Around the Valley

For the complete list of events included in Around the Valley, look online at bit.ly/RyPLDi. Send items for Around the Valley to news@frontiersman.com.

‘Beer Meets Chocolate’ is Oct. 8

Arkose Brewery and JB Chocolatier of Palmer have been collaborating on this event ever since Arkose opened its doors, and this anniversary tasting on Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. is not to be missed. A custom chocolate adorned with the Arkose logo was specially designed for the brewery’s fourth anniversary this year. Participants receive four 8-ounce pours of hand-crafted ales, four hand-crafted chocolates and an anniversary glass for $25. There will be additional door prizes throughout the evening to include Arkose’s new stainless steel growler.

To sign up, call 746-2337.

‘Beer Meets Canvas’ is Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. $30

Arkose Brewery invites the community to “Sip. Relax. Create.” while enjoying a tasty brew at their monthly “Beer Meets Canvas” Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. For this anniversary event — Arkose turns four this year — $30 covers one beer, all art supplies needed, and a free anniversary glass to take home. There will also be door prizes.

Make your reservation as soon as possible to secure a spot by calling 746-2337.

Willow trail dedication is Saturday

The Willow Trails Committee is one of three sponsors of a two-year project to construct a 200-foot bridge that extends the Willow Creek State Recreation Area trails. A dedication ceremony for the completed project will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, starting at 11 a.m. The group will meet at the community park on Willow Creek Parkway at that time and walk about 1 mile to the bridge.

For more information, contact Steve Charles at 907-495-6368.

‘Harvest Recycle Fest’ is Oct. 9

Valley Community for Recycling Solutions is hosting their second annual “Harvest Recycle Fest” on Friday, Oct. 9 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Palmer Depot. Tickets get attendees local food, fresh-pressed cider, brew and live music. Call 745-5544 for more information.

Reflections Lake tower to be dedicated

Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge will hold a dedication ceremony for the area’s new interpretive viewing tower on Friday, Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. The tower is locted at the refuge, which is located at mile 30.6 of the Glenn Highway. The event will feature a ceremony, light refreshments and dignitaries including elected officials, sponsors, donors and the board of directors. The public is invited to try out the new tower, which provides a 360-degree view of the landscape. For more information, call 357-8711 or 715-6699.

Barn hunt trials planned

The Cook Inlet Kennel Club will hold Barn Hunt Trilas on Sept. 18, 19 and 20 at Sirius Ranch, located at 6151 Upper Court in Wasilla. The trials are open to participants of all ages, although dogs must be at least six months old. A “low maintenance fun dog sport,” the event features dogs and owners working together as teams. Entry fees are $10 for an instinct test, $15 for novice, $20 for open, $25 for senior and $30 for master. For more information, call 376-2263.

Knitters to meet

The Northern Lights Valley Knitters Guild will meet on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Meridian Point Building, located at 865 Seward Meridian Road in Wasilla.

Prepare for safety fair

The Mat-Su Emergency Expo and Safety Fair will be held Saturday, September 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mat-Su College, located at 8295 College Drive. The free annual community event is held to coincide with National Emergency Preparedness Month and is presented by the Mat-Su Borough Local Emergency Planning Committee and AARP Alaska. It will feature more than a dozen exhibitors as well as a poster contest open to youths age 5 to 18. The theme is “What Emergency Preparedness Means to You,” and the first 100 entries will receive McDonald’s coupons. Grand prizes will be awarded in six age groups, and the overall grand prize winner will receive two tickets on the Alaska Railroad to Seward. For more information or to register, visit eventbrite.com/e/mat-su-preparedness-fair-tickets-17717756286.

Talkeetna Brewfest is Sept. 19

Talkeetna Brewfest begins at 2 p.m., Sept .19 at the Don Sheldon Community Arts Hangar in Talkeetna. This fundraiser benefits the Northern Susitna Institute. Purchase tickets online at bit.ly/1IWhuRk.

C.S. Lewis workshop planned

The Willow Community Center will host a workshop about author C.S. Lewis presented by Dr. Bruce Edwards. The workshop will be held Saturday, Sept. 19 at the library. To register online, visit cslewisworkshop.eventbrite.com. Registration lunch is $43, registration only is $30. For more information, email willowlibraryassociation@gmail.com. This event is a fundraiser for the library.

Author to speak at Women’s Connection luncheon

Author and nationally known speaker Pauletta Staley will speak at the Mat-Su Women’s Connection luncheon on Monday, Sept. 21 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Evangelo’s Restaurant in Wasilla. Staley will share how women leave a legacy by their lives and words. The event will also feature a panel of military women who will share the challenges they face in the military. All are invited to attend. For reservations, call 892-8482 or email alaskalpacas@mtaonline.net. Cost for the luncheon is $18 and includes childcare.

Daybreak plans open house

Daybreak Services Coordinators are inviting the public to come to an open house at their new suite of offices at 550 South Alaska Street, Suite 202, in Palmer on Monday, September 21, from 3 6 p.m. Daybreak staff and board members will be present to talk about the changes in the delivery of health care services that have been mandated with an effective date of July 1, 2016. Service providers and clients are encouraged to attend.

Youth farming advocate to speak

Severine von Tschamer Fleming, who is the director of The Greenhorns, a youth farming organization, will speak at the Matanuska Experiment Farm on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. The topic of Tschamer Fleming’s speech will be “Growing Local Food Systems.” The event is free and open to the public. The event is part of a nine-day speaking tour sponsored by the Alaska Food Policy Council and the Alaska Marine Conservation Council.

Fly fishing film festival is Sept. 24

Canadian magazine Fly Fusion will present the International Fly Fishing Film Festival on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Glenn Massay Theater in Palmer.

The festival includes short and feature-length films produced by professional filmmakers from all corners of the globe, showcasing the passion, lifestyle and culture of fly fishing.

Arkose Brewery will be serving their artfully crafted ales at the event. All beer sales will benefit a local nonprofit.

Advance tickets are $15 and are available for purchase at Mossy’s Fly Shop, Arkose Brewery and online at glennmassaytheater.com. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $18.

Set Free Alaska plans annual event

Set Free Alaska will hold its annual event this year at Evangelo’s on Saturday, September 26 starting at 6:30 p.m. We have a great event planned this year with appetizers and great prizes. This year the group will be kicking off its new youth outpatient program as part of this year’s event. You may RSVP by either calling 373-4742 or register online at eventbrite.com. To learn more, visit setfreealaska.org.

Children’s choir seeks members

The Alaska Children's Choir is currently hosting auditions for the fall semester. Children ages 5-18 are welcome to audition. To schedule an audition time or for more information contact Jessie Eddings at 982-5467 or email alaskachildrenschoir@yahoo.com.

Permaculture class offered

The Alaska Cold Climate Permaculture Institute will hold its permaculture design course for six weekends beginning in October at the Matanuska Experiment Farm. Graduates will received a Permaculture Design Certificate. Jude Hobbs of Permaculture Institute of North America will co-teach the course with local permaculture instructor Cindee Karns of AlaskanBioshelter in Eagle River. Classes will include hands-on lectures, several field trips and activities. Register by Sept. 21 for the early bird discount. For more information or to sign up, visit alaskapermaculture.com or call Cindee at 622-3969.

RSVP seeks volunteers

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is resuming service in the Mat-Su through the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association. RSVP is a volunteer network for people age 55 and older. The organization is seeking volunteers. For more information, contact Doreen Lacy at doreenl@apiai.org or call 222-4244.

Depot Farm Market is open Mondays

The Depot Farm Market is open from noon to 6 p.m., Mondays in the Palmer Depot. The market is open year-round and offers a drawing for a free gift basket each week. For more information, visit facebook.com/depotfarmmarket.

Free cooking demonstrations Thursdays

Winona Benson with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Program is teaching a free cooking class called “Fresh From the Garden” at 1 p.m., Aug. 13, and every Thursday until Oct. 15 in the “Five Loaves Two Fish” kitchen Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 501 E. Bogard Rd., Wasilla. Learn how to prepare fresh Alaskan produce. Learn recipes, nutrition facts, cooking times and more.

Pioneers of Alaska Convention in Palmer Sept. 22-26

Pioneers of Alaska Men's Igloo No. 31 and Women's Igloo No. 11 are hosting the Pioneers of Alaska 99th Grand Igloo Convention at Raven Hall in Palmer from Sept. 22 to 26.

International Fly Fishing Film Festival is Sept. 24

The International Fly Fishing Film Festival Mat-Su Valley begins at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 24 at the Glenn Massay Theater at Mat-Su College in Palmer. Tickets are on sale at bit.ly/1IjCFAh.

Holiday Bazaar vendors wanted

Vendors are needed for the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Holiday Bazaar Oct. 10. Vendors with high-quality, unique items can reserve space by calling Pat Ott at 355-4104, or contacting mikenpatott@gmail.com.

See ‘Alaska Home Companion’ at the MATI Oct. 10

“Alaska Home Companion” is Oct. 10 at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry, 3800 W. Museum Dr., Wasilla.

Fall Bazaar is Oct. 10 at Career Tech

Mat-Su Career and Technical High School’s Business Professionals of America Chapter’s 3rd annual Fall Bazaar is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 10 at 2472 N. Seward Meridian. Vendor booth spaces are $50 before Sept. 14, and $60 after. For more information, or to apply for booth space, contact amy.riddle@matsuk12.us, or 352-0428.

Vendors sought for Legion craft fair

Susitna Valley American Legion Auxiliary Unit 35 seeks vendors for a craft fair Oct. 17-18. To book a space, call Connie at 376-7658, or 354-5945 and leave a message. Space is available first-come, first-served.

Coast Guard to offer fall boating safety classes

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Mat-Su Flotilla will offer a four-session fall boating safety and seamanship class at the MTA Building, 480 Commercial Dr., Palmer. Cost is $60 and is payable at the first class. Classes meet from 6 to 10 p.m., Oct. 23; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 24; 6 to 10 p.m., Oct. 30; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 31. Fee is discounted if students share a book. The class is free to auxiliary members in good standing. For more information, contact Terri Telkamp at telkamp@mtaonline.net; or Burton Johnson at Burkjak@gmail.com.

‘Night at the Museum’ is Oct. 31 at the MATI

“Night at the Museum” is from 4 to 8 p.m., Oct. 31 at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry, 3800 W. Museum Dr., Wasilla.

Talkeetna Holiday Bazaar upcoming

The Talkeetna St. Bernard’s Catholic Church will hold its Christmas holiday bazaar from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 7 at the Sheldon Community Arts Hanger (22249 S. D Street) in Talkeetna. Local crafts, beads, jewelry, ivory, pottery, paintings, handmade soaps, fabric art and other items will be available for purchase. There will also be a silent auction, baked goods and food available. Tables are $30. For more information or to reserve a table, call D.D. at 733-1212 or Suzy at 733-2300.

‘High Heels for High Hopes” in Nov. 12

Ptarmigan Pediatrics (with Shear Fire Design, Mat-Su Regional, Q99.7, and Signs and Lighting Repair) is sponsoring “High Heels for High Hopes: Viva Las Vegas” event to benefit the March of Dimes at Raven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds at 7 p.m., Nov. 12. To model, volunteer, or sponsor, contact Ashleigh Green at 907-276-4111 or agreen@marchofdimes.org.

‘Christmas Bazaar’ is Dec. 19 and 20 at the MATI

“Christmas Bazaar” is Dec. 19 and 20 at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry, 3800 W. Museum Drive in Wasilla.