Around the Valley: Dec. 11, 2015

See ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Houston Middle

The Houston Middle School drama club presents, “A Christmas Carol,” onstage this weekend only. Shows are 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday. For ticket information, contact Dina.Atkin@matsuk12.us or Beau.Sawyer@matsuk12.us.

Roller derby to hold bazaar

The Denali Destroyer Dolls roller derby team will hold a “Recycled Treasures” bazaar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Stringer Gym, located at 220 E. Park Avenue in Wasilla. There will household items, clothing, crafts, holiday treats and gifts for sale. All proceeds go toward bringing roller derby skaters from across Alaska to Palmer on Jan. 23.

Colony House plans open house

In conjunction with Colony Christmas, there will be an open house at the Colony House Museum on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Events will included a live Christmas tree decoration, carols, snacks and treats, Santa’s workshop and hot drinks. The museum is located at 316 Elmwood Street, across from the Colony Inn in Palmer.

Rep. Hughes to host morning chat

Rep. Shelley Hughes, who represents the greater Palmer area in the Alaska State House, will be holding a morning chat from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12 at Vagabond Blues in Palmer. All are welcome.

Children’s choir plans performance

The Alaska Children’s Choir will present “We Rise Again — A Holiday Concert” at 4 p.m. on Dec. 12 at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer (440 E. Elmwood). Tickets are $10. The performance is directed by Jessie Wetherell-Eddings, accompanied by Janna Preston and joined by the Fireside Quartet.

See ‘Harvey’ at Wasilla High

See Wasilla High School’s production of “Harvey,” directed by Dewayne Joehnk, this weekend at the school. Shows are at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11 and 12, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors, $7 general admission.

Festival of Trees runs through Dec. 12

Mat-Su Special Santa will hold its Festival of Trees fundraiser through Dec. 12. Decorated trees will be on display at numerous local businesses through Dec. 10, then displayed at the Palmer Depot on Dec. 11 and 12. Each tree has a theme and participants can buy changes to win a tree and its prizes. For a chance to win a “Scenic Adventure to Seward,” contestants must visit every tree by Dec. 9 and stamped at each location. A drawing will be held at 3 p.m. on Dec. 12 for each tree and the Seward package.

Pioneers to hold book signing

The Pioneers of Alaska will hold a book signing for its book “Life and Times of the Matanuska Valley Pioneers” on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Fireside Books in Palmer. Many pioneers will be on hand to chat and sign books.

Radio Free Palmer holding open house

Radio Free Palmer will hold an open house from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12 at the station, which is located at 716 S. Alaska Street in Palmer. There will be a chance for visitors to be on the radio by recording a station ID message. The station can be heard on FM 89.5 in Palmer, Sutton and the Butte as well as 91.5 from Chickaloon to Lion’s Head as well as online. For more information, visit radiofreepalmer.org.

VPA holiday show ongoing

Valley Performing Arts will perform the holiday comedy ‘Fruitcakes’ weekends through Dec. 20 at the theater, located at 251 W. Swanson Avenue in Wasilla. The play is “a moving story of alienation, understanding and reconciliation, just in time for the holidays,” according to a VPA press release. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and students. For more information, visit valleyperformingarts.org or call 373-0195.

Ski club offers lessons

The Mat-Su Ski Club is sponsoring adult cross-country skiing lessons this winter. Lessons are offered on five days a week and participants may attend any session at any time. Lessons are offered on Saturdays from Dec. 5 through March 1 from 10 to 11:15 a.m. (skate and classic technique); Mondays and Wednesdays from Dec. 7 through March 2 from noon to 1 p.m. (classic); and Tuesdays and Thursdays from Dec. 8 through March 3 from noon to 1 p.m. (skate). All lessons will be at either Government Peak Recreation Area or Archangel Road, depending on snow conditions. Cost is $50 for a 5-punch card, $90 for a 10-punch card, $150 for unlimited sessions and $12 for walk-up students. To register online, visit matsuski.org.

Gallery to hold Christmas party

The Gallery, located at 1150 S. Colony Way, will hold a Colony Christmas party from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. The event will feature jewelry by Vicki Kleuver, who will be on hand to talk about her work from 2 to 5 p.m. There will also be a drawing for Bev Doolittle’s “Eagle Heart” print.

Dancers to perform ‘Alaskan Nutcracker’

In conjunction with the Colony Christmas celebration, Sonja’s Studio of Dance will perform ‘The Alaskan Nutcracker’ at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11 and at 3 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Glenn Massay Theater on the Mat-Su College campus in Palmer. The production is based on the classic tale, but with an Alaskan twist. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and available online at glennmassaytheater.com or by calling 746-9300.

Book launch of memoirs at Fireside

Jessie Jennings will present the memoirs of her husband, Wasilla author Arthur “Art” Jennings, at Fireside Books in Palmer on Friday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. The manuscript of the book, titled, “Life’s Lessons: Memoirs of Sex and Lies, Love and Death,” was completed shortly before the author’s death, and was published by Czar Struck LLC, thanks to his wife and editor, East High School teacher Ron Coleman.

Author events planned at Fireside

Fireside Books in Palmer will hold several author events in conjunction with Colony Days. On Friday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m., Kaylene Johnson and Dick Griffith will speak about Johnson’s book “Canyons and Ice: The Wilderness Travels of Dick Griffith.” Johnson will also share her most recent book, “Our Perfect Wild.” Also Friday at 2 p.m., Jessie Jennings will present “Life’s Lessons: Memoirs of Sex & Lies, Love & Death” by her late husband Arthur Jennings. On Saturday at noon, Dan Seavey will sign his book “The First Great Race: Alaska’s 1974 Iditarod. Also Saturday, Sharon Benson and other Valley pioneers will be in the store at 3 p.m. to present “Life and Times of the Matanuska Valley Pioneers.”

Brewery to host beer and art event

Arkose Brewery in Palmer will host a “Beer Meets Canvas” event on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. This “paint-n-sip” tasting event includes art supplies and one beer for $30. To reserve space in advance call 746-2337.

Roller derby rolls into the Menard

The Boom Town Derby Dames will take on Far North Derby at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Menard Center, located at 1001 S. Mack Drive in Wasilla. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for military/seniors and $5 for kids.

Community chorus presents Christmas concert

The Mat-Su Community Chorus will present its annual Christmas Concert at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13 at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer. The concert will feature carols, spiritueals and contemporary Christmas music for the entire family. Tickets will be sold at the door and are $5 for adults and free for seniors and students.

Northern Lights Valley Knitters meet Dec. 13

The Northern Lights Valley Knitters will host its monthly meeting from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 865 N. Seward Meridian Pkwy. in Wasilla.

Colony Christmas is Dec. 11-13

Palmer’s 80th annual Colony Christmas weekend is Friday through

Sunday, Dec. 11-13. Events include a cookie contest, gingerbread contest, “smoosh” race, Christmas lights competition, parade of lights, K9 weight pull, four different craft fairs and the triathlon. A free shuttle will be available to and from certain events on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For a complete schedule of events, visit palmerchamber.org/events/colony-christmas .

Palmer Winter Triathlon is Dec. 13

The 2015 Palmer Winter 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 6k run, 600-yard swim and 16k bike. Bikes may be swapped for cross-country skis in the event of heavy snowfall/coverage.

The event was formerly known as the Colony Christmas Triathlon.

For more information, visit palmerchamber.org or contact Active Soles at 746-0600 or email the race director at kevans.arnold@gmail.com.

Women’s connection luncheon coming up

The Mat-Su Women’s Connection will hold its Christmas Gathering Luncheon on Monday, Dec. 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Evangelo’s Restaurant in Wasilla.

Cost is $18. For reservations and free child care, call Janet Faiks at 892-8482 by Dec. 11.

Apple auction planned

Amazing Grace Academy will hold an apple auction featuring fresh Washington apples, including Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Fuji, and Red and Golden Delicious apples at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14 in the school’s new gym. There will also be other items for bid. All proceeds go toward the academy’s gym project. The school is located at 2238 Inner Springer Loop next to the fairgrounds in Palmer. For more information call 232-8039.

Wasilla council to meet Monday

The Wasilla City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14 at city hall, located at 290 E. Herning Avenue. For more information or to see an agenda, visit cityofwasilla.com.

Mat Valley AC to meet

The Matanuska Valley Fish and Game Advisory Committee will meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at the MTA building in Palmer. Agenda items include updates on the Bristol Bay Finfish meeting, an update on the Joint Boards meeting and discussion of proposals for statewide Board of Fish proposals, which are due Feb. 18.

Contra dance upcoming

There will be a contra dance featuring live music by Ten Dollar Bet with caller Valerie DeLaune from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17 at the Palmer Salvation Army community center (209 W. Evergreen Street). Beginners welcome, no partner necessary — just bring dance shoes. For more information, email gene.backus@icloud.com.

Concert band plans performance

The Mat-Su Concert Band will present its “Musical Traditions” holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18 at the Glenn Massay Theater. The band will be under the direction of conductor Gleo Huyck and soloists will include Doug Shaeffer, Charles Carte and Ashley Wedge. There will also be an audience sing-along of popular carols. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased online at matsuconcertband.org.

Holiday bake sale planned

There will be a girl’s dress and holiday bake sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19 at St. David’s Episcopal Church, located at mile 2.2 Wasilla Fishhook Road. For more information, call 373-8974.

Avalanche workshop at Gov. Peak

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Alaska will sponsor a full-day winter safety workshop from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19 at the Government Peak Recreation Area in Palmer. Designed for anyone from snowshoers to snowmachiners, the course will include two hours of classroom training and between two and four hours of field work. Cost is free to all Alaska Avalanche Information Center Forecast Center members. Membership is $25. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information, visit alaskasnow.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.

State fair seeking board members

The Alaska State Fair is seeking candidates to serve on the fair’s board of

directors.

Application for the two open positions on the board runs through Dec. 15 at 4:30 p.m., according to a press release sent by the fair’s marketing coordinator on Tuesday.

Fair members will vote to fill the two open positions at the annual meeting on Feb. 11, 2016. The three-year seats are currently filled by John Tracy and Stephen Brown.

According to the release, “Directors’ responsibilities are to set policies to accomplish the Fair’s mission statement: Produce a traditional State Fair which educates and entertains Fairgoers; Provide stable finances through good business practices, statewide outreach, partnerships and hosting a variety of community, cultural and business events.”

To be eligible, candidates must be Alaska residents at least 18 years old and members of the Alaska State Fair Inc. The deadline to become a member for 2015 is also Dec. 15 at 4:30 p.m.

Interested candidates can pick up application packets at alaskastatefair.org or at the main fair office, which is located at 2075 Glenn Highway in Palmer.

Completed packets should be emailed to jerry@statefair.org or mailed to Alaska State Fair Inc (attn: Jerry Baker), 2075 Glenn Highway, Palme AK 00645.

For more information, contact fair administrative services manager Jerry Baker at (907) 746-7155 or email him at the above address.

Christmas bird count looking for lookers

Mat-Su birders are looking for citizen scientists to join in the annual Christmas bird count. The count will take place on Dec. 20, and may entail early-morning meetings and careful coordination to be successful. The general area of the bird count is a 15-mile-diameter circle centered on the Four Corners intersection.

Birders can bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras to document their sightings.

Prospective birders should email msbirder@mtaonline.net or call 376-8594 as soon as possible to participate.

Healthy storytime starts Jan. 4

UAF Cooperative Extension will host “Fruit and Veggie Tales: A preschool storytime” at 10:15 a.m. on Mondays from Jan. 4 through Feb. 8 at the UAF Matanuska Experiment Farm, located at 1509 S. Georgeson Road in Palmer. There will be stories, healthy snacks, games, learning and more. Parents will receive informative handouts and recipes each week following the program, which is led by UAF CES Nutrition Educator Winona Benson. To register or for more information call 745-3424 or 745-3360.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Job Corps seeks interview, business attire for students

The Alaska Job Corps “Career Closet” seeks donations of men’s business casual 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.