About The Owners: Jan and Jim Thurston
Jan and Jim Thurston
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After living most of their adult lives in Anchorage, Jim and Jan moved to Halibut Cove seeking quiet and stillness for their retirement. They enjoy the unmatched beauty of Halibut Cove, an art studio for Jan and a workshop for Jim.
But, they had always had a dream of owning an Alaskan retreat center.
When a parcel of land adjacent to theirs became available, they immediately knew that their retreat center was meant to be. "It was as though the dream followed us here", says Jan. They both believe that this opportunity was given to them for a reason: to create a safe contemplative environment where guests can rekindle their spirit.
The dream of a beautiful Alaskan destination lodge is now a reality. Stillpoint Lodge provides relief from stress; a quiet, peaceful place for rest and renewal. Excursions into the wilderness, hiking to Grewingk Glacier and gentle ocean kayaking reconnect guests with nature. Fond memories accompany visitors as they return home refreshed and renewed.
The Thurstons' 46-year marriage has stood the test of time. They have a symbiotic relationship that gives the lodge a life and energy all its own. Jan is a talented artist. She adds creativity, peaceful countenance and spiritual energy to Stillpoint. She facilitates marketing, program development, spiritual direction, art instruction, retreats and daily registration. Jim is a great storyteller. The former airplane pilot spends many long hours maintaining the lodge and handling the administration. Like yin and yang, their talents sustain the mission of the lodge. Jan and Jim feel that this special treasure has been entrusted to them and know they are custodians of something far greater than themselves.
We celebrate spirituality and creativity.
About The Manager: Beka Thoning
A native Texan, Beka first came to Halibut Cove in 2006, and moved here permanently in 2009. Beka started working at Stillpoint in 2010 as manager and chef. As the leader of the Stillpoint staff, her goal is to provide a peaceful setting where guests can connect with nature. Her positive attitude and attention to detail greets guests and employees alike. She especially loves tending the organic garden and greenhouse, utilizing the fresh vegetables and herbs in the lodge kitchen. She specializes in artistically prepared, health-conscious cuisine, with a focus on local, seasonal foods. In 2010, Beka won first place in the Iron Chef Competition, an annual fundraiser for Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic.
Beka and her husband, Lucas, live and work at Stillpoint in Halibut Cove. They enjoy all that the natural environment of the area has to offer, and love raising their daughter in such a unique community. During their free time, you can usually find them out fishing or on the trails of Kachemak Bay State Park. During the winter, the Thonings enjoy traveling and Beka spends time on her artwork, which can be found on display in the Halibut Cove Experience Gallery and on Facebook.
