The Talkeetna Parks Advisory Committee (TPAC) is meeting on Monday, November 17th at 6:30pm at the Talkeetna Public Library, all are welcome. Please contact Howard Carbone with any questions at 907-355-6538 or email  tpac@talkeetnacouncil.org.

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is hosting an informational meeting about the development of an updated Susitna Valley Forest Management Plan. The meeting is in person on Tuesday, November 18th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Upper Susitna Community and Senior Center.  The purpose of the meeting is to share information about the planning process and how members of the public can participate. An opportunity to provide input related to the proposed Susitna Valley state forest will also be provided at this meeting. Comments may also be emailed to dnr.dof.matsuplanning@alaska.gov.

The public is welcome to the quarterly meeting of the Friends of Benka Lake at the Talkeetna VFW post on Wednesday, November 19th at 6pm.

There is a Community Song Circle held at Denali Education Center's Talkeetna Campus, Susitna Hall, the third Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 8pm. The next one is today, November 19th. This is a non-performable group, skill and experience is not required. All ages are welcome to attend, the goal is to simply have fun singing with others. You may contact Denali Education Center at (907)733-7003 for more information.

Storytime at the Talkeetna Library this week is about Giving Thanks.  The program begins at 11:15am on Thursday, November 20th.  All ages are welcome.  There will be stories, a snack and a craft. For more information, you may call Talkeetna Library at 907-861-7645.

The Trapper Creek Community Council 's monthly meeting scheduled for today is cancelled. Meetings are normally on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6:30pm at the Trapper Community Center.

Denali Education Center hosts local author, Christine Byl, for reading and conversation on Thursday, November 20th beginning at 7:30pm at Denali Education Center's Talkeetna Campus. She will be presenting two of her books: Lookout - her first novel, and Dirt Work: An Education in the Woods - a finalist for a Willa Award in nonfiction. Books will be available for purchase, and a portion of sales will go to disaster relief in Western Alaska.

Cooperative Extension Services is offering workshops on greenhouse heating, root cellar construction, produce harvesting and storage this weekend. The hosts are Scott Sanford, an emeritus distinguished outreach specialist for the Rural Energy Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Art Nash, UAF Cooperative Extension Service energy specialist. These workshops will explore how to prolong the freshness of produce, examine commercial and residential energy options for greenhouses, and discuss accessibility modifications for farmers and gardeners with disabilities. This event takes place Saturday, November 22nd from 10am to 2pm at Sheep Creek Lodge located at Mile 88 of the Parks Hwy. All are welcome.

The Willow Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is hosting Stop the Bleed classes at the Willow Community Center on Saturday, November 22nd. There are two classes: 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm. This two-hour class includes a presentation and hands-on activities, for ages 14 and up. Space is limited; pre-registration is required. A Stop the Bleed certificate is awarded on completion of class. For more information and to register, contact Brenda at brendalmccain@gmail.com or 907-355-1418. Learn more about the program at stopthebleed.org.

Do you need assistance providing a Thanksgiving meal for your family? Upper Susitna Food Pantry is joining with community partners this year to provide families in need with a turkey and all the fixings for their Thanksgiving meal. The Thanksgiving Blessing distribution is on November 22nd at Church on the Rock located at Mile 99 on the Parks Highway from 10am-4pm. Please bring an ID for proof of zip code. The Upper Susitna Food Pantry will be closed Friday, November 21st to prepare for the Thanksgiving Blessing distribution.