Articles written by Theda Pittman
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Former Alaskan now in the Land of Lakes
Moving from Alaska to Minnesota was both difficult and easy. In a way, I figured I had done enough time in the Great Land and there are lots of wonderful things to see in the other 49 states. I spent nearly 49 years in the 49th state. I lived in...
Let's build a village for homeless vets
When you have a chronic condition, what does that mean? Of long duration; continuing or lingering; incurable or manageable? Alaska has chronic homelessness and veterans are part of that population. Whether a ‘civilian’ or a veteran, the...
'Women of Lockerbie' dramatizes a journey through grief, love
How do we deal with our grief over loss of loved ones and all the madness in today's world? In 1988 a Pan American flight over Lockerbie, Scotland was bombed out of the sky. In the play, "Women of Loc...
Senior centers produce calendars with whimsy, fun
Picking out a new calendar is one of the best treats of the New Year. It doesn't matter whether it's a gift for family or friends or one to use yourself. Some people have calendars in every room....
Getting ready for election day
Alaska’s state general election will be held Tuesday, November 4, 2014. The ballot has many important items on it. Some will be complicated and unfamiliar unless voters have prepared themselves. Three things will make it possible to vote and to...
Drama explores relationship between grandmother and son
Cyrano’s Theatre Company in Anchorage is presenting “4,000 Miles,” by Amy Herzog as its September production, playing Sept. 4 through Sept. 28. Although the title may be reminiscent of the classic ‘On the Road…’ films with Bob Hope and...
Accessibility grants for Alaska seniors
The Senior Access Program, administered by RuralCAP, provides grants to seniors 55+ for accessibility modifications to their principal residence. In 2014 nearly $600,000 was available statewide....
All aboard for the fair
This year's Southeast Alaska State Fair in Haines is July 31 through Aug 3, with the theme "Unleash Your Inner Fair." In its 46th year, the fair reflects the cultures and people of Southeast Alaska. S...
Keeping up with today's scams
Seniors are often the target of fraud aimed at obtaining money or personal information from them which will make it possible to obtain money using the identifying information. About one-third of the victims of identity theft are over the age of 50,...
State places moratorium on new PCA agencies
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Senior and Disabilities Services Division has placed a six month moratorium on certifying new agencies which provide personal care assistant (PCA) services funded by Medicaid. Lynne Keilman-Cruiz,...
New fares, schedules on the way for AnchorRides
Anchorage seniors who use the AnchorRIDES transportation program can expect new policies about hours of service and fares effective May 1. Weekday senior transportation service hours will be expanded for the core service area, with the earliest...
Free dental work in Anchorage, April 11-12
On April 11 and 12 at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage, 600 West 7th Avenue, the Alaska Dental Society, in collaboration with Anchorage Rotary and over 1,400 volunteers will provide a free clinic for people who have no access to dental care or...
Rural elder mentor program to resume
Alaska's Elder Mentor/Foster Grandparent program is resuming service under new funding through the Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc. (RurAL CAP). Lower income elders and seniors who...
Prepare early for Anchorage elections
Anchorage’s April 1 municipal election will include six assembly seats, two board seats and bond and ballot issues. Although April 1 may seem far away on the calendar, new voters need to register 30 days before the election, by Sunday, March 2....
Fares increase for Anchorage bus riders
Anchorage seniors ride the People Mover buses at half the cost of others on board. But all fares have been raised effective New Year's Day. The fare schedule has also been simplified so that...
A passion for teaching and sharing
Each month the residents of the Chugiak-Eagle River Senior Center have a date with Ron Crawford. It's a date complete with popcorn and a movie, often one which touches the heart, raises spirits and...
Work continues on Anchorage Veterans Memorial
The Anchorage Veterans’ Memorial renovations at the Delaney Park Strip are substantially complete thanks to the volunteer committee, private donors and public agencies that have been working on the...
Cast your vote for officials, bonds
Registered voters in many communities across Alaska will vote on October 1 to elect municipal candidates. Local clerks are responsible for these elections. REAA School Board elections will also be held on October 1, but those elections are administer...
Cemetery brings Anchorage history to life
History will come to life at the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery on Sunday, Aug. 11, when the “Stories of the Cemetery” returns, featuring costumed actors telling the true stories of people who...
Senior Companion, Foster Grandparent programs put on hold
Alaska Community Services, Inc. disclosed that it discontinued its Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent programs as of April 30, 2013. According to Executive Director Brenda Bogowith, the agency voluntarily relinquished their federal grants to...
Anchorage Veterans Memorial renovation is underway
As Memorial Day approaches, Alaskans prepare to honor our veterans who responded to America’s call to duty. Through parades, ceremonies and visits to the graves of loved ones, we take comfort in...
Former Alaskan writes book about being an Alzheimer's caregiver
A long-time Alaskan whose life was deeply affected by his mother’s Alzheimer’s disease has written a book to help other caregivers who might benefit from his experience. Bob Miller published late last year his memoir, “My Mom Inez: Our...
