Around the Valley: August 23, 2015

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.

College to host NEA chair

The Matanuska-Sustina College will host a reception for National Endowment for the Arts Chair Dr. Jane Chu on Friday, August 28 at 10:30 a.m. at the Glenn Massay Theater lobby. The public is invited to attend the reception and hear remarks from Dr. Chu, who will also answer questions.

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.

Museum to hold tree ornament making event

On August 26, the Dorothy G. Page Museum in Wasilla will host a Capitol Christmas Tree Ornament Making session with Rhonda Horton as part of its Wednesday Night at the Museum events. Alaska has been selected to provide the tree and ornaments for the Capitol Christmas Tree this year in Washington, D.C> The event begins at 6 p.m. For more information, contact the library at 373-9071.

Annual yard sale concludes today

The Homesteaders Community Center will host its annual yard sale on Sunday, August 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations will be accepted during the week of August 24. For more information, contact Kim at 982-6088. The center is located at the corner of Hawk Lane and the Parks Highway in Houston.

Bike drive ongoing

The Mat-Su Special Santa bike drive 2015 is ongoing through August 23. Bicycles can be dropped off in Wasilla at Spenard Builder’s Supply or Back Country Bike and Ski; on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway at Beehive Beauty Shop and Diversified Tire; and in Palmer at Spenard Builder’s Supply or Back Country Bike and Ski. The group is looking for bikes of all sizes, from training wheels to adult. All donations are tax deductible. For more information, like Mat-Su Special Santa on Facebook or visit specialsanta.net.

Junior livestock auction upcoming

The 4-H Junior Market Livestock Auction at the Alaska State Fairgrounds will be held on September 5 at noon, with a preview of the animals at 10 a.m. Animals for auction include cows, pigs, lambs, goats, turkeys, ducks, chickens and rabbits.

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.

‘Yoga in the Park’ offered Tuesdays

Free yoga in the park classes are offered from 7 to 8 p.m., Tuesdays at Newcomb Park on Wasilla Lake. Featuring KMBQ guest DJ. People should wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat.

‘Swim and Trim’ semi-weekly at the Palmer Pool

A women’s “Swim and Trim” class is from 8 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Palmer Pool. For more information, call 746-2137.

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.

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.

Veterans Recognition Day is Aug. 21 at WHS

Veterans Recognition is Aug. 21 at Wasilla High School during our varsity football game against East High School. Junior varsity plays at 4 p.m. and the varsity game begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free for all veterans and they also will be recognized at halftime during the varsity game.

Edible mushrooms class offered Aug. 21-23

Mycologist Gary Laursen will teach a workshop on collecting, identifying and preparing wild edible mushroomsAug. 21-23 at the Matanuska Experimental Farm Kerttula Hall, 1509 S. Georgeson Road. There will be a lecture from 6 to 9 p.m., Aug. 21 and fieldwork is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 22 and 23. Cost is $100 for the three-day course, or $20 for the lecture only. Deadline for registration is Aug. 14. Register at http://bit.ly/ces-workshops, or call 745-3360. For more information, contact Julie Cascio at -745-3677, or jmcascio@alaska.edu.

‘Big M Memorial Benefit’ is Aug. 22

The sixth annual Big M Memorial Benefit is from noon to 10 p.m., Aug. 22 at the Mug-Shot Saloon, 251 W. Parks Hwy., Wasilla. This year’s proceeds benefit Seth Bellamy, a 4-year-old boy diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Sign up now to enter the state fair parade

Packets are available for the Alaska State Fair Parade Aug. 29 at Palmer City Hall, at the Alaska State Fair, at the Palmer Visitors Center and Museum, at the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce office, or online at cityofpalmer.org.

Pianist concert at St. Michael’s Aug. 25

A longtime Valley pianist plans a concert of original work.

Jeremiah Oliver, now of New York, will perform at 7 p.m., Aug. 25, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 432 E. Fireweed Ave. in Palmer. Oliver plans an evening of original compositions and classical music under the title “Labyrinthine.” Suggested $10 donation.

Alaska State Fair is Aug. 27 to Sept. 7

The 2015 Alaska State Fair is Aug. 27 to Sept. 7. The Alaska State Fair opens Aug. 27 and ends Sept. 7. The theme for this year is “Dig In!” Fair hours are noon to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, visit alaskastatefair.org.

‘Fair Day 5K Tater Trot’ is Aug. 28

The annual Tater Trot 5K begins at 6:30 p.m., Aug. 28. Entry fee is $25 for adults and $10 for children 13 and under. Register by Aug. 13 to be guaranteed a Tater Trot T-shirt. Register online at vwrt.org by 9 p.m., Aug. 21. Or register by mail by sending the completed registration form and a check to: Valley Women's Running Team; P.O. Box 1824; Palmer, AK 99645. Pick up bibs at the Alaska Club Palmer from 1 to 3 p.m., Aug. 23; from 4 to 6 p.m., Aug. 26; or from 3 to 5 p.m., Aug. 28.

Overall winners and age group winners will be announced at Alaska Club Palmer at 7:15 p.m. following the race.

Rodeo at the fairgrounds

Rodeo Alaska has additional events scheduled in Palmer at the grandstand at the Alaska State Fairground in Aug. 29-30 and Sept. 5-6.

Sing along with Hobo Jim Aug. 30

Hobo Jim will performing at 2 p.m. on Aug. 30 at the Knik Museum, located at mile 13 of Knik-Goose Bay Road.

Register for fall classes at Dancers Workshop of Wasilla

Register for end-of-summer and fall classes at Dancers Workshop of Wasilla, dance classes for all ages. Register online at bit.ly/1SR6LP9.

Youth shooting leagues forming now

Alaska Scholastic Clay Target Program-YESS is accepting registrations for summer youth in grades fourth through 12th for shotgun leagues and instruction. Beginners are welcome. For more information, call 373-0961 or email loktsafe@mtaonline.net.

Master gardening class begins Sept. 2

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service Alaska Master Gardener class will take place at the Matanuska Experiment Farm Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. from September 2 through December 2. The class will be led by Dr. Steve Brown and local gardening experts. To learn more or sign up visit bit.ly/ces-workshops.

Classy Classic car show planned

The Depot Farm Market, in conjunction with the Palmer Senior Center and Alaska Antique Auto Mushers, will host a Classy Classics car show on Monday, September 7 (Labor Day) from noon to 6 p.m. at the train depot in downtown Palmer. Judging will be held at 5 p.m. The event will include an antique and classic car show, the annual launching of the Palmer Senior Center’s “Naughty but Nice” calendar, Grandma’s quick bread contest, a classic costume contest and vendors offering food and crafts. For contest rules or more information, email depotfarmmarket@gmail.com

MATI closes Sept. 7

Closing day is Sept. 7 at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry, 3800 W. Museum Dr., Wasilla.

Pre Season Nordic ski training

The Mat Su Ski Club is sponsoring a training program for Nordic skiers who are looking to maintain their fitness and ski conditioning through a variety of ski specific dry-land exercises. These will include, but are not limited to: ski walking, bounding, spenst exercises, etc.

The program will meet at 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 9 to Oct. 28, at Government Peak Recreation Area. The $100 fee includes Mat Su Ski Club membership. Registration will be at GPRA on Sept. 9.

For more info email: farrens@mtaonline.net.

Sister City ‘Alaska Grown’ potluck is Sept. 10

Six middle school students and two adults from the City of Saroma, Japan will visit Palmer this September. Saroma has been Palmer’s Sister City in Japan for 35 years. The students will meet on their first day in Palmer with Mayor DeLena Johnson and tour the City before visiting other attractions with their Palmer host student counterparts.

The community is invited to a Welcome Potluck with an “Alaska Grown” theme at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, at Palmer Junior Middle School. Everyone is invited to bring a dish and encouraged to wear their “Alaska Grown” shirts and hats.

Alaska VegFest is Sept. 12

Alaska Vegan Society will sponsor the second annual Alaska VegFest is Sept. 12 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Anchorage, 825 S. Klevin Street, Anchorage. The event includes three nationally known speakers, a catered lunch, cooking demonstration, and door prizes. Cost is $40. For more information, contact 373-1526, or visit alaskaveg.org.

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.

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.

‘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.

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.

‘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.