Archive for December, 2011
Glacier Mountain Adventures December 28th, 2011
Glacier Mountain Adventures
Talkeetna Mountains
Stoffel still owns the homestead and loves to bring folks on trail rides out of this piece of heaven. He has access to some of the most beautiful back country in the world in the Matanuska Glacier country.
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
If you are looking for an experienced guide to help with a trail ride or a week long trip into the back country it would be hard to find a more experienced and amiable person to spend the time with than Dick Stoffel of Glacier Mountain Adventures. Dick is especially interested in people who want to access the back country just to experience the true Alaskan wilderness.
Give him a call at 841-1347 or your can drop him an email at [email protected].
Trail Ride With Dick Stoffel
Full Circle Farms December 17th, 2011
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~
Like them on Facebook HERE
Written by: Amber Lanphier
Colony Christmas – Local Artists and More! December 12th, 2011
Bad Girls of The North Art Show
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. [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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.
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- Bad Girls of The North Art Show
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- Bad Girls of the North
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- Sound Soap
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- Gatherings
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- Lazy Mountain Leather Co.
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- Fish Lips and Bird Teeth Studio
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- A Twist Beyond
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- Alaska Woodcarver
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- Alaska Nibbles
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- Denali Dreams
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- Matanuska Creamery
Events of Colony Christmas 2011 December 8th, 2011
Colony Christmas
Today I visited the “Light Up A Life” Hospice Tree in the Koslosky Center to see what it’s all about. Valley Hospice Resources is working to build support for compassionate end of life care and have a hospice house in the Mat-Su Valley. To support their effort, come donate by purchasing an angel or star to remember a loved one.
The tree will be available in the Koslosky center through the weekend from 10am until 6pm (7pm on Saturday). You are also invited to attend the Gathering of Remembrance at the Palmer Train Depot January 8th when all the names will be read.
See more about their plans at: www.ValleyHospiceResources.org
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2011 Colony Christmas Schedule
Wednesday, December 7
5:30pm dinner Advent Prayer Service and Dinner
7pm service St. Michael Catholic Church, 432 E Fireweed
Thursday, December 8
10am-6pm “Light Up A Life” Hospice Tree
Koslosky’s Center – 642 S Alaska Street
Friday, December 9
10 am – 6 pm Gingerbread Houses, Sponsored by Alaska USA Federal Credit Union
Presented by Blueberry Moose Catering & Events
Pioneer Home, 250 E Fireweed Avenue
Various Downtown Businesses- Look for a list at the Pioneer home
10 am – 6 pm “Light Up A Life” Hospice Tree
Koslosky’s Center – 642 S Alaska Street
11 am – 6 pm Arts & Craft Fair
Palmer Depot
11am – 6pm Information Booth and Sales
Palmer Depot
11am – 6pm Bad Girls of the North juried Craft Show
Downtown Palmer Plaza – 550 S Alaska St
6 pm – 8pm 4th Annual Art Acquisition Reception
Palmer Museum of History & Art, 723 S Valley Way
7 pm Annual Service of Remembrance
Legacy Kehl’s Palmer Chapel – 209 South Alaska St
7 pm – 12 am Holiday Ball
Raven Hall – Alaska State Fairgrounds, Glenn Highway
7pm – 10pm Christmas Gala benefiting Santa Cops Program
Primrose Retirement Community, 889 North Elkhorn Dr, Wasilla
Saturday, December 10
9 am – 11 am Lions Club Pancake Breakfast
Salvation Army, 209 W Evergreen Avenue
9 am – 4 pm Craft Bazaar
Mat-Su Seniors Services (Palmer Sr. Ctr), 1132 S Chugach St
10 am – 4:45 pm Information Booth and Sales
Palmer Depot
10 am – 4 pm Palmer Museum of History and Art Open
723 S Valley Way
10 am – 4 pm Kids Activity Events & Warm-Up Stations
Sponsored by:
Frost a Christmas Cookie – Cover-Ups, 840 S Colony Way
Kids Activity Table – Madd Matters, 1088 S Bailey St
10 am – 4 pm Festival of Mini Trees –Benefits the Special Santa Program
Colony Inn, 325 E. Elmwood Avenue
10 am – 6 pm Gingerbread Houses,
Sponsored by Alaska USA Federal Credit Union
Presented by Blueberry Moose Catering & Events
Pioneer Home, 250 E Fireweed Avenue
Various Businesses- Look for a list at the Pioneer home
10 am – 7 pm Arts & Craft Fair
Palmer Depot
10 am – 6 pm Arts & Crafts Fair
Borough Gym, 350 E Dahlia Avenue
10am – 7pm Information Booth
Rib Shack at Borough Gym Foyer, 350 E Dahlia Ave
10 am – 5 pm Arts & Craft Fair
Alaska Job Corps, Cope Industrial Way
10am – 6pm Bad Girls of the North juried Craft Show
Downtown Palmer Plaza – 550 S Alaska St
10 am – 7 pm “Light Up A Life” Hospice Tree
Koslosky’s Center – 642 S Alaska Street
10 am – 6 pm Open House, Caroling & Bake Sale
Colony House Museum, 316 E Elmwood Avenue
10am – 5pm The Original Colony Manager’s-Open House Tour
Presented by Mat-Su Bed &Breakfast Association,
308 E Elmwood Ave
10am – 5 pm The Gallery –Douglas François Girard, in person from Noon to 5 pm
1150 S Colony Way (in the Key Bank Plaza)
11 am – 2 pm Cookie Contest presented by Mat-Su Bed & Breakfast Association
Palmer Museum- 723 S Valley Way
11 am – 7 pm Nativity Displays
LDS Church – 560 W Arctic Ave
11am – 3 pm Denali Destroyer Dolls- Holiday Hair
Downtown Palmer Plaza, 500 South Alaska St
11am – 3pm Photos with Santa, Sponsored by IBEW Local 1547
Downtown Palmer Plaza Deli – 500 South Alaska St
11am – 4pm Sweet Adeline’s- Christmas Caroling around Palmer
Noon – 3pm Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides presented by AK Alaska Bling
585 S Valley Way
Noon – 4 pm Snow Machine Sled Rides –
Presented by Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours
Open area next to Colony Inn
Noon – 3 pm Reindeer Farm, petting, feeding and photos & warming station
Silvertip Design-421 S Alaska St
Noon – 3 pm Free Kids Games, presented by CCS Early Learning
Palmer Depot – Outside
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Snowshoe Obstacle Course
742 S Alaska St. (in front of the Depot)
1 pm – 4 pm Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides Sponsored by Usibelli Coal Mine
Pavilion across from Palmer Museum
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm “Ice Castles on the Green” Ice Sculptures-
Presented by Valley Arts Alliance
320 E Dahlia Street in the Historic District
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Smoosh Race
742 S Alaska St. (in front of the Depot)
2:30pm Youth Mitten Money Scramble,
Presented by CCS Early Learning
Palmer Depot – Outside
2:30 pm – 4 pm Air Force Band of the Pacific Alaska Express
Presented by KMBQ Q99.7
Mat-Su Seniors Services (Palmer Sr. Center), 1132 S Chugach Street
5:00 pm Parade of Lights, Sponsored by MTA
Downtown Palmer
6:30 pm FIREWORKS, Sponsored by BP
Borough baseball fields & Library parking lot
7:00 pm “Love Came Down at Christmas” Concert
By The Alaska Children’s Choir
St. Johns Lutheran Church 440 E Elmwood
Sunday, December 11
9 am – 10:30 am Triathlon Registration,
Sponsored by Mat-Su Health Foundation
Presented by Peak Fitness
Peak Fitness, 12051 E Palmer Wasilla Highway
10 am – 6 pm “Light Up A Life” Hospice Tree
Koslosky’s Center, 642 S Alaska Street
11:00 am Triathlon Race Starts,
Sponsored by Mat-Su Health Foundation
Presented by Peak Fitness
Peak Fitness, 12051 E Palmer Wasilla Highway
Noon – 8 pm Palmer Pioneer Hockey Steak Feed
Moose Lodge, 1136 S Cobb Street, Tickets $15 available
at door or from players
2 pm – 7 pm Nativity Display
LDS Church – 560 W Arctic Ave
COLONY CHRISTMAS 2011 December 2nd, 2011
It has been a while since we updated, and we’re sorry about that, but this news is well worth paying attention to!
COLONY CHRISTMAS 2011!
Whew, it’s finally here! We’ve been getting plenty more snow to deck the rooftops and trees, as well as our front yards around town. But on top this powdery delight, businesses around town have decorated their store fronts in Christmas lights and other decorations.
To kick off the Colony Christmas celebrations, Light Up Palmer begins on Sunday, December 4th, at 4pm. That is THIS SUNDAY!
According to the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce, wagon rides, caroling and other activities will also take place!
AND I heard rumors of fireworks at 5:50pm! You don’t wanna miss that!
Fireside Books during Colony Christmas 2010
The majority of Colony Christmas events will center around next weekend, December 9-11. For a full schedule of the events, vist the Palmer Chamber page.
Smoosh Racing - 2010
Some of my favorite Colony Christmas events include the following:
Again, CLICK HERE for the FULL Colony Christmas Schedule!
What in the world is Smoosh Racing? Watch the video below of one of last year’s races!
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