A group of Russians visited Hope on March 4 to observe first-hand how businesses work in rural Alaska and to get ideas about economic development in places outside of major cities. Fifteen Russian officials and plant directors, from the Russia Far East, Sakhalin and Sakha Republic, were part of a group whose visit was sponsored by the UAA’s American Russian Center (ARC).The group of dignitaries first stopped at the Alaska Dacha where owner and proprietor, Rochelle Morris, provided a tour of the store and motel and explained how she operates her business in the former gold rush town. While at Alaska Dacha, local entrepreneur Willie Davidson, shared pictures and discussed his various enterprises in the area, which prompted numerous questions and interest from the visitors.
The group then proceeded to Tito’s Discovery Café where they were impressed with the warm welcome and hospitality from Maria Motoyama, Susan Anderson and Lana Scanlan who showed them the inner-workings of the family-run business. After enjoying their lunch, they went to the Hope/Sunrise Historical Museum. Greg Kaser described the history of Hope, which had been established as a gold rush town long before Dawson or Nome. They saw gold firsthand and discussed the differences between mining in the Hope area and mining in Russia.
Their next stop was the Hope Community Library and Gift Shop. Sunday’s volunteer, Beth Kaser showed the visitors the various handmade items produced locally and they were intrigued with what was on display at the gift shop. Afterwards they toured the library and the clinic area upstairs used by the Girdwood Clinic. Many questions were generated as the group saw innovative ways of making money to support community activities.
All in all, the group was excited with Hope and charmed by the hospitality of the residents of this scenic mountain community located at the end of the road on the southern shores of Turnagain Arm.
“It will be extremely hard to surpass the tour and welcome we received here in Hope,” the American coordinator of the group said, noting that the group promised to stay in touch with their newly formed business acquaintances.
Rochelle Morris reported that the UAA’s ARC sponsors professional groups from remote areas of Russia to come to Alaska where they attend seminars and program-related organizations in Alaska. It is a program designed to enhance communication, people-to-people relations and to allow Russian visitors the opportunity to gather ideas for possible incorporation in assisting Russia’s progress toward a more open society.
The Hope/Sunrise Volunteer Fire Department is holding weekly training classes that began in mid Feb. There are 12 volunteers taking the 32-hour course. All are working toward a wildland/ urban Firefighter 2. Once successfully completed those wishing to receive the Firefighter 2 certification can do so. Girdwood resident and volunteer instructor Josh Bannow, formerly with the Tazlina Hot Shots, is providing a major part of the instruction. His help and expertise is very much appreciated.
Friday March 16 at 6 pm a St. Patrick dinner will be held at the Hope School. The Hope Christian Church is providing the funds to purchase the food needed for the dinner. The students will serve the dinner. This dinner is a fundraiser for the PTA and school’s spring field trip. Details of where the students will be going haven’t yet been decided as several ideas are still in the exploration stage.
After another spell of cold weather this winter, it was nice to see it warm up and snow. The Hope area received five to six inches of light power snow. The good news was that there were no power outages associated with the snowfall. Per Phil Steyer of Chugach Electric, the joint meeting is still in the works with the Forest Service. There will be plenty of notice given once the date has been set. It is the hope of Chugach Electric that this meeting will happen before the end of March.
Those who have attended the Wednesday lunch at the Hope School are coming back for more. Volunteer Jeanne Berger is teaching the wellness/food program to the students. The community is invited to lunches on Wednesdays. Notices will be posted with menus. Folks must call the school by Monday though to reserve a seat. Menus will be prepared weeks in advance. Small donations are appreciated. All meals are high fiber, low fat, low salt/sugar and yummy!
Wednesday morning breakfast at the Hope Christian Church provides a free breakfast to anyone in our community who would like to attend. Doors of the church will open every Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. for coffee, with breakfast served from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Both cafes are closed for all meals on Wednesdays.
The Food Bank pantry provides basic food provisions to those members of our community that may have a need. The food bank is open after breakfast to 11 a.m. Those folks needing to take advantage of the food pantry outside the regular hours listed above please contact either Tom Burgin (350-1318) or Joyce Burgin (830-5307).