By Matthew Bailey
Turnagain Times Correspondent

The sun came out the other day and reminded us all that spring is just around the corner. I spent a beautiful day on the slopes at Alyeska this past Tuesday, March 5. It was a quiet, bluebird day and the crowds were all but nonexistent. That will change next week when spring break is upon us. There was still plenty of powder stashed away on Max’s and those of us who were willing to make the traverse were generously rewarded.

The new Girdwood Subway store opened March 3. It is located in the Tesoro Mall and is open Monday-Thursday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Not being much for fast food, Subway is one of my occassional guilty pleasures. I stopped in for one of my favorites, a footlong Italian BMT. I was warmly greeted by the staff and the sandwich was delicious, of course.

Saint Patrick’s Day is March 17 and since Girdwood is a town heavily steeped in Irish tradition, I’m sure there’ll be plenty of revelry happening around town. So be safe and drink responsibly. There’s nothing worse than getting caught up in amateur hour festivities that lead to trouble, jail, or worse. Ride the shuttle and get home safe. As for all the professionals out there, consider taking Monday off since the holiday falls on a Sunday. I’m betting the Brown bottle flu is going to strike like an epidemic.

Chair Five’s annual Saint Patrick’s Day celebration will include their famous corned beef and cabbage, a traditional Irish dish.

Melissa Mitchell and Spiff are headlining a fundraiser for the Girdwood Junior High trip to Washington, D.C. The gig takes place at the dive on Thursday, March 7, cover charge is $10. Stevie Norwood and Tony Restivo join the fun and Up A Mountain will also be in the house.

Alyeska Resort is hosting Anders Osborne March 8 and 9 at the Sitzmark. On Saint Patty’s Day weekend Potcheen will be playing three nights, March 15-17.

Check out Sitzmark Industry night on Sundays complete with corn hole tournaments, Wii on the big screens, free pool and Foosball and dinner specials. One lucky person will win a trip to the Lib Tech headquarters in Washington to build their own Lib Tech snowboard. Industry nights are every Sunday until April 21. Must be 21 and over to win prizes.

Also, don’t miss out on Absolut Pub Stumpers Trivia night Wednesday, March 13 at the Sitz.

If you like high quality food at a great price, splurge a little on the Sunday Chef’s Tasting Special at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant. You get three courses for $49. That’s a deal that’s hard to beat. Make your reservation by calling 754-2237.

Dubious Character rocks the Silvertip Saturday, March 9. The show starts at 10 p.m. and goes till 2 a.m. They are open late so drop five bucks on the door charge and dance the night away.

Guess what the snow depth will be on Mount Alyeska on April 28 at 1,096 feet elevation and win cash. It’s the first annual Alyeska Snow Classic. Tickets are $2.50 and the contest closes March 31. Must be 18 years old to play. Check out the website at www.alyeskasnowclassic.org for details.

The Roundhouse Museum Mardi Gras benefit is happening on Friday, March 8. Break out your freshest party duds and head over to Sherron and Kelley Perry’s house on the corner of Alyeska Highway and Arlberg and let the good times roll. There will be food, wine, cajun music, and a prize for best costume. Tickets are $40 and the money goes to a worthy cause.

The Girdwood Clinic is hosting a “Which Way to the Clinic – Quilt Raffle Fundraiser.” Girdwood Goldstitchers have created an exciting new quilt named “Which Way to the Clinic”. The Quilt will be raffled off at the Girdwood Health Clinic community meeting on March 27 at 7 p.m. at the Girdwood community hall. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. They can be purchased from any GHCI board member or at the clinic.

For those of you with an interest in local development, Lottie Michael of Commercial Real Estate Alaska is proposing to develop the South Townsite land into an RV Park with 100 units. Ms. Michael will present her plans to the Land Use Committee Monday, March 11 at 7 p.m. in the Community Room. Be sure to show up, educate yourself on what’s possibly in store for our town, and let your voice be heard.

If you need to get out of town, head into Anchorage Friday, March 8 to see Julia Dykstra, Syco Mule, and The Dirty Hands play at S Lounge. I’ve never been there but it seems like a cool joint. It’s located at 720 Gambell St. and the show is from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

I hear the bears are waking up at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage. That means our furry friends out in the wild are soon to follow. Make sure you’ve got your trash stored properly and keep an eye out when you’re cruising down the bike path.