Make A Scene Magazine January 2018

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Non-Profit Directory

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.

Connect Palmer Inc. www.ConnectPalmer.org (907) 746-9675 Connect Palmer is a Christ Centered Training Center and Housing for Women located in downtown Palmer. Connect Palmer’s two primary programs are God’s Work Design, and LIFE Connect. We also have Sarah’s House, which 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 assistant programs, such as The Locker, to provide personal care and basic house hold cleaning items and Scarlet Tapestries which offers basic sewing skills instruction. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

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.

JAN 2018

Mat-Su Sertoma Club www.matsuhearing.org or www.matsuplunge.org “CAN YOU HEAR ME?” Sertoma stands for SERvice TO MAnkind. Mat-Su Sertoma is a 501(c )3 non-profit membership organization whose purpose is to support hearing health in the Mat-Su Valley through education, hearing testing and support of services that assist individuals with deafness and hearing loss.

Mat-Su Sertoma membership is open to the public. Anyone can attend one of our membership meetings. Won’t you join us on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at the Windbreak (Trout House) 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Sertoma’s Annual Scholarship Program …

Apply: www.matsuhearing.org.

Families & Children:

ARTS:

Denali Family Services

Valley Arts Alliance

291 East Swanson Ave. Wasilla, AK 907-222-2331 or eolivares@denalifs.org Denali Family Services provides therapeutic foster care to Alaskan children with mental health needs. If you are committed to working with a team, receiving training and implementing positive interventions to schoolage children and teens, we need your talents and skills.

We are in search of professional, therapeutic foster parents who are willing to make a commitment to the children of Alaska by providing a stable home environment.

For more information, please call or email our Foster Care Recruiter, Ernestina D. Olivares, at 907-222-2331 or eolivares@ denalifs.org.

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

Mat-Su Health Foundation

Valley Community for Recycling Solutions

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.

CONSERVATION: 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)

FAITH: Valley Interfaith Action (VIA) www.valleyinterfaithaction.org (907) 230-1006 To address quality of life issues for all residents of the Mat-Su Borough, utilizing the faith values of our members, developing community-wide interest and mobilization around quality of life issues.

Through training, leaders address community problems by providing forums for discussion, researching alternative solutions, and working as facilitators with residents and leaders for institutional change.

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 OIL PAINTING LESSONS Wednesdays @10AM, Thursdays @5PM Valley Fine Arts Association Art of Oil Studio Cost: $30 per class MAT-SU COMMUNITY CHORUS REHEARSAL NIGHTS Thursday Nights - 7PM Mat-Su Community Chorus Wasilla High School’s Choir Room 701 E Bogard Rd. Wasilla Cost: FREE Admission, $45 Long-term Membership Fee matsucommunitychorus.org PAINT NIGHTS WITH MISS JESSI PAINTS Every Sunday - 6PM Miss Jessi Paints Starbucks in the Target Parking Lot 1801 E Parks Hwy. Wasilla Cost: $20 each for group of 2+, $25 per person (907) 354-8333 Check us out on Facebook THE BIKERS AGAINST HUNGER FOOD DRIVE 1/1/2018 – 2/28/2018 Christian Motorcyclists Associations - Midnight Son Riders Chapter 801 Three Bears Alaska Grocery Stores, Denali Harley Davidson, House of Yamaha, Team CC, Hartley Motors, Performance Yamaha, Fishers Fuel, Arctic Inc. Tattoo Parlor, Subway, Spenard Builders Supply in Wasilla and Palmer, Q99.7 KMBQ Valley Radio Donations Welcome THE ODD COUPLE January 12-28, 2018 Fridays & Saturdays @7PM, Sundays @2PM Valley Performing Arts 251 W Swanson Ave. Wasilla.

Tickets: $17 Students/Seniors, $19 General www.valleyperformingarts.org 2018 FRIENDSHIP TOUR SPAGHETTI DINNER & SILENT AUCTION 1/18/2018 - 6:30PM Valley Girl Scouts Elks Lodge, 2600 N Barrys

Resort Dr. Wasilla Cost: $10 per person, $40 per family (907) 232-8160 POSTPARTUM MAMA MEET-UP 1/19/2018, 2/16/2018 - 1pm Heritage Midwifery Heritage Birth Center – Palmer 2323 S Trunk Rd. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 746-6645 heritagebirthcenter@gmail.com www.heritagebirthcenter.com PRIME RIB WITH PAT WAKE/LIVE MUSIC January 19, 26, 2018 - 6PM February 2, 9, 2018 - 6PM American Legion Post 15 1550 S Mystic Cir. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 745-4440 aklegion15@gmail.com www.akpost15.org 34TH ANNUAL GUN & OUTDOOR SHOW January 20-21, 2018 – 10AM Wasilla High School Hockey Blue Liner Booster Club Wasilla High School 701 E Bogard Rd. Wasilla Cost: $5 General, FREE Ages 0-5 VIA’S PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 1/21/2018 – 6PM Valley Interfaith Action Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 501 E Bogard Rd. Wasilla FREE Event HITCHCOCK PIANO STUDIO MONTHLY MINI-RECITAL/TALK 1/22/2018 - 7PM Hitchcock Piano Studio 950 W Edinborough Dr. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 745-3134 HOUSTON OUTLAWS CAUGHT AT HOME 1/23/2018, 2/13/2018 - 7PM Soft Tip Dart Association Houston Lodge Marketplace 16966 W Parks Hwy. Houston FREE Event - (907) 892-5124 2018 MAT-SU VALLEY HOMELESS CONNECT 1/24/2018 - 10AM United Way of Mat-Su, MatSu Coalition on Housing and Homelessness

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Menard Sports Center 1001 S Clapp St. Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 745-5827

4605 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Wasilla FREE Event

STEVE POLTZ PERFORMANCE 1/25/2018 - 7PM Hatcher Pass Discovery Booking/ Salmonfest Concert Series Klondike Mike’s 820 S Colony Way, Palmer Cost: $10

JIM LEACH AT KALADI’S IN WASILLA February 1-28, 2018 Valley Fine Arts Association Kaladi Brothers 591 George Parks Hwy. Wasilla FREE Event

THE BLOOD BASH BLOOD DRIVE 1/27/2018 - 10AM Denali Destroyer Dolls, Blood Bank of Alaska, Denali Harley Davidson Denali Harley Davidson 1497 Hyer Rd. Wasilla FREE Donations denalidestroyers@gmail.com www.denalidestroyers.org

THE SPOT: UNDER 21 MUSIC VENUE 2/2/2018 – 6PM MY House 300 N Willow St. Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 373-4357

THE BLOOD BASH LIVE ROLLER DERBY 1/27/2018 - 7PM Denali Destroyer Dolls, Blood Bank of Alaska, Denali Harley Davidson MTA Sports Center 1317 S Kerry Weiland Ct. Palmer Tickets: $10 Adv./$12 @Door General Admission, $5 Military/ Seniors/Kids (ages 0-12) denalidestroyers@gmail.com www.denalidestroyers.org UNTOLD STORIES 1/28/2018 - 6PM Palmer Train Depot 610 S Valley Way, Palmer Tickets: $15 www.palmermuseum.org MONDAY MARKET AT PALMET DEPOT 1/29/2018 - 3/26/2018 (Every Monday) - 11:30AM Monday Market at Palmet Depot Palmer Train Depot 610 S Valley Way, Palmer Cost: FREE Admission, Products & Classes for Sale (907) 770-3532 mmatpd@gmail.com

MAT-SU LES MISERABLES February 2, 3, 9, 10, 2018 - 7PM Triumvirate Theater Glenn Massay Theater E 8295 College Dr. Palmer Tickets: $20 www.glennmassaytheater.com AK TUESDAY NIGHT FIGHTS 2/6/2018 - 7:40PM AK Tuesday Night Fights Menard Sports Center 1001 S Clapp Dr. Wasilla Tickets: $18-$35 (907) 232-3727 www.aktuesdaynightfights.com VALENTINE TRUNK SHOW February 8-9, 2018 - 10AM Matsu Senior Services Gift Shop 1132 S Chugach St. Palmer FREE Admission SUDS SCIENCE MODULE 2: BREWING PROCESSES February 10, 17, 24, 2018 - 5PM Arkose Brewery 650 E Steel Loop, Palmer Cost: $100 - (907) 746-BEER info@arkosebrewery.com www.arkosebrewery.com MUSEUM EXPLORERS February 9, 16, 23, 2018 - 11AM March 2, 9, 2018 - 11AM Wasilla Museum 323 N Main St. Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 373-9071 musuem@ci.wasilla.ak.us www.cityofwasilla.com

MATSU COPPER RIVER 4-H HORSE SYMPOSIUM 2/10/2018 - 10AM Matsu Copper River 4-H Horse Council Real Life Church 10697 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Palmer FREE Event - (907) 947-6654 www.4hhorsecouncil.com ALASKA CHAPTER TO THE ASSOCIATION OF MATURE AMERICAN CITIZENS (AMAC) MEETING 2/13/2018 – 1:30PM Chugach Senior Center 22424 N Birchwood Loop, Chugiak FREE Event mcoons@mtaonline.net LIPGLOSS & LEADERSHIP BUSINESS SUMMIT 2018 2/17/2018 - 9AM Alaska Businesswomen’s Network Glenn Massay Theater 8295 E College Dr. Palmer Tickets: $20, FREE Vendor Market EncoreEventsAlaska@gmail.com 8TH ANNUAL MAT-SU SERTOMA PLUNGE 2/17/2018 - 10AM MatSu Sertoma Club Everett’s and Mat-Su Resort 1850 E Bogard Rd. Wasilla FREE Admission, Donations/ Pledges Welcome TIRES FOR TACOS 2/17/2018 - 12PM Bikers Against Hunger Denali Harley Davidson 1497 Hyer Rd. Wasilla Cost: 10 cans of food or $10 VAA WEARABLE ART & RUNWAY FASHION SHOW 2/17/2018 - 3PM & 7PM Valley Arts Alliance Palmer Train Depot 610 S Valley Way, Palmer Cost: $15 www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com

Calendar of Events

BARBARA HUNT AT BEARPAW RIVER BREWING February 1-28, 2018 Valley Fine Arts Association www. MAKEASCENEAK .com Bearpaw River Brewery

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Arts & Entertainment Contributed by Carmen Summerfield

VAA Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show 2/17/2018 - 3PM & 7PM Valley Arts Alliance Palmer Train Depot 610 S Valley Way, Palmer Cost: $15 The Valley Arts Alliance is proud to host their 12th Annual VAA Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show at the Palmer Depot on February 17, 2018. This year, we will present two identical performances: a matinee at 3pm and an evening performance at 7pm.

Wearable art refers to hand-crafted and one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork designed to be worn by the human body as an artistic expression.Using their knowledge of color, fabric and non-traditional materials, artists create unique, wearable garments which they (or their models) wear while parading down an authentic “fashion runway”, accompanied by narration and music.

For our 12th year, we’re using the theme “Parallel Universe” for staging the show, and we’re encouraging artists to use the same theme for their creative inspiration. To view exciting scenes from years past, visit our Wearable Art archives pages at www.

ValleyArtsAlliance.com/archives.

To become a part of the 12th Annual VAA Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show, download our application package, which contains the 2018 Entry Form, along with criteria, guidelines and tips to make your entry a smashing success! Then, return the completed application to us by Friday, February 9, 2018. Due to the overwhelming success of this show, we must limit entries to the first 25, so we urge you to submit your completed application early.

JAN 2018

The ticket price is $15 per person for each performance. For the 3pm matinee only, children 12 years old and under will be admitted for free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are on sale now in Palmer at Fireside Books and Non-Essentials, in Wasilla at MY House/ Gathering Grounds Café and in Big Lake at Top Drawer. We expect both shows to sell out, so please purchase your tickets early.

The 12th annual Valley Arts Alliance Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show will be an exquisite evening of art and entertainment, in what has become a well-loved winter tradition in our Valley. Don’t miss this opportunity to support the arts in the Valley!

Music & Arts

Contributed by Sally Hitchcock, Hitchcock Piano Studio Hitchcock Piano Studio Monthly MiniRecital/Talk 1/22/2018, 2/26/2018, 3/26/2018, 4/23/2018, 5/28/2018, 6/25/2018, 7/23/2018, 8/27/2018, 9/24/2018, 10/22/2018, 11/26/2018, 12/24/2018 - 7PM Hitchcock Piano Studio 950 W Edinborough Dr. Palmer FREE Event My first books were from garage sales back in the 70s, since there were no bookstores even in Anchorage with teaching material, except for a strange few things. The beginning of a professional group in Anchorage started

the process for me. Every meeting ended in some sort of a discussion, and I always came home with a “What is that?” list.

Both colleges in Anchorage helped with courses. One held in spring several week sessions on literature for the piano, and the other one gave us three courses in one year on both literature and pedagogy that a small group of us teachers soaked up. When two of our group started the store, Keyboard Cache, in one of their basements, I was really feeling safer trying to teach all the students coming to me.

Another source of teaching help came from a professional magazine that listed summer workshops by the creators of new method systems or colleges. Since my parents were saving people, they

were able to close accounts and send me good-sized checks occasionally that helped me take many trips, all over the country. I told students for years some of my favorite quotes from these master teachers.

One summer, a Robert Pace Group Method teacher from Wenachee, Washington asked if I could help her arrange to teach some short one-day workshops in Alaska. I had taken two weeks of her teaching at her home studio, and was able to arrange three sessions and cover the expenses for her entire trip from the fees we charged.

There were even three teachers in my cabin where my three daughters and I lived. The Anchorage session was a big success and the flight to Kenai was a

great joy, since it was a rare occasion that brought the Kenai-area teachers together in a school gym.

It was a joy for me to hear all the questions, and watch the frantic notetaking. It all happened because this is Alaska.

Ongoing learning is a real necessity.

The monthly mini-recitals I am currently doing could not be as useful or fun if I’d lived in isolation and insisted on using just cheap CDs and my helter-skelterbought music library.

My daughters and I could have traveled more often on the money I was given, but I could not have become the teacher I became without my lovely travels.

PAGE 8 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Arts

Contributed by Charice Chambers

JAN 2018

Valentine Trunk Show February 8-9, 2018 – 10AM Matsu Senior Services Gift Shop 1132 S Chugach St. Palmer FREE Admission At a very early age, Vicki Randolph learned to respect and honor both the land and nature’s gifts. Born and raised on Kodiak Island, she is a 5th generation Native Alaskan of Alutiiq’ and Norwegian descent. As a young girl, Vicki was inspired by watching her mother, her many aunties and

her grandmother as they worked with their hands to create something of value and beauty. Whether it was a large vegetable garden, harvesting the bounty of the ocean, tending to livestock, sewing a piece of clothing, making berry syrups and jams or knitting a warm jacket, all of the women of her family were strong in mind and spirit. It was always their goal to create finished products of lasting quality and beauty. Vicki’s jewelry and glass art reflect this heritage.

From her youth, Vicki spent hours sequestered in her bedroom creating fanciful art and craft projects.

Her early passion was painting. In high school, her natural talents flourished. She entered and won art contests. Encouraged by her art teacher, she chose to seek a career as an artist. Her parents, however, did not view art as a dependable livelihood. Vicki allowed her personal art expression to go dormant for a long

period of time. As a young mother, she encouraged her children to be creative with various arts and craft projects and activities. When her children were teenagers, Vicki again allowed her creativity to breathe. She began working with glass, and Classy Glass Expressions was born. She has since transitioned to making more jewelry than glass art, but has kept the business name.

Vicki’s children, now adults, also have the need to be creative. She continually encourages them to include time in their lives to feed their brains’ need for creative activity. Her advice to young parents: “Encourage your children from an early age to be creative and to experiment with a variety of art and mediums. The brain needs to be active. Creativity helps stimulate all functions of the brain. No art is ugly or worthless. It is an CONTINUES ON PAGE 9

Contributed by Josh Fryfogle He is a consummate professional, and an expert in his craft - at the top of the hierarchy of Alaskan guitarists, from my view.

Rick Brooks has been a musical influence across Alaska for years, and while his performance is usually guitar-centric, with some vocal accompaniment on occasion, Rick is a man with stories too - with some of the great names of music. His knowledge of the corpus of music history is broad as well, and I think it lends a master’s touch to his song choices.

As a guitar geek myself, with a love for the lore of music, I couldn’t help but be enrapt with Rick’s stories, his personal experiences as a guitarist - and the gleeful enthusiasm he experiences when he talks about those times - past and present.

We talked about his upcoming plans to travel and perform in some of the classic blues venues in Mississippi,

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Arts & Music in between sets at his recent gig at Everett’s in Wasilla. We talked about Steve Vai, and Zappa, and some other musical esoterica that most readers don’t care to hear about.

As we talked, a couple walked by, and the man clearly had a real appreciation for Rick’s world-class skill and attention to detail. He just wanted to talk music, and I am guessing he would have stayed longer without his wife tugging him away.

Rick is so good at what he does, anyone can enjoy his performance, but you have to be a bit of a geek to really get it. He’s not flash and fanfare, he is modeled and modulated by years of intellectual and practical experience. He knows his stuff, and he plays to the room.

I am very glad to see this new restaurant, Everett’s, reflecting their intention to be an upscale option in the Mat-Su by hiring world-class artists like Rick.

Rick Brooks is a musician’s musician, the cream of the crop.

And the food was good.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 expression, and is just as important as the spoken or the written word.”

Now in her early 60s, this 26-year Palmer resident, focuses primarily on making jewelry. A tour of Vicki’s home showcases her varied artistic talents.

Vicki loves the look and feel of natural stones, including their rough edges and imperfections. As she says, “They are like all of us - imperfect, yet full of expression, beauty and strength.” When making jewelry, she often places several different stones on her workbench and allows them to “talk” to her. Sometimes, the stones will be there for weeks, and then suddenly, she knows exactly what to do with them. Another beautiful necklace is born. Most of Vicki’s necklaces are oneof-a-kind pieces. She is very conscientious about durability, using professional jeweler’s components

and hard connections that assure that the construction of her pieces will stand the test of time.

Vicki does numerous shows and events throughout the year, and can be found on Facebook at Classy Glass Expressions. “People need to see my jewelry in person, touch it and try it on. The jewelry comes alive when you wear it.”

Classy Glass Expressions creations can be found in several retail locations throughout the state of Alaska, including the Matsu Senior Services Gift Shop.

Located at 1132 South Chugach Street in Palmer across from Palmer Junior Middle School, the gift shop will host a Valentine trunk show featuring Vicki’s creations.

JAN 2018

Several original paintings, numerous items in stained glass, art glass and beads are scattered throughout the warm and inviting space. According to Vicki she, “…has a lot of glass supplies and tools, and I know I’ll transition back to that aspect of art. Who knows? Maybe I’ll start painting again too.” She even admits to a bucket list that includes a novel that is currently underway!

For now though, Vicki is happy to create beautiful, unique, handmade jewelry. Her necklaces feature

natural stones and a variety of material that provide dimension and texture, or that provide a bit of sparkle for dressy date night outfits. Her leather bracelets are trendy, stylish and durable, and even include several styles for men.

Community Events

Contributed by Nan Potts Mat-Su Les Miserables February 2, 3, 9, 10, 2018 – 7PM Triumvirate Theater Glenn Massay Theater E 8295 College Dr. Palmer Tickets: $20 It’s 1842 and there’s revolution in the air. The people of France, who have lived through the initial storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the Principle Revolution in 1832, survived a cholera epidemic, the Bourbon Restoration under Louis XVIII and Charles X, are now in the midst of Louis Philippe I’s rule - the July Monarchy.

Dominated by the wealthy French elite and numerous Napoleonic officials, the general population are downtrodden and down-right miserable!

This February, Triumvirate Theater presents “Les Miserables (School Edition)”, directed by AJ Seims, at the Glenn Massay Theater. Those familiar with this saucy tale, know just how wonderful misery can be. The music is compelling and so is the talent. Mr. Seims has brought young actors, singers and musicians from all over the Valley together to portray this

stunning musical of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg.

The school edition has minor alterations for developing voices.

However, Mr. Seims has worked hard at recreating the original stage production with his choice of cast.

The main protagonist, Jean Valjean (Jarrett Hardy), had been unjustly imprisoned for almost 20 years for stealing a loaf of bread. Constable Jevert (Bronson Stewart) is ready to release Valjean on parole with a yellow ticket of leave, marking him as a convict. Valjean discovers it is difficult to find work, being marked as a con. Nearly starving, he is taken in by the local bishop who shows him mercy and kindness. Valjean, frustrated in his position, repays him by stealing the church’s silver and taking flight. Caught by the law again, he is brought before the bishop. The clergyman continues to show him mercy and grants Valjean the silver as a gift. In addition, he includes pair of silver candlesticks, telling Valjean, “You must use this precious silver to become an honest man . . . I have bought your soul for God.” This generous act motivates Valjean to tear up his yellow ticket, breaking his parole and create a new life for

himself. Discarding his identity, another story begins . . .

Remember, revolution is afoot and the French economic situation is deteriorating. This means the slippery innkeepers, the Thenardiers (Mary Tucker and Kobe Kramer); the idealistic students; the lovestruck pair, Cosette (Charly Rentz) and Marius (Korden Jones) and of course, the downtrodden Fantine (Cami VanAusda), Eponine (Anissa Baggett) and more, partake in plausible roles history remembers leading up to the French Revolution of 1848.

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Theater & Entertainment

Audiences who have enjoyed Mr. Seims’ performances in “Fiddler on the Roof” and “A Christmas Carol”, as well has his direction of “A Christmas Carol” and “Pirates of Penzance” will be entertained by familiar voices and see familiar faces, along with new, fresh ones.

This production is a must-see for family and friends of the cast and crew, and especially for all “Les Mis” fans. There are limited performances, February 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th, so you’ll want to order your seats right away. Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased online at www. glennmassaytheater.com and at the box office.

Hurry, you really want to be part of this Revolution!

JAN 2018

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Creative Writing / Storytelling Contributed by Larissa Peltier

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

“Papa, look,” Karice cried. As they beheld Icene in agony, one of her green eyes burst golden, starting at the pupil and spreading to the rest of the iris like a star. Her muscles tightened as the enchantment coursed through her small body.

Riven placed her in his bed and he and Karice took turns watching her, hoping she would not die. Icene tossed and squealed with each muscle cramp, but then a strong, gentle hand would massage the pain away.

After three days, the baby came out of her delirium. Quietly, she observed her surroundings with new sight. There was her father and sister, but her mother was gone.

When his daughter finally slept peacefully, Riven left her bedside. With relief, he saw that she did not change as Beija’s previous enchantments had, she remained his little girl, the only evidence of her enchantment being her golden eye. He sought out a place where he could be alone, and made for the rough log cabin he and Beija first inhabited as husband and wife. He had to be alone.

And when he was, tears broke loose. He had nearly lost his baby, and cast his wife out because of it. He remembered Beija’s

Contributed by Charlie Rossiter

JAN 2018

Bill Schmidtkunz has been writing poems for a long time and in this new collection, he provides a good example of what poets do best: He looks closely at his life and tells us what he sees.

Back in his early 20s, after deciding college was not for him, Bill left his native Milwaukee and traveled the country. After a few years of restless searching, he eventually found his way to the Pacific Northwest, ultimately settling in Sutton where he now makes his home. This bit of biography is offered as context for better understanding the quiet, personal, reflective poems in this brief collection.

indifference to what she had done. How angry it made him.

“Leave now before I kill you, leave Lindane.

I never want to see you again,” were his last words to her. She left, packed up what she needed and was gone. And what would he do now without her, how would he raise his two little girls without a mother? What could he teach them? He knew nothing of the arts of women. All he knew was carpentry and…

Riven stopped. His eyes became hard and cold. There was one skill he could teach them that would take care of them for the rest of their lives. He knelt near a trunk and opened it. Inside were the tools of his youth: his sword and shield.

In the domain of Nadeau, a castle stood.

Vines hid the crumbling stone walls. The castle was very old and the lording family that owned it had dwindled to one heiress, Beija. She lived in one room of the wing that was less ruinous than the rest - the library.

Among the books, Beija studied. The books she read were mostly about heroes and the fair maidens they married. But once, she came across a story about the castle. It read that a king and his new bride were touring their lands. They stopped at a spring that the queen fell in love with. To please her, the

In an email, I asked Bill why the collection is called “lower case poetry”.

His response (all in lower case) provides a good look at what the poems are about: “because of the type face, of course, but also i see there is a certain moodiness to the pieces as well. more than once i thought they were kinda dark - street people under bridges, finding refuge in churches, even john the baptist giving me a hard time. the bookends are fallen angel, which opens the “story” and ends with leaving fingerprints as some hopeful advice. your hieroglyphics leaving an ink-blown hand print on the ten thousand year sandstone cliff face.”

Two days later, he added: “every time I read my stuff, i see other things. “lowercase poetry” might be something like a backwards pilgrimage.

king built a small castle nearby. The queen became with child and a boy was born. He grew stronger every day and dismayed his parents with the evil they saw blossoming within him. One day, the king rebuked his son. The young man, in fury, murdered his father; then ran into the forest as a fearsome beast. After hearing of her husband’s death, the queen drowned herself in the spring.

Though the story gave strong evidence of a spring of enchantment near her castle, Beija had never seen it. She imagined it had dried up after all these years, or more likely, had never existed at all. Beija shut the volume. A mirror stared back at her. She was aging, and the lines around her eyes were beginning to show it. She reached for her jar of youthweed oil, but it was empty. Beija sighed, she would have to get more.

Beija made her way past ferns and veils of moss that hung from the trees. She searched for the weed that unlike its name suggested, was actually quite rare. Youthweed was the only plant whose properties made her appear nearly a decade younger than the fifty years she neared, and she went to great lengths to acquire it. She would boil it with honeysuckle and the oil would turn into a cream that kept skin smooth and tight.

Beija hiked for nearly the whole day, but the

opening poem something of, “wow, how did i get here, what did i give up, does this have meaning, is the panhandler me?” to sitting on a roadside chair thinking, “i will survive all this.” it goes on to the patron saints and traveling a road though darkness. in “the harvest moon”, i’m trying to live my dreams, but the passing years may be taking them away from me. but this is where “we make it our own” brings it back to the beautiful earth. we recover in our relationships with others. there is salvation.”

Schmidtkunz notes that for public readings, he requests that the audience simply listen without outward response as he goes through the entire collection of poems; for although their content varies, the mood they create has a consistency

plant eluded her. She swung her machete at another swath of vines that encased the entire forest. Moisture clung to her skin, making her even more uncomfortable than the sweat from her exertions alone. In frustration, Beija struck angrily at the vine blocking her way, then nearly lost her head as her blade unexpectedly bounced off it.

Her machete rung with the sound of metal striking metal, and Beija’s arm bones vibrated from the blow. She tentatively reached out a hand on a tangle of vines and pushed. The entire lattice of vines moved in unison. It wasn’t a tangle of vines, but a wrought iron gate. She gave it a hard shove.

Rusted hinges creaked loudly as they gave way.

Beija stepped through the gate, and the remnants of a marble wall were on either side of her, the same marble as that which her castle was built of. The first tree she saw had pomegranates on it. Had she stumbled into an old orchard? The fruit hung rich and red, some of the fruit had cracked open, revealing their ruby red seeds and tart scent. Her next three steps took away her train of thought. A pool of water flashed and flowed before her.

The surface sparkled and was surrounded by pomegranate trees. It was the shimmering spring.

about it that readily takes over the room. An important goal of poetry is for the poet to show us his life and life in general, as he sees it. At this, Schmidtkunz succeeds admirably. This is a book for snuggling up and reading by the fire with that important other person in your life. It will help you focus on the bigger picture. “lower case poetry” by William Schmidtkunz, Fox Point, WI: Distant Thunder Press, 2017, 16 pp. $10, paperback. Available from the author at P.O. Box 26, Sutton, Alaska, 99674. *Charlie Rossiter of Bennington, VT, hosts the twice-monthly podcast series at www.poetryspokenhere. com, where he interviews poets who read from their work.

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Poetry & Creative Writing

JAN 2018

Poetry & Creative Writing

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Poetry & Creative Writing

Poetry & Creative Writing

Theater & Entertainment Comedy directed by Dave Nufer The ODD Couple January 12-28, 2018 Fridays & Saturdays @7PM, Sundays @2PM Valley Performing Arts 251 W Swanson Ave. Wasilla.

Tickets: $17 Students/Seniors, $19 General Unger and Madison are at it again! Florence Unger and Olive Madison, that is, in Neil Simon’s hilarious contemporary, comic classic: the female version of “The Odd Couple”. Instead of the poker party that begins the original version, Ms. Madison has invited the girls over for an evening of Trivial Pursuit. The Pidgeon sisters have been replaced by the two Constanzuela brothers. But the hilarity remains the same.

“The ODD Couple” opens January 12th and runs through January 28th, 2018. Ticket prices are $19 for regular admission, $17 for seniors/ students. This hilarious production will be appearing at Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Avenue, Wasilla. Dinner Theatre for “The ODD Couple” will premiere at Evangelo’s on February 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Tickets are $50/ person.

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. Be sure to follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ValleyPerforming-Arts. #valleyperformingartsAK

Contributed by Patricia Chesbro, Palmer Museum of History and Art Untold Stories 1/28/2018 - 6PM Palmer Museum of History and Art Palmer Train Depot 610 S Valley Way, Palmer Tickets: $15 New York City has The Moth, Anchorage has Arctic Entries, and Palmer has Untold Stories. All are devoted to storytellers and their tales of life as we live it.

On January 28th, from 6PM-8PM at the Palmer Depot, the Palmer Museum of History and Art will present the next episode of Untold Stories, “Surviving”.

Seven locals will enthrall the audience with their joyful, poignant, hair-raising, thought-provoking anecdotes. You will laugh, cry and remember your own sagas from which you not only survived, but thrived.

Tickets are $15 at BBella, Fireside Books or the Palmer Museum.

Join us for this community event, and celebrate your courageous storytelling neighbors.

Contributed by Jessi Tomasino Paint Nights With Miss Jessi Paints Every Sunday - 6PM Miss Jessi Paints Starbucks in the Target Parking Lot 1801 E Parks Hwy. Wasilla Cost: $20 each for group of 2+, $25 per person Painting parties are for everyone, every age and every skill level. It is so fun and rewarding to create your own art.

page 15

Arts before the date of the party. Invoices are sent by email through square processing, unless other arrangements are made.

Children’s parties, private paint nights and fundraising painting party inquiries are welcomed.

Classes fill up fast! Please message us on Facebook page/MissJessiPaints, or text me with questions at 907-354-8333.

I can’t wait to paint with you!

Most Sunday evenings at 6pm, Starbucks in Wasilla (right next to Taco Bell) will be hosting Miss Jessi Paints in their beautiful new addition.

You will need the following ingredients: • 2-3 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces • 2 carrots, diced • 2 stalks of celery, chopped • 1 can cream of chicken soup • 1 32oz. box of chicken broth • 1 12oz. package of egg noodles • 2 Tbsp. chicken bouillon • 1 Tbsp. marjoram • 6 cups water

But as I discovered just recently, they left out the most important lesson: How to be an artist.

the package. When done, drain and add to the soup. Add softened carrots and celery. Add drained chicken. Stir and simmer until nice and hot. This soup is very filling and a good choice during the cold and flu season!

About Hot Plate Madness: You can watch Hot Plate Madness prepare this meal on their YouTube channel. Hot Plate Madness is a weekly cooking show designed to provide young people budgetfriendly meals that can be prepared with limited equipment. Hosted by MY House case manager, Jenn Martin, and Nine Star Education and Employment Services youth director, Roger Hamacher, each episode includes the recipes and cost breakdown, as well as an occasional bit of madness. Search Hot Plate Madness and subscribe for new weekly episodes!

Strange coming from two amazingly talented, award winning women. I had to learn the missed lesson myself.

This is that art is creating what you feel, how you feel. Not what you are “supposed” to. The next aspect is not caring a bit who likes it or doesn’t. This has been a very recent moment of self-discovery for me. Paint what feels good.

Yes, I can paint a proficient landscape or a bowl of fruit. But I truly hate it. I was too scared to put what I love and feel onto a canvas. Now I can. Now when someone says, “You are such a talented artist!”, I respond with, “Thank you!”

I am a local artist born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. The beauty of my home state is some of the inspiration for my paintings. I would love to talk with people about my work.

Please contact me via email at sunflowerak77@yahoo.com, Facebook (Trista Bookout) or telephone, (907) 830-4102.

Several of the paintings in this article are for sale. I am able to do commissioned or personal pieces. Pricing is dependent on size and intricacy of the piece. I hope you enjoy viewing my work as much as I did painting it!

JAN 2018

Directions: In a large pan, heat oil and cook cut-up chicken until done. In a separate pan, add carrots and celery and cook until softened.

In a large soup pot, add chicken broth, the water containing dissolved bouillon, the cream of chicken soup and marjoram. Stir until blended. Prepare the noodles as directed on

I have been asked my entire life, “How do you do this?” People are referring to a drawing, sketch or painting that I have shown them. I tell them, “I have been drawing or painting since I could pick up a pencil or crayon.” The usual response is, “You are such an artist.” Until recently, I couldn’t accept this compliment. I usually respond with a mumbled, humble, “Oh... no, not really.”

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Food

Welcome to the Madness, this month’s recipe is a delicious and relatively easy-to-make soup.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” - Pablo Picasso

I have been creating art for almost 40 years now. I have been taught formally in form, color mixing, perspective and figure drawing. Ironically, I got a B- in high school art class.

A C in College Water Color 101 and a low D in print making. I painted or drew what I had been instructed to. I was blessed with two grandmothers with artistic talent. They taught me many things.

The cost for most parties will be an affordable $25.00 per painter, or if more than one painter is paid for on an invoice it will be 20.00, due

Contributed by Roger Hamacher

Contributed by Trista Bookout