Nedra Slack retires from the ‘Sugar Shack’

PALMER — After 20 years of going to work every day between 8 to 9 p.m. and baking all night, Nedra Slack is officially hanging up her apron.

She signed the papers, handed over the keys to her Slack’s Sugar Shack Bakery and retired April 10.

“I’m not going to sail into retirement,” Slack said. “But I might ride away on a Harley!”

For much of her life, owning a business based on food was part of Slack’s destiny; she began work at the age of 6 in her family’s restaurants and pizza parlor.

“There was always something I could do, like roll silverware or put pizza boxes together,” Slack said.

She started work at Safeway as a fryer, moved up to apprentice and eventually reached journeyman. Slack said she learned her trade from “the best bakers. They baked from scratch and they could really pump out the stuff.”

She also baked for the Washington school system.

Slack arrived in the Valley in July 1994. That September, she opened her bakery on Alaska Street in downtown Palmer. Three years later, the business moved to its current location on Evergreen next to Subway.

For this story, Slack requested the Frontiersman also interview Shirley Hill and Becca Schuetter. One could tell these three friends were part of the same mutual admiration club. They laughed together as they told stories and gave each other knowing smiles. A strong bond exists between them that will not be broken after they leave the store, they say.

“We have a lot of fun together, the three of us,” Schuetter said.

Hill, a sweet, mild-mannered woman with short, white hair and twinkling eyes, began work at Slack’s 16 years ago. She began assisting at the Sugar Shack after observing the shop’s full sink of dishes and asking how she can help.

“Nedra is a great person to know and be around,” Hill said. “She has a loving smile, and shows a gentleness and kindness to everyone.”

Schuetter, now a lovely 20-year-old young woman, was 11 when she began working at Slack’s to earn credits for a home-school program.

“I grew up in this place. I was shy and Nedra made me come out of my shell,” she said. “I can tell her anything and I know it’s not going anywhere. My older sister, Danielle, worked here first; Nedra became a friend of our family.”

“Shirley is our mentor,” Schuetter added, smiling at Hill. “She sets us straight.”

Hill told how “each doughnut has its own little character with a variety of choice. Nedra has a knack with dough and frying, and then we take over.”

When Schuetter began she helped with the prep work. Hill came in around 2:30 a.m. to wash dishes, and together they bag and tag, rack doughnuts for frying, then glaze, sugar and fill doughnuts.

The three women related funny stories and things they do late at night when Palmer turns into a sleepy little town. Once a customer left behind his dentures and called later to ask, “Did you find my false teeth?”

Schuetter said that she and Slack have danced in the rain, made snow angels on a snowy night and sometimes frightened each other by hiding in the bakery. Although the ladies would not admit to an all-out food fight, they did confess to throwing around doughnut holes on occasion.

They also related a time when they were pressed to cook 100 dozen cookies in a single night. Schuetter accidentally broke the oven door.

“I had to hold the door shut while the cookies baked!” Schuetter said. “It was so hot!” The oven door was repaired the next day.

Hill and Schuetter explained how they once tricked Slack into baking her own birthday cake. They told her someone wanted an Alaska Girl theme cake, but it was actually for her.

When asked if it was a yummy cake, Slack responded emphatically, “Well, yeah!”

In addition to her two mainstays, Hill and Schuetter, Slack’s daughter, Nila, and 6-year-old granddaughter, Saundra Mae, have helped in the bakery.

“That’s three generations!” Slack said.

Slack’s has shipped baked goods all over the U.S. — some to former customers, some to students who once worked at the bakery.

“We see all walks of life here,” Slack said. “It’s not just a certain clientele. Palmer people are very genuine; very genuine, hometown people, and very caring.”

Customers came in and out during the interview. Some lingered at the counter and mulled over the vast selection while others knew exactly what they wanted.

A sign at the back door reads, “Back door guests are the best.” There’s a doorbell there next to a peephole. Local night owls and early morning workers often stop by to get a fresh doughnut or cinnamon roll. Some stop by just to chat with Nedra or to seek advice.

Slack also is an icon of generosity in the community. Through the years she has donated baked goods, talent and space to local schools, churches, Alaska Family Services, the senior center, and the Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home in Palmer.

“Anyone who asks,” Schuetter said.

Slack also hosted preschool tours of her kitchen, complete with individual goody bags. And for several years, she sponsored the annual bread and pie bake-offs at the Alaska State Fair, judged the events, and awarded the cash prizes.

When asked what motivates her, Slack says, “God first! Always, God first. He gave me the talent. It’s not about me. It’s about serving others. I plant the seed for him. This is our mission in life, to serve others. It’s hard work, but if you love what you do, if you love your work, then it’s not a job. It’s made with love. Lots of L-O-V-E.”

What will Slack miss most? “Gosh, everything!” she said.

The three say they will miss their customers and working together daily, but are looking forward to more time with their grandkids and finding out what people do during the day.

“I am NOT going to set my alarm. It’s time for a change. I want a life!” Slack said.

She said that after 30 years and more than a million doughnuts, her arms and hands are really starting to ache.

“That’s a lot of donuts. That’s a lot of dough!” she said.