Around the Valley

Community submissions for Around the Valley should be sent by e-mail to news@frontiersman.com. Items run on a space-available basis. Although publication in the print version of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman is not guaranteed, all Around the Valley listings are published online under the Local News tab at frontiersman.com.

United Way board seeks new blood

United Way of Mat-Su is seeking board directors. The organization has two seats open and is looking for people interested in helping their community. Board meetings are held at 5:30 p.m., third Tuesday. If you or someone you know is interested in being considered, please send a bio and interest statement to Stephanie at sallen@unitedwaymatsu.org.

Non-event to benefit Red Cross

The Leadership Council for American Red Cross of Alaska, Mat-Su District invites you to its first gala stay home non-event. The idea is for people to stay home one evening in March and donate the $65 cost of the ticket to the Red Cross non-event instead. Send the Red Cross $50 and you keep $15 to buy a bottle of wine, some wonderful chocolate, a movie and popcorn or a fun new board game to share with loved ones. For more information, contact 357-6060 or visit Alaska.redcross.org.

Mardi Gras party is today

Primrose Retirement Communities’ Mardi Gras Party is from 2 to 4 p.m., today. The fun includes music, refreshments and entertainment by the Colony High School National Honor Society.

Incontinence issues class is today

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center will offer a class today on treatment options for incontinence issues. Lunch begins at 12:30 p.m., followed by the presentation from 1 to 2 p.m. by Dr. Greg O. Lund at the hospital in the Matanuska Room, next to the cafeteria. Please RSVP as seating is limited. For more information, contact Angela Balos at 861-6807 or send e-mail to a.balos@msrmc.com.

Painting demonstration offered

Mat-Su Valley artists will offer a painting demonstration from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday at Rusty’s Restaurant, 320 E. Dahlia in Palmer.

SAT prep classes offered

Sylvan Learning Center is offering their twice-yearly SAT prep classes, starting Saturday with a practice test and finishing on May 5, just in time for the next SAT exam, scheduled locally for May 7. For more information, call 357-7323. Prepare for the future and sign up.

Palmer Lions Club 44th annual gun show

Palmer Lions Club 44th annual gun show is Saturday and Sunday at Raven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds. The annual event includes more than 300 tables of guns, knives and outdoor gear, as well as a free chance to win a fishing charter, hourly door prizes and a rifle raffle. The event is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday. Park at the state fairgrounds purple gate and a free shuttle will deliver people to Raven Hall.

Cost is $5 and children under 13 are free. For more information, call 761-3750.

Missionary to speak at Family Christian Center

Missionary Joe Purcell will speak at a series of meetings on the topic of “Captured By Grace,” at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Sunday, and March 14-16 at 7 nightly at the Family Christian Center, 203 W Dogwood Ave. in Palmer. For more information, call 745-6033, or send e-mail to office@fccalaska.com.

Sports complex users to meet

A meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., March 16, at the Mat-Su Borough bulding in Palmer for any users who want to access the fields at the Alcantra Sports Complex this coming summer. This meeting will be held to determine schedules for all users.

For more information, e-mail mabada@matsugov.us.

Palmer Historical Society meets March 16

Palmer Historical Society meets at 7 p.m., March 16 at the Palmer Library. The presentation is about radioactive fallout and the milk contamination controversy — 1950s and 1960s. April 20 the program will focus on skiing at Independence in the 1960s and 1970s. People who join the organization or renew their membership at the meeting get a copy of the mystery disk of photos and archival materials from the Stroup collection mentioned in the Feb. 1 issue of the Frontiersman.

Cutest pet contest under way

Do you have the cutest pet? Take a picture and enter yours in the Cutest Pet Photo Contest sponsored by Mat-Su Animal Care. It’s free, and winners get prizes. Deliver your photo to animal care by March 16, 9470 E. Chanlyut Circle, or e-mail carol.vardeman@matsugov.us. The office is open 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Come back on March 17 to vote for your favorite.

Quilters meeting will leave you in stitches

Valley Quilters Guild will host an open sew event at 9 p.m., Saturday at the Palmer Depot.

Job fair set for March 17

Mat-Su Job Center will host the 11th annual Mat-Su Job Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 17 at Mat-Su College.

Acupuncture workshop offered March 17

Alaska Center for Acupuncture will offer a free monthly workshop from 7 to 8 p.m., March 17 in Palmer. Instructor Leah Rachocki will teach a workshop titled “Rolfing Structural Integration.” Participants must pre-register by calling Alaska Center for Acupuncture at 745-8688. For more information, visit alaskaacupuncture.com.

Legislators schedule public meetings March 19

Alaska legislative representative have scheduled three public meetings March 19. The first is from 10 a.m. to Noon, March 19 at Willow Elementary School with Sen. Charlie Huggins and Rep. Mark Neuman. The second is from 1 to 3 p.m., March 19 at Lazy Mountain Bible Church with Sen. Huggins and Rep. Bill Stoltze. And the third is from 4 to 6 p.m., March 19 at Eagle River Town Center, Room 170, with Sen. Huggins, Rep. Stoltze, Sen. Fred Dyson, Sen. Cathy Giessel, Rep. Anna Fairclough, and Rep. Dan Saddler.

Friends of NRA event is March 19

The Friends of NRA’s annual Mat-Su event is at 5 p.m., March 19, at the Curtis D. Menard Sports Center in Wasilla. Doors open at 5 p.m. We will have live and silent auctions, raffles and games to enjoy. Dinner tickets are $65 each and may be purchased online at friendsofnra.org. For more information about our sponsorship options or our early bird special that expires March 12, contact Ron 841-6605 or Lori 373-5938.

Port Mac rail on chamber’s agenda

Big Lake Chamber of Commerce will feature a presentation from the Mat-Su Borough on the economic benefit of Port MacKenzie Rail Extension. The meeting will be noon to 1 p.m., March 21 at Big Lake Family Restaurant.

Valley Fine Arts Association meets March 21

The Valley Fine Arts Association meets from 4 to 8 p.m., March 21 at the Mat-Su College in Room 212 for its regular scheduled Paint-Together. For more information, visit valleyfineartsassociation.com, or call 495-6636.

Hip replacement informational class offered March 21

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center will offer a class March 21 on anterior hip replacement surgery. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by the presentation from noon to 1 p.m. by Dr. Gary E. Benedetti at the hospital in the Denali Room on the third floor. Please RSVP as seating is limited. For more information, contact Angela Balos at 861-6807 or send e-mail to a.balos@msrmc.com.

Free poetry classes offered

Palmer Senior Citizens’ Center and the Palmer Arts Council are offering a series of three, free poetry classes. The 90-minute sessions are from 1 to 2:30 p.m., from March 23 to April 6. A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board at the Palmer Senior Center. Register by phone at 745-5454.

Get slammed in Wasilla

A series of Poetry Slam events for youth ages 13 to 19 are scheduled in Anchorage and Wasilla this month. In Wasilla, a poetry slam event is March 24 at Pandemonium Bookstore and Café, 1325 E. Palmer-Wasilla Highway. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., signup starts at 6:45 and the slam begins at 7:15 p.m.

Energy efficiency topic of discussion

Jason Collins, an architect and energy auditor from Palmer, will discuss energy efficient commercial building design at a presentation 7 to 9 p.m., March 25, at the Agate Inn, 4725 Begich Circle in Wasilla. The presentation will include case studies of energy-efficient commercial buildings in Alaska and Canada. Examples of buildings in Mat-Su, such as the recently completed VCRS recycling facility, will be included in the discussion. For more information and registration, visit the Alaska Center for Appropriate Technology online at acat.org.

Women’s History Month luncheon slated

Tickets are on sale for Alaska Family Services’ 31st annual Women’s History Month Luncheon, which will be held noon to 1:30 p.m., March 25 at Evangelo’s. Rhonda McBride, a longtime KTUU Channel 2 reporter, will deliver the keynote address. The event will include a silent auction and dessert auction. Tickets are $35 each or $260 for a table of eight. For more information, call 746-4080.

Book sale benefits Wasilla Library

Friends of Wasilla Library will be holding a used book sale March 25-28 at American Legion Post 35, a quarter-mile north of Church Road on the Parks Highway. The sale will be from 5 to 8 p.m., March 25; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., March 26 and 27; and noon to 6 p.m., March 28. All items are $5 a bag, and all proceeds will benefit the Wasilla Meta Rose Public Library.

Outdoorsman Show makes return

Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show returns to the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center March 25-27. The show is open Friday from noon to 7 p.m., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday. Tickets are $5 and parking is free. Admission is free for children under 12, for people with a military ID and everyone gets in free from 10 to 11 a.m., Sunday, the last day of the show.

Informational class on robotic surgery offered March 25

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center will offer a class March 25 about minimally invasive robotic surgery. Lunch begins at 11 a.m., followed by the presentation at 11:30 a.m. by Dr. Greg O.Lund at the hospital in the Denali Room on the third floor. Please RSVP as seating is limited. For more information, contact Angela Balos at 861-6807 or send e-mail to a.balos@msrmc.com.

Call to artists for juried events

The Anchorage Museum invites artists to apply for its most popular, juried art and craft events. Summer Art Potpourri occurs daily during June and July. Crafts Weekend happens during the three-day Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 25-27. Both events offer artists an opportunity to sell their work and interact with museum visitors. Crafts Weekend and Summer Art Potpourri will be juried simultaneously. Artists can submit digital images for one or both events.

Deadline for entries is 6 p.m. March 25. Selections will be made by April 15. More information and a prospectus are available at anchoragemuseum.org.

‘Mat-Su March for Babies Walk’ is March 26

March of Dimes’ annual “Mat-Su March for Babies Walk” fund-raiser begins at 9 a.m., March 26 at the AT&T Sports Center on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway. To join the March for Babies Mat-Su Walk, register and donate at marchforbabies.org. The indoor walk begins at 10 a.m.

Carrie Newcomer to perform in Palmer March 27

Whistling Swan Productions presents critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer in Palmer at Vagabond Blues at 7 p.m., March 27.

‘Seasons’ show through March

An art show called “Seasons of the Valley and More” by retired veterinarian Dr. Jim Leach will hang at Rusty’s Restaurant, 320 E. Dahlia in Palmer Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., through March 28.

Toastmasters offer communication classes

Palmer Toastmasters offers a six-week workshop on communication from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., Tuesdays through March 29 in MTA’s Basement Conference center. Cost is $59. For more information, contact Beth Fread, 351-3489 or send e-mail to Beth@BethsValleyViews.com, or visit palmertms.freetoasthost.org/.

College group hosts fund-raiser

The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society from Mat-Su College will host a dinner and silent auction fund-raiser featuring guest speaker DeeDee Jonrowe. The event is from 7 to 10 p.m., March 31 at Mat-Su Career and Technical High School. Cost is $15 for students and family members, $25 for the general public, and can be purchased at the4 Mat-Su College bookstore.

For information, visit matsu.alaska.edu or email Christopher Wetzler at cwetzler@matsu.alaska.edu.

Valley Fine Arts Association meets April 4

The Valley Fine Arts Association meets from 4 to 8 p.m., April 4 at the Mat-Su College in Room 212 for its regular scheduled Paint-Together. For more information, visit valleyfineartsassociation.com, or call 495-6636.

Learn acrylic painting

Wasilla Area Seniors Inc. is offering a six-week series of acrylic painting classes from 1 to 3:30 p.m., beginning April 5. Cost is $12 per class. For more information, call Jim at 892-5000.

Primrose Retirement Communities

A free community breakfast for seniors is from 8 to 10 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month at Primrose Retirement Communities, 889 N Elkhorn Dr., off Lucille Street. The next community breakfast is April 5.

Seniors can be crafty

Reserve space now for Wasilla Senior Center’s Craft Fair April 9-10 at 1301 Century Circle. For more information, call 376-3104.

Mother’s Day miniatures featured

Palmer’s Shane Lamb Gallery is putting out a call for artists to enter its Mother’s Day Miniature Show, which will feature original miniature paintings by Alaska artists.

The show will highlighted by a reception from 1 to 4 p.m., May 7. Artists must RSVP by April 8 to enter. Cash prizes will be given for winners of the People’s Choice Award and for first through third places.

To RSVP and for entry information, visit shanelamb.com or call 746-3343, or visit the gallery in the Downtown Palmer Plaza.

Annual Baby and Children’s Fair is April 9

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center’s annual Baby and Children’s Fair is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 9 at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, 2500 South Woodworth Loop. For more information, contact Angela Balos at 861-6807 or send e-mail to a.balos@msrmc.com.

Shred it up at Wells Fargo

The Better Business Bureau’s free document shredding is coming to the Mat-Su. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 16 at Wells Fargo Bank, 1701 E. Parks Highway, people can drive up and drop off up to three bags or boxes of unwanted documents per person. Items will be securely shredded free on-the-spot by Shred Alaska. No cardboard or three-ring binders. For more information, visit alaska.bbb.org/secure-your-id.

Valley Fine Arts Association meets April 18

The Valley Fine Arts Association meets from 4 to 8 p.m., April 18 at the Mat-Su College in Room 212 for its regular scheduled Paint-Together. Kurt Jacobson, Artist, will conduct a demonstration at 6 p.m. For more information, visit valleyfineartsassociation.com, or call 495-6636.

Shoot for the cure at May 20 cystic fibrosis fund-raiser

A cystic fibrosis fund-raising event is planned from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., May 20 at the Birchwood Recreation and Shooting Park.

Nordic Ski is subject of third poster contest

The Mat-Su Borough is seeking paintings, drawing, photographs or inspirational views from borough artists depicting the Nordic Ski Trails project at Hatcher Pass. Inspiration could mean a colorful stream of skiers with Pioneer Peak as a backdrop; a memorable sky with trail through spruce; an original take on the area to suggest its future of Nordic competitions, healthy outdoor family fun and increased tourism.

Work should be submitted ready for print on May 25 or earlier.

This is an annual poster contest that highlights a local artist’s or photographer’s work and promotes a Borough Assembly priority project. It’s recommended artists look at a map of the area before working. For more information call Public Affairs Director Patty Sullivan at 745-9577 or e-mail psullivan@matsugov.us.

RECURRING EVENTS

Ahtna language classes offered

Ahtna Athabascan language classes are offered Mondays from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Ya Ne Dah Ah School, Mile 55.5 Glenn Hwy. For more information, call Kari at 745-0722.

Calling all writers

Writers are invited to join a newly formed local chapter of the Alaska Writers Guild to discuss 2011 meeting times, dates, places, topics, form critique groups and vote on a name. Annual membership is $60. For more information, visit alaskawritersguild.com.

Kiwanis Club meets on Tuesdays

The Kiwanis Club, an international service organization dedicated to serving the youth and elderly of the local community, meets weekly with fellowship, planning fund-raising and service events. The club meets from noon to 1 p.m., Tuesdays in the Turkey Red banquet room in Palmer and features a different speaker every week on a variety of topics of interest to the people of the Valley. On the last Tuesday of every month, an evening meeting is offered from 6 to 7 p.m. for members or guests who cannot attend the noon meetings. For more information, contact Marian Lear at melear@mtaonline.net.

Toastmasters meets Tuesdays

Toastmasters group meets from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Tuesdays at Wasilla Area Seniors Inc, 1301 S Century Cir. Toastmasters helps people develop better communication and leaderships skills, think quicker and more clearly on their feet, builds self-confidence and strong leadership qualities. For more information, contact Dennis Moore at djmoore611@gci.net; Angela Ritchey at angritchey@yahoo.com, or visit www.matsutm.org.

Rotary meets Wednesdays at Evangelo’s

The Wasilla Rotary Club No. 104 meets for lunch and program every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m., downstairs at Evangelo’s Restaurant, 2530 E Parks Hwy. For more information, contact Kerry Aguirre, Club Secretary, at 861-6849. Visitors are always welcome!

New arthritis support group meets in Anchorage

Arthritis Support Group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Ivy Room at the Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage. The first meeting is Wednesday and the featured speaker is Laura Goss, Alaska Branch Manager for the Arthritis Foundation Great West Region Inc. For more information, contact Dawn Scott, at (907) 223-4001 or akdawnscott@gmail.com. This event is supported by the Arthritis Foundation Alaska Branch office, 615 E. 82nd Ave., Ste. B-4 in Anchorage. Their phone is 277-2784 and the statewide toll-free number is (866) 997-2784. Arthritis Answers Helpline serving Alaska, Washington and Oregon is (800) 542-0295.

TOPS meets three times a week

Take of Pounds Sensibly, a non-profit weight loss support group, has three chapters that meet weekly in the Valley. For more information, contact Kathy Miller at 376-9571 or write to matsutops@webtv.net.

Historical society meets Wednesday

Palmer Historical Society’s next meeting is 7 p.m., Wednesday at the Palmer Library.

Grandparents group meets Wednesdays

Mat-Su Valley Grandparents Support Group meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the LINKS Resource Center, located in the Valley Business Center, 4931 E. Mayflower Lane No. 3. For information, call Rozann Kimpton at 376-7322 or Melody McCullia at 373-8963.

Water exercise classes offered

Arthritis Foundation is conducting water exercise classes at the Palmer pool from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. The cost is $55 for 10 visits. For more information, call 745-0207.

VAA meets Thursdays

Valley Arts Alliance meets at 11 a.m., Thursdays, at Sophia’s Kafe Neo.

Alzheimer’s resource group meets Thursdays

The Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska group meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursdays, at the Trinity Barn Plaza, Mile 2.2 Palmer/Wasilla Hwy. Join us to learn how to choose a health care professional and how to work with the health care team. Learn the steps to be a successful health care advocate. For more information, contact Sam Meneses at smeneses@alzalaska.org, or visit alzalaska.org.

Free soup supper offered Thursdays

First Presbyterian Church of Wasilla, 1375 E. Bogard Rd., offers free soup suppers from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursdays. Everyone is welcome to come share a free, warm meal in a family setting. For more information, contact Maggie at maggiemorock@gmail.com or online, visit http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Stone-Soup/195078043841684?v=info.

AMVETS ramps up weekend fun

Fridays at AMVETS Post 9 are karaoke night with Leon Troutman. Friday also is steak night and the 9 a.m. Sunday mornings breakfasts are back. For more information, call 376-2999.

Wasilla museum offers free Fridays

The Dorothy G. Page Museum, 323 North Main St., offers free Friday admission for Mat-Su Borough residents resumes this week as well. For more information, contact 373-9071.

Alaska Center for Spiritual Living meets Sundays

Alaska Center for Spiritual Living meets the second Sunday of each month at the CoDi building at 7335 E. Palmer Wasilla Hwy. Meditation begins at 10:30 a.m. with a service to follow at 11 a.m. For more information, contact Robert at 315-3407.