A publication of Older Persons Action Group, Inc. Free

Serving Alaskans 50+ Since 1978 Volume 44, Number 5 May 2021 Alaska senior centers open Can you transmit COVID if back up, but carefully. you are vaccinated?– page 5 – page 13 TRAVEL Exploring and Sleeping difficulties? Try a enjoying other cultures wearable tracker. – page 5 without leaving the country. – page 24 Get outside! Check out the festivals and other upcoming activities in our calendar of events. – page 17

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EagleAbove: River’s Sheila Chris Fearon, Galloway 72, runsand orRichard walks the Brandon Eagle River relax Road in a seeming tropical oasis nearat his the house Mann every Leiser day. PartMemorial of his routine Greenhouse includes inpicking Anchorage. up roadside The facility is open to garbagethe public along the daily, way, 8 something a.m. to 3:30 he’s been p.m., doing free for admission. over 10 years. For “I more have aactivities, see the followingevents of calendarpeople that on honk page at me,19. Photo for Senior Voice by Michael Dinneen which is good. Usually.” Colin Tyler Photography Perspectives seniorvoicealaska.com

Older Americans Month: Communities of Strength

Alaska Commission on Aging This year’s theme is “Com- we can find strength, and something new allows us story, or service – we help munities of Strength,” rec- create a stronger future. to practice overcoming build strong communities. In tough times, com- ognizing the important role Here are some ways to challenges. Take an art And that’s something to munities find strength in older adults play in fostering share and connect: course online or try a so- celebrate. Please join the people—and people find the connection and engage- X Look for joy in the ev- cially distanced outdoor Alaska Commission on Ag- strength in their communi- ment that build strong, eryday. Celebrate small movement class to enjoy ing and our state and local ties. In the past year, we’ve resilient communities. moments and ordinary learning with others in partners in strengthening seen this time and again in Strength is built and pleasures by taking time your community. Have our community. We want communities throughout shown not only by bold acts, to recognize them. Start a skill to share? Find to hear from you. Please Alaska as friends, neigh- but also small ones of day- a gratitude journal and an opportunity to teach send a photo of your local bors, and businesses have to-day life – a conversation share it with others via someone, even casually. celebration of Communities found new ways to support shared with a friend, work- social media, or call a X Share your story. There’s of Strength to lisa.morley@ each other. ing in the garden, trying a friend or family member a reason storytelling is alaska.gov, so we can share In our state, older adults new recipe, or taking time to share a happy moment a time-honored activi- the joy with others through- are a key source of this for a cup of tea on a busy day. or to say thank you. ty. Hearing how others out the state. Subscribe to strength. Through their And when we share these X Reach out to neighbors. experience the world the Alaska Commission on experiences, successes, and activities with others, even Even if you can’t get helps us grow. Interview- Aging listserv to receive up- difficulties, they have built virtually or by telling about together in person right ing family, friends and dates and photos through- resilience that helps them to the experience later, we help now, you can still connect neighbors can open up out the month, celebrating face new challenges. When them build resilience too. with your neighbors. new conversations and the strength of Alaskan communities tap into this, This year, the Alaska Leave a small gift on their strengthen our connec- seniors. Sign up for the link they become stronger too. Commission on Aging will doorstep, offer to help tions. to the listserv at http://dhss. Each May, the Admin- celebrate Older Americans with outdoor chores, or When people of different alaska.gov/acoa/Pages/de- istration for Community Month by encouraging com- deliver a homecooked ages, backgrounds, abilities fault.aspx. Living leads the celebration munity members to share meal. and talents share experi- of Older Americans Month. their experiences. Together, X Build new skills. Learning ences – through action, Commission on Aging to meet in Soldotna, May 4-6 tening sessions. on the Kenai Peninsula. All Alaska Commission on visit schedule will be dis- opportunity for public tes- On day three of the participants are to wear Aging tributed through the Alaska timony from 4 to 4:30 p.m. meeting, each group will masks and practice safe Commission on Aging List- On day two, commis- The Alaska Commission summarize the feedback distancing if they wish to serv once it is confirmed. sioners will divide into on Aging will hold its spring they received at the listen- attend in person. If not, Day one of the meeting groups and partner with meeting at the Soldotna Se- ing sessions and determine they may take home the will be held at the Soldot- local senior centers, tribal nior Center, May 4 through next steps. There will be talking points and submit na Senior Center from 9 health centers and other May 6. The agenda and site another opportunity for questions in writing via a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with an groups to hold senior lis- public testimony from 11 email or regular mail. to 11:30 a.m. For more information, The Alaska Commission email Lisa Morley at the Keep up with senior bills in on Aging is highly sensi- Alaska Commission on tive about following safety Aging, lisa.morley@alas- protocols recommended ka.gov or subscribe to the the Alaska legislature by the Centers for Disease ACoA Listserv at http:// 2 Senior Voice Staff including Medicaid, state print from the state Notices Control and is committed dhss.alaska.gov/acoa/Pag- budget and funding, senior website at https://aws. to maintaining the health es/default.aspx. Keep track of senior-re- assistance, retirement, state.ak.us/OnlinePublic- and safety of their hosts lated bills, budget deci- WASHINGTON Pioneer Homes and more. Notices/Notices/Search. sions and other issues Zoom conferences are aspx. WATCH by attending the Alaska scheduled 9:30 to 11 a.m. The website will also Commission on Aging Leg- every other Thursday and have the Zoom address OLDER PERSONS ACTION GROUP islative Teleconferences. weekly during the last and phone numbers (for Hosted by local agencies month of session. The re- non-computer attendees). Mission statement: statewide, and available maining 2021 meeting date Individuals who require “To work statewide to improve the quality by toll-free call-in, the is May 15. special accommodations to of life for all Alaskans through education, teleconferences provide Draft agendas and a participate should contact advocacy and collaboration.” a convenient forum for legislative watch list will Lesley Thompson at 907- seniors and advocates be available to print the 465-4793 at least two days Vision statement: across Alaska to share in- day before each meeting, prior to the teleconfer- “Promote choice and well being for seniors formation about issues and and a list of bills to be dis- ences. through legacy and leadership.” specific bills of concern, cussed will be available to

Senior Voice, established in 1978, is published monthly For advertising information please call (907) 276- Secretary ...... Eileen Lally

by Older Persons Action Group, Inc., a statewide 1059. The printing of ads in Senior Voice does not Executive Director...... Jim Bailey non-profit corporation serving the interests of all constitute endorsement by Older Persons Action Editor/Media Manager...... David Washburn older Alaskans. Group, Inc. Partially funded by a grant from the Alaska Division of Administrative Assistant...... Sheila Patterson OPAG BOARD MEMBERS Senior and Disabilities Services. Sharon White-Wheeler, Robert Bracco, John (Jack) EDITORIAL Subscription price is $30 a year to Alaskan residents. Pauli, Beth Goldstein, Leonard T. Kelley, Pam Yeargan, Editor ...... David Washburn 3340 Arctic Blvd., #106 All subscriptions outside Alaska are $35 a year. Anchorage, Alaska 99503 Gail Opalinski, Hollis Mickey Reporter ...... Ken Stewart Phone 907-276-1059 Copyright © 2021 Board President ...... Yvonne M. Chase Correspondents...... Laurel Bill, Dimitra Lavrakas, Toll free 800-478-1059 by Older Persons Action Group, Inc. Vice President ...... Jan Carolyn Hardy Maraley McMichael www.opagak.com www.seniorvoicealaska.com ISSN 0741-2894 Treasurer...... Dylan Webb Page design ...... Anne Bacinski, SpinSpace.org

2 | Senior Voice, May 2021 seniorvoicealaska.com Senior News

Payee Representatives scramble to continue service

By KEN STEWART or direct the management organizations operating At the time, Alaska had wages and more. Jorgensen Senior Voice of their benefits. Millions as for-profit organizations around 15 representative was confused by the abrupt of Americans who receive charging more than the $45 payee services, each serv- shift in operations, as her In the fall of 2019, monthly Social Security per month allotment from ing 15 to 20 clients, ac- business had been audit- representative payees in or SSI benefits need help SSI income, despite consis- cording to Vicki Jorgensen, ed several times over her Alaska were involved in a managing their money and tent audits from the Social owner of the now-closed career and no issues were controversy with the Social may need a representative Security Administration Community Payee Services raised. Security Administration payee. over the years. in Anchorage. While it seems counter- over the legality of charging According to the So- The issue of running as Jorgensen ran Commu- intuitive to charge clients a certain fee for represen- cial Security Adminis- a for-profit organization nity Payee Services as a for performing necessary, tative payee services. tration, representative wasn’t brought to light for-profit business for over life sustaining activities, A representative payee payee organizations can until federal officials from 20 years, and charged each such as making sure rent is a person or organization only operate as nonprofit Washington D.C. and re- of her 220 clients a flat rate is paid on time, the fees appointed by the Social entities charging $45 per gional officials from Seattle of $85 per client per month charged by the for-profit Security Administration to month from SSI income conducted an official audit to process all monthly organizations were the only receive the Social Security per client. Alaska had been of all representative payee income from SSI, Alaska way to stay in business. or Social Security Income operating outside the law organizations in Alaska in Native Dividends, Senior (SSI) benefits for benefi- with representative payee 2019. Benefits, Public Assistance, page 20 please ciaries who can’t manage

Letters Protect Alaska’s nursing standards and our health care As a retired Alaskan, I sure. This would also cause nurses and DHSS’s SHARP standards for nursing and to become a nursing li- depend on quality health a revenue loss for our state program, which provides relying on the mythical cense compact state. Take a care from knowledgeable since these nurses won’t financial assistance to surplus of outside nurses moment today to submit a professionals. The health have to pay fees for their those looking to become to take care of us. letter in opposition to SB 67 care workers I see regularly Alaska license as our highly healthcare providers. This This is a scary scenario to maintain Alaska’s high are people I know and have trained Alaskan nurses do. is where we should focus that I hope we can avoid standard of care. come to trust with my care. Why do I care about our efforts and energy in- by urging our legislators to Laura Bonner Alaska has a stringent set fees? Nurse licensing fees stead of lowering Alaska’s say no to allowing Alaska Anchorage, Alaska of standards when it comes in Alaska pay for investi- to nurse licensing and ro- gations into care abuse. As bust continuing education that funding diminishes, requirements. It makes so does the ability to in- SENIOR VOICE SUBSCRIPTION sense; we have a diverse vestigate complaints of population, both ethni- potential elder care abuse, cally and geographically, for example. Additionally, Just pick up the phone and call 276-1059 or and our aging population the State of Alaska won’t toll free, 1-800-478-1059 to start your is growing as more and be tracking these traveling Senior Voice subscription today or more people decide to nurses as they do with li- subscribe at www.seniorvoicealaska.com. make Alaska their retire- censed Alaska nurses. The ment destination. Alaska State won’t know who is Or mail this to: depends on these highly working in Alaska since Older Persons Action Group, Inc. 3 trained professionals to they only track nurses who Publisher of the Senior Voice care for our diverse and have an Alaska license; 3340 Arctic Blvd., #106 aging population. traveling nurses would not Anchorage AK 99503 Governor Dunleavy re- be required to get one. cently filed Senate Bill 67, While the Governor is Your subscription includes your OPAG membership. which would make Alaska touting this bill as a way a “nursing license compact to fix our nursing shortage, state.” This would open the entire nation faces a SUBSCRIPTIONS the floodgates for what huge shortage of all health- New: One year - $30 Gift subscription: One year - $30 are called traveling nurses, care workers. What we need Renewal: One year - $30 Gift subscription: Out of State - $35 allowing them to work in to do is work hard to recruit Out of State: One year - $35 Other ______our facilities with whatever and retain our own nurses. Address change Low income license they already have Let’s encourage the growth My donation (donations help fund the Older Persons Action Group’s programs and services, including the publication and -- despite Alaska’s high of UAA’s Nursing pro- distribution of Senior Voice to low income seniors.) standards for nurse licen- gram to train more Alaska Name ______Address ______Send us your letters City ______State ______Zip ______Send letters to the editor to Senior Voice, 3340 Email ______Phone ______Arctic Blvd., #106, Anchorage AK 99503. Maxi- PAYMENTS mum length is 250 words. Senior Voice reserves Credit Card Visa MasterCard other ______the right to edit for content and length. Space may be made available for longer opinion piece Name on card ______essays up to 400 words. Contact the managing Address ______Zip ______editor at [email protected] to discuss Card# ______Exp ______Sec code ______this. Copy deadline is the 15th of the month prior to publication. Check # ______Amount $ ______Make Checks Payable to Senior Voice

Senior Voice, May 2021 | 3 Perspectives seniorvoicealaska.com Health research across generations All About Herbs, Inc. 376-8327 Senior & Military Discounts National Hispanic Council on Being left out of Aging Serving the Valley for 18+ years! health research could While Latinos represent have a significant Quality You Can Count on because We Care About Your Health! approximately 18% of the negative impact on population in the Unit- Latino communities. Herbs Vitamins Books Supplements ed States, fewer than 5% Oils Tea participate in clinical trials space to pursue my inter- or other forms of health ests. I was always learning Collagen is a protein that is part of cartilage, research. Being left out of something new, and I was health research could have a able to challenge myself in face, skin, nails, teeth bones and tissues. significant negative impact new ways while exploring on Latino communities, ways to enhance the health You might have a collagen deficiency if: especially when it comes of my communities and the to understanding how new Your joints and bones get achy greater population. You have digestive issues drugs, devices and therapies What were some of your affect different people. biggest career accomplish- You have wrinkles Although Latinos are ments? The accomplish- Wounds and breaks are slow to heal underrepresented in health ments that my research research, that doesn’t mean team and I were obtain Collagen has been successfully used that they don’t participate. include: NHCOA (National Hispanic X Identifying the causative for joint pain, arthritis, back and Council on Aging) spoke environmental agents of neck pain, and general with two Latinos from dif- allergies in children; ferent generations – Baby X Developing rapid aller- inflammation. Boomer and Millennial – genic tests for mold and about their experiences as fungal spores – allowing both researchers and health allergists and physicians Start your Collagen Now! research participants. to communicate results to patients, eliminating 4621 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy Monday – Saturday 10-5 A career in research wait times; Freddy Pacheco, age 72, X We were the first group immigrated to the United to identify the major al- States with his family when lergen in one of the most Coronavirus updates he was 18 from Cochabamba, prevalent molds (Alter- Follow Senior Voice Alaska on Facebook for ongoing news. Bolivia. His parents wanted naria) for respiratory to provide a better life for illness; and him in a country that was not X Developing the extraction dealing with political unrest procedures for different and where he could obtain a environmental allergens good education. Mr. Pacheco – in which we were able attended college, got his to isolate allergens and Master’s in microbiology purify them so that they 4 and began working toward could be used for allergy a PhD. His career goal was skin testing, which is still to be a researcher. done today. Fast forward 54 years, Have you personally par- Mr. Pacheco is now retired ticipated in health research? from a long fruitful career Yes, I have participated in allergy and immunology in several health research research at the region’s studies. One study was a premier children’s hospital. colorectal cancer screening He still teaches part-time study that looked at the ef- Personalize Your Home Care with at a community college – ficacy of a culturally tailored teaching future nurses about touch screen computer in- HomeWell™ of Anchorage chemistry, biology and mi- tervention. The purpose was crobiology. to improve screening rates Home care is never a one-size-fits-all solution. Our holistic approach Mr. Pacheco spent some among at-risk populations. time discussing not only I also participated in a brain to home care provides a personalized experience based on individual his career as a researcher, health study that focused needs—ensuring a better quality of life. Get the professional assistance but also his experience par- on the ability of exercise to you need and the peace of mind your family deserves, no matter where ticipating in various health improve cognitive abilities. you call home. research initiatives. What are some of the What motivated you to benefits of participating want to work in research? I in health research? I am liked the challenge and the helping researchers learn Call HomeWell of Anchorage today at 907-868-3100 ability to discover new ways about different ways to to address the challenges improve health, and even if various diseases presented. it is too late to help me, my ‰a I first realized that I wanted kids and grandkids could ‰ųƚŸƋåÚ±ųåţ8VYI(SQTEWWMSR | homewellcares.com to be a researcher when I ©2020 HomeWell Senior Care, Inc. All rights reserved. Rev0320 was pursuing my masters. page 27 please As a researcher, I had the

4 | Senior Voice, May 2021 seniorvoicealaska.com Health and Medicine Sleep trackers increase in popularity, usefulness

By JOHN C. SCHIESZER give you a good idea of They are known as Consumer Sleep Technologies For Senior Voice your sleep patterns and (CSTs) and there are dozens of options. These the amount of sleep you It is now possible to find sleep trackers can give a person a better idea of are getting at night,” said out lots of details about whether they are getting enough quality sleep. Jennings. “I like that it is what you are doing while easy and it is just a ring and you are sleeping at night. enough quality sleep. mattress or next to the I wear it to bed. It is not a There are wrist sensors, Sleep trackers use sen- bed. All these devices up- watch or bulky device. It rings and a host of other sors to detect things such load data that is analyzed has been fairly accurate.” gadgets that measure how as body movement and through an algorithm. He said it has helped much sleep you are getting heart rate. Some wearable Dan Jennings, who is improve his sleep because it on a nightly basis. They are Go2Sleep Tracker from sleep trackers remain on 76 years old and lives in had made him work harder known as Consumer Sleep SleepOn is a silicone the individual to measure Seattle, Washington, has ring you wear to bed that on going to bed early and Technologies (CSTs) and data and then they send the been using the Motiv ring syncs with your phone to setting goals. The Motiv there are dozens of options. information to an app on for more than two years. It provide sleep data. ring is no longer sold, but These sleep trackers can a smartphone. Some sleep looks just like a regular ring another ring called Oura is give a person a better idea trackers rest on a mattress on his finger and it is paired “You should not expect of whether they are getting and some rest under the to a smart phone app. perfection but the devices page 25 please Can you transmit COVID if you are vaccinated? By JOHN C. SCHIESZER ease at Johns Hopkins Uni- protection in very high mitting it to others. How- Medical School in Ann Ar- For Senior Voice versity School of Medicine numbers (90%) after two ever, Dr. Katz said that does bor, said in clinical trials in Baltimore, Maryland. shots. mean these immunized the vaccines were 94% to The latest studies Denmark launched an “This gives us a better adults should be in high- 95% effective at prevent- show that a person who immunization program idea because people were risk situations where there ing symptomatic COVID is fully vaccinated against against COVID-19 at the tested on a regular basis are large numbers of people infection. This means that COVID-19 can still become end of 2020. The Danish and so that speaks to sig- who are unvaccinated and the chance of becoming infected with the virus. health authorities priori- nificantly reduced risk of unmasked. symptomatic with COVID However, there have been tized older adults living in transmission. They looked “In general, the vaccines infection was 95% less, many questions about long-term care facilities at older adults, who are are incredibly efficacious relative to people who were whether a fully vaccinat- and frontline healthcare immunocompromised, so and you can feel comfort- not vaccinated. ed adult can transmit the workers as the first re- vaccines are usually less able about a very low risk “The absolute risk of in- virus. ceivers of vaccination. effective in these groups,” of transmission, but that fection depends upon risk “It would be very rare. Preliminary data just pub- said Dr. Katz. It appears said, we need more long- of exposure to COVID and The best data we have lished showed that 39,040 that older adults now can term data,” said Dr. Katz. that is driven by the amount are from long-term care long-term care residents feel comfortable that if Hospital epidemiologist of COVID circulating in facilities in a study from (average age 84 years) and they are fully vaccinated Dr. Laraine Washer, who the community as well as Denmark,” said Dr. Morgan 331,039 healthcare workers they have a lower risk of is an Associate Professor individual behaviors and Katz, who is an Assistant (average age 47 years), who contracting the virus and of Infectious Diseases at Professor of Infectious Dis- were vaccinated, developed an even lower risk of trans- the University of Michigan page 11 please What moving means for your Medicare benefits 5

By COLTON T. PERCY that a replacement Medi- as enrollment rules can drug plan, beginning the Medigap: The same For Senior Voice care card will arrive at change between states. month you tell your plan, details as moving out of the correct location. Your Part D: Medicare Part D plus two more full months Alaska apply. The plan It’s that time of year Medicare A & B benefits prescription drug plans do thereafter. coverage is standardized again; the sun is warm, will follow you to any pro- have coverage areas so you Medicare Advantage: but plan change eligibility breakup is messy, and the vider who accepts Medicare may need to switch plans. You may also be eligible or costs may change. snowbirds are migrating through all 50 states, Puer- You can call your plan di- to enroll in a Medicare Ad- Part D: You may need to back to Alaska. It’s the to Rico, Guam, American rectly or the state SHIP of- vantage plan (Part C) if you change plans to one that time of year where the Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, fice to discuss your current are moving to an area that has Alaska in its coverage year-round residents and and the Northern Mariana plan’s coverage area. You offers these plans. This is area. You can contact your snowbirds alike are asking Islands. will be granted a Special another call to the state’s plan or the Alaska Medicare themselves, “Is this the Medigap: Medigap, Enrollment Period (SEP) to SHIP office to determine Information Office to dis- year I finally move?” or Medicare supplement change your Medicare Part what coverage you may be cuss coverage details. The What does moving mean plans, offer standardized D plan if you are moving eligible for. Your SEP to ex- same enrollment periods for your Medicare benefits? benefits to work with to a new coverage area. If plore Medicare Advantage detailed above will apply. What is the process? Will your Medicare A & B and you notify your Part D plan plans will be the same as Medicare Advantage: your coverage change? you won’t need to change of a permanent move in the Part D SEP. There are no Medicare plans. However, you may advance, you have an SEP Advantage plans in Alaska. Moving out of Alaska want to contact your plan’s to switch to another Part Moving to Alaska If you have a Medicare Ad- Medicare Parts A & B: provider and see if the costs D plan beginning as early A & B: The most import- vantage plan and are mov- The most important thing will be changing. You may as the month before your ant thing remains updating ing to the state of Alaska, to do when moving is to also want to contact your move and lasting up to two your address with the Social you will need to make sure update your address with destination state’s State months after the move. If Security Administration. If to notify your Medicare the Social Security Admin- Health Insurance Assis- you notify your Part D plan you already have Medicare Advantage plan when you istration. This will ensure tance Program (SHIP) to of a permanent move after Parts A & B, your coverage move, update you don’t miss important discuss what changing you move, you have an will not change. updates about Medicare or Medigap plans looks like SEP to switch to another page 6 please

Senior Voice, May 2021 | 5 Health and Medicine seniorvoicealaska.com

Audiologist or hearing aid specialist? What is the difference? Spring health fair services continue ence degree (AAS). An HIS By SHARON PHILLIPS tions and schedule your site, give our local office may also pass a national For Senior Voice appointment. a call and we’ll assist you exam and become a board Our scheduling sys- in the process: Anchorage certified HIS (BC-HIS). Spring blood test date tem notifications@calend- (907) 278-0234, Fairbanks An audiologist has more offerings continue through ly.com sends confirmations (907) 374-6853 and Juneau schooling, learns more May for Southcentral and and reminder emails and (907) 723-5100. about disorders of the ear, Southeast programs and texts. Check your junk mail May health fairs has training with cochlear mid-June for the Tanana if these communications In addition to our in-of- implants and hearing aids. Valley Northern Region are not seen quickly (call if fice, by-appointment If an audiologist sees a dis- Program. you don’t find them). draws, we have the follow- By DONNA R. DEMARCO order, they can diagnose. We continue to follow our The ability to change or ing in-person community Accurate Hearing Systems Chances are they will refer appointment-based mod- cancel (if needed) can be events scheduled for May: the patient to an ENT (Ear el, which works well and found at the bottom line of May 5-6, Ninilchik Part one of two. Nose Throat Doctor) for our clients are pleased with your original confirmation Community Center, 15763 Audiologists used to treatment. the service. Our tradition- email. Kingsley Rd., 4 to 7 p.m. on specialize more in dis- ENTs primarily deal al “morning draws” of- If you experience diffi- May 5 and 8 a.m. to noon orders of the ear and with the medical issues, fer the ability to scoot in culties registering for an May 6. cochlear implants. An au- mainly focusing on health early and go enjoy a good problems that can be treat- appointment on our web- May 7-8, Wasilla diologist is a certified and lunch. Our late afternoon ed. Audiologists and Hear- Menard Sports Center, licensed professional who draws provide the chance ing Instrument Specialists 1001 S Clapp St., 4 to 7 has earned a Master’s or to eat breakfast and skip focus on the hearing health p.m. on May 7 and 8 a.m. Doctoral Degree in the field lunch. Visit www.alaska- of the ear. to noon May 8. of audiology. Audiologists healthfair.org and check now fit hearing aids more At Accurate Hearing, May 15, Anchor- for various May “office than before. we offer a free hearing age University Center draw dates” offered “by A Hearing Instrument test and want to ensure Mall, 3801 Old Seward appointment only”. Fol- Specialist (HIS) or dispens- that every patient gets the Hwy., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. low these instructions: er can receive their training right hearing aids to best May 15, Central Cen- Find the program from other dispensers. meets their hearing loss, tral Community, Circle that serves your region; Each state is different on lifestyle and budget needs. District Historical Soci- pick the city and date, the requirements that the Call 907-644-6004 for an ety Museum, 128 Steese appointment. then “Make Appoint- HIS needs. Some require Hwy., 8 to 11 a.m. written and practical ex- Donna R DeMarco, AAS, ment” button on that Scan Alaska Health Fair’s Sharon Phillips is the Ta- ams to be licensed and BC-HIS, Tinnitus Care Pro- line. new QR Code to make nana Valley/Northern Region others require a two-year vider, certified from the In- The system will walk an appointment on your Program Director for Alaska Associate in Applied Sci- ternational Hearing Society. you through some ques- smartphone. Health Fair, Inc. Moving: How it affects Medicare continued from page 5 Special note Colton Percy is a Certified This summary is not Medicare Counselor and the you address with Social comprehensive. If you are Volunteer Coordinator for the ADVERTISEMENT Security, and enroll into receiving cost assistance Medicare Information Office, Alaska law permits a hearing aid dealer who is not a licensed physician or a licensed audiologist to test hearing only for the purpose of selling or a Part D plan which has such as Extra Help or Medi- the Alaska State Health In- leasing hearing aids; the tests given by a hearing aid dealer are not to be service areas in Alaska. This care savings program, are surance Assistance Program 6 used to diagnose the cause of the hearing impairment. will ensure your Medicare moving abroad, or have (SHIP) and Senior Medicare changes from the Medicare other questions about Partol (SMP). If you have Advantage plan to Original moving with Medicare, call questions about Medicare or Medicare, providing you the Medicare Information are interested in volunteer- the coverage you need here. Office to discuss further ing and helping your fellow how moving will affect your Alaskans navigate Medicare, 55+ benefits. please call 1-800-478-6065. AND LOOKING FOR WORK? Earn income while Senior Apartments learning new skills VRS Property Management Office located at 1075 Check Street, Suite 102 Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sign up for MASST For information call (907) 357-0256 Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training provides free training and matches participants with paid work experience WhISPERING The Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training program is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Vista Rose federal work relief training program. Auxiliary aides and services are available to persons with disabilities upon request. This project is 90 percent funded with federal money. WINDS 1240 N Lucille, Wasilla 507 E Cope Industrial Way, Palmer NORTH: 907-451-5918 GULF: 907-335-3005 MAT-SU: 907-723-4535 SOUTHEAST: 907-586-5718 www.serrc.org/masst

6 | Senior Voice, May 2021 seniorvoicealaska.com Health and Medicine An Alzheimer’s disease resource for Alaskans

A conversation with Kay ones living with ADRD, that seem to affect most. a strong corps of profes- Papakristo, Alzheimer’s including single classes, One challenge is just know- sional caregivers. Tell us Resource of Alaska trainings, and educational ing where to turn or what more about that work and Education Director series. ARA has a variety resources are out there. its impact across Alaska. of regular support groups Another significant chal- Professional education By KATIE DOUGHERTY for care partners of loved lenge is finding the time to and training for providers AARP Alaska ones living with dementia. work on all of these things is essential to increase their In addition, ARA provides when you are a fulltime skills in dementia-specific Kay, tell us first about consultations to families caregiver for your loved care, and the critical need the mission of Alzheimer’s of loved ones living with one. Through our intake for a well-trained work- Resource of Alaska? dementia to help identify process, we talk with the force will continue to grow ARA’s mission is to Kay Papakristo, needs and resources, as client to pinpoint their as Alaska’s senior popula- support Alaskans affected well as professional sup- initial purpose for calling tion grows. ARA’s profes- by Alzheimer’s disease, Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska Education port and guidance. ARA also and to identify areas where sional education offerings related dementias and Specialist. facilitates the Mini-Grant ARA can provide support, ensure these workers are other disabilities to en- program for individuals guidance, resources and well-trained and have sure quality of life. Aging to community resources, with a diagnosis of some referrals. Intake calls are strong tools to care for in- is something that impacts coaching, education and form of dementia, which often followed up by lon- dividuals with ADRD. ARA everyone and brings its training, support groups, can assist caregivers in ger consultations where also provides consultation own challenges; however, care coordination, etc. obtaining necessary re- situations and needs can and coaching for profes- Alzheimer’s disease and My understanding is sources for their loved one be reviewed more thor- sionals to ensure they have related dementias (ADRD) that ARA provides services living with ADRD. oughly, and the Education well rounded support. The are not a part of ‘normal’ not only for those experi- What are the biggest Specialist can offer detailed overall impact to Alaska is aging and the impact to encing memory loss and challenges your clients information on classes and that we have more skilled all affected by ADRD is dementia, but also for the face when they come to supports. dementia care workers and significant. Our goal at family caregivers who as- ARA? How do you address In addition to working ultimately people living ARA is to provide support sist them. Can you tell me those as they go through with families impacted by with dementia and their to all those affected by more about your caregiver the intake process? Alzheimer’s and related families will receive better ADRD, including family support programs? While each caregiver’s memory loss issues, ARA care and have an improved and professional caregiv- Yes! We offer a variety journey is unique, there are also educates service pro- ers, through services such of classes specifically for definitely some challenges viders statewide to build page 12 please as: consultation, referrals family or friends of loved 7

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Senior Voice, May 2021 | 7 Health and Medicine seniorvoicealaska.com Health benefits of exercise, wine and coffee

By JOHN SCHIESZER who had been diagnosed After taking into account factors already Medical Minutes with MCI were followed. known to affect cataracts, researchers found Participants underwent Wine drinking may that people who consumed about 6.5 standard cognitive exams, fitness help protect against glasses of wine per week were less likely to tests, and brain magnetic cataracts undergo cataract surgery. resonance imaging (MRI) People who consume scans. Then they were ran- domly assigned to either alcohol moderately appear Boosting brain power of people age 65 and old- follow a moderate aero- less likely to develop cata- with exercise er have some level of racts that require surgery. bic exercise program or a It’s not just your legs mild cognitive impairment Wine consumption showed stretching program for one and heart getting a work- (MCI). This is slight chang- the strongest protective year. The exercise program out when you walk briskly. es to the brain that affect effect, suggesting that involved three to five exer- Exercise affects your brain memory, decision-mak- antioxidants which are cise sessions a week, each as well. A new study by ing, or reasoning skills. In abundant in red wine may with 30 to 40 minutes of researchers at UT South- many cases, MCI progress- play a role in cataract pre- moderate exercise such as ethnicity, social depriva- western in Dallas, Texas, es to dementia, including vention. However, people a brisk walk. tion, weight, smoking and shows that when older Alzheimer’s disease. who drank daily or nearly In both programs, exer- diabetes) the researchers adults with mild memory Scientists have previ- daily had about a 6% high- cise physiologists super- found that people who con- loss followed an exercise ously shown that lower er risk of cataract surgery vised participants for the sumed about 6.5 standard program for a year, the than usual levels of blood compared with people who first four to six weeks, then glasses of wine per week blood flow to their brains flow to the brain, and stiffer consumed alcohol mod- had the patients record (which is within the current increased. The results were blood vessels leading to the erately. The new research their exercises and wear a guidelines for safe alcohol published in the Journal of brain, are associated with was published in Oph- heart rate monitor during intake in both the U.S. and Alzheimer’s Disease. “This MCI and dementia. Studies thalmology, the journal of exercise. Forty-eight study U.K.) were less likely to is part of a growing body of have also suggested that the American Academy of participants (29 in the undergo cataract surgery. evidence linking exercise regular aerobic exercise Ophthalmology. stretching group and 19 in Wine drinkers benefited with brain health,” said may help improve cogni- A research team from the aerobic exercise group) the most compared with study leader Rong Zhang, tion and memory in healthy NIHR Moorfields Biomed- completed the full year of those who abstained and PhD, who is a professor of older adults. However, sci- ical Research Centre at training and returned for those who drank other neurology at UTSW. “We’ve entists have not established Moorfields Eye Hospital follow-up tests. Among types of alcohol, showing a shown for the first time in whether there is a direct NHS Foundation Trust in them, those who performed 23% reduction in cataract a randomized trial in these link between exercise, London, England conduct- aerobic exercise showed surgery in one study group older adults that exercise stiffer blood vessels, and ed the study because pre- decreased stiffness of blood and a 14% reduction in the gets more blood flowing to brain blood flow. vious studies on cataracts vessels in their neck and other study group. How- your brain.” In the study, 70 men and alcohol consumption ever, the researchers note As many as one-fifth and women aged 55 to 80 next page please were limited in their design that their study does not and offered mixed results. establish causation, only a Some studies showed an strong association between increased risk from heavy alcohol consumption and drinking, some suggested cataracts. a reduced risk from low The study’s findings are to moderate drinking and consistent with what is al- Do ou ae o ision some data showed no link ready suggested about the at all between alcohol and 8 health benefits of red wine cataracts. Don’t let macular degeneration or other eye conditions and with previous studies A cataract is a clouding that found diets rich in an- slo you don of the eye’s normally clear tioxidants may prevent the lens. Most cataracts devel- onset of cataracts. Grape e can hel you ee doing hat is imortant to you een op slowly and don’t affect skin is loaded with health- vision early on. However, hen your doctor can no longer correct your eyesight ful antioxidants, resvera- cataracts eventually make trol and flavonoids. These it more difficult to read, o ision linics powerful plant compounds drive a car or see people’s 1/4 Page Vertical and antioxidants are found faces. An ophthalmologist isually maired enior in higher concentrations surgically removes the 3 columns x 6.75” in red wine than in white. uort rous cloudy lens and replaces Both red and white wine it with an artificial lens. have higher concentrations tate ide utreach (5-15/16”w x 6-3/4”h) Cataract surgery is highly of these compounds than effective and one of the beer. (5.925”w x 6.75”h) most common procedures “Cataract development performed in all of medi- may be due to gradual dam- AK Center for the Blind cine. Three million Amer- age from oxidative stress icans undergo cataract during aging,” explained surgery each year. Dr. Sharon Chua, who is This study, the larg- the lead study author. “The alasaiorg est of its kind, tracked fact that our findings were 490,000 volunteers in the particularly evident in wine at Drie nchorage U.K. who agreed to give drinkers may suggest a detailed information about all us at protective role of polyphe- their health and lifestyle. nol antioxidants, which are After taking into account or especially abundant in red factors already known to wine.” affect cataracts (age, sex,

8 | Senior Voice, May 2021 seniorvoicealaska.com Health and Medicine Benefits: Exercise, coffee pay dividends from page 8 A hidden health the form of supplements is dom order). The conditions in a similar way to that benefit from coffee very common, the scientific prior to each exercise test observed without caffeine increased overall blood Drinking a strong coffee evidence for its beneficial (hours elapsed since last intake in the afternoon. The flow to the brain. The more half an hour before exercis- claims is scarce. meal, physical exercise, or findings of this study sug- their oxygen consumption ing increases fat-burning, “The recommendation consumption of stimulant gest that the combination (one marker of aerobic fit- according to a new Spanish to exercise on an empty substances) were strictly of acute caffeine intake and ness) increased, the greater study. Scientists from the stomach in the morning standardized, and fat oxi- aerobic exercise performed the changes to the blood Department of Physiology to increase fat oxidation dation during exercise was at moderate intensity in vessel stiffness and brain of the University of Grana- is commonplace. However, calculated accordingly. the afternoon provides blood flow. Changes in da in Spain have shown that this recommendation may The results of the study the optimal scenario for these measurements were caffeine (about 3 mg/kg, be lacking a scientific basis, showed that acute caffeine people seeking to increase not found among people the equivalent of a strong as it is unknown whether ingestion 30 minutes before fat-burning during phys- who followed the stretch- coffee) ingested half an this increase is due to ex- performing an aerobic ex- ical exercise. ing program. hour before aerobic exer- ercising in the morning or ercise test increased max- John Schieszer is an While the study didn’t cise significantly increases due to going without food imum fat oxidation during award-winning national find any significant chang- the rate of fat-burning. for a longer period of time,” exercise regardless of the journalist and radio and es in memory or other They also found that if the explained the lead author time of day, according to podcast broadcaster of The cognitive function, the exercise is performed in the of this research, Francis- the authors. These results Medical Minute. He can be researchers say that may afternoon, the effects of the co José Amaro-Gahete of also showed that caffeine reached at medicalminutes@ be because of the small caffeine are more marked the UGR’s Department of increases fat oxidation gmail.com. size or short length of the than in the morning. Physiology. during morning exercise trial. Changes to blood flow In their study, published A total of 15 men (average could precede changes to in the Journal of the Inter- age 32 years) participated cognition, according to national Society of Sports in the research, completing Senior Voice is the investigators. They’re Nutrition, the research- an exercise test four times on Facebook! already carrying out a ers aimed to determine at seven-day intervals. larger two-year study that Subjects ingested 3 mg/kg whether caffeine actually Search for “Senior Voice Alaska” further investigates the does increase oxidation or of caffeine or a placebo at 8 link between exercise and “burning” of fat during a.m. and 5 p.m. (each sub- then click on over! You can also follow cognitive decline. exercise. Despite the fact ject completed the tests in Senior Voice on Twitter: @seniorvoiceak that its consumption in all four conditions in a ran-

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Senior Voice, May 2021 | 9 Health and Medicine seniorvoicealaska.com What does successful senior living look like?

By KAREN CASANOVAS, or devices are needed to Safe and secure housing is coupled with focusing PCC, CPCC enhance and increase in- For Senior Voice dependence, assisted living on all aspects of living: Social opportunities, mental facilities are designed to enhancement and physical requirements. Question: How do I find aid in mobility and self- the right senior housing? care. This is a good option government programs and trickle down effect creates Answer: In the search for those needing human out of pocket retirement an additional $149.7 billion for aligning housing to guidance, supervision, cue- funds are some ways these in nationwide spending. individuality, maintaining ing or standby assistance, expenditures are met. With median net worth dignity, and what’s best for technology help, health of $264,800 in 2016, house- your needs, it’s important maintenance, care and ser- holds headed by adults to find a place that provides Economic realities vice coordination. Rates can age 75 and older are more life enrichment. Safe and The senior living industry exceed $60,000 per year, likely than younger adults secure housing is coupled is our country’s largest eco- which is why more than to spend more than half with focusing on all aspects nomic engine—greater than lean into your interests and three-quarters of family their income on housing. of living: Social opportuni- auto manufacturing ($205.8 spark curiosities to discover members contribute finan- Cost burdens also increase ties, mental enhancement billion), air transportation new passions. If you enjoy cially. with age. One in four house- and physical requirements. ($202.8 billion), hotel/ social events that bring peo- For the medically-nec- holds 85+ use at least half Greater than just an emo- motel industry ($167.9 ple together, those options essary services of licensed of their income on housing, tional location, your hous- billion)—playing a critical are available in retirement, nurses, physical and oc- as compared with about one ing choice is unique to you role in every state and re- independent or assisted cupational therapists, or in five households aged 65 when creating meaningful gion. The rapidly expanding living environments. other trained medical pro- to 74 and about one in six living. Community-based spending and operations of If adaptive equipment fessionals, another choice households younger than independent residences can the senior living industry is skilled nursing centers. have nearly a quarter of 65, according to AARP. Residents may require in- a trillion dollars in total Americans are living termediate housing and economic impact. Economic longer. About 70% of Amer- Family caregiver tip care for physical challenges development to support the icans will need some kind of or a mental health facility multiplier effect of senior long-term care after they designed for long-term living and its employment turn 65. With the last of of the month support and services. In is worth greater attention. the baby boomers reaching 2016, according to the AARP, One in every $137 in the age 65 in 2030, they will By DANI KEBSCHULL the average annual cost for nation is either directly represent more than 20% For Senior Voice a private room in a nursing or indirectly generated by of the total US population. home was about $92,000. operations of the senior Caring for someone else can and will involve all Private sources, insurance, page 12 please the management skills you can muster. Depending living industry, and that on your loved one’s needs, you might be managing a variety of things from medications to bathing, to transportation. The more organized you are, the easier it will be to perform these tasks. Organiza- tion will give you a sense of control and help you to provide the best care possible. Here are some tips for managing the day-to-day tasks of caregiving: Write things down. Keep a small notebook where you can jot important information or ideas as they 10 occur. These can be to-do lists, phone numbers, medication names – anything important that you Bringing Alaska Into Focus Since need to remember. Use a calendar. Keep a calendar on your desk or 1972 by your phone for recording dates, appointments, or tasks to do on different days. Organize paperwork. No one likes paperwork, right? You’d be surprised to find how much pa- perwork is involved with caregiving. Take control. Devise a system (a file cabinet, a shoe box, any- thing!) where you can label and file the paperwork for future reference. Look for help. Getting others to help – delegat- ing tasks to friends and family, for instance – is a great way to get things done. There are tasks that others can easily accomplish and there are some tasks that other people may enjoy or fulfill better. Don’t be afraid to say “no.” As your tasks and chores begin to escalate, you may find yourself agreeing to things that are beyond your capabilities or desires. Try to remember that you don’t have to do everything. Determine the necessity of any given 542 W. 2nd Avenue task and if it isn’t necessary, you may want to let it go for a while. If it’s necessary but beyond your Anchorage, AK 99501 means, ask others to help fill in the gaps. (907)276-1617 And remember, there are people who do want to help but are waiting to hear from you what you need. (800)270-1617 Dani Kebschull is the program coordinator for the Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program. www.akeyedoc.com

10 | Senior Voice, May 2021 seniorvoicealaska.com Health and Medicine COVID: Do vaccines prevent transmission? continued from page 5 strating whether corona- expected with any vaccine. The clinical trials of all COVID vaccines available virus variants of concern Out of one million fully interactions with others in the US were nearly 100% effective in play a role in the vaccine’s vaccinated individuals in who may have COVID infec- preventing need for hospitalization and death. ability to prevent infection Washington State, epide- tion, particularly with oth- However, fully immunized adults, who are two and transmission. miologists report evidence ers who have not been vac- weeks past having received two vaccinations a The Washington State of 102 breakthrough cases cinated,” said Dr. Washer. month apart, in rare cases still could transmit Department of Health since February 1, 2021, The clinical trials of all the virus to others. (DOH) is investigating which represented .01% COVID vaccines available reports of people in the of vaccinated people in in the US were nearly 100% that) there is not enough much virus was present in state who tested positive Washington. In many ways, effective in preventing data to know how common the nose, and to perform for COVID-19 more than that is very good news and need for hospitalization it may be to transmit the genomic sequencing of two weeks after being suggests that it is very and death. However, fully virus. However, he said that the viral samples. Genomic fully vaccinated. Scientists unlikely for an individual immunized adults, who question will be answered sequencing will have the call these “vaccine break- who is fully immunized to are two weeks past having shortly. added benefit of demon- through” cases, which are transmit the virus. received two vaccinations a “Ongoing studies are month apart, in rare cases assessing that now, in- still could transmit the cluding one that was just virus to others. launched in March and “We can’t fully answer involves college students Unhappy with your this question yet, but the on more than 20 U.S. cam- evolving data suggest that puses,” Wallace said. IDD, ALI or APDD this risk is likely low,” said Dr. Washer. Still testing for provider? Other studies suggest that the amount of virus answers CUSTOMER SERVICE MATTERS. The COVID-19 Preven- in the nose is lower among Trinion Quality Care Services tion Network is conducting persons who develop infec- provides support services to tion after vaccination and a study at select university individuals who experience physical, this might be expected to campuses across the coun- intellectual or developmental translate into a lower risk try to learn whether the Feeling Frazzled disabilities, either in the home or in of transmission to others. Moderna vaccine stops the the community. “We don’t yet have data spread of the SARS-CoV-2 About Your from studies looking at virus that causes COVID-19 You deserve the best. Call us to learn more about the Trinion difference. household transmission disease. Over about five Parents Care? Caregiving based on individualized where some household months, 12,000 university supports toward a meaningful life. members are vaccinated,” students will get injections Let us help with one-to-one of the Moderna vaccine to said Dr. Washer. care and support All adults, who are fully determine if vaccinated vaccinated, should con- people can still be infected with SARS-CoV-2, and if Preserving dignity, providing compassion tinue to wear a mask and and promoting respect with all COVID-19 they are able to spread the socially distance in most safety protocols in place circumstances, while the virus to other people. level of circulating virus The answer to this ques- You can become a paid family Caregiver. Call for information. remains high. tion will have a huge impact “Adults who are fully on how soon everyone can 11 vaccinated may choose not get back to school, work, to wear a mask when inter- and a regular social life. It TRINION is already known that this acting with a small number Quality Care Services, Inc. of other asymptomatic vaccine can prevent serious 907-644-6050 fully vaccinated people, as COVID-19 disease, but it Call on us 907-644-6050 is unknown if the vaccine www.trinionqcs.com long as no one else in the Alaskan owned and operated for 15 years household is at risk for will prevent the virus from severe COVID infection and shedding from the nose and is not vaccinated,” said Dr. mouth and infecting oth- Washer. ers. Throughout the study Stephaun Wallace, PhD, period, all participants will who is a staff scientist complete questionnaires DO YOU SUFFER FROM and epidemiologist at the via a smartphone app and Fred Hutchinson Cancer provide blood samples. In JOINT PAIN? Research Center and the di- addition, study partici- rector of external relations pants will be asked to col- for both the COVID-19 Pre- lect daily nasal swabs that We Can Help! will be batched and sent Thousands of people suffer with vention Network and the agonizing joint arthritic, battle with daily HIV Vaccine Trials Network to a central laboratory for joint pain, or take medications that only mask the problem in Seattle, Washington, further analysis. This will allow research- We offer alternative said if an adult has been solutions, from Hyaluronic fully vaccinated (two shots ers to determine when the Acid to Stem Cell Therapy and a full two weeks after infection occurred, how

To schedule your appointment or to receive addditional information please contact us today Advertise in Senior Voice. (907) 745-3380 ARCTICMEDICALCENTERMATSU.COM Call 1-800-478-1059. 1734 PROSPECT DRIVE PALMER, AK 99645 Let us help you get more spring in your step in time for summer!

Senior Voice, May 2021 | 11 Around the State seniorvoicealaska.com

Senior News seniorvoicealaska.com seniorvoicealaska.com Around the State Housing: Success requires a bigger picture

continued from page 10 nior living communities are programs for communi- rent housing situation and about options you didn’t expected to double in size ty-based services, nutrition ask yourself: How would even know existed and Senior living services and by 2050. programs, additional care- you describe the ideal place gaining confidence in chal- products will see unprec- giver jobs, raising wages to live? lenging decision-making edented demand in the Support services and benefits for essential 2. Consider how to get can help you navigate new coming decades. If staying in your home workers and supports cen- more information and de- waters to find the best solu- The estimated U.S. future is an option, The National ters for independent living. cide what additional ques- tion for you. potential senior living im- Family Caregiver Support No matter which living tions you have in order to Karen Casanovas is a Pro- pact in 2028 will be $327.6 Program (NFCSP) provides situation one ends up in, take on new perspectives, fessional Certified Coach that billion. More trained pro- grants to states to fund sup- successful senior living broaden perception and ex- oversees a private practice fessional staff, an adaptive port for family and informal should be a person-cen- amine all possible housing specializing in aging and model of senior caregivers caring for older tered, strength-based, re- options. health. She’s a Fellow with the living meeting the needs adults in their homes. On lationship-driven support 3. Make a list of pros Institute of Coaching and for- of the aging population, and March 27, 2021, under the system that keeps older and cons in each senior liv- mer member of the Anchorage addressing the demands of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and adults thriving. ing alternative. The process Senior Citizens Advisory Com- more than 34 million Amer- Economic Security (CARES) of finding what’s important mission. If you have a question icans providing unpaid care Act, $955 million is directed Takeaways to you, discovering options for Karen, email her at info@ for an adult age 50 or older toward Older Americans Act 1. Reflecton your cur- you hadn’t thought of be- karencasanovas.com. will be necessary when se- fore, educating yourself Alzheimer’s: Alaska agency offers many resources continued from page 7 ARA is the recipient of Resource of Alaska is dis- state of Alaska to adminis- Care Coordination or Edu- several grants from the tributing robotic comfort ter the Caregiver Connec- cation supports, please call quality of life. State of Alaska, the Alaska pets to improve quality tion Program, a pilot pro- 907-561-3313. Go to our I hear that ARA is run- Mental Health Trust Au- of life for people living gram designed to provide website at alzalaska.org for ning some innovative new thority, the MatSu Healthy with Alzheimer’s disease support and relief through our calendar of ARA classes programs to support brain Foundation and other local and related dementias by a limited services plan to & events happening around health and address social organizations. We also de- reducing social isolation. primary family caregivers the state. isolation for clients. What pend on the generosity of Robotic comfort pets of- who experience significant Katie Dougherty is the can you tell us about those? our donors, which often fer the benefits of a live burden due to their care- AARP Alaska Associate Di- Yes! We are in the works includes families we serve. pet without the additional giving responsibilities. rector for Communications. to launch Mind Aerobics™: It is our belief that people responsibility and risks as- For more information For the full interview, please a fun, evidence-based, affected by ADRD should be sociated with a live animal. about our Comfort Pets, see http://www.aarp.org/ak. award winning suite of pro- able to access all services Also, in Anchorage only, Caregiver Connection, grams designed to provide without regard to finan- we are partnered with the Mind Aerobics™ program, older adults with compre- cial status; these grants hensive mental workouts and donations allow us to that can help support brain offer no fixed charges for health, maintain cognitive individuals or families. functioning or slow cogni- How can folks at home tive decline. A secondary learn more and request benefit of these programs services for themselves 12 is that participants report and their loved ones? feeling less isolation and There are several dif- depression. This summer, ferent ways. Check out ARA will launch the Mind our webpage to learn more Sharpener™ program, about our agency’s history, which targets individuals mission, and our current who have no impairment or offerings and events. Call to very mild cognitive decline. talk with one of our highly You’re Invited! Connect with us in May. Later, ARA will launch the trained staff, all of whom second program in the se- are more than happy to ries, Mind Works, for those answer any questions or AARP Alaska has more great programming and resources for you this month! in the early to moderate concerns. (Alzalaska.org; stage of dementia. Keep an 561-3313) Tuesday, May 11, at 6:30 pm, Age Smart: Introducing Alaska’s Aging and Disability eye out for ARA’s exciting Is there anything we Resource Centers (ADRC’s) - Alaska's ADRCs connect seniors, people with disabilities, new Mind Aerobics™ pro- didn’t cover that you’d and caregivers with services and supports. Join Age Smart to learn more about these grams. like Alaskans to know valuable organizations. This discussion brought to you in partnership with Senior Voice I know ARA wants ser- about ARA? Thanks for and the Anchorage Senior Activities Center. vices to be accessible, re- your time. gardless of income. How Yes, ARA’s Comfort Thursday, May 20, at 1 pm, Fraud Watchdogs HOWL - Join Senior Medicare Patrol do you do that? Pet project. Alzheimer’s expert, Nila Morgan, to discuss how Senior Medicare Patrols (SMPs) empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse.

Donations wanted Tuesday, May 25 at 10:15 am, “Landscapes of Alaska” – This is the second event in to benefit OPAG and Senior Voice projects. our series on “Landscapes of Alaska” with the Anchorage Museum. Museum educators virtually guide participants in observation, discussion, sketching and other Older Persons Action Group, Inc. is a non-profit creative practices. Please bring a writing utensil and paper. organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Call OPAG at 276-1059 in Anchorage or toll-free Registration information for all AARP Alaska events at www.facebook.com/AARPAK or by calling 1-877- statewide at 1-800-478-1059. 926-8300.

12 | Senior Voice, May 2021 Around the State seniorvoicealaska.com

Senior News seniorvoicealaska.com seniorvoicealaska.com Around the State Alaska senior centers are cautiously re-opening

By KEN STEWART cluding congregate meals, looks similar to our op- Ninilchik and the Mat-Su No matter how cen- Senior Voice takeout or Meals on Wheels erations throughout the Valley, senior centers have ters have reopened, all of deliveries. pandemic,” said Patrick been open since the fall. them have been following Like flowers in spring, Curtis, Wellness and Pro- While these centers did not CDC guidelines, includ- senior centers across the grams Director for ASAC. A take a more conservative ing recommending social state of Alaska are be- Reopening plans To combat COVID cases Phase 2 date and additional approach to opening their distancing at 6 feet and ginning to open up again. services offered in-person doors to patrons, such as mask wearing for seniors Most have been closed fluctuating in different areas of the state, a good have not been decided upon in this spring’s phased and staff. since March 2020, a time yet, as ASAC staff continue approaches, they gradu- Other centers might not we collectively remember number of senior centers in densely populated areas monitoring COVID cases in ally increased from limited as the end of “normal” life. page 26 please like Anchorage and Eagle the area. hours to being open at full “Today, a woman came In other areas like pre-COVID hours. to the center that I had not River are opting to work seen in a year,” Marlene with their municipality Munsell, Assistant Execu- on a phased approach to tive Director of Wasilla Area reopening. Seniors, Inc. (WASI), said Anchorage Senior Activ- in April. “As more people ity Center (ASAC), for ex- are vaccinated and feeling ample, will offer a phased comfortable, we expect to approach effective April see more people return to 15. Phase 1 will allow se- the center.” niors into the building on Senior centers statewide a by-appointment-only are either opting to cau- basis for limited activities, tiously re-open or resume including to arrange for services full force. Some on-site fitness orientation are still offering virtual or fitness assessment. Most activities and others are other services, including Share your love of Alaska with visitors! Visit Anchorage is looking for volunteers beginning beloved in-per- exercise classes and benefit in the downtown Visitor Information Center to greet visitors and provide son activities like bingo. screenings, will continue to area information. Flexible schedule with weekday and weekend hours available. All are offering an array be offered over the phone Visit www.anchorage.net/volunteer of options for dining, in- or online. Contact Linda at 907-257-2319 or email [email protected] “Our Phase 1 opening 13

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Senior Voice, May 2021 | 13 Around the State seniorvoicealaska.com seniorvoicealaska.com Around the State An unforgettable Dougie MacLean concert

By MARALEY MCMICHAEL “weathered face”. As I He probably tells all of his audiences that Senior Voice Correspondent looked around at my fellow they are great, but he certainly looked like he concert goers, I figured One of the best music meant it when he stepped back from the mic 95% of us had weathered concerts I ever attended and listened to us sing the chorus on a couple faces. He told us a story his took place right here in songs. father told him, involving downtown Palmer at Vag- a school all three genera- abond Blues, back in May tions had attended in their of 2017. From Scotland, and listened, if I looked the audience to make ocean small village of Perthshire. Dougie MacLean sang and beyond his face, I could sounds for background Dougie’s grandfather and played his guitar. He said see the Cummins Dry during the chorus to his he’d been a traveling min- Cleaning sign on the next song. next page please strel for 44 years. building on the opposite Most songs, he encour- About 25 years ago, Dougie MacLean in a 2011 side of the street. It was aged the audience my husband Gary and I Courtesy Diane Snider, photo. an overcast, mist-spit- to sing the chorus attended one of Dougie’s My Own Work, Wikimedia Commons. ting kind of evening, so along with him. concerts at the Performing had saved me a seat next to no mountains were visible, He took time to Arts Center, but this second them in the third row from but the green leafed-out teach us the words one in 2017 was even better the front, so I didn’t have alder trees swayed in the and for one song, because I didn’t have to to show up an hour early, background. taught us to be the drive to Anchorage. And which my health wouldn’t He had such a strong percussion back- I was so physically close allow. I’d wanted to at- Scottish accent, it was very ground. When he to Dougie, I could see his tend some kind of music hard to understand much travels, he doesn’t strands of grey hair and concert at Vagabond Blues of what he said and some bring his band, so the wrinkles on his face. ever since we moved back words were impossible. it’s always just him Somehow he had gotten to Palmer five years earlier But, that wasn’t just me. and his guitar on older, but so had I. I made and I wasn’t disappointed. At one point, my friend the stage. a mental note to “Google” Dougie said he had nev- leaned toward me when the One song was him when I got home to er played in the daylight audience was laughing and about his father Maraley McMichael’s three CDs of learn his age. Turned out he before and that kind of said she didn’t understand. and the chorus fea- Dougie MacLean’s music. is one year older than me. Maraley McMichael photo bothered him. As I watched I told her that he’d asked tured the words A friend and her husband

Anchorage Area Municipality of Anchorage, Department of Health and Human Services 825 L St., Ste 203, Anchorage, AK 99501 907-343-7770 www.muni.org/adrc Kenai Peninsula/Kodiak Island/Valdez/Cordova Independent Living Center 47255 Princeton Ave., Ste 8, Soldotna, AK 99669 14 907-262-6333 / 1-800-770-7911 www.peninsulailc.org Southeast Alaska Connecting Seniors, People with Independent Living Center, SAIL 3225 Hospital Dr., Ste 300, Juneau, AK 99801 Disabilities and Caregivers 907-586-4920 / 1-800-478-SAIL (7245) www.sailinc.org with Long-Term Care Mat-Su Borough Information & Services LINKS Aging & Disability Resource Center 777 N. Crusey St., A101, Wasilla, AK 99654 • Identify your long-term support needs 907-373-3632 / 1-855-355-3632 www.linksprc.org Fairbanks North Star Borough • Explore your options for meeting those needs Fairbanks Senior Center - North Star Council on Aging 1424 Moore St., Fairbanks, AK 99701 • Connect you with the resources you choose for 907-452-2551 www.fairbanksseniorcenter.org yourself or your loved one Bristol Bay Native Association • Follow Up to ensure your needs are met Aging & Disability Resource Center 1500 Kanankanak Rd., Dillingham, AK 99576 907-842-4139 / 1-844-842-1902 1-877-625-2372 The State of Alaska, Division of Senior and Disabilities Services, administers the ADRC grant in partnership with the 6 regional sites. For more on the ADRC grant program, contact an ADRC Program Manager at 907-465-4798 or 1-800-478-9996.

14 | Senior Voice, May 2021 seniorvoicealaska.com Around the State

Dougie MacLean: Concert Rambles News from the Grapevine from his hotel Since it was such a small window. That intimate audience at Vaga- really got Dou- bond Blues, Dougie said he Chugiak-Eagle River Senior Center will be gie’s attention. would take requests. People collecting donated items this month for an up- It wasn’t the weren’t bashful and shout- coming garage sale fundraiser. Pick up dates are best concert ed out their favorites. He Saturday, May 8 and Saturday, May 15, from 10 that evening laughed and said he could a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days. Call to have them and the audi- tell how many years he had pick up your items. The garage sale will be June ence seemed been coming to Alaska, as 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A second fundraising event ready to va- many of the requests went is “Stepping in the Sunshine,” with participants cate with a mo- way back. walking any way or time that suits them from ment’s notice. He saved “Caledonia” June 14 to 30. Register May 1 through June 14 When it was for the last, but then we by emailing [email protected]. Walkers over, as people managed to persuade him will receive a packet with instructions on re- Dougie MacLean sang and played his cording sponsors and donations. Funds raised guitar at Vagabond Blues coffee house in walked out of for an encore. When he from both events will go to the center’s Meals Palmer in May, 2017. the Perform- returned to the stage, he on Wheels delivery van. Call 688-2677 … “Tai Maraley McMichael photo ing Arts Center, made a comment to the ash was falling effect that he knew it was Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention” class- from page 15 from the sky. still daylight, but that we all es at Seward Senior Center will resume May Mike and Dougie then needed to go home, because 3, and continue Mondays, Wednesdays and his brothers had a hard went to a bar downtown he was tired. Of course, he Fridays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Classroom size is time getting to school in and there he noticed a large said that with a smile on his limited to six, with pre-registration required. the winter because of the group of men really party- face. He probably tells all And for everyone else, participation via Zoom is weather and a hard time ing. Turned out it was the of his audiences that they available, too. Call for information, 224-5604 attending in the fall and cast and filming crew from are great, but he certainly … At the Kodiak Senior Center, Deb McCusker spring, because there were the “Deadliest Catch” and looked like he meant it will resume on May 12 leading Qi Gong and more important (as well as they were celebrating the when he stepped back from Somatics Zoom classes on Wednesdays, 9:30 fun) things to do. One day in completion of their filming the mic and listened to us a.m. Also, the center is seeking art submissions the 1930s, the teacher really for that season. Dougie sing the chorus on a couple for its annual Crab Festival Art Show, displayed ragged about the MacLean was impressed that these songs. I’m sure I’m not the in its outside front foyer. Artists are requested brothers because they came guys were so into their only one ready for a return to bring their artwork to the center by May 25. to school so seldom. She celebrating that they had visit from this traveling Call for more information, 486-6181. used them as an example no idea about the volcano minstrel from Scotland. Rambles is compiled from senior center news- of who not to be and didn’t care. Dougie was letters, websites and reader tips from around the like. Dougie said he wished Maraley McMichael is a stuck in Anchorage for a state. Email your Rambles items to editor@senior- his grandfather could have lifelong Alaskan now residing few days. He went home voicealaska.com. told the teacher that some- in Palmer. Email her at mara- and wrote a song about the time in the future, one of [email protected]. whole experience. He told his grandsons would be us this background story so successful enough to buy we would understand the that old, abandoned school verse about the Deadliest Come Join The Fun (it closed in the 1960s) and Catch crew and reference LOOKING FOR A FUN, turn it into a recording stu- to the Bering Sea. When he We meet every week! dio. Dougie also spoke of his finished singing, he said 5-year-old grandson, and NEW WAY TO BE it was so great to sing to the relationships among folks who understood the When: 15 the MacLean men through MORE ACTIVE? song. That when he sang Tuesdays & Fridays the generations. it in Glasgow, the audience Another story involved New 10 week session had a glazed over look at the the eruption of Mt. Redoubt mention of the Bering Sea. starting May 3 2021! in March 2009. A fellow Dougie writes most of named Mike has been Dou- Registration is the songs he sings. I gie’s concert promoter all listened for 25 minutes Bingo + Exercise = Bingocize happening now the years he has come to before I heard a familiar Alaska. One time Mike met song at Vagabond Blues. Where: Dougie at the Anchorage He had few CDs available airport and didn’t look his Meeting Room for sale that evening. My usual upbeat self. When friend who had saved me Wasilla Area Seniors Dougie asked what was a seat was the one who wrong, Mike said he was 1301 S Century Cir introduced us to Dougie’s worried about the concert Wasilla music 25 years earlier. At a that night. He said that later concert that Gary and Mt. Redoubt could blow Time: I weren’t able to attend, at any moment and then she purchased two CDs for 10:00-11:00 AM he handed Dougie a mask. us and I picked up another Mike drove him downtown one from a thrift shop years to his hotel and told Dou- Space is limited Please call later. All three continue to gie he would be able to see BINGOCIZE® is a FREE 10-week health 376-3104 to register. get much use. the smoke, steam and ash promotion program for individuals aged 60+ that combines the game of bingo with fall prevention exercise. Come play bingo and meet new people It never hurts to ask while learning about techniques to reduce falls. Many businesses offer a discount to seniors,

but don’t advertise it. Speak up – it may save you some money. © Western Kentucky University Research Foundation 2019: All Rights Reserved

Senior Voice, May 2021 | 15 Senior News seniorvoicealaska.com seniorvoicealaska.com Around the State Fairbanks agency learns, improves from isolation

Aging at Home Fairbanks Zoom for educational pre- research on influences of We’ve learned that there are always pros and sentations by persons who pets on seniors’ quality of Aging at Home Fair- cons to any situation, and change is good – at would have been unavailable life. banks, along with almost least it can be. to be present in person. Good Another event has fea- all other organizations, has Reads, a discussion with tured an AAH member learned a lot in the last year. events such as lectures, ue. We’ve learned that there Alaskan authors, has been presenting photos he has Becoming familiar with workshops, field trips, and are always pros and cons to able to include authors who taken over his many years in Zoom and creating social purely social events such as any situation, and change is are not in Fairbanks but can Fairbanks that he calls Life and educational events in meals in local restaurants, good – at least it can be. Spe- talk with us via Zoom – even in Fairbanks, Remembering this flat format instead of in gatherings at members’ cifically, AAH has used Zoom those currently living out of the Past. Here, local history person has been challeng- homes, annual meetings, Steering Committee and state. It’s been great to be is presented with photos and ing, but we’ve discovered and many more such events. other committee meetings, able to talk with Heather lively discussion from all the benefits also. social, and education events Lende from Haines, Dana participants, most of whom Aging at Home Fairbanks When “At Home” really for members. We have found Stabenow from Homer, and have also lived in Fairbanks is a membership organi- means at home that Zoom made events Peggy Shumaker who is in a long time. zation associated with the Last year’s shutdowns, possible that would not Arizona this winter. North Star Council on Aging though, meant Aging at have been possible prior to In our Aging Well series, Adaptation and Senior Center in Fairbanks Home became not just a 2020, before we discovered a lawyer from the Alaska and the nationwide Village to creativity title but reality. The loss of that we could meet online. It Attorney General’s office Village Network. The goal of Once we got started, it socialization opportunities opened possibilities that will spoke on avoiding frauds the organization is to assist was easy to be creative about was a huge hardship to most hopefully be continued well and scams in Alaska to all older adults in remaining how we used Zoom to keep people and organizations, past the loosening of social members. His schedule in their homes as they age. our members connected. yet with flexibility we have distancing and masking. would not have allowed an It has a cadre of volunteers Besides educational events, been able to circumvent Many different applica- in-person presentation, who can provide assistance AAH has used Zoom for many of these hardships by tions have been found using depriving the audience of to members in need as well social events. In the Cooks’ participating in online Zoom Zoom. Having Happy Hour this valuable information. as a list of reputable paid Challenge interest group, meetings. online on Friday afternoons Another speaker was a nu- providers when needed. In participants choose a chal- Some of the AAH virtual is not the best social event tritionist who talked about addition, prior to the onset lenge which each member events created in the last we could wish for, but it nutritional guidelines for of Covid 19 shutdowns, AAH does mean we can check in year are expected to contin- older adults, and a future next page please conducted person to person with friends. AAH has used event is planned to discuss

16

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16 | Senior Voice, May 2021 Senior News seniorvoicealaska.com seniorvoicealaska.com Around the State Fairbanks: Adapting Calendar of Events

Editor’s note: Due to COVID-19 safety concerns and restrictions, all events are subject to change or cancellation. Always confirm before attending. April 30-May 2: Statewide “Małni - Towards the Ocean, Towards the Shore” film screening via Facebook. Want to learn more about indigenous representa- tion in film and media? Enjoy a free screening of “Małni - Towards the Ocean, Towards the Shore” by filmmaker Sky Hopinka with Sundance Film Festival. Visit Alaska Native Heritage Center’s Facebook page at any point over the week- end to stream the film. For more details, visit www.alaskanative.net and click “Upcoming Events”. May 1- 31: Statewide Amblin’ for Alzheimer’s throughout the month of May. Amble where you are, when you want and how you want, by yourself or with a team. Raise funds to serve Alaska’s elders and Alaskans living with a disability who need care coordination. Visit alzalaska.org/amblin-for-alzheimers-2021/ AAH Fairbanks members participate in a Zoom to register. conversation with Alaska poet Peggy Shumaker in March. Courtesy AAH Fairbanks May 1: Palmer 2021 May Day Celebration at Palmer Senior Center. Play Day activities, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Music, games, vendors, food trucks and more. May from page 16 future means seniors who Day Dance, 4 to 6 p.m. 18 and older. $10 General Admission. $5 for Key Card Holders. Pay at the door. Call 907-761-5006. have limited transporta- tries to create before the tion options, are mobili- May 6-9: Cordova 2021 Hybrid Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival. Enjoy next meeting. Challenges ty-challenged, or are out of this year’s festival from the comfort of your home across the state or in-person in Cordova. Virtual events include keynote speakers, classes and more. A limited have ranged from being Fairbanks can continue to number of individuals and groups will be allowed to travel into Cordova this required to use a specific participate fully in activities year. Visit coppershorebird.com/hybrid-festival for more information. list of ingredients for a which would be denied them dish, to creating a not- otherwise in an in-person May 7: Anchorage Anchorage Market outside the Dimond Center mall at 88th Ave, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Alaska’s largest open-air market has a new location along too-unhealthy appetizer setting. And presenters who with familiar comforts like salmon quesadillas and beautiful Native crafts. Visit or layered main dish. The would otherwise be totally anchoragemarkets.com for a full list of weekend hours and more. group shares photos and unavailable to AAH may be recipes of each, with, un- available through Zoom. May 8: Fairbanks Tanana Valley Farmers Market at the corner of College Road & Caribou Way (2600 College Rd.), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find a selection of fresh fortunately, no tastings. Although the last year has vegetables in season, displayed by growers who travel from throughout the Another participatory been very challenging for Tanana Valley--an area larger than the state of Indiana--to participate! Visit group is the Tai Chi class, our organization and others, www.tvfmarket.com for more information. which we hope will continue there have been some sur- May 8-16: Petersburg Little Norway Festival throughout Petersburg. Featuring when in-person events are prising opportunities. AAH walking tours, shopping from local artists, the Little Norway Festival Pageant possible. has found that online meet- and more. Visit petersburg.org for a full schedule of events. Masks and social Very probably other par- ings of all kinds, despite the distancing required at some events. ticipating organizations in technical challenges, have May 9: Nationwide Mother’s Day the Village network have given us new insights into many creative events on possibilities for conducting May 13: Statewide AARP: Downsizing and Decluttering via Zoom, 2:30 to Zoom which could be shared. business and connecting 3:30 p.m. Join AARP for this workshop to explore why stuff is so important for some people and practical, easy-to-follow tips on downsizing and decluttering. (Recently AAH had a Zoom with all our members. That’s Learn how to get started by registering at local.aarp.org/aarp-event/aarp-de- meeting with a Village in a big plus. cluttering-and-downsizing Seattle sharing ideas and For more information, experiences.) visit https://aahfairbanks. May 14-16: Seward Seward Mermaid Festival. Celebrate the opening of the Seward Harbor with citywide activities for the whole family. Dress up as a And continuing to in- clubexpress.com/. mermaid and explore local businesses during a pub crawl and merchant crawl. corporate Zoom in the 17 Visit sewardmermaidfestival.com for more information. May 18: Statewide AARP presents “Cooking Filipino Savory Dishes,” with Chef Roline via Zoom, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. In celebration of Asian Heritage Month, Chef Roline cooks pancit and lumpia, delicious Filipino savory dishes. Visit local.aarp. org/aarp-event/cooking-filipino-savory-dishes-with-chef-roline to register or email Kris Ritualo with questions at [email protected] Elevators, stairlifts, May 27-31: Kodiak Kodiak Crab Festival. Five days jam-packed with fun, music, food and events. Visit kodiakcrabfest.com for a full schedule of events wheelchair lifts, and more. or follow Kodiak Crab Festival on Facebook for up to the minute information and reminders. • For Seniors 62+ years old. May 31: Nationwide Memorial Day www.alaskastairlift.com (907)245-5438 Send us your calendar items Send to: Senior Voice, 3340 Arctic Blvd., toll-free 1-877-884-5438 Suite 106, Anchorage AK 99503 [email protected] Fax: 907-278-6724. Deadline for June edition is May 15.

Free estimates Statewide service Medicaid-Insurance-VA billing Authorized dealer for Bruno stairlifts, vehicle lifts, Subscribe to Senior Voice wheelchair lifts – all made in U.S.A. Southside Apartments Call 276-1059 in Anchorage or 1-800-478-1059 toll-free statewide Creating accessibility solutions for your home and business since 1998

Senior Voice, May 2021 | 17 Just For Fun seniorvoicealaska.com Seaworthy captain full of adventures

By LAUREL DOWNING BILL Banks’ galley home on the Ho- Senior Voice Correspondent mer Spit for the operation. The doctor-turned-prospector, who When news reached Seattle of hadn’t performed an operation gold discoveries in Cook Inlet in in years, accepted a fee of $1,000 1896, every available vessel was and liberally dosed the captain pressed into service. With ships with whiskey, the only anesthetic scarce, those heading north were available. filled to capacity with prospectors And while the captain watched, and their supplies. the former doctor used a kitchen And Capt. Johnny O’Brien’s knife and scissors to remove the steamship Utopia, which set out appendix and a forecastle needle with100 passengers that spring, and thread to suture the wound. was no different. In early May, it Even the doctor didn’t expect the arrived close to Kachemak Bay, but When Capt. Johnny O’Brien needed to have his appendix removed, captain to make a full recovery. But couldn’t continue on up Turnagain under the watchful eye of a pleas- Arm because of ice in Cook Inlet. Della Murray Banks, a Denver newspaperwoman who lived on the Homer Spit pictured here in 1899, offered her house for the ant, well-mannered, dark-haired Although this turn of events operation. Photo courtesy University of Washington, HAR221 man named Mr. Smith, O’Brien didn’t really bother the captain, emerged from his semiconscious he had no way of knowing that he to Cook Inlet offered to operate. that he’d abandoned it in favor of condition seven days later and soon would be close to death. The prospector told the captain that back-breaking work in Alaska’s walked shakily onto the Utopia O’Brien was used to adventure, he’d once had a medical practice, gold fields. according to Mary J. Barry in her but he did not divulge the reason Volunteers cleared out Mrs. page 26 please book, “A History of Mining on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska”. Born in Ireland in 1851, he’d been shanghaied at 16 while traveling home from engineering school in England and sailed around the world for six years. When he finally worked his way back to Ireland, he found his parents had died. Sometime later, authorities arrested childhood friend Peter Mathews as a member of the Fe- nians and sentenced him to death. O’Brien and members of the Sinn Fein blew up the jail and rescued him. The two young men then es- caped to the United States where O’Brien studied navigation. While in New York City, the two friends found themselves shanghaied onto the ship Hampton, which was to 18 carry them to England to face trial as revolutionaries. The men managed to escape, but knowing they could never return to Ireland, they decided to search for gold instead. The longtime friends unsuccessfully prospected in British Columbia in 1894, where a hungry Mathews died during a long, cold winter. O’Brien returned to the sea. Over time, he made captain. And even though he had a couple of wrecks, he always stayed with his damaged ships. That helped him establish a reputation for tenacity and toughness. He soon would have to rely on that toughness as he waited near Homer for the ice in Kachemak Bay to clear. As several of his passengers jumped ship and made other ar- rangements to get to the gold fields in Cook Inlet, O’Brien suffered an attack of acute appendicitis and fell desperately ill. One of the ship’s passengers who hadn’t jumped ship near Homer in search of alternate transportation Crossword answers on page 27

18 | Senior Voice, May 2021 seniorvoicealaska.com Just For Fun Ruta Lee put the ‘pro’ in professional

By NICK THOMAS she called the office of a sitting position, executive Webster B. Lowe, Tinseltown Talks the Soviet leader Nikita but still managed Jr., and the couple soon Khrushchev to secure the to do most of the married. They were togeth- While some entertain- release of her 90-year-old dancing in the er 46 years until his death ers are renowned for their Lithuanian grandmother, big barn-raising last year. personal and professional held since World War II in a number.” Lee has also been a tire- demands while working, Siberian internment camp. Many stories less voice for charitable Ruta Lee never aspired to A decade earlier, Lee from the actress’s organizations such as the be a diva. Acting nonstop approached her first film career and life can Thalians, raising millions in film, TV and theater role as one of the brides be found in her of dollars through her Ruta Lee and Alex Trebek, hosts of since the early 1950s, she in “Seven Brides for Sev- April 5 autobiog- leadership role to sup- “High Rollers.” NBC photo tackled projects with pro- en Brothers” with similar raphy, “Consider port people with mental fessionalism. resolve. “During the dance Your Ass Kissed,” Lee went on to make health problems, includ- “There was no time to audition, the producers and the edgy-sounding title hundreds of appearances in ing returning veterans throw fits because you director asked me to show merely reflecting the gen- TV series as well as game (see www.thalians.org). had to work quickly as you them something folksy. uine gratitude she feels for shows such as “Hollywood And then there was that rapidly went from job to Because of my Lithuanian the people she worked with. Squares” and “High Roll- phone call to Khrushchev’s job,” recalled Lee from Los descent, I danced up a She also celebrates a ers” (as Alex Trebek’s dice office to rescue her Sibe- Angeles. storm with a polka and got birthday this month, turn- roller), but westerns were a ria-bound grandmother. Off-screen tasks were the role.” ing 86 on May 30. favorite (see www.rutalee. “Within 48 hours we also approached with her She was paired with A quick study, Lee com). And while many were flying over to bring trademark zeal. In 1964, gifted dance learned an early valuable cowboys chased her, only her back to America. So partner Matt lesson in on-set protocol one came close to catching I’ve had an interesting life Mattox in the when she boogied her way her off-screen. and I’m always involved beloved MGM into one of her first TV roles “Most of the dating I with something. It’s been a musical and – a 1953 episode of “The did was for publicity pur- long, wonderful and fruit- remembers Adventures of Superman.” poses and never had any ful career.” real romances with actors one rehearsal. “It was a short dance Nick Thomas teaches at except Eric Fleming from “He lifted scene in a café and I de- Auburn University at Mont- ‘Rawhide.’ What a darling me high off a cided to rehearse during gomery, Ala., and has written man, but the most he got bench and I lunch hour,” she explained. features, columns and inter- was a goodnight kiss.” sprained my “But when I plugged in the views for over 850 newspa- Her serious relation- ankle when I record player, someone pers and magazines and is the ships were always with landed. So I grabbed me and said, ‘you author of “Raised by the Stars: businessmen, she says, not learned most can’t do that, you don’t Interviews with 29 Children show business men. In the Ruta Lee receives her star on the of the chore- belong to the electrician’s of Hollywood Actors.” Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006. ography from union!’” midst of her rising career, Provided by Lee’s publicist Lee met Texas restaurant If I’d known then What words of wisdom would definitely be on my you would offer your 21- to-do list. year self? Martha Gelineau, age ALASKAN FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORIES I would advise myself 77, Wasilla 19 to not rush headlong into a marriage and a family. What advice would you Take time to discover who give to your 21-year-old self? I am, what work I’d like Email it to editor@seniorvoi- to pursue and visit places cealaska.com. Or mail to Se- nior Voice, 3340 Arctic Blvd., I had only dreamt about. Kenai Anchorage Completing my education #106, Anchorage AK 99503. and going on a mission trip • Caring for Alaskans, their families, and friends since 1976 • Providing compassion and support when it is needed most • Remembering, honoring, and celebrating a lifetime Networking for Anchorage, • Helping families of all faiths and any financial status • We believe in listening, understanding your needs, and being Mat-Su area providers there for you and your loved ones Interested in learning free, the monthly event Anchorage Funeral Home & Crematory more about businesses and currently meets virtually 1800 Dare Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99515 agencies providing senior online via Zoom. The May Phone: (907) 345-2244 • Fax: (907) 345-1096 • Toll-Free: (800) 478-3353 services in the Anchorage meeting is May 12, hosted Peninsula Memorial Chapel & Crematory and Mat-Su area? Want to by the Anchorage Aging and 5839 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai, AK 99611 get the word out about your Disability Resource Center Phone: (907) 283-3333 • Fax: (907) 283-6116 own service? The monthly (ADRC). Begins at 8 a.m. Homer Funeral Home & Cremation Services Service Providers Breakfast RSVP by calling Older 3522 Main Street, Homer, AK 99603 (formerly known as the Persons Action Group, Inc. Phone: (907) 235-6861 • Fax: (907) 283-6116 Interagency Breakfast), for more information on Peninsula Memorial Chapel - Soldotna Chapel sponsored by Older Per- these events or to be add- 35910 Jawle Street, Soldotna, AK 99669 sons Action Group, Inc., is ed to our e-mail reminder Phone: (907) 260-3333 • Fax: (907) 283-6116 an opportunity for all the and Zoom invitation list, above. Informal, early and 276-1059. AlaskanFuneral.com

Senior Voice, May 2021 | 19 Senior News seniorvoicealaska.com

Regulations: Alaska’s payee representatives struggling

continued from page 3 tration closed down all the in business offering rep- whereas HOPE received erating as a representative for-profit businesses in resentative payee services. around 70 clients from payee service charging only “They treated us like the state. When Jorgensen was Jorgensen’s business after $45 per client per month criminals,” said Jorgensen. HOPE used to provide doing research to decide she was closed down. for services. “It was unbearable. We representative payee ser- whether or not switching Nonprofits such as HOPE tried to be a good service, vices as an organization her for-profit business to maneuver the financial What happened to the and I was a stable person several years ago, but a nonprofit was practical, strain by charging addi- clients? in a lot of my clients’ lives. stopped offering the service she reached out to non- tional fees for each type of Aside from the financial They knew their rent would to allow clients more of a profits in the Lower 48 and financial service provided strain and logistics with be paid, that their groceries separation between their discovered a sole nonprofit on top of SSI assistance the Social Security Admin- were taken care of, that service provider, such as supporting 1,200 clients to in order to stay afloat. istration, those most-im- they would have help with HOPE, and the organization help them make ends meet HOPE’s establishment as pacted by the change in their PFD and taxes. We that manages their money. financially. a nonprofit with other operations were clients were very responsible with “We started offering Cache Integrity Services programs - and supportive who were forced to switch the PFD and tried tactics to representative payee ser- based in Wasilla currently income - also helps manage space out an allowance over vices again with the idea of serves around 200 clients, the potential strain of op- next page please the year for clients.” keeping people solvent and safe,” said Michele Girault, Switching to nonprofit executive director of HOPE status Community Resources. The Social Security Ad- “The representative payee ministration offered to services we offer are an assist each for-profit busi- elective program. If a per- ness with the transition to son wants to hire another nonprofit status. However, financial services partner the “simple” switch is outside of HOPE, that’s al- harder with the fine print. right. It doesn’t need to be It took almost a year for for people that are already Michael Kelly, executive affiliated with HOPE either. director of the nonprofit This is for the community Kenai Peninsula Human at large.” Services Center (KPHSC), to get up and running per How is nonprofit status the Social Security Ad- sustainable? ministration’s standards The question at hand for for a representative payee past for-profit business organization. owners like Jorgensen is, Kelly had never operated how is offering represen- as a representative payee tative payee services as a organization before, so he nonprofit financially sus- had to work independently tainable? In short, it isn’t. as a representative payee “I work three jobs, in- for free for five to 10 folks cluding this one, to make for about four months be- ends meet,” confided Jor- 20 fore applying to the Social gensen. “I have 10 clients at Security Administration for this time, but I have at least recognized representative three on my roll that, as it payee organizational sta- stands right now, I’m not tus. On top of this, he also sure if I’m going to collect had to fulfill the nonprofit the fee that the Social Se- requirement by applying to curity Administration lets the IRS for 501(c)3 status me collect.” and recruiting a board of Kelly’s projection comes trustees. from the knowledge that “There are about 2,000 most SSI checks are around people in the state of Alaska $700 per month, and most that need a representative folks’ rent is about that payee,” said Kelly, citing much. Most clients are re- market research he con- ceiving state funds as well, ducted within the last few but those aren’t usually months. “When I heard over $400 monthly. After that Alaska no longer the need to support the had representative payee client through groceries organizations, I dropped and other bills, there isn’t everything I was working much left over for repre- on because I knew that this sentative payees like Kelly would be a critical need for to collect fees. the state.” On the other hand, in HOPE Community Re- order to become more prof- sources, a nonprofit based itable - which in nonprofit in Anchorage, resumed terms, means simply mak- offering representative ing ends meet - nonprofits payee services after the need to amass a certain Social Security Adminis- amount of clients to stay

20 | Senior Voice, May 2021 Senior News seniorvoicealaska.com seniorvoicealaska.com Senior News

Regulations: Alaska’s payee representatives struggling Learn all about ADRCs at May ‘Age Smart’ forum

Senior Voice Staff Resource Centers (ADRCs)? gardless of age or income which services they would fying “life After 60” (all ages What do they do? How do you level, through regional sites. like, then the ADRC special- are welcome). Each month AARP Alaska, Older Per- access one if a need arises? ADRCs are part of a federal ists help people access those the series highlights a par- sons Action Group and the Join us May 11 to learn more effort to help people more services. ticular topic with a variety Anchorage Senior Activity about these valuable orga- easily access the long-term The “Age Smart – Let’s of formats, including issue Center continues its series nizations. services and supports avail- Talk” series is a monthly experts, panel discussions, of “Age Smart – Let’s Talk” Alaska’s ADRCs con- able in their communities. forum that focuses on a topic interactive presentations, forums on May 11, from 6:30 nect seniors, people with That might include trans- of interest and importance and plenty of time for ques- to 7:30 p.m. Events are cur- disabilities, and caregivers portation, assistive technol- to Alaskans who want to tions. rently held virtually on the with long-term services ogy, or in-home care. be thoughtful about how to Admission is free and internet, using Zoom. and supports of their choice. The ADRC goal is to be make good choices as they open to everyone. Presenta- Have you ever wondered The ADRC network serves a trusted resource. ADRC grow older. The series is de- tion begins at 6:30. To sign about Aging and Disability Alaskans statewide, re- specialists counsel callers veloped to provide working up, go to AARP’s event page and visitors on long-term age adults with information at https://aarp.cvent.com/ supports that fit their cir- necessary to plan and fulfill ASMAY2021. Payee: Regulations cumstances. People choose a secure, healthy and satis- from page 20 mismanaging them or are no longer receiving their from the representative benefits at all because they payee they knew. were never given a court Funeral Homes & Of Jorgensen’s 220 cli- appointed conservator. ents at the time of the “I feel like the whole Legacy Cremation Services shutdown, 50 clients had policy contributed to www.legacyalaska.com a guardian step in as their homelessness,” said Jor- new representative payee, gensen. “I tried to explain 70 went to HOPE Commu- to the Social Security Ad- nity Resources, 18 went to ministration the logistics of Cache Integrity Services Alaska, that rural villages and two went to KPHSC. are spread out and you Thirty moved to direct pay can’t deposit checks right status, where they current- away in some places. They ly receive their benefits didn’t listen. It was cut monthly but do not have and dry, baked into their We are Honored to Serve any assistance managing statute. They didn’t care Alaskan Families for over 40 years them. what happened to people.” It is our pledge to offer the very best Forty-five of Jorgensen’s service and value to you. clients were given court Resources service and value to you. appointed conservator- If you, a loved one or a Jared Dye & Steve Novakovich ships. A court appointed community member you Owners conservator is the next step know is needing repre- up from a representative sentative payee services, Witzleben Legacy Funeral Home • Anchorage • 907-277-1682 payee and is in charge of a reach out to the following Legacy Heritage Chapel at Angelus • Anchorage • 907-336-3338 client’s health and financ- organizations: Kehl’s Legacy Funeral Home • Anchorage • 907-344-1497 es in addition to ensuring X HOPE Community Re- 21 Alaskan Memorial Park & Mortuary • Juneau • 907-789-0611 the client does not become sources in Anchorage, Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home • Fairbanks • 907-465-5566 homeless. Clients cannot Lisa Huntley 907-433- file for a court appointed 4948 Fairbanks Funeral Home • Fairbanks • 907-451-1110 conservator themselves X Kenai Peninsula Human Kehl’s Palmer Mortuary • Palmer • 907-745-3580 and instead must rely on Services Center in Ster- Wasilla Heritage Chapel • Wasilla • 907-373-3840 their representative payee ling, Michael Kelly at Wasilla Legacy Funeral Home • Wasilla • 907-631-3687 to do so for them, according 901-444-0819 to Jorgensen. X Cache Integrity Services Statewide 1-800-820-1682 Anchorage 907-277-1682 At the time of the shut- in Wasilla, Tom McDuf- downs, the Social Security fie 907-631-2000 Administration estimated Note: Alaska is under a $200 Coupon for Senior Voice Readers there were 1,000 people moratorium with the Social eligible for a representative Security Administration that payee in Alaska, meaning allows clients to work with a FREE 1-Hour “Living Trust” Consult f you think you’re protected with a family, because proper planning can help hundreds of eligible SSI representative payee orga- simple Will... think again... you avoid paying thousands of dollars in beneficiaries are either nization that is more than I A Will virtually guarantees your estate unnecessary probate fees and estate taxes. receiving assistance from 70 miles away – help is still will go through probate, meaning your family Clip this coupon (worth $200) for a free, a trusted family member available even if you live in or guardian or have fallen may be unable to take possession of your one-hour consultation — at absolutely no an isolated or underserved estate for many months, or even years! obligation to you — so you can find out through the cracks and are community that is outside either still receiving their A “Living Trust” is one of the most how a living trust would work in your of Anchorage, Sterling or important things you can do for your personal family situation. benefits and potentially Wasilla. Attorney Kenneth Kirk has prepared hundreds of estate plans Kenneth Kirk for Alaska residents over the past 30 years. He will explain, Attorney at Law Your support helps Older Persons Action Group in simple terms, how proper planning can benefityour family. 3401 Denali St., Suite 203 • Anchorage continue its mission. Call 1-800-478-1059 to donate. For Your FREE Consultation, Call (907) 341-3726

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Senior Voice, May 2021 | 21 Legal Issues seniorvoicealaska.com Just what is an LLC and what does it do?

By KENNETH KIRK to pay the judgment. I could Many retirees hold on to their rental properties as For Senior Voice easily be left penniless. But with the LLC in a continuing source of income. For many of them, I’m an estate planning place, all they can get is the the difference between having an LLC and not attorney, not a business property that is in the LLC. having one could be the difference between living attorney. Sure, some of They cannot get the rest of a comfortable retirement or having to scrape by on my clients own business- my assets. Because of that Social Security alone. es, but my focus is on how little bit of extra planning they transfer that business for liability protection, I income. For many of them, wants to. Also, you have to smoothly to their heirs am only out $500,000, and the difference between do all of this right. I see a on death, not about what I still have the rest of my having an LLC and not lot of people form their own kind of business entity assets for my retirement. having one could be the LLCs, but get sloppy about they should use for other Notice that the LLC difference between living how they handle them, with purposes. protection. does not protect the assets a comfortable retirement the result that if the LLC But once in a while I go Let us say that I own a that are in the LLC. In this or having to scrape by on has to earn its money, it a little bit beyond that, and four-plex. I fail to notice example, my four-plex is Social Security alone. I will have become useless. talk to clients about LLCs. that there is a nail coming going to be forfeited. The don’t know about you, but Wills are useful if you What is an LLC? It stands loose on one of the upper LLC protects everything when I retire, I want to be have to go to probate. for “limited liability com- stairs. One day a young lady outside the LLC. It is like able to visit my grandkids, Trusts are useful for avoid- pany”. Please note that trips on the nail, tumbles those canisters the bomb sit on a beach, and go out ing probate and smoothing it is not “limited liability down the stairs, and suf- squad has; everything in- to dinner once in a while. the transition on death. corporation,” although fers a catastrophic injury. side the canister is going A few caveats: You Neither of those does any- people often refer to them A sympathetic jury awards to be obliterated, but it should still have liability thing for liability protec- that way. A corporation is her a verdict of $8 million. protects everything outside insurance. In that exam- tion. Corporations do, but a different kind of animal. But I don’t have $8 the canister. ple I gave, the plaintiff’s they are complicated. For a An LLC is a type of million in assets. I do have I am using the example attorneys are going to lot of folks, an LLC is the business entity, much like $2 million in liability in- of a rental property because try to find some way to right answer. a corporation, or a sole surance coverage on the that is what a lot of my have the judge invalidate Kenneth Kirk is an Anchor- proprietorship, or a part- four-plex, so the insurance clients need an LLC for. the LLC. Not having any age estate planning lawyer. nership. If you form an LLC, company pays that to the However, I also have clients liability insurance, which Nothing in this article should you then put your business plaintiff. Are the plaintiff’s who have a variety of other means the plaintiff only be taken as legal advice for a into the LLC. A lot of my cli- attorneys going to accept types of businesses. Many gets $500,000 and nothing specific situation; for specific ents own rental properties. that? Of course not. They of them sell those busi- more, is like waving a red advice you should consult a If they form an LLC, they want the whole thing; af- nesses when they retire, flag in front of a bull when professional who can take will then need to deed the ter all they’re getting paid but many retirees hold on that case gets to court; a all the facts into account. If property into the LLC. Now a percentage of what they to their rental properties judge can almost always you’re going to do it, do it the LLC owns the property, actually collect. as a continuing source of find a way to get past the right. not my client. But my client So they go after the LLC if she really, really still controls the property, rest of my assets. Let us and gets the profits from say that in addition to the it, because my client owns four-plex, which is worth Discover the LLC. $500,000, I have $4 million So why would somebody Free Virtual in other assets. If I own the “The 7 Threats to go to the trouble of setting four-plex in my own name, up this LLC, if they already Estate Planning Your Estate Plan” the plaintiff’s attorneys 22 own the property? The It’s all about family! can start selling my assets usual reason is for liability Webinars Have you protected them? If Crisis Strikes, You Risk: • Losing control • Additional stress on your family • Loss of what you spent a lifetime building Proper Planning Ensures You: • Maintain control of assets for the sake of the family • Give control to those you trust when you’re not able • Remain home without stress on the family, should the need for long term care arise • Keep family business private To reserve your space call (907) 334-9200 or go to www.akwillstrusts.com May 4, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm May 12, 9:30 am to 11:30 am May 18, 9:30 am to 11:30 am May 26, 9:30 am to 11:30 am Law Office of ------Constance A. Aschenbrenner, LLC June 3, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm P.O. Box 140842 June 16, 9:30 am to 11:30 am June 22, 9:30 am to 11:30 am Anchorage, Alaska 99514 ------Phone: (907) 334-9200 July 7, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm July 15, 9:30 am to 11:30 am www.akwillstrusts.com July 27, 9:30 am to 11:30 am Estate Planning, Long Term Care and Medicaid Planning: Power of Attorney, Wills, Trusts, Miller’s Trusts & Special Needs Trusts.

RESERVE YOUR SPACE at 22 | Senior Voice, May 2021 www.akwillstrusts.com Legal Issues seniorvoicealaska.com seniorvoicealaska.com Tech Talk Cords, video stills and internet data removal

By BOB DELAURENTIS as part of a video are not leting the accounts makes There is a wide variety of techniques for Senior Wire the same as frames from a them inaccessible to search detangling cord clutter. Any web search for still camera. Video and still engines and keeps people Q. My grandson acci- “cable management” will return thousands of cameras are fundamentally from finding or accessing dentally sent my laptop responses. It turns out there are plenty of clever different, and so are the them. This works best crashing to the floor when products for keeping wires under control. images they capture. That when you simply want to his leg hooked around its said, in my experience the withdraw from participa- power cord. Other than to mount a power strip to dia player (videolan.org). results can be good. With tion and remove the bulk unplugging my new laptop the desk (the underside As long as the computer recent advancements in of what you have posted. when he visits, how do I works well) to keep power meets VLC’s modest sys- post-processing apps, it In situations where you tame the mess of cables cables off the floor and out tem requirements, and it is even possible to make a want to remove a specific that is lurking around my of the way. can play a DVD, you will be decent 8x10 print from a piece of data, but you also computer table? Cables that never change good to go. (Note: because video still. wish to continue partici- A. I am sorry that this can be left alone once they of copy protection, these Q. How can I remove my pating in social media, the turned into such an ex- are placed, but cables that instructions do not cover personal information from choices are more difficult. pensive lesson. The cords are frequently plugged commercially published the internet? You can try deleting the and wires that populate and unplugged from a DVDs.) A. Because information item in your account, but our lives seem pretty much device require a different VLC can play just about is so widely redistributed if it has been reposted by invisible until something approach. any video format in exis- online, complete removal is someone else it will remain goes wrong. Product pho- One of my favorite ca- tence. And taking a still probably impossible. How- accessible. tography rarely shows ble management tools is is as easy as playing the ever, there are a number A last resort, mostly be- wires of any kind. But in a weighted (or adhesive) content and choosing of steps you can take that cause of its cost, is a service real life cables, cords and clip that keeps a cable from “Snapshot” from the video will reduce your online like deleteme.com. wires are everywhere. slipping behind a desk menu. footprint. Bob has been writing about There is a wide variety when it is disconnected I suggest starting with a Step one is to delete any technology for over three de- of techniques for detan- from its device. quick trip to the VLC appli- accounts on social media. cades. He can be contacted at gling cord clutter. Any It might not be the most cation settings. There you Most companies do not [email protected]. web search for “cable exciting thing on your to- can set a hotkey to give you erase deleted data, but de- management” will return do list, but spending a little precise control over trig- thousands of responses. It time moving your cables gering each snapshot. You turns out there are plenty of out of harm’s way is worth can customize the folder clever products for keeping the effort. where the stills are saved, wires under control. Q. I have a lot of home and which file format is Advertise in Senior Voice I keep a bag of Velcro videos on DVD. I want to used. (PNG files are best.) straps handy that I use to grab still images from the The quality of the images Call 907-276-1059 wrap up excess length cable video. Is it possible and that result may disappoint into loops (never bend any where can I find such a you. Images that look fine cable sharply), or to tie a device? number of cables together A. Yes it is possible, and in a single bundle. Besides you can use just about any Velcro straps, there are personal computer. There zippered pouches, plastic are many paths to make this tubing and good old fash- work. Probably the easiest Celebrating 20 years ioned wire ties. method is to download a Another common fix is free app called VLC me- of Assisted Living! 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Senior Voice, May 2021 | 23 Going Places seniorvoicealaska.com

Fascinating ethnic enclaves without leaving the U.S. By VICTOR BLOCK Senior Wire At this time of limited travel, it may be impossible to visit other countries that are on Women chatting in your bucket list. However, that doesn’t mean you Greek stroll by signs that can’t enjoy their customs, culture and cuisine. identify the Spartan Gas Station and Alexander the er more, including those gather at markets to buy Great Apartments. They that may be within an easy plantain, salt pork and oth- pass restaurants where commute of where you live. er favorite foods. Shops sell diners are feasting on Some visitors to Mi- kremas mapou, a blend of ami stroll into milk, egg yolk, cane sugar tabacaleras to and light alcohol, and flaky watch vendors dough pockets brimming meticulously with meat, fish and flavor. hand-rolling Tiny botanicas offer me- Above, New Glarus, Wisconsin, celebrates its Swiss cigars. Oth- dicinal herbs, incense and roots at its Folk Festival. Attractions include alphorn ers check out other supplies for voodoo performances (below). Courtesy Green County Tourism markets where ceremonies. It’s possible unusual body to find dolls and pins for parts of pigs and casting spells intended to other animals bring happiness to friends, are sold. Not and grief to others. Guided tours of the Hermann, far away, gray- Reminders of European Missouri Deutschheim Historic Site haired men and countries also are scattered provide an introduction to the daily life and traditions of the German women loudly about ours. Immigrants settlers in the mid-18th century. slap dominoes from Germany are said to [email protected] onto tables, have ended up in Hermann, seemingly in- Missouri, because its steep, pickled octopus, squid terested more in who can rugged terrain reminded salad and gyro sandwiches. produce the loudest sound them of the Rhine Valley. Nearby, a man wearing a than how the game turns The vineyards they planted diving suit emerges from out. have won gold medals in a river and clambers into Welcome to Calle Ocho world competitions. Today, a boat, clutching a sponge at Oktoberfest and other everywhere, and serve as (Eight Street) in the neigh- it’s the old-world charm he dredged up from the festivals throughout the the main attraction of the borhood known as Little of the town that is its ma- bottom. year. annual Tulip Time Festival. Havana. Settled by an jor appeal. Homes from At this time of limited Memories of the found- More than a half-mil- influx of Cubans fleeing the 1880s hug downtown travel, it may be impossi- ers of New Glarus, and of lion Iranian-Americans after Fidel Castro came sidewalks in traditional ble to visit other countries their namesake canton in and their descendants live to power, the area greets German style, and more that are on your bucket Switzerland, abound in in Los Angeles, the largest visitors with sights, sounds than 150 buildings are list- list. However, that doesn’t that Wisconsin town. In concentration outside their and scents identical to ed on the National Register mean you can’t enjoy their 1845, families fleeing pov- country of origin. That those encountered in the of Historic Places. Guided customs, culture and cui- erty survived a four-month accounts for the city being island-country. tours of the Deutschheim sine. journey and settled in an referred to as Tehrangeles, Cuba isn’t the only Historic Site provide an in- A visit to Tarpon Springs, untamed wilderness area a blending of its name with Caribbean island with a troduction to the daily life 24 Florida can replicate a trip where Native Americans Tehran. Hints of the per- to Greece, where sponges had lived for centuries. vading culture are centered have been used since the Architecture, art and around the intersection times of Homer and Plato. other vestiges of their of Westwood Boulevard and When those multicellular homeland abound. Swiss- Wilkins Avenue at eateries organisms were found style chalets adorned by like the Shamshiri Grill and beneath Florida’s waters flower boxes set the scene. Farsi Cafe. in the late 19th century, an Folk art, museums and cel- An all-in-one expe- influx of Greek immigrants ebrations add to the feeling. rience awaits visitors to came to dive for them. Dire economic con- Queens, New York. That While the demand for ditions also prompted borough is the most ethni- natural squeegees shrank, Dutch Calvinists to flee cally diverse urban area in a pocket of the industry the Netherlands and set- the world. Over half of its hung on in the tle in Holland, Michigan. residents were born outside town. The main Dutch architecture, del- of the United States. They draw today is the icacies and festivals are came from more than 120 lore of a commu- Locals play among features that cre- countries and speak over nity which re- dominoes in ate a charming environ- 135 languages. The Tower Miami’s Little sembles a small ment. The 12-story-tall of Babel had nothing on Havana. Murals De Zwaan Windmill, one this enclave. corner of Greece. are a popular of over 9,000 such struc- This is but a brief sample Other towns attraction in and neighbor- the district. tures that once graced the of destinations around the hoods throughout Victor Block photos Netherlands landscape, United States where people the United States was dismantled and re- may enjoy attractions and capture the es- assembled on its present appeals of other countries and traditions sence of a variety site, where it grinds grain and cultures. There are of the German of nations. Here’s into flour which may be many more, including foothold in Miami. In the settlers in the mid-18th an introduction to a small purchased. It’s surround- picturesque Danneborg, Little Haiti enclave women century. Typical food, mu- sampling, and an internet ed by manicured gardens, in colorful print dresses sic and dancing are recalled search can help you discov- canals and dikes. Tulips are next page please

24 | Senior Voice, May 2021 Going Places seniorvoicealaska.com seniorvoicealaska.com Going Places

Sleep: Lots of trackers, apps to help continued from page 5 disorder clinic specializes in helped raise awareness of Medicine,” said Dr. Healy. under your mattress and the nonsurgical treatment of sleep issues, which can be He said while CTS can be monitors sleep quality, and growing in popularity. It snoring and sleep apnea. He addressed and successfully helpful for getting patients duration. It also monitors is made of titanium and is told Senior Voice that CSTs treated. He said a study in to think more about their your bedroom environment, lightweight and water re- have become more prevalent the Journal of Clinical Sleep sleep patterns and what such as air purity, humidity, sistant. The company that over the past few years. Medicine in 2020 suggested factors improve and worsen CO2 levels, and temperature makes it calls it “the most “Most CSTs are self-de- that wearing a CST may have sleep, there has not been a near your bed. It costs $300. comfortable smart ring in scribed as ‘lifestyle/enter- a positive impact on the rigorous validation of the the world”. It captures body tainment’ devices. As such, perception of sleep quality. technology and they do not Not the total answer signals like resting heart they are not subject to the This study was done at the always accurately reflect Currently, The American rate, body temperature and United States Food and Drug University of Arizona Health sleep time. Academy of Sleep Medi- active calorie burn. It has Administration (FDA) over- Sciences Center for Sleep “I think it is fine for cine has issued a position a long battery life of up to sight. These devices gener- and Circadian Sciences. patients to use the informa- statement saying CSTs 1 week, with fast, wireless ally lack standardization and “CSTs have the potential tion as a part of the puzzle. cannot be utilized for the charging, and costs $300. validation of data,” said Dr. to positively impact sleep However, they can likely diagnosis and/or treatment Krehlik. in the future. They are able achieve as good of results of sleep disorders at this Raising awareness He said sleep trackers are to generate large patient with pen and paper. They time. However, CSTs may Dr. John Krehlik runs not a substitute for appro- generated databases of sleep are constantly improving be utilized to enhance the a sleep center in Anchor- priate medical evaluation. data that are otherwise un- and here to stay,” Dr. Healy patient-clinician interac- age that specializes in the “None at this time have been obtainable by conventional told Senior Voice. tion when presented in the treatment of snoring and validated to render a diag- methods,” said Dr. Krehlik. The Sleep Foundation context of an appropriate sleep apnea, and provides nosis or treatment plan.” has studied many of these clinical evaluation. home sleep testing. His sleep However, they have Which work best? gadgets and it has rated Jennings said he has ben- Dr. William J. Healy, is them. It claims some of the efited significantly over the the director of Sleep Quality best sleep trackers are Fitbit past two years with his ring Improvement at the Medical Versa, which is a wearable and now has added a pad un- Travel: Domestic College of Georgia and AU watch that costs $160, and der his sheet that prevents Health System in Augusta, the Go2Sleep Tracker from the mattress from getting from page 24 and he said sleep trackers SleepOn, which is a silicone too hot or holding heat. can be helpful adjuncts but ring that syncs with your “In the past, I struggled Nebraska, with its roman- should not be considered to phone to provide sleep data staying asleep because I was tic-style homes and Danish be medical data. you can access on its ac- too hot. Between the ring festivals; Mineral Point, “I recommend using a companying phone app. The and this pad, I’m sleeping Wisconsin, where restored pen and paper to track sleep Sleep Foundation rates the longer than I have in the homes built in the 1830s by like a sleep log from the Tempur-Pedic Sleeptracker past,” Jennings said. miners from Cornwall, En- American Academy of Sleep as the best non-wearable gland are among reminders sleep detector. It slides of those early settlers; and the Asiatown neighborhood of Houston, Texas, with a FREE melting pot of architecture, GIFT shops, restaurants and The De Zwaan windmill This Button Saves Lives! experiences reminiscent of was dismantled in the Get Peace of Mind and Independence from Connect America! Vietnam, Korea, Pakistan, Netherlands for shipping Bangladesh and other Asian and reassembly in its new ALL-IN-ONE countries. home in Holland, Mich. PENDANT 25 Victor Block photo Feel safe with round-the-clock monitoring from Connect America, the nation’s largest independent provider of personal emergency Free Legal Services for Seniors! response systems. Alaska Legal Services Corporation If help is needed, push the button and a certified

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Senior Voice, May 2021 | 25 Senior News seniorvoicealaska.com Senior centers: Safety concerns while re-opening

continued from page 13 plans, all cen- home deliveries, uling masked activities, ters had contin- contact your local such as Sewing with Masks be opting to open to the ued to feed se- Meals on Wheels on Mondays, and no-mask public at all at this time in niors throughout representative activities, like Games with places like the Kenai Pen- the pandemic or call your local No Masks on Thursdays, insula, Interior and North through take- senior center or as part of their weekly Slope, so make sure to call out options and Aging and Dis- repertoire. your local senior center home deliveries. ability Resource Despite day-to-day ac- before attempting any For cen- Center to get tivities resuming in-per- in-person visits, as most ters that have connected. Most son, a majority of senior are requiring seniors to reopened to places around the centers are not yet com- make appointments before in-person din- state are offering fortable celebrating with arriving to speak with staff ing, social dis- Plastic dividers and cordon ropes like these breakfast, lunch large fundraising events one-on-one, if they are tancing require- at the Anchorage Senior Activity Center’s front and dinner for that include community offering in-person services ments of three desk became commonplace at businesses anyone interested. members at this time. Per- at all. people per table during the pandemic. With Alaska’s COVID-19 haps, the summer will see a In Fairbanks and North is recommended, vaccination rates increasing, centers are Activities return of gun shows, door Pole, Fairbanks Senior but not required, evaluating when and how to best re-open for raffles, dances and more, services and activities. As far as activ- Center and Santa’s Senior with center staff ities go, centers but time will tell. Photo courtesy Anchorage Senior Activity Center Center have confirmed they allowing seniors that have opened Curious about your cen- are not ready to open in to make their ter’s re-opening plans? about the center, similar to their doors full the spring and will keep own decisions on what Give them a call during what restaurants are ask- time have resumed in-per- patrons updated as the makes them most com- usual business hours or ing of patrons when they son exercise classes and summer months approach. fortable while visiting the search for your local se- are not seated at their table. other activities. For ex- In the case of Fairbanks center for in-person meals. nior center by name on Most centers require a ample, WASI has church Senior Center, necessary For some, social distancing Facebook, as many centers reservation before eating services, Quilts of Valor building renovations are tickles their fancy, but for are posting re-opening indoors due to capacity and exercise classes like preventing a full return to others, the opportunity to updates on social media limits, and all takeout op- Bingo-cize (a clever mix the center and will cause dine with friends they ha- feeds. Most senior centers tions ask that seniors call of bingo and fall preven- indefinite delays. ven’t seen in a year is more also keep their newsletters at least a day in advance tion exercises) back up and rewarding. Regardless, se- on their websites, which before picking up a meal running. niors are usually asked to include information on Dining to go. Ninilchik Senior Center wear a mask while moving re-opening, virtual and Regardless of reopening For anyone - seniors has gotten creative with in-person activity calen- or caregivers - needing their in-person activities, dars and meal menus. assistance through meal catering to all types of Captain: Adventures comfort levels by sched- continued from page 18 “Are you going to turn the

engines over and get the of AL TE AS TA K with the help of Smith and ship underway?” S A This program is supported by the State of Alaska

D

s

e e p c i a v r r tm e S Department of Health and Social Services en al t ci a sailor. The crew quickly changed of H So ealth and Since most of his pas- their tune and headed the sengers had left the ship, Utopia toward Seattle. It O’Brien ordered the crew to wasn’t until much later 26 turn the ship around and that O’Brien learned the A whole new way head back to Seattle. And identity of the man known after O’Brien watched his as Smith who’d helped him to get healthy ship round Cape Elizabeth, quash the mutiny and had he fell into a deep sleep in nursed him back to health. his bunk. He woke up four It was none other than ® hours later to discover her the notorious confidence Omada is a digital lifestyle change program sitting still. man, Jefferson Randolph that inspires healthy habits that last. When he looked out his Smith. Better known to Omada surrounds participants with the window and saw land all Alaskans as “Soapy,” he tools and support they need to lose around, he picked up a returned to Alaska after the weight and reduce their risk of developing medicine bottle and heaved Utopia made it to Seattle type 2 diabetes. it at the window to attract and robbed many during + Personalized program attention. The shattering the Klondike Gold Rush. + Weekly online lessons glass brought a sailor to This column features tid- his cabin. bits found among the writings + Professional health coach The sailor told the cap- of the late Alaska historian, + Small online peer group tain that his crew refused Phyllis Downing Carlson. Her + Wireless smart scale to continue the trip because niece, Laurel Downing Bill, the cook was bad. has turned many of Carlson’s There’s no cost to adult residents of O’Brien summoned stories – as well as stories Alaska if they are eligible and at risk for Smith. He asked him for from her own research – into type 2 diabetes. his two revolvers and help a series of books titled “Aunt getting into a chair on deck. Phil’s Trunk.” Volumes One Learn more: He then called for his crew. through Five are available As he pointed one re- at bookstores and gift shops omadahealth.com/alaska volver at the chief en- throughout Alaska, as well gineer’s head, and the as online at www.auntphil- For more information, email [email protected] other at anyone who might strunk.com and Amazon.com. interfere, O’Brien asked,

26 | Senior Voice, May 2021 Senior News seniorvoicealaska.com seniorvoicealaska.com Senior News

Research: Encouraging older generations’ participation

continued from page 4 become health researchers topical creams, steroids), prevention, treatment, and other diseases, and themselves. they are costly and have and care for people of all help find an individualized benefit from my participa- Any closing thoughts? side effects. backgrounds, including treatment that can help me tion. It also lets me learn Latinos should participate “As a participant in the Hispanic women, such as and the other 7.5 million about my own health, and in research to benefit our All of Us Research Pro- myself. people suffering from this some of the studies are communities. When we gram, I can share my health In the near future, I will rare skin condition in the interesting. I also got gift are not represented in re- and lifestyle information provide my DNA to the All United States. Learn more cards for participating in search, we lose out. New through online surveys of Us Research program to about the program by vis- some of the studies. drugs, therapies, and in- and by allowing them to help advance their research. iting www.joinallofus.org/ Did you have any con- terventions are advanced access my electronic health By providing my DNA, I can Together. cerns about participating and it is unclear how they records. My personal infor- learn about my genetics and This article originally ap- in research? I did not have affect our people. Do it for mation goes into a secure learn about my risks for peared on the National His- any concerns about the La Raza! database that the program other health conditions.” panic Council on Aging web- studies I participated in. established. My contribu- Joining the All of Us site, nhcoa.org, and is part But whenever I think about A personal motivation tion to this program allows Research program can of an ongoing Senior Voice participating in research, for helping others scientists and researchers help increase scientific series by the Diverse Elders safety is my biggest con- Christine Perez, age 29, to advance individualized knowledge about psoriasis, Coalition. cern. Is this study safe. My is Puerto Rican and has studies were all safe. If I was worked in health research participating in a drug trial, and running scientifically I would be more concerned backed health interven- about side effects. tions for the last five years. Why do you think other She received her master’s in Latino older adults are less environmental science. In willing to participate in re- addition to coordinating the search? I think it’s culture All of Us Research Program and a lack of exposure. In education and awareness Bolivia, I do not remember campaign for the National it being a thing that people Hispanic Council on Aging, did. Here, in the U.S., you she is also a participant. She hear about research on the shared with us her personal news and on the radio – it story about why she decided was not the same in Bolivia. to participate in All of Us. I also think it is a genera- “As a patient with pso- tional thing. The benefits riasis, I decided to par- are not realized for many ticipate in the All of Us years to come, sometimes Research program so that decades. It also depends on scientists and research- the type of research – peo- ers can learn more about ple are more willing to take this skin condition and, in a survey than to be poked the near future, find new and prodded. Today, my individualized treatments children are more likely to for people like me, who participate in research be- suffer from psoriasis. Un- cause they grew up around fortunately, psoriasis is a research. They played in 27 rare skin condition that research labs and were has no cure. While there taught from a young age are a number of different about its value. In fact, two treatments (medications, of my three children have AN ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY Alaska Senior Living. Redefined. Crossword answers from page 18

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Senior Voice, May 2021 | 27 Vote Forrest Dunbar for Mayor in the May 11th Runoff Election!

I will continue to fight 28 to ensure the future of Anchorage is bright.

Photo: Josh Corbett, 2019

Learn more about Forrest and why he's running at forrestdunbar.com!

Paid for by Forrest Dunbar for Mayor, P.O. Box 211686, Anchorage, AK 99521

28 | Senior Voice, May 2021