents the first show of the 2013-2014 season, Big River: The Tale of Huckleberry Finn. This production runs November 1 – 24, with shows Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Sundays at 3:00pm in the UAA Mainstage Theatre. Attached to this email you will find the official Press Release and accompanying photo. A shortened blurb has been provided below.

down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Their adventures along the way are hilarious, suspenseful and heartwarming, bringing to life your favorite characters from the novel.

Propelled by an award winning score from Roger Miller, the king of country music, this jaunty journey provides a brilliantly theatrical celebration of pure Americana.

3

Entertainment

Oct. 2013

Oct. 2013

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

4

Community HOME MARKET Presented by the Alaska

20 $ 95 $

Laestadian Church

95

FIRST CALENDAR

20

$

FIRST CALENDAR

1695 $1295 $1195 16

12

2nd thru 9th

10th thru 49th

2nd thru 9th CALENDAR

10th thru 49th CALENDAR

11

50 or more

$ CALENDAR95 $ CALENDAR95 $ CALENDARS 95 coupon50 expires 11/30/13 or more CALENDARS coupon expires 11/30/13

Saturday, October 26th, 2013 9am - 2pm / Lunch: 11am - 2pm Wasilla Area Senior Campus Dining room So, you’ve seen all those sad old wooden end tables, dressers, chairs, and random junk that are all over the place? And then you’ve seen how they have been saved from the thrift stores and dumps, and gotten a coat of paint and new hardware? Voila!!

They look happy and gorgeous again!

I know, all it takes is time and paint, right? Hah! I get it, I have some of those end tables that I meant to redo...still sitting there. Brown and sad. I’ve also wandered into this store and that, scoured Craigslist, and couldn’t quite fork over that much cash for something I could do myself! Have you felt the same way??

Well, hey, lucky for you...our Home Market sale is coming up again on the last Saturday in October! We rescue, repaint, build, and create one-of-a-kind pieces to sell IN ONE DAY! It’s that time of year again when the leaves fall from the trees, we think of craft sales, holiday bazaars, getting out before the cold settles in, and redecorating our houses for the change of seasons.

Some of us even start thinking of Christmas and buying gifts for our loved ones, family, and friends.

At our sale, you’ll see that we love to use bright colors, but you’ll also find many neutral items as well.

Everyone has their own style and since there are alot of creative people contributing items to this sale, you’ll definitely find something to walk out the door with! Come shop here, where prices are generally quite reasonable so that we can move our stuff quickly, and you can go home with fun new things for your home.

Have you been fretting about your holiday baking already? Well, don’t despair! We have many ladies busy

WITH TWO LOCATIONS! DINE IN TAKE OUT DELIVERY WASILLA 357-2300 ¦ PALMER 746-3266 2300 E. PARKS HWY

PALMER-WASILLA HWY

> CONTINUES ON PAGE 10

5

Home Again Décor & Cranberry Cottage move to

THE BOARDWALK SHOP Gifts, Accessories, Décor and More 701 E. Parks Hwy, in front of CARRS Wasilla // 357.8980

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

My House Homeless Teen Center Would like to thank all of their supporters!

Are you missing us?

Oct. 2013

6

All Seasons Family Healthcare is proud to

Oct. 2013

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

support homeless teens in the Mat-Su:

5461 MAYFLOWER LANE, #4 WASILLA, ALASKA

907.376.4644 Valley Charities

Locally owned and serving the Mat-Su for over 50 years

907-376-5708

THRIFT STORES

Next to Wasilla Post Office: 400 N. Yenlo St. M-Sat 10-7pm / Sun 12-4pm

1873 E Parks Hwy, Wasilla (907) 373-2171 www.alaskawildberryproducts.com

My House... You’re Welcome Here.

12 OUNCES OF PREVENTION

all benefit from their combined effort.

I’m asking you to support this effort however you can.

We’ve all heard the phrase, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ but never have I seen a nonprofit organization strike so close to the root of a much bigger problem. I’m often frustrated with charity efforts that seem to grow into bureaucratic behemoths. MyHouse is different.

You can feel it when you walk in the door.

By Josh Fryfogle

Gathering Grounds is the name of the coffee shop and café that operates inside of the MyHouse facility. Just think, you can turn that guilty pleasure into an act of charity! Transmute that latte into love, that mocha into munificence, that coffee into concern!

Invest in 12 ounces of prevention - or maybe even 16 ounces?

Alaskan Family Portraits

They are not just offering these kids a ‘hand-out’ but more than that, a ‘hand-up’! They are giving these kids jobs! They are teaching

This world is a dysfunctional place.

Really, if we take an honest look at what’s happening around us, the adults of the world have really set up future generations to fail. But there is hope!

We’ve got parents on meth, heroin, oxycontin, and who knows what else.

We’ve got an ever-increasing divorce rate, destroying the family unit that children need for stability and a feeling of confidence. We have borrowed so much money in this country that it’s mathematically impossible to ever pay back the national debt – this is what our future generations stand to inherit… I could go on and on about the ills of the modern world, but that’s not why I’m writing this article.

I am so grateful to be able to reach out directly to so many local, communityminded people every month – and this month I want to ask each of you for a personal favor.

There is a new center for homeless teens in the Mat-Su area - MyHouse and let me tell you that it reaches right into my heart. The people making this happen truly have a heart for these teens, and as a community we

> 12OZ’S OF PREVENTION CONTINUES ON PAGE 8

$25.00 Special Fundraising Event for “My House” 50% OF THE FEE GOES TO “MY HOUSE” HOMELESS YOUTH ORGANIZATION

Alaskan Family Portraits will be located in the Meta Rose Square “Under the Clock Tower” Starting October 24th through December 2013 CALL 414-8628 OR 354-3580

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

8

Community

Oct. 2013

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

> 12OZ’S OF PREVENTION CONTINUED them life skills, instilling in them confidence that only comes from self-determination. I am in awe of MyHouse.

It is hard to change the direction of an adult who is transient, without hope. The world tends to frown on them. Many have lost that spark of hope, without which life seems like a prison sentence – and many times that’s where some of these people end up. Imagine how much difference might be made for these teens that are at risk of that life path, with so much less of a sacrifice from community members like you!

A willing gift of a few dollars now could prevent thousands in tax dollars being spent dealing with these same teens when they have become adults. Cost of incarceration, welfare and government assistance, medical costs, and these are just a few of the expenses that can incur.

My heart is saddened by anyone who is in a homeless situation, adult and child alike. But investing in these teens now is much wiser use of our resources, than the later cost.

They have a coffee shop, Gathering Grounds. where you can meet some of the kids who are benefitting from this amazing effort.

Please consider contributing to their cause, by either visiting their website:

Toys that teach and inspire!

Phone: 907-357-1543 Mon-Fri: 10 to 7 Saturday: 10 to 6 Sunday: 1 to 5

myhousematsu.org, or stopping by their center at 300 N. Willow Street, Wasilla, Alaska 99654 Give them a call 907-354-HELP (4357)

Uncle Goose Alphabet Blocks Made in Michigan

The Numbers Don’t Lie Contributed by James Hastings So here’s some disturbing numbers for you all to review, digest, then argue amongst yourselves about.

These are the most recent VA disability numbers as reported to the Director of Military and Veterans Affairs office to the State of Alaska and reflects disability ratings for Alaskan Veterans by percent.

TOTAL: 15,451 Retired Military Living in Alaska: 13,722 Retired Widows in Receipt of Survivor Annuities: 1,567 Here’s the discussion point: We can obviously see that these numbers seem so very painfully low.

The key point here to understand is that they only reflect those who have registered with the Veterans Administration and are on the current rolls.

It is in this vein that we are called upon as Warriors who have faithfully served our nation and our citizens as well as our fellow Brothers and Sisters in Arms, to continue that service by registering with the VA and to be counted among the official ranks. Not only will you be taking care of your own needs, but by being added to the count of Alaskan Veterans requiring some level of service, you will help us create a stronger voice for funding, staffing, and the deserved attention that is desperately needed in our country at this juncture in our history.

The way I figure is that if you’re tough enough to fight for your country then you’re tough enough to fight for yourself.

In Anchorage: Veterans Resource Center ·4201 Tudor Centre Dr., Ste 115, Anchorage (907) 563-6966 Alaska State Director of Military and Veterans Affairs Office. 4600 DeBarr Rd, Ste 1, Anchorage toll free (888)248.3682 http:// www.veterans.alaska.gov/

“A Warriors power does not lie in his strength, his size, or feats in battle. A Warriors power lies in his heart, his character, and his commitment to those he serves.”

D.J. “Eagle Bear” Vanas “The Warriors’ Notebook” article was brought to you in part by Bear Paw Archery in Wasilla

Oct. 2013

How Do I Register?

Well my friend, it is truly as simple as calling or visiting your local Vet Center, American Legion, VFW, AMVETS, DAV Office and tell them that you need to get signed up with the VA. Each of these great organizations has positions called Veterans Service Officers (VSO’s) who are trained, experienced, and most importantly, dedicated to helping YOU get your entitlements and benefits applied for. Be forewarned that it falls upon your shoulders to follow through and follow up.

In the Mat-Su Valley: US Veterans Center ·851 E Westpoint Dr., Ste 111, Wasilla (907) 376-4318

Here are some arguments that I have heard AGAINST registering with the VA: “I don’t want Uncle Sam knowing my business or where I am”. “I spent XX years of my life under the Militaries thumb, I don’t want that ever again.” “The VA screwed my uncle/dad/ father/etc.”. “The VA ain’t gonna do nothing for me anyway.” ” I went in there and they never called me back.” Gotcha. Heard and

So here’s the rub as I see it. Every legitimate Veteran that I know undoubtedly spent a considerable amount of time in a uniform conducting what could only be considered high-risk activities, never accepting “NO”, never accepting “defeat”, and always fighting and standing up for others. However, those very same Warriors will not stand up for themselves when they often need it most.

These are not “benefits” we are talking about folks. These are ENTITLEMENTS. These are the earned return on our “investment” of blood, sweat, and tears. For some the ultimate sacrifice has been paid and their Survivors need these entitlements to go on with life.

If you won’t do it for yourself then at least do it for your fellow Warriors and your loved ones.

Please find these resource links useful in your efforts to register. This is simply a starting point as there are varied and numerous other contacts by which to start or follow up in your process.

Just separating from Military Service DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY ENROLL YOU. You have to put some effort and you may likely find yourself jumping through some hoops to get it done. Pain in the rear end? You bet. Toughest thing you’ll ever do? Not likely. Worth it? ALL THE WAY!

acknowledged and I certainly believe each of these concerns and yes they are in many cases valid.

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

0%=46, 10%=2,284, 20%=2,042, 30%=1,883, 40%=1,670, 50%=1,400, 60%=1,613, 70%=1,256, 80%=1,099, 90%=603, 100%=1,005

Presented by Alaska’s Healing Hearts

9

The Warriors’ Notebook

10 Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Community

Education

> HOME MARKET CONTINUED

Mens and Womens premium DESIGNER JEANS AND APPAREL.

Main St., Wasilla, Alaska (907) 414-8133

Profiles of Excellence PRE-SCHOOL AND CHILD CARE

- Limited Openings -

Outstanding Care and Educational Opportunities Your child deserves the learning, love & care they will receive at

Profiles of Excellence

PLEASE CALL TODAY:

Oct. 2013

745-2349 or 746-2349 CHECK US OUT ONLINE: profilesofexcellencecare.com

baking up a storm the day before the sale to stock our baked goods and treats area with Finnish pulla, holiday pies, breads, rolls, bars, and cookies. They are homemade, fresh and delicious! Stock up on some crescent rolls now, to freeze for Thanksgiving.

We are mostly of Finnish heritage and our pulla is made using the same recipe our grandmothers used! Oh, and we can’t forget about a couple other good things such as apple cinnamon scones, pumpkin butterscotch cream cheese muffins...oh boy. Buy some to eat now, or be smart and stock your freezer for the holidays... apple pie? Yum. Okay, so you want to be a little healthier? Try our freshly baked loaves of whole-grain and wheat breads. We will have a small selection of gluten-free items as well. The baked goods sell fast every year, so get there early.

This year we are also serving a lunch from 11am - 2pm. We are making fresh pasty from scratch...pasty is ground beef mixed with potatoes, carrots, rutabaga, and onions and baked into individual pastry crusts.

Doesn’t that sound warm and hearty? Mmmmmm, can’t wait!

Eat one with a salad at the sale, or take a bunch home for later. They freeze really well and all you need to do is reheat, and eat.

You are probably wondering who we are? The Alaska Laestadian Church, a non-profit organization, part of the Laestadian Lutheran

“Sounds of the Silver Screen” Oct. 18th, 7:30PM Teeland Middle School

$5 Adults/Seniors & Students FREE

Church. We are currently renting a church building for services, but are trying to raise money to build our own facility. All of our proceeds from this sale go towards our ALC building fund. We have been so busy getting ready for our 5th annual Home Market sale and it has been fun to look forward to! Every one of us, whether it’s building, re-making furniture, baking, or helping out at the sale, combine efforts and talents to create this fun, once a year, one day only, Home Market sale, to reach the goal of having our own church building.

We open the doors at 9:00 sharp, so come early, as the entry fills with people excited to see what cool, creative, unique pieces of furniture and decor items they can find! Hurry to fill your basket with fresh baked goods and then relax with a hot pasty and salad! Once again, the sale is held on Saturday, October 26th, 2013 at the Wasilla Senior Campus dining room from 9am to 2pm.

Look for our ads on Craigslist, check us out on Facebook at www. facebook.com/akhomemarket, or contact us at akhomemarket@ hotmail.com if you have any questions.

Watch for our signs set up around Wasilla and Palmer in the days leading up to the sale. Hope to see you all there! --Thank you, from the Home Market committee on behalf of the Alaska Laestadian Church.

Come attend the Valley Winter Farmer’s Market & Food Day Celebration

Thank you for

helping us reach over 6 years in print!

FEEDBACK, please...

What do you enjoy reading about in MAS? What would you like to see more of in MAS? Send us your thoughts makeasceneak@mac.com

6

Friday, November 1st from 3-8pm at the Palmer Community Center (Palmer Train Depot) Admission is free and all are welcome This unique event is a chance to meet and greet your local farmers, producers, and food advocates, as well as celebrate the Mat-Su Valley's rich agricultural bounty and our healthy, Alaskan way of life. There will be local produce and valueadded products for sale, demonstrations and information from community groups, local brew, local music, activities for kids, and plenty of down-home fun!

Sponsored by Palmer Soil & Water Conservation District, Alaska Farmland Trust, and Envision Mat-Su.

submit your stuff online

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact 745-1647

12 Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com Oct. 2013

Education Mat-Su Schools Foundation

Calls for Advisory Board applicants The Mat-Su Schools Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation organized to support the educational needs of students in our school district.

Three ways the MSSF currently provides support for education are teacher grants for classroom resources, the Mat-Su Imagination Library program which offers free books to young readers, and college scholarships for graduating

seniors. To augment our capacity for supporting teachers and students, the Mat-Su Schools Foundation is creating and seeking membership in an Advisory Board. This group will assist the Board of Directors by lending expertise in various areas including education, community outreach, fund raising, legal advise, and finance.

Members of the Advisory Board will meet at least once a year with the Board of Directors and will receive regular updates on MSSF initiatives and processes. Advisory Board members will be invited to attend monthly Board of Director meetings and will be encouraged to participate in ongoing electronic discussions. In some cases, members of the Board of Directors may call on specific

Advisory Board members for advise or suggestions. Advisory Board members will not vote on action items, but their input will be actively sought and taken seriously in decision making and planning.

- What you would like to see supported further or initiated in our schools?

If you have a specific talent and an interest in contributing to expanded educational opportunities for students in the Mat-Su Valley please let us know by sending the following information to info@ matsuschoolsfoundation.com:

- What previous connections have you established with schools in the past?

- What talent, professional qualification, or experience do you have to share?

Further information about the Mat-Su Schools Foundation can be found at: matsuschoolsfoundation.org

- Your Full Name

N O W A V A I L A B L E , O I L S A N D V I N E G A R S O N TA P Blend to create your favorite dressing,vinaig rette or marinade.

Downtown Palmer 745-2258 OPEN Mon-Sat 10:00am-6:00pm

FEATURING PRODUCTS BY:

Discover the culinary excitement of the specialty oils available from Olivelle.

Community MAT-SU HOLIDAY

handcrafted pair of alpaca mittens from A Twist Beyond, ideal for Alaska’s harsh winter temperatures!

The Mat-Su Valley is once again, providing you with an incredible opportunity to not only find that unique gift for your friends and family but to support your community by buying local!

Other products you can expect to find there are as follows: fleece outerwear, pottery, hand painted glassware, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, native artwork, candles, stained glass, handmade knives, iron work, head to toe fur, and, of course, gourmet food.

How you ask? By holding the 10th annual Mat-Su Holiday Marketplace located at the Menard Sports Center in Wasilla at mile 44 on the Parks Highway, just one block north of Spenard Builders Supply. It will take place on Saturday November 9th, from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday November 10th, from 11am to 5pm.

The Mat-Su Holiday Marketplace is a great event that supports local artists and lets you experience a wide variety of shopping opportunities all in one warm location with lots of free parking right out in the back of the Sports Center.

MARKETPLACE

Over 110 local artists and businesses will be attending, providing such an amazing variety that there will surely be something for everyone.

Some specific and unique things to look for will be Wasilla’s very own nationally syndicated cartoon artist Chad Carpenter, who will be there with his personally signed copies of “Tundra the Comic Strip”. Cross Gallery will be there as well with their beautifully handmade shadow boxes, each containing a native Alaskan doll. Also, you could pick up a custom

There will be a $4.00 admission charge for adults and kids under 12 are free. Bring the ad for the Mat-Su Marketplace in this publication and present it at the door on Sunday to get two tickets for the price of one! >> The Marketplace would also like to show their appreciation for the military by giving free admission on Sunday to those with a military ID. We look forward to seeing you there!

MAT-SU HOLIDAY MAKETPLACE

MAT-SU HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE Saturday November 9 10am - 6pm

2013 Theme “Owl Be Home for Christmas”

Saturday November 9th 10AM - 6PM

Information

KO Productions 907.474.9082 fairbanksevents.com

Sunday November 10 11am - 5pm

Sunday November 10th 11AM - 5PM

Over 100 mini specialty shops with literally thousands of holiday gift ideas all in one warm location with FREE parking!

Menard Sports Center 44 Mile Parks Highway One block north of Spenard Builders

$4 Adults - kids 12 and under free Military Free on Sunday with ID

Oct. 2013

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

14

Pets & Animals 907-373-2698 (office) 888-383-9909 (fax) makeasceneak@mac.com www.makeasceneak.com ..........................

Make-A-Scene publishes 10,000 copies monthly.

We distribute to Wasilla, Palmer, Meadow Lakes, Big Lake, Eagle River & Anchorage. We’re always growing thanks to our contributors, our advertisers, and to you the reader!

Thanks for helping Make-A-Scene! ..........................

Submitting Articles & Calendar:

To submit content for print, visit our website for guidelines: www.MakeASceneAk.com Deadline is the 10th of each month.

Submissions are not accepted via Facebook.

Meet Trapper

Is My Dog Deaf?

Contributed by Angie Lewis

Contributed by Angie Lewis

Even though he is a two-year old Border Collie/ Husky Mix, Trapper thinks he is still a puppy. He loves to run and would make a great companion for a runner or skijoring human, but he has no trouble settling down when it is time to do so.

Learning to live with a dog that is deaf can be challenging, but not impossible or even necessarily difficult. Typically, it is humans who have a hard time with canine deafness, not the dogs. Many people want to know why their dog is deaf. There are a number of genetic defects that can cause deafness, some of which are related to the color of your dog’s coat. The more white in a dog’s coat, the more likely the dog is to be deaf.

This does not, however, mean that all dogs with white fur are deaf. In addition, older dogs may have age related hearing loss. Some dogs suffer trauma that can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss.

Trapper knows how to make people happy – he is house-trained, knows basic commands, and is great at cuddling. He is a good friend to kids and dogs. Trapper hasn’t been around cats, but it is hard to imagine him not liking them too! > To meet Trapper please email f oster@akdpr.com

Testing for Deafness: The BEAR test (Brain Stem Auditory Evoked Response) was developed to test the hearing of human infants, but can be used with dogs as well. Note that some dogs who are tested and are determined to be deaf, may actually hear some ultrasound or high pitch sounds. If you do not want your dog to take part in this formal hearing test, these are some clues that a dog may have hearing problems -

Advertising:

For information on advertising rates, current sales flyers, deadlines, professional graphic design and more, please call 373-2698

Disclaimer:

MakeASceneAK.com, and the parallel paper edition of our monthly news service, is a forum for our community. Both exist for the benefit of our local community, serving as a virtual meeting place for the ideas, thoughts, news, and information that the folks in our community choose to contribute. The articles and opinions herein are the property of the author, not the publisher. The publisher and editor assume no responsibility for injuries or loss incurred by anyone utilizing the information herein, or responding to the advertisers.

6

Puppies may bite harder than other pups, because they are not hearing the yelps of their littermates.

DID YOU KNOW? spiked dog collars were invented in ancient Greece and were originally designed to protect the dogs throat from wolf attacks

Your dog may not respond to negative sounds, such as a jar with coins being shaken – something that most dogs hate. Try this when your dog is asleep. If he doesn’t wake up, that is a good indication that he may be deaf.

Shake keys or bang pots together to attract your dog’s attention. Make sure not to be too close to your dog, so that he doesn’t feel the vibration of these items in the air. > Next month, look for information about living with a deaf dog and how best to train him.

Mat-Su Valley The Roller Tax Classes For 2013 Federal Coaster of Income Tax Season Self-Esteem Getting Off

Contributed by Judith Wake

The dates and times of the classes are Dec. 14, December 21, 2013, January 4 and January 11, 2014, 9:30a.m. to 4p.m. each session.

The course will be held at the Wasilla Area Senior Center, 1301 South Century Circle, Wasilla, Alaska.

Please phone District Coordinator Judith Wake at 907-746-6113 to sign up for the class. This way course materials will be available for all.

Teresa Kress, a former Miss Alaska and now a coach for the current Miss Alaska, will interview Michelle Taylor, the reigning Miss Alaska.

Then Teresa will conclude by sharing about “Getting Off the Roller Coaster of Self-Esteem”.

She should know what really goes on behind the scene at beauty pageants.

Special Violin Music by the Kress Sisters.

Lunch Reservations & Complimentary Daycare Call Janet @907-892-8482 or email alaskalpaca@mtaonline.net before October 19

Shopping

Fair Holiday Bazaar

October 26 and 27 Contributed by Alaska State Fair Palmer, Alaska – Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Alaska State Fair’s 2013 Holiday Bazaar.

This year’s event takes place Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 27 in Raven Hall on the fairgrounds. On Saturday, you can shop from 10 a.m.

– 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.

– 4 p.m. Admission is just $1, and includes a door prize ticket. Kids under 12 are free.

The bazaar features more than 100 vendors offering everything you need to check off your holiday gift list, including unique and beautifully crafted items. There will also be food available to keep up your shopping stamina!

FLOWERING FIST

TAI CHI A slow sequence of movements which emphasize a straight spine, abdominal breathing and a natural range of motion BEHIND LITTLE MILLERS ON BOGARD #11 Crossroads Center, 3060 Lazy Eight Ct. Monday, Wednesday and Fridays 7-8PM

CALL 775-2571 FOR MORE INFO

floweringfist@gmail.com

The Insurance Store, LLC 4900 E. Palmer-Wasilla Hwy Ste 3

VALLEY:

745-8030

Jim Davis

Megan Davis

Horace Mann

Home • Auto • Life • Retirement Educator Discounts!

For more information, contact Diana Kaspar at 907.745.4827 or kaspar@alaskastatefair.org

How to be featured in Make a Scene...

Pictures

Try, try again!

Pictures are really important!

Take good ones!

Email word document or plain text to: makeasceneAK@mac.com

We want to provide the community with as much information as possible, but sometimes we get overwhelmed with info. So, if you don’t get a response, please keep trying.

WRITE ON.

Oct. 2013

Email

Write a bio about you, your event, band, etc or a simple press release (Roughly 200-500 words)

Bio/Press Release

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

A four day course is being planned for the Mat-Su Valley AARP TaxAide volunteers. After completion and passing of the 4-day class, the test, and comprehensive problems assigned, a volunteer will be certified to perform in the Mat-Su Valley with the Tax-Aide group at it's six locations open February 1st through April 15th.

The Mat-Su Women’s Connection luncheon meets Monday, October 21, Noon to 1:30 p.m. at Evangelos Restaurant (2530 E. Parks Hwy); Luncheon $16 inclusive.

Get a Head Start on Your Holiday

15

Community

16

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Oct. 2013

Theatre Murder on The Nile

Murder Mystery PLAY

VALLEY PERFORMING ARTS Enhancing Theatre Arts Since 1976 Take a trip down the fabled Nile River in Egypt on a paddle steamboat with honeymooners, Simon Mostyn and his very wealthy bride. When shots are fired in the night, the intrigue begins, trying to unravel the conspiracy afoot. Dave Nufer will be directing this play, which opens October 25th and runs through November 10th.

Simon Mostyn has recently married Kay Ridgeway, a rich woman, having thrown over his former lover, Jacqueline. The couple are on their honeymoon on a paddle steamer on the Nile, accompanied by a

plethora of interesting characters.

Among those present are Canon Pennefather, Kay’s guardian, and Jacqueline, who has been dogging their footsteps all through the honeymoon.

In the course of the voyage Jacqueline works herself into a state of hysteria and shoots at Simon, wounding him in the knee.

A few moments later, Kay is found shot in her bunk. By the time the boat reaches its destination, Canon Pennefather has laid bare a foolhardy conspiracy and made sure the guilty party shall does not go free.

The play opens at Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Avenue, Wasilla. Tickets for this play are on sale now! Don’t miss this great show!

Call VPA at 373-0195, visit our website www. valleyperformingarts.org, or come by the office, Monday through Friday 9am to 3pm to get your tickets.

Alaska Theatre of Youth Presents: Sleepy Hollow - a musical tale!

Friday 10/18/13 7pm; Saturday 10/26/13 2pm & 7pm | Sydney Laurence Theatre, ACPA A SPOOKY, FUN, AND NEW TAKE ON A CLASSIC TALE! The music ranges in style from minuet to jazz and blues to rock and roll. It's fun and engaging - sure to please audiences of all ages. It's the classic and ultimate scary tale - with a twist.

On Halloween night, when three modern-day kids decide to trick or treat at the old abandoned "Crane House," they are magically transported right into the middle of the classic tale of Ichabod Crane, Brom Bones, Katie Van Tassel, and of course - the Headless Horseman.

Lots of spooky and hilarious moments in this far-out time travel tale, as the three kids cope with life in 1790, goblins, and how to find their way back home.

The Secret Garden (non-musical play) Saturday 10/19/13 2pm & 7pm; Friday 10/25/13 7pm | Sydney Laurence Theatre, ACPA The literary classic you’ve loved for years is brought to life by the young actors of the Alaska Theatre of Youth.

Mary Lennox, known as a difficult child, is sent to live at her uncle’s estate in England after her parents pass away. Misselthwaite Manor turns out to be a gloomy fortress.

Her uncle is rarely home, and his young son, Colin, never leaves his room, convinced he’s an incurable invalid. To her surprise, Mary discovers a strange walled garden that has been locked up for years. With the assistance of Dickon, the gardener’s apprentice, Mary brings the garden back to life and discovers Dickon’s amazing ability to communicate with animals.

The garden seems to have a wonderful, magical effect on all who come into it, allowing Mary to help restore Colin to health and to reunite him with his father. This version also introduces the endearing Sowerby family, who add much laughter and love to this touching story.

THE COST OF LIVING: A one-act play about surving breast cancer

By Catherine Stadem

Lily and I put the original play together like a jigsaw puzzle, sorting all the testimony into themes that speak directly to the stages women go through in their breast cancer journey. The scenes progress from discovery, through treatments, family struggles, despair, hope — and finally to acceptance of mortality. Five distinct personalities emerged, based on about 30 women’s experiences. In this 2013 version, the only change from the original is the inclusion of experiences of MatSu Valley women, and the addition of a “Greek chorus” element for increased theatricality.

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

The original version of “The Cost of Living,” which I co-developed with Lily Ann Nielsen in 1992, is unlike any of my other plays, which are the product of imagination. Almost every word of dialogue — I’d estimate 99 percent — in this play is verbatim from either face-toface interviews with breast cancer survivors, from their journals, or most recently in the 2013 version, from blogs.

All the women who contributed so generously shared their deepest fears, feelings — and even humor.

17

Theatre

> Cast members during rehearsal of "THE COST OF

> CONTINUES ON PAGE 24

Oct. 2013

Photo by Jerry Edwards, Technical Director.

LIVING, REVISITED" from left to right: Bethany Buckingham, Kelleigh Orthmann, Cynthia Lee, Tammy McCallion, and Deb Blanchard.

18

HOME SCHOOL PROGRAM Statewide K-12

HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION PROGRAM

www.cyberlynx.org

ALLOTMENTS for curriculum materials & supplemental services: Music Athletic Art Lessons Foreign Language Tutoring Special Education Support

wasilla@nenanalynx.org

(907)357-7734

Oh Bertie, Where Art Thou?

By Nan Potts

Many of you have heard there is an Albertasaurus on the loose. Well actually, he was abducted. Yes, it is hard to believe this friendly and lovable creature was taken from his cozy barn at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry (MATI) just a few short months ago (See article in July 15th issue of Make-AScene Magazine or check the website: valleyartsalliance.com).

Bertie, as he is fondly named, made his debut at the Wearable Art and Fashion Runway Show in 2011. This Valley Arts Alliance sponsored event has been held at the Palmer Depot since 2007 and has been a hit here in the Valley with such celebrities as Bertie. It was a sad day when this

gallivanting giant (eight feet tall and fourteen feet long) went missing, and not of his own accord!

Now, you may say, “He was just a piece of recycled stuff!” and you would be correct.

However, he is missed by many who assisted in his creation and those who have interacted with this carefree critter. Noah Fryfogle, pictured on the next page with our green guy, is one who has felt Bertie’s vacuum and hopes he is found. Now I ask you, how can anyone resist the request of reuniting a boy and his dinosaur?

There is a reward for his known whereabouts, two tickets to the VAA’s Wearable Art and Runway Fashion Show this February at the Palmer Depot. But alas, there has been no word about him. If you have been on the hunt and locate him, please contact: Carmen Summerfield,

Oct. 2013

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Now Enrolling: 2013-14 School Year

• Choice in Education • Credit Recovery • Individual Academic Support • Serving Students to the age of 20 • Computer/iPad Lease Program

Arts

> CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE

Arts

> BERTIE IS MISSING CONTINUED carmen@valleyartsalliance.com or Sherry Jackson, sherryedmati@ gmail.com or (907) 376-1211.

They will be thrilled to hear from you!

Please keep up the vigil for is safe return with the cry, “Oh Bertie, where art thou!”

Alaska on Canvas Saturday, Nov 9th, 1-4PM | Refreshments Available

> Author’s note: Archeologists

and other folks have been confused regarding Bertie’s gender. After all, he/she is a a dinosaur with (possibly) frog DNA. Remember those famous words of Dr. Malcolm’s, from Jurassic Park, “Life finds a way.”

Photography by Ed & Georgia Bennett Town Square Art Gallery in Carrs Mall, Wasilla | 376.0123

20

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Oct. 2013

Community The Locks of Love

By Carmen Summerfield I found myself in Paris (the City of Love), last year around Christmas.

As I was wandering around Paris near the Louvre, I happened to cross over the River Seine on the Passerelle Solférino footbridge, and noticed an entire section of the bridge covered in padlocks.

It was an incredible sight—there must have been thousands of these padlocks, covering every panel of the bridge railings on both sides. I realized that I was standing on a bridge of “Love Locks” A Love Lock is a padlock which sweethearts lock to a bridge, fence, gate, or similar public fixture to symbolize their love. Typically the sweethearts write or engrave their names or initials on the padlock, lock it to the bridge railing, and then throw away the key to symbolize unbreakable or unchangeable love.

Most of the Love Locks on the Passerelle Solférino footbridge in Paris were simple brass key locks, with the names

> CONTINUES ON PAGE 38 Make Your Own Pottery!

Custom Tie Dye - Custom Sewing - Custom Dog Coats

775-4257 Eastlake Mall, Big Lake

12 Years

in Business!

> Workshops & Classes: Art, Pottery, Wheel Throwing, Handbuilding & More > Stop by anytime to glaze your own pottery!

Hours: Tues-Wed: 5-8pm Thurs: 12-8pm Fri: 12-6pm and Sat 10-6

Art Gallery Original local Mat-Su Artists Oil paintings, acrylics, bead work, pottery, fiber arts & more! Creativity welcome!

Call for art classes & workshops.

roadhouse bakery ● restaurant ● rooms

Private Rooms, Hostel-Style Bunks, Private Cabins & the Museum Apartment Coin Laundry ● WiFi ● Showers Big Breakfasts & World Famous Cinnamon Rolls

Live Acoustic Music Every Second Saturday, 5-7pm

On Main Street ● 733-1351

ART & CREATIVITY CENTER

735 S Bailey Street, Palmer 746-2787

www.talkeetnaroadhouse.com Open Year Round - Talkeetna, AK

$39

Unlimited Tanning

Add up to 3 household members for $25 a piece

Summer Staffed Hours for Sign Up: M-F: 4pm-8pm/Sat: Noon-4pm > Say you saw it in Make a Scene Magazine and the first tan is on us! (Call to Schedule.) <

Winter Events at Palmer Museum

This winter in Palmer, the Palmer Museum of History and Art is keeping its doors open so that it can continue to bring the public innovative temporary exhibits and family programming. Our new hours of operation are Wednesday through Friday, 10:00AM to 5:00PM and Saturday, 10:00AM to 2:00PM.

During the summer, May 1st through September 30th, the museum also serves a Palmer’s Visitor’s Center and is open seven days a week from 9:00AM to 6:00PM.

A

S Hist

V Te H E

Oct. 2013

Throughout the winter, the Museum will also be hosting a selection of winter workshops hosted by June Pardue, who specializes in native fur sewing and beading. A complete list of classes and fees will be posted on the Museum website at www. palmermuseum.org/workshops or for more information please contact the Palmer Museum at 907-746-7668.

About PMHA: The Palmer Museum of History and Art is a non-profit museum that serves the community of Palmer in preserving and sharing the history and art of the Palmer region. The museum’s collections contain items that best depict region’s art history, exploration, settlement, agriculture, and trade, cultural and social development.

In the spirit of Halloween, the Museum is proud to present, Recuerdas, an exhibit that was crafted with care to commemorate the holiday, Día de los Muertos.

In this exhibit, Valley artists were invited to create their contemporary interpretation of an ofrenda, or altar. The result is an insightful exhibit that explores love, life and loss. Recuerdas will be on display from October 26th through November 30th at the Museum. An artist reception will be held during the Second Saturday

During November’s Palmer Art Walk, our local shops will be celebrating fiber arts. Our special guests will be the Valley Quilters Guild who will be featured at the Palmer Depot. This wonderful organization has been producing some of the finest quilting works in the valley and regularly meets every second Saturday of the month.

During the November Palmer Art Walk they will open their doors to the public and will have quilting displays, an information table about their organization and its programs and will be giving quilting demonstrations. Be sure to save the date so that you don’t miss this last special Palmer Art Walk of the year!

All other times by appointment

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Palmer Museum of History and Art 723 S. Valley Way Palmer, Alaska 99645 (907)746-7668

Palmer Art Walk on November 9th from 3:00PM to 7:00PM and will include a taste of Mexico.

21

“We don’t want the most members, just the Happiest.”

22

Current job openings at Mat-Su College Student Positions

Oct. 2013

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

IT Help Desk – Posting #0067080

Temporary Positions

Writing Tutor – Posting #0067269 Art Department Lab Assistant – Posting #0067591

Adjunct Faculty Positions

Registration for the Spring 2014 semester begins November 11

Adjunct Instructor for 12-Lead and ACLS – Posting #0067575 Adjunct Instructor for Accounting – Posting #0066359 Adjunct Instructor for Anthropology – Posting #0066357 Adjunct Instructor for Basics of Biodiesel & Vegetable Oil Fuel Systems – Posting #0066473 Adjunct Instructor for Cold Climate Construction – Posting #0066483 Adjunct Instructor for Communication – Posting #0067468 Adjunct Instructor for Computer Systems Technology – Posting #0067576 Adjunct Instructor for Dance – Posting #0066996 Adjunct Instructor for Emergency Medical Technician – Posting #0067498 Adjunct Instructor for Foreign Languages – Posting #0067467 Adjunct Instructor for Logistics – Posting #0065224 Adjunct Instructor for Mathematics – Posting #0066361 Adjunct Instructor for Philosophy – Posting #0066356 Adjunct Instructor for Refrigeration and Heating – Posting #0066834

matsu.alaska.edu

Apply at UAKjobs.com

Music Fall Concert Picks:

Laura Oden Performs in Wasilla and Anchorage

Laura Oden seems to be hitting her stride as a local singer songwriter. She has hustled hard to gain an audience and it appears people are liking what they hear.

She will perform with Kevin Worrell at Bistro Red Beet in Wasilla Oct 24 at 7pm.

Then at Tap Root in Anchorage, Laura and Kevin will be joined by local legends Jared Woods, of Woodrow fame, and Brandon Cockburn of Superfrequency on November 15 at 8pm for a big fall show with Sophia Street opening. After a very long musical hiatus, Oden has been on a mint of new song production. Her debut CD came out

this spring titled Alchemy (available on Itunes). Alchemy is Oden's first collection of original material. These songs are intensely personal and wander with depth through a sophisticated junkyard of passion, loss, story and inspiration.

Oden naturally leads the listener to a creative approach that's easy to get lost in. Simplicity of lyrics and chords lead the listener to a commandingly complicated commentary. Like discovering the complexity in the shallow water of a tide pool. The album's got groove, and the chordal quirky-ness that takes advantage of jazz and blues scales.

Which is where Kevin Worrell comes in.

As a singer songwriter and solo artist in his own right, Worrell brings to the table a dynamic ability to dance between Oden's lyrics and melody. He does this with two instruments: his upright bass (aptly named Georgia by a group of kindergartners)

> CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE

Music

> LAURA ODEN CONTINUED

and his magnetically tempting voice.

The pairing of Oden and Worrell has created an invective sound that's hard to walk away from.

Jared Woods, front man for local band legends Woodrow will joining Laura and Kevin on stage at Tap Root on November 15th. For the second time Woods will indulge Oden fans with his secret lead guitar passion. Also on stage, Brandon Cockburn, performs.

Cockburn, another highly sought musician in Anchorage, knocked himself out on Odenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debut CD bringing jazz and blues rhythms to the record.

> Odenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fall Shows < Bistro Red Beet: October 24th at 7pm, 5031 E. Mayflower Lane, Wasilla Tap Root: November 15th at 8pm, 3300 Spenard Rd, Anchorage To find out more about these musicians or the venues, visit these sites: lauraoden.com reverbnation.com/kevinworrellmusic jaredwoods.com taprootalaska.com

24

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Oct. 2013

Theatre

> THE COST OF LIVING, CONTINUED This is not a play about specific medical therapies. Some treatments and chemicals — and now genetic testing — have changed in the last 21 years, but the emotional experience that women undergo has not changed.

During this rewrite it struck me that “The Cost of Living, Revisited” has never been only about women and breast cancer. It is about the human condition — the struggle to live, to survive, that men share equally with women.

Cancer is not necessarily the bad guy, the antagonist, and the women are not necessarily the heroes in this play. The antagonist is the fragility of our mortal bodies. The protagonist, or hero, is the spirit these women — and all of us — muster when faced with the cost of living.

Catherine Stadem Before retiring in 2008 from a 25-year career in journalism, Catherine was a theatre critic for The Anchorage Times and Anchorage Daily News. She has also written for Back Stage (New York), Variety and Alaska Magazine, where she was a staff writer. She holds a B.A. in theatre arts and a M.F.A. in creative nonfiction from UAA. She has written more than a dozen plays, with staged readings in New York, Perseverance Theatre in Juneau, and productions at UAA. She received a research grant from the Alaska Humanities Forum for her recent book, “The History of Theatre in Anchorage, Alaska 19152005: From a Wilderness Tent to a Multimillion Dollar Stage,” published in 2009 by Edwin Mellen Press.

Catherine Stadem, a coplaywright of "The Cost of Living, Revisited,"

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Thank you for

helping us reach over 6 years in print!

FEEDBACK, please...

What do you enjoy reading about in MAS? What would you like to see more of in MAS? Send us your thoughts makeasceneak@mac.com

6

submit your stuff online

26

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Oct. 2013

Literature Rick Mystrom,

My Wonderful Life with Diabetes

RICK MYSTROM, FORMER ANCHORAGE, ALASKA MAYOR, TACKLES DIABETES BY EXAMPLE WITH NEW BOOK Rick Mystrom, former mayor of Anchorage, 1994-2000, has written a new book, My Wonderful Life with Diabetes, due to hit the shelves of stores the middle of October 2013.

skills and call it a day. “Diabetes has become an epidemic, in Alaska and in America. It’s time to turn that around, and we can, and we will. The future is healthy, and that’s I want to let people know. After 60,000 needle sticks, I have a comprehensive understanding of what different foods do to blood sugar in different situations and conditions. I’ve put my experience into this book to help diabetics avoid lows and control highs.”

Mystrom has accumulated a lifetime of achievements and awards. He was named Alaska’s Small Business Person of the Year (1981) and one of America’s Top 3 Small Businessmen. He served two terms on the Anchorage Assembly and two terms as Mayor of Anchorage.

His doctors, including Jeanne Bonar, MD, FACP, FACE, and Thomas Nighswander, MD, MPH were among those who urged Rick Mystrom to write a book. Dr. Bonar says, “He has become one of the most knowledgeable persons living with diabetes in my extensive practice and frequently serves as a role model and authoritative resource for others.”

He was also elected as Chairman of the Alaska Conference of Mayors and was twice Alaska’s Elected Official of the Year. He founded Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Alaska and Bridge Builders of Anchorage, to bring together people of all races and cultures in Anchorage and build a “Community of Friends,” and is a founding director of the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame.

He founded Anchorage Olympic Organizing and served as Chair of America’s Bid for the 1992 and 1994 Olympic Winter Games, but he’s nowhere near ready to hang up his

Do you love to sing? Join the

All vocal ranges.

No auditions necessary.

(Auditions if under 18)

Join us on Thursdays @ 7pm @ Wasilla High School Find us on Facebook: Mat-Su Community Chorus

His mission? “I want to show others they can live a healthy life with diabetes. I was diagnosed fifty years ago, and, with one exception, diabetes has never stopped me doing what I wanted to do. And I’ve maintained my health and activities.” Those activities include softball, tennis, golf, water-skiing, wake surfing, scuba diving, snow skiing, snowshoeing and snowmachining. He has also coached over 20 youth sports teams.

Mat-Su

COMMUNITY CHORUS

helping me over the inevitable rough spots diabetes can present.”

Book and speaking events in and out of state are filling Rick Mystrom’s calendar now, including APU Book Fair October 12, public book release party at Clarion Suites October16, Read Alaska November 29-December 1 (Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center), and events in Washington state beginning early next year. For more information, go to RickMystrom. com.

Mystrom’s second book, The New Diabetic Lifestyle, will come out Spring 2014, and feature graphs showing the exact impact of foods and combinations of foods on blood sugar.

My Wonderful Life with Diabetes is a memoir with a message: Diabetes, though daunting, can be the wake-up to help people take control of their health, and become healthier and happier. “I promised myself I would never complain about having diabetes.

I didn’t hide it from my family, friends or employees; in fact, I asked them to keep an eye out for any problem blood sugar symptoms I might evince. This way they became part of the team,

Directed by Dave Nufer

251 West Swanson Avenue, Wasilla ♦ 373-0195 ♦ www.valleyperformingarts.org

LAPTOP REPAIR 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Manny’s Driver Education Training Safer, More Knowledgeable, and Aware Drivers.

We are more than just driver trainers!

Reduced insurance rates for most drivers.

Classes Begin: Sept. 9, 10 & 12 - Oct. 7, 8 & 10 Nov. 4, 5 & 7 - Dec. 9, 10 & 12 (10 am - 2 pm)

Class D Road Testing VEHICLE AVAILABLE

CALL 373-2669

Call to register: 841-3639

Community

Red Barn Thrift Store, Palmer Al and Sally Reed moved to Alaska from Washington State, not only to enjoy everything the great State of Alaska has to offer, but also to add to the local economy. Red Barn Thrift Store, located in downtown Palmer, is a locally owned and operated shop with so much to offer!

Located next to the Moose Lodge in Palmer, Red Barn Thrift Store specializes in furniture, while offering so much more. Everyone will find something at this excellent local business.

Besides furniture, they carry tools, toys, antiques, jewelry, books, electronics, dvds, blu-ray movies, kitchen supplies, collectibles, memorabilia, and the list goes on and on…

Always restocking their showroom with new and lightly used items, Al and Sally are eager to help you find just what you’re looking for.

With the holiday shopping season rapidly approaching, now is the time to get the good deals on the gifts that are perfect for your loved ones! Who knows what you might find – that special gift that’s just perfect for that special someone – maybe even a one-of-a-kind gift that you simply can’t get a those big box stores.

You can’t miss the big Red Barn in downtown Palmer, next to the Moose Lodge! Stop on by and see what’s in store!

Scammers Take Advantage of

Mandatory Health Insurance Requirement Contributed by BBB

Anchorage, Alaska – Sept. 30, 2013 – Better Business Bureau is warning Alaskans about an increase in fraudulent activity related to the launch of the Affordable Care Act. The open enrollment period begins on Oct. 1, 2013, and scammers understand that many Americans are confused about their rights and responsibilities with the new program.

BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington prescribes the following: Don’t pay for free advice; trained and certified helpers are not allowed to charge for their services.

Hold onto current insurance cards; coverage will continue and there is no need for special new insurance or Medicare cards.

Learn the difference between medical discount plans and health insurance plans; discount plans alone will not

satisfy the law’s minimum coverage requirements. Hang up on “government officials” who call, text or email to “verify” personal information; government agencies will never make these types of requests.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 21% of Alaskans are uninsured, and these people may face fines for not acquiring coverage.

BBB reminds insurance shoppers: Don’t trust caller IDs. Scammers possess the technology to spoof caller IDs, displaying any phone number or organization name they please.

Don’t press any buttons and don’t call back. Some reports indicate that initial calls are automated and request that recipients dial numbers to enter account information or reach representatives; don’t do it. Don’t give out personal information. Never give personal information to unsolicited callers; avoid sharing Social Security Numbers, birthdates or medical information.

To learn more about the Affordable Care Act or the Health Insurance Marketplace, visit healthcare.gov. To stay current on other local scams, make an appointment with BBB’s News Center at akorww.bbb.org/bbb-news.

Social Issues

The Evolution Of a Breach Of Faith

By Raymond E. Lyons Jr.

Some years ago, in one of my undergraduate history courses, the professor asked the class to define the seminal events of the period from A.D.1900 to the present. After the usual responses such as the Great Depression, the Rise of Nazism, The Second World War and the Atomic Bomb; he stated that while they were certainly formative in greater or lesser degree, it was his contention that three occurrences were the dominant and controlling influences on the evolution of human events in the Twentieth Century: the First World War, the Bolshevik Revolution, and its concomitant Russian Civil War. After decades of observing, reading, and questioning; I have concluded that in the main, his thesis was valid.

There is, however, one more element that works in tandem with the other three to explain the paradigm shift of American Society in the latter decades of the 20th Century: the advent of broadcast media in the 1920’s. It is my belief that these four events were the final arbiters of the choices and options that created the history of the last century. Allow me to explain.

To begin with, the Industrial Revolution triggered marked changes that were not confined to the socioeconomic arena: the Crimean War in 1853 was the first war to extensively harness industrialization to the means of waging war. It was, however, the First World War that extended the capacities of industrialized slaughter to new and previously inconceivable limits. World War I ushered in the concept of Toten-Kampf (Total War)

involving not just heads of state and armies on the field of battle, but the expansion of military targets to include industrial capacity, civilian morale, and international commerce. This war occasioned the first unrestricted use of U-boats to destroy merchant shipping without warning from beneath the sea (leaving the crews to drown). It beheld the enforcement of a blockade, which resulted in famine and starvation in both Britain and Germany. It witnessed the use of sabotage to destroy civilian factories in both combatant and neutral countries in an attempt to reduce the availability of military material to their enemies.1 And it saw the use of artillery against cities without regard to military necessities.2 Hailed as a war to end all wars, the First World War did nothing of the sort.

Indeed, it inaugurated a new global Hundred Years War with so called “brushfire” or “proxy” wars occurring in every decade from 1920 to 2020.3 Additionally it set the stage for the most destructive world war in human history. It led to a smoldering civil war in the most populous nation on Earth resulting in two armed camps: Nationalist Chinese supported by the United States and Communist Chinese supported by the Soviet Union. And it led to the ascension of an island nation in the Pacific to maritime world power status (which destabilized the Western Pacific).4 Finally, it ended with the disintegration of three European Empires (which destabilized South Asia and the Balkan Peninsula).5 The most striking phenomenon of World War I, in my opinion, was the disparagement of the concept of the sanctity of human life. True, war has always involved killing of military personnel, but as the Geneva Conventions of 1864 and 1906 attest to; prior to 1914 even war had rules and limits--civilians (non-combatants,

the elderly, woman, and children) were considered protected. The Great War witnessed the transgression of all humanitarian boundaries. For the first time on a national scale, the lives of enemy combatants and noncombatants were accorded no value beyond merely that of state assets; cogs in the enemy’s war machine. This war saw the first use of poison gas to kill enemy soldiers in trenches like so many insects in an anthill. It was this war which saw a senior General initiate a battle not for strategic terrain or transport objectives, not to hinder or deny the enemy the means to fight; but merely to kill as many soldiers as possible in an effort to deplete the enemy of manpower, “to bleed the enemy white” in an abattoir of industrialized butchery.6 It was in this war that the terror bombing of cities and population centers without regard to the loss of life among women, children, and the elderly became an accepted military measure designed to demoralize the civilian populations of the belligerents. And it set in motion the events, which led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the formation of the ineffective Kerensky government; and the seizure of power by the Bolsheviks in St. Petersburg.

With the Bolshevik Revolution in October 1917 (by the Russian Calendar), the Kerensky government was toppled and eventually, a civil war ensured.

During the Russian Civil War, another milestone in the degradation of the sanctity of human life was passed with the onset of the Red Terror. Unlike other episodes of terrorism (to include the French Revolution), the four year long wave of government sanctioned repression, torture, and indiscriminate murder carried out by the CHEKA (a forerunner of the KGB) reached new heights of inhumanity which extended throughout the length and breadth of Russian Society.7

>

Women, children, elders--none were exempt. Even religious leaders became targets. Priests, monks and nuns were crucified, thrown into cauldrons of boiling tar, scalped, strangled, given Communion with melted lead and drowned in holes in the ice.8 Sources estimate the total number of people indiscriminately killed as a result of the Red Terror at over a million human beings.9, 10 Indeed, this is given credence by the definition of Red Terror articulated at the time by the Chief of the Ukrainian Cheka, M. Latsis: “Do not look in the file of incriminating evidence to see whether or not the accused rose up against the Soviets with arms or words. Ask him instead to which class he belongs, what is his background, his education, his profession. These are the questions that will determine the fate of the accused. That is the meaning and essence of the Red Terror.” 11 Thus with the First World War and the Russian Civil War, the wind had been sown. And in October 1920, with little fanfare, a radio entertainment broadcast at Union College, Schenectady, New York, initiated a chain of events that led to the reaping of the whirlwind.12 In America, development of the broadcast media inundated the people in a culture of immediacy, which had hitherto not existed. While it is true that hyperbole and exaggeration were present in the print media, what was written remained on paper, available for scrutiny and factual comparison.

Thus, a certain standard of thought and critical judgment went into what was written since it could be kept and contrasted with reality. In the new medium of radio, however, this did not hold. Once the words were spoken

CONTINUES ON PAGE 33

29

Community

TWINDLY BRIDGE

State senator Hollis French (D-Anchorage) has filed to run for lieutenant governor.

Greetings to our Twindly Bridge Families: Join us for our exciting Fall Festival. Come celebrate our brand new playground and join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony!

TO RUN FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

French said, “I have decided to take a step back and to support Byron Mallott for governor. I do not believe that a primary race serves Democrats or Alaska.

With so much at stake in this election, I believe it is imperative that we Democrats and we Alaskans pull together as a team.

Byron Mallott is going to make an excellent governor and I look forward to serving with him.”

First elected to the state senate in 2002, French is in his fourth term. Before being elected to the senate French worked a dozen years in Alaska’s oil fields.

He then went to law school and subsequently joined the Anchorage District Attorney’s office as a prosecutor until his election as a state senator.

FESTIVAL AND RIBBON CUTTING

Monday Oct 28 Festival 3:30 – 5:00 pm Ribbon Cutting 4:00 pm Lots of fun crafts, projects and games with cool prizes to be awarded. Each student will create an age-appropriate project to take home.

ALL AGES: Bring your own carved pumpkin from home and win a great prize.

K-5: COOKIE DECORATING - CRAFT GAMES - CAKE WALK 6-12: Come make your very own FLASHLIGHT constructed on the 3D printer.

Students install the electronics.

BBB Offers Free Document Shredding and Cell Phone Recycling Anchorage, Alaska – Oct. 17, 2013 – Better Business Bureau is hosting Secure Your ID Day—a free document shredding and cell phone recycling event—on Oct. 19, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wells Fargo, 1701 E. Parks Highway, Wasilla, Alaska.

Simply drive up and drop off up to three bags or boxes of unwanted documents to have them securely destroyed on-site by Shred Alaska.

Unwanted cell phones will be accepted as part of Verizon’s HopeLine, which wipes data and donates the devices to victims of domestic abuse.

BBB representatives will be available at the event—located at the previous site of the Cottonwood Creek Mall—to answer identity theft questions and provide advice for identity theft victims.

For event information, visit akorww. bbb.org/secure-your-id or call Adam Harkness at 907-644-5202.

Oct. 2013

Parents – Please bring candy donations to the front office as soon as possible. The more the merrier!

ON OCT. 19, 2013

Bring your children and their friends to give our new playground a test drive. Each child that brings a friend receives a treat.

BBB HOSTS IDENTITY THEFT AWARENESS EVENT

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

HOLLIS FRENCH

30

To have your non-profit organization included in this free community resource list, please email your info to:

Oct. 2013

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

makeasceneak@mac.com

SENIORS Palmer Senior Citizens Center, Inc.

The priApry mission of the Palmer Senior Citizens Center, Inc. is to assist individuals age sixty or older, individuals of any age with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Disorders, individuals of any age on the Medicaid Waiver program and other eligible individuals in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough remain as independent as possible in the least restrictive environment possible and out of expensive nursing homes for as long as possible.

Services include: congregate and home delivered meals, transportation, adult day services, care coordination, senior employment, family caregivers support, information / referral, chore services, senior housing, chore services, Better Choices Better Health classes, HELP program, activities and volunteer opportunities.

745-5454, pscc@mtaonline.net

Alzheimer’s Resource Agency of Alaska

As Alaska’s resource on Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Agency of Alaska (ADRAA) is committed to providing information, education and services for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) and their caregivers. We have served Alaskans since 1984, and today we help more than 5,000 people annually.

As a non-profit statewide organization, we provide family consultations, care coordination, in-home services for frail elders & individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and education programs to family caregivers and health care professionals. We are your resource for information and can refer you to services in Alaska or the contiguous U.S. Sam Meneses, 746-3432, www.alzalaska.org

Valley Charities, Inc; dba Turn-A-Leaf Thrift Store

Provides medical equipment to all income brackets in the Valley; provides clothing and household goods to Valley residents that are economically disadvantaged.

John Rozzi , 376-5740

Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. (WASI)

A Health and Wellness Campus for Seniors on the Go! The goal at WASI is to assist and refer services for Seniors 60 and older so they can live as independently as possible for as long as possible.

Some of the services provided are: Meals: Family Style Meals Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Center. Meals on Wheels home delivered meals.

Housing: Independent Housing for low income and Aprket rate individuals. Optional Assisted Living Services Transportation: Partnership with MASCOT Bus $.60 per one way ride. Dr. visits by appointment Other Activities: Cards, Wii, and Painting at the Center Blood Pressure Checks Club50 Fitness Center, Strong Seniors Program ($5/8 weeks) Shopping Trips and other outings Valley Performing Arts Theater Visits And much more… call 376-3104 opt.2 for more information.

Dennie Jaques , 376-3104

Mat-Su Area Partnership (MAP)

An organization of non-profit agencies in the MatSu Valley. MAP holds a monthly meeting on a Thursday at the Menard Sports Complex in Wasilla. www.mapartnership.org/matsu/

Mid-Valley Seniors Inc

Mid-Valley Seniors, Inc. Mid-Valley Seniors has 3 senior housing units-18 apartments and serves a congregate meal Mon-Fri at 12:00pm. Home delivered meals served daily fresh Mon-Fri, weekend meals are frozen.

Transportation to Adult Day Services is available Mon-Fri 8:00am-3:00pm Come up to the Center for activities or lunch.

Lisa Byrd, 892-6114 mvscadmin@mtaonline.net

FAMILIES & CHILDREN Alaska Family Services

Alaska Family Services is a multi-dimensional non-profit that has over 20 programs serving the Mat-Su Valley. Major areas are: domestic violence, behavioral health, WIC, family support, and residential for youth with emotional issues.

Donn A. Bennice, Ph.D. 746-4080 akafs.org

LINKS Mat-Su Parent Resource Center.

We provide support and assistance to families with disabilities. LINKS provides support and trainings, parent to parent connections to mentor, information and referral, and access to library materials.

These services are provided through one-onone assistance and individualized workshops for small or large groups. Our vision is to ensure that every parent and family who has a child with a special need has access to information, education, outreach, and support in a culturally competent environment and to empower then to be advocates for themselves, their children, and their families.

New location on the Palmer-Wasilla Hwy next to North Star Bakery, across the street from MSSCA. Amber Parker, Admin Assisiant. amberp@linksprc.org , 373-3632

MYHouse Homeless Teen Shelter in the Matsu

is a non-profit that exists to provide services to unaccompanied youth, ages 14-24, in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The services we provide include, but are not limited to, hot meals, shelf stable foods, gas cards, transport to shelter, clothing, tents, sleeping bags, laundry, shower, hygiene products, street outreach, access to medical, dental and mental health care, vocational services and employment opportunities, educational advocacy and life coaching. Our youth center, The Gathering Place, is located at 300 N. Willow St in central Wasilla. Also on campus is the MYHouse Café, Gathering Grounds, which exists to provide employment for homeless and at risk youth, as well as our partnering agencies and businesses, Nine Star, Mat-Su Public Health Center and Car Deets (an automotive detailing business which hires homeless youth). To learn more, visit our website at myhousematsu.org or call 373-4357.

Family Promise Mat-Su

Provides a shelter for families without housing.

We mobilize community resources and local congregations to provide compassionate care through shelter, meals, and case management to families without housing. Guest families are housed in area church buildings at night for a week at a time...moving to new host church on Sundays.

Applications are available on our website.

357-6160, www.familypromisematsu.org

The Children’s Place

The Children’s Place child advocacy center is a child-friendly, neutral facility where professionals from many agencies involved in the evaluation, investigation and treatment of child abuse meet to coordinate and bring their services to the child and their family. We provide child forensic interviews, medical exams, linkage to mental health providers, follow-up support and referrals throughout the investigation process. Referrals to The Children’s Place are made through law enforcement and Office of Children’s Services.

The Children’s Place, 357-5157, www. alaskachildrensplace.com

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska

Strengthens our communities by providing mentors to all children who need and want a caring adult role model – special friends who can help them expand their horizons, realize their potential and enrich their futures – changing their lives.

Alaska Center for Resource Families

Provides support, training and education for foster, relative and adoptive families caring for children that have been abused and neglected. ACRF also helps support the Mat-Su Grandparents Support

Group in collaboration with Links and Volunteers of America. For more information about foster care and adopting children that are in the OCS child protection system visit our website www.acrf.org or call 376-4678.

376-4678, bwoodin@nwresource.org

Pillows for Kids Foundation

We provide little pillows of support and little scholarships for local children to participate in brain-training activities such as art, music, gymnastics, swimming, skiing, snowboarding, skating, horseback riding, and Aprtial arts..

Mentors and community members contact us when there is an identified need to keep kids, preschool through college, connected with good activities in our community. We plan to publish a book and CD/DVD of Evan’s “Little Pillow” song (copyrighted) soon. Currently, we are selling washable, decorator pillows of all shapes, sizes and colors for kids and adults as a way of creating funding for the scholarships.

Valerie Koivunen pillowsforkids@gmail.com

The Moose Boosters Wrestling Club

A youth development organization that provides aid and funding to low income recreational facilitates and athletes at the high school level. Funding supports athletes who participate in wrestling programs while meeting academic standards.

Michelle Heun 355-7099

Set Free Alaska

Brief description about non-profit: Our children, friends, co-workers; there is someone we know who is struggling with addiction and destructive behaviors. It is the goal of Set Free Alaska to provide excellent, individualized services to our clients. Set Free Alaska is a Christian outpatient substance abuse treatment center that uses a mind-body-spirit approach to recovery.

Our programs are designed to assist people in gaining freedom from the bondage of addiction and destructive behaviors. Set Free Alaska realizes that cost can be a huge deterrent to people seeking and receiving the help they need as well as a huge relapse trigger. Our assessments are based on a sliding fee scale. It is the goal of Set Free Alaska that no person be denied the services they need due to lack of financial resources. Our offices are open Mon-Fri 10-6 and we are located on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway across from the AT&T Sports Center.

Philip Licht, Executive Director 373-4732, www.setfreealaska.org/

Big Lake Community Clothing Closet Donated by local Alaskans, Big Lake Community Clothing Closet provides quality clothing to people in need, at no charge.

Clothing and footwear for people of all ages is available. Also, assorted household items as they are available.

This unique program helps people locally.

Donations are accepted, to further the program.

Any money donated helps pay the rent for our location at 2955 Big Lake Rd., Big Lake, Alaska.

Financial donation could also be mailed to the Big Lake Community Clothing Closet, PO Box 527069, Big Lake, AK 99652.

Hours of operation: Tues. 9 am – 1 pm, Weds. 11 am – 3 pm All donations of quality clothing in good condition can be donated at the above address during regular hours of operation.

We are a non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductable. Tax ID available to donors.

Check us out on Facebook.

Co-Administrators Stephanie O. 892-5450 Christy M. 775-3238

The ARTs Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums, under the leadership of Pipe Major Aja Stewart, are now seeking Pipers and Drummers who would like to play with our Band. We want to increase the size of our awardwinning Drumline, so if you are already familiar with drumming (snare, tenor, or bass,) or if you want to learn to play, we would like to hear from you! We would like to extend a cordial invitation to anyone who would like to learn to play bagpipes or drums, to FREE lessons with our Band.

You don’t have to be Scottish, or even have any musical background, to start. We firmly believe that you’re never too old to learn; we have active students and performing members of the Band ranging in age from 7 to 70!

We are a grade IV competing, family-oriented Pipe Band, established in 2005, and we are very active in supporting our community with music at parades, concerts, and special events. Our purpose is to advance the rich cultural heritage of Great Highland Bagpipe music, and to have FUN doing it! ACPD provides free instruction in piping and drumming, with Band practice to follow, every Friday evening at 5:00 and 5:45 pm at Eagle River Presbyterian Church, 12836 Old Glenn Highway, in Eagle River.

Phenomenal!

Those interested in lessons, or in playing pipes or drums with Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums, please contact the Band by email at craigag@mtaonline. net or by telephone at (907) 688-4196. The band’s website can be found at http://www.alaskaceltic. org , plus, we’re on Facebook! “The Pipes, the Pipes are calling...”

Radio Free Palmer

Radio Free Palmer is community radio serving the Sutton and Palmer communities as KVRF 89.5 FM and online at radiofreepalmer.org. On air since 2011, KVRF’s mission is to foster community involvement.

Currently we produce great local shows on topics from health to mushing - and the list of programs is growing. Online we add important community events such as the Borough Assembly and School Board Meetings. Listen to Radio Free Palmer KVRF 89.5 for more community-centric news, music, sports, music or come volunteer to to help bring great radio programming to the valley.

Mike Chmielewski, COO 745-8951, Manager@radiofreepalmer.org Radiofreepalmer.org and on Facebook and Twitter

Valley Fine Arts Association

VFAA was formed to teach techniques, and encourage fellowship among visual artists in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. we strive to promote a supportive attitude toward visual arts in our Alaskan community.

We welcome beginners, students, part-time and professional artists who focus mainly on twodimensional art mediums and want to connect with other creative people and gain more exposure locally.

Throughout the year, we inform our members about opportunities to show their work, participate in group events, view other local artists, and enroll in workshops. During the school year, we organize regular sessions for painting together and host monthly artist demonstrations on the 1st and 3rd Mondays from 4 - 8 p.m.; Room 212 at Mat-Su College. Aprch 7 @ 6:00 p.m., Charles Gause will be the guest speaker.

Membership in the Valley Fine Arts Association provides many diverse opportunities for artists. Check our website calendar at www. valleyfineartsassociation.com for upcoming events.

Mat-Su Community Chorus, Inc.

As Musical Ambassadors of The Valley, The MatSu Community Chorus has provided quality vocal music, in its various forms, for the benefit, education and enjoyment of its members and the surrounding communities since 1970. Our membership is open to the public, inviting all who wish to add their voice in song. We offer complimentary performances at public celebrations and deliver formal concerts twice a year.

We are a 501(c)3, non-profit organization, currently with twenty-two members and we are looking towards expanding the organization to better serve the community. With the support from individuals, businesses and other civic organizations we are able to grow our group by bringing the community

together through music and to continue our standard of excellence.

We meet Octember through Oct. on Thursday evenings at 7-9pm in the Choir Room at Wasilla High School.

Nan Potts 745-8788 matsucomchours@gmail.com

Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums of Eagle River

Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums of Eagle River, under the leadership of Pipe Major Aja Stewart and Drum Sergeant Bryan Gonzales, are actively recruiting pipers and drummers, as well as those interested in learning Great Highland Bagpipes and Highland Drumming (snare, tenor, bass.) We would like to extend a cordial invitation to anyone who would like to learn to play bagpipes or drums, to FREE lessons with our Band.

We are a grade IV competing, family-oriented pipe band established in 2005, and beginners of any age are welcome. Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums are very active in supporting the community in which we live. Our purpose is to advance the rich cultural heritage of Great Highland Bagpipe music, and to have FUN doing it! ACPD provides free instruction in piping and drumming, with Band practice to follow, every Friday evening at 5:00 and 5:45 pm at Eagle River Presbyterian Church, 12836 Old Glenn Highway, in Eagle River .

Those interested in lessons, or in becoming members of ACPD, please contact the Band by email at Oct.gstensgericht@yahoo.com or by telephone at (907) 376-5060. The band’s website can be found at http://www.alaskaceltic.org

Mat-Su Concert Band, Inc.

Our mission is to promote, plan, support and conduct educational and cultural activities and opportunities for the benefit of the citizens and residents of Alaska. We do this by providing an outlet for the many talented musicians in and around our area to perform and a venue for the public to come and enjoy with us our music.

Rehearsals are every Mon. from 7 to 9 p.m. at Teeland Middle School. For more information, contact Gleo Huyck at 746-0628. matsuconcertband@gmail.com

The Whirling Rainbow Foundation

Grandmother Drum International Peace Project The Whirling Rainbow Foundation is an international spiritual and educational non- profit organization which honors and celebrates the diverse cultural and spiritual paths of the human family. The foundation cultivates the universal teachings of inner peace, loving compassion, wisdom and understanding at the core of every culture and spiritual tradition. We are starting a Global Peace Sanctuary and Sustainable Community in Palmer.

The GrandMother Drum International Peace Project travels the world as the international voice of the Whirling Rainbow Foundation. As a symbol of the heartbeat of love that connects all nations and all races, the seven foot, crystal inlaid GrandMother Drum holds local and global events promoting peace and unity through the universal language of music, dance, cultural and healings arts.

White Eagle Medicine Woman (Suraj Holzwarth) Executive Director www.whirlingrainbow.com

Valley Performing Arts

We’re celebrating 36 years of Quality Live Theatre!

VPA performs seven plays a year from Octember through Oct.. We welcome actors, volunteers, program advertisers and play sponsors to join in supporting VPA, the Valley’s oldest live theatre. The VPA Summer Theatre Arts Programs take place Oct. through Oct. and are for youth 6-11 and 12-17.

The VPA Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony is held each Oct. and Annual Fundraiser in October.

Purchase your tickets online or from our office.

Check out audition dates and show times on our website. VPA is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization.

373-0195, www.valleyperformingarts.org

Valley Arts Alliance

The Valley Arts Alliance is a group of like-minded individuals who have joined together to encourage, sponsor, facilitate and support artistic expression.

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,

ANIMALS AK Cat Kitty Rescue

is a local small kitty rescue. We specialize in litters of kittens, and our facility is designed that way.

We will take in litters from the community, and will assist in getting their mom cat spayed. ALL of our kittens are up to date on vaccines, and have been spayed/ or neutered prior to adoptions. We are a 501c3, so any donations are tax deductible. If you are looking to adopt, or need help placing a litter, please call us! We are currently looking for help with computer type tasks, updating website, or updating our adoptions and monthly expences.

AK CAT 907-232-4444 www.akcat.org

Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue (ADPR)

Alaska Assistance Dogs (Aad)

Meadow Gates Farm Sanctuary

Meadow Gates Farm Sanctuary has provided shelter and care for unwanted pet rabbits since 2001. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable corporation. Rabbits are taken in when space is

The Sertoma Club - Wasilla

We host the Mat Su Polar Plunge raising funds for non-profits in the Matanuska Susitna Valley, Alaska. February 2011 we saw 85 jumpers raise almost $20,000 which was then given to the Food Pantry of Wasilla and Turn A Leaf Thrift Stores. The Food Pantry provides emergency food supplies to families in need. Turn A Leaf has a medical lending equipment program which is now organized with software purchased with funds received. Both were grant recipients from the Mat Su Sertoma Club. Grant applications for the 2012 Mat Su Polar Plunge are located on our website: www. matsuplunge.com.

We have a wonderful club of volunteers! On a weekly basis you’ll find a Mat Su Sertoman at the Food Pantry, Wasilla Senior Campus, Valley Charities, helping Special Olympics and the list goes on and on! Our goal for 2011/2012 year is to raise more than, $25,000 in polar plunge funds.

You can pledge or sign up to jump! Just visit our website for more information.

Join us every other Thursday at 5:00pm at the Tailgaters Sports Bar and Grill. Our next meeting is Oct. 25th. We always have new speakers and a great time. See you there!

TOPS

Take of Pounds Sensibly Non-Profit Weight Loss Support Group Three (3) Chapters meet weekly in the Valley.

Kathy Miller - 376-9571 or write to matsutops@webtv.net

Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS)

Our mission is to educate and provide opportunities in our community to reduce, reuse, and recycle for the long-term good of all.

Our vision is to establish the Mat-Su Borough as a model recycling community for Alaska. We are open for residential recycling Wednesday through Friday 12-6pm and Saturday 11-3pm. Businesses can call ahead for hours. Your permanent community recycling center is located in our new green building at 9465 E. Chanlyut Circle, next to

government agencies to render assistance.

Eddie Ezelle, 907-357-3769 Main 501 E.Bogard Rd., Wasilla www.foodpantryofwasilla.org

Valley Residential Services (VRS)

OUTDOORS

VRS provides special needs housing to individuals who experience behavioral or developmental disabilities, low-income levels or those who are homeless. VRS currently has 168 properties in the Mat-Su Valley with special programs to assist with rental assistance and we can assist with linking individuals to social service agencies who can assist with life skills programs.

(907) 357-0256 , valleyres.org

Alaska Attachment & Bonding Associates (AABA)

Educates and supports foster, adoptive, kinship care, step, grand and guardianship parents and professionals who care for children with emotional mental health issues, such as Attachment Disorder.

AABA provides workshops, e-mail/telephone support, resource/referral information, selfadvocacy, AABA web-site www.akattachment. org, RAVEN Respite, newsletters, brochures, lending library, and Mom2Mom/Dad2Dad parent support group. For more information: Laura Wagner 907-376-0366

Food Pantry of Wasilla

The mission of the Food Pantry of Wasilla is: “To provide persons who reside in the Matanuska Susitna Valley with needed supplemental food supplies. Food Pantry of Wasilla distributes goods to its clients in a manner which gives dignity to all.”

All distributions made by the Food Pantry of Wasilla shall be made notwithstanding any person’s race, color, sex, age, handicap, religious affiliation, or national origin.

Our hours of operation are: Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

We offer two food programs to residents of the Mat-Su Valley. We operate a community-supplied food pantry, accepting cash and food donations from individuals and groups and supply clients with food for nutritionally-balanced meals to help people get back on their feet.

We also administer distribution of TEFAP government commodities. TEFAP is (The Emergency Food Assistance Program). This is a needs-based program, which Oct. be accessed monthly by any client who meets the governmentestablished-qualifications. Food distributed is based on availability and instructions from USDA. In case of emergencies such as fire or earthquake in the valley, the Food Pantry of Wasilla also cooperates with other organizations and

North America Outdoor Institute

The North America Outdoor Institute (NAOI) is a not-for-profit community outreach organization providing outdoor safety and environmental awareness education programs for the general public in an effort to save lives from preventable outdoor injuries and deaths. Debra McGhan, debra@naoiak.org 376-2898 , www.naoiak.org

Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats

Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats is dedicated to conserving the natural and cultural resources of Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge through public awareness, recreation, education and enhancement projects. Healthy, outdoor recreation in a safe, beautiful setting is what APH helps provide to all users.

357-8712, info@palmerhayflats.org www.palmerhayflats.org

Alaska Frontier Trappers Association

The Alaska Frontier Trappers Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the ethical and lawful practice of trapping Alaska’s fur bearers.

We work to educate fellow trappers, children and the public in general about trapping as a necessary wildlife management and research tool.

Our monthly meetings usually include a guest speaker and/or a demonstration and fur handling information. Meetings which are held at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Palmer Library. Everyone is welcome to attend. www.akfrontiertrappers.com

CONSERVATION

The Center is operated by dedicated volunteers helping to feed the birds, administer medical treatment, clean cages, and do whatever it takes to help these wild birds survive and gain strength for their eventual release or participation in our education program. Volunteers also plan and conduct fundraising events to keep the birds fed and warm. It’s all “for the birds.”

AWBRC has recently signed a long-term lease for 25 acres in the City of Houston, and is looking forward to the beginning phases of a permanent facility there. To volunteer, donate or for further information, contact AWBRC at 907.892.1670, 907.230.7049, or visit www.akwildbirdrehab.org.

Wasilla Soil & Water Conservation District (WSWCD)

The WSWCD is a non-profit formed in 1948 to assist landowners & land managers with conservation & development on land through technical assistance, projects & education programs & services. WSWCD is an active, yearround community-based organization; a nonregulatory agency; a strong partner with various government & non-profit agencies/groups; a credible, knowledgeable advocate for conserving soil & water resources supported by the time & energy of neighbors & volunteers dedicated to making a positive difference in their communities. Our priorities are: Salmon enhancement & restoration; Soil, forage crops & manure testing; Stream & lake bank stabilization; Water quality & instream flows; Arbor Day activities & tree planting; Invasive weed assessments – land & water; Trail use & salmon stream crossings; Cooperator & community conservation needs; Public information, involvement & education.

Chuck Kaucic, District Manager 357-4563 X 103 distmgr@wasillaswcd.org

The Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center (AWBRC) The Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center (AWBRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that offers bird rescue and rehabilitation services for the growing Mat-Su Valley community. Our mission is to rescue and care for injured, orphaned and sick wild birds with the goal of returning healthy birds back to their native habitats, and to educate the public about Alaska’s wild birds through live wild bird programs.

To have your non-profit organization included in this free community resource list, please email your info to: makeasceneak@mac.com

Oct. 2013

AAD provides service dogs to Alaskans with special needs (physical, physiological & mental health), and incorporates therapeutic programs into service dog training. AAD works with special education students at school, provides teen mentoring in community training venues, offers domestic violence/PTSD support groups, FASD/ Autism programs, and provides service dogs and support groups for veterans with PTSD and their families.

Therapist on staff, and all trainers are certified by the founder of the service dog concept, Dr. Bonnie Bergin.

Carole J. Shay, Lpc. carole@alaskaassistancedogs.org

VARIETY

the animal shelter at the Central Landfill. Volunteer opportunities available. community@valleyrecycling.org www.valleyrecycling.org, 745.5544

Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue is an all volunteer, non-profit organization formed for the purpose of rescuing homeless dogs and puppies. We have rescued dogs throughout Alaska, including various Bush communities. These rescued dogs are placed in foster homes, where they are socialized, vaccinated, dewormed, and taken to the vet to be microchipped and spayed or neutered. It is our goal to have an animal sanctuary, so that all adoptable dogs are given an opportunity to find their forever homes. We encourage individuals to volunteer for this very worthy cause.

745-7030 adpr03@yahoo.com

available. They are evaluated for behavior and personality, spayed/neutered, then adopted to new pet homes. Bunnies not able to be adopted are maintained permanently at the sanctuary.

Responsible adult volunteers are always needed.

907-357-6437, www.meadowgates.com manager@meadowgates.com

31

art councils, and music and art groups to create more venues for the arts, and to help promote art related events. www.valleyartsalliance.com

32

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Oct. 2013

CALENDAR SUBMISSION 10th of month by 5PM Email information to: makeasceneak@mac.com

3230 Seward Hwy $19 Members/$25 Non-members / akpc@gci.net Alaska Professional Communicators 907-274-4723 http://www.akprocom.org/ meetings.php / 907-240-5741

Home Market, October 26th 2013, 9am2pm, Wasilla Senior Center Dining Room, Wasilla, AK Come explore our unique selection of modern, vintage, shabby chic and primitive décor, furniture and children’s items.

An array of Finnish pulla and other specialty baked goods will be available!

In addition to the sale, we will be serving freshly baked pasties and a salad from 11am-2pm.

“Like” us at www.facebook.com/ akhomemarket Contact: akhomemarket@hotmail.com

jennifer.summers@yahoo.com Winter Solstice Festival of Lights 2013 Fri, December 20 - Sat, December 21 Fri, 11am-6pm - Sat, 10am-6pm Winter Solstice Festival of Lights 2013 Palmer Train Depot/Downtown Palmer Free Raven Wi’ & Mike Borgford 907-354-7290

7 Threats to Your Estate Plan Wasilla Senior Center, 1301 S. Century Circle Thursday, November 12, from 1 - 3 pm Free to the public. Call for Reservations Constance Aschenbrenner, Esq. Constance Aschenbrenner, 907-3349200 Anniversary Party, Fashion Show and Autograph Party Friday, October 25 12:15pm-2:30 Mat-Su Senior Services (Palmer Senior Citizens Center, Inc.) 1132 S. Chugach St., Palmer, Alaska FREE @ Mat-Su Senior Services 907-745-5454 www.matsuseniors.com Halloween Party with live music

by No Wake Friday, October 25 8pm-midnight American Legion Post 15 1550 Mystic Cir, Palmer, Alaska 99645 Free to members and guests American Legion Post 15 907-745-4440 pwake@mtaonline.net Palmer Rotary Club Luncheon-Guest Speaker Dan Fausk, Pres. AK Gasline Development Corp.

Thurs., October 31 12pm -1pm The Eagle Hotel Restaurant 918 S Colony Way, Palmer, AK 99645 lunch is $15 or $5 without lunch.

At event. Palmer Rotary Club 949-212-5832 Mat-Su Youth Orchestra Rehearsals Every Thursday 6pm-7pm Shaw Elementary School 3750 E. Paradise Lane Wasilla, AK $25 to register Open to intermediate level string players. Kai West 907-373-3422 Mat-Su Youth Orchestra Rehearsals Every Thursday 6pm-7pm Shaw Elementary School 3750 E. Paradise Lane Wasilla, AK $25 to register Open to intermediate level string players. Kai West 907-373-3422 Murder on The Nile Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun 10/25 -11/10 Thurs 7pm/Fri & Sat 8pm/ Sun 2pm Valley Performing Arts 251 West Swanson Avenue, Wasilla $17 students/seniors or $19 adults Call 373-0195 or visit website: www. valleyperformingarts.org Valley performing Arts 907-373-0195 www.valleyperformingarts.org 907-373-0195 lrobison@valleyperformingarts.org Alaska Professional Communicators Luncheon Thurs, November 7 11:30am-1:00pm Kinley’s Restaurant

Winter Solstice Festival of Lights 2013 Fri, December 20 - Sat, December 21 Fri, 11am-6pm - Sat, 10am-6pm Winter Solstice Festival of Lights 2013 Palmer Train Depot/Downtown Palmer Free N/A Raven Wi’ & Mike Borgford 907-354-7290 907-745-7290 ravenwi@mtaonline.net Colony Drama presents Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein Colony High Theatre @ 9550 Colony Schools Drive Fridays and Saturdays Nov 8, 9 & 15, 16 @ 7:00PM $7 students/seniors, military; $10 adult ($40 max per family) Colony Drama Brian Mead: brian.mead@matsuk12.us Colony Drama presents Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein Colony High Theatre @ 9550 Colony Schools Drive Fridays and Saturdays Nov 8, 9 & 15, 16 @ 7:00PM $7 students/seniors, military; $10 adult ($40 max per family) Colony Drama Brian Mead: brian.mead@ matsuk12.us 10th Annual Christmas Bazaar Trinity Lutheran Church Mile 2.2 Palmer-Wasilla Highway Saturday, December 7th, 2013, 10 am to 4 pm Handcrafted items and food items for sale.

Trinity Lutheran Church with proceeds being donated to charity. 745-0726 Veterans Seminar: VA Benefits Do you qualify?

889 N. Elkhorn Drive Wasilla, AK 99654 in Dining area Friday, Octember 20th, 2:00-3pm This seminar is free to the community.

Primrose Retirement Communities Allisha or MaLane at 907-373-5500 MatSu Democrats Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup Day Trunk Road, first mile beginning at the light, Palmer-Wasilla Hwy Saturday, Octember 28, 10am Free! Except for your time!

MatSu Democrats Gwen Heynen, Chair, 745-7949 Anchorage Symphony Opening Night - Fantastique!

Sat, Steptember 28, 2013, 8pm 621 W 6th Ave $20-42, www.CenterTix.net 907-274-8668 www.AnchorageSymphony.org Palmer Historical Society Monthly Membership Meeting On Octember 18th, 2013, the Palmer Historical Society’s guest speakers are

Lorie Kirker and Lynette Lehn, owners of the “ Alaskana Book Store” in Palmer.

Mat Su Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Saturday, October 12, 2013 8 am to 10 AM Mat-Su Family Restaurant $10.00 per individual - responsible for own breakfast Just purchase at the door Edna DeVries and those concerned about our country 907-745-3388 Gateway to Darkness: Haunted Attraction October 4th - November 2nd Friday, Saturday, Sunday 7:00PM Zombiefist 6 Sat, Oct 26th, 7:00PM 36 Crazyfists & More!

Egan Center, Anchorage www.aksoul.com Family Fun Days at the Reindeer Farm Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28 and 29 Monday Oct 31 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sleepy Hollow : A Musical Tale Friday, Oct 18 7:00p to 8:30p Alaska Center for the Performing Arts Toastmasters International, Palmer Chapter, Speech Contest MTA Conference Center, Palmer Saturday Octember 21st 2:00-5:00 pm Free with reservations, space is limited Toastmasters Area Governor Diana L. Straub Diana L. Straub 841-7245 Eat Healthy / Be Active Workshop Fri, October 4 - Fri, November 8 (Friday’s only) 12 pm - 1 pm UAF Cooperative Extension Service, Family Nutrition Program 809 S Chugach St., Ste #2, Palmer, AK 99645 // $10 // Winona Benson 907-745-3423 Play “Cost of Living Revisited” Fri, Oct 11, Sat, Oct 12, Sun, Oct 13; Fri, Oct 18, Sat, Oct 19, Sun, Oct 20 Fri, and Sat, 7pm-8pm; Sun, 3pm-4pm Play about breast cancer awareness Alaska Club Theatre // Free Eileen Ivers, Sat, October 26, 2013, 8pm Alaska Center for the Performing Arts 621 W 6th Ave $27-44, www.CenterTix.net 907-274-8668 www.AnchorageSymphony.org A Halloween Performance of Pusscart Players Little Red Riding Hood and other Stories with a Trick-or-Treat Party after the show.

Atwood Concert Halll, ACPA Thursday, October 31st, 6:30 PM $11-$27 Alaska Junior Theater Palmer Toastmaster Club Every Tuesday 5:45pm-6:45pm MTA Building Commercial Drive, Palmer, Alaska Free Jan Thurlow, 907-376-4552 palmer.toastmastersclubs.org Artisans Open Air Market - ALL SUMMER LONG Every Saturday, Sunday & Monday 10am-6pm May 18th - Oct 16th Outside of the Sheldon Community Arts

Hangar.

The Swingin’ Ravens perform Lake Lucille Inn Saturday, Oct 28, 6PM to 9PM. Featuring the music of Louis Armstrong and Pete Fountain.

John McKimmey Clarinet, Tenor Sax and Vocals; Hank Hartman Trombone, Joe Hartman Bass, Christa Mayfield Drums.

Modern New Orleans Swing!

This Gala Event benefits Stride Alaska.

Tickets are $50 and may be purchased online.

A Halloween Performance of Pusscart Players Little Red Riding Hood and other Stories with a Trick-or-Treat Party after the show.

Atwood Concert Halll, ACPA Thursday, October 31st, 6:30 PM $11-$27 Alaska Junior Theater www.akjt.org or 263-ARTS The Wasilla Marketplace on the scenic Wasilla Lake local vendors Local musicians Thursdays and Saturdays from June 23rd to August 31st 10am-6pm RECURRING Mat-Su Toastmasters 889 N. Elkhorn Drive Wasilla, AK 99654 Located upstairs in the Pub Every Tuesday from 7:30am to 8:30am Mat-Su Toastmasters 907.841.9818 or 907.355.3039 Free Community Concerts Palmer Salvation Army Every Sat Night, 8:30 pm $5 suggested donation StrongWomen - Palmer Mon - Wed - Fri, 11am - 12 pm Mat-Su Cooperative Extension Service 809 S Chugach St.., Ste #2, Palmer, $5 for a two month session Julie Cascio 907-745-3360 http://www.uaf.edu/ces/districts/matsu/ hhfd/strongwomen/ Palmer Public Library’s Events Every Tues at 10am: Baby Lap Sit Every Tues at 11am: 2 year old Story Time Every Wed at 2pm: Open Room for Preschoolers Every Thurs at 10:30am: 3-5 year old Story Time Fri, February 8th: 7pm. Foreign Film, Hospitalite (see library website www. cityofpalmer/library for synopsis) Mon, February 18th: 7-8pm. Friends of the Palmer Library Meeting Sewing Circle Meets the first and third Wed of the month 1-3pm, Free Mat-Su Senior Services 1132 S. Chugach St. Palmer 745-5454 mat-suseniorservices.com Caregivers Connection Last Mon of each month 1-3pm Free Mat-Su Senior Services 1132 S. Chugach St. Palmer, AK 99645 745-5454 mat-suseniorservices.com sueann.smithatmat-suseniorservices. com NuKreationZ Art & Creativity Center Tues-Sat Noon-6pm Art gallery, classes and workshops Make your own pottery

Palmer Museum New Hours Wed-Fri 10am-5pm Sat, 10-2pm Free Admission Art Exhibits & More Mat-Su Community Chorus Rehearsal Thurss @ 7pm Wasilla High School All vocal ranges welcome No auditions necessary, unless 18 years of age or younger Mat-Su Concert Band Rehearsal Musicians Welcome Rehearsals are every Mon. 7 to 9 pm Teeland Middle School.

For more info, contact Gleo Huyck at 746-0628 Learn to Skate 60 minute class for ages 3- Teens Curtis D Menard Memorial Center Class schedule and registration forms are available online: www.cityofwasilla.com Wasilla Strong Women Strength Training Mon * Wed * Fri 10-11 am * Year Round Program * Call Sharon 376-4434 Tues * Thurs 4:00 pm. Call Peggy 7156338 Lower Level of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 501 E. Bogard Rd. Improve balance, strength, stamina and fight osteoporosis. $5.00 per 8 week session.

Women, Wine & Wed Third Wed every month Presented by Lakeshore Studio East Lake Mall, Big Lake 6:30pm $25 RSVP 230-0935 Free Hearing Screening provided by MatSu Sertoma Club First Sat Every Month 10am-1pm Wasilla Physical Therapy Deana Moore 761-5229 Whatever! Teen Lounge Featuring Wii gaming at Palmer Library T-Th, 2-4pm 746-4700 Alaska Celtic Pipes and Drums Free piping and drumming Instruction Every Fri Evening, 5-5:45 pm Eagle River Presbyterian Church 12836 Old Glen Hwy, Eagle River Wasilla Meta-Rose Library: Toddler Storytime Wed at 10:30am and 1:30pm Preschool Storytime Thurs at 10:30am and 1:30pm Baby Lapsit Storytime Fri at 10:30am Discussion Junction Family Book Club First Tues of each month Wasilla Meta-Rose Library Reading Rendezvous Last Sat of every month.

Wasilla Meta-Rose Library Palmer Public Library: Baby Lap Sit Every Tues at 10am 2 year old Story Time Every Tues at 11am Baby Lap Sit Every Wed at 2pm 3-5 year old Story Time Every Thurs at 10:30am

Foreign Film Every Second Fri at 7pm Schwabenhof Live Music Every Fri & Sat 9pm until…

Sun Blues Open Mic Jam 9pm Tues Dart Night Fairview Inn Music Talkeetna Every Thur at 9:30pm Open Mic. Every Fri at 8pm and Sat at 10pm Live Music.

Sahara Storm Studio and Circus Arts Clinics 982-4955 Valley Arts Alliance Meeting Thurs at 11:00am Sophia’s Cafe Neo, Palmer Wasilla Hwy Tammy’s Turf for Tots!

For children 6 & under $5 per child Mon - Fri 10am-1pm Tues & Thurs FREE! Menard Memorial Sports Center: 3579100 BABY STEPS Walking Program for New & Expectant Moms & Dads Mon & Wed 8AM-Noon Menard Memorial Sports Center 357-9100 Business Networking International Every Tues 9am Menard Memorial Sports Center 357-9100 Wasilla Bible Church Sun- Menard Memorial Sports Center 357-9100 NAOI Outdoor Safety Classes Full schedule of classes online www.naoiak.org 376-2898.

The Crystal Mandala Classes A variety of creative classes Every Sat 2-5pm Palmer Museum of History and Art Open Everyday 9am-6pm Free Admission and light refreshments 725 S Valley Way, Palmer 746-7668 www.palmermuseum.org Museum of Alaska Transportation Open Everyday10am-5pm 3800 W Museum Drive, Wasilla 376-1211 Mat-Su Central School Enrolling K-12 Homeschool Support & Distance Delivery Education www.MatSuCentral.org Wasilla 352-7450 Mat-Su College Apply for scholarships now New dance and music classes available spring semester Current employment opportunities Wasilla www.MatSu.Alaska.edu Wasilla Shotokan Karate Club Tuesday and Thursday 6:30 to 8:00 pm Wasilla Alaska Club Instructor Dr. Jeffrey L. Sponsler Age 7 and up.

Fee is $10 per month for members $15 for non-members.

907 376 7733 for more information Free Community Concerts Palmer Salvation Army Every Sat Night, 8:30 pm $5 suggested donation

Social Issues

>

THE EVOLUTION OF A BREACH OF FAITH CONTINUED

they were dispersed over the airways, allowing for manipulation, distortion, egregious claims of being taken out of context, and outright falsehoods.

As a consequence, the language was gradually debased over time.

Words no longer had concrete, precise meanings and writers in the broadcast media came to be called wordsmiths; implying they could pound, hammer, and fabricate words to support any agenda they wanted because the definitions were malleable. But words are the vocal means of expressing ideas and concepts such as good and evil, right and wrong, humane and inhumane.

If words no longer have immutable definitions, then it is inevitable that the thoughts and ideas which language expresses will also have no immutable constants. And in the end relativism becomes the only standard--if it makes one feel good it is good, if it makes one feel bad it is evil. With such a mushy seabed, it is not difficult to see how a society can drift without a moral anchor.

History teaches us that any society that acquiesces in the slipshod use of words creates a situation where there are no concrete ethical constructs, since all judgments become relative in such an environment. When that occurs there is no fixed standard of moral behavior, only flexible standards that can be espoused using flexible words with fabricated meanings. A natural corollary of this is that all religious philosophies and teachings must be denigrated and renounced; for by definition they imply an immutable moral and ethical standard handed down by a Supreme Being (which is in direct contravention of the concept of secular relativism).

As the broadcast media learned the vast potential for moneymaking, which could be realized by condoning distortions, exaggerated promises, and outright falsehoods in commercials, the public was presented with a deluge of such advertisements. The predictable result was that over time, they became inured to this; tolerating the empty rhetoric and lies as merely Madison Avenue hype to be tolerated in exchange for the gratification of entertainment.

practicality or the effort required to accomplish something as issues to be evaluated when forming conclusions.

Instead, they made decisions based merely on whether it made them feel good for a time or not, in both public and private life. And the broadcast media (taking a page from Ancient Rome) abetted the process by actively shielding the public from the dangers of the world with mindless drivel such as game shows and soap operas, gleaning huge profits in the process.

When politicians observed this behavior they quickly realized that like Pavlov’s dogs being conditioned to salivate at dinner bells; a significant portion of the world’s population could be conditioned to tolerate lies and distortions as the price of political gratification (whether government giveaways or merely being commended and encouraged to feel good about themselves for “doing good”, most often with other peoples’ resources). The end result was that exaggerated promises, distortions, and outright lies evolved politically from behaviors deserving of contempt to matters of common usage (not even worthy of mention, much less censure).

To claim that the medium was too new for anyone to understand what was happening is a blatant falsehood.

The pernicious impact of broadcast media had not gone totally unnoticed.

In 1958 Edward R. Murrow issued a warning regarding television’s bias toward commercialism and entertainment at the expense of public service. He warned in a speech that television:

With the advent of the new medium, television, the situation markedly worsened. Now the smoke and mirrors of carefully crafted visual imagery were added to painstakingly selected words to weave a cocoon of self-delusion around a large part of the TV audience.

Image supplanted substance.

Emotionalism subjugated reason as the basis of decision-making.

Large segments of the populace, particularly in Western Europe and America utterly discounted wisdom,

“…in the main insulates us from the realities of the world in which we live. If this state of affairs continues, we may alter an advertising slogan to read ‘Look Now…Pay Later’”.13 He was of course ignored. In 1964, Marshall McLuhan warned the public that the medium was insinuating itself into the message to such an extent that the way the medium portrayed the message was at least as important and perhaps even more so, than the message itself with regard to how the public perceived it.14 He too, was ignored. A few people here and there knew the piper might one day have to be paid...a few educators, a few ministers, a rare politician. But none of us reaching maturity in the seventh and eighth decades of the century realized our sweat, tears, and

blood would be the currency required to discharge the debt.

Perhaps in future decades, with full access to the archives of the Federal Government (and the archives of both its adversaries and allies) someone will be able to explain completely what happened; but in all honesty, I find this doubtful.

Self-aggrandized propagandists (just like governments) somehow always seem to evade culpability for the results of their actions. In their comfortable studios with their corporate security guards, they hold forth and dogmatize on what sacrifices need to be made; leaving it for others to actually sweat, bleed, and die. Unfortunately, that seems to be the way of the modern world.

Perhaps, in any event, it doesn’t really matter.

The Greek Philosopher Epictetus implied that History is not the record of men’s deeds, but the record of men’s reactions to those deeds.15 The obvious corollary is that in a society increasingly disavowing any moral or ethical standard greater than instant self-aggrandizement; history’s judgment will be rendered by polemicists and propagandists from the smoky-mirrored stages of the broadcast media.

And just as happened with my generation, it will not be the people who failed to keep faith. It will be the government that breached faith with the People--and in the end, with American Ideals.

Oct. 2013

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

34

Aardvark Catering/Pizza Thyme Book your holiday catering now!

Prime Rib

every Weekend!

Politics ELECTION DAY SUCCESS

Contributed By Vic Kohring Despite not winning a seat on the Wasilla City Council October 1st, the election results were a victory.

I won a third of the vote, which was substantial considering my legal ordeal of the last seven years and barrage of hostile press reporting, lead by the anti-conservative Anchorage Daily News who views me as a threat and ideological enemy.

But many have seen through the biased reporting and recognize I was railroaded by the government into a conviction over small, inconsequential issues, the same as Ted Stevens. To have been targeted by cheating prosecutors who conned a jury into convicting me to the delight of the Daily News and then getting thrown in prison--only to return home and receive the support of a third of my community, was remarkable.

I found the vote totals very interesting as well, if not troubling. A total of 666 votes were cast in favor of my

small banquet facilities available

call 892-3633

Dinner Jazz

Located in the East Lake Mall in beautiful downtown Big Lake Alaska!

opponent. Students of the Bible are well aware this number represents demonic forces prophesied in the Book of Revelation. To me, the vote count also symbolizes hostile--even evil--forces who fought mightily for my defeat, lead by the Marxist Daily News who predictably and once again went to great lengths to portray me as a sinister human being. Their editorials and manner in which they wrote "news" articles about my candidacy were designed to manipulate voters and drive a wedge between us by destroying my credibility. There's an old saying that you're known by your enemies. If the News is against you philosophically and therefore attempts to slander you, to me it actually speaks well of a person and their convictions.

Then there were my political enemies in the community (fortunately there are few) who quietly lurked in the shadows while spreading lies and rumors. I was accused of conspiring with the mayor to undermine and discredit my opponent and supposedly collaborated with another elected official as part of some bizarre payoff, a ludicrous and unfounded allegation. These people were fearful of my strength as a candidate

and potential comeback and were particularly concerned that I was actively campaigning door-to-door and getting reacquainted with city residents whom I used to represent.

They saw how serious my effort was, so in their desperation, a real paranoia developed. I don't count my opponent as my enemy, as he's a real gentlemen and a decent person and family man. And I recognize his vote total was no fault of his. Rather it was a reflection of those who vigorously opposed me and were willing to do nearly anything to ensure I wasn't elected, regardless of who I faced on the ballot.

I sensed a negative aura during the campaign--an angry, intense, hostile attitude displayed toward me. It was laughable watching these individuals squirm and scurry about in fear as they actively campaigned for my defeat, worrying about my staging a comeback. It also struck me how the small liberal element in town came out in strong numbers against me, despite my opponent's conservative credentials. The Libs of course were not in support of a true conservative, but rather were simply opposed to my rising again. You could see evidence of this in the placement of yard

every Sunday from 6-8 pm

signs, letters-to-the-editor, on social networking sites and email trees.

The final vote count of 666, the "Mark of the Beast" as it's known, was indicative of the wickedness of certain elements in today's society, where good, honest, conservative, God-fearing people are excoriated and targeted for political and personal destruction by left-wing, antiChristian, big government control advocates who abhor the principles of the Bible and constitutional fundamentals of freedom and liberty.

Many of these same people pretend otherwise, cloaking themselves with the "I'm a conservative" mantra, when in reality they are closet progressives.

I am grateful to everyone who supported me. I met many wonderful folks on the campaign trial who offered encouragement and were a source of strength. Thanks also to those who made donations to my campaign, wrote letters-to-the-editor and placed signs on their property. I truly appreciate your courage and taking a stand on my behalf. May God bless you.

Vic Kohring is a resident of Wasilla

Politics

STOP FIGHTING ON OUR PLAYGROUND Contributed by Ann Lyons

Like many Americans lately, I don’t usually voice my political opinions unless it directly or indirectly involves me. However with the recent debacle in our government I cannot stay quiet any longer.

With the shutdown of government, I shook my head in disbelief with some of the practices that we the people have had to acknowledge being carried out by the very people we put in power to represent us. However, when that body goes beyond the pale of decency in an effort to make lives as miserable as possible to win their point and have drawn a line in the sand in which compromises seem to be dirty words and their refusal to step over that line, it is time to speak out.

before the government was shut down and no plans were made for actions to be in place. Today blame was placed on the Department of Defense to work out a solution a “work around” to fix the problem and Mr. Carney said that legislation to correct the problem did not need to be made at this time.

As the wife of a vet, I feel it is a heartbreaking outrage to the families, not just of the four that were brought home recently but to every member in the military and their families.

It is like they are considered inconsequential cannon fodder. It is OK to send them to defend this country and make the ultimate sacrifice but no one wants to resolve what they think is an oversight. It is as bad, in its own way, as spitting on the vets returning from Viet Nam.

The members of the United States military received what amounted to a slap in the face by our Executive Branch of Federal Government this week. Our slain military members families were forced to depend on voluntary services (Fisher House) to bring them to Dover to receive the flag draped coffins containing their loved ones who gave their last breath for freedom of this country. It should be an affront to every American.

The Executive Branch has deemed National Parks as non-essential, cancer research as non-essential and has gone out of its way to use pettiness and spite in an effort to “make this shutdown as painful as possible”.

Private homes on Federal land have been closed and the occupants removed. Private businesses on Federal Land have been closed. Rivers running through Federal land have been closed to fishing (forcing guides who have licenses to operate on Federal land to be out of work). Open air National Parks have been closed expending more money in closing them than is spent keeping them open.

Today, Jay Carney during a press conference said that benefits of fallen soldiers would continue to be paid by volunteers and not the government.

He refused to state when this outrage was brought to the President’s attention. Yesterday it was announced to the public that the missing death benefits were discussed three days

American vets have been denied access to war memorials, World War II veterans in wheel chairs that were provided with a once in a lifetime chance to pay last respects to fallen comrades were forced to remove blockades in order to see their memorial in their Nation’s capitol. Roadside pullouts have been

closed because they have views of Mt. Rushmore; a perfect example of governmental pettiness and excess.

I do not care if it is the democrats, the republicans, the independents, the tea party or the president. I am tired, disappointed and ashamed of our leaders. We as the people of the United States voted these people into office to do our biding. They work for us.

I also do not believe it is the fault of the Republicans alone that the government has been shut down much like opinions voiced in the social media and the press. They are doing their job to prevent the continued over spending beyond our means to pay. The Constitution provides for more than one branch of government to provide a system of checks and balances in order to prevent excessive government control over its citizens.

Under our system of Government, one branch is not empowered to legislate, and execute the laws of the land. And the power of the purse was deliberately given to the House of Representatives, not the Senate or the Presidency.

Our nation is currently 17 Trillion dollars in debt. That is more zeros than most people can even realize. Stimulus programs, cash for clunkers, extended pay for unemployment. Nancy Pelosi said that unemployment added to the economy and made it grow, but it has not to date paid for the increase in government spending. President Obama says he has cut the deficit in half, as if he has done something great and wonderful. Ask yourself, however, in your personal life, just how great a job would you be doing with your budget if you cut your expenditures from a thousand dollars a month more than you earn to merely $500 dollars a month. It is common knowledge that any business spending more than it makes cannot long survive.

Another problem I have is the unfairness. The Washington Mall has been closed to our citizens and veterans, but not for the Camino Americano March for Immigration Reform. Both Nancy Pelosi and Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey were scheduled to attend.

Harry Reed said yesterday “I will work harder and I hope my senators will work to their best to maintain these habits of civility and decorum going forward”. This is during the same day he and members of congress have called the Republicans extremist, legislative arsonist, hostage takers, tea party driven activist and why don’t they just get a life. Senator John Cornyn of Texas said the president is still sitting on the sidelines.

President Obama still continues to refuse to negotiate or show any willingness to compromise. I believe that as the Commander in Chief, he should be held responsible for the debacle that we are in. He needs to lead. It is responsibility of those we put in power to negotiate and get America out of this mess.

Read something you don’t like?

Don’t just whine about it - write about it!

And then send it to us at Make A Scene!

Oct. 2013

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

36

Social Issues THE TRUE CHURCH

Contributed By Al Christian Okay, the time has come. I’m offended. It takes a lot to offend me, but this really does. And my opinion on this topic is sure to offend about 90% of you.

Oh well, get ready...

I’m tired of so-called ‘churches’ hijacking my Christianity. It’s not yours, you can’t take it from me.

Christ gave it to me, and you weren’t part of the equation, with your false religion – your traditions of men.

Here’s how this testimony of mine started…

I woke up early on Sunday morning, and hit the town. Several things were on my list to accomplish that morning, none of which were ‘going to church’! As if such a thing were even possible – but more on that later.

A nice young lady asked me if I was ‘going to church’. I told her no, but I wanted to tell her that ‘going to church’ isn’t even in the bible.

I wanted to tell her that I am the Church, and so is she if she chooses, and no one on earth is qualified since the advent of Christianity to determine, bestow, or nullify membership of said Church.

I wanted to tell her that these socalled ‘churches’ were blasphemous in that they presume to call themselves something that they are not. To make matters worse,

they’ve taken something holy, the collective presence of Christianity on the earth, the true Church, and transferred its title to an inanimate object, a building made by men. I wanted to tell her that this was idol worship. I wanted to tell her that the Church was all Christians, as imperfect as they all are, and that there was only one true church, and that none of the organizations of men were that true Church. But I decided to write this instead, and tell everyone.

Now you’re probably starting to quote something about forsaking the gathering together… Go ahead, take things out of context. If you’re a so-called ‘church-goer’, that’s probably all you know: taking things out of context.

To blaspheme the Holy Spirit is the unforgivable sin. So, let’s explore that, shall we?

The Holy Spirit is wherever two or more are gathered. We are the temple of God. Our bodies, ourselves, gathered together, and bam! Holy Spirit! It’s simple, until arrogant men complicate it with their vain traditions. But then we turn around and make a building, a monument to our own efforts, usually built with usurious, interestbearing loans, and we bestow upon it the name of ‘church’, blaspheming the Holy Spirit that exists within the true Church.

I rebuke this evil, it’s gone on long enough!

Aren’t you tired of your ‘churches’ ignoring the scriptures?

Aren’t you tired of the hypocrisy? Judge

a tree by the fruit it bears! These false religions are nothing more than vain men clinging to their traditions, rejecting the perfect law of liberty that Christ gave his life to give to us.

Adam did not attend a ‘church’!

Christ did not attend a ‘church’!

He destroyed this curse of religion that came as a result of the fall of man. Yet, like a dog to its vomit, we return to this folly.

God wants a direct presence in the Church, in us, all the time, seven days a week. But we take the day of rest, and make it the day of worship.

This is not biblical. It’s confusion, and who is the author of confusion?

As long as we continue to call an inanimate object, built by men, the ‘church’, we will confuse future generations as to the true nature of the Church. To mislead these young ones is awful. Enough!

Satan is the imitator. He appears as an angel of light. Now, let’s think about that. He’s created an imitation of the true Church, and they appear to be places of light!

But they create the darkness of ignorance instead.

Religion is a curse of vanity!

Consider how we dress nicely for ‘church’. Really? Have we forgotten the meaning of clothing? The fig leaves that covered our shame? So now we’ve sewn those fig leaves into fine garments, satisfying our sense of vanity every week, as we parade ourselves in our fine temples for everyone else to admire our appearance. Do you think God is impressed with your new hairdo, uncovered for all to see? Do you

think God likes your suit and loud prayers for everyone to hear?

You, who call something what it is not, you are the problem. True Christianity, the likes of which we’ve never really seen, is the solution.

I’m not talking about some pious exclamation of faith once a week, but words and actions that show your faith on a daily basis.

In order for this to happen, we must shed ourselves these traditions of men. We must embrace our faith, and forget our religions. They are all that stand between us and what God wants for us. He wants to get to know us, to become one with us, but we choose a cheap imitation instead.

This pattern is throughout the scriptures, because God is merciful and gave us written records that make this fact painfully obvious. But we pick and choose small portions, even presuming to number the individual phrases so as to make it easier to take out of context. This is evil, and I’ll call it such.

The true Church is God’s presence on the earth. Conversely, the false church is Satan’s presence on the earth. God will overcome this evil, this wickedness. Will you, as part of the true Church, do your part to put an end to this blasphemy? Will you ‘come out of her, my people?’

37

Family Fun

HALLOWEEN WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

HOW TO PLAY? BrainBashers - November 2011 Every row, column & 3x3 section must10, include digits 1-- 9Easy in any order.

Can not repeat a number in the row, column or 3x3 square.

Sudoku Š Kevin Stone Sudoku Ref: 31798

Oct. 2013

Printed from BrainBashers [www.brainbashers.com]

38 Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com Oct. 2013

> LOCKS OF LOVE CONTINUED

of the sweethearts names and a special date written with an indelible “sharpie” marker.

But like the luster of love that sometimes fades over time, those names memorialized with an indelible “sharpie” marker were fading, and showing the effects of time.

Eventually the custom of Love Locks fell into oblivion. That is, until after WW2 when Serbian poet Desanka Maksimović wrote her famous poem “A Prayer for Love”, about a similar practice on a footbridge in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia.

Other sweethearts had purchased heavier red or blue anodized brass key locks and had their names and special dates deeply etched (or professionally engraved) into the lock, which seemed a more permanent memorial to eternal love. But there were also some sweethearts (only a very few) that had used combination locks to announce their love—easier to remove in case the relationship broke up, I guess.

The practice really flourished after Federico Moccia wrote his love story “Three Meters Above the Sky” in the 1990’s, which mentions the ritual of affixing Love Locks on the Milvian Bridge over the Tiber River in Rome.

Love Locks have been seen in Europe for decades. There are stories dating back to WW1 about young Serbian women writing their name and their sweetheart’s name on a padlock, snapping these padlocks to a bridge (their usual meeting place), and afterward throwing the keys symbolically into the river.

Regardless of the history behind Love Locks, the practice has increased dramatically in the 21st century and has now spread throughout the world.

My sweetie has hand engraved our own brass padlock, and the next time I’m in Paris (the City of Love), I’ll snap our Love Lock on the Passerelle Solférino footbridge and become part of the history of this wonderful custom.

Literature

Alaska Bible College is now in PALMER!

Barbara Brown Book Signings

www.akbible.edu

Barbara Brown will sign copies of her first children’s picture book, Hanukkah in Alaska.

Sunday, November 3 12:30-3:00 pm Congregation Beth Sholom 7525 E. Northern Lights Blvd Anchorage 99504 Saturday, November 23 1-3 pm Barnes & Noble 200 E Northern Lights Blvd Anchorage 99503

‘MORE THAN A BEAR’ STORY AT FIRESIDE BOOKS Signed copies of Wayne Burkhart’s short story, More Than A Bear Story, is now available for sale at Fireside Books.

Alaska Day October 18 Alaska Day is the anniversary of the formal transfer of the territory and the raising of the US. flag at Sitka on October 18, 1867.

REGISTER for the 2013 FALL SEMESTER at Alaska Bible College in PALMER!

We are excited to announce fully accredited degree programs at Alaska Bible College in Palmer!

A full range of classes being offered can be found on our website. Call or email now to take classes in Christian ministry, missions, education, and outdoor ministry.

TO REGISTER:

Online: www.akbible.edu/Palmer Call the Registrar: 800-478-7884 Email: creimer@akbible.edu

WRITE ON. >> You can be a published writer! <<

To submit your writing: go to www.makeasceneAK.com

WRITE ON. or email us at makeasceneAK@mac.com

>> You can be a published writer! <<

To submit your writing: submit your stuff online go to www.makeasceneAK.com or email us at makeasceneAK@mac.com