5 things to to in the Mat-Su: Weekend of Sept. 8, 2017

Palmer Tsunami Warning Center Open House

PALMER — NOAA’s National Tsunami Warning Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary this Saturday, from 12 to 4 p.m. The center is responsible for alerting the east and west coasts of the United States as well as Canada. The public is invited to attend an afternoon of tsunami science and preparedness education. There will be an assortment of educational activities, including an earthquake simulator inside a shaking car, a tour of a real-time seismic observatory, and a meet and greet with the scientists who stand watch and issue the warnings.

The open house will be a chance to learn how tsunamis are generated and how the waves propagate. The scientists on site will cover risk management, preparation, nature’s warning signs, and what to do during the event of a tsunami.

The NOAA’s National Tsunami Warning Center is located at 910 Felton St. For additional information, call: 907-745-4212 or email lois.varnado@noaa.gov

According to Dr. Paul Huang, Tsunami-Warning Science Officer, Alaska is one of the most active regions in North America.

“So it’s likely we’ll get hit by a tsunami at anytime.” Huang said. “Our biggest threat here is probably the west coast, from northern California to Vancouver Island. That whole area may go anytime. That’s our biggest concern.”

Huang said it would most likely be from landslides instead of earthquakes and the massive waves could hit Anchorage. Huang said the Palmer warning center has a very quick response time. It is capable of sending messages in less than five minutes, which Huang said is “probably the fastest in the world.”

Further information and real time tsunami updates at:

NOAA National Tsunami Warning Center: tsunami.gov

Tsunami preparation with the NOAA TsunamiReady™ Program: www.weather.gov/tsunamiready

Dena'Ina Dash N' Dine

WASILLA — This Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. is the Dena'Ina Dash N' Dine, a race from the Curtis D. Menard Sports Center up to Knik Goose Bay road and back. Upon their return, racers will partake in games and activities for kids on the turf and replenish their calories with a meal.

Race check in is at 2 p.m., and bib pick-up is at 4 p.m. The race runs from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Lucille Creek Trailhead by the Menard Center, 1001 South Clapp St. The event is sponsored by Andrea Everett and Dena'ina Elementary School.

Race website: www.eventbrite.com/o/andrea-everett-denaina-elementary-school-13289503868

For additional information, call 907-864-5600

Doggy Day

WASILLA — Saturday at 10 a.m. is the annual Responsible Dog Ownership Celebration, otherwise known as Doggy Day. The Better Companion is celebrating its 15-year anniversary. Families and dogs of all shapes and sizes are invited to a day gone to the dogs. There will be more than 20 vendors, hourly door prizes, dog demonstrations like search and rescue, agility, nose work and trick dogs, Meet the Breed, and manners games. There will also be free hot dogs, soda and cookies.

According to the event page, “bring your family and your friendly dog! Show off your dog at our hourly Meet the Breed.”

The event will feature special prices for your canine companions, including nail trims for $5 and micro-chipping for $25. Micro-chipping is provided by Kool Kat Rescue and all funds support their rescue operations.

According to Claudia Sihler, CPDT-KSA, the event is a celebration of dogs and their owners in the Valley. Sihler said the event is also an educational series and a reminder to be a responsible dog owner.

“We are promoting responsible dog ownership through training and client appreciation,” Sihler said.

Doggy Day will be at the Regine Dog Training Facility, 1400 Regine Ave., off Mile 4 of Fairview Loop. Admission is free and so is parking. For more information, call 907-357-2521.

www.bettercompanion.com/workshops/rdod.html

Ahtna language and sewing bag workshop

PALMER — This Saturday, from 12 to 2 p.m. is a free Ahtna Language and Sewing Bag Workshop at the Palmer Museum of History and Art. Sondra Shaginoff-Stuart will instruct students how to craft traditional sewing bags while speaking the Ahtna Language. Ahtna is one of the eleven Athabaskan languages. The workshop will be an opportunity to immerse in the Valley’s own Native Alaskan culture.

The event is sponsored by the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council's Nurture the Land and People Project (Nay’dini’aa Na’ Hwt’aene Ughedze’ Xuk’anotta Nene’). It is a three-year project that aims to revitalize Athabaskan language, culture and overall presence in the community for locals and tourists alike.

According to the group’s website, “through this project we will provide Ahtna Cultural restoration and preservation by developing an Ahtna Cultural Resource Library, writing an Ahtna Cultural Education Book, and providing frequent Ahtna cultural education events. We will also develop cultural sustainability and economic growth through development of Ahtna cultural tourism, statewide cultural tourism networks and a business plan for Tribal tourism infrastructure development.”

The event page stated that supplies provided but are limited. To reserve space ahead of time, contact the Chickaloon Village Cultural Development Coordinator, Melissa Shaginoff, at melissas@chickaloon.org or sonyac@chickaloon.org. Walk ins are still welcome.

www.chickaloon.org/departments/environmental-stewardship/nurture-land-people-project

www.chickaloon.org/departments/education/languagerejuvenation

Freedom Flag Run

PALMER — The 49th State Street Rodders is hosting its annual Freedom Flag Run this Saturday, starting at 9 a.m. It began as a memorial for the 9/11 terror attacks. The first event was just four days after the towers fell and became an annual event to recognize fallen military, police officers and firefighters. Starting at Wasilla High School’s back parking lot, motorcycles, cars, and trucks will fly American flags, riding to the Alaska Raceway Park in Palmer. The first wave will be the motorcycles at 11 a.m.

There will be live speeches and sentimental tunes from classic rock and country singers playing throughout the day. The Rodders will have its signature giant grill serving free hot dogs, burgers, chips and soda. The Rodders will display its Honor Board with four boards full of names of GIs they know. The board is only displayed once a year. There will also be three displays for fallen heroes for military, firefighter, and police officers.

“It kinda’ pulls your heart strings but it's a good thing,” said John Troutner, president of the Rodders. “I see all these rough, tough biker dudes with tears in their eyes. It’s quite a spectacle.”

The 49th State Street Rodders are a nonprofit car club based in Palmer. They are a family-oriented auto club that was created to unite fellow enthusiasts.

Attendees are asked to bring side dish. Anyone who doesn’t have a flag can get one on-site.

For more information, call John Troutner at 907-745-2625

www.49thstatestreetrodders.com