PALMER BUZZ: Take a Chance for $10,000; Buy a Raffle Ticket to support Local Families

March 2 is the 31st Annual AFS Spring Fundraiser. With the purchase of a single raffle ticket, you may win one of three prizes: $10,000 for first prize; $1000 for second prize; or $500 for third prize.

Regardless of whether or not you actually win the cash prizes, you will still have won—because local families are the guaranteed big winner. All proceeds go to support the many programs that strengthen families in the Mat Su Valley. And it is all about keeping it local, isn’t it?

With the purchase of a raffle ticket, you will receive two admissions to the Annual AFS Fundraiser from 6-9 pm, on Friday, March 2, at the Mat Su Senior Center. You and a guest will enjoy dinner for two prepared by Turkey Red Restaurant. You will both have access to a Silent Auction, two drinks at the Beer and Wine Bar and a wonderful evening with others and Miss Alaska, who is the key note speaker at the event.

Tickets may be purchased at the Center. Just call 746-6102 and order your tickets easily and quickly over the phone. Or if you see Debbi Retherford, Kenni Psnek Lindin or Nicky Henri at the grocery, just buy one direct.

Family Help in Palmer—Near the Palmer Jr. Middle School is the headquarters of the Alaska Family Services. They have been working with local moms and dads and children for over three decades. Their list of services is huge and it encompasses programs which help from pre-pregnancy to the elders’ final days. Without going in to great detail, they have programs for child care assistance, behavioral health treatment, tobacco prevention and control, women, infants and children supplemental nutrition, work services, alcohol problems, violence intervention, and family support and preservation.

And right downtown, at 403 South Alaska Street next to Comb’s Insurance, is their sweet thrift store, Family First Treasures. We are so fortunate to have Alaska Family Services in our town and helping families in our state.

Palmer Renaissance Is Here—There are many isolated artists, weavers, drummers, singers, dancers, painters, writers, poets and potters in our community. They all give a major chunk of their life’s passion to their craft. Finally Palmer is moving up and recognizing all this cultural goodness in a monthly gathering. Beginning this Sunday, from 1-5-is the Palmer Renaissance Sunday Salon at the Palmer Downtown Deli. It is a loosely organized effort but it is now a welcome space for musicians, artists, actors and authors to gather. And it should be fun to watch and or participate. The longstanding Palmer Arts Council is supporting this effort as are many smaller art affiliates. Sunday afternoon in Palmer just evolved….Viva Le Renaissance! Just drop by—bring a book or a pencil or just your eyes and ears. Buy a cannoli and watch what happens!