MUSIC TAKES CENTER STAGE IN AJT’S 2025–2026 “SOUNDS LIKE FUN!” SEASON
As the school year kicks off, Alaska Junior Theater (AJT) is thrilled to welcome back our amazing teachers and students with a season that sings, moves and inspires. This year’s theme, “SOUNDS Like Fun!”, is a joyful celebration of the power of music to connect cultures, spark curiosity and bring people together through the magic of live performance.
At Alaska Junior Theater, we believe every student deserves access to the arts. That’s why we offer ticket scholarships for low-income students and partner with the Alaska State Council on the Arts, which offers Excursion Grants for transportation and admission, helping more kids than ever experience the joy of a live theatre field trip.
The season opens with Kattam and His Tam Tams—school shows run November 4–6, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., with a public show Friday, November 7 at 7:00 p.m. Kattam leads students on a high-energy musical adventure blending African rap, Moroccan trance and Bollywood dance, using traditional instruments like the djembe, balafon and darbouka, all with help from his playful monkey sidekick.
Next, Holiday Tales: A Season of Miracles with
Pushcart Players brings a multicultural musical of holiday stories from around the world, including The Gift of the Magi, The Kwanzaa Kite, The Chanukah Miracle and The Nutcracker. School shows run December 8–12, 2025, with a public show Saturday, December 13 at 2:00 p.m. This magical presentation is designed to warm hearts and inspire reflection on the true meaning of the season.
In January, Black Violin returns with school shows January 15–16, 2026, and a public show Friday, January 16 at 7:00 p.m. GRAMMY-nominated duo Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus blend classical training with hip-hop influences, celebrating growth, roots and the beauty of coming full circle. Their Black Violin Foundation reaches over 100,000 students each year, inspiring the next generation to dream boldly.
March features Ball in the House, a five-man a cappella group from Boston presenting And Now I See: Celebrating American Music with school shows March 17–19, 2026. Their high-energy show traces the evolution of genres like spirituals, jazz and hip hop, highlighting the impact of African American music and addressing racism’s effect on musical styles and artists.
On Saturday, March 21, AJT hosts its Annual Benefit with Saturday Night Fever, a disco-themed, all-vocal tribute to the 1970s. Festivities include live,
silent and online auctions, a champagne reception, heavy hors d’oeuvres and dessert, and an after-party with an exclusive performance by Ball in the House. Ticket price includes the reception, show and a tax-deductible donation to AJT. The public show starts at 8:00 p.m.
The season closes in April with The Singing Zoologist. School shows run April 22–24, 2026, with a public show Saturday, April 25 at 2:00 p.m. Lucas Miller combines puppets, videos and hilarious songs to teach kids about wildlife, ecosystems and the natural world, blending zoology expertise with a knack for engaging young audiences.
Thanks to AJT ticket scholarships and Alaska State Council on the Arts Excursion Grants, schools can reduce or eliminate the cost of attending live performances. Excursion Grants offer up to $600— or $1,000 for Title I schools—to help with transportation and admission for arts-based field trips. Learn more at arts.alaska.gov/grants/cultural-collaborations-excursion-grants/.
At AJT, we believe all children deserve access to professional live theatre, regardless of socioeconomic status. Help make it possible at AKJT.org. Teachers, send in your registration form and deposit now to get priority seating and a free ticket to each performance you choose. We can’t wait to welcome you and your students back to the theater.
Contributed by Rowan Holmes, Alaska Junior Theater
Holiday Tales // Dec 8-13
Singing Zoologist // Apr 22-25 Kattam & His Tam Tams // Nov 4-7
Black Violin // Jan 15–16
Ball in the House // March 17-19
TAKING YOUR PLACE IN THE DRUMMUNITY: THE COMMUNITY DRUMKEEPER’S TRAINING
Contributed by Suraj Holzwarth
Since the Mat-Su Valley’s 7-foot, crystal-inlaid Alaskan Grandmother Drum was born 25 years ago in Chickaloon, she, her DrumKeeper Suraj Holzwarth, and the project’s musical ensemble have toured the world activating hearts and promoting unity, peace, and earth sustainability one heartbeat at a time. Having traveled a million miles and touched over a million people across 20 countries, the non-profit Whirling Rainbow Foundation continues to expand its healing message with music at the core of its medicine.
To spread its heart work farther and wider, the foundation launched the Drum For Change Global Network to help bring Grandmother Drum’s resounding heartbeat of unity to even more communities. In addition to facilitating quarterly global drum circles uniting 360 cities in 80 countries, the Drum For Change Global Network now trains healers, artists, teachers, drummers, therapists, and spiritual seekers both locally and globally in using sound, song, sacred music, and the power of the drum in their own communities.
In addition to a series of online classes, this year’s 5-day certified Community DrumKeeper’s Training will be held September 20–25, 2025, at The Whirling Rainbow Center in Homer. The program is open to all experience levels of drummers, dancers, healers, teachers, therapists, and spiritual seekers. If you lead or have wanted to lead music in dance programs, sound healing events, meditation classes, spiritual practices, song and drum circles, treatment programs, shamanic healing arts workshops and festivals, children’s school programs and camps, wellness classes, elder care programs, or hospice, this is your program.
Suraj brings her 35 years as an international shamanic healer, teacher, singer, and drummer to this deep immersion into the elemental healing power and sacred use of the drum and core shamanic instruments. This rich hands-on training also incorporates the use of other instruments such as rattles, flutes, tuning forks, foot and hand bells, crystal bowls, and more.
You can register for one, two, or all five days of the training. If you have longed to become a Community DrumKeeper and leader of sacred music, dance, and drum circles, or just want to enhance your own meditation and spiritual practices, join us. The highlight of the Alaska 5-day Commu-
nity Mother Drum Keepers Training features experiencing and working with the heart-opening, 7-foot, crystal-inlaid Alaskan Grandmother Drum. There are only a few spaces left. For more information contact The Whirling Rainbow Foundation at whirlingrainbow.com/shamanic-training/rainbow-fire-mysteryschool-alaska/ or email thewhirlingrainbowfoundation@gmail.com, or call 907-715-4433.
Special Olympics Alaska Mat-Su Community Needs Your
VOLUNTEER? DONATE? CALL 907-631-8591
We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to cheer on athletes, keep scores, wave flags, and spread high-fives (our athletes love those!). There are various other fulfilling roles available too, all of which are a breeze. By volunteering, you'll have an incredible experience and make plenty of new athlete friends!
HELP US GROW OUR CALENDAR!
AUGUST
Aug 21 @ 7 pm
Warren Zeiders
Alaska State Fair Concert
ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre
Alaska State Fair, Palmer alaskastatefair.org (907) 745-4827
Aug 22 @ 7 pm
Mastodon
Alaska State Fair Concert
ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre
Alaska State Fair, Palmer alaskastatefair.org (907) 745-4827
Aug 22 @ 7–10:30 pm
Blackwater Railroad Co.
Fairview Inn Beer Garden
Talkeetna fairviewtalkeetna.com (907) 733-2423
Aug 23 @ 7 pm
Billy Currington
Alaska State Fair Concert
ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre
Alaska State Fair, Palmer alaskastatefair.org (907) 745-4827
Aug 23 @ 7–10:30 pm
Blackwater Railroad Co.
Fairview Inn Beer Garden
Talkeetna
fairviewtalkeetna.com (907) 733-2423
Aug 24 @ 6 pm
Wiz Khalifa
Alaska State Fair Concert
ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre
Alaska State Fair, Palmer alaskastatefair.org (907) 745-4827
Aug 25 @ 7 pm
The Beach Boys
Alaska State Fair Concert
ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre
Alaska State Fair, Palmer alaskastatefair.org (907) 745-4827
Aug 28 @ 7 pm
Sean Paul
Alaska State Fair Concert
ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre
Alaska State Fair, Palmer alaskastatefair.org (907) 745-4827
Aug 29 @ 5–7 pm
Zen Trembles
Live at Five — final concert
Talkeetna Village Park
Denali Arts Council denaliartscouncil.org (907) 733-7929
Aug 29 @ 7 pm
Zedd
Alaska State Fair Concert
ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre
Alaska State Fair, Palmer alaskastatefair.org (907) 745-4827
Aug 30 @ 7 pm
Foreigner
Alaska State Fair Concert
ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre
Alaska State Fair, Palmer alaskastatefair.org (907) 745-4827
Sep 5 @ 6–9 pm
First Friday — Free Admission
Anchorage Museum
625 C St, Anchorage anchoragemuseum.org (907) 929-9200
Aug 22–Sep 7
The Comedy of Errors
Thu–Sat @ 7 pm, Sun @ 3 pm
Cyrano’s Theatre Company 3800 Debarr Rd, Anchorage cyranos.org (907) 274-2599
SEPTEMBER
Sep 20 @ 7:30 pm
Anchorage Symphony Opening Night
Atwood Concert Hall
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts Anchorage centertix.com (907) 274-8668
Bayleigh, 9 Owen, 12
Community
FROM KENYA TO THE IDITAROD: AN INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURE IN MUSHING AND HOCKEY
Contributed by Brad E. Schmitz
Jambo! My name is Brad E. Schmitz, and I am the owner of Alaska English Adventures (AEA), based in Eagle River. AEA is the only language-immersion adventure tour company in Alaska, founded in 2017 with the vision of creating outdoor adventure tours for students from around the world who are learning English. Our tours combine adventures like salmon fishing, glacier hopping, and whitewater rafting with daily English classes and real opportunities to practice language skills.
When COVID halted tourism in 2020, we began connecting youth in Alaska with students abroad through old-fashioned pen pal friendships. This began between a class in Germany and kids at the Boys and Girls Club in Seward and has grown to include schools in 25 countries and all over Alaska.
In March 2024, pen pal classes in Poland, Turkey, and Kenya wrote notes
of encouragement to mushers in the Iditarod. The interest in Alaska and dog mushing exploded in Kenya and beyond! Students at the Sheba Education Center in Nairobi built the first-ever dog sled in Kenya’s history and asked me to help them come to Alaska to see the race.
Alaskans responded with amazing generosity—donating meals, tours, gear, lodging, and more. A local musher, Robert, became friends with teacher Martha Owidhi in Kenya, helped them build their sled, and sent dog harnesses to prepare for a future team.
Although we couldn’t raise enough for plane tickets this year, I traveled to Kenya in February. The welcome was overwhelming—singing, drumming, and student Breaana shouting “I LOVE YOU!” as she hugged me at the Nairobi airport. I brought back 200 Kenyan-flag beaded bracelets made by youth at the Hope Community
Center to help support their families. I gave 25 of these to mushers in this year’s Iditarod, and many told me afterward that the bracelets inspired them during the toughest stretches of the race.
I made it to Nome for the race finish, where I met champion Jessie Holmes, who then did a 40-minute Zoom call with our Kenyan youth. Mushing Magazine also had the Nairobi students submit seven questions that were read and answered live on The Burled Arch podcast during the race.
In April, Martha organized the first-ever Dog Sled Awareness Party in Nairobi, with over 1,000 people attending—featuring youth dancing, acrobatics, speeches, sled displays, and their new dog team.
The story has expanded into hockey. Nairobi has the only professional hockey team in southern and eastern Africa—the Kenya Ice Lions—and the only ice rink in the region. Before my
Dear Make A Scene,
trip, the Anchorage Wolverines and the Scotty Gomez Foundation donated jerseys, shirts, and gifts for the team. The Kenai River Brown Bears also contributed. Our sled-building youth attended their first hockey practice, and now hockey and figure skating programs are starting at local schools.
We are now planning an “Alaska to Kenya Hockey Safari” for December 2026, including five games between Alaska and Kenya, plus five hockey camps for Kenyan youth led by Alaska pro players and coaches.
Many friends say this story should receive national and international attention for its hope and inspiration. You can learn more at kenyatoiditarod. com, on the Alaska English Adventures YouTube channel, or on the Facebook page Mush On From KENYA and Beyond.
Asante sana, and Mush On!
Jambo! My name is Martha Owidhi and I am a teacher at the Sheba Education Center in Nairobi, Kenya. I am writing this article as a way to give big thanks to the Bright Lights Book Project in Palmer for their recent donation to our students here in Kenya.
We received these wonderful books about Alaska when our friend Brad came to visit from Alaska. We here in Kenya have fallen in love with Alaska over the last year as we have written notes to dog mushers on the Iditarod trail and even built a dog sled at our school.
We are working now to go to the 2026 Iditarod race. Asante (thank you) from all of us in Kenya -- Martha
DEAD MAN WALKING:
HEAR THE HEAVY, ATMOSPHERIC SOUNDTRACK TO ZACH ADAMS’ DEBUT NOVEL
Contributed by Isaac Falcone
Emerging independent Alaskan artist Zach Adams has arrived on the music scene with the release of their debut alternative/progressive rock album, Dead Man Walking, the soundtrack to their 2023 horror/fantasy novel of the same name. This dual project showcases Adams’ unique ability to weave intricate narratives through both literary and musical mediums. Adams takes an experimental approach to their art, exploring two different paths—crafting intricate stories through writing and simultaneously creating immersive soundscapes. Their music, characterized by its melancholic and sometimes chaotic tone, captures the wild and isolated beauty of Alaska’s landscapes and the harshness of its winters, forging a genuine connection between their geographical roots and artistic expression.
One of the defining aspects of Adams’ work is its self-produced nature, which grants them complete artistic freedom.
“I’m used to doing things independently, and I’m kind of a control freak,” says Adams. By bypassing traditional industry constraints, they are able to push boundaries and merge various genres seamlessly. This independence allows for a harmonious fusion of powerful instrumental compositions with narrative-driven elements, establishing a singular identity in both the literary and musical worlds.
Dead Man Walking goes beyond traditional storytelling by combining musical compositions that reflect the emotional depth of its literary counterpart. Each track is like a gateway into the main character’s journey, with powerful guitar riffs and evocative textures vividly depicting the novel’s darkest moments. The heavy metal influences shine through in the thunderous guitar work and powerful drum patterns, while atmospheric elements weave through each track with haunting synth textures and spacey guitar patterns recorded with Zach’s favorite “Doctor Who”-inspired delay pedal. This fusion creates a distinct sound that defies traditional genre boundaries.
The album’s musical landscape shifts dynamically to follow certain characters and settings, such as the title track serving as the lead protagonist’s theme song, and a message to him from the story’s antagonist, while track #3 “Drown” represents his mental struggles. Through carefully crafted soundscapes, listeners experience the perspectives of the main cast and feel the story’s emotional themes. Each song carries a melancholy tone that mirrors the novel’s darker themes. The dynamic range moves from quiet, introspective moments to explosive crescendos, showcasing Adams’ ability to craft complex musical arrangements. The progressive rock elements manifest in unconventional song structures
and time signatures, adding depth to the album’s heavy metal foundation. The production emphasizes both the raw energy of the metal components and the nuanced layers of atmospheric sounds, resulting in a rich sonic tapestry that stands strong as its own artistic statement.
The independent production of Dead Man Walking showcases Zach Adams’ creative autonomy in full force. Free from traditional publishing and record label constraints, Adams crafted an intricate narrative across both mediums—music and literature—without external creative interference. The DIY approach allowed Adams to maintain authentic connections between the album’s sonic elements and the novel’s plot points. Each creative decision, from song arrangements to thematic elements, stemmed from a singular artistic vision rather than committee-driven compromises. However, this approach wasn’t without its challenges, with Adams having been held up for years by struggles with funding, meticulous attention to detail, independent marketing across vastly different sections of the entertainment industry, and their own mental health.
The critical reception of Dead Man Walking highlights the innovative fusion of literature and music, sparking interest across both artistic communities. Closing track #12 “Phantom Love” (featuring Samantha Palisoc) has been described as “the Beatles taking antidepressants” by one reviewer, while Zach’s narrative voice has been compared to their own literary idols such as Jim Butcher (The Dresden Files) and Douglas Adams (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy). The project’s distinctive approach has garnered attention from genre enthusiasts and critics alike.
Zach Adams has hinted at expanding The Ivyverse series through additional novels and companion albums, with novel #2 A World Apart currently in progress. These future works promise to delve deeper into the rich mythology established in Dead Man Walking, with potential spin-off stories exploring different characters and timelines within the same universe. Adams’ upcoming musical projects aim to push creative boundaries further, experimenting with new sonic landscapes while maintaining the storytelling elements that define their artistic vision.
Dead Man Walking is a prime example of artistic innovation, where haunting melodies intertwine with dark fantasy storytelling. Zach Adams’ debut project invites you to experience this unique multimedia journey through both the novel and its alternative/progressive rock companion album. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a revolutionary artistic experience where literature and music collide in harmony. Discover Dead Man Walking—where every song tells a story, and every chapter has its own soundtrack.
ABOVEBOARD LIVE AT VALLEY PERFORMING ARTS
Contributed by Valley Performing Arts
What happens when six people, one apartment, and way too many secrets collide? Find out in Aboveboard — the newest romantic comedy lighting up the stage at Valley Performing Arts! Set in a snug New York apartment, Aboveboard is a witty and heartwarming play packed with crossed wires, unexpected love, and laugh-out-loud moments that’ll keep you grinning from start to finish.
It’s the perfect mix of chaos, charm, and comedy — all in one unforgettable night at the theatre. Whether you’re planning a date night, a girls’ night out, or just looking for something fun and fresh to do in the Valley, Aboveboard delivers big laughs in a cozy setting.
Performances run September 5 through 21 at the Valley Performing Arts Theatre, located at 251 West Swanson Avenue in Wasilla. Grab your tickets now at vpaalaska.org and celebrate Valley Performing Arts’ 50th season of unforgettable shows. Live theatre, local talent, and a whole lot of laughter — we’ll see you there!
purposeful adventure, meaningful impact.
Theatre
MASCOTARTS BRINGS FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND THEATRE EXPERIENCE TO
MAT-SU
Contributed by Elizabeth Stout
MASCOTarts—short for Mat-Su Community Theatre Arts—is a nonprofit theatre education organization dedicated to creating and fostering a love of the performing arts in the MatSu Valley. Founded in 2023 by a group of local arts advocates, MASCOTarts provides opportunities for students of all ages to learn, create, and perform while building confidence, teamwork, and creativity. This summer, the organization took another step forward in its mission by offering two exciting youth theatre camps, including a groundbreaking technical theatre program never before seen in the Valley. Running alongside the You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Musical Theatre Camp, the first-ever MASCOTarts Technical Academy gave students
ages 11 to 18 hands-on training in all aspects of backstage work. Most of our campers were under the age of 16, making their accomplishments even more remarkable. Students didn’t just observe—they built and painted the set, set up microphones, operated the sound board and light board, ran projections, managed props and curtains, served as assistant stage managers, and worked as run crew during the live show. The camp was held at the Glenn Massay Theatre, giving campers a rare opportunity to perform and train in a large venue with professional production value and professional-grade equipment.
Our Charlie Brown actors faced an impressive challenge: learning an entire full-length musical, complete with music, choreography, and
staging, in just two weeks. Many were stepping onto a stage for the very first time. Their hard work paid off in a one-night-only performance to an audience of over 400 people, filling the theatre with laughter, applause, and the electric energy of live performance. It was a production that truly showcased what young artists can accomplish when given the tools and encouragement to shine.
Younger performers also had their moment in the spotlight with our Seussical Kids camp, where campers brought Dr. Seuss’s whimsical world to life through music, movement, and character work. The colorful and imaginative show provided an engaging way for students to develop stage skills while having fun. Their performance radiated the creativity and joy that MASCOTarts aims to inspire in every program.
The summer’s productions were made even more special through our Angel Ticket Program, which allowed friends and family who couldn’t attend—or those who simply wanted to give back—to purchase tickets that were then donated to local nonprofits. These organizations shared the tickets with their clients, making it possible
for more community members to experience the show. The program was such a success that MASCOTarts plans to continue it for future productions.
And the summer fun isn’t over yet. Audiences will have another chance to enjoy songs from You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Seussical Kids at the Alaska State Fair on Thursday, August 28, with performances at 4:30 and 6:00 p.m. on the Colony Stage. It’s a perfect opportunity to see our talented young performers and technical crew in action once again.
Looking ahead, MASCOTarts is preparing for a full season of homeschool and afterschool classes in acting, improvisation, technical theatre, and more. Scholarships are available to make participation possible for every child, and community members can help by donating to sponsor a young artist. We can’t wait to welcome returning and new students into our creative family as we continue contributing to a vibrant arts community in the MatSu Valley.
To learn more about classes and upcoming events, donate to the scholarship fund, or get involved, visit MASCOTarts.org.
Books
THE BRIGHT LIGHTS BOOK PROJECT: REACH FOR THE STARS
Contributed by Alys Culhane
Last year, the Alaska State Fair theme was Enjoy the Ride. This was most appropriate, given that our fair parade entry consisted of a horse, a pack, and free books. AFS Head Gardener Becky Myrold’s contribution also complemented this theme—it was a train in which the tourists were topiary animals. I was so enamored with the Enjoy the Ride theme that by the end of the fair season I couldn’t envision anything more appropriate. In hearing that this year’s theme was Reach for the Stars, I said to Becky that the theme had possibilities. The word “possibilities” meant that I was hedging. However, as fair season approached, the theme grew on me. Reach for the Stars ended up complementing the BLBP agenda, in part because getting everything ready was a stretch. I suspected that others who’d been putting their heart and soul into preparing for this year’s event felt similarly. The actual stars are of course distant, but the metaphorical stars are closer. Extend your arms and you can touch them.
The BLBP’s fair preparations began in May, in a rather indirect fashion. The Mountain Village School donated two pallets of books, and Ryan Air shipped them to us gratis. Around this time, the BLBP agreed to partner with the Anchorage Literacy Program. Starting in September, they’ll teach workplace literacy classes in the mornings, and we’ll teach children’s literacy classes in the afternoons. They’ll also assist us in paying our monthly rental fee.
I foresaw that in order to pull this off, we’d need more space. We approached Atli, the Eagle Hotel owner who rented us the first-floor hotel supply closet. We stored the two pallets of books that came from Mountain Village against the far wall, and BLBP board members Pete Praetorius and Robert Wallis built shelving. The empty shelves brought to mind an idea—to turn a portion of the space into a literacy library. The books on these shelves (most of which were donated by the White Mountain School) would be used exclusively for teaching purposes. I also began setting aside books in cardboard boxes to later be placed in our ASF newspaper boxes. Last year we had 10 boxes situated at various sites around the fairgrounds for the duration of the fair. For example, we placed our raven box in
front of Raven Hall, our black-and-white cow box in front of the Petting Zoo Exit, and our Quilting and Crafts boxes in front of Irwin and Hoskin buildings. Some things happen in a serendipitous fashion. I got a call from Melina Sevigny, executive director of Kid’s Kupboard. She’d just gotten word that we (meaning the BLBP and Kid’s Kupboard) would have access to the Wineck Barn for the duration of the fair. Hearing this, I was simultaneously elated and terrified, for I foresaw that this would be a huge, but necessary, endeavor. Yes, a necessary endeavor in that both nonprofits would continue to promote nutrition and literacy. And so, I immediately reached for the stars, saying to Melina, “Let’s go for it.”
The stars continued to shine brightly as Melina and I prepared for and scheduled two daily story times and interactive activities, which corresponded with specific fair dates. Some of these include AARP, the Mat-Su Health Foundation, the Southcentral Foundation, MTA, and CCS/Head Start. MTA and train day corresponded, which gave me an idea. I’d recently attended a storyboard dedication at the Sutton Library. The new story walk contains pages from Alaska Train, written by Alaskan author Brooke Harte and illustrated by John Joseph. The book contains images of animals riding the Alaska train. I contacted her, and she agreed to allow us to feature images from her book on train day and also do a reading.
In getting ready for the fair, I also had to focus on the day-to-day running of the BLBP. We have never refused any book donations and did not do so when getting ready for the fair. Reach for the Stars, indeed. I keep a copy of the fair’s activity and performer list close at hand and, when feeling overwhelmed, glance at it. Enjoy the Ride—last year a cow emblazoned the cover. This year, a sow and her polar bear cub are doing the same. Last year I enjoyed the ride. This year, I am going to touch the stars.
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 t wo 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/connect/operation-roundup (907) 761-9300
Join MEA members in making a big impact with small change! Since 2011, the Operation RoundUp® program has raised over $2.5 million in grants for local organizations. By rounding up your electric bill to the nearest dollar each month, you can help support vital community programs and initiatives. Every penny stays local, funding projects that benefit the communities powered by ME A.
The MEA Charitable Foundation Board, made up of dedicated MEA member volunteers, reviews grant applications quarterly and awards funding to deserving causes. To apply for a grant or learn more about how to participate, visit our website today!
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 par tners, 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 w ww.healthymatsu.org to learn about scholarship and funding opportunities.
MYHouse Mat-Su Youth Housing
www.myhousematsu.org (907) 373-4357
MY House is a youth drop-in center in Wasilla that serves at-risk youth ages 14-25 from around the State of Alaska. We provide stable housing to youth that are couch surfing, unstably housed, living outside, sleeping in cars, or residing in generally unsafe situations. Our organization also gives our clients access to comprehensive wrap-around services, with on-site case management, peer support, substance abuse treatment, shower and laundry services, and meal assistance. Furthermore, we provide job training and assist with highschool completion both on and off-site. We also provide substance abuse treatment for individuals 18-25 in a supportive and welcoming environment.
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
w ww.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, personal 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.
Victory Bible Camp
www.vbcalaska.org (907) 745-4203 info@vbcalaska.org
Victory Bible Camp exists to evangelize and disciple children, youth and adults in Alaska for Jesus Christ through Christian camping. We offer programs for everyone from 2nd grade through high school. Check out our website at vbcalaska.org or call us at (907) 745-4203 to learn more about our upcoming programs!
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.
A PORTRAIT JUST HAPPENS
Contributed by Yvonne Moss
Watercolors take over, Blending, So they become a person. All alone on the paper, Hot or cold, Depending on the colors used.
Light or dark, To fit the mood, With a mind of its own.
Always different from the previous, It commands its own destiny, It’s in control.
Creating a mood, Happy or sad, Beyond meaning.
Paint, dances across paper, Creeping with wetness And pausing at dry.
Light and spiritual, And silent, In its wake.
MEMORIAL
Contributed Robert Lyons
Take account, your days are numbered, youth will slumber as rest moves farther
Bounding away with each final hour, blunders taught lessons not to be taken under ground, powerful worlds crumble without a sound
Preparation a waste while age makes plunder, your war bumbles along even when you fumble your play, another day mounts you like a lover under the hearth, they say you aren’t finished until chucked in the earth
This being you’ve been since birth, is finishing its journey back to ash and dirt, your memories of passion and the wisdom you’ve acquired have sparked desires mired in regret, let the past be lost as a new way unfolds yet In the days of old they’d hold a funeral pyre, a smoky soul rising higher into the skies, All men die and leave nothing but lies… of what you were, what you knew, you keep these buried deep inside, no one can answer to them, once the spark is acquired they hide, once the stone becomes your mark a legend is born obscuring reality, your truth buried deep in the coffin’s dark
You become the one with memories lost, as age moves on to adorn those with the time to waste, your time is up, it’s off to a better place
SUMMER’S END
Contributed by Nan Potts
NATURE’S LANGUAGE
Contributed by Carrie Bowell
The natural world speaks in a language that is deeply understandable. It listens to the unspoken. It mirrors our energy in moments that feel shaky. The signs it delivers don’t come with explanation—they go straight to the source.
There’s an instant calm that, somehow, also takes your breath away. The clarion of a pair of sandhill cranes—a reminder of duality and long-term commitment.
Dragonflies dancing mid-air, vibrating their wings with a frequency that brushes the edge of clairaudience, as if summoning a different kind of attention. A moose crossing your path with just enough distance to be observed— graceful, grounded, and steady.
When nature rings into existence and answers the calling of an unspoken need, it awakens a feeling of being deeply seen, heard, and received.
And in those moments, the only response is a heartfelt “Thank you”— a thank you that nature already knows, and continues to honor in its quiet devotion.
The vibrant life of Spring has past And age is setting in, For leaves of green are changing fast, Denoting Summer’s end.
How lovely were the season’s hues, The virile glow of life, Boosting spirits that brought fresh views, With it, increasing light.
Now, the days’ rays slowly ebb, And life in leaves, now fade, To a golden, glistening web, From branch to turf are laid.
An auld lang syne song of ending, Is not lost, on these days, Since the colors seen, now lending, To opulent displays.
Some folks may feel melancholy, Others, with introspect, Yet, all do concede, no polly, Summer left no regret.
MAT-SU COMMUNITY CHORUS HAS ROOM FOR YOUR VOICE
Contributed by Carol Dorman, Mat-Su Community Chorus
This September, voices of all ages will come together as the Mat-Su Community Chorus begins its fall semester, and you are invited to be part of it. Whether you are a parent looking for a joyful musical outlet for your child or a singer eager to join a welcoming community, there is a place for you in our choruses.
For families with children ages 5 to 12, the Mat-Su Kids Chorus offers a warm, encouraging environment where young singers can explore music, develop confidence, and make friends. Rehearsals take place on Thursday evenings from 7:00–7:45 p.m. (K–3rd) and 7:45–8:30 p.m. (4th–6th).
We are committed to running the program as long as we have at least seven registered singers in a class, so early sign-ups are encouraged. Even with a small group, the children enjoy personal attention, creative instruction, and the thrill of singing together. Music literacy is gently taught, and we perform with the aid of karaoke-style videos.
The Mat-Su Community Chorus welcomes adult singers of all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned vocalists. As a non-auditioned ensemble, the only requirement is a love for singing. Those under 18 may join with permission from the Artistic Director. New members are invited to join at the start of each season in September and again in January, making this fall the perfect time to step in. We meet every Thursday evening from 7:00–9:00 p.m. at the Mat-Su Covenant Church in Wasilla (just down the street from the Frontiersman office).
The Community Chorus is more than just a place to sing—it is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to fostering musical growth and connection throughout the Mat-Su Valley. Through our Sponsor-Your-Singer program, donors can contribute $100 to support a singer, helping keep dues affordable while maintaining the quality of our performances.
Both the Kids Chorus and the Community Chorus create opportunities for learning, creativity, and belonging. Children gain musical skills that will last a lifetime, while adults experience the camaraderie and joy of rehearsing and performing with others who share their passion.
If your child is ready to take their first steps into the world of music, or if you are looking to add song to your own life, the Mat-Su Community Chorus invites you to join us this September. Together, we can fill the Valley with harmony, connection, and the joy of shared music. Register your interest via our Facebook page at Facebook.com/MatSuCommunityChorus and meet us at our first rehearsal for adults on September 4 or our first rehearsal for kids on September 11. Member dues are required by September 18. Let’s make this fall a season to remember!
Our 9-Hole Par-3 Course & Driving Range are open. Walk-ins welcome! No tee times needed.
Community
WHO POWERS THE PARTY? THE VALLEY’S SECRET ENGINE... AND WHY IT NEEDS YOU
Contributed by Jovan Archuleta
You heard the buzz at Salmonfest.
As 8,500 people danced, laughed, and celebrated, the festival grounds became, for one weekend, the “third largest city in Alaska.” It’s a great line, but have you ever stopped to think about who actually powers a party that big?
It’s not magic. It’s a massive economic and cultural engine, and it’s being driven right out of the Mat-Su Valley. This engine is building our influence across the state, from business and sports to community wellness. It’s powered by a dedicated team.
The only question is: are you on the leading edge? Look at the power players who showed up to the party. To pull off a festival on the Kenai, you need serious resources, and a huge number of those resources are flowing south from the Mat-Su and Anchorage. Valley-grown businesses like cannabis retailer Green Degree, community newspaper The People’s Paper, and employees from Teams, Events & Experiences, were on the ground, investing our time and money. We partnered with Anchorage powerhouses like King Street Cannabis Co., event logistics pros Over the Top Tents & Events, and production wizards Showdown Productions, alongside Big Lake’s own Bonah-Fide, proving that when our region works together, we are an undeniable force shaping commerce
across the state.
But this engine isn’t just fueled by cash. It’s powered by heart. The influence of the Valley is now producing excellence that is noticed nationwide. When Youth 360, a program under the Mat-Su Health Foundation, wins the prestigious Bert Hall Award, it signals that we are creating nationally recognized models for supporting our kids. And on the world stage, our athletes are proving they are a global force. At the last Special Olympics World Games, Wasilla’s own Nathaniel Hunt delivered a stunning performance, bringing home gold, silver, and bronze medals in alpine skiing. His Anchorage teammate, snowboarder Sulynnette Vega-Ledesma, was just as dominant, striking gold and winning multiple bronze medals. This isn’t a fluke; it’s a trend.
That world-class success is now fueling one of the most formidable teams Alaska has ever produced. The state is sending its second-largest delegation ever—a powerhouse team of 27 athletes—to the 2026 USA Games. This level of participation is only possible through pure teamwork, from athletes like Hunt (now competing in basketball) and golfer Garrett Stortz, to the crucial corporate sponsors like GCI and Alaska Airlines who are covering the entire team’s travel costs.
This brings us to the most critical part of the puzzle. Who powers the party? Who powers our community? It’s successful businesses, world-class athletes, and award-winning non-profits. But there’s a vital part of that engine that’s missing.
There’s no ‘I’ in TEAMS, but it’s also missing ‘You’.
Our growth in the Valley is explosive. New people are arriving every day, and with them, new challenges. If we leave the work of building our community to the same small group of dedicated volunteers and leaders, they will burn out. If we don’t step up to join them, we forfeit our power to decide what our community becomes. We risk getting a culture defined by people who are running from problems, not building solutions.
The Mat-Su Valley is at a tipping point. We can be a community that actively, intentionally builds its own future, or we can become a place that just happens to have a lot of houses. The choice is yours. Will you join the team that’s powering our future, or will you just watch the party from the sidelines?
Interested in finding out how you can get involved in the Matsu community? Contact us at: events@matsuTEAMS.com
Picture taken by Angel Archuleta