Wine walkers

The Palmer Museum of History and Art offered the Palmer Winter Wine Walk last Friday. As usual it was one of the big events of the season. The shops were filled with participants strolling around Palmer, sampling various pours of wines. This happens twice a year and each time is a beautiful moment of community conviviality. The Wine Walk began at Turkey Red and the stops were at NonEssentials, Whimsey, Fireside Book Store, AKtive Soles, and of course the Museum. Each stop had some special sweets or savory snacks to sample. A lovely Dulcimer group played at the Museum. We can’t wait until the Summer Version of this well-loved local event.

Bouncing between Fun—This past weekend had so much Palmer bounce happening. There were two amazing plays offered in the Valley…..Hadestown and Puffs. There was a Boozy Book-fair at Bleeding Heart Brewery. There was the Matanuska Orchestra at the Senior Center and the Presbyterian Church. There were quilters at the Depot and artists at the cafe. There were runners all around town and especially on the “block” striving for legendary status. Dog walkers were out collecting some of the refuse from winter.

DRIVERS—PLEASE SLOW DOWN IN TOWN—As the better weather progresses, we will see more and more outside activities which means that vehicle drivers need to be more and more aware of smaller creatures like animals, children and adults sharing sidewalks, driveways, crosswalks and other community spaces. A collision between an automobile/ truck and a person or an animal has fatal results. The smaller vulnerable body is often maimed or destroyed by the big metal machine. There is no contest.

The Time is NOW—Apply for your annual Alaska Permanent Fund and include a donation for a Palmer group—like the “Friends of the Palmer Library!” There are quite a few wonderful groups in Palmer, on the state provided list: Academy Advisory Board Inc; Akeela Inc; Alaska Cat Adoption Team; Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue; Alaska Animal Advocates; Alaska Bible College; Alaska Family Services; Alaska Farmland Trust; Alaska Freedom Journey; Alaska Legal Services Corporation; Big Cabbage Radio; Birchtree Parents Guild Inc.; CCS Early Learning; Friends of the Palmer Public Library; Mat Su Senior Services Inc; Mat Su Ski Club; Mat Su Trails and Parks Foundation; Matanuska Susitna College UAA; Matanuska Valley Sportsmen Inc; MATSAR Search and Rescue; Musk Ox Farm; Palmer American Legion Post 15; Palmer Arts Council; Palmer Little League; Skeetawk; The Salvation Army; United Way of Mat Su; Valley Community for Recycling Solutions; Valley Hospice Resources; Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers; or Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association. This is probably not a complete list, but it is a start. Remember Permanent Fund Dividend Applications must be mailed by the end of the month.

Street-sweepers—There is something very satisfying watching the slow progress of the Palmer street sweepers. This is a luxury of living in town. They scrub the curbside and corners and sidewalks and suddenly all the crunchy gravel is gone. The entirety of the Palmer Public Works department receives little recognition for their continual efforts to keep the roads and walkways safe and clean. Thank you.

Clothing Indecision—This is the time of year when we just don’t know what to wear. Which hat or headband? Which coat or jacket? Even footwear is a quandary. Every day is an adventure in various weather offerings. Most people’s cars now have a full assortment of outdoor gear in order to be prepared for what ever comes next.

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