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When I think of Mother's Day, I think about the woman who always encouraged me to go after what I wanted. My mom believed in education, independence, and making the most of opportunities-values she passed on to me from a young age. So, when her memory started to slip and things became more uncertain, I knew it was my turn to step in. It happened quickly. She had been living in Idaho, and at first the signs were subtle, repeating herself, forgetting details, growing more anxious. Then I got a...
1. Keep a routine. Consistency helps reduce confusion and anxiety. Keep meals, rest, and activities on a regular schedule whenever possible. 2. Simplify the environment. Clear clutter, use labels or photos on drawers and doors, and create calm, easy-to-navigate spaces. 3. Be patient with communication. Speak slowly, use simple sentences, and offer reassurance instead of correction when your loved one is confused or upset. 4. Take care of yourself. You can’t care for someone else if you're running on empty. Make time for breaks, ask for help, a...
My husband Gary had lived in the Palmer Veterans and Pioneers Home for two years on Memorial Day 2024. I planned to join him as usual to attend the 11 a.m. Memorial Day program. With our grandson sweating away in Army basic training in Fort Moore, Georgia, the holiday had even more significance. During the Sunday sermon the day before, the pastor had brought several interesting things to light about celebrating Memorial Day. Then first thing Monday morning, I found the entry in my daily...
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...
May 1-31 Nationwide Older Americans Month. May 11 Nationwide Mother’s Day. May 3 Anchorage The Anchorage Genealogical Society is having its spring seminar. The AGS will have a slate of speakers with a variety of knowledge about genealogy, including presentations about German and Scottish genealogy, recording your family history on your phone, learning about DNA, the Mayflower Society, and Daughters of the American Revolution. The keynote speaker is Claire Gebben. Gebben is an award-winning author, historian, and genealogist. She is a public s...
In the city of Houston, an innovative program is addressing two critical issues: reducing fire hazards and supporting vulnerable community members. Spearheaded by a creative use of the United States Department of Forestry's Wood Innovations grant, the program has not only mitigated the risk of wildfires but also provided essential firewood to seniors, veterans, and disabled residents. The program's origins stem from a pressing need to address the threat of beetle-killed trees, which pose a...
To help Anchorage residents protect their properties against wildfires, the Mayor’s Office, Anchorage Fire Department Wildfire Division and Solid Waste Services (SWS) are partnering together to open the local wood lots for free to Anchorage residents clearing their properties this spring and summer. From March 29 to Sept. 30, no Anchorage residential loads of woody debris will incur fees. “I live in South Anchorage, so I know firsthand our need to prepare for wildfire risk. People want to take action, and they want to contribute to the effort,...
Shaquil Aribuk was born and raised on the island of Palau, where his childhood was filled with the simple joys of fishing, hunting, and playing basketball. However, the limited opportunities on the island prompted Aribuk to pursue a new life in the United States, where he joined his family in Alaska. Tragedy struck when Aribuk contracted a rare bacterial infection known as necrotizing fasciitis. After suddenly collapsing, he was rushed to the hospital, where he spent 10 days in a coma. When he...
RurAL CAP's AmeriCorps Seniors Program includes the Elder Mentor and Senior Companion Programs, which provide volunteer opportunities for people 55 and better. RurAL CAP partners with schools, Head Starts, local governments, and health agencies to set up volunteers host sites. Volunteers get training, support, and a small stipend as a thank you for I never expected to become an Elder Mentor. One of the teachers at our school called me and asked if I would volunteer. At the time, I wasn't...
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 $...
We were a group of eight ladies sitting in a circle in the living room of the Colony House Museum, gathered for our annual docent meeting in May 2024. The Colony House Museum features all things relating to the 1935 United States government New Deal project that brought 203 families from Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin to the Matanuska Valley to create an agriculture community. The phone rang during the middle of our brainstorming discussion about how to recruit desperately needed...
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...
For over two decades, Velda Geller has been a cornerstone of the Kenai Senior Center, dedicating her time, energy and heart to improving the lives of seniors in the community. She reminds us just how much you get in return for "giving back." A life of service Her journey with the Kenai Senior Center began nearly 30 years ago around the time she and her husband turned 60. Originally from Kansas, Velda recalls how the senior center became a place of connection and belonging. "When I first came...
As a veteran mental health and addictions counselor in Alaska, you would think Alaskan writer Michael Horton would focus his writing on his work experiences all across the state. Yet the prolific writer has veered far afield to the realms of a series inspired by Biblical characters, a Star Wars themed science fiction series and yes, one novel of Bush teens dealing with life challenges. What comes across in his writings is his close connection to the many people he counseled and his understanding...
Note: The location for this meeting has been changed from what appears in our print edition. The new in-person meeting location is the Division of Personnel Training Room on the 10th floor of the State Office Building in Juneau. The Alaska Commission on Aging will hold a quarterly meeting in Juneau on February 11 and 13. The event will be in-person and online via Zoom, from 8:30 a.m. to noon both days. At this meeting, commission members hear reports from ACoA commissioners, ACoA staff, and Senior and Disabilities Services. Revision of and...
Nestled in the heart of Kotzebue, Utuqqanaat Inaat, Maniilaq's Long-Term Care Facility, is more than just a care center for elders. It is a home, a family and a community where love, connection and cultural tradition thrive. A home-like environment At Maniilaq, the focus is on creating a true home for the residents. "We try to make it as comfortable and familiar as possible," a staff member shared. Each resident has a shadow box outside their room, filled with personal mementos, photos,and...
In September 2021, Kawerak Inc. was awarded $3.8 million in funding for Project Regional Educational Model for Online Technology Engagement from the Dept. of Education, Alaska Native Education Program (REMOTE). Project REMOTE's goal was to increase online learning opportunities over three years for 555 Alaska Native learners in the Bering Strait Region. Project REMOTE successfully advanced remote learning capacity by reducing the technology access gap for Alaska Native residents in the Bering...
Valdez, Alaska is a lucky town to be blessed with so many artists. There is something about the mountains that seem to draw them in. Kevin and Kris Reeves are two such artists. Kevin is a poet, writer and painter. Kris created wonderful handcrafted paper cards. As fate would have it, Kris fell ill and her time on earth was cut short. Kevin has been learning to live on and decided to share his experience in a book, "Now and Ever, Dear Kristine". In December, Kevin was invited to the Valdez...
Every senior deserves dignity, respect and a voice. In long-term care facilities across Alaska, residents need dedicated advocates like you to ensure their rights are protected and their voices are heard. As a Long-Term Care Ombudsman volunteer, you'll build meaningful connections with seniors while serving as their advocate in assisted living homes and nursing facilities. We provide thorough training and ongoing support - your compassionate heart and willingness to serve are all you need to...
RurAL CAP's AmeriCorps Seniors Program includes the Elder Mentor and Senior Companion Programs, which provide volunteer opportunities for people age 55 and better. RurAL CAP, short for Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc., partners with schools, Head Start, local governments, and health agencies to set up volunteer host sites. Volunteers get training, support and a small stipend as a thank-you for their time and dedication. This article features Evelyn, an Elder Mentor volunteer in...
For the first time ever, the Light the World Giving Machine is coming to Alaska. Disguised as a vending machine, it dispenses cheer by simply choosing one of the local non-profit organizations in the machine and depositing money. Actually, there will be two machines. "In case one goes down, you know electronics, and it can allow two people to donate at the same time. The lines can get long," said Fairbanks Senior Center Co-Director Angela Jones. This year for the 2024 holiday season, there will...
The Alaska Commission on Aging with hold a quarterly meeting on Dec. 4, via Zoom and by teleconference, starting at 9 a.m., breaking for an hour at noon, and resuming from 1 to 4 p.m. At the meetings, commission members review policy and activities regarding senior housing, transportation, health care and other topics, with reports and input from representatives from agencies and organizations serving seniors and their families and caregivers. There will be a public comment period at 1:10 p.m., allowing for feedback from individuals and...
Veterans and their families in the Mat-Su Valley will have the opportunity to connect with valuable resources and support services at the third annual Mat-Su Veterans Resource Fair. Scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, the event will be held at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center in Wasilla. The fair, which has grown to become an essential event for local veterans, will feature upward of 50 organizations offering information, resources and guidance across a wide range of topics. Attendees are invited to explore the fair, speak with...
Mollie Walsh made a name for herself among the prospectors who flooded north during the Klondike Gold Rush. Her "grub tent" was a welcome sight to many miners who climbed the White Pass Trail in the late 1890s. One man carried such affection for her that he created a memorial that still stands today in the little town of Skagway. Born Mary Walsh in 1869 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Irish lass and her laundry worker friend Maggie Allen packed their bags and headed north on board the Bristol in...
