Palmer Alaska

It was dark, windy, cold. But at least I was home. I got on the phone and after calling several numbers contacted George Costley from Keymaster. I was happy to find someone on my side of the valley. He took directions to my home and in a short time he and his wife pulled up in front of my house.

He was able to unlock my car with a tool that he invented himself, I was impressed and happily paid the $60 to get back into my running car. Needless to say, I’m more careful about my spare key these days.

Keymaster Locksmith can also make the new chip keys for the recent automobiles.

I spoke with Ann Riggs, the owner, and came to understand her passion for this gym and what it offers for the valley.

“I have always had a personal passion for resistance training and physical fitness so it was only natural for me to go in the direction of fitness industry. I have 6 children and they were all involved very heavily in competitive Valley sports. They all enjoy resistance training, as well as their favorite team sports. I have always enjoyed working with people and teaching them about fitness and a healthier life style.

After having 6 kids I was carrying a lot more weight than I wanted to, over the course of about year I managed to get rid of about 60 pounds and that is what started me on my way to a healthier life style. That was about 25 years ago. So I have been on both sides of the coin and have learned a lot through the years that is helpful for others in the same situation. Come get a tour from a staff member and receive a day pass to try us out and see if we fit.”
~ Ann Riggs
Peak Fitness offers a special for all new members: One Month Free with a 6 month or 1 year sign-up. It’s their way of saying thank you and showing members that they appreciate the business.  With your membership, you can take advantage of group classes ranging from Pilates to dancing and cycling CLASSES, racquetball, personal training, indoor tanning, massive selections of free weights and stationary machines, cardio equipment, child care, and so much more.

If you have more questions, visit the FAQ page.  When you’re ready, give them a call and get signed up today. In case you missed it, we recently showed you how to get fresh vegetables delivered weekly local weekly to help you start the new year off right CLICK HERE.

Talkeetna Mountains

Recently he guided a group up the Carle Wagon Road in Hatcher Pass. He lives in Palmer by Hatcher Pass so he can work with you locally or take you out to some of the wildest country around. He also does packing with his stable of horses which have included Icelandics, Morgans, Arabians, and Quarter Horses. Watch close and you might even see him in the Colony Days Parade next summer.

Colony Days Parade

Want fresh organic produce delivered weekly? I recently became a member of Full Circle Farms and am proud to say they make me eat more fruits and vegetables. I find that having the membership helps me make healthier choices. I paid for this service and don’t want anything to go to waste so I eat it! I get to choose what is being delivered so it makes meal planning easier. I have found Full Circle Farms very pleasant to deal with so I wanted to help you ring in the new year with healthy choices. For their Valley friends Full Circle is offering $10 off the first order by using the coupon code “CELERY”. To get started click HERE!

Garden Size

They offer four box sizes to fit your family’s needs: Seed for $34, Sprout for $39.15, Garden for $43.00, and Harvest (the largest) for $54.25. This Palmer pricing includes shipping charges so they may be slightly more than the website quotes. Shipping varies for each location so Wasilla prices may be slightly different. Pictured to the left is about what you would receive in a garden size box. In this box I received 1.5 lbs red potatoes, 1 cabbage head, 1 bunch Leeks (made an awesome potato leek soup!), 4 Fuji Apples, .75 lbs carrots, 4 D’anjou pears, 1 cucumber, 4 Satsumas, 1 bunch red kale, 1 bunch green leaf lettuce, 1 bunch spinach. I checked with local grocery stores and found that some items were less expensive locally. But other items were unavailable, wilted or more expensive. Overal I think Full Circle is a good value because the price is always the same, items are always available, and the produce is delivered fresh weekly.

Local Pick Up

A note from the company: “Bringing our fresh produce and groceries to Alaska is not always easy. Especially this time of year, we are subject to the unpredictable weather conditions. Our logistics and delivery teams do their best to get high quality food to Alaska members, and the hard work definitely pays off when we see smiles on the faces of locals who haven’t gotten a fresh head of lettuce in several weeks.

It’s hearing about people trekking on snowshoes with headlamps on and sleds in tow, just to get their Full Circle delivery, that reminds us the good food we deliver is not only appreciated, but essential.

Even when our trucks are stuck in a snowstorm and we’re working through the night to ensure the delivery finally arrives, we never regret the decision to bring Full Circle’s organic delivery service into Alaska, now almost 7 years ago.

We hear, frequently, that our produce brightens the days and improves the health of Alaska residents, and that alone is motivation enough to pack each week’s delivery with care and send it off to our friends, members and community in Alaska.” ~ Full Circle Farms~

www.fullcirclefarms.com

On Friday I was able to visit the Arts and Crafts Fair and the Bad Girls of the North Craft Show and would love to share the wonderful artists with you! 
Raven Moon Studios had on display some beautiful artwork. Laurel is the gifted artist who creates hand pulled block prints and handmade silk paper collages. To see more information about the art visit www.ravenmoonart.com.

Bad Girls of the North is known for promoting the work of exceptional artists and artisans and they have done it again.

Vicky Potter was at the show to represent Bad Girls of the North and her handmade jewelry Orion Designs. Her hand crafted jewelry is unique and yet simple and classy.

The next artist in the room was Sound Soap, they make great soaps and healthy beauty products. You can find out more about how the soaps are made and the natural ingredients on the website www.soundsoap.com.

Lazy Mountain Leather Co displayed their bags and wallets, showing off their craft. They currently do not have a website but I met Mary and she said she would love a call if you’re interested in their leather goods at 907-373-7924. She also mentioned that they have a shop in Homer during the summer from June to August so feel free to stop in this coming summer.

Fish Lips and Bird Teeth Studio had a unique display of jewelry and home decor pieces crafted from polymer clay.

Rounding out the room I found some delicious delicacies made by Stacy De Priest. She calls her craft Gatherings and she welcome a call from you if you would like to order jams, flavored vinegar, pancake mixes and so much more. Stacy De Priest: 907-373-2302.

Next I headed to the Palmer Depot to see the booths for the year.

I was impressed by a company called A Twist Beyond. This company actually has an alpaca farm here in the valley and and uses all-natural alpaca threads for all their one-of-a-kind hats, gloves, and more. Email Lorie or Jan for more information or to purchase these very soft products.  atwistbeyond@gmail.com.

Alaska Nibbles had some sausage and honey mustard samples I couldn’t refuse. Katheryn, the owner, was a delight to chat with and was very enthusiastic about her products. You can order online at www.alaskanibbles.com.

Another notable artist I met makes incredible wood carvings. Gerry Guay has been carving for so long his detailed work shows the fruits of perfecting his craft. He said feel free to email him if you have inquiries at gguay@gmail.com.

Denali Dreams had some fantastic soaps. salves and balms. You can find out more or order at www.denalidreams.com.

I’ll end this post with a comment about fresh dairy products from Matanuska Creamery. In addition to great ice cream and cheese, they are now offering fresh-made butter, eggnog, milk and eggs.

Written by Marty Van Diest Please leave a comment.