JUNE 2017
PAGE 2
PAGE 3
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com JUNE 2017
PAGE 4
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.
JUNE 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
PAGE 6
Music & Entertainment
Contributed by Michael Consalo The age old question: Can one person, who can see a gap in our community, really put forth time and effort in a beneficial manner? Too many times we see great programs fall in the name of financial sustainability. In our schools, music programs are the first to go. In our colleges, the arts are the first to go. Even in our homes, less and less kids are spending time doing arts and crafts. In ancient traditions, people couldn’t even communicate ancient tales without song and dance. So what happened? Fast access to entertainment has kept countless families at home, flipping through endless movie apps and programs while music venues struggle to draw a crowd. How can we look at this with hope for future, especially if you are an aspiring musician or artist? While problems will always exist, it really only takes one person to stand up and ask… Why? Why do people prefer to stay at home versus heading out to a fun concert, art exhibit or festival? The answer? Time. Our time on this planet is short and I’m sure if you are like me, you want to make sure you spend your time doing what will be most beneficial or most enjoyable for you. But how can we really know what is “most” enjoyable or “most worth our time” if we repeat the same patterns of watching TV, hanging out at home watching movies, etc. And how can we expect great businesses and activities to stick around if we don’t get out and utilize them?
JUNE 2017
Every day, I hear parents complain about their kids on tablets and computers, unwilling to go outside because they’re bored. This is what our reduction in music and art programs and our impatience has created. With music, you can’t simply “beat it” in a week or two like a video game. It takes persistence
to get better and better, patience to be willing to work at something, and creativity. It also gives adults and children alike a way to vent or express deep emotions. Parents also have to be patient. Instruments aren’t cheap and lessons are not free, especially with school programs being cut. So what’s happening? It seems to me at least, programs are cut, kids loose interest, kids develop habits that are not related to music and arts, less bands develop in the area, kids grow up and are looking for entertainment in the form of music, there are no bands to go see because it’s made up of the small group that pushed through regardless of financial and community support… and thus the loop continues. I love the Matsu and I love music. I want them together. Don’t get me wrong, things are happening, but are they happening in the right place? So, what can one person do? I have made it my sole mission to bring music and arts back to our families. With the support of great organizations like Hatcher Pass Radio 95.5, The City of Wasilla, The People’s Paper, Alaska Midnite Scents, Alaskan Sweet Vapes, Diagnostic Health Alaska, Wasilla Physical Therapy, MTA, MEA, Matsu Central School, Reading Write Alaska and Surgical Specialists of Alaska, this year we will have The Pass @ The Park. The event will bring families out of their homes and into the parks for three hours from 6pm-9pm during June 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th! This free community event, will hopefully encourage more people to fight for our music and art here in the Matsu! We want this year to kick off with live local music from right here in the Valley, to give local musicians in Wasilla a new venue. We will also have local food trucks and vendors, to help drive a little local economy. And of course, all the activities at Iditapark/Wonderland Park will be available.
The art portion of this event is what I would like to grow next year with art vendors, art exhibits and an art submission contest for the poster!
This year we had local artist, Sara SquartsoffMckinley (pictured left), paint our poster and she did an amazing job as you can see by the poster next to this article. And this is just the beginning. Right now, I am in the process of working with United Way, Matsu Health Foundation, Valley Arts Alliance, The People’s Paper and many more to develop a youth music program, once a month in Palmer and Wasilla. This new adventure will help the youth not only have a safe, substance free environment to develop their skills, but it will also help drive the future of the music scene. So yes, one person can make a difference, and my ultimate goal is to show everyone that. I also hope that these efforts will encourage others to do the same. Fight for what you believe should be available in the Valley! Hope to see you at this year’s The Pass @ The Park at 6pm-9pm, Friday nights in June! If you are interested in joining my mission to bring music and arts to our youth in the Valley, feel free to contact me - Michael C. 302-632-8591. Thank you for your time, hope it was worth it!
PAGE 7
Arts Contributed by Terry Matteucci Koch VCRS Art Piece Unveiling 7/8/2017 – 12PM Valley Community for Recycling Solutions 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, Palmer FREE Event, Donations Accepted Three arrows, three tails, for a total of six pieces - and yes, I added that up without a calculator, using only my fingers. Give six local artists each a piece, each with a different talent, very few rules and see what happens. When completed and assembled, it will cover and 8’ X 8’ area and create an identifiable object. “What is that object?” you ask. I’m not going to give it away, but it will be hung on the Community Recycling Center in Palmer and unveiled on July 8th between 12pm and 2pm as part of Valley Arts Alliance Second Saturday art walk. Hint: There’s a hint hidden in that last sentence!
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) is a non-profit organization (see us in the non-profit listing in this publication under Conservation), serving the recycling needs of the Mat-Su Borough and surrounding areas. We provide a community service as a drop-off facility, accepting clean, separated household recycling: paper, plastic, metals and more. To learn more about recycling, visit www.valleyrecycling.org. Although recycling is free, we graciously accept donations of any denomination; we do not discriminate. We are located next to the animal shelter, which is next to the Central Landfill. Follow the smells. You will see a big green building at the end of E. Chanlyut Circle, that’s us. And soon there will be a large, artistic symbol on the building, but you’ll have to come to see what that is on July 8th, between 12pm and 2pm. Sorry, no more hints.
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
If you don’t know where the recycling center is, congratulations – you have reduced and reused to the point where you have no unwanted waste left to recycle. Since that’s unlikely (I’ve been trying for years and have been unsuccessful), I am assuming you are currently not a recycler or that you have recycling pick-up service and have no need to visit us. Whatever the case may be, you are invited to come to our Second Saturday event in July and see what we’re all about.
Now I’m all riled up – it happens when I start talking about recycling, which is important, but I think before we recycle, we need to reduce and reuse first. I think reducing is really the most important R of the three Rs. Saying no to single-use plastics is the easiest place to start. Use it once and throw it away? Absurd! Wasteful! Unacceptable! Right? Try carrying your own travel mug and reusable water bottle, don’t accept plastic straws or plastic cutlery, and bring your own sturdy reusable grocery bags when shopping. Plastics are polluting our earth and our oceans. Even though some of these plastics have a recycle symbol on them, they are not all recyclable. And very few of the ones that are able to be recycled actually make it to a recycling center. They are thrown away and end up in the landfill where they never, ever go away.
Participating Artists Nicolene Jordan, Colleen Wake, Carole Henry, David Dinkel, Sandra Cook, Carmen Summerfield and myself.
JUNE 2017
But I digress. This was really about that artistic object (symbol) thing with the arrows that will be hung on the recycling center. Did I say no more hints? I meant it. So see you July 8th. It’s a surprise!
PAGE 8
Arts Contributed by Carmen Summerfield
JUNE 2017
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Art On Fire 10 x 100 6/24/2017 – 10AM Valley Arts Alliance Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry 3800 W. Museum Dr. Wasilla Tickets: FREE Children, $10 Adults It’s time for another hot, hot, hot Iron Pour! Yes, for the 10th consecutive year, the Valley Arts Alliance Art on Fire Iron Pour Art Fest will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2017 in Wasilla. We’re calling this year’s event 10 x 100 because it’s our 10th consecutive year, and the 100th anniversary of the City of Wasilla. > In the weeks preceding this event, Pat Garley has been offering workshops in metal casting and mold making at his studio in Palmer. These workshops will continue at the 10th Annual Valley Arts Alliance Art on Fire Iron Pour Art Fest, where these molds will be poured with liquid iron. > You can make your own cast iron art tile at the Art on Fire event. The molds, called scratch blocks, will be available for $10 and you can “scratch” your unique pattern into this block with tools (nails, chisels, etc.) provided. After the liquid iron is poured into your scratch block and cools, you can take your
art tile home! Remember to make your pattern in reverse, just like chocolate molds! > Sandra Cook, who owns SL Cook Pottery and Fiber Werks in Palmer, will conduct her Raku pottery workshop throughout the day. Sandra will provide each workshop participant (for a small fee) with a vessel or pot of unglazed ceramic ware, known as bisque, which the participants will decorate with a variety of glazes and then fire in one of Sandra’s special Raku kilns. After a short firing, the “red hot” vessels will be placed inside a metal can full of combustible materials, a process that draws the oxygen out of the glaze and is responsible for the unique and completely unpredictable Raku look. After the vessel cools, you’ll be able to take it home! > Judy Vars will demonstrate her encaustic wax painting, and you can paint with this hot, colorful medium at her booth for a small fee. Encaustic wax painting, also known as hot wax painting, involves using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added. The liquid or paste is then applied to a surface - usually prepared wood, though canvas and other materials are often used. This ancient art form dates back to Egyptian times! Try it out! > The Association of Alaskan Blacksmiths will demonstrate blacksmithing techniques and other fiery arts, such as glass flame working, will also be demonstrated.
> Sahara Storm Tribal Dance Troupe will share with you the wonder of belly dance, and other exciting fiery circus performance arts. > We have our “Old Truck” stage set up for live music all day with a great line-up of musicians. > Gathering Grounds Cafe, associated with MY House, will be providing food from their delicious café menu. My House - supporting homeless youth by offering a hand up and not a hand out. > The Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry was established to give a home to Alaska’s transportation and industrial remnants, and to tell the stories of the people and the machines that opened Alaska to exploration and growth. That means planes, trains and automobiles, and all kinds of other interesting stuff. Check it out! The 10 x 100 VAA Art on Fire Iron Pour Art Fest will be held at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry, located at 3800 W. Museum Drive (near the airport) in Wasilla, from 10am until 5pm on Saturday, June 24th. The ticket price is $10, with children under 12 admitted free. Please join the fun! We hope to turn this day into an extraordinary Iron Pour Art Fest in the Valley!
www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com
Contributed by Selena Ortega-Chiolero Palmer Midsummer Garden & Art Faire 7/8/2017 - 10AM Palmer Museum of History & Art Downtown Palmer FREE Admission
Big things often come in little packages and our small museum is a hive of creative energy, bringing exhibits and plenty of hands-on events to town all year round. They are blessed with a great central location, a wonderful historic log building and a fabulous garden that’s always open on a midsummer’s eve. You couldn’t ask for a better location for a garden and art party! Did I say we have free parking in Palmer? We sure do! The annual Palmer Museum Garden and Art Faire is part of the 2nd Saturday Art Walk event in downtown Palmer, Saturday, July 8th. This year we’ll add Friday, June 7th to our fair fun with the annual Wine Walk fundraiser and the Rhubarb Rumble to be held at the Palmer Museum on the patio and lawn area. The Wine Walk sold out the first week tickets went on sale! Those lucky ticket holders receive a wine goblet hand-painted by a local artist and an opportunity to walk about to local retail spots and try a limited number of special wines picked by our wine specialist just for our event.
Pie’s not passé, but you have to grow with your rhubarb! As an added bonus… This year, the Rumble will be partnering with the Palmer Water
Each year we try to bring you workshops to add to your gardening and art fun. Need some tips on composting, how to grow a blue ribbon winner for the fair, learn from a peony farmer the secrets of great garden peonies, find out how to adapt your plant list to warming climate conditions and learn the basics on growing your own legal herb safely? We’ve got something for everyone! You can learn how to bonsai native plants, make a flower halo, draw an impressionistic color pencil garden image and even learn brewing basics from a master brewer at Arkose Brewery nearby. It wouldn’t be a fair without plenty of music! We are fortunate to have so many great musicians available here in Alaska and we’ve got three sound stages ready for everything from rock to acoustic folk, marimba, the Palmer Arts Council summer conservatory band and more. From the Hannah Yoter Band, Blackwater Railroad Company, Jerry Wessling Band to marimba, Alaskan Hip Hop and our annual fair starter - the Palmer Arts Council’s summer conservatory band, we’ve got plenty of styles to please your ear. And if you want more music after the fair, there’s plenty happening on the main stage until 10pm at the Palmer City Ale House.
JULY 8, 2017 | 10am-6pm palmergardenandart.org
Be sure and bring your dancing shoes, and an umbrella is optional. Plan your Garden and Art Faire weekend. We’ll post our schedule on the website at www.PalmerGardenandArt.org and printed event guides will be available at the Palmer Museum and local retail outlets in downtown Palmer. Check us out on Facebook as well at Midsummer Garden and Art Faire.
JUNE 2017
The ever popular Rhubarb Rumble is free and open to the public of all ages. Local chefs and caterers will try to win your favor with their rhubarb creations from the sweet to the savory. You get to taste and vote for your favorite. You didn’t know you could cook up a terrific meat sauce with rhubarb, did you?
and Soil Conservation District’s Local Food in Business Project aimed at promoting the use of locally grown foods in our local eateries. Saturday we roll out the main event from 10:00am to 6:00pm. You can get artistic with vegetables, bring your camera and shoot great garden photos, make a flowery halo to wear while you dance to the music or just enjoy a stroll through over 45 vendors on the green and the museum grounds.
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
It wouldn’t be July unless we were having a party on the town green in the middle of Palmer. From one end of the green to the gardens on the Palmer Museum’s lawn, there will be music to suit your fancy, plenty of demonstrations and speakers on gardening and sustainable living and loads of great vendors to pass a pleasant summer afternoon in our lovely little walkable town.
PAGE 9
Arts & Entertainment
PAGE 10
Film
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Synopsis: Sudsy Slim Rides Again is the tale of a small Alaskan town by the name of Scratcher Pass. Unfortunately, Scratcher Pass’ boom-town days as the world’s largest asbestos mining operation have long since faded. The only thing keeping this little community alive is its feeble tourist industry. The main attraction? Scratcher Pass’ most famous resident, the 100 year old corpse of conman, Sudsy Slim. However, when two escaped prisoners stumble into town, Sudsy mysteriously ends up missing and the townsfolk panic. That’s when Agent Dudley Sherman of the Alaska Bureau of Criminal Detection is reluctantly dragged in to investigate. Sudsy Slim Rides Again is an independent, liveaction, comedy-thriller filmed entirely in Alaska. It is being funded through a combination of a Kickstarter campaign and hundreds of individual volunteers, as well as dozens of supporting
Sudsy features over 150 local actors, including our three main stars: • • • •
Raymond “Chappy” Chapman as Agent Dudley Sherman of the Alaska Bureau of Criminal Detection. Katy Schmidt as Kate Maringoni, Scratcher Pass Tour Director. Zack Lanphier as Burt, short-tempered, escaped convict. Joe LeCompte as Andy, short escaped convict.
For more information and to donate to our Kickstarter project, go to www.sudsyslim.com or www.tundracomics.com.
Music PRESS RELEASE Twelve weeks of prize packages, including tickets, meet and greets, admission, parking and more! The Alaska State Fair will give away two concert tickets (plus a whole bunch of other great stuff ) every week for twelve weeks as part of the AT&T Concert Series Better to Go Together Sweepstakes.
JUNE 2017
businesses. Sudsy was written by Darin and Chad Carpenter - the same fellas responsible for creating the successful newspaper comic strip, Tundra, and full-length feature film, Moose the Movie. Sudsy Slim Rides Again is being directed by G. Logan Dellinger.
The entry period opened Monday, June 5th at noon and runs until noon on Friday, August 25th. Every Friday the fair will choose one lucky winner who will receive:
•
• • • • •
Two meet and greets to one of the Fair’s AT&T Concert Series shows at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre* Two reserved admission tickets to that concert Two daily fair admission tickets One premier daily parking permit Two meal vouchers** One sheet of carnival ride tickets
The prize drawing schedule is as follows: • • • •
June 9: Home Free June 16: Papa Roach June 23: Josh Turner June 30: Iggy Azalea
• • • • • • • •
July 7: The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute Band July 14: Aaron Watson July 21: Judah & The Lion July 28: Lecrae August 4: Third Eye Blind August 11: Doobie Brothers August 18: Terry Fator August 25: DNCE
Individuals can enter once a day from Alaska State Fair’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/alaskastatefair or the fair’s website, alaskastatefair.org. Participants can earn one bonus entry if they send a tweet and another bonus entry for every Facebook friend
who enters. The contest began at noon on Monday, June 5th and ends at noon on Friday, August 25th. Entrants must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident to enter. See the official rules at www.alaskastatefair.org for more details. *All meet and greets are subject to change and/or cancellation. Sponsor reserves the right to deny entrance to the meet and greets at any time. **Good at participating food vendors.
PAGE 11
Music
Contributed by Dustin Gibbs
3rd Annual Valley Revival Concert Series 7/1/2017 – 7/29/2017 (Every Saturday) – 5PM Wonderland Park Amphitheater 594 W Nelson Ave. Wasilla FREE Event Summer is upon us! That means all of your favorite local bands are coming out of the woodwork.
This year we are excited to announce EP releases from local bands every show, which runs each Saturday in July, luckily there’s five this year! Bulletproof Jay, a Palmer based punky-rock quartet, releases their disc “Rock Bottom” on the 1st. On the 8th, local metal band, Distance Defined, is having an all ages celebration for their brand new album, “Destinations”. Then we have the groovy rock group, Beyond The Shak, with their self-titled EP on the 15th. Next up on the 22nd is Antigen, a Wasilla hard rock band and Transitions on the 29th.
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
This year marks Local Motion Entertainment’s 3rd Annual Valley Revival Concert Series, a free celebration and showcase of Alaskan musical talent. Valley Revival began as an idea to inspire the next generation of musicians in the Valley, giving artists an outlet to express themselves and bring an all ages venue to the local scene.
Valley Revival is a fun and free way for us to help bring local music back to our hometown and to our youth, in a safe and exciting environment. Shows start at 5p.m. and jam until 10p.m. every Saturday in July, at the amphitheater in Wonderland Park in Wasilla. It’s free and all ages are welcome.
JUNE 2017
PAGE 12 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com JUNE 2017
Calendar of Events SPIRITUAL EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ARTS & ACTIVITIES 6/16/2017 - 7/21/2017 (Every Friday) 5:30PM Paul and Linda Rourke Seventh Level Spiritual Center Community Room 439 W. Elmwood Ave. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 299-4142
VALLEY REPUBLICAN WOMEN & DISTRICT 12 ANNUAL SPRING FLING & CHILI COOK-OFF 6/22/2017 - 6:30PM Valley Republican Women Palmer Train Depot 610 S Valley Way, Palmer Cost: $5 each, $20 Max for Family (907) 746-5217
HOMESTEADERS COMMUNITY CENTER YARD SALE 6/24/2017 - 9AM Homesteaders Community Center Mile 53.5 Parks Hwy and Hawk Lane, Houston FREE Admission - (907) 892-5890 david.camacho.ak@icloud.com homesteaderscommunitycenter.com
THE PASS AT THE PARK 6/16/2017, 6/23/2017, 6/30/2017 - 6PM Hatcher Pass Radio 95.5FM Iditapark 500 W Nelson Ave. Wasilla FREE Event
SCBWI ILLUSTRATOR GET TOGETHER 6/22/2017 - 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
ART ON FIRE 10 X 100 6/24/2017 – 10AM Valley Arts Alliance Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry 3800 W. Museum Dr. Wasilla Tickets: FREE Children, $10 Adults www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com
GET THE JUNK OUT OF THE TRUNK 6/17/2017 – 8/19/2017 – 10AM Kenda Huling Downtown Palmer Pavilion FREE Admission, $20 Booth Space (907) 770-3532 GTJOOTT@gmail.com NEIGHBORHOOD MEMORY CAFE 6/20/2017 - 1PM Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska Wasilla Area Seniors Inc. (WASI) 1301 S. Century Cir. Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 746-3413 jdowning@alzalaska.org www.AlzAlaska.org GEEKS WHO DRINK PUB QUIZ 6/20/2017-7/25/2017 (Every Tuesday) - 7PM Tailgaters Sports Bar & Grill 161 W. Parks Hwy. Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 376-1314 tailgatersak@gmail.com www.tailgatersak.com FREE COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS 6/21/2017 - 8/16/2017 - 1PM Cooperative Extension Service Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 501 E. Bogard Rd. Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 376-3522 HICKOID’S “FIASCO IN ALASKA 2017 TOUR” 6/21/2017 - 8PM The Hickoids Denali Fairview Inn 101 N Main St. Talkeetna Cost: TBA westernpublicity@gmail.com www.hickoids.com
LIVE MUSIC WITH THE AK ACOUSTIC PROJEKT 6/22/2017-7/27/2017 (Every Thursday) - 7PM Tailgaters Sports Bar & Grill 161 W. Parks Hwy. Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 376-1314 tailgatersak@gmail.com www.tailgatersak.com HOUSTON MUSIC FESTIVAL June 23-25, 2017 - 10AM Good Time Productions Zero Lake Park Zero Lake Rd. Houston/Willow Creek Sled Trailhead, Houston Cost: $10 Youth, $15 Adults - (907) 3159013 alexmccaslin78@gmail.com 6TH ANNUAL EVENT PREPPER, SURVIVALIST & MILITIA RENDEZVOUS June 23-25, 2017 – 1PM South Central Patriots Fort Wick Yoder Rd. Across Montana Creek Bridge, Talkeetna FREE Event david.luntz@hotmail.com southcentralpatriots@gmail.com 36TH ANNUAL ALASKA SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES 6/24/2017 - 8AM Alaska Scottish Highland Games Alaska State Fairgrounds 2075 Glenn Hwy. Palmer Cost: $5 Youth (Ages 5-16), $15 Advance/Seniors/Military, $20 Adults www.alaskascottish.org
LITTLE A TRIATHLON 6/24/2017 - 10AM Little a Triathlon Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area (formerly Kepler Bradley) 2205 Hiland Rd. Eagle River Cost: $100 littleatriathlon@gmail.com www.littleatriathlon.com PAINTING ON THE GREEN 6/25/2017 – 3:30PM Artists Uncorked Settlers Bay Golf Course, The Albatross Restaurant 7307 S Frontier Dr. Wasilla Tickets: $65 – (907) 982-2675 www.artistsuncorked.com DIGITAL MARKETING BOOTCAMP 6/27/2017, 7/11/2017, 7/25/2017 6:30PM The Annex & Alopex Interaction Design The Annex 247 S Alaska St. Palmer Cost: $30 AN EVENING WITH HARVARD PROFESSOR RON HEIFETZ 6/29/2017 - 6:30PM University of Alaska and Anchorage Museum Anchorage Museum Auditorium at Rasmuson Center 625 C Street, Anchorage FREE Event www.anchoragemuseum.org
Mat-Su Miners Hermon Brothers Ballfield-Fairgrounds 725 E. Elmwood Ave. Palmer FREE Event - (907)357-6400 info@nitalaska.com Check us out on Facebook 3RD ANNUAL VALLEY REVIVAL CONCERT SERIES 7/1/2017 – 7/29/2017 (Every Saturday) – 5PM Valley Revival Wonderland Park Amphitheater 594 W Nelson Ave. Wasilla FREE Event MY HOUSE CHAIR-ITY AUCTION 7/4/2017 – 12:30PM MY House 300 N Willow St. Wasilla Free Admission – (907) 373-4357 PALMER MIDSUMMER GARDEN & ART FAIRE 7/8/2017 - 10AM Palmer Museum of History & Art Downtown Palmer FREE Admission - (907) 746-7668 www.palmergardenandart.org VALLEY COMMUNITY FOR RECYCLING SOLUTIONS ART PIECE UNVEILING 7/8/2017 – 12PM Valley Community for Recycling Solutions 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, Palmer FREE Event, Donations Accepted PTARMIGAN PEDIATRICS SUMMER HEALTH FAIR 7/14/2017 - 2PM Ptarmigan Pediatrics 3543 E Meridian Park Loop, Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 357-4543 bkousoulos@pc-ak.com BUBBLING BROOK FARMHOUSE VINTAGE MARKET July 15-16, 2017 Saturday @9AM, Sunday @11AM Bubbling Brook Farmhouse Menard Sports Center 1001 Clapp St. Wasilla Cost: Saturday - FREE Children, $5 Adults, $25 VIP/Sunday – FREE Admission bubblingbrookfarmhouse@gmail.com www.bubblingbrookfarmhouse.com
MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT AT THE MAT-SU MINERS GAME 6/29/2017 - 7PM www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Contributed by Lucas Fisher
Her feet locked in chains, Clementine stayed hopeful after three failed attempts at escape. When the humans initially gathered her species’ children for tests, some were taken away immediately while others were placed into this side dungeon. The stone
Poetry
and metal casings weren’t attuned to drowning out sound. The screams and various shrieks haunted them, until the tortured came back, always broken. Clementine was once taken there for an attempt to escape. Her lash marks echoed with her undying spirit. However, in one of the escape plans, she was able to procure a single accessory - a quaint yellow umbrella. The stones in the walls were loose next to her, providing a hiding place for her material. Kept with terrible hygiene and terrible periods of sitting, no one talked. No one ever saw hope in their confined lives. The day finally came when Clementine’s shackles were broken, and the magical tug of her essence extracted her into the sentries’ arms, then a cage. Up winding stairs, they climbed as a distant feeling washed over her. The chill of wind. After pacing out of the stone confines, she saw the beginning of metal walls that hindered her before. Portholes gleamed with
light so blinding and bright that it was unbelievable. Her sharp eyes needed adjustment, meek ears needed tuning to fill the silence once more. And then she was almost there. The angry and bitter humans made a crossing, from one area of the vessel to the next with a shortcut. A bridge with no handles or railings amidst clouds. Seeing the turbines that hummed in the background, seeing the maw of air and no ground in sight, finally horrified her. Clementine had sulked through hallways, vents, and between walls diligently enough to realize why this flying monstrosity is named the Cloud. From below, the land never saw a bright sun from darkened green clouds, only an orange beacon radiating, illuminating off the peak of the Cloud. Back into the depths, her cage rolled. Across corridors filled to the brim with separate hallways and rooms, Clementine was pushed into a private,
tiny chamber that was laid out similar to a living room. Book shelves held vials of unknown substances and the hearth crackled in flames, all a center of attention to a thick wooden desk, plump chair and a couch woven from soft silk (seemingly). Her cage was abandoned to wait for a human. In the dungeon, the prisoners weren’t all like her, they weren’t a Stalker as she was, the humans needed children in general from the breeds of evolved felines with magic to races of the Stalker. For comfort, Clementine clung to her Mother’s words: Love is eternal. When writhing sounds of silence loomed around her, a man came in. His presence made her soul yearn to tesser, to perform an act of magic only those trained in humanistic arts could perform. With a wave of his finger, the cage unlocked and he asserted himself into the chair. The practitioner as he was.
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
In a strange, chaotic and eerie realm, tucked in the deepest and darkest corners of reality, Clementine sat in the darkness. Misplaced to a locked, elongated room full of lost souls, she sat on the stone “ground” which sits oddly and uncomfortably close to the ceiling. Day by day the human sentries drag a soul using their magic, out of the prison and into unknown facilities, almost never to be seen again. At night, the children weep for the distant memories of their loved ones whose faces illuminate from a seemingly fictional sunlight. They knew that both torchlight and the shine in their dreams are different by the color.
PAGE 13
Creative Writing
JUNE 2017
PAGE 14
Entertainment Contributed by Debbie Filter, Trapper Creek Community Services Assoc. Inc.
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
12th Annual Fireweed Festival 7/15/2017 - 11AM Trapper Creek Community Services Assoc., Inc. T.C. Park Road at the Community Park, Trapper Creek FREE Event The Alaskan summer is upon us in all its glory! That means “Festival Time” to Trapper Creek and communities all up and down the highways! The 12th Annual Fireweed Festival will be in “full bloom” on July 15th! Bring your family, friends and out-of-state visitors to this free, fun and familyfriendly event! Our grass-roots event will begin at 11:00 a.m. And will wrap up at around 8:00 p.m.
2nd Annual Government Peak Music Festival 2017 Saturday, July 29, 2017 Children’s Music Festival and Activities: 3pm - 4pm Music Festival: 4pm - 10pm Mat Su Trails and Parks Foundation Government Peak Recreation Area, Palmer N Mountain Trails Dr. Palmer Cost: $40
JUNE 2017
The Government Peak Music Festival is coming again Mat-Su! Come out and enjoy the music of Big Fat Buddah, Team Easton and Junior and featuring Hope Social Club on Saturday, July 29th at Government Peak Recreation Area (GPRA) located at the base of beautiful Hatcher Pass, off Edgerton Park Road (watch for signs) near Palmer, Alaska. Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation wishes to highlight and celebrate the connection between trails and parks in the Mat-Su Valley and the
Plan to spend a few hours or all day, cruising in amongst the local, handmade craft and delicious food booths! Learn about the local plants and get involved in the hands-on activities! A delightful combination of local musicians, budding artists and seasoned performers will entertain you all day long! We will be raffling off a super nice 2016 Salsa Bearcat X5 fat tire bike! Other activities include the silent auction, split the pot and rippies! Wowza! The Trapper Creek Community Services Assoc. and Fireweed Festival Committee enjoy providing this amazing day in our park for your enjoyment! Please come spend this summer day with us! The festival is sponsored by the Trapper Creek Community Services Assoc. Inc. a non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization.
fabulous people who live here. Event tickets are available online for $40.00 (plus online ticketing fee) online though Mat-Su Trails, matsutrailsmusicfestival.brownpapertickets.com and will be available locally at Lavender, Active Soles and Arkose Brewery. Come sing, dance and join your friends on the grassy slopes at GPRA under the Alaska summer sun to the sweet sounds of local music while enjoying one of the most picturesque views the beautiful Mat-Su Valley has to offer.
page 15
Event Contributed by Kenda Huling Get the Junk Out of the Trunk 6/17/2017 – 8/19/2017 – 10AM Kenda Huling Downtown Palmer Pavilion FREE Admission, $20 Booth Space Enjoy your summer weekends by participating in Get the Junk Out of the Trunk! From June 17th through August 19th, you can find this mobile flea market at the Downtown Palmer Pavilion every Saturday from 10am - 3pm! Shop for handmade items made by Alaskans like you and local veggies, herbs and plants. Booth spaces are $20 per space and the proceeds go towards housing for homeless women.
Event Contributed by Paula Runyan Bubbling Brook Farmhouse Vintage Market July 15-16, 2017 Saturday @9AM, Sunday @11AM Bubbling Brook Farmhouse Menard Sports Center 1001 Clapp St. Wasilla Cost: Saturday - FREE Children, $5 Adults, $25 VIP/ Sunday – FREE Admission
Though last year’s event founder was suddenly called
Building on last year’s successful foundation, Bubbling Brook Farmhouse Vintage Market opens its doors on July 15th and 16th at the Menard Center. Some new features at this year’s Vintage Market will be a VIP shopping hour, live music and food trucks, as well as a Model A Car Club Show. For mothers caring for infants and small children, a semi-private area with comfortable furniture will be set aside, to rest and refresh while shopping. Children of all ages can enjoy getting their faces painted and enjoy some parent-supervised chalk drawing on the chalkboard wall. More than fifty vendors were selected through a careful application process, to ensure that shoppers
have access to only the best vintage, antique, upcycled and handmade products. Offerings will include but not be limited to farmhouse-style signs, repurposed hardware and junk, vintage and vintage-style clothing, old furniture brought to life again, unique jewelry, handcrafted soaps and candles, farmhouse pillows and so much more. Plan to bring your friends and family and spend the day enjoying a unique shopping experience. VIP tickets are $25, allowing one to shop from 8am9am on Saturday, ahead of the crowds, for the first pick of unique items. Regular tickets for adults, 18 and up, are $5. 17 and under are free. Sunday admission is free to all. For more information and to look over all the Vendor Spotlights, please visit www.bubblingbrookfarmhouse.com and also find our FB event page, Bubbling Brook Farmhouse Vintage Market.
JUNE 2017
Last summer, a new vintage marketplace was held in Wasilla. It offered Alaska artists a venue to showcase and market their original, upcycled and restored antique and vintage goods. Whether they were looking for new ways to furnish and accent their home or looking for ways to bring new life to favorite pieces, curious shoppers visited the Menard Center in Wasilla for a look around. What they saw left a great impression, and both visitors and vendors looked forward to this year’s event.
out of state this winter, Bubbling Brook Farmhouse picked up the torch. Their business specializes in rustic upholstery featuring European and American grain and feed sacks, many of them originating in the early to mid-1900s!
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
For more information about Get the Junk Out of the Trunk or if you want to make a booth reservation, contact Kenda at (907) 770-3532 or GTJOOTT@gmail.com.
Shop for handmade items made by Alaskans like you and local veggies, herbs and plants. Booth spaces are $20 per space and the proceeds go towards housing for homeless women