Summer came to Cooper Landing in full force last week with visitors and residents alike enjoying the hot weather as they gardened, fished, picnicked, hiked, floated the river and many other activities. The early run of red salmon is one of the strongest in years and bears and fishermen are plying the waters of the Russian and Kenai Rivers with great success according to a local family and their visiting relatives who all caught limits of sockeyes. One of the brown bear’s activities earned her a colorful paint job by the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game. Back away, cross the river, avoid a bear with pinkish-purple splotches. Fishermen should chop salmon carcasses before throwing them in the river as well as not carrying fish on a stringer or having food with them.Cooper Landing Senior Citizens Corp. Inc. is having their annual fund raising flea market on June 29 and 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the community hall on Bean Creek Road. A variety of baked goods will also be for sale. Tables are available for $10 per day and can be reserved by calling 595-1810. CLSCCI President Marjorie VanKooten said donated contributions will be accepted Thursday June 28 after 5 p.m. at the hall as CLSCCI is setting up for the sale.
Helen Gwin will be honored on Sunday, July 1, at 2 p.m. at the community hall with a celebration of life. Helen died on April 27 at age 92 and was laid to rest by her brother, Tom Griffin, in the Cooper Landing Cemetery June 16 with Pastor Mike Weber officiating and a small group of close friends present. Helen lived in Cooper Landing for 61 years and was respected and loved by a legion of friends. With her husband, Pat, Helen built Gwin’s Lodge which opened in 1952 after originally operating a business from a tent. Helen retired from the business in Dec. of 1976.
Helen was one of the Cooper Landing Community Club founders in 1949, was honored with a life membership, and continued to attend meetings until months before her death. The CLCC holds title to community properties: community center, cemetery, rifle range recreation area, and the museum site. Helen helped Carol Galbraith in the planning of and grant writing for the community library in the early 1980’s. Helen was secretary of the first Cooper Landing Chamber of Commerce in the 1960’s. A charter member of the Sexy Senior Dumpster Cleaners, Helen came up with the name. The SSDC clean transfer sites weekly in Cooper Landing, Hope, and Moose Pass. Funds earned from this work have benefited the community club and the seniors’ organization. Helen was a charter member of the seniors’ organization and the local historical society. Her donation of the contents of Pat Gwin’s shop to the historical society for weekend yard sales made seed money for the establishment of the museum. Helen’s donations of Alaska Native arts and crafts, personal items, and business memorabilia have enhanced the museum displays.
A large number of people are expected at Helen’s celebration of life, so come early for a seat. Pastor Weber will give the memorial speech. Pictures and memorabilia from Helen’s life will be on display. The museum manikin will be clad in Helen’s eighth grade graduation dress. Helen’s nieces and nephews from Ohio and Missouri will be present. An estate sale is planned at Helen’s Eagles View apartment on July 7.
Thank you to all who came to the community hall on June 10 for the surprise birthday dinner party hosted for me by my family. I was overwhelmed by all the attention and gifts. It was worth it to turn 70!