May 2013

Hooray for May!
Up north and around Alaska, people wait for the ice to go out on the Tanana River to find out who wins that annual guessing game. I just checked out their website and saw that the ice depth actually got 2 inches THICKER last week and is currently about 10 inches thicker than at this same time last year (and the 5 previous years as well)! Around Talkeetna the roads are clear, the driveways are getting better, and the birch trees are finally being tapped at the Birchworks up the street, but the river is still solid and the farm fields still have a good 2 feet of snow! This is the latest spring I have ever seen. So, we all seem a bit in denial that any day we'll have green leaves and LOTS of visitors to our quiet town. Hope to see you out and about, stopping in at the Squirrel for some of these wonderful events in May...

Friday, May 10, 5-6:30pm - Poetry Slam!
Youth and adult poetry workshops with Kima Hamilton of Brave New Alaskan Voices will be held May 9 & 10 at NSI. A poetry slam will be held here at the Squirrel on Friday evening. Ages 8 and up are welcome for both youth and adult categories. Whatever your style, you can learn to create it, say it, and slam it - or just come by to watch! For questions contact Shoo at 733-2402. Sponsored by the Association of Alaska School Boards and FOCUS Homeschool.


Saturday, May 11, 3-5pm - Second Saturday Art Opening
Visit with Valley artist Jessica Cavazos during her opening reception of "The Unique Art Works of Ravens Element" and to learn more about her culturally unique art of Mehndi. Her Henna art and Painted Candles will be available for viewing and purchase. Art work will be on display until early June. Coming up in June is photography by Dora Miller.



Sunday, May 12, 11am-3pm - Mother's Day High Tea
Enjoy this fine English tradition with a selection of loose leaf teas, champagne, and Flying Squirrel’s sumptuous finger foods presented on a tiered platter…a relaxing and delicious treat for any mother in your life! Reservations highly recommended. For more information or to make a reservation, please call or stop by the Squirrel.


Sunday, June 2, 7pm - Stay Warm CD Release Concert
Yes, my talented sister with the sweet voice, poetic lyrics and unique dulcimer has a new CD! And although she and Jim are now residing in New Haven, Connecticut, Esther will be back for a few weeks to offer up her newest recording for your listening pleasure. As one of the few people that got to hear it first, I can tell you that it's GREAT (though certainly I'm pretty biased)! Join us at Flying Squirrel for Esther's Alaska CD Release including:

Limited Seating CD Release Concert: 7pm, $12. Tickets available in person or by phone at the Squirrel beginning May 7. Doors Open with Hors d'oeuvres on Esther at 6:30pm.
Free After Party, CD Signing and CD celebration cake, 8:30-9:30, all are welcome.
More information about Esther, her music, and her new CD "Stay Warm" is available at esthergolton.com!

May Hours
Despite all the snow on the ground, we are officially on summer hours:
SUNDAY: 8am-5pm
MONDAY*: 7:30am-7pm *Closed Mondays in May & Sept except open holiday weekends
TUESDAY: 7:30am-7pm
WEDNESDAY: 7:30am-7pm
THURSDAY: 7:30am-9pm (Pizza Night: 4-9pm)
FRIDAY: 7:30am-9pm (Pizza Night: 4-9pm)
SATURDAY: 7:30am-9pm (Pizza Night: 4-9pm)



   


Other Tidbits
• CALL FOR ARTISTS: Flying Squirrel will host a group show with an opening in early August entitled Susitna Wild - A Celebration of the River Through Art. This fundraiser for the Coalition for Susitna Dam Alternatives will feature area artists' works that show our local connection to the river. If you are interesting in submitting art for this show, please contact Anita at the Squirrel.
• NEW STAFF: I'm so happy that Kelly and Ben will continue to be the familiar faces you see around the Squirrel this summer. Plus please welcome Brandon, Margaret, Becca, and Katie and give them feedback as they learn the ropes!
• TALKEETNA GROWN CSA: The veggie starts at the farm can't wait for the snow to melt! Brian is still offering shares for this summer's bounty of produce being grown at Birch Creek Ranch - this is THE best way to ensure that you will eat a wide variety of locally grown produce all summer. Forms and more information are available at the Squirrel or call Brian at 841-7885. And YES, Birch Creek Ranch will have the retail greenhouse open from mid May to early June.
• PTA Birds of Alaska Quilt Raffle: Remember that beautiful quilt that was hanging in the Squirrel some of the winter? It will be raffled off on May 22 to benefit the wonderful programs sponsored by the Talkeetna Elementary PTA. Tickets are only $5 and are still available at Flying Squirrel!

Wow! I thought I was ready and excited for summer, but after writing and reading all this, I'm already thinking about the relaxing days of autumn. Now, everyone go outside and do a sun dance and get that snow to melt!
Warmly,
Anita