It’s that time of year with darker mornings and earlier sunsets. The change of seasons can sometimes bring about mild seasonal blues. But here’s a bright idea: give yourself a reason to get outside and make a difference doing it.
The Mat-Su Animal Shelter runs a program called Miles and Mutts. Volunteers take adoptable dogs out on local trails for a walk or hike. The dogs get fresh air, exercise, and a break from kennel stress. You get fresh air, movement, and a four-legged friend to share it with. A simple walk can change two lives: yours, and a dog’s.
Plus, every outing exposes the pups to potential adopters, boosting their chances of finding a forever home.
You must be 18 or older and the shelter provides everything you need—leash, harness, treats, even a water bowl. All you need to bring is your time and maybe a warm jacket.
For more information, email milesandmutts@matsu.gov or call 907-746-5500.
Here are some events this weekend:
Aboveboard is playing at Valley Performing Arts. Fri-Sun this weekend and next.
When Nick’s food starts disappearing from his apartment fridge, he immediately suspects his best friend Milo, a bumbling magician who lives down the hall. But Milo refuses to confess, so Nick installs a camera to catch the culprit in the act—and finds an unlikely trespasser has been secretly living in his apartment for nearly a month. When the video hits the internet, the surprises multiply in this romantic comedy about magic, misunderstanding, and running out of milk. You can buy tickets at Valley Performing Arts
Today at 6 PM, there’s a push in of the new fire truck at the Palmer fire station in downtown Palmer. Meet the crew, tour the truck, and literally help push in the truck to its new home. This tradition dates back to the time when firetrucks were pulled by horses and needed to be pushed in to the fire station.
On Saturday
- Fall Harvest Festival at Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm noon to 6 pm. $10 admission
- Regenerative Agriculture class at Rebarchek Agricultural Park on the State Fair Grounds. The topic is Prepping the Food Forest for Winter. It’s from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
On Sunday, the Never Forget Fun Run in remembrance of 9/11 – sponsored by Get Moving Mat Su at 1080 N Wasilla Fishhook Rd. More info is in their Facebook event
On Monday Sept. 15, the Palmer Rotary is hosting a Palmer city council candidate forum from 6 to 8 PM at the Palmer train depot.
Music this weekend
Tonight, I Like Robots is playing at the Palmer ale house from 7 to 10 PM.
Saturday, Aspenyarrow plays from 4-7pm at the A Frame in Hatcher Pass. Aspenyarrow is an emerging Alaskan singer-songwriter, blending the introspective storytelling of Maisie Peters with the ethereal soundscapes of Imogen Heap.
Also on Saturday, ABBAlaska returns to the Palmer Alehouse from 7 to 10pm
