Palmer Buzz Year in Review

Ten Families Teach A Lesson—In the local neighborhood lived ten different families. One of the families was very religious. One of the families were not religious at all. One of the families was ardent conservative. One of the families was ultra liberal. One of the families was vegetarian. One of the families hunted and trapped. One of the families didn’t speak English. One of the families was blended of many colors. One of the families was original settlers from the 30’s. One of the families was Alaskan Native. All of the families shared an access road.

When spring rains and the melt came—they all ditched their road. When the winter snows and winds came—they all shoveled, plowed or pushed the drifts. Anytime anyone needed help, the neighbors were there. Occasional food was exchanged and surplus garden vegetables were left on porches. They all looked out for the dogs and children who ran in the neighborhood. They all were alert and aware of potential dangers and communicated with each other.

This is a harmonious neighborhood. All of the neighbors care for one another and respect their differences. There are no arguments or testy discussions. This is the way it should be. This is a lesson for all of us. We can love others without being in agreement. May your groupings of friends and family, may your workplace and school, may your clubs, councils and organizations be a harmonious neighborhood.

Showing 2021 to the Door—This was a fine year for some and a bad year for others. But we can all agree on one thing—2021 is lurching and stuttering out the door. Naturally this is time for some pithy or humorous overview of 2021. So here goes: 2021 will be remembered for Palmer’s memorable sunrises, sunsets and rainbow pictures. Tremendous events surfaced like Skeetawk, the Airshow, Scottish Highland Games and the State Fair. We all dealt with the supply chain shortages of toilet paper, hand wipes, half & half, and personal favorite cookie. Vaccines became available and people either rushed to take them—or avoid them. Masking or Non-masking was a continual reminder of the pandemic’s variants. A major speed bump in the year was the complexity and length of construction projects (but most of us are used to this seasonal inconvenience.) Locally Palmer didn’t have to worry about tornados in the mid west or the twisted ship in the Suez Canal, but we did seem to have an abundance of wind this year. Dragonflies were also plentiful this year. It’s also notable that the swans left late. Pandemic fatigue has definitely set in—but the historical resiliency factor in Palmer is strong

Retrospect Palmer in 2021—People were asked to use “one word”to describe the year 2021 in Palmer. A full selection of descriptors were offered. Here are crowd-sourced responses, sorted into categories—with a bit of commentary.

Palmer 2021was wondrous, prosperous, and thriving. Without a doubt our area did well in terms of everyday wonders, quality of life, productive opportunity and good growth. We also seem to appreciate, recognize and acknowledge that we are in love with our place.

Palmer 2021 was separated, jagged and dissonant. These are difficult words which are reflective of our country and world conflicts. It’s impossible and probably wrong to not acknowledge the difficulty of this year, due to conflict, covid, politics and natural disasters.

Palmer 2021 was embracing, caring, inclusive and accepting—according to a majority of comments.

Palmer 2021 is home for many of us. For others Palmer remains a memory and a prayer. The majority of people are positive about P-town, citing it as both awesome and triumphant.

Goodbye Until Next Year—This is the most confusing week of the year. Trying to stay focused, regarding the day of the week, is impossible. All plans are awkward and nothing works properly. Everything about this strange week is fake, including official open hours and events. It feels like everyone is recovering from a post Christmas hangover and pre-New Years party. It isn’t long enough to really get anything done. It isn’t short enough to just ignore. So let’s just languish here in the unknown, forget the deadlines and wait for next year—Happy 2022!

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff in the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz Column in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Her “Palmer Buzz 2022 Community Calendar” is available at Palmer shops. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222