PALMER BUZZ: The return of Palmer’s red ball

Paris has its Eiffel Tower. Seattle has its Space Needle. And Palmer has its water tower. And this week our water tower will be coronated with the crown jewel on its crown. The Red Ball.

The red copper ball is coming home to roost. It’s been gone for 15 years. Supposedly, according to local legend, the wind stole it in 2003 and it blew away. Wise people then randomly stewarded the ball, or filial, found it and kept it safe in undetermined garages and barns and finally it is being prepped for install, this Saturday at noon. The red copper ball—about the size of an average bowling ball—was used to attract lightning.

The iconic Palmer Water Tower was built in the mid 1930s as a functional feature of the depression-era Matanuska Colony Project. In the original documents it is described as “A 94 foot steel structure has four columns, support beams and rod cross bracing, topped by a cylindrical water tank with a conical top and a half-spherical bottom.” It is on the National Register of Historic Places and is known as AHRS Site No. Anch-747. But to most it is just the water tower.

You can see the tower from anywhere in Palmer, where most buildings are generally topping out at two stories. It is like the needle in our compass and an iconic landmark.

However, for the last 14 years the stalwart water tower has remained “ball-less.”

That will all be remedied this week. And it’s taken quite some time to get to this stage.

Restoring the red ball to it’s rightful perch is the result of many people’s efforts. There is a whole loyal team at play here but Kelly Turney is the terrific band leader. Kelly is admitted Palmer history junkie nut and he loves Palmer with a passion. He owns the Alaska Picker shop in the old Matanuska yard, which features cool, old and vintage items. Palmer history is making a comeback in a very visible manner. Kelly has been working with a number of folks including Nate Wallace, Palmer City Manager, historian Jim Fox, machinist Dan Lucas, historian Sherri Hamming and others. The fire truck and ladder will be hoisting the installer, Kelly, along with fire chief John McNutt.

So the “cherry” red ball will go back on the “top” this Saturday at noon, weather permitting. Come watch. Applaud. It will be an event.

Season of desperate black flies

On your south wall, in the sun, they rest. Waiting. Waiting for the crack to get inside your warm house. The Black Flies of Fall are fighting to survive. Cats play with them as autumn entertainment. And this large hatch of flies will continue until a good frost. And then they’re toast.

Seventy years ago

Look at the headlines from the Frontiersman for 70 years ago. Headlines don’t change much. Palmer Airport construction is complete. Accidents. Thieves. Clubs. Local news and smiling children. It’s good.

Palmer musher woman birthday party

Meredith is running the 2018 Iditarod Sled Dog Race this year and it is spendy. Let’s help her by eating her birthday cake and bidding on silent auction items. Donations and sponsoring is oh so welcome. Meredith Christine Mapes will be 24; she is young, committed and talented. Help her prepare for her trip along the trail! It’s at the United Protestant church (Log Church) on Friday at 6 p.m.

Northern lights over Palmer

Last week’s aurora was beyond amazing. It was in fact one of the best we’ve seen since 2001. It’s hard to describe but it was thready and swirly and distinct—with purples and greens and neon pinks. And yes, the Palmer Northern Light Hotline Text Alert is coming back. There will be an app for that. Stay tuned.

PFD weekend

This is the week to donate to your favorite nonprofits. Before you do your annual money dance, give to your community nonprofits for sustenance. Or share with the world. The Palmer Downtown Deli is matching your contribution. And the Palmer Food Bank Food Drive is on right now. So before you spend the big bucks, (which we get—just for breathing in the State of Alaska)—share with others. Good Karma will follow.

Gerry—Everyone’s favorite Palmer woman, Gerry Keeling, was recognized for her 42 years of election service last week at the Palmer City Council Meeting. Elections are over and Palmer has a wonderful set of leaders to keep our town going strong and staying both unique and precious.

Full moon week—is here and with it are many, many Palmer events you may want to check out: My recommends are: Thursday—author Nancy Lord at Fireside Books; Friday—musher Birthday Party at log church; Saturday—Red Ball event at noon at the tower; Saturday Oxtoberfest at Musk Ox Farm and Moose Movie at the college theater; Saturday Reflections Lake hike to help children; Saturday afternoon is a wonderful art event at Diane Bland’s Artist’s Uncorked in downtown with talented Glenda Fields; and finally the Saturday Annual Chamber Auction in Hatcher Pass! And of course football-live and always at the Palmer Ale House. Have fun and be safe.

Check the Facebook Palmer Buzz group page for more details on all events plus everything else that is buzzing in Palmer.