Palmer Noted as One of Safest Places in Alaska

Last week a published news report listed the ten safest places in Alaska and predictably Palmer was one of these places. “Nestled amidst snow-clad mountains, Palmer isn’t just home to the annual Alaskan [sic] State Fair and it boasts a commendable safety record.” This proclamation is only a result of a committed community and leadership along with a local advocacy of combined neighbors, businesses, parents, city services, concerned adults, respectful children and law enforcement.

Multiple Pocket Time and Transition—It is time for seasonal pocket confusion as we switch into our winter wear. Suddenly we have many more pockets on our clothing. And we have much more essential stuff to keep in those pockets. There are flashlights, hand warmers, ice scrapers, kleenexes, added to the normal collection of keys and phones. Throw in a pair of mittens, face mask, sunglasses, and a hat and maybe a scarf and we become loaded and nothing is locatable. We need a personal blueprint map to remember which pocket contains which item. Go slow and methodically try to put things in the same pocket and by springtime you will know exactly where things are.

Shovel Location—This is important. Find the shovel now. And the ice melt. And the ice scraper. Winter is sneaking up

New Bike Path—It’s a wonderful new safety route for walkers and bikers. It follows East Evergreen and Airport Way and allows for a safe walking path along these two narrow roads. This helps dramatically with connectivity in Palmer and good health. Yeah!

Natural Composting—Our geographic area of Alaska is currently in a state of natural compost as summer things fade and die. You can see it, feel it and smell it. Everything is lying down to rest. The golden season is coming to an end.

Red Eye Flight of the Geese—It’s very strange to hear geese honking at midnight but some of our migratory birds choose to travel at night. Actually many of us humans take flight on the Red Eye specials when we are leaving the state. So it shouldn’t be a surprise when our bird friends make the same decision. Their choice is weather based and ornithologists could explain the reasoning.

Squirrel Tactics, Tenacity and Teaching—There remains major squirrel action as autumn recedes. The industrious squirrels have actively denuded the spruce of cones and seeds. Local squirrels have perfected their techniques and hurl pinecones down on any creature nearing a stockpile. In addition the squirrel preppers have prepared smaller empty caches for additional storage. This is a reminder that we humans must also dig some holes prior to freeze-up. Specifically, if you have an elderly pet or infirm animal, it might be wise to prepare a grave in advance. This is said gently and with care but sadly death doesn’t skip a season. If you bury your loved creatures on your land, a preparatory site is in order.

Bats and Meteors and Magpies—The Draconid meteor shower peaks this week and local bats are doing the last bit of tumble swifts in the dark. Magpies are having reunions after a glorious summer elsewhere.

Palmer Public Pumpkin Parties and October Things—There are so many Palmer festivals and parties and events this month. The farms, businesses, tribal council, real estate offices, dentist offices, bars, libraries, shops, health clinics, churches, and schools are all hosting fun or spooky visitations. Because the list is so long, stay on track of the detailed festivities with the online Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook group.

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