Make A Scene Magazine January 2023

Contributed by Carmen Summerfield

The Valley Arts Alliance is proud to host their 17th annual VAA Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show at the Palmer Depot on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

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 17th year we’re using the theme “Unlocked!” 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 17th annual VAA Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show, download our application package, which contains the 2023 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 10, 2023.

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.

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. Tickets are on sale now—in Palmer at Fireside Books and NonEssentials; and in Wasilla at My House / Gathering Grounds Café.

We expect both shows to sell out, so please purchase your tickets early.

The 17th 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!

Arts

Contributed by Jasmine Montanez Stevens

Hard-working and passionate about any project put in front of her, Jasmine has great experience with digital design and creatively inclined tasks. Jasmine has worked diligently to keep her customers coming back for more at her freelancing business, Envisuals Art & Design, by turning THEIR creative ideas into a reality. Her skills mimicking certain design styles and ability to adjust well in any digital or traditional media has proved quite useful to any jobs she applied herself to. She continues to learn and challenge herself with new projects so that she can be the

best version of herself at the end of the day. Jasmine is currently seeking contractors or employees that are in need of people who have great design skills, an illustrative upperhand, marketing savvyness and overall passion for the creative work they do.

Jasmine Montañez Stevens graduated from University of Anchorage at only 18 and focused more towards business and fine arts. She has worked since then for her own freelancing business, Envisuals, while maintaining a part time job till late 2020-2021 with a desire to visualize others’ passion projects via graphic design and illustration. Since 2021, she worked as an art lead for Hope Community Resources, where she utilized her creative skills by running an art studio where people who experience disabilities can gain independence through selling their art through Hope Studios.

In 2022, Jasmine started her time with Accent on You Marketing as an indepen-

dent contractor. Jasmine spent her time managing AOU’s client projects, while delivering stunning designs and illustrations in a timely manner. Jasmine highly values her time as a designer and project manager at Accent on You Marketing and thinks it was crucial in developing the ethics she practices in her career today and careers in the future.

Jasmine lives in Wasilla, Alaska with her husband, three cats, and two ferrets. When not drawing or designing her next creative endeavor, Jasmine enjoys hiking, video games, photography and taking her pets on little adventures outside. For up-to-date information, follow her socials: @Envisualsbyj on Facebook and Instagram. To hire Jasmine as a freelance artist, e-mail her at envisualsak@gmail. com or contact her through her website: envisualsart.com

Calendar of Events

Jerry Wessling Live

Palmer Ale House

320 E. Dahlia Avenue, Palmer

Jan. 18 @ 6p-10p

Facebook: Palmer Alehouse (907) 746-2537

Aerial Youth Series

Yoga Om Alaska

960 S Check St, Wasilla

Jan. 20 @ 5:15p-6:15p

Facebook: Yoga Om Alaska (907) 315-3078

ACE Championship Fight Night

Palmer Train Depot

610 S Valley Way

Jan.20 @ 7:45p-10:30p

Facebook: ACE Alaska Combat Entertainment (907) 947-3464

January Photography Class

Hebrews Cafe’

490 Knik-Goose Bay Rd, Wasilla Jan. 20 @ 6p-8p

Facebook: HeBrews Cafe’ (907) 376-3210

Raising Resilience

Mat-Su Health Foundation

777 N. Crusey St, Wasilla Jan. 20 @ 10a-11a

Facebook: ROCK Mat-Su (907) 373-2804

Comic Art Class

Aegis Comics of Alaska

500 E Swanson Ave Ste 2, Wasilla Jan. 21 @ 1p-2p

Aegis Comics of Alaska (907) 376-3400

Boomer’s Rock Dinner Dance

WASI

1301 S Century Cir, Wasilla

Jan. 21 @ 5p-8p

Facebook: Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. (907) 206-8800

Myles from Dublin Live

The Musk Ox Farm

12850 E Archie Rd, Palmer Jan. 21 @ 6p

Facebook: The Musk Ox Farm (907) 745-4151

Square Pow IPA Release Party

Bearpaw River Brewing Company

240 E Railroad Ave, Wasilla Jan. 21 @ 11a

Facebook: Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center (907) 373-2337

NRA Reloading Class

Mat-Valley Sport Range

2450 Glenn Hwy, Palmer Jan. 22 @ 8a-5p

Facebook: Mat-Valley Sportsmen’s Range (907) 746-4862

Forest that Never Sleeps

Palmer Ale House

320 E. Dahlia Avenue, Palmer Jan. 25 @ 6p-9p

Facebook: Palmer Alehouse (907) 746-2537

Wednesday Night 3D Shoot

Screaming Eagle Archery 210 E Park Avenue, Wasilla Jan. 25 @ 6:30p-9:30p

Facebook: Screaming Eagle Archery of Alaska (907) 376-2699

Open Mic Night

Black Birch Books

2901 E Bogard Rd Ste 104, Wasilla Jan 27. @ 5p-7p

Facebook: Black Birch Books (907) 373-2677

Aerial Yoga Teacher Training

Yoga Om

960 S Check St, Wasilla Jan. 27 @ 5:30p

Facebook: Yoga Om (907) 315-3078

90’s Throwback Party

Klondike Mike’s

820 S Colony Way, Palmer Jan. 28 @ 10p

Facebook: Klondike Mike’s (907) 745-2676

January Ladies Retreat

Our Little Farm In Palmer 4314 N Jana Dr, Palmer Jan. 28 @ 1p-6p

Facebook: Our Little Farm In Palmer

New Dawn Paint Night

Paint Nights with Sara

535 Parks Hwy, Wasilla Jan. 30 @ 7p-9p

Facebook: Paint Nights with Sara (907) 521-4096

5th Annual Bike Art Show

Trek Bicycle Store 530 E Benson Boulevard, Anchorage Feb. 3 @ 6p-9p

Facebook: Trek Bicycle Store (907) 743-6000

HPAC Cabin Fever Reliever

Palmer Moose Lodge 1136 S Cobb St, Palmer Feb 4 @ 6p-10p

Facebook: Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center (907) 745-4982

Indoor Basic Handgun 101

Arctic Ammo and Reloading Supplies 4900 E Palmer Wasilla Hwy Ste 1B, Wasilla Feb 4. @ 10a-2:30p

Facebook: Accurate Advantage (907) 223-8617

Emo Night 2

Palmer Train Depot 610 S Valley Way, Palmer Feb 4. @ 6:30p-11p

Facebook: Sideways (978) 303-7329

Mat-Su Plunge

Palmer Elks Lodge 2600 N Barrys Resort Dr, Wasilla Feb. 18 @ 12p-5p

Facebook: Mat-Su Sertoma (907) 745-3950

ASAA State 5 Spot

Screaming Eagle Archery

210 E Park Avenue, Wasilla Feb. 19 @ 1p-4p

Facebook: Screaming Eagle Archery of Alaska (907) 376-2699

Mat-Su Special Olympics

Dinner & Auction

Mat-Su Career & Technical High School Feb. 25 @ 5p

Facebook: Special Olympics Mat-Su (907) 631-8591

Contributed by Jason Herr & Lainie Dreas

Bring the whole family to live theater with season tickets to Alaska Junior Theater’s winter and spring public performances. By purchasing season tickets, patrons can save up to 20% off the cost of single-ticket purchase prices. Season tickets to both shows in the series are available for as low as $19 for youth. Senior and Adult tickets begin at $15 and $18 respectively, plus a $3 municipal surcharge.

All performances are in the Discovery Theatre at Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, located in Downtown Anchorage.

Season tickets are purchased by visiting akjt.org and completing a season ticket order form. Forms can be submitted by:

MAIL: Alaska Junior Theater 430 W. 7th Ave Ste 30 Anchorage, AK 99501

EMAIL: Lainie@akjt.org

FAX: (907) 272-3035

or by calling us at (907) 272-7546

Shows include:

The Velveteen Rabbit: Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 2:00 PM (Great for ages 5+)

- A young boy’s love and a little nursery magic bring this classic bedtime story to life before your eyes. Watch the velveteen rabbit join his boy on exciting imaginary adventures, from deep caves to the wide-open sea, building an unbreakable bond. Together, they learn the true meaning of friendship.

-Based on one of America’s favorite storybooks written by Margery Williams, ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’ is an imaginative performance designed to enhance the theater experience and increase literacy in the arts. This charming adaptation is performed by one of Anchorage’s favorite touring companies for youth and family audiences: Pushcart Players.

Lightwire Theater’s The Ugly Duckling Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 2:00 PM (Great for ages 5+)

Dazzling Visuals Bring Well-loved Tale to Life! Lightwire Theater’s innovative electroluminescent puppetry brings

these classic tales into a new and brilliant light! No words are used in this dazzling, fast-paced production all ages will enjoy. See ‘The Ugly Duckling’ come to life through masterful puppetry, cutting-edge technology, moving sculpture and dance. “The Ugly Duckling” is a fairy tale with the moral lesson for people to accept themselves for who they truly are and raises questions about bullying and discrimination. Poignant choreography and creative

use of music, ranging from classical to jazz and pop, create an unforgettable theatrical experience.

AJT’s matinee performances have storytelling in the lobby one hour before show time and a “Milk and Cookie Reception/Cake Walk” with the visiting artists after the show.

Questions? Call Alaska Junior Theater at (907) 272-7546 or find us on Facebook.

Contributed by Kassandra Taggart, Group Administrator

In the spring of 2020, as the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic began spreading around the world, thousands of Alaskans lost their jobs. That job loss shocked the rental market – suddenly, and unexpectedly, many Alaskans couldn’t pay their rent. And their landlords found themselves unsure of how to move forward.

“When COVID happened, a lot of landlords had a lot of fear. They didn’t know what they could and couldn’t do or where to go,” said Kassandra Taggart.

Taggart is the President and Broker in Charge of Real Property Management Last Frontier. She’s also the driving force behind The Landlord’s Almanac, a virtual community of Alaska landlords that has been active for years but became a lifeline for advice in the early days of the pandemic.

“It became a place where landlords could go ‘hey I’m scared, how can I get help?’ It really helped them with the fear of everything that was happening,” said Taggart.

According to the American Community Survey, there were an estimated 90,266 renter-occupied units in Alaska in 2021. And according to Taggart, many of the people who own those properties don’t necessarily have a background in real estate or in being a landlord – and many of them have another job. The Landlord’s Almanac provides a safe and accessible forum for landlords to ask questions, seek advice, and help others.

Taggart started the organization at a kitchen table, with just a small group of real estate investors and landlords. As it grew, Taggart turned to Facebook to help accommodate the large numbers of people interested in being part of the community. Since its inception in 2016, the Facebook group has grown to 1,300 members.

Taggart, who works as the group’s administrator, says the platform allows landlords from all backgrounds to come together to participate in a friendly and helpful forum with the goal of educating each other on best practices, regulations, and general advice.

“We want to provide landlords with the tools to create really good, quality, affordable housing for the public,” said Taggart.

Technically, many of the people who

engage in discussions on the Facebook page are competitors, but Taggart said, for a number of reasons, they are still willing to help each other out.

“I think the reason why is because they no longer feel alone and they feel they’re connected to resources,” said Taggart. “The mentors like to give back because they learned the hard way and there’s plenty of rentals for everyone.”

One of those mentors is Michele Raven. She’s been a landlord in Alaska for more than 20 years, and she’s considered a “group expert” on The Landlord’s Almanac Facebook page.

Raven, who lives in McCarthy, said she sees helping her peers as an important step in building better communities.

“The idea is to lift people up and help them be quality landlords,” said Raven.

Raven said she tries to approach her job as a landlord with empathy and excellent communication, and she shares that wisdom with others.

“If you treat your renters well and establish a compassionate relationship with your renters, they’ll care about you and the rental,” said Raven.

Realtor and landlord Matt Miller is also a frequent contributor to the group –in fact, his participation goes back as far as the original gathering at Taggart’s kitchen table.

“I love helping out new landlords like people helped me,” said Miller.

Miller said he sees strength in numbers; the ONLINE group allows Alaska’s landlord community to bounce ideas off each other – and to help each other avoid making expensive mistakes. They stop short of offering legal advice, focusing instead on shared experiences and lessons learned.

Group administrator Taggart believes that kind of community will elevate Alaska landlords, creating a safer, more affordable, experience for renters.

If you are a landlord in Alaska, you can join the conversation by visiting The Landlord’s Almanac.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kassandra Taggert and husband Eric Boltman own Real Property Management Services in Anchorage, Alaska. She is the founder and group administrator for the Facebook page, The Landlord Almanac – Alaska.

Contributed by Phillip C. Flippo

Back in March or 2022 my wife and I made a huge shift in our lives, from a life spent mostly indoors, to a new expansive life now spent exploring and documenting the natural world through photography and film work.

We both found that we were able to form deep connections with wildlife and the habitats they live in, and started to share these experiences with people around the world. In a matter of a few months, we discovered that tens of thousands of people seemed to really respond to these animal stories, and we wanted to do more.

But what would doing more even look like? We knew we wanted to create something new and different, but what?

The Origin of Adventure Bonnie: Ok, so right up front, I am going to tell you, this is a very silly origin story, but hang in there.

After about 3 months of near constant exploration around Alaska, I started losing a lot of weight. One morning I woke up and was admiring my now slowly slimming belly, and I exclaimed to my wife, “I’m losing all of this weight thanks to my new adventure body!”

Then she looked up at me very confused, and said, “Who the heck is Bon-

nie?” I responded, “No no, I’m saying that I lost all this weight because my adventurous body is helping me.” To which she replied, “Who is Adventure Bonnie and how is she helping you lose weight!?”

After we had a good laugh at the hilarious miscommunication, it became a regular morning activity to ask each other “Where is Adventure Bonnie taking us today!?” before we would go on that day’s outing. It got to the point where we said her name so often, that we started thinking of her like a real person.

Then one day we started discussing what qualities Adventure Bonnie would have if she were real, trying to borrow from our own personalities; wildly excitable, with a deep respect for wildlife, an explorer, someone who has childlike wonder when in nature, and someone who loves to teach/ share. Also, because my wife and I are out together doing photography and film work so often, we figured she needed a companion as well to join her in the field, but who?

The Origin of Hatcher:

So, if you are online a lot, or follow any Alaska photography related Facebook groups, you may already know who Hatcher the Pika is. Basically, I made a real connection with this one extremely small Pika (the world’s smallest

member of the rabbit family) up in the boulder fields in Hatcher Pass Alaska. After I spent a significant amount of time photographing/filming him over the 2022 season I fell in love and had to give him a name.

Considering he was from Hatcher Pass, his name was an easy choice in my heart, Hatcher the Pika.

So many people around the world begged me to one day put together books and calendars with his images in them. I think most people have never even heard of this animal, and now they were getting a daily, in depth look at him, and his Pika friend’s little world. It was around this time that it dawned on me, Adventure Bonnie still needed a companion. One that could stand for the discovery and joy of the natural world and Alaska alike. They were destined to be together.

Bringing Them To Life

After creating a successful calendar with some of Hatcher’s best images, I realized that I wanted to do more than share photos of amazing wildlife encounters. I wanted to create a mix of both real-world photography/film and illustration/animation that would star Adventure Bonnie and her best friend Hatcher. So my wife and I reached out to some friends of ours, who also just so happen to be professional illustrators (Loren and Tanya Russell), and

explained the two characters to them, our high hopes for them in the future, and basically how we saw them in our heads.

They agreed to take on the challenge of creating the characters, and after many, many, revisions the basic concept art, look, and feel of the characters were created (as featured in this article). These images were delivered to me on Christmas day of 2022 and I hope they will lay the framework to create books, cartoons, merchandise, and more one day.

We have a lot more to learn before we can honor them by bringing their adventures to life, along with all the real amazing wildlife of this world. Nevertheless, we have taken our first steps on a long journey, and we couldn’t be more excited to see where it takes us all!

www.flippophotography.com

Contributed by Sharon Aubrey

Relevant Publishers LLC is a small publishing house located in Sutton earning national attention. Salmon Survivor by Christian A. Shane recently won first place in the PenCraft Book Awards for Children’s Preteen Fiction. It also won the Bronze Moonbeam Children’s Book Award earlier in 2022 and has received many five-star reviews including “Readers’ Favorite” recognition in December.

With all the positive attention surrounding Salmon Survivor’s recent success, one might think this award is simply good luck. However, the PenCraft Book Award is the fourth national award earned from a children’s book published by Relevant Publishers LLC in the last three years.

In fact, the house has won a book award for children’s literature consistently since 2020, when Me-Now, The Adventures of Mickey the Mushing Cat by Leon Mensch earned the Gold Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, followed by Jared the Giant: The Secret earning a Purple Dragonfly in 2021.

Sharon Aubrey, the company’s founder, is thrilled with the latest recognition. She’s excited in a

rural community like Sutton, her business could win so many national book awards. Ms. Aubrey began her company believing, “Alaskans have great potential to prosper if we’re willing to be innovative, connect with others, and put in the hard work.” With four awards under her belt, Ms. Aubrey’s company is producing quality creative works that have set them apart as an awardwinning publishing house.

Relevant Publishers LLC began with two local Alaskan authors in-house. Over the last five years, it has grown exponentially and includes seventeen authors. The majority of authors now reside outside of Alaska, however, Ms. Aubrey has not lost her love for supporting local authors and hopes more will eventually join her team. Until then, she has over a dozen new projects in the queue for the next two years.

Submissions are accepted on their website on an ongoing basis: www.relevantpublishers.com

Theater

Contributed by Valley Performing Arts

The Lifespan of a Fact is a timely portrayal of how information can be presented, situations can be interpreted, and how circumstances can be seen through the window of emotion or the lens of hard fact.

Jim Fingal is a fresh-out-of-Harvard fact checker for a prominent but sinking New York magazine. John D’Agata is a talented writer with a transcendent essay about the suicide of a teenage boy—an essay that could save the

magazine from collapse. When Jim is assigned to fact check D’Agata’s essay, the two come head to head in a comedic yet gripping battle over facts versus truth. Please be aware that this show has mature themes, adult language, and discussions regarding those affected by the trauma of suicide.

The Lifespan of a Fact opens January 13th and runs through January 29th. Ticket prices are $19 Regular Admission, $17 Seniors 65+/Students 18 and younger. The production will be at Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Avenue, in Wasilla.

Purchase tickets online at www.valleyperformingarts.org or call our office at 373-0195 for more information. Be sure

to follow us on Facebook and please consider supporting us through Pick. Click.Give. when you file for your PFD.

Contributed by Katherine Baker

That prying, drying heat does curse, laments the earth, expecting worse.

Arise the dying waters, stir, the lakes and streams and rivers as were.

Respond, please pond, which is no more, and tell the lore of times before.

Awake the sake of thirsty falls, so far away from which it calls.

Emerge the surge and wrong the fear, earth longs to hear, those heavy tears.

Brief not this fate of no relief, moisture of late, comes from deep grief.

Contributed by Katherine Baker

Motionless a solid mass, of continuity in form, aesthetically carved, silent, yet voluminous, sharp and smooth, yet rigid, enduring though weathered, an unseen sculpture, of universal beauty, without predatorROCK.

NATURE’S CLARITY

Contributed by Champ Bouchard, Age 11

The moon is like a giant night light to the beautiful forest sight.

The green grass and tall ferns, the mighty forest with its twists and turns.

The love for nature is what keeps it alive, with all the animals, so they can survive.

They are all part of nature with its charity and that’s all of nature’s clarity.

Contributed by Nan Potts

Shush goes the shovel, through the downy snow; Hush is the sound of the grass being mowed. Birds at the feeders, Some idle, some quick; Their chirps and cheeps, often herald ones clique.

A scoop and a twist, dumps snow on a ledge; A trench is dug giving walking a hedge. The Chickadees flit, Crisscrossing my ditch; Magpies arrive, squawk and clash with their pitch.

I pause to watch, this dramatic exchange; Their maneuvers suggest strategic change. Their loud vocal tones, An angrier din; Demands to Mags, gives a Chickadee win!

The Mags depart, when my shovel resumes; Victory sounds with excited new tunes. These clever wee birds, Know who’s foe and friend; A frenzied feed marks, a Victory trend.

I pause once more, as a Woodpecker lights; He stops at the suet for a few bites. Then he’s off again, To escape “The Club”; A solitary fowl, frequents this hub.

Among these birds, who have granted me grace; I watch and learn how our lives interlace. Their sub-polar world, Sometimes harsh and cruel; Labels them hardy, as a common rule.

A dog at my heels, in my well toiled tracks; He too has witnessed these birds’ daring acts. He gazes at me, With his looks convey; “We’ll now that’s all done, let’s be on our way!”

With a gentle pet, I resume my slog, More snow to move, I plod on with the dog.

As I dig and heap, To sounds of the throng; My friends in trees, serenade me along.

The morning wanes, and my choral mates too, Dog and I note how mute voices ensue. The chit-chatter fades, The frenzy has died; No chants to perceive, their songs all have dried.

With this task complete, I shift to more chores, Whose time, type and effort keep me outdoors. Exerting my spade, With snow to my knees; I’ve filled my stint, among the Chickadees.

by Alys Culhane

You tumbled off a roof. Your ankle is an anchor with no mooring. I was tossed off a horse. My shoulder is an alarm clock with an unceasing ring.

We meet by the Gaylord, a chest-high box filled with books to be shredded, the detritus of our trade.

You hold a copy of The Farming of the Bones And I hold a copy of Raise High the Roof Beam Carpenters. To toss or not to toss?

This is a question that weighs you down and makes my ears ring.

With age comes pain. And with pain comes wisdom. we swap copies

You take the Salinger I take the Danticat, and we resume salvaging.

By Yvonne Moss

Rockets soar high, singing, Booming in the night. Seems forever ringing, Frolic high and bright.

The brightness, implies winning, Highlighting, as limelight. The hope that it is bringing, A new year, with daylight.

A great, new day beginning, Forever charged with lights. An old one, now is ending, With loud, fiery highlights.

Explosive, flaming sky-lights Awed revelers, ensue. This New Year touts its delights, With goals and dreams anew.

Contributed

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.

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 partici-

pate 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 Mat-Su; 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.

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. You can also contact our 24/7 behavioral

criss intervention line by calling the main number: (907) 376-2411.

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 1824 year olds, outreach services to connect homeless youth, organizations and groups to services, and access to public health and job education services on site.

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 has proudly served the MatSu community since 1956. Our mission of “Connecting those who need help with the help they need” is demonstrated through our Homeless Prevention and Reentry Programs. The first creates housing sustainability, and the later, assists ex-offenders to become successful citizens and make our communities safer. For inquiries on Housing please call 907-354-4660. For inquiries on the Re-entry program call 907-232-7125.

“Our partnership with other local agencies have allowed Valley Charities opportunities to reach more individuals and families”.

Our locally owned non-profit thrift store, called turn-A-leaf, keeps all the excess proceeds in the

Mat-Su Valley using it to support the store, the staff, and maintain our community service programs.

Our Durable Medical Equipment Lending program has supported valley residents since 1956 providing this equipment at NO COST to the user. For inquiries on the Medical Equipment availability call 907-521-1908.

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, seperated recling Mon-Fri 9:30 to 6 and Sat 8 to 5. We accept cardboard, aluminum cans, magazines, this newspaper, and more!

Your community recycling center is location at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, next to the MSB Animal Shelter at the Central Landfill. Follow the smells. And follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Become a member, visit our classroom, schedule a field trip, and 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.

Contributed by Wendy Brooker

‘Twas the day after Epiphany, and all through my home There were still red and green things in every room The stockings still hanging around here and there With the Santa Claus hat that my husband wears The Do-It-Now List for my weekend was long Resolutions mixed in with Christmas songs I looked at the clock, my chores started to taunt me Like old Scrooge’s ghosts, they were bound to haunt me

There were ornaments –to be unhung and packed Light strings to be untangled and stacked The tree skirt brushed off and folded with care Now the undressed tree stood with its branches bare A short break to look out at the snow on the lawn And then into the box went our Tannenbaum Pushed out to the worn, cardboard box cluttered hall For eventual storing down in the crawl In the kitchen, a gingersnap snack, home-made

Detoured my diet, already delayed

Then through all the rooms with purpose I strode Coming back to the table with each precious load Of snowmen and angels and dear Christmas treasures I gazed at them all with love, joy, and pleasure I thanked them all for helping me smile Day-dreaming of holidays-past for a while Tissue-wrapped now in a box that’s just right With a promise to see them my next Saint Nick’s night Artificial poinsettias on the porch near the door Came in from the cold to the entry hall floor Where the jingle bells were that I wore all December My nearby family and friends will remember

The Advent wreath with its candles is stowed On the fourth Sunday, how gently it glowed Shedding light on the crèche in the nook of the hutch Reminding us all we cannot love too much Let thoughts that peace on earth could be

Not be boxed away with the Christmas tree May the kindness that people took to their heart Not be kept each year to just one time, apart Goodwill to all people wherever they are Epiphanies don’t require a star However we celebrate and live Life’s better if we choose to give

Yesterday was the twelfth day of Christmas, it’s true Return those holiday books, they are due Cheery cups and bowls, and the big cookie platter Slide onto the top shelf with clinking and clatter Napkins and towels, in the laundry they go Reach up, take down that dry mistletoe

In the closet –cards, wrapping paper, and bows

In the cupboards –what’s left of the season goes Since the fireworks flew, now it’s been a whole week Into the New Year, we’ve taken a peek Tuck away the noisemakers and let’s make a toast

In honor of fading Yuletide ghosts

May your new year be happy, your stars shine bright Put that list away now, take it easy tonight

Contributed by Charles Dean Walker

I held in my hands what seemed an innocent yet disturbing drawing of a gray skin demon. Its back looked like a fist, with the head of a bat. Those lizards like scarily claws. The cat eyes too stared into the soul of the viewer. Although there wasn’t a name or date to this sketch, I knew the man that birthed this piece into the world.

It was a friend from my childhood. In our school days he was typically well mannered, and well read as the years went by. Up until ninth grade nothing truly significant happened. He got into the occult. His favorite book was one I’d never heard of. The Summons. He held that book like his personal Holy Bible. The book itself looked brand new every time I’d seen it. The cover was blank gray, the pages white as snow. The spine was big bold black lettering in a gothic typeface.

He slowly began to hangout with others I thought of as Goths or Emos. What I didn’t know until these past few days, was that they’d been a cult. On his

darkened aged brown work desk were hundreds of yellowed papers. Some of the typical papers you’d expect from a cheesy Hollywood horror flick. Pentagrams, descriptions of voodoo dolls and the like. Then I found his old book on his cleanest chestnut brown bookshelf. Still looking brand new. I cracked it open in the middle where he’d left other sketches. The book detailing how art can mimic life, and how with sacrifice you can bring your art to life. Sacrifice.

I knew it truly, but at that moment I still wanted to brush it off. My friend couldn’t be a killer. This had to be nothing but coincidence that I’d read this portion. Still, I also found among the papers an address. 14159 Eve Street. Eve street was just an ordinary neighborhood in our school days. That was until in 2014 when a series of children were murdered by a mysterious person. The Eve Street Slasher. They left nine children ritualistically slashed from nose to groin. Then their calling card a black chalk drawing of another type of demon.I’d hoped it was yet another coincidence.

It looked slightly dried, someone other than me was or is here. That was my first thought. The painting itself resembled the artwork of a schizophrenic scribbling a happy face in an indiscernible pattern. The eyes were big and slightly square. A Cheshire wide grinning mouth. I swear it looked into the soul. The quiet mixed with poor lighting and this piece, I felt my heart palpitated. I felt a stabbing chill in my spine. It was like an omen or aura truly surrounded it. As I was leaving I found another scrap of paper.

When I entered the black chain link entrance I felt a sudden thud to my head. Then it was darkness. For how long I wish I could say. When I did come to, I had a potato sack stop my head. My body was hung onto a crucifix. I heard ritualistic chanting that I couldn’t decipher. It seemed like a hymn. Then the sake was taken off of me. I saw multiple colors of robes. All wore hoods over their faces. The speaker was my friend. I didn’t have time to process that though, I had to escape. They had tied my hands very tight. I struggled my hands and feet until a slight burning sensation could be felt. Meanwhile the cult was watching me.

The sound of garble and what little grass this farm had was the loudest sound I’d

heard that night. That and the huffing on my heavy breathing. I didn’t look back, running like hell was the only option. Police. I needed the police.

By the time I made it to the Maple Police Department, I was soaked in cold sweat, lungs burning, and my heart was about to burst. Inside I collapsed from exhaustion. The last thing I saw was the woman at the front counter. Her face read rightfully gasping from surprise. I awoke hours later in a hospital bed. A sea foam green gown was put on me. The steady beeping of my heart rhythmically sounded. A nurse, a young lady, saw me open my eyes. She finally told the doctor I was conscious finally, then eventually I talked to a detective. I think personally he thought I was crazy still, possibly just a psychosis riddled homeless.

Still, despite what I think he took my story. He had two other officers watch over me for the rest of the night. I still felt stressed and unsafe. They were out there, I was here with only two cops for security. Still, I eventually fell back to sleep. The next few days had gone by. Nothing. Then this week, I got word that this cult I spoke of never existed. There was no Eve Street farm anymore, it was burnt to cinders. That can’t be possible.

The Human Garden Experience

Safe, in-person guest speakers, with bold life experiences, will be available in our “garden”. The intent is to sit with one (or all) of our guests and hear their stories.

Drug Addiction Criminal Convictions

Human Trafficking Victim Sexual Assualt Victim Military PTSD /// TRIGGER WARNING ///

All guest speakers will be sharing their real, unfiltered experiences with those who wish to attend. By hosting this event, we are planting seeds of understanding in your garden of thought and acceptance.

Hegener

Local publishing company Northern Light Media announces a new book, The History of Sled Dogs in North America, by Helen Hegener and several contributing writers, which showcases the history of the working sled dogs which helped shape the future of the North American continent.

This full-color, large format, elegantly illustrated book features historic photographs, illustrations, and beautiful original art by the awardwinning Colorado artist Veryl Goodnight. A one-of-a-kind book, this will become a land-

mark reference on the interdependence of men and dogs, from their first steps along the shores of the Bering Sea to the exciting races of New England and eastern Canada in the 1930s.

Included are stories of the great fur trapping and trading empires of the Hudson’s Bay Company, the life-saving Serum Run to Nome in 1925, the great teams of the Arctic explorers, the sled dog teams who served in the military, the intrepid mushers who drove their dog teams thousands of miles for fun and profit, the sled dogs of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the dog teams which delivered the mail from Maine to Califor-

nia and to the farthest reaches of the North!

An early Amazon reviewer gives the book five stars and writes: “Plenty of books have been written on this subject. There are none that I know of, that are this in depth.

Author Helen Hegener did an outstanding job providing a highly detailed history of sled dogs in North America, as the title states. Everything is broken down and categorized very nicely. Artists Veryl Goodnight, Jon Van Zyle and many others grace numerous pages with their art throughout this Sled Dog Bible. Loads of newspaper articles, photographs, maps, race standings, etc. provide the reader with a wealth of historical data. The amount of time and research spent on this amazing and accurate piece of work I’m sure was exhausting. This, in my opinion, is the Gold Standard on sled dogs.”

Softcover paperback printed in full color on premium stock paper, 416 pages, 8.5” x 11” format, dozens of b/w and color photographs, images, and artwork, extensively annotated, resources, bibliography, indexed. Published by Northern Light Media. $69.95 plus $6.50 shipping and handling. https://northernlightmedia.wordpress.com

Also available at Amazon.

Contributed by Helen