Alaska Family Services encourages community to ‘Lighten Up’

Frontiersman

PALMER — In February, Judy Gette went to her boss at Alaska Family Services (AFS) with an idea. She wanted to spice up the image of the local nonprofit organization by throwing a fun, family-friendly summer solstice bash that also promoted healthier living.

With services such as a domestic violence shelter in Palmer, a new substance abuse treatment center in Wasilla and the ROSA House, a treatment center for adolescents living with emotional and behavioral disorders, AFS wears many of hats. So many, Gette said, people often wonder what it is AFS does.

“People will ask me, ‘What exactly is Alaska Family Services?’” Gette said. “We work with families, on all issues, good and not so good. I thought now is the time to clear the air a bit.”

Gette said she wanted an event that celebrates the more family-friendly programs AFS has developed over the years, such as its family support and preservation program, child care assistance and Women Infant Child (WIC) nutritional services.

On Saturday, AFS, the Palmer Arts Council and the city of Palmer will host Lighten Up, a family fun day of healthy living, starting at 3 p.m. in downtown Palmer.

Lighten Up’s primary focus is to educate the community on healthy living and celebrating families in the Mat-Su Valley, held on the day with the longest daylight hours of the year — summer solstice.

Ten tables and booths will be set up from various merchants near the Friday Flings pavilion area, including AFS, along with a food court, games for all ages and a day of music, storytelling and fun for the entire family.

Mimi Pippel, president of the Palmer Arts Council, said AFS deserves kudos for its hard work in the community.

“Alaska Family Services offers so many different things to the general public,” Pippel said. “This is a way for the general public to know who they are. Plus, it should be a fun event at summer solstice.”

The Palmer Arts Council will distribute a list of 55 fun things to do in Palmer and updated calendars of upcoming family events.

“We wanted to say thanks to the community for being a part of this place and to some degree let people know who we are,” Gette said.

AFS will host a carnival of children’s and family games at the event, including ring and bean bag tosses, duck pond fishing, bowling, face painting and bracelet making.

Lighten Up is free and all ages are welcome. For more information, call Judy at 745-3223.

Contact J.J. Harrier at valleylife-@frontiersman.com or 352-2269.