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.

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 is noon to 1 p.m., Monday at Big Lake Family Restaurant.

Valley Fine Arts Association

meets Monday

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

Hip replacement informational class offered Monday

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center will offer a class Monday 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 business startup

workshop offered

Small Business Development Center will offer a free workshop on how to start a business from 9 to 11 a.m., Tuesday at the 201 N Lucille St, 2A (2nd Floor/KeyBank) in Wasilla.

To attend, pre-register by calling 373-7232 on register online at aksbdc.ecenterdirect.com.

For more information, contact Lisa Shield at ljshield@uaa.alaska.edu or visit aksbdc.org.

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 Wednesday to April 6. A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board at the Palmer Senior Center. Register by phone at 745-5454.

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.

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., Friday 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.

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., Friday, 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.

Get poetry 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 Thursday 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.

Book sale benefits Wasilla Library

The Friends of Wasilla Library’s used book sale starts Friday and continues through March 28. It will be held at American Legion Post No. 35 located 1/4 mile north of Church Road on the Parks Highway. Hours on Thursday are 5 to 8 p.m. for members only. Hours Friday and Saturday are 10 to 8 p.m. Sunday open 12 to 6 p.m. Monday open 10 to 5 p.m. and all items are $5 a bag. All proceeds benefit the Wasilla Meta Rose Public Library.

Outdoorsman Show makes return

Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show returns to the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center is Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 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 Friday

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center will offer a class Friday 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

Artists have until 6 p.m., Friday to apply for the Anchorage Museum’s popular, juried art and craft events. The 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. Selections will be made by April 15. More information and a prospectus are available at anchoragemuseum.org.

Help Willie afford a service dog

A matinee showing of the classic film “Mary Poppins” is planned at 3 p.m., March 26 at the Wasilla Alaska Club as a fund-raiser for Willie Koonce who needs help affording a service dog. For more information, contact Carmi at 355-8522.

‘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/.

Business plan writing workshop offered

Small Business Development Center will offer a free workshop on the basics of writing a business plan from 9 to 11 a.m., March 30 at 201 N Lucille St, 2A (2nd Floor/KeyBank) in Wasilla. Cost is $35 and pre-payment and registration is required. Register by calling 373-7232 or online at aksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/. For more information, contact Lisa Shield at ljshield@uaa.alaska.edu or visit aksbdc.org.

Free business startup workshop offered

Small Business Development Center will offer a free workshop on how to start a business from 2 to 4 p.m., March 31 at 201 N Lucille St, 2A (2nd Floor/KeyBank) in Wasilla. To attend, pre-register by calling 373-7232 on register online at aksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/. For more information, contact Lisa Shield at ljshield@uaa.alaska.edu or visit aksbdc.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.

Earthquake seminar offered

The Local Emergency Planning Committee and the Mat-Su Borough Department Emergency Services will offer free earthquake seminar at 7 p.m., March 31 at Fire Station 6-1 in Wasilla, on the corner of Lucille Street and Swanson Avenue. Speakers include Dr. Peter Haeussler, U.S. Geological Survey’s lead earthquake expert in Alaska and Paul Whitmore, Director of the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center. They will share information about earthquake hazards in Southcentral Alaska and lessons learned from the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan. For more information, call 373-8822.

Register by April 1 to be part of the first Trail Rondy event at Alaska Job Corps Center in Palmer April 15-17. The three-day workshop is for trail enthusiasts, planners, managers and builders who want to learn new skills and techniques and test out the latest equipment, network and share ideas. The event includes lunch on Friday and a keynote presentation by U.S. Rep. Don Young. Cost is $25. To register, visit Alaska-trails.org or search for Alaska Trails on Facebook.

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.

Class offered on financial recordkeeping

Small Business Development Center will offer a workshop on practical ways to keep sound financial records from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., April 5 at 201 N Lucille St, 2A (2nd Floor/KeyBank) in Wasilla. The workshop is presented by Rose Spinelli and costs $50. Pre-payment and registration is required. To register, visit aksbdc.ecenterdirect.com or call 373-7232. For more information, contact Lisa Shield at ljshield@uaa.alaska.edu or visit aksbdc.org.

Free web marketing class offered

Sandi Sturm of Alaskarama Web Marketing will teach the class at the Small Business Development Center on marketing in today’s electronic world from 9 to 11 a.m., April 6 at 201 N Lucille St, 2A (2nd Floor/KeyBank) in Wasilla. Pre-registration is required. To register, visit aksbdc.ecenterdirect.com, or call 373-7232. For more information, contact Lisa Shield at ljshield@uaa.alaska.edu or visit aksbdc.org.

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

Artists have until April 8 to enter the Shane Lamb Gallery’s Mother’s Day Miniature Show. The gallery will show original miniature paintings by Alaska artists.

A reception is from 1 to 4 p.m., May 7. Cash prizes will be given for winners of the People’s Choice Award and for first through third places. For more information, or to RSVP, call 746-3343, or visit the gallery in the Downtown Palmer Plaza or visit online at shanelamb.com.

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.

Free acupuncture workshop April 14

Alaska Center for Acupuncture is offering a free monthly workshop 7 to 8 p.m., April 14. Physical therapist Anne Thomas will present a workshop on “Women’s Back, Abdomen and Pelvic Health.” Space is limited. People should pre-register by calling the Alaska Center for Acupuncture at 745-8688. For more information, visit alaskaacupuncture.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.

Outdoor institute offers classes

North America Outdoor Institute will offer a Spring Wilderness Medical Courses and Wilderness First Responder classes April 16-25 at Fox Run Lodge, 4466 S. Glenn Hwy, Palmer. The group will offer an Wilderness First Aid class and WFR Recertification May 6 to 8. Both courses offer certification through SOLO, the oldest continuous wilderness medical school in the world. CPR/AED certification is also available during both of these courses. For more information, or to register, call Debra McGhan at 376-2898 or send email to info@naoiak.org, or visit naoiak.org.

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.

Palmer Historical Society meets

Palmer Historical Society meets at 7 p.m., April 20 at the Palmer Library. 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.

Dispose of unwanted medicine

Mat-Su Borough residents can safely and anonymously dispose of their expired, unwanted and unused medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 30 at the Wasilla Fred Meyer, 1501 E. Parks Hwy., the Palmer Fred Meyer, 650 S. Cobb Street, or Talkeetna’s Sunshine Community Health Center, 34300 S. Talkeetna Spur Road.

Clean Air Challenge is May 14

Registration is now open for the American Lung Association’s 26th Clean Air Challenge set for May 14. The Clean Air Challenge is a tradition for all walks of life in Alaska. Join the 60-mile ride from Houston to Talkeetna or decide to do the full, two-day, 120-mile ride from Houston to Talkeetna and back. The Clean Air Challenge is a way to honor those that have fought, lost and WON their battle against lung disease. For more information, contact Nellie Schroder at nschroder@aklung.org or cleanairchallengeak.org.

‘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.