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Ann Miller/ Hope resident Susie DeFrance (left) and Deana Shepherd (right) are the 2007 8th grade graduates of the Hope school. Over 50 Hope residents attended the graduation celebration for the girls. The dinner was prepared and served by the Hope students for all who came. |
With all the fire danger that continues to be in the area around the Hope and Sunrise, it is very important to be very cautious again this spring. The Alaska Division of Forestry announced that Governor Palin proclaimed May 14 to May 20 as Wild land Fire Prevention and Preparedness Week in Alaska.
Their media release provided the following information.
“Public awareness of wildland fire prevention practices and preparedness measures is essential for public safety. Fires start readily and spread fast during May, especially in the dry, cured grasses. If homeowners plan to burn leaf and debris piles this spring, they must take proper precautions. If a person lights a fire that escapes control due to inadequate preparedness, they may be subject to criminal penalties for violation of the Alaska Statutes.
“As residents become aware of the fire danger level and knowledgeable about safe burning practices, the number of wildfires can be reduced. Another key component of a FireWise population is for home and business owners to take steps to reduce the ignitability of their property. This includes, but is not limited to, clearing flammable materials from on or around structures. Every step taken will improve the chances of surviving a devastating wildfire. Each person must know that they can make a difference with wildfire prevention and protection of their property. FireWise packets and burning permits are available from the Alaska Division of Forestry, 260-4260 or 235-7734.”
This summer is expected to be a dry and warm one. Before lighting a fire, please check to see if there is a Fire Ban in effect in Hope or Sunrise.
The following is an update on Hope resident Ashley Motoyama who is presently recovering at Providence Hospital after falling off a 4-wheeler on April 21. Ashley has made huge improvements over the past few weeks. It is possible that she could be home by the end of May or early June. Anyone who would like to get updates can do so by going to www.thestatus.com. Click on “visit patient, then put in “Motoyama” in the ID box and “ashley1” is the password. The family updates the site regularly with her progress; messages can be left for Ashley and her family on this webpage as well. At this writing, there have been 4,485 visits to this site. All the uplifting and encouraging messages are being shared with Ashley each day.
The Motoyama family is so very appreciate of everyone’s help. A potluck lunch was held on May 5 and over $4,000 was collected for the family. During the month of May all sales of Bowman’s Bear Creek Cafés’ famous Brownie Dessert, will be 100 percent donated to help in this cause. This is Ashley’s favorite treat and a yummy one it is.
Over 50 Hope residents attended the graduation for the eighth grade students, Deana Shepherd and Susie DeFrance held May 8. The Hope School’s food class one prepared a four-course “Elegant Dinner.” The food class one students also gave a presentation on what the students learned this year. Jasmyn Calhoon, Alyssa Leisure and Kent Bowman performed several songs written by the young musicians plus a song written by Kent Bowman and the two girls. The presentation was very cute and enjoyed by all.
May 8 the final PTA meeting elected next year’s officers. The 2007-2008 PTA President will be Lennie Yoter, Vice President Beth Kaser, Secretary Barb Bureau and Treasurer Gina Motoyama. The school’s spring field trip had to be canceled for this year. There may be something special planned next fall for the students. On May 17 the students will do a day trip to H-2 Oasis as a mini trip. Plus next year an extra special field trip will be planned for their spring trip.
Stephen Finger and Dyllon Paquette competed in the Borough Track Meet for the Kenai Peninsula School District on Friday May 11 at Skyview High School. Finger competed in the High School 100 meter, 200 meter and 400 meter events setting a PR (personal record) in each event and placing in the top 20 for each event. Dyllon Paquette competed in the 100 meter and 200 meter Middle School events, also setting a PR in each event and placing in the top 15 for each event.
Dave and Lana Scanlan were exceptionally motivating with innovative workouts on the local Hope trails while they coached the Hope athletes. Hope athletes do not have the luxury of practicing on school tracks; they compete at the Borough meets running for the first time on asphalt tracks during competition. We are very proud of these athletes and their coaches.
On Monday, May 21, the students will do a car-wash for all the Hope residents who have in any way supported the school this year as a way to express their appreciation for the support shown. On May 22, the Hope students invite the Hope residents to join them in doing a Clean-Up along the Hope Highway. May 23 will be last day of school and a picnic lunch will be held for the end of school celebration.
Hope/Sunrise Historic Society held their annual meeting May 12. The Hope Social Hall was full of visitors and residents as the community was invited to join the potluck for a spring celebration and to see the power-point presentation by Dr. Rolf Buzzell on a historical overview of the Turnagain Arm gold rush to Hope and Sunrise. Dr. Buzzell showed several photo images from the early days of both Hope and Sunrise. The mining history is part of what makes Hope a special place to live today. Teneal Jensen of the Chugach National Forest attended the meeting. Jensen is Heritage Program Manager of the Seward District Office. She will be overseeing the Forest Service intern-on-loan to the Hope museum this summer. She also offered to help coordinate a Saturday program on traditional use of Resurrection Creek.
After the Dr. Buzzell’s inspiring program, HSHS held an election of officers. Elected were Diane Olthuis President, Greg Kaser Vice President, Lynn Copoulos Secretary, Beth Kaser Treasurer with Art Copoulos, Janet McCabe, Ann Miller and Linda Graham voted as board members. Anyone who would like to become members of the Hope/Sunrise Historical Society is most welcome. Dues are only $10 per year. Contact Beth Kaser 782-1055 for more information.
The Hope Community Library is now an independent community library. More volunteers and more fundraisers will be needed to cover the expenses. The Hope Library has already planned a fundraiser, a huge garage sale on May 26 at the Library. If you are not interested in having a table, but have items to donate, 100 percent of the sale of those items will go to the library. A percentage of sales from the tables will be donated. Please contact either Maggie Holeman 782-2202 or Gail Dalrymple 782-3664 for a table if you would be interested in participating in this event or have items to donate. There will also be coffee and baked goods for sale.
The next APC board meeting will be held on Thursday May 24 at 7 p.m. at the Hope Social Hall. Marcus Mueller will attend to provide an update on the Borough’s progress of a possible new subdivision. The land is currently being surveyed and could be available as early as the spring of 2008. Hope residents are welcome to attend this meeting.
This year’s annual Tito’s Discovery Café’s Open House will be held Thursday May 31 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. All residents are invited to drop by to celebrate and enjoy great food. This is Tito, Hank, Maria and the staff’s way of expressing their appreciation for the continued support that all have shown over the years.
The Food Bank pantry will continue through the summer to provide basic food provisions to those members of our community that may have a need. The food bank is open 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Those folks needing to take advantage of the food pantry, outside the regular hours, please contact either Tom Burgin (350-1318) or Joyce Burgin (830-5307).