Local author publishes ‘The Beautiful Matanuska Valley’

MAT-SU — Valley author Helen Hegener has released a new book titled “The Beautiful Matanuska Valley” that showcases the many wonders of the Mat-Su Borough in photos and words.

The book follows on the heals of Hegener’s release last year titled “The Matanuska Colony Barns.” And in 2012, she published a collection of true stories about Alaska sled dogs and their role in development of the north, called “Along Alaskan Trails, Adventures in Sled Dog History.”

She also is the author of “All Alaska Sweepstakes 2008 Centennial Race,” released in 2010, and the DVD “Appetite and Attitude: A Conversation with Lance Mackey,” all of which also are available through her northernlightmedia.com.

The new book is 140 pages and includes stories and photos from the communities of Knik, Sutton, Matanuska, Big Lake, Chickaloon and others that tell the story of the founding, settling and development of the area.

The book also includes information about the Valley’s geography, geology, transportation, agriculture, mining, recreation, tourism and history, and is illustrated by hundreds of full-color photographs.

The paperback volume includes maps, resources and a name and photo index.

Copies cost $29.95, plus $5 postage and handling, and will be signed by the author upon request.

Books are available online at bit.ly/1m9cK11; by email at helenhegener@gmail.com; by mail, send check or money order to Northern Light Media, P.O. Box 298023, Wasilla, AK 99629; and copies will be available from Amazon soon.