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Senior Voice Alaska earned second place in general excellence in the North American Mature Publishers Association annual contest among publications with circulations of 25,000 or less. The judge wrote, “Wonderful range of well-written articles and topics. This engaging publication does a great job of appealing to a wide-range of interests, and serving the Alaskan population specifically. Attractive, smart, and heart-warming.” We earned first place in the “senior issues” category, for columns from Karen Casanovas, first place for editori...
People affected by Typhoon Halong have until Nov. 7 to apply for SNAP replacement benefits. The Alaska Department of Health, Division of Public Assistance (DPA) has a small FAQ section on their SNAP page that addresses whether SNAP benefits will be issued in November, due to the federal government shutdown, and explains some of the DPA’s options. Updates on this issue will be posted on that page, as well as on DPA social media. The same page also has information on assistance for those in Western AK affected by Typhoon Halong, for both SNAP r...
The Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame induced 10 women into its ranks Oct. 21. The women honored are Judith “Judy” Caminer, who helped form the Chugach Park Fund; Joaqlin Estus, a pioneering journalist who was a national correspondent for Indian Country Today and news director at KNBA; Katherine Gottlieb, who served 30 years as president and CEO of Southcentral Foundation; Ada (Deluktuk) Blackjack Johnson, a posthumous recipient who was an Arctic explorer who went on an expedition to Wrangell Island in the Arctic Ocean; Lisa Parker, who is presi...
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced in late October that Social Security benefits, including old-age, survivors, and disability insurance (OASDI), and supplemental security income (SSI) payments for 75 million Americans will increase 2.8% in 2026. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $56 per month starting in January. Over the last decade the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase has averaged about 3.1%. The COLA was 2.5% in 2025. Nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a...
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has received a grant from the National Institutes of Health for $3.26 million for a research project to address coronary heart disease among Yup'ik Alaska Native people in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region. The project focuses on blending an elder-designed program based on ancestral principles with workshops on traditional foodways-a break from conventional hearth health interventions. The tribally driven project, "Neqpiaput Iinruugut (Our Food is Medicine),"...
Alaskan Way is a new nonprofit based in Anchorage with a focus on serving elderly and medically fragile individuals who are unable to meet their Activities of Daily Living (ADL) needs-a population often overlooked in traditional shelter and housing systems. Started by Theresa Hankins, the nonprofit is in the funding stage so that it can open its doors. The nonprofit's website has more information, but it's centered on providing 24/7 staff support, personal care assistance, case management...
The Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame induced 10 women into its ranks Oct. 21. The women honored are Judith “Judy” Caminer, who helped form the Chugach Park Fund; Joaqlin Estus, a pioneering journalist who was a national correspondent for Indian Country Today and news director at KNBA; Katherine Gottlieb, who served 30 years as president and CEO of Southcentral Foundation; Ada (Deluktuk) Blackjack Johnson, a posthumous recipient who was an Arctic explorer who went on an expedition to Wrangell Island in the Arctic Ocean; Lisa Parker, who is presi...
The Alaska Moving Image Preservation Association (AMIPA) and Doyon Foundation will co-present a fundraiser screening of “Spirit of the Wind” a 1979 film about George Attla. The event is in recognition of November as Alaska Native/American Indian Heritage Month. Shot on location in Fairbanks, the film follows Attla from his life as a young Athabascan trapper in rural Alaska, to a tuberculosis diagnosis that meant years in sanitoriums in Tanana and Sitka and how he goes on to become a champion sprint dog musher. The film will be screened at 4 p...
Alzheimer's Resource Alaska, a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, unveiled an updated logo in late August. The new logo, which now features the iconic forget-me-not flower, the official state flower of Alaska, embodies remembrance, community, and Alaska roots and is a symbol of memory, love, and care. This reflects Alzheimer's Resource's mission of serving all Alaskans facing the challenges of A...
The Alaska Native CARE Lab at the University of Alaska Anchorage will be conducting a focus group study exploring dementia knowledge, experiences, and needs in rural communities. This research project seeks to learn from Alaska Native people who care for or have cared for someone with memory loss. The goal is to better understand the current needs of families and to strengthen support systems. Two focus group events will be held in Anchorage: October 24–25, 2025 (Friday & Saturday), 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. December 5–6, 2025 (Friday & Satur...
Join Alaska Commission on Aging Thursday, Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch break noon-12:30 p.m.) on Zoom for our quarterly board meeting. We will recognize several national awareness days with special presentations featuring Alaskan voices. You can look forward to educational discussions and updates from local organizations including the Alaska Training Cooperative, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, ACLU Alaska Prison Project, the new State Falls Prevention Coalition, Alaska Long Term Care Ombudsman Office, Senior and Disabilities...
CARTA (Central Alaska Retired Teachers’ Association) is a nonprofit organization aimed at working and retired teachers as well as all those who care about education. Two to three scholarships of $2,500 each are awarded every year to applicants from the University of Alaska System for those people starting their “internship” to complete their education degrees. The group meets on the first or second Saturday of the month (September through May) for a luncheon at the Anchorage Moose Lodge. Each month features varying speakers or programs of in...
Anne Tompkins, Senior Voice Alaska’s ubiquitous ad sales representative, was recently named to the Municipality of Anchorage’s Senior Citizens Advisory Commission by the Anchorage Assembly. Her appointment is immediate. Her first meeting was Aug. 27. The commission meets the last Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon. Her term will last until October 2026, but she can be reappointed to the position. The municipality’s boards and commissions play an important role in ensuring good government by giving community members to contribute and s...
In August, Island Cove adult day care program participants had the opportunity to attend a field trip to U.S. Coast Guard Base Kodiak. Lt. Jeff Batchelder gave participants a tour of the hangars on base, answering questions and providing photo opportunities. Afterward, participants enjoyed pizza at the bowling alley and arrived back safely to Island Cove. Island Cove offers a safe, caring, and active environment for seniors and adults with special needs. The program supports participants'...
-Sign up for text alerts by texting “Anchorage” to 67283. In Fairbanks, you can text FPDALERTS to 67283. -The Municipality recommends bookmarking trusted sources’ information outlets via website or social media. These organizations are committed to providing timely, accurate information to the public: Anchorage Police Department Anchorage Fire Department Municipality of Anchorage Office of Emergency Management Anchorage Health Department: https://www.muni.org/Departments/health/Pages/default.aspx State of Alaska: https://rea...
The Alaska Legislature has passed the fiscal year 2026 operating budget with a $2.5 million increase for senior community grants, half a million less than the $3 million increase the House originally proposed. This funding is meant to strengthen critical senior services such as Meals on Wheels, transportation, and caregiver support. Funding for an additional Assistant Long-Term Care Ombudsman position was included in the budget to address the growing needs of Alaska's aging population. The state has experienced a significant increase in...
Alaskans are more likely to lack health insurance, according to Census Bureau data. They are also racking up more medical debt. Alaska showed a 32% increase in medical debt from 2020-23, with the percentage of residents in medical debt growing from 4.90% to 6.48%. Where one lives can determine what kind of medical coverage you can get and also influence the cost of health care. Iowa had the greatest number of residents falling into medical debt, while Delaware was able to reverse medical debt the most of all states. An analysis of government...
The Valdez Senior Center Inc. is offering tours through the Stan Stephens Glacier and Wildlife Cruise company in May. The dates are May 19, May 23, May 27 and May 30. Seats are $41 for members of the senior center. The tour goes to the Columbia Glacier. “Each year, the company gives senior center members a discounted tour rate for select dates in the early season,” said Haden Bricker, activities coordinator and office assistant at the Valdez Senior Center. If people are interested in joining these tours they can contact the senior center off...
If you are hearing “Pomp and Circumstance” a lot lately, that’s because May brings with it the commencement ceremonies happening at high schools and universities across the state. This month is also a time to reflect on the sacrifice of military personnel killed in battle. Americans also associate Memorial Day weekend with the official start of summer, and that’s no different in Alaska, where you may have noticed scenic byways getting more congested with tourists … Many coastal communities have shorebird festivals, such as the Cooper River Del...
Community members are invited to join the Mother’s Day Tea on Saturday, May 10, at 11 a.m. at Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc., 1301 S. Century Circle. This elegant gathering will raise funds for Meals on Wheels while celebrating mothers and loved ones with an afternoon of tea, delicious treats, and great company. Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot soon! An online auction will run from May 6–10, allowing supporters to bid on unique items and experiences to further benefit WASI’s senior nutrition programs. Tickets for the tea are $...
It’s springtime. In the Municipality of Anchorage, that means it’s election season. The last day to turn in your mail-in ballot or vote in person is Tuesday, April 1. The municipal election includes the Anchorage Assembly, the school board, and a slew of bond propositions. The Anchorage People Mover is free all day on Election Day … Alaska Pacific University is hosting an outdoor gear swap. The event is Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at APU’s Mosely Sports Center, 4400 University Drive. The sale is a fundraiser for the APU outdoor gea...
The Anchorage Museum will host artworks by famous American artists through a partnership with the National Gallery of Art for the National Gallery’s “Across the Nation” program, which brings key works of art to regional museums across the United States this year and next. Through this loan, the Anchorage Museum will receive three works of art: They are Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Winter Road,” 1963, oil on canvas; Nancy Graves’ “Consequence,” 1982, oil on canvas; and Mark Rothko’s “Untitled,” 1958, oil on canvas. The works are on view April 4, 2025...
This newest volume, titled “Pioneers From Alaska’s Past,” is filled with a cast of characters so colorful they may outshine the Northern Lights. This captivating collection of short stories and historical photographs follows in the footsteps of the five previous volumes as it brings to life many colorful personalities who helped shaped Alaska's history shortly before, during, and just after the gold-rush era. Stories include those of: Swiftwater Bill Gates: A master of outrageous spending and spectacular cons. This Klondike magnate could teach...
The Social Security Administration has updated recently announced measures to verify the identities of recipients and applicants. In-person identity proofing for people unable to use their personal my Social Security account for certain services will be effective April 14. “We have listened to our customers, Congress, advocates, and others, and we are updating our policy to provide better customer service to the country’s most vulnerable populations,” said Lee Dudek, the agency’s acting commissioner in a media statement. “In addition to extend...
American women accumulate at least $1 million less than men over a typical 40-year work career, according to research conducted by the Investors Observer research team. Key findings of the study show that the average male worker in the United States accumulates $2.73 million in portfolio wealth, assuming average retirement contributions are invested in an S&P 400 index fund. By comparison, an average female worker investing her savings under the same conditions accumulates $1.75 million in portfolio wealth, resulting in a $1 million gap. This...
