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If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. If it is, fix it … carefully. That’s easier said than done when a contractor promises fast repairs at an unbeatable price. Here are seven warning signs that a contractor might leave you with partial, poor, or overpriced work. 1. The “storm chaser” A storm hits, and suddenly, help is knocking on your door — or what’s left of it. A contractor says they can fix the damage on the spot. It might look like a silver lining, but reputable contractors usually book jobs in advance. And if they want you to sign your insur...
Most people know they need a funeral director when someone dies. What many don't realize is how much a funeral director does behind the scenes to help families navigate one of life's most difficult experiences. When a death occurs, families are often overwhelmed with grief, paperwork, decisions, and deadlines. A funeral director serves as a guide through that process. They coordinate transportation of the deceased, obtain permits, help complete death certificates, communicate with cemeteries, clergy, veterans' organizations, florists, and...
Angela Łot'oydaatlno Gonzalez sits at her kitchen window, beading what will be a doll-sized salmon that will be the center of another "Fish Camp Barbie" display, one of several she has made in recent years. Barbie herself stands to Angela's left at a small table wearing a pink kuspuk (the Yup'ik spelling is qaspeq and in Athabascan, the word is bets'egh hoolaanee). She sports a crown beaded with "B." When the display is finished, this Barbie, chosen for her caramel skin tone, will be posed...
Marjorie Kortkamp has a flower clipped to her soft gray curls, but she confessed it hasn't been the easiest morning, "I had a seizure!" she said matter-of-factly. But as she settled into her room at the Anchorage Pioneer Home, Marge (as most people call her), relaxed into a spirited retelling of her long life, from Atlantic City, New Jersey, to the Last Frontier. Her eldest daughter, Diana, was there to help her with her morning routine and to fill in any gaps in the narrative. A late-in-life...
Donna Gail Shaw trots across the street to give treats to a neighbor's dog as she heads out for a hike. She calls out to another one "Neptune! Neptunee!" on the way back. In between, she checks on the 10 wildlife cameras she has installed in an area of Anchorage known as Far North Bicentennial Park. In actuality, the wildlife she encounters can be anywhere near or even in the housing development where she lives, which abuts Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson. It's something of a highway for urban...
One day years ago a fine fellow I worked with at the time came up to me and, in the course of water-cooler conversation, mentioned he had been chatting with, well, we will call him Dr. "X." My colleague reported to me that after a few minutes of chit-chat with Dr. X, my name came up. Without seeming too insistent I encouraged him to tell me about the conversation. Yes, I was fishing for compliments but trying to be oh so nonchalant about it. My coworker recounted that he told Dr. X that I had a...
Friends ask why I spend so much time volunteering with the League of Women Voters (LWV). Consider the mission: Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. At no time in my 76 years has this work been more important. Voting is truly threatened. Our democracy is teetering, as a determined federal administration seizes power, ignores the rule of law, defies court rulings and dismantles institutions. They're not the first administration to attempt a power grab, and we're not the first generation of...
Q: As I age, I've noticed that certain situations make me feel unsettled, while feeling more sure of myself in others. What could be causing these feelings? A: Fear responses naturally shift as we age. Many adults experience a mix of apprehension in certain situations, while feeling confident in others. These feelings can stem from a mix of physical, mental, and social changes. Let’s explore these factors to better understand our fear responses and discover effective coping strategies. P...
Many Alaskan seniors age from physically demanding jobs that took them to remote parts of the state, from the fishing industry, to mining and oil production, as well as tourism activities like mountain guiding and heliskiing. But modern medicine offers relief through joint replacement. While invasive and painful depending on your pain tolerance an operation will give you years of pain-free mobility. It's a life changer. The damage to my left knee after being catapulted off a freight sled on the...
Summer in Alaska has a way of bringing people together. Family members travel long distances to visit, grandchildren are out of school, and community gatherings fill calendars across the state. Whether it is a backyard barbecue in Fairbanks, time spent at fish camp, a fishing trip on the Kenai, or a family reunion in Anchorage, these moments create opportunities for something that often matters more than we realize: sharing our stories. Stories are one of the most valuable gifts we can pass...
Medicare and Medicaid are sometimes hard to understand, especially if you are eligible for both insurance programs. This month’s article will discuss how the two programs work together and how to apply for both. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the agency which provides regulatory oversight over both programs. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older. People younger than age 65 with certain disabilities, permanent kidney failure, or a...
Sitting in a circle holding hands and praying may have some hidden health benefits, even for non-believers. A randomized controlled trial conducted at the University of Maryland School of Medicine has found that a five-minute session of proximal intercessory prayer (PIP) significantly reduced pain and anxiety in primary care patients compared to a music control group. The PIP approach involves an in-person prayer offered by a trained volunteer. The findings, published in The Annals of Family...
Electricity keeps our homes warm and bright, but it can also cause shocks and fires if we are not careful. For this reason, it is important to check our homes for electrical hazards. A few simple habits can help you stay safe and avoid a trip to the emergency room. Start by looking at the cords around your home. Frayed or cracked cords are dangerous. They can spark and start a fire before you even notice. If you see damage, stop using the item right away. Do not hide cords under rugs or behind...
June is peak road race season, and two of the events raise money for cancer research and bring community together to fight their respective diseases. The Alaska Run for Women, held on the first Saturday in June every year, had a big turnout thanks to good weather. "This was our thirty-fourth annual run," said Alaska Run for Women board member Nance Larsen, a public relations professional. "It definitely exceeded expectations." The 2026 run had 5,175 registered entrants; 1,100 participated...
I don’t know if other types of attorneys have to spend as much time explaining why it’s a bad deal to have to go through a court case. It’s probably obvious to the clients of criminal defense lawyers that it would be bad if they got caught and had to go to court. Likewise with divorce lawyers and personal injury lawyers. Businesspeople don’t generally need to be told that they should try to avoid going to court. And usually, I’m explaining why you should want to avoid probate court. But today...
Q. What exactly is an operating system? A. Every tech device has both a hardware component and a software component. The device is the hardware: the phone, tablet, or computer. The operating system is what orchestrates everything, from launching apps to providing network connectivity. The model and operating system version are vital bits of information when you have technical problem to solve. It would not be very useful to answer a question about Android when the person has an iPhone. Chances are the operating system is not part of your...
Yellowstone is renowned for its huge bison population. Badlands National Park is famous for stretches of surreal striped landscape. On the Outer Banks, herds of wild horses roam freely. But you don't have to travel to Wyoming, South Dakota, and North Carolina to experience them. North Dakota's Roosevelt National Park has all that and more, including one of the largest prairie dog populations of any park. Named after the 26th U.S. president who was an avid nature lover and former area resident...
A few years before he became "the luckiest man on the Klondike," Clarence Berry was almost broke. He was a fruit farmer in California's Fresno Valley in the early 1890s, scraping by and struggling with the fallout from the Panic of 1893. He didn't have enough money to pay his room rent, let alone marry his sweetheart, Ethel Bush. When he heard wild stories of gold being discovered in the far North, he figured he had nothing to lose. Borrowing what little money he could, Clarence set off for...
The Anchorage Assembly voted on June 9 to approve AO 2026-72, which authorizes the transfer of land from Heritage Land Bank's inventory to Alaska Natural Burial. The 9.6-acre tract of land, which is legally described as Tract B-2 Legacy Pointe Subdivision (Plat14 2013-18), can be used for the purposes of creating a natural burial cemetery. The area is wooded city land near Golden View Drive. Alaska Natural Burial is a nonprofit organization that would like to provide what it describes as a low-cost option compared to a casket cemetery. The...
Hospice of Anchorage is organizing its first “Embrace the Journey” walk. The event is Aug. 1 at Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park, 1824 W. 15th Ave. in Anchorage. The event follows a 1-mile route, making it accessible to strollers, wheelchairs and participants of all ages. You can also choose your start time: 10 a.m., 10:30 or 11 a.m. The 1-mile walk will feature several family-friendly aspects to uplift and foster connection. One is a bubble lane, another is an affirmation card pull, where you choose a message you need for your journey. In one seg...
July 1 National Postage Stamp Day July 2 National Wildland Firefighter Day July 4 National Independence Day. The Declaration of Independence, a document of foundational promise, was adopted unanimously On July 4, 1776, by the Second Continental Congress at the Pennsylvania State House. We know it now as Independence Hall. July 6 National Fried Chicken Day. If you’re vegetarian, wait until July 10 for National French Fry Day or National Pecan Pie Day on July 12. And maybe the best of them, National Ice Cream Day, is July 19. July 14 France J...
After shopping at either Palmer Fred Meyer or Carrs/Safeway, while still in the parking lot, I sometimes look to the east and check out the weather conditions at the top of Lazy Mountain. It gives me a thrill to recall sitting at the top, thanks to my daughter Erin's help. It was a dream that I'd given up on, so the accomplishment was extra special. I'd told her that because of approaching the big 70, I was evaluating my life and thinking about dreams I would have to let go and consider...
On May 20 AARP Alaska celebrated Older Americans Month and Senior Recognition Day with an afternoon gathering at the Douglas Library. Linda Kruger, local AARP volunteer lead, provided information about AARP and AARP's 55 years in Juneau. Juneau Commission on Aging Chair Deborah Craig read an Older Americans Month proclamation signed by Mayor Beth Weldon. The AARP Alaska Andrus Award for Community Service, AARP's most prestigious volunteer honor, was presented to Bruce Botelho for his dedication...
It wouldn’t be July in Alaska unless people were readying to run up Mount Marathon in blazing fashion and then come cascading down. The July 4 event is a must-watch at least once, even if your knees beg you not to attempt it. https://mountmarathon.com/ It’s of course too late to register anyway, but it’s definitely possible to watch legends—David Norris and Allie Ostrander are registered—from the comfort of your lawn chair. Plan ahead and get to Seward the day before….You can also catch a parade in any number of larger and smaller communities...
Sharon Baker was just about to go on a bike ride when she paused to talk to the Senior Voice. The Fairbanks resident is active year-round. In the winter she skis, preparing for the Sonot Kkaazoot, a 50-kilometer ski race in late March. Then in April she straps on running shoes and begins training for the annual Equinox Marathon in September. "I love to be outside," Sharon said. Part of her athleticism is participating in the Alaska International Senior Games, both as an athlete and as an...
