Non-Profit Directory
Families & Children:
March of Dimes Alaska Chapter
www.marchofdimes.org/alaska (907) 276-4111
Non-Profit Organization?
Join our growing list for as little as $15.00/mo!
www.makeasceneak.com/nonprofitdirectory
Families & Children:
Family Promise Mat-Su www.familypromisematsu.com (907) 357-6160
A community response for families without housing. Family Promise Mat-Su, “FPMS” uses area churches for shelter while providing meals and case management to help homeless families move back into housing and self-sustainability.
In addition we provide state funds(BHAP) for homeless prevention.
OTHER
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 appointment. You can also contact our 24/7 behavioral crisis intervention line by calling the main number: 376-2411.
Valley Fiber Arts Guild
www.valleyfiberarts.org
The Valley Fiber Arts Guild began in 1983. Our purpose is to provide educational and cultural enrichment for the community by promoting a greater interest in the fiber arts.
Fiber arts include spinning, weaving, knitting, crochet, dying, felting, lace making, and more! Monthly gatherings are held at the Palmer Public Library on the first Saturday of the month from September-April at 10am-11:30am. Tuesday is UnFinished Objects Night.
Join us every Tuesday night 5ish-8pm at Vagabond Blues Cafe in Palmer! Come spin, knit, crochet, or visit while having some coffee and getting some free instruction!
Join the March of Dimes for our annual High Heels for High Hopes this fall. To become a model or participant, call 276-4111.
The March of Dimes helps moms have fullterm pregnancies and healthy babies. And if something goes wrong, we offer information and comfort to families. We research the problems that threaten our babies and work on preventing them.
About 4 million babies were born in the United States last year, and the March of Dimes helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs.
The March of Dimes: working together for stronger, healthier babies.
Mat-Su Health Foundation
healthymatsu.org (907) 352-2863
The Mat-Su Health Foundation offers financial and strategic support to well-managed 501(c)(3) organizations that offer services and practical solutions to significant health-related problems impacting the citizens of the Mat-Su Borough.
The foundation also offers academic and vocational scholarships to Mat-Su residents who wish to pursue health and wellness related careers.
Pets & Animals:
Alaska Animal Advocates
www.alaskaanimaladvocates.com (907) 841-3173
Alaska Animal Advocates is a non-profit group of dedicated volunteers who are devoted to enriching the lives of companion animals in Alaska.
In order to do this, we will place homeless pets in loving environments, address medical concerns, spay or neuter, microchip, vaccinate, and offer training as is needed.
We believe that every animal deserves a loving home, for his/her entire life and Alaska Animal Advocates will provide the resources to make this happen.
In order to make this mission possible, we need the help of volunteers and foster homes.
ARTS:
Valley Arts Alliance www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com
Valley Arts Alliance, bringing the community together through the arts... We are a place for both new and established artists of all types— painters, sculptors, musicians, and those involved in the performing arts—to network and to experiment with new ideas and media.
We work with local libraries, schools, museums, art councils, and music and art groups to create more venues for the arts, and to help promote art related events.
Join us at our informal weekly meetings, every Thursday @ 11 at Sophia’s Cafe, 9191 E Frontage Road, Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Check out our archives www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com
CONSERVATION:
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions
www.valleyrecycling.org (907) 745-5544
RECYCLING – It’s not just for hippies anymore!! Everyone in the Mat-Su valley can recycle. Drop your stuff off Tues – Fri 10:30 to 6 and Sat 10:30 to 3:30. Recycle cardboard, magazines, this newspaper and more at your community recycling center. Remember to REDUCE, REUSE, and then RECYCLE!
Your community recycling center is located at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, next to the MSB Animal Shelter at the MSB Central Landfill. Volunteer opportunities available. Make a difference in your community!
Check out our website for details , follow us on Facebook. www.valleyrecycling.org - Call us at 907.745.5544 with questions or comments.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES:
Mat-Su Regional Adult Basic Education (Nine Star) MatsuAdultEd@ninestar.com (907) 373-7833
Mat-Su ABE provides basic education in math, language arts and English as a second language (ESL), aiming to raise student skills beyond the high-school level in order to pass tests like the GED, enter training programs or college, and advance on the job. Enrollment is open to all adult residents of Alaska, year-round. Youth Employment for ages 16-24 not in school -- get a job, keep a job, advance on the job. Nine Star 300 N Willow 373-3006 (in the MYHouse building)
Families & Children:
March of Dimes Alaska Chapter www.marchofdimes.org/alaska (907) 276-4111
The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
About 4 million babies were born in the United States last year, and the March of Dimes helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs.
The March of Dimes: working together for stronger, healthier babies.
HOMELESS YOUTH:
Mat-Su Youth Housing (MY HOUSE) myhousematsu.org (907) 373-4357
MY House is a homeless youth drop in center with two for-profit businesses that train and employ homeless youth. Gathering Grounds Cafe is a coffee shop with homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and baked goods. Steamdriven is a trendy thrift shop featuring Steampunk items made from repurposed donations by our youth designers. Fiend2Clean and Young People in Recovery offer support for substance abuse recovery with activities and events.
We offer transitional housing for qualified 18-24 year olds, Outreach services to connect homeless youth, organizations and groups to services, and access to Public Health and NineStar job/education services on site.
SOCIAL ADVOCACY:
Wasilla Homeless-Committee
www.wasillahomeless-committee.org (907) 521-2949
Wasilla Homeless-Committee is a 100% volunteer organization funded by private donations and regular fundraising events. Our sole purpose is to assist the homeless, those at risk of homelessness, and others who do not meet the criteria for help that is required by other advocacy agencies in the valley.
Wasilla Homeless-Committee provides case management, housing search assistance, move in assistance, job search assistance, clothing, furniture, help with transportation, and resource guidance for homeless and disenfranchised in the Mat-Su Valley.
Visit our website for application, or call 907521-2949. Find us on Facebook facebook.com/ wasillahomelesscommitteepage
Calendar of Events
BIKER ELVES TOY DRIVE
November 1, 2016-December 25, 2016 –12:50PM
The Dude
Mat-Su Valley Kids
Cost: New Unwrapped Toy(907) 892-8099 glenbutts@yahoo.com Check us out on Facebook
CHRISTMAS TOWNE, ALASKA
November 17-December 18, 2016
Thursday-Sunday - 10AM
Christmas Towne Alaska, Chugiak
Cost: $10 Kids/$15 Adult (907) 227-2011 christmastownealaska.com
MAT-SU SALMON SCIENCE & CONSERVATION
SYMPOSIUM
November 17-18, 2016 - 9AM
Mat-Su Basin Salmon Habitat Partnership Palmer Train Depot
Cost: $25 General, FREE Students - (907) 865-5713 jspeed@tnc.org www.matsusalmon.org
ALASKA CHICKS COMPANY: VINTAGE HOLIDAY MARKET
November 19-20, 2016 –9AM
Alaska Chicks Company Raven Hall, Alaska State Fairgrounds
Cost: $3 Saturday, FREE Sunday – (907) 841-9994 alaskachicksvintagemarket@ gmail.com www.alaskachicks.com
6TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
11/19/2016 - 9AM
St. Michael Catholic Community
St. Michael Catholic Church, Palmer FREE Admission (907) 745-3229 www.st-mikesparish.org
SMALL BUSINESS TAX SET AND QUICKBOOKS SET-UP LUNCHEON
November 19, 22, 23, 26, 27, 29, 2016 - 10AM
Lizzy Bee’s Tax & Accounting
Cost: $60 - (907) 315-9348 elizabeth@lizzybeestax.com
www.lizzybeestax.com
GLACIER VIEW ALLIANCE HOLIDAY MARKET
11/19/2016 - 10AM
Glacier View Alliance, Palmer FREE Admission
12TH ANNUAL BAZAAR
11/19/2016 - 10AM
Palmer Family Church of the Nazarene FREE Event cnwmbazaar@gmail.com www.palmernaz.org
EXPRESS GRATITUDE IN ORIGAMI CARDS
11/19/2016 - 10AM
Expressive Art to Enhance Well-Being
Wasilla on Lake Lucille. Call for directions.
Cost: $25 - (907) 460-8481
EnhancedWellBeingAK@ gmail.com
MOVING OUT OF STATE: LIQUIDATION LIVE AUCTION
11/19/2016 - 11AM
Webb Auction & Appraisal 16767 E. Back Acres Ave, Palmer FREE Admission (907) 355-2561 webbauctionak@gmail.com www.webbauctionak.com
CHRISTMAS DANCE PARTY! 11/19/2016 - 2PM
Christmas Towne Alaska, Chugiak
Cost: $10 Kids/$15 Adult(907) 227-2011 christmastownealaska.com
STORY TELLING EVENT
11/19/2016 - 7:30PM
Talkeetna Historical Society & Arctic Entries
Sheldon Community Arts
Hangar, Talkeetna Cost: $5 www.denaliartscouncil.org
MY HOUSE THANKSGIVING DINNER
11/23/2016 - 1PM
MY House, Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 373-4357
HIP HOP WORKSHOP 11/25/2016 - 3PM
Joshua Christian LA Dancer & Choreographer Sonja’s Studio of Dance,
Wasilla
Cost: $25 - (907) 357-3933 cool2beme@earthlink.net
MARA HAM RADIO MEETING
11/25/2016 - 7PM
Matanuska Amateur Radio Association Fire Station 61, Wasilla FREE Event kl7jfu@gci.net www.kl7jfu.com
ELF: THE MUSICAL
November 25-December 18, 2016 - 7PM
Valley Performing Arts Tickets: $21 Students/ Seniors, $23 General Admission valleyperformingarts.org
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY 11/26/2016 - All Day
American Express Downtown Palmer Check us out on Facebook
OUT OF BOX SALE 11/26/2016 - 10AM Valley Fibers Art Guild Palmer Train Depot FREE Event info@valleyfiberarts.org www.valleyfiberarts.org
7.19 CELEBRATION 11/26/2016 - 5:30PM Palmer Family Church of the Nazarene Borough Gym, Palmer FREE Event - (907) 746-0252 palmernaz@yahoo.com www.palmernaz.org
BOOM TOWN DERBY DAMES MASH UP 11/26/2016 - 7PM
Boom Town Derby Dames Menard Sports Center, Wasilla Cost: $12 www.boomtownrollerderby. org
BURCHELL DANCERS
CHRISTMAS SHOW 11/30/2016 - 7PM
Glenn Massay Theater, Palmer FREE Event www.glennmassaytheater. com
BRING UP THE NIGHT
December 2-25, 2016 – 4-9PM
Alaska State Fairgrounds FREE Event - (907) 746-7153 www.alaskastatefair.org
FREE HEARING SCREENING
12/3/2016 - 10AM
Mat-Su Sertoma Club, Wasilla Wasilla Physical Therapy FREE Event - (907) 841-6565 info@matsuhearing.org www.matsuhearing.org
HOMESPUN HOLIDAY BAZAAR
12/3/2016 - 10AM
Butte Elementary School FREE Event butteakpta@gmail.com
WILLOW HOLIDAY
STUDIO ART TOUR 12/3/2016 - 10AM
Willow Creek Studio, Willow AK Pottery FREE Event - (907) 227-1027
BIG LAKE BIG CHRISTMAS 12/3/2016 - 10AM FREE Event
Poets, have released a new album titled “Lights All Askew”.
Chris Watkins is an American musician-singersongwriter.
Hailing from Alaska, Watkins is the founding member of the band, The Drunk Poets.
He began playing the guitar at the age of ten, and by the age of sixteen he had formed the alternative band, The Drunk Poets, who in the 1990’s greatly influenced the Alaskan music scene.
Watkins has continued to carry the band name with various members coming and going over the years.
Some of Watkins’ influences have been Lou Reed, Talking Heads and Bob Dylan. Watkins is currently residing in Alaska where he continues to write and record music. His most recent album is “Lights All Askew”. SoundWaves Review Music Blog wrote, “Lights All Askew feels timeless, like it should already be a classic.”
Chis Watkins is gaining international acclaim, as news of his music is spreading with countless excellent reviews and radio stations all over the world playing his music. The Eclectic Music Lover Music
Blog writes, “There are some singer/ songwriters whose music stays with you long after hearing it, drawing you back for another listen. Chris Watkins and his band, The Drunk Poets, make that kind of music, reminiscent of Bob Dylan, Shawn Mullins and Lou Reed – simple, pure and honest, but always with a compelling story. His smooth low-key vocals are incredibly soothing to the ear, yet at the same time quite powerful.
Following up on their superb 2015 album “London Can Take It”, Watkins/Drunk Poets dropped their latest album “Lights All Askew” in July 2016, and it’s another work of musical art. Drunk poetry indeed!”
You can contact Chris Watkins/ Drunk Poets online at:
Twitter: twitter.com/chrisdrunkpoets Facebook: facebook.com/ ChrisWatkinsDrunkPoets Website: chriswatkinsdrunkpoets.weebly.com
forgotten over time: how to be connected to the world around us.
I think the reason we are all drawn to the beautifully haunting sounds of the flute is because it helps us connect through sound, making us a part of the world around us rather a part from it. The flute is a magical instrument that is considered to be one of the oldest instruments in the world. No matter where your ancestral roots come from, there was undoubtedly a whistle or a flute connected to you somewhere in time.
All my flutes are handmade in the traditional way coming from many sources: diamond willow, birch, cottonwood, cottonwood bark and spruce. The process involves finding the wood, locating the flute, splitting the wood with a knife and hollowing it out, all by hand. The flute is then joined with a fetish (the sound piece) and given a voice.
I also offer a travel flute called the “Flippin’ Flute” that goes anywhere and quickly becomes a travel partner. Flippin’ Flutes are a great beginner flute and can be created in so many different expressive patterns.
Part of my journey with the flute has been to make it available to everyone. I would like to offer the flute in the Matsu Valley, and would like to extend an invitation
Contributed
by
Carmen Summerfield
9th Annual Ice Castles on the Green 12/10/2016 – 2PM-4PM Valley Arts Alliance
The Palmer Green Area FREE Event
Colony Christmas is an old fashioned three-day celebration of Christmas past and present in Palmer that features horse-drawn sleigh rides, reindeer, gingerbread houses and holiday carolers. As part of the celebration, on the second Saturday, December 10, 2016 the Valley Arts Alliance will be producing their 9th Annual Ice Castles on the Green!
Ice Castles on the Green consists of unique winter ice sculptures created by some of the Valley’s best artists. Our sculptures will be constructed behind the Dahlia Street Market on the Palmer Green, the area in Palmer also known as the “quad” or “square” located between the Borough Office, the Colony Inn and the Dahlia Street Market.
The Dahlia Street Market was built in the mid-1930s as the colony’s Trading Post and Post Office. Palmer’s Mayor, DeLena Johnson, and her husband, Steve, purchased the abandoned building a few years ago and restored it to glory. Now it hosts the Palmer City Alehouse (where everyone is invited in for a “warm up” on Saturday afternoon during the Ice Castles on the Green).
Our centerpiece at Ice Castles on the Green will be an ice sculpture based on the glass pyramids at the Louvre in Paris. But unlike the 4-sided pyramid at the Louvre, we constructed a 3-sided pyramid. Each side is an equilateral triangle with a base of 10 feet and a supporting structure to hold 16 triangular sheets of ice.
To form the required 48 triangular sheets of ice, we made wooden molds, 30 inches at the base and one and a half inches thick, coated with an epoxy resin for strength and waterproofing.
We have other remarkable ice sculptures lined up, but we’re always looking for other talented artists to help us create unique ice sculptures at Ice Castles on the Green! So bring your own ice, in any shape or form, and help us build! For inspiration, please visit our website ValleyArtsAlliance.com/Archives.
Most of the ice sculpting will occur from 2pm-4pm, but visit us any time and watch the ice sculptures take shape! So join us (and join in) on the second Saturday, December 10th, as we create another wonderful Ice Castles on the Green!
Museum
As we enter the holiday season, the Palmer Museum is all about creating opportunities for you, your friends and family to get together and celebrate. From a traveling exhibit from the Lower 48 to seeing fire dancers on the museum lawn, the museum is definitely the place to be this winter!
On November 26th, the museum will be joining over twenty other small businesses in Palmer to promote and celebrate Small Business Saturday.
To encourage holiday shoppers to spend their money locally, businesses throughout Palmer will be holding special sales, promotions and opportunities to make your holiday shopping brighter. The Palmer Museum is no different.
Throughout the day, the museum will be offering those shoppers who make a purchase in the Museum Gift Store an opportunity to grab a marble from our secret giveaway bag for some fun free prizes.
In addition to that, anyone who makes a purchase of $25 or more will be entered into a drawing for a free pair of Benjamin Schleifman raven earrings valued at $80! If that wasn’t enough, the museum will also be hosting its second annual Art Swap from 12PM–4PM where visitors can bring 1 to 3 pieces of art they own and no longer want, and exchange them for something new (to them). The idea is to try to recirculate old unwanted pieces so that they can refresh someone’s décor and be something new without incurring the cost. All types up artwork are welcome and value is not an issue. If you call it art, it’s art!
Beginning in December, the museum will begin its holiday celebration with the introduction of a new traveling exhibit called Apron Strings: Ties to the Past. Although taken for granted by many social and art historians, the apron
is the subject of a fascinating reevaluation in this popular ExhibitsUSA exhibition.
Featuring 51 vintage and contemporary examples, Apron Strings: Ties to the Past reviews the apron’s role as an emotionally charged vehicle for expression, with a rich and varied craft history that is still viable today.
Featuring aprons dating from the 1900s through present, the exhibition chronicles changing attitudes toward women and domestic work. It also surveys the wide range of design and craft techniques apron-makers have used to express themselves, while still working within creative venues traditionally available to women.
E laborately embroidered aprons of delicate cotton, for example, were worn by well-heeled women of the 1920s. In contrast, the Depression and war years of the 1930s and 1940s inspired sturdy, calico bib aprons. The post-war 1940s and 1950s - the June Cleaver era - stand out as the acknowledged heyday of the apron, when commercial and intricately handdecorated aprons flourished as symbols of family and motherhood.
Today, artists continue using aprons to explore cultural myths and realities, as well as their individual experiences with American domesticity. Though not as widespread as they once were, aprons remain as functional and protective garments for men and women alike.
Apron Strings: Ties to the Past was curated by Joyce Cheney, an independent curator based in St. Louis, Missouri. It was adapted for travel by ExhibitsUSA, a
program of Mid-America Arts Alliance. It will be on exhibit at the Palmer Museum beginning in December and will last through March of 2017. The museum has several related programs planned in accordance with the exhibit, so be sure to visit the Museum website at www. palmermuseum.org for further details.
Finally, to finish out the holiday celebrations, the museum will once again be hosting its annual holiday open house ‘Twas the Night Before Colony Christmas on Friday, December 9th from 7PM–10PM.
The event is free to the public and includes a free wine tasting hosted by Bear Creek Winery, food catered by Denise Statz of NonEssentials, live music and an all age show/special performance by the AK Fire Circus (from 8:30PM9:30PM).
All those interested in participating in the wine tasting must have a valid Alaska I.D. present at the time of the event.
Although the event is free to the public, the museum encourages attendees to participate in its holiday tree trimming fundraiser by becoming a holiday angel by making a donation and receiving a handmade ornament by a local artist in exchange. All donations will be used to help support the museum’s 2017 programs and events.
So, come celebrate with the Palmer Museum this holiday season. There will be plenty of merriment, excitement and laughter to go around!
For more information about any of the Palmer Museum’s exhibits or events, please visit the museum website at palmermuseum.org or contact a member of the museum staff at 746-7668.
About PMHA: The Palmer Museum of History and Art is a non-profit museum that serves the community of Palmer in preserving and sharing the history and art of the Palmer region.
The museum’s collections contain items that best depict region’s art history, exploration, settlement, agriculture, and trade, cultural and social development.
During the summer, May 1st through September 30th, the museum also serves a Palmer’s Visitor’s Center and is open seven days a week from 9AM-6PM.
The museum also operates during the winter months from October 1st through April 30th, Wednesday through Friday, 10AM-5PM and second Saturdays of the month, 10AM-6PM.
Celebrating the Joys of Christmas 12/11/2016 – 4PM
Mat-Su Community Chorus
St. John’s Lutheran Church Tickets: $5 General, FREE Seniors/Students
With the tricks and treats of Halloween behind us and the festive gatherings of Thanksgiving and Christmas looming, someone asked me, “What’s your greatest joy of Christmas?” My mind went blank for lack of an answer.
Many times, November and December have broadsided me with cannonades of self-imposed tasks and expectations which The Season demands. Joy? I thought, who has time? With shopping, preparing for festivities, coordinating schedules, crafting personal gifts, etc., is there time revel in true joy?
Of course, Christmas activities are fun and it is the season of celebrating Christ’s birth. However, I asked myself, where does the joy in Christmas lay for me?
I got the notion to look up the definition of the word, joy. I came across a variety of meanings, depending on the dictionary I referenced. All basically agreed upon the noun - the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying, keen pleasure, elation, a source of keen pleasure or delight, the
the state of happiness. The latter two definitions caught my attention: an expression or display of gladness and the state of happiness.
Several days later, my routine took me to rehearsal for the Mat-Su Community Chorus. Having sung with many choirs over the years, the music of Christmas has always been my favorite and caroling is especially enjoyable. Then it struck me, singing is a joy of mine! Yes, but it didn’t answer the question of the “greatest joy of Christmas”.
As practice continued, we sang of good tidings, a winter wonderland, believing, families gathered by the fireside, the hope for peace and prosperity for mankind, the heralding of angles announcing the arrival of the Christ Child and many other holiday accessories.
Then I recalled teaching Christmas carols to my children, the excitement of the anticipation of Santa, the gleeful squeals of young voices, the smiles, kindness and kindred of heart and mind of friends and family, the camaraderie of my fellow singers, and the presence of love, hope and peace. There was my answer.
The spirit of Christmas was my greatest joy of the holidays and the music, its inspiration. The message is very audible in the librettos and experienced through the enduring melodies.
page to December, Christmas day is circled and so is another: Sunday, December 11th. St. John’s Lutheran Church in Palmer, will host the Mat-Su Community Chorus’ winter concert, Celebrating the Joys of Christmas at 4:00pm. Anna Crowther, Conductor. Tickets will be $5.00 at the door and admission is free to seniors and students.
The chorus is familiar to many, especially living in the Valley. Having its origin in the 1960’s and extant today, the chorus represents The Valley’s Musical Ambassadors, performing throughout the borough.
You’ll even find them caroling around Downtown Palmer during Colony Christmas. If your calendar is similar to mine, it has a multitude of circles adorning it. You might wonder, how to fit in one more thing? Well, that’s where you ask yourself, “What is the greatest joy of the holiday season?”
Whether you feel Scrooge-ish or not, you must admit Christmas is a special time. Why not make the time to experience one of the many joys this season holds?
As for me, the joy that Christmas delivers is a gift I will graciously accept.
Please come and join the chorus in this celebration and enjoy the warmth within winter’s tenure.
For the past three years, Lindianna at the Piana played every weekend at AJ’s Oldtown Steakhouse in Homer, offering three hours of romantic dinner music, taking diners down memory lane into country, Americana, folk, spirituals, blues, jazz, Beatles, waltzes and originals. She looks forward to playing at pianos in the Mat-Su Valley and Anchorage.
Mrs. Sarno teaches piano, violin, viola, guitar, songwriting, composition and music theory. She is currently composing music for Jean Aspen and Tom Irons’ film, Arctic Daughter, due to be released in 2017.
She is known for writing newspaper commentaries on controversial subjects including genetically modified foods, cannabis clubs, human manure composting and unconstitutional government behavior. Her book, The Alaskan Woodcarver’s Wife: A Tale of Pot, Patriots, Passion and PTSD, tells the story of Spoonguy’s encounters with unconstitutional courts and police in Arizona, California and Alaska.
As a civil liberties violation investigator who calls police, courts and corrections officials on unconstitutional behavior, Spoonguy gained notoriety in 2016 when a dog attack case brought him toe to toe with Homer police officer, Stephen Smith, over issues of warrantless arrest and probable cause, and nose to nose with Kenai Judge, Charles Huguelet, over issues of ineffective representation and sentencing the mentally disordered to incarceration rather than treatment.
The couple co-founded the Citizens of Alaska Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission to provide a community forum for citizens to report unconstitutional acts by police, courts and state agencies.
Contact: truthjusticereconciliation@gmail.com. For information visit lindianne.com and spoonguyandladygreensleeves.com.
Contributed by Hillary Saffran
Ah, the holiday season... Whether you honor a particular faith or no religious viewpoint at all, the holiday season has descended upon you nevertheless. This is the season for gifts, food, friends, family and for many, stress.
Say A Prayer: It’s one of the most potent antidotes to stress. Connecting with a higher power helps you gain strength and clear your mind.
Now, I don’t mean prayer acting on negative emotions such as, “Please Lord, smote these people now!”, “I pray they will be tortured in the zombie apocalypse.” or “Can they at least fall into a big hole in the living room that goes straight to hell, and then can you make the hole disappear, like something in the Twilight Zone movie?”
not going to benefit you or the object of your disaffection.
One thing I’ve learned is to never pray for patience. I’ve learned that life is a series of lessons, and that going through tests builds character (Lord, I never asked for this much character!) Praying for patience is a way to ask for the strength of Job and I really don’t want to go there, though at times I think I have.
Here you are, at the big holiday table, trying to make pleasant conversation with people that can’t stand you. (Memories of my brief married life in Anchorage 24 years ago, but who’s counting?)
You (This is fiction, right?) are so uncomfortable (and are obviously unskilled in covering up this discomfort) that even a root canal without anesthesia sounds more appealing. The last thing you want to do is to choke down another piece of dry turkey in this atmosphere. (You suspect that your piece is poisoned anyway, and it just might be the last thing that you do.)
What a perfect time for Self-Care Tip #11 – For Family Stress:
Calendar of Events
BIG LAKE LIONS
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
December 3-4, 2016 - 11AM
East Lake Mall, Big Lake FREE Event - (907) 982-7268
JON VAN ZYLE ART SHOW
12/3/2016 - 1PM
Town Square Art Gallery, Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 376-0123 www.townsquareartgallery.com
Prayer actually can be healing and to the point. Some of my most intense prayers are one word such as “Help!” This can certainly be embellished to “Please Help!”
Prayers of thanks work well too. We can always find something to be grateful for, and that can be very uplifting. I’ve heard the expression, “an attitude of gratitude” can work wonders for you.
However, always be aware of your evil inclination. Come on now, we all have it. So prayers of revenge are not recommended:
“Thank you Lord that schmuck has just developed some heinous disease,” or “Thank you for answering my prayer so that I don’t have to share my life with Drunken Vicious anymore,” is probably
BIG LAKE PARADE AND TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
12/3/2016 - 4:30PM
Big Lake Chamber of Commerce Big Lake Elementary School
FREE Event - (907) 892-6109
GLOBAL FAT BIKE DAY 2016 12/3/2016 - 5:30PM
Valley Mountain Bikers & Hikers
Wendt Road Trailhead FREE Event - (907) 746-6010
Prayer can happen anywhere. There’s phone prayer, car prayer, cubicle prayer, meal prayer, even fishing prayer. I’m sure I’ve even seen email power point with music prayer. Whatever works for you and remember, it’s free. You can have people pray with you or for you. Prayer is all about perspective.
So whatever stress you might be going through this holiday season, be comforted with the fact that you are probably not alone. There are healthy ways to decrease your anxiety, and remember – stress spelled backwards is desserts. Yum and Happy Holidays!
Inserting Self-Care Tip #11 - For Family Stress, and not #1, is my sneaky yet creative way of shameless promotion so you’ll be so intrigued to find out what the other 49, or the first 10 self-care tips are that you’ll want to buy my book. See, I slipped in the fact that there are 49
36TH ANNUAL TALKEETNA BACHELOR AUCTION
12/3/2016 - 7PM
The Denali Arts Council Tickets: $25 www.talkeetnabachelors.com
MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS PAST 12/3/2016 - 7PM
Cantora Arctica Women’s Choir
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Palmer Tickets: $10 - (907) 315-4904
other self-care tips! Forget about the first ten that you just missed – now you’re practically salivating to buy this book to find out about all those 49 other necessary and informative stress busters!
What was that? You were wondering if this book is designed as a gift item? Of course it is! I think I’ve actually created shameless holiday gift plug #2 to buy this book! What was that? I’m too obvious and honest about my shameless book promotion attempts? You’re right. This is why I am not involved in politics. My name is Hillary Saffran, and I approve this message.
Hillary Saffran is the author of Laughing in the Rain – Self-Care for the Storms of Life.
If this shameless promotion of the sale of her book for an awesome holiday gift item intrigues you, please reach her at 907-707-7556 or at hillarysaffran.com
360 ALLSTARS
12/3/2016 - 7:30PM
Alaska Junior Theater
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Anchorage Cost: $14-$36 - (907) 272-7546 www.akjt.org
MAT-SU OPIATE TASK FORCE
12/6/2016 - 4PM - FREE
Mat-Su Opiate Task Force New Iditarod Elementary School
WILDLIFE WEDNESDAYS 12/7/2016 - 7PM FREE Event sierra.doherty@alaska.gov www.adfg.alaska.gov
BIG LAKE ELEMENTARY BAND CONCERT
12/8/2016 - 6PM
Big Lake Elementary School FREE Event
Calendar of Events
THE ALASKAN NUTCRACKER
December 8-10, 2016 - 7PM
Glenn Massay Theater, Palmer
Tickets: $12 Youth/$19 Adults www.glennmassaytheater.com
COLONY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
December 9-11, 2016 - All Day
Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Palmer
FREE Admission (907) 745-2880 www.palmerchamber.org
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
12/9/2016 - 7PM
Palmer Museum of History & Art
FREE Admission - (907) 746-7668 www.palmermuseum.org
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
12/10/2016 - 9AM
Five Loaves Two Fishes
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Wasilla
Cost: $15 Individual, $30 for 2(907) 376-3522 www.goodshepluth.org
SANTA DASH
12/10/2016 - 10:30AM
Christmas Towne Alaska Chugiak
Cost: $10 Kids/$20 Adult(907) 227-2011 www.christmastownealaska.com
BARBARA LAVALLEE ART SHOW
12/10/2016 - 1PM
Town Square Art Gallery, Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 376-0123 www.townsquareartgallery.com
COLONY CHRISTMAS PARADE 12/10/2016 - 5PM
Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Palmer FREE Admission (907) 745-2880 www.palmerchamber.org
PALMER WINTER TRIATHLON 12/11/2016 - 11AM
Mat-Su Health Foundation
The Palmer Pool FREE Event - (907) 745-2880 www.palmerchamber.org
9TH ANNUAL ICE CASTLES ON THE GREEN 12/10/2016 – 2PM Valley Arts Alliance
The Palmer Green Area FREE Event wwww.valleyartsalliance.com
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
December 12-14, 2016 - 7PM
Glenn Massay Theater, Palmer
Tickets: $15 Each, $50 Family Rate www.glennmassaytheater.com
Contributed by Zaz Hollander
Mat-Su Band Holiday Concert December 16-17, 2016 – 7:30PM Mat-Su Concert Band Glenn Massay Theater, Palmer Tickets: $5 Students, $10 General
For the first time in its history, the MatSu Concert Band will play two holiday concerts to give everyone the chance to hear this always-popular event.
The band will play concerts Friday, Dec. 16th and Saturday, Dec. 17th at the Glenn Massay Theater at Mat-Su College. Both concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m.
The program features a variety of traditional Christmas and holiday songs and carols, as well as a range of festive pieces that highlight the sounds of the season. The concert will also include a special performance from the band’s virtuoso trumpet section: “Bugler’s Holiday” by Leroy Anderson, a perennial favorite with a bright, fast-paced cornet trio perfect for the season.
The audience is invited to join in a singalong of familiar tunes.
The concerts have an intermission. There will be a small admission fee at the door. Tickets are $10 each, but $5 for students and children under five get in free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.
matsuconcertband.org.
Holiday classics on the program include “Russian Christmas Music” by Alfred Reed, a piece commissioned in 1944 for a concert to improve Soviet-American relations that’s become a staple of the symphonic band holiday repertoire for good reason: The 15-minute composition is a lovely yet haunting piece of music that evokes the northern forest and the strength of its people.
“March of the Toys” from the 1903 operetta “Babes in Toyland” by Victor Herbert is a fun, seasonal classic based on a musical comedy about two children who escape a miserly uncle to the splendor of Toyland, where Mother Goose holds sway. The music evokes the stiff-legged movements of the dolls and the joy of a fairytale Christmas.
The audience can try to guess the holiday classics embedded in a mournful cloak in “Minor Alterations: Christmas Through the Looking Glass” by David Lovrien, a medley of traditional tunes transposed from major to minor keys and further disguised to create a musical game of holiday hide-and-seek.
The band will perform several more contemporary holiday works.
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Among them is “Primavera: Beautiful Mountain Winds”, a 2008 work by Japanese composer, Satoshi Yagisawa, that evokes the wintry breezes of the season with brilliant arpeggios interspersed with expressive passages.
“Festival Fanfare for Christmas” by John Wasson is a modern take on a number of well-known Christmas melodies including “O Come, All Ye Faithful” and “Joy to the World” that once again highlights the trumpet section.
Theatre
ELF: THE MUSICAL
November 25-December 18 - 7PM Valley Performing Arts, Wasilla Tickets: $21 Students/Seniors, $23 General Admission
Drama Directed by Garry Forrester
Buddy, a young orphan mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the “naughty list”, and his stepbrother doesn’t even believe in Santa,
The band got its start in 1984 as the Mat-Su Community Band, formed by Matanuska Music owner, Hank Hartman. Other directors have included Neil Long and Phil Munger.
Current director, Gleo Huyck, is a retired music educator and private instructor. Under Huyck’s baton, the band performs a wide-ranging selection of challenging music. The band this season numbers about seventy amateur musicians who assemble every Monday night for rehearsals at Teeland Middle School.
Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. Based on the 2003 hit film “Elf”, this Broadway musical is a modern holiday classic and is sure to make everyone from 8 to 80 embrace their inner elf.
Elf: The Musical opens November 25th and runs through December 18th, 2016. Ticket prices are $21 for students/seniors and $23 for adults.
This wonderful family Christmas musical will be appearing at Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Avenue, Wasilla.
Call VPA at 373-0195, visit our website www.valleyperformingarts.org or come by the office, Monday through Friday 9am to 3pm to purchase your tickets.
