Around the Valley: Nov. 8, 2015

Birders flocking together

The next meeting of the Mat-Su Birders wild bird club will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2015, at 7 p.m. in the MeetingRoom of the Palmer Public Library. The evening’s presentation will be “Alaska Bird Photographs” by local wild bird photographer Doug Lloyd. Please note: Since the Palmer Library closes at 6 p.m. on Thursdays, entry will be through the Meeting Room door to the left of the Library’s main entrance doors. Mat-Su Birders’ meetings are open to everyone interested in wild birds.

Christian school to hold fundraiser

Wasilla Lake Christian School will hold its “Imagine a Miracle” fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. at the school, located at 2001 Palmer Wasilla Highway. The dinner will include numerous auction items and will help raise money for the school. Cost is $25. For more information, call Sara at 775-5590.

Mat-Su CVB annual meeting is Nov. 13

The Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau will host a panel discussion about tourism destination development featuring Travel Oregon’s “Rural Tourism Studio” in conjunction with the CVB’s annual meeting Nov. 13 at Evangelo’s Restaurant in Wasilla. Joining Travel Oregon on the panel will be representatives from the Mat-Su Parks and Trails Foundation, as well as a representative from Chickaloon Village, who will talk about a new multi-year Ahtna cultural tourism development grant. There will also be an update of the Gateway Visitor Center Project from the design team at Wolf Architecture. The panel discussion begins at 9 a.m. and continues to 10:30 a.m. From 11 a.m. to noon, the Voice of the Membership meeting takes place, followed by the annual Stars of the Industry awards luncheon at noon. This year’s half-day event kicks off the Mat-Su CVB’s 30th anniversary.

Tickets are $25 and include all components, including lunch. Tickets are available by calling 746-5000 or by e-mailing Justin@alaskavisit.com. The event is open to the public (you don’t have to be a member of the Mat-Su CVB to attend).

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.

Elks plan holiday bazaar

The Palmer Elks will host a holiday bazaar on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14-15 at the club, located at 2600 Barry’s Resort Drive off Bogard Road. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. For more information, call 745-3950.

Houston High to host craft fair

A “Merchant’s Market” craft and baked goods bazaar will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Houston High. The first 25 people who show up will receive a free gift (limit one per family). There will be a cake ticket giveaway, drawings and door prizes as well as a concession stand.

‘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.

Bowling association bazaar upcoming

The Mat-Su USBC Bowling Association will hold its 5th annual holiday craft bazaar on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14 and 15 at North Bowl, located at 3250 Palmer-Wasilla Highway. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. There will be crafts, a bake sale and other items. For booth information, email mat-suusbc@hotmail.com or call 315-2172.

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.

Chris Smither concert at Massay Nov. 15

Whistling Swan Productions welcomes blues-folk artist Chris Smither to the Glenn Massay Theater on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 4 p.m. For tickets, visit glennmassaytheater.com

Fish and Game AC to hold elections

The Matanuska Valley Fish and Game Advisory Committee will hold its annual election on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wasilla High School theater. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

See ‘Pamyua’ in concert Nov. 18

See the Inuit dance and music group “Pamyua” on the Glenn Massay Theater stage on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m. The group encourages audiences to appreciate indigenous traditions while relating ancient traditional wisdom into modern culture. Pamyua believes that unity is possible though music and dance.

For tickets, visit glennmassaytheater.com.

History night at the Palmer Library

Talkeetna writer “Yukon Don” Tanner, a homesteader and adventurer, will reveal stories from his upcoming book at the Palmer Historical Society’s History Night at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18. The event is free and open to all and there will be refreshments and door prizes.

UA encourages early enrollment

The University of Alaska is celebrating UA College Appreciation Week Nov. 16-20 by encouraging high school seniors to apply early for college.

“College is a game changer, leading to better careers and higher paying

jobs. Alaska data shows that 63 percent of Alaska jobs will require a

postsecondary education by 2018,” said Saichi Oba, associate vice president

for student and enrollment services at the UA System in a press release. “Applying early is not only a good first step, but it actually increases a student’s chance of

success in college. Students that apply early have more time to apply for

financial aid, make important decisions regarding classes and majors, and learn about campus life.”

High school seniors are encouraged to apply to the University of Alaska

through uaonline.alaska.edu.

See ‘The Shoot Dangs’ at the Massay Nov. 20

As part of the AK Home Concert Series, Glenn Massay Theater presents “The Shoot Dangs,” a local “blueCrass” band, on Friday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. The band says its songs are based on life’s lessons, inspired by outlaws and influenced by legends.

For tickets, visit glennmassaytheater.com.

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.

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.

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.

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.