Mat-Su events (12/14/11)

The Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce, noon-1 p.m., Palmer Moose Lodge, 1136 S. Cobb St. A weekly lunch for local business people to provide networking opportunities and update the local business community on what is occurring within the Palmer area. $7-$4 for lunch, $4 meeting fee. (745-2880, www.palmerchamber.org)

Wreath Silent Auction for Mat-Su Foster Teens, Krazy Moose Sub Shop, 405 E. Herning, Wasilla. Wreaths decorated by Girl Scouts and Twindly Bridge Charter School students will be displayed, with the auction ending at noon today. The proceeds will be used to buy gift cards for foster teens and young adults who have aged out without a permanent family. (376-4678, www.acrf.org)

Santa's Workshop, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, 290 N. Yenlo, Meta Rose Square Clock Tower, Wasilla. Thirty days of bazaar shopping featuring handmade honey, soy bath and body products, soy candles, wood carvings, diamond willow, blankets, knitting, jewelry and more. (841-7385)

"Strong Seniors" Program, 10- 11 a.m., Wasilla Area Senior Campus, 1301 S. Century Circle. Seniors, work out with your friends every Monday and Wednesday at the Club50 Fitness Center. $5 for eight weeks. (376-3104)

Grocery Shopping Days, 1 p.m., Mat-Su Senior Services, 1132 S. Chugach St., Palmer. Transportation is provided to local Mat-Su area grocery stores and shopping centers every Wednesday and Friday. Participants must be age 60 or older or be assisting a senior. (745-5454, www.palmerseniors.com)

Bingo, 1-3 p.m., Wasilla Area Senior Campus, 1301 S. Century Circle. (376-3104, 376-3104)

Special Santa Drive for Foster Children, 3:30-7:30 p.m., Mat-Su Sylvan Learning Center, 1261 Seward Meridian Parkway. The Alaska Center for Resource Families and the Office of Children's Services are collecting new gifts for local foster children and children being raised by relatives. Bring new books, toys or winter clothing to the center. (357-7323)

THURSDAY

Bingo, 1-3:30 p.m., Mat-Su Senior Services, 1132 S. Chugach St., Palmer. 25 cents per card. (745-5454, www.palmerseniors.com)

"Winter Winds," Music for the Holidays, 7:30 p.m., Teeland Middle School, 2788 N. Seward Meridian Parkway. Mat-Su Concert Band presents its Christmas concert under the direction of Gleo Huyck. Admission is free.

FRIDAY

"A Christmas Carol," 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Ave., Wasilla. This version of the classic story goes beyond other adaptations with a unique dramatic concept: Charles Dickens himself is introduced to the audience, observing and performing small roles. $17-$19. (373-0195, www.valleyperformingarts.org)

SATURDAY

Reindeer Farm Christmas, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Reindeer Farm, 5561 S. Bodenburg Loop Road, Palmer. Reindeer games and prizes for all. Plus reindeer tours, wagon rides, elves' stories and more. $10. (745-4000, www.reindeerfarm.com)

Winter Survival Challenge, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Hatcher Pass Lodge, Mile 17 Independence Mine Road. Learn and practice wilderness survival skills such as shelter building, fire starting, wilderness first aid, avalanche awareness, snowmobile safety and more. $60, includes lunch at Hatcher Pass Lodge. (376-2898, www.naoiak.org)

MS Excel: Beyond the Basics, 1-3 p.m., Mat-Su College, East College Drive. Learn how to use Excel to its fullest productivity, Discover how Pivot Tables and AutoFilter can help you quickly create reports and analyses. $35. (745-9746, www.matsu.alaska.edu)

Northern Lights Valley Knitters meeting, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Meridian Point Building, 865 Seward Meridian Parkway, Wasilla. Join other knitters and bring your projects to work on and share. Free. (360-8607)

MONDAY

Blood Pressure Checks, 10- 11:30 a.m., Mat-Su Senior Services, 1132 S. Chugach St., Palmer. A nurse volunteer will take blood pressure every Monday. (745-5454, www.palmerseniors.com)

TUESDAY

Game Day, 1-3 p.m., Mat-Su Senior Services, 1132 S. Chugach St., Palmer. An afternoon of board, card and dice games. (745-5454, www.palmerseniors.com)

Exercise Class, 7 p.m., Mat-Su Senior Services, 1132 S. Chugach St., Palmer. (745-5454, www.palmerseniors.com)

To submit an event, go to events.adn.com and click on "add to our listings." Events must be sent at least 10 days in advance.