Scavenger Hunt newest addition to Downtown

New Palmer Puzzle in Downtown—It’s a new year in Palmer and let’s start it with some fun. This is a Palmer Scavenger Hunt, a genius activity—created by long time Palmer resident, Bridgette Preston. Scavenger Hunts are trending nationally in many communities; Palmer is joining up. Let me explain that there is nothing to buy, no prizes, and no subscriptions….it’s a puzzle and it’s fun. All it requires is some curiosity and good walking shoes.

Around Palmer are five Matanuska Maid posters, in public places along sidewalks and in parks. Get a few friends or kids and do the Palmer 2020 Search, Snap, and Share Scavenger Hunt.

Here are the simple instructions:

Step 1: Search—Locate a poster.

Step 2: Snap—Take a selfie picture with each of the five Mat Maid posters, in their hiding spots. (Do Not Remove the Posters)

Step 3: Share—After you have taken selfies with all five posters, post them on the Palmer Alaska Buzz facebook page. (Do not reveal location in narrative.)

Step 4: Fun—Enjoy this healthy family and friend activity from 1/1/20 to 1/23/20! It’s a great way to get outside and explore our little town in winter. It’s good to be active, even in January!

Big thanks to creator, Bridgette Preston. She’s been a Palmer Public Library Children’s Librarian; a Mat Su School District ELL educator; an Alaska State Fair Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off organizer; and a Palmer Arts Council President; along with a variety of other community organizing activities. She currently spends time between Palmer and Portland near her granddaughters. Palmer and Mat-Su history is her current pursuit and she’s enjoyed creating content for the Facebook group, Palmer Alaska Buzz.

Fickle Weather—Palmer has had some cold snaps. We’ve had some warm chinooks. We’ve had some wind. We are getting a full smorgasbord of winter weather options this year.

Why Cold Snaps are Good—Cold snaps actually kill the adult spruce bark beetle. This is a good thing and we need this sub-zero freeze for this reason alone Low temperatures also solidify and reestablish the sea ice. It also allows the permafrost to be permafrost. Cold temps can reduce inflammation and can encourage the body to burn more calories to stay warm. Finally there seems to be better stargazing, more Aurora activity, more quiet and less crime!

Why Chinooks are Good—They give us a breather during winter. They allow snow melt to work. Plus humidity rises a bit with most winds.

Why Palmer Winds are Good—It dries out the snow and roads. It assists with migration, seed establishment, animal feeding behavior and kite flying.

End of Holidays—The holidays are nearly over, with the exception of next’s week’s Epiphany Celebration. It really mattered little your faith claim—because there was grand celebration for everyone. Choruses, choirs, caroling, fires, prayer services, cookies, candles, meditation, sharing, service, and lights—Palmer’s Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, and Christmas traditions were excellent.

This Week in Palmer:

• Friday: The Art Cafe on Blueberry is sponsoring a Friday Family Night. There is a Prime Rib feast at the American Legion Post 15, followed by karaoke.

• Saturday: Sip & Spin at 203 Kombucha; Klondike Mike’s live music;

• Sunday: Tai chi Practice, Illustrated Art Journaling at Level Seven; Music Jam at Vagabonds;

• Monday: Fun Run with Active Soles and Oula at Level Seven

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 Community Calendar” is available at Palmer shops and the Palmer museum. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222