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.

Barbara Ludwig to sign books

Barbara Ludwig will sign copies of a new book that includes her work today at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center as part of the fund-raiser for LuLu Small. Saturday she will sign copies of a travel cookbook anthology in which her work is included, titled “Female Nomads and Friends.” Ludwig also will sign copies of the book on Saturday at Annabell’s Attic from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Pandemonium Books for 1 to 4 p.m.

Concert to benefit Lulu Small

A benefit concert for Lulu Small is part of Wasilla Winterfest from 4 to 10 p.m. today at the Curtis Menard Sports Center. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. The benefit includes lots of bands and performers, art displays, a children’s area with bouncy inflatable toys and more.

NPR host to speak at Alaska event

Liane Hansen, NPR’s host of “Weekend Edition Sunday,” will speak at the APRN Speaker Series.

Tickets to the event scheduled for today at UAA’s Wendy Williamson Auditorium are $35 each for the conversational lecture from 7 to 8 p.m., with question and answer, or $125 each for a special meet and greet with Liane from 6 to 7 p.m. that includes the lecture as well. For more information, visit aprn.org/speakersseries or call 550-8400.

Strong women, strong bones class

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center will offer a class today titled “Strong women have strong bones: Building and maintaining healthy bones throughout your life!” Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by the presentation from noon to 1 p.m. by Dr. Samuel Abbate 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.

‘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.

Car seat safety check Saturday

Safe Kids Mat-Su is sponsoring a child car seat safety check from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday at Alaska Sales and Service.

Trappers association plans

fund-raiser for 2 mushers

The Alaska Frontier Trappers Association has planned its first annual Trappers and Mushers Soiree Saturday to benefit local mushers Cym Smith and Kelly Maixner. The event includes all Alaskan fare with auctions and fun conversation. For more information, contact Rick Ellis at rgellis@mtaonline.net or (907) 232-5531.

Boever book signing Saturday

Valarie Boever will sign copies of her book “Margaret and Midnight the Alaskan Malamute” from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday at Fireside Books in Palmer. Her first book tells the story of a little girl who lives in Palmer.

Vintage snowmachine exhibition

Anchorage Yamaha, NOS Energy drink, City Diner, Fur Rondy and AMMC are bringing a Vintage Snowmachine Exhibition, Parade and Show and Shine to downtown Anchorage Saturday, just after the start of the Iditarod. To participate, pre-register by 6 p.m., today at Anchorage Yamaha at 3919 Spenard Road in Anchorage. With your paperwork, include a photo of yourself with your snowmachine. A mandatory parade meeting is at 11 a.m., March 5 at Anchorage Yamaha.

Lincoln Day dinner set

Valley Republican Women’s Club’s Lincoln Day Dinner is at 6 p.m., Saturday at the Grand View Inn. The event includes an auction. Tickets are $50. For more information, contact Rosie Torres at rosiekassidy@hotmail.com.

Mardi Gras Bow-Wow Ball Saturday

A Taste of New Orleans to Warm the Cold Alaskan Winter — brought to you by Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue — is from 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday at the Palmer Train Depot. The event includes a New Orleans buffet, live music, silent suction, door prizes, a magician, a costume contest and more. Tickets re available at Paw Prince and Doggie Decadents in Anchorage, Alaska TLC Kennels in Wasilla, Non-Essentials in Palmer and at the door. Tickets are $50 per person and are tax-deductable. Proceeds benefit the medical costs for ADPR’s dogs and puppies. For more information, contact 745-7030.

Valley Art Guild show Saturday, Sunday

Valley Art Guild will sponsor an art show at the Wasilla Senior Center Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bagpipers perform at Palmer Library Sunday

A group of bagpipers and drummers from the top Alaska bagpipe band will perform traditional Scottish music as part of the Friends of the Palmer Library’s free Sunday music program at 2 p.m., Sunday in the library. The event includes refreshments and conversation. For more information, contact Candy Kopperud at ckopperud@palmerak.org or visit cityofpalmer.org/library.

Monday luncheon to share information on assistance dogs

Big Lake Chamber of Commerce will offer a special presentation about assistance dogs at its luncheon at noon, Monday at the Big Lake Family Restaurant. Speakers include Carol and Dodd Shay from Alaska Assistance Dogs and Linz Rothermel from the local American Red Cross office.

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 regular scheduled Paint-Together. World-renowned artist Charles Gause is the featured speaker at 6 p.m. For more information, visit valleyfineartsassociation.com.

Meadow Lakes Bloomers meet Monday

Meadow Lakes Bloomers Garden Club meets 10:30 a.m., Monday at the new senior housing complex, Birch Creek Villa, off of Pittman Rd. in Meadow Lakes. To get there, turn right off Pittman Road onto Karen Drive and follow the road 2 miles to the center. The guest speaker is Les Brake of Willow who will talk about “Coyote Garden at 26: How It’s Happened (so far).” For more information, contact Trudy Hosler at 376-4296 or e-mail tjhosler@mtaonline.net.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Tuesday

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Palmer is having its annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday, 5 to 7 p.m. (downstairs). 323 N. Alaska Street, Palmer. Donations gratefully accepted. Everyone is welcome.

Mat-Su Birders meet Wednesday

The next meeting of the Mat-Su Birders is at 7 p.m., Wednesday, in the Meeting Room of the Palmer Public Library. The meeting will include planning for spring birding walks in the Mat-Su Valley, Anchorage Audubon’s Seward Birding Trip report, information about deformed beak outbreak in Great Britain, information about “Bird Feathers — A Guide to North American Species,” and a presentation by Jeff Fair titled “What Tuullik is teaching us — latest yellow-billed loon research.”

Kate McLaughlin will present a talk at the April meeting titled “Chenega Bay Rufous Hummingbird Banding Project.”

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 us $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 March 11

Primrose Retirement Communities’ Mardi Gras Party is from 2 to 4 p.m., March 11. The fun includes music, refreshments and entertainment by the Colony High School National Honor Society.

Pilgrims Baptist Church sponsors revival

Leon Foote will preach revival services at Pilgrims Baptist Church, Mile 40.7, Parks Highway Sunday through March 11. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. with morning worship at 11 a.m., and evening services are at 6 p.m. Monday through Friday evening services are at 7 p.m. Friday night a special Christian hymn concert is planned with the Berkheimers. For more information, call 373-3454.

Special Olympics USA Scarf Project seeks donations

Special Olympics Inc. and Coats and Clark, owner of Red Heart Yarns have launched a 2011 Special Olympics USA Scarf Project. The nationwide initiative gives people who knit or crochet a unique opportunity to support the organization. The project aims to collect 350 scarves to hand out to athletes at the 2011 Winter Games at east High School March 11-13. Participants are asked to follow specific guidelines, but creativity in pattern and design are encouraged. Scarves should be 54 to 60 inches long, 6 inches wide and knit or crocheted using Red Hart Yarns Super Saver 886 Blue and 512 Turqua. Deadline to donate is March 9. Completed scarves can be sent directly to the Anchorage Special Olympics Alaska office, 3200 Mountain view Drive, Anchorage, AK 99501. For more information, visit specialolympicsalaska.org and click on the Scarf Project link.

Incontinence issues class is March 11

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center will offer a class March 11 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.

Great outdoors calls for Valley women

An “Outdoors Women” workshop will be held March 11-13 at Victory Bible Camp near Palmer. The program introduces women to hunting, fishing and related outdoors activities. More than 48 hands-on sessions are scheduled, including firearms safety, bear safety, shotgun clinics, field dressing of fish and game, ice fishing, spin fishing, fly tying, dog mushing, snowmachining, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, GPS operation, fish smoking, rod building, outdoors photography and winter survival. Cost is $250 for applications postmarked before Feb. 15; $300 after. For more information, call 267-2218.

Quilters meeting will leave you in stitches

Valley Quilters Guild will host an open sew event at 9 p.m., March 12 at the Palmer Depot.

Painting demonstration offered

Mat-Su Valley artists will offer a painting demonstration from 2 to 4 p.m., March 12 at Rusty’s Restaurant, 320 E. Dahlia in Palmer.

Reed book signing March 12

Carol Reed will sign copies of her book “Musk Ox Magic” from 2 to 4 p.m., March 12 at Fireside Books in Palmer. The book is her first and was illustrated by her daughters. The story is set at the Windy Valley Musk Ox Farm on Lazy Mountain.

SAT prep classes offered

Sylvan Learning Center is offering their twice-yearly SAT prep classes, starting March 12 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 March 12-13 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., March 12 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 13. 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 March 13-16

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., March 13, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/.

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.

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.