ART BY ZELDA BURKHART, AGE 10
ALASKAN HISTORY MAGAZINE
Contributed by Helen Hegener
Alaskan History Magazine’s Vol. 4, No. 3 features articles on the history of the Willow Creek Mining District by pioneer geologist Stephen R. Capps; early explorer Addison Powell’s search for the lost gold claims of the mysterious Capt. I. N. West; a study of Alaskan birds by ornithologist Charles Keeler, accompanied by paintings from noted artist Louis A. Fuentes; Alberta Daisy Schenck, an Iñupiat woman from Nome who—while still a teenager—became an early civil rights warrior when she sat in a ‘whites only’ section, a decade before Rosa Parks’ famous refusal to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama; and E. E.
Caine, captain and owner of the Pacific Clipper Steamship Company’s wooden steamship Santa Ana, which brought the first permanent settlers to Seward in 1903 and helped pioneer commercial marine transportation between the Lower 48 and Alaska.
64 pages, 6” x 9” format, B/W interior, $12.00 postage paid alaskanhistorymagazine.com
A RECYCLED ART SHOW
Contributed by Judy Vars
The Art Cafe is pleased to announce the juried art show titled “Reimagine! A Recycled Art Show” this coming September. This event celebrates creativity using recycled materials, featuring art made from used items, rusty objects, interesting artifacts, found objects, dolls, toys and more.
Reimagine! Invites artists with a love for recycling to take part in a friendly and fun event. The show highlights the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle through innovative and imaginative artwork made primarily from recycled materials. This is recycling at its best.
Teens through adults are encouraged to participate. Artists of all skill levels who enjoy creating with recycled materials are welcome. Artwork must be made of at least 90% recycled materials. Pieces should not be larger than 24” in any direction (24x24x24). Any medium or style is acceptable, provided it demonstrates creativity and innovation in recycled art.
The deadline to submit artwork is August 10th, 2025, by 6 pm. Artists can pick up prospectus and register at The Art Cafe or online at www.theartcafe.com. Please
follow guidelines carefully for your submission.
There is no entry fee. Artists are encouraged to put a sale price on their work during the exhibit. Please price your artwork to reflect the 25% gallery commission.
We will have recycled ribbons for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place and People’s Choice along with bragging rights.
Reimagine! Show will be up during the month of September 2025 with a First Friday gallery opening in September 5th at The Art Cafe from 5-8 pm.
To help folks prepare and get inspiration and ideas we are having an Assemblage Art Workshop with The Art Cafe team. Join us Saturday June 21 from 12-5 pm at The Art Cafe for a hands-on workshop exploring assemblage art. Space is limited. There is a $45 fee with possible extra materials charge for larger or more involved pieces. You may also bring supplies to use or share with others. Assemblage is a 3D art form that brings found objects together into a new composition. Participants will have access to a variety of materials, assorted tools, glues and fastening pieces to bring their ideas to fruition. We are also accepting donations of “junk” that can be used in assemblage. Rusty metal, odd wood pieces, broken jewelry, unusable or damaged toys, dolls, junk drawer stuff, old letters/receipts/postcards, sewing notions, junk drawer stuff, garage/shed clean out miscellaneous items, and other bits and pieces. For further details or questions please contact Becky Holsinger or Judy Vars at 907-745-6100 during our open hours 11-6 WednesdaySunday or message us on Facebook or theartcafeak@gmail.com.
Community members are encouraged to get involved by making art, teaching a class, donating materials, attending the workshop and attending the show. Come celebrate RECYCLING REIMAGINED!
KILT UP!
THE ALASKA SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES
RETURN TO PALMER FAIRGROUNDS, JUNE 28–29
Contributed by Jeni McDaniel Alaskan Scottish Club www.alaskascottish.org
Grab your tartan and mark your calendars! The 2025 Alaska Scottish Highland Games are back at the Alaska State Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday, June 28–29, bringing a weekend packed with heritage, heart, and Highland havoc.
This year’s Games are set to be the biggest yet, featuring over 175 vendors, more than 200 athletes, award-winning tastings, live Celtic music, and a visit from an extra special guest—Honorary Chieftain Graham McTavish, best known for his roles in Outlander, The Hobbit, and Men in Kilts.
We are thrilled to welcome the one and only Graham McTavish as our Honorary Chieftain for 2025! He’ll help kick off the Games during the Opening Ceremonies on Saturday at 10 a.m., and host exclusive tastings of McTavish Spirits throughout the weekend. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to share a dram with Graham, hear his unforgettable stories, and
make memories with one of Scotland’s most iconic ambassadors.
This year’s musical lineup is truly epic. Albannach makes their long-awaited return—raw, fierce, and unapologetically Scottish. Their thunderous tribal drumming, lightning-fast piping, and didgeridoo growls will shake the stage (and probably your soul). This is not your grandma’s pipe band—it’s a full-on Scottish war cry! House of Hamill also joins the lineup—whether they’re ripping through a set of original jigs and reels, adding lush three-part harmonies to traditional folk ballads, or cracking up an audience with stories from the road, they captivate from the first note. The Harp Twins, Camille and Kennerly, return with the Volfgang Twins for a whirlwind performance of metal, magic, Celtic classics, and Norse vibes. Expect epic music, laughs, and unforgettable flair! Live music will echo across the Games grounds all weekend long.
Our Whisky & Mead Tastings include offerings from McTavish Spirits, Glendronach, Benriach, Glenglassaugh, and Beard Brothers Mead. Tastings are 21+ and ticketed—book early, tickets are going fast! Athletes from around the country will compete in our largest field to date, with events including TugO-War, Heavy Athletics, Strongman, Kilted Mile, and the Mighty Denali Stones. This year we’re introducing an Open Format for Heavy Events—anyone can register, no invites, no politics, no favorites. Just pay to play, and throw to win! With a massive $10,000 prize purse, one of the largest in Highland Games history, payouts will be awarded per event for both Men’s and Women’s Open Classes across all nine events. The competition will be fierce and the spectacle unmatched!
Off the field, the contests continue with the Midnight Sun Spurtle Challenge—the ultimate porridge cook-off; the Shortbread Baking Competition—who makes the best buttery delight; the Haggis Eating Contest—how much can you handle; Beards, Braids & Mustache Contest—show off that Highland hair; and the Tall Tales Competition— spin your most outrageous (but mostly true) Scottish story!
The Alaska Scottish Highland Games are a familyfriendly event, and we didn’t forget about the littlest lads and lassies! Kids can enjoy pint-sized athletic
challenges and fun, hands-on cultural activities. Bring the whole clan—there’s something magical for all ages!
In our Celtic Marketplace, shop until your sporran’s full! With over 175 vendors and food trucks offering kilts, swords, jewelry, tartan goods, traditional Scottish eats, Alaskan treats, artisan gifts, clan gear, and collectibles—it’s one of the largest Celtic marketplaces in the U.S.
Want free tickets? Volunteer! Give just three hours of your time and receive a two-day admission ticket and a volunteer T-shirt. The Games rely on over 200 dedicated volunteers every year—be part of the tradition and the team!
Whether you’re Highland-born or Highlandcurious, the 2025 Alaska Scottish Highland Games are your ticket to a summer weekend full of heritage, horsepower, and Highland hilarity. Don your tartan, bring the whole clan, and get ready for the most unforgettable weekend of the year.
Advance discounted tickets are available online now at alaskascottish.org. Want to buy your tickets in person? Advance discounted tickets will soon be available at Bosco’s in Anchorage, The Book Shelf in Eagle River, Fireside Books in Palmer, and Black Birch Books in Wasilla. See you at the Games! Look out for the Alaska Scottish Highland Games Offical Event Guide in the next edition of Make A Scene Magazine!
Funnies Calendar of Events
MAY
May 15 @ 6PM
Northern Lights Social
Mat-Su Dems
Bleeding Heart Brewery, 562 S Denali St info@matsudems.org (210) 744-1188
May 18 @ 2PM
Health Seminar
Healthy Together
St. John United Methodist Church, 1801 O’Malley Rd kenhagler+healthy@gmail.com (907) 306-7230
May 24 @ 11AM-4PM
Midnight Sun Classic Car Show
Midnight Sun Street Rod Association
1920 W Diamond Blvd Ste Jmidnightsunstreetrods @gmail.com
May 24 @ 9AM
Plant Sale -
Valley Garden Club
Valley Garden Club
3700 Bogard Road golfdrum2@gmail.com (907) 982-7570
May 24 @7PM
Mat-Su Writers Storytelling Around the Campfire
Lulu’s Tents and Events
8982 Old Glenn Hwy (603) 568-7849
May 28 @ 7PM-10PM
The California Honeydrops at Palmer Alehouse Creekbend Company
320 E Dahlia Ave (907) 746-2537
May 30 @7PM-10PM
Childish Tycoon at Live Palmer Alehouse
Palmer Alehouse
320 E Dahlia Ave 9077462537
Free Show
May 31 @12PM
Recovery BBQ
True North Recovery Nunley Park, 250 East Swanson Avenue (907) 313-1333
JUNE
June 1 @ 1PM-9PM
8th Annual Recycle Revival
Music Festival in the Mountains
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions
Skeetawk, 13500 N Skeetawk Cir, Palmer, AK (907) 745-5544
Cost: $20
Jun 3 @ 10:30AM
Valley Garden Club
Regular Meeting
Valley Garden Club
Blue Pavilion in Wasilla’s Iditapark, 500 W. Nelson Avenue (907) 982-7570
June 7 @ 11AM
Homeopathy for Summer w/ Cynthia Carlson All About Herbs 4621 E Palmer Wasilla Hwy, Unit 104
admin@allaboutherbs.com (907) 376-8327
June 7 @ 3PM
Mat-Su Concert Band
Live at Music In The Park FREE
Wonderland Park / Iditapark
594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla, AK www.musicintheparkwasilla.com
June 7 @ 4PM
Takane Kochihira from Japan
Live at Music In The Park FREE
Wonderland Park / Iditapark 594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla, AK www.musicintheparkwasilla.com
June 7 @ 4PM
Roland Roberts Band
Live at Music In The Park FREE
Wonderland Park / Iditapark 594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla, AK www.musicintheparkwasilla.com
June 14 @ 3PM
The Vintage Retro
Live at Music In The Park FREE
Wonderland Park / Iditapark 594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla, AK www.musicintheparkwasilla.com
June 14 @ 6PM
Jerry Wessling Band
Live at Music In The Park FREE
Wonderland Park / Iditapark 594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla, AK www.musicintheparkwasilla.com
June 21 @ 3PM
The Harp Twins
Live at Music In The Park FREE
Wonderland Park / Iditapark 594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla, AK www.musicintheparkwasilla.com
June 21 @ 6PM
H3 Hawaiian Reggae
Live at Music In The Park FREE
Wonderland Park / Iditapark 594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla, AK www.musicintheparkwasilla.com
Send in your coloring page and you can win a gift card to a local business!
ALASKA JUNIOR THEATER NEW SEASON: “SOUNDS LIKE FUN!”
Contributed by Rowan Holmes
Alaska Junior Theater (AJT) is thrilled to announce its 2025 – 2026 Season “SOUNDS Like Fun!” — a vibrant, interactive and educational series of performances celebrating music, rhythm and storytelling from around the globe. From African drums and holiday classics to hip-hop strings and zoological singalongs, this year’s lineup promises to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages. With five dynamic performances and the ever-popular One Great Saturday! events, the season truly does sound like fun!
Kattam and His Tam Tams
School Shows: November 4–6, 2025 at 10:30 AM & 12:15 PM (Grades PreK–8)
Public Show: Friday, November 7, 2025, at 7:00 PM
Start your season with a world tour—through rhythm! Award-winning artist and percussionist Kattam brings the sounds of Africa, the Middle East and India alive with instruments like the djembe, balafon, derbouka and more. Accompanied by his mischievous monkey puppet Takoum, Kattam’s show combines music, dance and culture in an energetic performance sure to ignite curiosity and joy in young audiences. Whether it’s Bollywood beats or Sufi trance rhythms, families won’t just be watching—they’ll be part of the rhythm.
Holiday Tales: A Season of Miracles with Pushcart Players
School Shows: December 8–12, 2025 at 10:30 AM & 12:15 PM (Grades PreK–6)
Public Show: Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 2:00 PM
Celebrate the season with a multicultural collection of festive tales! Holiday Tales – A Season of Miracles brings to life heartwarming stories like “The Gift of the Magi,” “The Nutcracker,” “The Chanukah Miracle” and an original Nigerian tale called “The Kwanzaa Kite.” With music, puppetry and powerful messages of giving, understanding and hope, Pushcart Players deliver a theatrical experience that will leave audiences of all ages with full hearts and big smiles—just in time for the holidays.
Black Violin
School Shows: January 15 & 16, 2026 at 10:30 AM & 12:15 PM (Grades 2–12)
Public Show: Friday, January 16, 2026, at 7:00 PM
Where classical music meets hip-hop, Black Violin stands center stage. Kev Marcus (violin) and Wil B (viola) have been redefining music education and performance for two decades. Their “classical boom” sound blends Bach with beats, Mozart with modern soul and creates a genre-defying experience that breaks down barriers and inspires creativity. Their performance is more than a concert—it’s a movement celebrating unity through music.
Ball in the House
School Shows: March 17–19, 2026 at 10:30 AM & 12:15 PM (Grades 2–12)
Public Show: Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM No instruments? No problem! This Boston-based a cappella powerhouse combines R&B, pop and soul into a fully vocal performance that’s anything but quiet. With their beatboxing, rich harmonies and dynamic energy, Ball in the House turns every stage into a party. From school gymnasiums to stages shared with legends like The Beach Boys and Gladys Knight, this group will have families clapping, singing and dancing in the aisles.
The Singing Zoologist School Shows: April 22–24, 2026 at 10:30 AM & 12:15 PM (Grades PreK–6)
Public Show: Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM Science has never sounded so fun! Lucas Miller, a.k.a. The Singing Zoologist, mixes music, comedy and puppetry to deliver wild facts about the animal kingdom. Whether he’s singing about butterfly migration or ocean food webs, Lucas makes learning unforgettable. His two custom-designed school shows— LIFE CYCLES (PreK –2nd Grade) and OCEAN ECOLOGY/ADAPTATIONS (Grades 3 – 6)—are packed with STEM content that sticks. He doesn’t just teach science— he rocks it.
ONE GREAT SATURDAY! Make your Saturday performance extra special! For each of AJT’s 2:00 PM Saturday Matinees, join us for One Great Saturday! — a family-friendly pre- and post-show experience like no other.
Come early for Discovery Lobby Activities: storytelling with princesses, crafts with the Alaska Children’s Museum, story tracks, free book giveaways and more! Stay after the show for the fan-favorite Milk & Cookie Reception with the cast and a delightful Cake Walk, where kids can win awesome prizes. Season Tickets – Save Up To 20%!
Make the most of the season with our incredible Season Tickets. Purchase now and enjoy up to a 20% discount off single ticket prices. Get priority seating and enjoy other benefits, too. Secure your seats, support the arts and be part of our vibrant theater community! Season tickets will be available June 1st, 2025. This season, Alaska Junior Theater invites students, educators, families and community members to join them on a journey of sound, story and wonder. With shows that educate as much as they entertain, “SOUNDS Like Fun!” is more than a theme—it’s a promise.
For tickets, information on our FREE public events and more information about the shows and our artists, visit www.akjt.org.
Chase C. Julietta R.
BRENDA KAY JAEGER FAR AND HIGH SPACES
Contributed by Brenda Kay Jaeger Art
Georgia Blue Gallery in Anchorage opened a new exhibit of Brenda Jaeger’s paintings on May 2, with a reception held at the gallery. The show, titled FAR AND HIGH SPACES, features acrylic and watercolor paintings of the Mat-Su Valley.
About: “In these paintings I am working with far and high spaces, particularly in the Alaska landscapes. These images that I painted outdoors were finished in my studio. I prefer to work outside in all types of weather, where I can paint the different light and air that surround me. The techniques I use involve the play of edges and colors vibrating in harmony with other hues. Opaque, transparent, and translucent layers enhance wind’s textures and water’s calligraphy. I often use a technique I call ‘traceries,’ painting the negative spaces a separate color from the positive to create an edge that sparkles with both the color
of the ground and the color placed next to the positive element. I hope you enjoy the surprises I painted through using unexpected shapes and rhythms. I treasured translating these moments seen in far and high spaces into hue and texture and form.”
Alaska-born, Brenda Jaeger paints the landscapes of the Mat-Su Valley and greater Alaska. She attended part of her first grade in Palmer and continues to find inspiration in the way the mountains shift light and shadow throughout the seasons. Brenda teaches both online and in-person through her Anchorage-based studio, the Brenda Jaeger Art Studio.
In addition to her exhibit at Georgia Blue Gallery, Brenda currently has a solo show at South Restaurant + Coffeehouse titled CELEBRATING SPRING. For inquiries, contact her at brendajaegerartstudio@ startmail.com. You can also view her work on Instagram: @brendajaegerartstudio.
Arts
CANTORA ARCTICA PRESENTS A FREE CONCERT CELEBRATION
WE’VE GOT JOY, PEACE, LOVE!
Contributed by Diana Bailey
The joy of spring has inspired what promises to be a joyful embrace for peace and love! Palmer, AK - Cantora Arctica, the Mat-Su Valley’s premier women’s choral group, invites the public to their uplifting annual spring concert, “We’ve Got Joy, Peace, Love!” on May 17th at 7 PM. The free event
will be held at the First Baptist Church of Palmer, located at 1150 E. Helen Drive.
This joyful evening features two sets of diverse musical selections reflecting the themes of joy, peace, and love. Audiences will enjoy Broadway hits and swing tunes celebrating joy, love songs with unique twists, and reflective gospel and lyrical pieces embodying peace. An intermission will offer festive refreshments, appetizers, and a donation-based bake sale showcasing the choir’s baking talents.
Under the direction of Deborah Cooper, Cantora Arctica has been enriching the community’s musical landscape for 24 years with biannual concerts. The 36-member choir, comprised of women of all ages and backgrounds, is accompanied by pianist Anna Witt and occasionally joined by local musicians.
“We are a group of women dedicated to the art of making music together, said Cantora director, Deb Cooper, who
has directed the choir since 2016. She recently retired from being an elementary school music teacher for 30 years.
The chorus currently has 36 members participating in the Spring 2025 semester comprised of women of various ages and backgrounds who have come together for the enjoyment of making music. Several members have been part of the choir for many years. The accompanist is Anna Witt, an extremely talented pianist who has been with the choir since 2016. The songsters invite local musicians, with a variety of instruments, to accompany several of the songs each semester.
Cantora is funded by a semester tuition fee paid by choir members and donations raised at the concerts. Expenses include the music, refreshments, guest musicians, uniforms, etc. Rehearsals are on Monday nights from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Immanual Baptist Church at 7540 E. Cottrell-Campus Drive, Palmer, AK (the white church near the Trunk Road round-about by the Mat-Su Regional Hospital).
“We welcome new members! Our goal is to uplift each other through song, bring music to our community, celebrate our joys, and encourage those experiencing trials. The artistic quality of our sound may not be precise, but you will enjoy singing with us!”, Deb says. So please contact Deb at 907-2322073 if you would like to join or have more information about our flock of singing geese!
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.
GRADUATION
Contributed by Anthony Irsik
I’m certified smart, I’ve got my degree, I turned everything in, Now I’m finally free.
I’m certified smart, I walked up the way, Moved o’er the tassel, Now it’s time for play,
I’m certified smart, I can count up to five, On one hand at least, (shouldn’t reach for the sky).
AKELDAMA
Contributed by Robert Lyons
SO, THIS IS LIVING
Contributed by Yvonne Moss
This is living. It has a beginning, Then comes a middle Finishing with an ending.
Happing to me and around me, from my “reclining Tesla”. I see it all,
Coming and going, ebbing and flowing. I go about my day,
Relaxing, cruising away, Switching from lane to lane . . .
Shifting from high to low And sometimes, Reverse . . .
Sometimes . . . You never know!
I’m working on “voice control”. Now, this is living!
KITTEN QUANTUM SOLUTIONS
Contributed by Maxine Franklin
These kittens have been alive for less than a year. Foam insulation intrigues them. Moths flutter the windows challenge their quantum equations. Puzzles to solve.
Tidbits to tongue sample.
Does winter betray summer, does it hang in the fields?
Does it’s bowels blood the ground?
The sound of silver bouncing around sandaled feet on cobbled stone
The groans of the wind swinging through the limbs on Judas’ tree fully fruited
The tombs of unknown piled like leaves below the swinging feet
Are we to meet the autumn ground?
Do we deceive the season’s call?
Will the miracles lose their luster? Will fall cloud our eyes?
The coins of summer are not to be trusted, when wintertime is thrusted upon you
Will you succumb to the cold and darkness
Or believe that summer will again come calling
Literature
THE BRIGHT LIGHTS BOOK PROJECT: WHAT’S IN A NAME?
by Alys Culhane
The Bright Lights Book Project
The Bright Lights Book Project continues to grow, in part because we’re continuing to partner with organizations that complement our vision and mission statements. Creating more literate communities, locally and statewide, remains our number one priority. Getting books in the hands of appreciative readers supports this premise. Hence, a name change. We’re now the Palmer Literacy Center/Bright Lights Book Project, and as such, our partnerships complement our name-related vision.
For example, we’ve partnered with the Mat-Su Health Foundation and the Foraker Group. The Foraker Group is an organization that supports other nonprofits, in part with training and classes. I’ve been taking their mentoring class, and I will soon graduate with a better understanding of my role as an Executive Director. BLBP board members Terry Roth, Robert Wallis, and I recently met with Mike Walsh of the Foraker Group. It was a lively session, with Mike sounding very upbeat about the progress we’ve made as an organization in the past two years. He noted that we’re maturing—and as such, we are no longer a kitchen-table operation.
In addition, Bea, Pam, and I attended what Swanson Elementary School Librarian Kim Evans called Elocution Night. Sixty-five elementary students
each recited a poem, song, or nursery rhyme that they’d previously memorized. Approximately 100 family members were in attendance. Kim dedicated the evening to the Bright Lights Book Project and provided background information about us. She also mentioned that we have found appreciative readers for hundreds of Swanson Elementary’s surplus books. I listened intently as Kim’s students, one by one, came up to the microphone and, for the next minute or so, kept their audience’s attention. Kim was quick to give an assist to those who faltered or appeared to have stage fright. Afterwards, I told her this was the high point of my involvement with the Bright Lights Book Project.
The partnership is continuing—Kim, Lois Liebing, Jeanie Lumbard, and I are now hoping to partner with the volunteer staff at the Alaska Pioneer Home in putting together a program we’re calling Children Read to Seniors / Seniors Read
to Children.
This past month, I also attended the Foraker Group Summit for nonprofits, held in Anchorage at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center. Over 500 individuals associated with nonprofit organizations gathered together for two days of lectures and classes. Considerable networking went on, and I was in the thick of it. I spoke with numerous individuals whose budgets have been cut. My sense is that the Palmer Literacy Center/Bright Lights Book Project, like many other nonprofits, is going to have to scramble for future funding. So yes, fundraising for all is taking on a sense of urgency.
The message I took home from guest speaker Senator Lisa Murkowski is that we can’t sit back and accept what’s happening nationally. We need to be proactive by keeping an eye on what’s going on, writing letters, and attending protests.
Shortly thereafter, I attended the Science of Reading Symposium, also held at the Dena'ina Center. BLBP Board Member Terry attended on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, Robert helped me pack up our remaining books, and he and Pam Huyck transported the books and exhibition materials back to Palmer.
I made some important connections at this symposium, which was attended by 1,000-plus educators. A year or so ago, there was a fire in the village of Stebbins, and the school burned down. I had hoped to send them books but
hadn’t been able to get through to any educators. I talked to a teacher at this conference, and now that I have names, I’m going to see if Bering Air and Alaska Air Cargo can assist in shipping books to this village. Angel Libal, who owns Title Wave Books, said that she’d like to help send books to Stebbins.
Most recently, BLBP hosted two backto-back events. The first was a volunteer appreciation day in which Eric Christianson of State Farm Insurance provided us with pizza. The dozen or so well-wishers included Brad Schmidt of Alaska English Adventures. He was instrumental in getting the cover shot and article about the children in Kenya receiving BLBP books in the April issue of Make a Scene.
We also partnered with the Palmer Arts Council and 203 Kombucha to host an open mic session—we provided books.
Our partnership with Kid’s Kupboard also continues. We’re continuing to provide books, and they’re continuing to provide lunches at their drop-off sites and at our literacy center. There’s more news to come on this front, but it’ll have to wait until next month when things are finalized.
We’re now in the process of rearranging our space in the former banquet room of the historic Eagle Hotel, so we’ll have more room for our ongoing literacy activities. We invite you all to drop in and say hello. www.brightlightsbookproject.org
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HOMER PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP BRINGS IN INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS
Contributed by Gina Murrow, Director of Communications, Pastel Society Alaska
Homer, Alaska – June 1–5, 2025 — Artists and adventurers alike are invited to immerse themselves in a week of creative discovery at the Homer Plein Air Workshop, set against the
stunning coastal backdrop of Homer, Alaska. Hosted by the Pastel Society of Alaska, this four-day workshop—plus a bonus evening on June 1—promises a vibrant blend of artistic instruction, scenic inspiration, and community spirit.
The 2025 workshop proudly welcomes two internationally
acclaimed guest artists: Lyn Diefenbach from Australia, known for her masterful pastel work and expressive portraits, and Terrilynn Dubrueil of Maine, a celebrated artist recognized for her dynamic plein air and travel sketches. Together, they’ll guide participants through a variety of “pin-worthy” techniques for creating compelling travel journals and capturing landscapes outdoors in real time.
“Alaskan artists usually have to travel outside of the state to study in a workshop of this kind. Having these two instructors at the same time and within driving distance is a rare treat and a blessing,” said Ruthann Crosby,
Vice President of the Pastel Society of Alaska. Designed for artists of all skill levels and media preferences, the workshop offers specialized instruction in soft pastels, as well as watercolor and pen & ink techniques for quick and effective travel sketching. The methods taught will also translate easily to oils and acrylics. Whether you’re looking to refine your plein air skills or start a new sketchbook habit, this workshop will offer the tools and time to dive deep into your practice.
In addition to expert-led lessons, the Homer Plein Air Workshop offers the priceless benefits of uninterrupted time to create, inspiration from Alas-
ka’s raw beauty, and the chance to forge lasting friendships with fellow artists from near and far. Whether you’re a painter, sketcher, or someone who just loves to learn and explore with others, Homer in June is the perfect place to renew your creativity.
Cost is $400. For details and registration, visit alaskapastel. com/workshops. Housing is a separate cost; contact akpastel@ yahoo.com for local lodging options.
For inquiries or more information, contact Gina Murrow, Director of Communications, Pastel Society of Alaska, at akpastel@yahoo.com or call 717-500-1208.
Lyn Diefenbach
Terrilynn Dubrueil
