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Community

The Annual Country Fair at Saint Herman’s Orthodox Church is quickly becoming one of the area’s anticipated summer events. This is the Fair’s fifth year of offering a day full of great food, games, shopping, and lots of family fun! The Fair will take place on May 30 from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Saint Herman’s Antiochian Orthodox Church, 6988 N En Dove Road, Wasilla.

This event provides a great way for the kids to celebrate the beginning of summer vacation. The carnival games, including the ever popular Chicken Fling, and bouncy house provide tons of fun. There are lots of prizes to be won!

Children will also enjoy meeting our farm animal friends in the Petting Zoo. Our face painting booth has some of the best face painting you will see this summer. Participate in the pie eating contest or buy a duct tape sword for a safe, mock battle! While the kids play, mom and dad can check out the Trading Post for some great deals on locally handcrafted items. Then, the whole family can try to win a delicious cake from North Star Bakery in the Ultimate Cake Walk.

Visit with neighbors and meet new friends over the fantastic food – gyros, pulled pork, locally made sausage, hot dogs, slices of pie and more! Don’t miss Fizzywig’s sodas, the all-natural soda stand serving sodas the old fashioned way, with your choice of cream, whipped cream, or ice cream. There will be lots of tasty treats including old fashioned candy, snowballs, and fairy floss (a.k.a. cotton candy).

> One of the highlights of the Annual Country Fair is always the Cupcake Contest. If you have ever wanted to try your hand at a great baking competition, this is it! There are categories for both adults and children.

Watch for details on our Facebook page – Annual Country Fair, Saint Herman’s OC. Start your summer with a beautiful, fun filled day for the entire family!

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MACHETANZ ARTS FESTIVAL 2015 AT MAT-SU COLLEGE PAGE 13

THE ART OF GLASS AND FIRE! PAGE 17

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK AT V.P.A. - A REVIEW PAGE 11

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GE 8 ArtCommunity Events

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANKMay 8th - 31stValley Performing Arts, Wasilla 907-373-0195 WOmEN’s CONNECTION luNCHEONMay 18, 11:30-1:00Evangelo’s Restaurant2530 E. Parks Hwy, Wasilla$18, includes childcareJanet Faiks/Stonecroft Ministries907-892-8482 BRAIN INjuRY suppORT GROupMay 20th MeetingA place for traumatic or acquired brain injury survivors and their family and friends to discuss life changes due to their injury meets every first and third Wednesday at 4:00 pm in the second floor conference room at the Mat Su Health Services, Inc. at 1363 W Spruce Ave in Wasilla. For more information please contact Tammy at Access Alaska at 907-357-2588.

KING OF THE sTREET, sTREET & pRO GAmBlER’s RACESat, May 23, 3pm-9pmAlaska Raceway Park5599 Race Way, Palmer$15 adult, $12 senior/military, $10 11-15, Free <10Alaska Raceway Park907-355-7223www.akracewaypark.com

mAT-su mAsTER GARDENERs plANT sAlESaturday, May 23rdAt the Palmer Pavilion(Across from the visitors center)Bedding plants, flowers & vegetablesAnnuals & perennialsRhonda 746-2948

VAllEY GARDEN CluB ANNuAl plANT sAlESaturday, May 23rd9AM-3PMBoys and Girls ClubBogard Rd., WasillaFREE - Valley Garden Club907-373-2361

TOp ElImINATOR, pRO-NOsTAlGIA, pOINTs RACING

Sun, May 24, 10am-6pmAlaska Raceway Park5599 Race Way, Palmer$20 adults, $15 senior/military, $10 11-15, FREE <10Alaska Raceway Park907-355-7225www.akracewaypark.com

pROCKIsH mEmORIAl: TOp ElImINATOR, pRO-NOsTAlGIA, pOINTs RACINGMon, May 25, 10am-6pmAlaska Raceway Park5599 Race Way, Palmer, AK 99645$20 adults, $15 senior/military, $10 11-15, FREE <10Alaska Raceway Parkwww.akracewaypark.com907-748-7201

OuT OF THE DARKNEss WAlKSaturday, May 30th 10:00 AM- 1:00 PMDowntown Palmer PavilionDowntown PalmerFREE - 907-232-3535AFSP.org

ANNuAl COuNTRY FAIRMay 30th, Saturday - 11am-5pmSt. Hermans Orthodox Church, Wasilla Full day of fun, food, games, and more!

mACHETANZ ARTs FEsTIVAl 2015June 2nd - 7thUAA Mat-Su Campus matsu.alaska.edu/MAF

BRAIN INjuRY suppORT GROupJune 3rd MeetingA place for traumatic or acquired brain injury survivors and their family and friends to discuss life changes due to their injury meets every first and third Wednesday at 4:00 pm in the second floor conference room at the Mat Su Health Services, Inc in Wasilla. Contact Tammy at Access Alaska at 907-357-2588.

FRIDAY NITE TEsT & TuNE RACINGFri, June 5, 4pm-9pmAlaska Raceway Park5599 Race Way, Palmer, AK 99645$10 adults, $8 senior/military,

$5 11-15, FREE <10Alaska Raceway Parkwww.akracewaypark.com

IHRA pOINTs RACING - HARlEY DAYSun, June 7, 10am-60mAlaska Raceway Park5599 Race Way, Palmer$15 adults, $12 senior/military,$10 11-15, FREE <10House of Harley-Davidson907-355-7223www.akracewaypark.com

THE 1sT ANNuAlVINTAGE mOTORCYClE sHOWJune 13th - 12:00 to 5PMThe Palmer CIty AlehouseLive Music, No Judgement Bike ShowCall 746-4950 for more info or to register.

THE ROAD TO WARpED TOuR 2015June 17th, WednesdaySullivan Arena, Anchorage 38 bands, 4 stages!The Biggest Rock Festival in AlaskaGet tickets in Wasilla at Area 51 Hobby & Games

RIDE FOR THE CuREJune 28th - 9:30AMAlaska State Fairgrounds6th Annual Ride for A CureBenefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Society$20.00 Suggested Donation

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NON-DENOmINATIONAl BIBlE sTuDYWasilla Area senior Center1301 s. Century CircleWasilla, Alaska 99654Every Wednesday from 10 to 11 am in WAsI meeting RoomFREE - Wasilla Area senior Center

BINGO AND pull TABsWasilla senior Center1301 s Century CircleEvery Wednesday From 1:00 pm - 3:00 pmBINGO Card sales begin at 12:45 pmFREE to the publicWasilla Area senior Center

lIVING WEll AlAsKA, mAKING BETTER CHOICEs WHIlE lIVING WITH CHRONIC IllNEssWasilla Area senior Center1301 s. Century CircleWasilla, Alaska 99654 Every Tuesday from November 4 thru December 16 at 1pmFREE

mAT-su TOAsTmAsTERs889 N. Elkhorn Drive Wasilla, AK 99654located upstairs in the pubEvery Tuesday from 7:30am to 8:30ammat-su Toastmasters 907.841.9818 or 907.355.3039

FREE HEARING sCREENING pROVIDED BY mAT-su sERTOmA CluBFirst sat Every month10am-1pmWasilla physical TherapyDeana moore 761-5229

pAlmER puBlIC lIBRARY mAY: Friday, saturday, sunday, may 1-3: FRIENDS Book Sale at the library Friday, may 8th: Foreign Film at 7pm monday, may 18th: FRIENDS Meeting at 7pm

saturday, may 23rd: CHILL at 6pm

Community Events

A Senior Olympic Inspiration DeSpIte tHe trutH OF My Current BABy BOOMer AtHletIC StAtuSContributed by Hillary SaffranI recently had the pleasure of meeting an amazing and inspirational woman, Jane Soeten, who is now 88, and an active participant in the Senior Games, also known as the Senior Olympics. Jane has even been featured on the Rosie O’Donnell Show, and is also a recipient of the Humana May 2015 Athlete of the Month.

She has traveled all over the country since 1989, participating in the National Senior Games, most recently qualifying in 2013 at the Alaska International Senior Games in Fairbanks, taking home gold medals in four sporting events in her division, women age 85-90.

She has won medals participating in running, swimming; basketball and the hammer throw, and also plays racquetball. When she was 65 and living in her native Oklahoma, her doctor told her to “use it or lose it” so Jane decided to “use it” and soon entered Tulsa’s local Senior Games in Track and Field. She moved to Wasilla from Oklahoma several years ago to be closer to her daughter, and has since received a Congressional Medal for her service in the Civil Air Patrol during World War II.

To say that Jane is an inspiration is an understatement. She made me think of an athletic future to strive for while not denying the truth of what I would qualify for right at this very moment, if there were such Olympic Events: Cleaning Out Your Purse CompetitionI actually achieved this today. It only took me six hours (with numerous breaks) to throw out two weeks of worthless papers that I just had to carry around for no apparent reason. Can anyone identify with this?

Finding my Car in a Parking Lot CompetitionThis is a great idea for an Olympic medal! Just line up ten contestants past the age of fifty in the arena parking lot and time who finds their car first.

Hopefully, the sun will not set by the time everyone is finished. I began losing my car in parking lots and garages after the age of forty two - give or take seven or eight years, I don’t exactly remember when, obviously.

Eye OlympicsThis competition is quite delicate. See how many competitors need to use a magnifying glass along with their prescription lenses in order to read the ingredients on a food label of anything, a phone book, or the font of a book that they still have from thirty years ago. This should prove to be much more interesting than watching a game of golf or bowling, as well as observing paint drying.

Getting excited about these new competitions, I discovered new events for other participants:

The Teenage Olympics

What could be a better sport for teenagers then – wait for it...

Eye Rolling!This can easily be followed by

The Disgruntled Shrug CompetitionTo be concluded by

Screaming and Laughing at all things ZombieTo be accompanied byThe Man Olympics

Snoring as Loudly as Possible GamesFollowed by

Passing Gas – which Emission is the most lethal?

Concluded by Long Distance Peeing

This competition also has seasonal variations, depending on the amount of snowfall. Consider different words that can be written in the snow, with the winner having the final ‘say’ in the font of the judges’ choice.

I suppose anything can become competitive, if given the opportunity. Nevertheless, my hat goes off to Jane for her wonderful accomplishments. Correction – my hat is thrown a great distance, further than all hats have ever been thrown.

Don’t sue me because I might have cheated...there were high winds gusting in Palmer today.

Hillarity

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By Brittney Kauffman (Inked Fox – Business)

Over a year ago, I started drawing Alaskan animals filled with intricate details. I had been told multiple times that I should publish a coloring book with these animals in them, but I shrugged off the idea, thinking “who would want to color these?” I didn’t have any idea where to start or how to go through the publishing process, so it fell to the wayside for a long time.

A few months later, before jetting off for a vacation to Ireland, the idea came back as articles about coloring for adults began popping up everywhere. I started asking friends and family if it sounded like something they would enjoy. The response was a resounding “yes!”

I finally began to really get the ball rolling. Friends put me in contact with their friends, one of whom turned out to be particularly helpful in figuring out where to get my coloring book published. After being able to discuss my ideas with the right people, I was able to get a better grasp on what I needed to finish for the coloring book.

I purchased a business license under the name Inked Fox, and put over 65 hours of drawing and redrawing animals into my first creation. The theme of this coloring book is Alaskan wildlife, and it contains 22 coloring pages with a fact about the animal on the back of each page. The pages are designed to be one-sided and 8x10 so that they may be colored and displayed. The back cover designs consist of completed examples of the artwork inside, colored in by several of my friends. This first book features land and air creatures native to Alaska, including a bull moose, a bald eagle, and a dragonfly, to name a few.

Finding Alaska: An upcoming Coloring Book for Adults

COntInueS On pAge 25

Over a year ago, I started drawing Alaskan animals filled with intricate details. I had been told multiple times that I should publish a coloring book with these animals in them, but I shrugged off the idea, thinking “who would want to color these?”

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By Nicole Willson

Join fresh faces and versed veterans for a local remake on an enduring classic! Expertly directed by Grant Olson, Valley Performing Arts’ The Diary of Anne Frank tells the poignant story of a young Jewish girl struggling to reconcile her idealism with the oppressive World War II Nazi regime. Hidden away with eight other Jews and one skinny cat for company, Anne documents two years’ worth of joys, fears, and frustrations through her diary. Although The Diary of Anne

Frank is undoubtedly a sad tale, the cast and crew do an excellent job with incorporating enough playful humor and general silliness to counterbalance the story’s underlying despair and inevitable conclusion. Audiences will be sure to laugh and cry – possibly in the same breath.

Due to the nature of their living situation, only one set is used throughout the entire play. However, this set is intricately designed to depict three separate floors and it is richly detailed with a variety of unique props.

A review of...

the Diary of Anne Frank

MAGAZINE

DEAN LARSONFEAtuRED ARtiSt At

MAchEtANz ARtS FEStivAL

mat-su college | register online for summer and fall classes uaonline.alaska.edu

www.MAKEASCENEAK.com

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The set is made even more successful by appropriate lighting and sound effects, and beautiful period costumes. It is this professionally simplistic medley of set, light, sound, and costume that ultimately allows the cast to, literally and metaphorically, take center stage.

First-timer Gabbe Blackwell shines as “Anne Frank”, the spicy and saucy heroine with a heart of gold. She is joined by bookish older sister “Margot” (Eva Severance), stalwart father “Mr. Frank” (Ted Carney), and gentle mother “Mrs. Frank” (Wendy Golter).

In turn, the Frank family lives with the unpleasant “Mr. Dussel” (Scott Allred), the spiteful “Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan” (Anthony Borges and Shellie Riggan), and their quirky, cat-obsessed son, “Peter Van Daan” (Shane Preuit). Helpful “Miep” (Anastasia Snyder), logical “Mr. Kraler” (Bryan Ken), and “Mouschi” the cat conclude the cast list. Although several

actors had a few minor issues with reciting their lines, such hiccups will be overcome with more performances. All in all, this cast skillfully showcases both the intimacy and the difficulty of living in such close quarters with World War II looming ominously in the backdrop.

Lasting about two and a half hours (including intermission), The Diary of Anne Frank does not have a dull moment. In fact, audience members will find themselves itching for more, perhaps even turning to the original book to capture for themselves a piece of Anne’s innocent belief that “in spite of everything…people are really good at heart.”

Although the production is clean and appropriate for all ages, parents ought to consider whether their children are mature enough to attend considering the surrounding historical context.

> The Diary of Anne Frank premiered May 8th and runs through May 31st, concluding Valley Performing Arts’ 39th season.

> Shows are available Friday and Saturday evenings (7 pm) and Sunday afternoons (2 pm) at the Machentanz Theatre located at 251 W. Swanson Avenue in Wasilla.

> Tickets can be purchased over the phone (373-0195) or online at valleyperformingarts.org

valleyperformingarts.org

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Arts

By Carmen Summerfield

Glass working has always fascinated me, so on a recent trip to Seattle—the hot spot for glass art—I stopped by the Seattle Glassblowing Studio on 5th Avenue in Seattle, a leader in the Studio Glass movement.

Studio Glass, or glass sculpture, is the modern use of glass as an artistic medium to produce sculptures or three-dimensional artworks. Several of the most common techniques for producing glass art include: blowing, kiln-casting, fusing, slumping, pate-de-verre, flame-working, hot-sculpting, and cold-working which includes stained glass.

This Studio Glass movement enabled the sharing of technical knowledge and ideas among artists and designers that, in industry, would not be possible. This approach to glassblowing blossomed into a worldwide movement, and today there are many different institutions around the world that offer glassmaking resources.

While I was visiting the Seattle Glassblowing Studio, I took a brief course in glass blowing. My project was to create a glass orb with fiery colors. The process is long and complicated, but basically I affixed a blob of molten glass to a blowpipe, rolled the molten glass in frit, or glass coloring, and expanded the molten glass to form my orb. My completed orb is now on display in the lobby of the Valley Performing Arts theatre in Wasilla. Also on display are iron sculptures made at the annual Valley Arts Alliance Art on Fire event.

The Valley Arts Alliance would like to hear from any glass artists in Alaska who would like to become part of the 8th annual VAA Art on Fire Iron Pour Iron Fest. Please contact me at Carmen (at) ValleyArtsAlliance.com

> The VAA Art on Fire Iron Pour Art Fest will be held at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry, located at 3800 W. Museum Drive (near the airport) in Wasilla, from 10am until 5pm on Saturday, June 27. The ticket price is $10, with children under 12 admitted free. For more information, see www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com. Please join the fun! We hope to turn this day into an extraordinary Iron Pour Art Fest in the Valley!

The VAA Art on Fire Iron Pour Art Fest will be held at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry, located at 3800 W. Museum Drive (near the airport) in Wasilla, from 10am until 5pm on Saturday, June 27

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Literature

Book Review By Major Mike Dryden AVN USAR Retired

For those of you (including this retired Army pilot) who have witnessed an aircraft accident first hand know the litany of emotional phases that one experiences. At first you deny the accident happened. “I know that crew and they are the best. They’re just lost, will fix the radio and call center or the tower,” while knowing against all odds, that will never be the outcome. Next you become angry saying , “Why did this crash have to happen. Someone could have prevented this from happening. Who is that person? Let’s find out.” The third stage of grief is a normal reaction to your feelings of helplessness and vulnerability; which is to bargain. You attempt to regain control by bargaining with God or your higher power. “Oh God, why this happen? Could I have done something different that would have prevented this tragedy?” Next you have a feeling of sadness or depression that seems it will never go away. The feeling of sadness depends on how close you were to the personnel involved. Once you are ready, you move to the fifth stage, which is acceptance. How one handles these stages differ. A person’s character and sense of duty are paramount when it’s a military mishap with loss of life and your professional input is required.

Writing a book is what the author, Lt Col Linda Dunegan, did after the 28 July 2010 crash of the Alaska Air National Guard C-17 at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska. This crash was filmed in the final seconds of the fatal flight and is agonizing to view.

As a full-time Title 32 officer, Lt Col Dunegan was in charge of medical records for the 176th Wing at JBER when this tragedy occurred. Prior to the accident she had discovered anomalies in the records that did not pass the “smell test.” Her futile attempts to report these Irregularities to her higher command were met with some the most unprofessional and illicit actions one has ever seen.

I am a former Army aviation unit evaluator. I used Army Aviation Regulations standards (AR 95-1 at the time) and the published checklists to conduct my inspections and reviews. I found that even the best aviation unit was not perfect, and we didn’t expect them to be so. So when I found some minor paperwork requirement to have a 100% compliance, I would think, “Great job.” When I found two or three more at 100%, I would become curious and would start verifying signatures and comparing duty logs with the part time traditional Guardsmen with the full-time staff. Anomalies would begin to stack up, and the full-time staff would start to explain each and every mistake.

One of my favorites was to call the single parent’s guardians listed on their signed and verified the official guardian document. This document listed who would care for their kids if the guard member were to be mobilized with the unit. This official document had to be signed for a unit member to be a mobilization asset. No signed guardian form then no job in a troop unit. As you might have guessed, most grandparents, sister and cousins were surprised when we called and asked them to verify the form.

The best evaluators are the ones that have “pencil whipped” a few

documents over beer at the tavern. Of course, I never did this because it would have been wrong, and my Momma won’t have approved. But I knew some that did and could recognize the signs. As amusing as it was to watch them dance to the music, at some point corrections must be made, on and off the record. No final report goes to the public and the news media without the report being “sanitized” by higher commanders. The personnel at higher headquarters always have a different agenda than do the trained professional evaluators who conducted the review. I am not making a judgment on this procedure. I understood the bigger picture. I knew my career in the National Guard and Reserves included how dedicated I was to the “Good Ole Boy Club” (which includes men and women, officers and enlisted). Some things never change. That background brings me to my book review. As a disclosure, I was one of many that read the published accident report and made general comments to the author which she included in her book.

“The Price of Whistleblowing” is about courage, integrity, sense of duty and performance in spite of deplorable acts of sexual harassment, bullying and humiliation by Alaska Air National members with whom she worked.

She is now retire working as a small business owner, writer, wife and Mom. She is most proud of her role as a Mom. She has devoted a large portion of her busy days documenting, in great detail, events before and after the 28 July 2010 C-17 crash. This book is about her sojourn through the mine field at the 176th Wing of the Alaska Air National Guard.

In this book, she exposes by name the indefensible people involved and documents it. At best, she shows their dubious actions in great detail with published documents to back up her claims that led to this crash and her attempts before and after the accident.

The actions some of her peers employed will leave you flabbergasted and wondering who is charge at the Alaska National Guard. In This book, at the tail end of the sexual harassment investigation at the recruiting command, points to larger problems with the Alaska National Guard and the promotion and hiring practices.

In my opinion, the unprofessional treatment of Lt Col Dunegan is not just an isolated event and occurs in most guard units to some degree. Not all political appointments and questionable promotions cuminate in a fatal accident as was the case on 28 July 2010. Read this book and be prepared to get angry and upset at the cavalier manner which a professional woman was treated in the Alaska Air National Guard because of her attempts to get to the truth of the C-17 crash.

The irregularities were minor and may not have been a factor in the crash, however the prevailing questionable attitude in the upper commands at the time certainly may have been a factor. > This book may be purchased online at LindaDunegan.com or at the colleges bookstores and Fireside Books in Palmer. Audio and e-books are on the way. Call CB Communications, LLC @ 907.310.3468

The IsleBy Todd Farnsworth

We pushed off the shore to set sail that day; I aimed to shrug off my cares.With wind on my face, my life with the Fates, I breathed in the cool ocean air.

The weather was fair with birds in the sky, and my crew - they would heed every word.But as time passed by, the birds did not fly, and weather took turn for the worse.

But still we pushed on.† We pushed on and on.† We pushed on and on and on.We pushed on so long, we saw light from the dawn, and soon we heard a sickly song:

The shoreline is gone, along with my home, and damage is done to the hull.Will the captain dive down to the depths with his ship, as soon as the vessel is full?Inside the craft, the water would seek, to fill up the ship and my lungs.So no longer then would I breath ocean air, but rather I'd inhale the sea.

The skiff that we had held room for just one, so my crew, they would all die in vain.For at sight of land, I took skiff in hand, and oared 'fore daylight fade.When I set foot on land, I did lay on the sand, and thank God for bringing the isle.Still, smoke I did make, and flags I did raise, lest I be lost and exiled.

And so I carried on, carried on and on, I did burn wood long into the night.I sent signals so long I saw light from the dawn, but ne'er saw ship at the isle!

Now the shoreline's long lost, along with my home, and damage was done to the hull.The captain dive not to the depths with his ship, but rather he'd save his own soul.Now I rue the days I spend stuck in dismay, and curse God for bringing the isle!Given the choice now, I would surely have drown, than live with myself in exile!

lasT FronTIerBy Kevin Reeves There’s a land up north, where the big trees grow,And the mountains cut into the skies;Where rivers of ice and grand spaces enticeA man to break all southern ties. Blown on the wind there’s a name that I’ve heard,And it’s mine, and I’ve got to go homeTo the heaving gray seas and the salt on the breeze,And the cliffs, with their faces of stone. Where solitude sings atop bare, rocky heights,And in wonder, you feel like a child;Where the creeks all run cold, and the glint of the goldSets the heart to runnin’ all wild. Where the mist rambles in at the close of the day,To fill valley and crevice and nookOf each gray-headed peak, where adventurers seekWhat they never could find in a book. Where the road beckons yonder, and onward and up,Past the cities, and houses of stone,To that long-ago land that the mighty God planned,Where the midnight sun’s ever shone. With the snow on your face and the cut of the cold,And your frozen breath hung like a cloud,There the shooting star falls and the lonesome wolf calls,And the silence speaks ever so loud; There northern lights blaze on a star-sprinkled sky,Like a sheet blown about in the wind;And time stands right still, leastways untilThe winter cold hustles you in. There’s a simple life there, in those tall, rugged hills,Where the icy blue rivers yet flow,Where the loons call still rings and the wilderness sings,Alaska…and I reckon I’ll go.

The rIngby Barbara Ellen Banks

The ring was just a token of the love he thought was trueBut when the love was broken, he was broken too.

He tries to understand it and maybe will in timeIs love then just illusion created in your mind?

And still the deep pain lingers and haunts his restless sleepHe can’t just make the love stop it’s planted much too deep.

And what of her you ask him, why did she leave him so? There are no easy answers maybe he’ll never know.

So he endures with courage and hard fought bouts of painAnd wonders if he ever will again.

old alaska MInesBy Nan Potts

Were you here when hammers fell,Making staunch stone sing?Did you join in tough men's toilCrumbling mountain kings?

Did you see the golden veins,Vital ore, rich lodes?Did you watch as miners dug,Muck and moil for gold?

Did you reel at seismic blasts,Rocking ridges high and low?Did you suffer sunken drifts,In the dark, wet, cold?

Could you smell the muck and sweat, Scents, a miner thrills?Did you sniff the engines' fumes, Perfume of the drills?

Did you taste sweet victory,Striking rich, the mother lode?Did you savor each discovery, Sating weary soul?

Did you catch vocal clamor,Echoing these hills?Did you hear epic stories,Historical thrills?

Or, perhaps, wet affluence,Rushing through the sluice?Creaking of shaker boxes,Promising good news?

Old, Alaska mines live on,In reluctancy,To yield their wealth, left behind,In scared sanctity.

love Is lIghT (BuT large)By Josh Fryfogle

Love is a tangible thingIt has weight and measureLike a fountain within us allIt must flow

The pressure like a geyserLove turns to steam Violently escapingWe all need to vent

Love is a burdenHard to hold onto aloneIts not all that heavyIt's just awkward

8.3 pounds is the weight of a gallonBut it comes inA 55 gallon drumI could use some help

Lets fill up this drumWith the overflowing from withinWe can carry it togetherTo the ones who are deserted

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Joshua Arlyn Smith has performed in major singing roles in church musical productions starting as early as age 5. His talent was further honed when he began learning piano at age 8, studying under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Godfrey Schroth of New Jersey, and began his clarinet training at age 10. Joshua attended Sitka Fine Arts Camp in Middle School and High School studying under such music greats as Kyle Athayde and Christian Fabian (Lionel Hampton’s bassist). Joshua, now 18, has studied percussion with local artist Dr. Meggie Aube (Percussion in the Valley); clarinet with local Conn-Selmer artist John McKimmey and with Hal Nonneman (University of Alaska Anchorage Instructor); and honed his piano skills under the direction of Dean Epperson, MM (University of Alaska Anchorage Instructor) and Linda Block (30 year instructor and concert performer in Palmer, AK.) Linda states, “She has enjoyed watching Joshua grow and become a responsible adult and that it has been a joy to teach him and watch him become a responsible adult. I wish him well in the next step of his journey; furthering his education. I am proud of him.”

Joshua has consistently performed in Master Piano Recitals; performing his last local recital May 17th 2015 at the Log Church in Palmer, AK.

He has soloed in Band and Choral Concerts in both clarinet and piano and he has repeatedly been rated a “1” (Outstanding) at local music competitions and earned his way to State Solo Ensemble Competitions in both piano and clarinet all four years of his high school experience.

In March of 2013 Joshua opened his own business to share his expertise to elementary age children.

He states that through his business he will show “…young people not only what they can do-but how they can see the many subtle things there are to appreciate in life. I will continue to show others how to embrace possibility in ways I have yet to imagine.”

“…young people not only what they can do-but how they can see the many subtle things there are to appreciate in life. I will continue to show others how to embrace possibility in ways I have yet to imagine.”

His plans for the future are clearly laid out in his essay entitled “Tomorrow”:

Music lends itself to creativity and inventiveness. I plan to attend University of Rochester in the fall developing my skills in software engineering, honing my entrepreneurial skills at their Simon School of Business and musical talents at their Eastman School of Music. I have aspirations to work in the field of Computer Science utilizing my entrepreneurial and musical talents. My interest in computers comes

from my interest in history. Technologies and tools change the world. Technologies and tools change the way we look at the world. Technologies and tools change what it is to be human. I will be part of that change. I may not know how yet but in a speech here in Anchorage Dr. Bernard Lafayette Jr., civil rights leader, said something I can't forget. Sometimes you have to act your way into thinking.

- Joshua Arlyn Smith excerpt from “Tomorrow”

Joshua arlyn smith has performed in maJor singing roles in church musical productions starting as early as age 5.

https://youtu.be/XP9D8e3WCvc

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

As a non-profit statewide organization, we provide family consultations, care coordination, in-home services for frail elders & individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and education programs to family caregivers and health care professionals. We are your resource for information and can refer you to services in Alaska or the contiguous U.S. Sam Meneses, 746-3432, www.alzalaska.org

Valley Charities, Inc; Turn-A-Leaf Thrift StoreProvides medical equipment to all income brackets in the Valley; provides clothing and household goods to Valley residents that are economically disadvantaged.John Rozzi , 376-5740

Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. (WASI)A Health and Wellness Campus for Seniors on the Go! The goal at WASI is to assist and refer services for Seniors 60 and older so they can live as independently as possible for as long as possible. Some of the services provided are: Meals: Family Style Meals Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Center. Meals on Wheels home delivered meals.Housing:Independent Housing for low income and Aprket rate individuals. Optional Assisted Living ServicesTransportation:Partnership with MASCOT Bus $.60 per one way ride. Dr. visits by appointmentOther Activities:Cards, Wii, and Painting at the CenterBlood Pressure Checks Club50 Fitness Center, Strong Seniors Program ($5/8 weeks) Shopping Trips and other outingsValley Performing Arts Theater Visits And much more… call 376-3104 opt.2 formore information.Dennie Jaques , 376-3104 Mat-Su Area Partnership (MAP) An organization of non-profit agencies in the Mat-Su Valley. MAP holds a monthly meeting on a Thursday at the Menard Sports Complex in Wasilla.www.mapartnership.org/matsu/

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

daily fresh Mon-Fri, weekend meals are frozen.

Transportation to Adult Day Services is available Mon-Fri 8:00am-3:00pmCome up to the Center for activities or lunch.Lisa Byrd, 892-6114mvscadmin@mtaonline.net

FAMILIES & CHILDRENDivorce CareDivorceCare is a weekly seminar/support group for men and women that will help you heal from the hurt of separation or divorce. It’s a warm, caring environment led by people who understand what you are going through. Learn practical information and gain hope for your future at DivorceCare Palmer AK. March of Dimes Alaska ChapterThe March of Dimes is inspired by all babies – those born healthy and those who need our help to survive and thrive. Working together for stronger, healthier babies, in the Valley we work directly with the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.

We also provide clinics and organizations with resources and information. We host a March for Babies walk in the Spring and High Heels for High Hopes Runway Show in OCTust. For more information contact our office 276-4111 or email JOdgers@marchofdimes.com.

Alaska Family ServicesAlaska Family Services is a multi-dimensional non-profit that has over 20 programs serving the Mat-Su Valley. Major areas are: domestic violence, behavioral health, WIC, family support, and residential for youth with emotional issues.Donn A. Bennice, Ph.D.746-4080 - akafs.org 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-on-one assistance and individualized workshops for small or large groups. Our vision is to ensure that every parent and family who has a child with a special need has access to information, education, outreach, and support in a culturally competent environment and to empower then to be advocates for themselves, their children, and their families. Regan Building 3161 E Palmer Wasilla Hwy. Suite #2 Linda Kupers, Administrative Assistantlinda@linksprc.org - 907-373-3632

MYHouse Homeless Teen Shelter in the Matsu is a non-profit that exists to provide services to unaccompanied youth, ages 14-24, in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The services we provide include, but are not limited to, hot meals, shelf stable foods, gas cards, transport to shelter, clothing, tents, sleeping bags, laundry, shower, hygiene products, street outreach, access to medical, dental and mental health care, vocational services and employment opportunities, educational advocacy and life coaching. Our youth center, The Gathering Place, is located at 300 N. Willow St in central Wasilla. Also on campus is the MYHouse Café, Gathering Grounds, which exists to provide employment for homeless and at risk youth, as well as our partnering agencies and businesses, Nine Star, Mat-Su Public Health Center and Car Deets (an automotive detailing business which hires homeless youth). To learn more, visit our website at myhousematsu.org or call 373-4357.

Family Promise Mat-SuProvides 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.

Applications are available on our website.357-6160, www.familypromisematsu.org

The Children’s PlaceThe Children’s Place child advocacy center is a child-friendly, neutral facility where professionals from many agencies involved in the evaluation, investigation and treatment of child abuse meet to coordinate and bring their services to the child and their family. We provide child forensic interviews, medical exams, linkage to mental health providers, follow-up support and referrals throughout the investigation process. Referrals to The Children’s Place are made through law enforcement and Office of Children’s Services.The Children’s Place, 357-5157 www.alaskachildrensplace.com

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

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

Pillows for Kids FoundationWe provide little pillows of support and small scholarships that make a significant difference for local children to participate in brain-training activities such as gymnastics, snowboarding, skiing, skating, horsemanship, leadership, art, music, dance, martial arts, and robotics. 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 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. pillowsforkids@gmail.com

The Moose Boosters Wrestling Club A youth development organization that provides aid and funding to low income recreational facilitates and athletes at the high school level. Funding supports athletes who participate in wrestling programs while meeting academic standards.Michelle Heun - 355-7099

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

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

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

Open Wednesday’s from 11am-3pmAll donations of quality clothing in good condition can be donated at the above address during regular hours of operation.Check us out on Facebook

The ARTsAlaska Celtic Pipes & DrumsThose interested in lessons, or in playing pipes or drums with Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums, please contact the Band by email at craigag@mtaonline.net or by telephone at (907) 688-4196. The band’s website can be found at http://www.alaskaceltic.org , plus, we’re on Facebook! “The Pipes, the Pipes are calling...”

Radio Free PalmerRadio Free Palmer is community radio serving the Sutton and Palmer communities as KVRF 89.5 FM and online at radiofreepalmer.org. On air since 2011, KVRF’s mission is to foster community involvement. Currently we produce great local shows on topics from health to mushing - and the list of programs is growing. Online we add important community events such as the Borough Assembly and School Board Meetings. Listen to Radio Free Palmer KVRF 89.5 for more community-centric news, music, sports, music or come volunteer to to help bring great radio programming to the valley.

745-8951, Manager@radiofreepalmer.orgRadiofreepalmer.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 two-dimensional art mediums and want to connect with other creative people and gain more exposure locally. Throughout the year, we inform our members about opportunities to show their work, participate in group events, view other local artists, and enroll in workshops. During the school year, we organize regular sessions for painting together and host monthly artist demonstrations.Membership in the Valley Fine Arts Association provides many diverse opportunities for artists. Check our website calendar at www.valleyfineartsassociation.orgfor upcoming events.

Mat-Su Community Chorus, Inc.As Musical Ambassadors of The Valley, The Mat-Su Community Chorus has provided quality vocal music, in its various forms, for the benefit, education and enjoyment of its members and the surrounding communities since 1970. Our membership is open to the public, inviting all who wish to add their voice in song. We offer complimentary performances at public celebrations and deliver formal concerts twice a year.We are a 501(c)3, non-profit organization, currently with twenty-two members and we are looking towards expanding the organization to better serve the community. With the support from individuals, businesses and other civic

organizations we are able to grow our group by bringing the community together through music and to continue our standard of excellence. We meet Octember through Nov. on Thursday evenings at 7-9pm in the Choir Room at Wasilla High School. Nan Potts 745-8788matsucomchours@gmail.comAlaska Celtic Pipes & Drums of Eagle RiverAlaska Celtic Pipes & Drums of Eagle River, under the leadership of Pipe Major Aja Stewart and Drum Sergeant Bryan Gonzales, are actively recruiting pipers and drummers, as well as those interested in learning Great Highland Bagpipes and Highland Drumming (snare, tenor, bass.) We would like to extend a cordial invitation to anyone who would like to learn to play bagpipes or drums, to FREE lessons with our Band. We are a grade IV competing, family-oriented pipe band established in 2005, and beginners of any age are welcome. Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums are very active in supporting the community in which we live. Our purpose is to advance the rich cultural heritage of Great Highland Bagpipe music, and to have FUN doing it! ACPD provides free instruction in piping and drumming, with Band practice to follow, every Friday evening at 5:00 and 5:45 pm at Eagle River Presbyterian Church, 12836 Old Glenn Highway, in Eagle River.

Those interested in lessons, or in becoming members of ACPD, please contact the Band by email at Nov.gstensgericht@yahoo.com or by telephone at (907) 376-5060. The band’s website can be found at http://www.alaskaceltic.org Mat-Su Concert Band, Inc.Our mission is to promote, plan, support and conduct educational and cultural activities and opportunities for the benefit of the citizens and residents of Alaska. We do this by providing an outlet for the many talented musicians in and around our area to perform and a venue for the public to come and enjoy with us our music.Rehearsals are every Mon. from 7 to 9 p.m. at Teeland Middle School. For more information, contact Gleo Huyck at 746-0628. matsuconcertband@gmail.com

The Whirling Rainbow FoundationGrandmother Drum International Peace ProjectThe 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 Directorwww.whirlingrainbow.com

Valley Performing ArtsWe will be celebrating 40 years of Quality Live Theatre this season! VPA performs seven plays per season, beginning September and ending in May. We welcome actors, volunteers, program advertisers and play sponsors to join in supporting VPA, one of the oldest continuing operating community theatres in the State of Alaska. The VPA Summer Theatre Arts Program takes place June through August and are for youth, ages ranging from 7 to 17. The VPA Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony is held each June and our FUN-Raiser is in October.

Purchase your tickets online or from our office. Check out audition dates and show times on our website. www.valleyperformingarts.org or (907) 373-0195.

To have your non-profit organization included in this free community

resource list, please email your info to:makeasceneak@mac.com

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

We are a place for both new and established artists of all types—painters, sculptors, musicians, and those involved in the performing arts—to network and to experiment with new ideas and media. We work with local libraries, schools, museums, art councils, and music and art groups to create more venues for the arts, and to help promote art related events. www.valleyartsalliance.com

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

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

to request a live bird program.

AK Cat Kitty Rescue is a local small kitty rescue. We specialize in litters of kittens, and our facility is designed that way. We will take in litters from the community, and will assist in getting their mom cat spayed. ALL of our kittens are up to date on vaccines, and have been spayed/ or neutered prior to adoptions. We are a 501c3, so any donations are tax deductible. If you are looking to adopt, or need help placing a litter, please call us! We are currently looking for help with computer type tasks, updating website, or updating our adoptions and monthly expences. AK CAT 907-232-4444 www.akcat.org

Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue (ADPR) Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue is an all volunteer, non-profit organization formed for the purpose of rescuing homeless dogs and puppies. We have rescued dogs throughout Alaska, including various Bush communities. These rescued dogs are placed in foster homes, where they are socialized, vaccinated, dewormed, and taken to the vet to be microchipped and spayed or neutered. It is our goal to have an animal sanctuary, so that all adoptable dogs are given an opportunity to find their forever homes. We encourage individuals to volunteer for this very worthy cause. 745-7030 adpr03@yahoo.com

Alaska Assistance Dogs (AAD)AAD provides service dogs to Alaskans with special needs (physical, physiological & mental health), and incorporates therapeutic programs into service dog training. AAD works with special education students at school, provides teen mentoring in community training venues, offers domestic violence/PTSD support groups, FASD/Autism programs, and provides service dogs and support groups for veterans with PTSD and their families.Therapist on staff, and all trainers are certified by the founder of the service dog concept, Dr. Bonnie Bergin. Carole J. Shay, Lpc.carole@alaskaassistancedogs.org

Meadow Gates Farm SanctuaryMeadow 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. 907-357-6437, www.meadowgates.commanager@meadowgates.com

Alaska Animal AdvocatesMake a difference. Save a life! Alaska Animal Advocates is reaching out to the community. We provide everything that is needed to meet a dog’s needs. We ask YOU to provide the love.Contact Angie at 841-3173 or email at aaarescue@yahoo.com Check out our website at www.alaskaanimaladvocates.com

VARIETY United Way of Mat-Su United Way of Mat Su was formed in 1987 to serve as a single, borough wide, fundraising agency, but we have grown to be so much more. We are dedicated to working in our community on education, stable income and health. These are the building blocks for a quality life. We provide grants to programs with these areas of focus and administer programs that improve early childhood education, reduce substance abuse and improve senior citizen nutrition. We supply Familywize prescription drug discount cards, which have saved people in the Mat-Su over $500,000 since its beginning. United Way provides information on available services through the 211 hotline and website www.alaska211.org and keep current and distribute the Mat-Sui Resource Guide. Our goal is to bring together individuals, companies and agencies to achieve measurable, positive, lasting results. We ask the community to LIVE UNITED which means all of us coming together to volunteer, advocate and give to create a brighter future for all. To find out more visit www.unitedwaymatsu.org or call 373-5807. The United Way of Matanuska Susitna Borough is physically located at 550 S Alaska Street Suite 205 Palmer, AK 99645. The Valley Quilters Guild was formed in 1985 to promote quilting in the Matanuska Valley. We currently have a membership of about 180. Our main objectives are service to our community and the education of Quilters. We serve the community by donating quilts to organizations and groups that approach us with their needs. We also give quilts to the victims of fires, child abuse, homeless families, and Law Enforcement agencies for comforting victims of domestic violence. The Guild meets the first Thursday of each month at the Palmer Train Depot at 7 p.m.

Mat Su Sertoma ClubThe Mat Su Sertoma Club focuses on hearing health. They are part of a national organization with more than 600 clubs throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The club provides free hearing screens to the public the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wasilla Physical Therapy, 3750 E. Country Field Circle, Wasilla from September until May. During the summer we’re fishing, camping and gardening like most Alaskans!

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

The website is www.matsuhearing.dot to stay abreast of activities. Meetings are held the second and fourth Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Tailgaters Restaurant in Wasilla. Mat-Su Special SantaThe Mat-Su Special Santa program is the largest Christmas gift giving program in the Valley. Mat-Su Special Santa teams with Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, Food Banks, state and local

agencies, churches and schools to help families in need. Last year over 3400 children completed a wish list with requests for Christmas presents. The program provided at least two toys/gifts, winter wear when possible, a new book, personal items and stocking stuffers. All of this is possible through the generous donations of our community with over 1000 community members, organizations, clubs and schools either volunteering or donating to the program. This is an all volunteer program. We are also in need of volunteers. The Special Santa Program’s goal is to help children receive the magic of Christmas and know that people care. In reaching this goal the program: 1. Coordinates with agencies and programs to provide for families, 2. Provides the citizens in the Community an opportunity to give, 3. Assists families in need at a stressful time of year, 4. Spreads the joy of Christmas throughout the Mat-Su Valley. Go to www.specialsanta.net for more information or e-mail us at matsu_santa@yahoo.com.

The Last Frontier Honor FlightOur mission is to transport WWII, Alaska Territorial Guard and Korean War veterans to Washington D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices AT NO COST TO THE VETERANS.

All Donations are tax deductible, according to state and federal laws. You can make a donation to The Last Frontier Honor Flight PO Box 520116 Big Lake, Alaska 99652, or pay with a credit card on our website at www.tlfhonorflight.org. If you would like to volunteer you can contact our President Ron Travis at (907) 892-6097 for meeting times and places.

The Sertoma Club - WasillaWe host the Mat Su Polar Plunge raising funds for non-profits in the Matanuska Susitna Valley, Alaska. February 2011 we saw 85 jumpers raise almost $20,000 which was then given to the Food Pantry of Wasilla and Turn A Leaf Thrift Stores. The Food Pantry provides emergency food supplies to families in need. Turn A Leaf has a medical lending equipment program which is now organized with software purchased with funds received. Both were grant recipients from the Mat Su Sertoma Club. Grant applications for the 2012 Mat Su Polar Plunge are located on our website: www.matsuplunge.com. Mat-Su Community ChorusDo you love to sing? The Mat-Su Community Chorus welcomes new adult members in all vocal ranges each September and January. We are a well-established, male-female, SATB community singing group conducted by Anna Crowther. Group singing benefits your emotional and physical health and enriches our community, so bring your talents and join the Chorus! No audition required although previous experience is helpful.

We offer complimentary performances at public celebrations and deliver formal concerts several times a year. Rehearsals are on Thursdays at the WHS choir room from 7 - 9 pm. Contact us at matsucomchorus@gmail.com or call Sandy at 907-355-5836 for membership details. Like us on Facebook for concert reminders. We have a wonderful club of volunteers! On a weekly basis you’ll find a Mat Su Sertoman at the Food Pantry, Wasilla Senior Campus, Valley Charities, helping Special Olympics and the list goes on and on! Our goal for 2011/2012 year is to raise more than, $25,000 in polar plunge funds. You can pledge or sign up to jump! Just visit our website for more information.

Join us every other Thursday at 5:00pm at the Tailgaters Sports Bar and Grill. Our next meeting is Nov. 25th. We always have new speakers and a great time. See you there! Valley Residential ServicesVRS provides housing to people with special needs. We define people with special needs

as those individuals who are experiencing behavioral or developmental disabilities, low-income levels or who are seniors. VRS currently manages 198 residential units distributed in the Mat-Su Valley and participates in special programs to assist with rental assistance. We can also assist with linking individuals to social service agencies who can assist with life skills programs.(907) 357-0256, www.valleyres.orgTOPSTake off Pounds SensiblyNon-Profit Weight Loss Support GroupThree (3) Chapters meet weekly in the Valley.Kathy Miller - 376-9571 or write to matsutops@webtv.net

Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) Our mission is to educate and provide opportunities in our community to reduce, reuse, and recycle for the long-term good of all. Our vision is to establish the Mat-Su Borough as a model recycling community for Alaska. We are open for residential recycling Tuesday thru Friday 10:30am to 6:00pm and Saturday 10:30am to 3:30pm. Businesses can call ahead for hours. Your permanent community recycling center is located in our new green building at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, next to the animal shelter at the Central Landfill. Volunteer opportunities available. community@valleyrecycling.org valleyrecycling.org - 745-5544

Valley Residential Services (VRS) VRS provides special needs housing to individuals who experience behavioral or developmental disabilities, low-income levels or those who are homeless. VRS currently has 168 properties in the Mat-Su Valley with special programs to assist with rental assistance and we can assist with linking individuals to social service agencies who can assist with life skills programs. (907) 357-0256 , valleyres.org

Alaska Attachment & Bonding Associates (AABA) Educates and supports foster, adoptive, kinship care, step, grand and guardianship parents and professionals who care for children with emotional mental health issues, such as Attachment Disorder. AABA provides workshops, e-mail/telephone support, resource/referral information, self-advocacy, AABA web-site www.akattachment.org, RAVEN Respite, newsletters, brochures, lending library, and Mom2Mom/Dad2Dad parent support group. For more information:Laura Wagner 907-376-0366

The Homeless Actors of Mat-SuHAMS, the Homeless Actors of Mat-Su, is a valley non-profit community theater group created to further theatrical opportunities for actors and technical personnel of all ages, be experienced or beginner and the audiences who have not been fully represented in the valley. With local support we intend to produce a broad range of the atypical classical, modern, comic, dramatic and musical one act and full length plays and improvisational theater that are both educational and entertaining in the traditional and dinner theater format as fundraisers for various local causes and to continue to encourage development of the theater arts in the Mat-Su Valley. Contact Elizabeth Clausen, General Manager, 841-4119; akhams@yahoo.com

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

The Pantry hours of distribution are Monday through Friday from 10:00AM to 1:00PM. The Pantry is located at 501 E. Bogard Rd. in Wasilla. We have three programs operating under the

Matsu Food Bank. The community supplied Food Pantry of Wasilla accepts donations of food or funds to help feed our neighbors. We distribute to clients on an emergency monthly basis. We also distribute TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program). This is a program is supplied by the USDA and is also once a month. Our third program is Food4Kids.

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

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

OUTDOORSNorth America Outdoor InstituteThe 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 FlatsDedicated to conserving the natural and culturalresources of Palmer Hay Flats State GameRefuge through public awareness, year-roundrecreation and events, education and enhancement projects. Healthy, outdoorrecreation in a safe, beautiful setting is what APH helps provide to all users.

357-8711, alaskans@palmerhayflats.orgwww.palmerhayflats.org Alaska Frontier Trappers AssociationThe 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

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

AWBRC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is always looking for volunteers and donations. We are undergoing a building project this summer, and can use carpentry assistance. In addition, regular volunteers are always needed for care of our resident birds. Please visit our web site at http://www.akwildbirdrehab.org/ for further information about us, to volunteer or to request a live bird program. Wasilla Soil & Water Conservation District (WSWCD)The WSWCD is a non-profit formed in 1948 to assist landowners & land managers with conservation & development on land through technical assistance, projects & education programs & services. distmgr@wasillaswcd.org

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The Sixth Annual M.S Ride For A Cure will be held on June 28 @ 9:30 am - from Palmer’s Alaska State Fairgrounds parking lot to Eureka Lodge. The Multiple Sclerosis Society, Q99.7 Valley radio, and their sister station The WOLF 96.3, will be hosting the event. There will be coffee and doughnuts provided, donated by Espresso Café, and Carrs Safeway, served up by MIDNIGHT SON RIDERS chapter 801 of Christian Motorcyclists Association.

After the scenic ride ends at the lodge we will be having a BBQ - with food donated by Three Bears of Alaska, and other caring people in the community.

There will also be a live band preforming - FAITH AND THE FALLEN, with dancing and door prizes from SUBWAY, and ARTIC INK TATTOO, and more - fun for all!

$20 dollar suggested donation fee per person per ticket to enter the run, and BBQ festivities.

Come on out and enjoy the summer - have a great time, for an AWESOME cause! For more info please contact Q99.7 Valley Radio, or Eddie.maxwell@ohanamediagroup.com

the Sixth Annual ride For A Cure

Arts

My first release, Finding Alaska: (subtitle in progress), will be released in the coming weeks. It will be available for purchase through Amazon, my e-store, or directly through myself. Roughly a month after this first book goes live, we will see the release of my second; a collection of aquatic Alaskan creatures

that I am currently completing. You can follow the progress of the upcoming release on my Facebook page, which I update frequently: www.facebook.com/artbybrittneyk Special thanks to Natalie for being patient with all my questions about the self-publishing business.

I purchased a business license under the name Inked Fox, and put over 65 hours of drawing and redrawing animals into my first creation.

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The Valley Fine Arts Association, under the guidance of President Martha Happs, is pleased to announce the 1st Annual VFAA’s Painting Retreat to be held September 11-13, 2015, at the St. Therese Camp in Palmer, Alaska.

This event will offer two-dimensional artists opportunities to network and paint with each other in a beautiful wooded setting on Lake Neklason. The retreat will include Plein Aire painting, evening live-model and still-life sessions, and our guest speaker Greg Bombeck of Chugiak, Alaska, will give a presentation on his life as an artist.

The retreat begins Friday morning at 10:00 with registration. The registration fee of $125.00 includes painting opportunities for 3 days, campsite parking, and 3 lunches and 2 dinners. The retreat ends on Sunday at 3:00. Goody bags and door prizes have been generously supplied by national and local sponsors and will also be included with registration.

For rest and relaxation there will be canoes, kayaks, and paddle-boats available. Trails within the 57-acre site beckon to any who wish to hike. Registration is also available to those who cannot attend all 3 days, at $75.00 per day for either Friday or Saturday. This would include 2 meals for each day.

Friday and Saturday night bonfires will provide a wonderful background for in-depth discussion between fellow artists. If campsites are not desired,

a list of local B&B sites is available upon request. In case of inclement weather, a large windowed meeting hall will be accessible for those who wish to stay inside.

> For further information visit www.valleyfineartsassociation.org, then click on special events.

You may also call Martha Happs at 907-745-6577.

Artist’s Fall retreat