Swans wave goodbye

The local swans are off and flying south. They are always some of the earliest migratory birds to arrive in our area and the last to leave. This year’s babies were born in July, seem to have learned to fly now. They have been practicing for weeks. Their calls are beautiful and echo the melancholy sound of late Autumn in the Palmer Alaska Area. We will keep the faith that the swans will return to Alaska in April.

City of Palmer Election—This annual event is Tuesday October 4. The regional Borough, State and National election isn’t until November.

Harmony in the Valley—Saturday night was a rare glimpse of perfect harmony in our Mat Su Valley. It was an amazing performance of the Mat-Su Concert Band at the college’s Glenn Massay Theater. This was the very first production since Covid took over; for nearly two years the performers, instruments, and stage have been necessarily dark. So it was with great joy that the nearly 70 piece band reunited for a remarkable show. Music included inspiring renditions of America, The Beautiful, Toccata For Band, Selections From Chicago, Alexander’s Ragtime Band and the sadly beautiful Autumn Leaves. Trumpet Soloist Doug Sheaffer blew everyone away with his Ode For Trumpet. Gleo Huyck is the well-loved and talented Conductor of the Mat Su Concert Band and this is his fourteenth season. The concert included other band favorites including Hands Across the Sea, and March “National Emblem.” The Ukrainian National Anthem was included in the program as a touching and symbolic nod to all Ukrainians, fighting the horrific invasion of their country. The entire program and all the band members showed intent deliberation to perform perfectly and harmoniously. It was a beautiful thing to see. We are so fortunate to have such talent in the Valley. The next performance will be December 17 and 18. Do not miss it.

Palmer Post Office—There are changes at the local post office which involve more than filling the potholes. Parcel pick up is moving or adding locations and there are outside lockers. Without a doubt these upgrades will be helpful. The local Post Office is well used and most of users are kind and well-intentioned. I would say the same about the employees. We are lucky to have a gentle postal place in our town. You might have to wait in line but the person beside you waiting, is probably a pretty nice person too. Say hello.

Palmer Arts & Cultural Trail—There is now a “Tiny Free Gallery” of miniature art in Palmer. Addie Studebaker has created a creative celebration of tiny art to share with the public. And we are invited to share in return. Little pieces of art include tiny paintings, mini-sculptures, sketches, tiny crocheted or embroidered pieces or very small painted rocks. The location of this sweet gallery is 403 S. Alaska Street. This is a very special new little treasure in our Palmer Community. Thank you Palmer.

This Week In Palmer—This is the first week of the month of October so there will be a First Friday Event in Palmer at Poppy Lane and Peak Boutique. NonEssentials is serving homemade Foccacia, Teas and hot meals everyday. Saturday is an Autumn Celebration at Alaska Chicks. Volleyball season has started. The Art Cafe has some cool classes this weekend. There are a number of annual fundraisers in and around Palmer this weekend. There is live music at the Palmer Ale House and Klondike Mikes. And the weekly Monday Happy Run is on, rain, snow, sleet or shine.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. (She is working hard on the 2023 Palmer Community Calendar, which may be available in late October.) Barbara 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. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222