Classes receive funding

MAT-SU -- A scaled-down version of the old Community Schools program has emerged under a new name, Community Enrichment.

The state used to contribute roughly $40,000 to the Mat-Su Borough School District. That money was combined with another $40,000 from the Mat-Su Borough to fund the Community Schools program, which started in the mid-1980s.

With the passage of last year's House Bill 165, however, the state stopped funding Community Schools, leading to the program's cancellation.

In an effort to revive community education opportunities, the borough took over this year and now funds Community Enrichment with about $40,000.

The new program, however, operates on half the budget that the old Community Schools program had, and volunteer instructors are needed if it is to survive.

"It is very small now," said Linda Brenner, recreation and library services manager for the borough. "At this point there are fees for most classes and we're just hoping they will pay for themselves."

Unlike the former Community Schools, Community Enrichment is run entirely by the borough, rather than through the school district. The borough issues grants to nonprofit groups, which then organize community activities and classes. The school district, however, still continues to provide its facilities for events and classes.

With limited funds, Brenner said most of the Community Enrichment grant money went toward the more rural areas of the borough to service those people who have less access to activities, classes and entertainment opportunities than core area residents.

According to Brenner, most of the Community Enrichment programs throughout the borough are still getting off the ground, as volunteer instructors are continually recruited to run the classes.

So far, Brenner said Talkeetna is the most up to speed, with more volunteers than in other areas of the borough.

Willow starts family open gym nights next week and Trapper Creek is offering up to 11 different classes, depending on the interest and enrollment numbers. Core area residents also have a number of educational options, including: social dance, scuba diving, hockey fundamentals and many others. Brenner said she is working on offering something for Sutton residents soon.

Anyone interested in teaching or attending classes may contact Brenner at 745-9634 for more information.

"The need for recreational and educational opportunities is important, especially in the dark of winter," Brenner said. "It's a way to get involved in the community."

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman

.com.