By Fayrene Sherritt
Turnagain Times
Hope Correspondent
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Fayrene Sherritt /Turnagain Times The start of the 21st annual Wagon Trail 5-K Run was held July 20. Hope resident, Lee Hall wearing number 370, can be seen at the start line and was the first runner to finish. |
July 20 Wagon Trail 5-K Run kicked off with Hope resident, Lee Hall, right out in front wearing bib #370. Last year’s race was the first race ever that Lee had entered and after finishing with a very good time, Lee became hooked on running and triathlons. The day before the Hope race, July 19, Lee placed 17th out of 125 participants in Anchorage’s Kincaid Hammerman Triathlon. This year Lee was first across the finish line with a total of 260 runners… a record number of race finishers. The race results are posted at the Hope Post Office. Special thanks to all the volunteers who helped put on the race. This year the T-shirts were made by local Hope tie-dye artists Dave and Lana Scanlan. They were a huge hit with all the runners and all T-shirts were gone by the end of the day.
With a slow start for raffle sales this year, the last two days made up for any earlier worries. The list of prizes and the stain-glass floral quilt hung up in the Hope Social all created a huge demand for raffle ticket sales. Many of the winning tickets holders were present when the tickets were drawn with both tourists and local residents winning items from the list. Girdwood resident, Jason Porter, was the lucky winner of the quilt. For a complete list of winning tickets contact Gina Motoyama.
All the weekend events were sold out starting with the Pancake Breakfast on Saturday and the Children’s Carnival was a huge success ending with the ever-popular Cake Walk. The forecast for race day didn’t look very good but mostly sunny skies put everyone into a festive spirit. About 30 minutes after everyone had headed for home, down came the rains. Thanks to everyone who had a hand in making the fundraiser the success it was, especially to Gina Motoyama, Angie Motoyama, Linda Graham, Beth and Greg Kaser and a special thank to Dennis Samut for his generous donation for several items on the raffle.
The large handmade sign that was along the Hope Highway just past the entrance into the DOT Silver Tip garage area has been replaced by a new smaller road sign. It is attached to the new sign that gives the number of miles into Hope. Hopefully the DOT sign will not be missed by motorists making the drive into Hope looking for gas.
President Shawn Butler announced that State Representative Mike Hawker had again arranged for $25000 for Hope with the funding to go to Community Development projects. There is also a second MEAP grant available for Hope. Vice President Greg Kaser will continue to handle the projects that need funding. Those needs should be submitted for consideration for the 2009 monies. There are two new bear proof trash containers in Hope. One is located at the Hope Library and the second is located on Main Street near Sea View’s RV parking area.
It was mentioned at the meeting that if toxic waste or like items are continued to be left at the Hope Transfer Station area Hope could loose the transfer station all together. Those toxic items should be taken to the Soldotna/Kenai toxic waste collection station.
President Butler has requested that residents watch for posted Hope Inc notices. These notices will give the community information regarding Hope, Inc. and projects under their guidance. The notices should be posted on the bulletins boards every 30 days at the Post Office, Tito’s Discovery Café and Alaska Dacha to provide updated information.
Residents are now using the new road linking the Palmer Creek to Resurrection Creek Roads. The old part of Palmer Creek has been closed off to traffic and anyone wanting to continue up Palmer Creek will now need to go to the new intersection and travel back to the gated area. When the project is completed there will be a small parking area for wintertime parking. Earlier this summer the Kenai Borough began the relocation of the Palmer Creek Road and Resurrection Road intersection. The project moves part of the road from the Chugach National Forest over onto Borough land. This is the first major road change since the Hope Highway was paved in 1982. This change has been done as the Kenai Borough prepares for a land disposal that will take place in a few months. The old roadway will be converted back to regular land for part of the new subdivision the Borough is preparing to sell.
Saturday Aug. 9 in the Hope Social Hall between 2:30-4:30 pm is the place to be for fun, fitness and fellowship, come as you are to this social square dance-no experience required. Families are encouraged to attend. Come in, meet new people, laugh, and enjoy dancing, burning calories on a Saturday afternoon. If you have two left feet, bring both of them! The dance is hosted by Stardusters Square Dance Club of Anchorage with Mike Preskitt the caller.
The dinner house at Bowman’s Bear Creek Lodge is open for fine dining from 4 pm till 10 pm Wednesday – Sunday through the summer. Bowmans would like to thank their many customers who enjoyed their Sunday Brunch. The brunch series was a great success and they are looking forward to next season. Bear Creek Lodge is hosting a dinner show on Friday August 15. This event is “come as you are” and features musician Bob Parson performing live on the deck as you enjoy your meal.
Melanie Bowman, “Sweet Mo” reports that “the results are in. It’s official. Hope loves ice cream and nostalgic candy!” Her new ice cream shop across from the Hope Museum has become a local “must stop” and Melanie invites you in for a treat.
Beginning in August Sea View closed Mondays and Tuesdays
The Sea View Café and bar will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for the rest of the season. The rest of the week the hours will remain the same. Their deck between the café and bar it is a great spot to relax as you enjoy a meal or a drink. Jamm Night is Thursdays and there is live music each weekend. Check posted notices to learn who the entertainers will be each weekend.