New Friends, Chili Champ, and Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

***The chili cookoff was attended by locals from a wide range of businesses and agencies. Photo by Allison Sayer***

Allison Sayer - CRR Staff

The Copper Valley Chamber of Commerce held its annual chili cookoff and membership meeting on January 26 at the American Legion. The well-attended event fed attendees well, and provided a forum for many businesses and local agencies to make community updates.

Vova Karmanchykov and Miia Balaban, newcomers from Ukraine, were warmly welcomed to introduce themselves at the event. Miia was not ready for public speaking but smiled broadly when Vova expressed their surprise and happiness at all they had received and the “beautiful nature” they have experienced.

Judy Shaw, who is the couple’s sponsor, said that through community donations the couple has received a late 90s stick shift truck. Sticks are more common in Europe, so the couple is right at home, but they are still looking for better tires and a replacement for the “Alaska windshield.”

“Judy put in a plug for anyone interested in helping Ukrainians take refuge in the United States to contact the New Chance Ukraine Relief Program: (907)330-9916 or ukrainereliefprogram.com. ”

Vova and Miia are currently working at the IGA and living at the Caribou Hotel, although their visa allows them to work wherever they wish over the next two years. The hope is that after two years, Ukrainians nationwide who are part of this program will have a safe country to return to.

Attendees asked the couple what they enjoyed doing in their free time. Vova enjoys playing sports and Miia crochets. They both like “being active” and listening to music. If anyone is interested in including Vova and Miia in a fun activity, they can contact the Caribou Hotel. Donations are also being accepted at the IGA.

***Chamber president John Becker presents Vova Karmanchykov and Miia Balaban with gifts while Judy Shaw looks on. Photo by Allison Sayer***

The second couple Judy sponsored is currently “stuck” in The Ukraine, although they have not given up on trying to leave the country until it is safer. It has been difficult to communicate with the couple back in The Ukraine due to power and internet interruptions.

Judy put in a plug for anyone interested in helping Ukrainians take refuge in the United States to contact the New Chance Ukraine Relief Program: (907)330-9916 or ukrainereliefprogram.com.

Vova added there are some Ukrainians in Alaska who are able to provide jobs and housing for friends and relatives who emigrate, but they still need a citizen to help with the sponsorship paperwork.

Chamber president John Becker presented the couple with a gift of local maps and souvenirs, and told the couple, “Anyone here is your friend.”

Newcomer to the area John Slone announced he hopes to start an electrical contracting business in the area. He is also keen to take on apprentices and help young people make the first steps towards careers as electricians.

“Katie Bobowski from Prince William Sound Community College described two job opportunities at the college. One is a full-time position with benefits, and one is an extremely part-time position with the adult education program. ”

Three representatives from the Copper River Princess Lodge attended the event. They announced they intend to open in 2023, and that the unplanned closure early in the 2022 season was “devastating” for managers as well as locals.

Katie Bobowski from Prince William Sound Community College described two job opportunities at the college. One is a full-time position with benefits, and one is an extremely part-time position with the adult education program. She also stated volunteers would be welcome to help with adult education.

In addition, Bobowski announced the college is offering free tuition and housing for local high school students who would be interested in certificate programs in a wide range of pre-professional programs.

Finally, Bobowski invited locals to participate in a career panel she is organizing for UpStream learning students that will occur on February 6. The students are especially interested in hearing from people whose careers involve engineering, construction, history, or law.

Emily Hjortstorp announced there will be two upcoming red card training opportunities in February: one during the day February 6-14 and one in the evening February 15-23. The classes are online and followed by a field day at the office. She stated that if you complete the training, “you’ll have a job.”

Most importantly, who won the chili cookoff? Kayla Bruno’s moose chili took third place, earning her a $50 gift certificate to the Old Town Copper Center Inn and Restaurant. Margaret Billinger’s white chili won second prize, a $75 gift certificate to Napa.

For the second year in a row, Chris Schliesing won the contest. He won a $100 IGA gift card for his Alaska chili.

The contest was decided by popular vote by attendees who did not know who had made which chili.

Upcoming chamber events include a March dinner meeting at Meiers Lake, and a gathering and potluck at the Gulkana Hangar hosted by the Bonieks.