PALMER BUZZ: Choose Respect

Choose Respect—It was gratifying to see the large gathering of children, youth, adults, seniors, law enforcement and business folks participate in the annual Choose Respect march—last week in Palmer. There was a celebratory feel to the Community March, as if by marching and proclaiming goodness, evil could be vanquished. Perhaps if you walk the talk, then you can make the hopeful message resonate in real life.

However, immediately after the march, and over at the Palmer Courthouse, the results of past youth tragedy and violence was being played out on the judicial stage.

Come on Young People—Show Us Your Stuff—To all those high school age students out there, show us your art! Enlighten us! Educate us! Paint the story that you feel needs to be told. This is the last week for submission of your valley art to the Palmer Museum. They invite any media and any size, but your art piece needs to be at the Palmer Museum by end of the month. The show, “Beyond The Classroom,” shows in April and includes both awards and reception on April 14th.

Easter Sunday—There will be feasts and bunnies and colored eggs. There will be reunions, April fool jokes, religious services, blue moon and chocolate. But there is also a musical event called the Matanuska Beat. This is a family event at the train depot at 2pm. It is International Percussion and a performance that will rejoice in the power of drums and percussion instruments. It’s a “Friends of the Palmer Library” event.

Oxygen and money—The major qualification for an Alaskan PFD is that you inhale oxygen in the State of Alaska. We do nothing to earn this money at all, except breathe. But you must have your application postmarked this week. And please remember all the worthy Pick/click and give Palmer nonprofits, when you file.

Marchness—Mad March roared into Palmer like a snow lion and hops out like a sloppy puppy. Get ready for the daily Battle of mud and ice. But the light is on our side.

Hungry Moose and Bears—They are out and grumpy. On those snowshoe trips and ski-jours, stay alert. Everything is waking up. Migratory birds are returning and owls are everywhere. Pregnant moose are lumbering about. It’s a beautiful time of year but be aware.

Great Weekend for Shooting Range Practice and Gun Control Table talks—Saturday was a perfect day for shooting practice at the range. It was a bluebird day and the bugs weren’t out yet. Later in the morning, the same folks joined at local restaurant tables to talk about gun safety.

How is this scenario even possible? Easy.

Because Palmer folks are smart. The fact that locals appreciate and own firearms, doesn’t mean they don’t understand and support gun safety. We all know there is a problem. We don’t know the answers but good community conversation is an important first step.

Story of the Scared Child—The boy’s 3rd grade class was going on a field trip to the Anchorage Museum. Everyone was looking forward to the day away from the classroom. But on the morning of the field trip, the eight year old boy told his mom he didn’t want to go. “Why not? You’ll have fun!” she said. The child pushed his cereal around in the bowl and didn’t answer. The mother continued to ask questions. Finally the boy said he didn’t want to go because he was scared he would be shot.

Of course the child’s fear was irrational. Of course it made no sense. But fear and paranoia are now our childrens' companions. And yes, folks, this is a problem, even in Palmer, Alaska.

Palmer’s Cash Mob—It happens this week on Thursday night. Anyone can join up at the Caboose Lounge at the Valley Hotel on the 29th of March, after 5pm. It’s a simple and fun event. Meet up. Laugh a little. And then go to the surprise location and spend 20 bucks. And meet two new Palmer folks. It’s a great monthly adventure and experience. You will have fun and a local merchant will get the needed infusion of some extra sales to keep them going.