Lights up in Palmer

It is dark time and outside lighting is more than merry. Outside lighting in Palmer is indicative of warmth, hope, and goodness, even in the darkness. It exudes a positive and safe environment. It is more than just being merry; it is welcoming and comforting.

Palmer Personal Lights On—We are losing over five minutes of light a day. It is definitely time to don the lights—on both you, your kids, and your pets. Reflective strips on your jackets, boots, hats, headbands, or snow pants is a huge help in the darkness. It doesn’t have to be an expensive purchase. Wonderful Anne Thomas, of Aktive Soles, tells me that you can purchase the reflective tape at most large stores. Then you peel it off and place it on your winter wear. Of course you can buy some really cool clothing, but don’t let cost deter you from being a reflective pedestrian, biker or runner. There are many different types of convenient items that will make you reflective and safer. There are creams, bracelets, arm bands, belts, vests, socks, pants, jackets, head bands, shoes, and belts.

Frankly, the reflective materials don’t help you much as the pedestrian or biker. But it’s all about being visible. Anne had another tip which is to use a flashlight in your hand or a blinking light for visibility. And there are battery operated flexible fibre optic options which make you very visible. Carrying a flashlight, headlamp or other light source increases your visibility and helps you see your path easier.

Let’s face it. Palmer pedestrians and bikers are vulnerable in the dark. You need to be visible to the vehicular traffic. You need to be safe. Many of us wear dark winter clothes and we blend nicely into the background of the side roads. Please stay safe use some of these little lighting gizmos that will make you look kinda like a blinking Christmas tree.

Here are some more common-sense pedestrian suggestions: Walk in well-lit areas. Stay on sidewalks when available. Walk on left side, facing traffic. Obey the traffic signals and devices. And the biggest suggestion is to assume the drivers do not see you.

Palmer Animals Lit Up Too—Your animals might have the reflective material built into their collar. But if they don’t, you can always add some reflective tape to their leash or collar. Or, better yet, add a small little blinker—about the size of a quarter—available at Animal Food Warehouse. It’s small but rugged. I have used this for years and it works really well. Plus my dog feels extra special and important too when he wears it.

Color Counts—For daytime visibility the experts say construction neon orange and fluorescent yellow are your best choices.

Tis Tire Time—This is the big switch over time at the Palmer tire shops. Jenski’s, Midas, and Alyeska are all shops that do the switch plus there are some smaller shops—and mobile operations that will change over the tires.

This Week in Palmer—It’s a crazy time of year and this week is no exception. Wednesday night is Palmer History Night at the Moose Lodge. Thursday night is the Entrepreneurs at the Annex, Mat Su Farm Bureau at the Experiment Farm and Contra Dancing at the Salvation Army. Also 203 Kombuchu has Trivia, Game and Open Mic night. The Palmer Bounce Class is at Midnight Sun Yoga on Friday night. Also on Friday night is comedian Eric Schwartz at the Glenn Massay Theater at the college.

This Saturday is the Tribute to Alisa Kincaid Walk; Beginning Weaving at the Yule Farm; Raku Saturday and Mosaic Bugs at the Art Cafe; Wood Sign workshop at Peak Boutique; movie at the Library; Wilderness First Responder classes; Breastival 2019 at the hospital; Alaska State Fair Holiday Bazaar at Raven Hall; Reindeer Farm Festival; Candidate Forum at the Senior Center; Ski Club Kick off at Government Peak and Weekend Goodness at Non Essentials. Sunday is Art Journaling at Level Seven and Salsa at Four Corners. I’m pretty sure there are lots of other cool things going on, but this list will get you started!

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff in the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz Column in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Her “Palmer Buzz Community Calendar” is available at Palmer shops and museum. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222.