Photo courtesy of Hope’s Hideaway B&B
Trees laden with heavy piles of fresh snow frame an unidentified mountain overlooking the town of Hope. Does this mountain have a name? Email us your answer at info@turnagaintimes.com. Many mountains surround the valley, both named and unnamed.
By Shyla Malone
Turnagain Times
Hope Correspondent
Many Hope residents may have seen our majestic guest, a regal bald eagle, sitting in the tree by Bear Creek. He has been gracing us with his presence for the last week or more, sitting on his perch watching us go about our business. Last week, we got a major snow storm that dumped at least 10 or more inches in most places, which was a great respite from the freezing temperatures that seem to have been plaguing us. February is here and with it comes Fur Rondy and the great Iditarod Race, which is one sign that spring is almost here. Pretty soon our cold temps will turn into 72-degree weather with soft summer breezes. But, for now, hang in there and stay warm.
School News
Parent/teacher conferences are on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 2 and 3. We are in the third semester, and the second quarter of the school year. February 7, at 11:30 a.m., there will be a luncheon for the people who volunteer at the Hope School. It’s the school’s way of saying thank you to all of our wonderful, greatly appreciated volunteers.
There is a Parent, Teacher, Student, Community Association meeting on Feb. 14 at 3:15 p.m., at the Hope School.
Battle of the Books, a program that involves different schools reading certain books and answering a series of related questions. The school with the most correct answers win. Hope School’s team is a 5-6 grade team consisting of River Skarren and his helper Liam Burreau.
Hope School has gained a new shop teacher, Willie Davidson, who has a long and impressive list of credentials. He is going for his teaching certificate, and will be teaching the fine and resourceful art of welding first.
Starting on Tuesdays Lisa Simmono, our Ameri-corp representative for community health, will be starting a class on how to prepare healthy snacks. River Skarren, Liam Burreau, and Ben peck will be joining her in these classes.
Church News
Church is every Sunday at 3 p.m. The food bank is on Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m., and Bible study is at 3 p.m. on Thursdays.
Library News
The library is open everyday from noon to 3 p.m., depending on volunteer schedules. A list of volunteers and their schedules is posted on the library’s front door and on the bulletin board of the Post Office.
EMS Volunteers Needed
The Hope/Sunrise EMS is looking for volunteers. They will be holding Emergency Trauma Technician classes in Hope during the month of February. If you are 16 years or older and interested in serving your community, then please call Joyce Burgin at 907-830-5307.
Addressing Resurrection Creek Road Speeding Issues
By Shirley Husby Wisdorf
Resident living on or near Resurrection Creek Road, we’re asking all residents living on Resurrection Creek Road to please write a letter to Hope Inc’s President Mr. Jim Skogstad to remove the request to upgrade and improve Resurrection Creek Road from The Capital Project Priorities list.
Residents of Resurrection Creek Road agreed that speeding is the main issue not maintenance. Although Resurrection Creek road is classified as a residential road and is posted with 25 MPH speed signs; the average speed is 40-plus MPH.
High speeds produce billows of dust affecting the quality of air both inside and outside of our homes. The Resurrection Creek Road is used daily by many campers, backpackers, bicyclists, children on bikes, joggers, wildlife, pets, and hikers. The disregard for the speed limit creates a very serious safety hazard.
We are very pleased with maintenance including the dust control retardant performed by the Davidson’s Company and believe no other major upgrades are needed. It is our concern that additional upgrades will only enable those who will continue to break the speed laws.
Please take a moment on behalf of your family and write or call Mr. Jim Skogstad at Post Office Box 8, Hope, Alaska 99605 or call 782-3521 and tell Jim you support no upgrade on our road system.
Poem Of Month
Your sugar coated kisses and gummy bear hugs.
Honey drizzled words and hot chocolate thoughts.
Cotton candy dreams and French vanilla mornings.
Sweet things that remind me of you and I.
Especially today I give you my candy heart and say,
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY.
– Shyla Malone
