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November is Diabetes Awareness month. Thanks to our partnership with the State of Alaska Dept. of Health (DOH), Alaska Health Fair, Inc. is making it easier than ever to check your blood sugar levels and learn about diabetes and pre-diabetes at health fairs. Diabetes occurs when your body struggles with insulin production or usage, leading to high blood sugar levels and potential complications. Pre-diabetes is a warning sign that your blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet at diabetes levels. Early detection and intervention can prevent...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following caregiver support group meetings in October. Meeting format is open discussion unless otherwise noted. Nov. 1 Soldotna Senior Center support meeting with presentation, “Holiday Dining with Dementia,” by Valerie Flake from Val’s Care Coordination, 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 6 Kenai Senior Center, “Stronger Together” support group, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 7 Tyotkas Elder Center (in Kenai) support meeting, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 21 Sterling Senior Center support meeting, 1 to 2 p.m....
A unique program is underway in Fairbanks in which local police officers are learning to make beaver hats from Native elders, while learning about Native traditions and cultures. Hosted by the Interior regional non-profit elder organization Denakkanaaga, the sewing sessions are held over several weeks, with the result being a warm hat the officers can wear while on duty in the winter. Four officers are paired with four elders to make the hats in each session. This is the second round of the prog...
While workers completed the last portion of the Alaska-Canada Highway at Beaver Creek on Oct. 25, 1942, the idea to connect Alaska to the rest of the world was born many years earlier. Donald MacDonald, a locating engineer with the Alaska Road Commission, had dreamed for years of an overland coastal route to Alaska. It would run north from Seattle across British Columbia through the Yukon Territory to Fairbanks. MacDonald and a group of Fairbanks residents formed the International Highway...
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global campaign to increase awareness about this prevalent disease. Breast cancer affects millions worldwide, with an estimated 2.3 million new cases diagnosed each year. Early detection, often through screening, significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and can save lives. Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. While it can affect both men and women, it's far more common in women. Regular self-examinations and routine screenings play a crucial...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following caregiver support group meetings in October. Meeting format is open discussion unless otherwise noted. Oct. 2. Kenai Senior Center, “Stronger Together” support group with Rachael Craig, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 3 Tyotkas Elder Center (in Kenai) support meeting, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 4 Soldotna Senior Center support meeting, 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 17 Sterling Senior Center support meeting, 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 29 Nikiski Senior Center, Cindy Harris from Alzheimer’s Assoc...
It is late August and despite the nip in the air as fall descends on Interior Alaska, 56 elders and emerging elders eagerly gathered to learn and share their traditional Native activities at the third Denakkanaaga Elders Mentoring Elders Cultural Camp. Held at the scenic Howard Luke Gaalee'ya Spirit Camp on the Tanana River, the elders joined together to celebrate Native traditions, values, stories and skills. "The camp is an opportunity to support elders who were disconnected from their...
The Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame (AWHF) has announced its 2024 inductees, recognizing ten remarkable women who have made significant contributions to their communities, professions, and the state. The honorees will be celebrated at a virtual induction ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m. The event will be broadcast live on the AWHF website, providing a platform for the inductees to share their inspiring stories. This year’s inductees include a diverse group of women whose achievements span various fields, from science and education to hea...
Called the Spanish flu, only because the Spanish press wrote about it, a virus took more than 500,000 American lives between 1918 and 1919 (estimates worldwide range from 20 to 100 million). And it came north, even though Territorial Gov. Thomas Riggs did everything in his power to keep it away from Alaska's shores. When 75 citizens of Seattle died from the flu during the week of Oct. 12, Riggs asked steamship companies to examine all passengers heading north on the final ships of the season...
In the heart of Alaska, Karen Eddy, the director of Community Services for the Fairbanks Native Association (FNA), has dedicated nearly a decade to championing elder justice. A retired educator originally from Sitka, Karen's journey is one marked by a deep commitment to her community and heritage. Her Native name is Sh'tanaax, such an old name it doesn't have a meaning anymore. Karen's ancestral ties are to the Taku River. She embodies a profound respect for cultural traditions and elder...
On a recent Friday a few friends and I gathered at a favorite breakfast place in Anchorage to gossip, discuss the news, exchange views, and eat the salty fatty breakfast versus the healthy one. The question of preserving democracy came up, and that led to a discussion about voting, and that led to reminiscing about being an election worker. I was a little surprised to find out that three or four people around the table had worked as election workers in the past. I never have, but I was thinking...
September is an active month for Alaska Health Fair with numerous opportunities to participate in health education and affordable blood and health screenings. We invite you to join our staff at any of these community-based events across various regions of the state, whether you attend to receive services, volunteer to help us serve the public or share a mission by exhibiting. To learn more about these free events and to see the schedule for later this fall, visit our website at www.alaskahealthfair.org. Southcentral Sept. 7 Anchorage St. Johns...
Q: It is getting cooler outside. What should I be doing as winter approaches? A: As temperatures drop and the yellow leaves signal the arrival of autumn, it is time to start prepping for winter by tackling basic household chores. If unable to do these tasks alone, consider contacting neighbors or volunteers for assistance. Though it may only be September, some mountain ranges are already receiving early snowfall. By preparing now, you can alleviate stress when the snow eventually arrives. Tackle...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following caregiver support group meetings in September. Meeting format is open discussion unless otherwise noted. Sept. 6 Soldotna Senior Center, joining with the Alzheimer’s Association for presentation, “Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors,” 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 4 Kenai Senior Center, joining with the “Stronger Together” group, 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 19 Sterling Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 24 Nikiski Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 26 Tyotkas Elder Center (in Kenai). F...
Reverend Doctor Chief Anna Frank is a name synonymous with unwavering dedication to her community. At 82, she continues to inspire and lead, drawing on decades of experience as a health educator, community leader and spiritual guide. Her story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring importance of cultural traditions. Born and raised in Old Minto, Alaska, Anna Frank's journey began in a small village where she was deeply influenced by her aunt, the first...
National Employ Older Workers Week, held annually the last full week of September, recognizes the vital role of older workers in the workforce. It also showcases the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which provides on-the-job skills training to individuals age 55 or older with limited financial resources. Since its inception, SCSEP has helped over one million older Americans enter the workforce. In Alaska, we call SCSEP by another name, Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training...
The much-anticipated Alaska Health Fair fall 2024 schedule is being released in the first week of August. As your trusted partner in health and wellness since 1980, we're gearing up for another season of empowering Alaskans with vital health education and affordable blood screenings. Our fall lineup promises a range of events across the state, bringing health resources directly to your community. Key points: - Schedule release date: First week of August 2024 - Events will span various locations across Alaska - Featuring our signature...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following caregiver support group meetings in August. Meeting format is open discussion unless otherwise noted. Aug. 1 Tyotkas Elder Center, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 2 Soldotna Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Aug. 7 Kenai Senior Center, joining with the “Stronger Together” group, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 15 Sterling Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Aug. 29 Nikiski Senior Center, featuring a showing of “Alive Inside,” about music and dementia, 1 to 2 p.m. Support meetings allow you to share y...
Gold miners in 1906 Fairbanks passed a fur cap for contributions to give the 7-year-old warbler. His only number was "In The Good Old Summer Time," but it pleased the whiskered sourdoughs in the frontier town. That was the beginning of a career that took the little singer far. Robert MacArthur Crawford grew up to become a professor of music, conductor of the Newark Symphony Orchestra and guest soloist for the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. But his most enduring claim to fame...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following caregiver support group meetings in June. Meeting format is open discussion unless otherwise noted. July 5 Soldotna Senior Center, training featuring “Alive Inside,” a cinematic exploration of music’s capacity to reawaken souls and uncover the deepest parts of our humanity, 1 to 2 p.m. July 16 Kenai Senior Center, round table discussion, 1 to 2 p.m. July 18 Sterling Senior Center, round table discussion, 1 to 2 p.m. July 23 Tyotkas Elder Center, round table discu...
July is peak season for festivals around Alaska. Here are some highlights: Chugiak/Eagle River Bear Paw Festival, July 10-14. Free. Grand parade, Slippery Salmon Olympics, Human Foosball Tournament, community service awards, classic car show, music, vendors, much more. www.bearpawfestival.com Girdwood Forest Fair, July 5-7. Free. A family fair that features Alaskan artists, hand-crafted items, exotic foods, and entertainers from all over Alaska. https://girdwoodforestfair.com/ Homer Peony...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following caregiver support group meetings in June. Meeting format is open discussion unless otherwise noted. June 4, Tyotkas Elder Center, 10:30 a.m. June 7, Soldotna Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. June 18, Kenai Senior Center, with guest speaker, Louise Heite from MA Speech Pathology, 1 to 2 p.m. June 20, Sterling Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. June 27, Nikiski Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Support meetings allow you to share your experiences as a caregiver, or support someone who is a...
Two white guys have written a book, "Black Lives in Alaska." We are glad they stepped up. Ian Hartman, associate professor and department chair at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of History, and David Reamer, well-known historian, especially to readers of his column the Anchorage Daily News column "Histories of Alaska," both say they published the stories because of "the absence of material on this subject." "This book has its roots in the Anchorage centennial publication,...
Fairbanks Senior Center's reception area, pictured here in April, gets a serious remodel makeover, with removal of 1980s-era wallpaper and installation of new enhanced lighting, new flooring and paint and a new reception desk. The center's renovation project started in August 2023, and will include a 3,700 square foot expansion. Closed to the public due to COVID in March 2020, the center has undergone upgrades and expansion and will finally reopen this summer. An open house celebration, with a...
