Around the Valley

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Barefoot reunion tour Sunday

The “Barefoot Reunion Tour” in Talkeetna at 7 p.m., Sunday, at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar. This tour will feature the original band members — Annalisa Tornfelt, Angela Oudean, Jason Norris, Kate Hamre and Mike Mickelson. As an added bonus, John MacDonald, formerly of King Wilkie, will open the show. Cost is $20 for general admission or $18 for Denali Arts Council members. Tickets can be purchased at denaliartscouncil.org, Twister Creek and Mile High Pizza Pie, or at the DAC office 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays. Advanced purchase is recommended as seating is limited.

Kiwanis Club meets Tuesdays

The Kiwanis Club will meet at noon on Tuesday at Turkey Red in Palmer. The speaker this week is Lucas Strickland from Smart Energy Works.

Holiday photos for a cause Friday

Holiday Pet Photos are available at Pet Zoo in Wasilla from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Cost is a $20 donation to Advocates for Dog and Puppy Wellness, a non-profit corporation with a mission to raise awareness and encourage participation in local animal shelters.

Holiday tours at the reindeer farm

The Reindeer Farm in Palmer will offer holiday tours from noon to 9 p.m., Friday to Dec. 24. Tours include Christmas lights timed to music, reindeer tours, hay rides, smores and photos with Santa. Open Thursday, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through the Holiday Season. For more information, contact Denise Hardy at hardyof5@yahoo.com, or visit online reindeerfarm.com.

Register for Santa’s Workshop

AMVETS Post 11, 951 Hermon Rd., is sponsoring Santa’s Workshop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec 17-19. Space is limited to the first 200 children ages 3 to 10 to apply by Dec. 12. Applications can be picked up at AMVETS Post No. 11 from 2 p.m. until closing.

Book drive for military personnel

American Legion Post No. 15 is collecting books and magazines to send to military service members stationed overseas. Donations can be dropped off at the American Legion in Palmer or at Waldenbooks in Wasilla. For more information, contact Barbara Ray at 376-5807.

‘Carhartt Brothers’ to perform Nov. 28 at the Palmer Public Library

Friends of Palmer Library offers a monthly musical performance during the fall, winter and spring. This month, the “Carhartt Brothers” perform at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 28, at the Palmer Public Library. Friends of Palmer Library will sponsor a performance by “Flat Baroque” at 2 p.m., Dec. 5 at the Palmer Train Depot. For more information, call 745-4690.

‘Origins’ exhibit ends Nov. 28

A unique exhibit, called Origins, featuring items such as fragments of the Dead Sea Scroll, early versions of the King James Bible and rare atlases from the 16th and 17th centuries is in Wasilla from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily through Sunday, Nov. 28, at 449 West Parks Highway, in the Shop Rite Mall. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, or people 55 and older. For information, call 376-2888, or visit origins-themuseum.com.

Jeremiah Oliver in concert Nov. 28

“Footsteps in the Snow”, a concert on piano will be presented at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 28 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Palmer. A reception will be held following the concert to meet the artist and gather as a community. Suggested donation is $10 for individuals and $25 for families. For more information, visit jeremiaholiver.com.

Learn to knit a baby sweater Nov. 28

Learn to knit a baby sweater from the top down from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 28 at the Valley School of Creative Knitting, Hatcherview Business Park. Visit www.valleysock.com for supplies. For more information, email info@valleysock.com.

Kiwanis Club Nov. 30

The Kiwanis Club will meet at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at Turkey Red in Palmer. The speaker this week is Kirby Spangler who will speak about off grid-living.

37th annual Community Advent service is Dec. 1

Celebrate the Advent at 7 p.m., Dec. 1 at the 37th annual Community Advent worship service sponsored by five local churches. The event includes a meal, a combined choir and worship service. An offering will be collected with proceeds benefiting Family Promise of Mat-Su. For more information, call Jonathan Rockey at 841-4066.

'Arnold the Falconer' comes to Palmer

Palmer High Music presents “Arnold the Falconer Part 2.1.03” from Dec. 1 to 4 at the Palmer Presbyterian Church. A five-course meal is accompanied by costumed music and drama. Proceeds to fund music scholarships. Tickets are $20 each, or $35 per couple for a full meal. Wednesday night tickets are $5 for performance and light refreshments. For more information, call 376-1476.

Bake Sale Dec. 4

Primrose Retirement Community will host a bake sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 4. Enjoy the baked goods as well as a variety of craft, themed, and general vendors. For more information, email wasilla@primroseretirement.com.

Cantora Arctica presents Christmas concert Dec. 5

Cantora Arctica presents its annual Christmas concert, “A Rose in Winter,” at 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 5, at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer. The concert includes Randall Thompson’s “The Place of the Blest,” and Z. Randall Stroope’s “There Is No Rose,” as well as other holiday favorites. This concert is conducted by Janet Stotts and accompanied at the piano by Sue An Roesing and by the Fireside Quartet. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Cost is $15 adults and $10 for seniors/children.

Festival of Lights Dec. 10

The Denali Arts Council is hosting the 21st anniversary of the Festival of Lights from 7 to 8 p.m., Dec. 10. This will be a non-denominational celebration of the holiday season complete with a forum for community members to gather, sing seasonal songs, tell stories or recite poems. The event is free, however cans of food will be accepted for The Food Bank. Anyone interested in helping out or participating in the celebration can contact Nick Condon at 355-5382.

Holiday Ball is Dec. 10

Alaska State Fair’s annual Holiday Ball is at 8 p.m., Dec. 10 at Raven Hall on the fairgrounds. Cost is $30 per person or $200 for a table of eight. Tickets are available online at alaskastatefair.org. For more information, or to purchase tickets by phone, call 745-4827.

Christmas Carnival and Bazaar Dec. 11

The Christmas Carnival and Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the AT&T Sports Center on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway. The event includes 45 Alaska vendors, inflatable rides and 12 carnival-style games. For more information, call 841-9396.

Colony Christmas Open House Dec. 11

The Colony House Museum will open its doors from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Dec. 11 as part of Palmer’s community wide Colony Christmas celebration. The museum will be decked out in a style of days past and holiday treats and treasures will be found at the dining room Bake Sale table. Guests will also enjoy caroling around the 1895 Colony family piano. For more information, contact Gerry at 745-1935.

‘Moments in Alaska’ in Talkeetna

The Talkeetna Artists Guild will host Kym Swift’s “Moments in Alaska” from 4 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 11. Her work includes an eight panel salmon run, flora and fauna, and scenes depicting moments in Alaska. This is a free family event and the work will be on display until early January.

'One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest' auditions Dec. 11-12

Valley Performing Arts will be auditioning for “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” from 1 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 11, and 5 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 12 at 251 W. Swanson Ave. in Wasilla. Director Kevin Cochran is looking for 16 actors, men between the ages of 20-60 and women between 20-45 for various roles. Bring a recent photo of yourself to the audition. For more information, contact 373-0195 or visit valleyperformingarts.org.

Steak feed fund-raiser

Pioneer Amateur Hockey Association’s sixth annual steak feed fund-raiser is from noon to 8 p.m., Dec. 12 at the Palmer Moose Lodge, at 110 S. Cobb St. The menu includes New York steak and baked potato, salad and garlic bread. Proceeds benefit the “Gear up for Hockey” program, scholarships for players and also provide team tournament fees.

Christmas Friendship Dinner Dec. 25

The 19th annual Christmas Friendship Dinner is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 25 at the Curtis D. Menard Sports Center. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, along with entertainment and food including turkey, ham and dessert. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 746-1053, or e-mail CFD@mtaonline.net.

Ski and snowboard at Alyeska

Mat-Su Ski and Snowboard Club Inc. (MSSC) is sponsoring a program on alternating Saturdays beginning on Jan. 8 and 15. For $300, participants receive round-trip motorcoach transportation, lift tickets and two lessons for eight outings. Participants requiring rental equipment will be charged an additional $120. Students may participate in both schedules for $550. For more information, e-mail matsusnow@mtaonline.net or visit matsusnow.org.

Mayors’ Ball is Jan. 15

A boroughwide Mayors’ Ball is planned from 8 to 11 p.m., Jan. 15, 2011, at the Palmer Railroad Depot. The Bill Tull Jazz Band will perform and all proceeds benefit Valley food banks. For more information, call 745- 3206.