Make A Scene Magazine April 2024

Hold onto your sporrans, lads, and lassies, because the 2024 Alaska Scottish Highland Games are gearing up to be an event of epic proportions! Get ready to immerse yourself in a weekend of Scottish celebration like no other as we unveil our sensational lineup of musical guests who are set to rock your kilts off.

Our Three Mighty Musical Acts

Leading the charge are the legendary Harp Twins, joined by none other than The Volfgang Twins! These dynamic twins have become a beloved part of our Alaskan Scottish Clan and Games! Camille and Kennerly Kitt, the sensational Harp Twins, are set to serenade you with their ethereal harp melodies while The Volfgang Twins will have you pounding your chest to the beat of their thunderous double Viking drums. Together, they promise to deliver a musical experience like no other, blending traditional Scottish tunes with a contemporary twist that will leave you breathless.

Next on the bill, we’ve got the one and only Ally The Piper, a multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire hailing from the heart of New York. With her mastery of the Highland Bagpipe, Scottish Smallpipe, Irish whistles, and vocals,

Ally is set to serenade you into a state of pure Scottish bliss. And with nearly three million followers on social

media, she’s not just a piper—she’s a global sensation, and she’s ready to show Alaska why!

Last but certainly not least, brace yourselves for the arrival of Syr, the Celtic Folk Rock powerhouse all the

way from Columbia, SC! Led by the dynamic siblings Kyle and Laurel MacCallum, Syr’s electrifying performances are like a shot of Scottish whisky straight to the soul. With tales of battles, love, and victory woven into every chord, they’ll have you cheering “slàinte mhath” from the rafters and dancing the Highland Fling like never before!

Two Shows a Day, All Included with Your Ticket! All musical shows are included in the price of your admission ticket, and each act will be playing two shows a day on our main stage! That’s right—double the music, double the fun, and double the memories to last a lifetime! So, gather your clan and get ready to experience the magic of Scottish music like never before.

Beyond the Music:

A Celebration of Scottish Culture. But the 2024 Alaska Scottish Highland Games aren’t just about the music. From traditional Highland dancing to thrilling athletic competitions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this spectacular event. So, mark your calendars, dust off your kilts, and join the Alaskan Scottish Clan for a weekend of music, merriment, and memories!

Advanced discounted tickets are available now! Purchase online at www.alaskanscottish.org

Contributed by Sara Bowen

This May, the Mat-Su Concert Band enters their pop culture ERA!

From the epic movie soundtracks of Star Wars and Avatar, the bubblegum energy of Barbie and Taylor Swift, to the storyteller’s favorite, “Peter and the Wolf,” this evening will have something for everyone.

Whether it’s sequined outfits or jedi robes, costumes are encouraged at this concert!

The “Spring Pops!” concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday May 4 at the Glenn Massay Theater at Mat-Su College. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $5 for students. Children under 5 get in free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.matsuconcertband.org.

Travel with the concert band to a galaxy far, far away with John Williams’ “Symphonic Suite from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” arranged by Jay Bocook. Then on to James Cameron’s Pandora with “Soundtrack Highlights from Avatar: The Way of Water” by Simon Franglen, arranged by Michael Brown. Both of these medleys are full of iconic melodies and soundscapes from these cinematic classics.

Rounding out our trio of movie medleys is “Barbie’s World,” arranged by Michael Brown, from the new Barbie movie! The medley includes groovy discos, like “Barbie Girl” and “Dance the Night,” the delicate melodies of “What I was Made For,” and more.

Sergie Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” is an orchestra classic that brings music and storytelling together. “Peter and the Wolf” tells its story through instrumental solos, melodic motifs, and fantastic narration by our very own Sara Saxton, flutist, and children’s librarian of the Wasilla Public Library.

Shawn Campbell, trombonist and assistant director, will direct “Legacy Overture” by Randall D. Standridge. Written in the contrasting ABA format, “Legacy Overture” bookends with a jaunty energy–music that’s meant for fireworks. At the song’s center is a slower rendition of the melody with a trumpet solo, accompanied by sweeping chords.

The flute duo is back! Sara Bowen and Sonja Dupuis from the Mat-Su Flute Choir will be performing the first two movements of “Four Reflections on Japanese Tanka Poems” by Jens Klimek. This duet is an atmospheric and contemplative piece, the melodies like a stream of running water passed between the two flutes. The close harmonies in the flutes’ timbres create a unique texture not often showcased in band literature.

The most anticipated piece of this May program (at least for our Swifties) is “Taylor Swift: Eras,” arranged by Johnnie Vinson, and will include “Anti-Hero,” “Look What You Made Me Do,” and many more from Taylor’s albums.

Whether you come for the flute duet, the cinema classics, a Sousa march, or you’re a Swiftie, this May concert promises to be an exciting evening for all. Don’t forget your friendship bracelets and costumes!

Mat-Su Concert 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. Under the baton of Gleo Huyck, the band is made up of more than 60 musicians and performs a wide-ranging selection of challenging music. Huyck is a retired music educator and private instructor. The band rehearses every Monday night at Teeland Middle School.

Calendar of Events

April 18th – 20th @ 9AM-8PM & 21st 9AM-5PM

Consign49 Spring Sale

Raven Hall – Alaska State Fairgrounds 2075 Glenn Highway info@consign49.com

April 18 @ 12PM-4:30PM

Open House Event

Valley Recycling

9465 E Chanlyut Cir (907) 745-5544

April 19 @ 8PM-2AM

2nd Annual Flow Party

Black Smoke

2435 Spenard Road

Tickets available at eventbrite.com

April 19th & 26th @ 6PM

YAK Movie Night

The YAK, Palmer 173 S. Valley Way palmer.yak@gmail.com

April 20th-21st @ 10AM-5PM

Anchorage Home Show

Anchorage Home Builders Association

Alaska Airlines Center

3550 Providence Dr (907) 522-3605

April 20 @ 6PM

Free Alaska Health Clinic

Remote Area Medical

Begich Middle School 7440 Creekside Center Drive

alaskahealthclinic@gmail.com

April 20 @ 11AM

Customer Appreciation & Recycling Event

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

1200 W Northern Lights Blvd

info@habitatanchorage.org (907) 272-0800

April 20 @ 7PM-11PM

HarpDaddy ft. Cami from Miami at Fishhook Bar & Grill

HarpDaddy & The BackCountry Mojo

9231 N. Palmer Fishhook (907) 745-6374

April 25 @ 6PM-8PM

Aspenyarrow (Kayti Heller) Live at Wasilla Library

95.5 Hatcher Pass Radio

500 North Crusey info@955knlt.com

Tickets available at makeasceneak. com

April 26th @ 5PM -

April 28th @ 5:30PM

Alyeska Resort Spring Carnival ft.

Alaska Airlines Slush Cup

Sitzmark

194 Olympic Mountain Loop (907) 754-1111

April 27 @ 11AM-1PM

Mother’s Day Photo Shoot

Allie Hewitt – State Farm Insurance

Agent

5230 E Dunbar Drive #3

Cost: Free allie@allieinthevalley.com

April 27th – 28th @ 12PM-6PM

Arctic Comic Con at The Dena Ina Center

Arctic Comic Con

600 W 7th Ave

Tickets available at universe.com

April 29 @ 7PM-9PM

Starfish Wine Glass Painting Workshop

Paint Nights With Sara 535 Parks Highway (907) 521-4094

Tickets available at paintwithsara.com

May 4 @ 2:30PM-8PM

Girdwood Grooves ft. Raised By Elephants, Zen Trembles, & Black Barrel & The Bad Men

Girdwood Brewing Company 2700 Alyeska Highway

info@girdwoodbrewing.com (907) 783-2739

Tickets available at girdwood-brewing-co.square.site

May 10 @ 8:30AM-8PM

May 11 @ 8:30AM-6PM

Academy Charter Epic Yard Sale & Fundraiser

Academy Charter School

801 E Arctic Ave (907) 746-2358

May 10th & 11th @ 7PM-11PM

Blackwater Railroad with Black Barrel & The Bad Men

Creekbend Café (907) 782-3274

67444 Second Street, Hope, AK

May 10th – 12th @ 12PM-4PM

Alaska Vintage Home Market & Food Truck Festival

Alaska Vintage Markets

Alaska State Fair (907) 315-3803

Tickets available at akvintagemarkets. ticketleap.com

May 15th, 22nd, & 29th @ 6PM-7PM

Get Moving Mat-Su Fun Runs!

Get Moving Mat-Su

240 E Railroad Ave

getmovingmatsu@gmail.com

Tickets available at runsignup.com

May 19 @ 12PM-5PM

Spenard Food Truck

Carnival & Taste of Spenard

1100 W Fireweed Ln

huycke.entertainment@gmail.com (907) 764-2690

Free Event

May 25 @ 12PM

Bodenburg Classic Road Race

Arctic Bike Club & Road Race Division

Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm

4350 S Bodenburg Loop

bike907@gmail.com

Tickets available at arcticbicycleclub. com

May 25 @ 5PM

Dirty Heads Live

Matanuska Brewing Company

11901 Old Glenn Hwy

eagleriver@matanuskabrewco.com (907) 696-3000

Tickets available at aftontickets.com

June 2 @ 1PM

Recycle Revival Annual Music Festival

Valley Recycling

Skeetawk Ski Area, Hatcher Pass

valleyrecycling.org

Cost: $20 at the door

Theater Funnies

Music

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Loaded Karma is proud to announce their long-awaited debut album “Roots In Love”. With influences ranging from Roots Reggae, Common Kings to Sublime and S.O.J.A., Roots In Love delivers songs that inspire and spread good vibes. We have been privileged to play all over Alaska and look forward to sharing our music even father. www.facebook.com/loadedkarma

CONCERT BENEFITS FRIENDS OF WASILLA LIBRARY

Contributed by Jeanne

Join us on Thursday, April 25, for an intimate evening of music and storytelling with the immensely talented Apenyarrow at the Wasilla Public Library. This special event promises to be a soulful journey through the power of music, reflecting on themes of nature, love, mental health, and the path to self-acceptance.

Event Schedule:

Reception: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Fireplace Performance by Apenyarrow: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Wasilla Public Library

Drawing deeply from her personal experiences and the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska, Apenyarrow, known offstage as Kayti, weaves her life’s tapestry into her songs. Having grown up in Talkeetna before moving to Palmer with her two children and her beloved dog, Mary Puppins, Kayti’s music is a testament to her journey of exploration and expression. Her melodies are not just heard; they are felt, resonating with anyone

who has ever found solace in the embrace of music.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the transformative power of Apenyarrow’s music in the cozy ambiance of the Wasilla Public Library, set against the backdrop of a crackling fireplace. It’s more than a concert; it’s a journey of emotion and melody, a celebration of life’s highs and lows, and a path to inner peace and acceptance.

Join us for an evening that promises not just melodies but an experience that touches the soul and lifts the spirits.

Ticket Pricing: Adults $10, Children $5 Tickets are available now and can be purchased at the Wasilla Public Library’s main desk or online. Seating is limited, so early booking is recommended to ensure your place at this unforgettable evening.

For ticketing and event information, please contact: webpeep@ wasillafriends.org or www.tinyurl. com/wasillalibrary THIS

Contributed by Lainie Dreas

Alaska Junior Theater is so excited to present Frindle with Griffin Theatre Company of Chicago in Alaska again! These talented actors are bringing a funny tale to life for all ages in the Discovery Theatre on Saturday, May 4th at 2 PM.

Nicholas Allen has plenty of ideas. When he ends up in Mrs. Granger’s language arts class, he has his best idea ever. He decides to create his own word… FRINDLE! Before long Nick’s word creates a buzz in his school, his town and then to his surprise it spreads all around the country, and a power struggle erupts with the strict Mrs. Granger. Will the word “Frindle” win? Based on the multiple award-winning best-selling novel by Andrew Clements, this quirky, imaginative tale about creative thought and the power of words will have your young audience inventing their own words.

Executive Director Lainie Dreas said, “It’s kind of nostalgic for me to bring this show again because it was in my first season that I programmed myself in 2006. Where did 18 years go… I love this show and the company is a pleasure to work with again.”

School Show Performances will be April 30th – May 3rd, 2024, at 10 AM & 11:45 AM at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Volunteers are still needed to assist the students into the theater safely. Call AJT to volunteer at 907-272-7546!

Wednesday, May 1st at 4:00 PM at the Chugach/Eagle River Public Library: Frindle free reading and craft event with Griffin Theatre Company. Come and hear the beloved book and meet the performers! Open to the public.

Enjoy One Great Saturday – May 4th beginning at 1:00 PM Storytelling in the Discovery Theatre Lobby at 1:00 PM: Get better parking by arriving early and enjoy stories read to your children before the show.

- Enjoy two Story Track Books for young people to walk through the story themselves.

- Bright Lights Book Project will be giving away free books to kids (and adults)!

- Live Public Performance: “Frindle” performance will be on May 4th, 2024, at 2:00 PM.

- “Milk and Cookie Reception/Cake Walk” with Griffin Theatre Company after the show!

Tickets are available at www. CenterTix.com or call 263-ARTS.

For more information on Alaska Junior Theater and upcoming performances, please visit us online at akjt.org.

Over the last twenty-two years Griffin Theater has provided a wide range of work including world and midwest premieres of acclaimed scripts, critically lauded productions of Shakespeare and original adaptations of novels. Children’s programming at the Griffin brings young people original productions of award-winning children’s literature.

Alaska Junior Theater is a private, nonprofit organization that has been

bringing the best in professional theater from around the world to Alaska’s young audiences since 1981. Each year, more than 40,000 students attend a variety of live performances, which share the common educational goal of “bringing learning to life.” For many students, AJT’s school-time presentations are their only exposure to the performing arts.

Additional support by National Endowment for the Arts, WESTAF, Alaska State Council on the Arts, Carr Foundation, Atwood Foundation, Municipality of Anchorage and Rasmuson Foundation.

For event information and more, visit us at www.akjt.org.

Contributed by Janel Gagnon and Jillian Blount

Colony High School’s Marching Band, Orchestra, and top choral ensembleVivace - have been invited to perform throughout Ireland in March of 2025 as part of their St. Patrick’s Day festivities!

In a gesture of great generosity, the Matanuska Susitna Orchestra (MSO) will hold a concert on April 21st at 3:00 pm at the Glenn Massay Theater to help fundraise for the trip.

When Kate Patterson, the conductor of MSO, heard that the Colony High School Music Department was selected to go to Ireland, she immediately texted Dr. Burton, Colony’s band and orchestra director, to let him know that they would like to do a concert to help raise funds for the trip. The orchestra’s mission is “making music make a difference” and they fundraise for nonprofits at least three times a year. The

orchestra donates their time, the costs of music, and the venue so that the non-profit has only to advertise and give their best pitch to the community.

Wondering what selections you will hear? Kate Patterson said, “The program as always is a challenge. With a limited budget and library, I had to come up with an idea for the program. I have been sitting on a couple of Marches that I have been wanting to do and then I had the Leroy Anderson’s Irish Suite in the file, so off went my brain with the idea to center the program on Marches.” Hence the title for the concert itself: “March Toward Ireland!”

“Now it is hard to put into words what I was thinking as the program was beginning to gel, but I will try. To start, I wanted to highlight through the music the excitement of being chosen to go to Ireland, and I thought that the 1812 Overture would set the mood. Then

with the sudden realization of how much work that was going to entail, I thought we would do March to the Scaffold, with the War March of the Priests coming along afterwards.

Thinking how one could go to the scaffold without the priests! March Slav transitions us to the feeling of we can do this! Murph’s March is lighthearted and sends us over the hump and on our way to Ireland for our final two selections.”

Admission is based on donations, so please join us! This is a very familyfriendly event and bringing children is encouraged. We will have some baked goods for sale and other related items available for purchase. Students who have committed to the trip will be in attendance, seeking donations, answering questions, and helping to spread excitement. Concert attendees will delight in seeing a number of Colony’s band and orchestra students up on

stage playing alongside the MSO. Additionally, several members of Vivace, the top choir at CHS, will perform at the concert.

Dr. Burton, the band and orchestra director, and Ms. Rentz, choir director, acknowledged that they would hope to raise $22,000 in total for the trip as it will be costly to get instruments overseas, as well as providing accessibility to the trip for all students involved.

Please join us as we ramp up excitement and fundraising efforts for this momentous, once in a lifetime opportunity! We hope to see you at the MatSu Orchestra concert at the Glenn Massay Theater at 3:00 PM on Sunday, April 21st, 2024.

The Glenn Massay Theater is located on the campus of the Mat-Su College at 8295 E College Dr, in Palmer. There is ample parking. Admission is by donation only.

learning, andthe power of OneHealth principles-

Film

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In the world of independent cinema, a new venture emerges from the rugged wilderness of Alaska’s own backyard, promising to captivate audiences with its blend of fantasy and reality. ‘

Chasing Rainbows,’ a film currently in its pre-production stages, marks a significant departure from conventional storytelling, weaving narrative rich in fantasy against the backdrop of Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes. Spearheaded by Aaron Gordon, a resident of the Kenai Peninsula and a creative force in both writing and directing, this project seeks to blend the ethereal with the earthly in a manner seldom explored in the realm of low-

budget filmmaking.

‘Chasing Rainbows’ tells the story of a teenage girl who finds herself inadvertently transported to a mystical land, a place where the answers to life’s great questions remain tantalizingly out of reach. According to Gordon, the film draws inspiration from the very essence of what it means to journey into the unknown. “The rainbows are kind of a bridge to another world, and each time a character crosses that bridge there’s a series of alternate worlds.” he explains, shedding light on the film’s core concept. This imaginative exploration, rooted in Gordon’s own literary work by the same name, sets the stage for a narrative filled with wonder, discovery, and the beauty of the Alaskan landscape.

Now, as someone deeply immersed in the Alaskan film scene, what makes this project truly stand out is not just its ambitious storytelling but the palpable passion and community support fueling its journey to the screen. Aaron Gordon, a name many of you might not know yet is about to change that. Living on the Kenai Peninsula, Gordon’s surrounded by the kind of scenery filmmakers elsewhere could only dream of capturing. It’s this scenery he intends to showcase in “Chasing Rainbows,” a story that’s as much an adventure as it is a love letter to the unknown.

Why Alaska, you ask? For Gordon, it was never a question. “I would look out the window and know that films pay big budgets for the backdrops I already have at my fingertips,” he shares, echoing the sentiments of many Alaskans who see their home as a hidden gem in the world of cinema. Gordon’s journey to filmmaking started as early as age five, transforming childhood play into a lifelong pursuit of storytelling.

Transitioning from short films to a feature-length endeavor presented its challenges, chiefly the daunting task of scaling a vision to fit a narrative that spans about 90 minutes. But Gordon is undaunted, supported by a community of artists and supporters who believe in the power of local storytelling. “Chasing Rainbows” is more than just a film; it’s a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Kenai Peninsula’s artistic community. Led by Final Spark, a film group Gordon is a part of, this proj-

ect aims to be the first of many feature films to come out of the region. The anticipation surrounding its release is a beacon of hope for aspiring filmmakers and a clear sign that Alaska has stories worth telling on the global stage.

As Gordon and his team navigate the complexities of bringing “Chasing Rainbows” to life, their journey embodies the very essence of creative perseverance. From facing the logistical challenges of shooting in remote locations to capturing the subtle nuances of character development, every step forward is a leap towards realizing a shared dream. It’s a dream rooted in the belief that even in the vastness of Alaska, there’s a story around every corner, waiting to be told.

The film is currently scheduled to be filmed July through August and possibly part of September. For audiences eagerly awaiting ‘Chasing Rainbows,’ the film promises not only a glimpse into the mystical but also a celebration of the human spirit’s resilience. As Gordon succinctly puts it, “I hope to show off Alaska... to make Alaskans proud, but also to show audiences outside Alaska, that more films can and should be made here.”

With themes of growth, hope, and the enduring power of family and forgiveness, ‘Chasing Rainbows’ is set to be a beacon of indie filmmaking, proving once again that great stories often come from the most unexpected places.

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VPA’s Summer Theatre Arts Program has been teaching theatre arts for more than eighteen years. Our program offers three separate two-week

Community Theatre

workshops for youth throughout the summer.  These sessions help young people build self-confidence, selfexpression and concentration skills through experiences that focus on the fundamentals of theatre production. Students also get an understanding

of theatrical terms and what it takes to stage a live show from auditions through performance including: acting, set design, costuming, artistic design, stage direction, lighting design, and sound engineering.

They also prepared a short play for family and friends, presented at the theatre the evening of the final day of their workshop.

Class size is limited! Stop by the VPA office behind the theatre TuesdayThursday 10 AM - 4 PM to enroll.

Directors Janelle and Jeremy Davis

Contributed by Juliah Barnett

Redemption is a bold and powerful word that means different things to different people. For us, it means being resilient in the face of adversity. It means remembering those we have lost while still choosing to heal and live a meaningful life. It means doing the inner work to feel at peace with yourself and having a positive attitude while walking through long roads and winding journeys.

Clients of MY House MatSu face unsurmountable life challenges in their day-to-day lives and inspire everything we do at REDEMPTION. Our mission is to provide these young people the opportunity to feel and heal through clothing design and prepare them with the skills needed to get and keep a job. You can rep the brand and support our local jobtraining program by ordering your favorite design online today at redemptionapparelak.com.

Shop in-store at the Bow & Arrow Candle Store in Palmer, Black Birch Books, or the SteamDriven Boutique in Wasilla.

Featured Design: The Lupine Hoodie: The Lupine flower is a symbol of happiness and having a positive mindset. At REDEMPTION, we believe that attitude is everything. No matter what lies around the bend, your journey will be brighter with a positive outlook and this purple Lupine hoodie design!

We’re excited to participate in a fashion show that supports YoungLives Alaska! Join us at “Fashion for Life” on May 4, 2024, at The Nave in Anchorage! Watch our designs walk down the runway and shop our booth after the show. Tickets at fashionforlifeak.com.

Instagram and Facebook @redemptionapparelak. For more info about the services offered at MYHouse, visit myhousematsu.org or call 907-373-4357.

LAZY MOUNTAIN

Contributed by Anthony Irsik

Up and up and up we go.

Down down down. . . down, our feet slip. We are traveling three miles now, Five miles distance by the end.

Peak of Lazy is our goal, Its rocky cliffs and Old Glory, We’ll look on the world below, So up and up we do go.

From a distance, seems relaxed, But then we climb on its back, Angle sharp, sixty degrees, Up and up, the peak we’ll see.

Down, down, down, the mud pushes, Three thousand feet yet to rise, On this poorly named mountain. Up and up and up we climb.

Down, down, the mountain fights back, Though we still reach timberline

A thousand more feet to climb, Up and up and up we rise.

Down we all suddenly slip, Mud then switches to solid rock, The Alphorn declares the top, So now we travel up, up.

At the end we cheer and roar

We stand above where hawks soar. gaze upon Mat-Valley’s floor

We’re triumphant evermore.

SPRING BEAR

Contributed by Maxine Franklin

Shot right through the heart

My last thought: rough bark under paw Fallen spruce holds me.

THE STATE OF IT

Contributed by Shaina Lopez-mckeown

Think about the shell you live inside of Think of it seizing the stars

With one long reach

I can pull them inward for you

Now you own the universe, alone

Think about the oceans you dream of Would you like them too?

Done. I’ve gathered them all

And poured them delicately around you.

Now the sky is black, it sings of whales

The stars swim around you as a pod

Of children would. Here, you can pretend You aren’t alone

Is this all you need?

Or is the water cold because the stars are

Just ghosts of lights that have died

All echoes of whales were once goodbyes

And the sky never moves into day

Because this is your tomb

And you are alone

Just as I have left you

THE ABYSS

Contributed by Fred Glover

The Abyss

Your love still haunts me

Like a wandering ghost

Without a home

My love for you still hurts

The sweetest of pain

Stabbing deep in the center of my soul

I try

It gets no better

Because you’re gone

The pool of loneliness deepens

Ya know I never was such A good swimmer

You were always my life ring

Do I wanna keep swimming Or surrender to the abyss.

THE CHICKADEES OF THE ARCTIC (WINTER GAMES)

Contributed by Nan Potts

Boreal Chickadees of the North, Inspired artists, then rising forth, Graced the games ‘midst chirps and cheers, Hosted teams of far-off Northern tiers.

You watched them flit around padded ice, Frolic, cavort, like capering mice. Then upon stage, with togs donned, They strutted too, when the lights came on.

Athletes gone but the games continue, Strong, new teams face a future venue. Yet our chicks, ‘bide the Valley, Delighting folks, is up their alley.

Artisans stitched their guise, Together, Made of stuff, like foam, fluff and feather. Worn by wee, fledging kidletts, They won all hearts at vying vignettes.

(*Rising Strong Together — AWG’s 2024 motto)

THE BIRTH OF A PAINTING

Contributed by Yvonne Moss

It starts with a subject, selected for interest,

Then comes the hues, watercolors from Pinterest.

You decide on a message you wish to deliver,

It may be abstract or some sort without quiver.

The quality of loose paint on wet water-paper,

Has tendency to change as it moves like a vapor.

The paper takes charge as colors merge and join,

Now the piece comes alive and new colors form.

With little guidance from me, to see what betides,

The painting completes right before my eyes.

Alaska Animal Advocates

www.alaskaanimaladvocates.com

(907) 841-3173

Alaska Animal Advocates is a non-profit group of dedicated volunteers who are devoted to enriching the lives of companion animals in Alaska. In order to do this, we will place homeless pets in loving environment, adress medicals concerns, spay or neuter, microchip, vaccinate, and offer training as is needed.

We believe that every animal deserves a loving home, for his/her entire life and Alaska Animal Advocates will provide the resources to make this happen. In order to make this mission possible, we need the help of volunteers and foster homes.

Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired Seniors

www.alaskabvi.org

(907) 771-4322

The Alaska Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired provides blind and low vision Alaskans tools to eliminate vision loss as a barrier to employment, independent living, and community participation. It is the only statewide training and resource center for vision rehabilitation. In the Mat-Su Valley we sponsor two monthly support groups for socialization and informational activities, titled “Living Well with Vision Loss”, meeting at the Wasilla Area Seniors and the Palmer Senior Center. Low Vision Clinics demonstrating low vision devices and home assessment visits for independent living are offered to those who qualify and who have uncorrectable vision loss.

Alaska Community Development Corporation

www.alaskacdc.org

(907) 746-5680

Alaska Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit agency located in Palmer, AK. Our focus is housing assistance for low-income households in Alaska. We offer housing assistance to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and most areas in Southcentral Alaska and to rural areas in Southeast and Southwest Alaska. Our housing assistance includes home weatherization; housing accessibility improvements for seniors and disabled households; & homeownership assistance including home purchase assistance, home building assistance and home loan packaging.

Our housing assistance helps to keep people safely in their homes and helps low-income households move into home ownership. All assistance is free to eligible households.

Connect Mat-Su

www.connectmatsu.org

(907) 373-2628

Connect Mat-Su is a program of the Mat-Su Health Foundation that provides access to information and referrals specific to the local community. Assistance is available in the areas of care, education, food, health, housing, legal services, social connection, transportation, work, and more. It is a network that is both a physical and virtual resource center linking residents to the things needed to thrive physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally.

Connect Palmer, Inc.

www.connectpalmer.org (907) 746-9675

Connect Palmer is a Christ Centered Training Center and Housing for Women, located in downtown Palmer.

Connect Palmer’s two primary programs are God’s Work Desgin, and LIFE Connect. We also have Sarah’s House, a safe and caring place for ladies without homes to live while they participate in our back to work and life skills programs.

We also offer different community assistance programs, such as The Locker, to provide personal care and basic house hold cleaning items, and Scarlet Tapestries which offers basic sewing skills instructions. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Matanuska Electric Association

Charitable Foundation (MEACF)

www.mea.coop/mea-in-the-community

meacontact@mea.coop

(907) 761-9300

$1.6 million and counting! This is the financial impact MEA’s members have had in our community since 2011 when MEACF introduced Operation Roundup. To scratch the surface on those impacted by your generosity are our seniors, recreation, local agriculture, family services, food pantries, and everything in between.

We want to continue adding to this lost, so if you know of an organization interested in applying for the MEACF grant and has a specific project in mind, please check us out online for the application process - including financials. Grants are capped at $10,000 and are approved at each quarterly MEACF meeting. Individual grant requests are now completed through Connect MatSu; individual grant requests regarding a disability can contact Access Alaska.

Mat-Su Health Foundation

www.healthymatsu.org

(907) 352-286³

The mission of the Mat-Su Health Foundation is to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su. The tools we use include grantmaking, convening of local partners, and policy change.

We have generated significant improvements in systems that support the health of Mat-Su residents in areas such as behavioral health, child welfare, crisis response, community connections, workforce development, transportation, housing, and senior services. Visit www.healthymatsu.org to learn about scholarship and funding opportunities.

MYHouse Mat-Su Youth Housing

www.myhousematsu.org

(907) 373-4357

MYHouse is a homeless youth drop in center with two for-profit businesses that train and employ homeless youth. Gathering Grounds Cafe is a coffee shop with homemade soups, sandwiches, salads, and baked goods.

SteamDriven is a trendy thrift shop featuring Steampunk items made from repurposed donations by our youth designers. Fiend2Clean and Young People in Recovery offer support for substance abuse recovery with activities and events. We offer transitional housing for qualified 18-24 year olds, outreach services to connect homeless youth, organizations and groups to

services, and access to public health and job education services on site.

Onward & Upward

www.onwardandupward.org

email: info@onwardandupward.org (907) 953-5360

Onward & Upward is an evidence-based, accredited, 501c3 nonprofit organization based in the Mat-Su Valley. Our mission is to establish a culture of “One Health” in Alaska through evidence-based action. We accomplish this by engaging our students in adventurous, inspiring, meaningful, and empowering experiences with varying degrees of challenge methodically designed for positive growth and development.

We offer a diverse range of course offerings from open enrollment summer adventure courses, professional development courses, to year-round after-school and homeschool opportunities. Check out our website at www.onwardandupward.org for more information!

Special Olympics Alaska

Mat-Su Community Program (907) 631-8591

www.specialolympicsalaska.org

The Special Olympics Alaska Mat-Su Community Program is an accredited program of Special Olympics Alaska, Inc., a 501c (3) nonprofit whose mission is to provide year-round sports training and competition to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In the Mat-Su Valley, there are 137 active Special Olympics Alaska athletes and 56 Unified partners (non-disabled peers) that train and compete in 12 sports year-round.

There is no cost to participate for qualifying athletes. For more information on the Mat-Su Community Program, please call 907-631-8591, email matsu@ specialolympicsalaska.org or visit us on social media@soakmatsu.

United Way of Mat-Su (907) 373-5807

www.unitedwaymatsu.org

550 S Alaska St., Suite 205 Palmer AK

United Way of Mat-Su strives to make our community a place where all individuals can thrive. We focus on the building blocks of education, financial stability, health for all, providing resource assistance, community collaboration and advocacy, outreach and engagement across the health, human, and social services spectrum.

Early childhood and family support, youth programs, grants for non-profits, and disaster relief; Mat-Su Valley Resource Guide; volunteer opportunities; Stuff the Bus; Project Homeless Connect, and more. Call for more information on Thrive Mat-Su Mat-Su Coalition, Early Childhood Partnership, Youth 360, and the Alaska Wellness Coalition.

Valley Charities, Inc.

www.valleycharities.org

400 N Yenlo Street, Wasilla AK

Valley Charities, Inc: Connecting those who need help with the help they need. Valley Charities, Inc. (VCI) oversees a locally owned non- profit Thrift Store, turn-A-leaf. VCI Re-entry Program assists ex-offenders to become successful citizens helping to stabilize a home, work, per-

sonal needs, and basic council. Our Homelessness Prevention Program provides financial assistance creating housing stability for Valley residents.

Lastly, our Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program supports our residents with short term equipment loans to help with their recovery from illness and injuries.

Housing Assistance: 907-354-4660; Re-Entry Assistance: 907-232-7125; Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program, see our website: valleycharities.org

Valley Arts Alliance

www.valleyartsalliance.com

Valley Arts Alliance, bringing the community together through the arts... We are a place for both new and established artists of all types - painters, sculptors, musicians, and those involved in the performing arts - to network and to experiment with new ideas and media.

We work with local libraries, schools, museums, art councils, and music and art groups to create more venues for the arts, and to help promote art related events.

Join us at our informal weekly meetings, every Thursday @ 11 at Sophia’s Cafe, 9191 E Frontage Road, Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Check out our archives at www. valleyartsalliance.com

Valley Recycling

Valley Community for Recycling Solutions

www.valleyrecycling.org (907) 745-5544

REFUSE, REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE! Drop off your clean, separated recycling Mon-Fri 9:30 to 5 and Saturday 8 to 5. We accept cardboard boxes, aluminum beverage cans, magazines, this newspaper and more!

We are located at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, near the MSB Central Landfill, just past the MSB Animal Care Shelter. Follow the smells. And follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Become a member, visit our classroom, schedule a field trip, find out more about volunteer opportunities and ways you can make a difference in your community. #dontfeedthelandfills. Go to our website for more details.

Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc.

www.wasillaseniors.com (907) 376-3104

Wasilla Area Seniors mission is to provide for the lives of seniors living in the Matanuska Susistna Valley and to enable seniors to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.

WASI provides services, resources, and activities to promote health and independence such as Club50 Fitness Center. Club50 is for individuals 50 years of age and older and provides clean, accessible exercise equipment and offers a variety of FREE fitness classes for seniors of all skill and mobility levels.

For more information, give us a call or find us on Facebook.

Contributed by Brittani Grace

Each month I will draw a Major Arcana Tarot Card which represents one of many possible paths to follow. Major Arcana cards represent the archetypical themes of life, presenting the overall possible experiences.

Deck: Mermaid Tarot By Leeza Robertson

Illustrations by Julie Card: 15 The Devil

Ah The Devil. The Devil is the card that is most associated with why card reading gets a bad reputation. When we look at the cards individually, we understand that each has its own important role to play, while the cards as a whole, are the story of life. The Devil reflects our shadows. It is associated with addictions, lust, our ego minds, hardships, and our own lack of accountability. If you’ve heard the term “Shadow Work” this is the concept of healing by facing our own

shadows, holding ourselves accountable with Grace and Love as we understand that there are parts of ourselves that have hurt people and have been hurt by others. By bringing these out into the light we are able to overcome the obstacles that are keeping us from fully embracing inner peace.

As we are in Mercury Retrograde, it seems most appropriate that The Devil card be this month’s column. Astrologically speaking, each planet has its own characteristics. Mercury is the planet of communication and technology. Mercury is well known as a cliche of “bad times” since statistically there are more fights, break-ups, “exes” coming around, and melt downs than any other time of year. There is an influx of technological issues and hardships.

However, when we look at what a planet in retrograde symbolizes, we can see that it’s really just a mirror. The parts of ourselves we hide in the shadows are brought out and we are forced to face them; to hold ourselves accountable. In last month’s column we talked about how we are put into situations in order to grow.

For example, to be more patient, we are suddenly surrounded by circumstances

to bring out our impatience. Mercury Retrograde is the epitome of this.

Personal anecdote time. This is about being able to acknowledge when a shadow part of myself, anger mixed with sarcasm, appeared, and then holding myself accountable in the moment. I was having a discussion with my mother, and as she was talking, I caught myself growing impatient, and suddenly feeling the need to be done with the conversation. She continued to talk as I grew irritated when she shared something exciting for herself. My initial and automatic reaction was to say something sarcastic with a hint of meanness. She didn’t respond to what I said and continued on with her story.

However, as I had said the comment, I watched the light dimmer from her eyes and her face sink as the hurt from my meanness struck her. I was suddenly transported out of the impatience and felt the sadness of the situation. I realized what I had done.

So, I interrupted her. I said, “Mom, I am sorry to interrupt you, but I need to say something. When you said this, and I automatically reacted with that, I am sorry. I don’t appreciate that I said that. It was hurtful and mean. I would like to respond in a different manner.” I then went on to respond with a more positive and encouraging comment about the situation. I acknowledged

my own shortcomings of projecting my impatience onto her, and I held myself accountable in the moment. Why did I do this? For myself. Yes, there was a part of it that was about her since she was the receiver. Ultimately, holding myself accountable was about my own healing, my own growth, and my own peace. Facing our shadows can be one of the most difficult things we do in life. Acknowledging that there are parts of ourselves we don’t like, or are afraid to admit to ourselves, can be exhausting and scary, but in the end; I am worthy of the peace and love that comes with it. AND SO ARE YOU! You don’t need to heal or forgive or grow for anyone else. You do it for you! The relief, confidence, and strength that follows your healing is 100 percent worth it.

As we emerge from the shadows of Winter; as we step into the dawn of the New Year, watching the Earth awaken, we are encouraged to breathe. Take a moment before reacting to someone and allow yourself to respond. Remind yourself that everyone has a lot going on and we may just need a little more patience with others, and most importantly with ourselves. When the computer crashes, or the message won’t send, when the printer is acting up, or when the app is glitching out, take a breath; be patient with the moment, and laugh it off.

It is only temporary. You got this.

Contributed by Lawrence D. Weiss

It gives me a good feeling to spend my final days surrounded by family, friends, and lovers. We are a great generation. We all were out at sea for our five-year migration and life cycle. Most of us didn’t make it back. But look around... We are the lucky ones. We made it back.

And not only that, we successfully spawned. Now here we are in our last days, swimming to stay in one place, to stay with our community. We are elderly now. We’ve stopped eating but we have

grown larger teeth. Ironic, isn’t it? In our final days we have large, hooked noses, and we’ve turned olive green, and some of us have fungi on the skin, making it scaly and multicolored. Our skin is starting to disintegrate and fall off.

Growing old is fearsome and ugly, but we know it’s part of life. We can share growing old with each other here as we swim just fast enough to match the current and stay in one place so we can remember together and say our goodbyes together.

Look around. You can see that I have hundreds of companions. See over there? That’s Frank. He’s getting weak. I don’t think he’s going to last out the day. And then the life-giving stream

becomes for him — and eventually for all of us — the river Styx. He will be carried away downstream where he will land in shallow water. And there, gulls and eagles will find him and dismantle him, and he will be gone forever. But this is okay because this is how we end our life.

But now, sir, I feel lucky to be surrounded by friends and family in my last days. We are all growing old together. And that helps because we know we’re not alone. And we know that these terrible things that are happening to our bodies are just the other side of life – all those exciting years in the Pacific dodging predators and gorging ourselves on algae and tender little fish. And we have great

memories. Yes, wonderful memories. For the first time in my life and the only time in my life I spawned with a very desirable, I would say erotic, female. Yes, that was incredibly exciting. And I wish we could have danced more than once. But that is our fate as humble chum salmon. Swimming next to each other, and the tempo raced forward, finally bumping, and bumping into each other – a furious nuzzling in the water.

Then she dropped her eggs in our red, our love nest and the home of our children to be, and I sprayed my milt to fertilize the eggs. Yes, if I had one regret it was that I could only spawn once, because twice... twice might have made me feel at peace with everything happening to me in the river Styx.