Monthly Newsletter
Cooper Landing Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center
Greetings Members, Everyone should be feeling a bit optimistic about this summer, as it is very busy now that the river has opened. We have had sunshine, needed rain and visitors. Come on Fish! Take a deep breath, enjoy the moments you can, work hard and have a little play. It is what the doctor will order. Your chamber office is open, we are still making plans for promoting Cooper Landing and updating the Upper Kenai Visitors Guide Book so keep us in mind for new pictures, updates that you might want to make, or to just let us know what fun exciting events have happened in your lives. There was a grant opportunity for promoting tourism and communities that the Chamber did apply for but we received word that we didn’t get the grant as well as many other small Chambers. Enjoy your summer! Thank you, Cheryle James & Your Chamber Board
July 2021
Board Of Directors President Cheryle James Wildman’s 598-8088 Vice-President Carrie Williams Alaska Outdoor Woodstoves 598-1633 Treasurer Shirley Wilmoth The Hutch B&B 595-1270 Secretary Rose Hetrick Inn at Tern Lake 288-3667 Director Allison Reeves Grizzly Ridge 595-1260
Cooper Landing Chamber of Commerce PO Box 809 Cooper Landing, Alaska 99572 info@cooperlandingchamber.com Newsletter Layout & Design by Best Route Productions
Monthly Member Spotlight:
BEAN CREEK GALLERY B
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Established in 2012, the Bean Creek Gallery supports and works with several entrepreneurs and artists. Many local, Alaskan artists are featured in the gallery. Here you can find all kinds of unique and beautiful items. From wearable art: t-shirts, hoodies, earrings, hats, to ready to hang wall art: stained glass, canvas, wood burnings, metal, and more. You will also find stationary, postcards, stickers, pins, and other collectibles.
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ean Creek Gallery is the place to shop for locally made art and hand-crafted gifts. Centrally located in the Cooper Landing community, you can find the gallery on Bean Creek Road, just 1.5 miles from the Sterling Highway.
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GOLD BUG SCREEN PRINTING Bean Creek Gallery is also the home of Gold Bug, a screen printing company. The idea for a screen printing company came during a trip to Nome to see the Iditarod with friend and fellow artist, Katie Feichtinger, in 2011. It was then that a business partnership was formed and the two got started designing and printing their own wearable art. All products are printed locally in Cooper Landing and can be purchased in the gallery. Have your own t-shirt idea? Contact them for custom printed apparel.
HISTORY OF THE GALLERY
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In 2003 Gyda started her own photography business, AK Photo. She took photos for tourists on rafting and horseback riding trips, as well as group portraits for tour groups. Gyda also delved into wedding, portrait, and special event photography. Although her real passion during this time was wildlife, landscape, and nature photography.
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As Gyda spent more and more time in the community she began to notice all of the amazing, creative, and talented people living here. It was then that she first thought about the idea of having a gallery, a place to not only sell her photography, but to also showcase the amazing talet of other artists in the community.
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Gyda Sears, gallery owner and creator, first came to Alaska in 1999 when she worked at the Mckinley Princess Lodge. Her love for the state led her to working at the Kenai Princess Lodge in 2002. It was during that summer that she knew Cooper Landing was the place to call home.
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In 2012, her dreams for showcasing local talent became a reality. A small, wooden, shed was built near Bean Creek Road and sold items of several local artists. A few years later the gallery was ready for expansion and the gallery as we know it now was constructed.
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CALLING ALL ARTISTS
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Contact Bean Creek Gallery (907) 595-3488 17658 Bean Creek Rd. Cooper Landing, AK 99572 Bean Creek Gallery
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Are you an artist? Contact Gyda to see how you can be featured in the gallery.
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July 2021 — 3
In Loving Memory of Jerry Fluke This past year the community of Cooper Landing lost a dear friend and valued community member, Jerry Lee Fluke (Rabbit). He passed away peacefully on the morning of December 30, 2020 at the age of 79. Rabbit was born July 4th, 1941, to the late Ruby Dorris Fluke and Clair Fluke. He was preceded in death by his sister Claudia. Rabbit served in the US Military as a Lance Corporal Plane Captain in the third Marine Air Wing A4B + A4E attack Squadron. He was raised in and around the Rogue River in Oregon where he owned a bar, drove logging trucks, set chokers and cut down trees at the base of the Coastal Range of Oregon. In the early 1980’s Rabbit made his way North to Fairbanks, Alaska. There Rabbit was said to have driven trucks and tried his hand at mining. In the early 1990’s, he made his way to Cooper Landing to help his friends from Fairbanks run a bar and restaurant, the Sunrise Inn. It was there that so many individuals had the honor to get to know Rabbit.
Rabbit always had a big smile and a great sense of humor. Whether you were lucky enough to be a part of his daily “rounds”, or commission him for his art, or maybe even shared a whisky drink with him once upon a time, one thing was for sure he would earn your respect simply for his caring, generous and unwavering personality. It’s amazing how many people’s lives he touched. The diversity of his friendships was a testament to his ability to love and care for people unconditionally. Rabbit was less interested in your past or your political views rather than he was with your intentions and kindness. Rabbit was the embodiment of what it’s like to be a part of a community. His willingness to lend a helping hand and his daily interactions with so many will be forever missed. Rabbit was proud of our community and was a fine example of what it looks like to love and cherish where you live and the people that you share moments with. Rabbit is survived by this community and all the love that he found.
Photo: Sunrise Inn
Above: Rabbit standing next to his beautiful woodwork at the Sunrise Inn. Just one of the many pieces that can be found throughout the community.
A Celebration of Life is being held on July 4th at the Cooper Landing Community Hall.
July 2021 — 5
Cooper Landing Gem News Do you have business or organization updates you would like to share with the community? All Chamber Members are invited to submit updates and information to the monthly newsletter. Contact us for more information. Contact Us
Happy Birthday 7/1 7/4 7/5 7/11 7/14 7/14 7/18 7/24 7/26 7/29
Bobby Defoe Mike Gephardt Jasper Lewis Tyler Romig John Freeman Russel Stewart Bryan Cooper Theresa Tremarche Shannon Corbin Liam Bear
Happy Anniversary 7/8 Ed and Sandra Holsten 7/26 Pat Dye and Terry Orr
Photo by: Best Route Productions
July 2021 — 6
July 2021 — 7
Camp Fire Alaska- Camp K
Contact Us: (907) 279-3551 campfire@campfireak.org www.campfireak.org
Camp K is off to a fun start on Kenai Lake! Camp Fire Alaska is thrilled to be hosting youth again in Cooper Landing this summer after taking last summer off due to the pandemic. Camp K sessions run from June 13th to July 23rd, serving youth and youth groups based in Anchorage and surrounding areas. For two weeks in July, Camp K will also be hosting Operation Purple Camp, which offers military kids a free week of camp where they connect with other kids who understand what it’s like for a parent to serve in the military. This summer, we are enjoying all the excitement of overnight camp, helping kids build lasting friendships and to explore nature’s beauty!
4th of July Parade The Kenai Princess Lodge 4th of July parade is happening this year! We are looking to make this a BIG parade this year! We would like to see as many locals join us and participate with decorated floats, boats, bikes and/or yourself. The parade will be staged at the warehouse parking lot and will make its route around property. We would like all floats to be staged by 2:30p.m. and the parade will start at 3:00 p.m. Of course we will have ice cream after the parade! Any questions please call the lodge 907-595-1425. July 2021 — 8
Welcome Peninsula Axe Throwing Welcome our newest Chamber Member, Tommy Balk, with Peninsula Axe Throwing! Peninsula Axe Throwing is the Kenai Peninsula’s one and only Axe throwing operation. Axe throwing is an outdoor sporting activity where challengers compete to hit the bullseye of a target as near as possible. They offer four, 12 foot lanes of throwing fun. To play, visit their location along the Sterling Highway or schedule to have their mobile unit to come to you.
Contact Us: (716)-222-0556 axthrowing1066@gmail.com www.PeninsulaAxeThrowing.com Peninsula Axe Throwing
Cooper Landing Emergency Services Join us on Saturday, July 24th at Birch Ridge Golf Course for our first ever Golf Tournament! Prizes will be awarded for the top three teams. The fee to enter is $100 per individual. Teams will be assigned prior to playing. Company sponsorship starts at $150. All proceeds benefit Cooper Landing Emergency Services. See the following pages for more information.
Contact Us: 907-595-1800 operations.cles@arctic.net www. cooperlandinges.org Cooper Landing Emergency Services
July 2021 — 9
Birch Ridge Golf Scramble Benefitting: COOPER LANDING EMERGENCY SERVICES
SATURDAY JULY 24, 2021 REGISTRATION Date: Saturday July 24, 2021 Time: Shotgun Start 9:00AM Team Prizes: 1st Place: $400 2nd Place: $200 3rd Place: $100 Place
Completed Form and Payment Due July 20, 2021 Individual Registration: $100 – Teams Assigned Prior Player Name: _________________________________________ Company Name (if applicable): ___________________________ Email: ______________________________________________ Phone: (___) ____-______________ Address: _____________________________________________ City/State/Zip: _________________________________________ Handicap (if known): _______ SUBMIT REGISTRATION TO: FAX: 907-595-1800 OR EMAIL TO: operations.cles@arctic.net or zcowan@pga.com SUBMIT PAYMENT TO: CLES, P.O. Box 510, Cooper Landing, AK 99572
OR PAY ONLINE @ https://cooperlandinges.org/home/about/donate/ Provided Lunch: Hamburgers/Hotdogs/Picnic Fare $4 Draft Beer through Cooper Landing Brewing Co. Birch Ridge Golf Course 4223 Sterling Highway Soldotna, AK 99669
Cart Reservations: $25
Questions/Cart Reservations: Phone: 907-262-5270 zcowan@pga.com
All proceeds to benefit
COOPER LANDING EMERGENCY SERVICES (Tax ID 92-0170016)
ENTER EARLY! 18 Teams / 72 Person Maximum!
July 2021 — 10
TAKE A SHOT! SPONSOR the 1
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Cooper Landing Emergency Services
Birch Ridge Golf Tournament SATURDAY JULY 24, 2021 COMPANY SPONSORSHIP FORM Hole Sponsor Without Team: $150(minimum) Includes name on sign at the hole Make Checks payable to: Cooper Landing ES PO Box 510 Cooper Landing, Alaska 99572 OR Pay Online - Donate
All proceeds to benefit
COOPER LANDING EMERGENCY SERVICES (Tax ID 92-0170016)
Sponsorships will be reserved on a first come, first serve basis Completed Form and Payment Due July 20, 2021 Amount Enclosed: $_______ -or- Online Payment Made on: ________________________ Contact Name: _________________________________________ Company Name (if applicable): ________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Phone: _____________________ Address: _________________________________________ City/State/Zip: _____________________________________ FAX SPONSOR FORM TO: 907-595-1800 or Email to: operations.cles@arctic.net Cooper Landing Emergency Services 38748 Snug Harbor Road / PO Box 510 Cooper Landing, AK 99572
Online Donate/Sponsor Button: https://cooperlandinges.org/home/about/donate/
Birch Ridge Golf Course 4223 Sterling Highway Soldotna, AK 99669 Phone: 907-262-5270 zcowan@pga.com
July 2021 — 11
2021 Cooper Landing Chamber of Commerce & CVB Please support our local businesses! 5 Dogs Fishing
(907) 598-3525
Grizzly Ridge
(907) 595-1260
Alaskan Angling Adventures LLC
(907) 595-3336
Gwin’s Lodge
(907) 595-1266
Alaska Heavenly Lodge
(907) 599-0022
Inn at Tern Lake (Moose Pass)
(907) 288-3667
Alaska Horsemen Lodge
(907) 595-1806
Jason’s Guide Service
(907) 351-3036
Alaska Home Grown
(907) 953-4205
Kahtnu Spirit Lodging
(907) 299-2855
Alaska Outdoor Woodstoves
(907) 598-1633
Kenai Cache Outfitters
(907) 595-1401
Alaska River Adventures
(907) 595-2000
Kenai Kayak Company
(907) 441-6753
Alaska Rivers Company
(907) 595-1226
Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area
(206) 920-9051
Alaska Troutfitters
(907) 595-1212
KPB Mayor –Charlie Pierce (Soldotna)
(800) 478-4441
Alaska Wildland Adventures
(800) 334-8730
KPBSD Superintendent
(907) 714-8836
Angle 45 Adventures (Hope)
(907) 782-3175
Kenai Peninsula Econ. Dev. Dist.
(907) 283-3335
Bean Creek Gallery
(907) 595-3488
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
(907) 595-1425
Bearfoot Publications
(907)320-1145
Kenai River Drifters Lodge
(907) 595-5555
Best Route Productions
(303) 570-2081
Kenai River Float-n-Fish
(907) 519-0048
Bike Cooper Landing, LLC
(907) 231-6793
Kenai River Fly Fishing
(907) 598-1400
Boatman’s
(907) 202-1004
Kenai River Trout Anglers
(907) 599-0085
Camp K on Kenai Lake
(907) 279-3551
Kenai Watershed Forum
(907) 265-5412
Conoco Phillips Alaska, Inc. (Anchorage)
(907) 276-1215
Mystic Waters Fly Fishing
(509) 715-9697
Cooper Landing Brewery
(907) 276-5044
Peninsula Axe Throwing
(716) 222-0556
Cooper Landing Community Club
(907) 595-2169
Professional Testing
(907)598-1633
Cooper Landing Community Library
(907) 595-1241
Prospector John’s Pan for Gold
(907) 598-1808
Cooper Landing Community School
(907) 595-1244
Round Mountain Retreat
(907) 598-1333
Cooper Landing Emergency Services
(907) 595-1800
Salmon Run Lodge
(907) 595-2197
Cooper Landing Fish Camp
(907) 595-3474
Seramur Home Services
(907) 599-0019
Cooper Landing Fishing Guide
(907) 599-0126
Sharon Saunders, GRI, Realtor
(928) 706-8901
Cooper Landing Rifle & Sportsman’s Club
(907) 599-0004
Sunrise Inn & Café
(907) 595-1222
Cooper Landing Historical Society
(907) 598-1042
Tanisha Walters, L.Ac. Acupuncturist
(303) 482-7176
Cooper Landing Senior Citizens Corp.
(907) 595-3000
Talon Air Service, Inc. (Soldotna)
(907) 262-8899
Eagle Landing Resort
(907) 595-1213
The Hutch Bed & Breakfast
(907) 595-1270
First National Bank Alaska (Soldotna)
(907) 260-6000
Upper Kenai Cabins
(907) 595-3055
Fish & Sons Kenai Charters
(907) 598-1065
Wildman TR Inc.
(907) 595-1456
July 2021 — 12
July 2021 Sunday
4 Celebration of Life for Rabbit 12 pm Princess Parade 3 pm
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CLSCCI Board Mtg. (via conf.call) 1:30 pm
Independence Day
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CLES Golf Tournament Registration Due 25
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CLES Golf Tournament 9 am 28
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Cooper Landing Library Hours • Monday: 1-3 pm •Tuesday 1-3pm •Wednesday 9-11am (curbside pickup only)
•Thursday 3-5pm •Friday 1-3pm
Cooper Landing Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Graphics & Design by Best Route Productions