Around the Valley

‘Sleeping Beauty’ onstage at Palmer High

See and hear the story of “Sleeping Beauty” retold by playwright Charles Way at Palmer High School runs Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 22-24 at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Stan Harris at stanley.harris@matsuk12.us.

‘Fall Family Fun Days’ at the Reindeer Farm

The Williams Reindeer Farm at 5561 S. Bodenburg Loop will host its annual Fall Family Fun Days Oct. 24 and 31. For $10 festival-goers can enjoy a host of games, live music, and the company of reindeer, elk, bison, rabbits, chickens and horses from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit reindeerfarm.com/fall-family-fun.

See ‘Chicago’ at Massay Theater

Presented by the Glenn Massay Theater and Enliven Dance Company, “Chicago: The Musical” opens Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. and runs two weekends, Oct. 22-24 and Oct. 29-31. Showtimes are 7 p.m. (except Oct. 31), with 2 p.m. matinee performances on Oct. 24 and 31. Tickets are $19 for adults and $11 for students and are available at glennmassaytheater.com or by calling 746-9300. All performances are at the theater, located at 8295 E. College Drive in Palmer.

Prime rib dinner planned

There will be a prime rib dinner in support of the Boy Scouts Troop 300 at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Palmer Moose Lodge (1136 S. Cobb Street). Cost is $15 per ticket and incudes a prime rib meal with all the fixings plus a silent and live auction. For tickets or more information, call 352-6657.

Swing for Stride Alaska

The Swingin’ Ravens will perform their “Modern New Orleans Swing” on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, located at 2600 N. Barry’s Resort Drive. The event will benefit Southcentral Therapeutic Riding Inc. (Stride Alaska). Tickets are $50 and are available through Stride Alaska at stridealaska.org or by calling 929-7876. The event also includes dinner.

‘Murder at the Morgue’ at The Annex

The Homeless Actors of Mat-Su (HAMS) are at it again with appetizers and a show at The Annex in downtown Palmer on Saturday, Oct. 24. HAMS will present “Murder at the Morgue” at 7 p.m. for their Mystery Night and fundraiser supporting the Palmer Food Bank. Tickets are $30 and include the buffet and a cash bar.

For more information, contact Jan at 745-3900 or jann@valleyannex.com.

Holiday bazaar this weekend

The Alaska State Fair Holiday Bazaar will be held Saturday, Oct. 24 and Sunday, Oct. 25 at Raven Hall on the fairgrounds in Palmer. The event is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and is free and open to the public. For more information, call 746-7153.

Community concert planned

Friends of the Palmer Library will sponsor a community band concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25 at the Palmer Depot. This is a free concert. For more information, call 745-4690.

Coloring event scheduled

Fireside Books in Palmer will host an adult coloring party on Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Colony Inn Café and Steakhouse. Participants may bring their own pencils or markers and coloring books, or purchase a new one at the event. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, but the event itself is free. For more information or to RSVP, call 745-2665 or email Barbara@goodbooksbadcoffee.com.

Big Lake to decide city question

Big Lake voters will decide on Oct. 27 whether or not to incorporate as a second-class city. Community “compass forums” are being held each Thursday leading up to the election from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Big Lake Library. The forums will include a panel of incorporation proponents followed by a question-and-answer session. Voters may vote in the upcoming election if they were registered to vote in the proposed city boundaries on or before July 1. Voters will vote by mail, and absentee in-person voting begins Oct. 12.

Alaska LNG Project explained

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will host two public scoping meetings on the Alaska LNG Project next week: one at Houston Middle School on Wednesday, Oct. 28, and another at Trapper Creek Elementary School on Thursday, Oct. 29, both at 6 p.m.

The goal of these meetings is to inform the communities about the environmental review process, while gathering feedback and concerns from the public during the scoping period, which will close on Dec. 4. Everyone in the community is welcome and encouraged to attend.

‘Rocky Horror’ film fest in Talkeetna Oct. 30

Join the Denali Arts Council for a “Rocky Horror Picture Show” film party at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar on Friday, Oct. 30 from 9 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $10 for arts council members, $15 for non-members. Costumes recommended.

Ski club to meet

The Mat-Su Ski Club will hold its annual membership meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30 at the Palmer Depot. The event will include door prizes, pizza, silent auction and the chance to purchase trail pins. For more information, visit matsuski.org.

‘The Hills are Alive’ at Colony Middle

Colony Middle Schools drama department will stage “The Sound of Music” starting Oct. 30. Showtimes are Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 31 at 2 and 7 p.m., Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 7 at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 each or $13 for dinner and show tickets fro the Nov. 6 and 7 evening performances. Call 761-1517 or email tobias.lambert@matsuk12.us for tickets.

Haunted house for Halloween

The Wasilla Haunted Garage will present “Halls of Fear,” a haunted house event for kids on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 6582 S. Wassim Circle near mile 9 of KGB Road from 6 to 9 p.m. Free admission.

Valley Performing Arts Halloween party is Oct. 31

Celebrate Halloween with Valley Performing Arts Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 31, by dressing in costume for the showing of “Bell, Book and Candle.” There will be door prizes for best, scariest and funniest costumes. Doors open at 6 p.m., the play starts at 7 p.m.

Firefighters to host open house

The Palmer Fire Association will host its 24th annual Autumn Harvest (Halloween) Open House on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. Kids can have their photo taken with Sparky the Fire Dog, play games and enjoy treats and pumpkin juice. All kids are welcome. For more information, call 745-3701 ext. 1.

Voice of Democracy scholarship deadline is Nov. 1

High school students may a 3-5 minute audio essay to the Voice of Democracy program, which is awarding $30,000 in scholarships.

Each year, nearly 38,000 high school students from across the country enter to win a share of the $2.2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the VFW’s Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition.

The VFW established the Voice of Democracy program in 1947 to provide students in grades 9 through 12 the opportunity to express themselves in regards to democratic ideas and principles. For more information, visit bit.ly/1IhHucP.

The deadline to submit an audio essay is Nov. 1.

Knik House dinner fundraiser is Nov. 6

Knik House and its parent organization, Blood-n-Fire Ministry of Alaska, is hosting a spaghetti dinner and fundraiser at Church on the Rock in Wasilla, beginning at 6 p.m. All funds raised will help support Blood-n-Fire’s programs, food pantry and Knik House.

For more information contact Andrea Moore at 357-0391 or Karey Gaston at 232-6796.

Mat-Su Health Foundation group to host meeting

The Mat-Su Initiative For Children and Families will host a “community gathering” on Monday, Nov. 2 at Evangelo’s Restaurant from 5 to 8 p.m. The initiative, which has grown out of Mat-Su Health Foundation, is a group of people from many different sectors of the community working together to improve the lives of children and families in the Mat-Su.

There is no charge for this informational event, but an RSVP is required no later than 2 p.m. on Monday, October 26.

Art show upcoming

An art show featuring the work of Dr. James Leach will be on display on Saturday, Nov. 7 at The Boardwalk inside the Carrs Center in Wasilla. The art was created while Leach was an artist in residence at Ernest Gruening State Historical Park in 2015. The Boardwalk is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wasilla Lake Christian School fundraiser, auction

Wasilla Lake Christian School is hosting its annual fundraiser and auction benefit at Wasilla Nazarene Church, 2001 Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. on Friday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. A $25 ticket gets attendees dinner and entrance into the auction, which will offer: a one-week vacation in Cabo San Lucas, fly-in salmon fishing trips, Knik Glacier flights, Alaska train rides, Alyeska hotel nights, guns, Diversified Tires, and gift certificates to Chepo’s, Locals, Hacienda and more.

Call 373-6439 for more information.

‘Go for the Gravy’ runs Nov. 14

Fronteras Spanish Immersion Charter School is hosting its eighth annual “Go for the Gravy” races on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Wasilla High School. The outdoor 3k and 5k races start at 10 a.m., followed by an indoor kids’ fun run at 10:45.

Registration forms are available online at bit.ly/1MhVBBX. Entry fees are $10 for the kids’ race, $25 for the 3k and 5k races through Nov. 11. Discounts available for military and groups.

Race-day registration opens at 9 a.m. The first 100 to register and pay in full will receive a race t-shirt. Proceeds go to Fronteras and The Children’s Place.

Bazaar booths available

Booth are still available for the TOPS Holiday Bazaar, which will be held Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mat-Su Senior Services. For more information, call Liz at 892-6406.

Pioneer Peak plans bazaar

Pioneer Peak Elementary will hold a holiday bazaar at the school on Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Over 70 vendors will be on hand and there will be lots of holiday gifts and ideas. Free.

Colony Christmas Triathlon is Dec. 13

The 2015 Colony Christmas Triathlon, sponsored by the Mat-Su Health Foundation, begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13 at the Alaska Club in Palmer. Entry fees are $35 per person, $50 for two-person teams, and $60 for three-person teams. Triathlon is a 5k run, 500-yard swim and 10k bike. Bikes may be swapped for cross-country skis in the event of heavy snow fall/coverage.

For more information, visit palmerchamber.org or contact the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce at 745-2880 or director@palmerchamber.org.

Willow Winter Solstice Marathon is Dec. 19

The Willow Winter Solstice Marathon, half marathon and 5k races begin at the Willow Community Center, Mile 70 Parks Hwy., on Saturday, Dec. 19. Register online at bit.ly/1Lky6Hu.

Entry fees (online): marathon - $70; half marathon - $50; 5K - $30; virtual runner - $50. On race day, marathon and half-marathon bump up $10, 5K increases $5.

For more information, visit willowrunningcompany.com.

ONGOING

Free soup and sandwiches offered Wednesdays

Lamb of God Church on Church Road serves free soup and sandwiches from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays. All are welcome.

Valley Pastors Network meets Thursdays

Valley pastors from many churches meet at 8 a.m., Thursdays for prayer, fellowship and breakfast. Pastors and ministry leaders from all churches are invited. The location changes monthly. For more information, visit valleypastorsprayernetwork.com.

Full Gospel Fellowship meets Thursdays Study group meets Thursdays

All pastors and preachers using the Lectionary are invited to an interdenominational text study at 11 a.m., Thursdays at Alpha Counseling, 500 N. Main Street, Suite B. For more information, contact 745-0726 or 373-5595.

Free cooking demonstrations

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 following until Oct. 15 in the “Five Loaves Two Fish”kitchen Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 501 E. Bogard Rd., Wasilla. Prepare dishes using fresh Alaskan produce.

Call-in help line offered

First Church of Christ, Scientist in Wasilla is sponsoring a phone line available around-the-clock for a 30-minute program with examples of how people are finding prayerful solutions to life’s problems. For more information, contact 331-0238. Programs change each Saturday.

The Religious Society of Friends meet monthly

The Religious Society of Friends, a Quaker organization, meets the second Sunday of each month at Birchtree Charter School just off the Palmer-Wasilla Highway midway between Palmer and Wasilla. An un-programmed meeting for Worship and First Day School (Sunday School) starts at 11 a.m., followed by a time for refreshments. The society welcomes “seekers of Truth from all walks.” For more information, call 746-1152.

Prayer group meets Mondays

A Centering Prayer group meets at 6:30 p.m., Mondays at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wasilla. Centering Prayer is a form of contemplative prayer or silent Christian meditation. For more information, contact Paul Supina at psupina@gmail.com, or 864-0115.

October is Farm to School month

October is National Farm to School month. “Farm to School” refers to schools serving local, farm-fresh foods ranging from fruits and veggies to honey and meat.

According to the USDA, one-third of U.S. children are obese or overweight, and only 2 percent of children get the recommended serving of fruits and vegetable each day. Farm to School programs increase students’ daily fruit and vegetable consumption significantly.

Often schools incorporate curriculums that help students learn about nutrition, agriculture, science, math and the path that food takes from the farm to the table as well as creating experience-based learning opportunities by visiting farms and participating in gardening, recycling, and entrepreneurial programs.

The Farm to School concept is simple: bring tasty, nutritious food from the people who grow it to the school kids that want to eat it. The details involved in making this a reality can be daunting, however. With that in mind the Center for Rural Affairs has put together a Farm to School Month Starter Kit, guide and several other resources to help wade through all the complexities. For more details, visit cfra.org/f2s.

Join Mat-Su ‘Toastmasters

Toastmasters is a self-paced program offering flexibility while allowing unlimited personal growth and self-improvement. Toastmasters helps you learn clear communication and helps build self-confidence. If you have received our letter in the mail and come to our meeting, we will treat you to a free breakfast. Mat-Su Toastmasters meets from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Tuesdays at the Primrose Retirement Center, 889 N. Elkhorn, Wasilla. For more information, call Linda at 232-0624 or Cheryl at 354 5702.

Airfare assistance offered for cancer patients

ConocoPhillips and BP Alaska will expand Corporate Angel Network’s mission by providing free air transportation for cancer patients traveling to treatment between Anchorage and Fairbanks. ConocoPhillips Alaska and BP are offering empty seats to cancer patients and family members on their Monday and Thursday scheduled flights between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Call Corporate Angel Network at 866-328-1313 to register within three weeks of a specific appointment.

Full Gospel Fellowship Luncheon meets Thursdays at the Trout House Restaurant in the Community Room in Wasilla. For more information, contact 315-1118 or visit corpangelnetwork.org.

Online tool available for businesses

Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau has partnered with Alaska's Mat-Su Bed and Breakfast Association to promote its website, MatSuAvailability.com. The site offers a connection to travelers who are looking for places to stay. For more information, contact Justin at 746-5032.

Sunrise Rotary meets Tuesdays

Wasilla Sunrise Rotary meets at 7 a.m., Tuesdays. The group has a new meeting place, the Meridian Point Building, 865 Seward Meridian Parkway. For more information, visit wasillasunriserotary.com.

Wasilla Toastmasters meets Tuesdays

Wasilla Toastmasters meets from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Tuesdays at Primrose Retirement Center, 920 Elkhorn, in the Pub. Learn to improve your speaking skills, enhance your listening and leadership skills and building confidence in all of these areas.

Palmer Lions meet Tuesdays

Palmer Lions Club meets at noon, Tuesdays at the Moose Lodge No. 793, 1136 South Cobb St. in Palmer. For more information, call 761-3750.

Palmer Toastmasters meet Tuesdays

Palmer Toastmasters meets at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays at the MTA Building in Palmer. For more information, call 907-539-7111, or visit palmer.toastmastersclubs.org.

Wasilla Lions Club meets Tuesdays

Wasilla Lions Club meets the second and third Tuesdaysfrom 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Wasilla Senior Center, 1301 S. Century Circle in Wasilla. Those wishing to join and current members are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Sam Carranza at 907-252-8589.

Wasilla Rotary Club meets Wednesdays

Wasilla Rotary meets at noon, Wednesdays at the Hacienda Mexican Restaurant by Fred Meyer, at 1781 E Palmer-Wasilla Highway in Wasilla.

Grandparent support group meets twice a month

The Grandparents Support Group in Mat Su Meets twice a month at Turn a Leaf Community room next to the thrift store at 404 N. Yenlo in Wasilla.

On the second Saturday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m., relative caregivers and their children enjoy activities and snacks. On the third Friday from 10:30 a.m. to noon, relative caregivers (no children) plan activities and provide support with guest speakers on topics that relate to raising grandchildren that may have experienced abuse and neglect.

For more information, contact David Carry with Volunteers of America at 1-888-522-9866 or email grands@oaak.org or visit voaak.org. The local contact person for the group is Rozann Kimpton, who can be reached at 376-7322 or by email at rozann@mtaonline.net.

Cribbage tourney on Thursdays

Play a nine-game cribbage tournament at 6 p.m., Thursday evenings at North Bowl along the Palmer-Wasilla Highway. For more information, call 315-4398.

Big Lake yoga Thursdays

Yoga class is from 6 to 7 p.m., Thursdays at the Big Lake Lions Rec Center. Instructed by Anita Hartman, RYT, PT. Suggested donation of $10 per class, bring your own mat. Call Anita 907-227-0640.

Join Mat-Su Youth Orchestra

Youths are invited to join the Mat-Su Youth Orchestra, a multi-age youth orchestra community group. Cost is $25 a year. For more information, contact 373-6763 or levesque@mtaonline.net.

Willow Community Rebuild Project accepting donations

The Willow Community Rebuild Project is working on “building silver linings” by helping those who suffered in the Sockeye fire “to regain not only a house but a home.” Some homes are in progress, but more money is needed to fund all the losses of people who qualify for the project. Donations can go to Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union account 149984. For more information, contact Krista Fee at saharastormstudio@yahoo.com.

MEA warns members of phone scam

Local businesses and members belonging to Matanuska Electric Association are receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to be from the utility and demanding payment be made to avoid disconnect.

Callers are providing members with a 1-800 phone number and work order number, urging members to make cash payments at the nearest Safeway Store location.

“MEA will not contact a member requesting a call to another number, nor will the Cooperative request its members make payments at a third-party location,” said Julie Estey, Director of Public Relations.

Estey urges anyone who receives this type of call to hang up immediately and contact MEA directly at 761-9300 (Mat-Su) or 689-9300 (Eagle River).

Job Corps seeks interview, business attire for students

The Alaska Job Corps “Career Closet” seeks donations of men’s business causal and interview attire and women’s small and medium career and interview attire. Donations can be dropped off at the front desk on the Alaska Job Corps Campus. Assisting students with clothing for entry into careers is appreciated.

Apply for Alaska Job Corps Center training Wednesdays

The Job Corps Center offers free career technical training for people ages 16-24. Orientations are at 2 p.m., Wednesdays at the Alaska Job Corps Center, 800 E. Lynn Martin Drive in Palmer. Bring two pay stubs, or proof of public assistance, and proof of citizenship, and a social security card. For information, contact 907-562-6200, 800-733-5627, or alaska.jobcorps.gov.

Drivers needed to chauffeur cancer patients

The American Cancer Society is hoping to start up a Mat-Su version of its “Road to Recovery Program.” The society is looking for drivers to shuttle cancer patients from