Palmer Alaska Buzz

Gorgeous Art Quilt — The Valley Fine Artists (VFAA) have created their very first art quilt for a community raffle. The above art (on the top of this column) is a photographic image of part of the quilt.

Tickets are available at $10.00 apiece and the proceeds go into an Art Scholarship Fund initiated by Carol Warren, a generous, talented and loved benefactor. Roxanne, a talented local artist, organized this effort. Each of the 16 panels are carefully hand-painted on muslin by a different local artist and the entire quilt is symbolic of Alaska nature.

There are puffins, cranes, wolves, salmon, bear, muskox, eagle, forget-me-nots, halibut, mountains, loons, magpie, and dall sheep. All these pieces were carefully quilted together by Cathy Rushing McCracken, who used different color threads for every color in the quilt. You will be able to see the art quilt hanging at the Alaska State Fair and the drawing is October 15th. There are also two equally beautiful wall hangings in the raffle. If you need a raffle ticket please call/text VFAA President Maureen Campbell at 907.315.1335.

New Palmer Adventure! — If you appreciate the small things, then you will possibly appreciate this new adventure.

Felton Street is now open! It has new pavement, walkways, curbing, striping, traffic signals, and it is through a previously wooded area. Some of it has fences, homes, and then there is the view of the football stadium and track area. And let’s not forget the cows! It opened on the 26th and more than one Palmer person took a deliberate turn to drive and walk down it on the first day. It will be here forever and soon become part of the Palmer landscape. But right now celebrate its’ newness and its tiny path to adventure. New roads are always a thrill.

Remember when the Palmer-Wasilla highway was curvy and hilly? Remember when the “old Trunk Road” evolved into the “New Trunk Road?” Perhaps you remember when Palmer’s Glenn Highway was in a totally different alignment. Perhaps you remember when the Old Glenn was the Glenn Highway. The construction and progression of roads is a snapshot of growth. Fortunately Felton Street is a nice looking new road. Please be safe and enjoy it.

Round Bales Are Back — It’s a good day when the big round bales show up in the hay fields.

Mizzle Days — “Mizzle, mizzle, mist and drizzle” days are over and we are warming up for full on sun! State Fair Countdown—We are counting down to the great Alaska State Fair Time! Get all those errands and projects done now so you can enjoy the fair! Palmer Buzz Community Drink—Elwood’s Drive Thru is a sweet place. It’s family owned and brings El’s Famous Buddha Bowl and many drinks and treats to Palmer. It’s located at 847 E. Palmer Wasilla Highway, above Fred Meyers and before the credit union. They are debuting a new buzzy, energy drink named the Palmer Buzz! Watch for It!!!!

This fabulous new drink’s proceeds will go to worthy and deserving community groups in our area!!!! This excellent idea includes a heavy endorsement from the Palmer Alaska Buzz. The Buzz is about happy things, sharing and community spirit—all of which Elwood’s drink will promote!

Lunchtime with Ruby — Up beside the Palmer High School live the Palmer High School Cows. They are a small herd maintained and cared for by the Palmer Agricultural students. Big Red, is the big momma cow who had a little baby this year, named Ruby. If you need a break anytime, drive or walk over to their enclosure and commune with the cows.

They are delightful company and little Ruby is pretty cute right now. Do not go in their enclosure or hassle these bovine residents please. Let’s enjoy them and appreciate them. Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff on the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222