‘The Great Alone’

I just finished reading The Great Alone, by Kristin Hannah. It’s set in Alaska and Not in Palmer. But it could be at any remote spot in part of the Valley. Why am I bringing this book up in a Palmer Newspaper Column? Because there are some really well developed concepts in this novel, which certainly apply to our Palmer community. Frankly, the book is delightful and accurate in its’ generalized narrative of Alaska’s beauty. The book is rich with superlatives.

But the book is downright depressing when it focuses on the seasonal darkness, cold, isolation, and social challenges. The author successfully nailed down the problems with an unforgettable force. Frankly, I wanted to dislike the book for this reason. However, I had to admit that these four critical elements are real, no matter how much we try to ignore them. Darkness, cold, isolation, and social challenges can be killers and certainly deal-breakers (especially when combined with violence and alcohol.)

Fortunately, the greater Palmer area is loaded with generous people; our community awareness is ripe towards problematic situations. Our law enforcement, schools, faith groups and social service agencies work hard on these frequent problems. I also believe individually we do check on our neighbors and report problems.

However, this book hammered hard on these realities, which we don’t like to look at fully. Darkness can cause depression and isolation. Alcohol and mental illness can exacerbate the situation. Folks, be on the look out for isolates. I am not suggesting becoming a meddlesome neighbor. But just check in. Encourage and assist isolates to get out and engage in one of our many Palmer activities.

Big Palmer Holiday Bazaar— This is the 5th year for this great event at Palmer’s Academy Charter School. It’s Saturday, November 2 and the very start of the Season. All of the local “makers” are ready—wood carvers, sock sewers, herb foragers, jellymakers, bakers, knitters, stone carvers, hive-keepers, fiber-weavers, glass-artists, bead-stringers, and sign makers. They will all be there and offer their wonderful homemade wonders to you this weekend. Plus there will be food and drinks in addition to the interesting variety of vendors and crafters. It’s only one day on Saturday. See it at the Academy Charter School, across from the Forestry building and the airport.

Palmer Radio—You know about Big Cabbage Radio. They are our very locally produced and funded community radio station. The station operates out of a little headquarters, on Palmer’s main street, right beside the bookstore. There’s some marvelous programming. It is NOT full of advertising but it is full of local features, talent, and interviews on pertinent Palmer topics. This is their big fundraiser week. We are so fortunate to have them. Definitely drop some money and support in their bucket.

Time and Clock Change This Weekend—It’s time to either ignore the car clock for six months or get the little instruction book out. This goes with a number of other digital devices. We’re going back in time this weekend.

Library Book Sale—The well-loved Palmer Library Book Sale is Wednesday through Saturday.

Palmer Food Bank—It is said that the shelves need filling. And this organization might need some assistance with a few construction projects to help stabilize the pantry. Check in with the Palmer Rotary on this one. They are looking to help. The Rotary meets Thursday at Turkey Red large dining room at lunchtime.

Thursday— Halloween Hollow at Raven Hall, Spooky Stephen King movie at the College and Haunted Barn at Williams Farm. And don’t miss Braided River and Great American Taxi at Klondike’s on Thursday night.

Friday— is Palmer Bounce Class at Midnight Sun Yoga. Opening Night for Frozen the Musical at Colony Middle. It’s also First Friday at Poppy Lane in Palmer.

Saturday— is the big Holiday Bazaar at the Academy Charter School. Also on Saturday is the Wilderness First Responders class, woven scarf class at Yule farm, felted pumpkins and slippers classes at the Art Cafe, and the Destroyer Doll Roller Derby at Raven Hall.

Sunday— is the Alaska Home Companion show at the Pioneer home at 3pm on Sunday. Sunday afternoons always have an informal music jam at Vagabonds and Palmer Illustrated Art journaling at Level Seven Community room. Special this week is a terrific harvest festival at the depot—with delicious local food, an inspiring (& award winning!) film and targeted conversation about the future of food production in Palmer and the Valley.

Monday— is the Palmer Board of Economic Development at 6pm and the weekly Happy Run sponsored by and starting at Aktive Soles.

Tuesday— is Voting Day!!! Remember if you don’t vote, you can’t complain later!

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 museum. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222