Voices of the Mat-Su Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/voices-of-the-mat-su Voices of the Mat-Su shares the often-unheard stories of those who live in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley in Alaska. The project is funded by a grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation and is produced by Emily Forstner with Big Cabbage Radio. Radio Free Palmer 51045275-b5d9-5694-b9e8-af6b117a6b25 no en Sat, 23 Aug 2025 13:00:10 -0800 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 20:29:30 -0900 https://voicesofthematsu.transistor.fm https://img.transistor.fm/7y2CjnkQK63PxAG0MHvjmDFB9zbBoXy2YkvGInm3BGs/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8wYWZl/MTZhZTc0ZDUyM2M3/OTU3YjE2YTUzNzdm/NjQ0OS5qcGVn.jpg Voices of the Mat-Su https://voicesofthematsu.transistor.fm episodic Emily Forstner Voices of the Mat-Su shares the often-unheard stories of those who live in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley in Alaska. The project is funded by a grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation and is produced by Emily Forstner with Big Cabbage Radio. Voices of the Mat-Su shares the often-unheard stories of those who live in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley in Alaska. community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories Radio Free Palmer podcaster@radiofreepalmer.org No No Unforgettable 24 24 Unforgettable full 5216339c-438a-40e7-b8fe-1ae90466645e https://share.transistor.fm/s/e57fb21d This is the last episode in the Voices of the Mat-Su podcast series. In it, we turn the tables and interview Emily Forstner about her experience as producer of the series  in this final show.

]]> This is the last episode in the Voices of the Mat-Su podcast series. In it, we turn the tables and interview Emily Forstner about her experience as producer of the series  in this final show.

]]> Sat, 23 Aug 2025 13:00:00 -0800 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1682 This is the last episode in the Voices of the Mat-Su podcast series. In it, we turn the tables and interview Emily Forstner about her experience as producer of the series  in this final show.

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No Voices 23: The Storytellers 23 23 Voices 23: The Storytellers full 817ecfeb-20d4-45b5-b76b-454b1bc8f8d1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e849313e On this month’s episode of Voices of the Mat-Su we hear a story about two cartoon artists,  Dimi Macheras (of Chickaloon Tribe) and Casey Silver, who create new stories from the ancient teachings of the Chickaloon​​ Tribe. Stories that grew into the comic book series called Chickaloonies and beyond. 

]]> On this month’s episode of Voices of the Mat-Su we hear a story about two cartoon artists,  Dimi Macheras (of Chickaloon Tribe) and Casey Silver, who create new stories from the ancient teachings of the Chickaloon​​ Tribe. Stories that grew into the comic book series called Chickaloonies and beyond. 

]]> Tue, 01 Jul 2025 19:34:45 -0800 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1763 On this month’s episode of Voices of the Mat-Su we hear a story about two cartoon artists,  Dimi Macheras (of Chickaloon Tribe) and Casey Silver, who create new stories from the ancient teachings of the Chickaloon​​ Tribe. Stories that grew into the comic book series called Chickaloonies and beyond. 

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No Braver Than We Believe 22 22 Braver Than We Believe full 05c2463f-c5e9-4931-a694-57bef2a26e9a https://share.transistor.fm/s/a64e5e96 On this month’s episode of Voices of the Mat-Su titled“Braver Than We Believe,” we hear from two people who pulled themselves up out of crisis and chaos. Stories of finding strength and hope through belonging and friendship.

]]> On this month’s episode of Voices of the Mat-Su titled“Braver Than We Believe,” we hear from two people who pulled themselves up out of crisis and chaos. Stories of finding strength and hope through belonging and friendship.

]]> Fri, 23 May 2025 13:50:49 -0800 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1787 On this month’s episode of Voices of the Mat-Su titled“Braver Than We Believe,” we hear from two people who pulled themselves up out of crisis and chaos. Stories of finding strength and hope through belonging and friendship.

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No We Serve Too 21 21 We Serve Too full bd818d5a-9adb-4ccb-9c1f-9982701768bf https://share.transistor.fm/s/af4665a9 April is the Month of the Military Child. In “We Serve Too”, April's episode of Voices of the Mat-Su, we learn a little more about the challenges and the pride in being a military child. 

]]> April is the Month of the Military Child. In “We Serve Too”, April's episode of Voices of the Mat-Su, we learn a little more about the challenges and the pride in being a military child. 

]]> Mon, 05 May 2025 07:38:58 -0800 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1768 April is the Month of the Military Child. In “We Serve Too”, April's episode of Voices of the Mat-Su, we learn a little more about the challenges and the pride in being a military child. 

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No Trash Talkin' 20 20 Trash Talkin' full 3629bff9-df26-4337-a309-4ea1878e0f3b https://share.transistor.fm/s/6bdf844d We’re “Talkin’ Trash” on this month’s episode of Voices of the Mat-Su, 
We’ll Meet two great Trash Talkers: one picks up trash for the City of Palmer and the other helps folks recycle in the Valley. Not only do they help us with our trash, but they also each make life a little bit better for others in the process. 

]]> We’re “Talkin’ Trash” on this month’s episode of Voices of the Mat-Su, 
We’ll Meet two great Trash Talkers: one picks up trash for the City of Palmer and the other helps folks recycle in the Valley. Not only do they help us with our trash, but they also each make life a little bit better for others in the process. 

]]> Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:56:27 -0800 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1768 We’re “Talkin’ Trash” on this month’s episode of Voices of the Mat-Su, 
We’ll Meet two great Trash Talkers: one picks up trash for the City of Palmer and the other helps folks recycle in the Valley. Not only do they help us with our trash, but they also each make life a little bit better for others in the process. 

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No Amazing Grace 19 19 Amazing Grace full 2588a2e7-287f-4eaf-b03c-f1560af44b59 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6b4071f9 You may know him as D the Lyricist. Learn about him as Devon Shaw in “Amazing Grace”, this month’s episode of Voices of the Mat-Su. He’s a hip-hop artist, father of five, and what he describes as being a human bridge for harmony across distance and race.

]]> You may know him as D the Lyricist. Learn about him as Devon Shaw in “Amazing Grace”, this month’s episode of Voices of the Mat-Su. He’s a hip-hop artist, father of five, and what he describes as being a human bridge for harmony across distance and race.

]]> Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:45:47 -0900 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1636 You may know him as D the Lyricist. Learn about him as Devon Shaw in “Amazing Grace”, this month’s episode of Voices of the Mat-Su. He’s a hip-hop artist, father of five, and what he describes as being a human bridge for harmony across distance and race.

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No Our Place 18 18 Our Place full f3990e31-d5a8-480d-9202-d344b605942a https://share.transistor.fm/s/52161b7c Discover how "where" shapes our stories, community, and identity. Join Emily Forstner on Voices of the Mat-Su as four winter recreationists share their Moose Range experiences, exploring the deep connection between place and belonging in “Our Place”. 

]]> Discover how "where" shapes our stories, community, and identity. Join Emily Forstner on Voices of the Mat-Su as four winter recreationists share their Moose Range experiences, exploring the deep connection between place and belonging in “Our Place”. 

]]> Sun, 26 Jan 2025 07:40:49 -0900 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1771 Discover how "where" shapes our stories, community, and identity. Join Emily Forstner on Voices of the Mat-Su as four winter recreationists share their Moose Range experiences, exploring the deep connection between place and belonging in “Our Place”. 

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No Strike a Chord 17 17 Strike a Chord full 022f8e77-c471-4cb2-afe9-9b4ceef951f4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c9e62564 Get a glimpse of the musicians and DJs who are creating the growing music scene in the Mat-Su. In this episode of Voices of the Mat-Su with Emily Forstner, learn just what Strikes a Chord in the Mat-Su .  

]]> Get a glimpse of the musicians and DJs who are creating the growing music scene in the Mat-Su. In this episode of Voices of the Mat-Su with Emily Forstner, learn just what Strikes a Chord in the Mat-Su .  

]]> Tue, 24 Dec 2024 12:15:38 -0900 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1798 Get a glimpse of the musicians and DJs who are creating the growing music scene in the Mat-Su. In this episode of Voices of the Mat-Su with Emily Forstner, learn just what Strikes a Chord in the Mat-Su .  

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No Pages of Hope 16 16 Pages of Hope full 451dc82b-1056-4dda-b0c6-5b85c8ff911d https://share.transistor.fm/s/c30fd8bb This is the story of a bookstore that offers much more than books. In this episode of Voices of the Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares how Black Birch Bookstore in Wasilla, Alaska brings pages of hope to the community.

]]> This is the story of a bookstore that offers much more than books. In this episode of Voices of the Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares how Black Birch Bookstore in Wasilla, Alaska brings pages of hope to the community.

]]> Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:40:29 -0900 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1582 This is the story of a bookstore that offers much more than books. In this episode of Voices of the Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares how Black Birch Bookstore in Wasilla, Alaska brings pages of hope to the community.

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No There's No Place Like Home 15 15 There's No Place Like Home full c3ed413a-2402-40fc-bba2-1c02313d0f18 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fbc438d3 Being a homeless parent means doing everything possible to keep your family safe. In this episode of Voices of the Mat-Su Emily Forstner shares two different kinds of love stories, when There’s No Place Like Home... but there is no home.

]]> Being a homeless parent means doing everything possible to keep your family safe. In this episode of Voices of the Mat-Su Emily Forstner shares two different kinds of love stories, when There’s No Place Like Home... but there is no home.

]]> Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:37:38 -0900 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1746 Being a homeless parent means doing everything possible to keep your family safe. In this episode of Voices of the Mat-Su Emily Forstner shares two different kinds of love stories, when There’s No Place Like Home... but there is no home.

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No The Final Straw 14 14 The Final Straw full 35ad96ce-aee9-4dce-b437-01cd7940ea77 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b568699f Over half the women living in the Mat-Su have experienced domestic violence. Breaking free takes tremendous courage. In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the stories about the final straw for two women who broke free from violent relationships. (Photo by Megan Dujardin on Unsplash)

]]> Over half the women living in the Mat-Su have experienced domestic violence. Breaking free takes tremendous courage. In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the stories about the final straw for two women who broke free from violent relationships. (Photo by Megan Dujardin on Unsplash)

]]> Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:33:38 -0900 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1758 Over half the women living in the Mat-Su have experienced domestic violence. Breaking free takes tremendous courage. In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the stories about the final straw for two women who broke free from violent relationships. (Photo by Megan Dujardin on Unsplash)

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No Welcome 13 13 Welcome full 7510b3b3-e76c-4af6-aa12-8f1da22ba335 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d5503f74 In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the stories of Ukrainian refugees who have settled in the Mat-Su. Two stories that show no two tales are alike - from the reasons to leave to the reasons to stay.

]]> In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the stories of Ukrainian refugees who have settled in the Mat-Su. Two stories that show no two tales are alike - from the reasons to leave to the reasons to stay.

]]> Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:31:07 -0900 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1771 In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the stories of Ukrainian refugees who have settled in the Mat-Su. Two stories that show no two tales are alike - from the reasons to leave to the reasons to stay.

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No The You in Youth Matters 12 12 The You in Youth Matters full ca29a973-ea69-4d4b-8f32-dba6894c065b https://share.transistor.fm/s/9a5f90f9 In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the stories of two communities that combat big issues with youth in Mat Su: loneliness and substance abuse. (Image credit: Thrive)

]]> In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the stories of two communities that combat big issues with youth in Mat Su: loneliness and substance abuse. (Image credit: Thrive)

]]> Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:28:14 -0900 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1786 In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the stories of two communities that combat big issues with youth in Mat Su: loneliness and substance abuse. (Image credit: Thrive)

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No Better Together 11 11 Better Together full a405d748-0dae-495e-95f2-5f0897bfb775 https://share.transistor.fm/s/680fa5b3 In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares stories from two small business owners in the Palmer community. Women who not only build successful businesses but build community. Two people who believe that life is Better Together.

]]> In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares stories from two small business owners in the Palmer community. Women who not only build successful businesses but build community. Two people who believe that life is Better Together.

]]> Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:25:00 -0900 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1703 In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares stories from two small business owners in the Palmer community. Women who not only build successful businesses but build community. Two people who believe that life is Better Together.

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No Doin’ Something Wonderful 10 10 Doin’ Something Wonderful full bf26bbaf-d12c-4234-afec-1e51b9b3251f https://share.transistor.fm/s/605987c1 In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the stories of two women who brighten our lives: one with swaths of paint on a storefront window  and the other with the tip of the pen.

]]> In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the stories of two women who brighten our lives: one with swaths of paint on a storefront window  and the other with the tip of the pen.

]]> Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:21:38 -0900 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1677 In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the stories of two women who brighten our lives: one with swaths of paint on a storefront window  and the other with the tip of the pen.

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No Forever 21, Never Forgotten 9 9 Forever 21, Never Forgotten full 8e114741-81b1-4323-8673-ffbe8b88ef12 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7c2e4ebf In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the story about fentanyl in the Mat Su from two points of view: a mother who never forgets the son she lost to an overdose and a doctor who witnesses the fentanyl crisis in the emergency room each week.

]]> In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the story about fentanyl in the Mat Su from two points of view: a mother who never forgets the son she lost to an overdose and a doctor who witnesses the fentanyl crisis in the emergency room each week.

]]> Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:17:57 -0900 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1827 In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the story about fentanyl in the Mat Su from two points of view: a mother who never forgets the son she lost to an overdose and a doctor who witnesses the fentanyl crisis in the emergency room each week.

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No Food for the Soul 8 8 Food for the Soul full 5d4ab900-7952-4534-96ab-d75b7ba30395 https://share.transistor.fm/s/54407da7 In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, we hear the story of the Upper Susitna Food Pantry near Talkeetna, Alaska. It’s the story of how a wide-spread community works hard to feed the hungry with not just a hand out but with a hand up.

]]> In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, we hear the story of the Upper Susitna Food Pantry near Talkeetna, Alaska. It’s the story of how a wide-spread community works hard to feed the hungry with not just a hand out but with a hand up.

]]> Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:11:41 -0900 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1817 In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, we hear the story of the Upper Susitna Food Pantry near Talkeetna, Alaska. It’s the story of how a wide-spread community works hard to feed the hungry with not just a hand out but with a hand up.

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No The Apology 7 7 The Apology full 0b5ff298-7512-4720-b8cd-e23a4ecc6a5b https://share.transistor.fm/s/5d4c455c In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, we share the story of the Resolve and Reconciliation with the past. It’s the story of how an apology heard hundreds of miles away in Juneau, Alaska impacts one man and his church in Palmer. Photo credit: William Paul Jr. Collection via Ben Paul

]]> In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, we share the story of the Resolve and Reconciliation with the past. It’s the story of how an apology heard hundreds of miles away in Juneau, Alaska impacts one man and his church in Palmer. Photo credit: William Paul Jr. Collection via Ben Paul

]]> Mon, 23 Dec 2024 11:58:17 -0900 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1802 In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, we share the story of the Resolve and Reconciliation with the past. It’s the story of how an apology heard hundreds of miles away in Juneau, Alaska impacts one man and his church in Palmer. Photo credit: William Paul Jr. Collection via Ben Paul

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No A Little Light 6 6 A Little Light full a4f952cb-2535-4454-bd49-2bdaac24a972 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ed33cfe5 In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the story of The Mat Su Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Center. It’s a story of those who vow to never forget and never give up to shine light on the world-with the ancient Jewish laws of kindness and charity. It’s about the light that chases out the dark. 

]]> In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the story of The Mat Su Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Center. It’s a story of those who vow to never forget and never give up to shine light on the world-with the ancient Jewish laws of kindness and charity. It’s about the light that chases out the dark. 

]]> Mon, 23 Dec 2024 11:41:14 -0900 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1580 In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the story of The Mat Su Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Center. It’s a story of those who vow to never forget and never give up to shine light on the world-with the ancient Jewish laws of kindness and charity. It’s about the light that chases out the dark. 

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No Second Chances 5 5 Second Chances full 2e96e6f2-65ea-4c7d-aa55-7f35f43e9907 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5e953567 In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the story of a convicted felon who re-enters society and finds a second chance with the support of the Valley Charities Re-Entry  program.  It is the voice of resilience, redemption and the pursuit of a full, rich life.

]]> In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the story of a convicted felon who re-enters society and finds a second chance with the support of the Valley Charities Re-Entry  program.  It is the voice of resilience, redemption and the pursuit of a full, rich life.

]]> Mon, 23 Dec 2024 11:33:28 -0900 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1724 In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner shares the story of a convicted felon who re-enters society and finds a second chance with the support of the Valley Charities Re-Entry  program.  It is the voice of resilience, redemption and the pursuit of a full, rich life.

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No Bonus Family 4 4 Bonus Family full bf1c9746-2bb1-43ec-bf8d-d50b56edb413 https://share.transistor.fm/s/dfd1f28c In this episode, Voices of the Mat-Su connects with a foster mom. This is the story of a little girl who grew up to be a mom and decided  she could be more mom to more children and became a foster mom. But not just any foster mom.

]]> In this episode, Voices of the Mat-Su connects with a foster mom. This is the story of a little girl who grew up to be a mom and decided  she could be more mom to more children and became a foster mom. But not just any foster mom.

]]> Mon, 23 Dec 2024 11:23:35 -0900 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1733 In this episode, Voices of the Mat-Su connects with a foster mom. This is the story of a little girl who grew up to be a mom and decided  she could be more mom to more children and became a foster mom. But not just any foster mom.

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No I Can't See You 3 3 I Can't See You full 56c427ee-5aa3-41ae-bc50-c7cb26304cb3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/19b8da43 When you can’t see or when you can’t see well your whole world changes. In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner talks with several Mat-Su residents who have lost their vision. We’ll find out how this affected them, and how they meet the challenges of living with low vision in the Mat-Su. 

]]> When you can’t see or when you can’t see well your whole world changes. In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner talks with several Mat-Su residents who have lost their vision. We’ll find out how this affected them, and how they meet the challenges of living with low vision in the Mat-Su. 

]]> Wed, 18 Dec 2024 11:21:24 -0900 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1672 When you can’t see or when you can’t see well your whole world changes. In this episode of Voices of The Mat-Su, Emily Forstner talks with several Mat-Su residents who have lost their vision. We’ll find out how this affected them, and how they meet the challenges of living with low vision in the Mat-Su. 

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No Gathering Places 2 2 Gathering Places full f84f8a69-72bb-468c-a7b2-9e8c355921e7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e71484dc Emily Forstner continues the series, Voices of the Mat-Su, with an exploration of community: particularly our the gathering places that are our third places.  What is a third place and what is an example of a third place in our community ? Find out as Emily Forstner explores one community that creates one third place, that place that is beyond our firstplace – our home and our second place – our work. A place that we feel welcome and known. You might be surprised. 

]]> Emily Forstner continues the series, Voices of the Mat-Su, with an exploration of community: particularly our the gathering places that are our third places.  What is a third place and what is an example of a third place in our community ? Find out as Emily Forstner explores one community that creates one third place, that place that is beyond our firstplace – our home and our second place – our work. A place that we feel welcome and known. You might be surprised. 

]]> Wed, 18 Dec 2024 11:09:20 -0900 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1619 Emily Forstner continues the series, Voices of the Mat-Su, with an exploration of community: particularly our the gathering places that are our third places.  What is a third place and what is an example of a third place in our community ? Find out as Emily Forstner explores one community that creates one third place, that place that is beyond our firstplace – our home and our second place – our work. A place that we feel welcome and known. You might be surprised. 

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No Mat-Su Special Santa - The Magic of Giving 1 1 Mat-Su Special Santa - The Magic of Giving full 20881329-6e4a-4241-8128-7f05cc9cf848 https://share.transistor.fm/s/48de4ce6 Today’s story is told by Mari Jo Parks. Mari Jo has lived in the Mat Su since 1977. She’s a volunteer extraordinaire, a teacher, a life coach, and given the key to City of Palmer as its Citizen of the Year, and the founder of the Mat Su Special Santa program. 

Her story is about  Santa’s workshop filled to the ceiling with black trash bags, stuffed animals that become members of the family, alarm clocks that change into thousands of dollars, renewed hope, lifetime friendships, and surprises.

]]> Today’s story is told by Mari Jo Parks. Mari Jo has lived in the Mat Su since 1977. She’s a volunteer extraordinaire, a teacher, a life coach, and given the key to City of Palmer as its Citizen of the Year, and the founder of the Mat Su Special Santa program. 

Her story is about  Santa’s workshop filled to the ceiling with black trash bags, stuffed animals that become members of the family, alarm clocks that change into thousands of dollars, renewed hope, lifetime friendships, and surprises.

]]> Fri, 13 Dec 2024 10:26:16 -0900 Emily Forstner Emily Forstner 1431 Today’s story is told by Mari Jo Parks. Mari Jo has lived in the Mat Su since 1977. She’s a volunteer extraordinaire, a teacher, a life coach, and given the key to City of Palmer as its Citizen of the Year, and the founder of the Mat Su Special Santa program. 

Her story is about  Santa’s workshop filled to the ceiling with black trash bags, stuffed animals that become members of the family, alarm clocks that change into thousands of dollars, renewed hope, lifetime friendships, and surprises.

]]> community, Alaska, Mat-Su, personal stories No