Around the Valley: Sept. 11, 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.

Palmer Art Walk is Saturday

The September Palmer Art Walk will be held Saturday, Sept. 12 from 2 to 6 p.m. in downtown Palmer. This month’s venues will include Magpie Clothing Exchange, Palmer Museum, Madd Matters, Shane Lamb Gallery, B Bella, Arkose Brewery and Fireside Books. For a complete map and schedule, visit the Palmer Art Walk Facebook page, call 746-7668 or email director@palmermuseum.org.

Bird lovers to flock together

The Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center will hold its 8^th Annual Fall Migration Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Best Western Lake Lucille Inn in Wasilla. A fundraiser for the center, the event will feature food catered by Marian Romano, a wine tasting, dessert auction, caricatures by Carlos Garcia, chainsaw carving by Scott Thompson, music by Matanuska Muse and celebrity auctioneers Marty and Cheryl Metiva. As always, there will also be birds on display from the center. There will also be a quilt raffle, silent auction and plenty of surprises. Tickets are $55 each or purchase a table for eight for $385. Tickets are available at NonEssentials in Palmer, Steve’s Toyo Stoves in Wasilla or at akwildbird.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

United Way kicks off campaign

The United Way of Mat-Su will kick off its 2015 fundraising campaign with an event Monday, Sept. 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Evangelo’s Restaurant banquet hall. For more information, email give@unitedwaymatsu.org or call 745-5822.

Hospital to plant trees today

The Mat-Su Regional Hospital will host a 9/11 memorial tree-planting event on Friday, Sept. 11 at 3 p.m. at the hospital. Invocation will be given by pastor Stan Tucker.

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 forum 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.

Reflections Lake tower to be dedicated

Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge will hold a dedication ceremony for the area’s new interpretive viewing tower on Friday, Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. The tower is locted at the refuge, which is located at mile 30.6 of the Glenn Highway. The event will feature a ceremony, light refreshments and dignitaries including elected officials, sponsors, donors and the board of directors. The public is invited to try out the new tower, which provides a 360-degree view of the landscape. For more information, call 357-8711 or 715-6699.

Author to speak at Women’s Connection luncheon

Author and nationally known speaker Pauletta Staley will speak at the Mat-Su Women’s Connection luncheon on Monday, Sept. 21 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Evangelo’s Restaurant in Wasilla. Staley will share how women leave a legacy by their lives and words. The event will also feature a panel of military women who will share the challenges they face in the military. All are invited to attend. For reservations, call 892-8482 or email alaskalpacas@mtaonline.net. Cost for the luncheon is $18 and includes childcare.

Houston principal to speak at Rotary

The Susitna Rotary Club will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. at Piccolino’s Restaurant in Wasilla. Guest speaker will be Houston High principal Bill Johnson.

Youth farming advocate to speak

Severine von Tschamer Fleming, who is the director of The Greenhorns, a youth farming organization, will speak at the Matanuska Experiment Farm on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. The topic of Tschamer Fleming’s speech will be “Growing Local Food Systems.” The event is free and open to the public. The event is part of a nine-day speaking tour sponsored by the Alaska Food Policy Council and the Alaska Marine Conservation Council.

Garden club plans potluck

The Willow Garden Club will meet on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. at the Willow Community Center. The event will include a potluck dinner, a club report and advisory board and committee sign-ups for 2016. There are multiple opportunities to volunteer on the club.

VPA kicks off 40^th season with ‘Jane Eyre’

Valley Performing Arts will open its 40^th season on Friday, Sept. 11 with the production ‘Jane Eyre,’ based on the novel by Charlotte Bronte.

“A moving story for all times and a stunning portrayal of one of the world’s greatest heroines,” the play will run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 27.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $18 for students and seniors and $20 for adults.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call 373-0195, visit valleyperformingarts.org or stop by the box office at 251 West Swanson Ave. in Wasilla.

‘Fall Family Fling’ is Sept. 12

The MTA Sports Center will host its annual “Fall Family Fling” this Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be bounce houses, face painting, balloon twisting, tumbling mats and more available for free and open to the public. Adults new to the center can also sample group exercise classes at the event, and take advantage of limited-time discounted membership enrollment and personal training specials.

A home education fair also will be held in conjunction with the event. Up to 40 vendors share everything from art classes, home school books, materials and supplies, horse-riding lessons, piano and music lessons, tutors and college prep information.

Contact Membership and Marketing Director Dana Ness at 746-7529 for more information.

Fly fishing film festival is Sept. 24

Canadian magazine Fly Fusion will present the International Fly Fishing Film Festival on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Glenn Massay Theater in Palmer.

The festival includes short and feature-length films produced by professional filmmakers from all corners of the globe, showcasing the passion, lifestyle and culture of fly fishing.

Arkose Brewery will be serving their artfully crafted ales at the event. All beer sales will benefit a local nonprofit.

Advance tickets are $15 and are available for purchase at Mossy’s Fly Shop, Arkose Brewery and online at glennmassaytheater.com. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $18.

Military academy information available Sept. 15

All Mat-Su Valley high school and middle school students wishing to learn more about the United States military academies are welcome to attend the information night at Dimond High School in Anchorage on Sept. 15.

If you have specific questions about the process of obtaining a full-ride scholarship to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland please contact Joel Lautrup, blue and gold officer volunteer in the Valley, at 907-841-3231; or visit usna.edu.

‘Family Tennis Play Day’ is Sept. 27

The Mat-Su Tennis Association will host its final Family Tennis Play Day of the year on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Palmer tennis courts between Elmwood and Fireweed Avenues.

For more information, visit matsutennis.org.

Earth Care Jamboree planned

The Interfaith Earth Care Action Group will hold an Earth Care Jamboree on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Arctic Valley Chalet. The event will feature live music by the Brubaker Family Band, Vinyl Floors and Naked Mabel, along with food vendors, hiking, workshops and community art. The purpose of the event is for people to learn about the different ways faith communities and organizations are working to mitigate climate change and empower them to take action. The event is open to everyone, with a suggested $5 donation. For more information call 746-9047, email interfaithearthcareak@gmail.com or visit interfaithcareak.blogspot.com.

Prepare for safety fair

The Mat-Su Emergency Expo and Safety Fair will be held Saturday, September 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mat-Su College, located at 8295 College Drive. The free annual community event is held to coincide with National Emergency Preparedness Month and is presented by the Mat-Su Borough Local Emergency Planning Committee and AARP Alaska. It will feature more than a dozen exhibitors as well as a poster contest open to youths age 5 to 18. The theme is “What Emergency Preparedness Means to You,” and the first 100 entries will receive McDonald’s coupons. Grand prizes will be awarded in six age groups, and the overall grand prize winner will receive two tickets on the Alaska Railroad to Seward. For more information or to register, visit eventbrite.com/e/mat-su-preparedness-fair-tickets-17717756286.

Gardening club to gather

The Meadow Lakes Bloomers Garden Club will meet Monday, September 14 at 10:30 a.m. at the Meadow Lakes Senior Center, which is located just off Pittman Road. Take Karen Drive for about two miles (the name changes several times) until reaching the complex. Watch for blue signs that say “Meadow Lakes Sports Field and Playground.” For more information, call Tresa at 354-4020.

5K run to benefit homeless

The Wasilla Homeless Committee will hold a 5K “Run, Walk, ‘N Roll” on Saturday, Sept. 19 starting at Three Bears Alaska at the corner of Pittman and the Parks Highway. The event will finish at the parking lot of Church on the Rock. Race-day registration will be available, as will advance registration at wasillahomeless-committee.org. Registration is $25 for adults, $15 for ages 12-18 and under 12 is free. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served at the finish.

Set Free Alaska plans annual event

Set Free Alaska will hold its annual event this year at Evangelo’s on Saturday, September 26 starting at 6:30 p.m. We have a great event planned this year with appetizers and great prizes. This year the group will be kicking off its new youth outpatient program as part of this year’s event. You may RSVP by either calling 373-4742 or register online at eventbrite.com. To learn more, visit setfreealaska.org.

Library to hold used book sale

The Wasilla Public Library will hold its used book sale from Sept. 11 through Sept. 15 at the American Legion Post 35, located at mile 46 of the Parks Highwya. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sept. 11 and 12, from noon to 6 p.m. on Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sept. 14 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 15.

Mat-Su CVB hosting candidate forum

The Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau is hosting a candidate forum on Sept. 17 at Evangelo’s at noon. Candidates for all three Mat-Su Borough Assembly seats, as well as the two candidates for Mat-Su Borough Mayor, will attend.

The candidate forum is free, and a buffet lunch can be purchased directly through Evangelo’s for $15. The forum will include opening statements, questions from the audience, and concluding statements from each candidate.

For more information about the candidate forum, or to RSVP, interested people can contact Casey Ressler at casey@alaskavisit.com.

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.

C.S. Lewis workshop planned

The Willow Community Center will host a workshop about author C.S. Lewis presented by Dr. Bruce Edwards. The workshop will be held Saturday, Sept. 19 at the library. To register online, visit cslewisworkshop.eventbrite.com. Registration lunch is $43, registration only is $30. For more information, email willowlibraryassociation@gmail.com. This event is a fundraiser for the library.

Permaculture class offered

The Alaska Cold Climate Permaculture Institute will hold its permaculture design course for six weekends beginning in October at the Matanuska Experiment Farm. Graduates will received a Permaculture Design Certificate. Jude Hobbs of Permaculture Institute of North America will co-teach the course with local permaculture instructor Cindee Karns of AlaskanBioshelter in Eagle River. Classes will include hands-on lectures, several field trips and activities. Register by Sept. 21 for the early bird discount. For more information or to sign up, visit alaskapermaculture.com or call Cindee at 622-3969.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.