public show march 22, 2024 7:00 pm
BOTCHED FILMMAKING: AN ALASKAN FILMMAKER’S STORY
Contributed by Bradford Jackson Films A Local Alaskan Production Company
I’ve always been a sucker for medieval fantasy. Picture this: a 36-year-old dude, still deep into Dungeons and Dragons. Yeah, I’m that guy. And guess what? I even made a movie about it. Sounds nuts, right? Backtracking to over four years ago, I got this wild idea to mix my two loves: medieval fantasy and comedy. Sure, I’ve done period pieces before, but nothing as out-there as this. The project? A film called “Botch.” I wanted it to be a nod to the fantastical worlds my buddies and I dive into. Now I’ve made quite a few films over the years but I hadn’t made something that would make you laugh as hard as The Three Stooges.
So, after moving back from LA with my wife in the fall of 2019, I was all in. Alaska was calling me to make more movies, and “Botch” was my starting line—a tribute to the epic tales and shared adventures with my brothers and friends.
The dream? Half the movie set against Alaska’s epic mountains, the other half in a basement, with four characters around a table, lost in a Dungeon & Dragons game. But where to begin? To even kickstart this, I needed a crew who got the vision and the laughs. Enter James and John Kendall, my go-to producers, and then G. Logan Dellinger, the director who knew exactly how to hit the comedy gold we were aiming for.
Moving back hit me hard with having no resources or money to make my film—a real wallet-drainer considering the costs of equipment, crew, and the occasional celebratory drink. Luckily the cast and crew volunteered their time. That still left me with food and a few specific props. But then, unexpectedly, a client of mine heard about my project and, after a deep chat about filmmaking, offered to fund it on the spot. So, if you stumbled onto this story thinking you’d uncover some secret formula for getting
a film fully funded in one go, think again. This was pure, unadulterated, once-in-a-lifetime luck. But we were off! Prepping for this was wild—suits of armor, swords, props, and some hilariously bad wigs. Some amazing folks even lent us their property to shoot on. I found myself digging a trench through snow just to get that perfect mountain shot. I cast my friends, roped in some students from King Tech Career Center, and we were set.
First day of shooting was brutal. I lost my voice, struggled through my lines in the freezing cold, all while wearing 90 pounds of armor. Armor plus cold equals not fun. Sounds as crazy as a grown man playing D&D, right? But man, it looked epic.
The team pushed through three intense days in the cold. Logan, our director, had this vision and patience that just made everything work. Then, just as we were about to shoot the indoor scenes, bam—March 17, 2020, hit. Covid shut everything down. We paused for six months, picking back up with strict safety measures in place.
Talk about drama—our lead actor bailed a week before we resumed. In a stroke of genius, we cast Danielle Rabinovitch, an incredible local actress. Best. Decision. Ever. Fast forward through post-production hiccups, me joining the military and getting deployed, and all sorts of chaos including lost audio (hello, dubbed voices!), we finally wrapped up. Nik Sharshak, our composer, nailed the music, adding the final touch to our adventure.
June 2023 rolls around, and we premiere “Botch” at Film Rant in Anchorage. The crowd went wild—cheers, laughter, standing ovations. Standing there, all I could think was, “Thank you.” To James and John, Logan, and every single person who brought this crazy dream to life.
“Botch” even made it in to the Mammoth Film Festival. It’s a testament to what you can achieve with an amazing team.
It took us three years, but we did it. Making a movie is a rollercoaster, and in D&D terms, we rolled a one but turned it into a critical success. This journey taught me one thing: you can’t make a film without a community behind you.
For anyone out there looking to dive into filmmaking or acting, know that Alaska is ripe with opportunities. Apart from running my own production company, Bradford Jackson Films. My buddy Carl Weber and I run Film Rant, a nonprofit organization aimed at giving Alaskan filmmakers a platform and improve resources for young artists across the state and one day bring back the film tax incentive. This whole adventure has been a ride—one I’d do all over again in a heartbeat. Thanks for listening to my story. Trust me, it’s been one heck of a journey, but damn, am I glad to share it. www.bradfordjacksonfilms.com
“The
Work on your golf game all year long!
PAINTING WORKSHOP WITH MASTER ARTIST CHARLES MIANO OF THE MIANO ACADEMY
Contributed by Diane Paoletti
Join us for this 4 day portrait painting workshop taught by Master Artist Charles Miano, founder of the Miano Academy of Art in Sarasota, Florida. Miano has taught traditional art and the “atelier method” for over 20 yrs.
During this illuminating workshop, Miano will share the painting method he uses to create stunning and lifelike portraits in oil. With his fun and informative approach to teaching he will show you how to realize your full potential
of seeing as an artist. Miano will teach you to execute a portrait from start to finish. He will show artists his “Golden Age” palette mixtures for creating life like portraits on the grand manner of Rembrandt & the Old Masters.
Great portraits have more than a good likeness. They can capture beauty and the spirit of the sitter. The light effects can be stunning, the flesh tones beautiful and the compositions dynamic! In this workshop we will also study the structures and forms of the head as well as the disciplines that achieve great a great design and color harmony. You will learn how to mix paint using a proven system for capturing nature.
Come and learn from a master how to create stunning, life like portraits in oil. We are honored for his return to Alaska & hope you can join us.
This course is designed for artists of all levels of experience. From new artists to advanced practitioners. Learning a method is the fastest way to build your skills. Charles’ method has proven to work for so many people over the last 20 years of his teaching.
Find out why a method and practice mindset is one key reason Charles has been able to help many happy artists to live their dream. Limited to 10 students.
Date: April 4th, 5th, 6th, & 7th. Time: 9:30AM - 4:30PM. Cost: $600. Contact Diane @ (907).355.4632 or dianeypaol@gmail.com
Gleo Huyck, Director
Campbell, Trombone and Assistant Director
THE MAT-SU CONCERT BAND PRESENTS UPCOMING CONCERT “WINDS IN THE WILLOWS”
Contributed by Sara Bowen
On the edge between winter and spring, the Mat-Su Concert Band will perform a broad selection of music on their March program. The variety of music will include rousing marches, hymns that invite in the chill of glacier winds, and other songs full of dance and joy, promising that spring will come.
The “Winds in the Willows” concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at the Glenn Massay Theater at Mat-Su College. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $5 for students. Children under 5 get in free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.
matsuconcertband.org.
Florentiner March, a piccoloist’s dream, by Julius Fućik is one of several marches featured in this performance, characterized by a chatty melody, brass fanfares, and a sprite piccolo obbligato. Other marches include Sousa’s Presidential Polonaise and The Vanished Army by Kenneth J. Alford.
Shawn Campbell returns to the podium as assistant director to conduct Hymn of St. James by Reber Clark.
Based on the hymn Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, this piece is a haunting exploration of dissonance. Sometimes the theme is exposed, as a handful of instruments play over each other in close harmony, or disharmony.
Other times, the melody presents as a bombastic gathering of voices amid chromatic chaos.
Based on the Gaelic melody, Morning Has Broken, David R. Holsinger’s Fantasy on a Gaelic Hymnsong begins with a gentle introduction of its melody before charging on with a rhythmic vitality. Listen for how duple and triple rhythms play against each other in this lively tune. More lighthearted pieces in the program are Brant Karrick’s Bayou Breakdown and Luther Henderson’s The Saints’ Hallelujah.
Richard Wagner’s Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral, arranged by Lucien Cailliet, is a stately and expressive piece from operatic literature. Every
melodic phrase moves with delicate timing, hesitating just so at harmonic crossroads. Elsa’s Procession is truly the crowning jewel of this concert.
Mat-Su Concert Band started in 1984 as the Mat-Su Community Band, formed by Matanuska Music owner Hank Hartman. Other directors have included Neil Long and Phil Munger.
Under the baton of Gleo Huyck, the band is made up of more than 60 musicians and performs a wideranging selection of challenging music. Huyck is a retired music educator and private instructor. The band rehearses every Monday night at Teeland Middle School.
Shawn
Calendar of Events
FEBRUARY
February 16 – February 19 @ 9PM
Power Conference
King’s Alaska 3301 E. Parks Hwy
Tickets available at wasilla. kingsalaska.com
February 17 @ 6PM
4th Annual Comfort Food Fundraiser
Family Promise Mat-Su Wasilla Area Seniors 1301 S. Centurty Circle ginger@family.promisematsu.org
Tickets are $25 at the door
February 17th @ 12PM
Mat-Su Plunge Mat-Su Sertoma Palmer Elks Lodge info@matsuhearing.org
February 17 @ 7PM-9PM
18th Annual Wearable Art Show
Valley Arts Alliance
Palmer Train Depot 610 S Valley Way valleyartsalliance.com
Tickets available at valleyartsalliance.com
February 17 @ 6PM-11PM Trend Alaska Fashion Show
Egan Center 555 W 5th Ave trendakfashion@gmail.com
Tickets available at www. trendakfashion.com
February 17 @ 1PM
Bluey & Friends – Grannies Paint Class
Paint Nights With Sara 535 Parks Highway (907) 521-4094
Tickets available paintwithsara.com
February 21 @ 10AM Divided Art 24’
Mat-Su Valley Rebuild 12151 East Palmer – Wasilla Highway valleyrebuild@gmail.com
February 21st-23rd @ 8AM
Mandt Training Mat-Su Services for Children & Adults 1225 W Spruce Ave www.mssca.org
kassie.klemm@mssca.org
Cost of event: $102-$192
February 23rd @ 3PM – 8PM
Fur Rondy Carnival – Kids Day
Fur Rondy 3rd & E Street www.furrondy.net
February 23rd - 25th @ 12PM
Open World Championships
Sled Dog Races
Fur Rondy Fur Rondy 4th Ave and D Street www.furrondy.net
February 24 @ 6PM
Denali Destroyers Last Game of the Season
Denali Destroyers Roller Derby
Raven Hall Alaska State Fairgrounds 2075 Glenn Hwy denalidestroyers@gmail.com (907) 355-7825
February 24 @ 7:30PM
AT&T Fireworks Extravaganza Fur Rondy 622 Small Boat Launch Rd
Tickets available at www.furrondy.net
MARCH
March 1 @ 8PM -9:30PM
Black Barrel & The Bad Men Live at Odd Man Rush Brewing Odd Man Rush Brewing 10930 Mausel Street oddmanrushbrewing@gmail.com
March 1 @ 9PM
SunDog & Casey Smith Project – Live at the Sitzmark
Alyeska Resort – The Sitzmark 194 Olympic Mountain Loop (907) 754-1111
Tickets available at shop. alyeskaresort.com
March 2 @ 10AM
Iditarod Ceremonial Start
The Iditarod 606 W 4th Ave iditarod.com
March 2 @ 4PM
Running of the Reindeer Fur Rondy
4th Ave, Between H and D Street, 700 W 4th Ave www.furrondy.net
March 9 @ 4PM-7PM
Roland Roberts Band Live at Hatcher Pass Lodge
Roland Roberts Band
6160 Farpoint Dr rolandrobertsband.com
March 9 @ 12-4
Spring Mat-Su Special Event & Wedding Expo Raven Hall
Women Warriors Event Planning Alaska State Fairgrounds – Raven Hall https://womenwarriorsep.com
March 16 @ 6AM
Ski Train
Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage
Anchorage Railroad Depot 411 W 1st Ave anchoragenordicski.com/ events/ski-train/ Tickets available at events.com
March 23 @ 6:30PM
Childish Tycoon & Black Barrel & The Bad Men
Huycke Entertainment
Palmer Train Depot
610 S. Valley Way
Tickets available at eventbrite.com
16
Mayley,
Eloise, 4 Zoe, 7
AUGUST 29
Arts
KOLOHE KAI JOINS STATE FAIR 2024 CONCERT LINE-UP
Contributed by Melissa Keefe
Hawaii-based reggae artist Kolohe Kai will bring his warm, sunny, island vibes to the Alaska State Fair in fall 2024! As the latest act announced in the 2024 Concert Series at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre, Kolohe Kai will perform Thursday, August 29, at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow, Friday, February 9, at 10 a.m.
Led by singer/songwriter Roman De Peralta, Kolohe Kai entered the Pacific reggae scene in 2009 with the release of debut album, This is the Life, featuring hits like “Ehu Girl” and “Cool Down.” A second all-original album, Love Town, came out in 2011.
Kolohe Kai returned in 2014 with the reggae-heavy album, Paradise, with favorites including “He’e Roa”
and “Paradise.” A fourth full-length album, Summer To Winter, came out in 2019 and was honored at the Island Music Awards as the Album of the Year.
A live album in honor of its 10th anniversary and the Best of Kolohe Kai Acoustic album were both released in 2021, followed by Kolohe Kai’s latest album, Hazel Eyes, featuring “I Think You’re Beautiful,” “Feel the Sunshine” and “When the Rain Falls.”
Kolohe Kai tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Friday, February 9, on the Fair website, alaskastatefair. org, joining the previously announced concerts featuring Oliver Anthony, Whiskey Myers, and Mt. Joy.
Concert-goers have the option to purchase concertonly tickets or tickets including Fair admission. The included admission is at a discounted price and is good for the day of the concert only. Concert tickets, including Fair admission must be purchased by August 15. Details on ticket options and pricing are available on the Fair website. Convenience fees apply to all online concert ticket purchases.
Visit alaskastatefair.org for additional information on this act and upcoming concert announcements. For more information, contact Melissa Keefe, director of marketing and communications, at mk@alaskastatefair.org.
RHONDA SCOTT
Contributed
by Rhonda
Scott
Join us Friday March 1st, from 1-7PM at the Hotel Captain Cook at the 4th Ave. entrance. The first 100 attendees will receive a free print of “Borealis Pup” artwork, compliments of The Hotel Captain Cook & Rhonda Scott. Prints, giclees, notecards, metals, and lots of cool additional Alaskan art and gift items will also be available for purchase.
Additional prints available for special show price of $25 (retail price is $35). We would love to see you there! For more information rhondascottart@icloud.com or www.akcrazy.com
Fostering teenempowermentthrough outdooradventures,experientiallearning, andthe power of OneHealth principles- www.onwardandupward.org 907-745-ONUP
ASPENYARROW PERFORMING AT WASILLA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Save the date! Aspenyarrow (Kayti Heller) performs at Wasilla Public Library on April 25th. Drawing inspiration from nature, love, mental health, and self-acceptance, Kayti’s songs reflect her experiences and the beauty of transforming emotions into music.
After growing up in Talkeetna and moving to Palmer with her two kids and dog, Mary Puppins, Kayti continues to explore and express through her music.
Watch for more details at www.MakeASceneAK.com/ wasillalibraryconcert.
APRIL 25
LIGHT AT NIGHT FESTIVAL HITS EAGLE RIVER
Contributed by Lindsey Thorsheim
The inaugural Light at Night Festival is set to illuminate the Alaskan summer with a vibrant celebration of music, craft beer, and camaraderie!
On June 29th, Matanuska Brewing Company in Eagle River will transform into a bustling hub for music lovers! The Light at Night Festival invites everyone to experience Matanuska Brewing’s backyard venue in Eagle River, as it plays host to a diverse lineup of bands and solo artists. This year’s roster includes Slightly Stoopid, Iam Tongi, The Elovaters, Mike Love, and H3, who are all poised to deliver unforgettable performances. Music enthusiasts can look forward to a day filled with good vibes and great tunes.
Nestled amongst the breathtaking Alaskan peaks, Matanuska Brewing Company is more than just a venue; it’s a testament to the Alaskan spirit. Festivalgoers can indulge in local culinary delights from a variety of food trucks and stay refreshed with a selection of Matanuska Brewing Company’s finest beers served at multiple pouring stations.
The venue has hosted performances from legends like Stick Figure and Matisyahu, as well as rock icons Three Days Grace and Tesla. This year promises to build on that legacy, offering a festival experience as refreshing as the crisp mountain air.
Conveniently located between Anchorage and the Mat-Su in Eagle River, the Light at Night Festival is an easy getaway for both local and visiting attendees.
The Light at Night Festival is committed to providing a hassle-free experience, ensuring that the journey to the music is as enjoyable as the festival itself.
Tickets for the Light at Night Festival are now available online. Music fans and adventure enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their spot at what is destined to become one of Alaska’s premier music events. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the festival website www.lightatnightfestival.com.
Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of local Alaskan history!
For more information contact Lindsey Thorsheim with Light at Night Festival, Ineffable Music Group 720.215.6550, www.ineffablemusic.com and www. lightatnightfestival.com.
REDEMPTION IS RESILIENT
Poetry & Prose
JEFFREY
Contributed by W.S. White
Where is she, my Dove? Oh, my dear one. Gone for what seems to be days. Whatever the calamity, she’s left me with 3 small whelps. The 4th one died in his sleep. I carried his poor, limp body for hours; whimpering and searching for a place for him to rest. The others are not yet weaned from their mother’s milk. I hunt for a small animal or bird, but they know not what to do with the meat, though I try to show them the way.
I don’t remember how I found myself wandering in the wilds. I know, the devils took my mother with a loud shot. The rest
Contributed by Juliah Barnett
REDEMPTION is a therapeutic job training program designed for clients of MY House to have the opportunity to feel and heal through clothing design.
This year we have revamped our program into a t-shirt printing business with a collection designed by MY House staff and clients. Inspired by the Art Nouveau movement of the 1910’s, “The REDEMPTION Movement” collection highlights Alaskan flowers with symbolism and meaning. Featured Design: The REDEMPTION Fireweed Hoodie Resilience is a quality that we all want but is often hardearned. How resourceful we are in the face of adversity, how teachable we are when we fail, how we pick ourselves back up again after the storm ends and the dust settles... measures how resilient we are. Resilience grows over time like beautiful fireweed after a wildfire. The REDEMPTION Fireweed hoodie reminds us that as we heal, we thrive!
Get your very own Fireweed Hoodie in store at Black Birch Books in Wasilla and shop the rest of the collection online at redemptionapparelak.com. Follow our journey on Instagram and Facebook @redemptionapparelak.
For more information about the services offered at MY House, visit myhousematsu.org or call (907)-373-4357. Thank you for supporting MY House!
is a blur. And then, I found my sweet one. As, I went hunting, I came back to find my whelps were gone. A rustle and a flash and I was caught in a trap. Those devils. A long, bumpy travail and I find myself in a small space. I pray to know where the babes are. Did the devils take them, too?
I remember, my mother’s songs and her wise words to soothe her small babes. She is all I have to comfort me as I sing her songs. I cannot eat. It’s always daylight. My coat, A blessed gift of the lord is growing thin.
On a day, no different than the others, one comes to retrieve me. I’m taken to a small room. In enters 2 of them. The man is old, but the woman seems vibrant. There have been inconceivable trials here that I can’t mention or I may sink to a sadness I won’t recover from. I worry constantly about my
babes. I am in a delirium. I am fussed over and cooked to by the woman. They take me to a small kennel and again, I’m put in a wagon. There is another kennel with a small, skinny dog. His coat, A matted mess. As, I recount my tale, I’ll tell you that my life with the elders was a comfort. The old man dotes on me and the other mutt. The woman spoils us and flattens us. I gradually, grow accustomed to their touch and smell. I pray, for the old man to know his lord. I pray for my sweetheart and our babes. Sometimes, I want to run to the wilds, but they know where to find me. My coat is grown again. I am well. I wait till it is my time and I will see my mother, again and she will sing her songs to soothe me. Now, hush master. Sing.
Poetry & Prose
OBLIVESCENCE: A BOOK OF POETRY ON ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA, MADE BY THREE GENERATIONS OF WOMEN
Contributed by Caitlin M.S. Buxbaum
Although feminism is not necessarily a central tenet of Red Sweater Press, it gives this female publisher great joy to announce that our ninth publication is a book of poems and artwork created by a woman and her daughter, about the author’s relationship with her own mother.
Oblivescence is Wisconsin poet Kelly R. Samuels’ second full-length collection of poetry, which details many aspects of her role as caregiver for her mother, who struggled with dementia due to Alzheimer’s—a condition that approximately 6.5 million Americans are battling. This book
of memory and loss is rich in imagery as well as metaphor, and threaded with allusions to Greek mythology, clinical psychology, and gardening. Readers of all kinds, but especially caregivers, mothers, daughters, and medical staff, are sure to be moved by this written exploration of what it means to remember.
Joan Kwon Glass, author of Night Swim, says: “Oblivescence is a frank, striking record of the human experience when we consider what is lost—yes—but also what can be found.” A Best of Net and Pushcart Prize nominee, Kelly R. Samuels is the author of the full-length collection All the Time in the World and four chapbooks: Talking to Alice; To Marie Antoinette, from; Words Some of Us Rarely Use; and Zeena / Zenobia Speaks. Learn more at krsamuels.com.
Please join us for a virtual launch of Kelly’s newest book on Thursday, February 22, at 4 p.m. AKST. The event will be held live on YouTube, so you don’t need to log in or have an account unless you want to type comments in the live chat. We will be raffling off one signed copy of Oblivescence, one signed copy of All The Time in the World, and one Red Sweater Press mug throughout the event, so be sure to tune in live for your chance to win!
For more information, follow Red Sweater Press on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube, or sign up for our email newsletter at redsweaterpress.com.
Read excerpts and order your copy of Oblivescence online at redsweaterpress. com/store.
KEEP SWIMMING
Contributed by Brittani Grace
Hello everybody! Welcome back to my column. Each month I will draw a Major Arcana tarot card which represents one of many possible paths to follow. Major Arcana cards represent the archetypical themes of life, presenting the overall possible experiences.
Deck: Mermaid Tarot By Leeza Robertson
Illustrations by Julie Card: 5 The Hierophant
The Hierophant relates to traditions, being a keeper of the records and a teacher of life. “The Hierophant knows more than most just how important it is to document important people, places, and events. WHO WE ARE TODAY IS A PRODUCT OF THOSE STORIES. Without them, none of us would have any sense of purpose or identity.”{A Guide to the Mermaid Tarot pg: 35}
When we think of our individual histories, we tend to have different emotions and thoughts about each moment. Sometimes we cringe, sometimes we laugh, sometimes we cry, sometimes we smile, and sometimes we feel anger. Each of these has brought us to this exact moment in time; brought us to who we are today. Our histories have provided lessons and experiences for growth, even when we were so stuck in the moment we couldn’t see it. When we take the time to look back, by stepping out of the emotion associated with the memory, we are able to see things from a broader point of view, and see more clearly.
This following month, we are guided to review present moments in correlation with the carousel of life lessons as they return. We can allow ourselves to see the patterns and assess the moment with a clearer understanding by paying close attention to our dreams, to our instincts, to the way our body feels in any given moment, and to the memories that arise in a “deja vu” kind of way. Stop, take a moment
and breathe. When these moments happen for us, they give us power. They give us a moment of control by deciding how we will respond or handle history repeating itself. Sometimes, when history repeats itself it is so we have the opportunity to see how far we have come. I recently had one of these moments in a way that hit me like none other before. This time it was a physical lesson, that carried into the mental. A little back story; about five years ago I severely injured my back. It became a very painful chronic back condition I lived with for three years. It caused a lot of nerve and muscle trauma on the right lower side of my body that carried into my leg. There were days where if I were to even stand for five minutes, I was in excruciating pain from the instability of my spine. A year and a half ago, I received a corrective surgery to help fuse it back into place. YAY! The surgery went amazing and there was no more “pre-surgery” pain or any “post-surgery” complications. I healed faster and be]er than the surgeons had even expected. Now, back to the present; These last few days I have been learning to scuba dive, we have spent three hours a day in the pool learning all the skills needed to be certified in the ocean. Today, actually, after class, I was relaxing and I suddenly had a severe cramp and nerve attack in my right leg. As I was quickly handed a jar of pickles with a straw, to drink the juice, the extreme pain from before the surgery engulfed me and brought tears to my eyes. Just as the tears were falling, an enormous wave of gratitude washed over me. I was suddenly transported into a state of relief as the thought, “Thank goodness this isn’t my daily life anymore” took over my mind. Having accepted the pain in the moment, and knowing that I had lived through it before, allowed me to step out of the fear of what was happening and switch into “functioning mode” and embrace that it was only for those few minutes. The pickle juice took immediate effec t, I stretched, walked around a bit afterwards, and the pain was gone. These lessons appear in various ways. This time for me, it was a reminder of how much I had taken my body for granted before and how much I appreciated the strength it has everyday.
There are times in life when we may not be exactly where we want to be, but we are further along than we realize. These moments come along to show us just that. To step out of the feeling, or the day-to-day, to see all that we have accomplished, giving us a chance for celebration!
(EUBULUS, ATHENAEUS DEIPNOSOPHISTAE)
GEORGE W. PALMER
Contributed by Anthony Irsik
When Valley farms were considered to be, He advocated for wife’s family, That the planted foods colonists had brought, Would supplement the fish which wife had caught,
He had married a Dena‘ina woman, A single mother with her own children, And he traded fairly with her tribesmen, And asked them to help tend to his garden,
Depending on what the garden produced, Could affect what seeds the colonists used, And with that and business he was inclined, To be a sly worker through Christmas time,
But with disaster his life burned on fuel, Consoled by his newly homemade White Mule, It caused him to kick and bellow at all, This man’s life was destroyed by alcohol,
He drank his first cup and he carried on, He drank the second, but his love was gone, After his third he refused to go sleep, We know what happens after, and we weep.
MY CANDY CIGARETTE
Contributed by JJ Krueger
He’s bad for me
He’s bad for me and I know it
Like a cigarette covered in sugar
It burns but god does it taste good
I’m crying like I cried when we were together
When I was afraid of loosing him
But in reality I was the one who was backing away
Step by step
My exit echoing in the back of my mind
Every day for the past 10 months
I left you
But you left me with deeper scars
Like an addict or a moth
I’m drawn back to you
My bug zapper disguised as my savior light
My relapse in a bottle waiting to happen
I shake at the thought of hearing your voice again
IT FINALLY HERE
Contributed by Yvonne Moss
It’s been a long cold Winter —
Spring is finally here,
I’m ready for the growing things —
The kind that brings me cheer!
Ah, the warmth of coming Spring-shine — That heats the chilly air,
The sun makes way for planting beds — With veggies and flowers fair.
I’ll have to wait for Summer — With blossoms in full bloom, Then foliage is at its peak — And, insects in full Zoom!
Thank Heavens for its arrival — I could not stand much more, Such wondrous days begin, now — As I walk out my door.
Or making eye contact and seeing the same eyes I wrote pages about
This time last year
I despise the fact that my friends know your eye color and the way your smile made me feel
Now it’s like a roller coaster ride I am forced onto against my will Stomach grinding unceremoniously until the gears crack and I’m stuck on the ride forever
He’s bad for me
And I know it
So I haven’t said a word to you since April 24th
When you gave me all my stuff back in two trash bags
Clothes still soaked because your dryer broke
After I handed you what little I still had in a box neatly folded half closed so nothing would break
DEEP DARK DIVE
Contributed by Robert Lyons
Spiraling down through ages the light hits the brine, blasting past the swimming surface to shine upon the dining predators of the deep. Deeper still, beyond the eels and sharks, attracting the grays to race the light to the dark. Sparks to prisms, photons hitting their limits, slowed sharply beyond comprehension. The shimmering lost above, what creeps down here? Beings lost in time, hidden from reality, alive or dead? None to ever know, the bottom cannot be observed, this Schrodinger box of the deep.
A world of sifting, drifting particles and eternal wonder, before and after simultaneously put beyond to the point of buoyancy, the pressure beyond belief! Where souls sink to die and demons ride the currents in silence, unknown. Where clocks stop ticking and the world grows. Where the pits of the deep provide to survive, and there is little to no life but for those who travel the waves of time. Creatures creep in horrific blindness and strife, as shining beams lose the race of their life. Deep down here where the whales dive
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 environment, adress medicals 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.
Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired Seniors
www.alaskabvi.org (907) 771-4322
The Alaska Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired provides blind and low vision Alaskans tools to eliminate vision loss as a barrier to employment, independent living, and community participation. It is the only statewide training and resource center for vision rehabilitation. In the Mat-Su Valley we sponsor two monthly support groups for socialization and informational activities, titled “Living Well with Vision Loss”, meeting at the Wasilla Area Seniors and the Palmer Senior Center. Low Vision Clinics demonstrating low vision devices and home assessment visits for independent living are offered to those who qualify and who have uncorrectable vision loss.
Alaska Community Development Corporation
www.alaskacdc.org (907) 746-5680
Alaska Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit agency located in Palmer, AK. Our focus is housing assistance for low-income households in Alaska. We offer housing assistance to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and most areas in Southcentral Alaska and to rural areas in Southeast and Southwest Alaska. Our housing assistance includes home weatherization; housing accessibility improvements for seniors and disabled households; & homeownership assistance including home purchase assistance, home building assistance and home loan packaging.
Our housing assistance helps to keep people safely in their homes and helps low-income households move into home ownership. All assistance is free to eligible households.
Connect Mat-Su
www.connectmatsu.org (907) 373-2628
Connect Mat-Su is a program of the Mat-Su Health Foundation that provides access to information and referrals specific to the local community.
Assistance is available in the areas of care, education, food, health, housing, legal services, social connection, transportation, work, and more. It is a network that is both a physical and virtual resource center linking residents to the things needed to thrive physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally.
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 Desgin, and LIFE Connect. We also have Sarah’s House, 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 assistance programs, such as The Locker, to provide personal care and basic house hold cleaning items, and Scarlet Tapestries which offers basic sewing skills instructions. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Matanuska Electric Association Charitable Foundation (MEACF) www.mea.coop/mea-in-the-community meacontact@mea.coop (907) 761-9300
$1.6 million and counting! This is the financial impact MEA’s members have had in our community since 2011 when MEACF introduced Operation Roundup. To scratch the surface on those impacted by your generosity are our seniors, recreation, local agriculture, family services, food pantries, and everything in between. We want to continue adding to this lost, so if you know of an organization interested in applying for the MEACF grant and has a specific project in mind, please check us out online for the application process - including financials. Grants are capped at $10,000 and are approved at each quarterly MEACF meeting. Individual grant requests are now completed through Connect MatSu; individual grant requests regarding a disability can contact Access Alaska.
Mat-Su Health Foundation www.healthymatsu.org (907) 352-286³
The mission of the Mat-Su Health Foundation is to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su. The tools we use include grantmaking, convening of local partners, and policy change.
We have generated significant improvements in systems that support the health of Mat-Su residents in areas such as behavioral health, child welfare, crisis response, community connections, workforce development, transportation, housing, and senior services. Visit www.healthymatsu.org to learn about scholarship and funding opportunities.
MYHouse Mat-Su Youth Housing www.myhousematsu.org (907) 373-4357
MYHouse 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 job education services on site.
Onward & Upward
www.onwardandupward.org
email: info@onwardandupward.org (907) 953-5360
Onward & Upward is an evidence-based, accredited, 501c3 nonprofit organization based in the Mat-Su Valley. Our mission is to establish a culture of “One Health” in Alaska through evidence-based action. We accomplish this by engaging our students in adventurous, inspiring, meaningful, and empowering experiences with varying degrees of challenge methodically designed for positive growth and development.
We offer a diverse range of course offerings from open enrollment summer adventure courses, professional development courses, to year-round after-school and homeschool opportunities. Check out our website at www.onwardandupward.org for more information!
Special Olympics Alaska Mat-Su Community Program (907) 631-8591
www.specialolympicsalaska.org
The Special Olympics Alaska Mat-Su Community Program is an accredited program of Special Olympics Alaska, Inc., a 501c (3) nonprofit whose mission is to provide year-round sports training and competition to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In the Mat-Su Valley, there are 137 active Special Olympics Alaska athletes and 56 Unified partners (non-disabled peers) that train and compete in 12 sports year-round.
There is no cost to participate for qualifying athletes. For more information on the Mat-Su Community Program, please call 907-631-8591, email matsu@ specialolympicsalaska.org or visit us on social media@soakmatsu.
United Way of Mat-Su (907) 373-5807
www.unitedwaymatsu.org
550 S Alaska St., Suite 205 Palmer AK
United Way of Mat-Su strives to make our community a place where all individuals can thrive. We focus on the building blocks of education, financial stability, health for all, providing resource assistance, community collaboration and advocacy, outreach and engagement across the health, human, and social services spectrum.
Early childhood and family support, youth programs, grants for non-profits, and disaster relief; Mat-Su Valley Resource Guide; volunteer opportunities; Stuff the Bus; Project Homeless Connect, and more. Call for more information on Thrive Mat-Su Mat-Su Coalition, Early Childhood Partnership, Youth 360, and the Alaska Wellness Coalition.
Valley Charities, Inc.
www.valleycharities.org
400 N Yenlo Street, Wasilla AK
Valley Charities, Inc: Connecting those who need help with the help they need. Valley Charities, Inc. (VCI) oversees a locally owned non- profit Thrift Store, turn-A-leaf. VCI Re-entry Program assists ex-offenders to become successful citizens helping to stabilize a home, work, per-
sonal needs, and basic council. Our Homelessness Prevention Program provides financial assistance creating housing stability for Valley residents.
Lastly, our Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program supports our residents with short term equipment loans to help with their recovery from illness and injuries. Housing Assistance: 907-354-4660; Re-Entry Assistance: 907-232-7125; Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program, see our website: valleycharities.org
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 at www. valleyartsalliance.com
Valley Recycling Valley Community for Recycling Solutions www.valleyrecycling.org (907) 745-5544
REFUSE, REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE! Drop off your clean, separated recycling Mon-Fri 9:30 to 5 and Saturday 8 to 5. We accept cardboard boxes, aluminum beverage cans, magazines, this newspaper and more!
We are located at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, near the MSB Central Landfill, just past the MSB Animal Care Shelter. Follow the smells. And follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Become a member, visit our classroom, schedule a field trip, find out more about volunteer opportunities and ways you can make a difference in your community. #dontfeedthelandfills. Go to our website for more details.
Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc.
www.wasillaseniors.com (907) 376-3104
Wasilla Area Seniors mission is to provide for the lives of seniors living in the Matanuska Susistna Valley and to enable seniors to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.
WASI provides services, resources, and activities to promote health and independence such as Club50 Fitness Center. Club50 is for individuals 50 years of age and older and provides clean, accessible exercise equipment and offers a variety of FREE fitness classes for seniors of all skill and mobility levels.
For more information, give us a call or find us on Facebook.
REPURPOSED ART AUCTION
Contributed by MatSu Valley Rebuild
Matsu Valley Rebuild, the Valley’s used building materials store, is having a fundraiser with the help of local valley artists. Divided Art ’24 is an art exhibition and silent auction that will take place February 21-24 at MVR. This is an art event for everyone and a truly unique art exhibit.
We asked local artists to lend their talent and vision in this unique project that turns used bi-fold closet doors into room dividers and cool pieces of art. The participating artists took used doors from Matsu Valley Rebuild and have given these outcasts of the closet door world new life and a new identity. Divided Art displays the wonderful artistic talent we have in the Matsu Valley. It also provides an opportunity for visitors to take home a one-of-a-kind piece of art. In addition to being art, a room divider is great for creating a private space like a reading nook
or changing area, for blocking out unsightly equipment or appliances, and even for providing privacy at a window without having to close the blinds or blackout natural light. You may already have a need for a room divider at your house!
You can see these cool pieces at Matsu Valley Rebuild during the silent auction. You will also be able to learn more about the artists, their background, inspiration and more. You can even bid on your favorite, and if you win you get to take it home! The auction will close Saturday February 24 at 5pm.
Matsu Valley Rebuild is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit used and surplus building materials store with the mission to keep useful building materials and related items out of the landfill. MVR aims to save people money by reducing dumping costs and offering great prices for shoppers. Through wiser building practices we will preserve green space and spread sustainability. MVR also plans to expand beyond the store to offer a tool
library, workshops and classes, artist studio space, community garden space and more.
Divided Art 24’ provides our local artists with a unique challenge and promotes their work, skills and businesses while repurposing and making cool stuff. Matsu Valley Rebuild is proud to involve and promote members of our community in our fundraising. We are thankful for all the artists’ time and effort. Leading up to Divided Art and following the auction, information about each artist and their work will be circulated online and available at MVR so more people can support them.
This event is sponsored by Mat-Su Health Foundation.
Come support local art and local sustainability at Divided Art 24’!
More information about Divided Art and MVR can be found at matsuvalleyrebuild.com, on Facebook and Instagram or by coming by the store!