Make A Scene Magazine January 2015

JAN 2015

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com PAGE 2

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PAGE 4

Entertainment

Jabali African Acrobats Link Athletics & Arts

February 6, 7:30PM | Alaska Center for the Performing Arts Contributed by Rob German

JAN 2015

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Friday, February 6 at 7:30pm in the Atwood Concert Hall at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, downtown Anchorage. Sponsored by ConocoPhillips and the Alaska State Council on the Arts.

Direct from Mombasa, Kenya, this award-winning, explosive troupe of young acrobats combine the artistry of acrobatic elegance, music, and incredible dance to create a full-stage theatrical extravaganza. Sharing the beauty of their African culture, performers bounce, bop, and balance to a joyful Benga beat as they transition from dancing to human pyramids, chair balancing, complex footwork and other amazing contortions.

East African musical tradition, culture and history lessons are woven into this interactive, affordable, and familyfriendly performance. Known as “Kenya’s high energy super-circus,” members have described their show as, “part Cirque du Soleil, part Harlem Globetrotters.”

East African musical tradition, culture and history lessons are woven into this interactive, affordable, and familyfriendly performance.

Jabali will also provide a special performance at Alaska Junior Theater’s Annual Benefit Dinner on January 31st.

The event covers the cost of scholarships and generates funds to subsidize bus transportation for students to attend AJT’s professional performances.

Benefit attendees enjoy a champagne reception and dinner, silent and live auction, an exciting performance by Jabali African Acrobats, and music to dance through the night.

Sponsored by GCI, AJT’s Annual Benefit Dinner is an opportunity for the community to help bring the arts into

the lives of children who may otherwise never see a live performance. AJT’s Annual Benefit Dinner is Saturday, January 31st, 6:00pm at the Anchorage Marriott Downtown. Reserve tickets by calling the AJT office at 272-7546.

Ahead of the public performance, everyone is invited to attend these outreach events with an opportunity to interact with the acrobats: Community Welcome Dinner: Monday, February 2, 6:00pm at Begich Middle School. Bring a dish to share and meet the members of Jabali African Acrobats.

This is a free event.

Library Limbo/Dance Workshop: Wednesday, February 4, 4:00pm at Mountain View Library (120 Bragaw Street). This is also a free event.

Pubic Performance: Friday, February 6 at 7:30pm in the Atwood Concert Hall, ACPA. Tickets start at $14

> For more information on tickets for this or any of Alaska Junior Theater’s performances and events, go to akjt.org or call (907) 272-7546

Alaska Junior Theater is a private, nonprofit organization that has been bringing the best in professional theatre from around the world to Alaska’s young audiences for 33 years.

Each year, more than 40,000 students attend a variety of live performances, which share the common educational goal of “bringing learning to life.” For many students, AJT’s school-time presentations are their only exposure to the performing arts.

Community Equinox Women’s Film Festival seeks to celebrate women in the film industry.

A REVIEW OF ‘LET’S MURDER MARSHA’ PAGE 6

Contributed by Courtney Brooke Smith We are looking to showcase their work and to hear their story. Equinox accepts films and video of all lengths and genres: Experimental, narratives, documentary, animation, and whatever else you can think of.

We also accept pieces produced in any year. All submissions must be directed, written, produced, starring and or highlighting a woman’s story.

> For more details visit the webpage matsu.alaska.edu/lunafest-equinox or contact Courtney Brooke Smith at 746-9317

Equinox Women’s Film Festival is the first annual festival created by and for the Matanuska Valley.

We are excited to be the first festival to feature films made

by Alaskan women.

CINDERELLA BY PULSE DANCE CO. | PAGE 16

Holiday Event for Foster Kids A Success Contributed by Betsy Woodin

Thanks to our fabulous volunteers and generous donors Alaska Center for Resource Families, OCS and CASA sponsored a wonderful holiday event for children in foster care.

About 50 Mat-Su resource families picked up gifts from Special Santa and enjoyed cookies and juice, a gingerbread balloon house,

Santa, arts and crafts, hats and mittens, bags and pillow cases, and stuffed animals. We could not have done it without the support of the community, especially the Knit Witz, Sue Frisby, Raven Wi, Genie’s Gang, Lori, Erin’s Boys, Alia’s Crew, Lynn and McKenzie, Dawn and Tara, Mitch, MSBSD for the location, and the use of Kristan Cole’s van.

> For information about ways to help foster children contact Betsy ACRF 376-4678.

WEARABLE ART 2015 | PAGE 26

PAGE 6 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Theatre

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Let’s Murder Marsha – A Review

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

Melissa Lowther as Marsha Gilmore | James Eaches as Tobias Gilmore | Mathew Firman as Virgil Baxter | Jennifer McGuffey as Persis Devore Patty Taylor as Lynette Thoren | Abraham Boney AS Officer Ben Quade | Lexi Guild as Bianca

By Stephen Warta Featuring a number of actors new to the Valley Performing Arts (VPA) stage, Let’s Murder Marsha, is a hilarious comedy that is arguably the best VPA play this season has seen so far.

JAN 2015

Be prepared for a quiet start that quickly transforms into a performance that has the entire audience bursting into progressively frequent peals of laughter as the plot becomes increasingly hilarious as the play advances.

Director Patricia Blossom does a fabulous job directing Let’s Murder Marsha. She skillfully leads her small cast through the laughladened play, leaving no room for complaints from even the critical eye. The show is set in New York

City at the Gilmore’s apartment. The play opens on the day before Marsha Gilmore’s birthday. Marsha’s nerves are on edge due to her obsession with mystery thrillers, which her husband, Tobias Gilmore despises.

When Marsha overhears Tobias planning a birthday surprise, her nerves take control and she fears the worse, mistaking Tobias’s description of the surprise to an associate to be his plans for her murder.

that is extremely entertaining and amusing. Jim Eaches graces the VPA stage for the first time, playing as “Tobias Gilmore”. Fellow actors, Melissa Lowther, Patty Taylor, Jennifer McGuffey, Lexi Guild, and Mathew Firmin strengthen his epic performance. Eaches’ prior experience on other stages shows in his embodiment of the role. His personality shines through his part of the performance, making his act even stronger and more enjoyable.

Marsha decides to take action to save her life by adapting actions similar to those taken by the heroes in her mystery books. Things quickly escalate, accompanied with growing hilarity, until the final confrontation when Marsha finally learns the truth.

Lowther is another freshman VPA actor and plays Tobias’s wife, “Marsha Gilmore”. Lowther does an excellent job as well. Patty Taylor, a veteran VPA actor, is a welcome addition to the cast. As usual, Taylor does an outstanding job, garnering numerous laughs from the audience as she plays Marsha’s mother.

The cast is exceptionally strong, creating a cohesive, smooth play

The play runs smoothly and pauses

only for a well-placed intermission.

This smoothness is largely in part due to the entire play occurring in one set, which prevents potential disruption due to set changes.

Because there is only one set, it enables the set to be spotless, which eliminates potential distractions from the play and strengthens its atmosphere.

Let’s Murder Marsha runs through January 25th, playing at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. on Sundays, and a special 7 p.m. showing on Thursday the 15th at the Fred and Sara Machentanz Theatre, 251 W. Swanson Avenue, in Wasilla.

> Purchase Tickets:

www.valleypreformingarts.org or by calling 907-373-0195 They cost $19 for adults and $17 for children and seniors.

PAGE 7

Music

The Mammals have teamed up with producer Eric LeBrosse of Cherry Pit Studios to capture the product of a year and a half of intense songwriting. They're currently streaming a demo track of "Suzie", a song from the upcoming album, on their website: viciousmammals.com.

The band plans to stream many more demos and teasers before the album hits the streets this summer.

In preparation for the studio, the Vicious Mammals have lined up a series of warm-up gigs in the Anchorage/Valley area.

On Jan. 24th they'll be throwing an all-ages video shoot house party in Wasilla, followed by a return to the Taproot in Anchorage for Punk Monday on Jan. 26th.

In February they'll be rocking at the Carousel in Anchorage with 3 Kisses, Jay Straw and Citizens Erased.

> Please contact Junkyard

Jesse at viciousmammals@ gmail.com for more info, interviews, or promotional materials. www.viciousmammals.com facebook.com/viciousmammals twitter.com/viciousmammals

VICIOUS MAMMALS TO TRACK NEW ALBUM IN APRIL LISTEN TO DEMO ON VICIOUSMAMMALS.COM

JAN 2015

Merging elements of punk, classic rock, metal and country, the Vicious Mammals have forged a hard rockin' sound and an energetic live performance.

Their throwback style and sleazy lyrics hearken back to a time when rock n' roll was fun

-- and a little bit dangerous.

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Wasilla punk rock n' rollers Vicious Mammals are set to start recording their debut album. Tracking of the 12-track full-length effort is slated to begin in April 2015.

PAGE 8 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Community Events Art Alaska Theatre of Youth's Spring Break Bootcamp January 5th – February 6th All Day - North Star Elementary 605 W Fireweed Lane, Anchorage, Alaska 99503 $250.00 www.alaskatheatreofyouth.org Alaska Theatre of Youth 907-338-4901 LET’S MURDER MARSHA January 9th – 25th, 2014 General/Comedy Directed by Patricia Blossom Valley Performing Arts, Wasilla

Shall We Dance? Dance Class Saturday, January 24th 4:30-5:30PM $15 Per Person United Protestant Church Mirance Harris the.rhythm.inside@gmail.com

Book Signing: Dog Training Manual January 10th – 3PM-5PM Fireside Books 720 South Alaska Street, Palmer FREE - Fireside Books 907-745-2665

Hot Dish LIVE January 24th, 7-10pm Mad Hatcher Pizza Restaurant 9351 N. Palmer Fishhook Rd. $5 at door 907-746-2480

The Mat-Su Martin Luther King, Jr. Foundation 2015 Annual Celebration A Time to Honor, Remember, and Move Together to Engage the Dream Mon, Jan 19, 2015 -1pm-4pm Palmer Senior Center 1132 South Chugach Street FREE - 907-232-5201

31st Annual Wasilla High School Gun and Outdoor Show Wasilla High School, 701 E Bogard Road, Corner of Bogard and Crusey.

Saturday, January 24th and Sunday January 25th from 10am -5pm $5 per person, 1st 200 through the doors daily are entered into a drawing for a gun Funds support the Wasilla Warrior Hockey Program 907-232-0694; WHSGunshow@gmail.com

Women’s Connection luncheon Identity Theft Protection Monday, January 19th NOON – 1:30PM Evangelo’s Restaurant 2530 E. Parks Hwy, Wasilla $18 Includes Childcare Stonecroft Ministries/Janet 907-892-8482

JAN 2015

The "Down & Dirty" of Compost & Soil Thursday, January 22nd 7-8:30PM - Mat Su College FREE - 357-4511 distrmgr@wasillaswcd.org Wasilla Soil & Water Conservation District 907-357-4511

History Night at Palmer Public Library January 21st, 7:00PM Marty Raney, cast member from “Ultimate Survival Alaska-Season 2 & 3”, mountaineer, musician and adventurer extraordinaire is the speaker for History night Refreshments, Door Prices

Choosing the Right Greenhouse for Alaska Thursday, January 29th 7-8:30PM - Mat Su College FREE - 907-357-4511 distmgr@wasillaswcd.org Wasilla & Palmer Soil & Water Conservation Districts 4-H Craft Smack down January 31st, 10AM-2PM UAF Matanuska Experiment Farm Prizes and fun for all!

1509 S. Georgeson Road, Palmer 745-3360

Big Lake Community Center Fundraiser Fireworks Show January 31st - 6:00 PM 2942 Lions Cir Big Lake 99652 Prime Rib Dinner, cash bar, improve show, Fireworks Show Sponsored by Gorilla Fireworks $60.00 Per Person - Limited Seating 907-841-8040 MAT-SU SKI FOR WOMEN Sunday, February 1st Costumes Encouraged! www.matsuski.org Julie.hopkins@matsuski.org LEARN TO MAKE YOGURT Learn to make yogurt in this hands-on class.

February 3rd, 6-9PM $20.00 – Minimum of 6 Participants Kerttula 208, Matanuska Experiment Farm, 1509 S Georgeson Drive, Palmer.

Call 745-3360 for more information.

Demonstration by Karen Matson, Professional Artist Thursday, February 5 5pm-8pm - FREE Wasilla Area Senior Center (WASI) Valley Fine Arts Association 907-376-1382 valleyfineartsassociation.org JABALI AFRICAN ACROBATS February 6th, 7:30PM Atwood Concert Hall, Anchorage 907-272-7546 www.akjt.org Lincoln Day Annual Dinner & Auction February 6th, 5PM 6PM Dinner Evangelo’s Restaurant , Wasilla Tickets $50 Each www.matsurepublicanwomensclub.org Gordie Tentrees with Melissa Mitchell and Spiff Chambers Saturday February 7th, 7:30pm Sheldon Community Arts Hangar Downtown Talkeetna $17/$20

Denali Arts Council / Gordie Tentrees 907-733-7929 www.denaliartscouncil.org THE DUHKS LIVE Sunday, February 8th Glenn Massay Theatre, Wasilla 7:30PM – Centertix.net whistlingswan.net LEARN TO MAKE FRESH PASTA Fresh pasta is simple to make. Learn how in this hands-on class.

February 10th, 6-9PM $20.00 – Minimum of 6 Participants Kerttula 208, Matanuska Experiment Farm 1509 S Georgeson Drive, Palmer.

Call 745-3360 for more information.

Sweetheart Potluck & Dessert Auction February 13th - 5PM If you’d like to donate a dessert please bring it on the day of the auction.

Mid-Valley Senior Center 907-892-6114 PULSE DANCE CO.: CINDERELLA February 13th – 15th Wendy Williamson, Anchorage pulsedancecompany.org LEARN TO MAKE FRESH MOZZARELLA February 17th, 6-9PM Learn to make fresh mozzarella in this hands-on class. $20.00 – Minimum of 6 Participants Kerttula 208, Matanuska Experiment Farm 1509 S Georgeson Drive, Palmer.

Call 745-3360 for more information.

Planting for Beatry & Wildlife Thursday, February 26th 7-8:30PM - Mat Su College FREE - 357-4511 distrmgr@wasillaswcd.org Wasilla & Palmer Soil & Water Conservation Districts 907-357-4511 Gardening With Moose- How To Enjoy Both Moose & Gardens Together Thursday, March 5th 7-8:30PM - Mat Su College FREE - 357-4511 distrmgr@wasillaswcd.org Wasilla & Palmer Soil & Water Conservation Districts ATV/Salmon Stream Crossings: Intersection of Man & Machines Thursday, March 12th 7-8:30PM - Mat Su College FREE - 907-357-4511 distrmgr@wasillaswcd.org Wasilla & Palmer Soil & Water Conservation Districts Mat-Su “Friends of NRA” ANNUAL BANQUET March 14th - Raven Hall, Alaska State Fairbgrounds Seating is Limited, Tickets Available At The Door Doors Open at 5:00PM Wild Edible & Medicinal Plants Thursday, March 19th 7-8:30 pm - Mat Su College FREE - 907-357-4511 distrmgr@wasillaswcd.org Wasilla & Palmer Soil & Water Conservation Districts

BINGO and Pull Tabs Wasilla Senior Center 1301 S Century Circle Every Wednesday From 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm BINGO Card sales begin at 12:45 pm FREE to the public Wasilla Area Senior Center LIVING WELL ALASKA, MAKING BETTER CHOICES While Living with Chronic Illness Wasilla Area Senior Center 1301 S. Century Circle Wasilla, Alaska 99654 Every Tuesday from November 4 thru December 16 at 1pm FREE Mat-Su Toastmasters 889 N. Elkhorn Drive Wasilla, AK 99654 Located upstairs in the Pub Every Tuesday from 7:30am to 8:30am Mat-Su Toastmasters 907.841.9818 or 907.355.3039 Free Hearing Screening provided

by Mat-Su Sertoma Club First Sat Every Month 10am-1pm Wasilla Physical Therapy Deana Moore 761-5229 Palmer Public Library:

Every Tuesday at 10am: Baby Lap Sit Every Tuesday at 11am: 2 year old Story Time Every Thursday at 11am: 3-5 year old story time Friday, January 9th: Foreign Film, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, 7PM Monday, January 19th: FRIENDS meeting, 7PM Saturday, January 24th: CHILL (for High School and College Students). Registration Required.

Friday, February 13th: Foreign Film, Watchtower, 7PM Saturday, February 21st: Teen Movie Night, 7PM

JAN 2015

Tribute to the Building of the ALcan (Alaska) Highway Saturday, February 21st - 7-9PM Alaska Veterans Museum

WEARABLE ART 2015 February 21st – 3PM & 7PM Palmer Train Depot The Valley Arts Alliance $15.00 Per Person

Non-Denominational Bible Study Wasilla Area Senior Center 1301 S. Century Circle Wasilla, Alaska 99654 Every Wednesday from 10 to 11 am in WASI Meeting Room FREE - Wasilla Area Senior Center

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Vegetable Gardening the Organic Way Thursday, February 12th 7-8:30PM - Mat Su College FREE - 357-4511 distrmgr@wasillaswcd.org Wasilla & Palmer Soil & Water Conservation Districts

333 W 4th Ave, Ste 227, Anchorage AK 99501 $3.00 - Pay at door 907-696-4904 www.alaskaveterans.com

PAGE 9

Community Events

PAGE 10

Art

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CANVAS CAFe

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

A painting party that comes to you?

Contributed by The Canvas Cafe’ Canvas Cafe teams up with local businesses, venues, and members of the community to bring a completely unique and fun art entertainment experience to participants!

JAN 2015

INTERESTED IN THEATRE? CALL VALLEY PERFORMING ARTS @ 373-0195

Patrons provide the environment, food, drinks, ect. Canvas Cafe hosts the painting party! You get the best of both worlds; you'll get to hang out at your local hot spot or home while an art instructor leads the group in a step-by-step acrylic painting on a 16x20 wrapped canvas. No experience necessary. Paint. Sip. Socialize.

Owner/art instructor Victoria Peterson opened Doodles art studio in 2010 where she taught art classes to organizations that serve the differently-abled, fostercare children, in-patient youth in treatment, MatSu School District students, home-school students, and more. She also traveled with a team of artists, teaching and painting

live in front of conferences and workshops. Victoria's personal work can be seen in private-collectors homes and fundraising events that she supports (Art 4 Heart, The Children's Place, & STARR for example). She plans on releasing her series entitled "Renaissance" this summer.

"It's my passion to invite the creative person inside my students to come out and play and I get to watch them beam! It's my pleasure to share that passion with the beautiful people in my home state of Alaska!"

Canvas Cafe is the transformation of the business that Victoria opened 5 years ago into more of a specific service that "...feels more like hanging out with friends while we paint and laugh than a job."

> Local painting parties can be pre-registered for at: thecanvascafe.blogspot.com > Call 907-774-6960 for more information

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

PAGE 11

Music

LuLu's Little Voice audition ON Jan. 19th, the issue date of this precious periodical (which I will also talk about shortly) for America's Got Talent TV show!

As the new year begins, I find many things to be happy about--first and foremost my home in Alaska, and all the wonderful memories and friends I have made in the last 36 & 1/2 years.

Then there's the incredible opportunity that ''came knocking on my door'' last month (year) when I received a very unexpected phone call & message from a young gentleman in Anaheim, CA. asking me to return his call asap. It was ''that phone call" that one in this business of music and entertainment hopes to get one day, and I GOT IT!

Jan. 21: My birthday! 61 and damned proud to be!

Jan. 23: Retirement party, playing with Marilyn Clement & the Grrlzz (private) Jan. 29: Solo, Chair 5, Girdwood-Rockin the house on thursday night!

Feb. 7: Kharacters Bar, Homer Feb. 10...Uncle Joe’s Pizzaria, Southside (Old Seward Hwy & Klatt) Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day - SINGING TELEGRAMS! Book YOURS now!

> LuLu Small

CONTACT

make a scene Joshua Fryfogle Owner/Publisher Make A Scene Magazine, The People’s Paper Direct: 907-373-2698 www.MakeASceneAK.com MakeASceneAK@mac.com Bryce Burkhart Graphic Design Make A Scene Magazine, The People’s Paper Direct: 907-315-6661 Office: 907-373-2698 Fax: 888-383-9909 makeasceneak@mac.com www.makeasceneak.com

907-299-5858 lulusmall@yahoo.com

I am grateful for the incredible opportunity that this paper provides for me as a musician--to promote MY shows, and my fellow players & performers can do the same.

Every chance I get I try to let The People's Paper and Make A Scene KNOW where to find LuLu, and I encourage ALL musicians out there to the same!

A REVIEW OF ‘GRIZZLY TRADE’ - ALASKAN LITERATURE PAGE 24

JAN 2015

I had NO idea I was even being considered, but turns out thanks to the AK State Fair and their recommendation, I have an in-person

I am taking advantage of my free privilege in The People's Paper to thank everyone who has been with me all these years -- my many friends, thousands of fans, hundreds of venues, and various media support...and especially Josh Fryfogle and this particular unique publication, which for the past 8 years has been an awesome outlet for FREE information, community support, public forum & opinion, AND promoting the Music Scene in and around the Valley.

Jan. 19: Audition for America’s Got Talent, 3pm (private location, Anchorage)

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Contributed by LuLu Small

I have been flying like a crazy hummingbird on steroids since Dec.10th, and by the time this goes to press I will have had my 15 minutes of possible 'fame' and will be eagerly & anxiously waiting for that ''next phone call'' before May... meaning of course I want to hear that they will want me on the show, to represent ALASKAN Entertainment and Talent! And after 40 collective years of paying my dues (36 alone in AK), I am so very ready to take that giant leap of faith and finally become the true musical ambassador of this great land we all call our Home.

So here is MY schedule:

PAGE 12

Community

What’s Happening

The Palmer Museum of History and Art

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Contributed by Selena Ortega

Although the summer months in Alaska bring with them larger crowds and more hustle and bustle, it is during the winter months that most Alaskans are busy. When the Palmer Museum was looking for a special exhibit to help bring in the New Year, we didn’t have to look far because each month across the way , at the Palmer Depot, we can easily find some of the busiest ladies in the valley, the members of the Valley Quilters Guild.

Through a wonderful collaboration between the Museum and the Guild we developed the museum’s latest and first exhibit of the year, Stitch

by Stitch, a collection of various quilts created by members of the Valley Quilters Guild. The exhibit explores a favorite topic amongst art enthusiasts…

Can a craft be construed as art? It’s not a new question. The boundaries between craft and art have long been contested. But with the explosion of interest in craft, from Japanese bamboo baskets, and graffiti knitting to artists’connection with traditional skills and Richard Sennet’s collection of essays The Craftsman gaining interest and coverage, it seems to be the time to talk about it.

JAN 2015

So what defines an artist or a craft maker, or even divides an artist from a craft maker?

material they worked with that made it craft - textiles, ceramics, and glass, seem to fall into the craft category, never mind if the maker’s intention might be an artistic one.

Perhaps it’s how a maker learned their skill. As an apprentice coming through a process of learning a skill, hand to hand, as it were? That’s craft.

As a fully formed genius honing an expressive talent? That’s art.

Perhaps it’s use. Something wearable or useable - jewelry or furniture for example - seems to fit neatly under the craft label, while something that has no clear practical purpose might be called art. However, this doesn’t take into account the decorative crafts, nor the artists who produce practical items.

So what do you think? When is a maker an artist? And what makes a craft an art?

In order to explore this argument of craft versus art, the Palmer Museum offered members of the Valley Quilters Guild an opportunity to display various quilts created by members of their organization. The ending result, is an amazing assortment of works that allow the viewer to explore this discussion by offering examples that can justify both arguments.

Perhaps intention makes the distinction. If a maker intends to express something perhaps that makes it art.

The Valley Quilters Guild was formed in 1985 to share a love of quilting.

It grew into a non-profit charitable organization of approximately 200 members. They are driven by a desire to share quilting and to provide service to their community.

However ,if you ask vendors at a craft fair, they often respond that it was the

The Guild holds quilting classes each month, and encourages sewing

in schools by funding a small grant program that gives money and supplies to teachers who include a sewing unit in their curriculum.

The Guild’s Service Committee sews over 200 quilts each year for a variety of charitable organizations. The list includes Alaska Pioneers & Veterans Home, Red Cross, Palmer Senior Center, Alaska Family Services, MatSu Services for Children & Adults, The Children’s House, Mat-Su Hospice, and many others.

They have two events per month: a business meeting on the first Thursday of the month, and an open sew day on the second Saturday of the month. Both are held at the Palmer Depot in downtown Palmer. Visitors are encouraged to attend the meeting and get acquainted.

To learn more about the Guild’s activities schedule, information about meetings, classes and retreats, please visit their website at: www.valleyquiltersguild.com Stitch by Stitch will be on display at the Palmer Museum through Saturday, January 31st.

It will be followed by the museum’s February exhibit, Out of the Closet 2015, a collection of wearable art outfits from the Valley Arts Alliance.

Be sure to check the museum website at www.palmermuseum.org for further details on upcoming events and future exhibits.

The Palmer Museum looks forward to celebrating fall in the valley and bringing more art to the community!

> Stitch by Stitch will

be on display at the Palmer Museum through Saturday, January 31st

Entertainment

There's a new game in town.

Iditaputt, Wasilla's newest indoor minature golf is now open.

Located next to Lowes behind the Brown Jug. The Iditaputt staff would like to invite everyone to come in and play 9 holes.

Mini golf is very affordable, adults are just $8.00 students, milatary and seniors are just $6.00.

For the seasonal golfer this is the way to take a few strokes off your game. We also offer a place for your birthday parties,company parties or that special occasion.

Great fun for all ages in a warm friendly atmosphere or you could make it date night. If you think a couples leagues or mens or womens league intrest you,come in or call (357-7888).

Like Iditaputt on Facebook and look for specials like $5.00 fridays or 2 for one night.

> Check the website out for pictures and hours: www.Iditaputt.com

PAGE 14

Entertainment

Glenn Massay Theatr

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NEW 520 SEAT THEATER OPENING IN THE MAT-SU VALLEY

Everyone at Mat-Su College is busy getting prepared for the upcoming opening of the new, 520-seat Proscenium, Glenn Massay Theater.

With the final touches going in now, it will be an incredible performance center for the Valley.

JAN 2015

The theatrical systems are stateof-the-art. The lighting system, controlled by the ETC Ion light board, consists of the brand new ETC Source 4 LED and Selador D60, color changing instruments.

Plus, with the addition of intelligent fixtures and spotlights, the venue is ready to light performances and events from lectures to rock concerts. On the audio side is the new Meyer Sound Constellation Acoustical System, which provides digital enhancement and surround sound to make an orchestra, a musical, or a movie sound amazing within the space.

On stage, there is a 41 line set fly system that includes the main drape, legs and borders, four electrics, a cyclorama, and a 33 x 17 foot projection screen. An orchestra pit is also available for all of the musicals and dance concerts that will be a part of the theater’s future.

Once everything is in place and the doors are open, the theater will bring in great concerts, lectures, shows, film festivals, and more. The staff at the theater is excited to work with all of the various events and companies that will come through the area.

Plus, they are looking forward to filling the seats!

> See the ad on the back page of this magazine for information on how you can stay up-to-date on the latest events happening at the Glenn Massay Theater.

PAGE 15

re

Once everything is in place and the doors are open, the theater will bring in great concerts, lectures, shows, film festivals, and more.Â

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com JAN 2015

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

CINDERELLA PULSE DANCE CO. PRESENTS

Pulse Dance Company proudly unveils its grandest production to date: Cinderella, the all-Alaskan contemporary ballet.

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

PAGE 16

Entertainment

Contributed by Stephanie Wonchala Funded in part through a successful Kickstarter campaign and a grant from the Atwood Foundation, the show is rich in unique and vibrant costuming.

JAN 2015

Scenic design is curious and entrancing with set and projections by designer Ruby Kennell. The original ballet score by Sergei Prokofiev guides the story with its simultaneously dark, quirky and fun musicality.

Artistic director and principal choreographer Stephanie Wonchala presents an evening-length, dynamic production featuring a colorful mix of comedy, dance, and magic.

Renowned guest choreographers include Alice Bassler Sullivan, Niki Maple, and Becky Kendall, with guest appearances by Multi-Verse b-boy crew and ballerina Moriah Walker.

The large and talented cast of both company and community dancers bring to life a theatrical experience that will delight the young and young at heart.

The story is known but the telling is new, featuring ugly stepsisters, a sharply wicked stepmother, magical creatures of the witching hour, hilarious cobblers and artistic twists.

This production runs one weekend only and makes for a perfect Valentine’s Day date!

Cinderella serves as the embodiment of Pulse Dance Company’s rise from small dance troupe in 2010 to a leading Anchorage dance organization in 2015.

> Wendy Williamson

Auditorium, Anchorage Fri - Sun, February 13-15

www.pulsedancecompany.org

Gordie Tentrees in Concert with Melissa Mitchell and Spiff Chambers Armed with a new album “North Country Heart” and a slew of new songs, Tentrees will be performing in a song swap format with Melissa and Spiff.

Contributed by Holli Papasodora

It’s been 2 years since Tentrees’ last tour of the area when he opened for Fred Eaglesmith. Armed with a new album “North Country Heart” and a slew of new songs, Tentrees will be performing in a song swap format with Melissa and Spiff.

> For more information on Gordie Tentrees, visit www.tentrees.ca/wp/

Show time is Saturday Feb 7th at 7:30pm. Tickets are $17/$20 and can be found online at http://denaliartscouncil.org/comingevents/house-concerts/ or can be purchased at the door.

The Acoustic Project Contributed by Emily Kathryn Barry The Acoustic Project consists of three unique acoustic acts. Shane LaBoucane enchants the audience with the Slide Country Blues and his soulful covers of Johnny Cash, Cat Stevens and The Animals. Shane’s skill level on the guitar is immediately noticeable as he plays. His stage name is Brother Shane and you can follow him on Facebook at his “Brother Shane” page. Shane is also known in the area for teaching guitar. He just completed his demo album and you can hear it on SoundCloud.

Kyle Johnson draws the audience in with the beautiful combination of finely tuned vocals and his ability on the guitar. Kyle is a Singer/ Songwriter that also covers songs by; Dave Matthews, Justin Beiber, Green Day and John Mayer. His amazing versatility creates an electric performance. You can follow Kyle on his Facebook page. Kyle is currently working towards his goal of an L.P. Album.

Emily Kathryn Barry is a Singer/Songwriter known for her tantalizing voice. Emily also covers songs by; Jewel, Allison Krause, Alice & Chains & The Four Non Blondes among others. Emily is currently working on an album with one recorded song already on SoundCloud.

The trio play local venues around the valley and can be found every Tuesday from 6-9pm at the Last Frontier in Wasilla. They can also be found playing at The Mad Hatcher and The Palmer Alehouse. Follow The Acoustic Project on their Facebook page. Support local live music and check them out at one of their upcoming shows.

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Heading west to Alaska from his home in the Yukon, Gordie Tentrees returns to the Sheldon Community Arts Hanger in Talkeetna this Feburary, teaming up with Alaskan super folk songwriters Melissa Mitchell and Spiff Chambers.

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

PAGE 17

Music

> For more information contact: JAN 2015

Holli Papasodora Operations Manager Denali Arts Council 907-733-7929 events@denaliartscouncil.org www.denaliartscouncil.org

PAGE 18

Pets & Animals

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Meet Koda Recognizing Signs of Pain in Your Pet

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Overt signs of pain, such as limping or crying out, are easier to understand, but chronic pain is more difficult to detect.

Contributed by Angie Lewis President of Alaska Animal Advocates

JAN 2015

Koda’s prior family loved her enough to give her up! They were no longer able to care for her – she wasn’t getting any exercise and so she is a bit overweight. She has a cyst on her leg; nothing serious, but her people couldn’t afford to have it removed. Fortunately, Alaska Animal Advocates was willing to help out and we made Koda a part of our rescue group. Now, at five years old, this gentle girl is ready to become a part of a new family – maybe your family!

If you are ready to love Koda enough to adopt her please call AAA at 841-3173 or download an Adoption Questionnaire from our website www.alaskaanimaladvocates.com and email it to AAArescue@yahoo.com

Contributed by Angie Lewis President of Alaska Animal Advocates

Sometimes an animal who is in pain will limit or stop their consumption of food. There might also be vomiting present.

Animals feel pain, but they cannot tell you where or how it is hurting. However, if you are familiar with your pet’s body language – the communication becomes clearer. Overt signs of pain, such as limping or crying out, are easier to understand, but chronic pain is more difficult to detect.

Once a problem has been identified, take your pet to the Veterinarian. Remember not to give your animal companion medicines meant for humans, without speaking to your Vet first.

Chronic pain may require medicines specific to animals. Remember that drugs that are safe for a dog may not be safe for a cat. Do not risk your pet’s health or life by giving your animals drugs that have not been okayed by a professional.

Look for a change in your animal’s temperament or behavior. A normally active dog, who suddenly lays around a great deal may be telling you something is wrong. A loving cat who suddenly becomes irritable and doesn’t want to be held, can indicate a problem. When your pet constantly licks, scratches, or bites at an area this may mean that it is a source of pain for him. In addition, shivering or increased panting can be signs of pain.

Difficulty getting up and down, from a laying down position to a standing position, or vice versa, is another sign of pain – typically arthritis. Often, animals will literally groan when they are hurting or trying to change position.

Alternative therapies can provide pain relief for your pet as well. Water therapy, physical therapy, massage, and acupuncture are as helpful to animals as they are to human beings.

Know your pet’s unique characteristics and be aware of any changes. None of us want to see our animal friends in pain and we should do our best to relieve any discomfort they may be experiencing.

Contributed by Miriam Vinter

Taking in rescues is a very rewarding experience, but as many rescuers know, it can take time and resources before the rewards begin to show. A little over two months ago we accepted a group of nine dogs, all at once. A very daunting task.

When we received the call to help it was hard to accept only a few knowing that we would be forced to leave some to an uncertain fate.

From his very first day at the Sanctuary he had trouble settling down. Mournful howl after howl filled our days and nights as he longed for his old familiar life and his old familiar buddies.

We spent a lot of time with him one on one but his mind was still unable to focus. He would accept a pet but only from our outstretched hand as he paced in never ending circles, his eyes focused somewhere off in the distance, searching for fragments of his old former life.

With an abundance of affection and food well within reach we thought Brigadoon would come out of his depression quickly but for many more days he still longed for his old home, the place where there was never enough food and constant care had long become a distant memory.

A few days later another change.

When he saw us come his way his eyes would grow soft, squint ever so slightly, gently wagging his tail in low sweeping motions and licking his lips over and over encouraging the connection he knew would come with the humans he now considered friends.

Over the years we have cared for many rescues, worked through many adoptions and with each dog who passes through our door we try to keep a semi transparent wall set within ourselves, a way to stay a bit apart and allow our rescues to continue their life in a new home, making room for others in need.

What eventually broke down my inner wall with Brigadoon was his ‘squints’, ears laid back ever so softly, when I called his name in a sing-song like tone. After feeding one night it hit me, this little boy had definitely gotten through. Internally I cursed myself and tried to remember the reality of this job. I must be able to let him go in order to save more or the yard would be full of wonderful huskies held back for selfish wants and needs.

I tried to put this sweet boy out of my mind, to push him a little farther away from my heart, but day after day his soft beautiful squint, the slow wag of his tail pulled me in every time.

Then one day, as he was coming out of his dog house to greet me, his back legs gave way ever so slightly, and he wobbled. He took a step to steady himself and seemed to be alright.

I made a mental note to check him again tomorrow under the same conditions to see if the wobble would play itself out again, it did. All the alarms in my head started going off at once.

> Brigadoon and Miriam photo credit James Langston

onto as Brigadoon’s life hung in the balance.

Brigadoon’s first vet appointment was not full of the good news we hoped to hear but we remained optimistic that the suspected neurological condition would be slow in playing itself out in his body. Day after day we watched for signs of improvement but as he packed on the calories, fat covered his ribs and his balance grew steadily worse.

As many dog owners know, walking this path is hard, very hard. As a rescue we find ourselves on this path all too often. We take in the sick, the neglected, the abused, the forgotten... and while many of these wonderful dogs just need time to mend their broken hearts, some are never able to heal.

Lifting his leg to mark the trees or his dog house was effortless one moment, the next he was flat on his side in the snow. And even though we rushed to his aid every chance we could get we were never quick enough to save him the humiliation of falling flat on his face. After helping him stand and brushing off the snow he would give us the old familiar lick, squint those beautiful brown eyes, look up and seemed to say, “Hey, its alright... your still here watching my back. Life has never been better.”

As I write this he is resting by my side having one of his ‘good days’. The glimmer in his eyes is so very bright and he barely moves when I reach down to scratch his side and rub his ears. When its time to go out to relieve himself he seems so reluctant. As he slowly raises his body up off the floor he takes a long, longing look at the fire.

His next vet consultation gave us a little more hope. Though it was possible he would never improve, a blood test might shed more light on his condition. It was a small glimmer of hope and one we desperately held

> If you would like to donate

“Don’t worry, we’ll be back...” I whisper in his ear. His tail gives a soft little wag and we head for the door. to helping Brigadoon get well please visit our website at www.SledDogSanctuary.com to learn more.

JAN 2015

At the Sanctuary we have found this behavior is quite common for dogs just arriving and the process often becomes part of a necessary

For Brigadoon we were happy to see that after only five days he stopped howling, and three days after, he was not only accepting attention from us, but making eye contact and staying under our hands for more than a second at a time.

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Of the nine, two of the dogs were severely underweight and desperately in need of calories. Brigadoon was one of these two and even though his problem seemed to come with an easy solution there was something underneath that just wasn’t quite right.

rehabilitation period. Even though their past may have been rough they still cling to the old familiar, what they used to know, and find it hard to adapt to their new surroundings for days, sometimes weeks at a time.

PAGE 19

Places of the Heart

In trying to find excuses of why he would need the Sanctuary’s care for life I found none. He was friendly, outgoing and with a few more weeks of good meals and loving care you would never know he had come in so underweight, so deprived. As he put on the pounds, started growing in a new coat and thrived under our care the only thing that could hinder his adoption was age, but at only six years he still had a great chance.

A New Year, Donned

By Nan Potts A sky, salmon-fleshed, silhouettes A mural of gray-stone minarets;

A Valentine Wish

Jade Canoe for Julia Normand

By Nan Potts

By Elizabeth L. Thompson Our jade canoe gently surges

Hewn and carved by Nature’s hand,

inward the Alaskan lake-heart,

Announcing dawn o’re boreal land.

after Julia executes a swan-grace shove-off

Today, Winter serves a gentle calm Upon the land, a soothing balm.

For tomorrow, may, a tempest hit; Tantamount to a toddler’s fit.

Bewitched, allure, of calm and squalls; Observant through keen eyeballs Of this Great Land’s capricious notions; Dynamics aired, in rhythmic motions.

Dark, with light and cold, with fire, The North Pole cants it’s axis higher.

Where Arctics lay in oppositions.

Polarized by their positions.

The apex, now, this season’s reached, A knowingness of newness preached.

Brings winter’s Solstice; light is spawned And New Year’s Day has now been donned.

one citrine September evening… we speak of unnecessary fear, and she of eldering times when everyone familiar will have left her in the preface of insomnia or slumber pondering memoirs and mysteries… then, as if we ourselves became seasons, an --autumnal interlude-- intersects gratitude at our lives’ latitude, with Namaste-ic magnitude, and I vow no moment

In honor of St. Valentine We sing our laud and praise To the ones we love and cherish, Our glasses now we raise.

The gifts of love may vary From sweet to floral hue.

Yet, all send the loving message "For you, my love is true."

If it weren't for ol' St. Valentine It really would be hard, To give the gift of love and such, Enclosed, a cheesy card.

But on this day I wish to say How much I do love you.

I have and always will, you see,

escape appreciation again! . . . and we two drift in a jade canoe amongst ballads and croons of mallards, arctic loons, grebes and sand hill cranes, entranced by the tail of The Talkeetna Mountains, gliding

Since the day I said, "I do."

To you, a Happy "V" Day, My life-long valentine.

May we share many more together And be to me divine.

ripple by glassy ripple into Awe’s Winery….

From Darkeness to Light

Then suddenly I saw a light very dim and small

By BE Banks

That light kept shining brighter, it helped me find my way

I followed him through darkness ,a few short steps behind I took the path he led me down, but the choice was clearly mine.

It didn’t seem to matter, how lost our lives became I followed him right down to hell, because I took his name.

I changed my course and followed it, not heeding him at all That light still shining brighter, kept growing day by day till finally all that brightness, chased all the dark away.

PAGE 22

To have your non-profit organization included in this free community resource list, please email your info to:

makeasceneak@mac.com

SENIORS

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Palmer Senior Citizens Center, Inc.

The primary mission of the Palmer Senior Citizens Center, Inc. is to assist individuals age sixty or older, individuals of any age with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Disorders, individuals of any age on the Medicaid Waiver program and other eligible individuals in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough remain as independent as possible in the least restrictive environment possible and out of expensive nursing homes for as long as possible. Services include: congregate and home delivered meals, transportation, adult day services, care coordination, senior employment, family caregivers support, information / referral, chore services, senior housing, chore services, Better Choices Better Health classes, HELP program, activities and volunteer opportunities.

745-5454, pscc@mtaonline.net

Alzheimer’s Resource Agency of Alaska

As Alaska’s resource on Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Agency of Alaska (ADRAA) is committed to providing information, education and services for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) and their caregivers. We have served Alaskans since 1984, and today we help more than 5,000 people annually.

As a non-profit statewide organization, we provide family consultations, care coordination, in-home services for frail elders & individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and education programs to family caregivers and health care professionals.

We are your resource for information and can refer you to services in Alaska or the contiguous U.S. Sam Meneses, 746-3432, www.alzalaska.org

Valley Charities, Inc; Turn-A-Leaf Thrift Store Provides medical equipment to all income brackets in the Valley; provides clothing and household goods to Valley residents that are economically disadvantaged.

John Rozzi , 376-5740

Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. (WASI)

A Health and Wellness Campus for Seniors on the Go! The goal at WASI is to assist and refer services for Seniors 60 and older so they can live as independently as possible for as long as possible. Some of the services provided are: Meals: Family Style Meals Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Center. Meals on Wheels home delivered meals.

Housing: Independent Housing for low income and Aprket rate individuals. Optional Assisted Living Services Transportation: Partnership with MASCOT Bus $.60 per one way ride. Dr. visits by appointment Other Activities: Cards, Wii, and Painting at the Center Blood Pressure Checks Club50 Fitness Center, Strong Seniors Program ($5/8 weeks) Shopping Trips and other outings Valley Performing Arts Theater Visits And much more… call 376-3104 opt.2 for more information.

Dennie Jaques , 376-3104

JAN 2015

Mat-Su Area Partnership (MAP)

An organization of non-profit agencies in the Mat-Su Valley. MAP holds a monthly meeting on a Thursday at the Menard Sports Complex in Wasilla. www.mapartnership.org/matsu/

Mid-Valley Seniors Inc

Mid-Valley Seniors, Inc. Mid-Valley Seniors has 3 senior housing units-18 apartments and serves a congregate meal MonFri at 12:00pm. Home delivered meals served

daily fresh Mon-Fri, weekend meals are frozen.

Transportation to Adult Day Services is available Mon-Fri 8:00am-3:00pm Come up to the Center for activities or lunch.

Lisa Byrd, 892-6114 mvscadmin@mtaonline.net

FAMILIES & CHILDREN Divorce Care

DivorceCare is a weekly seminar/support group for men and women that will help you heal from the hurt of separation or divorce. It’s a warm, caring environment led by people who understand what you are going through. Learn practical information and gain hope for your future at DivorceCare Palmer AK.

March of Dimes Alaska Chapter

The March of Dimes is inspired by all babies – those born healthy and those who need our help to survive and thrive. Working together for stronger, healthier babies, in the Valley we work directly with the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.

We also provide clinics and organizations with resources and information. We host a March for Babies walk in the Spring and High Heels for High Hopes Runway Show in OCTust.

For more information contact our office 276-4111 or email JOdgers@marchofdimes.com.

week at a time...moving to new host church on Sundays.

Applications are available on our website.

357-6160, www.familypromisematsu.org

The Children’s Place

The Children’s Place child advocacy center is a child-friendly, neutral facility where professionals from many agencies involved in the evaluation, investigation and treatment of child abuse meet to coordinate and bring their services to the child and their family. We provide child forensic interviews, medical exams, linkage to mental health providers, follow-up support and referrals throughout the investigation process.

Referrals to The Children’s Place are made through law enforcement and Office of Children’s Services.

The Children’s Place, 357-5157 www.alaskachildrensplace.com

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska

Strengthens our communities by providing mentors to all children who need and want a caring adult role model – special friends who can help them expand their horizons, realize their potential and enrich their futures – changing their lives.

Alaska Center for Resource Families

Alaska Family Services is a multi-dimensional non-profit that has over 20 programs serving the Mat-Su Valley. Major areas are: domestic violence, behavioral health, WIC, family support, and residential for youth with emotional issues.

Donn A. Bennice, Ph.D. 746-4080 - akafs.org

Provides support, training and education for foster, relative and adoptive families caring for children that have been abused and neglected. ACRF also helps support the Mat-Su Grandparents Support Group in collaboration with Links and Volunteers of America. For more information about foster care and adopting children that are in the OCS child protection system visit our website www.acrf.org or call 376-4678 - bwoodin@nwresource.org

LINKS Mat-Su Parent Resource Center.

Pillows for Kids Foundation

Alaska Family Services

We provide support and assistance to families with disabilities. LINKS provides support and trainings, parent to parent connections to mentor, information and referral, and access to library materials. These services are provided through one-on-one assistance and individualized workshops for small or large groups. Our vision is to ensure that every parent and family who has a child with a special need has access to information, education, outreach, and support in a culturally competent environment and to empower then to be advocates for themselves, their children, and their families.

Regan Building 3161 E Palmer Wasilla Hwy. Suite #2 Linda Kupers, Administrative Assistant linda@linksprc.org - 907-373-3632

MYHouse Homeless Teen Shelter in the Matsu

is a non-profit that exists to provide services to unaccompanied youth, ages 14-24, in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The services we provide include, but are not limited to, hot meals, shelf stable foods, gas cards, transport to shelter, clothing, tents, sleeping bags, laundry, shower, hygiene products, street outreach, access to medical, dental and mental health care, vocational services and employment opportunities, educational advocacy and life coaching.

Our youth center, The Gathering Place, is located at 300 N. Willow St in central Wasilla. Also on campus is the MYHouse Café, Gathering Grounds, which exists to provide employment for homeless and at risk youth, as well as our partnering agencies and businesses, Nine Star, Mat-Su Public Health Center and Car Deets (an automotive detailing business which hires homeless youth). To learn more, visit our website at myhousematsu.org or call 373-4357.

Family Promise Mat-Su

Provides a shelter for families without housing.

We mobilize community resources and local congregations to provide compassionate care through shelter, meals, and case management to families without housing. Guest families are housed in area church buildings at night for a

We provide little pillows of support and little scholarships for local children to participate in brain-training activities such as art, music, gymnastics, swimming, skiing, snowboarding, skating, horseback riding, and Aprtial arts..

Mentors and community members contact us when there is an identified need to keep kids, preschool through college, connected with good activities in our community. We plan to publish a book and CD/DVD of Evan’s “Little Pillow” song (copyrighted) soon.

Currently, we are selling washable, decorator pillows of all shapes, sizes and colors for kids and adults as a way of creating funding for the scholarships - Valerie Koivunen pillowsforkids@gmail.com

The Moose Boosters Wrestling Club

A youth development organization that provides aid and funding to low income recreational facilitates and athletes at the high school level.

Funding supports athletes who participate in wrestling programs while meeting academic standards.

Michelle Heun - 355-7099

Set Free Alaska

Brief description about non-profit: Our children, friends, co-workers; there is someone we know who is struggling with addiction and destructive behaviors. It is the goal of Set Free Alaska to provide excellent, individualized services to our clients. Set Free Alaska is a Christian outpatient substance abuse treatment center that uses a mind-body-spirit approach to recovery.

Our programs are designed to assist people in gaining freedom from the bondage of addiction and destructive behaviors. Set Free Alaska realizes that cost can be a huge deterrent to people seeking and receiving the help they need as well as a huge relapse trigger. Our assessments are based on a sliding fee scale.

It is the goal of Set Free Alaska that no person be denied the services they need due to lack of financial resources. Our offices are open MonFri 10-6 and we are located on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway across from the AT&T Sports Center.

Philip Licht, Executive Director 373-4732, www.setfreealaska.org/

Big Lake Community Clothing Closet

Donated by local Alaskans, Big Lake Community Clothing Closet provides quality clothing to people in need, at no charge.

Clothing and footwear for people of all ages is available. Also, assorted household items as they are available. This unique program helps people locally. Donations are accepted, to further the program. Any money donated helps pay the rent for our location at 2955 Big Lake Rd., Big Lake, Alaska.

Financial donation could also be mailed to the Big Lake Community Clothing Closet, PO Box 527069, Big Lake, AK 99652.

Open Wednesday’s from 11am-3pm All donations of quality clothing in good condition can be donated at the above address during regular hours of operation.

Check us out on Facebook

The ARTs

Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums

Those interested in lessons, or in playing pipes or drums with Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums, please contact the Band by email at craigag@ mtaonline.net or by telephone at (907) 688-4196.

The band’s website can be found at http://www. alaskaceltic.org , plus, we’re on Facebook! “The Pipes, the Pipes are calling...”

Radio Free Palmer

Radio Free Palmer is community radio serving the Sutton and Palmer communities as KVRF 89.5 FM and online at radiofreepalmer.org.

On air since 2011, KVRF’s mission is to foster community involvement.

Currently we produce great local shows on topics from health to mushing - and the list of programs is growing. Online we add important community events such as the Borough Assembly and School Board Meetings. Listen to Radio Free Palmer KVRF 89.5 for more community-centric news, music, sports, music or come volunteer to to help bring great radio programming to the valley.

745-8951, Manager@radiofreepalmer.org Radiofreepalmer.org and on Facebook and Twitter

Valley Fine Arts Association

VFAA was formed to teach techniques, and encourage fellowship among visual artists in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. we strive to promote a supportive attitude toward visual arts in our Alaskan community.

We welcome beginners, students, part-time and professional artists who focus mainly on twodimensional art mediums and want to connect with other creative people and gain more exposure locally.

Throughout the year, we inform our members about opportunities to show their work, participate in group events, view other local artists, and enroll in workshops. During the school year, we organize regular sessions for painting together and host monthly artist demonstrations.

Membership in the Valley Fine Arts Association provides many diverse opportunities for artists. Check our website calendar at www. valleyfineartsassociation.org for upcoming events.

Mat-Su Community Chorus, Inc.

As Musical Ambassadors of The Valley, The Mat-Su Community Chorus has provided quality vocal music, in its various forms, for the benefit, education and enjoyment of its members and the surrounding communities since 1970. Our membership is open to the public, inviting all who wish to add their voice in song. We offer complimentary performances at public celebrations and deliver formal concerts twice a year.

We are a 501(c)3, non-profit organization, currently with twenty-two members and we are looking towards expanding the organization to better serve the community. With the support

from individuals, businesses and other civic organizations we are able to grow our group by bringing the community together through music and to continue our standard of excellence.

We meet Octember through Nov. on Thursday evenings at 7-9pm in the Choir Room at Wasilla High School.

Nan Potts 745-8788 matsucomchours@gmail.com

Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums of Eagle River

Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums of Eagle River, under the leadership of Pipe Major Aja Stewart and Drum Sergeant Bryan Gonzales, are actively recruiting pipers and drummers, as well as those interested in learning Great Highland Bagpipes and Highland Drumming (snare, tenor, bass.) We would like to extend a cordial invitation to anyone who would like to learn to play bagpipes or drums, to FREE lessons with our Band.

We are a grade IV competing, family-oriented pipe band established in 2005, and beginners of any age are welcome. Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums are very active in supporting the community in which we live. Our purpose is to advance the rich cultural heritage of Great Highland Bagpipe music, and to have FUN doing it! ACPD provides free instruction in piping and drumming, with Band practice to follow, every Friday evening at 5:00 and 5:45 pm at Eagle River Presbyterian Church, 12836 Old Glenn Highway, in Eagle River.

Those interested in lessons, or in becoming members of ACPD, please contact the Band by email at Nov.gstensgericht@yahoo.com or by telephone at (907) 376-5060. The band’s website can be found at http://www.alaskaceltic.org

Mat-Su Concert Band, Inc.

Our mission is to promote, plan, support and conduct educational and cultural activities and opportunities for the benefit of the citizens and residents of Alaska. We do this by providing an outlet for the many talented musicians in and around our area to perform and a venue for the public to come and enjoy with us our music.

Rehearsals are every Mon. from 7 to 9 p.m. at Teeland Middle School. For more information, contact Gleo Huyck at 746-0628. matsuconcertband@gmail.com

The Whirling Rainbow Foundation

Grandmother Drum International Peace Project The Whirling Rainbow Foundation is an international spiritual and educational non- profit organization which honors and celebrates the diverse cultural and spiritual paths of the human family. The foundation cultivates the universal teachings of inner peace, loving compassion, wisdom and understanding at the core of every culture and spiritual tradition. We are starting a Global Peace Sanctuary and Sustainable Community in Palmer.

The GrandMother Drum International Peace Project travels the world as the international voice of the Whirling Rainbow Foundation. As a symbol of the heartbeat of love that connects all nations and all races, the seven foot, crystal inlaid GrandMother Drum holds local and global events promoting peace and unity through the universal language of music, dance, cultural and healings arts.

White Eagle Medicine Woman (Suraj Holzwarth) Executive Director www.whirlingrainbow.com

Valley Performing Arts

We’re celebrating over 36 years of Quality Live Theatre! VPA performs seven plays a year from Octember through Nov.. We welcome actors, volunteers, program advertisers and play sponsors to join in supporting VPA, the Valley’s oldest live theatre. The VPA Summer Theatre Arts Programs take place Nov. through Nov. and are for youth 6-11 and 12-17. The VPA Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony is held each Nov. and Annual Fundraiser in October.

Purchase your tickets online or from our office.

Check out audition dates and show times on our website.

373-0195, www.valleyperformingarts.org

The Valley Arts Alliance is a group of likeminded individuals who have joined together to encourage, sponsor, facilitate and support artistic expression.

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. www.valleyartsalliance.com

Responsible adult volunteers are always needed.

907-357-6437, www.meadowgates.com manager@meadowgates.com

Alaska Animal Advocates

Make a difference. Save a life! Alaska Animal Advocates is reaching out to the community.

We provide everything that is needed to meet a dog’s needs. We ask YOU to provide the love.

Contact Angie at 841-3173 or email at aaarescue@yahoo.com Check out our website at www.alaskaanimaladvocates.com

ANIMALS

VARIETY

The mission of the Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center is to care for injured, orphaned and sick wild birds with the goal of releasing them back into the wild; and to educate the public about these birds and their habitats.

United Way of Mat Su was formed in 1987 to serve as a single, borough wide, fundraising agency, but we have grown to be so much more.

Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center

AWBRC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is always looking for volunteers and donations. Volunteers are always needed for care of our resident birds, office and web assistance, fundraising and advertising. We will be undergoing a building project this summer, and can use carpentry assistance or donations of materials. Please visit our web site at http://www.akwildbird.org/ for further information about us, to volunteer or

AK Cat Kitty Rescue

is a local small kitty rescue. We specialize in litters of kittens, and our facility is designed that way. We will take in litters from the community, and will assist in getting their mom cat spayed.

ALL of our kittens are up to date on vaccines, and have been spayed/ or neutered prior to adoptions. We are a 501c3, so any donations are tax deductible. If you are looking to adopt, or need help placing a litter, please call us! We are currently looking for help with computer type tasks, updating website, or updating our adoptions and monthly expences.

AK CAT 907-232-4444 www.akcat.org

Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue (ADPR)

Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue is an all volunteer, non-profit organization formed for the purpose of rescuing homeless dogs and puppies. We have rescued dogs throughout Alaska, including various Bush communities. These rescued dogs are placed in foster homes, where they are socialized, vaccinated, dewormed, and taken to the vet to be microchipped and spayed or neutered. It is our goal to have an animal sanctuary, so that all adoptable dogs are given an opportunity to find their forever homes. We encourage individuals to volunteer for this very worthy cause.

745-7030 adpr03@yahoo.com

Alaska Assistance Dogs (AAD)

AAD provides service dogs to Alaskans with special needs (physical, physiological & mental health), and incorporates therapeutic programs into service dog training. AAD works with special education students at school, provides teen mentoring in community training venues, offers domestic violence/PTSD support groups, FASD/ Autism programs, and provides service dogs and support groups for veterans with PTSD and their families.

Therapist on staff, and all trainers are certified by the founder of the service dog concept, Dr. Bonnie Bergin.

Carole J. Shay, Lpc. carole@alaskaassistancedogs.org Meadow Gates Farm Sanctuary has provided shelter and care for unwanted pet rabbits since 2001. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable corporation. Rabbits are taken in when space is available. They are evaluated for behavior and personality, spayed/neutered, then adopted to new pet homes. Bunnies not able to be adopted are maintained permanently at the sanctuary.

United Way provides information on available services through the 211 hotline and website www.alaska211.org and keep current and distribute the Mat-Sui Resource Guide. Our goal is to bring together individuals, companies and agencies to achieve measurable, positive, lasting results. We ask the community to LIVE UNITED which means all of us coming together to volunteer, advocate and give to create a brighter future for all. To find out more visit www.unitedwaymatsu.org or call 373-5807. The United Way of Matanuska Susitna Borough is physically located at 550 S Alaska Street Suite 205 Palmer, AK 99645.

The Valley Quilters Guild

was formed in 1985 to promote quilting in the Matanuska Valley. We currently have a membership of about 180. Our main objectives are service to our community and the education of Quilters. We serve the community by donating quilts to organizations and groups that approach us with their needs. We also give quilts to the victims of fires, child abuse, homeless families, and Law Enforcement agencies for comforting victims of domestic violence. The Guild meets the first Thursday of each month at the Palmer Train Depot at 7 p.m.

Mat Su Sertoma Club

The Mat Su Sertoma Club focuses on hearing health. They are part of a national organization with more than 600 clubs throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

The club provides free hearing screens to the public the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wasilla Physical Therapy, 3750 E. Country Field Circle, Wasilla from September until May. During the summer we’re fishing, camping and gardening like most Alaskans!

The Mat Su Sertoma Club is the host to the Annual Mat Su Polar Plunge, the original valley dip each February. They have been responsible for providing funding to non profits in the Mat Su Borough for more than 5 years, along with scholarship funding for two students who are pursuing an education in the hearing health field.

The website is www.matsuhearing.dot to stay abreast of activities. Meetings are held the second and fourth Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Tailgaters Restaurant in Wasilla.

Mat-Su Special Santa

The Mat-Su Special Santa program is the largest Christmas gift giving program in the Valley.

Mat-Su Special Santa teams with Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, Food Banks, state and local

Go to www.specialsanta.net for more information or e-mail us at matsu_santa@yahoo. com.

The Last Frontier Honor Flight

Our mission is to transport WWII, Alaska Territorial Guard and Korean War veterans to Washington D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices AT NO COST TO THE VETERANS. All Donations are tax deductible, according to state and federal laws. You can make a donation to The Last Frontier Honor Flight PO Box 520116 Big Lake, Alaska 99652, or pay with a credit card on our website at www.tlfhonorflight.org.

If you would like to volunteer you can contact our President Ron Travis at (907) 892-6097 for meeting times and places.

The Sertoma Club - Wasilla

We host the Mat Su Polar Plunge raising funds for non-profits in the Matanuska Susitna Valley, Alaska. February 2011 we saw 85 jumpers raise almost $20,000 which was then given to the Food Pantry of Wasilla and Turn A Leaf Thrift Stores. The Food Pantry provides emergency food supplies to families in need. Turn A Leaf has a medical lending equipment program which is now organized with software purchased with funds received. Both were grant recipients from the Mat Su Sertoma Club. Grant applications for the 2012 Mat Su Polar Plunge are located on our website: www.matsuplunge.com.

Mat-Su Community Chorus

Do you love to sing? The Mat-Su Community Chorus welcomes new adult members in all vocal ranges each September and January.

We are a well-established, male-female, SATB community singing group conducted by Anna Crowther. Group singing benefits your emotional and physical health and enriches our community, so bring your talents and join the Chorus! No audition required although previous experience is helpful.

We offer complimentary performances at public celebrations and deliver formal concerts several times a year. Rehearsals are on Thursdays at the WHS choir room from 7 - 9 pm. Contact us at matsucomchorus@gmail.com or call Sandy at 907-355-5836 for membership details. Like us on Facebook for concert reminders.

We have a wonderful club of volunteers! On a weekly basis you’ll find a Mat Su Sertoman at the Food Pantry, Wasilla Senior Campus, Valley Charities, helping Special Olympics and the list goes on and on! Our goal for 2011/2012 year is to raise more than, $25,000 in polar plunge funds.

You can pledge or sign up to jump! Just visit our website for more information.

Join us every other Thursday at 5:00pm at the Tailgaters Sports Bar and Grill. Our next meeting is Nov. 25th. We always have new speakers and a great time. See you there!

Valley Residential Services

VRS provides housing to people with special needs. We define people with special needs

TOPS

Take off Pounds Sensibly Non-Profit Weight Loss Support Group Three (3) Chapters meet weekly in the Valley.

Kathy Miller - 376-9571 or write to matsutops@webtv.net

Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS)

Our mission is to educate and provide opportunities in our community to reduce, reuse, and recycle for the long-term good of all.

Our vision is to establish the Mat-Su Borough as a model recycling community for Alaska.

We are open for residential recycling Tuesday thru Friday 10:30am to 6:00pm and Saturday 10:30am to 3:30pm. Businesses can call ahead for hours. Your permanent community recycling center is located in our new green building at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, next to the animal shelter at the Central Landfill.

Volunteer opportunities available. community@valleyrecycling.org valleyrecycling.org - 745-5544

Valley Residential Services (VRS)

VRS provides special needs housing to individuals who experience behavioral or developmental disabilities, low-income levels or those who are homeless. VRS currently has 168 properties in the Mat-Su Valley with special programs to assist with rental assistance and we can assist with linking individuals to social service agencies who can assist with life skills programs.

(907) 357-0256 , valleyres.org

Alaska Attachment & Bonding Associates (AABA)

Educates and supports foster, adoptive, kinship care, step, grand and guardianship parents and professionals who care for children with emotional mental health issues, such as Attachment Disorder. AABA provides workshops, e-mail/telephone support, resource/ referral information, self-advocacy, AABA website www.akattachment.org, RAVEN Respite, newsletters, brochures, lending library, and Mom2Mom/Dad2Dad parent support group.

For more information: Laura Wagner 907-376-0366

The Homeless Actors of Mat-Su

HAMS, the Homeless Actors of Mat-Su, is a valley non-profit community theater group created to further theatrical opportunities for actors and technical personnel of all ages, be experienced or beginner and the audiences who have not been fully represented in the valley.

With local support we intend to produce a broad range of the atypical classical, modern, comic, dramatic and musical one act and full length plays and improvisational theater that are both educational and entertaining in the traditional and dinner theater format as fundraisers for various local causes and to continue to encourage development of the theater arts in the Mat-Su Valley.

Contact Elizabeth Clausen, General Manager, 841-4119; akhams@yahoo.com

Mat-Su Food Bank

At the Matsu Food Bank we provide emergency supplemental food to residents of the Matanuska Susitna Valley. The Matsu Food Bank distributes thru the Food Pantry of Wasilla directly to clients in need.

The Pantry hours of distribution are Monday through Friday from 10:00AM to 1:00PM. The Pantry is located at 501 E. Bogard Rd. in Wasilla.

We have three programs operating under the

Matsu Food Bank. The community supplied Food Pantry of Wasilla accepts donations of food or funds to help feed our neighbors. We distribute to clients on an emergency monthly basis. We also distribute TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program). This is a program is supplied by the USDA and is also once a month.

Our third program is Food4Kids.

We prepare and deliver, in safe community locations, nutritious meals and snacks for hungry kids 18 and under. We provide meals during the school year. We have a summer program at various locations around the Valley from Willow to Sutton and provide nutritious lunches for all kids in the valley for free.

Our website is: www.matsufoodbank.org. If you have any questions please go to the website or call us at 907-357-3769.

OUTDOORS

North America Outdoor Institute

The North America Outdoor Institute (NAOI) is a not-for-profit community outreach organization providing outdoor safety and environmental awareness education programs for the general public in an effort to save lives from preventable outdoor injuries and deaths. Debra McGhan, debra@naoiak.org 376-2898 , www.naoiak.org

Alaskans For Palmer Hay Flats

Dedicated to conserving the natural and cultural resources of Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge through public awareness, year-round recreation and events, education and enhancement projects. Healthy, outdoor recreation in a safe, beautiful setting is what APH helps provide to all users.

357-8711, alaskans@palmerhayflats.org www.palmerhayflats.org

Alaska Frontier Trappers Association

The Alaska Frontier Trappers Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the ethical and lawful practice of trapping Alaska’s fur bearers. We work to educate fellow trappers, children and the public in general about trapping as a necessary wildlife management and research tool.

Our monthly meetings usually include a guest speaker and/or a demonstration and fur handling information. Meetings which are held at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Palmer Library. Everyone is welcome to attend. www.akfrontiertrappers.com

CONSERVATION

Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center

The mission of the Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center is to care for injured, orphaned and sick wild birds with the goal of releasing them back into the wild; and to educate the public about these birds and their habitats.

AWBRC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is always looking for volunteers and donations. We are undergoing a building project this summer, and can use carpentry assistance. In addition, regular volunteers are always needed for care of our resident birds. Please visit our web site at http://www.akwildbirdrehab.org/ for further information about us, to volunteer or to request a live bird program.

Wasilla Soil & Water Conservation District (WSWCD) The WSWCD is a non-profit formed in 1948 to assist landowners & land managers with conservation & development on land through technical assistance, projects & education programs & services. distmgr@wasillaswcd.org

JAN 2015

Meadow Gates Farm Sanctuary

We are dedicated to working in our community on education, stable income and health. These are the building blocks for a quality life. We provide grants to programs with these areas of focus and administer programs that improve early childhood education, reduce substance abuse and improve senior citizen nutrition. We supply Familywize prescription drug discount cards, which have saved people in the Mat-Su over $500,000 since its beginning.

The Special Santa Program’s goal is to help children receive the magic of Christmas and know that people care. In reaching this goal the program: 1. Coordinates with agencies and programs to provide for families, 2. Provides the citizens in the Community an opportunity to give, 3. Assists families in need at a stressful time of year, 4. Spreads the joy of Christmas throughout the Mat-Su Valley.

as those individuals who are experiencing behavioral or developmental disabilities, lowincome levels or who are seniors. VRS currently manages 198 residential units distributed in the Mat-Su Valley and participates in special programs to assist with rental assistance. We can also assist with linking individuals to social service agencies who can assist with life skills programs.

(907) 357-0256, www.valleyres.org

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

to request a live bird program.

United Way of Mat-Su

agencies, churches and schools to help families in need. Last year over 3400 children completed a wish list with requests for Christmas presents.

The program provided at least two toys/ gifts, winter wear when possible, a new book, personal items and stocking stuffers. All of this is possible through the generous donations of our community with over 1000 community members, organizations, clubs and schools either volunteering or donating to the program.

This is an all volunteer program. We are also in need of volunteers.

PAGE 23

Valley Arts Alliance

Literature

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Grizzly Trade Review Real Life Fiction

The Peopl e’s

JANUAR Y 2015

Glenn Ma ssay

LOCALL Y OWNE D SINCE

Theater

PHOTOS AND

2007

By Dan Henry, Author of Across The Shaman’s River

Paper FREE

ARTICLE CONTRIB UTED BY MATT SAL E

MAT-SU V ALLEY

In his high-paced outdoor thriller, GRIZZLY TRADE, Alaska author Dale Brandenburger has done exactly that with the fictional realm of Alkoot, and succeeded with a solid, fun story. Fresh-faced Cheechakos and grizzled Alaskans alike will devour this book.

But more than the fish, the author knows the local clientele. Outlandish lives and escapades aside, more than a few of Brandenburger’s characters seem to be drawn from composites of actual people. Then again, I might be paranoid!

urvive It?

Written in the vein of Carl Hiassen and Elmore Leonard, every page bristles with the perfect blend of tension and hilarity needed for a long cruise deck lounge or in a tent

Take Red, a shell-shocked ‘Nam vet who manages to keep a low profile counting fish on the Alkoot River weir until…well, you’ll see. Other stalwart members of the community

NEW 520 SEAT THE ATER OPE NING IN T HE

Everyo ne getting at Mat-Su Col prepar openin ed for lege is busy the upc g On sta Prosce of the new, oming ge, 520 niu system there is a 41 With the m, Glenn Ma -seat tha legs and t includes line set fly it will be final touche ssay Theater. the ma s going an inc in drape, a cyclora borders, fou center in r for the redible perfor now, projec ma, and a 33 electrics, Valley. mance tion x also ava screen. An 17 foot The the atri dance ilable for all of orchestra pit art. The cal system concer is s ts that the musicals the the by the lighting systemare state-ofwil the ate ETC Ion l be a par and r’s future of the light boa , controlled t of . bra Once eve and Sel nd new ETC rd, consists ado Source doors are rything is in instrume r D60, color 4 pla changi LED nts. in great open, the the ce and the ng festiva concerts, lec ater will brin Plus, wit tur ls, g theate and more. The es, shows, film fixture h the additio r is exc s n staff at ited to variou ready to and spotlights of intelligent the wo s eve come thr nts and com rk with all of from lec light performa, the venue is the looking ough the are panies that audio sidtures to rock nces and eve will concer a. Plu forward ts. On nts Conste e is the new to filling s, they are the llation Meyer the sea Acoust SEE th Sound provid ts! ica es E OF Ma AD ON thE surrou digital enhanc l System, wh nd ke a Sce bA ich INFOR a musica sound to ma ement and ne Ma Ck pAgE mA gazin StAY Up tION ON within l, or a movie ke an orches e FOR hO tra, the spa sound EvENtS -tO-DAtE ON W YOU CA amazin ce.

N g mASSA hAppENINg thE LAtESt Once ev Y thEA At thE tER. gLENN erythi op

Read our online edition anytime. www.MakeASceneAK.com ng is in en, th pl lectures e theater will ace and th e door , show bring s are in s, film festival great conc er s, and more. ts,

The Oil Pr ice

The People’s Paper

Crises: Ca

n the State

of Alaska S

Matan uska-S usitna a fund Col in Busine 2011 for The lege establish ss Lectur No ed tIm Series e Series. rthrim Bank bRAD wa NER mOSt was ope s to begin onc The Lecture SENIOR IS ONE OF AL ECONO the ser n. Tim Bradne e the theate WR ies wit r mICS AN ItERS ON ASkA’S r will lau h crises: D pUbL Can the his talk on The nch IC pOLIC hE WI it? state of oil pric LL Y. e Alaska ChALLENtALk AbOU survive gLENN t thE gES mASS DROp The slid AND SO OF thE OIL AY th e OppO revenu in oil prices EAtE mE mA hIDDE REvENUE RtUNItI es has N RECEpt t-SU COLLEg R draw hea in half, forcin cut state ES. g vily IO the E on cas large bud h reserv state to LECtUR N At 6:00pm es to cov implica get deficits Th E At 7:0 e slide . Wh tions for er 0pm Can our future at are the in oil pr oil sta ind ha te budget Alaska ustry sur lf, forc ices ha tran s? econom sition to a vive this? Can s cut reserv ing the stat more sus y? tainabl es to co e to dr state revenu e aw

FEbRU ARY 19

th

No Staff of Writers + Community Submissions = The People’s Paper are th

ver larg es in heav ications e budget de ily on cash ficits. for futu Wha re stat e budg t ets?

e impl

In my thirty years as a full-time Haines, Alaska, resident, I listened countless times to characters reel off amazing exploits to eager audiences, all agreeing at the end that “somebody should write a book.”

waiting out the downpour. You’ll stay with it—the writing is that good.

A longtime employee of Alaska Fish and Game, Brandenburger knows his subject intimately. Readers smell the breath of wild critters, watch their muscles in motion. Vegetation trips and grabs and prickles. Feel the thrill of each salmon running between pickets in the Alkoot River weir.

CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE

Literature

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Grizzly Trade Review CONTINUED include Tim, a reporter with the Alkoot Valley News who gives combatants a target they can agree on; his voluptuous, demanding Latina editor, Sylvia; Goose, a former sawmill owner with chuckle-headed twin sons and Gigi, his buxom daughter in the llama cart; Trooper Jake, a lame-ass (literally) cop whose church-lady wife, Betty May, is a “port of call” for the boozy cruse ship captain of the Grand Duchess.

Throw in a meth freak named Wingnut and a cabal of hippies running naked at Mosquito Bay and you get a sense of the possibilities. But don’t worry, folks, the real bad guys are from out of town. Not

only is he a self-obsessed philanderer, Captain Putnam also conducts a web of smarmy characters whose bad choices only begin with running drugs and killing bears for the Asian aphrodisiac trade. Oh, and occasionally he authorizes dumping of photographic and dry cleaning chemicals into the bay.

Sound familiar?

In writing a book like GRIZZLY TRADE, Brandenburger concocts a narrative that merges Northern Exposure with Breaking Bad for a Jeepbouncing romp through a fictional Haines that’s almost as nutty as the real thing.

In writing a book like GRIZZLY TRADE, Brandenburger concocts a narrative that merges Northern Exposure with Breaking Bad for a Jeep-bouncing romp through a fictional Haines that’s almost as nutty as the real thing.

New Book Highlights the Yukon Quest Trail four-time Iditarod champion – in this year’s race.

A new book from Northern Light Media makes following the race easier than ever, as author Helen Hegener takes readers on a checkpoint-by-checkpoint journey along the route.

Contributed by Northern Lights Media The 32nd running of the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race will be a race of champions, beginning February 7, 2015, in downtown Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, when four former winners of the race will join their fellow mushers in the grueling 1,000-mile trek to Fairbanks, Alaska.

The author shares insights and details of the trail, along with the colorful history of both the race and the wild and beautiful land it crosses.

Over 180 full-color photographs by the author and by photographers Eric Vercammen and Scott Chesney provide an unparalleled look at the trail, the mushers, the dogs and more. Also included are Trail Notes for Mushers, detailing the route in

The Yukon Quest Trail explains the history and the route of the Yukon Quest, with full-color photographs which give the reader a compelling look at what it’s like to launch out of the starting chute behind a team of lunging huskies, or to be feeding your tired but hungry team when it’s thirty degrees below zero, or to be all alone in a vast mountain valley with only the thin orange-and-black trail markers to show the way.

Superlatives become superfluous, but Robert Service found just the right words in his classic ode to the north country, The Spell of the Yukon: There’s a land where the mountains are nameless, And the rivers all run God knows where; There are lives that are erring and aimless, And deaths that just hang by a hair; There are hardships that

nobody reckons; There are valleys unpeopled and still; There’s a land — oh, it beckons and beckons, And I want to go back — and I will.

There are photos of some of the old teams which originally ran these trails, for there is a palpable sense of history inherent in this great race; the mushers and their dogs literally run in the tracks of some of the greatest sled dog drivers of all time.

As the race website notes, the race is a living memorial to those turnof-the-century miners, trappers, and mail carriers who opened up the country without benefit of snowmobiles, airplanes, or roads.

It was their strength and fortitude that blazed the Trail over which most of the Yukon Quest travels. The combination of history, distances, wilderness, and the sheer physical endurance necessary to make the trek captures the imagination like few other sled dog races can.

JAN 2015

Four-time champion Lance Mackey, two-time champion Allen Moore, and 2012 champion Hugh Neff will join the 1989 champion Jeff King – a

The Yukon Quest Trail, published in December, highlights the history, the geography, and the intrepid mushers who enter ‘the world’s toughest sled dog race,’ following old freighting and mail routes across northern Alaska and the Yukon Territory.

both directions, compiled by twotime Yukon Quest Champion John Schandelmeier.

PAGE 26 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Entertainment

WEARABLE ART 2015 Contributed by Carmen Summerfield

> February 21st Palmer Train Depot The Valley Arts Alliance is proud to host their 9th annual VAA Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show at the Palmer Depot on February 21, 2015. 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.

JAN 2015

This year we’re using the theme “Ice Breaker!” 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 2014 or 2013 archives pages, ValleyArtsAlliance.com/archives

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

WEARABLE ART 2015 CONTINUED Or visit the “Women of Wearable Art” photo exhibit on display at Vagabond Blues, 642 S. Alaska Street in Palmer, through February 13.

To become a part of the 9th annual VAA Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show, download our application package, which contains the 2015 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 13, 2015.

The ticket price is $15 per person for each performance.

For the 3pm Matinee ONLY, children 12 years old and under will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Tickets are on sale now—in Palmer at Fireside Books and Non-Essentials, in Wasilla at the Town Square Art Gallery, and in Big Lake at Top Drawer.

> We expect both shows to sell out, so please purchase your tickets early.

The 9th 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!

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

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.

PAGE 27

Entertainment

JAN 2015