Make A Scene February 2014

Matsu Kids ice Fishing derby

> New Art Venue at Mat-Su College Page 21

> Backcountry Film Festival Page 17

in this issue:

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Feb. 2014 FREE! www.MakeASceneAK.com Locally Owned & Operated in the Mat-Su Valley, Alaska

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ArtsMeet iditarOd artist JOn Van ZyLeArt is Jons life and Alaska, all Alaska, has been his inspiration. Artist Jon Van Zyle has seen more of Alaska in a much more unique way than

most can ever hope to experience. Jon has twice completed the 1049 miles of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race between Anchorage and Nome. From these adventures he has created the yearly Iditarod poster series commemorating the race and his involvement. In 1979 he was made the official Iditarod artist, a title he still holds today. In 2004 he was inducted into the Iditarod Hall of Fame

His acrylic paintings go beyond the race though, and encompass so much of

the Alaska beauty. Jons reputation as a storyteller through his art is further enhanced by his prints, posters and stone lithographs. Dog teams, landscapes, wildlife, Alaskan faces from native to newcomer, portray an intimacy with the land and its people.

He touches on history with studies of Alaskan pioneers and native traditions and lore recording the Alaskan spirit. Public acceptance of his shared feeling through his art has been his greatest reward.

> Meet the Official Iditarod Artist:

JON VAN ZYLE IDITAROD RESTART Sunday, March 2nd from 10-4 at Willow Community Center

2014 Iditarod Print & Poster Childrens Books New Alaska Poster Series

Food

BRING US YOUR PRINTING PROJECTS.Newsletters, welcome back flyers, playbills, posters, banners and morelet The UPS Store print your projects.

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1150 S COLONY WAY STE 3PALMER, AK 99645907 746 [email protected] 8:00-6:30pmSat 10:00-5:00pm

FORMERLY GELATO KUDRINONow WE have expanded our location and menu

stop in daily for great lunch specials between 11am-4pm

Fresh made Gelato and Pastries

Soups, pasta, sandwiches & wraps

FRESH JUICING - TRY ONE OF OUR GREAT DRINKS OR MAKE YOUR OWN!

1601 Parks Highway | 907-357-0066 | Fred Meyer Parking Lot

caF KudrinOadventures in eatingContributed by Lori Gorsch

Theres a new eatery in town and I think youll love it! In the small row of shops in front of Fred Meyers, CAF KUDRINO offers a delicious variety of eats.

Looking for a spot to meet a few friends for homemade soup or sandwiches? Check out the Chicken Salad sandwich with cheese, sour cream and tiny bits of bacon to keep those taste buds happy. Along with a tasty variety of sandwiches, they also offer wraps, muffins, quiche, espresso and even gluten-free bread if needed!

The soups show those same taste buds the difference between warmed over canned soup and the real thing! Tomato soup is such a pass dish, until you taste it here! And the Tuscan Chicken...

If you just want a quick but healthy snack, try their veggie juices. If youre really bored.try a Frappe Expresso.

Being February in Alaska, I personally am going to try the Curried Carrot and Coconut Milk soup!

The cook that makes up these delicious offerings is Riley Collins. He discovered his talent for cooking in high school and went on to get a Culinary Arts degree in Restaurant Management. He was part of a group of 7 who shared cooking classes and later kept in touch to share recipes from Hawaii, Louisiana, Pennsylvania , Ohio and of course, Alaska.

Although formerly cooking for the Palmer Deli, Riley Collins has also created dishes for a yacht club in Ohio and Princess Lodge in Denali. Now we get his full-time talents at our own Cafe Kudrino! Cafe Kudrino is owned by Richard and Colleen Stryker who also own the Palmer Deli.

If you want to enjoy homemade Gelato after the movie or a game, pastries to give you quick energy (wink, wink) or just a nutritious lunch to fuel your afternoon, stop by and see (and taste!) for yourself.

Riley Collins-Chef

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Zushi sushiJaPanese FuZiOn in WasiLLaBy Bryce Burkhart

So I consider myself a lover of all things Japanese, and I take it pretty seriously.

As a result, Im basically a hipster-snob when it comes to Japanese food, especially Sushi - because having been to Japan, I feel like I know what the Sushi experience should be like, and I havent experienced it in Alaska... until now.

Ive been to Zushi twice, and it does well at being both modern and creative, but with a traditional flair and care for fresh ingredients you expect from a quality Sushi establishment.

The first time was a romantic date with my lady, who isnt too keen on raw fish. We went all out with the unique fried selections.

They have a variety of choices for every palette - my girlfriend particularly enjoyed the Steak and Fry Roll - which is, believe it or not, beef wrapped in shredded potatoes

and fried. Its not Sushi, but its out-of-this-world tasty!

The second time was a business lunch and we went a little more traditional. Tuna and Salmon sashimi was of the most top quality, and the Volcano Roll was creative and delicious.

If you can tell by the pictures to your left, thats Black Rice, also known as purple rice, or forbidden rice. I was skeptical at first, but let me tell you: it makes a huge difference. The texture and flavor is among the best rice Ive ever had.

ACCORdINg tO WIKIpedIA:

Black rice is a deep black color and usually turns deep purple when cooked. Its dark purple color is primarily due to its anthocyanin content, which is higher by weight than that of other colored grains.

Black rice was proclaimed as a superfood worldwide largely thanks to an important piece of research by Dr. Zhimin Xu, titled Black rice rivals pricey blueberries as source of healthful antioxidants.

The research stated that just a spoonful of black rice bran contains more health promoting anthocyanin antioxidants than are found in a spoonful of blueberries, but with less sugar and more fiber and vitamin E antioxidants.

With interesting additions like black rice, beautiful table settings, the ambiance is really laid back - with excellent music choices playing lightly in the background..

The drink selection is also great - cool beer and premium sake, as well as a homemade cinnamon-ginger tea that will knock your socks off. There are small touches, like chocolate dipped fortune cookies and orange slices in the ice-water that really stand out.

The restaurant is very clean and well designed, and the presentation and chefs technical skill are shockingly world-class for an all-American town like Wasilla, Alaska.

> I suggest you check it out if youre a fan of Sushi, but you should definitely check it out if youve never had Sushi before!

In ancient China, black rice was considered the finest grain and only served to the Emperor. Therefore, it sometimes is called forbidden rice, as it was off limits for the general public.

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ParentingWOrds: Parenting PrideBy Kellie Coulson

Last week I had to get out of the house to do some reading for school. I went to the nearest Starbucks and sat down during a quiet time, only to have my solitude shaken by a very pregnant woman and her four kids.

I saw myself from 12 years ago in her, and as her kids and she settled in for a late morning treat, heard them praying (the prayer was loquacious and detailed, but the kids, each with a tasty cookie in front of them, kept their heads bowed) and then the usual rustling as they got situated.

When my kids were little and I was pregnant, I did not understand why I had other people glaring at me. My kids were wonderful and well behaved, and yet several times, comments were made about me knowing what caused children as if they were bad, and I even had women mouth, "birth control" at me and laugh at themselves.

Last week, I got it. I would never have asked that young mother if she knew what caused babies, nor would I make a crude suggestion of birth control. Her kids were good kids and well behaved, and she was clearly having a happy pregnancy experience. But. . . I got it. I got both sides. A small crowd is going to be noisy even if they don't speak as there will

always be a patter of footsteps, and the scraping of chairs, the removal of jackets and placing of purses.

Moms and dads of young children become impervious to the noise that is natural, and it's OK. Other people often have no clue as to why anyone would "do that to themselves" and take on such a task. I realized how hard it was to have such a large family, but I didn't comprehend it all at the time.

I went to the counter and bought a $10 gift card for the mom, I wanted to tell her what sweet kids she had and tell her that I had nine kids and that she could use it however she liked, but that I hoped that if she got out of the house alone that she could use it.

I walked over to her and complimented her family and I told her that I had nine, myself. She was wearing a filigree cross on her neck and told me what a blessing her children were. I'm familiar with the talk and smiled and nodded.

Children are a blessing from the Lord, each one is unique with their own gifts, and it is wonderfully challenging to do what is best for each child to help them all reach their full potential. Then her head snapped, if I had nine kids, she wanted to know where they were. I told her that two were in college, and the rest were in school.

She asked if I had them in a religious school and I said no, just regular public school. (Several are in a charter school, but it's still public.) Her

shoulders straightened, her eyes narrowed, and her voice went up an octave, and she said that she homeschooled her children and that as a Christian mother, she would never, ever trust her babies to the public school system, she was a mom to her kids!

Her nose and lips curled into a sneer. Her implication that I was not doing well by my children hung in the air.

"Well, nice family," I said, and put the gift card into my purse. Had I given her the card, she would have surely not enjoyed the treat as much since she found me distasteful, I have friends with birthdays and I have kids in college who would appreciate a Starbucks card from me.

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Meet saMBy Angie Lewis

It is amazing that Sam has such a wonderful personality, considering that he was abandoned by his former guardians and has lived outside, with his brother.

Sam had to scrounge for food and never knew where his next meal was coming from.

Sam is a confident dog who gets along with other dogs, if they are not domineering.

He has been around elementary aged children, and does great with them, but we dont know how he would interact with toddlers.

Although he enjoys the outdoors, Sams favorite place is inside, with a human. Sam is learning to walk on a leash and is learning basic commands.

Please give Sam either a foster or permanent home, so that he can

live the wonderful life that he deserves.

Pets & Animals

The Newfoundland breed has a water resistant coat and webbed feet. This dog was bred to help haul nets for fishermen and rescuing people at risk of drowning.

did yOu KnOW?

> to learn more about Sam, contact donna (Alaska Animal Advocates) at 315-5050 OR email [email protected]

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KeeP yOur Pets saFeContributed by Carol Vardeman

At the shelter, we see way too many stray cats and dogs, and an unfortunate number hit by cars. You may think your pet is safe when not on a leash, but what if youre wrong?

The consequences can be devastating. Dogs on leashes dont get hit by cars. They dont chase squirrels or cats into the street. They dont unintentionally injure someone.

Believe it or not, not everyone likes dogs! Even a friendly dog running up to some people can be frightening.

Someone truly afraid may act out of fear and injure your dog. Property owners can be particular about cats and dogs on their lawns. Its a good neighbor policy to keep your pet on leash and from becoming a nuisance to others around you.

Safeguard your pet with a microchip. If lost or stolen, his or her true identity is just a scan away.

MeadOW gates FarM sanctuaryContributed by Jeanette Rogers

Meadow Gates Farm Sanctuary would like to publicly thank the many people and organizations that have come forward to help the rescued animals in our care this year.

First, we would like to thank the Petco Foundation for providing the

emergency funding to purchase hay for the rescued rabbits. This hay provides the necessary roughage for the bunnies digestion as well as bedding through the frigid nights.

Second, we would like to thank all the people who donated to the Anchorage Petco stores during their Breed in Need fund drive. It was a wonderful surprise to receive a check that will provide the animals with feed.

Third, we would like to thank the wonderful Alaskans who donated a portion of their dividends this year to the Pick.Click.Give program.

The money that they donated will also be used towards the long winter feed bills as well as extra treats and emergency veterinary services.

...we would like to thank the wonderful Alaskans who donated a portion of their dividends this year to the Pick.Click.Give program.

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Pets & AnimalscrueLty tO dOgsContributed by Angie Lewis

Cruelty toward dogs spans a range of behaviors such as neglecting a dog to actually physically harming a dog, perhaps causing his death. Intentional cruelty to any animal should be a cause of great concern to society, not only because it harms the animal, but also because there is a direct correlation between animal cruelty and cruelty toward human beings.

Defining animal cruelty can be more difficult than one would imagine. As an example of this, think of a dog that is fed, watered, and cleaned up after on a regular basis. However, this same dog is also chained up 24 hours a day, in the backyard. Is this dog a victim of cruelty?

There are people who would suggest that as a social creature, a dog should never be isolated from his family for a long period of time. They might say that this animals biological needs are being met, but his social needs are sorely neglected.

The treatment this dog receives does not break any laws, and yet, it certainly violates the concept of kindness and humanity toward an animal. Fortunately, some states are finally making it illegal to chain dogs in this manner.

Puppy mills are large-scale commercial dog breeding operations that focus on making monetary profits, rather than the mental and physical well-being of the dogs. Many of the dogs that live in these facilities suffer extreme health and emotional problems.

More and more owners of puppy mills are being prosecuted for inhumane care, but there are still many more that continue to do business at the expense of the dogs.Greyhound racing is a sport that allows for the killing of thousands of dogs, on a yearly basis, because they are no longer profitable to their owners. These dogs could lack racing potential or have been injured as a result of racing. Often, when these dogs become too old to race, they are destroyed.

Dog fighting provides examples of the cruelest treatment of dogs. Dogs are forced to fight one another, often to the death. Small animals such as cats are used as bait. Dogs are also used for bait, particularly if they have proven themselves to be too gentle or afraid to fight. Pit Bull type dogs are the most common victims of dog fighting.

Whether you are witness to, or are aware, of neglect or violence toward a dog, there are things that you can do to help.

Call the police or Animal Control.

Make sure to have the facts write down what you have seen

Share informational materials about preventing animal cruelty (Humane Society of the U.S. 1 888 213-0956).Be a role model for the responsible treatment of dogs

Keep your eyes open for abuse or neglect.

Be proactive teach young children how to treat animals respectfully. Be aware of websites that promote animal cruelty contact the service provider that hosts the web site and ask that it be removed.

Social Issuesthe 21st century thOught criMe cOnstructBy R. Edward Lyons Jr.

We are living in an age when, as Marshal McLuhan asserts in his book The Medium is the Message, how something is said counts as much or more than what is actually said. To observe the validity of this, one merely has to watch a television news broadcast.

Whether it is a Presidential pronouncement, a newscasters pontifications, or an infomercials bombast, it has become a virtual cult to have pronouncements accompanied by a background of nameless faces nodding agreement, shaking their heads in disagreement, and punctuating various points with rolling eyes, sneers, spurts of forced joviality or insincere outrage.

Even broadcasts billed as fair and balanced cannot resist the temptation. Everyone involved, of course, lays claim to the moral high ground of merely illuminating the background situation underlying a particular issue in order to help educate the public. Yet for all their sanctimonious assertions, the reality is that it is merely an effort to use emotion to enhance or distort the factual basis of the message. While thoughts and ideas can only be articulated by language, emotions can be communicated non-verbally (tears, scowls, frowns, even stance) and these can markedly alter the perception of thoughts and ideas. Eric Arthur Blair, the British socialist writer and thinker castigated the Stalinist model of totalitarian

socialism in the mid-portion of the 20th Century. Writing as George Orwell, he censured Soviet Communism while asserting his support of democratic socialism. He failed, however, to recognize the oxymoron of democratic socialism despite having concluded that liberals were power worshippers without power. For the basic tenet of socialism is the concept of social responsibility. Notwithstanding the high blown rhetoric surrounding that phrase, all too often the practice of social responsibility degenerates into merely a set of behaviors, which the majority of middle-class Americans must modify so that an elitist minority can continue their lifestyles unchanged. Whether it is the guru of climate change admonishing the sweaty masses to reduce their carbon footprint while his remains many times that of the average households, or a major political leader arrogantly demanding every citizen pay to fund contraceptive pills for every woman in America; in the end it is always the same melody to a worn out song: an elitist minority arrogantly decides it knows how everyone else should live and that in the interest of the greatest good for the greatest number, it has the right to force that behavior on others. One of the biggest tools they have is the concept of politically correct speech. As Blair noted, if thoughts corrupt language, language corrupts thought. In essence, if language is controlled by others, the thought process is corrupted, for ideas and thoughts can only be articulated by language. Therefore, placing large portions of language off-limits inevitably restricts avenues of thought. And such curtailments impede deductive processes leading to a thought product, which has not been

fully explored and developed, and therefore has not been freely arrived at. Essentially, the results have been channeled into certain directions yielding predictable outcomes. Exhortations to the public to acquiesce in deleting words or phrases from their vocabulary deemed by others to be politically offensive results in a self-imposed censorship which renders Orwells Thought Crime-Thought Police complex described in his novel 1984 obsolete. When this occurs, emotions replace reason, thereby infringing liberty far more than has ever been wrought with firearms. A look at the definition of propaganda should suffice to reveal a sad reality of human life, that the demarcation between politically correct speech and naked propaganda is shadowy at best. The New Oxford American Dictionary defines propaganda as chiefly derogatory information, esp. of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view. Restricting thought processes by self-imposed censorship is a cheap means of inducing biased and misleading reasoning and deduction, saving the state the expenditure of effort and treasure in creating an enforcement mechanism to channel public opinion to governmentally acceptable conclusions. Hand in glove with political correctness is the concept of rationalized failure. For over two decades, a mindset of justifying and excusing the failure to achieve specified standards has been created in America: the so-called E for effort congratulatory process. The concept that we as a society must denigrate those who achieve in order to make under-achievers feel better about themselves instead of urging underachievers

to strive harder to meet standards, is a certain path to mediocrity and slavery. Whether it involves school children and honor roll status, or a Presidential administrations failures in foreign and domestic policy, expecting adherence to a standard of behavior or achievement has become an object of ridicule. Indeed, among large segments of the population, the concept of an immutable standard, whether of performance, ethics, or even the definitions of words has become an object of derision. This is part of the reason religion is so denigrated by extremists. Religion implies a Supreme Being and a Supreme Being implies an immutable standard of moral behavior, which is a direct threat to the doctrine of situational ethics that dominates both extremes of the political spectrum.

If behaviors are intrinsically good or bad, if words have established, fixed meanings, then agenda speak becomes untenable and political spin can no longer shield policy or personal behavior from appraisal and assessment against a solid standard of achievement or morality. If words have concrete definitions, then abortion remains killing defenseless unborn babies. One cannot euphemize it as making reproductive choices or controlling ones own body in order to live as one chooses. The behavior is what it is; as Mother Teresa once said, It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish.

Without the camouflage of political spin, administration scandals such as IRS targeting of political opponents and failed agreements about nuclear programs involving Americas enemies become perceivable, allowing the public to observe that the Emperors new clothes do not even exist.

> cOntinues On Page 34

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Jim Davis [email protected]

Call me about life insurance and educator rates!

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The Insurance Store, LLC4900 E. Palmer-Wasilla Hwy Ste 3

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Leg hOLd traPPing: a bygOne actiVityBy William Zeddies

After reading the article from the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, January 26, 2014, on www.adn.com, I was not shocked to hear that inhumane, unthoughtful people are still trapping too close to residences, trapping pets. I have pulled one of my dogs from a trap after searching for him nearly three hours. This is the account of his misery and our nightmare:

The snow was deep during the winter of 2011, so deep sound echoed for miles, but the location of crying and barking we were hearing was hard to pinpoint. We heard our boy Ranger crying and yipping, so knew he was in trouble.

After trying to reach him on foot to no avail, we called friends and family to help in the search. His voice would sound like he was near, so we desperately rode snowmobiles to the area, but found nothing. That went on for three hours. Finally, we found him caught in a wolf trap just off a small road near our home.

His front leg was pinched in metal hell above his paw. Blood still dripped from the wide wound he had opened in the struggle to get free. His mouth dripped red fluid and slobber.

Above him, in a stand of alders and, a small spruce tree, hung a gruesome

sight. Several duck skins with heads and feet attached tempted any canine that should smell them. Along with the ducks, wasted whole salmon delivered a pungent lure that rode the air for miles. The trap had been secured to the spruce by wire. I waded through waist deep snow some twenty feet to remove the wired trap from the tree and, carry the boy to hard ground behind our truck. He could still manage to wag his tail in delight upon seeing me. My wife grabbed a blanket from the truck and, we covered his head to prevent being bitten. I set the trap and mangled leg on the packed roadway. Pushing down, I used my feet to release the horrible menace from his leg.

He cried and moaned as blood began to flow back to his foot. A wide open four inch torn gash revealed a damaged leg bone. I turned to his bloody mouth. He had bitten so hard on the trap that most of his front and side teeth were broken off or hanging by the nerves. The roots were still in place, bleeding freely. His lips shown the signs of frostbite from frozen metal.

At our veterinarian clinic, staff worked to patch him up under anesthesia. His leg was x-rayed, cleaned and bandaged. Most of his front teeth were removed and, his head was again filmed to look for fragments of tooth left behind. Dr. Brian Baetsle documented the case with photos.

We were warned he might end up losing his leg to infection due to the cracked bone and nasty trap. Dr.

Fisher, the charge veterinarian, also stated there might be more dental work, but felt it best to take a wait and see attitude.

Of course, observation over the following year saw him miserable and fighting dental pain, so three more teeth were removed. Today, his front shoulder is sore and stiff from uncontrollably fighting the leg hold trap. His mouth looks like someone set off a bomb in it. He eats most days, but seldom chews his food at all. The most important canine teeth are gone or broken off.

Our total doctor bills for this so far have reached $2.000.00. It is money we didnt have to freely spend. I often thought of bringing legal action against the man who may or may not know I am aware of his nonsense. Sometimes, we are best suited to letting karma do its job. Cooler heads will prevail.

I believe the human race should end this disgusting sport, hobby, or occupation all together. If that is not possible, then new laws need to be enacted, limiting trapping distances from residences. As a kid, I trapped rabbits, but soon realized how painful and horrifying it is to catch an animal by the leg. They really do try to chew away the caught part in order to survive.

Today, the trapper has not come forth to apologize. All he was worried about was retrieval of his trap. The fish and game officer who investigated the incident became unreachable afterwards. He stated the trapper acted within the law.


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WarriOrs in WinterBy Christina Holden

Conditions in Alaska have been ideal for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice fishing and mushing.

The past few months have kept us busy, working and planning top notch winter adventures for military heroes and their families. Were also excited to team up with Battle Dawgs Racing in preparation for Iditarod- The Last Great Race on Earth!

Military Appreciation Night of Skiing at Hilltop Ski Area:

We held our first Military Appreciation Night at Hilltop in January. We partnered with Hilltop Ski Area to host an evening of skiing and snowboarding. Military personnel and their families enjoyed free lift tickets, lessons, food and prizes! More than 200 military members joined the fun. Due to overwhelming positive response from this event, we decided to do it again in February!

Single digit temps prevented families with small children from joining us, but we hosted more than 200 participants for the 2nd time. Thanks to our generous sponsors-- Hilltop Ski Area, Play It Again Sports, Ondago DJ Entertainment, Odom Corporation, Chevrolet of South Anchorage, and REI for making these winter events possible.

477th Fighter group Ice Fishing tournament:

Alaskas Healing Hearts sponsored a group of veterans and 8 active-duty service members to participate in the Third Annual Ice Fishing Tournament.

The tournament was held at the Palmer Elks Lodge on Finger Lake in February. Great prizes and raffles were held at this event. Were already looking forward to participating again next year.

AHH teams Up with Battle dawgs Racing:

This year, were proud to partner with Rick and Jennifer Casillo, owners of Battle Dawgs Racing in an effort to expose our wounded heroes and veterans to the therapeutic and exciting experience of Alaskas great outdoors by the power of sled dogs. Battle Dawgs Racing worked with AHH, offering services and their kennel as a means of healing through Alaskas Healing Hearts.

We are working with Battle Dawgs to provide free glacier dog sled tours this summer and hosting events at their kennel in Willow during the winter training season. At the kennel, our veterans have played an integral role in preparation of the 2014 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. For more information, go to: www.battledawgsracing.com

Stay tuned as we anticipate a busy spring and summer. We are excited to be planning outdoor activities, as well as working to provide job training and employment opportunities. For information on Alaskas Healing Hearts, visit our website at www.alaskashealinghearts.com

> LIKe us on Facebook and Follow us on twitter @

AKHealingHearts

ARtiCLE BRouGHt to you By:

bOating sKiLLs cLass begins March 3 in eagLe riVerSubmitted by Doris thomas

Boating Skills and Seamanship, a 13-lesson course for recreational boaters, begins Monday, March 3, at the UAA Eagle River campus, 10928 Eagle River Rd.

The class is offered through the UAA Continuing Education Department by Flotilla 33, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Classes will run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday nights through April 28. UAA will grant l.6 CEUs to educators who complete the course.

Subjects covered in the course will include small boat handling, trailering, legal requirements, marine radio procedures, navigation rules, piloting, weather considerations and knots.

The cost is $69, which includes the text and workbook. Course plotting instruments (parallel rules and dividers) are not included, but will be needed for an exercise during the course.

Students can register and pay in advance at www.uaa.alaska.edu/continuinged, or by phone at (907) 786-6790. The course number is CES 005.

> Questions can be directed to Mel Kalkowski, the flotillas public education officer, at [email protected]

six $2,000 First student schOLarshiPsOFFered by Mat-su schOOLs FOundatiOnSubmitted by Linda Conover

> First Student is awarding six $2000 scholarships to 2014 graduates of the Mat-Su Borough School district.

A minimum of two of these scholarships will be awarded to a student receiving special education services and has a current IEP.

Deadline is April 11, 2014. Scholarship applications are available online at matsuschoolsfoundation.comand at local high schools.

Applications can be preferably emailed to [email protected], or if unable to email, mailed with postmark dated prior to April 11, 2014 to:

Linda ConoverMat-Su School Foundation 7362 W. parks Hwy, #782Wasilla, AK 99623

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Lance MacKey beneFitsContributed by Donna Quante

Most Alaskans know the name Lance Mackey, 4 time Yukon Quest and 4 time Iditarod Champion. Most of you know that Lance is a cancer survivor and is still struggling with the after effects of cancer treatment. Lances medical bills have reached a critical point. His insurance does not cover dental bills, which is where his problems are right now. Two things are being done by friends of Lance to help alleviate this situation.

First, there is The Lance Mackey Medical Fund campaign being managed on FundRazr. The brain child of Kirsten Ballard, Lance did not ask for this fund, but has accepted it. All money goes toward paying his current medical/dental bills which have been accumulating since treatment on his jaw which was left in shambles following radiation for cancer. You can read more about this at: fundrazr.com

Second, The Down East Saloon in Homer is holding a benefit for Lance on February 28, 2014. This will be a covered dish event. Activities include: live and silent auctions, book signings, photo shoot, Iditarod documentary viewing, the lovely music of Sabe Flores and a talk by Lance. If youve ever heard Lance speak, you know what a treat this will be. Homers own cancer survivor, Jon Cox, will introduce Lance.

The public is invited and welcome to attend this event which starts at 3 pm. The documentary, CHASING HISTORY:IDITAROD 2010, starts at 5:30 pm and auctions start at 7 pm. (Cash, check or money orders only. Sorry no credit cards.)

> donations for the auction can be made by contacting Marlene at the down east Saloon: 907-235-6002 or email: [email protected]. the Saloon is located at 3125 east end Road in Homer. > photo courtesty of donna Quante

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CommunityeVents at PaLMer MuseuM OF histOry and art Although the winds may be lingering in the valley this spring, its no excuse to stay home and miss out on all the exciting events that are taking place at the Palmer Museum. The museum has a new exciting exhibit for March, is currently accepting applications for its annual Art Acquisition, and has a fun edition of the Palmer Art Walk planned!

Beginning March 1st, the museum will be displaying its new temporary exhibit The Artistry of Hi Fidelity, a visual history of the development and evolution of LP cover art. The exhibit will be displaying over twenty various album covers spanning over five decades of music.

From its humble beginnings in 1938 through today, album covers have not only reflected the social and economic changes in our society but have also served as a platform for various artists. It was one of the few mediums at the time which reached millions of people that had a truly global impact thus providing designers with a canvas through which they could express their creativity and originality to the whole world. It was also considered to be among the most effective marketing tools.

Oftentimes, the album cover was the main contributing factor that persuaded people to purchase an album, rather than the music itself. In many cases, the cover design was in fact much better than the music it represented. In the exhibit, visitors will have the opportunity to see how even notable artists like Andy

Warhol contributed towards the LP cover art form and perhaps even catch a glimpse of an album they once cherished in their youth. The exhibit will be on display through the end of April.

Currently, the museum is also accepting applications for its 2014 Art Acquisition. Each year, the museum selects an art work from living Alaskan artists to purchase and enter into its contemporary art collection. The work is purchased through the Rasmuson Art Acquisition Fund and is displayed in the museums extension gallery located in the Palmer Public Library.

This year, all entries will be put on display at the museum during the month of May and members of the Palmer Museums Board of Directors will announce the winning selection during the museums annual meeting scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd.

All interested artists who would like to be considered can pick up an application in Palmer at the Palmer Museum or in Wasilla at the Dorothy Page Museum. All applications are due by Saturday, April 12th.

Are you finding that there is not much to do in the valley at the beginning of the month? Well there is no need to stay home during a second Saturday because once again, downtown Palmer is hosting its monthly Palmer Art Walk each second Saturday from 2:00 6:00PM.

For March, the Art Walk is going to the dogs. Several of our Art Walk stops will be celebrating our friendly companions with dog-centric events. The following is just a taste of some of the events that are planned: year and for those that are struggling with health issues this year.

Read something you dont like?

Dont just whine about it - write about it!

And then send it to us at Make A Scene!

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6 LiteratureseVen things i Learned FrOM One OF My nOVeL series readers eMaiLI recently received this email, which I have used with the writers permission:

Subject: QuestionsFrom: Torkos Attiladate: Fri, Jan 10, 2014 9:06 pmto: [email protected]

Dear Ms. Matthews,

My name is Attila Torkos, I am an ENT physician. I am also a fan of reading.

I just finished reading your first 2 novels in The Winds of Change series. I found your books very eye opening and entertaining at the same time. Thank you very much for writing them.

I would like to know when you expect Book 3 to be available. I am looking forward to hearing from you. Keep up the fantastic writing!

Kindest regards,Attila Torkos

Aside from the fact that the email really made my day, I learned seven things:

1. Dont automatically delete foreign emails. I say this because there are some scammers who send questionable, if not outright destructive, emails once they find an email address. I suggest looking at emails through the preview frame for safety. If Id deleted this email, I would have missed a lot.

2. Books are available worldwide. That goes without saying, until it hit me that my book was not only available but also was being read outside the USA. That was a stunning revelation to me, when readers all

over the USA dont even know I exist. Google Analytics makes it clear that people in Uruguay, Philippines, Canada, Argentina, Japan, Mexico, India, Ukraine, Hungary, Russia, Australia, and England had hit my website. They may not have read the books, but they came to the website. I found that amazing, but it carried no specific meaning. I had seen the Amazon book sales listings from different countries, but none of it really sank in until I read this email. The email writer is a real person. We connected in a social interaction. Two strangers a world apart connected by books! My books? Still boggles my mind. Yes, I am truly a neophyte at this. I hope that doesnt change. The wonder of it is a delightful experience!

3. Participate in the social interaction. I am a private person. It has never been my approach to others to ask many questions that might be viewed as prying. I was, however, fascinated by the contact, so I asked him what is his country. What I learned is that he is Hungarian and is working in the United Arab Emirates. His email taught me not to stand back but to communicate socially with readers. I recognize this reader as a real person, not just a reader. Thats why this media form is called social media. To most people that again may sound like it goes without saying, but my initial reaction to social media was that it was not social at all. I was wrong.

4. Listen to what readers say. Attila found the books eye opening and entertaining. Thats why I write. His words were a validation that my purpose was reaching someone, and what a delight that is! When something Ive written resonates with someone half way around the globe in a culture that is different from mine, that makes such a special connection. The world becomes smaller. It also validates one of the premises of my

books, people are people all equal regardless of what they look like, when they live, or where they live.

5. Answer the question and even add information. Aside from letting him know when the third book, Zamimolos Story, 50,000 BC, is due out, I shared the information about where some of the People migrated from China/Mongolia. They move to Central America. Some of the differences they encounter are: hotter temperature and lack of seasonal variation, flora and especially fauna, and people from different backgrounds and locations around the globe. Zamimolos Story, 50,000 BC will debut earlier than expected. The last part of January, it went to the publisher. Its my favorite of the three books.

6. I need to see my target audience differently. I could not have projected Attila as part of my target audience. His email was serendipitous. On the writer (artist)author (entrepreneur) continuum, specialized genre authors like me (prehistoric fiction) might think in terms broader than our genre when considering a target audience for writing or marketing as a result of the internet. Its not necessary, for example, to be a professional or amateur student of anthropology or archaeology to enjoy prehistoric fiction. Others may come to it and enjoy it for other reasons than their own sphere of knowledge.

7. I need to shift what I was putting on my blog to my Facebook page, and change the substance of my blog. I realized that the Facebook Author Page was great for sharing articles and their pictures that focus on early man. My blog was more of a personal thing where I should share what I learn from my own writer(artist)author(entrepreneur) experience.

Thank you, Attila Torkos!

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Friday, March 7th at 7:00pm

An evening of films, food and

drinks, door prizes, demonstrations, and

community!

at Rock On Climbing1080 Wasilla-Fishhook Rd., Wasilla

Tickets are $15 online:www.envisionmatsu.org

bacKcOuntry FiLM FestiVaLContributed by Liz Robinson

Winter is full of ups and downs, especially this year in Alaska, but why not celebrate winter and embrace the up? Its time to round up your friends and come celebrate the fun and beauty of the mountains at the Ninth Annual Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival hosted for the first time ever by Envision Mat-Su at the new local rock gym, Rock On Climbing in Wasilla.

The ten unique films included in this years Backcountry Film Festival will inspire you to embrace the up. The films come from renowned filmmakers who search backcountry corners across the globe (including Alaska!) to submit their best work, and from grassroots filmmakers who take a video camera out on their weekend excursions.

At every festival stop, funds raised through screenings stay in local communities to support like-minded efforts. This event will be a fundraiser for Envision Mat-Su, a nonprofit based in Palmer working on sustainable community development for the entire Mat-Su Valley. Envision Mat-Sus mission is to actively engage Mat-Su residents and other Alaskans in the conservation, restoration, stewardship and enhancement of our regions most valuable

> photos from Valhalla, this events feature film.

Courtesy of Sweetgrass Productions

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LINKS serves communities located within the Mat-Su Borough School District, including outreach to remote areas and villages, to provide support and training, parent-to-parent connections to mentors, 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.

www.linksprc.org373-3632

3161 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy, #2 9AM-4PM Mon-Fri

Support and assistance to families caring for children and youth with special needs.

the MOOsataur in the MaKing By Jamie oConnor

Every good story needs a villain. The Carpenter brothers are bringing on the heebie-jeebies in their upcoming comedy/thriller/sci-fi/spoof Moose. Chad Carpenter, the cartoonist behind Tundra Comics, and his big brother Darin co-wrote the script for this live-action, feature-length, film with a bad-guy as Alaskan as they come.

Half-man, half-moose the Moosataur is a taxidermy project unlike any most of us have seen. Fearsome grizzly bear teeth are set in the hinged jaw of a modified Plexiglas moose head.

The eyes glow red and the ears are laid back so the creature looks perpetually ticked off. The hide will be stretched over the head in the coming weeks and the rubber-cast rack will be attached.

The brothers have called on another of Alaskas celebrities, star of the History Channels Mounted in Alaska and Animal Planets Moose Men, Russell Knight to make this man-eater come to life. Knight of Knights Taxidermy in Anchorage has expended his time and considerable talent creating a creature that will send a chill up the spines of movie-goers.

> Look for updates on the Moose the movie on twitter @MoosetheMovie and on Facebook at tundracomics.

The Carpenter brothers are bringing on the heebie-jeebies in their upcoming comedy/thriller/sci-fi/spoof Moose

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PuLse dance cOMPany: dust tO daWnContributed by Stephanie Wonchala

Anchorages Pulse Dance Company brings their fourth season to a close at APU Grant Hall Theatre with the premiere of From Dust to Dawn February 21-23.

This talented corps of local dancers presents evocative movement alongside curious imagery and emotionally laden dance-theater. Inspired by numerous end of the world perspectives and scenarios, this evening length concert explores love, loss, perseverance in the wake of devastation and the importance of hope.

Interspersed in this honest work are instances of comedy and lightheartedness, and performers shine in moments of light amidst the dark. Join the company for a journey of self-discovery, a testament to the strong human spirit within us all.

From Dust to Dawn features new choreography by Artistic Director Stephanie Wonchala, guest choreography by Alice Bassler Sullivan, scenic design by Ruby Kennell, sound design by Ivan Night, and lighting design by Cedar Cussins.

Opening night includes a one-time only formal gala with a VIP backstage tour (and champagne toast with the cast!) option, silent auction, complimentary beverages and red carpet photos.

Friday and Saturday shows are at 8pm; Sundays show is at 6pm.

This technically challenging, large-scale production features choreography that is simultaneously intricate and athletic and communicates timeless societal themes that are applicable locally, nationally, and worldwide.

Tickets: dusttodawn.bpt.meMore information:www.PulseDanceCompany.org

> tickets: dusttodawn.bpt.me> More information:www.pulsedanceCompany.org

Matsu Kids ice Fishing derby 2014!By Ehmann outdoors

Strong communities make for successful events and our community is no exception.

The Matsu Kids Ice Fishing Derby is Alaskas largest Ice Fishing Derby and raised $11,000 for Make-A-Wish Alaska in 2013. This year the derby is already exceeding goals and on track to break all records from last years event.

Butch and I were born and raised in Palmer and organize this event through our Outdoor Outreach and Education business Ehmann Outdoors. We are in complete awe over the resounding response from our neighbors and business community in support of this event.

Last year we had over 430 kids participate in the derby which included a $10 entry fee. Because we recognize this entry fee adds up when larger families participate, we set out to find a way to reduce or waive the entry fee. Within 1 week of requesting support our inbox was full of messages from businesses around the valley asking how they could help us reach this goal. We were able to raise enough funds to waive the derby fee, and are excited to see what impact this has on participation.

As a couple we would rather be ice fishing more than any other activity on earth. We spend countless hours on the ice throughout a season and by seasons end drill over 1000 ice holes. We also volunteer much of our time hosting seminars, and teaching hunter education in our community. We appreciate that through the Matsu Kids Ice Fishing Derby we have an ability to marry the two interests; community service and ice fishing.

Last year with 30 days notice we received a request to host this derby. Together we began cracking the code on how to plan a large scale fundraising event. The derby was a huge

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neW Venue FOr art in 2014!by Carmen Summerfield

> A new venue for artthe Valley Center for Arts and Learningwill be opening at Mat-Su College in december 2014.

The 30,000 square feet, 508-seat theater, located on the campus of Mat-Su College, will be able to host a variety of events including plays, lectures, conferences, concerts, festivals, benefits, recitals, movie screenings, weddings, and more. The new theatre will have a 40 wide stage, an orchestra pit, a costume and scene shop, several dressing rooms and a green room.

I am so excited about this new theater that I journeyed to the campus last week to check on the progress. I was very impressed!

Matthew Sale, the new Theatre Director, told me that the goal of the venue is to become an

Photo courtesty of heather dun, Owner of ambience Photography.

artists rendering of what the final product will look like.> cOntinues On Page 28

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success measured in both funds raised and ice fishing opportunity provided to kids. None of this success would have been possible without our community getting behind the event and volunteers coming from practically every corner of the Valley to make it happen.

Fingers crossed that during this years event we break, not only our fundraising ceiling of $11,000 set from last year but we also hope to double the amount of kids participating.

To achieve these goals we are holding an adult raffle with prize values totaling upwards of $2000 and Three Bears Alaska has graciously volunteered to sell raffle tickets on behalf of the derby at all 3 of its valley locations. Along with the free entry this year we also hope to increase participation by adding a 4th age division so that every child from 0-15yrs old can participate.

We listened to kids last year and are working diligently to have multiple activities happening on the ice during the derby, and tons of prizes available to win.

Prizes and trophies will be awarded to the 3 longest fish in each age category and each fish released alive after being measured will have 1 addition inch added to length to encourage catch and

release. Prizes will also be awarded to the best homemade fishing pole in order to alleviate the burden placed on families to purchase new gear. Many sponsors also donated Lures (Thank you HT Enterprises), Bait (Thank you Alaska Bait Company), and Line (Thank you Vicious Fishing) so children can participate with virtually no additional cost in relation to gear.

We would like to invite each of you to join us at the Matsu Kids Ice Fishing Derby Sunday February, 23rd 2014 on Finger Lake in Palmer.

Registration will open at 9:00am and remain open until 2:00pm. The Derby will take place between 9:00am - 3:00pm with the awards ceremony taking place at 3:30pm.

> please feel free to contact us for more information or questions on Face Book @ ehmann Outdoors or by email at [email protected]

We listened to kids last year and are working diligently to have multiple activities

happening on the ice during the derby, and tons of prizes

available to win.

> Matsu Kids ice Fishing derby cOntinuedCommunity

Leg Hold Trapping: A Bygone ActivityContributed by William Zeddies

After reading the article from the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, January 26, 2014, on www.adn.com, I was not shocked to hear that inhumane, unthoughtful people are still trapping too close to residences, trapping pets. I have pulled one of my dogs from a trap after searching for him nearly three hours. This is the account of his misery and our nightmare:The snow was deep during the winter of 2011, so deep sound echoed for miles, but the location of crying and barking we were hearing was hard to pinpoint. We heard our boy Ranger crying and yipping, so knew he was in trouble. After trying to reach him on foot to no avail, we called friends and family to help in the search. His voice would sound like he was near, so we desperately rode snowmobiles to the area, but found nothing. That went on for three hours. Finally, we found him caught in a wolf trap just off a small road near our home. His front leg was pinched in metal hell above his paw. Blood still dripped from the wide wound he had opened in the struggle to get free. His mouth dripped red fluid and slobber. Above him, in a stand of alders

> Matsu Kids ice Fishing derby cOntinued

resources -- our unique communities and natural assets. So lets get together, get inspired, build community, and build support for a sustainable future for our region and the preservation of our very own wildlands for future generations!

tICKet pRICe INCLUdeS: >> All films, including the feature Valhalla which you dont want to miss! >> Presentation on avalanche safety & airbag deploy demonstration from NAOI >> Food by Turkey Red >> Great door prizes! >> Mountain-themed art exhibit by local artist Matt Yoder

>> Information stations from community groups such as the North American >> Outdoor Institute (NAOI), the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), the Mat-Su Ski Club, the Mat-Su Ski & Snowboard Club, and Valley Mountain Bikers & Hikers! >> Beer from Arkose Brewery and wine will be available for purchase for those 21 & over with valid I.D. pLeASe NOte: Floor seating (padded floor) with limited chairs bring blankets, cushions, or pillows if so desired.

> Full program available online at www.envisionmatsu.org

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the aLasKa chaPter OF the PercussiVe arts sOcietyBy Meggie Aube

Join the Alaska Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society as they host a fun, informative, and interactive afternoon. Several of Anchorages top drumset performers and educators will be sharing their unique experiences and style with fellow performers, students, and enthusiasts alike.

Willing participants will also have the opportunity to play for the clinicians to receive feedback and tips. The clinic will take place on Saturday, March 1st at 2:00 p.m. in the UAA Arts Building, Room 124. There is a $5 admission to attend.

The talented drummers who will be leading the clinic come from a wide range of musical backgrounds and performance genres.

> the clinicians will include: - Cameron Cartland, drummer in bands such as the John Damberg Latin Jazz Sextet, Dan Mac Band, and Pamyua

- eric Kross, who has performed with Sleeve, The Audio, Diana Z and most known as the drummer for Delmag

- Lee thompson, drummer with bands including Superfrequency, Pamyua, and the popular Hawaiian style reggae band H3

- Scott Weller, a past Air Force band member has graced the Anchorage stages with the Kevin Barnett Trio, Melissa Fischer, Voni K, and Cat Coward

The Alaska Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society is a non-profit organization focused on providing performance and educational opportunities to percussionists of all ages and experience levels across the state of Alaska. Look forward to regular events from the AKPAS including a Day of Percussion on May 3rd.

> erik Cross, best known as the drummer from Delmag

Music

> to learn more about the percussive Arts Society please visit www.pas.org. For more information on the clinic,

contact Meggie Aube at (907) 631-8079

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MusicirOn & Wine returns tO anchOrageSubmitted by Zac Clark

> the UAA Concert Board is proud to present Iron & Wine, Friday March 28, 2014, at 7:30 pM in the egan Center.

With the release of The Creek Drank the Cradle in 2002, Iron & Wine joined the forefront of a small group of indie-folk musicians that would come to redefine the music scene for the next decade.

That, however, has not prevented Sam Beam the man behind Iron & Wine from redefining his own sound over the course of his career.

Beginning with 2007s The Shepards Dog, Beam introduced full band compositions, which provided room for variety and playfulness. Praising his ability to adapt and challenge himself, NPR called Beam a songwriter versatile enough to pack huge ideas into simple arrangements and vice versa. Rolling Stone said of Beams latest effort, 2013s Ghost on Ghost,

The best tunes here are the kind of dreams that will stay on your mind long after waking.

In addition to the prestige awarded to Beam by critics, his commercial success is testament to an ever-growing fan base. On the Billboard top 200 charts, The Shepards Dog peaked at 24, 2011s Kiss Each Other Clean peaked at 2, and Ghost on Ghost peaked at 26.

Iron & Wine has performed at many of the major festivals, including SXSW, Sasquatch, Bonnaroo, and numerous others.

Beam has performed on late night shows including Jay Leno, Conan OBrien, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, and others.

Tickets are $25 advance/$30 door for UAA students and $35 advance/$40 door for general public

Tickets become available Friday February 14 at ticketmaster.com

Student tickets are only available at the UAA Student Union Information Desk, limit 2. Must be a UAA student taking 3 credits or more at Goose Lake Campus to use student discount tickets.

Mat-Su Do you love to sing? Join the

All vocal ranges. No auditions necessary.(Auditions if under 18)

Join us on Thursdays @ 7pm@ Wasilla High School

Find us on Facebook: Mat-Su Community Chorus

Contact: 745-4318 COMMUNITY CHORUS

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Mat-su cOncert band PLays suites, sWing and sOLOs in March cOncert> the Mat-Su Concert Band will play its March concert at 7:30 p.m. on thursday, March 6 at teeland Middle School.

The program includes several musical suites, a swinging number from Glenn Miller and two separate trumpet concertos featuring Charles Carte, a band member and Teelands music director, as well as band member Shane Artz, performing arts director at Houston High School.

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

Perhaps the most revolutionary suite written for wind band, Gustav Holsts First Suite in E Flat for

Military Band combines rousing melodies and fast-moving wind passages with sonorous brass interludes. The band will also play Candide Suite by Leonard Bernstein and Folk Song Suite by R. Vaughan Williams.

The band will play a Paul Murtha arrangement, Glenn Miller in Concert, that features a toe-tapping medley of five of the best-loved songs by the big bandleader and composer: In The Mood, Tuxedo Junction, A String of Pearls, Little Brown Jug and Pennsylvania 6-5000. Theres room in the back for a little swing-dancing if anyone is so moved.

The finale of the Trumpet Concerto in E Flat Major by Johann Nepomuk Hummel is one of the great virtuoso pieces for the instrument and showcases Cartes talents. The band will also perform Antonio Vivaldis Double Concerto featuring Carte and Artz.

The bands trumpet section is also featured in Procession of Nobles by Nicholas Rimsky-Korsakov.

Just in time for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the band will perform Iditarod by Robert

Buckley, a celebration of the 1,000-mile odyssey that honors the serum run to Nome. Gleo Huyck, the bands director, has a special place in his heart for the race: hes one of three Iditarod co-founders. Block M March by Jerry H. Bilik rounds out the program.

Our band got its start in 1984 as the Mat-Su Community Band, formed by Matanuska Music owner Hank Hartman. Other directors have included Neil Long and Phil Munger.

Huyck, the current director, is a retired music educator and private instructor. Under Huycks baton, the band performs a wide-ranging selection of challenging music.

The band this season numbers more than 60 amateur musicians who assemble every Monday night for rehearsals at Teeland. We are always looking for new members.

> For more information about tickets, or to join

the band, send an e-mail tomatsuconcertband@gmail.

com or call gleo Huyck at (907) 746-0628.


Musicuaa hOsts syMPhOny OF sOundsFeb. 2223department of Musics premiere annual event showcases stellar student talent

ANCHORAGE, AKExperience the arts at UAA with the inspiring 18th annual Symphony of Sounds concerts in the UAA Fine Arts Building Recital Hall Saturday, Feb. 22, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 23, at 4 p.m. UAA music majors compete to be part of this program, which is considered to be one of the best showcases for young musicians in Alaska.

One of the most unique concert experiences of the year, the Symphony of Sounds concerts deliver an extravaganza of musical entertainment in a non-stop collage format. Every taste in music is satisfied with a wide range of musical styles that include classical, jazz, opera and musical theatre. The presentation includes a continuous variety of genres from large ensembles to the very best chamber groups and soloists selected by audition. All of the action happens in a seamless performance with the performers highlighted by special lighting effects and staging.

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senatOr brings hOPe, encOurageMent FOr yOuth Senator Lisa Murkowski visited MY House and Gathering Grounds Caf, spending time talking with homeless youth and asking questions.

Several of our youth guided her on a tour of the facility, sharing about the impact of the resource area and job opportunities on site with the Caf, Nine Star internships and Car Deets business. She listened, asked questions and validated their progress on goals and potential.

She asked what she could do to help and offered suggestions. After she left, one young lady said She really cares about us, she wants us to do good. I didnt think it would matter, but it does.

MY House and Nine Star staff and directors would like to thank Lisa and her staff for being part of our team, for being part of the solution, working on the prevention end of the homeless equation, and for her grace.

Spending time with our youth (rather than talking policy with us) was a great investment in the most valuable resource we have-our youth-and we loved seeing the impact!

sheLter FOr aniMaLs but nOt hOMeLess yOuth?By Michelle overstreet

Why do we not have shelter for our homeless youth? I am asked this question almost daily. And those who notice often ask why we have a shelter for abandoned animals in the Mat Su Borough, but not for youth? Good question.

There are several layers to the answer. First, shelter is seen as not sustainable. Homeless youth

have no money to pay for shelter, so there is no income source to pay for the lights, building and staff. The Saxon Shelter failed I often hear at meetings. And its true. But it failed due to corruption and the executive director stealing money from it and then leaving the State to avoid prosecution.

If we hold our community leaders to a higher standard, and prosecute thieves, then I believe that this can be avoided. It was re-made into a shelter that housed kids with a diagnosis in order to collect Medicaid funds, but the needs for staff and therapy outweighed the income potential, so it again failed.


MYHouse

artists rendering of what the final product will look like.

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outlet for both the campus and the Mat-Su Valley art community. The twenty million dollar theater will serve several purposesduring the week it will hold classes, and on the weekends it will host performing arts-type events. As College Director Talis Colberg said, its going to make this a seven-day-a-week operation.

I like the idea that the Valley Center for Arts and Learning will provide a new stage to our art community to present new ideas and creative endeavors, and provoke new dialogue.

The Mat-Su College has been very generous to the Valley Arts Alliance by providing space for our Green Hearts events (www.valleyartsalliance.com/archives) and now we are looking forward to this new arts venue for some of our future productions.

The grand opening for the theater is December 2014. Ill be there, and I expect the performances offered at the Valley Center for Arts and Learning will be exceptional.

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LiVing WeLL WOrKshOPs heLP PaLMer LiVe better With chrOnic cOnditiOnsContributed by Julie Cascio

> Sessions help people reduce pain, increase energy and be in control of their health

For people with chronic health conditions, good medical care is just half of the equation.

Living Well Alaska teaches people with lifelong health conditions to do just that. Participants have less pain, more energy and fewer hospitalizations.

The classes, offered weekly at the Mat Su Senior Services (Palmer Senior Center) start March 11 and go through April 15, are for anyone with a chronic disease. Chronic diseases are lifelong health conditions and include diabetes, arthritis, HIV/AIDS, high blood pressure, depression, heart disease, chronic pain, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and others.

Theres a significant need for support for people with chronic diseases, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls the most common, costly and preventable of all U.S.

health problems. They are also the leading causes of death and disability, responsible for seven out of 10 deaths each year.

The good news, says Leslie Shallcross with UAF Cooperative Extension Service is that people who know how to take care of their health conditions can live successfully with their disease.

The Living Well workshops are a wonderful complement to medical care, equipping people to live well outside the doctors office so they can make the most of their treatment and live the lives they want.

It is amazing to see the transformation that occurs after people go through the workshop, says Marcia Watson, a volunteer leader for the program. People are more confident, energetic and have a new support system in place, all of which helps them lead a healthy life.

During the six-week session, participants receive support from trained leaders and other workshop participants, learn practical ways to manage their pain and fatigue, learn about nutrition and exercise options, understand new treatment choices and learn better ways to communicate about their conditions with doctors and family members.

Phishing is the neWest OLyMPic eVentAnchorage, Alaska Feb. 6, 2014 The 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, may prove dangerous for those seeking to support their countries medal hopefuls.

Better Business Bureau reminds consumers that while athletes compete for medals, scammers compete for personal information and credit card numbers.

The Olympics bring together the best athletes from around the world in the name of human competition, says Tyler Andrew, CEO of BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington. But such a large event, on the world stage, draws the attention of opportunistic people who will try to leverage the popularity for personal gain.

BBB offers tips for supporting and enjoying the games safely from home:

- Hang up on Olympic employees. Official representatives will not call to ask for donations or offer special merchandise; never give out credit card information or Social

Security numbers to unsolicited callers.

- Beware of counterfeit merchandise. The primary source for official merchandise is sochi2014.com/en; avoid sites that offer too-good-to-be-true deals as they may simply be gathering data for identity theft purposes.

- Be cautious of bogus emails. Large phishing campaigns utilizing official names and logos are showing up in thousands of inboxes; never click on links or download attachments from unexpected emails.

- Dont fall for fake news articles and press releases. With 100 countries represented in 15 different sports over two weeks, breaking news and updates will occur continuously; be skeptical of sensational headlines or announcements that encourage readers to visit foreign websites.

- Skip over sketchy mobile apps. Malicious mobile applications are on the rise and a quick search returns several Olympics apps; only choose official applications and make sure that privacy settings are strict.

> For more information on the American Olympic team, visit teamusa.org

SeNIORSPalmer senior citizens center, inc.The priApry mission of the Palmer Senior Citizens Center, Inc. is to assist individuals age sixty or older, individuals of any age with Alzheimers 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, [email protected]

alzheimers resource agency of alaskaAs Alaskas resource on Alzheimers disease, the Alzheimers Disease Resource Agency of Alaska (ADRAA) is committed to providing information, education and services for individuals with Alzheimers 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 Alzheimers disease and education programs to family caregivers and health care professionals. We are your resource for information and can refer you to services in Alaska or the contiguous U.S.Sam Meneses, 746-3432, www.alzalaska.org

Valley charities, inc; dba turn-a-Leaf thrift 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, [email protected]

FAMILIeS & CHILdReNalaska 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.746-4080akafs.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.New location on the Palmer-Wasilla Hwy next to North Star Bakery, across the street from MSSCA. Amber Parker, Admin Assisiant. [email protected] , 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 Caf, 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 childrens PlaceThe Childrens 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 Childrens Place are made through law enforcement and Office of Childrens Services.The Childrens 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 376-4678.376-4678, [email protected]

Pillows for Kids Foundation We provide little pillows of support and little scholarships for local children to participate in brain-training activities such as art, music, gymnastics, swimming, skiing, snowboarding, skating, horseback riding, and Aprtial arts.. Mentors and community members contact us when there is an identified need to keep kids, preschool through college, connected with good activities in our community. We plan to publish a book and CD/DVD of Evans Little Pillow song (copyrighted) soon. Currently, we are selling washable, decorator pillows of all shapes, sizes and colors for kids and adults as a way of creating funding for the scholarships. Valerie [email protected]

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.

Hours of operation: Tues. 9 am 1 pm, Weds. 11 am 3 pm

All donations of quality clothing in good condition can be donated at the above address during regular hours of operation.

We are a non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductable. Tax ID available to donors.

Check us out on Facebook.

Co-AdministratorsStephanie O. 892-5450

Christy M. 775-3238

the ARtsalaska celtic Pipes & drums, under the leadership of Pipe Major Aja Stewart, are now seeking Pipers and Drummers who would like to play with our Band. We want to increase the size of our award-winning Drumline, so if you are already familiar with drumming (snare, tenor, or bass,) or if you want to learn to play, we would like to hear from you! We

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Make A Scene February 2014