December 2012 News (and January no news)

Hello and happy December from the Squirrel,
Well, winter and the holiday season are here and will be gone before we know it. I can't encourage everyone strongly enough to spend your holiday (and every day) dollars locally, and even better, to think of ways of DOING loving, enriching and memorable things with friends and family, rather than being focused solely on giving tangible gifts. That being said, I'm off to go ice skating with Oliver on this cold sunny afternoon (special thanks to Laura Wright for extending the lake skating season), and I can't wait for my upcoming vacation when I plan to have high tea with my mother whose birthday is today!

Hope to see you at the Squirrel this month as we have many activities, festivities and tastabilities (?) to help make your season bright...

Second Saturday Art Opening
Saturday, December 8, 3-5pm
Su Valley High graduate and former Flying Squirrel barista, Jennifer Birdsall is back in Talkeetna for a month and brings us another photography show that is sure to be unique and creative! This special art opening begins one hour before the Taste of Talkeetna (see below) and will include some live piano with Su Valley High School student James Davenport. AND, here's a big head's up for February: GET YOUR APRONS ON AGAIN! We're going to have another group show featuring creative aprons - handmade or otherwise super interesting and fun. This year, we'd like to accept other wildly creative wearable art if there's room! So start sewing - you've got almost two months.

Taste of Talkeetna
Saturday, December 8, 4-8pm
Tickets may still be available (check at the Roadhouse) for this annual Chamber of Commerce sponsored tour of Talkeetna eateries. You'll have a little more time this year and hopefully not everyone will come to the Squirrel first on their way into town. We'll be prepared though and hope that participants will take some time to enjoy live piano music and new photography on the walls (see above).

Gingerbread House Workshop
Sundays, December 9, 2-3:30pm at the Squirrel
AND December 16, 1:30-3:30pm at Alaska Folk School/NSI
Sign up ASAP for our annual two-part workshop for families and friends in groups of up to 4 (one adult required per group). The first Sunday includes gingerbread baking with building and decorating on the second Sunday. Finished houses will be included in a special gingerbread village display and can be brought home any time before December 24. Cost: $40 per house. Pre-registration & pre-payment is required.

Take a Step Toward Healthy Baking Class
Thursday, December 13, 4-6pm
Get more nutrition with your deliciousness. There are many ways to reduce fat, increase fiber, and lower salt and sugar in baked goods without feeling like you're eating granola! Learn how to substitute whole grains, natural and low glycemic sweeteners, and fat alternatives in existing recipes. Limited to 12 participants. Preregistration and prepayment is required. For anyone ages 15 and up. Must have 6 participants to run the class. Cost: $16/person.

Holiday Ordering
MAIL ORDERS AVAILABLE NOW! - check out our online store to send a little Squirrel food love to friends and family anywhere in the US. We're happy to ship ruggelach, granola, t-shirts, and cookies nicely packaged with a holiday gift card. Order in person with cash or check at the Squirrel for a 5% discount.
K-BAY COFFEE BEANS - Who wouldn't be happy with a pound of delicious, thoughtfully chosen, organic, fair-trade coffee beans in their stocking? We have one pound bags available at the counter and will order once more next week if there's a particular variety you're looking for. Let us know if you want to order some!
CHRISTMAS EVE - Impressive, festive and delicious Chocolate Peppermint Yule Logs were such a hit last year! You'll be able to order one for your Christmas dinner along with traditional Stollen bread, cheesecakes, coffee cakes and dinner rolls. Pick up will be on MONDAY, December 24. Look for fliers and order forms in a week or so.
COOKIES BY THE DOZEN - Watch for the cookie transformation in our pastry case this week as we start making holiday cookie plates and a wide variety of different mini cookies perfect for office, school, parties and holiday visiting.

Dates for our annual Winter Break
Until December 23 we will be open regular winter hours (see below). On Monday, December 24, we'll be OPEN from 9am-3pm including Christmas order pick ups. At 3pm we'll close for a staff party and then, Flying Squirrel will be taking a three week winter break! We'll reopen for business on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 all refreshed and ready for the new year.

December Hours
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)

Enjoy every moment and stay warm,
Anita Continue reading »

November News 2012

 I don't know where October went! This year, Alaska went from summer to winter in a wink. The good news is the sun is shining, the sky is blue, the moon is full and ice skating is on my mind. Also on my mind are all the fun and delicious festivities associated with November (and December right after it just around the corner). So here are some heads up reminders of how your November can be even MORE delicious when you come in to the Squirrel...

Second Saturday Art Opening
Most of you have seen paintings by our much loved local artist Tony Crocetto. But this will be his first show at the Squirrel. Come by for the opening reception of "Recent Works" on Saturday, November 10 from 3-5pm. These new plein air and studio paintings are sure to look right at home on the Squirrel's walls throughout the month. December will bring Jenny Birdsall back to town with some new photography. Contact Anita at the Squirrel if you are interested in hanging a show in 2013!

Cooking Classes for EVERYONE!
ADULTS!! - OK, enough people have asked that I'll give it a try. One class in November and one in December.  
Sunday, November 25, 2-4pm - ARTISAN BREAD BASICS - Come into the Squirrel's kitchen to learn about crust and crumb and what makes those artisan breads so unique: just the right combination of crunchy, chewy and deeply flavorful. This cooking class for anyone ages 15 and up will be combine demonstration and participation. We will mix 2 bread doughs, learn about the whole process from flour choices to getting the most out of your oven, and of course, we'll bake some and eat some! There will be lots of time for questions and you'll leave with ideas, information and recipes to try at home. Minimum number of participants: 6. Maximum number of participants: 12. Cost: $16/person. Preregistration and prepayment is required. December's class will be called Take a Step Toward Healthy in which you can learn how to make substitutions to enhance both nutrition and taste using whole grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables in ways you might not have imagined.
KIDS!!
Thursday, November 15, 3:30-4:30pm - LITTLE PUMPKINS - Ages 3-5 Little ones can come into the kitchen again and make some fun pumpkin treats. Almond butter and pumpkin seed balls, pumpkin fudge and pumpkin applesauce cookies with pumpkin icing. This will be an "allergy friendly" class with vegan and gluten free recipes! Cost: $10. Preregistration and prepayment is required. Minimum 6, maximum 10
Sunday, November 18, 2:30-4pm - PUMPKIN MANIA - Ages 6-12 Help prepare a whole meal with pumpkin or sweet winter squash in everything, including enough to serve to your parents at the end of the class! Pumpkin dip, pumpkin biscuits, pumpkin-butternut soup, and pumpkin applesauce cookies with pumpkin icing. Yum, yum, yum! Cost: $12. Preregistration and prepayment is required. Minimum 6, maximum 10.   

Thanksgiving - Fresh Turkey, Pie and Dinner Rolls, and more!
Save yourself a trip to town by ordering a FRESH FREE RANGE Thanksgiving turkey through Flying Squirrel. We have been providing this service for three years and all reports say these Deistel turkeys are delicious! For more information or to get on the order list, please come into the Squirrel and ask at the counter. THE DEADLINE TO ORDER A TURKEY IS NOVEMBER 11! Stay tuned for another e-mail very soon with information about pies and desserts, dinner rolls, cranberry sauce and more to help fill out your Thanksgiving table with beautiful looking and wonderful tasting Flying Squirrel special order items.

Coffee Orders by November 2 (tomorrow!)
What's not to love about the coffee from K-Bay Caffe Roasting Company. We are proud to serve all K-Bay coffee and espresso at Flying Squirrel - organic, fair trade and thoughtful chosen and roasted in Homer. You can order coffee beans through Flying Squirrel in 1 pound or 5 pound bags for your own home (coffee makes a great holiday gift too)! Order by November 2 and pick up November 9-11. Please stop at the Squirrel for an order form. 

December Brings So Much More...
Second Saturday Art Opening - Saturday, December 8, 3-5pm - Jenny Birdsall will be back in town with another creative photography show
Taste of Talkeetna - Saturday, December 8, late afternoon - visit restaurants around town for a taste, fill up your ticket with stamps for a chance to win great prizes.
Family Gingerbread House Workshops - Sundays, December 9 and 16
Adult Cooking Class - Thursday, December 13, 4-6pm - Take a Step Toward Healthy
Holiday Mail Order - Check out online store where you can send ruggelach, cookies, granola, t-shirts, gift certificates and more to Squirrel fans all around the US! Holiday package ordering begins the day after Thanksgiving!

HOURS OF OPERATION and special holiday times
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)

THANKSGIVING WEEK:
Monday, November 19 - closed
Tuesday, November 20 - OPEN noon-5pm (including turkey pick up)
Wednesday, November 21 - OPEN 7:30am-6pm (including turkey and special order pick up after 2pm)
Thursday, November 22 - CLOSED for Thanksgiving
Friday, November 23 - OPEN 9am-9pm including wood fired pizza night 4-9pm!
Saturday, November 24 - OPEN normal hours 7:30am-9pm, wood fired pizza 4-9pm
Sunday, November 25 - OPEN normal hours 8am-5pm

Stay warm!
Anita Continue reading »

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 Continue reading »

September is in the air...

 Hard to believe that the summer of 2012 is coming to a close. A few leaves are falling. The woods smell musty like ripening high bush cranberries. People keep asking me how to make kale chips with all their surplus greens. And all family talk has turned to getting homework done before play time and trying to get to bed earlier so waking up for school isn't so hard - yeah, right! So, as you're out and about this fall, stop by the Squirrel for great coffee, food, pastries, pizza OR one of these other engaging reasons...

Banned Book Poster Contest & Second Saturday Art Opening
In conjunction with the Second Talkeetna Festival of Books, there will be a Banned Book Poster Contest on display at the Squirrel beginning this weekend. It might be too late to submit a poster unless you're really on the ball and talk to Holli Papasodora today. Otherwise, the art opening is being held on Saturday, September 8 from 3-5. Stop in to cast a vote for your favorite poster and spend a little time appreciating your freedom to READ! Interested in showing your art or photography at the Squirrel? Contact Anita for more information - shows are available starting in December!

Bun to Bun Fun Run and Talkeetna Trail Marathon AND Book Festival
August 22 is a BUSY day in Talkeetna (oops for the wrong date in the e-mail version of this newsletter)! At the Squirrel, we'll be going with the flow as the Second Annual Bun to Bun Fun Run and Trail Marathon will be ending here (starting at the Roadhouse, of course) sometime in the afternoon. To participate in this pretty informal and super fun community event, you might find out more info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/349862938403194/ or by hunting down Dan Harrell. Meanwhile the Book Festival is the same weekend so you could dress up as your favorite comic book character or book hero while running, just to get in the spirit! Maybe we'll have some special discount that day for those dressed in "bookish" costumes! More info about the Book Festival is here: https://www.facebook.com/tka.book.festival?ref=ts or go to the Talkeetna library!

September Hours
No more Mondays!
We're closing early September 23 for a staff party!
October's newsletters will have official new hours for October and the rest of winter.
SUNDAY: 8am-5pm
TUESDAYS: 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)

A Few Honorable Mentions:
• Coffee Orders: Later today or tomorrow, I will be e-mailing the "coffee list" folks with ordering info. Please order your K-Bay Caffe Roasting Company coffee beans before Saturday morning. Beans will be at the Squirrel by September 15. Send us an e-mail if you're interested in getting on the coffee e-mail list or stop by the Squirrel for an order form. Please note: we will not have coffee beans for sale at the counter all winter - ordering ahead is the way to go to keep your coffee fresh and get the best, most thoughtful coffee beans in Alaska!
• Willow Market: There are only a few more weeks of the Willow Farmer's Market on Friday afternoons (and, by the way, Brian's farm stand at the Squirrel which is on Saturdays from 4-7). I hope some Willow folks have become addicted to Squirrel bread! If you live in Willow and might be interested in a "bakery CSA" - subscription bread ordering - delivered to Willow this winter, please let me know! It would take about 10 regulars wanting to order bread to make this work. Send an e-mail or call the Squirrel if you're interested.
• Farm to School Community potluck: Keep your ears and eyes open for announcements about an Alaska Foods Community Potluck in conjunction with the Farm to School program at the Elementary School. What a great way to show our local children what good eating is all about! I encourage everyone to take an interest in Talkeetna's children and in Alaska's fantastic and healthful food offerings.
• Health Food Orders: Interested in a health food grocery buying co-op? The Squirrel has been working with local resident Michelle Crow to place orders once a month with Azure Standard in Oregon. For more information, here is a link to Michelle's website: http://organictalkeetna.com/
• Gluten Free Bread Orders: Order Gluten Free Bread from the Squirrel! Monthly pick up is the first Friday of the month. Bread must be ordered by Thursday morning.

Whew! That's a lot! So, I'll shut up now... Continue reading »

August News

Hi Everyone,
So nice to finally get some summer weather! Of course that means we're pretty hot in the bakery, but I haven't heard many complaints since we've been so happy to see the sun. Looks like some rain is ahead, which is a great reason to stop by for soup or coffee! Here are a few tidbits for August...

Second Saturday Art Opening
August's art show brings long time Talkeetna resident Jim Trump and his first photography show ever! Many have seen a few of Jim's photos on Facebook or other places - he really captures the beauty of Alaska big and small in so many ways. Come by for the opening on Saturday, August 11 from 3-5 or check out the show throughout the month. September will also be great fun with a banned book poster contest! For more info on that opportunity, please contact Holli at the library.

Meet & Greet Wes Keller
It's that time of year. The Alaska primary election is at the end of August. One of the two folks in the running for the rural Mat Su district seat in the Alaska State House has asked to hold a meet and greet at Flying Squirrel. Wes Keller will be here on Monday evening, August 13 6-8pm to chat and answer questions with area residents.

To Market To Market
Brian's vegetables are looking amazing! We are featuring Talkeetna Grown produce in everything from scones to pizzas to salads and soups as much as possible this time of year. To get some gorgeous and delicious veggies for yourself, he's holding a Farm Stand in the Squirrel parking lot every Saturday around 3-7pm. Lately there have been snap peas, kale, cucumbers, summer squash, beets, chard, celery, herbs, and even some strawberries and cherry tomatoes! Also, if you're passing through Willow, you can get veggies, plus Squirrel bread, goodies, coffee and rhubarb ade at our booth at the Willow Farmer's Market on Fridays from 2-7.

Order Coffee & Gluten Free Bread!
Oops. I totally forgot to see if anyone wants to order K-Bay Coffee beans this month! So, I'm moving the deadline one week. Order coffee by August 3, pick up August 10-12. K-Bay Caffe Roasting Company has the most delicious and thoughtful coffee in Alaska! Well, we sure think so. E-mail if you're interested, and we can let you know the options or look for the order forms at the Squirrel. Also, Gluten Free Bread orders will be taken up until this Thursday, August 2 with pick up on August 3 - e-mail, call or come in to order. We can even bring the GF bread to the Willow Market on Friday if you ask.

Hope you're all having a great summer. Go jump in a lake!
Anita
Continue reading »

July News

Hello all!
A July newsletter always seems like a bit of a joke. We're all so busy and there's so much light, it seems like the only chance anyone has to rest comes when you get sick or your family is in town and you have to do some visiting! So, I'll keep it brief...

Bread Reservations, Coffee, Gluten Free Bread Orders
During the summer months, you never know when the bread will fly off the shelves and be gone by noon! Please feel free to call in your bread order and we'll hold your bread aside until you come later in the day. Also, we're ordering K-Bay Caffe coffee beans once a month and you can order a variety of tasty and thoughtfully roasted coffee in 1 pound and 5 pound bags. Let us know if you want to be on the reminder e-mail list. Order forms are available at the Squirrel. Gluten Free Bread is available on the first Friday of every month by special order only. Please order by Thursday, July 5 at noon if you'd like some.

Second Saturday Art Opening
July brings another show of local resident Jon Mann's work. Rumor has is he's creating new art with a bit of a new style. Come see for yourself at the opening on Saturday, July 14 from 3-5pm. August's show will be photography by Jim Trump.

Willow Farmer's Market
Flying Squirrel has a vendor booth at the Willow Farmer's Market this summer every Friday afternoon from 2-7pm right across from Newman's Hilltop gas station. We will have breads, a few goodies, rhubarb ade and coffee along with some of Brian's vegetables from the farm. Stop by and see us!

Future Cooking Classes
We're getting many requests for adult cooking classes lately and hope to work with Alaska Folk School to offer some educational opportunities in the kitchen this fall. If you have ideas for class subjects or think you would like to participate, please send an e-mail with your contact information!

That's It! Hope you're all enjoying summer - it sure goes by fast.
Anita Continue reading »

June News

Hello Flying Squirrel friends!
June is my birthday month. Although I'm about at the age where I won't tell you how old I am, I so look forward to being a year wiser when it comes to running a business. The staff at the Squirrel is all lined out for summer, so if you see me here EVERY day, then be sure to tell me that they can handle it and I'd better go fishin' with my family! Summertime means we're busier with every day customers, independent travelers, wholesale accounts and a few weddings. But there are still some very fun activities happening that we want to make sure you know about:

COFFEE ORDERING
We will take orders this week for your home coffee bean (or gift) needs and hope to continue this service once a month: order during the last week of the month, pick up the next week. Please e-mail us or stop in at the Squirrel to place your order. K-Bay Caffe's coffee is chosen and roasted with great care for both high quality and positive environmental/political impact. Let me know if you need more info, prices and what varieties are available and I'll e-mail you the whole brochure. YOU MUST PLACE YOUR ORDER BY THE END OF THE DAY ON THURSDAY, MAY 31! Beans can be picked up at the Squirrel between Wednesday, June 6 and Friday, June 8. Orders over $50 must be prepaid. Orders not picked up by Friday will be put out for sale unless special arrangements are made! Also, let us know if you'd like to be on the monthly coffee order reminder e-mail list!

Second Saturday Art Opening
Bob Churchill is an Anchorage photographer with a Talkeetna cabin. He's been a great customer whenever he's up this way and has shown me some wonderful photographs of the natural Alaska world we all love so much. His photography will be on display during June with the opening reception on Saturday, June 9 from 3-5pm.

Father's Day
It seem very unfair for Alaska dads that we're all so busy in mid-June. If you can find the time to take the dad in your life out on June 17, bring him by Flying Squirrel to see what specials we have. We can promise buckwheat biscuits and gravy, plus a few other surprises for a fun and informal Father's Day brunch or lunch or snack or treat.

Solstice
We had several requests this past winter for Solstice Sun Bread. It came out so delicious and beautiful that we're going to have it on summer solstice too! Please pre-order to make sure you get one in celebration of the longest day of the year! Order by June 18 for pick up before noon on June 20.

Summer Hours
YES, WE ARE NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
SUNDAY: 8am-5pm
MONDAY: 7:30am-7pm
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)
BREAD SCHEDULE CLICK HERE
PIZZA MENU CLICK HERE

Enjoy early summer's green and sunshine!
Anita

Flying Squirrel Bakery Cafe, LLC
907-733-NUTS (6887)
www.flyingsquirrelcafe.com Continue reading »

May Newsletter 2012

Not sure why I never thought of this before - monthly newsletters will now be posted on the Flying Squirrel blog! So, subscribe to the feed! Or send us an e-mail at info@flyingsquirrelcafe.com and let us know if you'd like to get the newsletter as an e-mail. It's the best way to keep up with the specials and happenings at the Squirrel. So, here is the newsletter for May 2012.

Hooray for May!
The snow is finally almost gone. I heard cranes flying overhead yesterday and saw some very bright red branches on wild blueberry plants. I just can't wait for the leaves to pop out this year to give us all some much needed green! There are so many awesome things going on in early May that it makes my head spin...

Got Veggies?
Speaking of green, here is my annual plug for Brian's Talkeetna Grown
CSA vegetable shares. He's trying to increase the number of shares being offered, so if you love Alaska grown veggies (more variety than you might think), want to help support and sustain a small, local family farm and you don't have time or space to plant enough of your own garden, please consider buying in. You will receive wonderful, bountiful vegetables from late June to mid September - and when you come to pick up your weekly share, you can stop in at the Squirrel for some bread or pizza! Forms are available at the Squirrel and bulletin boards around town, or call Brian at 733-7885 for more info.

Got Coffee?
Want to learn more about coffee? Coffee politics? Coffee growing and coffee making processes? Flying Squirrel coffee? The first weekend in May, the owner of K-Bay Caffe Roasting Company in Homer will be here at the Squirrel! Saturday, May 5 from 11am-2pm stop by to taste coffees from around the world, meet Michael McGuire, purchase coffee beans by the pound, and view The Passionate Harvest about coffee from seed to cup. Also, we'll be showing a fascinating film at 7pm on May 5 at Birch Creek Center (1/4 mile down Birch Creek Blvd). BLACK GOLD tells the 2003 tale of one man's mission to save 74,000 Ethiopian coffee farmers from bankruptcy. As his farmers strive to harvest some of the highest quality coffee beans on the international market, Tadesse Meskela travels the world in an attempt to find buyers willing to pay a fair price. Find out why you should care what kind of coffee you buy.

Got Books?
The Snow Child is a newly released debut novel written by Palmer, Alaska author Eowyn Ivey. Ivey will do a reading from her book, answer questions and sign books at Flying Squirrel on Thursday evening, May 10 from 6:30-8pm. Books will be available for purchase. Special thanks to Tales Told Twice for helping with this event.




Got Art?
This month's Second Saturday Art Opening will be held on May 12 from 3-5pm. The show, entitled Earth's Rhythms will feature paintings, prints, digital photographs and batiks by Talkeetna resident Bekah Mathiesen. Her work will be on display until early June. If you or someone you know like display original artwork or photography at the Squirrel, we are looking for exhibits monthly beginning in August. Please contact Anita for more information.

Got a Mother's Day present?
Bring your mother (and/or yourself) to Mother's Day Brunch at the Squirrel for a real treat on Sunday, May 13 any time between 10am and 2pm. It's bound to be delicious, decadent and delightful! The menu is still in the works and will include a full service brunch with two special treats to make Mom's day even better: 10 minutes of chair massage and a lovely potted plant to take home. Reservations suggested.

Got summer?
Please note our new summer hours beginning May 1!
SUNDAY: 8am-5pm
MONDAYS*: 7:30am-7pm
(*CLOSED MONDAYS IN MAY & SEPTEMBER, NOT INCLUDING HOLIDAY WEEKENDS)
TUESDAYS: 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)

Please say hi and introduce yourself to the new faces behind the counter and in the kitchen: Kelly, Nate, Jessica, Morgan, and Anne! And look for some fun summertime additions such as Alaska Barley Bread, Rustic Sourdough Bread, grilled sandwiches on our new Panini grill, breakfast wraps on weekdays, travel mugs and more.

See you on the bike path!
Anita

Continue reading »