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Families & Children: Denali Family Services
FAITH:
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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: 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 10:00 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
AGATHA CHRISTIE’S “THE MOUSETRAP” Jan 11-27, 2019 Valley Performing Arts 251 W Swanson Avenue General admission: $18 Seniors/students: $16 (907) 373-0195 www.valleyperformingarts.org
KOMBUCHA BREWING WORKSHOP 01/26/2019 - 10:00 AM Nourished Health Coaching Services The Nourished Kitchen 6330 N. Britchenstrap, Palmer (907) 982-9933 www.nourishedak.com
FOOD PRESERVATION CLASS Jan 12 & 19, 2019 - 7:30 AM Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center 1509 S Georgeson Rd. Palmer (907) 745-3677
BEARDS, BANDS AND BREWS 01/26/2019 – 5PM-9PM The Palmer Food Bank Klondike Mikes and the Main street Grill 820 S Colony Way, Palmer (907) 982-5201
DISNEY NEWSIES Jan 25 - Feb 2, 2019 – 7PM Matinees Jan 26 & Feb 2 – 2PM The Glenn Massay Theater 8295 E College Dr. Palmer Tickets: $25 glennmassaytheater.com MARDI-GRAS MASK CONTEST Feb 1-15, 2019 Entries start on Feb 1 Drawing on Feb 15 Turn A Leaf Thrift Store 400 N Yenlo St, Wasilla TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH February 01-28, 2019 MY House (907) 373-4357 CES PROGRAMMING SPRUCE BEETLE 01/17/2019 - 5:30 PM Cooperative Extension Services Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center 1509 S Georgeson Rd. Palmer (907) 745-3360
ALASKA JUDICIAL CORRUPTION HEARING Jan 28 & 29, 2019 - 8:30 AM David Haeg and State of Alaska Nesbett Courthouse 825 W 4th Ave. Anchorage (907) 262-9249 GUIDED WALKING TOUR 01/30/2019 - 2:00 PM Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center 1509 S Georgeson Rd. Palmer (907) 746-9466 EAT WELL, LIVE WELL NUTRITION SERIES FOR GRADES 7-12 Jan 31, Feb 7, 14, 21, 28 & Mar 7 - 1:30 PM Nourished Health Coaching Services Mat-Su Central School Palmer Campus 742 S. Alaska St. STE #1, Palmer (907) 982-9933 www.nourishedak.com FIRST FRIDAY ART SHOWCASE LET EVERY WOMAN KNOW 02/01/2019 - 5PM – 8PM Georgia Blue Gallery 3555
Arctic Blvd. Anchorage Let Every Woman Know leteverywomanknow.org THE SPOT: UNDER 25 OPEN MIC 02/01/19 – 6PM The Spot Open Mic Series Gathering Grounds Café 300 N Willow St. Wasilla FREE Event (907) 373-4357 GYNECOLOGIC CANCER SURVIVORS COURSE 02/02/2019 – 8:00AM - 4PM & 02/03/2019 – 8:30AM - 2PM Let Every Woman Know Providence Health Park 3851 Piper St. Anchorage 2nd Floor Conference Rooms leteverywomanknow.org HEARTS 4 HUNGER 02/02/2019 - 5PM – 9PM Mat-Su Food Bank 610 S Valley Way, Palmer $60 Per Person (907) 357-3769 www.MatSuFoodBank.org DANCE LIKE BARB RHYTHM HEALS CONCERT 02/02/2019 - 6:00 PM Let Every Woman Know 2435 Spenard Rd. Anchorage leteverywomanknow.org AK TUESDAY NIGHT FIGHTS 02/05/2019 – 7:00 PM AK Entertainment, LLC. Menard Sports Center 1001 S. Clapp St. Wasilla Tickets: $18 Regular Admission, $30 Table Seats (907) 232-3727 www.aktuesdaynightfights.com HEALTHY LIVING EVENT 2/8/2019 - 1:00 PM Primrose Retirement Community 889 Elkhorn Dr. Wasilla (907) 373-5500 www.primroseretirement.com
MURDER IN SIN CITY 02/09/2019 - 6:00 PM Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry & All About Dance 3800 W Museum Dr. Wasilla $35 each in advance or $40 at the door (907) 775-3170 www.museumofalaska.org JUNIE B. JONES THE MUSICAL! February 8 -10 & 15-17 - 7PM Alaska Theatre of Youth Grant Hall APU 207 E. Northern Lights Blvd. Anchorage (907) 338-4901
32ND ANNUAL CABIN FEVER RELIEVER 03/09/2019 - 9:00 AM Trapper Creek Community Services Assoc., Inc. Mile 115.2 Parks Highway, Trapper Creek (907) 733-7375 trappercreek.org BRIDAL & WEDDING EXPO 03/09/2019 - 12:00 PM Kreative Mind Events The Arctic Rec Center 4855 Arctic Blvd. Anchorage (907) 764-5452
I LOVE MY BIG CABBAGE RADIO! ON AIR FUND DRIVE Feb 10-16 Big Cabbage Radio 89.7 radiofreepalmer.org HOMECHOICE™ HOME-BUYING CLASS Feb 12-13, 2019 - 6:00 PM Alaska Housing Finance Corporation MTA Building 4300 Boniface Pkwy. Anchorage (907) 330-8277 www.ahfc.us/events THE SAVANNAH SIPPING SOCIETY 2/15/2019-3/3/2019 Fridays & Saturdays @7PM, Sundays @2PM Valley Performing Arts 251 W. Swanson Ave. Wasilla Tickets: $17 Students/Seniors, $19 Regular Admission www.valleyperformingarts.org THE PALMER LIONS CLUB 52ND ANNUAL GUN SHOW 03/02/19 – 10AM-6PM & 03/03/19 – 10AM-4PM Palmer Lions Club Raven Hall & Hoskins Building 2075 Glenn Hwy. Palmer $7 person (single day) or $10 (two-day pass) Kids 12 & under – FREE
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INDIAN CUISINE COOKING CLASS 01/19/2019 - 6:00 PM Nourished Health Coaching Services The Nourished Kitchen 6330 N. Britchenstrap, Palmer (907) 982-9933 www.nourishedak.com
HITCHCOCK PIANO’S 4TH MONDAY MINI RECITAL & TALK 01/28/19 at 7:00PM FREE Event 950 W Edinborough Drive, Palmer (907) 745-3134
www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
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Community Events
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Music
Contributed by Richard Christiansen Northern Blast Concert 02/09/19 – 7:00 PM Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 18444 Old Glenn Hwy. Chugiak Mark your Calendars! Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums present the Northern Blast Concert at 7:00 PM, on Saturday, February 9th, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 18444 Old Glenn Hwy, in Chugiak, Alaska, (on the Old Glenn Highway, between North and South Birchwood Loops.)
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The Northern Blast Concert promises to deliver yet again, a brilliant evening of entertainment by an award-winning local Pipe Band, with piping and drumming from the entire ensemble, as well as solos, and smaller groups of pipers and drummers within the band. Spend a cold Alaska evening inside, with a band that’s “piping hot!” Based in Eagle River, Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums are very active in the greater Anchorage area, the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, and throughout SouthCentral Alaska, and have great fun teaching, performing, and competing. The Northern Blast Concert is one of several community concerts presented throughout the
state by Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums and is regarded by the band as a great way to showcase our band to our home district. Prepare to be amazed! If you love bagpipes or pipe bands, this Concert is a must-see! The band are prior winners in Pipe Band Competition at the Alaska Scottish Highland Games, and
several members have won solo awards in piping and drumming, both here at home, and internationally! Admission is free, but donations are always sincerely appreciated, with proceeds to benefit Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums’ Education Fund, and the church youth group. Contact the band via email at jungstensgericht@yahoo.com, or phone at (907) 315-9838.
Contributed by Todd Farnsworth You’ve felt the effects of low humidity – perhaps dry, itchy skin, bloody noses, or general uncomfortableness. ...Now shift your attention to the guitar hanging on your wall (just please don’t tell me it’s part of your mantelpiece aesthetic) or sitting on the stand in the corner: it’s suffering just as much. Alaskan musicians face a constant battle against low humidity, and the effects can add up to high dollar repairs VERY quickly. Don’t get me wrong – fixing guitars is my jam, but many humidity problems are avoidable with some basic understanding of how your guitar reacts to relative humidity. First and foremost, you need to understand that even if you buy a guitar brand new (from my shop or elsewhere) it’s very likely at least a year old. Unless it was crafted in the good ol’ US of A and you purchased it fresh off the showroom floor, chances are it came from overseas. It shipped in a Conex Box (weeks in transit), sat in a port, trucked to a warehouse for distribution, trucked to whichever retailer and hung on the wall for however long before you purchased it. That’s a lot of shock for a guitar in its infancy. And I would bet in all of its young life adventures, it was never kept humidified (amongst other problems) and is already showing signs of unchecked changes in humidity.
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Music
Now let’s get more specific: its final destination is in your home, somewhere in Alaska. There’s a lot of great things about The Last Frontier, but stable, comfortable humidity is not one of them. Nonetheless, you pick up your new lover, hold her in your arms, tune her up to pitch, and strum that first, beautiful chord… And you get bit by sharp, buzzy frets. Ouch. So much anticipation and then she lashes out. You’ve now felt and heard firsthand signs of low humidity. So let’s talk about some symptoms of low humidity: Sharp fret ends, unplayabley low action, excessive buzzing, a hump in the neck, cracks in the finish or wood and failed glue joints/bracing. Most of these are avoidable with routine maintenance and diligent humidification. As an Alaskan musician, you must understand that dips in temperature or spikes in heat will require immediate attention to your guitar. It’s what we signed up for, living and playing in this state. Now let’s talk about some simple steps to maintain proper humidity (and hopefully prevent future trips to the guitar ER): 1. Store your guitar in its case. A lot of people struggle with this, so if this is you, you’re not alone. But the case will help protect your guitar through many extreme conditions. I realize that guitars are functional art and you want them close at hand, but a stand or wall hanger is not the best place for them to live unless you are diligently humidifying your entire house.
2. If you choose not to store your guitar in its case, at least put it in there for ten or twelve days a month with a guitar humidifier (longer if we dip into negative temperatures). Think of it as a week at the spa or a split custody arrangement - whichever analogy works for you. Believe me, your guitar will thank you. 3. Keep a digital hygrometer in your case or in your home and look for 40–50% readings. They’re inexpensive (same goes for guitar humidifiers) and they certainly beat paying a luthier to fix the resulting problems. I love an excessively played, well-worn guitar – I sincerely do. The more faded
the paint and worn the fretboard, the better. Especially on a maple neck. But neglecting your guitars humidity is needlessly damaging and expensive, especially when you compare a luthiers’ bench rate versus a humidifier. Alaska has a unique climate and there are inherent challenges therein, regarding humidity and your guitar. Make no mistake – I repair guitars for a living, so I’ll gladly take on your neglected instruments to pay my bills. But why do that when you’re now armed to battle low humidity? Call 907-745-7457 for more info.
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Arts Contributed by Carmen Summerfield The Valley Arts Alliance is proud to host their 13th Annual VAA Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show at the Palmer Depot on Saturday, February 16, 2019. Again, this year we will present two identical performances – a matinee at 3PM and an evening performance at 7PM. Wearable Art refers to hand crafted and one of a kind pieces of artwork designed to be worn by the human body as an artistic expression. Using their knowledge of color, fabric and non-traditional materials, artists create unique, wearable garments which they (or their models) wear while parading down an authentic “fashion runway”, accompanied by narration and music. For our 13th year (that bewitching number 13), we’re using the theme “Bewitched!” for staging the show, and we’re encouraging artists to use the same theme for their creative inspiration. To view exciting scenes from years past, visit our Wearable Art archives pages at www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com/archives To become a part of the 13th annual VAA Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show, download our application package, which contains the 2019 Entry Form, along with criteria, guidelines, and tips to make your entry a smashing success! Then return the completed application to us by Friday, February 8, 2019. Due to the overwhelming success of this show, we must limit entries to the first 25, so we urge you to submit your completed application early.
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Tickets are on sale now – in Palmer, at Fireside Books and Non-Essentials; in Wasilla, at My House/ Gathering Grounds Café; and in Big Lake, at Top Drawer. The ticket price is $15 per person for each performance. For the 3pm Matinee ONLY, children 12 years old and under will be admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult. We expect both shows to sell out, so please purchase your tickets early. The 13th Annual Valley Arts Alliance Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show will be an exquisite evening of art and entertainment, in what has become a well-loved winter tradition in our Valley. Don’t miss this opportunity to support the arts in the Valley!
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Music Contributed by Nan Potts There have been some changes with the coming of the New Year. One of them is a new location for the Mat-Su Community Chorus. For over twenty years, Wasilla High School has graciously hosted the chorus’ rehearsals. However, this last September, the Mat-Su School District implemented an hourly fee for building usage, regarding non-profits and the chorus decided to change location.
The Chorus rehearses each Thursday night, from 7pm to 9pm. There may be a few extra practices thrown in, as concert season approaches in May. Our new “home” is First Baptist Church, 900 N Leatherleaf Loop, Wasilla. We’d love to have you!
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Beginning January 10, 2019, the Chorus will be hosted by the First Baptist Church in Wasilla. Rehearsals for our Spring Concert Season begin Thursday, January 10th at
7pm-9pm. Missed first rehearsal? Don’t worry, for the month of January we will be accepting new members. Undecided? Come try us out a few times and see how much fun we have. We do work hard, but hard work leads to success! And what a great way to accomplish something and enjoy doing it. Besides, we do this for you, the Community. Wouldn’t you like to be part of it?
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Literature Contributed by Sharon Aubrey With all the potential New Year’s resolutions people make, often overlooked are the benefits of committing to reading a new book every month. Reading is an effective way to reduce stress, improve your memory, increase your vocabulary, help you sleep better at night, and provide you with more understanding and empathy for others. In addition to all these wonderful benefits, it’s a well-known fact that most financially successful entrepreneurs and business people are avid readers. It doesn’t matter which genre you enjoy, expanding your literature horizons in 2019 can offer you new wisdom and knowledge, suspenseful adventures, and even a little romance. If you aren’t sure where you should start your new “must read list” begin by asking your local librarian or friend
Contributed by Jena Lasley
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Once upon a time, I dreamed of writing and illustrating my own picture books. It was always going to be something I did “someday.” But then I woke up one morning and realized that “someday” was never going to happen if I didn’t start somewhere, anywhere and now. That was probably the same day I got an email from Writer’s Digest telling me they had a class about writing for children and I signed up to take it. It was through that class (and my first horribly written picture book manuscript) that I learned about SCBWI (the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). They are an international non-profit organization that helps people interested in
to recommend a book. Librarians are a treasure trove of information to get started in a variety of topics. Perhaps you feel like you don’t have enough time in the day to read a traditional book? In that case, audiobooks serve as a great option to explore the world of literature. You can listen to many books while riding to work, doing errands, or even eating a meal. Many options exist to expand your personal literature library. Now consider trying something even bolder than just reading! Commit to experiencing a new book every month written by an Alaskan author. Many Alaskan books will be available this summer at the AK Books & Music booth at the State Fairgrounds in Palmer. Here’s a short list outlining twelve amazing things you can discover from local writers:
writing or illustrating kids’ books. They have chapters all over the world and provide workshops, conferences, retreats and webinars, that help not only teach people about the industry (or learn how to write a picture book), but also bring the agents and editors to those locales. I have been involved with many writing organizations over the years and I admit that I’d never heard of one helping writers to succeed as much as SCBWI. And of course, living in Alaska I felt isolated from the business world of agents and editors a million miles away. The idea of somehow getting closer to my dream right from where I lived? That sounded amazing! I looked SCBWI up on the internet and was surprised to find out that Alaska
> Alaskan Beer: its history, today’s crafters, and the Alaskan microbrewery industry. Alaska Beer: Liquid Gold in the Land of the Midnight Sun by Bill Howell > What’s it like to be a dog musher? Life with Forty Dogs: Misadventures with Runts, Rejects, Retirees, and Rescues by Joseph Robertia > How to help children cope with incarcerated family members. Why Can’t Uncle Come Home by Christine Joy Allison > Who kisses the best in Alaskan romance? Sniper’s Kiss by E.M. Shue
> What’s it like to be an Alaskan photojournalist? Our Perfect Wild by Kaylene Johnson-Sullivan > Where exactly is Hekate? The first book in an interesting sci-fi series. Finding Hekate by Kellie Doherty > What was it like for indigenous people during Alaska’s Territorial Days? Chickaloon Wild: End of an Athabascan Family’s Way of Life by Ingrid D. Shaginoff > Who lived in prehistoric Cook Inlet? Tuksook’s Story: 35,000 BC by Bonnye Matthews
> Where is the gold mine that miners are killing each other to keep secret? Alaskan Dutchman by Sean E. Thomas
> What can you see riding horseback hundreds of miles across South America? Riding into the Heart of Patagonia by Nancy Pfeiffer
> How dizzy was the magical jazz musician? Shadowing Dizzy Gillepsie by David G. Brown
> How dangerous are Alaska’s oceans? Dead Reckoning by Dave Atcheson
had its very own Chapter. I joined as soon as I could afford it and went to one of their meetings. I learned so much from that group alone, but I shortly attended my first conference and met with my first agent for a oneon-one critique of a story I’d written. No, I didn’t sign with her. In fact, my first encounter was dismal. But still! I got feedback from an agent without traveling away from home to do it! I plugged in over the next few years, learning as much as I could and writing many picture book manuscripts that got better and better over the years. That was how I came to be offered the volunteer position of Illustrator Coordinator for the Alaska Chapter. Then I went to the National conference. I met some of my literary heroes and saw many dreams
come true (some of mine and some of others’). No, I don’t have a book published yet, but that will happen soon. I’m sure of it. Why? Because I keep meeting with agents and editors in one-on-one critique sessions at our local conferences and retreats, and the feedback keeps getting better and better. I meet many people that have the same dream I do, and I would love to tell them all about SCBWI. In fact, we have a Spring Retreat in April, in Talkeetna with Agent Fiona Kenshole of Transatlantic Agency coming up to Alaska. She will be presenting a couple of workshops and will be offering critiques of work as well. I hope many more dreamers will join us there and take advantage of these opportunities here at home. For more information, go to: www.alaska.scbwi.org
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Entertainment Contributed by Nick McDermott Public Performance Saturday, February 9, 2019 - 2:00PM All shows in the Discovery Theatre 621 West 6th Avenue Suite DT Ages 5+ Alaska Junior Theater (AJT) presents “Stone Soup and Other Stories”, performed by the Pushcart Players, from New Jersey, in the Discovery Theatre on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 2 PM. The always engaging Pushcart Players return with Stone Soup and Other Stories. This charming, well-seasoned blend of carefully selected stories will delight audiences of all ages. The stories that will be
Each tale is filled with music, color, fantasy and fun while playfully introducing the spirit and customs of different cultures. Pushcart Players’ mission is to provide professionally produced theatre, workshops and residencies for K-12 students to foster in-depth understanding, discovery, participation and lifelong love and support of the arts.
Community Events Contributed by Sherry Jackson
With the gutsiest gamblers and highest rollers there is no limit to what could happen this evening. Like everything in Vegas, the party will be full of excitement! Be prepared to
Meet the Pushcart Players: Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019 @ 4:00 PM Mt. View Library - Demonstration & Craft Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 - Milk and Cookies Reception After the 2:00 PM Performance
Photography help support these two organizations in their continued endeavors, with a bit of fun thrown in. Come join us February 9th at 6pm! Tickets are on sale now. $35 each or $40 at the door. Appetizers, beer and wine are available. Silent auction and other gaming activities will be available. Come out and join us for this fun filled evening. All proceeds to benefit All about Dance, a performing arts school in Big Lake and the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry in Wasilla. Support your community. If you need further information, please contact Sherry at (907) 775-3170 or Chandra at (907) 715-9174
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One of the top ten museums in our great state, Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry and the top dance cloggers in our state, The Rock On Cloggers, are teaming together to present “Murder In Sin City”, an evening of secrets, sleuthing and other party fun!
Tickets and more info are available through 263ARTS or at akjt.org
brought to life include; Freddie Lee Fisher, a story passed down from the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia; The Great Being, a folk tale favorite from India; The Long One, an African folktale; and of course, Stone Soup, a classic story with Eastern European roots.
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Poetry & Prose
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Poetry & Prose
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Theater
Contributed by Nan Potts “Extra! Extra! Read all about it!” a Newsie cries. Selling “papes” is what a Newsie does. The time, summer 1899. The place, downtown New York City. With the end of the Spanish-American War, sensational headlines are infrequent and newspaper circulations are spiraling downward. William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, creators and owners of large newspapers, the New York World and the New York Journal, are conspiring to change that direction. They’ve conceived a plan to recover their losses by increasing the wholesale price of the Newsies’ papers without increasing the cost to the customer. The difference of ten cents per hundred papers makes a huge difference to these young free-agents. Now, the line is drawn. “Roll back the price increase or we strike!” Newsies demand, and “Strike! Strike! Strike! Strike!” becomes their new cry.
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The life of a Newsie is filled with hardships and peril. Many boys (and girls) from poor immigrant families or orphaned, struggle to survive in
this thriving, turn of the century New York City, where labor conditions are extremely harsh and dangerous for both adults and children. In many cases, they literally risk life and limb to eke out a living or to help feed their families. While some Newsies sleep on the streets and others in tenement housing, school and family life are almost nullified in order to make ends meet. Reformers know something needs to change. But how? The situation worsens. On July 19, 1899, the downtown New York City newsboys announce their strike. Word is sent to other parts of the city, “No newsboy [or girl] was to sell the Journal or World until their demands were met.” Rival newspapers reveled in the boycott and compared the Newsies’ strike to the story of David and Goliath. The battle begins. Director Rodger Sorensen is excited to work with this local cast and crew. His exuberance and boundless energy is contagious, “With the music and choreography, it’s a great way to tell the story of the underdog; a David and Goliath story. It’s a story we all can relate to.
However, there was a percentage who dropped out to earn money. No matter how hard a Newsie worked, getting out of poverty was nearly impossible. Then, along comes young Kid Blink (Jack Kelly, in Disney’s production), a young boy to organize and lead the Newsies in their strike. With handbills stating, “Help us in our struggle to get fair pay, by not buying the Journal or the World. Help us!” The citizens of New York take note. But, not only of the Newsies’ situation but all of the children working in the factories and businesses taking advantage of them. The rest is history.
When the Goliaths [Hearst and Pulitzer] take advantage of the Newsies and abuse that relationship even more, they bring about a strike.
Rodger, recently retired, has over forty years of experience teaching collage theater in Utah.
A strike that, historically, not only benefited the Newsies, but all of the other children who were used in the various machinery of New York City to provide labor. They didn’t need to be schooled, they just had to work.” From historical records, most Newsies sold their “papes” after school.
He first came to Alaska in the summer of 2012 to direct and assist a production for the Alaska State-wide Boy Scout Encampment. He fell in love with Alaska’s grandeur and returned in the winter of 2016 to direct Fiddler on the Roof at the Glenn Massay Theater. “I have worked on a number of stages around the United States and this is
one of my favorite stages to work on,” states Rodger. “The staff at the theater are such remarkable individuals. What a collaboration it was to put on Fiddler. It’s the same thing with this one [Newsies]. I love the people and I love the state.” A director has a personal why or take-away from every production. When asked about Newsies, Rodger responded, “On a theatrical level, we can make theater with the people, where ever we are, with people we love to work with – we just gather together and we make theater. We’re in beautiful Alaska with people, and they’re not professionals, but they love to work and work together. These people are ‘We can do it people’ and that means it’s a personal level. And what we do, will be absolutely wonderful!” OPENING NIGHT FOR NEWSIES IS FRIDAY, JANUARY 25TH, 7PM AT THE GLENN MASSY THEATER. THE PRODUCTION RUNS JANUARY 25TH, 26TH, 31ST, AND FEBRUARY 1ST & 2ND, AT 7PM. MATINEES PLAY SATURDAYS, JANUARY 26TH AND FEBRUARY 2ND AT 2PM. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ON LINE AT GLENNMASSAYTHEATER.COM
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Theater
Contributed by Garry Forrester A group of strangers is stranded in an English manor during a snow storm, one of whom is a murderer. The suspects include the newlyweds who run the house whose suspicions in their minds nearly wreck their perfect marriage.
He no sooner arrives, when someone is killed. Two down and one to go. To get to the rationale of the murderer’s pattern,
Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” Opens January 11th and runs through Jan 27th. Ticket prices are $18 Regular Admission, $16 Seniors/ Students. Another chilling murder mystery by Agatha Christie will be appearing at Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Avenue, Wasilla. 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. Be sure to follow us on Facebook!
MID-JAN 2019
The others are a young spinster with a curious background, an architect who seems better equipped to be a chef, a retired Army major, a strange little man who claims his car has overturned in a drift, and a jurist who makes life miserable for everyone. Into their midst comes a policeman, traveling on skis.
the policeman probes the background of everyone present and rattles a lot of skeletons. Another famous Agatha Christie ‘who-dunnit!’