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Fayrene Sherritt/Turnagain Times The Forest Service held a presentation in Seward on water safety. The program is called “Kids don’t float.†The students that participated were from Moose Pass, Cooper Landing and Hope. |
By Fayrene Sherritt
Turnagain Times Hope Correspondent
Primary health care facility discussed at Hope Inc.
At the quarterly meeting of Hope, Inc. April 18, Cooper Landing Health Center President Carrie L. Williams presented information regarding their efforts to establish a primary health care center under the Federal 330 Program. Recently all residents were mailed a survey of health needs. The group is working toward the common goal of “everyone receiving needed health care, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Hope Inc. is working with Rochelle Morris, owner of Alaska Dacha, to use the log building near the store as a visitor center for Hope. Several folks have volunteered to man the center. It is expected to open near the end of May. The plans are to have the center open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Anyone wishing to volunteer time to help make this happen please contact Rochelle Morris or Shawn Butler.
President Butler reported that the Kenai Peninsula Borough is planning to trade out the dumpsters at the Transfer Station for the newer version that has side doors to open it. It will provide easier access for people and much harder for the bears to get into the dumpsters.
Spring Cleanup underway, new subdivision roads to be constructed
Each spring Hope residents do yard work and cut brush. In past years, burnable slash could be taken to the pit to be burned at a later time. The Borough has closed the pit for dumping of slash until further notice. This spring the pit will be used during the new road construction phase of the development of two subdivisions.
AG & Building Supply has the contract for putting in the new roads. Robby Davidson indicated that work will begin late April to early May. It is expected to take a couple of months to complete. Take special care when around the heavy equipment as it is difficult to see small cars, kids, dogs and folks out walking.
Hope’s lone high school senior, Stephen Finger, to celebrate graduation from Whittier High School
Last fall Stephen Finger decided to finish his final high school year in Whittier. May 15 at 7 p.m. at Hope School, the Hope PTA and Hope residents will join with Stephen, and his family, for a presentation and for refreshments. The evening will be a great time for Hope’s residents to be included in his celebration. Stephen will graduate in Whittier on May 22 at 6 p.m. in the Whittier Gym with the other Whittier graduates.
Lennie Yoter to be honored for “years of Service”
It was decided at the last PTA meeting to keep the two events separate. After Stephen Finger’s program, everyone, and all former students of Mrs. Yoter, is invited to the “Years of Service” ceremony for her at Bud and Jeanne’s home. There will be champagne with hors d’oeuvres and an open house sponsored by Beth Kaser and Jeanne K. Berger to further honor Lennie.
Hope Chamber’s new web site up and running
At the recent meeting of the Chamber, Gina Motoyama and Bianca Durrant presented information on the Chamber’s new web site. The new site, which is still a work in progress, can be viewed by going online to: www.hopealaska.info. Shortly anyone going to the old Chamber site will automatically be opened in the new web site. Photos are currently being loaded. Gina is still looking for more photos. Lots of volunteer hours have gone into creating this new web site for Hope and it is something for everyone to enjoy.
Election of officers was held with Todd Bureau-President, Gina Motoyama-Vice President, Bianca Durrant-Treasurer and Susan Anderson-Secretary. The annual cleanup day is planned for May 23 with everyone to meet at noon at Tito’s Discovery Café. Another meeting is planned for May to discuss possibly adding more events for the annual Wagon Trail 5K weekend.
20 residents turn out for subsistence fishing licenses, fish carcass management discussed during Forest Service presentation
May 15 Forest Service personnel came to Hope with the application for subsistence fishing permits. Over 20 residents dropped by the Hope Social Hall to complete the paperwork. The Forest Service copied all but three permits for their records. If you happen to know that you are one of those not copied, please contact their office Bobbie Jo Skibo 288-7739. The permit numbers end with (the last digits) 2, 25, and 29. Residents that did not come to this meeting will need to also contact their office as soon as possible.
Per Forest Service press release, the agencies ask for angler assistance this season to minimize safety concerns. “When whole or parts of carcasses are thrown into the river, they collect at river bends and in slow-moving eddies, creating a concentrated food source which is irresistible to some bears.” The Forest Service is asking anglers to voluntarily refrain from filleting fish on the Russian River and to instead take fish out whole (gutting entrails and gilling will be acceptable).
Hope Students sign artwork headed to President Obama
Anchorage photographer, Darlene Bennett, brought her framed photo of a “sun-dog” with buildings in the background titled “Ray of Hope.” Matted in a dark blue with gold trim to represent Alaska’s flag colors, the artist is getting signatures in gold ink. The Alaskan signatures are to represent the stars in the night sky. Near the photo she had also listed several Bible verses all offering Hope.
She invited the Hope students to sign as she wanted Hope, Alaska to be represented and she thought the school students represented the future of Alaska. When she has gotten all the area of blue signed, she will then make arrangements to get the large piece to Washington DC for presentation to President Obama.
Alaska Dacha readies for spring
Owner Rochelle Morris has selected items in the store at 50% off. The RV Park is now ready for summer visitors and there already have been a number of reservations for the summer.
Community Food Bank
The Hope Christian Church Food Bank is open Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Any residents needing to take advantage of the food pantry, outside the regular hours, please contact Burgins at 782-1002.
Hope Community hosts Open House
The community of Hope is hosting an open house on Sunday, May 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The public is invited. There will be free yoga lessons at Shelley Cassidy’s new Hope Yoga Shala, wine and cheese tasting at the Sherritt Fine Art Gallery, and cookies and a warm welcome at the Hope Library. Sweet Mo’s candy shop will be open and Sourdough Dru will have free treats for kids. You can pan for gold at Gold Digga Dallas’ sluice box or take a leisurely and informative walk through with Gold Rush Peck.
The Hope Historical Museum will be open and you can go back in time as you wander through some of the original buildings that have been moved to and restored on the Museum grounds. Local merchants are setting up shop in the Hope Social Hall. Dave and Lana are bringing their tye dyed shirts and Diane Othuis will be signing copies of her new book “It Happened in Alaska.” Chugach Outdoor Center staff will thrill you with adventures shooting the rapids on Six Mile and a host of other residents will showcase products, adventure trips and places to stay here in Hope. The Sea View Café and Bar is providing live music on their deck. It’s going to be a good time.