make a scene february 2016

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History and Art with the Palmer Museum

Please join the Palmer Museum in its efforts to develop and create public access to the visual history of Palmer.

For the next two years, the Palmer Museum is committed towards expanding its historical photography collections and providing public access to it.

Through the PMHA Photography Collections Management Project, the Palmer Museum will undergo three phases that will culminate in a Palmer community photography bank that will include the historical photographs of Palmer from various organizations and private collectors throughout the region.

A significant portion of the collections of the Palmer Museum of History and Art, PMHA, includes historical photograph prints, 35mm slides and negatives amounting to over 2,200 images with only 110 images that have been accessioned.

The PMHA receives numerous research and temporary usage requests of its photographs throughout the year but are unable to accommodate them due to majority of the photographs not being organized into any accessible format (for public use). Furthermore, there are multiple organizations and private collectors within the Palmer community who maintain similar historical photograph collections but do not have the resources to make them available to the public. To address these problems, the museum has developed the PMHA Photography Collections Management Project that will focus on three areas of need: image identification, storage and management, and accessibility.

Several of the photographs in the museum’s collection contain images of locations, people and/or events that are unidentifiable by museum staff. The image identification phase of the project will include a three night open-house at the Palmer Train Depot on February 17th, 18th and 21st from 1:00 to 9:00PM, where a portion of the museum’s collection will be on display for the public to view and identify. Museum

staff and volunteers will assist with the identification process. As part of this event, the museum will be accepting new donations of photographs (in return, donors will receive digital copies of their photographs on a CD so that they may retain them to make prints, if they should so desire them, in the future). Desirable photograph donations will be pre-1960s photographs depicting early life in Palmer such as events (State Fair, parades, plays, fires), homesteads, the Ahtna community, mines (gold and coal), schools, old buildings and vehicles, and construction (bridges, roads, homes).

The museum will also have more information available about the project, museum stewardship (including take away information about the preservation of photography), and information on the museum exhibits, programs and events scheduled for the 2016 season.

Throughout the event, the museum will be offering door prizes, there will be a slide show of some of the museum’s current photography collection as well as an on-going round-table for attendees to have an opportunity to discuss Palmer history and make connections/seek advice for their own research. To assist with this event, will have special guests: Sara Piasecki, the Archivist from the Anchorage Museum, who will be available to speak with at our Stewardship table each day and Erik Hirschmann, the Faculty Coordinator for the Social Sciences and History Departments at Mat-Su College, who will be a round-table facilitator on the 18th and 21st.

The second phase of the project, storage and management, will include the purchase of a photo scanner, a new external hard drive and archival supplies that will be used to transfer the images into the museum’s collections software (and eventually onto the digital photo bank web-site) and into permanent archival storage sleeves and boxes for proper long term storage based on museum standards.

The final phase, accessibility, will include the temporary hire of a freelance graphic and web designer who will assist the museum in establishing an online Palmer Photo Bank based on the IMLS

funded Johnson County jocohistory.org project. The web-site will include images contributed by the Palmer Museum’s photography collection, the Palmer Public Library, St. Michael’s Church in Palmer and the United Protestant Church, with the hope that additional organizations and collectors will follow. The web-site will allow for easy access and search capabilities while also giving each donor organization/collector the ability to provide public access based on their own parameters (i.e. how to obtain copies for private use).

By the end of the project, it is the museum’s hope that both, members of the Palmer community and visitors/Palmer enthusiasts, will have one reliable primary source to turn to for Palmer regional visual history that can continue to grow as the community grows while also being of the community.

The first and second phases of the project were made possible by a grant from the Collections Management Fund of Museums Alaska, with generous support from the Rasmuson Foundation as well as an in-kind donation from the City of Palmer. The Palmer Museum is still seeking funding to complete the third and final phase of the project.

CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL ARTISTS! In March, the museum will be shining the spotlight on the younger artists in our community in Beyond the Classroom, a high school juried art exhibit. This will be the second year that the museum will be hosting this exhibit. Beyond the Classroom is open to all high school students, grades 9-12 that are enrolled in a high school program (public, home school or alternative). Only one submission per students is allowed and art works can be comprised of any media, any size.

Applications are available on the museum web-site at www.palmermuseum.org or forms can be picked up at the Museum located in downtown Palmer at 723 S. Valley Way. The Museum will be accepting applications until March 11th. Applications will be used to determine space requirements and other exhibit accommodations needed. Due to space limitations, the Museum will

only guarantee acceptance of the first 25 applications and then open it up to additional entries with space permitting.

Art work will be on display at the Museum for the latter half of March and the entire month of April with a special artist reception to be held during the Palmer Art Walk on Saturday, April 9 from 2-6PM. As part of the exhibit, representatives from Mat-Su College Art Department, Valley Arts Alliance, Valley Fine Arts Association, Palmer Arts Council and the Palmer Museum will be reviewing all submissions. Artists will be given review sheets with comments and suggestions after the exhibit with a special participation gift provided by Blaine’s Art Supply in Anchorage.

Prizes will be given out to one outstanding work from each media: painting, drawing, sculpture/ceramics, photography and mixed media. One student will also be awarded a Best in Show based on a 50/50 score with 50% based on public popular vote taken at the Museum from March 14th � April 9th and 50% based on the jury panel�s review.

About PMHA:The Palmer Museum of History and Art is a non-profit museum that serves the community of Palmer in preserving and sharing the history and art of the Palmer region. The museum’s collections contain items that best

depict region’s art history, exploration, settlement, agriculture, and trade, cultural and social development.

During the summer, May 1st through September 30th, the museum also serves a Palmer’s Visitor’s Center and is open seven days a week from 9:00AM to 6:00PM. The museum also operates during the winter months from October 1st through April 30th, Wednesday through Friday, 10:00AM to 5:00PM and second Saturdays of the month, 10:00AM to 6:00PM.

Arts, History

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GE 6 Music

Music

Contributed by David Ionaka Sterling Silver Band(907) 892-7082

CuRReNT WeekLy ITINeRARy AS fOLLOWS:

Wednesdays: Schwabenhof Bar, 7-11pm.Host: Carley & Gabe, “Earth to Travolta”, Mixed Venue

Thursdays: Fishhook Bar, 7-11pm.Host: Andy Mullen & “Friends”, Mixed Venue

fridays: Schwabenhof Bar, 7-11pm.Host: Ken & “Friends” Acoustic Jam

Sundays: Schwabenhof Bar, 7-11pm.Hosts: Jeremy & Tim Strunk, Pete Gates, Blues Jam

General Information:Many players both professional and amature attend these Open Mic / Jam Sessions creating an ever evolving atmosphere.

Even though the same tunes are sometimes repeated, different musicians give each performance a fresh new flavor. This mixture creates a new experience for the listener every week.

You are likely to hear songs that are brand new due to many songwriters often showing up at these events. All that said there is a “Voice in the Valley” consisting of Songwriters, Poets and Musicians getting together four times every week.

Always good to see new faces on the stage and in the audience.

This Months feature:This month the Open Mic / Jam is held weekly on Wednesdays at the Schwabenhof Bar, and has been ongoing for about 6 months now. A warm and friendly Bavarian Style Pub featuring selected European and Alaskan Brewed Beers. Or order

from the well stocked top shelf of name brand wines and spirits.On Wednesdays at 7pm “Earth to Travolta” Carly (Guitar & Vocals) and Gabe (Bass Guitar) strike up the band.

It all started as a friendly get-together, then grew into a public Open Mic Venue to include all genre including poetry, standup comedy, story telling, you name it.

There always seems to be a wide variety of musicians and acts that could form into new working bands.

To view more local acts please visit: stormythursdaywebcasttheater.com

Voice of the Valley - open Mic JaMs!

3 kisses, Anchorage’s premier Party Punk band, has released the first two of six new videos, in support of their upcoming 2016 album release.

Featuring vocalist Tish Meeks and breathtaking aerial photography by videographer Peter Doucette, the video use scenery from the infamous 2015 Sockeye Wildfire in Willow, Alaska and Palmer, AK's, scenic Mud Lake as a backdrop for their infectious, driving music.

The videos, Enter The Tyrant and Angels Bleed Black, are available for viewing via: facebook Pagewww.facebook.com/3kissesand their Reverberation site www.reverbnation.com/3kisses

Their next show will be February 16, at the Museum for Transportation in Wasilla.Please refer to Reverberation for additional songs, videos and show dates.

Community

JON VAN ZYLE: IDITAROD ARTIST page 12

TRAPPER CREEK CABIN FEVER RELIEVER page 14

ALASKA CELTIC PIPES & DRUMS 9TH ANNUAL CONCERT page 21

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Contributed by Brooke Heppinstall

The 7th annual Palmer Midsummer Garden and Art faire is accepting vendors for this year’s fair in downtown Palmer, Saturday, July 9th.

This popular fair will have vendors based on the town green along with two sound stages with live music, a Rhubarb Rumble chef’s cook off, expert speakers on gardening and sustainable living, and coincides with the 2nd Saturday Artwalk event in downtown Palmer.

If you’re interested in demonstrating your art please contact us.

Please join us in making this a premier event for the garden and art community.

Get your submission in early and save! Vendor fee deadline March 16 is $85. May 16th is $115.

Late submissions June 30th are $145

www.palmergardenandart.org

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GE 8 ArtCommunity Events

Community Drum WorkshopWith Dr. Meggie Aube02-5,12,19,26-2016, 2-3:00 PMPercussion in the Valley StudioIn Palmer, Call 631-8079

Rockin Fashion Show And Concert02-12-2016, 7:00 PMThe Jesse Lee HomeHard Rock Cafe

Evening of Smooth Jazz w/Peter White & Euge Groove02-14-2016, 8:00 PMBBAAD ProductionsAtwood Concert Hall ACPA(907) 263-2787www.bbaadevents.com

Mat-Su College Tundra Talks Book and Seminar Series02-18-2016, 6:00 PM8295 East College Drive, PalmerMat-Su College(907) 745-9753www.matsu.alaska.edu

3 Kisses and Vicious MammalsLive at the Yukon Bar02-19-2016, 8:00 PMFebruary 19, 20, 20163 Kisses and Vicious MammalsSeward, 21 and up show

10th Annual VAA Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show02-20-2016Palmer Train DepotValley Arts Alliance

Japanese Taiko Drum WorkshopWith Master Drummer Erika Ninoyu02-20-2016, 2-4:00 PMPercussion in the Valley StudioIn Palmer, Call 631-8079

Big Lake Ice Fishing Derby02-20,21-2016, 8:00 AMBig Lake Chamber of Commerce(907) 892-6109www.biglakechamber.org

AK WildBird Rehabilitation CenterVolunteer Training Introduction02-20-2016, 1-3:00 PMMat-Su Animal Control Conference Room, In Palmer - 907-892-2927

Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center Fundraiser02-20-2016, 7:00 PMAlaska Avalanche Information Center - Hatcher Pass(907) 255-2242

Japanese Taiko Drum WorkshopWith Master Drummer Erika Ninoyu02-20-2016, 2-4:00 PMPercussion in the Valley StudioIn Palmer, Call 631-8079

30th Annual Fund Raising Raffle02-26-2016, 6:00 PMAlaska Family ServicesMat-Su Senior Services, 1350 S. Chugach Street, [email protected], 746-4080

Alaska Family ServicesSpring Dinner02-26-2016, 7:00 PMAlaska Family Services1825 S Chugach St [email protected](907) 746-4080

Ham Radio Meeting02-26-2016, 7:00 PMMatanusaka Amateur Radio Association Fire Station 61, Wasillawww.kl7jfu.com

Cystic Fibrosis Gifts Galore Bazaar02-27-2016, 10:00 AMCystic Fibrosis FoundationMat-Su Career & Technical High School(907) 841-6892http://www.facebook.com/CysticFibrosisBazaar

Winter Market Place02-27, 28-2016, 9:00 AMWinter Market PlaceEgan Convention [email protected]

What’s the Story of Your Food? A 5 Session-Series03-2,9,16,23,30-2016, 7:00 PMNourished, The [email protected](907) 982-9933

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Community Events

Community Events

Comedian Demetri MartinPerforming at UAA03-03-2016, 7:30PMWendy Williamson AuditoriomAnchorage, Alaska

Clear Creek Cat Rescue Vaccination Clinic03-04-2016, 5:00 PMClear Creek Cat Rescueclearcreekcatrescue.org

Clay Owen Studios March First Friday03-04-2016, 6:00 PMClay Owen Studios7801 Schoon Street Unit C Anchorage(907) 343-9551www.clayowenstudios.com

Mat-Su Friends of NRA Banquet03-12-2016, 4:30 PMRaven Hall, Alaska State FairgroundsMat-Su Friends of [email protected](907) 315-6456

HomeChoice™ Home-buying Class03-16,17-2016, 6PM-10PMMTA Building, Large Conference Room, 480 Commercial Dr., Palmer

St Pats in the Mats03-18-2016. 6:00 PMBOYS & GIRLS Club MatsuPalmer Train Depot, 357-2582

2016 Backcountry Film Festival03-18-2016, 7:30PMDoors open at 7pm

DAC member / $8 general admissionDenali Arts Council, Talkeetna(907) 733-7929

Good Friday Service First Baptist03-25-2016, 7:00 PM1150 E. Helen Drive, Palmer(907) 745-4483

Easter Sunday Service03-27-2016, 10:30 AMFirst Baptist Church of Palmer1150 E. Helen Drive, PalmerFirst Baptist Church of Palmer(907) 745-4483

No, You’re Not Crazy-- Your Plants Are Talking to You04-19-2016, 7:00 PMGood Earth Garden SchoolAlaska Center for Acupuncture in Palmer at Koslosky Bldg 2nd floorGood Earth Garden School(907) 745 8688

Klondike Mike’s Open Mic Every Monday

SUSITNA SISTERS SPRING SIP AND SHOP

Where: Wasilla Museum Historic Townsite and Surrounding ShopsWhen: Saturday, March 19Time: 3pm - 8pmAdmission is Free

This is our 1st annual event: featuring an eclectic group of hand selected artisans and many of your favorite "shop local" businesses.

Something special for your tastebuds - Enjoy locally made : Kahladi Brothers, The Grape Tap, Indian Valley Meats, Northstar Bakery, Mosquito Mamma's, Confection Connection & Whisked.

Handcrafted and unique by: From the C, Twinkle Toes, The Bear Scentials, Silverbear Sundries, Jorgensons, Darling Boutique, Little Shop on the Tundra, and Angie's Expressions.

Our "SHOP LOCAL" favorites including: Flowers by Louise, Last Frontier Brewing Co., Mi-Mi's Closet, and this amazing event will benefit and help raise awareness for the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance with a silent auction & raffle.

For updates and additional information, please visit: Facebook.com/SusitnaSisters

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Contributed by Zaz Hollander Michael Sterling Maffe is 19 years old and has already composed more than 100 pieces of original music.

Now Maffe’s latest work, Alaska: The Crest of Hinterland, is set for its world premier at Mat-Su Concert Band’s next performance when the band performs “A Tribute to Alaska” -- a concert devoted entirely to music about Alaska and the north.

The concert is at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 13, at the Glenn Massay Theater on the Mat-Su College campus. The concert has an intermission. There will be a small admission fee at the door. Tickets are $10; $5 for students and children under 5 get in free.

Maffe’s own program notes describe his piece:Alaska: The Crest of Hinterland is a musical portrait inspired by the unparalleled

majesty of our northernmost state. There are three principal illustrations throughout the piece, each accompanied by a theme. The first of these evokes the mystery of the land. It alludes to wondrous natural phenomena that can be experienced in the Great North such as the Aurora Borealis. The second theme celebrates the pioneering of the state. It conjures the excitement of the Gold Rush, and the race to the Last Frontier. The final subject is an admiration of beauty. Romantically, it depicts the vast terrain, grand mountains, and lush forests found only in the Land of the Midnight Sun.

Alaska: The Crest of Hinterland is one of many selections about Alaska and the north the band will perform at the concert.

Also on the program are three separate movements of Robert Buckley’s Portraits of the North which includes the popular Iditarod, written to describe the

annual sled dog race to Nome. Band director Gleo Huyck was a co-founder of the race.

Other pieces include The Seal Lullaby, a dreamy, undulating composition by Eric Whitacre; Grandeur of the Parks, an homage to Alaska’s scenery from Denali to Glacier Bay; and even part of a suite by the popular march master John Philip Sousa, who also wrote 11 suites. The band will perform the first movement of Looking Upward, entitled By the Light of the Polar Star, written while Sousa traveled by train through South Dakota late at night.

Kivgik, by Carl Strommen, commemorates the “messenger feast” such as a big one celebrated every year in Barrow, and features striking percussion effects.

Sousa didn’t write it, but there will be a concert march performed too: The Forty-Ninth Star, by William Gerrard.

Maffe, a Colony High School grad, has already received numerous national and international accolades for his work including winning the 2015 National Young Composers Challenge Composition Competition for “The Water Phoenix.” That composition has been performed by the Orlando Philharmonic and El Camino Symphony orchestras.

The band got its start in 1984 as the Mat-Su Community Band, formed by Matanuska Music owner Hank Hartman. Other directors have included Neil Long and Phil Munger.

Current director Huyck is a retired music educator and private instructor. Under Huyck’s baton, the band performs a wide-ranging selection of challenging music. The band this season numbers about 70 amateur musicians who assemble every Monday night for rehearsals at Teeland.

Music

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Art

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Contributed by Janet St. GeorgeTown Square Art Gallery

Meet the arist, Jon Van Zyle, Sunday, March 6th from 10-2 at Town Square Art Gallery booth at the Willow Community Center during the Iditarod ReStart.

Jon Van Zyle, 2 time Iditarod veteran, and member of Iditarod Hall of Fame, announces his 40th year as the Official Artist of the Iditarod. 2016 will be the 40th year that Jon has created his artwork for the Great Race’s Official Iditarod yearly collectible poster series. Meet the arist, Jon Van Zyle, Sunday, March 6th from 10-2 at Town Square Art Gallery booth at the Willow Community Center during the Iditarod ReStart. Not only will Jon be signing his new poster for his fans, but his latest 2016 Iditarod print, “Ruby Sky” and other artwork are available for personalizing. Jon has also illustrated numerous children’s books which will also be available. Jon’s new poster, prints and books are also available directly from Town Square Art Gallery located in the Wasilla Carrs Mall. Jon Van Zyle is a long-time supporter of the Iditarod and all of their programs. Jon’s poster idea came about and helped raise money and rally financial donations to keep Iditarod alive in the early years of the program. His early painted Iditarod images were some of the first national and international historical images that helped people visualize the race. Jon and Jona Van Zyle are also deep supporters of the Junior Iditarod race (ages 14 through 17) and their donations of time, artwork, and support has helped to keep its spirit alive for the younger generation of mushers. They are annual supporters of Teachers on the Trail (both winter and summer conference supporters) and have supported the Iditarod Veterinarians program through involvement with and sales of the book, “Iditarod, the First 10 Years”, which premiered in 2015.

Art

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Art

Theater

by Carmen Summerfield

These art pieces, made by Theo Jansen, are kinetic creations made from electrical insulation tubing and bamboo sticks, cable ties and Dacron sails. They are designed to move across the ground by the force of the wind, almost like a perpetual motion machine.

Every summer, Theo Jansen transforms Scheveningen beach in the Netherlands into a laboratory where these monumental art pieces are deployed and walk across the beach on their own, almost as if they have perpetual motion.

Theo Jansen considers these art pieces almost a living species, developed according to the principles of evolution and genetic transformation, thereby questioning the widely accepted division between the natural and the artificial, the organic and the mechanical, and creating a complex

genealogy.

According to Theo Jansen, “Despite Galileo, despite Darwin, humans still insist on seeing themselves and the Centre of Creation. Look at it from the paper’s point of view for once. To that sheet of paper, a human is no more than a pile of protein molecules”.

He considers the Strandbeests as having their own rationale, their own mechanisms and evolutionary principles of which he is not so much the inventor as the conveyor and transmitter.

To my surprise these Strandbeests are coming to America, with their first exhibit opening in Chicago this month. There are also videos on Youtube, linked on our Valley Arts Alliance page on Facebook, showing the Strandbeests walking on the beach. You can be sure my next visit to Holland will include a walk on the beach, looking for Strandbeests!

Directed by Dave Nufer Valley Performing Arts

Valley Performing Arts ends their spectacular Season 40 with this timeless musical, The Fantasticks.

Audition times are: Saturday, february 20th, from 1PM to 4PM and Sunday, february 21st, from 5PM to 7PM.

This off-Broadway hit relates the tale of two neighboring fathers who trick

their children, Luisa and Matt, into falling in love by pretending to feud. Unlike Romeo and Juliet, the fathers want their children to fall in love.

The fathers hire traveling actors to stage a mock abduction, so that Matt can heroically seem to save Luisa, ending the supposed feud.

When the young lovers discover the deception, they reject the arranged love match and split up. Each then gains disillusioning experiences

of the real world, seen in parallel fantasy sequences.

They return to each other bruised but enlightened, and they renew their vows with more maturity.

We will be looking for: 4 males 30-70 in appearance, 2 males early to mid 20s in appearance, 1 male/female 20-50 in appearance, 1 female early to mid 20s in appearance.

If you would like to read the play

script, a copy will be at the VPA office for overnight checkout.

Visit our websitevalleyperformingarts.org and click on the “Auditions” link for more information. Auditions will be held at Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Avenue.

Download the audition form at www.valleyperformingarts.org or contact VPA at 373-0195

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GE 14 Community

On March 12, 2016 the Trapper Creek community is sponsoring the 29th Annual Cabin Fever Reliever festival at the Trapper Creek Park.

This is an exciting and well-attended event that raises money for the community and offers a chance for the cabin-bound to shake off the cold while experiencing a variety of outdoor activities that reflect the pioneer spirit of the Upper Susitna Valley.

Showcasing the newly remodeled Community Building, the festival offers outdoor games for children and adults, a bonfire, good food, the crowning of Lady of the Cabin Fever Reliever, art and history exhibits, Bingo, and a lot of surprises.

Three popular raffles offer the opportunity to win cash, prizes and a 30.06 Mossberg rifle.

The festival is put on by the non-profit Trapper Creek Community Services Association.

Activities begin at 11:00 am and will continue through the evening. The Park is located on TC Park Circle at Milepost 115.2, George Parks Highway.

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Heartfelt

Contributed by Antiqua Lisha

Imagine a storm blowing into your world. This storm knocked you over. Your house was broken into they took all that you thought was secure, even your money. Would you be shaken? Of course, you would. You’re heart was broken, sad and feeling ashamed. You lost friends, your job took a turn, and you even questioned your own validity. All this is normal in the midst of a hurricane. But today I am going to share with you how you can weather this storm and believe me, I have been in a storm or two.

To weather this kind of hurricane, the kind that rocks your whole world, you first have to take a complete inventory of who you truly are. I want to invite you to ask yourself a series of 6 questions and as you do, write down your answers and when a storm comes keep them close to your heart!

1) Do I feel comfortablein my skin?

If you answered “yes,” write down what you are experiencing as you are comfortable. If you answered “no,” write down ways you can love yourself into being more

comfortable. Two of my favorite daily habits are drinking water and grounding – you can learn more in the B-U Training at AntiquaLisha.com

2) How do you speak to yourself?

Are you your own best friend? If so, write down what you admire about yourself. This will help you remember when and if your boat is rocked. If you are critical or judgmental, know that this is the way we were raised. Ask yourself what makes you feel good and make a list. This will help remind your when times are tough.

3) How do you want to feeL? Do you allow yourself to feel the highs and lows of life? We are emotional beings. Often we make ourselves “wrong” for being mad, fearful, shameful or sad. We believe it and not allow ourselves the happy, excited, elated or contended emotions. Stop it!

When we fight feeling by making it “wrong,” it persists. But, when you open yourself to FEEL whatever is without attachment, your feeling will guide you, and you will feel the

flow – as if you are standing in the eye of the storm. Where things are still.

4) Do you have to handle this storm alone?

No! Being alone in the face of adversity is a choice.

Ask your higher power for support. Your personal relationship with Creator is the fastest way to set your focus on peace when the crazies are swarming.

5) Who do I want to Be right now?

We get to choose how we show up in every relationship. In work, home, chaos, and all sorts of storms. Knowing the core values you choose to live by allows you to reset your sails towards the shoreline during any storm.

6) How is this storm serving me and my deepest desires?

Face your own value and increase the amount of pleasure you allow yourself to feel.

Do you even know your deepest desires? Often my clients don’t.

We make our desires wrong, impossible, out of reach and, therefore, leave them be at about 17 when “reality” sets in. Reconnect with your desires. Then let them express themselves in each of your personal power zones – the ones we just identified together, your body, your mind, your emotions, your spirit, you in a relationship and your purpose.

Allow the desires of your heart to direct you towards a safe harbor. One way to feel your way through a rough storm is to allow the storm to be and set your focus on where you want to be, who you want to be and let the winds take you there.

Learn more about connecting with all of YOU at www.antiqualisha.com

Informative, Weddings

Art

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the corner linkContributed by Donna Turner Did you know that creating the wedding guest list is the most

stressful task that you have to create for your special day? Wedding celebrations held prior to the wedding day are meant to heightened the engagement period, honor the couple and allow you the time to spend quality time of joy with your closest relatives and friends before the “craziness” of the wedding day. Certain rules of decorum should be kept in mind for all wedding related functions. Note that the

terminology has more bearing on the correct etiquette for each event. For instance, engagement party verses “a celebration in the honor of” or a shower verses a luncheon, dinner or tea amidst extended friends. Here are some basic guidelines to follow for Creating the Wedding Guest list: The wedding guest list offers the biggest opportunity to create hurt feelings. Everyone is excited about your wedding and wants to be included as one who is important to the couple. Culling the list has to be done with great sensitivity because you don’t want to offend the feelings of anyone. I always recommend the first order of business is to define your vision for the wedding and share it with both families in writing. If you are set on a wedding with 80 people in attendance then those

parameters should be communicated. Both families will know from the beginning that there will be limitations to the guest list.

This is not a guaranteed method to avoid problems, but it does set initial boundaries. Creating these initial boundaries will quickly put in check the possibility of going off in the wrong direction. Prepare your list with consideration. Most pre-wedding parties are intimate affairs made up of family and close friends. Attending a wedding celebration builds excitement leading up to your wedding and provides the guest an unspoken guarantee that they will be honored with a wedding invitation to witness your big day. According to the Emily Post Institute, it is misleading and unacceptable to invite guests to parties and then not

invite them to your wedding.Be sensitive to your single friends. From college age on, your single guests should be extended an “and guest” invitation. Your wedding is a party. Your wedding is a celebration. Those single friends would like to be comfortable and enjoy the entertainment along with you. It’s no fun sitting alone and watch others dance and have a good time. Remember the wedding guest list is fluid. It will expand and contract. However, by giving your families initial parameters, you will set the tone for your wedding,. Knowing that the guidelines are in place, hopefully all will be inclined to be sensitive about who they should request to be invited.

The Mat-Su College Art Department is holding its 20th Annual High School Art Portfolio Competition. The competition is open to all Alaska High School Seniors.

A two-semester tuition scholarship is the first- place award and the second-place award is a six- credit tuition scholarship.

Winners will be announced on March 28th, with the art show to be held from March 28th through April 13th in the

college gallery, FSM 200. To be considered for the scholarship, submit your portfolio of 12 of your best works, your completed entry forms, a personal narrative and letter of recommendation at Mat-Su College, FSM 210, between March 16th through the 18th.

for more information, please contact Dr. felicia Desimini, Art Department Coordinator at 907-745-9755.

The Machetanz Arts Festival at Mat-Su College is thrilled to offer a 4-day workshop with the acclaimed artist, sculptor Simon Kogan. This is an exceptional opportunity to study with a Fellow of the National Sculpture Society. Simon has long shared his artistic passion through the teaching of sculpture, painting, anatomy and drawing in the U.S. and abroad (SimonKogan.com.) Join us as his workshops are sure to change your thinking of what sculpture is, bringing energy and depth to your 2D works (drawing and painting.)

Born in Russia, Simon received 13 years of classical academic training in Moscow, including a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) as well as an apprenticeship under renowned sculptor Isaac Brodsky.

Since immigrating to the U.S. in 1991, he has steadily risen to national prominence as a sculptor whose widely acclaimed work - monumental to miniature - reflects a bold, yet poetic pursuit of the archetypal and renders an ethereal quality highly resonant with the viewer. Truth, soul and unpretentious sophistication characterize the work of artist Simon Kogan.

Simon’s 4-day torso workshop is 5/31 - 6/3; he will also present a 1-day portrait workshop on Saturday, June 4th.Registration information can be found at www.Matsu.alaska.edu/MAF.

for more information please call: Dr. felicia M. Desimini Assistant Professor of Art 907-745-9755

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Heaven’s Gates - a story of traGedy and HopetHe day Jesus saved My Life

By scott Laney

This is what Heaven’s gates looked like to me, except the metal cross was made out of white gold, and up above was white gold, and I was standing on clouds and that was red wood with black lines on it and to the left and right were trees that went on as far as I could see and behind the gates it was very bright like Gods presences was shining. And I was as high as the first cross from left to right. My mother had a premonition. The night before my accident, she felt something bad was going to happen to me. She felt it so strongly that she prayed: “Whatever it takes, save him God. And please hold, protect and heal him. Please forgive and help us God. You’re the only way.”

My mother prayed for her son because she wasn’t sure I would go to heaven and she didn’t know the time she might lose me forever. That was her fear so she prayed.

“God whatever it takes to save him do it please!!! I am powerless to save him. I have failed at the job of a parent to secure him. This gift you have given me… I give back to your hands. Please take him and save him.”

And that is when God’s hand moved. I worked on Alaska’s North Slope as a drilling floor hand. Over one year I once made $100,000. I had worked my way up to this position over 5 years. My job’s still waiting for me.

On the fateful day, I was heading to my grandmother’s house on Knik Goose-Bay (KGB) Road at 3:20 a.m. February 7, 2014 I hit and killed a moose. I called the police and stood by until they ar-rived. Several hours later I was hit by

a car - just as that moose had been hit and killed - but I was saved by Jesus. The events unfolded on Feb. 7, 2014, when I jumped into my car and noticed it was low on gas. Just in case I might run out, I ran inside for a gas can before heading to the gas station on KGB Road. I did run out of gas in Wasilla, which required calling my buddy, Danny Smith, to help me out. While he was en route, I turned on my car’s safety blinkers, grabbed the gas can, and started walking toward the gas station. Soon I saw some headlights coming toward me, so I started waving my arms. I was at mile 8.4 and hoped this person might stop to help me out. The driver of the car coming toward me was blind in one eye. As Danny came on the scene, he could see me on the other side of the white line on the side of the road—about seven car lengths in front of where my car was flashing in the night. About that same moment the half-blind driver hit me going 60 mph at approximately 5:20am. The impact of this collision broke both legs, my left arm, and caused a concus-sion. My brain began hemorrhaging. I had blood in my mouth and couldn’t breathe. My buddy ran to me, tipped me over to drain the blood, and com-forted me until the ambulance arrived 30 minutes later. My friend had been there to help me. When the ambulance finally arrived, the EMTs told Danny to leave.

He said: “No that’s my brother!”

My mother later told me I had no bruises on my body. Danny was upset - he told me we waited for an ambu-lance for 30 minutes! He said I died for 30 minutes, and I remember walking on clouds and jogging and seeing Heaven’s gates, thinking I was going to go in. I should have died, but when the ambulance came I don’t remember anything about what was happening. I remember seeing Jesus Christ, and he carried me into the ambulance. Then I remember feeling something weird on

my chest, so I looked down and there was something gold / yellow glowing on my chest and Jesus was healing me and protecting me from death. I still remember what Jesus looked like - I have a picture of him on the wall at home. My mother had prayed for me the night before - prayed that Jesus would be with me and hold me - and he was! My aunt told me that when I got to the hospital I was still awake and I told her and my sister three times that Jesus had saved me! I have been telling everyone I meet about my story, urging them not to let anyone walk on the side of the road unless they are on a sidewalk. I tell everyone to call me to find out more. My number is: 907-707-6525. Now I’m walking with a cane, or walker. My physical therapist told me recently that I was improving quickly using my cane. I know I’m getting better every day, but I have at least one more year of healing to go before returning to the life I had before the accident. My old physical therapist said I wouldn’t walk for 2-5 years and at 1 year and 3 months I was. And I was also told that I would never be able to walk safely without my walker for life. So me and my mom have been praying every night. And God has been healing me. My mom said I spent 3 months in the hospital and I told her that I could still see Jesus.

there are many other tragedies on KGB road.

When I told my neighbor this story he told me that his own nephew was walking down KGB Rd one year previ-ous to my event, was also hit by a car, and died.

That driver never stopped and was never apprehended although that per-son wrote a letter of apology that was read at the victim’s funeral.

I can’t walk without aides yet, but I have seen that heavens gates! They were made of a really expensive red wood with black lines and white plate

gold everywhere. There are yellow trees from left to right as far as the eye can see. My therapist said it will likely take between 2-5 years before I’ll walk without assistance. Again. After almost one year in physical therapy I walked 60 steps before they made me sit down. Because I suffered Traumatic Brain Injury, I cannot drink alcohol. My mom told me in the hospital that I could see Jesus. I don’t remember that specifi-cally, but I guess I told her I could see him sitting in my room. God says to forgive or you won’t be forgiven so we forgave Sandra, my old care coordinator, because for one year she told us she didn’t know why Medicaid hasn’t paid anything yet. We found out that she didn’t turn in any of my paperwork. My mom was about to stop getting paid her benefits, because of this, so we fired her. My life has changed dramatically because of what happened to me that night on KGB Road. I will be facing many challenges with the help of Jesus.

Facebook me at Scott Laney to see how I’m doing.

Or email me at 777godlives777 @ gmail . com for pictures. I am kinda glad tho that car did hit me because it has brought me a lot closer to God.

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Double Miracle Needed

Contributed by kevin Toothaker

It has been 2 years 4 weeks and one day since our world changed. On December 17th 2013, my son was diagnosed with a tumor in his neck that was slowly paralyzing him, for weeks he was losing function in his left arm, but we all (his doctor, coworkers, and even myself) told him, “to keep moving forward, it will pass….just a strained back or possibly a torn muscle….just muscle through it”.

However he knew something was wrong and just kept calling and went to an ER multiple times, he knew better!

Thank God he kept at it until collapsed at home and couldn’t get up. There is no feeling that is more helpless than receiving a call from your 20 year old son in pain and crying because he can’t move…the drive home was the longest and the shortest of all time at the same time. Thankfully we had the wits to call the ER in Anchorage at the Alaska Native Medical Center and tell the doctor we had seen the previous day of the new circumstances.

He had them prepared for us when we rolled into the ER, he pretty much immediately went and received an MRI and they found the mass. It was compressing his spine to the degree that he literally had hours before his organs would begin to quit. The surgeons got into his spinal column and removed about 90% of the mass, the rest was

inoperable because it was infused into his spinal cord.

Tim’s ability to walk unassisted and use his left hand was severely limited, so he and I were sent to Seattle on Christmas

Day to begin an intensive physical therapy process at the University of Washington. Here he began the arduous process of learning how to walk again, how to hold things with his left hand, how to go the bathroom even; never once did he bemoan his situation, there was no “Why Me?”

there was only “What do I need to do today”. He has kept that attitude and has truly only tried to worry about today because he has no control over tomorrow.

By the second week of January we knew that he was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare childhood cancer that afflicts only 300 youth nationwide. Thankfully we were able to have most of our immediate family near when the treatment plan was established which was devastating, but Tim’s demeanor helped us get back into the situation and the task at hand which was getting his functions back so he can have all his strength for the fight ahead. The tumor in his neck was treated through chemo and then radiation and the tumor was eradicated, but it had already spread to his lungs, he had full blown stage 4 cancer!

He stayed in Seattle for most of the next ten months, my wife and I switching each month so we could keep our jobs and the health insurance going, which became our life until August, which is when the other shoe dropped….my wife was diagnosed with cancer herself, also stage 4; but hers was spread throughout her abdomen, it was in her liver, lymph nodes, and esophagus. Her treatment plan is to create more time for her to be with us.

At this time my parents went to Seattle and stayed with our boy while I came home and took care of my wife while she began her treatment. In October, Tim

was allowed to come home for the first time since Christmas and see his friends, family and dog Pippy….Finally.

It was also the first time he saw his car, he did not drive once while in Seattle, he was waiting for coming home and driving his own vehicle, I did not think it was a big deal until I saw him driving and wiping tears of joy from his eyes, then I knew he was home…Alaska.

This visit was short and my wife was allowed to return with him as she was in between her treatments, it was determined that Tim could continue his treatment here in Alaska during that last visit.

However, being away from the primary care doctor proved to be too much…there were too many holes that developed while in his treatment, delayed rounds of chemo, delayed screenings of the cancer, delayed blood work, and it felt as if the doctor up here was too busy to properly take care of him in that setting, so we changed care to Providence in July August of 2015.

These folks did more in two weeks than the whole staff did at the previous place, they found a clinical trial for him that created a lot of hope, and then in a short time he was out of it because the nodes began to grow again, so back home and a new treatment plan with different chemo’s because his body could not take much more of those specific Chemo’s.

Meanwhile my wife had had an allergic reaction to a chemo and was taken of it, and she began to become sick 10 out of 14 days with her treatment so her dosage was reduced and she was eventually given the Summer off of treatment in order for her to heal before the next cycle, which is where she is at now. She hasn’t been able to handle the chemo as well as Timothy, but her will is no less indomitable.

Somehow their circumstances have created a new weird comradery, they both have extensive knowledge of each other’s predicament and can anticipate when the other needs support or to be left the hell alone. Their health and ability to stay positive is linked, they find strength in each other, comfort in each other, and most of all understanding of

what bothers each other, and they are amazing.

My daughter and I with her fiancé Scott are the outsiders looking in. We all get tired of hearing about how people don’t know how we do it? What? What else are we supposed to do? These two individuals get up and look at the reality of cancer streaming through their veins and folks wonder how my daughter and I do it? We don’t do anything except be there for Tim and Lisa and try to be as positive as they are…which is challenging. My daughter is an amazing young lady; she has truly handled this with class and dignity beyond her years. She is made of the same stuff as her brother!

I try to disappear to the garage and go through the “why my family” questions by myself, I have cursed God, but thanked him in the same sentence. I try to reason with God and find out if he is trying to teach me a lesson for not living up to my potential. I have always preached to my kids that everything happens for a reason, why is this happening? Why would my son, who doesn’t have a mean bone in his body be threatened like this, why would my wife who has had a lifetime of travails and tribulations be picked on at this time?

I have found these questions to be maddening, frustrating because there is no answer at this time, but it will present itself sooner or later, because I still believe that some good is going to come from this…it has to, I am just afraid the reason is going to be contrary to my desires of a whole family, of my wife becoming a matriarch to more grandchildren, of my son’s progeny and my branch in the Toothaker family tree could be shorter than I ever imagined….these fears are more than I can say out loud, but I have to get them out somewhere, there is no more room to store inside any longer and the longer I try to stuff them back into a convenient corner the worse it will be when they eventually float to the top.

Hopefully writing these concerns will be therapeutic and help get these emotions outside in the clean air where they can go away…taking all of the “what ifs” and doubts away while we cope with our reality.

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Poetrywhat bothers each other, and they are amazing.

My daughter and I with her fiancé Scott are the outsiders looking in. We all get tired of hearing about how people don’t know how we do it? What? What else are we supposed to do? These two individuals get up and look at the reality of cancer streaming through their veins and folks wonder how my daughter and I do it? We don’t do anything except be there for Tim and Lisa and try to be as positive as they are…which is challenging. My daughter is an amazing young lady; she has truly handled this with class and dignity beyond her years. She is made of the same stuff as her brother!

I try to disappear to the garage and go through the “why my family” questions by myself, I have cursed God, but thanked him in the same sentence. I try to reason with God and find out if he is trying to teach me a lesson for not living up to my potential. I have always preached to my kids that everything happens for a reason, why is this happening? Why would my son, who doesn’t have a mean bone in his body be threatened like this, why would my wife who has had a lifetime of travails and tribulations be picked on at this time?

I have found these questions to be maddening, frustrating because there is no answer at this time, but it will present itself sooner or later, because I still believe that some good is going to come from this…it has to, I am just afraid the reason is going to be contrary to my desires of a whole family, of my wife becoming a matriarch to more grandchildren, of my son’s progeny and my branch in the Toothaker family tree could be shorter than I ever imagined….these fears are more than I can say out loud, but I have to get them out somewhere, there is no more room to store inside any longer and the longer I try to stuff them back into a convenient corner the worse it will be when they eventually float to the top.

Hopefully writing these concerns will be therapeutic and help get these emotions outside in the clean air where they can go away…taking all of the “what ifs” and doubts away while we cope with our reality.

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0 Heartfelt, Faith

This Corner Chat is meant to be the very name I have given it...TLC (The Love of Christ) Corner Chat. I hope you will come to love the

writings along with my own personal testimonies the Lord has carried me through and inspires me to share with His people, Amen.

I feel led to share a thought each month that I hope inspires you greatly, touches your heart supernaturally and most of all strengthens, encourages and brings you hope and comfort right where you are.

COUNT IT ALL JOY!

I am sharing this month as I simply found an entry in my journal from 3 years ago almost to the day and I decided it was the best thing to share. Let us be THANKFUL in ALL things great and small under the sun.

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

2-15-2013 Journal writings by Tiffany Moffitt Rye:

Words to ponder...thank You God in ALL things even the things unseen...I was sitting on the edge of my bed praying this morning and casting out the enemy in Jesus’ name when as I finished praying...I felt a prompt from the Holy Spirit reminding me of the things I need to be thankful for...so here is what I shared with God in my thoughts...thank you for my uncomfortable bed I got to rest on all night...it was warm, my

husband was in it, and it is under a roof that covers me from the snow and elements, and when I pray and ask You in the morning to heal my aching back...You do immediately! Thank you for my slippers that await the arrival of my cold feet, thank you for my PJ’s that I lounge in as I walk through my house to let out my wonderful dogs that I thank you for too as they comfort me and make me feel loved and inform me of visitors or pesky intruders, thank you for the addition to our home on the front where our doggies can have a safe covering from the weather and a fenced area to run and do their duty in :) to be continued...

More Words to Ponder...as my computer quits acting up...thank you Lord for my computer and everything it allows me to do and the access it gives me to Your people and others who don’t know You and will learn to love you as You love them because You move through our messages and posts on this fine specimen of an example of Your Goodness and Love for us to be able to communicate across the world with very little cost to those we have never met or we have known for years and want to remain closer too....:)

Yes...I am on a roll...of thankfulness...then back to the story...so I then became thankful as I walked through my house taking sight of the many wonders of things available to me like water, a sink, a warm floor, cupboards with food in them, pans to cook with, a refrigerator with food in it, counters with food on them, food everywhere...I need to give some of this stuff away! There were books and catalogs and magazines and stuff everywhere in my house and I was overwhelmed with thankfulness that I began to cry!!! I cried for over

2 minutes and trust me that is not the record...but it felt soooo good to praise my God for everything He has given to me and quit focusing on the things I wasn’t excited about...like the washing machine door not closing so I can’t wash the mounds of clothes that have piled up from the week and we have an event to help with tomorrow...but guess what?

There is this place called a laundromat and it allows you to take multiple loads to wash and dry at the same time and it actually gets done quicker...and God gave me a beautiful daughter who is willing to work at our store tomorrow so that I can go to the laundromat and do our laundry and for that I am thankful!!!!! Amen!!

Now...He is showing me that my house is not burning down, my car is parked in the driveway ready for me to drive to work, my shower awaits me with hot water to clean myself, my hair dryer awaits the wispiness of my hair and my straightener cannot wait to fix my flyways when it’s done, my toothbrush probably doesn’t like me but it doesn’t have any feelings so that’s ok...and my makeup...well that’s another story all together...thank GOD for makeup...which is currently all over my eyes like a raccoon cause I was too tired to remove it last night...so I better get off here and go be thankful some more and see what God does with my day!

Be THANkfuL IN ALL THINGS Count it all JOy!

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy” (James 1:2 NLT)

I am a minister of reconciliation and I have the honor and privilege

of leading a DivorceCare ministry that meets in Palmer each fall from September-December (more details at www.divorcecare.org FIND A GROUP) – I am also a co-leader for the DivorceCare group starting Sat, February 20th in Eagle River at Valley View Baptist Church (details at www.divorcecare.org –FIND A GROUP).

I am also currently leading a Boundaries Group that is meeting at 101 E Arctic Ave inside Wolverine Academy in downtown Palmer.

We started our 12-week group on Sundays from 3-6pm.

The group is open and we have 9 men and 5 women who have a desire to learn, “How to say yes to the good things in life and how to say no to the bad.”

If you are one of these people or you have experienced or are experiencing separation or divorce, please contact me at 907-745-8477 and leave a message, or preferably email me at: [email protected]

If you care to meet me in person, I work most days in the HEART of Palmer…Bishop’s Attic II.

The thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are simply what come from within my heart and out of my mind and on to the paper.

I am grateful for the freedom of expression and speech Joshua Fryfogle allows with this newspaper. THANKFUL to be alive another day to write, Amen.

He IS PuRSuING yOu TO Be A MIRACLe AND TeSTIMONy Of HIS TRuTH.

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Music

Contributed by Richard ChristiansenAlaska Celtic Pipes & Drums

Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums present the 9th Annual Snowflake Concert at 7:00 pm on Saturday, March 12th, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 18444 Old Glenn Highway, in Chugiak, Alaska, (On the Old Glenn Highway, between North and South Birchwood Loops.)

The Snowflake Concert promises to deliver yet again a brilliant evening of entertainment, with piping and drumming from the entire ensemble, as well as solos, and smaller groups of pipers and drummers within the Band. Based in Eagle River, 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.

The Snowflake Concert is one of several community concerts presented throughout the state by Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums, and is regarded by the Band as a particularly special time to say thanks to the people of their own home district.

We are extremely pleased again this year to have our Very Special Guest Performer, Piping Virtuoso and Instuctor Jori Chisholm. Jori has played with the six-time Grade One World Champion Simon Fraser University Pipe Band since 1998, and has been a featured solo performer for the band on multiple occasions.

Jori is a successful solo competitor, winning the United States Gold Medal four times, and has placed in the top

three in Scotland’s Argyllshire Gathering Gold Medal competition, and is a regular winner of top competitions in North America and Scotland. He has performed in front of sold-out audiences with The Chieftains, with ex-Grateful Dead rocker Bob Weir and his band Ratdog, and has been featured as a soloist or band member on over 20 recordings. His debut solo album Bagpipe Revolution was nominated for Album of the Year by Pipes|Drums magazine.

Jori writes the “Sound Technique” column for the National Piping Centre’s bi-monthly Piping Today magazine.

Prepare to be amazed! Midway through the concert, there will be a short intermission, during which refreshments, including Scottish shortbread, will be served.

Admission is free, but donations are always sincerely appreciated, with proceeds to benefit Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums’ Education Fund, and the church youth group.

Contact the Band via email at [email protected], or phone 907-315-9838.

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Contributed by Charissa Hooyman

What would people do if they were poisoned? They would find a sapphire of course.

Since the late 1800s, some of the most beautiful sapphires have been mined in Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka, as well as having some of the most valuable.

You are probably asking yourself, is this the only country where sapphires are mined and what makes a sapphire so valuable? Did you know sapphires come in different colors like the rainbow? Some even come with stars.

When most people think of sapphire, they think of its beautiful blue color. People have been mesmerized by sapphires for centuries, and believed they had special meaning and helped people in some way.

The history of sapphires is fascinating because of the different beliefs people had about them. The Persian kings believed the skies got its beautiful blue color because the earth sat on a big sapphire.

Greek and Roman kings and queens believed whoever owned a sapphire it would protect them from envy and harm. The Clergy wore blue sapphire believing it symbolized Heaven. Those who were not of royalty believed the sapphire brought about heavenly blessings.

Another fascinating belief was that sapphire was used as an antidote for poison which would counter act the poison by giving strength and health

to the affected person. Wow! Isn’t it interesting how different people viewed the sapphire?!

Sapphires are mined in several different countries with each having its own unique characteristic. The most valuable sapphires are mined in Kashmir in the Himilayan Mountains, Burma, and Sri Lanka. Other valuable mine sites are in Australia, Thailand, and Montana. Yogo Gulch in Montana, has mined beautiful sapphires for over 100 years. However, Yogo mine is not Montana’s only sapphire mine, there are several other mine sites. Enough about mines, what makes a sapphire so valuable in today’s market.

Gemologists determines a sapphire’s value by looking at the 4 C’s (color, cut, clarity, and carat weight). Color plays a big part in determining its value as well as the color saturation. The better the color saturation the more valuable the sapphire. You can find sapphires in a variety of blues to a grayish color. Dark sapphires do not have a high value.

If you do not want a blue sapphire then you have a choice of fancy sapphires, padparadscha, color changing sapphires, or star sapphires.

Jewelry

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Fancy sapphires come in colors in the rainbow. Padparadscha (lotus color) can be quite valuable and for many years the color has been that of a controversy. Some people say the color is salmon or the color of the sunset, others may say the color looks like a ripe guava.

How about a sapphire that changes color? Depending upon the type of light, daylight or incandescent light, a sapphire can display a slightly different color. For example, blue to violet purple (daylight) or violet purple to a violet red (incandescent). We can’t forget star sapphires which comes with 6 or 12 points, with 6 being the most common.

Why do sapphires have stars? It all has to with inclusions which are caused by mineral needles called silk. The stars in star sapphires are called asterism, where the reflection of the needles go in all directions like a star.

It is important to remember that inclusions can add or detract from the value of a sapphire. When inclusions cause breakage, of course, the value of the sapphire goes down. When silk inclusions feather, the sapphire can have a high value like the Kashmir velvety blue sapphire. To enhance a sapphire’s beauty, a cutter will skillfully cut the sapphires.

Cutting sapphires is a daunting task because the cutter has to determine the best way to enhance its color.Sometimes a rough blue sapphire can have a hint of a violetish color,

so the cutter has to decide how he will cut it to enhance the blue. Star sapphires are usually cut as cabochons so that the stars will be seen from different directions. After sapphires are cut their carat weight is determined.

A one carat sapphire will be smaller in size than a diamond because sapphires are heavier than diamonds. You will often find that a fine - quality 5 carat sapphire sells for five times more per carat as a 1 carat sapphire. A commercial – quality 5 carat sapphire sells for about two times more per carat as a 1 carat. These are not written in stone but are guidelines.

As you see, there is so much information on sapphires and I have only scratched the surface, this includes the history and folklore. I hope this brief information has helped you have a better understanding of sapphires.

Next month I will talk about a girl’s best friend, diamonds. Did you know diamonds come with options?

Jewelry

make a scene february 2016

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