FEB 2018
PAGE 2
PAGE 4
Non-Profit Directory
www.makeasceneak.com/nonprofitdirectory Families & Children: Family Promise Mat-Su www.familypromisematsu.com (907) 357-6160 A community response for families without housing. Family Promise Mat-Su, “FPMS” uses area churches for shelter while providing meals and case management to help homeless families move back into housing and self-sustainability. In addition we provide state funds(BHAP) for homeless prevention.
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 Design, and LIFE Connect. We also have Sarah’s House, which 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 assistant programs, such as The Locker, to provide personal care and basic house hold cleaning items and Scarlet Tapestries which offers basic sewing skills instruction. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
OTHER Mat-Su Health Services, Inc. www.mshsak.org (907) 376-2411 Dedicated to improving the health of our community, one person at a time – through affordable medical, dental and behavioral health care.The clinic is a Federally qualified Health Care Center and we accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most other third-party insurances. For those who qualify, there is a sliding scale payment, based on household income. We offer early morning and evening appointments appointment. You can also contact our 24/7 behavioral crisis intervention line by calling the main number: 376-2411.
FEB 2018
Mat-Su Sertoma Club www.matsuhearing.org or www.matsuplunge.org “CAN YOU HEAR ME?” Sertoma stands for SERvice TO MAnkind. Mat-Su Sertoma is a 501(c )3 non-profit membership organization whose purpose is to support hearing health in the Mat-Su Valley through education, hearing testing and support of services that assist individuals with deafness and hearing loss. Mat-Su Sertoma membership is open to the public. Anyone can attend one of our membership meetings. Won’t you join us on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at the Windbreak (Trout House) 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sertoma’s Annual Scholarship Program … Apply: www.matsuhearing.org.
Families & Children:
ARTS:
Denali Family Services
Valley Arts Alliance
291 East Swanson Ave. Wasilla, AK 907-222-2331 or eolivares@denalifs.org Denali Family Services provides therapeutic foster care to Alaskan children with mental health needs. If you are committed to working with a team, receiving training and implementing positive interventions to schoolage children and teens, we need your talents and skills. We are in search of professional, therapeutic foster parents who are willing to make a commitment to the children of Alaska by providing a stable home environment. For more information, please call or email our Foster Care Recruiter, Ernestina D. Olivares, at 907-222-2331 or eolivares@ denalifs.org.
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 www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com
Mat-Su Health Foundation
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions
healthymatsu.org (907) 352-2863 The Mat-Su Health Foundation offers financial and strategic support to well-managed 501(c)(3) organizations that offer services and practical solutions to significant health-related problems impacting the citizens of the Mat-Su Borough. The foundation also offers academic and vocational scholarships to Mat-Su residents who wish to pursue health and wellness related careers.
Pets & Animals: 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 environments, address medical 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.
CONSERVATION: www.valleyrecycling.org (907) 745-5544 RECYCLING – It’s not just for hippies anymore!! Everyone in the Mat-Su valley can recycle. Drop your stuff off Tues – Fri 10:30 to 6 and Sat 10:30 to 3:30. Recycle cardboard, magazines, this newspaper and more at your community recycling center. Remember to REDUCE, REUSE, and then RECYCLE! Your community recycling center is located at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, next to the MSB Animal Shelter at the MSB Central Landfill. Volunteer opportunities available. Make a difference in your community! Check out our website for details, follow us on Facebook. www.valleyrecycling.org - Call us at 907.745.5544 with questions or comments.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES: Mat-Su Regional Adult Basic Education (Nine Star) MatsuAdultEd@ninestar.com (907) 373-7833 Mat-Su ABE provides basic education in math, language arts and English as a second language (ESL), aiming to raise student skills beyond the high-school level in order to pass tests like the GED, enter training programs or college, and advance on the job. Enrollment is open to all adult residents of Alaska, year-round. Youth Employment for ages 16-24 not in school -- get a job, keep a job, advance on the job. Nine Star 300 N Willow 373-3006 (in the MYHouse building)
FAITH: Valley Interfaith Action (VIA) www.valleyinterfaithaction.org (907) 230-1006 To address quality of life issues for all residents of the Mat-Su Borough, utilizing the faith values of our members, developing community-wide interest and mobilization around quality of life issues. Through training, leaders address community problems by providing forums for discussion, researching alternative solutions, and working as facilitators with residents and leaders for institutional change.
HOMELESS YOUTH: Mat-Su Youth Housing (MY HOUSE) myhousematsu.org (907) 373-4357 MY House 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 NineStar job/education services on site.
SOCIAL ADVOCACY: Wasilla Homeless-Committee www.wasillahomeless-committee.org (907) 521-2949 Wasilla Homeless-Committee is a 100% volunteer organization funded by private donations and regular fundraising events. Our sole purpose is to assist the homeless, those at risk of homelessness, and others who do not meet the criteria for help that is required by other advocacy agencies in the valley. Wasilla Homeless-Committee provides case management, housing search assistance, move in assistance, job search assistance, clothing, furniture, help with transportation, and resource guidance for homeless and disenfranchised in the Mat-Su Valley. Visit our website for application, or call 907521-2949. Find us on Facebook facebook.com/ wasillahomelesscommitteepage
Calendar of Events HAPPY RUN Every Monday - 6PM Active Soles Performance Footwear 642 S Alaska St. Ste. #209, Palmer FREE Event - (907) 746-0600 activesoles@mtaonline.net
MTA Building - Large Conference Room 480 Commercial Dr. Palmer FREE Event dbuls@ahfc.us www.ahfc.us
OUR TOWN 2/16/2018 - 3/4/2018 Fridays & Saturdays @7PM, Sundays @2PM Valley Performing Arts 251 W Swanson Ave. Wasilla Tickets: $17 Students/Seniors, $19 General www.valleyperformingart.org
HISTORY NIGHT! 2/21/2018 - 7PM Palmer Historical Society Palmer Moose Lodge 1136 S Cobb St. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 745-1935 ptownhistory@gmail.com www.palmerhistoricalsociety.org
LEVEL ONE WATER COLOR WITH GLENDA FIELD 2/17/2018 - 10AM Artists Uncorked 832 S Colony Way, Palmer Cost: $60 - (907) 982-2675 uncorkedinpalmer@gmail.com A BLOODY METAL VALENTINES 2/17/2018 - 6PM Beyond The shAK Anchorage Community Works 349 E Ship Creek Ave. Anchorage Cost: $10 THE JOURNAL CONTINUES (ART JOURNALING WITH BARB HUNT) 2/18/2018 - 3:30PM Artists Uncorked 832 S Colony Way, Palmer Cost: $25 - (907) 982-2675 uncorkedinpalmer@gmail.com KIDZ N KANVAS - FISH ON! 2/19/2018 - 3:30PM Artists Uncorked 832 S Colony Way, Palmer Cost: $30 each, $45 for 2 (907) 982-2675 uncorkedinpalmer@gmail.com ANCHORAGE WRITERS DAYTIME CRITIQUE GROUP 2/21/2018 - 12PM Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Modern Dwellers 530 E Benson Blvd. Anchorage FREE Event alaska@scbwi.org BACKSTAGE PASS: BARON WOLMAN & THE EARLY YEARS OF ROLLING STONE February 21, 22, 23, 28, 2018 - 10AM March 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 2018 Palmer Museum of History & Art 723 S Valley Way, Palmer FREE Event - (907) 746-7668 director@palmermuseum.org www.palmermuseum.org HOMECHOICE™ HOME-BUYING CLASS February 21-22, 2018 - 6PM Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
Alaska HEMPFEST® 2018 June 22-24, 2018 Flag Day Fest Campground 700 S Full Curl Dr. Wasilla FREE Admission, $50 VIP Membership, $5 Parking, $25 Campsite www.akhempfest.party ANCHORAGE ILLUSTRATORS GROUP 2/22/2018 - 6:30PM Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Barnes and Noble 200 E Northern Lights Blvd. Anchorage FREE Event alaska@scbwi.org www.alaska.scbwi.org 2018 FUR RENDEZVOUS FESTIVAL 2/23/2018 - 3/4/2018 Anchorage Fur Rendezvous Anchorage Prices Vary www.furrondy.net FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER WITH LIVE MUSIC BY NO WAKE 2/23/2018 - 6PM 3/2/2018, 3/9/2018, 3/16/2018 - 6PM American Legion Post 15 1550 S Mystic Cir. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 745-4440 aklegion15@gmail.com www.akpost15.org 2018 JR. IDITAROD TRAIL SLED DOG RACE START 2/24/2018 - 10AM Iditarod Trail Committee Knik Lake, Wasilla FREE Event www.iditarod.com INDOOR COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE 2/24/2018 - 10AM Butte PTA Butte Elementary School 4006 Butte Rd. Palmer FREE Admission - (907) 715-8580 butteakpta@gmail.com
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com KIDZ N KANVAS - MY MONSTERS! 2/24/2018 - 11AM Artists Uncorked 832 S Colony Way, Palmer Cost: $30 each, $45 for 2 (907) 982-2675 uncorkedinpalmer@gmail.com INTRODUCTION TO ALCOHOL INK (BEGINNER’S LEVEL) 2/24/2018 - 3:30PM Artists Uncorked 832 S Colony Way, Palmer Cost: $40 - (907) 982-2675 uncorkedinpalmer@gmail.com BOOM TOWN DERBY DAMES VS. RAGE CITY ALL STARS 2/24/2018 – 7PM Boom Town Derby Dames Menard Sports Center 1001 S Clapp St. Wasilla Tickets: $5-$16.66 www.boomtownrollerderby.org HEARTS 4 HUNGER FUNDRAISER 2/24/2018 – 6PM The Jerry Wessling Band, MatSu Food Bank The Grill/Grandview Inn & Suites 2900 E Parks Hwy. Wasilla Tickets: $60 – (907) 357-3769 Check us out on Facebook SPAGHETTI FEED 2/25/2018 - 2PM Bikers Against Hunger The Alano Club 801-901 E Snohomish Dr. Wasilla Cost: 10 cans of food or $10 INKLINGS (A DISCUSSION GROUP ON FAITH & CULTURE) 2/25/2018 - 7PM Inklings 8260 Duchess Dr. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 982-5609 barry.dorman@yahoo.com CARPENTRY 1 TRAINING 2/26/2018 – 3/2/2018 – 8:30AM Alaska Works Partnership,Mat-Su Construction Academy FREE Event, Apply Online (907) 569-4734 mark@alaskaworks.org www.alaskaworks.org WASILLA CITY COUNCIL MEETING 2/26/2018, 3/12/2018 – 6PM Wasilla City Council Wasilla City Hall 290 E Herning Ave. Wasilla FREE Event
TODDLER TIME 2/28/2018 - 11AM Artists Uncorked 832 S Colony Way, Palmer Call for more info: (907) 982-2675 uncorkedinpalmer@gmail.com PAINT YOUR PET WITH DEB LESTENKOF 2/28/2018 - 6:30PM Artists Uncorked 832 S Colony Way, Palmer Cost: $60 - (907) 982-2675 uncorkedinpalmer@gmail.com THE SPOT: UNDER 21 MUSIC VENUE 3/2/2017 – 6PM MY House, The People’s Paper, Q 99.7, Valley Arts Alliance, Mountain Sound & Entertainment, Barrett & Associates Insurance MY House 300 N Willow St. Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 373-4357 IDITAROD 2018 START 3/3/2018 - 10AM Iditarod Trail Committee Corner of 4th Ave. & D St. Anchorage FREE Event www.iditarod.com VALLEY FIBER ARTS GUILD MEETING 3/3/2018 - 10AM Valley Fiber Arts Guild Palmer Public Library Meeting Room 655 S Valley Way, Palmer FREE Event info@valleyfiberarts.org PALMER LIONS CLUB GUN SHOW March 3-4, 2018 - 10AM Palmer Lions Club Raven Hall, Alaska State Fairgrounds 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer Cost: FREE Children (Ages 0-12), $7 General, $10 2-Day Pass 2018 IDITAROD RESTART 3/4/2018 - 2PM Iditarod Trail Committee Willow Lake at Willow Community Center Willow Community Center Cir. FREE Event www.iditarod.com MAT-SU CONCERT BAND MARCH CONCERT 3/3/2018 – 7PM Mat-Su Concert Band The Glenn Massay Theater E 8295 College Dr. Palmer Tickets: FREE Children (Ages 0-5), $7 Students, $15 General www.matsuconcertband.org
HITCHCOCK PIANO STUDIO MONTHLY MINI-RECITAL/TALK 2/26/2018 - 7PM Hitchcock Piano Studio 950 W Edinborough Dr. Palmer www. MAKEASCENEAK .com FREE Event - (907) 745-3134
ANCHORAGE WRITERS NIGHT CRITIQUE GROUP 3/6/2018 - 6PM Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Barnes and Noble 200 E Northern Lights Blvd. Anchorage FREE Event alaska@scbwi.org www.alaska.scbwi.org AK TUESDAY NIGHT FIGHTS 3/6/2018 - 7:40PM AK Tuesday Night Fights Menard Sports Center 1001 S Clapp Dr. Wasilla Tickets: $18-$35 - (907) 232-3727 www.aktuesdaynightfights.com PALMER WRITER’S CRITIQUE GROUP 3/8/2018 - 6PM Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Vagabond Blues 642 S Alaska St. Palmer FREE Event alaska@scbwi.org www.alaska.scbwi.org 2018 LAST FRONTIER POND HOCKEY CLASSIC March 9-11, 2018 - 8AM The Scotty Gomez Foundation 3610 S Burkeshore Marina, Big Lake Visit website for Pricing www.akpond.com 31ST ANNUAL TRAPPER CREEK CABIN FEVER RELIEVER 3/10/2018 - 11AM Trapper Creek Community Services Assoc. Inc. Trapper Creek Community Park Mile Post 115.2 G. Parks Hwy., T.C. Park Rd. Trapper Creek FREE Event - (907) 733-7377 snowland@mtaonline.net POSTPARTUM MAMA MEET-UP 3/16/2018 - 1pm Heritage Midwifery Heritage Birth Center - Palmer 2323 S Trunk Rd. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 746-6645 heritagebirthcenter@gmail.com www.heritagebirthcenter.com ALASKA ROCK GARDEN SOCIETY MEETING 3/17/2018 - 12PM Alaska Rock Garden Society MTA - Palmer Building 480 Commercial Dr. Palmer FREE Event www.akrockgardensociety.org
Calendar of Events
PAGE 6
Food & Entertainment
Contributed by Roger Hamacher Welcome to the Madness, this month we honor our departing staff member, Dorrie, by creating her easyto-make and delicious tacos. You will need the following ingredients: • 1 lb. hamburger • 1 onion • 1 tomato • 1 head of lettuce • 1 packet of shredded cheese • 1 8oz. container of sour cream • 1 packet of taco seasoning • 1 pack of taco shells
FEB 2018
Directions: Place hamburger in pan and begin browning, breaking up the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. Meanwhile, dice the onion and add it to the cooking hamburger. As this continues to cook, dice up the tomato, shred the lettuce and set aside. When meat is done, drain off the grease into an appropriate container for disposal later. Once drained, return the meat to the pan, add the taco seasoning and the amount of water indicated on the seasoning instructions (usually ½ to ¾ cup. Continue to heat and stir this mixture until well blended. You can now spoon some of the meat into a taco shell and add cheese, tomato, lettuce and sour cream. You are ready to enjoy your taco! About Hot Plate Madness: You can watch Hot Plate Madness prepare this meal on their YouTube channel. Hot Plate Madness is a weekly cooking show designed to provide young people budget-friendly meals that can be prepared with limited equipment. Hosted by MY House Case Manager Jenn Martin and Nine Star Education and Employment Services Youth Director Roger Hamacher, each episode includes the recipes and cost breakdown as well as an occasional bit of madness. Search Hot Plate Madness and subscribe for new weekly episodes!
PAGE 7
Entertainment
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com FEB 2018
PAGE 8
Arts
Contributed by Valley Performing Arts
FEB 2018
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Drama directed by Wendy Golter Our Town 2/16/2018 – 3/4/2018 Fridays & Saturdays @7PM, Sundays @2PM Valley Performing Arts 251 W Swanson Ave. Wasilla Tickets: $17 Students/Seniors, $19 General Described by playwright Edward Albee as “...the greatest American play ever written”, the Pulitzer Prize winning story follows the small town of Grover’s Corners through the lives of two families. We follow the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry and eventually, in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre, die. Author Thornton Wilder’s final word on how he wanted his play performed is an invaluable addition to the American stage. This is an American classic that the whole family can enjoy. “Our Town” opens February 16th and runs through March 4th. Ticket prices are $19 for regular admission, $17 for seniors/students. This Pulitzer
Prize winning play by Thorton Wilder will be appearing on the stage at Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Avenue, Wasilla. This wonderful production, “Our Town”, is sponsored by Double Eagle Real Estate & Investments, First National Bank Alaska and Lead Dog Enterprises. Call VPA at 373-0195, visit our website, valleyperformingarts.org, or come by the office, Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm to purchase your tickets. Be sure to follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook. com/Valley-Performing-Arts. #valleyperformingartsAK
Contributed by Drewcilla Holifield, Mat-Su Concert Band Mat-Su Concert Band March Concert - 3/3/2018 – 7PM Mat-Su Concert Band The Glenn Massay Theater E 8295 College Dr. Palmer Tickets: FREE Children (Ages 0-5), $7 Students, $15 General The Mat-Su Concert Band will play a concert hand-picked by its own members at The Glenn Massay Theater in Palmer at 7:30p.m. on Saturday, March 3rd. Because the musicians got to select the pieces, the “Our Favorites” concert program features an eclectic blend that ranges from wind-band classics, “Procession of the Nobles”, to the stark beauty of “Finlandia” and familiar more contemporary melodies of “Star Trek” and “Cinderella”. There’s some Sousa in there too, of course. The concert has an intermission. Tickets are $15 for regular admission, $7 for students and children under 5 get in free. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at www.matsuconcertband. org.
always a favorite for its rousing trumpet fanfares and melodic wind flourishes. Two other classic wind band pieces are on the program: “Toccata Marziale” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, an influential British composer known for his very “English” and folk song-inspired sound and “Moorside March” by Gustav Holst, the foundational modern wind composer. “Finlandia” by Jean Sibelius, with its deep, rich sound, is a perfect match for a late winter concert. “Symphonic Suite from Star Trek” by Michael Giacchino takes chunks from the soundtrack of the 2009 blockbuster reboot of the 1960s TV show. The band is also playing the overture for concert band from “Cinderella”, the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. About Mat-Su Concert Band: The Band got its start in 1984 as the Mat-Su Community Band, formed by Matanuska Music owner Hank Hartman. Other directors have included Neil Long and Phil Munger. Current director Gleo Huyck is a retired music educator and private instructor. Under Huyck’s baton, the band performs a wide-ranging selection of challenging music. The Band this season numbers about 70 amateur musicians who assemble every Monday night for rehearsals at Teeland Middle School.
FEB 2018
The band will play “Procession of the Nobles” from the ballet-opera “Mlada” by Nicholas RimskyKorsakov. The stirring piece is
PAGE 9
Music & Entertainment
PAGE 10
Museum
FEB 2018
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Contributed by Richard Estelle Every museum should have a wooden leg in its collection of artifacts. The Palmer Museum of History & Art has a “leg up” on those that don’t, and the one we have really is made of wood. The leg came to the museum many years ago with no information as to when it was made or to whom it belonged. We’re pretty certain it wasn’t used by some unipedal prospector to hike the Valley trails or climb the surrounding mountains, however. In fact, it appears to be a homemade cobbler’s “boot last”. That’s the shoelike form over which a shoemaker places a boot in order to more easily make footwear repairs. One might imagine an early homesteader in the Valley needing to replace the worn-out sole or re-nail a loose heel on his leather boots from time to time, and being frustrated by the difficulty of holding his boot in place while driving the nails. So he found a piece of a birch tree with just the right bend to it and hacked it into shape with his kindling ax. Then he formed a piece of scrap iron to the size of his own foot and bolted it to the bottom of the wooden foot. At last he had a “last”. The “leg” would be turned upside down, the boot fitted over the iron-shod foot, and the repairs easily made.
www.palmermuseum.org
Contributed by Sally Hitchcock Most of us call art music (western music from the 15th through the 20th century) classic as contrast to all kinds of popular music. It also has a more narrow meaning since music constantly changed though the centuries, and the period between 1750 to about 1820 is called the Classical Style Period. Another name is “Viennese”, since the most known composers of the era worked in Vienna. Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart were the top three, and they created large pools of piano music since their period of music happened when more people enjoyed the newly popular piano for themselves. The era’s style was basically a melody with an accompaniment. (Doesn’t this sound like pop music, too?) Classic style was a new thing since before the time of Bach’s son’s music was heavily produced for church and royalty with not much done as simple as a melody and accompaniment. The Bach-style was more elaborate with more than one voice fitting together in patterns that took some intelligence to figure out.
PAGE 11
Music & Education
The other development in the era’s music was the creation of the Sonata form with contrasting melodies and harmonies to have longish pieces to play to pleased audiences. The listener can hear the return of beginning melodies, or revisions of them, and then a brand new style portion would show off different touches and styles, before a final deliberate “display” of finger technique that finished off fast and furious, or at least a bit show-offish. Of course, we can hear portions of Beethoven that seem too emotional to call them melodies, because the Classic Era moved into the Romantic Era, where forms and styles of composing changed again. We know that happens in all art and culture since “old fashion” and “modern” happens with most new generations.
Actually the era brought a whole new sense of business to music. Composers published their music, performed it and began to teach. My favorite classic composer to start students with is Muzio Clementi, who walked to London and hung out his “shingle” as a piano teacher after serving his seven years of service to a family of the landed gentry, and became a super star as well as the first wildly successful teacher. His compositions were published, and he eventually owned both a publisher’s business and a piano building business.
The People’s Paper has partnered with video news company, Fryfogle Network News, turning our content into web videos too! At no cost to you!
www.ThePeoplesPaper.info
FEB 2018
SUBMIT YOUR CONTENT TO THE PEOPLE’S PAPER AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR A FREE WEB VIDEO!
PAGE 12
Creative Writing / Storytelling
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Contributed by Larissa Peltier Commander Kaid watched the field. Clouds gathered like spectators, dimming the sky and ushering a mist that rolled forward like a ghost of the wave of opponents to come. The air moved forcibly against the backs of his soldiers in their ranks. It was as if the elements cleared the game board of war for the mortals. Wind pushed away the mist, revealing the first dark line on the horizon that was the enemy. Men of Rathyst, men with hunger in their eyes, turning their bones into iron and their muscles into cords of determination. Kaid locked his jaw. His eyes flickered behind his eyelids as he calculated, counted, estimated numbers. If he thought about the truth, he would be unable to do what he had to do. The truth that they were not numbers; they were individuals, each one so unique and valuable, with wives and mothers and fathers and children. They lived and laughed and walked and survived up to this day, and for many, only until this day. But they were soldiers, and they were meant to be used in this way. To send forth to kill and be killed.
FEB 2018
Kaid opened his eyes and walled up his heart from his mind. Seven thousand on this battlefield, maybe half? How many did they have? Were their men well
rested, were his? Where was the fear? Was there already defeat in the mind? How could he inspire that? How many of theirs would he have to slaughter and make it look effortless to make them despair? But these men of Rathyst, they did not give up, even though they lost far more than his in every battle. What kind of place could rear such a desperate race? That was another mystery. Rathyst, a domain yet unheard of, did not even appear on any of the maps. And that was bad. Not good to not know the enemy. The Rathyst were sinew and swords. They had a wild look in their eyes as they hacked their way into the domains of Ralorn. At first, the Raths had overrun the sparsely-populated domain of Nadeau. Then had quickly discovered the passes that linked Nadeau to Mrain, and had begun a campaign across the grain fields of Mrain. Commander Kaid intended for the invasion to stop here. The central domain of Ralorn could not be overtaken, and the Rathyst force was determined to do so. The Raths were barbarians who slept on the ground at night with only the sky for a blanket. Those who had swords carried chipped blades; the rest fought with rusty pikes and any other weapon they could fashion with their own hands. These invaders could go days without food, and fought
with the desperation of starved animals. Even though Kaid knew the Raths had traversed miles the day before, here they were advancing across the plain, ready for battle, as ready as his soldiers who had slept well with a hearty meal in their bellies. The archer’s horn blew and the first line of longbows lifted into the air. Kaid scanned the end of the field. The mist had cleared and the dark edge on the horizon spilled forward. Kaid counted as the dark edge increased. There were five hundred, a thousand. He gave the signal and the archer’s horn sounded again. The arrows unleashed with a wind of their own, thudding into ground or chest as they fell back to earth. It triggered the enemy’s charge. Kaid’s army took action. The infantry met the charging Raths, while the horse riders stabbed through the rents that opened in the mass of struggling foot soldiers, cutting down any enemy Rath they saw. The Raths had the same battle strategy every time, overcome where they were thickest. To defeat them, Kaid sent the horse riders in, even dropping off foot soldiers into the areas of Rathyst concentration in order to rip the horde into shreds and win the battle. Riven rode into the fray with his mounted unit, leading them into a Rathyst mass and setting down
his infantry rider in the midst of it. It was his daughter, Karice. He had trained her from a young age to wield her weapon, the chain blade. It was a length of chain with a razor sharp blade at one end, and a weight at the other end. Karice, along with the rest of the infantry, engaged the Raths and cut them down before moving onto another. Few Ralorns fell while the battlefield became littered by the bodies of the Raths. It looked promising for Commander Kaid. The disordered Raths with their inferior weapons were easily killed by his wellequipped soldiers and mounted units. A sound filled the air, one the soldiers of Ralorn had never heard before. It was a deep, raspy sound, as if something immense was breathing, filling huge lungs. Dark shadows loomed from the forest on the sides of the field. They emerged as two huge beasts of murder. They resembled bears, but were enormous with ragged white fur and jaws the size of a man’s chest.
PAGE 13
Poetry & Creative Writing
Poetry & Creative Writing
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com FEB 2018
Poetry & Creative Writing
Poetry & Creative Writing
Words Contributed by Carmen Summerfield On a recent trip to my mom’s house in Holland, I happened to overhear a conversation between my mom and her visiting English cousin, Cedrick. Since my mom speaks English, they were talking in the English language. English is English is English, right? WRONG! Because what my English cousin said (in the Queen’s English), implied very different meanings to my mother, who learned a very literal Dutch English many, many years ago. They were engaged in a lively discussion about the merits of my mom’s plan to purchase a bicycle. Mom planned to purchase a unique 3-wheel bike, so she wouldn’t have to worry about tipping over. When my English cousin, Cedrick, said, “That is an original point of view,” he really meant, “You MUST be CRAZY.” But Mom heard, “He LIKES my idea!” They discusssed the merits of a bike over that of a car in Holland. Cedrick patiently
listened and remarked, “I hear what you say…”, when he really meant was, “I disagree, and I do not want to discuss it any further.” What my Dutch mother understood was, “Oh! He accepts my point of view!” Refering to her design idea of a large cargo rack to hold her groceries, Cedrick remarked of the idea, “Quite good,” but I knew he really meant “a bit disappointing”. Mom, of course, heard, “Great idea!” Finally, Mom suggested to Cedrick that he might like a similar bike at his home in England. He remarked, “I’ll look into it,” but he meant, “I’ll do NOTHING about it.” Mom immediately thought he was very interested. As they finished their discussion, Cedrick mentioned, “You must come for dinner sometime,” meaning, “I’m not inviting you, but just being polite.” Mom is anxiously awaiting an invitation. After Cedrick left, Mom happily bought her bike and pedals around northern Holland almost every day, not knowing what was “Lost in Translation”.
SUBMIT YOUR OWN EVENTS & ARTICLES ON OUR WEBSITE
page 15
Arts
Contributed by Michelle Cornelius
enhancedwellbeingak@gmail.com.
HUMDINGERS PIZZA: The 2nd Big Picture Show is coming up in March at Humdingers. The 30” plus-sized paintings are celebrating springtime, growing green or springy subject matter will be looming large in Humdingers through the month. Come by and experience great pizza and big art!
VAGABOND BLUES: Lastly, dont miss out on Nancy Angelini Crawford’s show at Vagabond Blues from March 9th - April 12, 2018. You won’t want to miss Nancy’s wonderful Alaskan landscapes expertly crafted with absolute love of her state.
PALMER DOWNTOWN DELI: On March 2nd, Barbara Hunt offers the Palmer Downtown Deli as an art venue. March is the theme - windy days, crocuses, Iditarod - whatever March means to you! Set up is March 3rd between 12pm-2pm. PIA’s FRAMING: Meanwhile, Glenda Field will be featured artist at PIA’s Framing for the month of March. Come by to enjoy Glenda’s fabulous watercolor work and larger than life poppies. There will be an open house reception on March 3rd, from 10am until 3pm. Pia’s address is 1201 Lucille. Wasilla. PALMER MONDAY MARKET: Also, Alice Palin will be offering origami card making at the Palmer Monday Market starting March 5th. Registration has started at the Monday Market in Palmer at the Depot. For more information email
We welcome beginners, students and part-time and professional artists who focus mainly on two-dimensional 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 at Mat-Su College.
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Featuring: Susan Sinclair, Jefferson Davis, Alicia Armstrong, Diane Paoletti, Judy Vars and Martha Happs
ABOUT VFAA: The VFAA was formed in early 2005 to create art, 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.
Membership in the Valley Fine Arts Association provides many diverse opportunities for artists. Check our website calendar for upcoming events. www.valleyfineartsassociation.org
FEB 2018