Scholarship Information Session
2025-01-08 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-01-08 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-01-22 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-01-22 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-02-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-05 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-02-19 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-19 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Anchorage)
Are you looking to put your skills and passion to work in the healthcare or human services fields? Join the Mat-Su Health Foundation Scholarships Team to learn about scholarships available to Mat-Su residents!

Denail Destroyers Roller Derby
2025-01-11 18:00 - 20:00
Come watch the Denali Destroyers take on the Rage City’s Devil’s Club in the Raven Hall at the Palmer Fairgrounds.
The Denali Destroyers are the MatSu Valley’s one and only flat track Roller Derby team. They are a coed league of hard hitters and jukey jammers. This is an event you are not going to want to miss, with local food available from Triple A’s Soul Food as well as a wet section for beer and wine.
Doors Open: 600pm • Wheels On: 7:00pm
Tickets available online or at the door. Tables for 8 can be reserved online only.
For more information please contact 907-378-5058

Training | PACES and Raising Resilience (Online and In-Person)
2025-01-16 11:00 - 13:30
ROCK Mat-Su will be combining both PACES and Raising Resilience trainings in January!
Lunch will be provided
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences:
This FREE presentation is open to ADULTS who are interested in learning how to identify and counteract Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to develop resilient kids.
Frequent or prolonged exposure to stress can create toxic stress which can damage the developing brain of a child and overall health. A Survival Mode Response to toxic stress increases a child’s heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and muscle tension. Their thinking brain is knocked offline. Self-protection is their priority. In other words: “I can’t hear you! I can’t respond to you! I am just trying to be safe!”
Learn How Resilience Trumps ACEs! Parents, Teachers and Caregivers can help by:
– Gaining an understanding of ACEs and how they affect children’s social, emotional, and cognitive abilities and their connection a wide range of health problems throughout a person’s lifespan.
– Creating environments where children feel safe emotionally & physically.
– Helping children identify feelings & manage emotions
– Creating a safe physical & emotional environment at home, in school, and in neighborhoods.
– Share ways to build resilience.
Raising Resilience Presentation:
This will include information from a 2019 Johns Hopkins study on the effects of positive childhood experiences. Despite growing up with adversity, positive experiences buffer the trauma and promote healing.
Learn ways to foster healthy growth and development in children that correlates to stronger adult mental health and overall wellness.
Questions?
Presentation Content Contact: boydenmichelle@gmail.com
R.O.C.K. Mat-Su Contact: candrews@rockmatsu.org
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82576480185…
Meeting ID: 825 7648 0185
Passcode: [REDACTED]
This will include information from a 2019 Johns Hopkins study on the effects of positive childhood experiences. Despite growing up with adversity, positive experiences buffer the trauma and promote healing.
Learn ways to foster healthy growth and development in children that correlate to stronger adult mental health and overall wellness.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82576480185…
Meeting ID: 825 7648 0185
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Questions?
Presentation Content Contact: michelle.boyden@matsuk12.us
R.O.C.K. Mat-Su Contact:
candrews@rockmatsu.org

Breaking Racial Barriers in the Spirit of Nonviolence
2025-01-20 13:00 - 16:00
The Mat-Su Martin Luther King, Jr. Foundation, Inc. hosts its Annual celebration of Dr. King, Jr. and others. A special tribute to Melvin L. Sage-II and a special recognition to John Childs and his car racing family…with other speakers and presenters.

Shakedown Strings - A Benefit for the Denali Arts Council
2025-01-22 19:00 - 21:00
Shakedown Strings, a Kansas City, MO based trio, consisting of Adam Galblum on vocals and violin, Clayton DeLong on vocals and acoustic guitar, and Rick Willoughby on vocals and upright bass, bring their energy, passion, and joy to the stage. Drawing upon their improvisational prowess, and experience as jazz musicians, they celebrate the music of the Grateful Dead and explore the band’s vast repertoire of songs and musical ideas.
$15.00 – General Admission $10.00 – Youth 7 – 17 Free – Youth 6 and under
For more info please contact 816-721-8369

Shakedown Strings - A Benefit for the Denali Arts Council
2025-01-23 18:00 - 20:00
Join Shakedown Strings at the Palmer Alehouse for an evening of Grateful Dead music performed on string instruments. Making their Palmer, AK debut, this band brings their energy, passion, and joy to the stage. Drawing upon their improvisational prowess, they celebrate the music of the Grateful Dead and explore the band’s vast repertoire of songs and musical ideas.
If you are into the Grateful Dead, bluegrass, or jamming, this show is not too be missed.
1.23.25 – 6 til 9 – Free & open to the public
For more info please contact 816-721-8369

2025 Project Homeless Connect
2025-01-28 10:00 - 14:00
Access to food, clothing, toiletries, employment assistance help with filling out forms and obtaining identification, contacting family member and more!

Stewards of Children
2025-01-30 12:30 - 15:30
Darkness to Light empowers adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse through awareness, education, and stigma reduction.
Our work is guided by the vision of a world free from child sexual abuse. Darkness to Light’s flagship training, Stewards of Children®, teaches adults practical actions they can take to reduce instances of child sexual abuse in their organizations, families, and communities. Through interviews with a very diverse group of people with lived experience, experts, and treatment providers, Stewards of Children® is one of the only award-winning, evidence-informed, adult-focused child sexual abuse prevention trainings in the United States proven to increase knowledge and change behavior. Delivered in a trauma-informed way by instructors and facilitators who have been rigorously trained Features powerful videos paired with robust facilitated discussion.
Teaches three foundational empowerment skills: Making choices that protect children, Taking risks to minimize danger to children, Supporting each other. This teaching highlights The 5 Steps to Protecting Children and how to apply them to better protect children from child sexual abuse in your community and organization.
This class will be held in-person with a max of 10 students. Workbooks will be provided. If this date/time does not work for you, please reach out to the coordinator to schedule a session!
This program is offered at no cost due to the sponsorship of Heart Reach Center.
Event contact:
Sophia Logan -(907) 373-3456
Email: sophia.L@heartreachalaska.com

Stewards of Children
2025-01-30 12:30 - 15:30
Darkness to Light empowers adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse through awareness, education, and stigma reduction.
Our work is guided by the vision of a world free from child sexual abuse. Darkness to Light’s flagship training, Stewards of Children®, teaches adults practical actions they can take to reduce instances of child sexual abuse in their organizations, families, and communities. Through interviews with a very diverse group of people with lived experience, experts, and treatment providers, Stewards of Children® is one of the only award-winning, evidence-informed, adult-focused child sexual abuse prevention trainings in the United States proven to increase knowledge and change behavior. Delivered in a trauma-informed way by instructors and facilitators who have been rigorously trained Features powerful videos paired with robust facilitated discussion.
Teaches three foundational empowerment skills: Making choices that protect children, Taking risks to minimize danger to children, Supporting each other. This teaching highlights The 5 Steps to Protecting Children and how to apply them to better protect children from child sexual abuse in your community and organization.
This class will be held in-person with a max of 10 students. Workbooks will be provided. If this date/time does not work for you, please reach out to the coordinator to schedule a session!
This program is offered at no cost due to the sponsorship of HeartReach Center.
For more information please contact Sophia at 907-373-3456

Alaska Farm & Garden Show
2025-02-01 12:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-02 12:00 - 17:00
If you are interested in gardening, farming, food independence, alternative energy, or Alaskan homesteading, the Alaska Farm & Garden Show is your opportunity to get in the mindset and prepare for the rapidly approaching Alaskan summer. You’ll meet hundreds of vendors, exhibitors, and local experts with the products, advice and knowledge you need to help you hone your homesteading skills! Admission $10, under 12 free. Details at https://akfarmandgarden.com

Seed Starting Class
2025-02-01 13:00 - 14:00
Seed Starting Class Are you passionate about gardening but unsure where to start? Or perhaps you’ve been gardening for years and want to expand your skills to include more challenging crops? Our Seed Starting Class on February 1st at 1 pm at The Valley Annex in Palmer, AK (247 S Alaska St) is exactly what you need to set yourself up for success in the coming growing season.
Why This Class is a Must-Attend: Alaska’s unique climate presents both challenges and opportunities for gardeners. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned green thumb, this class is designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to grow a diverse array of plants from seed. Here’s why you can’t afford to miss it:
Expert Instruction Tailored to Alaska’s Climate: Gardening in Alaska is unlike anywhere else, and that’s why this class is specifically designed to address our unique growing conditions. From the long summer days to the cool nights, you’ll learn how to maximize your garden’s potential. This event is taught by Jennifer Sharrock (Master Gardener, Permaculture Designer, Permaculture Instructor, Seed Grower and garden educator with over 18 years of growing experience in Alaska).
Comprehensive Coverage of 24 Seed Varieties: The class will provide in-depth, step-by-step instructions for successfully starting and growing 24 different plant varieties. You’ll gain insider tips on everything from selecting the right seeds to creating the ideal indoor environment for germination and growth. We include sample planting designs based on companion planting, interplanting and polycultures.
We’ll cover: Leafy greens like lettuce, kale, spinach, and cabbage, which thrive in cooler temperatures.
Root vegetables such as beets, carrots, and storage onions, crucial for a self-sufficient garden.
Fruiting plants like cherry tomatoes, slicing tomatoes, zucchini, and peas that can be tricky but rewarding in our northern climate.
Specialty crops like artichokes, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts, which will add variety and flavor to your garden.
Herbs and alliums such as garlic chives, leeks, and bunching onions, perfect for flavoring your homegrown meals.
Even flowers like poppy to add beauty and biodiversity to your garden.
For more information, please contact seedsandsoilorganics@gmail.com or call 907-354-0371

Art Workshop with Internationally Renowned Artist
2025-02-06 09:00 - 16:00
Dominik Modlinski is a multiple award-winning artist best known for his colorful and vibrant landscape paintings. He immigrated to Canada from Poland at the age of 16, at which point he studied painting and drawing at the Ontario College of Art. Later, he went on to study at the Algoma School of Landscape Arts.
He enjoys seeking out beautiful and hard to reach places for his paintings and bringing them to life with each brushstroke.
Mat-Su College (MSC) Fine Art Professor Michelle Mishaan has worked hard to bring him to campus for students and community members to learn from. She says, “Everyone dreams of painting incredible mountains, capturing their majesty and beauty on canvas. Now, here’s your opportunity to learn from the best! Join Dominik Modlinski’s painting workshop and discover the techniques and skills needed to create breathtaking landscapes that reflect the awe-inspiring power of nature.”
There will be three opportunities to meet Modlinski: An Artist Talk, a Gallery Opening of his work, and a 2-Day Workshop.
The workshop will be held on February 6th (9am-4pm) and 7th (9am-1pm). Professor Mishaan says, “Participants will explore dynamic landscape painting techniques while learning about color theory, composition, and creative expression. This workshop is perfect for artists of all skill levels, providing a rare opportunity to work alongside a master in the field.”
The workshop will cost $175 for community members and $87.50 for MSC Students. Register at http://tinyurl.com/DominikWorkshop.

Fund Your Future Financial Aide Resource Fair
2025-02-08 10:00 - 15:00
Millions of dollars in scholarship funds are available for Mat-Su Valley students and Mat-Su College wants to help you secure that support to Fund your Future.
The Fund Your Future Financial Aid Resource Fair will be held Saturday, February 8th, 2025. For the event, Financial Aid Advisors will be joined by representatives from organizations across the Valley offering grants and scholarships.
Financial Aid Advisors will also be hosting a FAFSA Completion Room to help students complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid. To see what documentation you will need to bring for the FAFSA process, please visit: tinyurl.com/yurfhyc7.
The Fund Your Future Financial Aid Resource Fair is free and open to the public.
For more information please contact 907-891-1343

Mug Up Family Resource Fair
2025-02-10 11:00 - 13:00
Mug-Up on February 10, 2025, at Big Lake Lion’s Club. We will have a table set-up for family and elder agencies that provide community resources that promote health, wellness and connection. There will be free ice skating with rentals included.

Neon Space Party
2025-02-15 18:00 - 22:00
Saturday Night Thrive Presents: Neon Space Party @ Colony Middle School. This event includes a dance party, video games, space-themed costume contest, laser tag, 3×3 basketball*, dodgeball*, karaoke, 9-square, bonfire, Art Lab, Music Lab, photobooth, games, and much more!
*Athletic shoes REQUIRED for Sport Court access.
TICKETS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR.
YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER TO ATTEND THIS EVENT.

Youth 360 Northgate Open House
2025-02-20 16:00 - 19:00
Middle school students and parents, come explore Youth 360—your newfavorite club! Meet our awesome staff and see what we’re all about.All ages welcome – bring your family and have dinner with us.

Food Security Workshop
2025-02-22 09:00 - 12:00
Come network and learn! Join Senator Shelley Hughes on February 22 for a Food Security Workshop! From 9 a.m. to Noon, network and learn valuable information and tips to increase food security for you, your family, and your community. Light refreshments are provided, so come out and support local agriculture while learning to leverage local resources for a more nutritious and cost-effective food supply. Learn more and rsvp at tinyurl.com/HughesFoodSecurity or find the event on Facebook!

Winter Discovery Day
2025-03-08 11:00 - 16:00
The Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation in collaboration with the Mat-Su Borough and over a dozen local businesses and nonprofits are gearing up for Winter Discovery Day on Saturday, March 8 from 11AM-4PM at Government Peak Recreation Area.
Free to attend, community members can expect a spread of free gear demonstrations, activities, and giveaways. Fat biking, cross country skiing, snowshoes, sleds, and more – the event hopes to highlight different recreation opportunities in our area. Locals will be able to connect with various organizations that offer local, community programming and services.
This year’s Discovery Day has been made possible by funding from Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union. Businesses and organizations signed up to offer activities so far include: Revel Treks and Tours, Backcountry Bike and Ski, AKtive Soles, Onward and Upward, Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers, the Mat-Su Ski Club, AK State Parks, Alaska Geographic, Skeetawk, Pioneer Ski Patrol, Alaska Safe Riders, Adventures by True North, Elevated Community, and Wild Free Kids Occupational Therapy.
Revel Treks and Tours is coordinating the event for the trails and parks foundation, contact the Revel team at info@revelak.com with questions.

Lean On Me AK
2025-03-12 14:00 - 15:30
Lean on Me AK is a project of the Alaska Children’s Trust focused on creating messages, tips, and tools that people can use to support families in their own communities.
Our goal is to prevent child abuse from ever happening so that families thrive and involvement in the child welfare system can be avoided altogether.
In this session, we want to hear YOUR ideas for how Alaskans can support the families in their communities!

National Nutrition Month Lobby Event
2025-03-13 11:00 - 13:00
In celebration of National Nutrition Month, join Benteh Nuutah Valley Native Primary Care Center and registered dietitians March 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The dietitians will be available to answer questions and provide resources about nutrition and healthy lifestyle changes. Learn about the Healthy Cooking on a Budget class and enjoy a healthy food demonstration. Take the pledge and commit to healthy food choices throughout the month to be entered into a random prize drawing.
Gain knowledge, tools, and resources to support your journey to live a healthier life.
For more information, contact VNPCC Wellness Center at 907-631-7630.

Free Friday Yoga Class
2025-03-14 08:00 - 11:00
Join us at Dancing Lights Yoga for Free Friday Yoga classes. Group Yoga at 8am and Yin/Yang Yoga at 5pm. Reserve your spot at www.dancinglightsyoga.com. *Donations are appreciated but are not necessary.

History Night at the Palmer Moose Lodge
2025-03-17 19:00 - 21:00
Echoes of the Past: Treasures from our Museum Archives
Join us as we hop on the dirt road back to 1935! We’re gathering treasures from our Archives to share stories through the eyes of journalists, photojournalists, colonists, preachers, business owners, and more!
History Nights are FREE events and are open to the public.
Bring a friend and join us for a fun evening of Palmer History!
