PALMER BUZZ: Potholes and pussy willows

Potholes and Pussy Willows—They’re back and we love them because they are true signs of spring.

In the pothole department, we have been lucky this year. However pothole and mushhole season is an evolving thing and with the snow melting, there could be some pretty scary ones emerging.

Palmer Pothole etiquette: If you see part of the road softening, please flag it, so you don’t lose your neighbors. Post the pothole’s location on social media so we know what to avoid; keep watch as it grows and expands and be careful with your sportsmanlike maneuvers to avoid it.

Pussy Willows are Nature’s payment for the pothole problem.

Rescue Rabbit—It was a perfect spring day on Easter Sunday in 99645. Family and friends had collected for food and fun in the bright sunshine. Everyone was outside enjoying the fine weather and the easter egg hunt in the snow. The river was still frozen and a wide swath of white below the cliffs. Someone saw three youngsters out on the river…….and then suddenly there were only two. An alarm was sounded and everyone headed down to the river to help. Some carried blankets, some called for aid, and one particularly tall rabbit-costumed gentleman—carried the extension ladder. Fortunately, it was a false call and the missing youngster had just dipped from view but was not in the river. However the Rabbit Rescue party was a true Alaskan episode of community and bravery.

The War of Ice and Light—It continues into full fledge mode this week. Over and over the melt happens in the hot daytime hours and over and over it refreezes in the cold of nighttime. And in-between progress is made with the lessening of ice and the proliferation of mud. This is break up in all its’ glory. This is actually the beautiful side of breakup when the amount of snow super-cedes the amount of mud. In the next week, this equation will change and then things will get really muddy and into the deep-gut of break up. Until the mud takes over, enjoy the satisfying crunch of rotten ice.

The Delicious Palmer Trifecta—Vagabonds Cafe, Turkey Red Restaurant and Palmer Downtown Deli are the delicious Palmer trifecta of foodie destinations. Of course other places are great but these three are all celebrating important anniversaries this month— 20 years, 10 years and 2 years respectively.

Deliversary Week—This week is the Palmer Downtown Deli’s 2nd anniversary. This lovely cafe, on main street in the Palmer Shopping Plaza, is full of good food, cannoli, and hosts many nonprofit meet-ups. It is definitely an intercultural pulse of Palmer—with continual free music, art shows and group meetings. Proprietor and Chef Kevin Brown describes himself as the Ringmaster at this Tasty Circus, although the other cooks are darn excellent as well. He says the word, Deliversary is a noun and means “a time of jubilee!”

More Art!—Palmer is welcoming the Art Cafe, located on Blueberry, near the dog wash and the funeral parlor. Palmer already has an active Painting studio at Artists’ Uncorked on Main street. But the new Art Cafe is a welcome addition because it focuses on beautiful colored glass, candles, and ceramics. Walking in the new shop is just stimulating with the collections of tesserae, treasures and opportunities. Classes will be offered along with coffee, confections and ice cream.

Palmer Galleries Galore—Art Galleries are plentiful in Palmer. Here is the list: Shane Lamb Gallery; Downtown Deli Monthly Community art exhibits; Peak Boutique; Artist’s Uncorked; Vagabonds Monthly Art Shows; Palmer Museum of Art and History; Madd Matters; and the Gallery in Key Bank Plaza.

There are fabulous other locations in Palmer that continually offer art objects and handcrafted items. On Main Street is Non-Essentials—which is in their 18th year of operation. Denise has consistently offered a venue and showplace for over 75 local artisans and continues to expand her reach. Whimsey, in the Koslosky Building has arty merchandise. Even Garden Gate, which is primarily a clothing store, has some lovely artsy jewelry and apparel. And the newest player, Cobb St. Market, near the old Fred Meyers has opened up walls and tables to lots of artisans and local businesses.

This Weekend in 99645—

Mat Su Ski Club Spring Fundraiser will be held at the Government Peak Recreation Area at Hatcher Pass. It starts at 630 and there will be local beer and good music in addition to awards and auctions.

Poppins In Palmer—This is the second great weekend for the ambitious and successful play at the college’s Machatanz theater. All reviews have been grand and it is exciting to see such a large and lively production locally!

Palmer Public Radio Annual Meeting at the Turkey—Meet the DJs, program hosts and visit with other listeners and members at 2pm on Saturday at Turkey Red.

The Palmer Consignment Clothing Event is at the State Fairgrounds this weekend. This biannual event extends from April 5-8 and parking and admission are free.

And don’t forget the Illustrated Art Journaling Class at Artist’s Uncorked on Sunday Afternoon which is a monthly Palmer class celebrating the confluence of simple illustration, journaling and wordsmithing.