ALASKA JUNIOR THEATER UNVEILS 2024-2025 SEASON:
“BOLD, BRIGHT & BREATHTAKING!” A SPECTACULAR LINEUP YOU CAN’T MISS.
Contributed by Rowan Holmes
Get ready for a season of dazzling performances as Alaska Junior Theater announces its 2024-2025 Season, aptly named “Bold, Bright & Breathtaking.” This season promises an exhilarating array of shows that will captivate audiences of all ages with stunning visuals, unforgettable music and captivating stories.
On March 22, don’t miss the Alaska Junior Theater Benefit Performance, Fruit Flies like a Banana, featuring a
stunning live performance by The Fourth Wall: Hybrid Arts Ensemble. Part chamber music group, theatre company, modern dance troupe and circus act, The Fourth Wall blends music, theatre, dance and acrobatics into a new hybrid art form. In their award-winning variety show, this trio of musicians creates music that leaps off the stage. AJT’s Benefit show includes a champagne reception, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live and online auctions and an immersive artistic experience. Celebrate with us while supporting a great cause!
Season Tickets: The Best Way to Experience It All
With a lineup this incredible, why settle for just one show? Season tickets are your golden ticket to experiencing the full magic of Alaska Junior Theater’s 2024-2025 Season. Not only will you guarantee your seats at all five unforgettable performances, but you’ll also save up to 20% off regular ticket prices. That’s a win-win! Plus, season ticket holders enjoy the best seats in the house and other exclusive benefits that make your theater experience even
more special.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary season. Grab your season tickets today by calling 263-ARTS(2787) or online at www.Centertix.com and get ready to embark on a “Bold, Bright & Breathtaking” adventure with Alaska Junior Theater! Check out preview videos of the season at www.akjt.org.
Alaska Junior Theater is a private, nonprofit organization presenting high-quality, professional theater from around the world to Alaska’s youth and families.
Kicking off the season is a high-octane performance from 360 Allstars, where world-class athletes and artists converge in a dynamic celebration of human skill and creativity. A phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation, 360 Allstars connects the streets to the elite to deliver a supercharged urban circus. Prepare for jaw-dropping acrobatics, beatboxing brilliance and rhythmic genius that will leave you spellbound.
360 Allstars – November 9, 2024, 7:00 PM
Peter & the Wolf with Pushcart Players – December 14, 2024, 2:00 PM
Experience a beloved classic like never before with Pushcart Players’ enchanting rendition of Prokofiev’s Peter & the Wolf. This charming performance blends live music and vibrant storytelling to bring the timeless tale to life. Join Peter on his daring adventure through the forest and enjoy a magical afternoon with family and friends. Come to the show early to enjoy story tracks and storytelling in the lobby as well as free books. Stay after the show for a milk & cookie reception with the cast and cake walk where kids can win prizes!
The Fourth Wall: Hybrid Arts Ensemble – March 21-22, 2025
Prepare for a weekend of theatrical innovation with The Fourth Wall: Hybrid Arts Ensemble. On March 21, join us for Without a Net, a public show that blends circus arts and high-flying shenanigans! Marvelous Music meets Adventurous Aerial Acrobatics in this Cavalcade of Creativity! Experience the Twirling Topsy-Turvy Trombonist, the Fabulous Flipping Flutist, the Death-Defying Drummer! Get your Vaudeville here!
Aesop Bops! with David Gonzalez – February 8, 2025, 2:00 PM
Step into a world where classic fables get a fresh, funky twist in Aesop Bops! with the incredibly talented master storyteller David Gonzalez. This energetic show mixes live music, storytelling and audience interaction to deliver Aesop’s fables in a way that is both entertaining and educational. Get ready to groove to the beat while learning timeless lessons! Come to the show early to enjoy story tracks and storytelling in the lobby as well as free books. Stay after the show for a milk & cookie reception with the cast and cake walk where kids can win prizes!
The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Gen with Lightwire Theater –April 19, 2025, 2:00 PM
Conclude the season with the awe-inspiring The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Gen Using Lightwire Theater’s innovative Electroluminescent Puppetry, we begin with Aesop’s classic fable of “The Tortoise and the Hare” but continue the story which finds them ten years down the road, now with children of their own. Witness the classic fable come to life in a whole new dimension as Tortoise and Hare race towards an unforgettable conclusion.
Funnies Calendar of Events
SEPTEMBER
September 18 @ 5PM
Financial Foundations Workshop Capital Wealth Management, inc. The Castle on O’Malley 1520 Omalley Rd (907) 562-9572 kennon@lincolninvestment.com
September 20 @ 6PM -9PM
Spenard Song Circle with Emma Hill, Marian Call, & Sophia Street
Spenard Song Circle Rage City Vintage 3400 Spenard Rd (907) 444-1556
Tickets available at brownpapertickets. com
September 21 @ 11AM
Thermal Imaging Class
All About Herbs 4621 East Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Suite #104 (907) 376-8327 www.allaboutherbs.com
September 28 @ 9:30AM
Spark the Fun & Run Girls on the Run Southcentral Alaska The Dome 6501 Changepoint Drive (360) 771-8953 www.gotrsouthcentralak.org
September 29 @ 4PM-6PM Fall Wagnon Paint Class Paint Nights with Sara 535 W Parks Highway (907) 521-4094
Tickets available at paintwithsara.com
OCTOBER
October 1 @ 9AM
Get Vaccinated with Sunshine Community Health Clinic
Sunshine Community Health Clinic
Both Clinic Locations
34300 South Talkeetna Spur Road HC 89 BOX 8190 (907) 376-2273
October 1 @ 10:30AM
Valley Garden Club Membership Meeting
Valley Garden Club
Grace Community Church 900 Leatherleaf vgc.matsu@gmail.com
October 5 @ 10AM
1st Saturday Vendors Market
1st Saturday Vendors Market
Mat-Su Borough Gym
350 E. Dahlia Ave (907) 707-9948
October 5 @11AM
Herbs for Pain Class
All About Herbs
4621 East Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Suite #104 (907) 376-8327 www.allaboutherbs.com
October 5 @ 11AM
Frost Fest: Winter Resource Expo
Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation
Palmer Train Depot 610 South Valley Way (907) 903-1664 info@revelak.com
October 5 @ 3PM-5PM
Trunk or Treat @ The Crossing The Crossing Alaska 22208 Birchwood Loop Rd, Chugiak, AK (907) 688-3222
October 7 @ 12:30PM
Memoir Workshop
Palmer Senior Center
Golden Heart Room 1132 S. Chugach Street (907) 745-5454 marilynbennett@yahoo.com
October 8 @ 1PM
Storytelling for Fun and Profit – Anchorage + Live Webinar
Alaska Small Business Development Center
Anchorage SBDC
1901 Bragaw Street, Suite 199 harley.tennant@aksbdc.org
Cost: $25
October 10 @ 9AM
The Art of Selling and the Proverbial Sales Pipeline
Alaska Small Business Development Center
Mat-Su SBDC 201 N. Lucille St. (907) 786-7278
workshops@aksbdc.org
Cost: $25
October 12 @ 5:30PM
Mat-Su Republican Women’s Club Annual Gala
Mat-Su Republican Women’s Club Est. 1947
Evangelo’s Restaurant 2530 E Parks Hwy
Matsurepublicanwomensclub.org mccollumkath@gmail.com
Cost: $75
October 18 @ 12PM
Self-Care Day with Alaska Sleep Clinic and Global Credit Union
Alaska Sleep Clinic Global Credit Union 851 USA Circle jhines@alaskasleep.com
October 19 @ 11AM
Vitamin D Class
All About Herbs 4621 East Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Suite #104 (907) 376-8327 www.allaboutherbs.com
October 19 @ 8PM
Penny’s Night Out
Spread Love Entertainment
Matanuska Brewing Company
2830 C Street (907) 205-4592
keith@spreadloveentertainment.com
ACT: 71 YEARS STRONG
Contributed by Matt Fernandez
Anchorage Community Theatre’s 71st season has already charged out of the gate with its first live show in late August, but not all things turned out as originally planned. In late 2023, Executive Director Matt Fernandez and his committee of play selectors read and reasoned over what would be the variety of plays for ACT 2024-2025 season. It was finally agreed that ACT would put on 4 mainstage productions that would roll out as such: In September/October, Addams Family the Musical, over the holidays, Little Women the Broadway Musical, for Black History Month, Alabama Story, and ending in April, the sumptuously hilarious dark-comedy Bright Ideas. When ACT was wrapping up its historical 70th year with last May’s Matilda at the Sydney Laurence Auditorium, there were some other plays that would utilize ACT’s 61-seat, studio theatre while it was not in use. The first play was a long-desired
project by two Alaskan acting veterans, Rachel Gregory and Dawson Moore, the theatre classic, Same Time, Next Year. The second production was another independent venture by recently retired Dimond High drama coach, Carrie Smith, California Suite. Carrie has been part of the Dimond High’s Theatre Club since 2015, and once she was done, she immediately became a regular volunteer at ACT. Carrie worked on numerous shows in 2023-2024, from Wait Until Dark, to A Christmas Carol, to Our Town. She was also a constant presence at our monthly Play Reader’s Club. It was at this club-meeting that we read Neil Simon’s comedy classic California Suite, that Carrie mustered up enough gumption to ask if she could produce and direct this comedy-drama on ACT’s stage in August.
Everything was set, notices had gone out – ACT’s four mainstage productions would spell out another ambitious season, and there would be two Second Stage productions in our
space as summer developed. However, the best laid plans… (you know how the rest goes).
First Addams Family’s production license became unavailable due to “restrictions in your geographical area.” Which means, some other theatre nearby has obtained the rights before you. But who? Close could mean British Columbia! It turns out that our friends from Homer’s Pier One Theatre, had the same notion, and got Addams Family before us. It seems that the distributors of this musical didn’t understand the “geographical” oddity between Homer and Anchorage. When’s the last time you went all the way out to Homer for an evening at the theatre? Homer’s show was slated for mid-July and ours was in Fall! Pier One’s Jennifer Norton saw the humor in it all too. Then, Same Time, Next Year received an unavoidable setback, and the show was to be postponed till October at the earliest. With Addams Family out of the roster, the decision was made to incorporate California Suite & Same
Time, Next Year into the 71st Season. This was good news for the producers of these shows. It meant that ACT would fit the bill for production expenses, marketing, and would handle box office. This also meant that the shows could not be categorized under the auspice of “mainstage”, but because of ACT’s open auditions policy for Mainstage shows, this meant the two new plays had to under the “Second Stage” moniker. ACT’s Second Stage was a creation by Cyrano’s Artistic Director Teresa Pond in 2000. Now, ACT had six plays in its season rather than four. All was ready again, tickets online, posters made, 600 season-schedule magnets were ordered. Then… life happened again and Same Time, Next Year was again put on the shelf until further notice. Rolling with the punches in nothing new to ACT. Live theatre takes a little parry and riposte. In 1964, the Great Alaska Earthquake hit right in the middle of our run of Our Town. The 2018 earthquake cancelled did the same thing to The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and the Covid-19 pandemic and shutdowns took out the last show of our 66th season, and completely blew-away our plans for 67. You don’t live 71 years without learning how to roll with it. ACT’s tradition is to carry-on. In 2020 and 2021, we reorganized our season to fit within CDC guidelines and kept cranking-out plays for Alaskans.
Things like this happen in theatre as it does in life. What keeps ACT going is our mission of Building Community Through Theatre; and like our 20202021 Season’s poster stated boldly, “Building Community Doesn’t Stop.” ACT will be holding auditions for Little Women: The Broadway Musical on September 20th and 21st and is looking for voice actors for Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde: A Radio Play on October 5th. ACT will also be a featured charity at The Mayor’s Charity Ball on October 12th at the Dena’ina Center. Go to actalaska.org for audition info, and mayorscharity.org for tickets to the ball.
Hermoine O.
Toisan S. Syon R.
Brook C.
THE LOVERS
Contributed by: Brittani Grace
Hello everybody! Welcome to my column. Each month I will draw a Major Arcana tarot card which represents one of many possible paths to follow. Major Arcana cards represent the archetypical themes of life, presenting the overall possible experiences.
Deck: Mermaid Tarot by Leeza Robertson Illustrations by Julie Card: #6 The Lovers
In these monthly columns, we spend a lot of time talking about ourselves. We discuss healing for our own benefit, personal growth in countless situations, trusting ourselves at every turn, and putting ourselves first. There are endless moments of encouragement dedicated to giving ourselves time for our own hobbies, mediation, grounding, and overall sanity. I have gone on and on about the importance of finding a way to have inner peace. Well, this column will only stress the importance of this even more, seeing as how this month’s card is, “The Lovers.”
al presence in a constant dynamic of balance.
The relationship we have with ourselves is of the utmost importance. In a world where the narrative says that it is “selfish” to love oneself, or even the idea of loving oneself is a “money making scam” or “cliche”, solely for the purpose of keeping us disconnected from ourselves, the fight for not putting ourselves on the “back burner” behind everyone else is forever a war. When we are disconnected, we lose our power. We fall into the marketing schemes of the world that keep us chained to comfort zones and an autopilot lifestyle.
The relationship we have with ourselves is the longest and most in-depth relationship we will ever have here on earth. This is why it is so crucial how we spend our time, which of course includes the way we talk to ourselves. We have discussed at length how the criticizing voice in our heads has come from others that we have turned into a belief of our own, and how our beliefs are what drive us. They are in the subconscious controlling “the panel” from which we move through life. I personally have read countless books
understand the anger and move that anger through us so we may see if objectively. When the cloudy days have rolled in, and the overwhelming feelings of being “stuck” or “lost” are weighing us down, we join forces with
are filled with sun-shiny gratitude. Both things can be true. Thats the secret, the very thing that can change the perspective of how things are absorbed. I can be happy and sad, crabby and silly, sometimes within seconds of each
SIERRA WINTER TEAMS UP WITH ARCTIC FX GRAPHICS FOR EXCLUSIVE SNOWMACHINE DESIGNS
Contributed by Sierra Winter Smith, Owner & Artist
I am thrilled to share some exciting news from the world of Artwork by Sierra Winter! Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with Artic FX Graphics on a series of one-of-a-kind snowmachine designs. These unique designs will soon be unveiled on Artic FX Graphics’ platforms and website, available for purchase to snowmachine enthusiasts everywhere. What’s even better? You can still customize these base wraps to tailor them to your style and preferences.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jordan, CEO of the FX Group which includes Artic FX Graphics, Moto FX Graphics, and UTV FX Graphics. Jordan not only trusted my creative vision but also played a crucial role in mentoring and guiding me as I navigated through the intricacies of the wrap industry. This collaboration has been a significant milestone in my journey, allowing me to grow professionally and creatively.
For those eager to explore these new designs or start on their own custom wrap journey, I invite you to follow us on all social media platforms and visit www.artworkbysierrawinter. com. Whether you’re looking to elevate your snowmachine’s look or dreaming up a completely unique design, Artwork by Sierra Winter is here to bring your vision to life—the Sierra Winter Way.
Additionally, customers who prefer ready-made options can shop directly at Arctic FX Graphics and enjoy savings on their wrap by using promo code SIERRAWINTER at checkout.
This partnership ensures that all snowmachine enthusiasts can find the perfect design to suit their style and needs.
Stay tuned for the official release of these designs and more updates from our creative ventures. Together, let’s ride into the next adventure with style and creativity!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ artworkbysierrawinter Instagram: @artworkbysierrawinter
THE MAT-SU CONCERT BAND TRAVELS ‘AROUND THE WORLD’ AT FALL CONCERT
Contributed by Mat-Su Concert Band
The Mat-Su Concert Band’s fall concert celebrates the vibrant influence of international music in a performance that takes listeners on a global journey. The program features pieces inspired by the music of Spain, Mexico, Ireland, Holland, England, China and Japan. The music of the United States is also reflected in the traditions of bluegrass –and video games.
The concert features familiar wind band classics from England including Folk Song Suite by Ralph Vaughan
Williams and the moving Nimrod from Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations. More contemporary influences are apparent in I Was Born for This, a piece composed by Austin Wintory for the soundtrack of the video game “Journey” that is expected to feature a solo vocalist. The voice part is sung in several different languages, making it a perfect fit for this concert.
Japanese anime and 2018 film “Sound! Euphonium”, which tells the story of a fictional high school wind band, is the inspiration for Liz and the Blue Bird composed by Akito Matsuda.
The piece is in four movements: Ordinary Days, A New Family, A Decision of Love, and To The Far Sky, and is based on the German fictional fairy tale of the same name (“Liz und ein Blauer Vogel”).
Dutch contemporary composer Jacob de Haan wrote Ammerland, his most frequently performed work, to evoke a region of northern Germany with rural areas that “combine fields covered with yellow grape blossoms, lush meadows, seemingly endless country roads, and an exquisite lakeside,” according to the composer’s program notes.
Great Wall (The Legend of Qi Jiguang) by William Owens calls up the ferocity of the Chinese Ming dynasty military with a piece that combines the boldness of war drums in Mongol Attack with the uneasy mystery of Aftermath and the beauty tempered by vigilance of Peacetime that precedes the epic conclusion of The Empire Victorious.
A classic Spanish march, Amparito Roca by Jaime Texidor, presents themes ranging from brassy melodies evoking a bullfight to a gentle, lighthearted section of a dance. This piece is fun to play and will be exciting to hear!
Symphonic Dance #3 “Fiesta” by Clifton Williams celebrates the history of San Antonio and “reflects the excitement and color of the city’s many Mexican celebrations, which Williams called ‘the pageantry of Latin American celebration -- street bands, bull fights, bright costumes, the colorful legacy of a proud people,’” according to program
notes for the symphonic band of California State University, Fresno.
The music of Ireland is represented in Sòlas Ané (Gaelic: Yesterday’s Joy) by composer Samuel R. Hazo, a piece that kicks off with a burst of Celtic drumming before giving way to lush textures and quiet woodwind solos.
The Blue Ridge, arranged by Robert Sheldon, honors the rich history of Appalachia with four songs in a concert band setting: Jack-a-Roe; the haunting Come All Ye Fair and Tender Ladies; Tom Dooley, in an unexpected arrangement; and Barbara Allen.
Mat-Su Concert Band got its start in 1984 as the Mat-Su Community Band, formed by Matanuska Music owner Hank Hartman. Past directors have included Neil Long, Phil Munger, and Gleo Huyck. The fall concert will be conducted by our interim directors and band members Tyler Martin (percussion) and Chris Loescher (trumpet).
Today, the band is made up of more than 60 musicians from many different walks of life who come together to make music every week during the school year. Rehearsals are held at Wasilla High School.
The “Around the World” concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday Oct. 5 at the Glenn Massay Theater at Mat-Su College. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $5 for students. Children under 5 get in free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.matsuconcertband.org.
Alaska Animal Advocates
www.alaskaanimaladvocates.com (907) 841-3173
Alaska Animal Advocates is a non-profit group of dedicated volunteers who are devoted to enriching the lives of companion animals in Alaska.
In order to do this, we will place homeless pets in loving environment, adress medicals concerns, spay or neuter, microchip, vaccinate, and offer training as is needed.
We believe that every animal deserves a loving home, for his/her entire life and Alaska Animal Advocates will provide the resources to make this happen. In order to make this mission possible, we need the help of volunteers and foster homes.
Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired Seniors
www.alaskabvi.org (907) 771-4322
The Alaska Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired provides blind and low vision Alaskans tools to eliminate vision loss as a barrier to employment, independent living, and community participation. It is the only statewide training and resource center for vision rehabilitation. In the Mat-Su Valley we sponsor two monthly support groups for socialization and informational activities, titled “Living Well with Vision Loss”, meeting at the Wasilla Area Seniors and the Palmer Senior Center. Low Vision Clinics demonstrating low vision devices and home assessment visits for independent living are offered to those who qualify and who have uncorrectable vision loss.
Alaska Community Development Corporation
www.alaskacdc.org (907) 746-5680
Alaska Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit agency located in Palmer, AK. Our focus is housing assistance for low-income households in Alaska. We offer housing assistance to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and most areas in Southcentral Alaska and to rural areas in Southeast and Southwest Alaska. Our housing assistance includes home weatherization; housing accessibility improvements for seniors and disabled households; & homeownership assistance including home purchase assistance, home building assistance and home loan packaging.
Our housing assistance helps to keep people safely in their homes and helps low-income households move into home ownership. All assistance is free to eligible households.
Connect Mat-Su www.connectmatsu.org (907) 373-2628
Connect Mat-Su is a program of the Mat-Su Health Foundation that provides access to information and referrals specific to the local community.
Assistance is available in the areas of care, education, food, health, housing, legal services, social connection, transportation, work, and more. It is a network that is both a physical and virtual resource center linking residents to the things needed to thrive physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally.
Connect Palmer, Inc. www.connectpalmer.org (907) 746-9675
Connect Palmer is a Christ Centered Training Center and Housing for Women, located in downtown Palmer.
Connect Palmer’s two primary programs are God’s Work Desgin, and LIFE Connect. We also have Sarah’s House, a safe and caring place for ladies without homes to live while they participate in our back to work and life skills programs.
We also offer different community assistance programs, such as The Locker, to provide personal care and basic house hold cleaning items, and Scarlet Tapestries which offers basic sewing skills instructions. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Matanuska Electric Association Charitable Foundation (MEACF) www.mea.coop/connect/operation-roundup (907) 761-9300
Join MEA members in making a big impact with small change! Since 2011, the Operation RoundUp® program has raised over $2.5 million in grants for local organizations. By rounding up your electric bill to the nearest dollar each month, you can help support vital community programs and initiatives. Every penny stays local, funding projects that benefit the communities powered by MEA.
The MEA Charitable Foundation Board, made up of dedicated MEA member volunteers, reviews grant applications quarterly and awards funding to deserving causes. To apply for a grant or learn more about how to participate, visit our website today!
Mat-Su Health Foundation
www.healthymatsu.org (907) 352-2863
The mission of the Mat-Su Health Foundation is to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su. The tools we use include grantmaking, convening of local partners, and policy change.
We have generated significant improvements in systems that support the health of Mat-Su residents in areas such as behavioral health, child welfare, crisis response, community connections, workforce development, transportation, housing, and senior services. Visit www.healthymatsu.org to learn about scholarship and funding opportunities.
MYHouse Mat-Su Youth Housing
www.myhousematsu.org (907) 373-4357
MYHouse is a homeless youth drop in center with two for-profit businesses that train and employ homeless youth. Gathering Grounds Cafe is a coffee shop with homemade soups, sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. SteamDriven is a trendy thrift shop featuring Steampunk items made from repurposed donations by our youth designers. Fiend2Clean and Young People in Recovery offer support for substance abuse recovery with activities and events. We offer transitional housing for qualified 18-24 year olds, outreach services to connect homeless youth, organizations and groups to services, and access to public health and job education services on site.
Onward & Upward www.onwardandupward.org email: info@onwardandupward.org (907) 953-5360
Onward & Upward is an evidence-based, accredited, 501c3 nonprofit organization based in the Mat-Su Valley. Our mission is to establish a culture of “One Health” in Alaska through evidence-based action. We accomplish this by engaging our students in adventurous, inspiring, meaningful, and empowering experiences with varying degrees of challenge methodically designed for positive growth and development.
We offer a diverse range of course offerings from open enrollment summer adventure courses, professional development courses, to year-round after-school and homeschool opportunities. Check out our website at www.onwardandupward.org for more information!
Special Olympics Alaska Mat-Su Community Program (907) 631-8591
www.specialolympicsalaska.org
The Special Olympics Alaska Mat-Su Community Program is an accredited program of Special Olympics Alaska, Inc., a 501c (3) nonprofit whose mission is to provide year-round sports training and competition to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In the Mat-Su Valley, there are 137 active Special Olympics Alaska athletes and 56 Unified partners (non-disabled peers) that train and compete in 12 sports year-round. There is no cost to participate for qualifying athletes. For more information on the Mat-Su Community Program, please call 907-631-8591, email matsu@ specialolympicsalaska.org or visit us on social media@soakmatsu.
United Way of Mat-Su (907) 373-5807
www.unitedwaymatsu.org
550 S Alaska St., Suite 205 Palmer AK
United Way of Mat-Su strives to make our community a place where all individuals can thrive. We focus on the building blocks of education, financial stability, health for all, providing resource assistance, community collaboration and advocacy, outreach and engagement across the health, human, and social services spectrum.
Early childhood and family support, youth programs, grants for non-profits, and disaster relief; Mat-Su Valley Resource Guide; volunteer opportunities; Stuff the Bus; Project Homeless Connect, and more. Call for more information on Thrive Mat-Su Mat-Su Coalition, Early Childhood Partnership, Youth 360, and the Alaska Wellness Coalition.
Valley Charities, Inc.
www.valleycharities.org
400 N Yenlo Street, Wasilla AK
Valley Charities, Inc: Connecting those who need help with the help they need. Valley Charities, Inc. (VCI) oversees a locally owned non- profit Thrift Store, turn-A-leaf. VCI Re-entry Program assists ex-offenders to become successful citizens helping to stabilize a home, work, personal needs, and basic council. Our Homelessness Prevention Program provides financial assistance creating housing stability for Valley residents.
Lastly, our Durable Medical Equipment Lending
Program supports our residents with short term equipment loans to help with their recovery from illness and injuries.
Housing Assistance: 907-354-4660; Re-Entry Assistance: 907-232-7125; Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program, see our website: valleycharities.org
Valley Arts Alliance
www.valleyartsalliance.com
Valley Arts Alliance, bringing the community together through the arts... We are a place for both new and established artists of all types - painters, sculptors, musicians, and those involved in the performing arts - to network and to experiment with new ideas and media.
We work with local libraries, schools, museums, art councils, and music and art groups to create more venues for the arts, and to help promote art related events. Join us at our informal weekly meetings, every Thursday @ 11 at Sophia’s Cafe, 9191 E Frontage Road, Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Check out our archives at www. valleyartsalliance.com
Valley Recycling Valley Community for Recycling Solutions
www.valleyrecycling.org (907) 745-5544
REFUSE, REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE! Drop off your clean, separated recycling Mon-Fri 9:30 to 5 and Saturday 8 to 5. We accept cardboard boxes, aluminum beverage cans, magazines, this newspaper and more!
We are located at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, near the MSB Central Landfill, just past the MSB Animal Care Shelter. Follow the smells. And follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Become a member, visit our classroom, schedule a field trip, find out more about volunteer opportunities and ways you can make a difference in your community. #dontfeedthelandfills. Go to our website for more details.
Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc.
www.wasillaseniors.com (907) 376-3104
Wasilla Area Seniors mission is to provide for the lives of seniors living in the Matanuska Susistna Valley and to enable seniors to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.
WASI provides services, resources, and activities to promote health and independence such as Club50 Fitness Center. Club50 is for individuals 50 years of age and older and provides clean, accessible exercise equipment and offers a variety of FREE fitness classes for seniors of all skill and mobility levels.
For more information, give us a call or find us on Facebook.
BY JFACTOR
LITTLE BEANIE
Contributed by Patty Sacheck
Long skinny dachshund
Ears like wings fly in the wind
Run after that ball
SOMEWHERE— SOMETIME.... IN ALASKA
Contributed by Jay Dearborn
A free, no-frills, public event at the Depot in Palmer, Alaska, will take place on November 8th from 2 to 6 pm. The event will feature over 100 16x20 art exhibits depicting Alaskan landscapes, represented through digital illustrations. These places may seem familiar, as many may have been there hiking, exploring, hunting, taking pictures, and more. There will be no items for sale at this time. The project was developed by local expressionist Jay Dearborn.
THERE WAS A YOUNG MAN
Contributed by Nan Potts
There was a young man . . . Named Kylian. Who proved to be such a silly-man. Although he was three, Much younger than thee, He caused chaos and ruin, when he ran.
There was a young man . . . Who loved mud.
Yes, the water with dirt was his bud. His play was so fine, The revelry divine, But, from his mother he gleefully did scud.
FALL FLAVORS
Contributed by W.S. White
Candy corn
Caramel apples
A nip in the air
Golden hues in
Weekend drives
They call it
Sweater weather
Schools are a-buzz
With youth in new shoes
And supplied with the tools
Of fresh crayon boxes
And tablets of paper not yet
Scribbled in
Gourds, pumpkins, and apples
In road side stands
You may even find fresh cider
The autumnal rituals
Celebrate the coming season
Of holidays meant for the young
Reminding those elders of
Memories stirred to brighten
And revive
It’s not too early to have a slice
Of pecan pie
Or if you are the type,
A pumpkin spice latte
And glazed doughnut
Before you knuckle down
To mow the last summer lawn
Of September
There was a young man . . . Most playful. With dirt on his face, most gay-ful. In his fun loving way, He’d be filthy all day, Yet, his parents looked on as most painful.
There was a young man . . . Who had sisters. They too were chaotic as twisters. But, what the two of them had, Wasn’t really so bad, Cause they ain’t as bad as the mister’s.
STONE, AIR, AND FRUIT
Contributed by Ean Johnson
STONE
Flooding white water
moss tops the ancient boulder
Wise patient brother
AIR
A breeze smells of Jasmine tea
The sunset unending until the new day
FRUIT
Dried bittersweet fruit
Served up from frail branch to mouth harvest seasons end
This collection of poems came to me in that strange way only a poem can. Almost fully formed in moments between everything else in life when I stopped and the natural peace of each moment to break through the gaps in average busy days. In Alaska, we joke that there are only two seasons, construction, and winter. But we enjoy some of the most captivating natural beauty in the USA each season. The natural beauty of Alaska has moved me to artistry in more than one medium. Remember to look up at the sky and take a deep breath.
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Music
ALASKA CELTIC PIPES & DRUMS IN CONCERT SATURDAY OCTOBER 5
Contributed by Richard Christiansen
Mark your Calendars -- Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums present the Rumblethumps Concert at 4:00 pm on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, at St John Lutheran Church, 440 E. Elmwood Avenue, in Palmer, Alaska, (on the corner of Elmwood and S. Eklutna St; 3 blocks East of the Palmer Library.)
After winning 1st place in MSR and Medley Events in Band Competition at the 2024 Alaska Scottish Highland Games, Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums are ready to start the new Piping & Drumming performance season with a
blowout Concert!
The Rumbledethumps Concert promises to deliver yet again a brilliant afternoon of entertainment by an award-winning local Pipe Band, with piping and drumming from the entire ensemble, as well as solos, and smaller groups of pipers and drummers within the Band. What a great way to spend an Alaska autumn afternoon!
Based in the Mat-Su Valley and Chugiak, Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums are throughout South-Central Alaska, and have great fun teaching, performing, and competing. The Rumblethumps Concert is one of several community concerts
presented throughout the state by Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums and is regarded by the Band as a fun way to “get this party started,” at the beginning of our performance season.
Prepare to be amazed! If you love bagpipes or pipe bands this Concert is a must-see! The Band are current & prior winners in Pipe Band Competition at the Alaska Scottish Highland Games, and several members have won solo awards in piping and drumming, both here at home, internationally, and in online competitions!
Admission to the Concert is free, but donations are always sincerely appreciat-
ed, with proceeds to benefit Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums’ Education Fund, and the church youth group.
Contact the Band via email at jungstensgericht@yahoo.com , or phone 907/315-9838. Phenomenal!
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