Make A Scene November 2012

Mid Nov 2012

FREE!

www.MakeASceneAK.com

Locally owned & operated in the Mat-Su, Alaska

> Cotton Patch Gospel @ VPA Wasilla, Page 18

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: > A Dream Gala Wasilla, Page 9

ICE CASTLES > Colony Christmas Palmer, Page

17

> Publishing A President (Rombama Wins!)

Pg 21

> Rob Czarnezki Gives Thanks Palmer, Page 14

Read our digital online edition or submit content anytime: visit www.MakeASceneAK.com Positive & Encouraging Community News No Staff of Writers + Community Submissions = The People’s Paper

>>>

Register NOW for Spring 2013!

November 12 Priority registration begins—seniors (90+ cr)

www.matsu.alaska.edu

November 13 Priority registration begins—juniors (60-89 cr)

November 14 Priority registration begins—soph (30-59 cr)

November 15 Priority registration begins—freshmen (<29 cr)

November 19 Priority registration begins—pending degree-seeking students

November 26 Registration opens for all students On-site Registration Begins

For current employment opportunities at MSC go to www.uakjobs.com

Apply for 2013 scholarships now!

View Campus Life!

matsu.alaska.edu/office/student-services/financial-aid/

www.cityofwasilla.com 357-9100

Do you truly want to get the most out of your advertising dollars at a genuinely reasonable cost?

If so, consider the Menard Sports Center to display your business or group advertising. The Menard Sports Center is visited by hundreds of thousands of patrons every year. These include local and state-wide sporting events, conventions, fund raisers, consistent use of the ice arena, parents of Turf for Tots, a walking-running track, and steady use of the three meeting rooms.

Your signs will be displayed year-round and will not only advertise, but show the community your support for a tremendous facility. A visual tour is available on the City of Wasilla web site. Choose departments, choose the Menard Sports Center, and click on the virtual tour.

Welcome to our new advertisers: Alaska Waste and Denali Orthopedic Surgery.

And thank you for our renewal customers: C&C Auto Care, MTA, Kendall Auto Group, Special Events Alaska, and Dave Tuttle Insurance. These and other up-coming renewals are greatly appreciated. See our price list on this ad...

1001 S. Mack Drive, Wasilla

3’ X 8’ SIGN - $500.00 ADDITIONAL SIGNS: $500.00 THREE YEARS PRE-PAID: $1300.00 EACH SIGN: SAVE $200.00 ICE ARENA DASHER BOARD: $1000.00 ADDITIONAL DASHER BOARDS: $1000.00 EACH THREE-YEARS PRE-PAID: $2800.00 EACH : SAVE 200.00 MEETING ROOM SPONSORSHIP: $750.00 ADDITIONAL ROOM SPONSORSHIP: $750.00 THREE-YEAR PRE-PAID: $2050.00 EACH ROOM SAVE $200

MAJOR SPONSORSHIP OF THE ICE ARENA IS NEGOTIABLE MAJOR SPONSORSHIP OF THE BUILDING IS NEGOTIABLE THE CURTIS D. MENARD MEMORIAL SPORTS CENTER IS VISITED BY HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PATRONS EACH YEAR. YOUR ADVERTISEMENT WILL BE SEEN

BY PEOPLE FROM THE LOCAL AREA AS WELL AS INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS FROM ALL OVER THE STATE.

MAT-SU BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT’S

INSPIRING STUDENTS SINCE 1972

See us on Facebook @ Louise’s Farm School

HOMESCHOOL

K-12 Home School Support and Distance Delivery Education

We proudly support parental freedom & options in your child’s education!

Mobile Technology

Home Educator Workshops

Field Trips & Extended Activities

Access to District Sports & Activities

HSGQE PREP - Reading, Writing & Math Home Based Personalized Learning Highly Qualified Teacher Support Leaders in Learning with Technology for Math & Science Up to $2700 per Student Allotment MAP Language Arts, Math, and Science Homeschool Resource Library Parent-Chosen Curriculum Options for Assessments and Compass Learning Pathway Come Moodle with us! Blended learning with Home-Based Learning face-to-face time & online group collaboration On-Site Technology Support Tech Academy & Newest Technology!

Advanced Learners Enrichment Student-paced Technology projects, Tech Apps Русскоязычный учитель 21st Century Learning Community Classes предоставляется Homeschool Parent Networking Now offering extended regional support!

COME SEE OUR NEW

Military Families Welcome!

HOMESCHOOL RESOURCE CENTER

e o f fer/r ?

Wh atPrdofoesw sional Caree

• On Site nt College Consulta Based Curriculum r te pu om • Online/C ct Career • Access to Distri es rs & Technical Cou acher Te ic • Certified Mus otography Ph & ia ed • Digital M • Math Labs Workshops • Home Educator pport Su ds • Special Nee • Lego Robotics • Computer Lab g • Criterion Writin

Techno hnolog Tec logyy with h wit On-Si -Site On te Suppor portt Sup Comput puters Com ers PC & & Ma PC Macc iPads ds iPa eBooks oks eBo Electr ctroni Ele onicc Net Netwo workin rking g

ENROLL ONLINE:

OFFICE HOURS:

8am-3:30pm

Mon-Fri

CALL OR VISIT FOR MORE INFO: 352-7450 600 E Railroad Ave, Wasilla

Outdoor Environmental Education for Homeschoolers Ages 5-13 Hike, ski, snowshoe, explore!

Science and Nature Studies Field Trips & Guest Speakers 700-acres of Fields & Forests Hands on Projects Nutritious snacks Small classes, LOTS of FUN!!

Currently enrolling for our 5 week Winter session January 28 - March 1 2013 (907) 746-2714 mrock@alaskapacific.edu 6 Different programs to chose from!

www.springcreekfarmak.org

Lakefront Dining Just 20 Minutes from Wasilla!

Don’t Forget to

Find us on Facebook!

FRIDAY Dinner

Prime Rib

Queen & King Cuts with Salad, Veggies & Potatoes on the side.

Family-friendly fine dining on the shores of beautiful Big Lake at the Sunset View Resort in Big Lake

SUNDAY

Champagne Brunch

11am-2pm

Holidays!

Call now to make reservations for Company Christmas Parties!

Discount for overnight stay at Sunset View Resort with Holiday reservations at The Alaska Boathouse Restaurant.

www.AlaskaSunsetViewResort.com

892-8885

Spectacular Weddings

// Executive Retreats // Family Vacations // Fine Dining

Book Holiday Parties Now! 5268 S Big Lake Rd

892-8595

www.TheAlaskaBoathouse.com

Off Parks Hwy - Turn on Big Lake Rd Past Steve’s Food Boy Keep going till you see the sign on Right

OPEN!

Catering M-Th 5pm-9pm Available F-Sat 5pm-10pm Sun 11am-7pm

Business parties, holiday family get togethers, cooporate functions & more!

Gourmet Food Unique Gifts Coffee & Teas Candy Candles Copper River Fleece Ice Cream Bath & Body

PALMER

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907-373-2698 (office) 888-383-9909 (fax) makeasceneak@mac.com www.makeasceneak.com ..........................

Make-A-Scene publishes 10,000 copies monthly.

We distribute to Wasilla, Palmer, Meadow Lakes, Big Lake, Eagle River & Anchorage. We’re always growing thanks to our contributors, our advertisers, and to you the reader!

Thanks for helping Make-A-Scene! ..........................

Submitting Articles & Calendar:

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

To submit content for print, visit our website for guidelines: www.MakeASceneAk.com Deadline is the 10th of each month.

Submissions are not accepted via Facebook.

Advertising: For information on advertising rates, current sales flyers, deadlines, professional graphic design and more, please call 373-2698

Disclaimer: MakeASceneAK.com, and the parallel paper edition of our monthly news service, is a forum for our community. Both exist for the benefit of our local community, serving as a virtual meeting place for the ideas, thoughts, news, and information that the folks in our community choose to contribute. The articles and opinions herein are the property of the author, not the publisher. The publisher and editor assume no responsibility for injuries or loss incurred by anyone utilizing the information herein, or responding to the advertisers.

Ken Peltier’s

“KEN CARES FOUNDATION”

NEEDS YOUR HELP! TransAlaska Mechanical Plumbing & Heating and Country Legends are asking your office/business to start collecting food for the Food Pantry in Wasilla - or toys for the special Santa program.

On December 6th, Kathy Mitchell and Ken Peltier will drive around the Valley and pick up the donations!

Let Country Legends know that you are a collection point: Visit www.countrylegends1009.com and send Kathy an email; be sure to include your business name, phone number, address and set a time for pick up - OR fill out the form below and drop it off at the Country Legends studios.

Thanks in advance and Happy Holidays from TransAlaska Mechanical Plumbing and Heating and Country Legends 100.9

Business Name: _____________________________ Contact Name: ______________________________

Nov 2012

Address: ___________________________________ Phone #: ___________________________________

Fill out the form and drop it off at Country Legends Studios to sign up as a collection point for food donations.

Proposals Sought for Imagination Library Contributed by Best Beginnings Alaska Funds available to launch new programs Best Beginnings is accepting proposals for grants to launch new local Imagination Libraries.

Best Beginnings is working to expand Dolly Partonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Imagination Library throughout Alaska.

Presently, 93 communities have the program under 29 local Imagination Libraries. More than 19,000 children receive a book in the mail each month. This proposal solicitation is supported financially

by the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development.

Imagination Library mails a brand new, age appropriate book each month to every child from birth to age 5 who signs up for the program in their community, regardless of family income.

There is no charge to participating families. Best Beginnings and local communities raise funds to pay for the books, mailing costs, and family engagement in activities. The Dollywood Foundation manages the system to deliver the books to the home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Communityâ&#x20AC;? can be defined as a town, village, or an area where a group of people live. Normally, the community raises the money for the books and mailing, promotes the program, registers children, and enters the information into the

database.

This Request for Proposals invites communities to apply for matching financial and technical assistance in setting up their programs.

Funding awards will be on a competitive basis.

Additional information, including an application checklist and contact form, is available at www.BestBeginningsAlaska. org.

All applications must be received by 5 p.m., Monday, January 14, 2013.

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Community Belly Dance Your Blues Away!

Article Submitted By Erin Kessler

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Belly Dance has many roots of origin, from the Middle East, to India, to Africa. In the West, it made its debut at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 where a dancer known as ‘Little Egypt’ starred the show. It is rich with culture, story, and mystery.

Belly dancing is natural to a woman’s muscle structure with movements isolating primarily the torso, as well as arms and hips in sensuous patterns. This is a very earthy dance, most often performed barefoot.

Jennifer Woodward is a professional belly dancer as well as a Holistic Health Coach. She teaches ongoing classes, boot camp series, and private dance lessons. She leads a challenging, engaging and FUN class!

Jennifer teaches a weekly belly dance class on Monday nights from 5:30 to 6:45 PM at Midnight Sun Yoga Center in downtown Palmer. Jenn’s class offers instruction of proper technique of fundamental belly dance movements most resembling the style known as Classical Cabaret.

She uses a series of drills and fun

dance combinations incorporating shimmies, undulations, and various pops and locks. Students enjoy a wonderful mild-cardio workout while toning and strengthening muscles such as the: gluts, thighs, upper arms, back, and abdominal muscles.

Jenniferprovides effective warm up and cool downs designed to stretch and strengthen the dancing body. Students should wear comfortable dance or yoga pants, and a comfortable shirt with the option to lift/ tuck and show their belly.

This is an opportunity for all levels of belly dance to enjoy a fun, challenging and enriching dance experience! Hip scarves are provided to use during class or you can purchase one for $20 in our retail section.

If you are new to belly dance and want to give it a try in a beginner friendly atmosphere, Jennifer will be leading a Belly Dance Boot Camp for Beginners at Midnight Sun Yoga Center, Saturdays from 4:00-5:30PM,

Meet Storm Contributed by The Animal Shelter

Nov

2012

Just looking at Storm shows you what a perfect lady she can be. She is a 2-1/2 to 3 year old Alaskan Husky who is very sweet and likes attention.

Like many Huskies, Storm is an active dog and, given the opportunity, she would like to run a few miles every day; with jogger, hiker, biker, or skijoring partner. She has good manners and

November 17th through December 8th. In this 4 week progressive series you will learn proper technique of fundamental Middle Eastern belly dance movements through drills and

target muscles such as: abdominals, upper back, arms, shoulders, thighs and gluts. Each 90 minute session will include warm ups and cool downs designed to lengthen and strengthen your body! Come out of the cold & break from routine to enjoy this enriching and expressive dance! The cost of the whole 4-week workshop is $80. Space is limited and will fill up quickly. You can pre-register and pre-pay by calling Midnight Sun Yoga Center 355-8889 or stop in during business hours (30 – 15 minutes before or after our weekly scheduled classes).

Midnight Sun Yoga Center is conveniently located at 832 S. Colony Way, Suite 2 in downtown Palmer and offers a consistent block schedule of yoga, belly dance, Pilates, and Zumba classes throughout the week.

Please visit our website at www. midnightsunyoga.com for a full list of classes and descriptions, or call us at 907-355-8889 with any questions.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for up to date information on events, classes, and community happenings!

fun dance routines. You will gain confidence, body awareness & tone

likes other medium to large dogs. She may be too enthusiastic for smaller dogs or other small animals. Storm does seem to be skittish around men, but her foster home is working very hard to help her overcome this and, so far, it seems to be working! She made a visit to an Alaska Dog & Puppy Adoption Clinic last weekend (Oct. 13th) and did well, allowing a male volunteers pet her.

If you would like to meet this beautiful girl, please contact Pixie at (907) 3463329 for more information

Thanks and Namaste, Erin Kessler and Ailis Vann Owners/Teachers

Annual “Dream Gala” Fundraiser Article Submitted By Cherise Hyslip The Alaska Dream Center is holding their annual “Dream Gala” fundraiser.

The Alaska Dream Center is an extensive, one year, residential substance abuse program, which is offered at no cost to those struggling with life controlling issues. Many of those who come to the Dream Center are homeless and jobless. We do not charge for our services so we are able to reach those who cannot afford the expensive alternatives. We are solely supported by compassionate individuals, businesses, and churches in our community; we are not government funded. Therefore we must continue to raise funds throughout the year.

We would like to ask for the privilege to partner with you toward a better community by your donation and sponsorship to the Alaska Dream Center. It is through your generous giving that you mobilize our teams.

You are the ones who are backing each person who walks through the Dream Centers doors. You are the ones responsible for changed lives.

As staff at the Dream Center we hear many moving stories from the students here, most of whom as young children suffered unthinkable hardships and experienced pain and injustice beyond anything we could even imagine. The Dream Center is about restoring their hope and healing their hearts. It’s about lovingly teaching them a better way. It’s about 24/7 accountability like a good family. It’s about compassionate giving and unselfish living.

Dream Center Graduate – “When I realized how many people that don’t even know me – that may never even meet me – give of their time and money so that I can get healed, it breaks my heart to know that someone loves me like God loves me...”

“Holiday Treasures”

Teeland Middle School

Dec. 14th, 7:30PM

$5 Adults/FREE for Seniors & Students

Accepting Applications...

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

It will be a semi-formal evening of dinner, entertainment, inspirational stories and auction. The event will be held at the beautiful Bill Sheffield Train Depot at the Anchorage Airport on Saturday, December 1st.

9

Community

For Sales Representatives Applicants should be qualified and experienced.

Nov

Send your resume via email:

2012

makeasceneak@mac.com

10

Community T.H.E. Healing Touch Seminars

(The Health Education Seminars at Alaska Healing Touch)

By Catherine

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Hollingsworth If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, then perhaps you want better health. You might have already decided that you want off the mer r y- go -r ou nd of doctor’s appointments and diets. You want the solution, the cure, the remedy, and the doctor who understands your urgency for better health. You want it right now! You would also like to have all of this without spending

So many Alaskans are beginning to recognize that the cure is not somewhere out there, but is already within their hands. That cure is your power to control your own health outcome. That’s right; you already have the answers and the cures to many of your health issues. You’ll be amazed at how energized you will feel once you take back control of your own health.

Your wallet will feel fatter, too.

There is a new chiropractic clinic in Palmer, Alaska Healing Touch, that believes you are just a few steps away from finding the path to better health. The staff at Alaska Healing Touch believe that through education we can empower the public to be in control of their personal health destiny, once again. We feel strongly that education is one of the most effective ways to get you back in control of things, get you off that merrygo-round and get you feeling better,

By Catherine Hollingsworth

types of people and situations is crucial for having a well rounded dog, who doesn’t demonstrate fears regarding new experiences or situations.

Occasionally, dogs can exhibit a fear of men, which makes it challenging to blend them into your family and home. People typically assume that this fear is based on a negative prior experience with a male, but this is not always the case. Often, puppies who have not been exposed to men can develop such fears. Men are taller, have deeper voices, and may have beards or moustaches, causing a dog to become frightened. Socializing your puppy to many different

So, to start, try to determine if your dog is afraid of all men or just a certain type of man. Once you have gotten this figured out, then you can start your plan to desensitize the dog. Above all, do not force your dog to accept interactions with any man as this can strengthen your dog’s fear and may lead to a bite. Scolding your dog for not accepting the men in your life may lead your dog to equate men with negative interactions.

Overcoming a Dog’s Fear of Men

Nov 2012

your savings and that of your children. So what’s the answer?

more productive, alert and energized. In fact, we feel so strongly that education is a major key to your health, that we begin teaching about better health right at our doorway with fragrance-free policies and removal of outdoor shoes. We really do walk our talk, as they say, and are happy to answer any questions you might have about these policies.

To facilitate more educational opportunities, Alaska Healing Touch hosts seminars every Tuesday night from 7pm to 9pm. All of our seminars are free. Topics for T.H.E. Healing Touch Seminars are varied, but each of them will cover aspects that effect your health. Subjects cover chiropractic care; nutrition and food; environmental areas such as clean indoor air, mold and better drinking water; and mental and spiritual well being. Alaska Healing Touch wants to facilitate other small business owners and practitioners to lecture while encouraging the public to learn about the many wonderful health resourc-

Let your dog approach the male on her own and allow your dog to choose how close she wants to get to the man. Then, have the man gently toss some favorite treats toward the dog. This will train your dog to understand that good things happen when she is in the company of a man.

Dealing with more severe cases of fear can take more time and patience to deal with. This could mean that the man and the dog might not be able to be in the same room togeth-

es available in the Mat-Su area.

There is an ever-growing population of like-minded Alaskans that have been seeking ways to become healthier, and these seminars can become a useful tool to assist you in your quest for better health, while helping you to meet a great group of folks that share your goals. Learning how to make some very big lifestyle changes is not always easy, and sometimes it is necessary to find supportive friends who will share your journey.

Join us at Alaska Healing Touch each Tuesday night for great learning, documentary viewing and discussion.

Find out about our Saturday class schedules for more indepth learning about probiotics and healthier baking.

er, at least at the beginning. Slowly close the distance between the two, dog and man, and do so gradually.

If these strategies do not work, using a dog trainer or behaviorist will assist you with this process of desensitization.

Obedience training will help your dog to deal with fearful situations and people.

Small Business Is Community

By Teresa Roy with Cover-Ups

My fellow Small business owners are a tenacious bunch, they are the unsung heroes of our towns, they give us opportunity for social interaction, connection to our communities and each other. They are the hearts of where we live.

They are optimists, visionaries, and dreamers; they organize, operate, and create. They are risk takers, financiers, bookkeepers and community participants. When someone needs a hand they step up to the plate, they donate, promote and give of themselves.

They represent the hope and optimism of a community.

Sharing a smile and words of encouragement can make one of these hard working folks day. That’s what keeps us going when we feel like it’s just not worth the sacrifice of time, energy or commitment. The holiday season is upon us it’s the watershed time for small business owners, when we wait with baited breath wondering what the next few months will bring. You can help. In these upcoming months tell them “Thank You”.

Thank You for what they contribute to your life, your school fundraisers, girl and boy scout troops, raffles, auctions, good causes.

They are a generous bunch. We help those who ask, no matter the reason, over and over. Please return that generosity of spirit. Frequent your favorite shops early and find some new ones. Tell your friends about those sometimes hidden treasures. It’s more than shopping local, its shopping small with a big impact.

Mat-Su Senior Services Annual Craft Bazaar Contributed by Mat-Su Senior Services December 8th, Saturday 9:00am – 4:00pm we are having our annual craft bazaar.

For more information please call (907) 745-5454.

The Slippery Road A poem by Nan Potts Tires rum-rumble, try not to fumble While traveling the slippery road.

Deep ditch on your right, an unnerving sight Along the slippery road.

Sharp curve to the left, a traction theft Driving the slippery road.

Poor decisions made, too late to save You from the slippery road.

A skid is induced, a scream is produced Sliding on the slippery road.

Reduce your speed, rethink and heed While on the slippery road.

Recovery though, maybe be painfully slow Floating on the slippery road.

Time seems to hover, you may recover From the slippery road.

The tread grips-hold, you're as good as gold Now, on the slippery road.

Take a breathe and relax, you're back in the tracks Driving the slippery road.

A mistake was made, a blessing was paid To you on the slippery road.

The slippery, slippity, slickity, sliddity, A very slip-slippery road.

2012

We have only hand made items, so, support your local Palmer vendors!

POETRY

Nov

It’s not an easy job to be self employed. It can be incredibly satisfying. There are many, many reasons people go into business and it’s usually not about money, its something more satisfying. It’s living a dream, pursuing an interest, living life on your terms. But

whatever the reason, it is always hard work, disappointment, and some days just drudgery. But still they get up every morning unlock the door and hope for something better than the day before. It’s not easy. Show them your appreciation; tell a small business owner today you appreciate them. Spend a few dollars at your favorite independent retailer, bookstore, gift-shop, coffee house, or restaurant.

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Being a small business owner for 19 years has given me much for which to be grateful. Having a home based business for 11 years and spending the last 8 in Palmer I’ve learned some important things along the way. My business- Cover Ups was recently awarded the State Chamber of Commerce Bill Bivin Award, for Small Business of the Year. Its humbling and a privilege to be part of the community where I live and work.

To hopefully add something positive to the lives of the people who visit my corner of the world, whether that is my shop or the town of Palmer. Small businesses give a community character, a sense of place, flavor, it gives tangible identity of where we live and why it’s special. It’s what gives definition to an area, a town, a community. If you value the uniqueness of where you live, you must patronize Small Business; it truly contributes to the economy of your neighbors and what is valuable about where you live.

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Community

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The Perfect Meeting Space— Scrapbooking & Quilting Clubs Business Meetings, Parties and More Big Lake’s Newest Meeting Facility

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

800 sq. ft. with private kitchen & restroom facilities, catering options & direct parking lot access. South side East Lake Mall.

Lakeshore Entertaining & Event Management (907) 230-0935 lakeshoreentertaining@alaska.net lakeshoreentertaining.com

Advertise your business or event with MAS.

The People’s Paper

>>>

10,000 copies in Wasilla, Palmer, Big Lake, Meadow Lakes, Eagle River & Anchorage

Nov 2012

Make A Scene is a locally owned and operated community newspaper in Mat-Su. Our goal is to provide positive and uplifting community minded information plus educate and create awareness about community events and topics of interest. Unlike traditional newspapers, we have no staff of writers. Rather, a diverse group of contributors: museum directors, business owners, politicians, artists, musicians, theatre directors, non-profit organizations, farmers, scientists, parents, teachers, authors, poets - anyone who wants to contribute – all volunteers who are self motivated to write positive, encouraging information. We gather and provide content that the community is passionate about. In addition to Make A Scene’s massive community outreach, we provide businesses and organizations superior marketing that is professional and effective. We are so much more than a traditional newspaper. We are the people’s paper!

Call or email us for details about advertising your info.

makeasceneak@mac.com

373-2698

Anchorage Weavers and Spinners Guild Welcomes Valley Members Contributed By Anchorage Weavers and Spinners Guild

The Guild holds regular monthly meetings from September through May, often featuring a guest Speaker. Meetings are open to the public and are held at 10:00am on the 2nd Saturday of the month in a classroom of the Anchorage Museum of History and Art. Mem¬bers are encouraged to bring projects they are working on to share with the group.

Other guild activities include demonstrations of weaving and spinning during “Fur Rondy”, participation at the Alaska Botanical Garden and Alaska State Fairs, at the November Arts and Crafts Emporium, and a spring and fall fiber retreat in cooperation with the Valley Fiber Arts Guild. Other popular activities are the annual Guild Challenge and informal study groups. The most successful Community Project of AWSG has been that of Chemo Caps for Cancer Clinics and to date we have distributed 5,534 caps to local clinics.

Mon-Thur 11:00-10PM Fri-Sat 11:00-11PM Sun Noon-8PM

N I R A E Y 1 !

S S E N I S U B CARRS Mall, Wasilla (Near Blockbuster)

2012 workshops include: • Shibori Scarf Workshop with Wendy Smith-Wood

Website: http://anchorageweavespin.com

• Beginning Spinning Class with Kathryn Young • Bound weave with Pamela Grefsrud • Spinning with Jacey Boggs • Ply-splitting: Braids, Baskets and Beyond with Barbara Walker • Stripes with Attitude with Barbara Walker • Spring Tapestry workshop Membership is open to anyone interested in weaving, spinning, and other fiber arts.

Photo: Sherry Rodgers teaching girls to weave on her garden loom. Jeanette Kent looks on.

2012

Dues for active membership are $25 per year and include a monthly newsletter, the opportunity to serve on the board and vote in guild elections, and the use of the library and rental equipment. Current membership also includes 10% off on selected items at several local fibers stores.

A second membership option is a sub¬scribing membership for $10 per year. Sub¬scribers receive only the monthly newsletter.

Nov

The Guild maintains a library of spinning and weaving books, videos and equipment available for loan by members. This equipment includes various looms, spinning wheels and carders.

A modest monthly rental fee is charged for equipment.

The Guild sponsors workshops throughout the year featuring instructors from both Alaska and from around the world.

Workshops embrace different cultures and historical interest and function to educate members on many diverse fields related to spinning and weaving.

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

The Anchorage Weavers and Spinners Guild is a non¬profit organization dedicated to the encourage¬ment of the fiber arts in Alaska with members in Anchorage as well as our Mat-Su Valley. The Guild seeks to promote the exhibition of fiber arts and to inform its members and the public through lectures, workshops and demonstrations.

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Arts

CITY OF PALMER

www.CityofPalmer.org

SALUTES OUR VETERANS

Mat-Su Senior Services Celebrates National Alzheimerʼs Disease Awareness Month!

Learn More about Adult Day Services at the Palmer Senior Center · · · · ·

Socialization and Entertainment Group Exercise Health and Medication Monitoring Lunch at the Center Transportation Services

Open Monday through Friday, 7:30am – 5:00 pm Call (907) 745-5454 for more information!

A message from Palmer Mayor DeLena Johnson: At this time of year I feel truly blessed to be Mayor of the City of Palmer. We have a beautiful and historic town with a bright future. The real strength of a community comes from its people. We have active, caring residents who look out for their neighbors and friends when they are in need. Thank you for all you do to make this an outstanding community.

We have so much to give thanks for and I appreciate those who help each other in times of need and work to keep us safe. I also pray for the brave men and women at home and abroad who are fighting to maintain our liberties.

Thanksgiving is an opportunity to reflect on what we often take for granted. It truly is the simple things I am the most thankful for - friends, family and the opportunity to be together.

Happy Thanksgiving to all from the Johnson family,

DeLena Johnson Mayor, City of Palmer - 2012

A Thank You and Thanksgiving Message from Czar of Guitars Contributed by Rob Czarnezki In September I under went Gamma Knife treatment at the University of California San Francisco, UCSF, for a Trigeminal/Nerve/Brain Tumor. While the road to recovery is filled with pot holes and blind curves, there is much that I have to be thankful for and many to thank.

Four years ago when my wife Margaret and I started Czar of Guitars, a lot of people said we were crazy and that a guitar shop will neverwork in Palmer. With the help of a fantastic hard working staff and an eclectic collection of customers we proved them wrong. Thank you to the customer, who continues to stop in to buy a set of new guitar strings or buy a new guitar.

Thanks to the people that stop by tooffer a kind word or a word of encouragement. We are grateful to each and every one of you and appreciate your business.

Continued on page 16...

Above: Stereotactic frame, head frame for the Gamma Knife procedure that is "screwed" into your head

Happy Dawn’s Thrift Shop

Meet Iditarod Artist

Jon Van Zyle Sat, Dec. 15th

1-4PM

Premiering the NEW 2013 Iditarod Poster & 2013 Iditarod Print Personalizing new art & old favorites Children’s books & Ornaments Perfect for Christmas gift-giving Can’t make it to the show?

Advance orders welcomed! www.townsquareartgallery.com

Town Square Art Gallery in Carrs Mall, Wasilla

We’re inviting everyone to come see Happy Dawn’s Christmas Village

376.0123

CZAR of GUITARS Customer Appreciation Open House Saturday November 24th 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM We’re stocked up for the holidays Come in and check out our many unadvertised specials

New Holiday Hours: Tues - Thurs 12 - 7 pm Friday 12 - 6 Saturday 12 - 6

105 E. Arctic Ave. Palmer ● 907-745-5550

Donation proceeds going to Fight 4 Life in the Valley

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Czar of Guitars cont.

I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Forest Wilson who in my recent absence is doing an outstanding job managing Czar of Guitars day to day operations and is keeping things at the shop running smooth.

Thanks to Robert Howard for your years of extraordinary lutherie work.

Enjoy your retirement Robert, you will be missed. As for me, I know at the very least I have some follow-up visits to UCSF and I have learned it’s not one day at a time... rather it is one step at a time. I hope that soon I will be back working at the guitar shop part-time. I don’t know what my next adventure will be, but I know it will be a good one.

- Rob Czarnezki

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

CZAR OF GUITARS 105 East Arctic Palmer, Alaska 99645 Rob and Margaret Czarnezki and the staff of Czar of Guitars would like to invite you to an Open House at Czar of Guitars on Saturday November 24 from 2:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.

Nov 2012

Read our online edition anytime. www.MakeASceneAK.com

Above: The head frame was installed at 7:00 AM and didn’t come off until about 5:00 PM. I had one heck of a headache!

Positive & Encouraging Community Info & Events No Staff of Writers + Community Submissions = The People’s Paper

Ice Castles on the Green!

As in past events, Ice Castles on the Green! will be held on that area of Palmer known as

The Dahlia Street Market was built in the mid1930’s as the colony’s Trading Post and Post Office. Palmer’s Mayor DeLena Johnson and her husband Steve purchased the abandoned building a few years ago and restored it to glory. Now it hosts Palmer’s famous restaurant “Rusty’s” (where everyone is invited in for a “warm up” on Saturday afternoon during the Ice Castles on the Green).

Ice Castles on the Green! will consist of unique winter ice sculptures created by some of the

And we’re always looking for more talented artists to help us create unique ice sculptures at Ice Castles on the Green! Adults and children of all ages are welcome to participate, either bringing their own ice building blocks or sculptures, or using our ice blocks. Too see exciting scenes from past events, please visit www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com and click on the Archive pages.

Most of the ice sculpting will occur from 2 to 4pm, but visit us any time on Saturday December 8 and watch the ice sculptures take shape! To add to the festivities, the MatSu Community Chorus will be caroling in the midst of our ice sculptures, with performances at 4:30 and 6pm.

So start designing your sculptures and freezing your ice, and join us on December 8 and help create another wonderful Ice Castles on the Green!

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Colony Christmas is an old fashioned three-day celebration of Christmas past and present in Palmer that features horse-drawn sleigh rides, reindeer, gingerbread houses, and holiday carolers. As part of the celebration, on Saturday, December 8, 2012 the Valley Arts Alliance will be producing their Fifth Annual Ice Castles on the Green!

Valley’s best artists. We already have some remarkable sculptures lined up, such as this work-in-progress sculpture pictured here, awaiting ice.

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the “quad” or “square” or “Green”, located between the Borough Office, the Dahlia Street Market, and the Colony Inn. The Colony Inn was the former residence for Directed by Henry Woodall teachers who came Sponsored by north to Alaska with the original colonists in the mid-1930’s. It $17 Students/Seniors $19 Adults | 373-0195 | www.valleyperformingarts.org was restored several years ago by Janet Kincaid, and now serves as Palmer’s treasured Colony Inn, a quaint and charming hotel.

By Carmen Summerfield VALLEY PERFORMING ARTS presents

Nov 2012

Above: Photos from last years Ice Castles on The Greeen! Event at Colony Christmas in Palmer.

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Theatre Junie B. Jones

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Contributed By Alaska Junior Theatre Alaska Junior Theater (AJT) presents a TheatreworksUSA production of Junie B. Jones December 8th at 2:00 PM in the Discovery Theatre. This extremely delightful adaptation of four of Barbara Park’s Junie B. Jones books springs to life in a genuinely comical and not strictly-for-kids musical.

Tickets range from $11-$24 and are available at CenterTix by calling 263-ARTS or online at www.akjt.org.

While in Anchorage, TheatreworksUSA will perform for 9,000 students in the Anchorage, Eagle River and Mat-Su Valley area.

Additionally, on Thursday, December 6th, 4:30 PM, TheatreworksUSA performers will participate in a free community event at the Loussac Public Library. The event includes a reading of the popular book and a craft activity.

For youth ages 5 and up. Free to the public. Loussac Public Library.

Tickets $20 per child.

Call 272-7546 for more information.

For more information on tickets for this or any of Alaska Junior Theater’s performances and events, go to www.akjt.org

Additionally, come and help

‘Cotton Patch Gospel’ At Valley Performing Arts Contributed By Valley Performing Arts VPA’s holiday play is Cotton Patch Gospel, a musical, written by Tom Key and Russel Trez featuring the music of singer/songwriter Harry Chapin. We thank both Just Imagine Toys and Lucas Chiropractic Center for sponsoring this warm and wonderful presentation.

Nov 2012

celebrate Junie B.’s birthday party!

Join Alaska Junior Theater before the show, December 8th from 12:00-1:00 PM at the Discovery Theatre to meet Junie B., play fun games, and eat special birthday treats.

Our musical production of the “Greatest Story Ever Retold” is based upon the book The Cotton Patch Gospel Version of Matthew and John by Clarence Jordan, retelling the gospel in a setting of rural Georgia. Harry Chapin adds blue grass and country songs for

Photo by Carol Rosegg

our band and cast of characters to share and sing their way from Gainesville, to Valdosta, and all the way to Atlanta. This is a fun, foot stomping and inspiring journey with plenty of places to laugh and cry. Director Henry Woodall has hand selected a cast of musicians and actors to tell this wonderful story through song. Everyone will be humming at least one new tune by the time they leave.

Harry Forster Chapin was an American singer and songwriter known for folk rock songs such as "Taxi," "W*O*L*D," and the number one hit "Cat's in the Cradle” and who donated the proceeds from every other concert he gave to end hunger. Chapin was a dedicated humanitarian who fought to end world hunger, with his work being widely recognized as a key player in the creation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger in 1977 and for inspiring music industry hunger alleviation projects

such as USA for Africa, Live Aid, and Hands Across America. In 1987, Chapin was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his humanitarian work.

Become a humanitarian throughout Season 37 by bringing a non-perishable food donation to the theatre at any performance.

All food will be donated to the Food Pantry of Wasilla. VPA is also collecting new toys during Cotton Patch Gospel for the Toys for Toys Program c o or d i n ate d locally

through the Special Santa organization. Cotton Patch Gospel plays November 23rd through December 23rd and tickets are just $17 Students/Seniors and $19 Adults.

Consider giving “The Gift of Theatre” with a gift certificate to any VPA play.

P M H Season Ticket discounts are M available through December 31st.

A For tickets please visit : www.valleyperformingarts.org N or contact the VPA office at 373-0195

C T H

A p C P m m D t a

toys from PMHA’s permanent collections.

On Saturday, December 8th from 11am2pm, PMHA will be cohosting the annual Cookie Contest with the Mat-Su B&B Association and Northern Lights Adventures will be at the Museum with several of their sled dogs to share the sport of mushing. Visitors will also be able to view the Museum’s holiday exhibit of toys while defrosting with some warm cider and cocoa throughout the day.

We invite all members of the community to come celebrate the holidays with the Palmer Museum and look forward to making holiday memories together.

Above: Pat Garley and his giant cabbage sculpture, ‘Mat-Su Giant’

Nov 2012

As the city of Palmer prepares for this year’s Colony Christmas, the Palmer Museum hopes to make its contribution a memorable one. On Friday, December 7th from 6-8pm, the Museum will be hosting a member appreciation night

that will commemorate the Museum’s 2012 Art Acquisition purchase of Pat Garley’s giant cabbage sculpture entitled Mat-Su Giants. Pat’s piece is the highest valued contemporary artwork that the Museum has purchased to date. Purchase of this artwork has been made possible through support of the Rasmuson Foundation.

PMHA will be celebrating the evening with refreshments, music, a temporary display of Pat’s sculpture along with a montage of photographs cataloguing the creation process and a mock-up of how it will be installed on the grounds early next summer. Members will also be able to view the Museum’s December holiday exhibit of

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Contributed by The Palmer Museum of History and Art

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Palmer Museum Hosting A Member Appreciation Night

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Arts Ink, Line, Blot: The Art of Dimi Macheras

on display at the Smithsonian and Chicago Field Museum. Ink, Line, Blot includes a varied collection of Dimi’s works throughout the years and allows the viewer an opportunity to see how Dimi has become a force in the graphic art

In the spirit of National Native American Heritage Month, the Palmer Museum, PMHA, proudly presents Ink, Line, Blot: The Art of Dimi Macheras. Dimi originally hails from the Valley and is the son of notable Chickaloon Village Elder, Patricia Wade. He also served as Art Director at Chickaloon Village from 2003 through 2006. Dimi has worked over 10 years as a concept artist for graphic novels, social media sites, record labels and professional logos. He has been featured on NPR, has been a recipient of an individual Artist Award from the Rasmuson Foundation, was nominated for an Eisner award and has one of his illustration works

field while still remaining true to his Native Alaskan roots. This exciting exhibit will be on display at the Palmer Museum from November 7th through December 6th.

Nov 2012

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Contributed by The Palmer Museum of History and Art

This year, there has been an overwhelming support for art in the Valley.

transition of operating in snow, we will be postponing the Second.

The Palmer Museum would like to thank all the Valley participants who have made the Palmer Second Saturday Art Walk such a success these past few months. Since the holiday season is now upon us and we find ourselves engulfed with planning vacations, searching for the perfect gift and dealing with the

Saturday Art Walk until January as to allow our participants a small break to enjoy the holidays.

The Art Walk will come back at the beginning of next year with more prizes and special events for all to enjoy ! Be sure to check the Museum web-site at the beginning of next year for a list of participants and events.

About PMHA: The Palmer Museum of History and Art is a non-profit museum that serves the community of Palmer in preserving and sharing the history and art of the Palmer region. The museum’s collections contain items that best depict region’s art history, exploration, settlement, agriculture, and trade, cultural and social development.

Politics Publishing A President

By Josh Fryfogle I guess I’ve become jaded. I just don’t believe in the system anymore. Not to say I don’t believe in our country; on the contrary, I really do. However, I’m more than disappointed with the way things have developed especially corporatism, and its fascist machinations.

Obama has once again been named president. I don’t know what disturbs me more: that he was re-elected, or that Mitt Romney was the ‘other’ choice.

Really? This is the best America has to offer?

I’m reminded of the myth we teach children, that in America anyone can be president. No, not at all true.

What is proven is that if enough corporate interests get behind a ‘candidate’, then that candidate can become president. If they throw enough money your way, you can become president - but at what cost?

Before Obama announced his run for president, around 2006 or so, I was working at the old Waldenbooks in Wasilla. I loved working there, and I really wanted to learn as much as I could about the publishing industry. About that time Obama, a relatively unknown senator from Illinois, released his now famous book, ‘The Audacity of Hope’.

I

remember stocking our bestseller display shelves, near the front of the store where everyone would see the covers of these ‘bestsellers’.

As a book nerd, I was offended.

Immediately all the implications of this new information started racing through my mind…

Something struck me, as I looked over the new titles that had recently arrived. How could a brand new book, in its first printing, be a bestseller? In the case of the ‘The Audacity of Hope’, it was even embossed on the dust jacket itself. Not just a sticker, but graphically designed into the cover art…

This meant that the coveted and powerful shelf space at the front of the store was not a representation of the public’s buying habits, but instead it was the result of the corporate book chains decision to buy lots of copies of a book before it’s printed! That meant that they could artificially affect book sales across the country! And in the case of politicians like Obama, the implications were even more sinister.

Of course, this is counter-intuitive.

We assume that bestsellers must have proven their worth through previous sales, right? If we’re told it’s a bestseller, surely that means that lots and lots of other people have already bought the title; that word of mouth, good reviews, have driven sales of the title until it achieves bestseller status, right?

Well, maybe that was true at one time, somewhere in publishing past, but not anymore.

Today, bestsellers are decided oftentimes before the books are even written. Of course, the publishing industry isn’t forthcoming with this truth, but still, it’s true.

I asked my manager at Waldenbooks how this could be, that a brand new title in its first printing could be a ‘bestseller’?

The answer astounded me.

Large corporate book chains, like Waldenbooks and Barnes and Noble, decide ‘bestseller’ status by their own pre-orders. So, it’s completely artificial! It’s a lie!

I was disheartened, to say the least. I felt as if I had lost hope in something that hitherto had been sacred to me. The audacity of it all! I love books; I love the idea that we can use words to pass down wisdom to future generations. Now that feeling was tainted.

But, back on point here: I started this little essay with the suggestion that corporations decide who our leaders are going to be, giving us the illusion that we choose them. Still, the facts speak for themselves. Barack Obama’s bestseller status was not decided by people buying his book, but instead by large corporations spending millions to artificially affect the sales.

Of course you might believe Mitt Romney when he said, “Corporations are people, my friend…”

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22

Politics

Locked Up In Prison By former state representative

Nov 2012

Vic Kohring Thanks to d e c e i t f u l prosecutors and a compliant judge, I found myself on the losing end of my trial. Then a prison cell, alone, shell-shocked and depressed while facing 3-1/2 years. It was surreal, almost unimaginable. The ugly, inevitable day arrived far too soon when I turned myself over to the U.S. Marshal’s. “D-Day” was June 30, 2008, my last day of freedom. It was a somber, even frightening day, not knowing what lay ahead and mindful of horror stories one hears about prison.

The morning I turned myself in, I made a final expression of thanks to my many wonderful supporters.

I chose to go out on the Glenn Highway and spend several hours greeting commuters with a big “Thank You Alaska” sign. Up at 4:00 am, followed by a prayer and emotional goodbye to family, I was on the highway at my usual spot in Peters Creek by 5:00. The response was overwhelmingly positive, bringing me to tears several times. Honks and waves were in the hundreds. It was a real psychological boost, since right afterward I reported to waiting Marshal’s where I was promptly handcuffed, leg shackled and locked in a holding cell. It was the start of my prison odyssey, where I was to be kicked around at five different facilities over a year’s time.

I was then hurried into a dark, stuffy paddy wagon crowded with prisoners for the short ride to the Anchorage jail, a facility I ironically worked to fund as a legislator. Being led in cuffs by an armed guard, shufflingalonginlegchains,Ientered a highly secure, underground area. All heck suddenly broke

loose as several prisoners, all hardened criminals and aware of my arrival from news reports, s c r e a me d and slung obscenities. My ears were assaulted with threats of “We know who you are politician” and “We’re going to kill you.” The heavy steel door slammed shut behind me after being shoved into a tiny, smelly seven foot square concrete cell. My “bed” was a concrete bench with a one-inch foam pad that made my whole body ache.

A little stool and table of steel were the only other amenities except an open toilet and tiny sink. Food was served on a tray through a door slot. A security camera watched me 24 hours a day and it was so cold, I was constantly chilled. I had to concentrate hard to control claustrophobia. I felt abused as if an animal in a cage while stripped of my dignity. I did lots of reading and journal entries to bide the time, wondering what each day may bring.

We were all taken to a 12-seat prop plane. Our destination was Seattle, though not a word was spoken so I had no clue. Probably to lessen the chance of prisoner escapes. After a noisy, bone-jarring, six-hour flight where my unhealed spine from recent surgery throbbed in pain, we were hustled into a heavily secured van and driven to Sea-Tac Federal Detention Center, my second prison facility. Then a humiliating body cavity search for drugs and weapons and being issued a goofy over-sized jump suit. A guard led me down a long hallway, opened a big steel door and ordered me into a large room crammed with a couple hundred inmates. The noise from all the talking and yelling was at a fever-pitch. I stood stunned. I was basically told to shut up and do as told, otherwise I’d be punished with solitary confinement. I stayed in Seattle exactly a month in crowded conditions, pig slop for chow and among serious criminals including drug dealers and armed robbers.

One Mexican inmate boasted he shot a man while robbing a car dealership. I constantly looked behind my back, wondering who might jump me as I feared for my safety. If someone wanted to harm me, it wouldn’t be difficult.

Makeshift weapons could easily be fashioned from eating utensils to gouge eyes. Shaving razors could be made into knives to slit a throat.

Bed sheets to strangle.

Two weeks later at 5:00 am, a guard barked through a speaker, “Kohring, get up.” He didn’t say why.

I was led to a dozen other prisoners, a frightening looking bunch, many with bald heads, tattoos and bad attitudes. I learned one was a convicted murderer, having shot a guy and disposing the body near Knik River. He knew my name and all about me, which was creepy.

I was then placed on a Boeing 737 jammed with 150 prisoners from all over the country, destined for Oklahoma City, another federal prison. While there, I witnessed one of the ugliest experiences of my jail stay. Two black inmates fought as if trying to kill each other, wildly punching and kicking. A horrifying,

Continued on page 24...

Submitted By Zaz Hollander The Mat-Su Concert Band presents its always popular winter concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 14 at Teeland Middle School.

The concert includes an intermission. There will be a small admission fee at the door. Tickets are $5; seniors and students still get in free.

Tickets will also be available before the concert.

Selections include a mix of familiar holiday tunes and festive pieces.

The Swingin’ Ravens to perform at The Lake Lucille Inn The Swingin' Ravens, featuring John McKimmey and Hank Hartman, will perform at The Lake Lucille Inn,

Another traditional number, “Greensleeves,” takes a chamber form in an arrangement that features a lilting clarinet solo balanced by echoes of the melody throughout the wind section.

Soprano Megan Webb joins the band for “Follow the Star” and “GrownUp Christmas List,” popularized by singers like Amy Grant and Michael Bublé. Megan, a member

of the Alaska Chamber Singers and past member of the band’s clarinet section, serves as band director at Begich Middle School. She also teaches a theater camp through Valley Performing Arts in the summer.

Other more contemporary pieces include “The Saints’ Hallelujah” - a Dixieland take on the holiday - and the lively, entertaining “Shepherd’s Hey,” by Percy Aldridge Grainger.

The band will also perform selections from “A Christmas Intrada,” Alfred Reed’s modern holiday band classic featuring brass and woodwind choirs.

Our band got its start in 1984 as the Mat-Su Community Band, formed

by Matanuska Music owner Hank Hartman. Other directors have included Neil Long and Phil Munger.

The current director, Gleo Huyck, is a retired music educator and private instructor. Under Huyck’s baton, the band performs a wide-ranging selection of challenging music. The band this season numbers more than 60 amateur musicians who assemble every Monday night for rehearsals at Teeland. We are always looking for new members.

For more information about tickets, or to join the band, send an e-mail to matsuconcertband@gmail.com or call Gleo Huyck at 746-0628.

Wasilla, AK, on Saturday, February 23, 2013 for Stride Alaska, from 6PM to 9PM, downstairs in The Iditarod Room. Tickets are $25 each.

Modern New Orleans Swing; featuring the music of Pete Fountain and Louis Armstrong!

A Swinging 4 piece for dining and dancing pleasure!

Nov 2012

Submitted by John McKimmey

Much-loved numbers include “Sleigh Ride,” “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” and “I Saw Three Ships.”

The band will also play “Awake the Trumpet’s Lofty Sound,” by George Frideric Handel, “Blessed Are They”

by Johannes Brahms, and “Carillons at Christmastime,” by J. Baptiste Calkin.

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Mat-Su Concert Band Spreads Holiday Cheer

23

Music

24

Politics

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

yard were suitable where a bed sheet could be hung over a tree branch. I was often depressed, but never to the point of taking my life. Escaping was not an option either as one would probably die in the desert heat from dehydration.

Most inmates, myself included, were given antidepressants which helped with the day-to-day trauma of prison life.

A O

After Oklahoma, I was flown to the southern California desert.

When the plane taxied to a stop, it was surrounded by shot guntoting federal marshals. I stepped off and into a waiting bus on the blazing hot tarmac. It was easily 130 degrees with blinding sun reflecting off white concrete. From there, a two-hour ride while in a body chain to the Taft federal prison work camp an hour’s drive from infamous Death Valley. The temperature was blistering. There were days it exceeded 120. Snakes, scorpions and Black Widow spiders were common. I once stomped on a scorpion scooting across the floor, 15 feet from my cell. Funnel clouds touched down occasionally, like small tornadoes stirring up massive dust supposedly carrying dangerous bacteria. I once became so sick I could barely walk and was bed-ridden for days.

My assigned job included cleaning my barracks in nearly inaccessible areas off a ladder. It aggravated my neck injury, yet I was denied pain medication. When I dared challenge my assignment, I was ridiculed by the guards. The head guard, a sergeant, threatened me with lock up in the “Hole,” meaning solitary confinement in a small cell.

So I faked it by doing only what I was

Vic Kohring represented Wasilla, Chugiak and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley in the Alaska House of Representatives. He was first elected in 1994 and resigned in 2007. He can be reached on Facebook. His blog is available at: www.simplesite.com/ vickohring

bloody mess. One had the other down and was kicking him in the head.

The guards were apathetic and made no effort to intervene. Instead, the two fought until exhausted and beat to a pulp. Both were dragged away and no doubt hospitalized.

The one may have died. We were immediately placed on “lock down,” meaning prisoners locked in their cells to prevent rioting.

Nov 2012

capable. The incident blackballed me as afterward I was frequently harassed by guards. My locker was often raided and belongings rifled through. They claimed to be searching for “contraband,” anything not allowed under prison rules. Punishment could be severe including the Hole or delaying one’s release.

discovering prosecutors concealed massive evidence I could have used at my trial 20 months before. I was the first inmate released under such circumstances out of thousands C imprisoned at Taft over the years.

It was highly unusual. A short O time later, I was on a commercial 2 flight back home--in my prison F garb of sweat pants, an over-sized g T-shirt and tennis shoes. By then, F my hair had grown long, down to t my shoulders. I deliberately left it i uncut as a form of protest against N the government. “ I was a free man. Yet little did I know W how determined the government o was to intimidate me into an eventual plea deal, regardless of innocence. My case was far from over, but at least I was free for now.

You’d think I would have cried for joy, but I could only laugh because it felt strange to be out in public after a year behind bars, barbed wire and armed guards. The tears came later. For now I was relishing surviving a year locked away in five prison facilities. When I finally made it home to Wasilla, a friend explained that when I was initially taken away, it poured rain every single day for a month--”as if God was shedding tears of sadness.” It seemed grossly unfair for an innocent man to be put through all this, but I emerged a stronger person. If I can survive prison, I can handle any challenge in life.

Locked Up In Prison Cont.

Another

incident

involved

an

interrogation by Bureau of Prison investigators who falsely accused me of collaborating with another prisoner to smuggle contraband.

There were times I thought how easy it would be to end it all with suicide. Several places in the prison

After a full year in prison, I was in the exercise yard on another sweltering day when an inmate yelled out, “Vic, did you hear the good news?” It turns out, U.S. Attorney General Holder announced he was facilitating my release after

Business

Arkose Blue Skies Organic Ale

Contributed By Arkose Brewery

On tap beginning this Friday, Nov. 2nd, Blue Skies Organic Ale returns.

Featuring organic 2-row malt, organic flaked barley and organic Fuggle hops. Balanced with subtle fruit and hop flavors, it finishes with a crisp and clean taste.

O.G. 1.056 IBUs 16 ABV 5.7% Also, Coming Soon: Arkose Spindrift IPA Available at the end of November

Named after the jazz standard “Blue Skies” made famous by Willie Nelson, Ella Fitzgerald. Enjoy our ale with optimism and delight.

Beer Meets Canvas at Arkose Brewery Sat. Dec. 8, 2-4 p.m. $40 per person.

Sip. Relax. Create. Includes two pints and paint supplies. Paint to a theme with June or bring your own inspiration. Tap into your creative energy no prior experience necessary.

(907) 746-BEER • arkosebrewery.com Call 746-2337 for reservations.

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Email

Write a bio about you, your event, band, etc or a simple press release (Roughly 200-500 words)

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Take good ones!

Give us a call 373-2698

We want to provide the community with as much information as possible, but sometimes we get overwhelmed with info. So, if you don’t get a response, please keep trying.

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26

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

makeasceneak@mac.com SENIORS 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

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

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; dba 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 Market rate individuals. Optional Assisted Living Services

Nov 2012

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

Mat-Su Area Partnership (MAP)

An organization of non-profit agencies in the MatSu 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 has 3 senior housing units 18 apartments and serves a congregate meal Mon-Fri at 5.30PM Soup and salad bar main meal served at 6 Pm. Home delivered meals served daily fresh Mon-Fri, weekend meals are frozen.

Transportation Department for doctors appointments in the Valley Wasilla and Palmer area, Mon-Wed-Fri 9.00Am -3Pm. Shopping trips, and pharmacy stops, Tues – Thursday 9Am -1Pm Come up to the Center for activities or dinner,24 hours in advance notice.

Lorie Rounds 892-6114 mvsc@mtaonline.net www.mid-valleyseniors.org

FAMILIES & CHILDREN Alaska Family Services

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.

LINKS Mat-Su Parent Resource Center.

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-onone 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.

New location on the Palmer-Wasilla Hwy next to North Star Bakery, across the street from MSSCA. Amber Parker, Admin Assisiant. amberp@linksprc.org 373-3632

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

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.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska

376-4678 bwoodin@nwresource.org

Pillows for Kids Foundation

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 martial 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

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 Mon-Fri 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

Applications are available on our website.

357-5157,

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.

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.

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

The Children’s Place, alaskachildrensplace.com

Alaska Center for Resource Families

www.

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.

Providing free, good quality clothing to individuals and/or families in need, all donated by our wonderful Alaska neighbors. We have clothing and shoes for women, men, children and babies, in addition to small household necessities (as available), all at no cost to those in need. This oneof-a-kind program serves people throughout the area. There is no charge for those in need, just a hope that those who are able to make a donation will do so – monetary donations pay the monthly rent on the building in Big Lake, located at 2955 Big Lake Rd. We’re just past the Tesoro station, in a vibrant green building on the left side of the road (you can’t miss us). If you are unable to make a donation at this time, we understand - it’s OK - we just want to make you feel welcome to come and help clothe yourself and family as needed.

Our hours are Tues. 9am to 1pm, and Weds. 11am to 3pm. If you have good quality used clothing you’d like to donate to help other Alaskans in need, you may do so at our store in Big Lake during the above hours.

Monetary donations can be mailed to the Big Lake Community Clothing Closet at PO Box 527069, Big Lake, AK 99652. We are a non-profit

organization and will provide our tax ID number to donors. Please consider supporting the Big Lake Community Clothing Closet so we can continue to help our Alaskan neighbors in need. And, if you know of needy families, please tell them about us so we can help them too. Look us up on Facebook for additional information and pictures.

Co-Administrators Stephanie O. 892-5450 Christy M. 775-3238

The ARTs

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.

Mike Chmielewski, COO 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 on the 1st and 3rd Mondays from 4 - 8 p.m.; Room 212 at Mat-Su College. March 7 @ 6:00 p.m., Charles Gause will be the guest speaker.

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

Mat-Su Community Chorus, Inc.

As Musical Ambassadors of The Valley, The MatSu 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.

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 jungstensgericht@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 36 years of Quality Live Theatre!

VPA performs seven plays a year from September through May. 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 June through August and are for youth 6-11 and 1217. The VPA Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony is held each June and Annual Fundraiser in October.

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.

Purchase your tickets online or from our office.

Check out audition dates and show times on our website. VPA is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization.

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

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

Nan Potts 745-8788 matsucomchours@gmail.com

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.

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

373-0195 www.valleyperformingarts.org

Valley Arts Alliance

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

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)

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

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.

Responsible adult volunteers are always needed.

Valley Community Solutions (VCRS)

for

Recycling

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 Wednesday through Friday 12-6pm and Saturday 11-3pm.

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 www.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 web-site www.akattachment.org, RAVEN Respite, newsletters, brochures, lending library, and Mom2Mom/Dad2Dad parent support group.

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

For more information: Laura Wagner 907-376-0366

VARIETY

The mission of the Food Pantry of Wasilla is: “To provide persons who reside in the Matanuska Susitna Valley with needed supplemental food supplies. Food Pantry of Wasilla distributes goods to its clients in a manner which gives dignity to all.”

All distributions made by the Food Pantry of Wasilla shall be made notwithstanding any person’s race, color, sex, age, handicap, religious affiliation, or national origin.

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.

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.

TOPS

Take of Pounds Sensibly Non-Profit Weight Loss Support Group

Our hours of operation are: Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

We offer two food programs to residents of the Mat-Su Valley. We operate a communitysupplied food pantry, accepting cash and food donations from individuals and groups and supply clients with food for nutritionallybalanced meals to help people get back on their feet.

We also administer distribution of TEFAP government commodities. TEFAP is (The Emergency Food Assistance Program). This is a needs-based program, which may be accessed monthly by any client who meets the government-established-qualifications.

Food distributed is based on availability and instructions from USDA. In case of emergencies such as fire or earthquake in the valley, the Food Pantry of Wasilla also cooperates with other organizations and government agencies to render assistance.

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

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

907-357-8712 info@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

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. WSWCD is an active, year-round community-based organization; a non-regulatory agency; a strong partner with various government & non-profit agencies/groups; a credible, knowledgeable advocate for conserving soil & water resources supported by the time & energy of neighbors & volunteers dedicated to making a positive difference in their communities.

Our priorities are: Salmon enhancement & restoration; Soil, forage crops & manure testing; Stream & lake bank stabilization; Water quality & instream flows; Arbor Day activities & tree planting; Invasive weed assessments – land & water; Trail use & salmon stream crossings; Cooperator & community conservation needs; Public information, involvement & education.

The show is prerecorded and broadcast at 5 pm on Fridays, repeating on the following Monday at 8:30 am. Listeners can tune in over 89.5 FM, via the FM stream on radiofreepalmer.org, or with our smart phone app, KVRF.

Contributed by Radio Free Palmer

If you miss a show – don’t worry.

All historical shows are available to listen to on the website. Just select Valley Edition from the dropdown box on the right side of the page.

Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery. Mike Chmielewski, Chief Operating Officer of KVRF, has long admired Alaska Edition and since KVRF he went on the air in the Palmer-Sutton area he has wanted to do a “Valley Edition” to cover news and events of interest to residents of the Mat Su Borough.

The pieces to produce the show fell into place this fall and the Valley Edition began broadcasting on 89.5 FM and via the FM stream on Friday, November 2, 2012 at 5 pm.

Mike moderates a discussion between Frontiersman publisher Mark Kelsey, independent journalist Zaz Hollander, and the Citizen Lobbyist Terry Snyder on Valley news and events. Occasional guest panelists fill in when the regulars are unavailable.

The show will keep its half hour format for the time being, though Mike reports that the discussion among the participants continues after the recorder is turned off.

If there is a topic that you would like the panel to discuss, send an email to manager@radiofreepalmer.org.

Radiofreepalmer is thrilled to present a show that analyzes news and events in the Valley because it was formed to promote community engagement through radio.

Chuck Kaucic, District Manager 357-4563 X 103 distmgr@wasillaswcd.org

Nov 2012

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

Food Pantry of Wasilla

OUTDOORS

Radio Free Palmer Premiers Local News Show

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

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.

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

Eddie Ezelle 501 E.Bogard Rd., Wasilla 907-357-3769 Main www.foodpantryofwasilla.org

27

ANIMALS

Community Three (3) Chapters meet weekly in the Valley.

28 CALENDAR SUBMISSION 10th of each month by 5PM Email information to: makeasceneak@mac.com

NOVEMBER Free showing of Health Videos Nov. 15th,22nd &29th/ Dec. 6th, 13th & 20th 7pm - 8:30pm Sweet Misery - about artificial sweetners Free Limited seating, call first Wayne Love 907-232-9088 www.h2oguys.net

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Absinthe Films presents 'Resonance' Join ACE and Absinthe Films' Sphere of Influence Tour for the premiere of Resonance at the Bear Tooth Theatre on November 16th and 17th Wasilla Soil & Water Conservation District Poster Contest Deadline: Friday, Nov 16 357-4563 Holiday Moment for Me Wasilla Senior Center, 1301 Century Circle, Wasilla Friday, Nov 16 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm $30 per person in advance $35 per person at the door Mat-Su Special Santa 761-3770

Nov 2012

32nd annual Talkeetna Bachelor Auction & Ball Saturday, December 1st Sheldon Community Arts Hangar, Downtown Talkeetna $20 admission to the auction, $20 for a catalog, & $55 each to sit at a VIP table up front (with wine!)

907-733-3473 BachelorsofTalkeetna.org Fundraising auction for the Alaska Dream Center Sat, December 1 6:00pm-9:00pm 2012 Dream Gala Bill Shefield Train Depot at the Airport in Anchorage $49.00 Halibut Dinner Purchase tickets on line at www.dreamcenterak.org Alaska Dream Center, 907982-1995 Ink, Line, Blot:

The Art of Dimi Macheras On Display at the Palmer Museum Nov 7th - Dec. 6th Czar of Guitars Open House Rob and Margaret Czarnezki and the staff of Czar of Guitars would like to invite you to an Open House at Czar of Guitars on Saturday November 24 from 2:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. - In Palmer A Dream Gala Fundraiser semi-formal evening of dinner, entertainment, inspirational stories and auction. The event will be held at the beautiful Bill Sheffield Train Depot at the Anchorage Airport on Saturday, December 1st.

Palmer Museum Appreciation Night On Friday, December 7th from 6-8pm, the Museum will be hosting a member appreciation night that will commemorate the Museum’s 2012 Art Acquisition purchase of Pat Garley’s giant cabbage sculpture Medicare Open Enrollment Ends December 7th. MatSu Senior Services is offering help with Medicare Open Enrollment. For more information please call (907) 745-5454.

Beer Meets Canvas at Arkose Brewery Sat. Dec. 8, 2-4 p.m. $40 per person. Sip. Relax. Create.

Includes two pints and paint supplies. Paint to a theme with June or bring your own inspiration. Tap into your creative energy - no prior experience necessary.

(907) 746-BEER arkosebrewery.com Cotton Patch Gospel play at Valley Performing Arts November 23rd through December 23rd and tickets are just $17 Students/ Seniors and $19 Adults.

Consider giving “The Gift of Theatre” with a gift certificate to any VPA play.

(Tuesday Health Education) T.H.E. Seminars Tuesday, Nov. 13 - Tuesday, Nov. 20 - Tuesday, Nov. 27 7pm - 9pm Alaska Healing Touch Clinic 561 S. Denali St., Suite D, Palmer

FREE Alaska Healing Touch Clinic 907-707-0298 A Holiday Moment for Me Friday, Nov 16, 2012 Wasilla Senior Center, 1301 Century Circle 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm $30.00 person in advance $35.00 at the door (Must be 21 or older to attend) Wine, Beverages, Hors d’voeuvres and Dessert Door Prizes, Silent Auction Tickets Available at Wasilla & Palmer Senior Center, Cover Ups in Palmer and Younique Boutique in Wasilla Avalanche Safety Training Sat, Nov. 17 11am-4pm Sutton Public Library 11317 North Jonesville Mine Road, Sutton $20 BeSnowSmart.org North America Outdoor Institute 907-745-0075 www.besnowsmart.org Alaska Folk School: Antler Hen Basket November 17th 10am-4pm Northern Susitna Institute building, Talkeetna Instructor: Peg Foster Tuition: $55/$65 Materials: $40 Mat-Su Senior Services Annual Craft Bazaar December 8th, Saturday 9:00am – 4:00pm we are having our annual craft bazaar. We have only hand made items, so, support your local Palmer vendors!

For more information please call (907) 745-5454 Monty Python’s Spamalot Nov 16-Dec 9 Fri & Sat 8pm Sun 3pm UAA Mainstage Theatre Tickes $15-20 UAAtix.com Santa Cop and Heroes gift wrapping party Saturday, December 15th 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mat Su Senior Services in Palmer.

Alaska Folk School: Antler Hen Basket November 17th, 10am-4pm at NSI building With instructor Peg Fostrer

info@alaskafolkschool.org 5th Annual Christmas Bazaar Nov. 23 - Dec. 24, 2012 10am-6pm Seward Meridian Plaza 1401 Seward Meridian Pkwy, Ste.A, Wasilla, AK Free 907-892-8233 New MASCOT Routes Starting Dec 1 Schedule available Nov 1st online: www.MatSuTransit.com 864-5000 The Mat-Su Concert Band presents its always popular winter concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 14 at Teeland Middle School.

Alaska Junior Theater presents TheatreworksUSA in Junie B. Jones Discovery Theatre, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts Saturday, December 8th, 2:00 PM 263-ARTS or go to akjt.org The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) Thurs-Sat Nov. 15th, 16th, 17th at 7:30pm Sun Nov. 18th matinee at 3pm Cost: $12 DAC member / $14 lodging guest / $16 general admission Tickets for sale online or purchase available tickets at the door. www.denaliartscouncil.org Willow Public Library December 21, 2012 from 3pm-6pm Willow Public Library invites you to come by for Last minute gifts…crafts to make, snacks to eat, a kid book to take home.

RECURRING NuKreationZ Art & Creativity Center Tues-Sat Noon-6pm Art gallery, classes and workshops Make your own pottery Palmer Museum New Hours

Wed-Fri 10am-5pm Sat 10-2pm Free Admission Art Exhibits & More Mat-Su Community Chorus Rehearsal Thursdays @ 7pm Wasilla High School All vocal ranges welcome No auditions necessary, unless 18 years of age or younger Mat-Su Concert Band Rehearsal Musicians Welcome Rehearsals are every Mon. 7 to 9 p.m.

Teeland Middle School.

For more information, contact Gleo Huyck at 7460628 matsuconcertband@gmail. com Learn to Skate 60 minute class for ages 3- Teens Curtis D Menard Memorial Sports Center Class schedule and registration forms are available online: www.cityofwasilla.com Wasilla Strong Women Strength Training Monday * Wednesday * Friday 10-11 am * Year Round Program * Call Sharon 3764434 Tuesday * Thursday 4:00 pm. Call Peggy 715-6338 Lower Level of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 501 E. Bogard Rd. Improve balance, strength, stamina and fight osteoporosis. $5.00 per 8 week session.

Harlan Scudder Performs Wasilla Lake Resort (Formerly Mat-Su Resort/ Rumrunners) Fridays 7:30-10:30 pm Borealis Dancers Tues and Thurs 7 to 8pm $20 a month call Georgie at 746-6504 or e-mail georgie@mtaonline. net Women, Wine & Wednesday Third Wed every month Presented by Lakeshore Studio

East Lake Mall, Big Lake 6:30pm $25 RSVP 230-0935 Free Hearing Screening provided by Mat-Su Sertoma Club First Sat Every Month 10am-1pm Wasilla Physical Therapy Deana Moore 761-5229 Whatever! Teen Lounge Featuring Wii gaming at Palmer Library T-Th, 2-4pm 746-4700 Alaska Celtic Pipes and Drums Free piping and drumming Instruction Every Fri Evening, 5-5:45 pm Eagle River Presbyterian Church 12836 Old Glen Hwy, Eagle River Wasilla Meta-Rose Library: Toddler Storytime Wed at 10:30am and 1:30pm Preschool Storytime Thurs at 10:30am and 1:30pm Baby Lapsit Storytime Fri at 10:30am Discussion Junction Family Book Club First Tues of each month Wasilla Meta-Rose Library Reading Rendezvous Last Saturday of every month.

Wasilla Meta-Rose Library Palmer Public Library: Baby Lap Sit Every Tues at 10am 2 year old Story Time Every Tues at 11am Baby Lap Sit Every Wed at 2pm 3-5 year old Story Time Every Thurs at 10:30am Foreign Film Every Second Fri at 7pm Schwabenhof Live Music Every Fri & Sat 9pm until…

Sunday Blues Open Mic Jam 9pm Tuesday Dart Night Palmer-Wasilla Hwy Fairview Inn Music Talkeetna Every Thursday at 9:30pm is Open Mic. Every Friday at 8pm and Sat at 10pm is Live Music.

Valley Arts Alliance Meeting Thursdays at 11:00am Sophia’s Cafe Neo, Palmer Wasilla Hwy Tammy’s Turf for Tots!

For children 6 & under $5 per child Mon - Fri 10am-1pm Tues & Thurs FREE! Menard Memorial Sports Center: 357-9100 BABY STEPS Walking Program for New & Expectant Moms & Dads Mon & Wed 8:00AM-Noon Menard Memorial Sports Center 357-9100

Wasilla Bible Church Sunday Menard Memorial Sports Center 357-9100 NAOI Outdoor Safety Classes Full schedule of classes online www.naoiak.org 376-2898.

The Crystal Mandala Classes A variety of creative classes Every Sat 2-5pm

Strong Seniors Every Mon, Wed and Fri 8:30am 10am 1pm $5 for the eight-week session Presented by: Club 50 Certified Trainers Qigong Every Tues 8:30 - 9:30am $5 for the eight week session Club 50 Fitness Center Strong Women Health Hearts Every Tues and Thurs 10:30 – 11:00 am $5 for the eight week session Presented by: Club 50 Instructors/Video Tai Chi Every Tues 2–3pm $5 for the eight week session Club 50

Alaska Bible College Spring Semester Registration Now! Principles of Biblical Interpretation New Testament Survey Evangelism & Discipleship Christian Teaching Ministry All classes 6-9pm Dates: TBD Beginning the week of Jan 14-May 10, 2013 To register: www.AkBible.edu/Palmer 800-478-7884 creimer@akbible.edu

Wii Bowling Every Tues 1:00 and 2:30 pm No cost Wasilla Area Seniors- Game Room

Tuesday: Board Games, Exercise Classes with Pam Larson at 10:15 in Exercise classroom

BINGO Every Wed 1 and 3pm For Bingo Cards and Pull Tabs Wasilla Area Seniors – Dining Hall

Public Skating Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri Noon-3pm Rates vary Menard Sports Center, Wasilla

Wednesdays: Grocery Shopping, Exercise Classes with Toni Truesdell (10:00 in Exercise classroom), Tai Chi on video 10:30 in TV Room

Art Group Every Wed 1 and 3pm Wasilla Area Seniors – Game room

Thursdays: Bingo, Bible Study Fridays: Bridge, Wal-Mart and Tai Chi on video 10:30 in TV Room

Poker Every Thurs 1 and 3pm No Cost Wasilla Area Seniors – Game Room

Freestyle Figure Skating Call Menard Center for schedule $7.50 per session / $60 for 10 session punch card Menard Sports Center, Wasilla 357-9100

Primrose Monthly Senior Breakfast First Tues of each month from 8-10am.

Free to all area seniors.

Denali Arts Council Board Meetings Second Monday of each month 7pm Talkeetna Public Library If you have questions or would like to be on the agenda, contact the DAC office at info@ denaliartscouncil.org.

Daily Lunch for Seniors 11:30 Salad Bar opens Weekly: Mondays: Blood Pressure, Tai Chi on video 10:30 in TV Room, Music during lunch.

Bible Study Class Every Thurs 10:15a.m. - 11:15a.m.

Palmer Senior Citizens Center, Inc. d.b.a Mat-Su Senior Services 1132 S. Chugach St. Palmer

Artist Exposure in Alaska Side Kicks Gifts, TLC & More downtown Palmer Wed, 7-8pm each week beginning Sept 12 FREE (25% discount on

Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. Events: 1301 S. Century Circle 373-3104 Church on the Rock Meeting Room #2

Valley Fine Arts Association Sunday Champagne Brunch Friday Prime Rib Dinner November Art Exhibit with The Alaska Boathouse Restaurant Big Lake 892-8595

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.00 Per Month

373-2698

CALENDAR SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 10th of each month by 5PM Email information to: makeasceneak@mac.com

Nov 2012

Museum of Alaska Transportation Open Everyday 10am-5pm 3800 W Museum Drive, Wasilla 376-1211

CLOSED SUNDAY

Mat-Su Central School Enrolling K-12 Homeschool Support & Distance Delivery Education www.MatSuCentral.org Wasilla 352-7450 Mat-Su College Apply for scholarships now New dance and music classes available spring semester Current employment opportunities Wasilla www.MatSu.Alaska.edu

Mat-Su Senior Services Events:

OPEN 11AM - 9PM

Palmer Museum of History and Art Open Everyday 9am-6pm Free Admission and light refreshments 725 S Valley Way, Palmer 746-7668 www.palmermuseum.org

Wednesdays with Hurricane Dave: Alaskana & Acoustic Country With A Smile La Mex Restaurant – Dimond Location King Street, South Anchorage Every Wed 7-10 p.m.

No cover www.hurricanedavemusic. com hurricanedave@ hurricanedavemusic.com La Mex–Dimond phone: (907) 344-6399

Every Sunday 11 – 1 pm no charge 373-3104

Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

Business Networking International Every Tues 9am Menard Memorial Sports Center 357-9100

artist’s productions 7-8p ONLY) Call 746-4438 or email sidekicksartists@yahoo.com email list

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Sahara Storm Studio and Circus Arts Clinics 982-4955

30 Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com Nov 2012

Neilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lock & Safe

Make Your Own Pottery! > Workshops & Classes: Art, Pottery, Wheel Throwing, Handbuilding & More > Stop by anytime to glaze your own pottery!

Hours: Thurs-Sat 12-6pm

Art Gallery Original local Mat-Su Artists Oil paintings, acrylics, bead work, pottery, fiber arts & more! Creativity welcome!

Call for art classes & workshops.

ART & CREATIVITY CENTER

735 S Bailey Street, Palmer 746-2787

746-3883

Tue-Thu 11am-8pm

Fri-Sat 11am-9pm

320 E Dahlia St. - In Palmer Behind the Library @ Dahlia Street Markets

A Hidden Gem in Big Lake: Aardvark Catering/Pizza Thyme Restaurant

By Linda Lockhart Nestled in the corner of the Eastlake Mall in Big Lake is a haven of homemade goodness just waiting for you. Gena and Sherman at Aardvark Catering/Pizza Thyme create delicious appetizers, freshlymade pastas and sauces, Tuscanstyle entrees, hot sandwiches and giant burgers from hand-pressed patties (on homemade rolls), Calzones and Stromboli, Greek and regular pizzas that feature handgrated cheeses with lots of fresh veggies and the highest quality meats. On Fridays, Gena makes her award-winning clam chowder and serves it in homemade bread bowls. It is recommended that you call ahead if you want chowder as it always sells out early!

Anything on the Aardvark menu

can be prepared for your special event with catering anywhere in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley. Special menus may also be made with plenty of notice. Ask about Gena's exquisite cookies and baked goods (only available by special order). Recently remodeled, Aardvark gained a beautiful new beer and wine bar with two beers on

tap, a discerning selection of bottled beers, a wonderful selection of red and white wines and offers a fun atmosphere for meetings and social gatherings. In addition, there is a cozy dining room that can host small meetings or family dinners. Or how about a romantic meal for two? Open

Tuesday through Sunday, call 892-3633 for reservations.

Join us at Aardvark for your next luncheon or dinner, you will be glad you found this hidden gem. Or do what the locals doâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;call 892-3633 for delivery in the Big Lake area!

31 Visit www.MakeASceneAK.com

roadhouse bakery ● restaurant ● rooms

Private Rooms, Hostel-Style Bunks, Private Cabins & the Museum Apartment Coin Laundry ● WiFi ● Showers Big Breakfasts & World Famous Cinnamon Rolls

Live Acoustic Music Every Second Saturday, 5-7pm

SPRING 2013 CLASS SCHEDULE: BBL1302

Principles of Biblical Interpretation

BBL1312

New Testament Survey

CMC1302

Evangelism & Discipleship

CMC2302

Christian Teaching Ministry

www.talkeetnaroadhouse.com Open Year Round - Talkeetna, AK

Nov. 2012

All Classes: 6-9 pm Days: TBD Beginning the week of January 14 - May 10, 2013

On Main Street ● 733-1351

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Make A Scene is your locally-owned newspaper, and everything we publish comes from people like you! We don’t charge you for publishing your writing - our purpose is to give you, the community member, a voice. We don’t tell you what the news is – You to tell us, and we spread the word!

>> 10,000 copies every issue, every month, and growing! >> The more you get involved, the more we grow! >> Over 5 years in print, Make A Scene is all about you!

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