Soul Street Dance Company’s Breakin’ Backwards: A Celebration of History, Music & Dance 

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Contributed by Nick McDermott 

Breakin’ Backwards: A Celebration of History, Music & Dance
11/2/2019 - 7:30PM
Alaska Junior Theater & Soul Street Dance Company

Atwood Concert Hall

621 W 6th Ave. Ste. #ACH, Anchorage
Tickets: $24.75-$33.75

Alaska Junior Theater presents Soul Street Dance Company’s Breakin’ Backwards on November 2, 2019 at 7:30pm in the Atwood Concert Hall.

Fusing hip-hop styles of breakin’, poppin’ and lockin’ with modern dance and a spark of theatrical flair, Soul Street Dance Company’s (Houston, Texas) comic delivery and sheer physicality are a hit with audiences of all ages. Their technical and artistic skills, stage presence and wit blow away the competition and allow them to push the performance envelope to amazing new heights, just like their impressive hip-hop acrobatics.

With Breakin’ Backwards, Soul Street’s dancers showcase impressive moves and choreography by incorporating different styles of street dance with traditional and classical styles of popular dance throughout the decades. Watch as they elevate and incorporate hip-hop elements including DJ, M.C., BBOY, GRAFFITI, Poppin’, Beat Boxing, Power Moves and Brazilian Capoeira. 

Great dancing needs great music and be ready for a soundtrack of the ages including Vivaldi, Jimmie Thomas, Count Basie, Elvis Presley, Henry Mancini, Debussy, the Temptations, Michael Jackson, Aerosmith and more. 

Alaska Junior Theater presents Soul Street Dance Company’s Breakin’ Backwards on November 2, 2019 at 7:30pm. in the Atwood Concert Hall. Tickets are available at 907-263-ARTS or www.akjt.org.

Art Show & Open House: Art Enriches Our Lives 

Contributed by Janice Downing

 Art Show & Open House
11/7/2019 – 1PM
Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska
Mat-Su Health Foundation
777 N Crusey St. Ste. #B101
FREE Event

“Creativity makes life more fun and interesting.” – Edward de Bono

Creating art is an important part of our Art Links program sponsored by Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska. Each week, we enrich the lives of people living with dementia and their care partners, who often experience social isolation, by fostering their creativity and connecting them with others.

Dementia impacts a person’s life in many ways, such as their memory, communication ability, attention and judgement, but it does not rob a person’s feelings and experiences, their imagination and creativity.  These qualities are always reflected in our weekly art projects.

You are cordially invited to our Art Show and Open House on Thursday, November 7th, from 1:00pm-4:00pm. Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska is located in the Mat-Su Health Foundation building at 777 N Crusey Street, Suite B101. Refreshments and snacks will be available.

Using art as a way to express feelings and experiences makes life interesting and fun! Come and celebrate with us! 

Meet Local Artist Sandra Falkner Chandler

Contributed by Charice Chambers

For Sandra Falkner Chandler it wasn’t a special revelation or anything terribly overwhelming that compelled her to constantly doodle with brush, pen or chalk. She simply had the desire to record the beauty that surrounded her. Originally from Florida, Chandler was surrounded with lush vibrant vegetation that drenched her senses and filled her sketch books. A move to Alaska simply intensified her desire to interpret those surroundings and increased her drive to record all that she experienced.

Chandler believes that art is an expression, an interpretation of that which the senses perceive.  Art is method for giving placement to and making sense of one’s experiences and observations. Art can be healing, and to that end Chandler has spent time as an art therapist working with troubled individuals. Through artistic creation many clients are able to examine their interpretation of the world around themselves. The artistic results are often gratifying.

Chandler’s own art runs the gamut, from iconic vistas of fireweed swaying in the breeze to a rustic trapper whose lined face and other worldly eyes reflect the joy, the pain, and the lonliness of living on the last frontier. In her composition “Old Dog” she vividly depicts the aging faithful sled dog that, though it can no longer pull the sled, still rises to its call. He rides, gently cradled, in the sled basket, a spot his musher has reserved for him alone. Then there is the “Running Wolf” who races to his den as a helicopter swoops low overhead and hunters prepare to shoot his comrades. While others scatter to the safety of the brush, he dies trying to protect his young. His single-minded determination is etched in his face as he falls to the bullets from above.

Chandler does not limit herself to a single medium, but works in pen and ink, pastel, acrylic, oil, charcoal and watercolor, giving her great versatility. Her pen and ink “Fly Fishing” captures both the excitement and grace of casting a line into a raging river.  Her use of cross-hatching in many of her pen and ink compositions exhibits the complexity of her designs.

“The Eternal Triangle” is one of her most popular compositions. In black and white, this unusual print focuses on three ravens at close range—just their heads.

Ravens mate for life.  The first two in this piece are a couple. Moving in from outside is the new suitor attempting to usurp the primary male’s position. The piece is stark and powerful, and must be seen. Chandler has also created a series depicting village life as viewed through the eyes of Alaskan Native women.

Sandra Falkner Chandler’s prints are currently available at Matsu Senior Services Gift Shop. Drop by and make one of her prints your own. Several of her pieces are included in the shop’s annual Permanent Fun Sale that continues throughout the month of October.

Located at 1132 South Chugach Street in Palmer across from Palmer Junior Middle School, the gift shop is open to both seniors and the public Monday through Friday from 10 am to 2 pm. 

Adopt Anley

 

Contributed by Kelleigh Orthmann, Clear Creek Cat Rescue 

Love in a pretty package. That's Anley. She's a soft, silky, ebony girl with a chocolate ruff and an adorable face. Slim, trim, little girl, big with affection. She is maybe 8 or 9 years old.

Anley loves a lap. She loves being petted. She loves keeping you warm on cold nights and making music with her contented purrs. And she would LOVE to share her life with a loving family. She causes no trouble whatsoever, very well-behaved. Her goal is to snuggle-up, purr and catch a good nap, preferably with loved ones.

She can tolerate other cats, but would prefer that they stay out of her bubble.

She hopes to find a happy family with whom she can add her special kind of joy - make things in your life better, sweeter, brighter. If you're looking for an easy-to-love, cuddly ray of happiness, Anley is your girl.

In Houston. Call 315-9510.

Adopt Gigi

Contributed by Kalleigh Orthmann, Clear Creek Cat Rescue

 “Hi! My name is Gigi!

I am a young boy, sleek and utterly gorgeous. I have tons of energy and love romping around the house playing. I love being played with. I get along well with gentle dogs and other kitty friends. I'll curl up and sleep at your feet in bed like I do now in the various beds of my foster's house. When I'm in need of pets and attention, I'll come to you and wind around your legs while I purr and meow. I'm still a little skittish and will need patience, but I can assure you I'll be a wonderful kitty friend.”

Gigi is about 9 months old.

In Wasilla. Call 980-8898

Meet Gaia

Contributed by Angie Lewis, Alaska Animal Advocates

This little bit is Gaia. She is AMAZING. She's sweet, she listens, she snuggles, she gets along with all animals, and is great off-leash. Gaia would love to have someone who is home all day, so she can be in their lap! She is very much a companion dog; she just wants to love and be loved. She enjoys bones and chew toys and isn't afraid to play with the big dogs. Gaia is piddle pad-trained, but prefers to go outside. 

Call Angie at Alaska Animal Advocates at 841-3173 or e-mail us at akaarescue@hotmail.com

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Alaska Downgraded Due to Lack of Progress in Shared Parenting Efforts

Contributed by David Vesper, Fathers’ Rights Movement

Not much has changed in statutes since the National Parents Organization issued a “B” to Alaska in its 2014 Shared Parenting Report Card.

Currently, “Neither parent … is entitled to preference in awarding custody,” under a state statute, still egalitarian due to its referred gender neutral language. Also, Alaskan “courts may award shared physical custody” as long as the court can determine a 10-point factor. However, the lack of presumption, either in a policy statement or statutory requirements in temporary or final orders, is still nonexistent. Therefore, egalitarian outcomes of presumptive 50/50 shared physical custody are not assured despite allowed in Alaska.

Alaska also falls behind the times.

Today, dual-income families, regardless of marital status, are the norm rather than the exception. Parents are trending away from marriage and more towards co-habitation. According to the Pew Research Center, fathers are spending more time with their children than previous generations. The correlation of dual-income families and increased father involvement in child-rearing responsibilities indicates the traditional dichotic gender roles are on the decline and shared parenting duties are the norm in today’s households.

However, when unmarried parents separate or were never entered into a loving relationship, fathers must petition the court for custodial/visitation rights under state statute. The rebuttable presumption of shared physical custody does not apply to unmarried parents as well.

Domestic violence is a predominant issue in Alaska.

Courts shall consider “any evidence of domestic violence… or a history of violence between the parents” when determining child custody. In April 2018, Kentucky passed the first-in-the-nation “shared parenting law” with the passage of HB 528. After 12 months of full implementation of HB 528, there are early indications of success in reducing domestic violence incidents. Kentucky has had a significant drop of domestic violence claims and more than an 11% decline of new cases of child custody in court filings from May 2018 through May 2019.  

The “friendly parent factor” also contributed to the early success, allowing the judge “to consider which parent would be more likely to help the other have a meaningful relationship with the child.” This soft-touch approach considers parenting time more valuable than the financial aspects, which can be contentious at times, of parenting. Alaska can benefit from this approach given the early positive outcomes of Kentucky’s shared parenting law.

As a result of the lack of progress in shared parenting legislation, Alaska has earned a downgraded C+ grade in the 2019 Shared Parenting Report Card. But, there is hope for Alaska. In March 2019, Rep. George Rauscher introduced the HB 85 Shared Parenting bill. In its current form, Alaska’s shared parenting bill mimics much of the same language as Kentucky’s successful shared parenting law. If successful in passage of its current form, HB 85 calls for the rebuttable presumption of 50/50 shared physical custody, presumes both parents equal regardless of marital status, intends to encourage mediation for parents in determining their own parenting schedule, and can reduce the plague of domestic violence in the state.

Research and evidence show the benefits for children in shared parenting situations and Kentucky is proving it. Alaska needs to progress forward - not backward.

About David:
David Vesper is the state director for the non-profit, Alaska Fathers’ Rights Movement, and the regional director for the Fathers’ Rights Movement West Region. He is a retired Army combat veteran and graduated in 2018 from the University of Alaska-Anchorage with a degree in international studies with a focus on global social science track and minors in political science and history.

 

 

 

Help Close Board of Massage 

Contributed by Daniel N. Russell 

Imposition of a state board of massage therapists is an overreach of government power, without due cause. Please, help close this board of massage therapists and repeal associated statutes establishing it in 2015. Let our people free to run their businesses as they see fit.

A state board regulating massage is wrong for Alaska for the following reasons:

1.     First, there has never been shown any danger to people from massage. In a free society, one should not impose any board of regulation, unless there is demonstrated a clear and imminent danger to people without it. That is the gold standard. Have you ever heard of anyone seriously injured from a massage? How absurd!

2.     Second, with hundreds of small towns and villages spread all over Alaska up to a thousand miles away from any massage schools, national board exam, CPR and CEU providers, it is an undue burden and cost to force our people to travel such great distances and to live in Anchorage to attend such schools for two years to get all these diplomas and certifications, just to be able to provide massages back in their home towns and villages. To boot, this board has just increased massage school diploma requirements from 500 hours to 620 hours and 16 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) hours to renew, and they require new CPR training every two years, fingerprints and passing a national board exam - all at great cost! How wrong!

3.     Third, when massage licenses were regulated by local municipalities, like Anchorage, license fees were $100.; but now, this state board of massage therapists forces us to spend over $1000, when all those extra requirements that I mentioned above are included. So, most people in rural towns and villages and semi-retired people, with few customers, cannot afford this state massage license. They have put all these people out of business!

4.     Fourth, under cover of massage, prostitution has skyrocketed, since this board of massage therapists has taken control because they cannot regulate it from Juneau. Almost every massage shop is a brothel! [See: https://adultsearch.com/alaska/anchorage/erotic-massage-parlor] It seems, prostitutes and their pimps are now the only ones who can afford the fees, lawyers, and translators that it takes to get a massage license! We did a much better job when local government issued massage licenses.

5.     Fifth, Municipality of Anchorage used to issue a massage license within two weeks, but now the state board of massage therapists can take up to two years or more, with appeals, lawyers, translators, required letters and verifications from other states, fingerprints, FBI background checks, etc.! They hold people in limbo, without any ability to feed their families for years!

So, please, ask your state representatives and senators to introduce legislation to close the Board of Massage Therapists and repeal associated state statutes and to return control of massage to local governments to regulate it, or not, as their people see fit.

The Recycle Revival Music Festival - A New Tradition!

 

Contributed by Randi Perlman, VCRS Board V.P.

On a fine fall Saturday in late September, at one of the most scenic venues in the Valley, a first-ever event became a magical moment in time and spread joy to all who attended.

 The 1st Annual Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) Recycle Revival Music Festival at Settlers Bay Golf Course welcomed about 200 people from the Mat-Su, Homer, Anchorage, Denali and from out-of-state as well. Guests were treated to a full day of some of the best music the Valley has to offer from seven fantastic local bands, with a choice of covered/heated seating under the pergola or outdoor seats and blankets around the scattered fire pits. There was food and drink, of course, a silent auction, vendor tables, an education area with “make & take” recyclable arts and crafts, silent auction tables to peruse and kids’ activities, like a bouncy house and face-painting.

This family-oriented, dog-friendly event was the last music festival of another sensational season at Settlers Bay Golf Course, and instantly became a fan-favorite that will be one of their highly-anticipated annual events going forward.

Funds raised at the Recycle Revival Music Fest will support the recently-launched VCRS Sustain Campaign to raise money that will serve as a financial safety-net, covering operations when the markets experience a downturn (as they are right now), as well as when unexpected events occur, such as equipment failures. With its building and new baler, VCRS is ready and able to handle much more cleaned and sorted material than the amount it now collects, so it can meet the demands of the Valley’s rapid growth for years to come, making it a great investment in our community’s economic future as well as its environmental health and beauty!

As many of you know, VCRS long-time executive director and founding member, Mollie Boyer, has recently retired. Throughout her 22 years in that position, Mollie has been the steadfast, determined, passionate face and voice of VCRS, guiding the organization through all of its phases to our permanent location and LEED Gold, fully-equipped and functional building, always keeping the ship on course towards fulfilling its mission and vision. In that same steadfast and determined fashion, Mollie is now battling cancer, responding well to recent surgery and treatments, and teaching her doctors, nurses, and therapists all about proper recycling…!

The outpouring of love and support for Mollie was palpable and clearly evident at the Recycle Revival Music Fest, adding that magical feel to a day of even more than support for the worthy cause of, and growing belief in, recycling. Our new executive director, Steve Brown, was introduced and did a great job juggling the numerous challenges of orchestrating such a large event. In addition to the many VCRS friends and local supporters that turned out, 20 members of Mollie’s large, extended family from around Alaska and the Lower 48 descended upon the event to honor Mollie and her indomitable spirit by dancing as though no one was watching and bidding frequently at the silent auction tables.  As Mollie would say, and as they all proved, “Life is an adventure…!”

Thanks to the generous support of our host, sponsors, bands, attendees, donors and volunteers, $13,000 was raised for the VCRS Sustain Campaign, causing Mollie to flash one of her larger-than-life smiles. 

Plans are already in the works to make next year’s Recycle Revival even more incredible and well-attended, and of course, we hope Mollie can be there to dance with us. 

Please SAVE THE DATE of Saturday, September 26, 2020 and plan to join us as we celebrate recycling in the Mat-Su Valley, in Alaska, and around the world.  Feel free to share this information far and wide.

*THIS IS TRULY A MUSIC FESTIVAL FOR THE LONG-TERM GOOD OF ALL…!*

United for You: Updates from Your United Way of Mat-Su

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Contributed by Michele Harmeling, United Way of Mat-Su

 Fall Drug Take-Back Day
10/26/2019 – 10AM
United Way of Mat-Su
Fred Meyer (Palmer & Wasilla)

Sunshine Community Health Center (Talkeetna)
FREE Event

Early Childhood Partnership of Mat-Su & Palmer Parents Group Play Time
Every Wednesday – 10AM

Early Childhood Partnership of Mat-Su & Palmer Parents Group
Mat-Su Borough Gym
350 E Dahlia Ave. Palmer
FREE Event

Campaign Kickoff Event:

Thank you to all who attended our recent Campaign Kickoff Event!

We were honored to present the 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award to Christine Greco, and our 2019 Dorothy A. Jones Lifetime Achievement Award to Fred Van Wallinga. These two outstanding Valley residents have demonstrated service above and beyond in our community, and we are so thankful for their hard work.

Our 2019 Pacesetter Award, for a local business whose contributions have impacted the Valley, was presented to MTA, whose stalwart partnership and generosity make such a difference around the Mat-Su.

Hearty congratulations and thanks to our other nominees: Madeline Emmi, Teresa Martinez, Annie Heffele, Michael Carson and Sharon Peek. And, of course, to all who give so freely of their time and energy throughout the year to help us build a better Mat-Su!

Fall Drug Take-Back Day:
Fall Drug Take-Back Day is Saturday, October 26th. Bring your unused, expired medications to an official Take-Back location and help reduce prescription drug abuse, keep neighborhoods safe and our waterways clean!

10am-2pm

Fred Meyer (Palmer & Wasilla)

Sunshine Community Health Center (Talkeetna)

Medications, including vitamins and pet meds, may be dropped off in original container or by emptying it directly into disposal box. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain tightly sealed in original container. Syringes and medical waste cannot be accepted due to potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens. Questions? Please call (907) 861-8557 or email mmiller@matsugov.us.

Early Childhood Partnership of Mat-Su & Palmer Parents Group Play Time:

Join the Early Childhood Partnership of Mat-Su and Palmer Parents Group for a FREE play time at the Borough Gym! Children, ages 5 and under, welcome with parental supervision. This play time is designed to build connections between caregivers, promote social-emotional growth, and to become a platform for discussion about early childhood offerings, activities and ideas from community members.

BYO toys are welcome with safety first as a caveat (ie; no scooters, bicycles, Nerf guns or toys with small parts). Every Wednesday, beginning October 16th, from 10am-12pm, at 350 E. Dahlia Ave, Palmer.

Questions? Interested in becoming a parent volunteer? Please call (907) 745-5824 or email admin@unitedwaymatsu.org.

Are You Ready For Your Homeschooling Adventure? 

Contributed by Kim Bergey, Raven Homeschool

 Here are the top 15 tips to having a grand homeschool adventure!

1.     The fact that you are the child’s parent makes you the MOST qualified to be their teacher.  

2.     Enthusiasm: Bring yours! Encourage your children to bring theirs! This willingness and eagerness to learn will serve you well as you learn the best ways to teach your children. It will serve your children well as they get to dig into learning the things they love.

3.     Know your philosophy as homeschooling parents. You must be unwavering in your commitment to successfully educating your children. Your commitment to excellence will help to focus your children on their learning.

4.     Recognize your limitations. Homeschool requires plenty of effort (aka hard work) as you and your children strive to develop skills and achieve goals. It requires discipline as parents are required to determine the amount of time spent on instruction and putting in the effort. Likewise, homeschooling parents are responsible to ensure their children have self-discipline to ensure they do not experience the same pressures they are looking to change by homeschooling while at the same time instilling work ethic and participation.

5.     Realize children are messy, beautiful human beings. Therefore, remember to be patient, supportive and have clear boundaries.

6.     Home education does not need to look perfect, but it must be flexible because each one of your children is unique and learns differently.

7.     Move forward with grace and love as your children will sometimes struggle. They just need your love, patience, dedication and support to make progress.

8.     Structure and routine help to take the pressure off, so do your part and include your children in setting up the routine of your school day and let them know of changes so they know what to expect.

9.     Avoid comparing where you are with where others are. Each of us works or learns at our own pace and perfection is not necessary.

10.  Following through with the curricula is key to success.  Switching curricula all the time creates holes in student learning as each curriculum is set up with a different scope and sequence. Once you find what works best for your student, then stick with it!

11.  Use all the tools at your disposal. Alaska homeschooling families are very fortunate to have access to family allotments, local experts, along with having access to a lot of homeschooling websites and bloggers.

12.  Give it your best as homeschooling is hard work, but well worth every minute. Your adventurous spirit will serve you well. You will work harder than you thought possible, experience immeasurable rewards, encounter challenges and most importantly, experience the joy of helping your children learn all they need to and more!

13.  You are enough because nobody loves your child like you do.

14.  Go obtain wisdom from people who have homeschooled and don’t be too proud to ask a million and one questions! 

 15.  Homeschooling parents who are committed, hard-working and utilize effective teaching methods can make their homeschooling venture a valuable and enlightening GRAND adventure for their children!

Brews & Boos at 2019 Mighty Monster Boo Brewfest 

Mighty Monster Boo Brewfest on October 26th at the Alaska State Fairgrounds

Contributed by Melissa Keefe

2019 Mighty Monster Boo Brewfest
10/26/2019 – 6PM
Alaska State Fair, Inc.
Raven Hall, Alaska State Fairgrounds
2075 Glenn Hwy. Palmer
Tickets: $35 Reg./$10 Designated Driver

Like Halloween? Love great beer?

Then don’t miss the Mighty Monster Boo Brewfest (aka Mighty Matanuska Brewfest) at the Alaska State Fair! The popular annual brewfest, sanctioned by the Brewers Guild of Alaska and supported by KAYO, takes place Saturday, October 26th, from 6pm-10pm, at Raven Hall at the fairgrounds.

There will be plenty of brews and Halloween fun at this year’s event, which will feature beers and brewers from the Mat-Su Valley, across Alaska and around the world. Among the featured local breweries are 49th State Brewing Co., Alaska Ciderworks, Alaskan Brewing Co., Arkose Brewery, Bear Paw River Brewing Co. Bleeding Heart Brewery, Denali Brewing Co., Gakona Brewing Co., Girdwood Brewing Co., Glacier Brewhouse, Kassik’s Brewery, Kenai River Brewing Co., King Street Brewing Co., Last Frontier Brewing Co., Matanuska Brewing Co. and Midnight Sun Brewing Co.

In celebration of Halloween weekend, there will be a new, faster format for the costume contest with great prizes beginning at 8:45pm. Live music by Nervis Rex starts at 7pm. and a silent auction is also on the agenda for the evening. There will be beer-friendly food available for purchase.

Tickets are now available on the Alaska State Fair website, as well as at Vagabond Blues, Three Bears on Palmer-Wasilla and at the new Palmer location and Purple Moose Espresso. Each $35 ticket comes with 20 3-ounce beer samples. Designated driver tickets are also available for $10 and includes a non-alcoholic beverage. Convenience fees apply.

All attendees, including designated drivers, must be 21+ and show a valid ID. Brewfest patrons are reminded to plan in advance for a safe ride home by lining up a designated driver or planning to call a taxi.

 For more information, please visit www.alaskastatefair.org or contact Melissa Keefe, Alaska State Fair marketing and communications manager, at mk@alaskastatefair.org or 907.745.4827.

Mat-Su Orchestra & Recycling Center Join Forces To Honor Our Veterans

 

Contributed by Randi Perlman, VCRS Board V.P.

 Mat-Su Orchestra Veteran’s Day Celebration Concert
11/10/2019 – 3PM
Mat-Su Orchestra & Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS)
The Glenn Massay Theater

8295 E College Dr. Palmer

FREE Event, Donations Welcome

Each year on Monday, November 11th, our nation joins together in honoring and remembering all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. 

This year, on Sunday, November 10th, the Matanuska-Susitna Orchestra (MSO) will join forces with Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) to produce a memorable concert with a Veterans Day-theme.

This special, heartfelt concert will take place at The Glenn Massay Theater on the University of Alaska’s Mat-Su campus. This beautiful facility is able to host a variety of events such as plays, lectures, conferences, competitions, movie screenings, benefits and concerts. 

The event on November 10th will partner the fabulous Mat-Su Orchestra with our Valley Recycling Center for a benefit concert that is free to the public. The theater is a venue for education and entertainment that can help to strengthen, engage and empower the community, and what better way to utilize its unique features than to do that through the power, meaning and importance of music and recycling.  The Glenn Massay seats 520 guests, and for the opportunity to hear this talented orchestra while supporting recycling in the Valley, we are hoping to fill every seat in the house!

The concert begins at 3:00pm. Since proceeds from the concert will benefit VCRS, there will be a silent auction and bake sale in the lobby, and donations will be gratefully accepted after the show. Please bring your family and friends with you, and come early to bid on your favorite items. Help sustain YOUR Valley Recycling Center while enjoying an afternoon of inspiring music and honoring our service members.

With its building and new baler, VCRS is ready and able to handle much more cleaned and sorted material than the amount it now collects – so it can meet the demands of the Valley’s rapid growth for years to come, making it a great investment in our community’s economic future as well as its environmental health and beauty! VCRS is grateful for its partnership with the MSO, and proud to be a part of its Veterans Day-themed special presentation!

Mat-Su Orchestra Veteran’s Day Celebration Concert

Contributed by Stacy Dunleavy  

Mat-Su Orchestra Veteran’s Day Celebration Concert

11/10/2019 – 3PM
Mat-Su Orchestra & Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS)
The Glenn Massay Theater

8295 E College Dr. Palmer

FREE Event, Donations Welcome

Are you looking for a free, fun, family-friendly weekend activity that supports our local community?

The Mat-Su Orchestra is presenting a Veteran’s Day Celebration Concert on Sunday, November 10th at 3:00pm at The Glenn Massay Theater in Palmer. There is no cost for admission and this is an event for people of all ages.

The Mat-Su Orchestra will present musical selections for you to enjoy and celebrate our veterans. As always, the orchestra will be collecting donations to support a local organization. This concert will benefit Valley Community for Recycling Solutions.

Come out to enjoy wonderful music and support recycling in the Valley! 

 

Secondhand Smoke & Pets 

Contributed by Angie Lewis, Alaska Animal Advocates   

We have all heard about the negative effects regarding secondhand smoke and humans. Secondhand smoke is even more dangerous for our pets. Pets spend more time in our homes than we do and are therefore at greater risk than we are.  Environmental smoke causes respiratory disease, allergies, cancer, eye and skin disease, pneumonia and heart issues. This smoke comes from the burning cigarette and from smoke that has been exhaled by the smoker.

Cats are known for their frequent grooming, which causes problems when the carcinogens in the smoke settles on their fur and is then ingested. This exposes the membranes in the cat’s mouth and can cause oral cancer. Another thing to keep in mind, is that cats groom other cats as well as themselves, so this allows for even more exposure. Studies have shown that cats who live in smoking households actually have nicotine and other toxins in their urine. These cats often die from carcinoma.

Dogs who live in households where smoking occurs fare a bit better than cats, because they go outside and get bathed more often. However, they too suffer from lung cancer and develop allergies more often. These poor critters do not have a long-life expectancy. This is even more common for long-nosed dogs, as they have a larger surface area in their noses. Short-nosed dogs have the problem of having carcinogens traveling to their lungs at a higher rate.

Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems and therefore easily develop pneumonia, as well as lung cancer. Birds who sit on the hands of smoking family members often causes the bird to cough, wheeze and pull out their own feathers.

A new phenomenon, third-hand smoke, is the toxic mixtures of gases and particles that adhere to furniture, clothing and carpeting. So, even if you smoke outside, your pets will still suffer negative health consequences. 

There are some things you can do to protect your pets. The most obvious is to stop smoking. While quitting, try to smoke outside; get an air purifier; wash your hands and hair frequently, particularly after smoking; change your clothing after smoking; brush and bathe your pets frequently; keep your ashtrays clean; and, dispose of nicotine products. Bring your pets for veterinary exams frequently. 

Quitting smoking is challenging, but very much worth the effort. If you are not willing to stop for your own health, please stop for your pet’s health. There are many strategies and medications to assist you on this venture.

Ode to the Mountain Man

Contributed by Robert Jaro (a.k.a. The Old Mountain Man)

The call of many mountains,

Was one that he must heed;

Ne’er a day went by

That they spoke not.

 

Come be with us and

Walk our slopes -

Gaze upon our beauty;

We will always be here

awaiting you.

 

When the winter snows clothe

Us with their blanket,

We still call you.

When the days are short

And the air is chilled

We still beckon and greet you.

 

 When summer is nigh and

Our blanket departs,

We await our mantle of blossoms

That grace our slopes.

Our beauty is eternal and our

Call is always there

The Dragon Bird

Contributed by Robert Jaro

 Once upon a time, long, long ago in a land far away, there lived two beautiful princesses. They were known through-out the land for their great beauty and their incredible valor. They had defeated entire armies with their trusty lances, and no one dared come up against them. They lived alone in the mountains and ate very special berries that gave them their enormous strength and courage.

One day, they heard about an enormous bird which lived neat a waterfall in a hidden valley in the mountains. They were told that the bird had a huge head and a mouth filled with fearsome teeth and enormous talons on its feet, and that it killed and ate everyone who tried to come near the waterfall.

There was a story about a huge amount of gold that was in a pool below the waterfall and no one could come near it. The princesses decided one day to go to the valley and defeat the dragon bird which guarded the treasure and take it for themselves. They asked an old mountain man who lived nearby to take them to the mysterious waterfall, but he told them that he was afraid of the giant dragon bird and would only take them to the waterfall if they promised to give him one half of the gold and protect him from the fearsome bird.

They both agreed to his requests. They sharpened their lances and checked their armor. They ate many, many berries to give them courage, and gave some to the old mountain man as well. The three of them departed for the hidden valley with the waterfall and the gold. As they neared the fabled falls no giant bird appeared, so they warily went to the pool and filled their packs with the heavy, precious metals. They were hurrying away when suddenly, out of nowhere, came the bird with a horrible rushing sound like a powerful wind and an ear-splitting shrieking sound with flames shooting out of its mouth. 

The Princesses, brave as they were, stood petrified for an instant and suddenly for the first time in their lives, they turned and ran back up the mountain in such haste that the dragon bird, quick as he was, was unable to catch them. And while they were running, they threw the gold out of the packs to hasten their flight. It is still there to this day.

The giant bird suddenly diminished in size until it became a little larger than a robin and huddled near the old mountain man, who was awed by all he had seen and heard, so he comforted the gallant princesses and led them to safety where they all lived happily ever after.

To The Pastor & His Sons

Contributed by Robert Jaro

On a hot summer’s day

They were making their way

Up to the Pinochle Trail;

The Packsaddle’s Horn,

Looking far and forlorn,

Was the goal they had come to assail.

 

The slopes became steeper,

The valleys were deeper,

when what to their gaze should appear;

But that fabulous Horn,

Rising high in the morn,

Declaring there’s not much to fear;

 

 Yet steep as it seems,

And all beyond means,

There’s a way up, the Pastor decried;

A shimmering beacon was guiding the deacon,

Towards the path up the slope he had spied;

 

The Lord who led Moses,

And never reposes

Was there to act as a guide;

He’s done all the labor

Now like a good neighbor,

The Lord meets you the rest at his side;

 

It’s not by our trying,

Or doing or dying,

It’s just by the life that he gave -

He wants us to know,

And just rightly so,

It’s us that he wanted to save.

 

By Robert Jaro

7-11-2002

 

 

Trapped in a Cage

Contributed by Charles Dean Walker

Trapped in a cage, no escape. Tears beneath the skin.

 Ceaseless pain. Lord show me the light. Help to release me.

 Is Heaven real? It is dark down here. Savior, do prayers reach you?

 Are you there? Is it dust to dust? Either way it will end.

Have I failed you? To have honesty. I am trapped yet again.

 Am I speaking to the air? If there are ears, does the owner care?