More than a Team: New Local Initiative Asks, ‘Where Are U?’ in Community Building
Contributed by Jovan Archuleta
Fresh off a landmark weekend that saw the successful launch of two major events, a new community-focused business, T.E.A.M.S. Events & Experiences, is rolling out a suite of tools designed to connect and empower Mat-Su Valley and Anchorage residents. But the launch is more than a business plan; it's a call to action, encapsulated by a simple, powerful slogan: 'There is no 'I' in T.E.A.M.S.; it's also missing you.'
The new venture is introducing two core components aimed at strengthening community bonds:
Link Tree Orchard: A metaphorical 'orchard' where community projects and ideas can be planted, nurtured, and grown with collective support. This platform will serve as an incubator for grassroots initiatives, providing a space for collaboration and resource sharing.
The Community Calendar: A comprehensive, user-friendly calendar that consolidates events from across the region, ensuring no one misses out on opportunities to engage, from festivals and workshops to volunteer efforts and local markets.
Together they form a centralized hub designed to connect individuals with local groups, businesses, and resources, making it easier than ever to find your niche in the community.
The initiative's core philosophy—that the community is incomplete without the active participation of its members—was vividly illustrated this past weekend at the Special Olympics Alaska State Summer Games.
'The spirit of the entire games was just incredible,' says the project's founder, who also served as a powerlifting coach at the event. 'You had track and field athletes competing with pure joy in the pouring rain, and swimmers and basketball players giving it their all indoors. But the powerlifting event held a particularly powerful metaphor for what we want to build in our community.'
'In powerlifting,' he explains, 'you cannot succeed without being willing to fail. To hit a new personal record, you have to attempt a weight that you have never lifted before. The moment of a missed lift isn't a defeat; it's a data point for growth, and the entire room erupts in encouragement. Everyone celebrates the courage of the attempt. That is the exact energy a strong community needs. The aim is to help support a community that encourages people to try big things, to risk failure, and to know that if they fall short, a crowd of supporters will be there to cheer them on and help them get ready for the next attempt.'
How to Get Involved: Your Community is Missing “U”,
Ready to answer the call? There are immediate opportunities for all ages to get involved and experience the power of community firsthand:
Celebrate Freedom and Culture at Juneteenth: Join the vibrant, citywide Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 14th, 2025, at the Delaney Park Strip in Anchorage. This is a day of joy, reflection, and unity, with incredible food, music, and cultural performances. For a truly special experience, commemorate the day with a visit to the Princess VIP photobooth.
Experience the Alaska Scottish Highland Games: Get ready for a thrilling weekend of culture and strength! The annual Highland Games take place on Saturday, June 28th, and Sunday, June 29th, at the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer. Watch impressive heavy athletics like the caber toss, enjoy the powerful sounds of pipe and drum bands, and be captivated by traditional Highland dancing. It's a fantastic, family-friendly celebration of Scottish heritage.
Support Local Markets & Makers: Discover the creative heart of our community. Events like the Unicorn Fest at Black Birch Books in Wasilla showcase local artisans and small businesses. Don't miss the weekly Friday Fling in Palmer and the Anchorage weekend Markets & Festivals where you can find everything from handcrafted goods to local produce.
Hit the Pitch with Alaska Rugby: The local rugby scene is thriving. Alaska Youth Rugby offers programs for kids, while the Alaska Rugby Union governs the men's and women's clubs. All eyes are on the legendary Midnight Sun Sevens tournament in Anchorage, taking place June 20th and 21st—a world-famous event featuring teams playing under the solstice sun.
· Support Youth Summer Camps: Our community's future is in its youth. Consider volunteering or supporting local summer camps. Reach 907 is running therapeutic, trauma-informed day camps throughout the summer for at-risk youth. Youth 360 offers a dynamic summer day camp for Mat-Su youth in grades 6-12, providing a safe and engaging space for teens. Thrive Mat-Su is actively providing activities for kids and teens. Look for them at local events.
Enjoy free Music: Attend Wasilla’s Music in the Park, Head to Palmer's Friday Fling, spend a Night at the Farm, or look for other local parks hosting free, family-friendly concert series featuring live music, food trucks, and local vendors. These are perfect, low-pressure ways to get out and connect.
This new initiative is more than a business; it's an invitation. An invitation to step out, to participate, and to prove that the strength of our community is the sum of us all. It's a reminder that the team is never complete, because it's 'missing you.'