Thank you Valley winds

It was a substantial wind storm this past weekend. It was fierce and cold, as always. It’s difficult to see the beauty when the wind is whipping and slashing. However, there is something that is clear when you visually watch the wind patterns. The glacial silt from the Knik Valley is obviously blowing into the Matanuska Valley. And this is how the tremendous and magical valley farmland gained its fertility. All that dust you see carried down the river is actually creating more agriculturally beneficial soils. And a big thanks to all the line crews who were on the job, awaiting electrical problems.

Hello Darkness My Old Friend—So the clocks are switched backwards in Palmer. But do the dogs understand? No. The cats and sheep are snarly. However, chickens and ravens seem to have no problem with this adjustment but they don’t wear wristwatches. Northern Latitude is the culprit along with the weakness of the winter sun’s trajectory. Someday maybe we won’t have to deal with this nonsense of bureaucratic clock meddling.

Snow is Light—Palmer had a brilliant snowfall last week; in fact it was our first real snow of the season. It is clean and bright and there is an element of joy in it, especially in the dark time of the year. This week’s full moon will amplify that light.

Railroad Tracks in Palmer—There is a survey available for Palmer area people which asks how you would like to see the railroad corridor, in downtown Palmer, developed. Maybe you don’t want it developed—or maybe you do. Either way, this is an opportunity to weigh in with your personal vision of what would work well in our community—which we love so well. Would you want to see a community stage area, expanded Farmer’s market, another covered public pavilion, more Grow palmer public gardens, or an extension of the Shane Woods trail? Is walkability and accessibility important to you? Is there a need for more parking? Do we need more restrooms? Is there a desire to expand the historical signage or playground opportunities?

Our railroad corridor goes from one end of Palmer to the other. It is like a river which goes through town—a long, visual green-space which connects low-town with downtown and downtown with uptown and connected trail systems. The possibility of the railroad or a future light rail system is always there, although the creation of this could be prohibitive. Nonetheless, because the property is actually owned by the Alaska Railroad, any community projects or improvements must be permitted. Go to DowntownPalmerSurvey.pplak.org and give your opinions; it’s easy. And if you don’t want to do it on a computer, just call the city and ask for an emailed paper copy!

This Week in Palmer—The big event is over at the fairgrounds and it is the huge consignment opportunity, which happens twice a year. It seems like everyone opens up their closets and suddenly Raven Hall becomes this crazy, wonderful full department store of terrific clothes, gear, art, sports equipment, shoes, jeans, jackets—all with bargain prices. It’s a little overwhelming when you walk in and see it laid out but it really is the best shopping opportunity.

The Consign 49 Event starts on Wednesday and runs through Sunday at the Alaska State Fairgrounds, specifically at Raven Hall. Don’t miss it.

There is also Barrel Racing at “Our Little Farm in Palmer;” live music at the Palmer Alehouse, a Veteran’s Resource Fair, Championship Fight Night at the Depot, cool classes at The Art Cafe, Housebreaking and Kennel Training at The Classy Canine, Square Dance classes at Sophia’s cafe, Walkabout Wednesday, Judo at Palmer Middle School, Hockey at the rink, Sign waving at the intersections, and Pastries for Parents at Birchtree Charter School.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. 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