Sorted by date Results 301 - 325 of 674
Americans have been casting ballots on the first Tuesday in November since the mid-1840s. Why November and why Tuesdays? The answer goes back to our founding fathers when agriculture was prominent. Congress used to meet in December and adjourn in March every year because that's when farmers could get away from their land. A 1792 law established that elections should be held some time in November to give time to count the votes before the new congressional session started. Americans also began of...
The woman across from volunteer tax preparer Jan Watson was scared. She couldn't afford to owe money on her tax return, which Watson was preparing free through the Tax Aide program. When Watson told her that instead she would be getting a refund, the woman broke into tears and shared that she would finally be able to buy her children winter clothing. Last year 120 AARP Foundation volunteers helped 6,124 Alaskans file their federal tax returns, saving them an estimated $1.2 million in tax...
Staff from Alaska’s Social Security office will be available for questions via videoconferencing at the following locations and times in September: Kodiak Job Center, on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month (Nov. 12 and 26), 9 a.m. to noon. Kenai Senior Center, on the first and third Wednesday of each month (Nov. 6 and 20), 9 a.m. to noon. Ketchikan Job Center, every Thursday (Nov. 7, 14 and 21; 28 is Thanksgiving holiday), noon to 3 p.m. Social Security provides toll-free telephone service to all of Alaska. Residents in Alaska’s Sou...
Alaska Health Fair’s fall season is rocking and rolling! Find the location most convenient to you and attend -- all events have free entry and are open to the public, featuring free health screenings, plus lots of free health and safety education for all ages. These tests can help you learn about your overall health and detect potential problems early, when treatment or changes in personal habits can be most effective. Blood tests are for those over 18 years of age. The fairs’ most popular test is the Chemistry/Hematology Profile (the only test...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in October. This month’s meetings will include discussion on how to take vital signs during caregiving – temperature, blood pressure, respiration, pain assessment. Please join to share your experiences as a caregiver or to support someone who is a caregiver. Oct. 1, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m. Oct. 8, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m. Oct. 15, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Cen...
Celebrate the critical importance and diversity of our Alaska Native languages at the First Alaskans Institute 36th Annual Elders & Youth Conference, Oct. 13-16 at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks. This year’s theme, “Qaneryararput Yugtun Piniqerput” (Yup’ik) and “Qaneryararput Cugtun Kayuqerput” (Cup’ik) loosely translates into English as “Language is Our Superpower.” As indigenous peoples alive today, we get to be part of the generation who keep the fires of our languages alive, and that makes us stronger. Elders & Youth starts with a War...
After a legislative session of extreme budget fluctuations, the Alaska Pioneer Homes and the Senior Benefits program are the next state-funded senior assistance programs to see a shift in funding. Alaska Pioneer Homes rate increase Starting Sept. 1, the Alaska Pioneer Homes (AKPH) will be increasing monthly rates for residents. Clinton Lasley, Alaska Pioneer Homes director, stresses that rate increases do not mean that residents - both current and those subjected to the waitlist - will be turned away for an inability to pay. The Dept. of...
Alaska Health Fair events offer free health screenings, plus lots of free health and safety education for all ages. These tests can help you learn about your overall health and detect potential problems early, when treatment or changes in personal habits can be most effective. All events have free entry and are open to the public. Blood tests are for those over 18 years of age. The fairs' most popular test is the Chemistry/Hematology Profile (the only test requiring fasting) for only $45, which...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in September. This month’s meetings will include discussion focused on strategies for long distance caregiving. Please join to share your experiences as a caregiver or to support someone who is a caregiver. Sept. 3, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m. Sept. 10, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m. Sept. 17, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center, 1 p.m. Sept. 24, Open house at Kenai Peninsul...
With easily accessible DNA testing and massive online databases, it’s never been simpler to trace your past, and the plethora of genealogical resources available around the state can lend an extra hand when tracking down ancestors. The Anchorage Genealogical Society (AGS) promotes and teaches genealogy through monthly meetings, workshops and classes. Meetings are free and open to the public and take place the third Wednesday of every month at the BP Energy Center from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Beginner classes commence in September and take place at t...
Staff from Alaska’s Social Security office will be available for questions via videoconferencing at the following locations and times in September: Kodiak Job Center, on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month (Sept. 10 and 24), 9 a.m. to noon. Kenai Senior Center, on the first and third Wednesday of each month (Sept. 4 and 18), 9 a.m. to noon. Ketchikan Job Center, every Thursday (Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26), noon to 3 p.m. Social Security provides toll-free telephone service to all of Alaska. Residents in Alaska’s Southeast communities can...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in August. This month’s meetings will include discussion on anticipatory grief and ambiguous loss issues in caregiving. Please join to share your experiences as a caregiver or to support someone who is a caregiver. Aug. 6, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m. Aug. 13, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m. Aug. 20, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center, 1 p.m. Aug. 27, Open house at Kenai P...
Like many transplants from the Lower 48, a job offer lured me up to Alaska. No, you won't find me welding on a pipeline or commercial fishing on the Bering Sea, but as a program coordinator for a large nonprofit, I've gotten to do a bit of traveling during my first year here. From Homer to Fairbanks, Bethel to Tok, Glenallen to Haines, Palmer to Dillingham, and at all the stops along the way, I've gotten to meet and work with many remarkable seniors – not just from Alaska, but from all over t...
Tanana Valley State Fair is Aug. 2-11 in Fairbanks. Senior admission (age 60 and older) is $20 for a Senior Season Pass and $5 for a Senior Daily Pass. Free admission for seniors on Senior Day, Aug. 7. Events include a senior luncheon, pie eating contests, rodeo, cake decorating, Alaska Heritage Day, community wellness events and more. For a full schedule of events visit http://www.tananavalleyfair.org. The Kenai Peninsula Fair takes place Aug. 16-18 in Ninilchik. Senior admission is $10 for a three Day Pass and $5 for a Day Pass. This year’s t...
Late summer and early fall mean mushrooms abound across Alaska. With over 97,000 identified species, mushrooms are second to insects in species diversity. From science and discovery to crafting and photography, mushroom hunting in National Forests, state parks and even your own backyard allows anyone to foster a greater appreciation for Alaska's natural fungi. Getting started To become a seasoned mushroom hunter, one must first do their research, says Kate Mohatt, an ecologist for the Forest...
We want to shout out a very big thank you to a wonderful and ever growing group of people that includes our donors, sponsors, volunteers and exhibitors. These individuals provide much needed support for Alaska Health Fair’s South Central, South East and Tanana Valley/Northern Region Programs. We would not succeed without your ongoing support. AHF has ingrained itself into the Alaskan fabric, with residents who live and work here benefiting from 40 years of hard-working volunteers and employee dedication. These are caring Alaskans who give in s...
Support meetings allow you to share your experiences as a caregiver, or support someone who is a caregiver. If you are helping a family member or friend by being a caregiver, learn what kind of help is available. There is no charge for these services and everyone is invited to attend. The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program is taking a break for July; its caregiver support meetings in Kenai, Soldotna and Sterling will return in August. Homer Family Caregiver meetings take place on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month...
Veteran Stand Down is an event providing supplies and services to homeless veterans, such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings and VA Social Security benefits counseling. Veterans can also receive referrals to other assistance such as health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment and mental health counseling. It is a collaborative event, coordinated between local VA Medical Centers, other government agencies and community-based homeless service providers. This year’s Stand Down is Aug. 17 at the Pioneer Park C...
This year’s Alaska International Senior Games (AISG) will be held August 9-18 in Fairbanks, with the opening ceremony and gala games kicking off Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Pioneer Park Civic Center. Since 2003, AISG has attracted participants from across the United States and several other countries to compete in everything from disc golf and road races to ice hockey and pickleball, among many other activities that cater to different levels of experience and fitness. There will be 60 events in 20 different sports, in all. The registration fee i...
The U.S. Army Service's famed "Black Wolf Squadron" planted its mark on Alaska history in 1920, when four biplanes flew across our northern skies in an attempt to prove the feasibility of long-distance air travel. The New York-to-Nome Alaskan Flying Expedition, as it was known, was comprised of a squad of four airmen with crewmembers flying wheeled DH-4 De Havilland biplanes. The crew left Fort Mitchell in New York bound for Fort Davis in Nome on July 15, to demonstrate that the United States co...
A (usually) wonderful occupational hazard of travel writer life is setting out to explore Alaska's lesser-known sights. I've just returned from a four-night journey to do just that, swinging around the loop from Anchorage to Fairbanks and back along the Glenn, Richardson and Parks Highways, tracing Last Frontier history, culture and recreation as a solo 50-something roadtripper. I camped by turn in my favorite backpacking tent and a selection of Alaska State Parks public use cabins, and all...
If you’ve missed attending a local community or worksite health fair or are seeking an additional blood test, we want you to be aware that our staff provides high quality office draws (on an appointment basis) on select Tuesdays each month. These are not walk-in services. To schedule an appointment, please call our local offices – Anchorage at (907) 278-0234 or Fairbanks at (907) 374-6853. The summer season schedule varies for both offices. All test availability, pricing and payment methods remain the same as at a health fair except we cha...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in June. This month’s topic is “When is it time for a long term care facility?” Understandably, many family members want to care for their loved one at home for as long as possible. However, what does “for as long as possible” really mean? What factors indicate the time may be right to consider placing someone into an assisted living or nursing home? Please join to share your experiences as a caregiver or to support someone who is a caregiver...
To get to his construction job site those early summer mornings in 1974, my husband, Gary, could either drive 24 miles into Fairbanks and then another 25 miles to Eielson Air Force Base, or drive 4 miles down Chena Hot Springs road, park the car, take the canoe across the Chena River and get a ride with a co-worker who was camped there in the campground. The shortest route usually won out, and so a lot of river crossings took place - to work in the morning and from work in the evenings, six days...
Staff from Alaska’s Social Security office will be available for questions via videoconferencing at the following locations and times in June: Kodiak Job Center, on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month (June 11 and 25), 9 a.m. to noon. Kenai Senior Center, on the first and third Wednesday of each month (June 5 and 19), 9 a.m. to noon. Ketchikan Job Center, every Thursday (June 6, 13, 20 and 27), noon to 3 p.m. Social Security provides toll-free telephone service to all of Alaska. Residents in Alaska’s Southeast communities can call the...
