Older Persons Action Group will hold its 2021 annual membership meeting virtually on Thursday, Nov. 18, at 12:15 p.m. The board business meeting starts at 11:30 a.m., followed immediately by the membership meeting. Due to COVID concerns, meetings will be conducted online via the Zoom web platform. Attendance will require a Zoom log-in link, provided by email to those who RSVP no later than Nov. 16. To RSVP, call 276-1059 or 1-800-478-1059, or email admin@opagak.com.

Senior Voice wins awards

Senior Voice has been recognized for excellence, winning four awards in the annual contest sponsored by the North American Mature Publishers Association (NAMPA), a nationwide network of publishers focusing on boomer and senior readers. Awards were announced Oct. 4, 2021, at the annual NAMPA conference, held this year in San Diego.

Entries were independently judged by the University of Missouri School of Journalism in Columbia, Missouri, who gave awards in categories based on the circulation size of the publication. Senior Voice entries competed in Division A, for circulations below 25,000.

Senior Voice won first place in the "Senior Issues" category for contributor Kenneth Kirk's monthly column on legal issues. Kenneth has been bringing his expertise and conversational style to Senior Voice for years, and has already been recognized with several awards. Judges this year wrote, "his smooth, even style of writing interjects humor to make it easier to swallow the sometimes-arcane language of the law."

Senior Voice Travel Writer Dimitra Lavrakas won a second place award for her travel columns. "The detail Dimitra Lavrakas gives readers is marvelous, whether exploring a New England castle that captures the spirit of an earlier time or an innovative roundup of small-scale cruise options through Alaska for those who miss the larger cruise ships docked by COVID concerns," wrote the judges.

Senior Voice reporter Ken Stewart earned a second place award in the "Topical Issues" category for her story on Alaska's situation with payee representatives. "Stewart sorts it out for readers in a bit-by-bit explanation ... and as a wrap up, directs readers to resources for help," wrote the judges. "Strong reporting and writing make it understandable."

Finally, Senior Voice won third place in best cover photo for its March 2021 edition. The photo depicting a couple relaxing in a local greenhouse was taken by Anchorage photographer Michael Dinneen, his second award for Senior Voice.

Senior Voice is a publication of Older Persons Action Group, Inc., an Alaska nonprofit organization that serves Alaska seniors and their families. OPAG has been publishing Senior Voice for 40 years and is partially funded by a grant administered through the Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services.