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In June, Arctic Slope Community Foundation (ASCF) announced its language learning website www.inupiaqonline.com, which combines Iñupiaq language preservation with modern technology. Funded by the Dept. of Health and Human Services and administered by ASCF, the website was built by Alaska Native web developers Christopher Egalaaq Liu (Yup’ik) and Lonny Alaskuk Strunk (Yup’ik) in conjunction with acclaimed Iñupiaq academic administrator, linguist, anthropologist and educator Edna Ahgeak Paniattaaq MacLean, Ph.D. The site references the North...
The following are selections from newspapers across Alaska, published in June of 1922. The laws of nature Editorial, Seward Gateway, June 14, 1922: Seward - Complaint was made in Seward this week that fishing boats were killing the seals on rocks at the mouth of the harbor. While there is no law to prevent these animals being slaughtered, for sentimental reasons the few that congregate in these haunts should be preserved. They are objects of great curiosity to tourists and invariably are mention...
A newly released film, "Not So Swell," produced by Homer-based Affinityfilms, aspires to educate doctors, patients and the general public about lymphedema. A May 4 press statement notes the 30-minute film and a series of 16 shorter segments are now available for free viewing by Alaskans at www.affinityfilms.org/not-so-swell/. Lymphedema is a swelling in the arm, torso or legs that is caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system, which is commonly the result of lymph node removal or radiation...
May 10 is the 136th anniversary of the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Santa Clara County vs. Southern Pacific Railroad Corp., 118 U.S. 394 (1886). This decision of the U.S. Supreme Court was purported to state that corporations (as opposed to natural persons) have constitutional rights under the 14th Amendment. The court did not actually decide this; the court reporter—a former railroad attorney—misrepresented the substance of the decision when he wrote the published headnotes. The case nevertheless led to a long line of cas...
Knowing all too well the effects of social isolation on the health of seniors, both mental and physical, the Fairbanks Senior Center has temporarily pivoted to a new rented space at Shoppers Forum Mall next to Planet Fitness. The ribbon cutting was on April 13, when visitors got to see the new location. "It's the first of many good days for our seniors to meet, have lunch, use the internet and who knows - probably some exercise classes in the future," Fairbanks Senior Center Executive Director D...
The Alaska Commission on Aging will hold a quarterly meeting May 9 through 12 in Fairbanks at the Wedgewood Resort. Items of discussion will include updates on dementia programs, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, veterans issues, senior housing, Alaska Pioneer Homes and other topics pertaining to Alaska seniors. Meeting hours are Monday, May 9, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. and Tuesday, May 10, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Wednesday, May 11, the commission members will lead listening sessions throughout the area. Thursday, the commission meets from 8:30...
Interested in learning more about businesses and agencies providing senior services in the Anchorage and Mat-Su area? Want to get the word out about your own service? The monthly Service Providers Breakfast, sponsored by Older Persons Action Group, Inc., is an opportunity for all the above. Informal, early and free, the monthly event currently meets virtually online via Zoom. The May meeting is May 11, hosted by the Anchorage Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Begins at 8 a.m. RSVP by calling Older Persons Action Group, Inc. for more...
Have you ever wondered who organizes Creek Cleanup? Perhaps you have seen people taking water samples along local creeks and tried to figure out what they were doing. Have you been concerned about something along a creek and wondered who to contact? Are you curious about who is behind all those Scoop the Poop messages? The answer is the Anchorage Waterways Council (AWC), and it's been doing all this and more for nearly 40 years. AWC was established in 1985 by a group of citizens and officials...
Do you know someone whose outstanding service, dedication and leadership have had a significant impact on the quality of life for seniors in Anchorage? The Anchorage Senior Citizens Advisory Commission is seeking nominations for the Annual Ron Hammett Award for community service, to be presented during Older Americans Month in May. Nominees for this honor must meet the following criteria: •Nominees must be an Anchorage resident. •Nomination may be made by an individual or organization. •Nomination should include both the achievements and backg...
“Age Smart – Let’s Talk”, the series of forums sponsored by AARP Alaska, Older Persons Action Group and the Anchorage Senior Activity Center, returns March 8, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Events are currently held virtually on the internet, using Zoom. This month’s presentation is “Let’s Talk Libraries.” The Anchorage Public Library has a wide variety of resources available to all Anchorage residents. In addition to an extensive collection of print books, the library offers access to eBooks, audiobooks, movies, genealogical research and more. Join...
Alaska seniors age 65 and older can receive a tax exemption on the first $150,000 of the value of their home, thanks to the state-mandated Senior and Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption. Different municipalities around the state have different deadlines to apply. Some communities offer more generous exemptions. To qualify, all applicants must have turned 65 on or before Dec. 31, 2021, and must own and occupy the exempted property as their primary residence. Note: Some communities require in-person application for first-time applicants, so...
Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska (ARA) is teaming up with University of Alaska Anchorage and Anchorage’s improvisational comedy troupe, Scared Scriptless, to bring a new opportunity to family caregivers of someone with dementia. This free six week, in-person class will teach the principles of improv comedy to improve communications with a loved one. Participants do not have to be an actor, or even be “funny,” but instead this program will teach communication techniques that are used in improv and are considered best-practices in dementia caregiv...
January 21 marked the 12th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the Citizens United case, which opened the floodgates of campaign spending. This led to a cascade of finance laws across the country being struck down by the courts, most recently Alaska’s Campaign Finance Law. While the top “one percenters” are gleeful in their ability to fund war chests to campaign for the candidates who will support their causes, the rest of “we the people” are left wondering if our $50 checks can possibly keep up, or why we should even bother...
Bird Treatment and Learning Center (Bird TLC), founded in 1988 by Dr. James Scott, is a rehabilitation center for the wild birds of Alaska. Our mission is to present living science education that instills understanding and appreciation for wild birds and their habitats, and to provide primary medical treatment, rehabilitative care and potential release for sick and injured wild birds. Caring for wildlife requires specialized training, knowledge and permitting. Bird TLC operates under permits...
Join friends, create a work of art and learn about ways to improve heart health at the Wasilla Area Seniors Inc. (WASI) "Paint Your Heart Out" event Feb. 19. Cost is $25 and all supplies and snacks are provided. You bring your painting clothes. Register in advance on the WASI Facebook page, at the WASI office or online at our at www.wasillaseniors.com/events/paint-your-heart-out/. Registration the day of the event begins at 9:30 a.m. The party is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 907-206-8792 for...
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Fairbanks will offer a mix of distance-delivered (via Zoom) and in-person classes for its spring classes this year. Classes are offered to adults age 50 and older and topics cover art, computers, current events, health, history, literature, music, philosophy, science as well as exercise and hobbies. The format may be lecture, discussion group, or hands-on. There are no tests or grades. Classes are taught by current and retired faculty of UAF and by others with specialized expertise....
AARP Alaska’s Juneau Community Action Team, the Juneau Sustainability Commission and several other Juneau groups have partnered to develop a five-part series on reducing our carbon footprint. The sessions meet via Zoom every other Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m., beginning March 9. Each session will be moderated by a local expert. Following a brief introductory presentation, a series of panelists will share practical information and tips on carbon footprint reduction in Juneau and beyond. The series will end with a look at the connection between...
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteer tax preparers will provide free tax preparation assistance for seniors and low-to-moderate income households this tax season. Service delivery is being adjusted due to COVID to make tax preparation safe for volunteers and the public. Tax prep will be by appointment only with minimal face-to-face interaction this year. Masks will always be required when interacting with the volunteers. Taxpayers will complete their paperwork and be interviewed by a counselor. Some Tax-Aide sites will prepare tax returns the...
“Age Smart – Let’s Talk”, the series of forums sponsored by AARP Alaska, Older Persons Action Group and the Anchorage Senior Activity Center, returns Jan. 11, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Events are currently held virtually on the internet, using Zoom. This month’s presentation is “Let’s Talk the Benefits of Yoga.” Do you have a new year’s resolution to work toward improving your overall health and fitness? This one-hour presentation will help you learn how yoga can improve the mind, body and overall wellness using simple techniques. The ...
The pandemic has created a nation of baking maniacs. To wit: According to Bookscan, 200,000 more bread cookbooks sold in the U.S. in 2020 than in 2019. by April, and continuing through July 2020, retail shelves were cleared of yeast products within hours of stock replenishments, as reported by Food Business News. Eater.com reports King Arthur sold a lot of flour in 2020, growing by over 50 percent compared to the previous year. Research firm Stackline found that bread machine sales were up an...
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is announcing plans to open a “Complex Behavioral Neighborhood” serving people age 60 and older who experience complex behaviors related to dementia. The addition, on the newly remodeled fourth floor of the Anchorage Pioneer Home’s Southside Building, will serve up to nine elders and is expected to accept its first residents in early 2022. The Anchorage Pioneer Home is one of six licensed assisted-living homes owned and operated by the State of Alaska Division of Alaska Pioneer Homes...
Interested in learning more about businesses and agencies providing senior services in the Anchorage and Mat-Su area? Want to get the word out about your own service? The monthly Service Providers Breakfast, sponsored by Older Persons Action Group, Inc., is an opportunity for all the above. Informal, early and free, the monthly event currently meets virtually online via Zoom. The January meeting is Jan. 12, hosted by Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA). Begins at 8 a.m. RSVP by calling Older Persons Action Group, Inc. for more information on...
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is holding Older Driver Safety Awareness Week December 6-10. According to the Center for Disease Control, the ability to drive can be affected as we age. Older drivers are also more likely to be injured in a crash. As part of Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, the Center for Safe Alaskans wants to share the following tips to help you stay safe. Gordon Glaser, the former Chair of the Alaska Commission on Aging, says, “I use these driving tips below to keep my passengers, other drivers, and my...
Traveling in the dark can be treacherous this time of year, but now many transportation systems are being kicked into motion. The COVID-19 pandemic left many stranded at home for weeks and months at a time. However, this year can be different. Last month, Senior Voice reviewed ride services in the Anchorage area. This month we look at the Kenai Peninsula and Kodiak. Kodiak The Kodiak Area Transit System (KATS) has been in operation since August 2000, under the administration of Senior Citizens...
Think life during the COVID-19 pandemic has been hard? Imagine what it’s been like for Alaskans who have been fighting cancer. Add the terrifying experience of chemotherapy, radiation and being immune-compromised during a pandemic to the list of other effects such as isolation, loneliness and lack of access to health care – yet many Alaskans have survived and thrived. Pandemic Portraits, an exhibit honoring Alaska women who have faced cancer during COVID is a new Affinityfilms, Inc. project, and can be experienced at a venue near you. “We...
