Palmer Alaska » Around Palmer

Funnies Extra!

marty — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 04:00:31 +0000

: Funnies Extra

“Funnies Extra” is a free, full-color, weekly publication carried in roughly 200+ restaurants, doctors offices, hotels, and waiting rooms in the Matanuska Valley. Pages of positive, family friendly, uplifting comic strips, puzzles, and word games for a wide audience. Funnies Extra is free for businesses to carry and free for the public to enjoy or take with them. See a digital sample HERE.

Funnies Extra will be paid for by advertisements and sponsors and provides an amazing opportunity for local and regional businesses to have their advertisement viewed while readers are smiling and laughing rather than when they’re reading negative news stories or political commentary.

“Funnies Extra” is the brain child of the marketing director for the world famous and local legend “Tundra: The Comic Strip“ to promote local community and businesses through humor and positive advertising. Zack Lanphier is the local agent and publisher for Funnies Extra here in the Matanuska valley. The valley is Home to Chad Carpenter, the cartoonist for “Tundra” and Zack Lanphier a.k.a “The Tundra Flunky” who can be seen at the local markets and fairs selling all the Tundra merchandise. (I highly recommend clicking on “the Tundra Flunky” above and reading more about him!)

Zack is excited to offer a positive platform to highlight your business. If you’re a local business looking for a new way to present your company/services to the valley, advertise in Funnies extra! Zack is offering contracts from one to twelve weeks to fit any budget. Don’t have the software to build your own ad? Zack can arrange that too!

Funnies Extra Web Page

Email: funnies.matsu@gmail.com

Zack’s Phone: cell 760-917-2417

message: 907-775-9160

Glacier Mountain Adventures

marty — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:14:22 +0000

Glacier Mountain Adventures

Dick Stoffel of Glacier Mountain Adventures has years and years of back country experience with horses. He homesteaded his land by the Matanuska Glacier in 1971. Homestead laws required you to prove up on the land by clearing it and building a home within a few years. He wanted to do the work without machinery. He did most of the proving up on the homestead with a quarter horse that he bought in Palmer and trained to work in harness.

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 dckstoffel@gmail.com.

Trail Ride With Dick Stoffel

Colony Christmas – Local Artists and More!

marty — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:13:00 +0000

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. 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.

Events of Colony Christmas 2011

marty — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 02:26:48 +0000

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

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 4^th 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

marty — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 00:57:38 +0000

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:

Parade of Lights sponsored by MTA – Saturday, Dec 10, 5pm

The multiple Arts and Crafts Fairs throughout the weekend

The Kids Games – Saturday Dec 10, Noon to 3pm at the Palmer Depot

Snowshoe Obstacle Course – Saturday, Dec 10, 12:30-1:30pm

Smoosh Racing! – Saturday, Dec 10, 2-3:30pm

FIREWORKS! sponsored by BP – Saturday, Dec 10, 6:30pm

Again, CLICK HERE for the FULL Colony Christmas Schedule!

A taste of last year’s fireworks:

What in the world is Smoosh Racing? Watch the video below of one of last year’s races!