Singin' for a reason

Valley Life editor

For Nancy Binder, being 70 isn't a drawback -- it's a starting point.

Binder, a Willow resident, recently released a gospel CD -- her first ever -- at age 70. She is giving them away for free, saying that money isn't why she and her singers did it in the first place.

"I don't want any money from it. These songs are given to me in the Spirit of the Lord. There's a blessing in each one of them, and money gets in the way of those blessings."

Binder wrote all the songs on "Call Out The Fire." She is joined on the CD by singers B.J. Eldred, Charlotte Amon, Lida Mayo and Carol Wilkie, as well as her son, Michael.

Music has always been a part of Binder's life, ever since she was a kid, she said. The idea to put together her songs on a CD is part of a higher plan, she said.

"The music belongs to God. He's just giving them to me on loan," Binder said.

Binder started playing at Willow United Methodist Church about three years ago. She met Donna Martin, then the pastor, who asked her to come and sing in church. Martin was leaving Willow United Methodist, and Binder's decision to join the church hinged on one thing -- how the new pastor was.

"I said if the new pastor is filled with the Spirit, I'll stay," Binder said. "When I got here, the love was so strong. So strong. It took my breath away. I had to go outside three times to catch my breath because the love was so strong. There were total strangers -- total strangers -- coming up to me and hugging me. I knew then that I was supposed to be here."

Doug Thiener, owner of The Rock Shop in Willow, heard Binder singing and asked her when they were going to record a CD.

This summer, Thiener kept urging Binder to records a CD, and even offered to do the recording for no charge. Binder said that was her sign from God that she needed to do it.

"I thought, 'I'm 70 and it hasn't happened yet, is it ever going to happen?'" Binder said. "And now I'm 70, and it's happening."

It's been a long road to 70 for Binder. She came to Alaska with her husband four decades ago, with the Flying Farmers organization. She said she fell in love with Alaska right away, but her family returned home to Kansas after a year.

"When we were in Kansas we said we're selling out and moving to Alaska. When we got here that time, I knew that I was staying for good. This place draws you like a magnet," Binder said. "I've never loved a place like I love this place. It's all here for me."

Binder finally settled in Willow. She is actively involved in the church, and obviously enjoys music and helping others musically.

"If you want to sing, we'll find a place for you," she said. "It may not be in the harmony, but we'll find a spot for you."

Her dedication doesn't go unnoticed by her fellow Willow residents, either.

"Nancy is a great community member who is always looking to help anyone who needs it," said Wanetta Redmond, one of Binder's friends. "She is such a neat lady. She gives and gives and gives. She didn't even charge people for the CD."

Binder said she receives more than money could ever buy from her actions.

"I'm doing all this stuff for Him, and that becomes the glory for me," Binder said. "I call every song a fallout from His glory. Those songs are just small parts of His glory."

Binder has given away all of the CDs already, but she said people can buy them from The Rock Shop -- no money goes to Binder, it only covers the cost of making them, she noted.