By Maggie Holeman
Turnagain Times
Hope Correspondent
Photo courtesy of Eric Johnson
Hope drummers feel the beat during the drumming workshop held by a Kodiak Island Drummer on April 2.
We are like a catapult, being pulled back taut before being let go into the wide-open summer. Local organizations are scurrying about, making plans for events and fundraisers Hope-style that would be kick back and easy-going for those of you not familiar with our modus operandi.
Library Board Meeting April 17
The Hope library will have a board meeting on April 17 at 3 p.m. Discussions on summer fundraising will ensue. In addition, there will be an election of officers, with the secretary and treasurer positions up for grabs. This town loves its library and the meeting will be open to the public.
Chamber of Commerce Ramping Up the Ads
The Chamber of Commerce meeting held on April 10 had a tremendous turnout. These meetings, as of late, seem to have an increase in participants and all shares much enthusiasm. Projects for 2010 include attracting independent travelers through advertising. The Chamber will seek funds for advertising with the Alaska Travel Industry Association and The Turnagain Times. The location for the kiosk remains up in the air with a spot by the new public restrooms being the current favorite.
A New Resident and a Bit of History
Sitting on a tall stool inside the Pioneer Liquor Store and Gas Station, I saw a young petite woman with light red hair and bright blue eyes concentrating intensely at a computer.
Hesitating, not wanting to disturb her, I asked, “Ah, could I get some gas?”
The Davidson's are long-time residents of Hope and own the Pioneer Liquor Store and Gas Station at the end of Hope Road. Mile 18. But Ms. Megan is new. Married to Dean Davidson, the son of Robbie, she and Dean have taken over the business after the long-time resident and original owner. Mrs. Velma Davidson retired. The matriarch. There are four generations of Davidson's in Alaska.
It was cold that February day I came to get gas. And Megan stood outside the pumps with loose fitting pajama bottoms and a sweatshirt and Crocs. She reminded me of my daughter whom I constantly tell to dress warm.
I told her I could pump the gas if she wanted to go warm up.
“No, I'm fine,” she said, dancing a bit to get the blood circulating. “It'll take a minute for the pumps to start.”
As we stood in the frozen air waiting for ignition, Megan answered my questions.
Born in Twin Falls, Idaho, Megan moved around the states often with her family given her father was a career military man. After they moved to Juneau, Megan found some stability in a state she found fascinating. She graduated from the University of Alaska, Anchorage in English and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Contemporary Literature. She has worked as a Senior Editor for a publishing company in Anchorage, loves and writes poetry, is an avid reader and is a freelance editor. In addition, she manages and runs the business.
When I jokingly asked, “What do you do in your spare time?”
She answered, “I've been volunteering since I was 14 years old. I've been a companion to Alzheimer patients, the elderly in nursing homes, severely disabled and emotionally troubled youths and I'm currently involved in the Big Sister Big Brother program.” That's a lot of accomplishments for a young 28-year old.
Referring to her gift of time to others she said, “If you can't leave a mark, what's the use of living?”
After marrying Dean, they moved to Hope last June.
“You don't see a lot of small communities this involved with the connection you have here. I've been in small towns where people just want to hide but here it's different. It feels very Alaskan with so much opportunity. It takes a vision and opportunity then you can do just about anything you put your mind to.”
Megan loves a challenge. In a recent committee meeting with several professors at APU where Megan is instrumental in developing a new focus in literature, she said, “Bring on the heavy research – I'm ready!”
The grinding sound of life from the pumps broke my train of thoughts. As the gas began to flow, I realized how cold I was but Megan was still filled with energy and an instant smile. I could hear my joints creak. Do you sell WD-40 here?
Welcome to Hope, Megan. Your tenacity and vitality are impressive.
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