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 more than a million people across 20 countries, the nonprofit Whirling Rainbow Foundation continues to expand its healing message with music at the core of its medicine. To spread this 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. Alongside a series of online classes, this year’s five-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 levels of drummers, dancers, healers, teachers, therapists, and spiritual seekers. Those who lead or wish to lead music and dance programs, sound healing events, meditation classes, spiritual practices, drum circles, treatment programs, shamanic healing arts workshops, children’s programs, wellness classes, elder care, or hospice will find this training designed for them.
Suraj brings 35 years as an international shamanic healer, teacher, singer, and drummer to this immersion in the elemental healing power and sacred use of the drum and core shamanic instruments. The hands-on training also incorporates rattles, flutes, tuning forks, bells, crystal bowls, and more. Participants may register for one, two, or all five days of training.
The highlight of the Alaska training will be working with the seven-foot, crystalinlaid Alaskan Grandmother Drum—a heart-opening experience that embodies the spirit of the Drummunity. Spaces are limited. For more information, contact The Whirling Rainbow Foundation at whirlingrainbow.com, email thewhirlingrainbowfoundation@gmail.com, or call 907-715-4433.
MAT-SU CONCERT BAND PLAYS VIBRANT FALL CONCERT
Contributed by Mat-Su Concert Band
Mat-Su Concert Band’s upcoming “Fall Tempest” concert features a passionate mix of music ranging from up-tempo marches and fast-paced pieces to soulful symphonic compositions. The performance will be capped by a unique treat: A concerto performed by the band’s own master of the trombone, José López-Ramos.
The fall concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 4 at the Glenn Massay Theater at Mat-Su College. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $5 for students, and free for children 5 and under. Tickets are available at matsuconcertband.org and at the door.
To celebrate the vibrancy of the season, the band will perform Danzón No. 2, by Mexican composer Arturo Márquez, a piece inspired by a Cuban dance and featuring numerous solo parts that showcase the talent throughout the band’s sections. The concert also features Giacomo Puccini’s heart-rending Nessun Dorma, a concert band arrangement of the aria most famously sung by Luciano Pavarotti from the final act of the opera Turandot.
by López-Ramos. Born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, López learned trombone from his father. He is a fourth-generation musician and a third-generation soldier in the U.S. Army who served nearly 12 years playing in Army bands and came to Alaska in 2011.
The melancholy beauty of the season will rise in Samuel R. Hazo’s Hennepin County (Shrouds of Snow), Robert Sheldon’s Ghost Fleet, and Eric Whitacre’s October.
The urgency of autumn’s pre-winter preparations are encapsulated in a number of high-pace pieces: Todd Stalter’s relentless Rampage!, Kenneth J. Alford’s quick march Army of the Nile, Robert Jager’s U.S. Marine Corps band tribute Esprit de Corps, Dmitri Shostakovich’s tumultuous Galop, and Malcolm Arnold’s bracing folk song suite, Four Scottish Dances.
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Concerto for Trombone and Band will be performed
The concert will be conducted by the band’s director, Tyler Martin, who also directs the Wasilla High School band program.
Mat-Su Concert Band got its start in 1984 as the Mat-Su Community Band, formed by Matanuska Music owner Hank Hartman. Past directors have included Neil Long, Phil Munger, and Gleo Huyck, who led the group through its transition to an independent nonprofit organization.
Today, the band is made up of about 60 musicians from many different walks of life who come together to make music every week during the school year. Rehearsals are held at Wasilla High School. For more information about the band, including becoming a member, please email contact@matsuconcertband.org
HELP US GROW OUR CALENDAR!
AUGUST
September 17 @ 11:30AM
From Lease to Launch: Designing and Developing Your Space
Alaska Small Business Development Center
Alaska Experience Theater, 333 W. 4th Avenue, #207 workshops@aksbdc.org (907) 786-7278
Cost: $35
September 18 @ 6PM
Northern Lights Social Mat-Su Democrats
Twister Creek Brewery, 13605 E. Main Street waggonerfi@protonmail.com (210) 744-1188
September 20 @ 10AM
17th Annual Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo
The Mat-Su Borough & The People’s Paper Menard Sports Center, 955 S Clapp St talon.boeve@matsugov.us (907) 861-8316
September 20th & 21st @ 10AM-5PM
Spunky Monkey Alaska 1st Ever Parking Lot Sale!
Spunky Monkey Alaska 461 W Parks Hwy, 461 W Parks Hwy info@spunkymonkeyak.com spunymonkeyak.com (907) 357-0711
Submit your event and we’ll print it in the next edition! We’re more than a community paper! We also run 95.5
September 24 @11:30AM
Scaling Up: What to Know Before You Expand
Alaska Small Business Development Center
Alaska Experience Theater
333 W. 4th Avenue, #207 workshops@aksbdc.org (907) 786-7278
Cost: $35
September 25th - 26th @ 10AM
Modern Nurse Fest
Jen Crow
BP Energy Center
1014 Energy Ct info@nursesfornurses.org (907) 980-7765
Cost: $197.00
September 27 @11AM-3PM
2025 Fall Harvest Festival
Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services 26731 West Point Mackenzie Road (907) 376-4534
OCTOBER
October 2 @5:30PM
Seeing with Our Hearts Night at the Museum
Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired Anchorage Museum, 625 C St. cailleo@alaskabvi.org (907) 771-4311
October 4 @ 11AM
Frost Fest: Winter Resource Expo
Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation
Palmer Train Depot, 610 South Valley Way info@revelak.com (907) 903-1664
October 4 @ 2PM
Iron Beauty Health & Wellness Grand Opening
Iron Beauty
609 S Knik Goose Bay Road ironbeauty.com info@ironbeauty.com (907) 357-4766
October 7 @ 10:30AM
Valley Garden Club Regular Meeting
Valley Garden Club
Grace Community Church, 900 Leatherleaf (907) 982-7570
Cost: $20 annual membership fee
October 11 @ 8:30AM
Break Free With Knowledge
Alaskans 4 Personal Freedom
UAA/Wendy Williamson Auditorium, 2533 Providence Dr flocs43070@mypacks.net AK4PF.org (907) 444-4970
Cost: $55 including lunch
Funnies
Maryanne, 9 Charlotte, 8
PALMER ALEHOUSE WRAPS A SUMMER OF LIVE MUSIC
Contributed by Corey Brister, Director of Operations and Entertainment Palmer Alehouse
As summer winds down in Palmer, the Alehouse is reflecting on another season filled with live music, community, and connection. This year brought back many of Palmer’s favorite artists, while also introducing more than a dozen artists making their Palmer Alehouse debut. From local legends to touring bands from as far as the east coast, every night brought its own unique energy, reminding us once again why live music is such an important part of our community.
Of course, none of it would have been possible without the people who keep the Alehouse humming. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our hardworking crew—servers, bartenders, dishwashers, line cooks, and everyone in between—who pour their hearts into making every show memorable. A special thank-you goes to our stage manager, Joe Kilhoffer, whose dedication ensures that every artist who steps on our stage sounds their absolute best.
The Alehouse has always believed that live music is about more than just a performance—it’s about bringing people together. This summer we saw
friends reconnect, families gather, and strangers become neighbors, all while sharing the experience of great music under the midnight sun. Those moments are what make the effort worthwhile, and they’re the reason we continue to grow this tradition year after year.
While we’re closing the chapter on this summer, we’re already looking ahead to the next one. Musicians interested in performing at Palmer Alehouse—or those who know an artist they’d like to see on our stage—are encouraged to reach out. Send an EPK, demo, or even just a love letter to music@ palmeralehouse.com.
From all of us at Palmer Alehouse, thank you for another unforgettable summer of live music. We can’t wait to see you again when the next season rolls around. Cheers, Palmer!
ALASKA JUNIOR THEATER’S 2025–2026 “SOUNDS LIKE FUN!” SEASON SINGLE TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!
Contributed by Rowan Holmes
Anchorage may be where the stage is, but this season is calling families all over Alaska! If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to load up the car, hit the Glenn or the Parks and spend a magical weekend in the city—this is it. Alaska Junior Theater’s brand-new “SOUNDS Like Fun!” Season is bursting with rhythm, color, movement and meaning. Whether you’re coming in from Palmer, Wasilla, Girdwood or beyond, this year’s lineup of public shows is worth every mile. AJT shows are a place where your kids can dance in their seats, your teens can be wowed by boundary-breaking artists and you can rediscover the joy of live theater together.
Kattam and His Tam Tams: Friday, November 7, 2025, at 7 pm. Kick off the season with a global celebration of rhythm and movement! Percussionist Kattam fuses African rap, Moroccan trance, Indian Bollywood and more in a high-energy show that’s educational, interactive and fun.
Holiday Tales: A Season of Miracles with Pushcart Players: Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 2 pm. Traditions come alive in this holiday show by the Emmy-nominated Pushcart Players. Featuring stories from Chanukah to Kwanzaa to The Nutcracker and more, it’s the perfect holiday treat for families.
Black Violin Returns for One Night Only: Friday, January 16, 2026, at 7 pm. GRAMMY-nominated duo Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus redefine music by blending classical strings with hip-hop, inviting audiences to reflect on their own journeys and rediscover their roots with renewed purpose.
Ball in the House – A Cappella Like You’ve Never Heard Before: Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 8 pm. Everything you hear is created by voice alone in this high-energy performance by one of the nation’s premier a cappella groups. Upgrade your ticket for AJT’s Benefit – Saturday Night Fever at 5 pm with auctions, a no-host bar, hors d’oeuvres, dessert and an afterparty with the performers. Come dressed in your grooviest 70s attire.
The Singing Zoologist: Science is His Jam!: Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 2 pm. Wrap up the season with Lucas Miller, aka The Singing Zoologist, who uses puppets, songs and comedy to teach kids and parents about wildlife and ecosystems.
AJT performances are the perfect centerpiece for a weekend getaway to Anchorage. Many families make it a tradition—attending the show, exploring the Anchorage Museum and enjoying an overnight with a hotel pool.
Tickets: Single Tickets and Season Tickets are on sale now at Centertix.com or by phone at 907-263-ARTS (2787). Save 20% with Season Tickets. Prices start at $77 for children for all five shows and $157 for adults. Support Access to the Arts: Every ticket purchased helps AJT bring more students and families to the theater. The Alaska State Council on the Arts offers Excursion Grants to schools statewide. Donate today at AKJT.org.
From rhythm to science, a cappella to strings, AJT’s 2025–2026 Season connects, educates and inspires. Mark your calendars and grab your seats for the best family shows in Alaska. See you at the theater!
YOU’RE INVITED TO A KILLER BOOK RELEASE PARTY!
The Details:
Contributed by Melissa Saulnier
Hey mystery lovers! Get ready to solve the case of the missing afternoon plans because I’ve got the perfect alibi for you! Join me, Melissa Saulnier, for the official release party of my new mystery novel Murder On the Rocks, where the drinks are hot, the plot twists are hot, and nobody actually dies (promise!).
Come for the mystery, stay for the coffee, and leave with a signed copy that’s sure to keep you up all night (in the best way possible). Whether you’re a seasoned sleuth or just love a good page-turner, this party promises to be anything but murder on your social calendar! Can’t wait to see your friendly faces, and remember, the only thing getting killed that day will be time! Feel free to contact me if you would like to have a Book Party! Let’s make red punch and call it Murder On the Rocks!
Mystery and caffeine awaits, Melissa Saulnier
www.publicationconsultants.com
When: Saturday, September 27, 1–4 PM; Where: Kaladi Brothers Meeting Room, 6921 Brayton Dr, Anchorage, Alaska; What: book signing, great coffee, and maybe we’ll crack the case together!
purposeful adventure, meaningful impact.
Send in your activity page and you can win a gift card to a local business!
Literacy
WANT A GOOD RETURN ON INVESTMENT? BANK ON ADULT EDUCATION
Contributed by Rebekah Potter alaskaliteracyprogram.org
Our nation faces a staggering problem: 43 million adults can’t read or write above a third grade level, and 1 in 3 employers say average employees lack the literacy skills to do their jobs effectively. In the U.S., $238 billion in health care costs each year are linked to low literacy. In the Mat-Su Borough, 13% of the adult population is considered “at risk for difficulties using or comprehending print material,” according to the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) Skills Map.
But there’s good news: change is on the way. From Sept. 14-20, groups across the nation are celebrating National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, highlighting the opportunities adults have to change their lives through literacy. Here in the Mat-Su Borough, non-profit Alaska Literacy Program is opening a
new office this fall to offer new adult learning options across the region. These courses will help people earn GED credentials, improve English reading and communication skills, and use digital technology.
When adults participate in education and family literacy programs like these, studies show that their future income increases by 53% long-term. Families who participate in literacy programs have children who are more likely to attend school regularly, be healthy, and finish school. Adults who can read well have greater life expectancy, which shouldn’t be surprising; they can follow doctor instructions, ask questions, and understand prescription and insurance information. They also have higher self-esteem, better employment, and better decision-making abilities.
Communities benefit when adults read well enough to understand local issues, advocate for community needs, and vote. Higher literacy rates are associated with less crime,
greater economic growth, and higher employment rates. And incarcerated adults who participate in education programs are 43% less likely to end up back in prison.
Benefits also abound for the workforce and economy. Literate workers can do their jobs more effectively. They can read safety information, understand warnings, and communicate as a team to stay safe and efficient on the job.
The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy estimates that the U.S. economy would generate $2.2 trillion more dollars per year if all adults could read at or above 6th grade level.
So on National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, what can you do to bring these incredible adult literacy benefits to the Mat-Su? You can sign up to be a volunteer teacher or tutor with Alaska Literacy Program, as volunteers are needed to empower adults by teaching classes and working with students one-on-one in community locations across the Valley. You can encourage adults who are thinking about getting more education by spreading the word about the benefits of increased literacy and letting them know there are very low-cost classes available nearby that can help them meet their goals.
You can also visit the national association on adult education, COABE, at coabe.org/aefl-week to learn more about supporting adult education and National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week.
OCTOBER 4-5, 2025
AlAskA’s PREmiERE
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
ww w.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 t ypes - 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 Lekker, located at 105 S Valley Way Unit 3, Palmer. Next to 203 Kombucha. 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 possi-ble for as long as possible.
WASI provides services, resources, and activities to promote health and independence such as Club50 Fit-ness 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.
Poetry & Prose
SHORT CIRCUIT
Contributed by Lloyd Kelley
Thinking I would write a poem of christian love between evangelist and nun,
I thought but little and was done.
LEARNING TO READ
Contributed by Lloyd Kelley Look! Lloyd, Look!
See Dick and Jane all grown up, standing by the wishing well. Oh Lloyd! Here comes Beggarman Ernie, see his shaggy hair. See his big nose and widespread eyes, see his cupped hand. Listen! Hear Ernie say dollar, woman, baby. See Dick shaking Ernie’s hand. See Dick whispering, twenty-four, twenty-five, Twenty-six, twenty-seven pennies, from his fat pocket.
Look, Lloyd! See Dick and Jane waving goodbye to Ernie, So happy throwing wishes one by one into the wishing well.
MOVING ON
Contributed by Robert Lyons
The edges blur
Boundary obscured
Left with absurdity
As a defining legacy
Begging time to re-present
On the path but hesitant
Fixing the past is heaven sent
But ridiculous to mix fantasy
Into your troubles deep as the sea
No redoing, this is present tense
Falling down like autumn leaves
Isolated but still want to leave
Angry or content, still on the fence
Should I awaken to represent
Humanity struggling for recompense
The past is over, get over it
PLAY
Contributed by Yvonne Moss
Autumn leaves keep falling from oak trees.
They come in many colors of green, yellow, rest red and burgundy.
All come from the same tree,
Depending on how long it takes for them to fall,
And raking the lawn all covered with the colors of time, And makes the whole yard yarda portrait in color.
I took the best ones,
Flattened them to mount behind mat and glass,
That made a picture, waiting to be framed.
I raked them from all over the lawn and yard to be saver for evermore.
Like a merry-go-round that seems to last forever . . .
Until we can all get out to play.
ODE TO AUTUMN COLORS
Contributed by Nan Potts
MY HEART, THE SNAKES, AND FLEAS
Contributed by Charles Dean Walker
How much longer can I put my heart out on my sleeve? Especially, when the people I love always leave, or they stab at me like Dracula.
Some people are called snakes, whilst others should be fleas.
I’m surrounded by the venom and pestilence of their true intentions.
I’m too blinded to see it, until it’s too late.
THE WIND
Contributed by Sadie Poteet, Age 11
The wind is blowing, I shall Soon be going Says Mary Poppins With her sweet Smile showing
MY THOUGHTS
Contributed by Pat Clay
We sing of seasons hot, warm or cold. We shout praises to those who’re shy or bold. We chant tales for those of the past, of olde. Now, let’s pipe the colors, time’s pages fold.
With golden hues leaves flutter, downed. Upon lawn, roof and umbra they cloak the ground. Why is this season so heartfelt, found? Tis but Nature’s sigh, her seasons’ bound.
Their colors glow in Fall’s pale light. Tells of Summer’s glory, all glisten bright. They too shall fade, sear and be lost from sight. Yet’ll be recalled during Winter’s whitest height.
Today knows no tomorrow, its like an invisible sense of flowing through the air. It passes us by like a bolt of lightning, striking once or twice.
Some glance, others stare then there are those who are stuck in a daze left with no direction, nor memory of this sudden flash of day light.
Quite often one’s memory is scattered like dust, Blown into the Sky only to leave one scared and confused, Wondering like a baby just born into the WORLD.
THE BRIGHT LIGHTS BOOK PROJECT: TOUCHING THE STARS
Contributed by Alys Culhane
When I began looking for appreciative readers for local books, I decided that I’d distribute books in a unique variety of ways –bicycle, horseback, bookmobile, being a few such options. I’d imitate the early Greek philosophers, who taught individuals as they travelled by foot. I too would then be peripatetic.
This is not what came to be. In fact, the opposite occurred. Two years into the project, and I was distributing books by car, to set locations. My distribution route included newspaper boxes and bookcases. The books were first housed in the Meeting House on Bailey Street, then in the former banquet room of the historic Eagle Hotel.
I had glimpses of my original vision at the 2025 Alaska State Fair. During the fair, the Bright Lights Book Project and Kid’s Kupboard occupied the Wineck Barn. There we provided fairgoers with information on the history of the barn and promoted nutritional literacy.
BLBP volunteers had also placed 12 newspaper boxes at various sites and adjacent to the Red Trail. For the first 14 days of the fair, I arrived at the fairgrounds early, in order to avoid traffic jams. I also stocked the boxes with theme appropriate books. For example, I put animal books in the petting zoo and reptile books in the reptile box.
In the afternoons I hung out in the Wineck Barn, which was a rest stop for incoming and outgoing fair attendees. Sometimes the barn was packed, and other times near empty. On down times, I stood in the doorway and watched the fairgoers, many of whom were pushing strollers, go by. Some stopped and took photos by the FA R letters.
On the second-to-last day it occurred to me to further promote the BLBP by doing a second, later in the day distribution. I asked Vicki, a volunteer/BLBP board member, if she’d like to accompany me.
She was up for this. We donned literary top hats, which were made by BLBP volunteer Sharon Peek, filled the BLBP wagon with books, trundled down the ramp, and stopped at base of the Red Trail, adjacent to the yellow
Alpine Historical Park newspaper box. There, curious passerby asked us about the hats. This enabled us to tell them about the Bright Lights Book Project vision and mission statements, which are to envision literacy to change lives by making books accessible to appreciative readers of all ages.
A half-hour later we continued on our way and next stopped in front of Brad’s reptile house newspaper box. Prior to the fair, Lynsy Johnson painted this box, which features reptiles reading books. A woman holding a Madagascar cockroach mentioned in passing that Cyndy Lopez and her real live alligator, Alli Gator, would be hosting a story time at 4:00 p.m.
Vicki and agreed to return at this time. In the meantime, we spent time conversing with parents and children at various stopping points, some being the Raven newspaper box at Raven Hall, the Petting Zoo box in the agricultural barn, the Beehive box in the bee booth, the 4-H box in the Franz Equestrian Center walkway, and the Garden box in the Eckert Garden. We also stopped at the Irwin House, filled the box with quilting books, and admired Susan Franznick’s first place bookshelf quilt.
We returned to the Wineck Barn, restocked, and made our way back to Brad’s Reptile House. Cyndy was sitting on the lawn. Alli rested on her lap. Cyndy, Vicki, and I agreed that Vicki and I would pass out books and encourage children to attend the story time session. In minutes, a dozen or so children had gathered around Cyndy and her charge. The children listened quietly as Cindy began reading.
All the while, Alli, was very relaxed and (no kidding) grinning. At the conclusion of the reading, I slipped books in lime green GCI bags and passed them out to the children. And one by one, they came up and petted Alli.
This particular story time was for me the high point the Alaska State Fair, for the BLBP was promoting animal literacy. For instance, a child who pets an alligator is going to think twice about purchasing an alligator purse or taking up alligator wrestling.
Vicki and I eventually made our way back to the Wineck Barn, which late on a Sunday afternoon provided us with a respite from the crowded walkways.
The following day we again took to the fair trails, with the BLBP wagon in hand. The crowd on this, the final day of the fair, was less than the day before. This enabled Vicki and me to talk to dozens more fair goers about the BLBP.
In conclusion, I was pleased, for I’d touched the stars in doing what I’d originally set out to do, which was to make the BLBP books even more accessible to the 2025 fairgoers. www.brightlightsbookproject.org
Hay Rides, Pumpkin Painting, Bounce Houses, Pig Luau, Raffle and Door Prizes. September 27th, 2025
26731 W. Point Mackenzie Rd, Wasilla AK, 99623
Music ALASKA CELTIC PIPES & DRUMS PRESENT THE RUMBLETHUMPS CONCERT
Contributed by Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums
The Rumblethumps Concert will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church, 440 E. Elmwood Avenue in Palmer (corner of Elmwood and S. Eklutna St.; three blocks east of the Palmer Library building).
The Rumblethumps Concert promises a brilliant evening of entertainment by an award-winning local pipe band, with piping and drumming from the entire ensemble, as well as solos and smaller groups of pipers and drummers within the band. What a great way to spend an Alaska autumn evening!
Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums are very active in the greater Anchorage area, the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, and throughout Alaska, and have great fun teaching, performing, and competing. The Rumblethumps Concert is one of several community concerts presented throughout the state by Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums and is regarded by the band as a fun way to “get the party started” at the beginning of the performance season.
Prepare to be amazed! If you love bagpipes or pipe bands, this concert is a must-see. The band are prior winners in pipe band competition locally at the Alaska Scottish Highland Games, in the 2021 and 2022 World Online Piping & Drumming Championships, and most recently performed in August at the inaugural Midnight Sun Highland Games in Fairbanks. Several members have also won solo awards in piping and drumming, both here at home, internationally, and in online competitions.
Admission to the concert is free, but donations are sincerely appreciated, with proceeds to benefit Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums’ Education Fund and the church youth group. Contact the band via email at jungstensgericht@yahoo.com or phone 907-315-9838.
SOUNDS LIKE FUN!
PUBLIC SHOW Nov. 7, 2025
PUBLIC SHOW Dec. 13, 2025
SCHOOL SHOWS
Nov. 4 - 6, 2025
AJT Public Performance: Mar. 21 at 8:00 PM March 17 - 19, 2026 A multicultural musical adventure! Heartwarming holiday stories from various cultures!
PUBLIC SHOW Jan. 16, 2026
SCHOOL SHOWS Dec. 8 - 12, 2025
Merging classical depth with hip-hop’s pulse! Science is his jam! BALL IN THE HOUSE R&B / Soul / POP A CAPPELLA •Music that’ll move ya! And Now I See: Celebrating American Music
SCHOOL SHOWS Jan. 15 - 16, 2026
SCHOOL SHOWS
AJT Benefit Performance: Mar. 21 at 5:00 PM
PUBLIC SHOW April 25, 2026
SCHOOL SHOWS April 21 - 24, 2026