Monthly Newsletter
June 2022
Cooper Landing Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center
Dear Members, Happy Summer everyone. Thanks to all who participated in the Regatta. Mother Nature blessed us with a beautiful day to be on the river. A big thank you to Eagle Landing for the delicious barbecue and donation of their facility for the function. Thank you to all the Chamber members who helped with yummy sides, Lisa Sweeney for the gunshot start, Brad and Ann Hansen for timing the race, Alaska Sport Fishing Association for door prize donations, and Sunrise for the announcement party. A great way to start the summer. The Chamber will not meet until September but we will be working to start on the 2023 Upper Kenai River Guide so start to plan any changes to your current advertisements, we will be sending out membership renewals at that time. Please consider joining the Chamber Board as we would love to have you join with us to promote Cooper Landing and your business. Thank you for your membership and support. Have a great summer! Thank you, Cheryle James & Your Chamber Board
Board Of Directors President Cheryle James Wildman’s 907-290-1213 Vice-President Kindra Leaders Grizzly Ridge 907-202-6377 Treasurer Shirley Wilmoth The Hutch B&B 907-595-1270 Secretary Rose Hetrick Inn at Tern Lake 907-288-3667 Director Shaun Sehl Prospector John’s 907-250-7775
Looking for places in Alaska to explore this summer? Visit the Upper Kenai! Find lodging, places to eat, and things to do in our Upper Kenai Visitors Guide.
View the Guide
Cooper Landing Chamber of Commerce PO Box 809 Cooper Landing, Alaska 99572 info@cooperlandingchamber.com Newsletter Layout & Design by Best Route Productions
Photos Write-up Best Route Productions Photo and by: Best Route by: Productions
T
he 15th Annual Cooper Landing Drift Boat Regatta was a sight to see! There were ten Drift Boat competitors and three Raft River Clean-Up participants. The weather was beautiful! Spectators, volunteers, and participants all enjoyed a wonderful barbecue lunch at Eagle Landing Resort. Dakota Reeves was busy on the grill making hamburgers and hotdogs for all attendees. Side dishes provided by the Chamber included potato salad, baked beans, chips, and soda. The sun was shining, and people were able to eat while enjoying the festivities in the sun! As the start time approached, the Drift Boat Competitors hopped into their boats and began to line up across the river in front of Eagle Landing. Promptly at 1:00 pm, volunteer, Lisa Dickinson, initiated the race with the shot gun start. Competitors pulled up their anchors and took to the oars. They were off!
Right from the get-go, friendly rivalry was in the air as the 2018 champion, Dave Maternowksi and his new racing partner Evan Wilson from Alaska Wildland Adventures (AWA), raced the 2019 defending champions, Tommy Balk and Sean Coe from Drifters. All while the former third placed winners, Russ Farrington and Mike Adams, were hot on their heels. For the first portion of the race these three boats were neck and neck. As competitors raced along, the first team to hit Princess Rapids did so in 11 minutes and 53 seconds! Behind them in a red drift boat was Scott Lynn and David Bose from Gwin’s Lodge, David Story and Patrick from AWA, and racing for Wildman’s, Will Meni and Kristen Peters with their friend, Mary Kate. Followed by the Sullivan family racing for The Hutch B&B, AWA’s Dillon and Walker, Travis Gravel and Michael Deegan, from Two Brothers, and Shannon Martin with her dad, John Smart. As teams started passing river mile 83, by Alaska Rivers Company, the heat was on. Drifter’s, Balk and Coe’s boat had taken the lead, but not by much. AWA’s Maternowski and Wilson...
Alaska Wildland Adventures- Dave Maternowski and Evan Wilson push to get ahead of Drifters- Sean Coe and Tommy Balk.
The Sullivan Family pulls ahead of Kristen Peters and Will Meni’s boat near the race start.
June 2022 — 3
were roughly 50 feet behind, with Farrington and Adams edging steadily closer. At this location Gwin’s Lynn and Bose pulled ahead of AWA’s Story and Patrick. Followed by The Hutch B&B Sullivans, AWA’s Dillion and Walker, Wildman’s Meni and Peters, Two Brother’s Gravel and Deegan, and Martin and Smart. Following this point, the race placements began to turn. Drifter’s Balk/Coe took a significant lead and arrived at the West bridge into Cooper Landing in 47 minutes and 37 seconds. Followed by AWA’s Maternowski/Wilson, Farrington/Adams, Gwin’s Lynn/Bose, and AWA’s Story/Patrick. Wildman’s Meni/Peters put in some gusto and passed the Sullivans and AWA’s Dillion/ Walker to gain sixth place. However, Dillion/ Walker were rowing hard to regain the position and passed the Sullivan’s in the process.
Photo by: Best Route Productions
June 5
Nearing the end of the race, Drifter’s Balk/Coe remained in the lead and passed the finish line with a time of one hour and six seconds. Nail biting excitement ensued when AWA’s Maternowski/Wilson and Farrington/ Adams rounded the corner. The two teams were neck and neck and giving it their all to claim second place. Maternowski/Wilson put in the muscle and passed the finished line a mere hair before Farrington/Adams.
AWA’s Maternowski/Wilson pulls ahead of Farrington/Adams at the last minute.
Gwin’s Lynn/Bose came in fourth, followed by AWA’s Story/Patrick, Wildman’s Meni/Peters, and AWA’s Dillion/Walker. In eighth place, the Sullivan family took a moment to give a rowing lesson to their oldest. Battling for the highly regarded Red Lantern Award was Two Brother’s Gravel/ Deegan, and Martin/Smart. In the end, the award went to Martin/Smart with a time of one hour, thirty-five minutes, and four seconds. Times for all teams can be found in the chart on the following page.
Sullivan family making time to train the next generation of Regatta racers.
Martin/Smart team drifting in to claim the Red Lantern Award.
Photo by: Best Route Productions
Click here to view the Best Route Productions 2022 Regatta Photo Album
June 7
At the end of the day everyone gathered at Sunrise Inn for the award ceremony and prize giveaways. The award for the best costumes went to Wildman’s Meni and Peters. A total of $2,470 was raised for the Kenai River Sportfishing Association. Thank you to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers who contributed to make this a fun-filled and successful event!
1st Tommy Balk and Sean Coe from Drifters win first place in 15th Annual Regatta.
2nd
Dave Maternowski and Evan Wilson
Red Lantern
John Smart and Shannon Martin
3rd
Russ Farrington and Mike Adams
Best Costume
Will Meni
2022 Regatta Champions
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Photo by: Best Route Productions
st
Tommy Balk & Sean Coe
15th Annual Regatta Race Completion Times Place
Time
Team
1st
1:00.06
Drifters- Tommy Balk and Sean Coe
2nd
1:00.54
Alaska Wildland Adventures- Evan Wilson and Dave Maternowski
3rd
1:01.04
Russ Farrington and Mike Adams
4th
1:09.03
Gwin’s Lodge- Scott Lynn and David Bose
5th
1:09.50
Alaska Wildland Adventures- David Story and Patrick
6th
1:10.26
Wildman’s- Will Meni & Kristen Peters
7th
1:10.47
Alaska Wildland Adventures- Dillion and Walker
8th
1:12.54
The Hutch B&B- The Sullivan Family
9th
1:25.20
Two Brothers Roadhouse- Travis Gravel and Michael Deegan
10th
1:35.04
Shannon Martin and John Smart
June 9
2nd
3rd
th
4
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
Click here to view the Best Route Productions 2022 Regatta Photo Album
10th
2022 Cooper Landing Regatta
Photo by: Best Route Productions
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Thank You to Our Volunteers We’d like to extend a big thank you to the volunteers that helped during the Regatta! A big thank you to Lisa Dickinson for starting the race off with the shotgun start and to Ann and Brad Hanson for keeping the offical time for the racers. Thank you to Eagle Landing Resort for hosting the pre-race Barbecue and to those who donated additonal food dishes. Thank you to Sunrise Inn for hosting the Awards Ceremony and providing snacks for gathering. Also, thank you to the companies who donated prizes for the Raft River Cleanup Participants. Lastly, thank you the Kenai River Sportfishing Association for your time spent working with the Chamber Board on planning the event, finding door prizes, and for hosting a booth during the pre-race barbecue telling folks about your organization.
Thank you for supporting the Kenai River Sportfishing Association
The Kenai River Sportfishing Association (KRSA) is a professional 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organization headquartered in Soldotna, AK. KRSA’s original focus was on the Kenai River. We have recently begun expanding our efforts to protect fish and fishing throughout the state. Text from the KRSA Website
We fund or create programs to protect and/or rehabilitate fish habitat; we fund research on the health of Alaska rivers and other fresh waters and fish populations; we fund or staff programs to educate children, the general public and our government/business leaders on fish and water conservation; and we advocate at the government level for sustainable and equitable fisheries management. Since 1984, KRSA has been a leading advocate for fisheries conservation in Alaska, working diligently to ensure Alaskans’ recreational fishing rights are protected and the fisheries are healthy for generations to come. Click Here to Learn More
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26th Annual Champions - Mountain Maddness
Photos and Write-up by: Best Route Productions
Cooper Landing Softball Tournament T
he 26th Annual Cooper Landing Softball Tournament was a fun-filled and exciting event! It was wonderful to have the community back together again after a two-year break due to covid. The weather was gorgeous and remained sunny for the entire tournament. Eight teams competed for the title of Champion and to house the highly coveted trophy for a year. Each team adds a little something to the trophy when they win and we should all hope that it is something small because that trophy is getting pretty heavy! The tournament saw two new teams—Two Brothers from Two Brothers Roadhouse and Section Eight a team composed of a variety of players from previous teams that decided not to compete this year, Alaska Rivers Company, Grizzly Ridge, and the Over the Hill Gang.
The smallest Swain stands next to the Softball Tournament Trophy. Per tradition, each winning teams adds something to the trophy to symbolize the win each year.
On Thursday, Alaska Wildland Adventures (AWA) versus Alaska River Adventures kickstarted the tournament with a well-played game. AWA’s fan base was on point with signs and AWA gear. The second game was played between the defending champions, MooseAlanche, and Princess. Friday night saw Bean Creakers against Mountain Maddness and Two Brothers versus Section 8. If there was a prize for best dressed team, it would go to Section 8 for their Hawaiian themed uniforms. There were several well played games throughout the week. However, the first game played between MooseAlanche and Mountain Maddness was the most intense. It took the
record for most home-runs ever placed during one game in tournament history! Mountain Maddness won the game and went onto the Championship Game from the Winner’s Bracket. MooseAlanche too made it to the Championship Game, only they once again had to play their way through the Loser’s Bracket. They were hoping to defend the Champion Title for the fourth time and it was looking like it could happen when the beat Mountain Maddness in the first game played during the Championship. However, Mountain Maddness had a comeback during the second game and won with a score of three to zero! They wanted that win.
Above: AWA gets the first home run of the season and fans show their support. • Above: District 8 in Hawaiian Uniforms. • Top Middle: Bean Creakers in the Dug Out • Lower Middle: Theresa and Glen after keeping score for the Championship game.
The concessions were well attended and were again run by various Cooper Landing non-profit groups. Several businesses donated delicious specials for the concessions including Gwin’s Clam Chowder, Two Brother’s Pulled Pork, Princess’ Ribs, and The Cookie Lady’s beautiful Softball Cookies. Several businesses and local donated a variety of wonderful items for the silent auction. A big thank you to all of those who donated and all of the volunteers who come together to make the Softball Tournament a success! From the planning, set up, concession, score keeping, umpires, and clean-up it truly takes the entire community to bring this event together—we couldn’t do it without you! Your hard work and dedication is greatly appreciated. Thank you also to all of the teams that participated and a big congratulations to Mountain Maddness for winning the 26th Annual Championship Title!!!
• Above: The current CLCC president passing the trophy to the former CLCC president. • Below: Deanna and Cody holding up the trophy.
June 2022 — 13
In Loving Memory of Iver Ohnemus Celebrating the Life of Iver Ohnemus (June 24, 1972 - October 20, 2021) Saturday, June 25th at the Cooper Landing Community Hall • 1pm: Memorial Service • 2pm - 8pm-ish: Barbecue Party and Softball Games in Iver’s honor What to Bring: Memories of Iver, your softball glove and a desert to share.
Photo by: Best Route Productions
Bike Cooper Landing Bike Cooper Landing is sending bikes out as the trails dry up and the warm days invite riders to explore the backcountry! We have a “herd” of almost 35 bikes ranging from hardtail, full suspension, to fat tire and eBikes! Our bikes are in top shape and we have even hired a bike expert from Moab to help out! Several locals have inquired about trying out some of our bikes and we would be honored to accommodate you, just give us a call at (907)231-6793 and Mike will set you up for an hour of riding as our guest! We are also offering 5 tours this year in addition to the rentals and bike repairs; Trail of Blue Ice in Portage, Snug Harbor Road to Cooper Lake, the Old Sterling Highway from Tern Lake to Sunrise, Hope Junction to Johnson Pass and the full Johnson Pass Trail. We have all the permits and guides that know the trails and have safety (and fun) as a priority. We now offer online bookings so if you have friends or family looking for something fun and different to do here, check out: www.bikecooperlandingak.com! Looking forward to a fantastic summer in the Landing! Mike Amos & Crew
www.bikecooperlandingak.com
Fishing Opens June 11th Get your Fishing License
Contact Us: 907-231-6793 bikecooperlanding@gmail.com www.bikecooperlandingak.com Bike Cooper Landing
Photo by: Best Route Productions
May 2022 — 15
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 6/3 6/6 6/7 6/9 6/10 6/10 6/11 6/12 6/15 6/18 6/22 6/22 6/24 6/26 6/27
Yvette Galbraith Riley Hemingway Jim Carlson Mona Painter Barb DeMattia Melissa Shirley Karl Romig John Corbey Corey Robinson Geneese Peterson Connie Bensler Brandon Harrison Brad LaRock Lisa Dickinson Ann Hanson
Happy Anniversary 6/10 Richard and Mary Dreifuerst 6/23 Kathy Recken and Nick Vanderhoff
Photo by: Best Route Productions
May 2022 — 16
2022 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 Outdoor Woodstoves
(907) 598-1633
Kahtnu Spirit Lodging
(907) 299-2855
Alaska River Adventures
(907) 595-2000
Kenai Cache Outfitters
(907) 595-1401
Alaska Rivers Company
(907) 595-1226
Kenai Kayak Company
(907) 441-6753
Alaska Troutfitters
(907) 595-1212
Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area
(206) 920-9051
Alaska Waste
(907) 312-6267
KPB Mayor –Charlie Pierce (Soldotna)
(800) 478-4441
Alaska Wildland Adventures
(800) 334-8730
KPBSD Superintendent
(907) 714-8836
Andy’s Artwork
(907) 802-1274
Kenai Peninsula Econ. Dev. Dist.
(907) 283-3335
Angle 45 Adventures (Hope)
(907) 782-3175
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
(907) 595-1425
Bean Creek Gallery
(907) 595-3488
Kenai River Drifters Lodge
(907) 595-5555
Bearfoot Publications
(907)320-1145
Kenai River Float-n-Fish
(907) 519-0048
Best Route Productions
(303) 570-2081
Kenai River Sportfishing Association
(907)262-8588
Bike Cooper Landing, LLC
(907) 231-6793
Kenai River Trout Anglers
(907) 599-0085
Blue Yeti Food Truck
(907) 231-6089
Kenai Watershed Forum
(907) 265-5412
Boatman’s
(907) 202-1004
Mystic Waters Fly Fishing
(509) 715-9697
Camp K on Kenai Lake
(907) 279-3551
Peninsula Axe Throwing
(716) 222-0556
Cooper Landing Brewery
(907) 276-5044
Professional Testing
(907)598-1633
Cooper Landing Community Club
(907) 595-2169
Prospector John’s Pan for Gold
(907) 598-1808
Cooper Landing Community Library
(907) 595-1241
Round Mountain Retreat
(907) 598-1333
Cooper Landing Community School
(907) 595-1244
Salmon Run Lodge
(907) 595-2197
Cooper Landing Emergency Services
(907) 595-1800
Seramur Home Services
(907) 599-0019
Cooper Landing Fish Camp
(907) 595-3474
Sharon Saunders, GRI, Realtor
(928) 706-8901
Cooper Landing Fishing Guide
(907) 599-0126
Sunrise Inn & Café
(907) 595-1222
Cooper Landing Rifle & Sportsman’s Club
(907) 599-0004
Talon Air Service, Inc. (Soldotna)
(907) 262-8899
Cooper Landing Historical Society
(907) 598-1042
The Hutch Bed & Breakfast
(907) 595-1270
Cooper Landing Senior Citizens Corp.
(907) 595-3000
Upper Kenai Cabins
(907) 595-3055
Eagle Landing Resort
(907) 595-1213
Wildman TR Inc.
(907) 595-1456
First National Bank Alaska (Soldotna)
(907) 260-6000
Fish & Sons Kenai Charters
(907) 598-1065
May 2022 — 17
June 2022 Sunday
5
Monday
6
Tuesday
7 CLSCCI Board Mtg. 11:30 am Helen Gwin Commons
12
13
14
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
4
8
9
10
11
15
16
17
Summer Reading Program Cooper Landing Library 12 pm 18
22
23
24
25
CL Advisory Planning Commission Mtg. 6 pm
Flag Day 19
20
21
Iver Ohnemus Celebration of Life 1 pm Community Club
Summer Solstice 26
27
28
FISHING OPENS JUNE 11th Find a Guide in our Upper Kenai Visitors Guide
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30 Cooper Landing Library Hours •Tuesday: 1 - 3 pm •Wednesday: 1 - 3 pm •Thursday: 1 - 3 pm 5 - 7pm •Friday: 1 - 3 pm •Saturday: 11am - 2pm Summer Reading Program Saturday’s starting June 11th: 12 - 1pm
Cooper Landing Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Graphics & Design by Best Route Productions