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www. MAKEASCENEAK .com FEB 2017
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Non-Profit Directory Families & Children: March of Dimes Alaska Chapter
Non-Profit Organization? Join our growing list for as little as $15.00/mo! Non-Profit’s Help Our Community!
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.
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 2017
Valley Fiber Arts Guild www.valleyfiberarts.org The Valley Fiber Arts Guild began in 1983. Our purpose is to provide educational and cultural enrichment for the community by promoting a greater interest in the fiber arts. Fiber arts include spinning, weaving, knitting, crochet, dying, felting, lace making, and more! Monthly gatherings are held at the Palmer Public Library on the first Saturday of the month from September-April at 10am-11:30am. Tuesday is UnFinished Objects Night. Join us every Tuesday night 5ish-8pm at Vagabond Blues Cafe in Palmer! Come spin, knit, crochet, or visit while having some coffee and getting some free instruction!
www.marchofdimes.org/alaska (907) 276-4111 Join the March of Dimes for our annual High Heels for High Hopes this fall. To become a model or participant, call 276-4111. The March of Dimes helps moms have fullterm pregnancies and healthy babies. And if something goes wrong, we offer information and comfort to families. We research the problems that threaten our babies and work on preventing them. About 4 million babies were born in the United States last year, and the March of Dimes helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs. The March of Dimes: working together for stronger, healthier babies.
ARTS: 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 www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com
CONSERVATION: Mat-Su Health Foundation 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.
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions 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.
Families & Children: March of Dimes Alaska Chapter www.marchofdimes.org/alaska (907) 276-4111 The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. About 4 million babies were born in the United States last year, and the March of Dimes helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs. The March of Dimes: working together for stronger, healthier babies.
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
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)
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
LOVE AND THEFT AT KLONDIKE MIKES 2/16/2017 - 7PM Klondike Mike’s and The Main Street Grill 820 S Colony Way, Palmer Tickets: $28 General, $50 VIP/ Meet & Greet www.brownpapertickets.com
MAT-SU DEMOCRATS EGAN DINNER 2/17/2017 - 5:30PM Mat-Su Democrats Turkey Red Restaurant 550 S. Alaska Way, Palmer FREE Admission, $25 Dinner/Drinks (907) 414-0733 btsieler@gmail.com www.matsudems.org
4-H HORSE SYMPOSIUM 2/18/2017 - 10AM Mat Su District 4-H Horse Council Real Life Church 10697 E. Palmer-Wasilla Highway FREE Event TIRES & TACOS 2/18/2017 - 12PM Denali Harley Davidson, Bikers Against Hunger Denali Harley Davidson 1497 Hyer Rd. Wasilla Cost: $10 or 10 Cans of Food (907) 373-3366 Check Us Out On Facebook TAIKO DRUM WORKSHOP WITH ERIKA NINOYU 2/18/2017 - 2PM Percussion in the Valley 13372 Crowther Rd. Palmer Cost: $20 - (907) 631-8079 percvalley@gmail.com www.percussioninthevalley.com
PRINTS AND ORIGINALS BY ARTIST/ILLUSTRATOR TERRI PFISTER February 22, 2017 - May 20, 2017 Loose Moose Cafe 431 W Parks Hwy. Wasilla FREE Event
BENEFIT DINNER 3/1/2017 - 6pm Big Lake Lions Recreation Center 2942 S Lions Ct, Wasilla Cost: $10 fishcrk@mtaonline.net becca_moore@yahoo.com
BATTLE OF THE VALLEY: BTDD VS. DDD 2/18/2017 – 7PM Boom Town Derby Dames, Denali Destroyer Dolls Menard Sports Center 1001 S Clapp St, Wasilla Tickets: $12 Adults, $5 Children, $10 Military/Seniors www.brownpapertickets.com
AFS SPRING $10,000 RAFFLE 2/24/2017 - 6PM Alaska Family Services 1825 S. Chugach St. Palmer Tickets: $100 - (907) 746-4080 receptionist@akafs.org www.akafs.org
MATSU RUNNING CLUB’S SEASON KICK-OFF EVENT 3/2/2017 - 6PM MatSu Running Club MTA Building 480 Commercial Dr. Palmer FREE Event matsurunningclub@gmail.com www.vwrt.org
IF THESE APRONS COULD TALK 2/19/2017 - 6:30PM Palmer Museum of History & Art Vagabond Blues 642 S Alaska St, Palmer Donations Accepted www.palmermuseum.org FIRST ANNUAL ALASKA GARDEN SEED EXCHANGE SEED SWAP 2/20/2017 - 12PM MatSu Valley Garden and Farm Resources Palmer Train Depot 610 S Valley Way, Palmer FREE Event Check us out on Facebook HITCHCOCK PIANO STUDIO MONTHLY OPEN HOUSE 2/20/2017 - 5PM Hitchcock Piano Studio 950 W Edinborough Drive, Palmer FREE Event - (907) 745-3134 ASC POP WARNER REGISTRATION & CHEER CAMPS 2/20/2017, 3/10/2017, 3/24/2017, 4/7/2017, 4/21/2017 - 6PM ASC Pop Warner Cheer Iditarod Elementary and TBD 801 Wasilla Fishhook Rd. Wasilla FREE Event, Donations Accepted brittanyhgreer@icloud.com www.Alaskapopwarner.net
FROZEN RIVER FEST 2/18/2017 - 4PM Soldotna Chamber of Commerce Soldotna Creek Park 44149 Sterling Hwy. Soldotna Cost: $15 Drinkers, FREE NonDrinkers/Kids (907) 262-9814 andy@soldotnachamber.com Check us out on Facebook
FREE CLASS! NON-TOXIC PEST MANAGEMENT 2/21/2017 - 7PM Wasilla Soil & Water Conservation District Mat-Su College 8295 College Dr, Palmer FREE Event - (907) 414-7140 wcs@wasillaswcd.org
PARLOR IN THE ROUND 2/24/2017 - 7PM Center Tix Vagabond Blues 642 S Alaska St, Palmer Tickets: $13 Seniors, $15 General https://alaskapac.centertix.net LIPGLOSS & LEADERSHIP WOMEN IN BUSINESS SUMMIT 2/25/2017 - 8AM Alaska Businesswomen’s Network Glenn Massay Theater 8295 College Dr, Palmer Cost: $20 Check us out on Facebook 10TH ANNUAL MAT SU PLUNGE 2/25/2017 - 10AM Mat Su Sertoma Club Palmer Elks Lodge 2600 N. Barry’s Resort Dr. Wasilla Cost: Make Pledge Online www.matsuhearing.org www.matsuplunge.org SPINNING BEE 2/25/2017 - 10AM Valley Fiber Arts Guild Turkey Red Restaurant 550 S. Alaska Way, Palmer FREE Event info@valleyfiberarts.org COMMUNITY DRUM WORKSHOP FOR ADULTS 2/25/17, 3/4/17, 3/11/17 - 1PM Percussion in the Valley 13372 Crowther Rd. Palmer Cost: $30 - (907) 631-8079 percvalley@gmail.com www.percussioninthevalley.com SPAGHETTI FEED 2/26/2017 – 2PM Bikers Against Hunger 801-901 E Snohomish Dr, Wasilla Cost: Ten Cans of Food or $10 www.foodpantryofwasilla.org
SENIOR SINGLES (AGE 50+) 3/2/2017 - 6:30PM Journey Church 3060 N Lazy Eight Ct. # 392, Wasilla FREE Event - (704) 785-6200 DYLAN SCOTT AT KLONDIKE MIKE’S 3/2/2017 - 7PM Klondike Mike’s and The Main Street Grill 820 S Colony Way, Palmer Tickets: $25 General, $50 VIP/ Meet & Greet www.brownpapertickets.com PALMER LIONS 50TH ANNUAL GUN SHOW March 4-5, 2017 - 10AM Palmer Lions Club Raven Hall, Alaska State Fairgrounds 2075 Glenn Highway, Palmer Cost: $7 General, FREE Children (907) 354-3798 palmerak.lions@gmail.com VALLEY FIBER ARTS GUILD MONTHLY MEETING 3/4/2017 - 10AM Valley Fiber Arts Guild Palmer Library 655 S Valley Way, Palmer FREE Event info@valleyfiberarts.org BOOTS & BLING BALL 3/4/2017 - 6PM ASC Pop Warner Alaska State Fairground Colony Church 2075 Glenn Palmer Hwy. Palmer Cost: $30 MAT-SU CONCERT BAND SYMPHONIC COLLAGE 3/4/2017 - 7:30PM Mat-Su Concert Band Glenn Massay Theater 8295 College Dr, Palmer Tickets: $5 Students, $10 General, FREE Ages 0-5 www.glennmassaytheater.com
LAST FRONTIER POND HOCKEY CLASSIC 2017 March 10-12, 2017 - 9AM The Scotty Gomez Foundation Burkeshore Marina 3610 S Burkeshore Dr, Big Lake www.akpond.com FOREIGN FILM 3/10/2017, 4/7/2017, 5/12/2017 - 7PM Palmer Public Library 655 S Valley Way, Palmer FREE Event - (907) 745-4690 libchill@palmerak.org www.pplak.org SLED FOR ETERNITY: RIDE FOR RECOVERY 3/11/2017 - 9AM Pacific Northwest Adult & Teen Challenge Trapper Creek Elementary School 6742 Petersville Rd. Trapper Creek Registration: $50 Early, $75 Regular - (907) 202-8850 www.events.tcpnw.com 2017 MAT-SU FRIENDS OF NRA BANQUET 3/11/2017 - 5PM Friends of NRA - Mat Su Valley Committee Raven Hall 2075 Glenn Highway, Palmer Tickets: $65 - (907) 841-1465 matsufnra@mtaonline.net www.friendsofnra.org BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE, MAT-SU 2017 3/18/2017 - 4PM Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska, Mat-Su North Bowl 3250 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Registration Reguired, Donations Accepted (907) 376-4617 amy.lalor@bbbsak.org www.bbbsak.org/bowl 37TH ANNUAL SPRING HOME SHOW April 7-9, 2017 Friday @12Pm, Saturday/Sunday @10AM Mat-Su Homebuilders Association Menard Sports Center 1001 S Clapp St. Wasilla Cost: $5 General, FREE Active Military/Kids www.matsuhomebuilders.com
FEB 2017
11TH ANNUAL VAA WEARABLE ART & RUNWAY FASHION SHOW 2/18/2017 – 3PM & 7PM Valley Arts Alliance Palmer Train Depot 610 S Valley Way, Palmer Tickets: $15 www.valleyartsalliance.com
MARA LUNCHEON 2/21/2017 - 11:30AM Matanusaka Amateur Radio Association Wasilla Chepos 731 W. Parks Hwy. Wasilla Cost: Personal Lunch Expenses kl7jfu@gci.net www.kl7jfu.com
MARA GENERAL MEETING 2/24/2017 - 7PM Matanusaka Amateur Radio Association Wasilla Fire Station 61 101 W Swanson Ave. Wasilla FREE Event kl7jfu@gci.net www.kl7jfu.com
GOOD TIME TRAVELERS AK SPRING TOUR 3/8/2017 - 8PM Hatcher Pass Discovery Booking Fishhook Bar Mile 6.5 Palmer Fishhook Rd. Palmer Cost: $6
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LEND ME A TENOR 2/17/2017 - 3/5/2017 Fridays & Saturdays @7PM, Sundays @2PM Valley Performing Arts 251 W Swanson Ave, Wasilla Tickets: $18 Students/Seniors, $20 General www.valleyperformingarts.org
URBAN YETI IMPROV 2/18/2017 - 7PM Mat-Su College Glenn Massay Theater 8295 E. College Drive, Palmer FREE Event - (907) 745-9775 http://matsu.alaska.edu/journey/
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Museum / Community
The Palmer Museum has always been about community and celebrating the history and people of the Palmer region. For 2017, the Museum will be focused on showcasing this aspect in all of its temporary exhibits, associated programs and events. Through this, we hope to become a catalyst for community impact. This year’s Temporary Exhibit Schedule at the Museum will be showcasing our local Valley artists, both young and old; educators and students while also broadening public awareness on contemporary issues concerning the American public and looking back on how far we’ve come. While the country is going through a government transitional period, its citizens have stepped forward and taken to the streets and social media to discuss topics they feel need to be addressed while also voicing their struggles, concerns and hopes for the future. As a way to help our local community through this period of adjustment, the Palmer Museum has decided to use its Temporary Exhibits this year to remind people that we are still neighbors and should celebrate our community and the people who live here. With that in mind, we also want to remind our residents that being far removed from the rest of our country does not mean we should not stay on top of the issues, but rather strive to educate ourselves so that we can make positive changes for our future. Kicking off the 2017 Temporary Exhibit Schedule and continuing through the beginning of March is Apron Strings: Ties to the Past. This traveling exhibit from the Lower 48, generously being supported through a grant from Conoco Phillips, reviews the apron’s role as an emotionally charged vehicle for expression with a rich and varied craft history that is still viable today. The exhibit is comprised of 51 aprons dating from the late 1800s through the 1980s that examine the evolution of gender roles within the home. To help visitors connect with the exhibit, the Museum will be hosting a special
evening reception with guest speakers from a variety of professions that require the use of aprons. They will share the stories of their aprons and guests are encouraged to wear their own aprons and likewise, share stories. The event will be held on February 19th from 6:30PM 8:30PM at Vagabond Blues in downtown Palmer. Tickets for the event are by donation and can be purchased at B Bella Hair Salon or at the Palmer Museum. All proceeds will go towards supporting the Museum’s remaining 2017 Temporary Exhibit Program. Following the departure of Apron Strings; Ties to the Past, the Museum will be hosting the third year of its Mat-Su Valley juried high school art exhibit, Beyond the Classroom III. Beyond the Classroom is open to all high school students, grades 9-12 that are enrolled in a high school program (public, home school or alternative). Only one submission per student is allowed and art works can be comprised of any media, any size. Applications are available on the museum web-site at palmermuseum.org/pastexhibits/, or forms can be picked up at the Museum and Wasilla Museum. The Museum will be accepting applications until March 8th. Applications will be used to determine space requirements and other exhibit accommodations needed. Due to space limitations, the Museum will only guarantee acceptance of the first 25 applications and then open it up to additional entries with space permitting. Art work will be on display at the Museum March 11th through April 8th, with a
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Bear Paw River Brewery will be featuring a new, local Valley Fine Arts Association artist show each month. It began during the summer with Maria Mckiernan. Come by first Fridays to check out the work and visit with the talented artists, 4605 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy in Wasilla.
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Contributed by Michelle Cornelius
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Arts
March’s Artist: Jim Leach
Featured Artists: February: Martha Happs March: Jim Leach April: Rusty Clark May: Francine Long June: Glenda Field Artists: VFAA Membership is $25 annually. FEB 2017
Your membership will gain you access to information on venues such as Bear Paw River Brewery art shows, Painting workshops taught by renowned artists, annual art retreats, paint outs and more! For more info on memberships and bimonthly meetings go to valleyfineartsassociation.org.
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Contributed by Carmen Summerfield Back in the mid-1990s the City of Wasilla commissioned artist and sign maker, Bob Mills, who owns B. Original Signs at 5100N Wasilla-Fishhook Road in Wasilla, to design and fabricate a sign commemorating Wasilla as the site of the Iditarod restart. The Iditarod Sign, consisting of three modified 4x8 sheets of plywood, was installed at the old Wasilla airport, which at that time was situated behind the present Valley Performing Arts theatre, in an area known as Iditapark (500 W. Nelson Avenue). When the airport was moved, the
Iditarod Sign was also moved, this time to the Chamber of Commerce building across the RR tracks at 415 Railroad Avenue (the old train depot). Over the years, the harsh Alaskan elements worked against the Iditarod Sign (the plywood warped and the paint faded and peeled), and it ended up in pieces, neglected, at the City of Wasilla Maintenance Building on Blind Nick Drive (off the Wasilla-Fishhook Rd). Around the end of 2016, Lyn Carden, City of Wasilla Deputy Administrator (and also on the Centennial Celebration Committee), learned of the Iditarod Sign and enthused people to help to restore the Iditarod Sign for the
2017 Centennial Celebration Exhibit of Wasilla. Back at the City of Wasilla Maintenance Building, Lynn Follett and crew cleaned, sanded and structurally repaired the Iditarod Sign, but it was still in need of artistic restoration. Randy Robinson, also on the Centennial Celebration Committee (and Valley Arts Alliance director), volunteered the Valley Arts Alliance to provide the artistic restoration. I took it from there, and over the course of several weeks, I restored the painting on the Iditarod Sign to new condition. One small piece of the Iditarod Sign had become lost, the elevated portion of the “I” in Wasilla. So I contacted Bob
Entertainment Contributed by Teri K. Jeffress
FEB 2017
Urban Yeti Improv 2/18/2017 - 7PM Mat-Su College Glenn Massay Theater 8295 E. College Drive, Palmer FREE Event Mat-Su College proudly presents Urban Yeti Improv on Saturday, February 18th at 7:00pm in the Glenn Massay Theater on the MSC campus. Urban Yeti Improv is a masterful improvisational comedy experience, inspired by an array
of sources and relying heavily on audience participation. Shows are as diverse as they are entertaining, regularly dabbling in different formats.
This event is free and open to the public, thanks to a Healthy Impact Grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation.
Urban Yeti Improv has performed for audiences across the country and is now making their first appearance in the Valley.
More information about Urban Yeti Improv and images for promotional use can be found at their website: www.urbanyetiimprov.com
For this performance, Urban Yeti Improv will be serving up laughs to promote happiness, balance, and good mental health as a part of MatSu College’s Journey Program.
For more information about MatSu College’s Journey Program, please visit: matsu.alaska.edu/journey
Mills, who is still in business after 37 years, and he showed me the original drawing of the Iditarod Sign. Bob is now recreating that missing piece, so the Iditarod Sign will be complete. Now the Iditarod Sign will permanently be on display at the Dorothy Page Museum on Main Street in Wasilla. Bethany Buckingham, the museum curator, explained that the Iditarod Sign will be on display in the new museum extension. I would like to find out even more about this Iditarod Sign. So if anyone remembers this Iditarod Sign, and has historic photos or information, please contact MakeA-Scene Magazine by emailing makeasceneak@mac.com.
Contributed by Janet St. George Meet Iditarod Artist Jon Van Zyle at Town Square Art Gallery on Saturday, March 11th, 1-4PM! Please follow us on Facebook, call us at 907-376-0123, sign up for our monthly newsletter, visit www.townsquareartgallery.com or stop in for details regarding Jon’s signing and show.
Art is Jon Van Zyle’s life, and Alaska has been his inspiration. Van Zyle has seen more of Alaska than most can ever hope to experience. He has twice completed the 1,094 miles of the Iditarod Trail in the yearly sled dog race between Anchorage and Nome. He has created the yearly Iditarod poster series commemorating the race and his involvement. In 1979, he was made the official Iditarod artist, a title he still holds today. In 2004, he was inducted into the Iditarod Hall of Fame. Jon’s art career has spanned over forty years. As a prolific artist, he produces numerous paintings a year for one man exhibitions in the United States as well as Europe. Illustrating at least two children’s books a year since 1993 for prestigious publishers has earned him a reputation with a younger audience as well as many awards for his children’s art.
Friday, February 10th, The Iditarod Board of Directors moved the Iditarod Re-Start to Fairbanks due to impassable trail conditions in the Alaska Range.
Jon’s books and artwork, including his new signed 2017 Iditarod prints and posters are currently available at Town Square Art Gallery. Jon will be the featured artist for the month of March, so please stop in and enjoy the spirit of “The Last Great Race!” Town Square Art Gallery has represented Jon’s artwork and books since 1988 and features an extensive collection of rare prints and posters. Town Square Art Gallery is located in the Carrs Wasilla Mall, open Mon-Fri 10-6 and Sat 10-5. The new Iditarod prints and posters are available now and make a great Iditarod memory especially when personalized by Jon or signed by your favorite musher! For more information, stop by Town Square, call 907-376-0123, follow Town Square on Facebook or visit www.townsquareartgallery.com
FEB 2017
Van Zyle studied art in Colorado. Born in the Midwest, he lived in the East, the Northwest and Hawaii before making Alaska his home in 1971. Van Zyle and his wife, Jona, travel Alaska extensively, gathering material and experiences for new works of art. They now live near Eagle River, Alaska where they maintain a dog team of registered Siberian Huskies. Both inspirational and functional, the dogs play a large part in Jon’s work, as does the secluded atmosphere of the woods surrounding his studio and home.
There will be no Re-Start in Willow and therefore, no Iditarod show featuring Jon Van Zyle that day in Willow.
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He will be signing his new 2017 Iditarod print, “Three Dog Night” and 2017 poster “For Those Left Behind”. Also available are children’s books that Jon illustrated and two new book releases: “Jon Van Zyle, My Colorful Life of Art and Adventure” and “Iditarod Memories, 40th Anniversary Edition of Official Race Art.”
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Music
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Contributed by Zaz Hollander Mat-Su Concert Band Symphonic Collage 3/4/2017 - 7:30PM Mat-Su Concert Band Glenn Massay Theater 8295 College Dr, Palmer Tickets: $5 Students, $10 General, FREE Ages 0-5 Mat-Su Concert Band brings a symphonic collage to the stage of the Glenn Massay Theater at Mat-Su College with a concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 4th. The program features a contemporary piece from a new American composer, plus a vibrant combination of marches and dances and a toe-tapping arrangement of selections from the Disney classic “Mary Poppins”. The concerts have an intermission. Tickets are $10, $5 for students and children under 5 get in free. Tickets can be purchased online at www. matsuconcertband.org. Perhaps the most unusual piece on the program is “Riften Wed” by Emmywinning composer Julie Giroux, who has written for television and film including the “North and South” miniseries.
FEB 2017
This soaring composition premiered in 2013 and takes its material from the role-playing video game saga Skyrim. Riften Wed takes place in the lawless fantasy city of Riften, where marriage is permanent and often forged for survival as much as love.
“Skyrim weddings are happening in the middle of a world full of violence, disease, war and death. Something Earth is all too familiar with.” Giroux writes in her own program notes, which she urges directors to read to performers before the piece is rehearsed. The familiar tunes of Mary Poppins are faithfully rendered in the Sherman brothers’ assortment of movie selections including “Feed the Birds” and “Chim Chim Cheree” and “A Spoonful of Sugar”. The brothers won two Academy Awards for the original score that’s still an audience favorite. A vibrant series of dances from around the world includes “Four Scottish Dances” by Malcolm Arnold and “Danzon no. 2” by Arturo Marquez. Marches round out the program. The first movement of “Second Suite in F for Military Band” by Gustav Holst is a march. The band will perform all four movements of this melodic suite based on English folk songs. Other marches to be performed are Sousa’s “The Free Lance March”, “Old Comrades (Alte Kameraden)” by Carl Telke and “Aces High March” by Ron Goodwin, in honor of a cherished band stalwart.
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. 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.
Contributed by Sally Hitchcock One of the oldest piano studios currently active in the area has begun to give back to the community some of the gifts of piano music received over the nearly forty years of its existence. Friendships created with other teachers when actively working together in professional organizations began the accumulation.
The latest students have been given books to either begin lessons, or work to catch up with concepts and abilities learned years ago. Mrs. Hitchcock has discovered that gifted books, as well as her own good-sized library can save costs to new students. One adult has made tremendous progress in a book that had sat unused for many years. A few Christmas books have left the Studio as open houses aimed at clearing off closet shelves were held over the latest holiday period. Mrs. Hitchcock plans on beginning the monthly events in February, to include performances as well as free searches through antique and good used music books and sheet music. Save third Monday evenings at 5PM to 7PM for the rest of 2017. People with pianos or keyboards who wish to see them used are very welcome.
Museum special artist reception to be held during the Palmer Art Walk on Saturday, April 8th, from 2PM-6PM. As part of the exhibit, representatives from Mat-Su College Art Department, Valley Arts Alliance, Valley Fine Arts Association, Palmer Arts Council and the Palmer Museum will be reviewing all submissions.
Finally, don’t forget to save the date for the next episode of the Palmer Museum’s Untold Stories. Originally beginning in May of 2016, the Museum developed the event so that it could bring together Mat-Su Valley residents to share their personal stories: funny, sad and sweet.
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FEB 2017
Artists will be given review sheets with comments and suggestions after the exhibit with a special participation gift provided by Blaine’s Art Supply in Anchorage. Prizes will be given out to one outstanding work from each media: painting, drawing, sculpture/ ceramics, photography and mixed media. One student will also be awarded a Best in Show based on a 50/50 score with 50% based on public popular vote taken at the Museum from March 15th – April 7th and 50% based on the jury panel’s review. The exhibit is designed to showcase our
younger artists in the community, while encouraging them to continue making art a part of their lives. Continuing through 2017, the Palmer Museum’s Temporary Exhibit Schedule will include exhibits on local art educators and their students, farming in Alaska, women in politics, celebrating past loved ones, and the power of music as a voice for change. To learn more about the Museum’s upcoming temporary exhibits, visit the Museum’s web-site: palmermuseum. org/past-exhibits/.
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As they retired, left or just switched careers, the boxes began to show up. For some years, Sally Hitchcock, of Hitchcock Piano Studio in Palmer, was a small branch of the best music bookstore on the west coast - Keyboard Cache, and began weekly filling orders from the Anchorage store. Of course, she probably bought more books than truly needed.
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Faith
Suffering Brings Us Closer to God
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Contributed by Vic Kohring Nearly everyone experiences tragedy in life whether from injury, sickness or the loss of a loved one. It can induce great suffering. I’m no exception, having endured tragedy first-hand in recent years. What’s important is one’s reaction to such a dire circumstance. Do they crumble under pressure, or pick themselves up and perhaps use it to create something positive? As a Christian, I’ve relied heavily on God for comfort when faced with life’s trials. Without Him, I’m not sure I could have survived the loss of one family member to Alzheimer’s and another to injury, both heart wrenching tragedies. Losing them was almost unbearable and it made it difficult to move forward as the pain was deep and awful. But through God’s grace, I found strength to rise out of my survival mode. At least some pain will always remain however, until I see my loved ones again in heaven. Until then, the Holy Spirit walks beside me as promised in 2 Corinthians 1:4. Pope John Paul II, who endured much suffering including an assassin’s bullet and Parkinson’s disease, once said that suffering, while a trial in itself, can become a source of good. He reminded us that Christ’s crucifixion was the ultimate in suffering as His sacrifice opened the door of salvation to millions.
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Despite the most horrible physical circumstances, Jesus showed us the way. “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps,” as 1 Peter 2:21 states. Following my own personal losses, I’ve found myself drawn closer to God - a blessing in itself - as a stronger, more conformed Christian with a greater
desire to work on behalf of the church to advance the Gospel and reach lost souls. I pray frequently for wisdom and God’s guidance as well as fellowshipping regularly with others. Philippians 3:10 says, “I want to know Christ - yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.” In other words, a person who lives through suffering as a Christian, becomes more fully conformed to God. Although suffering develops holiness and closeness to God, getting there is painful. It’s a difficult, yet worthwhile process if you’re resolved. Being stricken with tragedy is also humbling and opens one’s heart to God. And it helps strengthen one’s character and produces greater maturity as a Christian. Suffering has allowed me to minister and give comfort to others who are hurting, walking beside them as the Holy Spirit does me. It has given me a greater understanding and softened my heart toward others because I’ve traveled through the same dark valley. My experience has been powerfully meaningful to others who see that I’ve walked in their shoes and have experienced the same burning pain. One of my favorite church pastors, 95-year-old Harold Salem of the Christian Worship Hour, said in a 2015 sermon that, “We are blessed when the Lord gives, but also blessed when He takes.” As painful as it was to lose family members, I consider myself blessed as I now realize they were very special gifts from God. When they were taken from me, it was initially impossible to see how anything good could come from it. But in time, God opened my eyes and revealed the truth. Vic Kohring is a former Alaska legislator who is now active in the Christian ministry. His website is www.vickohringministries.com
Contributed by Becky Little Isn’t it true that we’re all on a journey to somewhere? We sometimes know our destination, but more often than not, we just go along for the ride letting nature take its course. We at Journey Church, have decided to be proactive and we will be offering a Grief Support Group for those whose have lost loved ones. My daughter and I both became widows at the age of 34 years old. We will be co-facilitating the class. We walked on that journey and understand the grief process personally. My daughter is currently working towards a degree in family counseling to help others as they struggle through life crises, many times going it alone. It doesn’t have to be that way. There is a small cost for your personal workbook of $20. The thirteen week study is free and will meet every Tuesday at 6:308:30pm at Journey Church in the Crossroads Center. Our first session started Tuesday, Feb. 2nd, but is an open ongoing class through mid May. We also aware of a growing need in the Mat-Su Valley for senior singles ages 50 and up to meet and form a support group for one another. There is a growing population of “baby boomers” who have become divorced, experienced the death of a spouse or are just plain lonely and need the encouragement of others their age. We want to send the message that getting older doesn’t have to be lonely or boring.
We are providing a free meeting place at Journey Church (located behind Little Miller’s Ice Cream) at the corner of Bogard and Seldon. They are meeting the first Thursday of every month at 6:30pm. The next meeting is Thursday, March 2nd at 6:30pm. We have a free exercise classes and light therapy on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10am. This is open to the community as a gathering place for a fun time of fitness and sharing of prayer requests. We strive to provide a supporting and encouraging environment for people of all ages to personally experience the sense of family that we can all share. Our fitness leader was formerly a personal trainer for Curves. Remember These Dates: • •
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Grief Support Group: Beginning Tuesday, February 21st – May Senior Singles 50 and Up: 1st Thursday of every month. Next meeting is March 2nd at 6:30pm Exercise Class/Light Therapy: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 10am
Our contact number is 704-7856200 for more information or to reserve a spot for these new ministries to our community. Please come and join us for fun, fellowship and a sense of family to help you through the tough times.
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Poetry
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Theatre Comedy Directed By Kelly Lee Williams Lend Me A Tenor 2/17/2017 - 3/5/2017 Fridays & Saturdays @7PM, Sundays @2PM Valley Performing Arts 251 W Swanson Ave, Wasilla Tickets: $18 Students/Seniors, $20 General It’s September in 1934 and the greatest tenor of his generation is set to appear for one night only at the Cleveland Grand Opera Company. The star arrives late and through a hilarious series of mishaps, is given a double dose of tranquilizers, passes out and is mistaken for dead. In a frantic attempt to salvage the evening, the assistant manager is persuaded get into costume to fool the audience into thinking he’s the star tenor. What happens when the star wakes up and there’s two Otellos running around in costume? Which one is the real II Stupendo? A Winner of three Tony Awards and four Drama Desk Awards, Lend Me a Tenor will keep you laughing until the final curtain! Call VPA at 373-0195, visit our website www.valleyperformingarts.org or come by the office, Monday through Friday 9am to 3pm to purchase your tickets.
At every episode (performance), seven people each tell a seven-minute long true story about themselves relating to the show’s theme. Local musicians perform a few songs before, during and after the performances. Proceeds made from Untold Stories ticket sales go towards supporting the Palmer Museum of History and Art’s events and programs. April’s episode theme is Spring Breakup (and all that entails) and will be held at the Palmer Depot on April 23rd, from 6PM-8PM. Staff from the Palmer Downtown Deli will also be selling snacks and refreshments. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students with I.D. and are available at the Palmer Museum and B Bella Hair Salon. Be sure to purchase your
tickets early as all past shows have been sold out. If you would like the opportunity to tell your story, the Museum is still accepting story submissions for this episode. Please submit your stories through the Palmer Museum website at palmermuseum. org/untold-stories/ no later than April 6th and join our growing family of local storytellers. This year, there will be plenty to see and much more to learn at the Palmer Museum so be sure to stay up to date on our Temporary Exhibit Schedule, programs and events through our website and Facebook page so you don’t miss out on all the fun!
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Arts
About The Artist: Terri Pfister has enjoyed drawing and painting since she was nine years old, after her grandmother gave her a couple of Walter Foster’s drawing books and a few art supplies. At the age of twelve, Terri’s Girl Scout leader signed her up for an adult oil painting course in Southern California. In high school, Terri studied art and photography as often as she could, until her family moved to Florida.
Terri took one year of commercial art from Mid Florida Technical Institute
Since then, Terri has worked various design positions including working as a freelance artist over the past 30 years, creating advertising, logos and custom art. Over the past 20 years, Terri has donated several original works and prints to local charities and public schools in the Mat-Su School District. Currently, Terri paints vibrant and whimsical pieces with gouache, acrylic and watercolor on canvas or arches 140 lb. paper. In the past two years, Terri has hosted public and private painting sessions for small groups of novice to beginner painters. Terri creates custom original images for each event and walks through her methods of working with acrylic paints or watercolors, providing easy to follow step by step instructions. All prints and originals and will be available for sale during the show. Contact Terri at 907-354-5922 or mtpfist@yahoo.com
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During Terri’s junior and senior years, the high school offered no art classes. Terri substituted the lack of art classes by becoming a member of the newspaper staff; shooting and developing photos, designing page layouts, creating ads and her own cartoon strip. Terri purchased her first 35mm camera and took B&W photography at the local college during her senior year.
and studied three more years in graphic design while working at the college library as their production assistant. Terri received scholarships from the local art and public relations organizations in Leesburg, Florida. In 1985, Terri received her degree in graphic design with a heavy focus on art history.
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Terri paints with vibrant color schemes, attempting to bring happiness and smiles to everyone who sees her work. Come enjoy the whimsical moose and snow people designs or the detailed pen and ink stipple illustrations. Loose Moose Café is the perfect spot to showcase Terri’s diverse talents and skills as an artist/illustrator.