October 2012 News

Hello There Talkeetna and Beyond,

Well, when it snows on September 29, do we say "Yay, summer is finally over and we can all start having some fun!" or "Boo, my yard is still such a mess and I'm not ready!" It sure seems like there are lots of exclamation points going around these days. To those that still have colorful leaves and the remains of lots of rain, happy raking. To those with the encroaching white stuff, enjoy a reflective moment, then happy shoveling to you. Can you tell that my family feels like there's always work to do? Maybe once all the potatoes are dug and the holes in the parking lot are filled in and there's a few cords of wood split we'll be ready to start planting garden starts for next year. Don't worry, we WILL take a break at least once this winter! I know Oliver can't wait for a winter full of skiing and sledding.

Whatever the weather, the Squirrel is warm and dry and always happy to fill up your belly and your soul with awesome coffee, hearty soup, fresh bread, tasty treats and fun activities. Here are a few happenings for October:

Second Saturday Art Opening
Some of you will remember Tinker Ryerson's colorful drip paintings and unique sculptures from years back in Talkeetna. She also had one of the first art shows here at the Squirrel three years ago. Her artwork always makes me smile and I can't wait to see what she will hang on the walls this time! Come by the Squirrel for the art opening and reception on October 10 from 3-5pm. In November, despite his flooded art studio basement, Tony Crocetto will have his first Squirrel show. Beyond November, nothing is booked, so please contact Anita if you are interested in hanging your art or photography.
 
Halloween Creepy Treats
Back by popular demand! Always fun and crazy, this will be the third year that kids come into the Squirrel's kitchen to prepare scary, funny, and delicious Halloween themed snacks. We will have two sessions for different ages with limited space so sign up early! Thursday, October 25, 3:30-5pm for ages 7-10 and Sunday, October 28, 2-3:30pm for ages 4-6. Limit is 12 children per class - an adult must stick around for the younger kids class. Watch for fliers around town and at the Squirrel. Call or e-mail to sign up!

 
New T-shirts
We finally have more t-shirts in including a new color of blue and some heavy cotton sweatshirts. If you wanted one toward the end of summer and we were out of your size, drop us a line and we can put one in the mail for you!

New Hours
October is here which means new hours for the rest of winter. Also, please note we'll be closing a little early this Sunday, September 28 at 3pm for a staff get together. For the new bread schedule click here.
SUNDAY: 8am-5pm
MONDAYS & TUESDAYS: CLOSED
WEDNESDAY: 7:30am-6pm
THURSDAY: 7:30am-6pm
FRIDAY: 7:30am-9pm (Pizza Night: 4-9pm)
SATURDAY: 7:30am-9pm (Pizza Night: 4-9pm)

Squirrel Notes & Reminders
K-Bay Coffee orders - I'll try to be better about announcing my order dates. Still shooting for ordering by the end of the month and receiving at the beginning of the month. Next one will be end of October.
Early Bird Coffee Card - Rewarding those poor Talkeetna folks that have to get up early all winter! Buy 9 drinks made on our espresso machine any morning before 10am and receive a 12 oz coffee drink free! Ask for a punch card at the counter.
Gluten Free Bread - Order by the first Thursday of the month for pick up on the first Friday of the month. Let us know if you want to be on the Gluten Free bread e-mail reminder list.
Prepay Credit Program - Prepay $50 or more and we give you a 5% bonus. We keep track of your prepaid credit and you can come in without a wallet and be out the door in a minute! And it helps keep your purchasing money local instead of many small credit card transactions with fees going to merchant services!
New Faces - We have some new faces around the Squirrel kitchen. This winter brings a well balanced, fun and creative crew with Kelly, Scott, Gina, and Leslie up front and Ben, Leslie, Nate and myself in the kitchen. Say hi, introduce yourself and let us know how we're doing with getting the new ones all trained up!

In the Works
I've been talking with LouAnne from Tales Told Twice about another book signing at the Squirrel since the last one was so much fun! Keep your eyes open for something around Halloween! We're also hoping to do more kids cooking classes this winter and the always popular and fun family gingerbread house workshops in December. Stay tuned...

Cheers!
Anita