Palmer Alaska

Check out these before and after photos:

The machines fit through 36″ openings and excel at getting into tight spots, around plants, next to buildings, trails, at campsites, etc.

The Process:
The stump grinder removes a stump by grinding it into small chips while the stump is still in the ground. This leaves the foliage and the surrounding landscape untouched. After the each site is cleaned up, the chips are left in a neat pile or spread around for mulch depending upon your preference.
This process makes stump grinding a much more affordable and feasible way to remove stumps than excavation.

TBF Services will take any job, large or small! Call for a quote.

In 1935, this building was used as a dorm to house single teachers and nurses. In 1970, the Salvation Army purchased the property to use for housing for the elderly. Later, a fire on the third floor closed the building and it was left empty. In 1993, Janet Kincaid purchased the building with a vision for restoration. Many layers of dirt and varnish later, this historic building is now known as the Colony Inn. The Colony Inn is proud to have been the recipient of the First Palmer Historical Award for preservation by the National Historic Register.

The Inn offers 12 rooms, each with a private bath, television, and wifi. The building was restored with an effort to preserve the history, but make practical renovations like new plumbing and windows. The Inn is furnished with antiques and many were purchased right here in Palmer at Cover Ups! Janet describes the atmosphere she has created as “olden days with modern amenities.”

The Inn Cafe is leased by Chef Pete Scott and offers lunch Monday through Friday and brunch on Sunday. I had the french dip for lunch with a side salad and it was delicious! The small menu offers a well-rounded, basic selection of food for everyone. The service was impressively quick and the staff was wonderful!

The Inn’s great room offers a nice place for gatherings such as weddings, meet and greets, and family or business events. The most recent event was a book signing for local author Eowyn Ivey. Some of the Inn’s most memorable events have been 50th wedding anniversary celebrations with couples who originally wed at the Inn and returned to celebrate again 50 years later!

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.

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.