By Mona Painter
Turnagain Times
Cooper Landing Correspondent
Mona Painter/Turnagain Times
Kingfisher Roadhouse proprietors Dominic Bauer and Shannon Meredith drop by a table of New Year's Eve celebrants while they wait to begin their multi-course dinner. In the party are Glenda Denny, Sadie Youngstrom, Kevin Robins, Kyle Kolodziejski, Bobbie Jo Skibo, and Dan Nelson.
Fog, Fine Food, and Fireworks Bring in the New Year
Sunshine highlighted the mountains and was reflected in the lake before giving way to thick fog on New Year's Eve day. By 7 p.m. fireworks were sporadically lighting up the sky in several areas of the Landing. The really big ones that burst high over the lake were courtesy of Jerry and Cheryle James who had many visitors in their home and on their lakeshore during the late night display to welcome in 2010. Kingfisher Roadhouse diners were able to view some of the fireworks across Kenai Lake from the restaurant windows.
Snowmachiners, Skiers, Dog Mushers, and Hikers Busy on New Year
Several members of my family brought in the New Year at Juneau Lake with friends. Seventeen people made the trip for a two-night stay complete with bonfires and massive fireworks displays on Juneau Lake. Others went up for the day encountering several dog teams, skiers, and even hikers on the Resurrection Trail.
Time to Make a Commitment for Cooper Landing School
At least 30 Cooper Landing residents of all ages met at the school last month to learn the fate of the school because of the low enrollment; six students. Assistant School Superintendent, Dave Jones, gave a slide program and emphasized that the school district does not want to close the school, that is, not be able to have the school open for the 2010-2011 school year. Many questions were asked and the situation was discussed from what seemed like every angle. Ten students are needed for next year, specifically during the count period from Sept. 27 to Oct. 22. For those parents or guardians who feel they would like to make this commitment, there are forms available at the school or via email. It is important to make the commitment during this school year before the school board makes the decision. School Administrator Jim Dawson can be contacted at jdawson@kpbsd.k12.ak.us.
Sewing Retreat Open To All
Jeanne Acton will sponsor another of her popular Sewing Retreats in the school gym Jan. 15-17. This will be a time to finish projects or begin new ones while enjoying the companionship of others. Jeanne will be there to lend a hand and straighten out mistakes. It costs $5 per person and food is shared like this: Last names in the first half of the alphabet bring lunch and snacks, and those in the last half bring dinner and desserts to share. We usually get started about 5 p.m.
4th Annual Cross Country Ski Race Coming Up
Cooper Landing's 4th annual Cross Country Ski Race starts at 11 a.m. Jan. 16 at the airstrip off Quartz Creek Road. Participants in the two-mile long race are encouraged to wear costumes and all ages are welcome to join in. Local businesses donated prizes. Call Lisa at 599-0037 for more information.
New Book, “Snapshots At Statehood,” Program Subject
The Cooper Landing Historical Society meets at 2 p.m. Jan. 16 at the community hall. A quick business meeting at the beginning and then comes the program which is centered around the Kenai Peninsula Historical Association's recently published book, “Snapshots At Statehood, A Focus on Communities That Became the Kenai Peninsula Borough.” Authors of the book's community chapters and Production Coordinator Brent Johnson, who also wrote A Borough Tour and the Overview, are invited to talk about researching, writing, and living on the peninsula fifty years ago. Hundreds of pictures are scattered through 288 pages with graphs and charts showing temperatures, population trends, sawmill outputs, grocery price comparisons, salmon prices paid to fishermen then and recently, and more. You could buy gas for less than fifty cents per gallon in 1958. Peanut butter, per pound, costs 1,590 percent more now than it did in 1959. At Millie Eaton's Kenai Lake Lodge a dinner of jumbo prawns, salad, French fries, bread and butter, beverage, and dessert was $3 in 1958. Until the museum opens in May, I'll be selling the books from home and they will be available at the meeting. They are $16 and sales help support the museum.
