PALMER BUZZ: Memorial Day 2018

Memorial Day 2018—Palmer’s Cemetery is full today. There are people fixing and cleaning the graves. It seems as if it should be a somber time, but in reality it isn’t. There is a lot of pride showing with everyone’s efforts. I think this is one thing I love about Palmer. There is so much honor and respect in the weeding and care, it makes your heart bust open. Many people have planted perennials, shrubs or annuals. Relatives are raking and carrying buckets of water. A crowd of children are seated on the ground, making some personal decoration for remembrance. Sometimes people just sit on the benches. Sometimes people take a nap beside a loved one in the grass. It is all so precious. There are many, many flags at the graveyard and these too are so symbolic. On one side of the graveyard is the Matanuska River Campground and Park. Families and friends congregate there and their laughter spills out and rightfully is part of this Pioneer Cemetery soundtrack. Small planes come in for a landing at the Palmer Airport. There are schools surrounding the graveyard and lively noises from the adjacent sports fields. Traffic along Arctic or the Old Glenn Highway is fairly constant but not so loud as to disturb the vibrant bird noises in the trees. So this cemetery is filled with life and love, as it should be. We are so fortunate to have it in our lives.

Palmer Community Survey results—Over the last few months an unscientific survey was conducted which asked what would make Palmer a healthier community. Here are the paraphrased responses. Palmer already has a substantial amount of health and health related activities, but there is clamoring for more.

Walkability—Walking Events and paths were mentioned dozens of times. People generally felt that the walker-friendly atmosphere of Palmer was one of its charms. Some asked for more signage. Some asked for more trails, specifically to Sutton and to connect the trails with some sort of directional logo. Bike paths and bike racks too were high on the list; specifically folks wanted better signage. Crosswalks were also requested along with clear markings. Perhaps a crosswalk informational public service message could be sponsored. Vehicle drivers need to respect crosswalks and people in them.

Community Rec Center—This is always on the list, and this survey was no exception. A community rec center (with basketball, toddler space, teen space, and volleyball) was definitely the major request of the survey respondents. Secondary was requests for pickle-ball courts or indoor tennis courts, with an indoor track surrounding the courts. It’s important to realize that the MTA Ice Arena on Cope Industrial does have an indoor track for community use and it is operated by the City of Palmer.

Health Services—There were several requests of doctors and wellness centers to have open houses for folks to see what is available. A health directory was requested. There was a lot of satisfaction with the various opportunities for yoga, dance and physical therapy in Palmer.

Grow Palmer—Folks are pleased about the Grow Palmer efforts. This is the edible food trail that starts behind the Palmer Train Depot and extends along the railroad track to past the Palmer Police Station. It is a remarkable and understated gem of Palmer. The goal is to grow and maintain food gardens for everyone to share. It produces healthy food for residents and visitors alike. Planting dates are coming up and volunteers and organizations are encouraged to help. Volunteer maintenance is done all summer. And everyone shares in the bounty. Check out the growpalmer website and facebook listings for more info.

Two More Music Venues—Sunday Vagabonds after 4pm. Sally Hitchcock monthly recitals

Art show at the Downtown Deli along with portrait info and big deal about portrait thing at midsummer fair.