Around the Valley: Nov. 20, 2015

Church to hold 5th annual craft fair

St. Michael Catholic Church will hold its 5th Annual Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The church is located at 432 E. Fireweed Avenue in Palmer. There will be vendors, crafts, food items and more. For more information, call 745-3229.

Holiday dinner at Houston Middle

Houston Middle School will host its ninth annual Holiday Dinner of turkey, ham and “all the fixin’s” on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the free community event.

Northern Lights Valley Knitters meet Nov. 21

The Northern Lights Valley Knitters will host its monthly meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 865 N. Seward Meridian Pkwy. in Wasilla.

Moonlight skis upcoming

Mat-Su Ski Club will host three moonlight skis in the coming months: Nov. 21 at Independence Mine, Dec. 26 at Government Peak Recreation Area after the Icicle Double, and Jan. 23 at the Moose Range. Visit matsuski.org for more information.

Stephen Cochran to perform concert

Top Drawer consignment store in Big Lake will host a concert by Stephen Cochran on Sunday, Nov. 22. Cochran is a well- known country artist and military veteran. Proceeds from this concert are supporting Battle Dawgs. To learn more about Cohcran, visit en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_cochran

Historical society to meet

The public is invited to attend the Wasilla-Knik Historical Association board of directors meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24 at the Herning-Teeland-Mead Building at 300 Boundary Street in Wasilla. Anyone interested in local history is welcome. For more information, call 376-2005.

Thanksgiving service planned

There will be a Thanksgiving service at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 26 at the First Church of Christ, Scientist, located at 4101 W. Wesseling Circle in Wasilla. All are welcome for an hour of sharing gratitude and love for God.

VPA holiday show upcoming

Valley Performing Arts will perform the holiday comedy ‘Fruitcakes’ weekends from Nov. 27 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.

‘Fiddler on the Roof’ auditions upcoming

Auditions for “Fiddler on the Roof,” presented by Triumvirate Theatre and the Glenn Massay Theater, are Friday and Saturday, Nov. 27 and 28 (callbacks) from 1 to 4 p.m. at Colony High School. The show will open in February.

For more information, visit glennmassaytheater.com or call 746-9300.

Soup tasting, book signing at Fireside

On Saturday, Nov. 28 (in conjunction with “Small Business Saturday”), Fireside Books will host Anchorage author Laurie Constantino for a book-signing and soup tasting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both Constantino’s book, “Tastes Like Home: Mediterranean Cooking In Alaska,” and Barbara Abdeni Massaad’s “Soup for Syria: Building Peace through Food” — in which Constantino is featured — will be on display and available for purchase.

Big Lake Lions plan bazaar

The Big Lake Lions will hold their annual Christmas Bazaar on Dec. 5 and 6 at the EastLake Mall in Big Lake. Times are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 5 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 6. There will be baked goods, arts and crafts, jewelry, woodworking, knitted items, quilts, scarves, candles, fudge, goat’s milk and much more. Santa will also be on hand at the Clothing Closet. For more information, call Carrielee Dunphy at 892-8687.

Butte Elementary to host bazaar

On December 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Butte Elementary PTA will host the Homespun Holiday Bazaar at the school, which is located at 4006 S. Butte Road. The Homespun Holiday Bazaar is a gathering of vendors with hand crafted items (Christmas items, Christmas ornaments, jewelry, blankets, clothes, food, hats, mittens, scarves, toys, household items, etc.) and direct selling companies (i.e. Avon, Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, etc.). Santa will be on hand from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and reindeer and a sleigh will be on hand from noon to 2 p.m. Throughout the day there is musical entertainment provided by students and local talent, a Gift Basket Silent Auction, a Book Fair and a concession stand from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 746-0504.

Hoop shoot upcoming

The Elks National Hoop Shoot free throw contest will be held Dec. 5 at Colony Middle School. Sponsored by Palmer Elks Lodge 1842, registration for the event will be held from noon to 1 p.m. The program is open to kids ages 8 to 13. State winners will advance to a regional shoot in Portland, Oregon. For more information, call 745-3950 or visit elks.org/hoopshoot.

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.

Pioneer Peak plans bazaar

Pioneer Peak Elementary will hold a holiday bazaar at the school (1959 N. Trunk Road) 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.

Church to host Christmas bazaar

Trinity Lutheran Church, located at mile 2.2 Palmer-Wasilla Highway, will hold a Christmas bazaar and bake sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. This 12th annual bazaar will feature handcrafted items, woodworking, jellies, cookies and more. Proceeds benefit local charities.

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.

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 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 snowfall/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.

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.