Contributed by Yvonne Moss
Native boys in colorful shirts and pants
Reflect the colors of the sea.
The girls following, in their skirts and dresses
To make up the entire tableau.What a scene they present for all to see,
Featuring all the hues
Making up the shoreline.
At sunset, the tropical sky puts on a show of its own,
Starting with purples and blues, adding gold, oranges and reds
Only the Caribbean displays.
By Nan Potts
As we arrive meek, unblemished,
Another may depart —
In passing by
As youth’s flesh is young and viral,
We wax while others wane —
In passing by.
As adulthood then approaches,
We, fonts of life, bring forth —
In passing by.
As our mortal Fall encroaches,
Worn memories creep forth —
In passing by.
As our Autumn turns to Winter,
A new beginning sensed —
In passing,
Bye
Contributed by Taylor
1st John 3:14-18
14We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15Whosoever hateth his brother is a murder: and ye know that no muderer hath Eteranal Life abiding in him. 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him. 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
If thee who votes for a spokesperson whom promotes pro choice and the act of abortion, are thee any better than the one preaching, promoting and preforming these acts.
Are thy looked at differently on judgment day…
Are thy no different from the ones performing and promoting…
Words are powerful, but can be misleading.
Watch your thoughts;
They become words;
Watch your words;
They become actions;
Watch your actions;
They become habits;
Watch your habits;
They become character;
Watch your character;
It becomes your destiny
This is no matter to be taken lightly, our world is in battle between good and evil…
For which side will thee take… for where will thee rest thy soul.
Contributed by Taylor Jordan
Before you start stacking your online carts or, after you’ve stacked them and realize it’s too late to order more, your local small businesses are here for you.
I own Black Birch Books. I’m a female, disabled veteran who exclusively hires homeless youth from THIS community. We are the only bookstore in Wasilla and the only bookbinder in the state of Alaska. This is YOUR community bookstore. I don’t pay myself for owning the bookstore. It’s a space and a service…. With a Café, of course!
Our facility is fully handicapped accessible. We foster an environment that’s safe for all people to network and learn! Events and classes are held on a regular basis and can be scheduled by request. We have an entire wall of handmade items by people right here in the community. I accept a singular percentage and I pay these hard workers in cash for their sales.
All of the youth employed are part of the My House and Nine Star training programs for homeless and at-risk youth.
When you are shopping with a small, local business, your money is going right back into the community in kind or in action. Spend your hard earned money how you need, I’ll make sure what you spend here goes right back into what you expect!
Contributed by Marlene Munsell
Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. (WASI) is the recipient of the 2022 AARP Community Challenge grant. This was a very competitive year, our project stood out among the 3,200 applications nationwide, said Marlene Munsell WASI CEO. The project included creating a new garden area and the purchase of eight benches. In keeping with our mission this project will encourage seniors to stay active, reduce isolation, and promote independence. The benches provide a safe resting place for seniors to enjoy the park, trail, gardens, and outdoor spaces at the WASI campus. For seniors, knowing that benches will be in place takes the fear out of not being able to walk the entire distance. Benches encourage more frequent use of our outdoor spaces, they allow for social interaction, and visiting with fellow peers.
We planted six apple trees, numerous berry bushes and twenty-two garden planters. While the garden planters were finished late summer and the benches arrived early fall, seniors are looking forward to utilizing the gardens next year. Everyone was excited when the benches arrived.
All of us at WASI are grateful to our volunteers that helped us complete this amazing project. Over 100 hours of volunteer time and financial support from AARP, TOTE, and MSHF.
Contributed by V.P. Pingayak, Outreach Coordinator
It is no secret the issue of suicide plagues our Alaskan communities every day. The mission of Lifeline Outreach is through a program called Feeding Alaska Today, which directly impacts our rural communities state-wide. It is a boot on the ground, proactive, program that travels into rural communities and not only empowers people with the tools necessary to overcome suicide, but it understands that our mental health is affected by the foods that we eat. This program supports local Alaska farmers to bring in healthy, fresh produce to the communities as part of their healing outreach for the entire village.
The founder of Lifeline Outreach says,
“As an overcomer of suicide (not a survivor), God has given me a gift to help others step into the same freedom.” ~Dr. Maria Krinock
Feeding Alaska Today is all about our Alaskan communities being empowered for permanent change and healing. Dr. Maria Krinock has authored the book: “Your Unseen Enemy Revealed” that shares her personal life-story of overcoming suicide and is circulating in over forty Alaskan communities today.
This important and critical resource is also made available to everyone who attends our gatherings, and there are opportunities to sponsor entire Alaska communities.
Our efforts have reached over 20 communities throughout every region of the State from places like Utqiagvik, Chevak, Cordova, and even in villages as remote as Savoonga, and we also serve the Anchorage and Fairbanks area as well.
Right now, we are preparing for the Kotlik Blessing scheduled for November 19 and 20, 2022. There are cargo planes ready to deliver over 2200 pounds of fresh produce for the community of Kotlik, for the upcoming suicide healing outreach. With a population of over 600 people, there will be at least 400 in attendance where the entire community will have an opportunity to receive these powerful and empowering tools to overcome suicide.
Another upcoming event is scheduled for December 10-11, 2022, which is our New Winter Coat Giveaway for children and adults. The event will feature live music from Gary Simple at The Egan Center in Anchorage. All are welcome to attend.
To learn more information on these life changing events, or to help sponsor an event, please visit: www.FeedingAlaska.Today
Julie Cascio, UAF Cooperative Extension Service, Mat-Su District
With all the tasks involved in making a Thanksgiving meal, having an abundance lets us “make ahead” for other meals. Once your turkey is cooked (reaching 165 degrees Fahrenheit), eat within two hours of removing the bird from the oven. Then refrigerate leftovers at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked turkey can be stored in a covered container, plastic bag or aluminum foil for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Turkey is useful for a variety of different meals. The sliced breast makes a yummy sandwich. The turkey sandwich could be seasoned with remaining cranberry sauce. Or another option might be to season with a spicy mayonnaise.
Two favorite recipes for cooked turkey are Turkey Tetrazzini and Turkey Enchiladas. Another option is to substitute the turkey for chicken in recipes.
After the meat has been removed from the bones, put the remaining turkey bones into a huge pot on the stove with some celery and onion; cover with water. Bring to boil, then lower heat; simmer for two hours. Strain. This turkey broth can be used immediately to make soup, or stored in the freezer or canned in jars for future use.
Turkey Tetrazzini
1 8-ounce package spaghetti
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 Tablespoon butter
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 10 ¾ cans cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups cooked, diced turkey
2 cups grated swiss cheese
Grease a 2-quart casserole dish. Preheat oven to 350°F.
In large pot, cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain, discard cooking liquid.
In a 10-inch skillet, melt butter. Saute’ chopped onion, bell peeper, and mushrooms until soft.
Mix together cream of mushroom soup and milk. Add pepper, turkey and cheese, sautéed vegetables and cooked spaghetti.
Bake uncovered in preheated 350 degree Fahrenheit oven until bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes. Serve with a salad or side vegetable.
Option: Double ingredients. Divide in half and put one half into a freezer container. Freeze. To use, thaw in refrigerator, place in oven safe container, and cook as above.
Turkey Enchiladas
2 cups finely chopped, cooked turkey
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup finely minced onion
For sauce:
15 ounce can tomato sauce
4 ounce can green chilis
½ teaspoon ground coriander
1 Tablespoon oil
12 6-inch corn tortillas
1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
Grease an 7” x 11” pan. Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a bowl, mix together the turkey, cream cheese and minced onions. Set aside.
In another bowl, stir together the tomato sauce, chilis and coriander.
In a skillet, heat the oil. Quickly soften each tortilla in the oil. Set the tortillas on the clean counter, spread each with a portion of the meat mixture. Sprinkle in a tablespoon of enchilada sauce and of grated cheese. Roll the tortilla up and place in the pan. Pour remaining sauce over the tortillas; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Serve with sour cream.
Note, flour tortilla may be used instead, no need to pre-warm the flour tortilla.
Contributed by Lainie Dreas
Parents, students, teachers... This year let's do it live!
For the first time since 2020, school buses lined G St in Downtown Anchorage as masses of Alaska students headed to Alaska Center for the Performing Arts to kick off the 'Let's Do It Live' 2022/2023 Season of Alaska Junior Theater (AJT) this month.
(Caption: Buses wait outside Alaska Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Anchorage as students enjoy a November 4 performance of “Have You Filled a Bucket Today: The Musical!”. Photo courtesy of Jason Herr)
This season will be AJT's official return to live performances after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since March 2020, it has been a long struggle to keep AJT afloat until we could return to live theater,” said Executive Director Lainie Dreas. “I am so grateful to our board, volunteers and many generous donors who believed we could have this wonderful day full of children in our theater again. Such magic was created today!”
AJT is a local nonprofit dedicated to bringing the best in professional theater from around the world to young Alaskan audiences. Prior to the pandemic, more than 35,000 students attended live performances annually.
For many students, AJT’s school-time presentations are their only exposure to the performing arts.
Leading the 'Let's Do It Live' Season was “Have you Filled a Bucket Today: The Musical!”
This brand new, fun-filled musical from Virginia Repertory Theatre is based on the concepts in Carol McCloud’s award-winning children’s books, Have You Filled a Bucket Today?, Growing Up with a Bucket Full of Happiness and Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead’s book, The Bucket Filling Fairy.
The books and play use the concept of a “bucket” to show students how to express kindness, appreciation and love to be “bucket-fillers.” The play focuses on the benefits of positive, thoughtful behavior. ‘Have you Filled a Bucket Today: The Musical!’ relays the joys of friendship and compassion for both the receiver and the giver.
The aim of the play is to help teach students to be bucket-fillers rather than bucket-dippers with this musical performance designed to promote healthy relationships, self-esteem and bring character education front and center-stage at schools.
Next in the lineup, AJT celebrates Latinx culture through the storytelling of David Gonzalez.
In “Cuentos: Tales from the Latinx World” (Grades K-6), Master Storyteller David Gonzalez paints a vivid picture of the people and rich cultures of the Spanish-speaking world with colorful tales from the Caribbean, South America and the Bronx!
From the silly antics of the Puerto Rican anti-hero ‘Juan Bobo’ to the mysterious dealings and powers of the Orishas in a suite of Afro-Cuban stories, these tales are filled with memorable characters, fantastic plots and positive messages for children.
"With speech, sound, mime, dance and above all, inspired imagination, Mr. Gonzalez has the gift of creating magical worlds and drawing his audience into them. A palpable delight," The New York Times said of Gonzalez.
Along with Latin music played by pianist Daniel Kelly, Spanish language words are sprinkled throughout the stories and songs in such a way that young audiences can repeat and retain their sound and meaning. A great introduction to the marvelous world of Latino literature and culture.
School show performances of ‘”Cuentos: Tales from the Latinx World” will be held December 1-2 in the Atwood Concert Hall at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. No public performances will be held for this event.
Programming continues in 2023 with “The Velveteen Rabbit”, Collision of Rhythm and “The Ugly Duckling.”
Public performances will be available for “The Velveteen Rabbit” and “The Ugly Duckling.” Teachers and educators can reach out to AJT to arrange for their class to attend all of our remaining school performances.
For event information or questions, please contact AJT by visiting www.akjt.org or calling (907) 272-7546.
Contributed by Paula Burgan
FISH is a non-profit agency providing emergency food deliveries to people in need in the Anchorage area who call our request phone line. Currently, we are experiencing a deluge of calls and so we are in need of additional volunteers. There are several jobs:
Callers take requests from their homes by listening to our request line. After getting details of address, number of family members, etc., they pass on the information by email to the pantry.
Packers at the pantry located at St. Mary’s Church on Lake Otis and Tudor take the information and fill bags with the appropriate items as in the photo.
Drivers come to the pantry and pick up the bags, delivering them to the clients.
Each of these jobs takes approximately two hours.
Volunteers sign up on Sign-Up Genius, one day of more per month as they are able.
FISH can provide food for 20 families on each of four days a week, but this requires 16 volunteers each week! Can you help?
For more information, call Paula Burgan at 907-346-1991. We hope to hear from you!
Contributed by John Rozzi
Your donations support local nonprofit thrift stores in the Mat-Su Valley. In most cases, excess revenue from a nonprofit thrift store gets invested back into the community through programs or store and staff enhancements.
The “mindful” donations generate the revenue needed to operate the thrift store and any associated community programs. “Mindful” is just another way of saying thoughtful or sensible. “A donated item from someone’s attic or garage is another person’s hidden gem”
I wanted to take a moment to explain the importance of your donation. The donated sellable items are priced based on what the community will pay, and what’s needed to cover thrift store operating expenses. Unfortunately, the pricing can be a moving target when dealing with operating expenses. You also must take the quality of the item into consideration when you attach a price. You can offend donors if you under price, or you may turn off shoppers if you price too high. It’s an interesting balancing act.
But what happens to donations behind the scenes? How does it impact local nonprofit thrift store’s operating budgets, and community outreach programs?
Despite the great job staff does in the initial screening many donations, like electronics, need to be tested or screened further. It isn’t until the testing for the working condition that many items are found to be unsellable. Bags of clothing may contain items that are not in suitable condition to be sold. A significant part of staff time is spent screening clothing looking for stains, rips, broken zippers, or missing buttons. The donations that can’t be sold may be funneled into some of the following categories around the Valley: Mat-Su Borough Central Landfill, Valley Community for Recycling Solutions, or various church programs (i.e., Wasilla 1 st Presbyterian Church furniture ministry).
“These behind-the-scenes expenses impact a staff member’s work hours, or the money designated to a social service program.”
Fortunately, the abundant amount of donations in the Mat-Su Valley are why we have the positive experiences of shopping at local nonprofit thrift stores where you can find that great bargain or hidden gem. Mat-Su resident’s mindful donations enable local nonprofit thrift stores to thrive.
Thank you for your support.
Contributed by Kimberley Burnett
Did You Know?
Through ongoing support from amazing friends of Friends of Alaska’s Children in Care (FACC) like you, this past fiscal year FACC:
♥️ Fulfilled over 125 Children & Family Needs Grant Applications;
♥️ Served over 300 Alaskan Children & Youth in Care;
♥️ Awarded several educational scholarships to youth in or recently exited from care;
♥️ Provided more than $80,000 in direct Children, Youth and Family Reunification support
♥️ Continued a three-decade legacy of support to the State of Alaska’s Court Appointed Special Advocate Program.
♥️ All through an all-volunteer (no paid staff) organization.
During this season, we are especially ever thankful for your help in making a difference in the lives of Alaska’s children and youth in care!. Please join us on November 25th & 26th for our virtual annual Quilt Auction fundraiser.
www.friendsofalaskascc.org
Contributed by Care Tuk
Don’t Wimp Out Is a must-read for anyone asking, “How can I do more than just endure the pain and adversities of life? How can I find faith and courage?”
Do you feel like you have been swept up into a crazy whirlwind of life? Have you been hit by the pandemic or the volatile political climate? Maybe your finances are depleted from unexpected events – all out of your control and possibly life-altering?
Alaskan author, Care Tuk, offers you a look into her heart and life in this book of hope and encouragement. Her experiences include fourteen battles with cancer, a near-death car crash at the hands of a drunk driver, a brain bleed that left her learning to walk and talk again, debt challenges and the unexpected death of a child. She teaches us how to persevere and find faith in it all. This is Care’s second book; the first is “Loose Screws and Skinned Knees - Turning Obstacles and Adversity into Opportunities and Adventure.
“You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll journey with Care as though you were sitting with a mug of hot cocoa in her Alaskan living room by the fire as she encourages your heart to press on through the battles of life.
Kristen Morrow Ara
Southwestern Divisional Coordinator Young Life/ Capernaum Ministry
“Everyone needs to know how to get through tough times. After reading Don’t Wimp Out! you will want to read it over and over to remind you how to get through your moments of wimpy-ness.”
David Naster
You Just have to Laugh - comedian, author, podcaster of YJHTL
You can find Don’t Wimp Out! at: www.caretuk.com/store and Fireside Books, Palmer, Alaska.
Thanks once again, for helping me NOT Wimp Out
Contributed by Diane O’Neil
Thanksgiving Blessing puts faith into action and brings together people of good will for a common goal: provide a Thanksgiving meal for families who might otherwise go without. Rising food costs affect everyone.
Anyone needing assistance can visit one of the many sites in Mat-Su on 11/19, and in Anchorage on 11/21. Or consider sponsoring a fund or food drive to help support our efforts. Volunteering at a site can provide you with a good feeling inside as well.
Please visit: https://foodbankofalaska.org/blessing/ for site information or navigate to Donate or Get Involved tabs at the top.
Happy Thanksgiving and thank you from Food Bank of Alaska.
Natasha Tolbert
One open window is all I need
To succeed in life
To go to college
For the hope of seeing my brother again
To see the day of my first anniversary with Jared
One opportunity
To travel the world
To visit Ireland
To go wherever my heart desires
For the hope of being with the one I love
And make new memories
One open window,
One opportunity,
That’s all I need to reveal,
How adventurous my heart really is
To show how confident I’ve become
To be more social
And to keep those I love close
One window,
One opportunity,
That’s all I want.
Contributed by Shaina Lopez-McKeown
“Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” -James Baldwin
With such a quote to be considered, then perhaps there is no better time than Scorpio season to open the doors of the Valley’s first oddities and curiosities shop: LA GALERIA. Owned and operated by Shaina Lopez-McKeown, a lifelong Alaskan - the shop offers a unique variety of taxidermy animal specimens, curated antiques and locally created products that tailor to a more somber aesthetic.
Situated in the Dome style building off the Palmer – Wasilla highway, La Galeria presents a modest first glance. There is nothing outside to yet indicate the experience available once you enter through the door.
“I’m doing that intentionally for now. I want to warm my environment up gradually to the idea of an alternative themed gallery. I’ve received a lot of pushback by other business owners to not have a bold presentation. However, I don’t think the concept of an oddity shop has quite made its way into this state, which is astounding to me considering Alaskan animal products are put up as top-tier in the lower 48 throughout the circuit. I really believe it is time to invest in local oddity culture. “
Both Alaskan and outside animal products are featured on the shelves. A quick glance through the store will provide you a Burtonesque view of taxidermy bats hanging off of crossbones fixed inside of vintage lanterns. Next to those, some large red bellied Piranhas from Brazil were placed to swarm through antique frames backed by dark velvet. A common product theme or shadow boxes filled with dried flowers accenting stuffed snakes or skulls.
Wet specimens are also available. Sheep brains are placed in old ball jars topped with glass lids. Snakes floating in amber bottles. Most popular tend to be the jarred octopus varieties kept supplied within the stores’ numerous hutches.
Although the goal isn’t simply to shock your senses, but rather to embrace the cycle of life and death through artistic expression while upholding a respectful approach.
“I don’t make things to offend anyone. I don’t deconstruct a crucifix to place inside the construction of Moose buns, attach it to a rusty farm tool to bother you. Rather, I’m thinking about how I grew up around the farm lands in the Butte. Being a kid in a religious family, praying all the time.. Then finally running into the woods to find a hunting cabin full of moose bones to drag around. This is a way to encapsulate memories and move time forward.”
La Galeria is open Tuesday - Friday 11 - 5pm and Saturdays 11 - 6pm @ 1705 N Ranch Rd in Palmer
Contributed by Melissa Keefe
Palmer, Alaska – Bright Up the Night, Alaska’s largest drive-through holiday light display, returns to the Alaska State Fair for a 29-night run, beginning on Thanksgiving, November 25, through January 1. Tickets to the event go on sale Friday, November 12 at alaskastatefair.org.
The light display, presented by AT&T, features more than 70 different light displays spanning the entire length of the fairgrounds, from the Purple Gate through the Green Gate. From the warmth and comfort of their vehicles, guests drive through almost a mile of festive light displays while enjoying the holiday music broadcast synced directly to their radio.
Bright Up the Night is open Thursdays through Sundays from November 25 through December 12, and daily from December 16 through January 1. Hours are from 5 to 9 p.m.
Tickets to the event go on sale Friday, November 12 at alaskastatefair.org. A limited number of vehicles will be allowed in each hour, and ticket reservations must be made online in advance. Admission purchased by November 24 is $20 for personal vehicles, $35 for vans or limos, and $70 for buses. Tickets purchased after November 24 are $25 for personal vehicles, $40 for vans or limos, and $75 for buses.
New this year, the fairgrounds will host another family-friendly, wintertime attraction: The Ice Maze. Guests to the maze will navigate through a labyrinth of winding pathways, surrounded by solid ice formations created by artist Cory Livingood. At night, the ice will glow from within by lights frozen inside, illuminating the way. Additional details on this attraction will be available soon atalaskastatefair.org.
Guests can continue their holiday cheer by taking advantage of the Fair’s partnership with The Christmas Factory or The Ice Maze which offers a 10 percent discount to anyone who buys tickets to either event.
At The Christmas Factory, located on the fairgrounds, visitors experience the magic of Christmas by touring Santa’s workshop, delivering a personalized letter to Santa’s mailbox, getting a peek into the elf wrapping room, powering up Santa’s sleigh, enjoying a treat in Mrs. Claus’ bakery, and even meeting Santa himself.
For more information, visit alaskastatefair.org or contact Melissa Keefe, marketing and communications manager, at mk@alaskastatefair.org.
Contributed by Richard Christiansen
Mark your Calendars -- Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums will be “Gettin’ Loud at the Library” at 2:00 pm on Sunday, December 11th, 2022, at the Palmer Public Library 655 S. Valley Way, in Palmer, Alaska, (on the corner of S. Valley Way and West Evergreen Avenue).
This Holiday Concert promises to deliver yet again a brilliant afternoon of holiday entertainment with a distinctly Scottish flair by an award-winning local Pipe Band, with piping and drumming from the entire ensemble, as well as solos, and smaller groups of pipers and drummers within the Band.
Based in Chugiak, Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums are very active in the greater Anchorage area, the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, and throughout South-Central Alaska, and have great fun teaching, performing, and competing. This Holiday Concert is one of several community concerts presented throughout the state by Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums and is regarded by the Band as a fun way to spread some Christmas Cheer during Colony Christmas Weekend.
Prepare to be amazed! If you love bagpipes or pipe bands this Concert is a must-see! The Band are prior winners in Pipe Band Competitions and People Choice Awards at the Alaska Scottish Highland Games and won 1st place in Freestyle Musical Ensemble at the Summer 2021 World Online Piping & Drumming Championships. Several members of the Band have won solo awards in piping and drumming, both here at home, and internationally, and in online competitions!
Admission to the Concert is free, but donations are always sincerely appreciated, with proceeds to benefit the Friends of the Palmer Public Library.
Contact the Band via email at jungstensgericht@yahoo.com or phone (907) 315-9838. Phenomenal!
Contributed by Polly-Beth Odom
Connect Palmer and Daybreak, Incorporated are hosting the first Palmer Community Resource Day on December 13th at the Palmer Depot from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. The event will be attended by local agencies and organizations that are in Palmer (and a few from Wasilla) that provide services and connection to mental health services, substance use treatment services, housing, assistance with application for benefits, information on child care assistance, and information about the food banks available in the community.
The goal of the event is to help to increase awareness of the agencies and services available in Palmer and to assist people in connecting to the services they need in their community.
This will be a great opportunity to let Palmer know about the many folks that are reaching out to our neighbors that might be struggling. There are so many agencies and organizations doing amazing things. Unfortunately, it can often be overlooked, as the focus is turned toward those who are visibly struggling now and it appears no one is there to help.
Contributed by Sara Williams
Everything! The beet goes on everything! Did you know that beets are really good for your heart health? They also are excellent at helping detox the liver and kidneys of all the sugary sweets that we naturally consume during the holiday season! Beets are also high in folate (vitamin B9) which helps cells grow and function. Beets may also prevent cancer and even slow the progression of dementia. We have many beets down at Bushes Bunches and would love to help you with ideas on how to cook with them to help you stay healthy this winter!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Oktoberfest ‘22! It was an incredibly successful event where we launched 50+ new products into the store and showcased presenters dedicated to food security and improving food access for Alaskans. However, there were so many people in our tiny store that we decided to do it again but this time at the Palmer Moose Lodge.
Please join us for the Holiday Tasting and Food Security Symposium on December 3rd, 2022, from 6pm to 9pm. This Alaskan Grown dinner will showcase food suppliers and vendors from all over the state. You will also get the benefits of networking with farmers, producers, logistical providers, and other influential individuals in the food production industry.
The main program will be 90 minutes of presentations regarding food security projects, proposed logistical changes, vendor showcases, infrastructure funding strategies and much more! As we run head and heart first into the winter and continue to feed our customers and grow our capacity to feed more of Alaska, we ask that you join us and be a part of the Food Security Symposium!
Sponsorships and vendor booths are still available! This event will be Live broadcasted through our Facebook page and professionally produced! We are committed to this higher calling and if you are too, please join us!
Tickets are $40 and limited to 100 attendees. You can get on the guest list by purchasing tickets at the store or online at the link in the Facebook event on our page. We look forward to moving the discussion forward with you!
Contributed by Sally Barnes
Help us change lives for the better and allow us to do what we do best—make a difference and bring unexpected happiness to seniors throughout the Mat-Su Valley. Last year with the help of a few elves in the community, Santa delivered over 400 gifts to seniors in our programs.
Be a part of this amazing program by donating items for our Christmas Giving Event. Items will be assembled and wrapped by our wonderful volunteer elves. The following is a list of items you can donate:
Towels - both kitchen and bath
Hand soap – pump style preferred
Warm socks
Warm hats
Blankets
Individual snacks – cheese crackers, cookies, snack-packs and other items you wish to donate.
If you don’t have time to shop, you can donate on our website www.wasillaseniors.com and write Christmas Giving Event in the comments.
Please drop items at Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. (label Christmas Giving Event) at 1301 S. Century Circle, Wasilla.
Gifts will be delivered to seniors on our Meals-On-Wheels program on December 22 and to those who visit the center. Oftentimes, the only gift a senior will receive during the holidays is the one you have graciously supplied. Please consider opening your hearts and helping us bring joy during the holidays. You can help us make a difference.
If you have any questions or need more information, please call 907-206-8799 or email juliel@alaskaseniors.com
