Connect Mat-Su

MSBSD Kindergarten Begins
2021-08-25 09:00 - 15:30 (America/Anchorage)
Please check with your child’s assigned school for drop off, pick up, and any other questions you may have.

Professional Webinar: Engaging People Living with Dementia
2021-08-24 12:00 - 13:00
Webinar:
Successful engagement rests on a foundation of learning what makes each person unique. Join us to explore ways to create meaningful engagement for people living with dementia.
This educational offering provides 1 (one)
continuing nursing education contact hour.
Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska is approved as
a provider of nursing continuing professional
development by Montana Nurses Association,
an accredited approver with distinction by the
American Nurses Credentialing Center’s
Commission on Accreditation.
Free to attend! Registration required.
Register at: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMofuiupjssHdDujrW8JmJ0u2sMXhvHSplw
For more information or registration assistance:
Amber Smith
Email: asmith@alzalaska.org
Phone: 907-586-6044

Mighty Mat-Su Mamas Women's Fitness Classes
2021-08-23 16:00 - 17:00, 2021-08-20 16:00 - 17:00, 2021-08-18 16:00 - 17:00, 2021-08-16 16:00 - 17:00, 2021-08-13 16:00 - 17:00
Mighty Mat-Su Mamas Women’s Fitness Classes
Fitness for Women and Mothers
woman exercising
When:
Mon – Wed – Fri
5:00 – 6:00 pm
Where:
Alcantra Recreation Fields
Larson Elementary Rd
Wasilla, Alaska 99654
Cost:
FREE
Just show up!

Employment after Incarceration Webinar
2021-08-23 14:00 - 15:00
Learn about bonding and tax incentives you can discuss with potential employers, and gain skill in talking about your background in ways that highlight your strengths.
For additional information and to register, contact your local Alaska Job Center at (877) 724-2539.
Online workshops are provided through the Zoom platform. Visit zoom.us/meetingsto to ensure your computer or device is Zoom-compatible.

Houston Founders Day
2021-08-21 17:30 - 21:30
Please see the flyer for schedule of events that start at 6:30 pm and fireworks at 10:30 pm.

Preconception, Prenatal and Postnatal Talking Circle
2021-08-21 10:00 - 11:00
Join us this Saturday, August 21 from 11AM-12PM for our bi-monthly preconception, prenatal and postpartum talking circles. These are safe spaces for conversation and community. If you are looking to build community while pregnant, trying to get pregnant, breastfeeding, parenting, healing from pregnancy or infant loss, or closely supporting someone in any of these phases of life, please join us!
🌿 Link to join on zoom:
https://bit.ly/3lMa7Yv
Alaska Native Birthworkers Community doulas and midwives will be online and available to hold space, answer questions, or offer guidance as part of your preconception, prenatal and postpartum wellness.
Feel free to invite friends and family to this talking circle and like our Facebook page to help us reach more families! 💛

Caregiving 101 Webinar: End of Life Decisions
2021-08-20 13:00 - 14:30
Webinar:
End of Life care planning can help assure that your values and goals are respected throughout life. Join us to learn more about palliative and hospice care, how they differ, and what is available in our area. We will cover subjects like advance directives, living wills, and powers of attorney.
Free to attend! Registration is required. Register at: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYsc-mhqT8tE9WWLRhK0nTN1cuijSIaxEjG
Event Contact:
Amber Smith
Email: asmith@alzalaska.org
Phone: 907-586-6044

Sleeves Up for Fair Fun at The Alaska State Fair
2021-08-20 11:00 - 2021-08-23 22:00
Friends and Supporters of Public Health!
Sleeves Up For Fair Fun is happening LIVE at The Alaska State Fair!
Join The State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, The Mat-Su Health Foundation, and Capstone Clinic in rolling our Sleeves Up for Fair Fun
Our booth will be FULL of fun filled ways to engage and learn all about COVID-19 including its risks, its impacts, and ways YOU can help slow the spread.
Are you hoping to have your COVID-19 questions answered by a qualified professional? We can help!
Are you wanting to get the COVID-19 Vaccine? We can help!
Are you wanting to participate in a fun filled and educational scavenger hunt while entering to win AMAZING PRIZES? We Can Help!
Stop by our booth on the Red Trail, get your super fun photo taken in our Photo-Booth (Bonus Points for CRAZY FAIR HAIR), charge your mobile device if your battery is running low, throw your thoughts up on our idea board, learn about COVID-19 and its risks including ways you can help prevent the spread. If you want the vaccine, we will have it available!
PLUS play our goose chase scavenger hunt game and get entered to win COOL prizes like an amazing Paddle Board and an awesome Mountain Bike!
It’s Sleeves Up for Fair Fun and its happening LIVE at The Alaska State Fair!
We will see you on the red trail Alaska!

Alaska State Fair
2021-08-20 11:00 - 2021-08-23 22:00
Fair Announces Expanded 14-Day Schedule for 2021: August 20 – September 6
Palmer, Alaska – Alaskans will have even more time to enjoy the Alaska State Fair in 2021, as organizers have announced an expanded 14-day schedule for this year’s event. The 2021 Fair, themed Seeing is Believing, will be held Friday, August 20, through Monday, September 6, at the fairgrounds in Palmer. Hours will be 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily. During the 14-day run, the Fair will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (August 24 – 25 and August 31 – September 1).
“Our goal by adding another weekend is to help spread out the Fair crowds and keep fairgoers as safe as possible as Alaska continues to respond to the global pandemic,” said Jerome Hertel, Fair CEO, adding that the Fair will be adhering to the current CDC recommendations for large events and will be filing a mitigation plan to the State.
“The expanded schedule will also provide an additional economic boost for the over 400 vendors at the Fair and, of course, provide an extra weekend of fun for our guests,” he added.
The schedule for the 14-day Fair will look much the same as previous years, with a couple of noteworthy exceptions during the first weekend, August 20 – 23:
The first weekend will feature fairgoer favorites, including carnival rides, vendors and concerts.
The first weekend schedule will also include a free-with-Fair-admission RAM Trucks Timed Event Challenge in the Grandstand.
The Farm Exhibits building will be closed the first weekend, as the livestock and their owners need the extra week to prepare. Animals will be in the barn on Thursday, August 26. Perishable exhibit items will also not be featured the first weekend. Early admission prices will be extended through Monday, August 23.
The announcement offers some good news after a challenging year. Last summer, the Fair made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 event, to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. That was only the second time in the Fair’s 85-year history that the event was canceled; the last time was a hiatus from 1942 – 1946 due to the War.
“Like so many other Alaska businesses and organizations, the Fair has struggled over the past year. As a private nonprofit 501 (c)(3) corporation, we rely on the support of fairgoers, sponsors and grant-makers. That support was significantly reduced in 2020 due to the tough decisions we had to make to protect the health of our fairgoers, staff, volunteers, vendors, entertainers and others,” Hertel said.
While the annual Fair did not occur, Fair staff was able to organize several smaller events in 2020 that encouraged community support and involvement, while adhering to public health recommendations. Those events included the Encore Drive-In Nights concert series, pop-up drive-in movie series, Food Truck Fare, Harvest Fest, and the Bright Up the Night holiday light display.
“We found some creative ways to connect with our community, but we missed coming together at the Fair last year. We look forward to once again being a gathering place for Alaskans at the 2021 Fair,” Hertel said.

Bowling @ North Bowl
2021-08-19 18:00 - 21:00
Bowling @ North Bowl
June 24, 6-9pm
July 22, 6-9pm
August 19, 6-9pm
Please Note: Unless otherwise noted, Thrive Activities are for provided for Mat-Su Youth 6th Grade – 20 years old.
At all activities & events, please wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Due to Covid-19 capacity for all activities are limited. To RSVP for our activities and events, please text “Thrive” to 907-745-5826. After introductions, we will send a brief survey to find out which activities you would like more info about.

Digital Q-Club
2021-08-19 17:30 - 19:30
Q-Club is a social and educational group open to all LGBTQ+ teens and allies ages 13-18 in Alaska. Meetings offer education around a subject relevant to the lives of queer youth, such as applying for college to LGBTQ-specific sex ed. Q-Club is also a safe space for queer youth to play games and hang out.
Identity facilitates this group as part of our youth programming.
Come join us for fun and friendship!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Q-Club meets online from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Thursday until further notice.
SIGN UP FOR Q-CLUB ACCESS:
https://identityalaska.org/about/support-groups/identity-groups-intake-form/

Living Well With Vision Loss
2021-08-19 13:00 - 14:00
Location: Palmer Senior Center, Board Room (upstairs)
1132 S Chugach St, Palmer, AK 99645
Are you losing more and more vision? Do you know someone who is blind or visually impaired? If so, there are resources available in the Mat-Su Valley! We offer monthly groups, low vision clinics, assistive items, and equipment. Come check us out!
Please welcome back Jacque Olsen, to the staff and join us at the Living Well with Vision Loss group at WASI on August 19th at 1:00 pm in the activity room.
Contact Jacque Olsen for questions. 907-354-8568.

Virtual Art Links
2021-08-19 13:00 - 13:45
Art Links is a social support program that promotes engagement for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias or seniors at risk of isolation and depression. By using a variety of creative art ideas, we promote self-expression as well as socialization and meaningful connections. Come and share the joy of Art Links with us.
Free to attend! Registration required.
To register or for more
information:
Janice Downing
jdowning@alzalaska.org
907-864-3408

SAGE Coffee and Conversation
2021-08-19 11:00 - 12:00
Every Thursday morning enjoy Coffee and Conversation with LGBTQ+ elders and allies in Alaska. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will have SAGE Coffee on Thursday mornings 11 a.m. to noon on Zoom. Get a cup of coffee, sit down with your computer or smartphone. Join at this Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/+++82432009994?pwd=[REDACTED]

Generation Q
2021-08-18 17:30 - 19:30
Generation Q (Online)
June 16 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm|Recurring Event
Over 18? LGBTQ+? Looking for community?
Gen Q is an accessible, substance-free social and support group for LGBTQ+ young adults in Alaska.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Generation Q meets online from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month until further notice.
Sign up for access: https://identityalaska.org/about/support-groups/identity-groups-intake-form/

Effective Resumes Webinar
2021-08-18 14:00 - 15:00
Learn about resume strategies and formats to best
display your skills, knowledge, and abilities in order to attract employers and lead to more interviews.
For additional information and to register, contact your local Alaska Job Center at (877) 724-2539.
Online workshops are provided through the Zoom platform. Visit zoom.us/meetingsto to ensure your computer or device is Zoom-compatible.

Workplace Alaska Webinar
2021-08-18 11:00 - 12:00
Learn about applying for state employment through Workplace Alaska by creating a profile and application materials targeted to a specific job announcement.
For additional information and to register, contact your local Alaska Job Center at (877) 724-2539.
Online workshops are provided through the Zoom platform. Visit zoom.us/meetingsto to ensure your computer or device is Zoom-compatible.

Interviewing Strategies Webinar
2021-08-18 10:00 - 11:00
Learn about common interview questions and their purpose, as well as how to conduct yourself and answer questions to highlight your strengths specific to the job. Get tips on how to prepare for different types of interviews: in-person, telephonic, video.
For additional information and to register, contact your local Alaska Job Center at (877) 724-2539.
Online workshops are provided through the Zoom platform. Visit zoom.us/meetingsto to ensure your computer or device is Zoom-compatible.

MSBSD Grades 1-12 Start School
2021-08-18 07:30 - 15:00
Middle and High school start time is 7:45, Elementary school start time is 9:15, For outlying schools or charter schools, please check your school day start and end times

Living Well With Vision Loss
2021-08-17 13:00 - 14:00
Location: Wasilla Senior Center, Activity Room
1301 S Century Cir, Wasilla, AK 99654
Are you losing more and more vision? Do you know someone who is blind or visually impaired? If so, there are resources available in the Mat-Su Valley! We offer monthly groups, low vision clinics, assistive items and equipment. Come check us out!
Please welcome back Jacque Olsen, to the staff and join us at the Living Well with Vision Loss group at WASI on August 17th at 1:00 pm in the activity room.
Contact Jacque Olsen for questions. 907-354-8568.

Presentation: ACEs & Trauma Sensitive Practices (Online and In-Person)
2021-08-17 11:30 - 13:00
This presentation is currently being offered In-Person AND Online.
This FREE workshop is open to ADULTS who are interested in learning how to identify and counteract Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to develop resilient kids.
Colleen Andrews is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: ACEs Presentation
Time: Aug 17, 2021 11:30 AM Alaska
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84166090844?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 841 6609 0844
Passcode: [REDACTED]
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Meeting ID: 841 6609 0844
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kcJuLHYvGQ
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 thier 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.
Questions?
Presentation Content Contact: boydenmichelle@gmail.com
Event Details Contact: candrews@rockmatsu.org

Walk Across Wasilla Challenge
2021-08-16 10:00 - 2021-08-20 16:00
For 5 hours each day, Walk Across Wasilla to find resources that our local homeless community often seek for help. Find the food bank, public assistance office, a place to rest, a place to keep warm, etc. T-Shirt competition is open for designing the event t-shirt. Collect sponsors, challenge friends, family, and youth groups, and walk a day (or week) in the shoes of the homeless.
To participate, please email your contact information to walkwasilla21@gmail.com to receive more details.

Pre-Apprenticeship Training for Direct Support Professionals
2021-08-16 09:00 - 2021-09-03 15:00
Trainees will receive certifications in Basic Life Support CPR, First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens, and Mandt©. The PATH training will also include skills in professionalism in the health care setting as well as HIPAA, Self-Care for Health Professionals, and Medical Communication. Upon completion, trainees will have the opportunity to interview for a DSP apprenticeship position to earn while they continue to learn!
Event Contact: Teresa Novakovich TeresaN@alaskapca.org
(907) 357-0411

Volleyball @ Wonderland Park
2021-08-15 13:00 - 14:00
Volleyball @ Wonderland Park
August 14th at 1 pm
Please Note: Unless otherwise noted, Thrive Activities are for provided for Mat-Su Youth 6th Grade – 20 years old.
At all activities & events, please wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Due to Covid-19 capacity for all activities are limited. To RSVP for our activities and events, please text “Thrive” to 907-745-5826. After introductions, we will send a brief survey to find out which activities you would like more info about.

Summer Block Party Celebration
2021-08-14 11:00 - 14:00
Come see why we have been voted Best of the Valley for 8 years in a row! The Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. would like to invite you to our summer celebration block party to see what WASI is all about. 11AM to 2PM. WASI Garden and Senior center tours, BBQ, entertainment and more.

Movie Night @ The Valley Cinema
2021-08-13 19:00 - 21:00
Movie Night
@ The Valley Cinema
June 25, 7pm
July 23, 7pm
August 13, 7pm
September 24, 7pm
Please Note: Unless otherwise noted, Thrive Activities are for provided for Mat-Su Youth 6th Grade – 20 years old.
At all activities & events, please wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Due to Covid-19 capacity for all activities are limited. To RSVP for our activities and events, please text “Thrive” to 907-745-5826. After introductions, we will send a brief survey to find out which activities you would like more info about.
