Contributed by Justin Giles Covid-19 is the Grinch that is trying to steal Christmas in 2020, but a modified Christmas Friendship Dinner is a go! The Wasilla Christmas Friendship Dinner is a tradition that was started by Bob and Judy Bowers and a few close friends nearly 30 years ago. It has steadily grown into, we believe, the largest event of it’s kind in the United States! This year, to keep everyone safe, we are holding a drivethru at the Menard Sports Center. A completely free hot meal with turkey and all the fixings, and gift bags for the kiddos can be picked up without even leaving your car. We’ll have lights and music, and are encouraging folks to decorate their cars if they’d like. Santa Claus should be on hand along with our pastoral staff to visit with families as well. For the truly home bound we
have a limited delivery service that we expect to help around 500 Valley residents this year. Normally we would have hundreds of volunteers helping, but due to Covid-19 we will only have a very small, carefully screened crew inside the Menard Center. These volunteers, from all walks of life, will be working hard preparing and packaging the nearly 2 tons of turkey, 800 pounds of carrots and mind-boggling amounts of other food. This amazing event is proof that your Valley neighbors care. Our biggest need this year is volunteer home delivery drivers. If you’re willing to help with our expected large home delivery load, please give us a ring at 354-6115. In spite of the Grinch of 2020, the Christmas Friendship Dinner is a go! Please help spread the word, donate or volunteer if you’re able, and come see us!
When: December 25th from 11am-3pm. Where: Menard Sports Center, Wasilla. Drivethru only, please remain in your cars. What: Outdoor Drive-thru community party, free meal, music, gifts for kids and brotherly love. The Christmas Friendship Dinner is the feelgood event of the year here in the Mat-Su. The event is far more than just the sum of it’s considerable parts. Jesus taught to give to the poor, visit the lonely and love one another. You can do all three every Christmas at the Menard, and help shine a little light into a dark world. For more information, to request home delivery, or to donate or volunteer find Christmas Friendship Dinner on Facebook or call (907) 354-6115
The Mat-Su Plunge is Happening!
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Contributed by Caitlin Buxbaum
bib for both days (so hang onto it). Fewer start lanes and an extended start area will be provided for greater participant distancing.
As Alaska’s coronavirus case count climbs, tensions are understandably high, and it’s more important than ever to be mindful of our physical and mental health. Skiing can improve both of those things, but what better way to supercharge the effort and raise one’s spirits than to have a training goal in sight?
All participants and spectators will be strongly encouraged to wear face coverings in the start area, for the first part of the race, and at any time not actively exercising. Physical distancing is also encouraged during warm-ups and cool-downs; upon completing a race, participants should leave the finish area as soon as possible.
I’m talking about Mat-Su Ski Club’s 2020 Icicle Double. This year’s annual event will be held, as usual, at Government Peak Recreation Area, over the weekend between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Classic races will be held on Saturday, December 26, with freestyle races to follow on Sunday, December 27. Wave starts for the 30-kilometer race will begin at 11 a.m. each day, followed by the 15k at noon and the 5k after that. The early registration fee is $50 whether entrants register for one or both days, and fees must be paid by December 15. Late registration — $60 for one day, $75 for both — ends December 25. Entry comes with an Icicle Double neck gaiter, and participants may choose different distances each day, but any skier who
completes both 30k races will receive the coveted 2020 Icicle Double pint glass. Here’s what will be different: COVID mitigation. All Icicle Double volunteers will be required to wear masks, and all entrants will be required to complete a health screening questionnaire before participating (early registrants will receive an email in advance of the event). Paper bibs will be supplied to each racer, who will use the same
Palmer Author Reaches Kids Around World MORE ON PAGE 10 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE
“At risk” individuals are recommended not to participate, and MSSC will follow any new mandates or guidelines that may be issued by the CDC, DHSS, or Mat-Su Borough prior to or on race day There will be feed stations with individually packed snacks during the races, but unfortunately, the ski club is not able to host a raffle or awards ceremony this year. New rules and safety precautions notwithstanding, the 2020 Icicle Double is designed to be a fun and competitive family event. Register on the MSSC website at matsuski.org or directly at bit.ly/2020IcicleDBL. We hope to see you there!
Local Singer-Songwriter Follows Dream MORE ON PAGE 14 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE