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www. MAKEASCENEAK .com OCT. 2015
OCT. 2015
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com PAGE 4
THE Holiday Bazaar
at Academy Charter School
> Our local cutting edge Charter School is hosting a fascinating Holiday Bazaar! Contributed by Cole Brock
1. Swallowed by the Great Land: And Other Dispatches By Seth Kantner Compelling Alaska stories from Seth Kantner, bestselling author of Ordinary Wolves. 2. Chuck Sassara’s Alaska By Chuck Sassara Chuck Sassara moved to Alaska in a VW bus in 1955 with his wife, Ann. His life of aviation, government and business is full of colorful characters - many known, some unknown - but all are interesting. An engaging book full of history, adventure and laughter. 3. Rock With Wings By Anne Hillerman Navajo Tribal cops Jim Chee and Bernadette Manuelito, along with their mentor, the legendary Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn, investigate two perplexing cases in this exciting mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Spider Woman’’s Daughter.
At this outstanding Bazaar, you will find all the entertaining and beloved accessories that you know and love. There will be booths full of Christmas joy, like magnificent jewelry items and unique/ seasonal gifts for the entire family! For the men and women who love bath and body products, there will be amazing styles and types that you can’t resist. If you are wandering what venders will be there, then I can tell there is Pampered Chief, 31 Gifts and Bags, Tyra Beauty, Home Crafts (Crochet), and more!
Calling to all parents, our 8th grade team has arranged a fun filled activity station just for your child! We also have Holiday Concession stands exploding with Holiday Cheer filled with mouth-watering food and belly warming designer Hot Chocolate that you will want to die for. So come on down and show your Holiday Spirit at the Academy Charter School Bazaar!!! Any businesses interested in being involved with this Bazaar call or visit us on our Facebook page > SATURDAY, NOV 14 10:00am- 5:00pm Free Admission 801 E. Arctic Avenue, Palmer Visit our Facebook page at: www.Facebook.com/ TheHolidayBazaar
4. Ol’ 556: Alaska’s Mighty Steam Engine By Shannon Cartwright All aboard the legendary train! 5. Spider Woman’s Daughter By Anne Hillerman Legendary tribal sleuths Leaphorn and Chee are back The supremely talented daughter of New York Times bestselling author Tony Hillerman continues his popular series. 6. Almost Crimson By Dasha Kelly From a young age CeCe copes with her mother’’s crippling depression, their severe poverty, an absentee father, and her own insecurities. 7. The Snow Child By Eowyn Ivey Alaska, 1920: a brutal place to homestead, and especially tough for recent arrivals Jack and Mabel. 8. Tony Hillerman’s Landscape By Anne Hillerman A photographic journey through the landscape immortalized in bestselling author Tony Hillerman’’s beloved mystery series featuring the legendary Navajo police officers Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and Sergeant Jim Chee. 9. Find the Good By Heather Lende As the obituary writer in a spectacularly beautiful but often dangerous spit of land in Alaska, Heather Lende knows something about last words and lives well lived. 10. Dog Man: Chronicles of an Iditarod Champion By Martin Buser Iditarod legend Martin Buser tells his story.
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Community
‘Tis the Season for the Fair Holiday Bazaar
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Free Community Event October 24 -25 Palmer, Alaska – Everyone is invited to get in the holiday spirit at the annual Alaska State Fair Holiday Bazaar Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25 at Raven Hall on the fairgrounds. The free event will take place Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
· It’s the 15th anniversary of the holiday bazaar. · Event admission is completely free, including parking. · There will be more than
100 vendors offering a wide variety of gifts, most of which are unique and Alaskan made. This year’s event will feature several new vendors as well. · All guests will receive a free raffle ticket and the chance to win great prizes.
November 13th, from 6 AM to 6 PM On Q 99.7
During the 12 hour radiothon, you’ll hear the stories of our local youth, living out on the street,
some in dangerous situations, and not knowing where their next meal will come from. As you’re listening, you’ll also hear great stories of progress and the wonderful work MY House does to get these kids out of a bad situation and back on their feet. Last year, over $75,000 was raised, thanks to generous listeners in the Valley. Money raised from The MY House Radiothon, stays right here in the Valley, and makes an impact on the lives of Valley. Call 373-HELP(4357)
nachos for purchase. · There will be arts and crafts to keep the kids happy and entertained. For more information, please visit alaskastatefair.org
· Alaska Moose Bites will be on site with gourmet sandwiches, hot dogs and
PRESS RELEASE
Wasilla, AK: Local schools and service organizations estimate that there are over 700 homeless youth in the Valley age 14-24. Join MY House and Valley Radio, Q 99.7, for the 3rd Annual MY House Radiothon, as we raise much needed funds and awareness for homeless youth and young adults in the Mat Su Valley.
OCT. 2015
There are more reasons to visit the bazaar than there are names on Santa’s list! Here are just a few reasons to put it on the calendar:
Anchorage, AK – Seventeen lucky Alaskans who made charitable donations through Pick.Click.Give. were chosen as the winners of the 2015 “Double Your Dividend” sweepstakes. Of the 22,000+ people who released their names so nonprofits could thank them, seventeen were chosen at random to win a cash prize of equal to the 2015 dividend amount - $2,072. Winners donated to a variety of organizations through Pick.Click. Give., ranging from food banks to youth camps, special need support groups, pet rescue shelters, community foundations and more. The winners plan to use their cash prizes in a variety of ways including paying bills, purchasing local artwork, saving for college, buying a new iPad, and even buying a horse.
Winners of the Pick. Click.Give. “Double Your Dividend” sweepstakes are:
Paden Burgess – Wasilla, AK Joshua Delong – Anchorage, AK Susan Douglas – Juneau, AK Lance Greer – Juneau, AK Maren Haavig – Juneau, AK Lynn Hohl – Seward, AK Ethan Knapp – Anchorage, AK Dorothy Machida – Fairbanks, AK Michele Miller – Homer, AK Patsy Perkins – Fairbanks, AK Kendall Pullen – Wasilla, AK Kris Roberts – Fairbanks, AK Keira Robertson – Anchorage, AK Katherine Tonsgard – Anchorage, AK Deborah Vogt – Haines, AK Greta Whitney – Bethel, AK Miranda Worl – Juneau, AK
For a complete list of nonprofit organizations that participate in Pick.Click.Give., visit Pick.Click. Give.org Our mission is to transform gifts from Alaskans into an extraordinary contribution for our state’s future.
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Entertainment
> As part of the October Palmer Food Bank fundraising effort, the Annex, which is located in the old Palmer City Morgue (circa 1952) is bringing to Palmer the ever popular Mystery Night Theatre!
ADELE MORGAN PERFORMING AT THE FAMILY FUN FEST, PAGE 11
ALASKA HOME COMPANION: A FRONTIER VARIETY SHOW PAGE 14
As you work to solve the case, you may enjoy the extensive appetizer buffet and basic cash bar. The Murder at The Morgue - Mystery Night includes a great group of local actors and residents, so be sure to interrogate them while you mingle. In order to identify the guilty parties, you will need to collect clues from as many people as possible.
> Murder at The Morgue Mystery Night October 24, 2015 7 pm @ The Annex 247 S. Alaska Street, Palmer 907.745.3900
Be sure to stay alert, as the suspects will be all around you and murder can happen at any time!
> Tickets $30.00 Available at The Annex & participating merchants OCT. 2015
CHICAGO THE MUSICAL: AT THE GLENN MASSAY THEATER, PALMER PAGE 21
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The Murder at The Morgue - Mystery Night is carefully designed to get everyone involved. If you are serious about sleuthing, visit participating Palmer businesses the week leading up to the event to gather the clues. Or, do your detective work by simply showing up on this fateful evening and gather the clues as the night unfolds.
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Community Events Art BELL, BOOK & CANDLE Romantic Comedy Play at Valley Performing Arts October 16 - November 8 Friday and Saturday 7:00pm, Sunday 2:00pm 251 West Swanson, Wasilla, AK 99654 $20 General Admission / $18 Students/Seniors
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FAMILY FUN FEST October 24 & 31 10am-5pm The Reindeer Farm 5561 S Bodenburg Loop Rd, Palmer $10.00 AK TUESDAY NIGHT FIGHTS Tuesday, October 20 7:40pm Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center 1001 S Mack Drive, Wasilla, AK 99654 More info at aktuesdaynightfights.com MAT-SU TRANSPORTATION FAIR Thursday, October 22 4:00pm Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center 1001 S Mack Drive, Wasilla, AK 99654 matsutranspofair.blogspot.com CHICAGO THE MUSICAL October 22-24, October 29-31 7pm curtain (except the 31st), 2pm matinees on the 24th and 31st The Glenn Massay Theater 8295 E College Dr, Palmer, AK 99645 $19 adults, $11 students www.glennmassaytheater.com ACTION BRONSON Friday, October 23 7:30pm Egan Center 555 W 5th Ave, Anchorage $35 advance / $40 door general admission $25 advance / $30 door UAA students Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com
OCT. 2015
CASTLE MOUNTAIN COALITION’S HARVEST FESTIVAL Friday, October 23 5:00pm Palmer Train Depot 610 S Valley Way, Palmer www.castlemountain.org/ event/castle-mountain-harvest-festival
MURDER AT THE MORGUE Dinner Theatre at The Annex Saturday, October 24 7:00pm 247 S Alaska Street, Palmer, AK 99645 Tickets are $30 and includes appetizer buffet OLD TOWN AUTUMN FEST Saturday, October 24 1:00pm Dorothy G. Page Museum 323 N Main Street, Wasilla, AK, 99654 FREE NOCTURNAL HALLOWEEN MASSIVE 2015 17+ iLL.GATES vs KJ SAWKA Live Bass Music Friday October 30, 7:00pm Egan Center 555 W 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501 $42 advance, $65 door, $85 VIP ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW Friday, October 30 9:00pm Sheldon Community Arts Hangar Downtown Talkeetna, behind the Post Office $10/$15 36 CRAZYFISTS AND ALL HAIL THE YETI Friday, October 30 7:00pm Anchorage Community Works 349 E Ship Creek Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501 $20 advance / $25 door Tickets are available at www.flavorus.com/36cfacw HALLOWEEN 2015: THE BOWIE BASH Saturday, October 31 8:00pm Williwaw, 609 F St, Anchorage, AK, 99501 Tickets are available at etix.com -- 21+ HOME MARKET Saturday, October 31 9:00am Alaska Laestadian Luthern Church 1341 E Sue Ln, Wasilla, AK 99654 www.facebook.com/akhomemarket CLICK, CLACK, MOO Saturday, October 31 2:00pm The Discovery Theatre 621 W 6th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501 Tickets are available at www.akjt.org
MOOSE, THE MOVIE October 23-29 The Valley Cinema 3331 East Old Matanuska Road, Wasilla Ticket info at www.catheatres.com
HALLOWEEN HOLLOW Saturday, October 31 3:00pm Raven Hall at the Alaska State Fairgrounds Mile 40 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, AK 99645 Tickets are $5 at www.alaskastatefair.org
MAT-SU ANIMAL CARE SHELTER’S 5TH ANNUAL HALLOWEEN FUNDRAISER October 23-24, 30-31 7:00pm 9470 E Chanlyut Circle Palmer, AK Tickets are $5 for the Haunted House Entry to Halloween Activities is FREE
GROW SOIL IN PLACE WITH COVER CROPS Monday, November 2 11:00am Meadow Lakes Senior Center 1012 N Kim Dr, Wasilla, AK 99654 www.goodearthgardenschool.com
MAT-SU WILDLIFE WEDNESDAYS 2015 Fall Lecture Series November 4, December 2 7:00pm Mat-Su College, FSM Building, Room 202 8295 College Dr, Palmer, AK 99645 GHOSTLAND OBSERVATORY November 4 & November 6 8:00pm The Bear Tooth Theatrepub 1230 W 27th Ave, Anchorage, Alaska 99503 beartooththeatre.net -- 21+ UAA DANCE IN PERFORMANCE November 5-8 Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 6pm Harper Studio Theatre UAA Fine Arts Building Room 129 3640 Alumni Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508 $15 General Admission, $12 UAA Students www.UAAtix.com PENN & TELLER Friday, November 6 7:30pm Alaska Center for the Performing Arts 621 W 6th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501 Tickets are available at anchorageconcerts.org TELLING OUR STORIES Proceeds Benefit the Alaska Veterans Museum Friday, November 6 6:00pm 333 W Fourth Ave, Suite 227, Anchorage $3.00 Entry Fee ALASKA HOME COMPANION (SUTTON) Saturday, November 7 7:00pm Sutton Public Library 11301 Chickaloon Way, Sutton, AK 99674 Suggested donation is $15 ALASKA COMMUNITY SNOW FEST Saturday, November 7 11:00am Z.J. Loussac Public Library 3600 Denali St, Anchorage, AK 99503 More info at www.alaskasnow.org 2015 ALASKA MARCH OF DIMES HIGH HEELS FOR HIGH HOPES Thursday, November 12 6:00pm Raven Hall at the Alaska State Fairgrounds Mile 40 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, AK 99645 For tickets, call 907-276-4111 ART EXHIBIT FEATURING THE WORKS OF ROB HOLT Saturday, November 14 4:00pm Sheldon Community Arts Hangar in Talkeetna E 1st St, Talkeetna, AK 99676 V RAE ART EXHIBIT Saturday, November 14 1:00pm Town Square Art Gallery 591 E Parks Hwy # 406, Wasilla, AK 99654
ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL’S 8TH GRADE HOLIDAY BAZAAR Saturday, November 14 10:00am Academy Charter School 801 E Arctic Avenue, Palmer, AK FREE TOPS HOLIDAY BAZAAR Saturday, November 14 9:00am Mat-Su Senior Services 1132 S Chugach St, Palmer -- FREE
AK HOME CONCERT SERIES NOVEMBER 20TH THE SHOOT DANGS
SENSES FAIL Live in Alaska 21+ Saturday, November 14 8:00pm Williwaw 609 F St, Anchorage, AK 99501 Tickets are available at williwawsocial.com
Featuring Alaskan Bands for Alaskan Audiences, the aim of the series is to bring Alaska bands into our state of the art facility for our local audience to enjoy all the talent that Alaska has to offer!
ADELE MORGAN AT VALLEY WOMEN’S CONNECTION Monday, November 16th 12:00pm Evangelos Restaurant 2530 E Parks Hwy, Wasilla, AK, 99654 $18.00
www.glennmassaytheater.com 8395 E College Dr, Palmer 907-746-9300
Whistling Swan Productions Chris Smither November 14 - Sydney Laurence Theatre November 15 - Massay Theatre - 4 pm Dan Bern Saturday November 21 - Taproot - 7:30 pm Sunday November 22 Vagabond Blues - 6 pm Dom Flemons Fri December 4 - Sydney Laurence - 7:30 pm Sat December 5 – Vagabond Blues - 7:30 pm
www.whistlingswan.net
www.glennmassaytheater.com 8395 E College Dr, Palmer 907-746-9300
FRUITCAKES Family Christmas Comedy at Valley Performing Arts November 27 - December 20 Friday and Saturdays 7:00pm, Sundays 2:00pm 251 West Swanson, Wasilla, AK 99654 $20 General Admission / $18 Students/Seniors SPACEFEST Saturday, December 5 6:00pm Anchorage Community Works 349 E Ship Creek Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501 Tickets are $5, or 2 for $8 CHRISTMAS BAZAAR AND BAKE SALE Saturday, December 5th 10:00am Trinity Lutheran Church 10355 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy, Palmer FREE WAKA FLOCKA FLAME LIVE IN ALASKA Friday, December 11 8:00pm Fiesta Room, 420 W 3rd, Anchorage, AK 99501 18+ (21+ Section Available) Tickets are available at www.tixr.com/showdown
Meets at 10:30 – 11:30 am
10/22/15 Quilts of Valor Sewing Group Meets from 10:00am – 3:00pm
10/22/15 ADRC Medicare Part D Counseling by appointment only 10:00am – 2:00pm
Every Thursday 9:30 – 10:30am Tai Ji Quan Class, 10:00am – 11:00am Zumba Class, 1:00 – 2:00 pm Strong Seniors Class Fridays Every Friday Starting 10/16 – 11/13/15 Blood Pressure Check 10:00am – 11:30am Every Friday from 8:30 – 9:30am & 10:00 – 11:00am Strong Seniors Class
10/30/15 Halloween Pot Luck 5:30 – 8:00pm Saturdays Every Saturday, Weight Watchers 8:30 am – 10:00am Weight Watchers Meets 10/17/15 Lions Club Spaghetti Dinner
11/14/15 WASI Holiday Craft Fair 10:00am – 5:00pm Sundays Every Sunday 11:30am – 12:30pm NonDenominational Church Service 11/15/15 WASI Holiday Craft Fair 11:00am – 4:00pm Mondays
10/19/15 WASI Closed for Alaska Day Every Monday from 1:00 – 3:00pm Crafters Club Meets Every Monday 8:30am – 11:00am Strong Senior Classes 11/2/15 ADRC Medicare Part D Counseling 10:00am – 2:00pm by appointment only (Derrick @ 373-3652) Tuesdays Every Tuesday Weight Watchers & Lions Club Meet from 6:30 – 8:00pm 10/27/15 & 11/10/15 Alaska Hearing @ 9:00am - 3:00pm Wednesdays Every Wednesday 10:00am – 11:00am Bible Study Bingo Every Wednesday 1:00pm – 3:00pm 10/21/15, 11/4/15,11/11/15
Noon Rotary Club Luncheon
OCT. 2015
Tix: Centertix.net, 263-ARTS, and the Glenn Massay box office and website
ADELE MORGAN AT NAZARENE HOLIDAY BAZAAR Saturday, November 21st 11:00am Palmer Train Depot 610 S Valley Way, Palmer, AK 99645 FREE
Thursdays 10/15/15 Better Breathers Club
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The Glenn Massay Theater is so excited to start the Alaska Home Concert Series.
ADELE MORGAN AT ANCHORAGE WOMEN’S CONNECTION Saturday, November 14th 12:00pm Thirty Six Bistro 1000 E. 36th Avenue, Anchorage $15.00
WASILLA AREA SENIORS, INC RECURRING EVENTS
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Community Events
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Satire
OCT. 2015
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Contributed by Gene Kelly There are moments in time and cultural development that are of monumental importance. But oddly, some of those moments are only understood by historians. It is time that the historian’s hand is tipped. It is imperative that a current social problem be explained, to those not inclined to study or retain history. It is a problem that has a name. But it has been a looselyguarded secret until lately coming more into the open. The problem is being openly discussed on university campuses, because they are such a hotbed of social awareness and reform. Youth, not being set in their ways, are able to take a dynamic approach to social concerns. But this concern directly involves and impacts their elders, unlike many innovations in the past. The problem in question is the zombie mystique. It was not inspired by Betty Boop. There, it is stated in the open; so there is no turning back from implications. It was the masculine contribution of Aristotle to articulate classifications and definitions. Now, since so much attention has been directed towards zombies, their characteristics and goals are being examined. It might be supposed that zombies are
a discontented lot since they were so long in the background. Actually quite the opposite is the case. Their measure of contentment and self-assurance hasn’t changed appreciably, just because they have lately received more attention. The discussion about zombie mystique has not motivated them to form a National Organization for Zombies. The problem lies in societal misconceptions of the constancy in zombie nature. Zombies don’t have to change and are content not to. They can be exactly the same as they were before the zombie mystique was identified as a problem in the minds of the rest of society. Zombies have long known they dominate society. But they have been reticent to openly declare it so because they are gracious about it. It served their interests to keep their identity low key. But now it is no longer a concern, because clearly zombies have had a constant, contented sense of identification. Their strategy of keeping a low profile was successful in the realization of their goals. Zombies dominate in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum because they want to, and they have the talent to do so. The Industrial Revolution was primarily their doing. But they
either don’t get credit for it or are vilified for it. They invented power steering, power brakes, automatic transmissions and electric starters so they wouldn’t have to chauffer shoppers. Because capitalism was a pivotal aspect of industrialization, the dominant zombies were criticized by park anarchists as greedy. How very entertaining. Older zombies have long known that their superior abilities at the most mundane tasks, like changing automobile tires, mining, logging, railroading, and fighting other zombies, guaranteed their continued usefulness in society. Zombies are so sure of their identity that they are actually quite tolerant and patient with others, when they have an identity crisis. Sometimes they are chivalrous and go out of their way to lend logic and emotional stability. It is of no concern to zombies that they are criticized as insensitive. Certainly they are sensitive, but don’t make a show of it. Again, it doesn’t serve their interests to be other than low key. Consequently zombies shrug off the stereotyping of them as psychopathic. Their glazed eyed, arms extended, staggering persona is all a puton. And zombies actually have a sense of humor about the rest of society that isn’t universal.
Many self-deprecating jokes only circulate amongst zombies. They don’t have to do dishes because of the innovation of paper plates. So the dynamic nature of academic analysis that is focused on zombies will be a passing fad, that won’t actually change them. The older zombies knew that and just complacently played along with the turmoil from the variety of mystiques. Some of them actually read about the Taming of a Shrew and understood it. It is the historian’s role to state when a social movement should be conclusively referred to in the past tense. If he is asked to frankly tip his hand, he just might do so.
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Music Adele Morgan to Perform at Family Fun Fest
REINDEER FARM, PALMER
Adele’s Performance Schedule:
Singer/Songwriter, Adele Morgan will be singing and entertaining again this year at the Family Fun Fest on October 31st at the Williams Reindeer Farm in Palmer.
> November 14th Anchorage Women’s Connection 36 Bistro, Anchorage, AK 12pm-1:30pm
For booking information go to www.adelemorgan.com
> November 21st Nazarene Holiday Bazaar Palmer Depot, Palmer, AK 11am- 4pm
> October 31st Reindeer Farm Family Fun Fest Palmer, AK 12pm, 2pm & 4pm
> November 16th Valley Women’s Connection Evangelos, Wasilla, AK 12pm –1:30pm
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OCT. 2015
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> Saturday, October 31 12:00pm, 2:00pm & 4:00pm 5561 S Bodenburg Loop Rd Palmer, Alaska $10 Per Person, Ages 2 and Under FREE
PAGE 14 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Entertainment
> A Frontier Variety Show November 7th, 7PM Sutton Public Library Suggested Donation: $15.00 Alaska Home Companion -- Wasilla and Sutton The Alaska Home Companion—A Frontier Variety Show is the Valley Arts Alliance rendition of a live radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, with skits, music, and dance acts, similar to the popular Prairie Home Companion radio show on NPR.
Oct. 2015
If you missed our Wasilla episode, you can catch the Season 4 Sutton Episode of The Alaska Home Companion at 7pm on Saturday, November 7 at the Sutton Public Library and Community Resource Center is located at 11301 N. Chickaloon Way in Sutton. Suggested donation is $15
www.valleyartsalliance.com
> Mariah Johnson as Lake Willowa’s very own Yoga instructor, Pumpkin Spice.
A SONG ABOUT PRIMORDAL SOUP Contributed by Jeff Sponsler
The musical play ETHERIA was recorded from 1990 to 2001 and released as a CD earlier this year by Jeff Sponsler. The original cast of musical friends on the album is listed on the website: www.synthology.com/Etheria2004 The story involves space travelling musicians who visit the desolate planet Etheria to give a concert/ revival. The pathetic inhabitants of Etheria worship the Harmonauts as gods and see their return as a mystical experience.
One of the songs from the play, Spores, is discussed here. GENESIS chapter 1 states the following: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. There are many creation stories. “The Cherokees have this story: Long, long ago, a great island floated in a giant ocean. This island hung from four thick ropes from the sky, which was solid rock. There were no peoples and it was always dark. The animals could not see so they got the sun and put it in a path that took it across the island from east to west each day”
It has been discovered that a meterorite found in Australis in 1969 contained 90 different amino acids (nineteen of which are exactly the same as Earthly amino acids). This profound discovery lead to the “panspermia” hypothesis which proposes that the origin of life is extra-terrestrial and that the building blocks (amino acids and other similar organic molecules traveled to earth to make up the early primordial soup from which living systems could evolve. The deep thinker would take the next step and ask “Well if life started on some other planet, where is that planet, and how did life start there?” There have been discussions amongst planet scientists regarding the idea that life did not originate on Earth but started somewhere else in the universe and the seeds of life (nucleic acids, amino acids, for example) drifted through space and landed here and initiated the evolutionary experiment. As part of the ETHERIA musical, I composed the following song that in a whimsical manner touches on the concept of panspermia. The lyrics are below and the funky jazz song is part of the album which you are encouraged to download and enjoy. One piece of advice: turn it up. The Exobotanist: 1 have you ever wondered how life began its slimy reach formed itself into a ball and crawled up on the beach?
Bridge 2 there it was - hanging high in space a clanking box of gears so I made the dock - traversed airlock it was rusty from the years 5 the giant ship contained a factory of living things spiny beasts with too many legs and plants with feathered wings. Chorus: I KNOW THAT I HAVE SEEN THE FAMOUS GENE MACHINE THAT SET THE SPORES ADRIFT GAVE STERILE PLANETS A LIFT 6 I wandered through the darkened ship the stench grew with the heat and from each cage - the lonely sounds the calls of the incomplete 7 in a colossal aquarium there swam a hungry ichthyosaur it swallowed down a protoplasmic blob that had rolled across the floor
CONTINUEs on PAGE 17
Oct. 2015
In 1952, a chemist Stanley Miller performed a simple but elegant experiment wherein the early Earth environment was created. Geologists believe that the early Earth had little oxygen in the atmosphere; instead, the air was made of methane, ammonia, and hydrogen. To do this simulation of early Earth, Dr. Miller sealed methane, water, ammonia, and hydrogen in a flask and subjected
Later analysis of Dr. Miller’s bio-stew revealed 20 different amino acids. Similar experiments by other researchers showed that nucleic acids could be synthesized easily also. Nucleic acids are the building blocks of DNA (which are the fundamental components of genetic data stored in each cell’s nucleus). For more details, Miller, Stanley L.; Harold C. Urey (1959). “Organic Compound Synthesis on the Primitive Earth”. Science 130 (3370): 245–51.
2 I searched the books of alchemy, of wizardry, of rhymes consulted with the aged monks who rang the mighty chimes Bridge 1 I read the ancient charts that list all the worlds on which things grow; linear response to time there was a vector don’t you know Points to chart showing planets with life 3 if you follow the arrow that moves into time and though the space you can think like Darwin and find the seedpod of our race 4 I made a vow to travel there the discovery would be mine; I built a ship with sails that fill with the silent breeze of time
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The web pages contains the details of the play and links to download the songs from iTunes and CDUniverse are found there. The album is available on Amazon.com also.
this chemical brew to simulated lightning. After one week, he found glycine and alanine (2 amino acids). Since you passed high school biology you will recall that amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and proteins are the main components of your muscles and many other body parts.
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Music & Lyrics
PAGE 16
Poetry & Prose
The The The The
moon is bright season I reckon house lights do beckon neighbors wait
The trees are but bones Their skin on the ground Piled high they are found Around yards of the homes The hour is at hand The traffic goes slow Car doors open and close At the ready all stand Parent’s voices are low With cautions be told Days aren’t as of old Keep your sibling in tow Watch for dark houses Black cats and witches in hats Freddy Krueger with his axe Minnie and Mickey Mouses Super Hero’s and Avengers Princesses and Fairies For the Dentist more caries With threats of full dentures The porch light is still on Steel the nerves for the walk Ring the doorbell or knock Ready out with your palm With many a scream Call outTrick or Treat Take your treat quick Here is Halloween But never a Trick For all that is just Thank you is a must For this we entrust
I look to the trees, the leaves all golden and red, burgundy and brown as all this past summer’s glory is drifting gently to the ground. As the trees become barren, I take in the mountains standing majestic, surrounding us here in the valley like a warm cocoon. The peaks and slopes all dusted with a white powdery snow. We all wait, as the clock is ticking, For the cold frigid winter blows, coming upon us, like a thief in the night to wake up one morning with our first snow; with a sigh of delight. As winter charges in with a boom, snow angels for the children, and snowball fights. For the rest of us, a change of tires and darkness instead of summer light. Scraping windows of iced over car windows, stumbling upon the icy patches with coverings from head to toe much like our cousins and sisters and brothers the Eskimo! Then Christmas soon is near with cups of hot coffee and words of cheer here in the Matanuska Valley you just got to love it even as the seasons change, we Alaskans hold it all dear. Just to be a part of the Last Frontier.
SUBMIT YOUR POETRY OR SHORT STORIES ON OUR WEBSITE
Free my hands And let me chip away The stone that has me captured Four Straight Aces By Donna Turner Sometimes life’s game deals the cards Without four straight aces. Transition time can be hard Smiles are seen on few faces. The heart feels so empty As it is totally torn apart. Love scars the mind so deep. Feelings are never the same as from the start. Lives are slowly shattered When many mean words are said. Meanings read between the lines Are often so misread. Time to never to be the same. Old times seemed so good. Where time always stood still And seemed perfect as it should. Although events may be forgiven They have simply taken their toll. The hurt shakes and rattles Deep down within the soul. Truly never forgiven Such a lack of needed trust. Embedded deep in the mind. The punishment; an unnecessary must. Time will slowly heal And will make you well so they say. Small little smiles will return to the heart With each promising and passing day. The cards are dealt again with four aces. Knowing it is always the luck of the draw. Life’s card game is played one more time And is won only by the Dealer’s call.
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Peek-A-Boo Moon By Ruth Moore The sky was like water colored wash of pale peach pink with wisps of slate blue clouds. The last of the day seemed reluctant to give up the evening star and night.
OCT. 2015
Free Hand By Josh Fryfogle
Another Long Winter in the Last Frontier By Brenda Stinnett All Halllows Eve By Ann Lyons
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I sat lounging in my front porch swing and watched the full moon as it inched up over the bluff to start its arched path through the heavens.
After a short time, a huge oak tree with leaves the size of large hands was between the moon’s silver white light and me. A slight stirring of air caused the leaves to move. Then the man in the moon smiled each time I saw his face, and for a while, he and the breeze and leaves played a game of peek-a-boo with me.
Inside this mountain Of solidified light A soul needs a fracture Refracting Fingers feeling, cracking I Am the artist and the art Weakness is Hard as stone and rock A quarried block torn apart Light will shine From new stone set free Refracting from its darkness Slowly, so Slowly it is revealed Chipping away at the artist Shards of ego Gravel ground around Pieces of some broken man Parts of me go Falling free Brushed aside by my own hands
Eva's Garden By Nan Potts Pinks and purples, Blues and yellows Fall in line Like good fellows, All in Eva's garden. Plucked and hoed, Sown and doused, She did toil A bed now housed, What is Eva's garden. Tend and moil, Love and care Will pay off And a smile she'll wear, Proud of Eva's garden. Wind and snow, Ice and cold Ends the reign Of her colors bold, What was Eva's garden. Spring and sun Warmth and rain, Will return Bringing life again, In lovely Eva's garden.
A SONG ABOUT PRIMORDAL SOUP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 Bridge 3 I found a room were the motors ran the lights strobed endlessly and in the chair - with his flowing hair sat the captain looking at me 8 I fell on my knees and cried is it true - and can I believe? you are the king of space who makes the spores - the living seeds? 9 oh no, he said, I’m not a god this is just a job, you see; the pay is bad - the hours long and now my health is failing me
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Bridge it must be fate that brought you here to take my place and fly this ship and to design more life scatter it in the sky
Chorus: THE CAPTAIN NOW IS GONE THE SPORING SHIP UNMANNED THE SPREAD OF LIFE NOW HAS STOPPED MY RESEARCH DONE NOW AS PLANNED 10 There are a million creatures designed their blueprints gather dust it seems sad - almost a crime to let it end - it is unjust Chorus: AND SO I GREET YOU ALL BUT I MUST CLOSE MY TALE THE SPORE IS CALLING OUT MY NAME: INNOCULATE DISTANT WORLDS I MUST RETURN TO DRIVE THE SHIP THROUGH THE VOID I WILL RIDE THE TEMPORAL TIDE YOU KNOW IT’S ALL RELATIVE
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Music & Lyrics
OCT. 2015
PAGE 18
To have your non-profit organization included in this free community resource list, please email your info to:
makeasceneak@mac.com
SENIORS
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Palmer Senior Citizens Center, Inc.
The primary 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; 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
OCT. 2015
Mat-Su Area Partnership (MAP)
An organization of non-profit agencies in the Mat-Su 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 MonFri 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 Divorce Care
DivorceCare is a weekly seminar/support group for men and women that will help you heal from the hurt of separation or divorce. It’s a warm, caring environment led by people who understand what you are going through. Learn practical information and gain hope for your future at DivorceCare Palmer AK.
March of Dimes Alaska Chapter
The March of Dimes is inspired by all babies – those born healthy and those who need our help to survive and thrive. Working together for stronger, healthier babies, in the Valley we work directly with the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. We also provide clinics and organizations with resources and information. We host a March for Babies walk in the Spring and High Heels for High Hopes Runway Show in OCTust. For more information contact our office 276-4111 or email JOdgers@marchofdimes.com.
Alaska Family Services
Alaska Family Services offers a comprehensive array of services for women, children and families in need, including the only nationally accredited Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault shelter in the state. Other major services include, but are not limited to, behavioral health and substance abuse counseling, WIC, Child Care Assistance, ASAP, parenting workshops, family violence intervention and case management for Alaska Temporary Assistance clients. All of our programs are designed to strengthen and support individuals and families in the Mat-Su Borough.
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.
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
Financial donation could also be mailed to the Big Lake Community Clothing Closet, PO Box 527069, Big Lake, AK 99652.
The ARTs
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
Pillows for Kids Foundation
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.
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.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska
LINKS Mat-Su Parent Resource Center.
MYHouse Homeless Teen Shelter in the Matsu
Donated by local Alaskans, Big Lake Community Clothing Closet provides quality clothing to people in need, at no charge.
Open Wednesday’s from 11am-3pm All donations of quality clothing in good condition can be donated at the above address during regular hours of operation. Check us out on Facebook
TO LEARN MORE www.akafs.org or call 746-4080
Regan Building 3161 E Palmer Wasilla Hwy. Suite #2 Linda Kupers, Administrative Assistant linda@linksprc.org - 907-373-3632
Big Lake Community Clothing Closet
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
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 - bwoodin@nwresource.org
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-on-one 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.
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 MonFri 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/
We provide little pillows of support and small scholarships that make a significant difference for local children to participate in brain-training activities such as gymnastics, snowboarding, skiing, skating, horsemanship, leadership, art, music, dance, martial arts, and robotics. 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 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. 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
Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums
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. 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. Membership in the Valley Fine Arts Association provides many diverse opportunities for artists. Check our website calendar at www. valleyfineartsassociation.org for upcoming events.
Mat-Su Community Chorus, Inc.
As Musical Ambassadors of The Valley, The Mat-Su 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 Nov. 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 Nov.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 will be celebrating 40 years of Quality Live Theatre this season! VPA performs seven plays per season, beginning September and ending in May. We welcome actors, volunteers, program advertisers and play sponsors to join in supporting VPA, one of the oldest continuing operating community theatres in the State of Alaska. The VPA Summer Theatre Arts Program
Purchase your tickets online or from our office. Check out audition dates and show times on our website. www.valleyperformingarts.org or (907) 373-0195.
Valley Arts Alliance
The Valley Arts Alliance is a group of likeminded 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, art councils, and music and art groups to create more venues for the arts, and to help promote art related events. www.valleyartsalliance.com
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 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
Alaska Animal Advocates
Make a difference. Save a life! Alaska Animal Advocates is reaching out to the community. We provide everything that is needed to meet a dog’s needs. We ask YOU to provide the love. Contact Angie at 841-3173 or email at aaarescue@yahoo.com Check out our website at www.alaskaanimaladvocates.com
ANIMALS
VARIETY
The mission of the Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center is to care for injured, orphaned and sick wild birds with the goal of releasing them back into the wild; and to educate the public about these birds and their habitats.
United Way of Mat Su was formed in 1987 to serve as a single, borough wide, fundraising agency, but we have grown to be so much more.
Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center
request a live bird program.
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 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
Alaska Assistance Dogs (AAD)
United Way provides information on available services through the 211 hotline and website www.alaska211.org and keep current and distribute the Mat-Sui Resource Guide. Our goal is to bring together individuals, companies and agencies to achieve measurable, positive, lasting results. We ask the community to LIVE UNITED which means all of us coming together to volunteer, advocate and give to create a brighter future for all. To find out more visit www. unitedwaymatsu.org or call 373-5807. The United Way of Matanuska Susitna Borough is physically located at 550 S Alaska Street Suite 205 Palmer, AK 99645.
The Valley Quilters Guild
was formed in 1985 to promote quilting in the Matanuska Valley. We currently have a membership of about 180. Our main objectives are service to our community and the education of Quilters. We serve the community by donating quilts to organizations and groups that approach us with their needs. We also give quilts to the victims of fires, child abuse, homeless families, and Law Enforcement agencies for comforting victims of domestic violence. The Guild meets the first Thursday of each month at the Palmer Train Depot at 7 p.m.
Mat Su Sertoma Club
The Mat Su Sertoma Club focuses on hearing health. They are part of a national organization with more than 600 clubs throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The club provides free hearing screens to the public the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wasilla Physical Therapy, 3750 E. Country Field Circle, Wasilla from September until May. During the summer we’re fishing, camping and gardening like most Alaskans! The Mat Su Sertoma Club is the host to the Annual Mat Su Polar Plunge, the original valley dip each February. They have been responsible for providing funding to non profits in the Mat Su Borough for more than 5 years, along with scholarship funding for two students who are pursuing an education in the hearing health field. The website is www.matsuhearing.dot to stay abreast of activities. Meetings are held the
The Mat-Su Special Santa program is the largest Christmas gift giving program in the Valley. Mat-Su Special Santa teams with Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, Food Banks, state and local agencies, churches and schools to help families in need. Last year over 3400 children completed a wish list with requests for Christmas presents. The program provided at least two toys/gifts, winter wear when possible, a new book, personal items and stocking stuffers. All of this is possible through the generous donations of our community with over 1000 community members, organizations, clubs and schools either volunteering or donating to the program. This is an all volunteer program. We are also in need of volunteers. The Special Santa Program’s goal is to help children receive the magic of Christmas and know that people care. In reaching this goal the program: 1. Coordinates with agencies and programs to provide for families, 2. Provides the citizens in the Community an opportunity to give, 3. Assists families in need at a stressful time of year, 4. Spreads the joy of Christmas throughout the Mat-Su Valley. Go to www.specialsanta.net for more information or e-mail us at matsu_santa@yahoo.com.
The Last Frontier Honor Flight
Our mission is to transport WWII, Alaska Territorial Guard and Korean War veterans to Washington D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices AT NO COST TO THE VETERANS.
Valley Residential Services
VRS provides housing to people with special needs. We define people with special needs as those individuals who are experiencing behavioral or developmental disabilities, low-income levels or who are seniors. VRS currently manages 198 residential units distributed in the Mat-Su Valley and participates in special programs to assist with rental assistance. We can also assist with linking individuals to social service agencies who can assist with life skills programs. (907) 357-0256, www.valleyres.org
TOPS
Take off 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)
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) RECYCLE cardboard, magazines, this newspaper and more at your community recycling center. Recycling drop off hours are Tuesday thru Friday 10:30am to 6:00pm and Saturday 10:30am to 3:30pm. We are located at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, next to the MSB Animal Shelter at the MSB Central Landfill. Volunteer opportunities available. community@valleyrecycling.org, wwww. valleyrecycling.org, 745-5544 Volunteer opportunities available. community@valleyrecycling.org valleyrecycling.org - 745-5544
Valley Residential Services (VRS)
All Donations are tax deductible, according to state and federal laws. You can make a donation to The Last Frontier Honor Flight PO Box 520116 Big Lake, Alaska 99652, or pay with a credit card on our website at www.tlfhonorflight.org. If you would like to volunteer you can contact our President Ron Travis at (907) 892-6097 for meeting times and places.
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
The Sertoma Club - Wasilla
Alaska Attachment & Bonding Associates (AABA)
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.
Mat-Su Community Chorus
Do you love to sing? The Mat-Su Community Chorus welcomes new adult members in all vocal ranges each September and January. We are a well-established, male-female, SATB community singing group conducted by Anna Crowther. Group singing benefits your emotional and physical health and enriches our community, so bring your talents and join the Chorus! No audition required although previous experience is helpful. We offer complimentary performances at public celebrations and deliver formal concerts several times a year. Rehearsals are on Thursdays at the WHS choir room from 7 - 9 pm. Contact us at matsucomchorus@gmail.com or call Sandy at 907-355-5836 for membership details. Like us on Facebook for concert reminders. 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
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, self-advocacy, 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
The Homeless Actors of Mat-Su
HAMS, the Homeless Actors of Mat-Su, is a valley non-profit community theater group created to further theatrical opportunities for actors and technical personnel of all ages, be experienced or beginner and the audiences who have not been fully represented in the valley. With local support we intend to produce a broad range of the atypical classical, modern, comic, dramatic and musical one act and full length plays and improvisational theater that are both educational and entertaining in the traditional and dinner theater format as fundraisers for various local causes and to continue to encourage development of the theater arts in the Mat-Su Valley. Contact Elizabeth Clausen, General Manager, 841-4119; akhams@yahoo.com
Mat-Su Food Bank
At the Matsu Food Bank we provide emergency supplemental food to residents of the Matanuska Susitna Valley. The Matsu Food Bank distributes thru the Food Pantry of Wasilla directly to clients in need. The Pantry hours of distribution are Monday
through Friday from 10:00AM to 1:00PM. The Pantry is located at 501 E. Bogard Rd. in Wasilla. We have three programs operating under the Matsu Food Bank. The community supplied Food Pantry of Wasilla accepts donations of food or funds to help feed our neighbors. We distribute to clients on an emergency monthly basis. We also distribute TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program). This is a program is supplied by the USDA and is also once a month. Our third program is Food4Kids. We prepare and deliver, in safe community locations, nutritious meals and snacks for hungry kids 18 and under. We provide meals during the school year. We have a summer program at various locations around the Valley from Willow to Sutton and provide nutritious lunches for all kids in the valley for free. Our website is: www.matsufoodbank.org. If you have any questions please go to the website or call us at 907-357-3769.
OUTDOORS
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
Dedicated to conserving the natural and cultural resources of Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge through public awareness, year-round recreation and events, education and enhancement projects. Healthy, outdoor recreation in a safe, beautiful setting is what APH helps provide to all users. 357-8711, alaskans@palmerhayflats.org www.palmerhayflats.org
Alaska Frontier Trappers Association
The Alaska Frontier Trappers Association is a non-profit 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
Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center
The mission of the Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center is to care for injured, orphaned and sick wild birds with the goal of releasing them back into the wild; and to educate the public about these birds and their habitats. AWBRC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is always looking for volunteers and donations. We are undergoing a building project this summer, and can use carpentry assistance. In addition, regular volunteers are always needed for care of our resident birds. Please visit our web site at http://www.akwildbirdrehab.org/ for further information about us, to volunteer or to request a live bird program.
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. distmgr@wasillaswcd.org
OCT. 2015
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
We are dedicated to working in our community on education, stable income and health. These are the building blocks for a quality life. We provide grants to programs with these areas of focus and administer programs that improve early childhood education, reduce substance abuse and improve senior citizen nutrition. We supply Familywize prescription drug discount cards, which have saved people in the Mat-Su over $500,000 since its beginning.
Mat-Su Special Santa
Tailgaters Sports Bar and Grill. Our next meeting is Nov. 25th. We always have new speakers and a great time. See you there!
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
AWBRC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is always looking for volunteers and donations. Volunteers are always needed for care of our resident birds, office and web assistance, fundraising and advertising. We will be undergoing a building project this summer, and can use carpentry assistance or donations of materials. Please visit our web site at http://www.akwildbird.org/ for further information about us, to volunteer or to
United Way of Mat-Su
second and fourth Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Tailgaters Restaurant in Wasilla.
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takes place June through August and are for youth, ages ranging from 7 to 17. The VPA Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony is held each June and our FUN-Raiser is in October.
PAGE 20 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Theatre
Bell, Book and Candle at Valley Performing Arts General Audience/Romantic Comedy Directed by Todd Broste
publisher. But before the curtain falls Gillian may lose him forever.
> October 16th - Nov. 8th $18.00 for Students $20.00 for Adults
You’ll be “bewitched” from start to finish!
Gillian Holroyd is one of the few modern people who can actually cast spells and perform real magic. She casts a spell over an unattached publisher, Shepherd Henderson, partly to keep him away from a rival and partly because she is attracted to him. He falls head over heels in love with her at once and wants to marry her. But witches are not supposed to fall in love, and this one little rule leads to a number of difficulties. Ultimately, the lady breaks off with her companions in witchery, preferring the chance for normal love offered her by the attractive
Each bag purchased helps support our combat veteran outdoor rehabilitation programs in Alaska. For more info on Battle Dawgs, visit battledawgs.org or find us on Facebook! www.akcoffeeroastery.com
OCT. 2015
receive $5 off
any purchase of $20 or more www.907surplus.com
521 West Parks Hwy, Wasilla
907surplus.com | 907-373-9780
Bell, Book and Candle opens October 16th and runs thru November 8th, 2015. Ticket prices are $18 for Students/Seniors and $20 for Adults. This endearing romantic comedy will be appearing at Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Avenue, Wasilla. > Call VPA at 373-0195, visit our website valleyperformingarts.org, or come by the office, Monday through Friday 9am to 3pm to purchase your tickets. > Come join us in our 40th Season celebration of quality live theatre in the valley!
HAPPY
Halloween & Autumn
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Theatre PRESS RELEASE
first season with a bang! The 520-seat theater, which opened last February, will be presenting the long-running hit musical Chicago. This landmark show has been presented on Broadway for over 6,300 performances since it opened in 1996, going on to win six Tony awards, including Best Revival of a Musical.
The cast of 24 is comprised of college and community talent from right here in the Mat-Su Valley. Chantel Grover, of “Moose: The Movie” fame, stars as the “bad girl” of Chicago, Velma Kelly. Grover is more than impressed with the new facility, “I have been SO amazed at what it feels like to work on a full sized stage. My jaw was wide open on our first tour of the theater. When I saw the dressing rooms with the walls lined with vanities and lights around the mirrors I am pretty sure there were hearts in my eyes. How cool is that?! What an experience for us to have access to such a beautiful facility to get to put on this show! I feel super lucky to be a part of it.”
Be sure not to miss Chicago the Musical at The Glenn Massay Theater, for a truly professional, fun, and exciting night of theater. As the script of Chicago puts it, “Let’s pick up the pace! Let’s make the parties longer, let’s make the skirts shorter! Let’s all go to hell in a fast car and KEEP IT HOT!” > Show Times: October 22, 23, 24 & October 29, 30, 31 7pm Curtain (except the 31st) with 2pm Matinees on the 24th and the 31st Tickets: Adults - $19 Students - $11 (with ID) > Tickers available online at: www.glennmassaytheater.com or by calling 907-746-9300 Reserved Seating
> All performances will take place at The Glenn Massay Theater at 8295 E College Dr, Palmer, AK 99645
OCT. 2015
The original production, directed and choreographed by the legendary Bob Fosse, opened in June of 1975 and was nominated for nine Tony awards. Billed as “a musical vaudeville,”
The Glenn Massay’s production of Chicago is directed by Mat-Su College Adjunct Professor, and local resident director, Grant Olson. The advanced choreography was tirelessly worked on by all those in the cast, with Pam Burlingame at the helm. The Glenn Massay Theater had the good fortune of teaming up with the Wasilla-based adult dance company, Enliven. Glenn Massay Managing
Director, and Chicago Producer, Matt Sale, has designed a set which allows for the live band comprised of local musicians and led by Musical Director, Andrea Lang, to really help the audience get in the swing of things of the onstage “nite club”. Glenn Massay Theater Technician, Kristen Nagel’s lighting design is full of color as she makes full use of the 225 LED fixtures and advanced lighting system the new theater has to offer.
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
The Glenn Massay Theater, here in Palmer on the Mat-Su College Campus, will be starting off their very
Chicago is based on a play by the same name written in 1926 by Maurine Dallas Watkins. It tells the story of Roxie Hart, who finds herself on Murderer’s Row in the Cook County Jail after shooting her lover. Smooth-talking attorney Billy Flynn agrees to take on Roxie’s case and manipulates the Chicago press to make Roxie a celebrity. Roxie has rival for the media’s attention, however: another Billy Flynn client named Velma Kelly. Chicago is a cynical look at America’s celebrity culture and its corrupt judicial system, presented through the highly stylized language of song and dance.
PAGE 22 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Theatre
> Contributed by Alaska Junior Theater (AJT) Anchorage, AK – Alaska Junior Theater (AJT) presents Click, Clack, Moo, Saturday, October 31 at 2:00 p.m. in the Discovery Theatre. Tickets range from $12-$29 and are available at CenterTix by calling 263-ARTS or online at www.akjt.org.
OCT. 2015
When Farmer Brown’s granddaughter Jenny comes for a visit, Farmer Brown declared the farm a “tech-free zone.” He confiscates her laptop in the cold barn along with the shivering cows who use her computer to type messages requesting blankets. Emotions are tense when the farm animals find their voice. No blankets: no milk, no eggs! Will Farmer Brown give in to the animals’ demands? See what happens in the hilariously
moooo-ving musical about negotiation and compromise. Based on the Caldecott Honor book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin, Theatreworks USA’s musical production of Click, Clack, Moo will have you singing its praises all the way home. Come in costume to participate in AJT’s Annual Halloween Trickor-Treat Party on all levels of the lobby after the public performance on October 31st! Great for ages 5 and up. For a video sample of the production, visit goo.gl/Asfg9t School Performances: Monday Thursday, November 2nd - 5th at 10:15am and Noon each day, in the Atwood Concert Hall at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts (ACPA). Pubic Performance: Saturday, October 31 at 2:00pm in the
“Cows that type? Hens on strike! Whoever heard of such a thing?!”
Discovery Theatre, ACPA. Tickets from $12 to $29.
enjoy theatrical productions in 49 states and Canada.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH EVENT WITH PERFORMERS – Library Reading and Craft Event: Join cast members from Click, Clack, Moo at Loussac Library, Wednesday, November 4 at 4:00PM for story reading and crafts for kids. This community outreach event is open to the public and FREE to attend!
> For more information on tickets for this or any of Alaska Junior Theater’s performances and events, go to www.akjt.org or call (907) 272-7546
> About Theatreworks USA Theatreworks USA creates, produces and provides access to professional theatre for young and family audiences nationwide, including disadvantaged youth and under-served communities. Since their founding in 1961, they have presented more than 90 million children and their families with opportunities to
> Alaska Junior Theater is a private, nonprofit organization that has been bringing the best in professional theatre from around the world to Alaska’s young audiences for 34 years. Each year, more than 40,000 students attend a variety of live performances, which share the common educational goal of “bringing learning to life.” For many students, AJT’s school-time presentations are their only exposure to professional performing arts.