There's a huge club in Anchorage. Online info is at http://alaskarc.org/

I'm a member, and we would welcome any newcomer. You picked a bad time of year to start flying, but a great time to start building. Contact us through the web site, or come to one of the meetings and meet the gang. There are over 300 members total, with around 175 active members. There are various indoor events all winter.

It's a great bunch of people, and you, living in Palmer, are only minutes from one of the best (summer) flying fields around. (See image attached.)

Have fun!