April 2013

Hello Everyone,
Wow, who knew that I would be thinking of spring so longingly this late in March. I don't remember so much fresh snow and so much cold (below zero temps) at the same time that my childhood home in Pennsylvania has bright yellow forsythia and colorful crocuses in full bloom! Hopefully by the time all of these fun April events occur, this especially wintery March will just be a memory and we'll be peeling off the layers of clothing both indoors and out. Beyond all the delicious food and drink, there are SO MANY great reasons to come to the Squirrel this month; apologies in advance for the inevitable lake that will form in the parking lot at some point in April - please don't let it stop you from finding your way into the Squirrel!

Gluten Free Baking Class
Sunday, April 7, 1-4pm - LOTS of people have expressed an interest in this class with only a few sign ups so far - REGISTER BEFORE WEDNESDAY by calling Alaska Folk School at 733-7111! Just a decade ago, gluten-intolerance levels were at 1 in 2,500 worldwide. Some surveys suggest that today, 1 in 133 people are more comfortable when they stay away from certain grains including wheat, barley and others. So, how do you bake without wheat flour? This class will introduce participants about what gluten free means for baking including substitutions, gluten free flours, and finding recipes with the common, easy to obtain ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Join this fun, interactive and hands-on session in the kitchen at Flying Squirrel Bakery Café where you will help make delicious gluten free cookies and muffins. Min 6, Max 12. PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!

Beer Trippin' & Beer Bakin'
Denali Brewing Company has organized another year's "Beer Trippin' Weekend" where homebrew enthusiasts from Anchorage spend a few days in Talkeetna...well, drinking beer, I guess! This year, we're joining in the fun with an informal Beer Bakin' class on Saturday morning, April 6 at 10am. Only a $5 materials fee for 1 1/2 hours in the Squirrel kitchen where we'll make bacon-cheddar-ale muffins and chocolate beer crinkle cookies! Anyone's welcome (6 years old and up, probably it will mostly be adults), but be prepared to hear a lot about beer from serious homebrew enthusiasts. Call ahead if you'd like to come - limit is 16.

Second Saturday Art Opening
Saturday, April 13, 3-5pm - Here at the Squirrel, we try to encourage and support the staff in their non-work endeavors. We're super excited that our front counter diva, Kelly Saunders will be hanging her first ever art show here. Come by for the opening reception of "Mystical. Wild. Free." a collection of paintings and photography from a magical perception including Kelly's unique art with a story-telling and thought-provoking twist.

Talkeetna Chamber of Commerce General Meeting
Flying Squirrel will stay open until about 9pm, a bit later than usual, on Thursday, April 11 to host the Chamber's monthly general meeting. Meeting begins at 6:30, come a little early for some dinner, snacks or dessert!

Earth Day
The Talkeetna Earth Day Celebration will be held at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar on Saturday, April 20 from 11am-3pm. Come see us at our booth where we'll have granola, breads, rhubarb ade, t-shirts, and lots of information about how the food you eat affects our planet and what we do at the Squirrel to try to help. Also, it's that time of year when we all start to think about the snow melting enough to plant something in it! Brian's CSA Talkeetna Grown has 2013 produce shares available - forms can be found on bulletin boards around town, at the Squirrel or at his booth on Earth Day. Yay veggies!


Spring Steeping: A Tea-Themed Open House
Saturday, April 27, 11am-1pm - Stop in at the Squirrel to talk tea with co-owner of Summit Spice & Tea Company, Audrey Paule. Try some free samples including traditional and unique varieties of black tea, green tea, maté, herbal tea and more! Loose leaf tea and tea accessories will be available for purchase. As part of this event you can also sign up for a special one time class: INTRO TO TEA - SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 10am ...a wonderful opportunity to get more in depth at this tea tasting with Audrey Paule. The approximately one hour class will include a mixed flight of 10 traditional teas from around the world. Learn some tea history, tea brewing techniques and what factors affect tea quality before and after steeping. Maximum 16 participants. Cost: $10. Preregistration and prepayment required. Please call or stop by Flying Squirrel to register.

Coming up in May
Our hours will remain the same through April. In May, we'll open up on Tuesdays and add in Thursday pizza nights (we'll be open 7 days per week from Memorial Day to Labor Day). At this time we're still hiring a few positions for summer - send serious inquiries our way for bakers and front counter/barista staff opportunities! Mother's Day is always a big hit at the Squirrel - this year we'll be trying "High Tea" for something different, refreshing and relaxing for all the well-deserving mom's out there - more details to come! We're also hoping for another visit by Michael McGuire from K-Bay Caffe to get our staff trained up and to bring you another chance to get all jazzed up about K-Bay's awesome coffee.

Summer here we come!
Hopefully,
Anita