Contributed by Michelle Cornelius -
Come by and see the terrific BIG PICTURE SHOW at Humdingers in Palmer until May 7, 2019.

Contributed by Lauralynn Robison -
Since the beginning of the Food Pantry of Wasilla in 1984, to the MatSu Food Bank in 2013, we have been providing nourishing food for thousands of people in need within our community.

Contributed by Charice Chambers -
They are all the products of Bobbi Lewis, an Alaskan designer who lives near Talkeetna. Trained as a fashion designer, Bobbi, who found herself in Alaska, spent a number of years as a home economics teacher. She joined the Family and Community Education club, and soon was involved in selling tickets at many Palmer events, including parades and the annual Colony Christmas winter carnival.

Contributed by Taylor Jordan -
By my natural character foundation and my prior military and law-enforcement experience, I’m a warrior. That’s not meant to induce a threat or sound combative, it’s meant to describe a person who will never stand for discrimination or bullying. Someone who will pick up the pieces of their fellow man and help them improve their quality of life.

Contributed by Mary Ann Johnson -
I have been coordinating fundraisers for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for the past 19 years. My involvement and passion for fundraising for this organization is very personal, having lost three siblings to the disease…

Contributed by Vic Kohring -
"Kill 'em with kindness." Charisse Millette, my former staff assistant and future legislator used to say this when encountering rude and difficult people in my Juneau office years ago. Instead of challenging or arguing with a constituent, Charisse would remain polite and respectful, and not give in to the temptation of fighting back simply for the sake of winning an argument.

Contributed by Ryanne Ori -
Consign49 is a four-day event held each spring and fall, in which over 180 local community members bring new and gently used high quality clothing, accessories, and home décor items under one roof to form a large-scale resale pop-up.

Contributed by Mary Wessling -
Tumbling through my tumultuous tomb,
created from the melancholy of my mental womb,
I feel as though the weight of darkness will eternally loom
and its inescapable cold grasp will squeeze my residual joy into vacuous doom.

Contributed by Rabbi Mendy Greenberg -
In 1978, in recognition of his efforts, the Rebbe’s birthday was established by the US Congress and president as “Education and Sharing Day USA”. This national day has been celebrated every year for the past four decades, to raise awareness and strengthen education.

Contributed by Katie Stark -
“This is a great community event that draws a huge crowd. It’s one of the ways Mat-Su Regional proactively supports wellness and preventive care,” Craft said. Last year’s fair featured more than 30 healthcare, safety and educational service providers, and hosted approximately 700 attendees, according to Craft.

Contributed by Michael B. Dillon -
Wrapped in plastic and thrown from a plane into a rural Alaskan lake would usually mean the end of the story. For Bailey (Kitty Mahony), it’s just the beginning. Waking naked, battered and horrifically traumatized, she finds herself trapped in a secluded cabin somewhere in the wilds of Alaska. Her only company, Jack (Kevin Bennett), is a hard-nosed man of few words who makes no question of his desire to be left alone.

Contributed by Sharon Aubrey -
Last year there was an interesting trend in the music industry. Physical albums such as vinyl and CDs sold better than digital downloads. In 2017, digital downloads decreased by 25%, according to RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). Ironically, this is good news for local musicians and bands trying to build audiences and increase sales.

Contributed by Sandy May -
The Mat-Su Valley is the home of an amazing group of dedicated citizens who work to support conservative values and candidates. The Mat-Su Republican Women’s Club was established in 1947 and is the oldest Republican club in the state.

Contributed by Garry Forrester -
Valley Performing Arts’ production brings the Broadway sensation to the Valley in a big way. Over forty talented men, women, and young people, supported by more than thirty experienced crew members, will bring this classic and beloved tale to life right before your eyes.

Contributed by Angie Lewis, Alaska Animal Advocates -
Riley is a little more outgoing than his brother and is a bit feistier when playing with other pups. He is very mellow when someone’s petting him…

Contributed by Sara Williams -
It was recently brought to my attention that the Governor’s proposed budget guts the Division of Agriculture funding and reverses all funding for writing regulations that will govern the hemp industry in Alaska. First, let’s discuss our reality here in Alaska. We are at least 90% dependent on barges and air freight to bring in the goods and commodities that we enjoy in our lives but more importantly the food…

Contributed by Susan Fujimoto -
It is recommended that Kinley has a dog-to-dog introduction to any other dogs at home, but regardless of how well her introduction is, she will still need a proper slow introduction at her new home.

Contributed by Kelleigh Orthmann -
Van Gogh was obviously someone's kitty at one time. But he was either abandoned or lost and spent the last few years camping under a porch and scavenging for food. A lady was able to trap him after feeding him for a year.